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Premier Rachel Notley says she expects Alberta will end up with a stake in the Trans Mountain pipeline. She believes the federal government — which announced in May it would purchase Kinder Morgan’s Canadian assets for $4.5 billion to ensure the planned expansion of the pipeline goes ahead — will retain ownership of the project until construction is completed. The Kinder Morgan deal sees Alberta’s NDP government prepared to chip in up to $2 billion to cover costs that stem from “unforeseen circumstances” in the $7.4-billion expansion, with any provincial dollars translating into equity in the project once it is complete. “I think there’s a good likelihood we will end up with an equity stake,” Notley told reporters at the premier’s Stampede breakfast at McDougall Centre. Notley has said previously the NDP government would be in no hurry to unload any stake in the pipeline as it is expected to generate revenue. “Whatever role Alberta takes is one that will absolutely be fiscally responsible and there’s a good, solid business case for it,” she added Monday. “If anything, it will open up opportunities for other Albertans.” Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau has said the Liberal government does not want to retain ownership of the project in the long run and intends to return the pipeline to private-sector hands as soon as possible. But Notley said federal ownership makes sense right now. “We know that it’s very likely the case … they’re going to end up holding on to it in some fashion until it’s done because they’re the best proponent to build it,” said the premier. David Galison, director of research on pipelines, power and utilities at Canaccord Genuity, said Notley’s comments come as no surprise. Galison said the change of ownership of Trans Mountain adds to the likelihood of cost overruns for Trans Mountain and the NDP achieving an equity stake. He said it makes sense for the province to invest given the project’s importance to the Alberta economy. Trans Mountain and the NDP achieving an equity stake. He said it makes sense for the province to invest given the project’s importance to the Alberta economy. The analyst also said there’s a strong chance the federal government will retain the Trans Mountain project through construction because potential private-sector investors will likely remain leery of the risks involved. “It may be difficult for them to find someone to take on some of the similar risks that Kinder Morgan was looking to take on without some sort of financial guarantee,” said Galison. Ottawa announced it would purchase the pipeline project after Kinder Morgan set a May 31 deadline to resolve uncertainty around the line to the British Columbia coast. The project has been approved by the Trudeau cabinet and is seen as crucial to opening new markets in Asia for Alberta’s oilsands crude. But it has faced fierce opposition from some B.C. municipalities and First Nations, as well as that province’s NDP government. Work is slated to begin next month on a 290-kilometre stretch between Edmonton and Jasper National Park. Addressing her cabinet after the breakfast with reporters present, Notley said construction plans are on schedule. She told ministers that pieces of pipe have already arrived at yards in the industrial area of Acheson, just outside the pipeline’s starting point in Edmonton, as well as in Edson, about 180 kilometres to the west. The Acheson site is about a quarter full and the Edson site is half full, Notley said, “We’re on track and the pipeline is on track,” she said. With files from The Canadian Press
Guy Merchant (2009) Literacy in virtual worlds, Journal of Research in Reading, Volume 32, Issue 1, 2009, pp 38–56 Introducing new digital literacies into classroom settings is an important and challenging task, and one that is encouraged by both policy-makers and educators. This paper draws on a case study of a 3D virtual world which aimed to engage and motivate primary school children in an immersive and literacy-rich on-line experience. Planning decisions, early experimentation and the experience of avatar interaction are explored. Using field notes, in-world interviews and observations I analyse pupil and teacher perspectives on the use of digital literacy and its relationship to conventional classroom literacy routines, and use these to trace the potential and inherently disruptive nature of such work. The paper makes the case for a wider recognition of the role of technology in literacy and suggests that teachers need time for experimentation and professional development if they are to respond appropriately to new digital literacies in the classroom. Read Full Text
Sumac is one of my all-time favorite herbs, as you’ll read in my homage to the wonderful berry here. However, you won’t find it lauded too much on the most popular websites, herbals, or materia medicas out there compared to wonders like goldenseal, echinacea, or ginseng – nor are supplements and tinctures of it too easy to come by. An understated astringent, tonic, remarkable antibiotic and digestive aid, this bright crimson-berried shrub of late summer and fall holds a healing song that goes unsung. Yet there is one enduring tradition involving sumac that gets sung loudly every year during sumac season: sumac-ade! In the form of this tart and tangy beverage, you can enjoy some of the plant’s healing and nutritive effects for yourself, and it’s pretty simple to make as you’ll find in the recipe below. You don’t have to enjoy it plain (though a very strong, cold infusion on its own with no additions will arguably be the most medicinal). Mix it up with your favorite mixers, liqueurs, or even your own favorite homemade healing shrub or hand-crafted simple syrup for a truly herbal beverage. Sumac-Ade History in Brief You might not know it, but sumac-ade (made from either smooth sumac Rhus glabra, or staghorn sumac Rhus typhina) is in fact a tasty herbal relic and beverage straight from the Iowa area of ancient times, as well as the rest of the heart of the Midwest. The First Nation civilization and major economic center known as Cahokia, an extensive city and network of commerce among many ancient peoples in the Midwest, had quite the reach and influence all along the Mississippi River – including the Upper Mississippi area of Iowa, as evidenced by the many mounds still present there today. Thick-clustered stands of sumac still grow on the banks of the Mississippi, strongly presumed to be planted or managed purposefully by Cahokian agriculturists as an important food source. It’s not hard to surmise that they were grown for medicine, too – and in the form of sumac-ade, a cold-steeped infusion of the berries, they perfected a recipe that worked as both food and medicine. Healing and Nutritional Benefits We all know sumac-ade as being purely, simply, and tartly delicious. But as the ancient First Nation peoples who crafted and enjoyed the beverage knew quite well too, there was much more to the cooling berry than that. - High in vitamin C, and good for immunity - Contains antioxidants for cellular protection - Contains gallic acids, potent antimicrobial compounds - Demonstrated blood sugar-regulating activity, good for diabetics - Lowers bad cholesterol, while boosting good cholesterol - Could prevent atherosclerosis, thus prevent heart disease (1) - Regulates the gut and remedies diarrhea Studies today support the above-mentioned health benefits, while in traditional folk herbalism, sumac was used for fevers, urinary complaints, and digestive imbalances because due to its perceived ability to cool the body down. Its antimicrobial content was also great for righting the wrongs of stomach infections. Make and take a swig of sumac-ade for yourself, and you’ll agree – it quenches your thirst, while opening your pores to allow a cooling sweat to break even in the worst of heat. By all means, making yourself a pitcher of sumac-ade won’t exactly replace diabetes medication, combat kidney disease, make your cholesterol plummet, or work exactly like an antibiotic for the stomach flu overnight! On the other hand, it can be perceived as a nutritious and gut healing drink. At its very core, a glass of this rosy-red summer tonic is essentially quite healthy – you could even say healing. Research has shown that the acids and tannins found in sumac help destroy harmful bacteria and fungi in the body, including Candida albicans, the dreaded yeast that may emerge after excessive antibiotic use and which can contribute to gut dysbiosis: an unhealthy digestive system.(2) The bigger point to be made: this could be an excellent healthy beverage to boost your vitamin C, give your gut a bit of help, or to just make you feel guilt-free about enjoying this wild drink (though if you really want it to be healthy – skimp on that sugar!) Make Your Own Sumac-Ade Sumac is also a well-known culinary spice, somehow managing to have a flavor both earthy and sour that pairs well with white meats and white wines. Both chefs and herbalists might compare it to hibiscus: it tastes tart, cooling, and dry, with a very notable rosy astringency. Similar to hibiscus, sumac is a cool, drying, tonifying, and astringent herb. The only thing that really sets it apart is an undertone of bitterness that somehow grounds sumac more than any other floral or berry astringent out there. For that reason, as a delicious sumac-ade drink, its flavor is unparalleled – and you know you’re not just drinking something tart and delicious, you’re also drinking a medicine! - 5-10 sumac berry bunches, clusters, or “drupes” (twigs and all) - 1-2 gallons water Note: the general ratio of water-to-berries should be about 1 parts berries to 2 parts sumac, when all is said and done, for the most flavorful and potent infusion. -Harvest your sumac berry drupes by gently snapping them off by the stem from a mature shrub (of course, make sure the berries are red – leave any sumac with white berries well alone, these are poison sumac, caustic and harmful to the skin like poison ivy.) -In a glass or stainless steel bowl or pan, pull off the berries with the tips of your fingers, they should be easy to remove. If you get a few twigs into the mix, no problem – they are good for their astringency, though a few too many may impact the flavor. -Mash your berries around in the bottom of the container with a wooden spoon, muddler, or other utensil for a bit to make them more yielding to impart their flavors to the water. Something I like to do: throw the berries and a few twigs into a food processor or grinder, chop them to a powder, then add them in – this guarantees some unlocked flavor. You can also wait until the steeping stage to mash your berries directly in the water, too. -Pour your water over the berries, cover your container, and let it sit for about 24 hours for the best extraction (though Ava Chin from the New York Times suggests that 4 hours at least should be enough). Mash them a bit here and there with your utensil if you like to unlock yet more flavor and properties. -After cold steeping for the allotted time, pour both berries and water through a strainer into a new clean container or pitcher. Put on ice and flavor to taste with lemon, lime, sugar, herbs like mint or lemon balm – whatever you like. -Serve in a chilled glass and enjoy. Foster, Duke;Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs, p. 281.
The Iowa Jump$tart Coalition seeks to improve the personal financial literacy of all Iowans. The Iowa Jump$tart Coalition envisions a time when all Iowans will be financially literate and equipped to achieve lifetime financial goals upon graduation from high school. Iowa Jump$tart Coalition’s Goals: GOAL #1: Promote the teaching of personal finance through educator awareness of personal finance content, materials and activities. ACTION STEPS: * Sponsor statewide Jump$tart teacher training conferences to promote personal finance on methods and materials. * Use web site to promote content and teacher education programs. * Provide speakers and exhibits at subject-area teacher conferences. * Develop speakers bureau to provide personal finance presentations in the classroom. GOAL #2: Increase public and educator awareness of the need to improve the personal financial literacy of Iowans. ACTION STEPS: * Hold a press conference to highlight the coalition. * Encourage web site traffic. * Participate in key educator and administrative conferences, including. * Establish PR/Marketing committee to keep Jump$tart in the news and create Jump$tart promotional/exhibit materials. * Investigate commissioning a white paper and/or survey to illustrate the current state of personal finance knowledge among high school seniors. GOAL #3: Promote business, government and community involvement in the activities and programs of the Iowa Coalition. ACTION STEPS: * Partner with business, labor and community-based organizations to provide personal finance information through innovative activities and promotions. * Seek additional coalition members to maintain broad representation of the community. * Educate key policy-makers including legislators and state executive branch leaders. GOAL #4: Promote communication and cooperation among Iowa coalition members and work to strengthen the coalition. ACTION STEPS: * ListServ for coalition members. * Seek additional coalition members to maintain broad representation of the community. * Create checking account. * Affiliate with the national organization. * Develop operational guidelines for coalition Board. * Conduct meetings of the whole coalition board and committee meetings, as needed.
Optimization over polynomials: Selected topics Presented at the International Congress of Mathematicians, Seoul Minimizing a polynomial function over a region defined by polynomial inequalities models broad classes of hard problems from combinatorics, geometry and optimization. New algorithmic approaches have emerged recently for computing the global minimum, by combining tools from real algebra (sums of squares of polynomials) and functional analysis (moments of measures) with semidefinite optimization. Sums of squares are used to certify positive polynomials, combining an old idea of Hilbert with the recent algorithmic insight that they can be checked efficiently with semidefinite optimization. The dual approach revisits the classical moment problem and leads to algorithmic methods for checking optimality of semidefinite relaxations and extracting global minimizers. We review some selected features of this general methodology, illustrate how it applies to some combinatorial graph problems, and discuss links with other relaxation methods. \|Keywords\|\|Polynomial optimization, real algebraic geometry, semidefinite optimization, combinatorial optimization\| \|THEME\|\|Logistics (theme 3)\| \|Publisher\|\|Kyung Moon SA Co. Ltd.\| \|Editor\|\|S.Y. Jang , Y.R. Kim , D.-W. Lee , I. Yie\| \|Project\|\|Semidefinite programming and combinatorial optimization\| \|Conference\|\|International Congress of Mathematicians\| Laurent, M. (2014). Optimization over polynomials: Selected topics. In S.Y Jang, Y.R Kim, D.-W Lee, & I Yie (Eds.), Proceedings of International Congress of Mathematicians 2014 (0) (pp. 843–869). Kyung Moon SA Co. Ltd.
Dave Asprey wants to live to be 180 years old and I don’t really believe it’s possible. But I admire him for trying. I’m fine if I die tomorrow. I feel I created good kids. Mission accomplished. BUT, if I have to live longer, I want to have high quality of life. When I read Dave’s book, “Head Strong” I called him up, “come on my podcast.” I want to be smarter so I can win more chess games and stop forgetting people’s names. And I don’t want to get sick as I get older. Here’s what Dave does: he hacks himself. He is his own laboratory. So I asked him what he does to make himself smarter. I told him: make it easy for me to understand. So I can remember. Here is some of what he told me: 1) Don’t Eat Damaged Fats “Between a plate of french fries or a cigarette… the cigarette is actually a better choice. Don’t do either one,” he said. “They’re not good for you, but fried food is really bad for energy production, especially in the brain. And I know that’s bad news. But that’s just science.” 2) Take a Cold Shower Dave does this everyday. He takes a shower. And then the last 30 seconds are optimal cold water. “As cold as you can get it,” he said. “I’ve tried it. It’s really hard to do.” “How many days did you try it?” “It takes four days. You are only going to get 10 seconds the first day. And you’ll actually get a headache. Here’s what’s going on: these temperature sensing mitochondria are worried about the Petri dish, (you) dying.” It’s hard because your body is resisting. The mitochondria send you this panic signal. “Your job is to stand there a little bit longer each day and at the end of the fourth day it feels good.” “Our bodies will rapidly adjust to cold,” he said. “It sounds weird, but Russians have been doing this and the Swedes… when you get a little bit of cold, it really helps your mitochondria be resilient. We’re building a resilient battery system. It makes the weak mitochondria die, so they could be replaced with strong ones.” This is how you evolve better. Teach your body that what you thought is a threat… actually isn’t a threat at all. “Now your resilience to the environment around you goes up and you burn more calories all day long. We’re talking four days of discomfort. After that it actually feels good to turn the shower on cold.” 3) Sun + Plants “Remember the ‘Swamp Thing’ comic book? Well… it’s real,” Dave said. “If you eat enough leafy green vegetables and get sunshine, you can actually make extra energy from the chlorophyll the way plants do.” “It can add a small amount of energy to your system, “he said. “We will get energy from anywhere we can. We’re incredibly well-adapted for an environment of scarcity.” Why? Because the body lives to reproduce. Not to thrive. But we’ve already mastered reproduction. And as humans, we want to thrive. We want to live beyond the difficult layers of our lives. Beyond the stress. That’s why Dave biohacks. He used to weigh 300 lbs. He had toxic mold poisoning, which cause “mitochondrial dysfunction.” He was tired all the time. He had no energy. “I fundamentally believe our core drive is to be nice. If you are well-fed and you have enough energy, your ability to be nice goes up.” You can start small. You can start with sun and plants. 4) Get Fresh Air This is critical if you fly in airplanes. Dave always sits at the front of the plane. He says you should too. “It’s kind of disgusting, but the good air comes in for the pilots. They actually have their own little air supply. They’re compressing air from outside the plane. And the guys at the back of the plane get the least oxygen… the most used air.” He gave me a lot of advice. More than I can handle probably. He told me to wear sunglasses on the plane and beware of WIFI dense areas because it affects aging. I’m going to make a list. 10 reasons why my health matters. Then I’m going to reread Dave’s book. I’ll start small. And I’ll follow the one piece of advice that seemed to matter most in my heart… 5) “Don’t worry about perfection.” Links and Resources: - Read Dave’s newest book, “Head Strong: The Bulletproof Plan to Activate Untapped Brain Energy to Work Smarter and Think Faster-in Just Two Weeks“ - Read New York Times bestseller, “The Bulletproof Diet: Lose up to a Pound a Day, Reclaim Energy and Focus, Upgrade Your Life” by Dave Asprey - Read Dave’s cookbook “Bulletproof: The Cookbook: Lose Up to a Pound a Day, Increase Your Energy, and End Food Cravings for Good“ - Check out Dave’s blog - Listen to Dave’s podcast - Follow Dave on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube - Dave’s top 10 supplements he recommends - Ray Kurzweil’s recent blog post “Whole-body vibration may be as effective as regular exercise”
Original scientific paper THERMOPHYSICAL AND RHEOLOGIC PROPERTIES OF BIOOIL SAMPLES 2013, 14 (3) p. 1132-1143 This article deals with thermal properties of selected biooils (Plahyd S – biooil No1 and Plahyd N – biooil No2) and rheologic properties of rapeseed oil. Plahyd S is a synthetic, rapidly biodegradable fluid which is based on sustainable raw materials. It is exceptionally suitable for applications in mobile and stationary hydraulic systems. Plahyd N is multigrade hydraulic oil based on rapeseed oil used in agricultural and construction machinery. For thermal parameters measurements was used Hot wire method. The experiment is based on measuring of the temperature rise vs. time evaluation of an electrically heated wire embedded in the tested material. The thermal conductivity is derived from the resulting change in temperature over a known time interval. Dependency of material resistance against the probe rotation was used at measurement of rheologic properties with instrument viscometer Anton Paar DV-3P. For two samples of biooils – Plahyd N and Plahyd S were determined basic thermophysical parameters – thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and volume specific heat. For each biooil samples were made two series of measurements. In the first series were measured thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity at constant room temperature 20 °C. Every thermophysical parameter was measured 10 times for each sample. The results were statistically processed. For biooil No1 thermal conductivity was 0.325 Wm -1 .K-1 , it was higher value than we obtained for biooil No2 – 0.224 Wm -1 .K-1 . The similar results were obtained for thermal diffusivity of biooil No1 2.140.10-7 m 2 s -1 and biooil No2 2.604.10-7 m 2 s -1 . For samples with constant temperature were calculated basic statistical characteristics as: standard deviation for – biooil No1 (±0.056 Wm -1K -1 ) and biooil No2 (± 0.054 Wm -1K -1 ); probable error of the arithmetic average for – biooil No 1 (±0.012 Wm - 1K -1 ) and biooil No 2 (±0.005 Wm -1K -1 ); relative probable error in % for – biooil No1 (±3.69 %) and biooil No2 (±2.23 %). The same statistical characteristics were calculated for thermal diffusivity. In the second series of measurements were measured relations of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity to the temperature in temperature range (20 – 29) °C. From results was evident that all measured dependencies are nonlinear. For both thermophysical parameters were obtained polynomial functions of the second degree described by the polynomial coefficients. Type of function was selected according to statistical evaluation based on the coefficient of determination for every thermophysical parameter graphical dependency. In temperature dependency of rapeseed oil dynamic viscosity was used decreasing exponential function, which is in accordance with Arrhenius equation. The results obtained by the implementation of thermophysical and rheologic measurements on samples of biooils could be compared with the values presented in the literature.
