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When The SHTF How To Prepare For A Disaster Abroad

It seems like every other day there’s some natural disaster being broadcast on the news. From tornados, to floods, and the recent earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan. These are constant reminders that even though humanity can achieve a lot Mother Nature is still the boss. This also means that everyone should have a good grasp of disaster survival tips to prepare for when the SHTF. For most disaster preparedness means making a bug out bag and having some plan on how to prepare their home for a disasteror emergency.




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What To Wear When The SHTF

When it comes to bug out bags everyone who knows anything on the subject talks about the gear you need to have. And while having the right knife or backpack is essential, one element that’s often overlooked is what clothes to pack in a bug out bag. Here is a list of things to consider for your emergency survival clothing.




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Biting passengers on flight is no reason for cash compensation delay: EU court adviser

Air travelers cannot receive cash compensation if their flight is delayed by a passenger biting others and assaulting crew members, an adviser at the Court of Justice of the European Union said on Thursday.




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Somalis turn to Dr Hyena to fight depression, mental illness

The growls from the caged hyena reverberate through the room as Mohamed Sheikh Yakub slumps silently in a chair nearby, hoping the animal will frighten away the evil spirits he says have troubled him since his divorce.




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Bought enough toilet paper? Check this online calculator

Worried about whether you have enough toilet paper for the coronavirus lockdown? A German website can tell you how long your supply will last.




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Only the Brave Will Want to Sightsee on the Glassy Glacier Skywalk




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You Might Actually WANT to Get a Ticket From This Officer





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It is Impossible Not to be Happy for This Golfing Granny on "The Price is Right"



  • golf
  • old people rock
  • the price is right
  • Video






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12 Inexpensive and Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gifts

Mother’s Day is coming up this weekend and, for a lot of us, it’s an event that won’t be like normal. The possibility of many Mother’s Day traditions, like a nice dinner at a restaurant, isn’t even possible in many areas, and social distancing closes the door on many ideas, whether it’s enforced in your area or not. So, what options are there for Mother’s Day that don’t involve just ordering a gift online somewhere and having it shipped to […]

The post 12 Inexpensive and Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gifts appeared first on The Simple Dollar.




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This Easy Decorating Move Will Make Your Living Room Feel Bigger and Brighter

Fake the look of additional space by subtraction! READ MORE...






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Open COVID Pledge: Removing Obstacles to Sharing IP in the Fight Against COVID-19

Creative Commons has joined forces with other legal experts and leading scientists to offer a simple way for universities, companies, and other holders of intellectual property rights to support the development of medicines, test kits, vaccines, and other scientific discoveries related to COVID-19 for the duration of the pandemic. The Open COVID Pledge grants the … Read More "Open COVID Pledge: Removing Obstacles to Sharing IP in the Fight Against COVID-19"

The post Open COVID Pledge: Removing Obstacles to Sharing IP in the Fight Against COVID-19 appeared first on Creative Commons.




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Does WIPO’s New Leadership Have the Vision to Shake Up Global Copyright Policy-Making?

New beginnings at WIPO  On March 4, Daren Tang was nominated director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the United Nations agency dealing with intellectual property matters. Tang is currently the chief executive of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and his six-year term as top WIPO official will start on October … Read More "Does WIPO’s New Leadership Have the Vision to Shake Up Global Copyright Policy-Making?"

The post Does WIPO’s New Leadership Have the Vision to Shake Up Global Copyright Policy-Making? appeared first on Creative Commons.






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Pilotlight Evaluation - Invite to Tender

Iriss is seeking to commission an independent Evaluator for its Pilotlight programme to support the continued development and delivery of self-directed support (SDS) in Scotland. 

Pilotlight works with co-design teams of people to design pathways to self-directed support.  Now in its fourth year, the Pilotlight programme uses a design approach to demonstrate how to design support for seldom heard groups, provide more personalised and appropriate services and increase the marketplace of support providers.

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It's SDS Awareness Week! Read the latest on Pilotlight

It's SDS Awareness Week (#SDSBlether) so we want you to know the latest about our Pilotlight project. 

