Pasha is a Turkish restaurant on Upper Street in Islington, just a 10 minute walk from Angel tube station. When we arrived at 18:00 it was still empty but soon filled up over the next hour or so. As part of an all day happy hour, they offer a number of cocktails for just £3.95. The Pina Colada was nice! :-)
Service was really friendly and attentive and food was delicious. And with the Tastecard (2 for 1 on all courses) it came to just £15 per person for a three course meal. I had the spinach and feta boreks as a starter, the lamb shish for main and Baklava with pistachio ice cream for dessert. The boreks were served with a sweet chilli dip and were seasoned with mint, which gave it a really special taste. The lamb was tender and served with roasted onion and peppers, rice and salad. And the baklava was sweet but not overly so. They often drip with syrup, and this one was just right.
Definitely a place I would come back to!
Friday, 31 August 2012
Thursday, 30 August 2012
50% discount at the Body Shop
With discount code ES40 you get 50% of your order at the Body Shop until 4th September. And free standard delivery for orders over £25.
Half price sale on EVERYTHING - that's just too good to miss!
Hope my package arrives soon :-)
Half price sale on EVERYTHING - that's just too good to miss!
Hope my package arrives soon :-)
No more panda eyes
I'm not very brand loyal. I like trying new stuff, and very often, I just haven't found THE brand. So, I guess I am always looking for a better product. But I think I have found a product that I will at least buy a second time!
Garnier Simply Essentials Soothing eye make-up remover - 'suitable for even sensitive eyes'.
How does it work? Enriched with plant extract and pro vitamin B5 its formula with no perfume, no alcohol and no colourants [no idea whether other eye make-up removers usually have all of those] perfectly dissolves mascara from the delicate eye contour area. The eyes are perfectly cleansed and your eye contour is left feeling comfortable and refreshed.
So much for Garnier's sales pitch on the bottle. I have been using it for a couple of months now and strongly recommend it. I have tried other removers which were really oily and left an oil film on the eye. This one removes even persistent mascara and my eye doesn't feel dry afterwards. It does all it should do.
Garnier Simply Essentials Soothing eye make-up remover - 'suitable for even sensitive eyes'.
How does it work? Enriched with plant extract and pro vitamin B5 its formula with no perfume, no alcohol and no colourants [no idea whether other eye make-up removers usually have all of those] perfectly dissolves mascara from the delicate eye contour area. The eyes are perfectly cleansed and your eye contour is left feeling comfortable and refreshed.
So much for Garnier's sales pitch on the bottle. I have been using it for a couple of months now and strongly recommend it. I have tried other removers which were really oily and left an oil film on the eye. This one removes even persistent mascara and my eye doesn't feel dry afterwards. It does all it should do.
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Inspirational
I'm watching the Paralympics Opening Ceremony.
A pity that Channel 4 is broadcasting - showing adverts during the ceremony... Really??? And I'm surprised that nobody told Jon Snow that the white (cream-coloured?) suit does not suit him! I'm also a bit disappointed that the ceremony is so much shorter than the one for the Olympics was. But I guess the Olympics are and always will be the bigger, more commercial event.
Seeing the Paralympians enter the stadium is very touching and so inspirational to see how much all of them have achieved, despite all the difficulties they face. And I feel embarrassed about all the tiny, silly things I get annoyed over on a daily basis.
A pity that Channel 4 is broadcasting - showing adverts during the ceremony... Really??? And I'm surprised that nobody told Jon Snow that the white (cream-coloured?) suit does not suit him! I'm also a bit disappointed that the ceremony is so much shorter than the one for the Olympics was. But I guess the Olympics are and always will be the bigger, more commercial event.
Seeing the Paralympians enter the stadium is very touching and so inspirational to see how much all of them have achieved, despite all the difficulties they face. And I feel embarrassed about all the tiny, silly things I get annoyed over on a daily basis.
4ForYou - Not4Me...
Time Out London offers a variety of vouchers: you pay a discounted price on anything from meals at restaurants, tickets for the theatre, creative workshops as well as beauty treatments. A few months ago, they had an offer for a massage voucher at 4ForYou: £29 instead of £75 for a one hour massage. Bargain - I thought, and clicked.
Today the day had come to redeem the voucher. I had picked an anti-cellulite massage. Which actually costs £55 - and not £75. All their 60 minute massages actually cost £50 or £55 - so that was the first very misleading information. Anyway, I arrive at the address - which turns out to be a hairdressers. Which was closed. My advice would be to point that out on the website/in communications. They did have posters for the massage place but no note to say what to do and there was no bell to ring. After a little while somebody appeared and let me in. I was led into the basement where I was asked to fill in a questionnaire about my health history. The clipboard was then just put away, without even looking at it. My therapist never discussed any of it with me either. Clearly just a tick-box exercise.