Our climate and weather experts speak of the past 60 days as “Nebraska’s most challenging days of weather”. In their article recapping events that have occurred since January 15th, Tyler Williams and Al Dutcher share, “The recent string of weather events is definitely one for Nebraska’s history books. The key word to that sentence is “string” because it took a combination of patterns and extremes to get us to this point. Beginning in mid-January, the weather pattern shifted from warm and relatively wet to a very cold and highly active pattern that brought snow, rain, and ice. This pattern lasted well into March. This almost 60-day period from mid-January to the March 13-14 storms and resulting flood will leave a lasting mark on Nebraska. Following is a description of how this scenario developed…” I would encourage us to read the full article at: https://go.unl.edu/0gbr. In spite of more crazy weather last week, March did go out like a lamb! It’s hard to believe this week is April. Grateful for signs of greening up and new life after a long, hard winter such as greening wheat, rye, lawns, and new life with buds swelling on trees and various bulbs poking through the ground! For whatever reason, the first signs of green after winter seem so bright and stark to me, perhaps even more so this year! And, I also realize with April upon us is the added stress that there’s so much to do yet for this growing season. Perhaps a bright spot is that the moisture has allowed for stalk deterioration which helps with the residue management side. Nutrient management is also on growers’ minds. Charlie Wortmann and Bijesh Mahajan, Extension Soil Fertility Specialists, addressed considerations for nutrient management going into 2019 in a CropWatch article as well this week: https://go.unl.edu/7u7u. I’ll share a few thoughts from it here and would encourage you to check out the full article in the link above. For those with wheat, the following addresses top-dressing winter wheat: https://go.unl.edu/pk6f. Of concern is broadcast applications of phosphorus that occurred on frozen ground in January and February. It’s not a practice we recommend and unfortunately, this year may have resulted in quite a bit of loss as runoff from fields. The only way to really know where you’re at for phosphorus is to do soil samples and they’re recommending 0-8” depth. For any nitrogen applied last fall, it’s not anticipated to have been lost yet due to the low soil temperatures. However, because of the full soil profile and gravitational water, there’s concern of nitrogen leaching as soil temperatures warm. In May there will be much potential for leaching of nitrate-N when the soil becomes warm enough to allow ammonium-N conversion to nitrate-N. The soil specialists share “residual soil nitrate-N from 2018 is already subject to leaching and that, on average, approximately 60 lb N/ac of residual soil nitrate-N is available annually in the upper 4-feet of soil.” They also share the potential for denitrification in June if we continue to see water-logged soils. So, I realize this isn’t good news on top of the stress you’re already under. The opportunity I see in all of this is the potential to move more nitrogen in-season. They’re recommending to move at least 50% of nitrogen application in-season. I realize this is a mind-shift and challenging equipment and perhaps cost-wise for some. I also think, perhaps hope, that it allows a future culture shift to more in-season nitrogen applications for future years. A study from Purdue University found that between flowering and maturity, today’s hybrids can take up from 30% to 40% of their total N, over 50% of their total P and over 40% of their total sulfur. On the nitrogen side alone, hybrids today remove 27% more nitrogen from the soil after flowering than hybrids developed from 1950-1990. Thus, anything we can do to spread out nitrogen applications and aim for more in-season applications, can aid in nutrient uptake, yields, and reduce nutrient loss. Next week I’ll share more of our on-farm research and other research results regarding moving nitrogen in-season. Also wanted to share that we have several updated articles on our http://flood.unl.edu regarding spreading flooded adulterated grain on ag land, considerations for gardens in areas that were flooded, reclaiming pastures and fields with silt/sand deposits, lease considerations on flooded ground, and fencing considerations. Prior to the flooding/blizzard, livestock producers were struggling with the weather and losing livestock. A team of us put together information for FSA regarding the severe winter as a disaster consideration. While that information was submitted several weeks ago, you can find our article at: https://go.unl.edu/6agf. #NebraskaStrong also means being strong enough to ask for help. Nebraska Family Helpline: 888-866-8660. Nebraska Farm Hotline: 800-464-0258. Been hearing reports from our cattle producers about calf loss prior to birth and also after birth. Wet hair coats, low air temps with the windchills we’ve experienced have been brutal. We would recommend reporting your losses. We realize that the Livestock Indemnity Program has criteria for wind chills that may not have been met for each part of the State. However, the unusual weather events this year compounded upon each other led to a very extreme winter and we feel additional factors should be considered. Some Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices have contacted us for additional considerations as well. There’s a team of us working together on this and we hope to release information for consideration by local Farm Service Agency offices and others. Tyler Williams, Extension Educator in Lancaster County who specializes in weather, shared the following stats with the team of us working on the additional considerations for FSA. Since February 1st: - Above normal snowfall: 5” (West) to 20” (East) above normal - Total Snowfall at least 10” for most of Nebraska – Eastern Nebraska 20-30” - Average temperature was 10°F North/East and 20°F South/West - Min temps were 10-15°F below normal, Max Temps 10-20°F below normal - 20 (Southwest) to 30 (Northeast) days the max temp was below freezing - 6-10 (South) to 20-24 (North) Days the temp dropped below zero - 10-15 days with measurable precipitation In the last two weeks: - Minimum temps dropped to 20 below Central and West, 6-12 below East - 4-6 (North) to 7-11 (South) days with min temp above zero i.e. 8-10 (North) to 3-7 (South) days the temp dropped below 0 - 4-7 days with measurable precipitation – Almost every other day - 0 days temps were above 32°F, except for NE/KS border and Southwest Panhandle - Snowfall 2 (Southwest) to 10 (Central/East Central) inches above normal - Snowfall ranged from 2-4” in Southwest and Northeast to 7-12+ in Northwest, Central and East Nebraska - Wind chills dropped to 20-30°F below zero - Cattle comfort index in “extreme” category I know a lot of crop farmers have been concerned about field work and how far behind they feel due to the fall. Right now our livestock producers could really use some encouragement too with the brutal calving season, ice/snow covered stalks, high hay prices and blowing through feed with the added energy requirements due to the cold. Another thing that put this winter into perspective for me was seeing the tornado damage in parts of the U.S. There’s just been a lot of crazy weather! Al Dutcher’s forecast doesn’t sound great for the next few weeks either and I realize our next challenges may include potential flooding and muddy lots. However, for now, just seeing the sun shine does wonders in lifting my spirits and have heard several others remark on this too! Kiwanis and SCCDP Ag Banquet: The 51st Annual Agriculture Recognition Banquet will be held on Monday, March 18 at the Seward County Fairgrounds in Seward. The banquet begins with wine and cheese at 5:30 p.m. and a prime rib meal at 6:30 p.m. Rancher, humorist and cowboy poet R.P. Smith will be the evening’s entertainment. The Brett Borchers family of Utica will be honored as the 2019 Kiwanis Farm Family. Bill Hartmann, owner of Hartmann Construction, will receive the 2019 Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership Ag Business award. Fifteen Seward County students will also be recognized by the Briggs family and the Seward County Ag Society for their agricultural achievements. Tickets for the prime rib dinner are limited to 500. Contact Pam Moravec, banquet chair, (402) 643-7748, or Shelly Hansen, (402) 643-3636, for tickets or information about becoming a banquet sponsor. Tickets are $30 each. The Kiwanis Club of Seward will use the proceeds from the event to support the youth of Seward County through a variety of programs and events, including the Agronomy Academy.
The particular process I teach is one called DUMB. The tag line for this process is: “The DUMBER you are the more successful you will be.” As mentioned in previous blogs, the sales system was actually established back in 1897 by James Patterson the CEO of The National Cash Register Corporation. Since then many processes have come along to work with the system with varying degrees of success. DUMB is an acronym standing for; Different, Unique, Memorable and Believable. I have used the process for many years in my past corporate life as well as now with some great results. Does it work every single time? Of course not, if someone states that they have a process which works 100% of the time, my advice to you would be to run as fast as you can from the offer as there is nothing that works 100% of the time. DUMB is something I developed myself and have had great success while using it. Every client that I have taught DUMB to has always gone away with some apprehension and fear as to implementing it. However, they have come back to me after implementation with comments of: “I can’t believe it worked so well with ….” or “That was a lot easier than before and the results were better than anything I have tried.” With the current group, I got a phone call three days later as they had a ‘request for quotation’ and wanted some further discussion on how to use DUMB that I had discussed during the workshop on this particular quote. They were anxious to use the process and to get out of that mentality which is a business killer: “We have always done this way.” In other words, they were ready to leave the comfort zone and get uncomfortable. I look at it as they wanted to achieve a new level in their business. The greatest testimonial one can ever receive in the coaching fraternity. While discussing it with the group on a conference call one gentleman stated: “No one has ever done this.” My response was a simple: “Exactly. Which is why you should do it.” What we did is formulate hard questions to ask and find more information from the Corporation requesting the price. It is something that is never done, except those that follow DUMB. The premise is if you are asking for a quote, we as the supplier want to find your actual needs and wants and make sure the value we will be providing will be viewed as the reason for the pricing at the end. What everyone needs to finally come to grips with is that it is never about the price. Even when they say it is about the price. If you want to test this, give a ridiculously low price, but tell them that delivery will be nine months. You will see how quickly it becomes not about the pricing. At this time, I cannot report back to what the result is from my client as it just happened, but stay tuned as regardless of what happens I will inform you of the outcome. Being DUMB, strategically, is the greatest tool in your toolbox. While doing an eight-hour workshop for a client recently I had warned them the majority of this workshop would be in implementing DUMB into their current way of doing business. There were some looks of apprehensions and right out fear as I had gone over DUMB in a previous workshop.
The Arab Spring brought sweeping, unprecedented political protests to the modern Middle East, with frustrated citizens engaging in traditional activism on the streets and digital activism online in a mass effort to topple repressive regimes. More than two years later, some initial optimism has faded and concern has set in as the region’s new governments continue to struggle: Egypt’s flailing economy prompted a devastating food and fuel shortage, followed by a military coup and massive violence against opposition protesters; Tunisia has seen a rise in political violence; and attacks in Libya continue to make headlines. Will the poor record of the new governments prompt another Arab Spring and continuing upheaval? In a 2013 paper published in the American Journal of Political Science, scholars Adam Meirowitz of Princeton and Joshua A. Tucker of NYU examine the probability of new mass, revolutionary protests if new regimes turn out to be just as unsatisfying to citizens as old ones. In “People Power or a One-Shot Deal? A Dynamic Model of Protest,” the authors discuss why citizens might protest to remove a “bad” government at one point in time, but not in another, examining the varying effects that successful, costly protests have on the likelihood of citizens protesting similarly in the future. What conditions make citizens more inclined to carry out repeated political protests instead of a “one-shot deal”? To answer this question, the authors create a stylized model to analyze what features of a country make citizens more or less likely to protest “bad” governments in the future after undertaking previous “costly efforts.” Key insights from the model include: - “There is likely to be a fundamental difference between what happens following a protest that leads to regime change as opposed to one that leads merely to a change of government without changing the regime.” - “We are probably most likely to see a one-shot-deal scenario when the initial governments following a democratic transition are perceived as no better than the ones that preceded the transition.” - “The conditions that can lead to ‘one-shot-deals’ seem especially plausible in countries without much of a prior history of democracy, such as Egypt and the Ukraine,” because citizens of new democracies “are not just learning about the quality of their new leaders following a successful protest, but rather may be learning (or think they are learning) something fundamental about the universe of potential leaders in their country.” - “In contrast, citizens of established democracies face less uncertainty about this distribution and therefore do not conclude that things are hopeless after particular episodes of bad government.” - “Somewhat counterintuitively, then, repeated failures in attempting to remove governments from office may increase the likelihood of protest in the future more than actual success.” This is because leaving the same “bad” government in office “provides no new information for updating one’s beliefs about the universe of potential governments.” - “The size and strength of protests may increase over time in a non-democratic regime, but once the initial goal of removing the old regime from office is accomplished, the ability of prodemocracy forces to bring their supporters to the street may diminish significantly.” The authors conclude that their model “does not deny that [an] optimistic chain of events can come to fruition,” but that there are circumstances that make such events more or less likely. If fledgling democracies observe that their new government is performing just as poorly as the old authoritarian regime, without other comparisons readily available, citizens may be inclined to conclude that all subsequent governments are similarly likely to fail. This, in turn, may lead them to believe that the cost of additional protests may not be worth it. For additional reading on the Arab Spring, see “The Arab Spring and the Internet: Research roundup,” “Views on Democracy in the Muslim World: Pew Global Attitudes Project 2012 Report,” and “Social Media and the Decision to Participate in Political Protest: Observations From Tahrir Square.” Tags: Middle East
Building your own ubiset: - buy a modern 3G phone - install the following software: * Google Maps (http://www.google.com/mobile/) * Tweets60 (http://www.tweets60.com/) * Glogger Lite (http://m.glogger.mobi/) * Fring (though it's a battery drain) This set gives you access to a lot of info on the road. You can keep in touch and document (Glogger) what you see. Fring is quite on drain on battery, so be careful with that. My mobile was sucked empty in 1 day instead of normal 3-4 days (at that point of its life). Also, read EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) instructions about how to preserve your location privacy. At least if you decide to give away information you know how it can be (ab)used. [ubiset = equipment needed for ubiquitous presence, the ability to stay in touch with a network of services and friends]
This article describes how to configure SNMP on Datto Switches. - Datto Switches The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a network protocol used in monitoring and managing network devices. Messages that contain information about a device, alongside critical notifications, are sent using this protocol. 1. Navigate to a device web session for your switch. 2. Click on Switch Settings, as seen in Figure 1. 3. Click on the SNMP dropdown to reveal settings, and click the Enable checkbox to interact with them, as seen in Figure 2. 4. Click Save Switch Settings when you are finished with modifying settings. The following settings are available for SNMP: - Version: Allows you to choose between SNMPv1 or SNMPv2c. - Poll Community: Allows you input the Poll Community String if required by the NMS. - Notify Type: Allows you choose the type of message sent out. Informs are only supported on SNMPv2c. - Trap Destination: Allows you to input the IP address of where the trap message will be sent. - Trap Community: Allows you to input the Trap Community String if required by the NMS. - UDP: Allows you to input the UDP port used in communicating to the NMS. - Retry (SNMPv2c Only): Allows you to define many times the switch will retry the notification delivery after timing out. - Timeout (SNMPv2c Only): Allows to define how long in seconds the switch will wait for a confirmation of notification delivery before timing out.
We humans have a habit of avoiding our waste. We find organic waste particularly unpleasant. We bag it and dispose of it as soon as possible. Even the most environmentally conscious person would rather not handle something like decomposing food or dog poo with their bare hands. Plastic bags are often the first step we take to disconnect ourselves from our waste – until we can get rid of it somewhere else. Many environmentally conscious pet owners are turning to biodegradable bags as the solution to their doggy-doo woes, but many brands won’t break down in landfill, compounding the problem. Alternatives are at hand, though, with compostable bags and community sharing programs that can help non-composters. A ‘biodegradable’ statement on a bag isn’t enough: it needs a logo “Biodegradable” means something that can potentially be broken down naturally in the environment, particularly by microorganisms but also by other factors such as heat, light and oxygen. We usually think of biodegradable materials as derived from natural sources such as plants, but synthetic materials can also be biodegradable. But there are issues with the term “biodegradable bag”. Bags can be labelled biodegradable, but after being used and discarded they might only partly decompose because the conditions are not right for full decomposition. Or else the decomposition might take a long time. Full decomposition means complete conversion of the bag into simple substances such as carbon dioxide and water that can be re-used by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. The biodegradability of plastic can be measured in a laboratory using methods such as carbon tracking. There are international standards for testing biodegradability of plastics. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed these standards. Unfortunately, ocean and landfill environments are not conducive for degradation of biodegradable plastic. Marine environments often don’t contain the right types of microorganisms needed to break down plastics, or there aren’t enough to be effective in a reasonable time frame. Landfill conditions often lack oxygen, which limits the types of microorganisms that can exist there. Compost, however, provides an ideal environment for biodegradation. Compost contains a diverse range of organic materials that support the growth of many different varieties of organisms. DNA sequencing has revealed the huge diversity of microorganisms that exist in compost. These include bacteria, fungi and invertebrates that can digest a wide range of organic materials. In particular, fungi are found to possess enzymes that are capable of breaking down many different organic substances. Compost to the rescue You can now buy compostable bags. These are a type of biodegradable bag that is suitable for disposal in compost only (not in the ocean or landfill!). How can you tell if a compostable bag can actually be fully broken down in compost? Standards Australia produces standards for the biodegradability of plastic bags. Code AS 4736-2006 specifies a biodegradable plastic that is suitable for overall composting (which includes industrial processes) and other microbial treatment, while AS 5810-2010 specifies home composting. Standards Australia provide a brief overview of the testing carried out for AS 5810-2010. Other countries have similar standards – for example, the US has ASTM code D6400, which certifies that the material meets the degradation standard under controlled composting conditions. The Australian Bioplastics Association administers a voluntary verification scheme. This enables manufacturers or importers to have their plastic materials tested and certified. There is a double arrow logo you can watch out for on bags that have been certified as home compostable and there is a seedling logo for certified compostable. If you cannot locate a certified compostable bag in your area, you can source them online. Make sure they have have the certified compostable logo of the country from which they come. It is interesting to observe the biodegradability of a plastic bag in your compost heap, as I did with a compostable bag full of dog poo. After two weeks buried in the compost, the only evidence of the bag was some small black fragments. These looked like leaf mould except they had the print from the bag label on them. In comparison, a normal plastic bag buried at the same time was completely unaltered. Of course, this experiment is not proof of total bag degradation – proper laboratory testing would be required for this. Are you walking your dog enough? What if you can’t compost? If you cannot compost, you will probably be relying on your local council to dispose of your waste. If the council uses landfill for waste disposal then there may be no point in using compostable bags for your waste, as landfill does not have the right conditions for composting to occur. If you have a kerbside green waste collection that is composted, this service most likely will not accept food waste at the moment – which means dog poo is very unlikely to be included. Nor may compostable bags be allowed in green waste collections. Some councils, however, are working towards food organics/green organics waste collections for the future, and these may include compostable bags. Moyne Shire in western Victoria, for instance, provides compostable bags for dog poo and accepts it along with green waste in its fortnightly “FOGO” collection. If you have material for composting but do not have a compost heap, you can join Sharewaste. Sharewaste links people who want to recycle their organic waste with their neighbours who can use the waste for composting, worm farms or chickens. So this is a way to avoid sending your organic waste to landfill. Composting your organic waste is like harvesting rain into your water tank or tapping into sunlight for your energy needs. These things are meaningful beyond their utility; they connect you to nature and give insights into the natural cycles of life on planet Earth.
Gelatinase Chitinase Microbes Technology Food grown with ecologically friendly methods are the ideal solution both farmers and consumers have been longing for. The Gelatin and Chitin degrading microorganisms (GCM) is a solution for modern agriculture! GCM is both cheap and effective at the same time, and has been proven in numerous farms as a viable solution. GCM Field Trip to Korea How to Register If this post is still up, there are still spaces available. Buy Your Own Ticket – Arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN) on October 11, 2019. Exact meeting location in the terminal will be given in confirmation email. Asiana Airline Current Price: $889 + Tax for round trip per person Travel Agency: Buy tickets via Orient Travel Inc (Tel: 808-944-3949) : Ask Korean Group Tour Coordinator : Hoon Park Send proof of your ticket to firstname.lastname@example.org Purchase this ticket
THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – The most tireless and passionate proponent of saving the Galapagos tortoise from extinction is ancient, lecherous, and not particularly attractive, but those attributes are apparently a big hit with the ladies. Gentle reader, meet Diego, the lusty 100-plus-year-old tortoise who has helped bring his kind back from the brink of extinction—by having copious amounts of sex with any female in sight, reports the AFP. “He’s a very sexually active male reproducer,” says Washington Tapia, an actual tortoise preservation specialist at Galapagos National Park. “He’s contributing enormously to repopulating the island.” How enormously? Diego is babydaddy to an estimated 800 offspring, or to better put it, a genetic test four years ago showed “that he was the father of nearly 40% of the offspring released into the wild on Espanola,” the tortoises’ native island. Diego is a globe-trotting charmer, taking his name from the San Diego Zoo, where Tapia says he was taken “sometime between 1900 and 1959 by a scientific expedition.” He was returned to the Galapagos Islands in 1976 to get down to work in a captive breeding program, as his kind had at one point dwindled to two males and 12 females on Espanola. Diego, it turns out, takes his job seriously. “Tough work, but some tortoise has to do it,” the AFP snarks, while the Houston Chronicle runs through a primer on tortoise mating that includes the tidbit that “female giant tortoises are silent while the males make a sound similar to that of a cow’s ‘moo.'” Today, at least 2,000 tortoises have been released into the wild. “It’s a population that’s in pretty good shape, and growing, which is the most important,” Tapia says. (More on the Galapagos tortoises’ fight back from the brink here.) This article originally appeared on Newser: Galapagos Tortoise’s Savior Is a Dirty, Dirty Old Man More From Newser
On March 23, 1778, a slaveholder of New Haven declared on record that: I … for the consideration of Twenty six shillings lawfull money rec[eive]d to my full satisfaction of Pompey of sd Newhaven a free Negro man late Slave of … the sd Pompey sometimes called Pompey Panchard, have sold, and do by these presents do sell make over & deliver, unto him the sd Pompey, a Negro Woman Slave, called Leah aged about Fifty years at and until the Ensealing hereof to me belonging and being sound and well so far as I know – To have and hold the sd Negro Woman Leah, unto him the sd Pompey, his heirs Ex[ecutors] and assigns for and during her natural life – The way the document assumes Leah will remain enslaved is disturbing, isn’t it? Pompey Panchard and Leah were not historically prominent enough for me to have found anything else about them, but there are other mentions in various sources of people purchasing spouses or other relatives and it’s always put as buying them “out of slavery.” But in 1778 Connecticut, at least, the standard forms apparently just didn’t encompass that idea – though they did encompass the idea that a free African-American could enslave another African-American. As I said, disturbing. I looked for Pompey Panchard, and also just Pompey, in Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: Connecticut and found nothing. Nor was there a Leah. If Leah was his spouse and they were about the same age, either of them would have been around seventy years old by 1790. It’s quite likely that they had passed away by then, or were living in another household, or had moved away. Records of this period are not as detailed or accessible as those of later periods. At any rate, I definitely prefer to think of Pompey diligently saving up money until he could pay off the man holding his wife, Leah, and get her out of slavery. How many years did it take, if they were fifty years old? I shudder to think.