Pilotlight is working with co-design teams of people who use and deliver services across Scotland to design pathways to self-directed support. 

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  • Self-directed support

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Write an Iriss Insight!

15th July is the closing date for the submission of any ideas you have for writing an Insight.

Provide a brief sketch of your idea by the closing date. We will provide a response to all ideas and commission those we want to take forward by the end of August 2016.

Here’s a quick reminder of what we are looking for in an Insight….

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It’s time to take firefighter health and wellness to the next level

  During the session Promoting A Culture Of Safety And Fitness To Prevent Cancer, Heart Disease, and Injuries in Boston Firefighters at NFPA’s Conference & Expo (C&E), Dr. Michael Hamrock, a former firefighter and medical




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C&E Spotlight: On-Demand Mobile Fueling—Enforcing Existing Regulations and Evaluating Future Needs

Andrew Klein, Principle with AS Klein Engineering, and Lynne Kilpatrick, Fire Marshal in Sunnyvale, CA led an education session on ‘On-Demand Mobile Fueling; Enforcing Existing Regulations and Evaluating Future Needs” at NFPA Conference &




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Every firefighter needs an annual physical: how to make it happen and why

John Sullivan, deputy chief of the Worcester Fire Department/vice chair of the IAFC health and safety section, discusses why it's so important for firefighters to get physical exams each year.  The average age of a first heart attack for the general




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Balloons, many events highlight Feb. 1-3 Hot Air Affair

Hudson Star-Observer
Published Friday, January 18, 2008


Balloon launches highlight a weekend of activities at the 19th annual Hot Air Affair Friday-Sunday, Feb. 1-3. Mass ascension launches are planned for 7:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 2 and 3. An optional flight is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, and the popular Moon Glow at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

This year’s Hot Air Affair theme is “Mardi Gras…Balloons & All That Jazz,” according to HAA President Evy Nerbonne. “Our event sponsors have really embraced the theme this year. We have more than 30 restaurants, bars, pubs and retailers doing special menu items, beverage specials and retail events highlighting the New Orleans carnival theme. It’s the weekend for jambalaya, hurricanes, King Cake and lots of beads.”

Balloons

The familiar red, white and blue ReMax hot air balloon has the longest history of Hudson appearances by a commercial balloon. It’s being sponsored by ReMax North Central and ReMax Associates Plus Inc., the owner of the ReMax realty company in Hudson.

Stephen Sinnen, Shakopee, Minn., will pilot the 105,000-cubic-foot aerostat in Hudson. He’s a 24-year pilot, logging more than 1,500 hours in balloons. Sinnen has flown balloons all over the United States and Mexico.

“Some of my more interesting flights have been dropping skydivers at the World Free Fall Convention in Quincy, Ill.,” Sinnen said. He has also carried passengers for Rainbow Ryders, the official passenger carriers for the balloon fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M.

This year’s other commercial balloons are U.S. Bank and M&I Bank. Special-shape balloons include Mr. Biddle, Rubber Duckie and Garfield. The Hot Air Affair, presented by M&I Bank, is one of the largest winter hot air ballooning events in the country.

“Everyone loves the balloons,” said balloon coordinator Carla Timmerman in describing the aerostats. “Commercial and special-shape balloons are what sets us apart from many other rallies.

The Hot Air Affair annually attracts corporate balloons from throughout the country because of the winter flying opportunity.

Pre-event activities start this week and Hot Air Affair isn’t just a spectator event! Here are some options for individual or family participation, some requesting advance registration.