Next, I was taken to the therapy room, which was comfortably warm. There I lay for about 10 minutes, listening to the hustle and bustle of people chatting loudly outside the room. When the lady reappeared, confessing that she had forgotten about me, she said 1 vthat my therapist would be with me shortly. 'Shortly' was after another 10 minute wait. The massage scheduled for 18:00 didn't start until 18:20 - but finished 'on time' at 19:00...
The massage itself was ok. She used honey, which apparently is good for detox. She then proceeded to basically slap my legs quite vigorously. The honey was then mixed with oil and she did a lymph drainage massage. The honey-oil mixture was then removed with a wet and cold towel. And that was it. She didn't even bother to dry my skin afterwards.
My skin certainly feels soft, but I also have a number of tiny bruises all over my thighs...
I probably should have complained about all the above, but as I will never book another massage there, I didn't bother. And at £29 for 40 minutes, I guess it was still reasonably priced.
And yes, I'm also just a chicken when it comes to these situations...
Today the day had come to redeem the voucher. I had picked an anti-cellulite massage. Which actually costs £55 - and not £75. All their 60 minute massages actually cost £50 or £55 - so that was the first very misleading information. Anyway, I arrive at the address - which turns out to be a hairdressers. Which was closed. My advice would be to point that out on the website/in communications. They did have posters for the massage place but no note to say what to do and there was no bell to ring. After a little while somebody appeared and let me in. I was led into the basement where I was asked to fill in a questionnaire about my health history. The clipboard was then just put away, without even looking at it. My therapist never discussed any of it with me either. Clearly just a tick-box exercise.
Next, I was taken to the therapy room, which was comfortably warm. There I lay for about 10 minutes, listening to the hustle and bustle of people chatting loudly outside the room. When the lady reappeared, confessing that she had forgotten about me, she said 1 vthat my therapist would be with me shortly. 'Shortly' was after another 10 minute wait. The massage scheduled for 18:00 didn't start until 18:20 - but finished 'on time' at 19:00...
The massage itself was ok. She used honey, which apparently is good for detox. She then proceeded to basically slap my legs quite vigorously. The honey was then mixed with oil and she did a lymph drainage massage. The honey-oil mixture was then removed with a wet and cold towel. And that was it. She didn't even bother to dry my skin afterwards.
My skin certainly feels soft, but I also have a number of tiny bruises all over my thighs...
I probably should have complained about all the above, but as I will never book another massage there, I didn't bother. And at £29 for 40 minutes, I guess it was still reasonably priced.
And yes, I'm also just a chicken when it comes to these situations...
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Doggy style
I've always wanted a dog. Growing up in a small village, near the fields and with a garden (and a houswife-mother) - conditions really seemed ideal. Unfortunately, said mother was not keen on pets at all. She predicted that - once the novelty had worn off - all pet related work would be left with her. And despite us swearing that this would NEVER EVER happen, she stuck with her decision and except for a short episode where we were allowed to keep mice, we never got a pet.
Now that I live in a small flat in London, having a dog really isn't feasible. But MC's neighbour in rural Faversham got a dog a little while ago. Dog and MC are mad about each other and last weekend, we were allowed to take her out for the first time. Pippa had rescued an old football from the nearby creek and is still obsessed with it. It's quite a miracle that the ball hasn't yet exploded in her cute little face - she really does get her teeth into it and makes it very hard to get it off her.
I noticed that having a dog would be the best way to get a regular workout, too. Pippa has a lot of energy and was either chasing the ball or letting me chase her to get the ball off her. It certainly was a lot of fun and I hope we'll get to take her out more regularly now. And one day, I still hope to have my own dog!
Now that I live in a small flat in London, having a dog really isn't feasible. But MC's neighbour in rural Faversham got a dog a little while ago. Dog and MC are mad about each other and last weekend, we were allowed to take her out for the first time. Pippa had rescued an old football from the nearby creek and is still obsessed with it. It's quite a miracle that the ball hasn't yet exploded in her cute little face - she really does get her teeth into it and makes it very hard to get it off her.
I noticed that having a dog would be the best way to get a regular workout, too. Pippa has a lot of energy and was either chasing the ball or letting me chase her to get the ball off her. It certainly was a lot of fun and I hope we'll get to take her out more regularly now. And one day, I still hope to have my own dog!