A MAN WILL NEVER RECOGNIZE A QUEEN IF HE HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED HIMSELF AS A KING. THE STANDARD STARTS WITH SELF. What is beauty? Many say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Therefore anyone can come up with their own definition of beauty. I can agree with that to a certain extent. We all have our own personal like and dislikes. But in a male dominated society the beauty of a woman is very important. There are many good looking men in the world but it only carries you so far as a man. But for women their beauty can open many doors for them. A man is usually judged by his financial status. It’s ultimately about what is his income and can he be a provider. There are many women who have college degrees and make a lot of money nowadays. But for the most part women are still judged by their beauty. Their beauty is seen as social capital. Not only is our society dominated by men…but also dominated by Europeans. This makes things doubly hard for black/African women. The woman in the picture above is actress Lupita Nyong’o. Over the last few years she has taken Hollywood by storm. Lupita is an African woman. She was born in Mexico and raised in Kenya. She has been praised for her acting ability most notably the film 12 Years a Slave. Which he won an Academy award for. But she has also been praised for her beauty. When I first saw her in an interview back in 2013 I thought she was a stunning beauty. She had a beautiful smile,full lips and smooth dark chocolate skin. She has a very asymmetrical face. Her beauty seems almost otherworldly. I was somewhat surprised that the media was giving her so much praise. The white media rarely gives praise to a black woman with her skin tone and features. I haven’t seen this since maybe Lauryn Hill. Lauryn was a close second by the way. I almost picked her for this post. But it was praise that was well deserved. Although I find her gorgeous there are far more light skinned/biracial women that get more praise in the media. Which brings me to singer/actress Alicia Keys. Many black men I’ve talked to say that Alicia Keys is a beautiful woman. She’s not a bad looking woman at all. But I’ve heard people say that she is a great representation of a beautiful black woman. This is a serious problem in the black community. The problem is that Alicia Keys is biracial/mixed. She has a white mother. The issue is really not about Alicia Keys. I’m just using her as an example. It’s more about what she represents. And I’ve heard other people say that actresses like Paula Patton,Halle Berry,Stacey Dash,Zendaya Coleman,Zoe Kravitz,Tracee Ellis Ross,Thandie Newton and Carmen Ejogo ..described as beautiful black women. Even though they are all biracial women. This is the problem with the black beauty standard. And this is what needs to change. We have to be honest about this. This video by Youtuber Chrissie explains the problem of biracial women getting so much shine. Many of them get offended and upset when this reality is pointed out. The reality is that a women like Alicia Keys should not be the representative of black beauty. Every race and ethnic group has it’s own standard. Whites have a standard and Asians have their standard. When a woman is part Chinese and part African,the Chinese do not accept that woman as their standard of beauty. They will say she’s mixed race and in most cases most Asians don’t accept them as Asian at all. So why is it so different with black people? Why do black people so willingly accept biracial women as OUR standard of beauty? As far as an African standard of beauty I would choose Lupita. Some of you may disagree with me. I know there are thousands of African woman I could choose from. I have featured many of them here on my blog. But Lupita is an easy choice considering she is in the spotlight at the moment. I think the one-drop rule has brainwashed millions of black people. We think anything that is lighter skinned and light eyes is a better representation of blackness. A watered down version is better than what we really look like. There are millions of dark skinned and brown skinned black women who never make it big in the acting or modeling world. And the few that do are not seen as “classic beauties”. They are always seen as the “exotic other”. Much the same way many whites in Hollywood look at Lupita. But I really don’t care what racist whites think. I’m more concerned about what we think and how we feel about each other. We can no longer let the pseudoscience of the one drop rule over us anymore. We should be able to create our own standard of beauty. We should not let another group of people dictate to us what should be considered attractive. It’s okay if people disagree with me. But who would you choose? Name three women you think would be a good representation of black beauty. They can be actresses,models,singers etc. What is African beauty? What should black beauty look like? What women would represent it the best? This is a video from the talk show The Real. It’s a silly gabfest with five women as the hosts. One Asian woman,a Hispanic and a biracial woman. As well as an overweight dark skinned woman and a black woman with a bad weave. In this video clip they interview biracial actress Grace Gealey. Gealey stars on the hit drama Empire. I’m sure you’ve heard of the show. The show that promotes homosexuality,colorism,lesbians,murder and black degradation. Well anyway in this clip Gealey says that she is from the Cayman Islands. She claims that in the islands they don’t really look at color. They pay more attention to culture. Really?? I think she’s lying or incredibly naïve. The system of white supremacy is a global system. I find it hard to believe that color is not an issue in the Cayman Islands. The reality is she benefits from being biracial. It’s one the main reasons she probably got the part on Empire. She benefits from not being “too black” so to speak. She has that exotic look that many producers are looking for. And she’s not the only one who is capitalizing off of the erasure of black women. It seems every time I turn on the television there seems to be a biracial/mixed race woman staring at me. I see them in commercials,sitcoms,reality shows and dramas. They are all over social media like Facebook,Instagram and Twitter. Many are trying to be models or break into acting. And many are becoming famous in the process. Of course they are everywhere because the media wants us to believe they are a better version of black people. If they have light eyes,white features,light skin and long straight hair…they are deemed worthy of being called beautiful. Yes there are some attractive biracial women. I went to school with some in college and I have many co-workers that are biracial. They have always been around me. Even as a kid in grade school. Some of them got picked on by the black girls and I never understood it. But as I got older it makes more sense. The black girls never felt beautiful in a white racist society. So I guess they saw the light skinned mixed girls with light eyes and long hair and felt jealous. And I have heard many biracial women talk about people believing they are all conceited and vain. Of course they are not all this way. But I can see why many biracial women would believe they are the cream of the crop. The white controlled media helps to push this myth. The media reinforces the belief that they are better because they are usually not dark skinned and more African looking. This video above hits on a great point about black women stepping up and not letting biracial women steal their shine. I totally agree with her in the video. I have seen some pretty biracial women but they are not any prettier than black women. And many are playing in roles as the wives and girlfriends of black men. Many times the fact that they are biracial is never even brought up at all. Some of you may not be aware that they are biracial. There’s been an abundance of them lately. In the film Creed,biracial actress Tessa Thompson played the girlfriend of Michael B. Jordan. Tessa also was in the horrible film Dear White People. That film could’ve been so much better. Biracial actress Amber Stevens plays a girlfriend on the sitcom The Carmichael Show. In real life Amber is married to a white guy…but I digress. Teenage actress Amandla Stenberg is biracial. She also recently came out as bisexual. Gay agenda being pushed?? You decide. BET is poison for black minds anyway. But they have a reality show called The Westbrooks. It’s a reality show about a bunch of biracial Instagram “stars”. It follows them around during their daily lives. Yes…more mind pollution. Teenage actress Yara Shahidi is half black and half Iranian. She is on the buffoonish sitcom Blackish. This is a picture from the upcoming series Underground. It stars actress Jurnee Smollett Bell. She has a Jewish father and black mother. On a side note, aren’t you tired of the same old slave narrative? White Hollywood always has to remind us of our slave past. Actress Sharon Leal is half black and half Filipino. As you can see they are not always half black/half white. Sometimes they will be part Asian or Hispanic as well. But of course she always plays just a “black” woman. Actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw is half black/half white. She has become very popular the last few years. She’s been on a lot of magazine covers. Some critics say she is the “new Halle Berry”. Really?? Where is the new Cicely Tyson? The new Angela Bassett? The new Lauryn Hill?? Hollywood isn’t looking for those type anymore. They don’t want too many dark skinned,full lipped,African textured haired women in Hollywood. The dark skinned authentic African looking woman must be put in the back so that the mixed race/biracial woman can shine as her rightful replacement. The biracial women are closer to white so they are looked at as a better representation of blackness. Over the last couple of years more African looking women have been getting more press. Most recently actresses like Lupita Nyongo and Danai Gurira(pictured above),Gabrielle Union,Viola Davis and Tika Sumpter have gotten more roles on television and film. But there is still a large abundance of biracial/mixed women all over the media. They are still usually the women seen as desirable in films. And mostly play the wives and girlfriends to black men. I think Hollywood is very afraid the dark skinned African looking woman. They are doing their best to suppress her beauty. They feel a woman who actually looks like an authentic African is a threat to the European ideal beauty standard. This is what the racist white media really fear. They want to see someone who is lighter skinned,light colored eyes and looks like they might have one white parent. This is why you see more women who look like Alicia Keys than Luptia Nyongo. But the reality is we need more Lupita’s. I want black women to embrace their beauty. And ignore the lies of the media. You are beautiful without having to be watered down. And you don’t need a weave or be mixed. You are beautiful without any European additives. You are the Original Mother of the planet. You are the TRUE standard of beauty! Do not let anyone tell you different.
For the Laracon Online conference, we used the new Laravel application, Thermostat by Ian Landsman, to handle both rating and feedback. The results of this survey is now released and made public. You can see the results from here. Thermostat uses the NPS, or Net Promoter Score, to determine how much someone liked the event and it uses two items for feedback, a zero to ten scale, and a single question with open-ended feedback. According to Wikipedia, the calculation is determined by: Those who respond with a score of 9 to 10 are called Promoters, and are considered likely to exhibit value-creating behaviors, such as buying more, remaining customers for longer, and making more positive referrals to other potential customers. Those who respond with a score of 0 to 6 are labeled Detractors, and they are believed to be less likely to exhibit the value-creating behaviors. Responses of 7 and 8 are labeled Passives, and their behavior falls in the middle of Promoters and Detractors.:51 The Net Promoter Score is calculated by subtracting the percentage of customers who are Detractors from the percentage of customers who are Promoters. For purposes of calculating a Net Promoter Score, Passives count towards the total number of respondents, thus decreasing the percentage of detractors and promoters and pushing the net score towards 0. The overall results of Laracon Online ended in a 70 NPS score with 439 promoters, 115 passives, and 30 detractors. For a first year conference, I feel like that is an encouraging number, and a lot of great feedback was included for next year. As I went through the responses, the one thing that stuck out to me is just how impossible it is to make everyone happy. Just like running this site, I try to publish items that are not always hardcore Laravel, but I think developers would be interested in. Examples are the career section, covering developer tools, etc. Those always get more detractors, but also elicits positive feedback. The conference is no different; some enjoyed every talk, others didn’t. Some thought they were too advanced, and others thought they were not advanced enough. Nobody will ever make something that suits everyone, and it’s encouraging by having such overwhelmingly positive feedback. Thanks to everyone that left feedback and I can’t wait for next years event. Filed in: Laracon Join the weekly newsletter and never miss out on new tips, tutorials, and more. - Laravel / Vue.JS Developer - Join an amazing team! - Mid / Sen. Software Engineer - Remote PHP / Laravel Developer - Senior PHP/Laravel Developer: Your Dream Work Environment iPhone Photography School - Senior Laravel Developer - PHP Developer - Senior Laravel Developer (Canada and India) London, Ontario, Canada Factory Bucket Inc. F-Bar – Manage your Laravel Forge Servers from your Mac’s Menubar F-Bar is a brand new Mac App made by EASTWEST, that allows you to manage your Laravel Forge servers from your Menubar… How To Install OctoberCMS on Ubuntu October is one of the leaders in Laravel CMS’s. It was originally released in 2012 and is popular with developers tir…
The principles of leader succession are rather straightforward. We examine the search for a successor for Michael Vaughan as England’s cricket captain Something had to be done. The wilting English cricket team had lost its first series against South Africa since 1965. The team’s batting had failed yet again. The contribution from Captain Michael Vaughan, recovering from serious injuries, remained unacceptable. That being said, his critical captaincy decisions (who to bowl when, what field placings to set) were widely rated as excellent The axe fell [August 3rd 2008] . Vaughan proffered his resignation less than a day after the series defeat. It seems that he had reached the decision without selectorial nudge. Nevertheless, the unspeakable was being spoken in the run-up to the defeat, from the former England Captains now in the press corps. He saved the selectors from making a difficult decision. What the selectors rent asunder they now seek to put together Some while ago, the selectors, worried about Vaughan’s form, split the roles of one-day and five-day captains, presumably hoping the decision would take some pressure off Vaughan. The one-day results of the team was (and remains) worse than the five-day results. Vaughan’s five-day form remained poor. Traditional wisdom is that such an arrangement brings with it more problems than it solves. Under the new one-day Captain Paul Collingwood, results remained underwhelming. To add to the selectors’ difficulties Collingwood’s form dropped off. He is currently serving a ban for some recent captaincy misdemenours. The selectors now seem to want to put back together the roles of one-day and five-day captain. Unfortunate that Collingwood was nearly omitted from this last game for poor form. (His century may or may not have bought him a respite in the team). Fortunate that he decided to resign as well today… The form of most of the five-day batsmen remains patchy enough to exclude them from consideration. The one resident team member whose batting would be considered adequate to retain him a place in the team is the controversial figure of Kevin Pietersen. Pietersen has the selfishness of many great individual sportsmen. His triumphs are personal, and his interview claims of commitment to the team unconvincing. To make it worse, Pieterson demonstrated his ability scoring 94 in the crucial second innings of this latest match, and then attempted to reach his century with a mighty blow. For some, it captured why he was too ego-driven to be considered as captain. Pietersen for captain But Pietersen retains his advocates. His ability to dominate a bowling attack is taken as a prime consideration for leading from the front. In an earlier post we explored why Geoffrey Boycott, a hapless captain himself, has recently argued the case for Pietersen. Another more reflective former captain, Michael Atherton, today reached the same conclusion. But Atherton reached his conclusion by eliminating the other candidates within the team for batting inadequacies. If you’re talking about someone to take on both jobs then Kevin Pietersen becomes the number one candidate,” said former England skipper Atherton. “He’s one of the few people who can be guaranteed their place in both teams.” What’s a captain for? I can’t help wondering whether there is a consensus on just what a Cricket captain is for. To many influential figures in the game, the answer is to be found in the game’s cultural heritage. The captain came from the ranks of the gentlemen amateurs, whose privileged position was established by breeding and education. The related romantic theme was that of the captain as natural gentleman. Clive Lloyd and Garfield Sobers of the West Indies come to mind. Arguably, Don Bradman of Australia. Hardly surprising they went on to become knights of the realm. A captain is there (according to this view) to uphold the traditions of the great game. Oh, and losing from time to time is OK, as long as it’s done gloriously. Ah yes, a man’s grasp must exceed his reach, or what’s a captain for? Meanwhile, we await the next set of decisions from the selectors. ‘Arise Sir Kevin.’ Doesn’t seem quite right, does it?
November 1, 2013 by David K. Sutton Profiting From Government Subsidy: That’s The Real Walmart Walmart has been running a new ad campaign with the tagline “That’s The Real Walmart.” The ads started earlier this year and they are designed to trumpet career growth opportunities for Walmart “associates.” Every time I see one of these ads I can’t help but think it’s a slap in the face to the thousands of Walmart workers who have organized and protested the company’s low wages and minimal benefits. But these commercials offer a completely different message. If you didn’t know better, you’d think Walmart was the ideal company to work for. I’m sure there are positions within Walmart that pay good wages and offer adequate benefits, but what about the average Walmart floor worker? And don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to critique Walmart employees, because in this economy, with so many people still looking for work, a job is a job. I’m not judging Walmart employees, I’m judging Walmart. This is the real Walmart: Walmart Is One Of The Biggest Beneficiaries Of Food Stamps — Americans spend about 18 percent of all food stamp dollars at Walmart, according to company estimates told to the Wall Street Journal and confirmed by The Huffington Post. That’s about $14 billion of the $80 billion Congress set aside for food stamps last year. The company’s total profits for 2013 were $17 billion. So wait, is this math for real? All but $3 billion of Walmart’s 2013 profits were from food stamp dollars? I know that’s my way of spinning the numbers, because there’s immense operating costs for a corporation the size of Walmart. But nonetheless, if you take away the $14 billion food stamp dollars, Walmart is left with “just” a $3 billion profit. First, I’m not exactly going to lose sleep over that, it’s still an incredible profit. Second, obviously the ONLY concern (if those food stamp dollars went away) would be for the people who will go hungry. And yes, it gets worse. The news comes just as food-stamp benefits are about to be cut for 47 million Americans. On Friday, a key provision boosting the program is set to expire. After that, 47 million Americans will struggle even more than usual to afford the basics. Walmart isn’t too concerned: When shoppers become more concerned about price, they’re more likely to turn to Walmart, Bill Simon, the retailer’s U.S. CEO, said at an analyst meeting earlier this month. “I would say we’re cautious but modestly optimistic,” Simon said. “When the [food-stamp] benefits expanded, our market share actually went down.” It is good to know where the priorities are. But okay, that’s probably not fair. Walmart is not in the business of making sure people don’t go hungry, they are in the business of making money for their shareholders. And we can accept that is how corporations do business. Their profits and bottom-lines are the most important consideration when it comes to their business decisions and their lobbying efforts in Washington. And now you see why “letting the market work it out” is not always the best course of action.
According to some commentators in the West, the possibilities of school technology are being pushed to the extreme in China. Throughout 2018, we saw regular news reports of what were variously presented as clever, crazy and/or creepy tech developments in Chinese schools. Often, these proved to be isolated examples in one or two schools, speculative product pitches, or simply misreporting of what are relatively unsophisticated and limited applications. And still, “Just look what they're doing in China!” is becoming a side-bar staple in Western media discussions of how new technologies might be used (and abused) in school settings. Take the following examples from the past 12 months: - One EdTech trope of 2018 was the use of facial recognition to monitor student attention in Chinese classrooms. For example, there was much coverage of the introduction of the ''Smart Eye'' system in Hangzhou Number 11 High School. This involves the placement of three cameras in a classroom to scan for signs of engagement or distraction. System developers claim the ability to detect various emotional states in students – including happy, sad, disappointed, angry, scared and surprised. - A recent spate of stories document the launch of a range of ‘smart’ school uniforms with microchips embedded into students’ jackets. Here, we're told how GPS data from these chips is used to drive a range of ''smart education management'' applications – collating attendance data, sending automated messages to parents and teachers, and triggering recorded warnings if students attempt to leave designated areas (such as sneaking out of class). - Perhaps the most infamous digital development in China is the so-called ''social rating'' system. This is a pilot national ''reputation system'' where citizens are continuously monitored and assessed in terms of their social and economic ‘credit’. Already in development in several major cities, this system uses big-data techniques to monitor citizens' trustworthiness and ‘sincerity’. Data points can include financial and credit details, friendship networks, consumer purchases and online behaviour. Tellingly, one of the reported consequences of this technology is determining whether families will be admitted to top-ranked schools. As Wired reported: "Low-rating citizens will also be restricted when it comes to enrolling themselves or their children in high-paying private schools." - 2018 was the year that we were regularly told how China is ''winning'' at AI education. This includes the development of sophisticated AI-driven personalised learning systems. For example, the YiXue platform makes innovative use of natural-language processing and emotion detection technology to determine what students should be studying. This is reported as utilising ''Squirrel AI'' to divide knowledge into ''nanoscale'' chunks, with students directed toward the chunks of knowledge in which they're weakest. The YiXue company reckons that this results in its students at its after-school centres achieving superior scores in China’s rigorous annual Gaokao university entrance exams. These stories are all interesting enough, yet can hardly be said to point to a far-removed alternate vision of digital schooling. Instead, these stories raise a number of pertinent questions about the ways in which Western media engages with EdTech reporting. In particular, it's useful to ask ourselves why Western commentators (and their audiences) are keen to treat these stories as outlandish and out-of-the-ordinary? Do such reactions to these stories reflect a burgeoning cyber-Orientalism? Are these stories simply a continuation of the West’s tendency to sensationalise its potential adversaries’ technological capabilities (akin to the way that Soviet science and technology innovations were written about 50 years ago)? So, instead of simply presenting the classroom implementation of Smart-Eye and Squirrel AI as cautionary tales from a far-off place, perhaps these ''Only In China!'' stories are most useful as a starting point for extended conversations about the directions in which EdTech is headed in our own countries. The most significant point about these stories are the strikingly similar technologies that are currently entering Western schools. For example, a key question that's always worth asking of any technological development is, "What is new here?". From this perspective, the technologies just outlined are certainly less novel and outlandish than might be presumed. For example, schools around the world have long relied on monitoring and tracking students’ whereabouts – from class registers through to observation by security guards. Even the much-reported social credit system could be seen as a digital extension of the long tradition in many nations of keeping paper-based records on individuals and households. Similarly, the thorny question of who gets to attend the best schools from Beijing to Boston has long been decided (if only implicitly) on the basis of household income or subjective judgements of social "fit". It's not just China In this sense, the fact that these school practices are being amplified in digital form shouldn't come as a particular surprise – be it in China or most other developed countries around the world. Indeed, perhaps the most significant point about these stories are the strikingly similar technologies that are currently entering Western schools. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the types of technology just outlined are unique to China. As such, this certainly begs the question why we're not seeing the same sort of media interest being shown about similar practices in the West. So, what happens if we take these ‘Only in China’ examples as a prompt to look more closely at the mission-creep of educational technology in our own backyards? Shouldn’t we be questioning the trend for parents in many Western countries to equip their children with smartwatches and kid trackers in an attempt to keep tabs on their movements while at school? Surely, more needs to be said about the extensive networks of schools in the US that are implementing personalised learning systems to the extent of provoking student protests and mass walk-outs? What about the normalisation of reputation technologies such as the Australian government’s MySchool website that forces schools to calculate their own metrics to then be judged by market-savvy parents. Seen in this light, how clever, crazy and/or creepy should we consider the deployment of digital technologies in our own school systems to be?
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about second chances. For almost 10 years, I worked for an organization that gave people second chances through the gift of organ and tissue donation. It’s a noble and wonderful cause and I’m a better person for having worked in that industry. For almost a decade of my life, I was in a bubble, though, not realizing that there are other great organizations in Houston that provide people with second chances: United4ChangeCenter – This small nonprofit works to eradicate the cycle of extreme poverty in vulnerable and war-torn countries, empowering women with literacy, healthcare, and other tools to become productive members of society. This work is life-changing and many times lifesaving. CrossWalk Center – CrossWalk Center is Houston’s hub for hopeful re-entry for men and women who’ve been incarcerated. This organization transforms lives, giving these individuals the power to turn their lives around and integrate back into society. And ironically, April is “2nd Chances Month.” Goodwill Houston – Many equate Goodwill with only shopping and donating items you no longer want or need. But do you know that Goodwill equips veterans and others with life skills so they can obtain a good job and make ends meet, giving thousands a second chance? Barrio Dogs – This nonprofit educates, empowers, and transforms the lives of pets, giving four-legged creatures (and their owners) a new lease on life. Perhaps what these organizations do is not as dramatic as the miracle of organ and tissue donation, but they all share a common thread: they transform, change, and provide second chances in unique ways. And I’m so fortunate to be working with all of them to advance their communications and raise awareness of their powerful missions.