  • Hot Air Affair kick-off Friday, Jan. 18, at Dick’s Bar & Grill, 111 Walnut St. Participants could win trivia contest prizes by correctly answering questions about Mardi Gras and the Hot Air Affair.
  • A family affair at YMCA camp St. Croix, Saturday, Jan. 19, from 1-4 p.m. The event includes hiking, sledding, orienteering and other outdoor activities, what it’s like to pilot and be a ground crew member for a hot air balloon, plus crafts. Aamodt’s Hot Air Balloon Rides will inflate their balloon and pilot John Lewis will offer a ground school for anyone wanting to learn how to crew for a hot air balloon. Paddy Ryan’s Irish Pub will offer beef and Guiness pie and potato/leek soup samples, and the camp will provide s’mores. All activities are free and no pre-registration is required.
  • Candlelight cross country skiing and hiking, Friday, Jan. 25, 6-9 p.m. at Willow River State Park. The event includes two miles of candle-lit ski trails and a mile of hiking trails. Free refreshments will be provided by Art Doyle’s Spokes & Pedals at the Nature Center. Hot air balloon pilots will provide a hot air balloon glow at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting. Hot Air Affair Geocaching Bash coordinate sheets will be available.
  • Phipps family day activity, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2-4 p.m. at Phipps Center for the Arts. Children of all ages and their families can create costumes to wear as they walk behind “The Phipps is for Kids” banner for the Torchlight Parade Friday, Feb. 1. Call (715) 386-2305 to sign up for the free class.
  • Hot Air Affair Geocaching Bash, Friday-Sunday, Feb. 1-3. Pick up coordinate sheets at M&I Bank or the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce after Jan. 28. Geocache all weekend and turn in your log sheet to M&I Bank or mail it to PO Box 744, Hudson WI 54016 by Feb. 10 for your chance to win prizes.
  • Photo contest, sponsored by PressEnter. Send in your best photos of pre-events or activities Hot Air Affair weekend and you could win a prize. Entries will be accepted through Feb. 29 at PressEnter Internet Business Center, 206 Second St., Hudson.
  • Torchlight Parade, Friday, Feb. 1, 7:08 p.m., in downtown Hudson. This year’s theme is “Mardi Gras…Balloons & All That Jazz.” Parade participants should line up at 6 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot — the parade travels down Second Street and Walnut Street to Lakefront Park. Prizes will be awarded for best overall parade unit, the best “Mardi Gras” unit, the best pilot unit and the best kazoo marching band. Business and individual parade units should pre-register by calling Linda White at (715) 386-8332 or (715) 381-2050. Participants are reminded that no items can be thrown from parade units, and beads and other treats for parade watchers must be delivered street side.
  • Marketplace and craft fair, Saturday, Feb. 2, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at E.P. Rock Elementary School. Booth space is still available; sign up with Char Hipsher at (715) 381-5534. Fee charged for participation.
  • Winter Sports Olympics including volleyball in the snow, darts and horseshoes, Saturday, Feb. 2, 9 a.m. at GB Curlys, Burkhardt. Prizes will be awarded; entry fees are $40 per team for volleyball, $25 per team for darts and horseshoes. Call sponsor GB Curlys at (715) 386-5233 to sign up.
  • Pets at the Plaza, Saturday, Feb. 2, starting at 10 a.m. at Angel’s Pet World at Plaza 94. The annual pet costume contest starts at 11 a.m., and prizes will be awarded for the best Mardi Gras costumes. First prize is $50. Call (715) 386-6740 for contest details and to sign up your pet.
  • Smooshboarding competition, Saturday, Feb. 2, at 1 p.m. at E.P. Rock Elementary School. Resco Print Graphics sponsors the wackiest winter sport at Hot Air Affair when four-person teams on the same pair of smooshboards race a figure-8 course. Entry fee is $10 per team; sign up is at (715) 386-7300. Prizes for best team in competition plus best “Mardi Gras … Balloons & All That Jazz” costumes. Smooshboards are available that day.
  • Thirteenth annual chili cook-off, Sunday, Feb. 3, at 2 p.m. at Dick’s Bar & Grill. Enter your favorite warmup chili concoction and win cash, trophies and prizes. Call (715) 386-5222 for details and registration by Feb. 2; space is limited.