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| All worn out after playtime |
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| Isn't she cute? |
Monday, 27 August 2012
Post-match celebrations
If you don't take the motorway from Brighton to Faversham, you get to travel through beautiful countryside. Which we did following the game last Saturday. Admittedly, I usually fall asleep in the car, so most of the beauty is lost on me. And it did rain heavily on Saturday...
We stopped at the Blackboys Inn (in Blackboys), a traditional pub, for dinner. We arrived shortly before 6pm, when it was still empty. Most tables were already reserved, so we were lucky to get a table. The interior is nicely decorated, with lots of wood everywhere. I found it a little irritating that there was plenty of staff about - who seemed to primarily stand about, shout to each other across the room (or into a mobile) and ran everywhere, even though they were quite obviously in no hurry at all. That aside, the service was friendly and very quick.
They also have a large outside area and a garden behind the pub, which apparently gets used for functions such as weddings. Reasonably priced and with good food, I am sure we will be back after another match. (Apologies for the quality of the photos - I only had my mobile with me)
Both mains were served with vegetables and boiled potatoes and potato dauphinois.
We stopped at the Blackboys Inn (in Blackboys), a traditional pub, for dinner. We arrived shortly before 6pm, when it was still empty. Most tables were already reserved, so we were lucky to get a table. The interior is nicely decorated, with lots of wood everywhere. I found it a little irritating that there was plenty of staff about - who seemed to primarily stand about, shout to each other across the room (or into a mobile) and ran everywhere, even though they were quite obviously in no hurry at all. That aside, the service was friendly and very quick.
They also have a large outside area and a garden behind the pub, which apparently gets used for functions such as weddings. Reasonably priced and with good food, I am sure we will be back after another match. (Apologies for the quality of the photos - I only had my mobile with me)
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| Softshell crab on ciabatta |
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| Goats cheese wrapped in filo pastry with red onion chutney |
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| Steak and ale pie |
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| Sea bass |
Both mains were served with vegetables and boiled potatoes and potato dauphinois.
Weekly report
Just to say that I haven't (yet...) given up on my fitness plan. But it probably doesn't make for very interesting reading...
Sunday: 60 min in the gym - rowing, cycling, weights
Monday: 30 min walking through the city; getting off one stop early and walking the rest home; 3x10 min Pilates sessions
Wednesday: 45 min in the gym - cycling and rowing
Saturday: 100 steps to get to the Upper West stand at the Amex + 10 min of Pilates
Sunday: long walk along the coast
Sunday: 60 min in the gym - rowing, cycling, weights
Monday: 30 min walking through the city; getting off one stop early and walking the rest home; 3x10 min Pilates sessions
Wednesday: 45 min in the gym - cycling and rowing
Saturday: 100 steps to get to the Upper West stand at the Amex + 10 min of Pilates
Sunday: long walk along the coast
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Tracy and Natalie
I have a number of songs on my ipod that I don't listen to very often. But every time I do, I think to myself: I really like this - why don't I listen to it more often?
Here are two of them:
Here are two of them:
Saturday, 25 August 2012
Will we be able to top this?
I went to my first game of the new season today. The capacity of the Amex stadium was increased by another 5,000 over the summer - and it's made it even more amazing! If that was even possible.
After losing the first game against Hull and drawing against Cardiff, the Seagulls got their first three points against Barnsley today. And what a game it was: 5:1!!! Mackail-Smith and Barnes scored twice each and Wayne Bridge - on loan from Manchester City - also scored.
The atmosphere was fantastic and I felt a little sorry for the handful of Barnsley fans who made the effort to come down south.
Let's hope there will be many more victories to celebrate. And who knows, maybe we'll even get to the Premier League next season (I've probably jinxed it now....)! The boys showed that they can even beat Chelsea - even if only in a friendly.
After losing the first game against Hull and drawing against Cardiff, the Seagulls got their first three points against Barnsley today. And what a game it was: 5:1!!! Mackail-Smith and Barnes scored twice each and Wayne Bridge - on loan from Manchester City - also scored.
The atmosphere was fantastic and I felt a little sorry for the handful of Barnsley fans who made the effort to come down south.
Let's hope there will be many more victories to celebrate. And who knows, maybe we'll even get to the Premier League next season (I've probably jinxed it now....)! The boys showed that they can even beat Chelsea - even if only in a friendly.
Different shades of red
For the past few week, I've been admiring the most amazing, colourful sunsets from my flat. Absolutely beautiful.The other day I took this picture at the Royal Victoria DLR station. You can see Canary Wharf on the left hand side. Unfortunately, I only had my work-blackberry with me, so the colours didn't come out quite as they were in real life.