Skillman Library has a multi-disciplinary collection of feature films and documentaries available on DVD and VHS formats. You can find information about the collection using the Library catalog. (For more information, see Finding DVDs and Videocassettes). Items in the collections of other LVAIC institutions (Lehigh University, Muhlenburg College, Moravian College, Cedar Crest College and DeSales University) may also be available through interlibrary loan. Films in Skillman’s collection may be checked out for seven days by Lafayette faculty, staff and students and may be renewed once for seven days. If you are looking for an item that is not listed in the Library catalog, submit an interlibrary loan request via the interlibrary loan system. Films from other LVAIC institutions need a minimum of two days for delivery and have a loan period of two days. If you need help finding out what is available on a topic or general subject, contact the reference department at email@example.com or call (610) 330-5155. Faculty can reserve materials for classroom use by contacting Tami Kurzeja in the Acquisitions Department, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ext. 5149) for assistance. We recommend reserving films well in advance so as to ensure their availability by the date needed. DVDs may be viewed on any PC or Mac in the Library. If the computer does not have a drive, external DVD drives for the Macs & PCs and headphones for use while watching DVDs may be borrowed at the Circulation Desk. There are TV/VCR units on the ground floor of Skillman. Please note: DVDs and videos must be checked out even when you are viewing them in the Library. The Library owns a number of DVDs from region codes other than region 1 (United States, Canada, Bermuda, U.S. territories). They will not play on most on DVD players made for the U.S. market that are found in the Library, the Lafayette classrooms or your home. You can view non-US DVDs on any Lafayette PC or Mac, however, by inserting the disc in the DVD drive and choosing “VLC Media Player” from the list of media players offered on these computers. Once VLC is open, click on the familiar play icon (an arrow), then select “Disc”. The “DVD (menus)” option is the default. You do not need to enter any additional information about the DVD; simply click on “OK”. VLC will read the DVD and bring you to the DVD menu. If you would like to add VLC Media Player to your own computer, it is freely available on the internet for download. Skillman Library welcomes your suggestions for films to add to the collection. We can easily purchase many films in general release. However, cost can be a significant factor for non-feature films, so we scrutinize these purchase recommendations more closely than others. If you would like to make a recommendation for our general collection, please use our purchase recommendation form. Faculty who have film requests related to research interests or course curricula, including licensing requests for streaming, should submit a Faculty Media Request Form to Kylie Bailin. We currently arrange for streaming through Swank’s Digital Campus program; to see if a Swank license may be available for a film, start by checking their Digital Campus catalogue. Faculty, students and staff are responsible for complying with copyright laws for films. The DVDs and videocassettes purchased for the Library collection are intended for the classroom or private home use of the Lafayette community. Public performance licenses are generally required for the use of videos or DVDs as part of an entertainment or cultural program. For more information, see our guide on obtaining public performance licenses. Under the fair use provisions, copyrighted videotapes or DVDs are available for classroom use without obtaining permission from the copyright owner provided the requirements for teaching purposes are met (see 17 U.S.C. Sec. 110, Limitations on exclusive rights: Exemption of certain performances and displays). For a brief and useful summary of these conditions, consult the American Library Association’s Library Fact Sheet 7: Video and Copyright.
Hearing loss is a challenge for anyone whose job requires communication. Last week, Listen Like a Lawyer reviewed Katherine Bouton’s excellent book Shouting Won’t Help: Why I–and 50 Million Other Americans–Can’t Hear You. This week features interviews with two lawyers who experienced quite different trajectories of hearing loss but shared a similar open, constructive mindset. Patti Richards is a tax attorney practicing independently in Atlanta. She lost some hearing in her right ear after contracting measles at age 5. She had experimental surgery as a child and went on to teach high school, attend law school, and practice law for ten years until 1999. At that point, when she was 50, her hearing had become severely degraded. Her left ear did not hear at all, and the hearing in her right ear was weakening. Richards had surgery on the right ear to reconstruct the deteriorating bone structure. The damage turned out to be too extensive. “Since then,” Richards said, “it has been a process of constant reinvention.” Richards began the process of fitting a hearing aid. Her experience was typical in that several readjustments were necessary: “The first time I left the audiologist’s office, the elevator bell dinged on my floor—then it dinged two more times.” She has since gotten good adjustments on a Phonak hearing aid. She does not need a special cell phone that cuts feedback; she holds a regular cell phone so as to reduce feedback in the hearing aid, or she uses speakerphone. The nature of her hearing loss does not lend itself to cochlear implants. Her remaining hearing is compromised by allergy symptoms, so she takes an aggressive course of allergy shots. Richards is a tax attorney. For listening to clients, she uses the auditory input with help from the hearing aid, as well as other inputs: “You can listen other ways by reading what they say, their gestures and body language.” But she noted that with a tax practice, what her clients need most of all is help understanding tax jargon and tax consequences. Thus her practice leans more heavily on her speaking and writing skills in explaining how tax law works. “I’ve been fortunate my whole life,” she said. She recalled the sacrifice her parents made for her have the experimental surgery as a child; thinking about that sacrifice made it easier for her to accept the hearing loss and move on. “For a long time, I didn’t have to tell people about it, but now I do,” she said. “But I won’t let it drag me down and stop me.” Dave Thomas has a “tremendously personal” practice as an executive-compensation attorney with Wilson Sonsini in Silicon Valley. At age 40, he suffered substantial hearing loss in his right ear after a sinus infection. Thomas worked with doctors for three months to determine whether the hearing loss was permanent. A hearing test, CT scan and MRI revealed that the problems with his hearing weren’t structural. The doctors said there was a chance the hearing would return, but Thomas faced a choice: “You can have diminished hearing and hope it comes back, or you can treat it.” The choice wasn’t difficult for Thomas. He had seen his own father struggle with hearing loss, caused by service as an artillery officer, in his older years. “It took forever to convince him to get hearing aids,” Thomas said, and when his father did begin using hearing aids, “it was like night and day watching him be be able to engage in conversation again and engage in life again.” After the battery of tests, Thomson got a hearing aid, which—as is the case for many if not all hearing-aid users—has required some adjustments. Thomas had lost the middle auditory tones, which led to difficulty tracking conversation in groups and hearing what direction speech is coming from. The hearing aid provides valuable amplification of these tones, but too much amplification sometimes means Thomas can hear ceiling fans. He has worked hard with his audiologist to amplify the tones where he has trouble while avoiding the distraction of amplifying other tones. Other strategies including positioning himself to put his “good side” toward the room. If it’s a boardroom negotiation, that means sitting on the corner of the table. When he speaks on panels, he asks to sit on the far right of the panel. Thomas describes himself as a “right ear person” until the hearing loss; now he uses a headset in his left ear for phone conferences. Many people struggling with hearing loss describe wearing their hear longer to cover the hearing aids, but Thomas said he had already started wearing relatively longer hair before the hearing loss. Regardless of hairstyle, he said, the hearing aid is small enough to not be noticeable unless you’re looking for it. Thomas has some advice to other lawyers who think they may have hearing loss. “My advice is that number one, they figure it out. Go see an audiologist or ENT and have a hearing test. As lawyers, we don’t ever give our clients advice without making sure know the facts, but with personal health we’re often willing to make assumptions and avoid fact gathering.” He also praised the technology and various cost options for handling hearing loss. Hearing aids can be pricey, but Costco is one option for reducing the cost and gaining flexibility with adjustments and returns, he said. Thomas could do well as a coach if he decides to transition out of his executive-compensation practice. “If you need a hearing aid, own it. Deal with it,” he said. “The hearing aid lets me sit back in board meetings and go back to listening and thinking instead of worrying about hearing.”
Smart Footwear to Provide Unique Data Opportunities for Enterprises and Healthcare Providers LONDON, January 31, 2018 Smart footwear devices – shoes, insoles, and socks – are seeing a rise in awareness in the consumer and enterprise markets. These devices are providing companies, users, and caregivers alike with tracking capabilities such as location, activity, gait, and falls. ABI Research, a market foresight advisory firm providing strategic guidance on the most compelling transformative technologies, forecasts that smart footwear devices will reach over 9 million shipments in 2022, increasing from just under 1 million in 2017, a CAGR of nearly 57%. The enterprise market, despite seeing fewer shipments, will rise at a much faster rate than the consumer market, seeing a CAGR of over 90%. “Smart footwear devices have the ability to accurately track numerous metrics, due to being located where most motion is occurring – at the feet – in a highly convenient form factor, i.e., in socks or shoes – items of clothing that the user would already be wearing,” says Stephanie Lawrence, Research Analyst at ABI Research. “Within the enterprise market, this means that healthcare professionals can easily monitor patients’ vital information and companies can monitor the health and safety of employees.” In healthcare, smart footwear devices, such as smart socks, allow healthcare professionals to remotely monitor patients’ vitals including heart rate, oxygen levels, and temperature. Devices such as shoes and insoles that measure a patient’s gait can help an injured patient through rehab, determine if a patient is likely to suffer from a fall, and monitor the chances of a patient suffering from a foot-related injury. Alerts are sent to the healthcare professional in the event of any changes in the patient’s health that require medical assistance. With access to these alerts, healthcare professionals can track the health of a large number of patients simultaneously and ensure that those most at risk get medical assistance immediately. These devices can also be used by family members and caregivers. Companies such as GTX Corp, Orpyx, Owlet Baby Care, ReTiSense, and Siren Care already provide devices with these healthcare monitoring capabilities. In other enterprise markets, such as field services, transportation, and warehousing, smart footwear devices provide companies with a way to track the health and safety of workers. This includes their location when working remotely, to ensure that they can be located in the event of an emergency; environmental factors, to ensure that any hazards are detected; and the amount of physical stress the worker is put under, to ensure that they are not lifting loads that are too heavy. For emergency service workers, such as firefighters, smart footwear enables workers to be accurately located anywhere in a building, without requiring them to carry an additional device. With access to all of this information, companies can ensure that workers are kept safe, reducing the amount of sick leave and the chances of a worker leaving the company due to unsafe working conditions. Vendors such as Digitsole, SolePower, and Zhor-Tech are investigating and offering these devices to companies. “Smart footwear devices are starting to get a toehold into the enterprise market, enabling healthcare professionals and companies to track the health and safety of patients and workers,” concludes Lawrence. These findings are from ABI Research’s Smart Footwear Technologies and Applications report. This report is part of the company’s Wearables, Usables, and Expendables research service, which includes research, data, and analyst insights. About ABI Research ABI Research provides strategic guidance for visionaries needing market foresight on the most compelling transformative technologies, which reshape workforces, identify holes in a market, create new business models and drive new revenue streams.
by Griselda Nevarez – Feb. 1, 2011 “I believe Arizona is the destination in the nation for solar companies to locate and expand,” she said. Brewer, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and other dignitaries were on hand as Camarillo, Calif.-based Power-One Inc., the world’s second-largest manufacturer of devices that convert power produced from batteries and solar panels, launched a 122,000-square-foot facility near Sky Harbor International Airport. Forty people are working there to start. help guide the state’s economic future and attract companies. Brewer said, “This new facility that we’re opening today is proof that my new Arizona Commerce Authority is producing results with an aggressive, more-competitive approach.” Gordon said Power-One will help get Arizonans back to work. “It’s about buying power, and it’s about employing other people,” he said. The plant will be able to eventually produce photovoltaic panels to capture and convert the sun’s energy and wind inverters that can produce enough electricity for 2 million homes. Alex Levran, president of renewable energy solutions for Power-One, said the company has collaborated with Arizona State University to develop innovative technologies. “We chose to work with ASU because they have very good development programs and design programs,” he said. Sandra D. Kennedy, a member of the Arizona Corporation Commission, said the state’s combination of abundant sunshine and existing manufacturing firms makes it a prime location for renewable-energy companies. “Our main focus is to put more people to work in these areas,” she said.
- CP photo by John Hamilton - Cora Vercellotti, a former Wylie Holdings tenant, near her apartment in middle Lawrenceville In 2000, Lawrenceville resident Joseph Zmenkowski passed away at the age of 81. He had owned his home on Denny Street for 50 years. A year later, a small real-estate company called Wylie Holdings bought his home through an estate sale for $1,000. Sixteen years later, the property is listed on Wylie’s website as “ready for renovation” with an asking price of $165,000. Pictures on Wylie’s website show walls covered in chipped paint, a kitchen with ancient appliances and an attic filled with holes and rotted wood. Also, Pittsburgh City Paper couldn’t find any renovation permits for the property listed in the records of Pittsburgh’s Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections. The process of buying a property cheaply, waiting and making no improvements, and then selling high is known as land speculation. Free-market proponents say it’s the benefit of entering a risky market early; critics say the tactic can inhibit the equitable, community-minded development neighborhoods try to achieve. For Wylie, land speculation is just one part of a mixed real-estate portfolio. While Wylie’s management team of Joe Edelstein and Ron King have been a force in helping Lawrenceville’s Butler Street transform from grubby streetscape to Pittsburgh’s hippest business district, their record as landlords has drawn strong criticism from tenants. And while Wylie has won more than 30 awards for preserving historic buildings, some community-oriented developers say Wylie’s development tactics also help to spur gentrification and, at times, can hold properties hostage in the name of earning profits. Financially, Wylie has become wildly successful, cashing in on the rapidly changing housing market in Lawrenceville and beyond. But what does this mean for the neighborhoods it works in? Rick Swartz, of the community-development organization Bloomfield-Garfield Corp., says residents who are concerned with rising home prices and rents have little ability to keep their neighborhood affordable. “The community has no leverage, either legal or moral, that it can use to stop that from happening,” says Swartz. “What it obviously does, is it raises the stakes of the people in the community that are trying stay.” Starting about 20 years ago, in a small office on Butler Street, Wylie began scooping up properties for cheap, mostly in Lawrenceville. It purchased lots and homes, sometimes for only a few hundred dollars, through private estate sales and from the city of Pittsburgh and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Since then, Wylie has bought and sold hundreds of properties. Some properties it remodeled and sold within a couple of years, making hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit, while creating homes Wylie is proud of. “We saw potential where others didn’t,” wrote Wylie business manager Joe Edelstein in an email to CP. (Wylie would only agree to answer questions for this story by email.) “There were few, if any, other interested buyers, and it was a risky business strategy that involved buying hundreds of small properties with hopes of spurring revitalization in the long run.” With dozens of these properties, Wylie made no improvements and sold them for amounts that were sometimes more than 20 times its original investment. The company is currently employing this strategy on a lot in Bloomfield, which it purchased in 2014 for $6,800 from Bank of New York Mellon. The gravel lot is next to the new 39-unit affordable-housing building for veterans on Penn Avenue and Mathilda Street. Affordable-housing nonprofit Action Housing developed the property, and its director, Linda Metropulos, says Action tried to purchase the adjacent, Wylie-owned lot twice to use as an extra parking lot for tenants (initially for $32,000 and later for $52,000). Wylie refused, and the gravel lot, originally listed at $300,000, is currently under contract. According to a review of Allegheny County property-record data, when factoring in purchase and sale prices, as well as renovation costs listed in Pittsburgh’s permit department, Wylie made more than $3 million in profit from property sales and flips in 2016. Of this $3 million, $1.6 million was earned from land speculation alone. Since 1998, Wylie has purchased 171 properties, mostly in Lawrenceville, and has sold 54 of those so far. Swartz says this puts those who want to create equitable development in neighborhoods behind the eight ball. “The private market is going to do what it wants to do,” says Swartz. “As long as it’s not illegal and conforms to city code, there is not a whole lot people can do to deflect the trend, other than outrun it.” But that strategy likely won’t work for Lawrenceville. Most of Wylie’s properties are in that neighborhood, and the company has had a presence there since the beginning of the neighborhood’s revitalization. For its part, Wylie contributed to Lawrenceville Corporation’s goal of transforming Butler Street by renovating retail spaces along the corridor, which helped attract the hip retailers and restaurants that dominate there today. Swartz says this strategy helped light the fuse for a development explosion, which has contributed to high rents and expensive home sales. Lawrenceville Corporation, a community-development group, has taken steps to address affordable housing over the past couple of years by establishing a Community Land Trust. In it, seven homes will maintain affordability from owner to owner in perpetuity, but Swartz says Lawrenceville Corporation has a long way to go to catch up to Wylie and similar developers. (Wylie recently sold an unrenovated house on the far edge of Lawrenceville, past 57th Street, for $300,000.) “Someone fired the starting pistol, and all the other horses were released from the gate, and [Lawrenceville Corporation] are still back in the gate,” says Swartz.
Are you feeling that someone is trying to spy on you through your computer? If so, keep reading. This article may help you defend yourself against anonymous, unscrupulous people. 1Download antivirus software. This will help protect you and your computer (or other device) from malware. - If you have an Android device, it's recommended you download AVG Antivirus Security or AVG TAB Antivirus Security (if you're using Tab). There are other good brands of antivirus software, too. 2Don't share your personal information with strangers on the internet. Avoid personal contact with any strangers. They may be trying to spy on or steal from you. 3Don't post a lot on Facebook, Twitter, We Chat, etc. The more you post, the easier it will be for strangers to identify and locate you. - Personal information you want to protect includes email address, physical address, phone numbers, passwords and account numbers. - Change your passwords periodically. Also, to avoid phishing attempts, don't click on any link that doesn't begin with "http://" or "https://". An exception to this rule is any website you know you can trust. 4Scan your computer or other device once a day using antivirus software. Delete any infected files. Do not ignore warnings provided by your antivirus software. 5Be wary of any stranger trying to contact you. Don't "friend" anyone you're unsure of or haven't been in contact with for a long time. - "Friends" should be actual friends or family members. 6Beware of hackers posing as someone you know. Don't share personal information, passwords or security questions/answers with anyone you're not positive about. 7Never connect to the internet through a Wi-Fi you're not familiar with. Hackers can use a program called DsPloit to spy on you through certain Wi-Fi connections.Advertisement About This Article Is this article up to date?
Los Angeles, California- August 21, 2015 On August 21st, 2015, Sonicsmiths, an innovative musical sound design company, will release a revolutionary sound creation tool for composers and designers called The Foundry. A game-changing breakthrough by company co-founders Sam Estes and Michael Hobe, The Foundry is certain to enhance its users’ designs, enabling them to quickly produce sounds that are completely original. Sonicsmiths previewed The Foundry at NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) earlier this year to a terrific response. The key component is a revolutionary algorithm titled AARE, which equips The Foundry to draw from over 18,000 samples, 19GB+ of sample content (12+gb compressed), allowing for trillions of ways to manipulate and combine the sounds. In a painless, two-step process, users select several adjectives that describe their ideal sound and press a “randomize” button, which generates a unique instrument patch. Someone wanting a dark, pulsing, mysterious sound, for example, can quickly generate new patches based on those parameters. Composers and sound designers themselves, Estes and Hobe are well attuned to the needs and desires of fellow sound-creators. They worked together on a number of major feature films and then at Cinesamples, where they developed commercial libraries for the public, before founding Sonicsmiths in April of 2014. In conversation with The Examiner, co-developer Sam Estes explains why The Foundry is a must-have for those looking to create the most specific, unique sounds possible. “Composers often have little time to design sounds for their scores and have to rely on preset sounds from libraries to get a ‘tone’ they want. Problem is, once they pull up a preset sound, they now sound like everyone else who has used that sound. So our solution is to create an engine that will generate unique patches based on a style you want.” Sonicsmiths also boasts The Foundry’s key features: “XY Morph” pad which allows 4 different voices to be blended together in real time, a “3-Mode Step Sequencer” that creates unique rhythms and arpeggiations, a Granular Synth engine that can stretch and manipulate any sound, a “body designer”, which manipulates the “core” sounds by sending them through different material types, such as tubes, bricks, and glass.,. The Foundry uses different Groups to select from ranging from Non-pitched and Pitched and Simple to Complex: Beds and Pads (tonal sustained layers), Textures (a-Tonal, moving material), FX (Single One-Shot Hits, FX, and Short Articulated Instruments), and Rhythmics (Sonic “Kits”). The Foundry may be purchased through Big Fish Audio at www.bigfishaudio.com/The-Foundry.
In the sweltering days of summer, turning on the air conditioner is likely the first thing you do when entering your car. Nothing beats the sweet relief of pushing your face toward the car air conditioner vents as chilled air starts pouring into the cabin. You may even sigh as you temporarily escape an atmosphere so full of humidity you swear you could wear it. You’ve probably never stopped to think about how car air conditioning works. What’s going on mechanically to get that gloriously cool breeze flowing over your cheeks? Well, it’s actually pretty nifty. How does car air conditioning work? Here’s exactly what happens when you flick the switch to turn your car air conditioner on: - A compressor pressurizes and compresses a refrigerant (which is now a gas). - The compressed refrigerant moves to a condenser between your grille and radiator. A fan cools the refrigerant, which leaves the condenser as a liquid. - After a short visit to a receiver/dryer, which removes moisture from the AC system, the liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve or orifice tube, depending on the make and model. - As it passes through the valve or tube, the refrigerant turns back into a gas, reducing the pressure and dropping its temperature. - An evaporator removes leftover heat as a blower sends air over the cooled refrigerant into your vehicle. (It’s similar to blowing across an ice cube.) - The refrigerant returns to the compressor and the process starts over. What is a refrigerant? A refrigerant cools or freezes something. A refrigerant called R12 was the most common type used in air conditioning for cars for decades. The Environmental Protection Agency banned it 20 years ago because of concerns over potential harm to the ozone layer. Its replacement, R134A, is now facing a similar fate. The EPA is calling for it to be phased out in vehicles over the next several years in favor of more environmentally friendly substances. What does it mean to have the AC system charged? Many drivers have their systems charged because of a leak in a seal or line, or in a major component such as the compressor, condenser or evaporator. Some technicians run colored dye through the system to identify potential trouble spots. What about the stuff at the local automotive parts store for a DIY charge? AC charge kits are pretty common. Be careful not to overcharge the system by adding too much refrigerant, which can have the same impact as not having enough of the chemical. Be sure to follow the directions that come with each kit. What’s the difference between the fresh air and recirculation cycles? A vehicle’s recirculation cycle uses already refrigerated air from the cabin and runs it through the air conditioning system once more. While this might seem like a way to get even colder air, it’s a good idea to use your fresh air cycle. Doing so can limit the potential for mold buildup in the system. Need your car air conditioner fixed? Be sure to bring your car to a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop. For all things cars, including driver resources, vehicle buying, maintenance and repair and roadside assistance, click here.