    Complete Hot Air Affair event brochures are available at local businesses and the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau office. Information is also available at www.hudsonhotairaffair.com. The Hot Air Affair, presented by M&I Bank, is a non-profit community volunteer organization. Anyone wanting to volunteer to sell merchandise, crew for hot air balloons or help in any way should call (715) 381-2050 or (888) 247-2332 or email hotair2@pressenter.com.




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    A flight of fancy for a wayward hot air balloon

    A flight of fancy for a wayward hot air balloon
    by Julia Tosti
    Special to The Friday Flyer

    It was a beautiful morning, one of those mornings where the fog had rolled in sometime prior and settled, nestled in the valley and hugging the lake, giving it a mystical feel.
    My husband and I enjoy a beautiful view from Tuscany Hills. We moved here two years ago from Orange County and have never tired of the endless beauty that surrounds our home.
    From the back of our home, we have views of Canyon Lake, Mount San Jacinto, Big Bear and, far to our left, Mount Baldy. We watch hawks soar high and ducks and white cranes take flight from Canyon Lake to Lake Elsinore. It seems every morning the view is visited by a new guest that perpetuates this never-ending cascade of attractions. Today was no different.
    We sat sipping on our coffee chatting and discussing the day’s tasks. We conversed about the beauty of the mountains, the mystical feel to the lake and today’s surprise guest, a hot air balloon. Typically balloons float toward Menifee, hovering high above the valley east of Canyon Lake, but today’s visitor seemed to be moving in our direction, approaching the lake.
    Our excitement heightened as we watched the balloon, seeing the colorful fabric come into clearer view. At this point I decided to document this visitor and ran to get our camera. As the balloon continued to move our way it seemed to be picking up momentum; all the while, I was clicking away with our camera.
    The balloon sailed over the lake, coming closer and closer and losing altitude. Our chatter turned to silence as we watched, stunned by the sight. Slowly at first, but then more rapidly, the balloon started to descend until it looked as though it was sitting on the lake. We strained to see if it had actually landed on the lake, wondering out loud if we should call 9-1-1 or the lake “coast guard” or someone! Just as we were about to dial the phone, the balloon started to rise. Slowly at first, then faster and faster until it was high in the sky. Up, up and away it went over our house, continuing to float until it was out of our sight.
    Wow! We love this area – what a great place to live! It seems we are always seeing something of beauty or excitement outside our back view – and this was the icing on the lake, I mean, cake!





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    The Queen of England Wore a Bright Green Outfit So, Naturally, the Internet Treated It Like a Green Screen

    Queen Elizabeth wore a neon green outfit to her 90th birthday party. What could go wrong? Oh right, the internet...




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    Top Memes And Reactions To Last Night's Democratic Presidential Debate

    Why do politics always make for the best meme material? We'll just let the politicians speak for themselves. 

    In case you missed last night's democratic presidential debate, then we'll give you a little run down: Cory Booker accused Joe Biden of being high, Amy Klobuchar claimed she raised a crap-load of money from her ex-boyfriends, and Biden made an, uh, brain-dead comment about domestic violence. 

    Scroll down to watch some of the highlights and view some of the internet's reactions!




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    Roundup Of Democratic Debate Memes That Roast Last Night's Total Freak Show

    Last night's democratic debate in Nevada got pretty damn spicy to say the least. So much so that many are calling it the most entertaining debate of the election cycle so far. Pete spoke Spanish, Warren (and every other candidate, for that matter) came out swinging against Bloomberg, and many, many other things that warranted a monumental cringe fest. 

    So please enjoy the following roast-y memes from the night and you can watch a more in-depth recap of it here!




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    Best Memes From Last Night's Audience-Free Democratic Debate

    Last night Americans tuned in to watch the audience-free live democratic debate between remaining candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. Topics of discussion included the Green New Deal, Donald Trump, and of course, the COVID-19 pandemic. You can watch the debate here to decide for yourself who won, and click here for more political memes!




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    #122: It's Saturday Night




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    #183: Accio Nerdfighters!