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Alle meine Farben
As part of my flat cleaning and tidying, I also dusted-off and sorted my nail polish collection.
I've had most of the below for 1 or more years - most still look surprisingly full. Probably due to the number of polishes, as I usually ALWAYS wear nail polish. I had 'bare' nails for the last two weeks and it actually felt a little strange.
I've had most of the below for 1 or more years - most still look surprisingly full. Probably due to the number of polishes, as I usually ALWAYS wear nail polish. I had 'bare' nails for the last two weeks and it actually felt a little strange.
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| Time-less is more, Let them eat rice cake, Suzi & the Lifeguard |
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| Lucky lucky lavender, Japanese rose garden, I'm Indi-a mood for love |
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| That's berry daring, Miami Beet, Pamplona purple |
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| My chihuahua bites! The Thrill of Brazil, Malaga wine |
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| Apricotcha cheating, Party in my cabana, Yucatan if u want |
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| Done out in deco, Yoga-ta get this blue! Siberian nights |
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| Hong Kong sunrise, Abbey rose |
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| Shocking pink, Purple panic, Strawberry fields, Nasty |
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| Short & Sassy, Stroll (even more glittery than Short & Sassy) |
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| Fruity by essence |
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| Hampstead Heath, Victoria, Cosmic karma, Eyes of steel |
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| bon bon, Manhattan 59L, Barry M mint green, H&M Fashionista |
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| Glitter, crackle top coat, magnetic polishes |
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| Group picture including base and top coats at the front |
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
High above the chimney tops
Altitude 360 transformed one of their event spaces into 'The Skyloft'. One of their clients decided to redecorate the whole floor in a warehouse style for events hosted during the Olympics. Altitude are planning to keep the current design until early next year. The previously slick decor, dominated by the black flooring has made way for a wooden floor, Banksy art and new designer furniture. It has a modern-pub feel to it.
The event space is on the 28th and 29th floor (Altitude white) of the Millbank Tower. Just a short walk from Tate Britain, MI5 and the Houses of Parliament, it's right in the heart of London. From the outside, the venue isn't that impressive - the modern office tower even looks a little out of place among the historic buildings in Westminster. But the views are spectacular: you can see all the famous landmarks. I unfortunately forgot my camera - but you can check out some photos on their website.
I think it would be the perfect venue for a drinks reception. Dinners might be a bit trickier as the event space goes round the window front - 360 degrees. So, guests would be split up between two sides (unless it's a smaller dinner). Not ideal, I think. But for a standing reception with people mingling, it would be great. If you have the right budget...
The event space is on the 28th and 29th floor (Altitude white) of the Millbank Tower. Just a short walk from Tate Britain, MI5 and the Houses of Parliament, it's right in the heart of London. From the outside, the venue isn't that impressive - the modern office tower even looks a little out of place among the historic buildings in Westminster. But the views are spectacular: you can see all the famous landmarks. I unfortunately forgot my camera - but you can check out some photos on their website.
I think it would be the perfect venue for a drinks reception. Dinners might be a bit trickier as the event space goes round the window front - 360 degrees. So, guests would be split up between two sides (unless it's a smaller dinner). Not ideal, I think. But for a standing reception with people mingling, it would be great. If you have the right budget...
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Result!
I'm fully aware that there will be plenty of changes to the table before the new champion of the Premier League will be crowned next year. And yes, this is only the first day of the new season. But I thought I'll post today's table anyway - in celebration of today's result. Well done, Everton!
Not often do we get to see ManUnited so far down the table!! :-)
Not often do we get to see ManUnited so far down the table!! :-)
| Home
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| Away
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Team
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P
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W
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D
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L
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F
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A
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W
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D
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L
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F
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A
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GD
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PTS
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1
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1
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1
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0
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0
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5
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0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
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5
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3
|
|
2
|
1
|
0
|
0
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0
|
0
|
0
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1
|
0
|
0
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5
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0
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5
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3
|
|
3
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1
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1
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0
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0
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3
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0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
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3
|
3
|
|
4
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1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
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1
|
0
|
0
|
2
|
0
|
2
|
3
|
|
5
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1
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
3
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
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1
|
3
|
|
6
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1
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
2
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
|
7
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
|
8
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
|
9
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
|
10
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
|
11
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
|
12
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
|
13
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
-1
|
0
|
|
14
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
-1
|
0
|
|
15
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
-1
|
0
|
|
16
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
-1
|
0
|
|
17
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
-2
|
0
|
|
18
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1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
3
|
-3
|
0
|
|
19
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
5
|
-5
|
0
|
|
20
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
5
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
-5
|
0
|
|
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