Sreda, 12. oktobar 2016. godine, 15h Sala 1, I sprat, Zgrada instituta SANU, Knez Mihailova 36 Mercoledì 12 ottobre sarò a Belgrado presso l’Accademia di Scienza e delle Arti Muzikološki institut SANU – Institute of Musicology SASA per raccontare la nostra articolata e diffusa esperienza intorno al progetto “Narrare il territorio” tra raccolta sonora ed etnografica – e, in particolare, la ricerca-azione Come ti suona? How Does that Sound to You? From Soundscapes to Memories’ Collection: A Way to Map and Narrate Territories through Active Listening The workshop “How does that sound to you?” took place between September 2015 and March 2016 in the Community of Alto Garda e Ledro (Northern Italy). It has been conceived and curated by Sara Maino, for the team “Portobeseno”, as a cultural and artistic project concerning soundscapes and ethnography’s research. The aim was to involve young people in an educational path in order to explore and to narrate their territory, the Sarca valley, through sounds, memories and meetings with the old people.
Freedom has its own cost and prize. Getting freedom is not a very easy task. It may ask many sacrifices and losses. The freedom has its own definition. It depends on the nature of freedom. or who or why we want to be free? What making you prisoner? Why do you think it is a prison? what is the main reason you want to come out? I am not talking about the outlaws. The person could be an outlaw of his or her own mind. You don’t have to do something against the law. Sometimes, you just do the things against your own desires and wishes. You struggle to make a decision which is right or wrong. You make mistakes which you do not have control over. You still want to repeat that mistake because you feel yourself incomplete or unsatisfied. Being unsatisfied is just a game of hunger. You can fight with the world, and you could win or loss which really depends on your determination. However, it is hard to fight with your inner self which we called a soul. For a human, it is very difficult to win his or her soul because the human mind is greedy or confused. The story is about one of my patients. Due to confidentiality, her real name has been changed so I will refer her as Maxi. She is an alcoholic and homeless. For the past five years, I get the chance of meeting her at least 2-3 times a week. The police officer often picks her up from the different stores. Of course, she always comes drunk, and some minor abrasions/cuts on her forehead. I have never seen her coming sober with valid medical complaints. All staff members love her but they do often get frustrated due to her alcoholism. Yes, I always agree with the staff. I never paid attention to her until last night. There was some specific reason which makes me pay attention to her. Maxi is 45 years old alcoholic without any psychiatric issues. Of course, everyone blames her for his own condition. Everybody hates going close to her because she never takes shower or changes her clothes or brush her teeth. Either entire staff or Max herself don’t know when she has changed her clothes last time or has taken shower. Last week, one of my best friends named Ziva has suffered from emotional trauma. She was a totally changed person. However, her emotional traumatic injury has brought significant changes in her life. Her nickname is a tornado. She is a hard worker and has great faith in God and her love. She has abandoned and was left alone by her loved one. The woman who was against the alcohol, I have witnessed her lying around in her own vomiting and urine and of course was intoxicated. Once she was known as a woman with courage, self-respected, and full of dignity. I knew Ziva since my childhood. I have never seen her in this bad condition. Suddenly I remember what was happened with her last week. So Ziva did have a specific reason for her condition. Everybody has blamed her current situation for her traumatic emotional injury. Everybody including myself has sympathy and empathy with Ziva. How about Maxi? What was her life five years ago? Nobody has made any attempt to know her story. Yes everybody blamed alcoholism for being her homeless and jobless. Each time, the medic or the police officer will find her on the floor being intoxicated; of course, we will do our medical part which includes scanning her head to make sure she does not have intracranial bleed, then always discharge back to the street when she gets sober. Sometimes, the social worker has attempted to send her to rehab. However, Maxi always returns on the streets within a week or so. None of us raise the question to find out what is an actual reason behind her alcoholism. Last night, The police officer and EMS crew brought Maxi again with the same issues. Everybody including the hospital staff, paramedic, and cops standing outside of her room, and busy blaming her. Suddenly my friend’s recent trauma came in my mind. I confronted everybody and advised to leave the area. I asked many questions from myself and others but none of us came to conclusion. Everybody thinks Maxi is responsible for her own condition. Everybody also admitted that Maxi should be somewhere in the rehab facility or should be locked down for her own or others safety. The country is already facing healthcare issues. Most mental health and rehab/addiction facilities have been shut down due to a financial budget issues. I saw Ziva’s face when I looked at Max. It was a very slow day in the ED so I just sat by her. She hesitated first. She loves eating foods. So I bought some hot coffee with donuts. As against the rules, I did sit by her and ate my breakfast with her. Suddenly her facial expression changed and tears has covered her cheeks. She said, “thanks a lot”. She said slowly nobody care about her since she was 13th years old. Maxi said some people came forward to help her but got their fees by raping her including her stepfather and brother which left a non-erasable impression on her both mind and brain. It hurt my own feeling that how easily we make a judgment against somebody. so please help these kinds of people without making any judgment. Sometimes those people just need little empathy, loving, and tender care. Yes, we as a society certainly make a difference.
background: 4366 Ohio Street Living Room detail a separate project in the foreground: 4366 Ohio Street Prospectus, 2012; edition of 200 in letterpress printed by New Byzantium, Los Angeles 4366 Ohio Street is a sculpture, but one that is published. It is a full-scale, paper reconstruction of a house in southern California that is being published, room by room, as a series of eleven print editions. The house comprises a total of eleven rooms and outdoor spaces, each to be produced in a different publication. Because each publication has different parameters, each room has a completely different appearance from the others. This heterogeneity underscores the construction method: a room for 4366 Ohio Street is made only within the confines of a predetermined, two-dimensional space. The conditions of a specific publication determine an individual edition’s size, printing method, dimensions, paper, and color. An edition is developed by dividing the selected room’s surface area—walls, ceiling, floor—into a grid with hundreds or even thousands of cells of equal size. The dimensions and total number of the cells are calculated so that a single cell is printed or inserted in every copy of the publication. An edition consists of the printed pages or inserts of these cells at 1:1 scale, accompanied by a diagram of the room in which every cell has been assigned a number. Each print bears a hand-stamped number corresponding with that of a cell in the diagram, and designating its specific placement in the room’s overall construction. The number and singular location make each print unique. If all the printed cells for a room were assembled according to the diagram they would form a sculpture of that room, but this is an unlikely event. The prints are dispersed as part of a publication’s normal distribution process, causing them to be owned by people who in most cases are unknown to me or to each other. The closer I get to finishing the house, the more fragmented it becomes, structurally and geographically. The work, which someday will be complete in principle, can never be completed in fact––that is, assembled into a whole all of whose elements are present at once. The actual 4366 Ohio Street is the house where I grew up and that my parents never owned. They rented it for nearly 30 years, the length of a mortgage. 4366 Ohio Street Bathroom, 2013 published on inside front and back covers of Demolition Woman catalogue, Guggenheim Gallery at Chapman University ink on paper; 197 prints, each 12 x 17 in / 30 x 43 cm; overall bathroom dimensions 96 x 72 x 84 in / 2.4 x 1.5 x 2.1 m 4366 Ohio Street Living Room, 2012 published by Commonwealth & Council, Los Angeles, CA printed by New Byzantium, Los Angeles, CA silkscreen and hand-stamped ink on paper; 202 prints, each 24 x 24 in. / 61 x 61 cm; overall living room dimensions: 96 x 192 x 144 in. / 2.4 x 4.9 x 3.7 m. 4366 Ohio Street Garage, 2008 published on pages 118-119 of the 2008 California Biennial catalogue, Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach, CA ink on paper; 2496 prints, each 6 x 8 in. / 15 x 20 cm.; overall garage dimensions: 96 x 144 x 192 in. / 2.4 x 3.7 x 4.9 m. In the above image, the garage is diagrammed as if it were unfolded like a six-sided box. This layout is applied to most of the diagrams that follow. 4366 Ohio Street Hallway, 2008 Xerox and hand-stamped ink on paper; 252 prints, each 12 x 12 in. / 30 x 30 cm.; overall hallway dimensions: 96 x 96 x 36 in. / 244 x 244 x 91 cm. 4366 Ohio Street Patio, 2006 published in North Drive Press #3, New York, NY Diazo print, hand-stamped ink on paper; 518 prints, each 8 x 10 in. or 8 x 16 in. / 20 x 25 or 20 x 41 cm.; overall patio dimensions: 96 x 180 x 120 in. / 2.5 x 4.6 x 3 m. Transfer (4366 Ohio Street dining room), 2004 waxed paper, transfer paper, Xerox on paper; 468 elements, each 11 x 17 in. / 28 x 43 cm.; overall room dimensions: 96 x 108 x 120 in. / 2.4 x 2.7 x 3 m.
Life is unpredictable. Being a plaintiff in a personal injury case verifies this fact. Being injured by someone else’s negligence proves that it pays to prepare for the unexpected. If the unexpected leave your family without you, make sure that they have the maximum protection and that your wishes are respected. A Simple Will might be perfect for you if you have no children, or your children are now adults and you have no fear about them ever divorcing or being sued. A Simple Will is a Will without protective trusts or asset protection tools. This type of Will appoints your executor and then divides your assets outright to your named heirs. Wills With Protective Trusts. A Simple Will is not a good tool if you have minor children, wish to provide heirs protection from divorce or lawsuits, if you have a Special Needs Child or if you wish to make sure your assets stay within your family. To meet these goals, your Wills and Trusts Attorney can draft you a Will with Protective Trusts crafted to address your specific concerns. - Trusts for Minor Children: A Will can form trusts at your death to hold your minor child’s’ inheritances. The trust can give the Trustee the right to use the inheritance to provide for your children while protecting the assets. By forming the trust in your Will, you get to pick the Trustee rather than the court picking, someone, to hold the minor child’s inheritance. Further, you can pick the age when your child takes control rather than the child automatically getting the money at age 18. - Trusts Providing Protection for Your Adult Children: Your will can also form a trust with language that allows the use of trust assets for your child as an adult, but protects the assets from divorce, lawsuits and future inheritance taxes. - Special Needs Trusts: If your child or grandchild is eligible for needs-based government benefits, an inheritance by simple will can be disastrous. The inheritance may disqualify the child from government benefits just when you, the responsible person who protects them, has died. Instead, an experienced Special Needs Trust Attorney can draft a Special Needs Trust in your Will that does not disqualify the child for needs-based benefits but does allow the trustee to provide your child with extra care. - Trusts Keeping Money in the Family: Your experienced Estate Planning Lawyer can craft a trust that requires that your estate is only used to provide benefits for your descendants. A simple will gives money directly to your child who may give the money at death to his or her spouse. That money may well end up with the next husband or wife, not your grandchildren. A trust can help prevent this result. Have a Will Crafted to Address Your Specific Needs. Trusts can be crafted to address many different problems. A free consult with an experienced Wills and Trusts Attorney can help determine what trust terms address your specific situation. Further, a consultation can help outline the plan which provides the maximum protection to your loved ones. It takes many years to learn the ins-and-outs of drafting trusts. A special thanks to our authors at Klenk Law for their insight into Personal Injury and Family Law.
The following is an excerpt of the proof that if a connected graph has all vertices of even degree that is has an euler tour. We must prove that every connected graph with all vertices of even degree is eulerian. We shall prove this by contradiction. Suppose there exists a connected graph with all vertices of even degree that is not eulerian. Among such graphs, let $G$ be one with the smallest number of edges. Let T be a longest trail in $G$. Since every vertex in $G$ has even degree and $T$ cannot be extended, $T$ must be a closed trail. My question is regarding to this last statement. Why is it true that $T$ must be a closed trail?
ABOUT DON VALLEY VILLAGE Known for its steep hills and green valleys, Don Valley Village is a neighborhood in North York, Toronto. Its boundaries are set by Leslie Street to the west, Highway 404 to the east, Sheppard Avenue to the south, and Finch Avenue to the north. Postal Code: M2K During the 19th century, the area was used as farmland with several farming hamlets. The region has two iconic landmarks that recall this period: The Alexander Muirhead Victorian farmhouse and the Zion Schoolhouse. In the 1960s, this piece of productive land became a suburban solution for the ever-growing population of Toronto. Looking for development, the city planners offered deals to buyers who wanted to trade in their old house for a new, more modern home with three bedrooms. The neighborhood growth is evidenced by its numerous healthcare facilities and schools, and an efficient transportation system. The area has two boards for public education, the separate Toronto Catholic District School Board and the secular Toronto District School Board. These school boards offer multiple elementary and middle school alternatives for the neighborhood and surrounding areas. Don Valley Village also offers many recreational options for locals and visitors. These include several municipal parks, and The Fairview branch of the Toronto Public Library, which is considered the most significant public library system in Canada. Nowadays, this neighborhood is a multi-ethnic, developed community with different housing options such as split-level and semi-detached homes with Georgian, Tudor, and contemporary style. It also has a reliable and efficient transportation system that connects the region with the rest of the city and the country. If you live in or around Don Valley Village neighborhood and you find that you need a locksmith to help you get back into your home or your car, call Matrix Locksmith at (647) 931-7446. Being locked out of your property is one of the least pleasant things that can happen to anyone. When it happens, your plans for the day are suddenly jeopardized as you now have to solve an unforeseen problem that, according to your mind, might take you hours to solve. The first thing one must do is calm down and remember that this is something that happens to everyone relatively often. Call our 24-hour locksmith Don Valley Village service. Our Live operator is waiting to assist you with your emergency call. locksmith near me Keys locked inside your car or house – Being locked out of your property is one of the least pleasant things that can happen to anyone. When it happens, your plans for the day are suddenly jeopardized as you now have to solve an unforeseen problem that, according to your mind, might take you hours to solve. You definitely lost your key – It happens to the best of us. Opening your locked door is not enough. You need a new set of duplicate keys. Broken Key extraction – Fortunately, Matrix Locksmith mobile units come equipped with everything a master technician needs to extract your key within minutes without damaging your lock. Car Ignition repair or replacement – The car Ignition cylinder is a very sturdy piece of hardware. However, imperfections might make it impossible for you to start your car, thus creating the need to fix or replace the cylinder. Contact us at anytime from anywhere in Toronto for Any Locksmith services
The Lower Gunpowder Falls watershed is located entirely within the central eastern portion of Baltimore County, Maryland. The watershed is located in the Coastal Plain and Eastern Piedmont regions, two of three distinct eco-regions identified in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDDNR) Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) metrics. The Loch Raven Dam divides the Loch Raven watershed from the Lower Gunpowder Falls. The watershed begins at the Loch Raven Reservoir dam and flows generally towards the east. Where it meets the tidal portions of Gunpowder River, it becomes the Gunpowder River watershed. Major tributaries in the watershed include Minebank Run, Long Green Creek, Sweathouse Run, Haystack Branch, Jennifer Branch, and Bean Run. The watershed is within the Gunpowder River Basin (Maryland 6-digit 021308), which also includes the Prettyboy Reservoir, Loch Raven Reservoir, Little Gunpowder Falls, Bird River, Middle River – Browns, and the mainstem Gunpowder River as subwatersheds. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) identified of the waters of the Lower Gunpowder Falls watershed on the State’s 2014 Integrated Report as impaired by multiple pollutants. The Lower Gunpowder Falls watershed is associated with two assessment units in Maryland’s Integrated Report: a non-tidal 8-digit watershed (02130802) and an estuary portion (Chesapeake Bay segment: Gunpowder Oligahaline (GUNOH)). A data solicitation for total suspended solids (TSS)/sediment was conducted by MDE in December 2014, and all readily available data have been considered. The TMDL, available below, will ensure that watershed sediment loads are at a level that supports the Use Class I/III/IV designation for the Lower Gunpowder Falls watershed. The TMDL will address water clarity problems and associated impacts to aquatic life in Lower Gunpowder Falls caused by high sediment and TSS concentrations. The sediment TMDL for the Gunpowder River Oligohaline Chesapeake Bay segment in the 2010 Chesapeake Bay TMDL addresses the Use Class II impairment. Other pollutants identified for the watershed either have been addressed or will be addressed in the future. Total Maximum Daily Load of Sediment in the Lower Gunpowder Falls Watershed, Baltimore County, MD (Approved on May 4, 2017) Additional Supporting Information Biological Stressor Identification Lower Gunpowder Falls Watershed Report (656KB) Biological Stressor Identification Methodology (459KB) Nontidal Sediment TMDL Methodology Report (361KB) Addendum to the Nontidal Sediment TMDL Methodology Report (23KB) Please direct questions or comments concerning this project to Maryland's TMDL Program at (410) 537-3818. 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230
Check out my tips on handling grief, loss, and disappointment on the Class Pass’ blog, The Warm Up (Excerpt below)! Whether it’s disappointment, scary events, sad news or heartbreak, everyone has something tough to face. The pain that can come with any of these is common to us all and can threaten to derail us if we don’t take steps to work through it. Working through it, of course, doesn’t mean just locking feelings up in a box and ignoring them (hello, recipe for disaster and future meltdown). Nor does it mean retreating into endless sadness or isolation for an indeterminate amount of time. We need to process, to grieve, to allow ourselves to feel everything we’re going through, and eventually, we need to face the reality of moving through the situation. If you’ve been through something that fits these categories—and we bet you have—you’ll be familiar with the harsh truth that the world continues on, which can sometimes feel cold, like the rest of the universe doesn’t acknowledge how hard things are right now. It’s important to always take the time you need to work through your situation before you try to move through it. To tackle tough news without losing your spirit for too long, consider this expert advice from Megan Bruneau, a New York City-based psychotherapist
- Not to be confused with the Federation research station on Excelcion. The Federated Force research station is a research facility belonging to the Galactic Federation. It is only seen in Metroid Prime: Federation Force, if the Federation Force completes the bonus objective of M17: Infestation by securing a Metroid Egg. This location is where that egg was later brought for research. In the game's Bonus Ending (attained by completing the mentioned bonus objective), an unknown invidual revealed to be Sylux sneaks in to the station and forcibly causes the Metroid Egg to hatch, revealing an Infant Metroid. It is unknown where this facility is located, or what the Bounty Hunter is to do with this Metroid. The name "Federated Force" is a misnomer from Logan Foster, the artist who worked on the cutscene.
Deep into the days of summer, I’m sharing a post that I wrote last year for my church’s website. With an early spring snow, this year’s garden is behind schedule, but what a treasure it was to discover hearty, red-veined beet leaves during a just-before-dusk weeding session last night . . . Once the dew dries today, I will amble up to the garden and pick enough tomatoes to fill my Maine Garden Hod. There’s no stopping those plants now, and if I don’t hurry up and pick enough green tomatoes for our favorite relish — well, there just won’t be any green tomatoes up there. While I’m picking, I’ll take note of the dill’s progress. Two days ago (when I last picked tomatoes, but who’s complaining?) the sprays of small yellow flowers were pale fireworks. Poet, Luci Shaw would say, “They lift their lovely, loose exactness.” Somehow, in spite of their diminutive size, they were still of interest to the honey bees. However, today, I expect that I will see signs of the flowers going to seed, a good thing if you like to make dilly beans, as I do. I have seen lots of recipes for other delicious and satisfying uses of dill: cold cucumber soup with fresh dill, beautiful heads of dill floating delicately in big canning jars full of colorful veggies. But for right now, for today, my dill reminds me to dream big, to expect great things, because soon I will harvest all the dill seeds I can capture. They will scatter and flee as I snip the dry stalks, but most of it will make its way into a brown paper bag to dry. Once dry, it will spend the winter in a quart jar, on a shelf in the basement for next year’s dilly beans. If it weren’t for the fact that next summer I will be harvesting bushels of green beans, I might even forget it was there; but summer will come again, and the abundance of this fall will result in crisp, pickled beans next year. Abundance is a lesson some of us have to learn by rote. My patient husband and I had our first argument (26 years ago) in a grocery store, and the controversy found its gnarled roots in the issue of abundance. He had grown up in a house where the pantry was full and the spice cupboard was a museum devoted to a long history of past recipes. On the other hand, shopping had been a day-to-day thing in my growing up years, and it seemed to me that I had unwittingly married someone who wanted to spend our net worth on food. I’m still learning about abundance, but not by looking into my full cupboards . . . and refrigerator . . . and freezer . . . and pantry. (We’ve definitely come to an understanding about the merits of a well-stocked kitchen.) Now, when I need a lesson in abundance, I go to the Source. Paul is practically crowing in Romans 11 when he exclaims about the deep wealth of God’s wisdom and His rich and inscrutable nature. I am exhaust-able, and often exhausted, but I will never exhaust the resources of God and His Word, and so I read and ponder — not to arrive at a “theology of everything,” (. . . but wouldn’t that be great?). I come back to the Source to be reminded of abundance, to dream along with Isaiah and the Apostle Paul about all that God wants to do and His “unsearchable” ability to carry out all that He has planned. “All these things my hand has made, [says the Lord], and so all these things came to be:” [dill seed and honey bees, tomatoes and patient husbands], “But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word,” (Isaiah 66:2) Tremble at His Word. Tremble at His abundance. Subscribe to get regular Bible studies and book reviews from Living Our Days delivered to your inbox. Just enter your e-mail address in the box at the top of this page. I link-up with a number of blogging communities on a regular basis. They are listed in the left sidebar by day of the week. I hope that you will take a moment to enjoy reading the work of some of these fine writers and thinkers.