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    #238: Second Sight

    PotterCast is back with an all new episode featuring the return of Hottttt Cheryl, a new Bit by Bit, and more of the latest Harry Potter news. Enjoy!

     

    Episode 238 — Second Sight

    Find the latest episode and explore PotterCast interviews, discussions and more at PotterCast.com

    Visit the-leaky-cauldron.org for the latest and greatest from Harry Potter's Wizard World.




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    Drones to the rescue: how drones are helping in the fight against COVID-19

    With COVID-19 “stay at home” advisories in effect across the globe, an unlikely technology has come to the aid of public safety agencies responsible for enforcement measures: drones. Government officials everywhere have asked citizens to




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    International Firefighters’ Day: Recognizing and Supporting Firefighters in Their All-Hazards Role

    Today, May 4th, is International Firefighters’ Day. Each year on this day, firefighters are celebrated – and rightly so.   Most people have an image of firefighters clad in heavy coats, over-sized boots and sturdy helmets, rushing into





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    Taking the #RightApproach with the Health and Social Care Alliance

    Stream Taking the #RightApproach with the Health and Social Care Alliance by SCVO from desktop or your mobile device




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    SCVO launch third sector human rights campaign - Parliament & Government | The ALLIANCE



    New campaign to promote human rights across the third sector.




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    Parents face long battles to get right support for their autistic children, report says


    Many parents of autistic children face long battles to get their child the right education and support, despite the government introducing a new system two years ago that was meant to make things easier and less adversarial, according to a report.




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    International Firefighters’ Day: Recognizing and Supporting Firefighters in Their All-Hazards Role

    Today, May 4th, is International Firefighters’ Day. Each year on this day, firefighters are celebrated – and rightly so.   Most people have an image of firefighters clad in heavy coats, over-sized boots and sturdy helmets, rushing into




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    4 Mindfulness Practices That We Need Right Now

    By Leo Babauta In the middle of the chaos of the world right now, what can we do to take care of ourselves? Let’s talk about a handful of simple mindfulness practices that can be helpful. Breathe deeply into the belly. This is one to start with, no matter where you are or what you’re […]



    • Mindfulness & Mastery
    • Uncertainty & Discomfort

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    Why is child abuse not opposed more passionately on the Right

    From an email from Paul Foster: From my perch, there are two primary reasons the right doesn’t more passionately oppose child abuse. The first has to do with parents’ rights. The general conservative view of the child welfare system is of a group of liberal ladies who think they know better than parents and who […]

    The post Why is child abuse not opposed more passionately on the Right appeared first on Marginal REVOLUTION.




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    Include and empower: an international conference on improving the rights and wellbeing of disabled children and young people

    When: Thu Dec 3, 2015 to Fri Dec 4, 2015 

    Where: Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
    Event Status: confirmed
    Event Description: Aimed at delegates from across Europe, this conference offers an opportunity to share the successes and challenges of recent developments across Europe, and to explore the creation of inclusive services for all children and young people as part of our shared vision of how they can fulfil their potential. For further information, please visit the event website



    • http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#event

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    Guest Post — Lockdown! An American in China Caught in the Corona Virus Emergency — by Evan Villarrubia

    The following is a guest essay by Evan Villarrubia. “I feel stupid! And contagious!” — Nirvana The panic and lockdown state we are just exiting in Dali (southwestern China) has been by far the most intense historical episode I’ve ever experienced. I’ve gone through several deep emotional phase changes throughout this time. If I’d written more »

    The post Guest Post — Lockdown! An American in China Caught in the Corona Virus Emergency — by Evan Villarrubia appeared first on Kunstler.



    • Speeches & Guest Articles

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    Flight Path

    Clusterfuck Nation For your reading pleasure Mondays and Fridays Support this blog by visiting Jim’s Patreon Page This age of battling narratives tends to conceal the broken consensus behind it. What’s gone is a broad social agreement that there are certain fundamental realities, and then codes of conduct that follow from them. When anything goes, don’t more »

    The post Flight Path appeared first on Kunstler.



    • Clusterfuck Nation – Blog