On Wednesday, January 20, 2019, a group of high school students from Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw (VLHS) and Lutheran High Westland (LHWL) traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the March for Life. Below are the accounts from one teacher and one student who experienced the March for the first time. Jeaneen Wyly, LHWL teacher We took 13 students and 2 adults from Lutheran Westland, none of whom had ever participated in the March before. We rode with Cris Urbytes, from Valley Lutheran in Saginaw, who organized it all. They brought about 40 parents and students. (They take this trip every other year.) When we arrived, we visited the Holocaust Museum and then attended a Youth Rally and Expo. There, students heard great speakers talk about pro-life science, how to reach out in love to those who may be in crisis, “baby boxes” and the new movie Unplanned. That night, we visited national monuments and heard a guided tour about some of the U.S.’s Christian roots. The next morning, we took a tour of the Capitol building and then participated in the Rally and March. We were all surprised by the sheer number of participants as well as the variety of their backgrounds (Catholic, Lutheran, Jewish, and secular). One of the highlights of the March was when our group ended up next to the LCMS contingent and marched with them, including singing “Jesus Loves Me” with President Harrison and reading the First Amendment aloud. After the March, we heard some women share their post-abortion stories on the Supreme Court stairs and then we picked up some of the trash (signs) left from the March. We reconvened on MLK day where students shared what they had learned from the entire experience and how we’d like to move forward. Abby Milatz, LHWL sophomore I went to the March for Life with my school, Lutheran High Westland, and Valley Lutheran in Saginaw. We left on Wednesday, Jan. 20 and returned on Saturday, Jan. 23. There were close to 50 kids and 8 adults. We traveled by bus to and from Michigan, and did a lot of walking throughout Washington, D.C. While we were in D.C., we visited several places. My favorite was the Holocaust Museum. I love learning about history, and it was eye-opening to see that much death. But it was also great to learn about the people who helped saving others. In regards to the March for Life, two things inspired me very much. First, we got to see the premiere for “Unplanned,” the incredible story about Abby Johnson, an abortion clinic director turned pro-life advocate. The movie really opened my eyes to how abortion actually works. Secondly, the sheer amount of people at this march really shows how many pro-life advocates there are. I learned that over 60 million kids were innocently killed since the Roe vs. Wade court ruling. I honestly didn’t know how much this case impacted America today. I hope women will realize that abortion is not the first option. Women can turn to crisis pregnancy centers or find adoption agencies that will gladly help them take care of the child. I think that teens can help create pro-life groups at school, because during the trip we were shown that we do make a difference. It can be as simple as volunteering at a pregnancy help clinic to teach women that abortion isn’t the answer. For more coverage on the recent March for Life, visit the LCMS Facebook page. Featured image at the top: the whole group from both high schools. Photos courtesy of VLHS and LHWL.
Bryansk Region, cesium, Chernobyl accident, contaminated land nuclear fallout, contamination zone, dangers of nuclear, EIA, environmental impact nuclear, exclusion zone, fire prevention, fires near Chernobyl, forest fire, nuclear accident, nuclear energy, nuclear power, plutonium, radiation risk, radioactive contamination, radioactive smoke, Radionuclides Smoltering Peat Fire by Greenpeace Russia Peat Fire in the Bryansk Region: News – May 4, 2015 Greenpeace staff again found dozens of areas, including in the area of Chernobyl [fallout] trace. None of the regional authorities knew about them. [Note: A GBq is one billion becquerels (i.e. radioactive emissions per second; a kilogram (kg) is 2.2 pounds; 6 million hectares is 60,000 square kilometers; 23,166 square miles; 14.8 million acres.] Below is the Abstract of an article about fires-fire prevention in the areas most severely contaminated by Chernobyl: 6 million hectares (14.8 million acres). The UK, Norway, Sweden and Finland were also highly contaminated from Chernobyl and remain so (1,000 plus Bq/kg of Cs in Reindeer and sheep). Most of Europe was very contaminated in a splotchy way and remains so (sometimes more than the 600 Bq/kg allowed in German Wild Boar). It was largely the luck of the draw of wind and rain. By allowing over 1,500 Bq/kg in American food (15 x more than Japan’s 100 Bq/kg), the US government has pre-rigged the system so that people will be forced to stay on contaminated land and will have no legal recourse, when an old nuclear reactor pressure vessel fails and when there are more nuclear dump leaks (e.g. WIPP). This is why radiation exposure standards for air, food, and water are the most important of all. Since ultra contaminated food, water and land are now acceptable, then an exploded nuclear reactor pressure vessel is also now acceptable. https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2015/04/24/us-radionuclides-in-imported-foods-levels-of-concern/ “International Forest Fire News (IFFN) No. 32 (January – June 2005, 119-125) Transport of Radioactive Materials by Wildland fires in the Chernobyl Accident Zone: How to Address the Problem” by Sergey I. Dusha-Gudym All-Russian Research Institute for Silviculture and Mechanization of Forestry (VNIILM) Pushkino, Moscow Region As a result of failure on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant a total of six million hectares (ha) of forest lands were polluted by radionuclides. The most polluted forest area covers over 2 million ha in Gomel and Mogilev regions of Byelorussia (Belarus), in Kiev region of the Ukraine and in Bryansk region of the Russian Federation. The main contaminator is caesium-137 (137Cs); in the core zones of contamination strontium-90 (90Sr) and plutonium-239 (239Pu) are found in high concentrations. Radioactive emissions from wildfires occurring in contaminated vegetation represent a high risk for firefighters. In addition populations are affected by radioactive smoke particles transported over long distances. The most contaminated territories are located in the closed zone around Chernobyl in the Ukraine and the Polessky state radiation-ecological reserve in Gomel region of Byelorussia. Here the soils are concentrated with highest contamination by radionuclides. The total area of the reserve is 215,500 ha. Soils contaminated by concentrations ranging from 1517 to 2,960 GBq/km2 cover 40% of the territory of the reserve. Here there are also sites contaminated by Sr-90 and Pu-239. The closed zone in the Ukraine covers the an area of over 100,000 ha contaminated by Cs-137, Sr-90, Pu-239. The considerable part of forest areas of adjoining districts in Gomel, Mogilev and Bryansk regions have also high level of radioactive contamination. This region constitutes the largest area in the world with the highest contamination by radionuclides and is located in a fire-prone forest environment in the centre of Europe. Every year several hundred to several thousand of wildfires are occurring here affecting forests, peatlands, extended areas of contaminated and abandoned agricultural lands and former estates. The population of this area is 4.5 million people. During fires on the abandoned lands and other open areas the surface fuels contaminated by radionuclides – the grass layer and the surface layer of peat fields – are burnt practically completely. Extended radioactive fires occurred in the closed zones in 1992: In the Ukrainian part 12,000 ha of forest were burnt, in the Byelorussian part – 1,200 ha. Outside the closed zone fires covered 870 ha of forest lands in Gomel and Mogilev regions. In Bryansk region the area of radio-active fires was less than 200 ha. As a result of the fires Cs-137 radionuclides were lifted and transported by the smoke to the territory of Russia, especially in May and August 1992. In 1993-2001 a total of 770 wildfires in the closed zone of the Ukraine affected 2482 ha (4.4 % forest, > 95 % abandoned lands and agricultural estates. In the period 1993-2000 186 wildfires occurred in the closed zone of Byelorussia and affected an area of 3136 ha including 1458 ha of forest (46.5 %). A number of measures are proposed to prevent the occurrence of fires in the contaminated areas, thus reducing the emission of radioactive particles and the contamination of fire service personnel and population by ionic radiation. Besides fire prevention measures practical actions include remote detection of forest fires, remote methods of fire suppression, and breathing protection of firefighters.” Emphasis our own. Read the article and see maps and graphs here: http://www.fire.uni-freiburg.de/iffn/iffn_32/20-Dusha-Gudym.pdf Learn about the global fire monitoring center here: http://www.fire.uni-freiburg.de [NOTE THAT DEPENDING ON WIND DIRECTION THE RADIONUCLIDES FROM THE FIRES MAY BE TRANSPORTED TO EUROPE, TURKEY, ETC., AS WELL AS RUSSIA.]
Roll over Beethoven. When it comes to old violins versus new, researchers earlier this year found that audiences in New York and Paris preferred the newer models over three revered Stradivarius violins. Maybe that’s just as well. Rare musical instruments topped private bank Coutts’ Passion Index of collectable assets, released last week, with a 16.4% gain in 2016, compared to a modest 1.2% rise for the index as a whole (the annual average rise stands at 5.3%). So, you might say antique violins are best left out of a fiddler’s reach. Classic cars were the worst-performing assets of last year, falling in value by 10.4%. Yet over the 12 years of the index, cars are still out in front, having risen by 331.9%. Rare musical instruments, including violins, have only managed a 28.8% rise in that time, and prices tend to be volatile. The previous year saw a loss of almost 11%. Still, rare musical instruments appear to have weathered last year’s slowdown better than most. High-end examples generally hold their value well, according to Steve Rosenbush in a 2014 article in The Wall Street Journal. Some can even increase their value. A violin made by Giuseppe filius Andrea Guarneri in Cremona during the Italian city’s golden age of violin-making between 1650 and 1750 can be worth over a million dollars today. A decade or so ago, it would have fetched up to $600,000, notes Rosenbush. In 2011, the “Lady Blunt” Stradivarius, named after a previous owner, who kept it in remarkably good nick, fetched $15.9m in an online auction, with the proceeds going to help victims of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated parts of Japan that year. Yet, even that record price paid for a violin wasn’t to stand long. Just a year later, the Vieuxtemps Guarneri, made by Giuseppe Guarneri’s son, Bartolomeo, around the middle of the 18th century, is believed to have changed hands for $16m, making it the world’s most expensive violin to date. In April this year, a violin made in 1684 by the most famous of all luthiers, Antonio Stradivari, fetched £1.6m in London. But perhaps the most coveted of all violins is held by the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. It is the “Messiah” Stradivarius, made in 1716 by Antonio Stradivari, and it is in impressive condition. A Stradivarius violin is “like a sculpture, and compared with Rodin and Michelangelo, they are still undervalued”, London-based restorer Florian Leonhard tells CNN’s Nick Glass. Leonhard believes he has discovered the Messiah’s sister after an expert confirmed it was cut from the same spruce tree and made a year later in 1717. If he’s right, the “New Messiah” could be worth up to $20m. How to buy a Strad There are four things that, broadly speaking, give a violin its worth, says Classic FM’s Maddy Shaw Roberts. The first is its branded name or maker. “The Stradivari family’s violins are the high-water mark of stringed instruments” for their “unrivalled sound and quality”. Similarly, “the Guarneri family’s violins are rare, and known for their beautifully unique union of Venetian and Cremonese styles”. Antique value is another factor. “If an instrument was made 300 years ago, you can generally assume that it will be more expensive than one made last year. The value of most instruments appreciate with age.” Knowing which renowned musicians have played on it over the years can also add value. Sound quality is important but can be contentious, as the results of the research experiment mentioned in the main article above proves. “Some argue that older violins have a more resonant sound because of the way they’re made and the material used,” says Shaw Roberts. For example, “there’s a school of thought that the wood used by Stradivari was denser than today’s because of a mini ice age”. Lastly, there’s craftsmanship. “A handmade instrument requires intensive labour, specific materials, and the time of a highly trained professional” in a way that machine-made musical instruments don’t. After all, as Shaw Roberts notes, you would pay more for a rare piece of handmade jewellery than a run-of-the-mill bracelet. Violins are no different. William Shakespeare’s birthplace is to be the subject of a mock auction tomorrow held by estate agents Sheldon Bosley Knight in Stratford-upon-Avon to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the purchase of the playwright’s house for the nation. Apparently fearing that American circus magnate PT Barnum intended to buy the ramshackle home and ship it piecemeal to the US, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Britain’s oldest conservation charity, was formed in 1847 to buy the property with the support of Prince Albert. It paid £3,000. The deeds to the grave of Eleanor Rigby – the supposed inspiration for the famous Beatles song of the same name – failed to meet its £2,000 reserve price on Monday. The burial plot in Liverpool is close to a shortcut Paul McCartney and John Lennon used to use, despite McCartney having previously insisted he made up the name. However, Omega Auctions had better luck with an unreleased George Harrison recording, which fetched £14,000.
Adam Kemp: Hi, I am Adam Kemp, and today we are learning about Internal Combustion engines. For this clip, I am going to demonstrate priming and starting this Internal Combustion engine. In order to start your Internal Combustion engine, there is a few main steps you need to take in order to get it started. First of which is to use a pair of safety glasses. Next, if it's an old engine, you are going to need to check the spark plug because overtime the spark plug could have rusted or it could be fouled if it has extended periods of use. Next we are going to check our air filter to make sure that it's not fouled and in this case, it is brand new. Next we are going to check and make sure that we have gasoline inside of our gas tank. A nice tool to have is a funnel which is going to help allow get the gasoline in to the gas tank and not on to the ground. The final step we are going to take before starting our engine is to see if the engine has oil in it. In order to do so engines are equipped with a dip stick that is going to show you the level of the oil in your engine. If we look -- we are good. Next, we are going to check the ON/OFF switch which is the kill switch on the engine, in case you want to turn off the engine. We are going to put it in to the ON position, we are going to come over to our carburetor, we are going to press the prime pump to the manufacturer's specification and in this case, it is three pumps. That's going to introduce some gasoline in to the carburetor to help start the process -- to help in the starting process. Using a firm surface, I am going to hold the engine with one hand, place my foot on the bottom and give it a good pull back on the starting cable. What this is going to do is it's going to move the engine physically through its cycles bringing gas and air into the combustion chamber, compressing it, it's going to produce the sparks through the ignition coil and ignite the gasoline, move the piston down the cylinder, back up again and the exhaust gases will come back out through the muffler. Alright, so now that the engine is running, we can move the throttle open. What this is going to do is this is going to increase the amount of fuel and air going into the engine, increasing it's revolutions. This concludes our video on how Internal Combustion engines work.
Alberta Mortgage Frequently asked Questions 1. What is an appraisal? An appraisal is an unbiased estimate of what a buyer might expect to pay (or a seller to receive) for a parcel of real estate. It is basically an analysis of sold properties around your area to determine the value of your home right now. Most lenders will accept an appraisal if it is done within the last 30 days. 2. What do appraisers do? Typically, an appraiser is the professional that will provide an educated opinion on quality, value, or utility of a specific property. 3. How are appraisers qualified to make valuation decisions? Appraisers must complete a university or correspondence course in order to obtain your Appraiser designation. These courses can take up to 4 years to complete. Appraisers, like mortgage brokers, must comply with rules set out by a governing body. Appraisers are governed by one of three professional associations: the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC); the Canadian National Association of Real Estate Appraisers (CNAREA); and Ordre des Evaluateurs Agrees du Quebec (OEAQ). The function of these associations is to provide professional standards and educational requirements that appraisers must meet and maintain in order to be in good standing. 4. Where does an appraiser get the information used to estimate home equity value? One of the appraisers main roles if to gather information. There are basically 2 types of data they are looking for, specific or general. - Information specific to the property is gathered from the property itself- such as location, condition, amenities, size, etc. This information is collected when the appraiser views your property. - General Information is gathered from a number of sources. This data is used to compare to your homes data. Some sources appraisers use include, but is not limited to: - The local MLS data on current listings and recently sold home that might be used as comparable sales and provide a sense of what the market is paying for similar homes your neighbourhood; - Tax records and other public documents for verification of actual sales prices in a market; and - In addition and most importantly, the appraiser leverages general data from his/her past experiences creating appraisals for other properties in the same market. 5. Who actually owns the appraisal report? My favorite question; The appraisal report is owned by the financial institution, which is the institution that requests the appraisal report. While the borrower may pay for the report as part of the closing costs, the lender retains the right to use the appraisal report or any information contained within. 6. What should I have available for the appraiser when they come? If available, please have the following documents ready: - Recent Property Tax Assessment Bill - A survey of your property; and - If renovations have been completed, a list of renos and costs to complete them 7. What are the steps of the appraisal process? - Setting the appointment: Expect a call from the appraiser within 24 hours to set up a time to inspect your property. - Property inspection: The inspection of the property should take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to do. At the inspection, the appraiser will ask questions regarding the property such as its age, recent updates, age of roof etc. In most cases, the appraiser will be required to take photos of the interior and exterior of your home as well as your neighborhood. - Completing the report: Once the appraiser returns to their office, data collection regarding the subject property continues. The appraiser will do an extensive review of MLS information in an effort to find the most appropriate comparable sales to establish market value. They will also collect other information in order to make any adjustments to the value, for example, if your house has a double garage and one of the comparable properties only has a single garage. Once all the information regarding the subject property and the most appropriate comparables is obtained, the appraiser reconciles the information in their report to arrive at a well reasoned final value of your property. - The final report: Once complete, the appraiser will send a copy of the report to your lender as per their request. 8. When are appraisals required? A lender can technically request an appraisal no matter what type of mortgage financing you’re looking for. Based on my experience, lenders almost always request an appraisal in the following scenarios; – Private Sale (when property you’re purchasing is not MLS listed) – Family-to- Family sale/purchase Of course there are other times a lender will request an appraisal as a condition of the mortgage, so just be prepared in case it is requested. 9. Are there alternatives to obtaining an appraisal? Some lenders will use an “Automated Valuation System” to determine the property value in lieu of an appraisal though not all lenders offer this service. 10. How much do appraisals cost? Residential appraisals can range from $250 and higher depending on the location and type of property. Commercial appraisals are much more detailed and cost much more.. As always, the MortgageGirls are here to answer any mortgage questions you may have. OR, we can always refer you to an one of our trusted appraisers. Give the Mortgage Professionals with personality a call at 780.433.8412 or email email@example.com. Stay in the loop by following us on Twitter @mortgagegirlca Visit our Edmonton Mortgage website to find out more
The moving process is a stressful one at best, and an absolute nightmare at worst. Even in cases of moving just down the street, keeping track of your human belongings and how to pack them can be a logistical mess. Throwing your pets and their own needs and insecurities into the mix can only pile on the stress. Luckily, here are some tips for keeping things safe and sane while moving yourself and your furry friends to a new home. Long Distance With Furry Friends For long-distance moves, you’re going to want to start with some precautions in terms of licensing for your cat, dog, or other pets. Each state has different licensing and vaccination requirements for pets, so if you’re crossing state lines, take the time to research the requirements for your pet’s lawful new residence. Get all these vaccinations and a new rabies tag before you leave. While you’re doing this, it’s a good opportunity to get your pets medical records together and pick out a new vet near your new home. With this already sorted before you even arrive, any unexpected unfortunate events will be overall less intense. Make sure your pets are all properly ID tagged before they go anywhere, and invest in microchipping them. Doubling up on backup plans makes it a lot easier to track down your cat or dog if they get spooked and bolt. Adjusting to New Surroundings Now you need to know how your pet is going to travel. If it’s just up the street or only across town, time the move according when your pet’s presence in the new place will be the least disruptive to unpacking and organizing. If you can swing it, plan to introduce your pet to their new surroundings a little while before they become permanent. This way your dog or cat isn’t in immediate panic when they start expecting you to leave, and you wind up staying. Bring all your pet’s essentials: bed, bowl, toys, and set them up in a spot near you to maximize familiarity. If your animal is a little antsier or more skittish than most, consider having them stay with a trusted friend until your move is finalized. Going For a (Long) Ride Cross-country travel with your pet is going to require much more maintenance than the ordinary road trip. While you can invest in a professional pet shipper, most owners prefer to take theirs with them on the road. Keep treats and toys present in the vehicle with you, and make frequent stops to exercise or allow your animal to relieve themselves. More timid animals will likely need more attention, so travel with a passenger that can soothe them. Try to keep them out of a carrier, but use it if necessary, particularly in pets that find it a safe, calming environment. Keep them on a leash always, otherwise you might be dealing with a lost pet in a completely foreign location. Lastly, never leave your pet unattended in a car. Hopefully your move is going somewhere that both you and your pet can love. It won’t feel quite like home at first, but cooperation and a stress-free transition with your animal can make it work. Before long your dog or cat will be snoring soundly in a new nook without a care in the world.
At 163,696 square miles, California is the third largest state in the United States. But how big is it really? 163,696 square miles is a hard number to comprehend. You might be tempted to look at a map to get a visual sense of California’s size, but be careful: most 2D maps massively distort area in favor of shape and presentation. This includes Google Maps, which uses the Mercator Projection, where geographic bodies become larger as you move further from the equator to the poles. In order to compensate for these mapping distortions, we used special software to create an outline of California. As we move the outline around the map, it changes its shape to account for the projection’s distorting effects. This allowed us to create the following maps which accurately compare California’s size to bodies of land around the world. Also, because this is the kind of thing we think about at SelfStorage.com, you’d need 22.8 billion 10×20 storage units to store California. Embed this image on your site (copy the code below):
Published: J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2015 Winter;29(1):7-14. doi: 10.11607/ofph.1274. The effectiveness of cannabinoids in the management of chronic nonmalignant neuropathic pain: a systematic review. Boychuk DG, Goddard G, Mauro G, Orellana MF. Abstract To carry out a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of cannabis extracts and cannabinoids in the management of chronic nonmalignant neuropathic pain. Electronic database searches were performed using Medline, PubMed, Embase, all evidence- based medicine reviews, and Web of Science, through communication with the Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids (CCIC), and by searching printed indices from 1950. Terms used were marijuana, marihuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, nabilone, delta- 9- tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, ajulemic acid, dronabinol, pain, chronic, disease, and neuropathic. Randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) involving cannabis and cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain were selected. Outcomes considered were reduction in pain intensity and adverse events. Of the 24 studies that examined chronic neuropathic pain, 11 studies were excluded. The 13 included studies were rated using the Jadad Scale to measure bias in pain research. Evaluation of these studies suggested that cannabinoids may provide effective analgesia in chronic neuropathic pain conditions that are refractory to other treatments. Cannabis-based medicinal extracts used in different populations of chronic nonmalignant neuropathic pain patients may provide effective analgesia in conditions that are refractory to other treatments. Further high-quality studies are needed to assess the impact of the duration of the treatment as well as the best form of drug delivery.
In developing countries, remodeling the lifestyle of financially backward people might be a challenging task for the national bodies. Since a wide part of the population in Malaysia suffers from monetary issues, the Malaysian government aims at providing them with better livelihood assistance and sustainable source of income. One of its one of the scheme ‘BRIM 2019’ has been updated to renew the accommodation made available to all the Malaysia’s resident who is not able to fulfill their basic need due to low income. Arranging viable living for the poor People who are unemployed can get jobs through the housing projects which try to eliminate financial backwardness among the people. With the help of this relevant project, a lot of job opportunities would definitely be created mostly for the people residing in remote areas. Several regions of Malaysia is going to be benefited including people who migrated from other countries and looking for better options for their livelihood. The Malaysian government continues to make efforts in order to reduce the nation’s poverty that includes both generating employment or providing financial support through schemes like BRIM in which all of them get benefited who belongs to the weaker section of society. It has been detected that around sixty percent of the population in the country still not able to earn sufficient money to manage their livelihood but only one percent of people lives under utmost poverty. Factors responsible for poverty Studies prove that the reason behind Malaysia’s poverty is multi-faced which includes the impact of Globalization on micro-level changes in employment. The government is well aware of the fact that they are not fully interacted with actual causes of poverty they have set out a future plan of action for accomplishment. When someone performs more than one job at a time, definitely they would suffer from a high level of stress and health issues and not become able to earn money efficiently. Due to the lack of parental guidance, the young generation gets indulged into social issues which in turn affect the quality of lifestyle among families. People are not educated enough to grab enormous employment opportunities arranged by both the private and public sector. This becomes disadvantages for the outsiders who are well-qualified and willing for a perfect job. All the program driven by the Malaysian government in respect of the resident is quite appreciating as a lot of people got lifestyle improved in addition to better opportunities in the field of employment.
Now that Donald Trump has refused to certify the Iran nuclear deal, the ball is in Congress’s court. If the Legislative branch decides to reimpose sanctions against Iran, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as the nuclear accord is known, is likely (but not definitely) dead. All indications are that Congress will try and stop short of imposing new sanctions. Nonetheless, this outcome can hardly be ruled out. Therefore, it’s worth considering how Iran might retaliate if sanctions are reimposed. There are a ton of options available to Iran, and it’s impossible to know exactly which ones it will choose. Still, there are probably two broad strategies it will consider. In the first instance, Tehran might tailor its actions to punish the United States and certain allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia, while trying to avoid hurting countries in Europe that opposed Trump’s decision. Iran might take a less discriminate approach in the hope that the world will ultimately blame the United States for pulling out of the agreement in the first place. With this in mind, here’s four possible ways that Iran might retaliate. 1 - Nuclear Submarines It would be logically coherent for Iran is to retaliate to the United States scuttling the agreement by ramping up its nuclear program, perhaps beyond the levels it achieved before the deal was in place. If it decides on this approach, Tehran will most likely want to do so without overtly declaring it is building nuclear weapons. Iran could best achieve this objective by announcing that it is building nuclear submarines. This is something that Iranian officials threatened back in 2012, and in December of last year—after the United States passed new non-nuclear sanctions—President Hassan Rouhani ordered his country’s scientists to begin “planning the design and production of nuclear fuel and reactors for maritime transport.” The benefit of this policy is it gives Iran cover to overcome the largest obstacle to building a nuclear weapon: obtaining fissile material. As I recently discussed in relation to South Korea, the nuclear reactors that power submarines typically use uranium enriched to 90 percent levels, which is what is used in nuclear bombs. Thus, Iran can acquire the fissile material needed for a bomb while maintaining plausible deniability that it is building one. This strategy would not be without risks, however. For starters, it would put immense pressure on Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu to authorize airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Moreover, this strategy would risk alienating the European powers, as well as Russia and China, which opposed the U.S. violation of the agreement. As alluded to above, it’s possible that other countries would blame the United States for Iran’s nuclear expansion since it was the one that violated the agreement. It is also worth noting that Iran has pursued a similar strategy in the past. As the international community ramped up sanctions in the years before Iran and the P5+1 entered into negotiations, Tehran undertook a nuclear buildup as a way of coercing the United States into abandoning its approach. 2 - Kill the Hostages If Iran was intent on not alienating the non-U.S. members of the P5+1, it might abide by the terms of the nuclear agreement while using a more tailored approach to punish the United States. One such approach would be to use proxy forces to attack U.S. troops currently operating in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. Once again, this strategy would not be without precedent: following the U.S. invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq in 2001 and 2003 respectively, the Iranian Quds Forces waged a vicious covert war against American troops in those countries. According to some estimates, Iran is responsible for the death of some 500 U.S. troops in those two countries. Perhaps the most lethal tactic Tehran used was providing explosively formed penetrators (EFPs) to its proxies in Iraq. The New York Times has called EFP’s “the single most lethal weapon American forces faced in Iraq.” As it explained: “What makes EFP’s so deadly is that they form ‘slugs’ at detonation that maintain their shape over distances of over 100 yards or more, traveling at speeds of nearly a mile per second. This allowed insurgent forces to hide these weapons far from the road, better camouflaging them and making them far more deadly. In some I.E.D. factories, American forces found EFP’s camouflaged to look like trash or rocks.” Even when the United States had well over 100,000 troops in Iraq, it struggled mightily to protect its troops from Iranian-backed attacks. Now, a much smaller and more vulnerable set of forces are operating in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. These troops are effectively hostages in the nuclear deal saga, serving as easy targets for Iranian retaliation. 3 - Advanced Weapon Sales to Proxies Although Iran might want to avoid attacking U.S. allies that support the nuclear accord, it would not hesitate to target countries like Israel and Saudi Arabia that have tried to undermine the deal at every step. Tehran could best target these countries by providing advanced weapons to the Houthis in Yemen or Hezbollah in Lebanon. For example, Iran could provide these forces with its Emad missile. The Emad is Iran’s first missile to feature a maneuverable reentry vehicle (MARV), which allows the missile to evade most missile defenses while also making it extremely accurate. The Houthis could used a Marv missile to target Saudi ports or energy installations. Hezbollah could use them to make good on its threats to attack Israel’s chemical and nuclear facilities. This would almost certainly lead to a another war between Israel and Hezbollah, which would benefit Iran by refocusing the Sunni Arab world’s anger on Israel and away from the Assad regime in Syria. 4 - Hacking When the United States began imposing sanctions on Iran’s oil and financial institutions, Tehran responded in kind. Specifically, Iranian hackers began targeting America’s own financial institutions as well as international oil companies like Saudi Aramco. According to a September report in Politico, Iranian hackers stopped attacking U.S. targets once negotiations over the nuclear program began in 2013. This restraint would almost certainly end if the United States violated the nuclear agreement by reimposing sanctions, and Iran could almost certainly launch more sophisticated attacks than it used prior to 2013. For one thing, Iranian cyber warriors have demonstrated greater capabilities in more recent attacks against their Gulf rivals. Moreover, while Iran stopped launching cyber attacks against the United States, it almost certainly continued to penetrate U.S. networks for espionage purposes and to prepare for future hostilities. Once in these networks, it is merely a matter of policy whether it launches attacks or continues to lie in wait. Thus, as one cyber expert told Politico: “I personally think they’ll double down their efforts and we’ll start to see a lot more attacks…. And we’ll probably see a lot more sophisticated attacks.” Attacking U.S. financial institutions and energy targets would have the benefit of being reciprocal since the U.S. sanctions would be targeting these sectors in Iran. The recent past suggests this is how Iran likes to retaliate to perceived aggressions. Besides the aforementioned hacks against U.S. and Saudi companies, Iran responded to an Israeli campaign to assassinate its nuclear scientists by using the same exact tactics to target Israeli diplomats in third countries. While far from comprehensive, these are some of the options that are available to Iran. It’s worth noting that Tehran’s retaliation might not be limited to any one action. It’s easy to imagine Iran launching a nuclear buildup while also initiating cyber attacks and providing advanced weapons to proxies, for example. Zachary Keck (@ZacharyKeck) is a former managing editor of The National Interest.
Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia The Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia was established in March 2013. The fund aims to catalyze greater private investment in climate change mitigation and adaptation in Asia and the Pacific. The fund will aim to play a key role in helping to overcome leading edge technology risks and cost hurdles in order to initiate and scale-up projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase climate resilience. The fund is ADB’s first concessional debt cofinancing facility specifically oriented to support private sector operations to combat climate change. ADB will manage the fund resources under its Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility umbrella. First, user departments will submit project proposals to the Facility Manager using CEFPF’s application form and ADB’s standard concept paper template. Applications are reviewed in six batches and are due on: 31 January, 31 March, 31 May, 31 July, 30 September, and 30 November. Then, the Clean Energy Working Group will review and endorse project proposals based on implementation guidelines, guided by the design and monitoring framework, both agreed between CEFPF’s financing partners and ADB. Please note, funding is only available to pre-selected countries. See the eligible countries field for more information. CAD 82,390,000, of which CAD 75,000,000 is for non-grant concessional financing and CAD 7,392,968 is for grants.
Learning about the five senses – sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste – is an important part of a child’s development. Sensory play is a great way to encourage this development! By using their senses during play, children learn valuable motor and cognitive skills, as well as how their senses help them interact with the world. Creating fun activities for sensory play can be done using household items and easy-to-find ingredients. Try these four simple sensory play ideas with your children today! - Play dough and kinetic sand: Play dough and kinetic sand provide hours of creative play. Children can mold and build the materials into different shapes, then tear them apart and start over. They can squeeze the dough in their hands, smash the dough flat or roll the dough into a log. - Beans: Fill a bowl or tub with various dried beans. Watch as children dig their hands in the bowl, try to pick up different beans or sort beans by color. Picking up and dropping beans helps build fine motor skills and teaches cause and effect as the beans are dropped. - Finger painting: Finger painting taps into multiple senses as children touch the paint and paper, and see a picture unfold as they draw on the page. Use tempura paints or finger paints for easier hand-washing and cleanup. - Water: Water is an excellent material for sensory play. Pour water from one container to another, or test which toys sink or float. Add water at different temperatures to a few different bowls and ask children which is warmer and colder. For more information about encouraging healthy development, visit helpmegrowmn.org.
It’s graduation season across the country, and not just for those receiving a degree. At New Horizon Academy, we celebrate hundreds of graduates each year who will accept their preschool diplomas in tiny caps and gowns. Many proud parents, grandparents, and friends gather to celebrate this milestone as some of the youngest learners prepare for their next big step in life – kindergarten. So why the big fuss? Some think that the ceremony, the caps and gowns, and the celebration of preschool graduation is silly, but at New Horizon Academy, we believe it is a valuable moment in your child’s learning journey, and here’s why… A graduation ceremony suggests that school IS special, that school IS important, and that academic accomplishments deserve to be celebrated. Occasions where family is invited, photos are taken, and people are dressed up indicate a moment of importance in our culture. Our graduation ceremonies at New Horizon Academy provide a platform for praise. Positive affirmations and praise are so important for young children! Our hope is that when we praise our preschool graduates for reaching this milestone, it will help them to have a positive association with school and learning throughout their life. Many times, preschool graduation ceremonies involve special recognition for each child and spark conversations between the child’s teachers and parents that point out what is so unique and special about each child. Overall, this leaves both the parents and the child feeling proud and accomplished. A child’s learning journey begins at such a young age, and the care and education they receive in those early years plays a very important role in the rest of their lives. So let’s celebrate each milestone and each victory, for our children are little only once!
Wounded soldiers in stitches after laughter yoga At first, there were only sparse giggles. But minutes later, the awkward smiles turned into guffaws that echoed in the auditorium of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center in Quezon City. It was no ordinary sight — or sound — inside the facility along V. Luna Avenue meant to treat soldiers wounded in battle. But while pills and surgery help heal the soldiers’ bodies, the hospital recently administered what even doctors consider the best medicine for a broken spirit and a battle-weary heart: laughter. Around 100 military men put aside their tough exterior on Tuesday during a “laughter yoga” session organized by members of Women in National Development and Security (WINDS). Moment of release Unlike a usual yoga session with different poses and relative silence, the hourlong session of Pinoy Laughter Yoga (PLY), founded by Paolo Trinidad, encouraged guffaws and howls of laughter from the soldiers, some of whom were in wheelchairs or crutches. With proper breathing techniques and the exertion from laughing, a session of laughter yoga can both be an exhausting workout and a moment of release. Founded by Indian doctor Madan Kataria, from whom Trinidad received his training, the activity is said to improve the immune system and prevent depression. “Even an afternoon of laughter can take the (soldiers’) minds off their pain and worries from their difficult experiences,” said Theresita Atienza, WINDS vice president. When he first heard about the program, Sgt. Bonifacio Moncada was hesitant, unsure what he was getting into. Was this going to be a stand-up comedy routine? The 43-year-old, who has been a soldier for 22 years, was deployed in Lanao del Sur and was manning the municipal hall in one of the towns when the Maute terrorist group attacked their troops in February 2016. He recalled how they were trapped for hours without reinforcement and how he saw two fellow soldiers killed. “Around 3 p.m. the next day, we finally got out of hiding. It was then that I was shot, my right arm blown to bits,” he told the Inquirer, adding that his limb had to be amputated. But there was no sign of hesitation from Moncada as he raised both his arms, or what was left of his right one, during the laughter session. “Seeing fellow soldiers die, that’s something we can’t never forget,” he said. “But with this activity at least, we feel that we’ve released some of the stress away.” Trinidad said laughter could be beneficial for people who had experienced traumatic events. “The (soldiers) might not admit it, but they might have clinical depression,” he said. “Laughter can help those with post-traumatic stress disorder. It works directly on their brains.” The family counselor also noted the resiliency of Filipinos despite the toughest disasters. “Laughter taps the soul,” Trinidad said. “PLY’s approach fosters a connection with God, which can give the participants hope that they will be healed.” Trinidad said the session could also help raise awareness about the mental health of soldiers. “It is important to reframe their sadness by simply making them laugh and allowing them to have a positive outlook,” he said. Hospital chief, Col. Antonio Punzalan, noted that while most of their patients’ wounds are physical in nature, the hospital has at least five resident psychologists who assist the soldiers with their mental health concerns. “We welcome all kinds of support from different organizations,” Punzalan said, adding that the hospital is focused on providing only basic medical care. Pfc. Eric Gerale Lazarra, 28, said the session helped take his mind off the pain he felt on his right leg, which was wrapped in braces. In October last year, a bullet shattered his tibial bone during the war against the Islamic State-inspired Maute group in Marawi City. “I think our laughter can help heal our wounds and strengthen our spirit. It can be stressful here in the hospital,” said the soldier who has been confined in the facility for nearly five months and says he misses his family everyday. “This experience has at least eased our feelings and allowed us to forget our pain and problems,” Lazarra said. —With reports from Jasmin Jatt Salvacion and Lawrence Llacer Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
Good newspaper design, like small children, should be seen but not heard. That is, the reader should not be all that aware of the particular style elements behind the newspaper he or she loves reading so much. The design which, by the way, is every bit as important as the news stories and photos it accommodates, at its best, quietly entices and skillfully takes the reader by the hand, leading him or her through the pages of the newspaper or its associated website. In these two videos/audio interviews and compendium white paper, learn the principles of great newspaper design from two well-respected newspaper professionals. Shelley Ackerman is an award-winning newspaper and magazine designer – tabloid, broadsheet, weeklies and dailies. She is the art director of the twice-annual Whistler Magazine, the quarterly Coast Life Magazine, and the six-times-a-year Living Magazine. She has also acted as managing editor on several publications. Devin Slater is the Design Director at the Globe and Mail. Devin has an accomplished track record in art direction, brand strategy, user experience and interface design, visual storytelling, advertising, marketing and social media promotions. To take this course, please click here. What is Newspaper Training? Newspapertraining.ca is an education hub created BY community newspapers FOR community newspapers. This portal has been built with all newspaper staff in mind – from editorial and sales, to design and management. The industry is transforming and so are the skills needed to work in and manage it. Stay up-to-date with articles, tips, videos, webinars, Q&As, expert interviews, training modules and more. Our goal is to create a forum where reporters, editors, sales teams and publishers come together to share innovative ideas that help make community newspapers go-to sources of information for Canadians.
Santuairo De Guadalupe, Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico (New) This is information about Santuairo De Guadalupe in Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico. Built in 1700’s. As many as 80 interred under floor. Appears to be some markers around foundation. \|Cemetery:\|\|Santuairo De Guadalupe\| \|GPS:\|\|N 35.68674 W 105.94494\| \|Directions:\|\|100 S Guadalupe St. 1 block S of Alameda on NW corner of S Guadalupe St and Agua Fria St.\| There are no records for this cemetery yet.
Jun 5, 2017. Next time you want a quick fix for your pesky heartburn, try one of these natural remedies you can find at home. As you might expect, spicy food on an empty stomach is a big no-no, but dairy is a good place to start, as long as you aren't lactose intolerant. RELATED: 6 Foods That Help Naturally Fight. Here are 10 facts about apple cider vinegar that can help you determine if you should be adding more of this ingredient to your diet. fighting acid with vinegar will. Stops Acid Reflux is a remarkably effective old Amish formula that stops acid reflux in about 1 minute. Stops Acid Reflux contains a very balanced mixture of. Jul 7, 2017. Melons: Natural soothing foods for acid reflux are effective as most of them contain higher amount of compounds which can burn down the acidic elements in the stomach. Melons are great natural foods that can soothe your stomach and prevent acid reflux. With higher pH value, melons are very effective in. Check out the natural remedies for acid reflux, heartburn or GERD! Get natural treatments for acid reflux, GERD or heartburn & to bring symptoms under control. Sep 23, 2016. This article introduces top 20 natural home remedies for acid reflux which explain how to help acid reflux easily without medicine. The LES is open only when foods go through it and into the stomach for digestion. If the LES is still open in other circumstances, the acid that the stomach releases will find it. The following remedies can be used to remedy acid reflux as well as heartburn, a symptom of acid reflux. Eliminating trigger foods is also helpful when trying to. Maroon and shaped like a boomerang, the liver is the second largest organ in the body (the skin always steals its glory). The reason it’s so vital is that it serves as your body’s border inspection station. Virtually every nutrient we consume, Hiatal hernias often present themselves as heartburn or acid reflux. condition. SheKnows.com: What are the steps a woman should take if she thinks she’s suffering from a hiatal hernia? Dr. David Edelman: First, start and follow that diet. What is Acid Reflux? Acid reflux or heartburn occurs when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus. This results from the lower esophageal sphincter not closing properly. Normally, the sphincter closes as soon food passes through it and should not allow back flow of food or stomach acid. However, when the sphincter. Nov 14, 2012 · Between 25 and 40 percent of Americans will suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD, a chronic condition that is characterized by. My body went through withdrawal and my reflux symptoms seemed to get worse. But now looking back on it, I'm glad I stopped PPI treatment because it was my first step towards healing from acid reflux naturally. In this article, I'm going to share with you how to safely wean off of PPIs. I will also share 10 natural remedies for. NEW DELHI: Ajanta Pharma has received nod from the US health regulator for generic Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate powder for oral suspension used for treatment. and acid reflux. The company has received approval. WASHINGTON — Cases of acid reflux are on the rise. “Going to sleep right after a big meal takes away a lot of our natural ability to help digest the food,” she says. A doctor-turned-amateur chef and nutrition expert, Keshishian says. Acid Reflux Symptoms Pregnancy Coughing Remedy For Toddlers When the LES moves into the chest, it is less able to prevent reflux. Finally, GERD symptoms can be compounded by defective clearance of acid and fluid from the lower (distal) esophagus due to esophageal damage or esophageal. The symptoms are similar to heartburn, and many sufferers are told they have gastroesophageal reflux disease, known Aug 19, 2013. GERD may also cause your baby to overeat, because sucking and swallowing may help keep the milk they drink down and the acid at bay. Common. Kimball started on her journey to real food and natural, holistic living 9 years ago, when her oldest child nearly died from an allergic reaction to peanuts. Most people experience heartburn at one point or another. Here are four natural heartburn remedies that work, along with supplements to remedy heartburn. Alfredo Espinoza explains when to see your doctor: Also, when symptoms are daily or near daily, or associated with any difficulty with the passage of food. about acid reflux and Barrett’s esophagus. He’ll also talk about a new high tech. Aug 1, 2017. If you've experienced the occasional bout of heartburn, you know how uncomfortable the painful burning sensation can be. The pain may be caused by the backflow of your stomach contents into your esophagus (the tube through which food is transported to your stomach), known as acid reflux, or it may be. If your pregnancy is anything like mine, you taste your food for a good three hours after you eat it. But that burning sensation in your chest and throat — and that sour, acidic taste in your mouth — isn't just another coincidence: these are the symptoms of heartburn, and pregnancy heartburn is common. Especially during the. How to Naturally Treat and Heal Acid Reflux. Acid reflux is a relatively common issue. When the sphincter at the top of your stomach (also knows as the lower esophageal sphincter or LES) does not fully close, or does not stay closed as food is being churned in the stomach, stomach acid will wash back up the esophagus. Oct 21, 2012. Despite what you may have heard, apple cider vinegar is not a a good home remedy at all. It is contraindicated in acid reflux disease as it itself is an acid. Simply avoiding these types of foods and eating more natural unprocessed foods serve as preventative remedies in themselves and should be heeded. Nov 1, 2017. Herbal remedies. Licorice and chamomile are sometimes used to ease GERD. Herbal remedies can have serious side effects and might interfere with medications. Ask your doctor about a safe dosage before beginning any herbal remedy. Relaxation therapies. Techniques to calm stress and anxiety may. Heartburn is associated with a painful burning sensation, nausea & burping. Learn about these easy natural remedies to ease your acid reflux symptoms. Looking for GERD remedies? Acidgone is a natural cure for GERD. Stop looking elsewhere and try Acidgone, best among heartburn cures. Aug 5, 2016. Acid reflux develops when the acid in the stomach travels back up the esophagus. It is also commonly called heartburn. When you swallow, your esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle around your esophagus, relaxes, so that food can pass into your stomach. After food is let through, the muscle tightens. Sep 12, 2011 · With life becoming so fast and stress increasing in everyday life, acid reflux (or commonly known as GERD) has become one of. Acid reflux. treatment options available to you to help you manage your symptoms. The treatment of GERD usually incorporates simple lifestyle changes. It is very important for patients suffering from GERD to monitor their diets, A simple and yet quite effective natural remedy for acid reflux is to eat more frequently around the day. But, it should be healthy food, and evenly distributed. Another point is that there should be a routine to this eating schedule. One should avoid getting up till late at night and eat food at that time. A good option would be to. Dec 24, 2013. Acid Reflux, GERD in Dogs, Cats – Natural Remedies, Causes, Symptoms. In this. While treating GERD eliminate all of the following from food and treats -. food. Adding natural honey to your dog's and cat's daily diet can help in the reduction of the symptoms of GERD and the elimination of the condition. which is an enzyme that helps control levels of hydrochloric acid in your stomach. I spent many a night, standing in front of the freezer in my underwear, scarfing down frozen pineapple. It helped, thank goodness. Here are nine natural. Mar 27, 2016. In one small study, GutsyGum eased heartburn symptoms better than placebo gum (Journal of Dietary Supplements, June 2015). Q: My husband has. You'll find more details on other natural ways to lower blood pressure in the Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment we are sending you. Anyone who would. 5 Natural Ways to Treat and Prevent Acid Reflux – NutriLiving – Sep 12, 2017. If you're suffering from acid reflux or heartburn, try these five natural steps to help relieve symptoms of acid reflux, prevent future flare-ups, and. Instead of immediately relying on medication to fix this condition, let's take a look at some food-based and lifestyle-based approaches that can diminish symptoms. Generally, terms like heartburn, indigestion, dyspepsia, pyrosis, etc. are used interchangeably because of the similar symptoms. There are numerous enzymes along with hydrochloric acid in the stomach that helps in digestion of food. When there is some problem with normal functioning of the digestive system, it results in. Acid. reflux, these diet changes will likely help clear up your symptoms, and you can adopt some of these healthier eating habits for good if they keep silent reflux at bay. To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the. Natural remedies for acid reflux like apple cider vinegar, baking soda, pickle juice and aloe are effective natural cures because they alkalize pH. Can natural and herbal alternatives offer you real heartburn relief? What about lifestyle changes? Learn more from the experts at WebMD. Nov 14, 2012. Between 25 and 40 percent of Americans will suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD, a chronic condition that is characterized by regular bouts of acid reflux. The reflux can be caused by a number of things, including overeating, though the primary cause is a faulty valve between the. The Best Scoop on quick Natural Acid Reflux Remedies along with Water and Acid Reflux through the eyes of a friendly nurse. 10 Home Remedies for Acid Reflux/GERD – Quick fixes and long term solutions, acid reflux triggers to avoid, plus the potential side effects of PPIs. Find out natural remedies for heartburn, acid reflux and ulcer, and how with simple diet and lifestyle modifications you can heal from.
The antioxidant, phytonutrient, and vitamin content of basil grown in water (hydroponic) is compared to basil grown in soil. Nota del Doctor Herbs and spices are among the healthiest plants to consume. See one of my favorites, for example: Antioxidants in a Pinch, and Antioxidant Content of 3,139 Foods. The glucosinolates I mention are the broccoli compounds featured in videos such as Broccoli Versus Breast Cancer Stem Cells; Sulforaphane: From Broccoli to Breast; and The Best Detox. For how our food crops have been doing in general over the years, see Crop Nutrient Decline. And for more on the organic question, see Can Pesticides Be Rinsed Off? and Fungal Toxins in Apples. For further context, check out my associated blog post, Antioxidants in a Pinch: Dried Herbs and Spices. If you haven’t yet, you can subscribe to my videos for free by clicking here.
Hormone imbalances and fluctuations can have a very powerful effect not only on how we feel, but on our lives in general. At times it’s very difficult to see that all the symptoms of hormone imbalances you’re experiencing are actually related, especially when they happen at different times. Research tells us that the average woman experiences at least 8-10 different symptoms of hormone imbalances during the perimenopause and menopause years. And, if not addressed, these symptoms can go on for years. This is why it’s very important to connect the dots in order to understand that the underlying cause behind all of these difficult symptoms is often hormone imbalance. Technically perimenopause shouldn’t begin for the majority of women until the late 40’s or about 8-10 years before menopause. However, we now see women presenting very definite symptoms of perimenopause in their 30’s. The constant exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals in our food, water and environment is an important factor in experiencing early perimenopause symptoms. Hormone Imbalances: The Main Culprits in Perimenopause & Menopause Symptoms Your hormone levels go up and down throughout your life. Usually your body will make specific adjustments. However, sometimes during these ups and downs the changes may become too extreme or happen too quickly for your body to manage them efficiently. When your body is unable to keep up wide-ranging symptoms, from fatigue and moodiness to vaginal dryness and joint discomfort, to low libido and fuzzy thinking can happen. In fact, you may wonder if you will ever feel “normal” again. Hormone Imbalances & Fluctuations Happen in Many Types of Hormones Many conventional practitioners check only the changes to progesterone and estrogen. What they fail to take into consideration is that your hormones behave more like a symphony than separate instruments. We know that specific fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can determine whether or not you develop symptoms. Even though looking at hormone levels individually should always be done, it’s more a question of balance and ratio. But it’s not just your sex hormones that can affect how you feel: insulin levels, thyroid function and adrenal health are also connected with your sex hormones. In fact, your thyroid, your adrenals and your sex hormones are like a three-legged stool. If one leg is wobbly or unstable, the other two are also affected. This is the reason conventional thought about menopause is often too simplistic to be safe as well as effective. Hormone Imbalances: 16 Most Frequent Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause After helping hundreds of women with hormone imbalances, below are the 16 most frequent symptoms that I see pop up on our Women’s Health Questionnaire. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Hot flashes are the main culprit in sleep deprivation. They can strike once a day or seemingly every 5 minutes. Hot flashes can cause increased heart rate, extreme feeling of heat, sweating, dizziness, headache and even a feeling of claustrophobia. Night sweats disrupt restful sleep – the time when your body does the most healing and repair work. Changes in your period are often the first sign that your sex hormones are beginning the season of perimenopause. For many women irregular periods are more of an inconvenience than anything. However, they can also give a false sense that one’s periods have stopped. The clinical definition of menopause is no periods for 12 consecutive months. Tossing and turning as you try to sleep or waking up regularly in the middle of the night is bothersome and can even lead to health concerns. And hormone imbalances, especially a progesterone deficiency, is often the culprit in perimenopause or menopause sleep deprivation. At this point it is wise to saliva test your sex and stress hormones as well as serum testing your thyroid. Shifting hormone levels signal your body to store fat in the abdominal area, even if you’ve never before had a weight concern. Unfortunately this fat can be hard to lose even with diet and exercise. Fatigue/Loss of Energy Sleep issues can definitely make you feel tired, but fatigue and loss of energy can happen even when you get adequate sleep. This can lead you to feel physically and emotionally exhausted. Forgetfulness or Fuzzy Thinking One of the most frightful and common symptoms for women experiencing hormone imbalance is a change in memory such as forgetfulness and/or fuzzy thinking. As one women told me: “I feel like I’m losing my mind because of memory issues.” Balanced hormones can help tremendously with those episodes of forgetfulness and fuzzy thinking. Hair Thinning or Hair Loss It’s a recognized fact that hormone imbalances in estrogen and testosterone can produce thinning hair. Many women panic when they begin to see excess hair in their shower drains and some to the point of depression. Another culprit of causing your hair to thin is your thyroid. Vaginal Dryness, Itching & Pain 50% of women in perimenopause and menopause experience concerns with vaginal dryness, itching and pain. If vaginal itching goes unchecked, an uncomfortable and painful infection can result. Vaginal dryness can also be painful and can cause an upsetting effect on one’s sex life. Low Sex Drive A drop in progesterone levels or a deficiency of testosterone can cause a drop in a woman’s sex drive. This is why it’s always a good idea to keep tabs on your sex hormone levels through yearly saliva testing. Joint pain or stiffness in the back, knees or hips is a surprising symptom that often caused by unstable estrogen levels. Artificially elevated levels of estrogen like those found with synthetic hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives are strongly linked to joint pain. Research suggests that women who use synthetic estrogen are more likely to experience spinal pain. Synthetic estrogen has also been linked to arthritis. Endocrine disrupting chemicals which act as estrogen mimickers are also suspect in joint discomfort. Unfortunately most practitioners never make this connection in most women. Food cravings are often due to your body’s surging needs for important micronutrients, or to the “crash cycle” pattern of fatigue — carbohydrate (sugar) fatigue that occur with hormonal imbalances. Digestive Discomfort: Constipation, Flatulence, Diarrhea For many women, humiliating flatulence, diarrhea, and even concerns with constipation increase during perimenopause and menopause. Hormone imbalance can increase your stress levels that affect mood and emotional health. An imbalance in cortisol, your stress hormone, can directly affect the production and balance of other hormones. Unfortunately when one presents with depression, anxiety or sadness, the possibility of hormone imbalances are often over-looked by healthcare professionals. Irritability and Moodiness To the dismay of family and friends, outbursts of anger and emotional swings are some of the first signals that you might be in the beginning of perimenopause. Many women comment that they become moody for no reason and the smallest things begin to irritate them. Even though stronger cramps, heavier periods, bloating, breast tenderness, increased headaches or mood swings may cause you to think your PMS symptoms are getting worse, these symptoms also mark the beginning signs of perimenopause. Feelings of being Overwhelmed The feeling of being overwhelmed ranks high on the list of common hormone imbalance complaints. Perimenopause and menopause can multiply existing stress levels, causing your body and mind to feel overwhelmed even with the easiest task or life situation. Feeling exhausted usually adds to this mix. Naturally Reduce Your Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances Symptoms of hormone imbalances are your body’s way of asking for help. By being aware and listening to your body as well as working with a knowledgeable practitioner, you’ll be able to target the support your body needs to naturally heal and repair your hormones. Effective natural options can include the use of high-quality vitamins and minerals, human identical hormones, herbs, digestive tract and liver cleansing as well as diet and lifestyle adjustments. All of these can help you find relief by working on the root cause of your hormone imbalances and providing your body the natural support that it needs.
We’ve recently added more content from Polk County, this time coming from Independence, OR! This batch was made possible by the folks at Independence Public Library. The added issues come from The Polk County Post, going back to the start of the paper in 1918 and through 1921. During that time, it was the second largest newspaper coming out of Independence. Though it was a lot newer than the other town newspaper, the Independence Enterprise, it still managed to develop a circulation of 705 in a town of about 1,380 by 1920, its third year in existence, according to the American Newspaper Annual and Directory from that year. Even though it was a relatively small paper, The Polk County Post still managed to squeeze in a lot of important news tidbits from around the world and across the state in its weekly issues. The newspaper also had a focus on the agricultural leanings of the town, particularly hops which were a major part of the town’s economy during this time. The Post also started to include film listings from the local movie theater, a glimpse into the entertainment available at that time. As with all of our digitized papers, you can browse through more issues on the Historic Oregon Newspapers website. Each issue of The Polk County Post can be browsed and searched by keyword, thanks to optical character recognition (OCR) technology. In addition, content can be downloaded as a PDF or JPEG file and saved for future reference or research purposes at absolutely no cost to visitors to Historic Oregon Newspapers.
Dairy Allergy in Breastfed Babies (Going Dairy Free for Beginners) Dairy free breastfeeding can be daunting, but it’s worth it! Your sweet new baby is showing signs of a dairy allergy or milk protein intolerance, the pediatrician recommends you go dairy free for breastfeeding and you’re wondering HOW this is going to work… Girl, I feel you. At 6 weeks, we were told to cut out all traces of cow’s milk protein for my baby’s CMPA (Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy) and begin a strict dairy free breastfeeding diet. I remember hoping my baby’s rash and tummy issues were ANYTHING else. But through trial and error it became obvious that dairy was the problem. If you’re dealing with a baby dairy allergy, you may be wondering what sort of dairy free diet breastfeeding mothers begin with. Maybe you’re looking for dairy free recipes or food items. Maybe you need tips on what it’s really like to tackle eliminating dairy while breastfeeding. Or maybe you’re just in need of some encouragement because going dairy free while breastfeeding sounds super hard. Well, Mama, I’ve got ya covered… I have 3 posts in this series on dairy free breastfeeding for mothers dealing with this same issue. After reading these tips on how to start going dairy free while breastfeeding, you might find these posts helpful as well: Dairy Free Tips for Breastfeeding Mamas for tips on how to give up dairy and 5 Reasons Why Dairy-Free Breastfeeding isn’t the Total Worst for benefits of the breastfeeding dairy free diet and reasons to go dairy free. (This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for details.) Signs of Milk Intolerance or Symptoms of Dairy Allergy in Breastfed Babies Ok, before we begin, I want to outline some basic key signs of allergies in babies, specifically milk protein allergy. Be on the look out for: - Mucus in Baby’s stools - A rash on Baby’s face, chest, even ears - Spitting up frequently/signs of severe reflux - Tummy trouble such as diarrhea or constipation - Other signs of discomfort like excessive crying Mention these or any other symptoms to your pediatrician before making assumptions. Once you know there aren’t more severe underlying cause of Baby’s symptoms, you can discuss a dairy elimination diet, breastfeeding, and other details. They do a test to check for infant allergies at our pediatrician’s office. We debated whether or not to do it, but our baby’s sleep problems had become so severe that we wanted to see if an allergy could be affecting his sleep. We decided to do the test, but it was so awful that I don’t recommend it. They basically had to hold him down while drawing blood very slowly. He screamed and looked into my eyes for help while I tried to comfort him. The test ended up only revealing a handful of results and the dairy that it tested for wasn’t even actually the milk protein that he is sensitive to, so it was basically useless. I tell you this because I want you to know that while finding answers is important, giving up eating dairy may not be as bad as it seems. Sure, it’s tough, but a dairy elimination diet is a relatively simple way to get to the bottom of your baby’s health concerns. So if you’re at the point of beginning a dairy free diet, remember it’s worth it. And hopefully my tips will be a big help in getting started. (I thought I’d include this photo of my baby’s face when his milk allergy rash was at it’s worst. I remember searching for baby milk allergy rash pictures online for something to compare to. I’ll spare you pictures of lactose intolerant baby poop, but think slimy and stringy with flecks of blood.) My Experience with the Dairy Free Breastfeeding Diet I was a brand new mom, still clueless about breastfeeding, and probably one of THE biggest dairy lovers in the universe. I didn’t even know if it was possible for me to cut out cheese, milk, butter…let alone tiny traces of dairy in other products. It seemed way too overwhelming to attempt…. But I’m so glad I did. And I promise if you give it a shot, you will be glad you did it too. There’s something really rewarding about denying yourself something great for the better health of your baby. It’s such a sweet way to bond and really grow into your role as Mommy. I’m not gonna lie, it’s hard. But it’s worth it! And it’s more doable than you may think. So, from a mama who still ate mac n’ cheese as a staple meal until age 25, if I can do it anybody can. I was successful at dairy free breastfeeding for over 17 months! And I’ve got some tips for you to make this whole no dairy and breastfeeding thing easier… Dairy Free Diet Step 1: Scout Out the Grocery Store I was intimidated by having to read labels before buying groceries, but it’s really not too bad. It becomes habit and once you find the brands that work for you, you’re set. (And if you use this great grocery shopping hack your exact choices are earmarked for the future.) Plan an initial trip to the store when you have a little extra time. I know, having extra time as a new mom is a joke, but let Baby stay with dad for a bit or have him come too so you can focus. Go through and read labels on some of your staple items. Stick to your grocery list, but check out other items along the aisles while you’re at it. Sadly, you’ll find a lot of unexpected basics have traces of dairy (think chicken broth granules, spaghetti sauces, most refrigerated doughs, etc.) but you can usually find at least one brand that can work without sacrificing flavor. Most items will have an allergy warning at the bottom of the label that says “contains milk,” but I have read that it’s not required that they put this, so read through the ingredient list on your first time around to be safe. After that, just grab the same brands that you know are dairy free (told you it gets easier.) These are some of my favorite suggestions. Experiment with items that say “may contain traces of milk.” It will depend on your baby’s sensitivity, but we found that these items were usually ok for us, especially after 6 months or so. If your doctor suggests a total breastfeeding elimination diet, continue to be strict. But if you’re testing things or reintroducing dairy while breastfeeding, this is a good place to start. Remember that it can take a few days after Baby drinks the affected milk for symptoms to show up, so give it time. Use gentle trial and error. Take it slow. You don’t have to do Dairy Substitutes I was on a non dairy breastfeeding diet for nearly 18 months. That’s almost a year and a half without my favorite treats…during a year when I could have realllllly used some treats (being a new mom kicked my butt.) In that time I read a TON of dairy free recipes and blogs for help. A huge chunk of those use dairy substitutes for cheese, sour cream, etc. I just couldn’t do it. To me, if it wasn’t the real thing, I’d rather go without. If you’re the same, just know it IS possible to cook and eat well without dairy or “weird ingredients.” It just takes a little creativity: - Mexican food is a really easy one: just leave out the cheese. - Pasta too: stick to red or oil sauces and ditch the parm. - Salads: use oil dressings. - Sandwiches: leave off the cheese. - Soups: try less creamy varieties like minestrone or chicken noodle. (For more recipes and great ideas, see part 2 in this series.) Let yourself splurge on what you can have Ok so I’m a firm believer that new mamas need some extra spoiling. Especially when breastfeeding. What’s your favorite treat? For me, it’s chocolate. My usual brands have dairy, but I was able to find a few brands with really yummy options. It costs a little more than I’d normally spend on a chocolate bar, but it was my splurge. I tried to make one bar last all week (some weeks it took two bars.) Towards the end, I discovered this amazing chocolatey splurge. Yum. You’ll be surprised at how many super-loved items are dairy free! Look up the term “Accidentally Vegan.” This means a company happened to make a product that doesn’t contain dairy, eggs, etc. even though that wasn’t their aim. A few of my favorite go-to’s were Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, Oreo’s, and Ritz Crackers. Treat yo’self. Oh, and THIS: I have to highly recommend grabbing this awesome guide by Brenda from Paper Heart Family. She literally wrote the book on breastfeeding a baby with Milk and Soy Protein Intolerance. Her book, Breastfeeding the Baby with MSPI, is an incredible resource with meal ideas, store-bought snack suggestions, tips for cooking dairy-free, and other amazing info like how to reintroduce dairy and soy into your diet once you’re done breastfeeding. She goes into way more detail than I was am able to do in 3 short posts. Check out her book here. Have a Dairy Free Breastfeeding Support System Don’t do this alone if you don’t have to! There’s tons of talk about doing a dairy free diet for breastfeeding mothers, but what about fathers?! If your husband wants to be super supportive and helpful during the little baby stage, invite him to join you in the non dairy challenge. A lot of husbands want to find ways to help with nursing anyway, so being supportive during dairy free breastfeeding will get him major hubby points. He can splurge and get ice cream when you’re not together, but it really helps to feel like you have a partner who isn’t an infant. If it’s just you and baby, remember that your little one really is your teammate in this! You two are taking on the world as new mama and new life one day at a time. Remind yourself that your baby’s health is worth it. Breastfeeding is sooo good for that sweetie. I repeat, IT IS worth it! (Now say that to yourself on a loop.) The Breastfeeding Dairy Free Diet: See it through Finally, I want to encourage you to see this thing through. Don’t let giving up dairy be a reason to stop breastfeeding early. If you planned to do extended breastfeeding, you totally still can. It gets easier. I PROMISE. If you just want to hit the 1 year mark, count down the days if you need to, but don’t give up! You’re stronger than you think. And a year with a baby FLIES by. You got this, Mama! You can do this. And you’ll be SO glad you did. Remember you’re not alone! And to prove it, I’ve got some bonuses for you. Check out my Dairy Free Tips for Breastfeeding Mamas and my post, 5 Reasons Dairy Free Breastfeeding isn’t the Total Worst. For more tips on pregnancy, breastfeeding and life as a new mom, follow me on Pinterest.
Lately we’ve seen a trend whereby airlines have added an incredible number of new ultra long haul flights. This is a reversal of a previous trend, because prior to a few years ago we saw fewer and fewer long flights introduced. When you look at the list now, a majority of these flights may have been unfathomable several years back, but are now thriving. Why ultra long haul flights are more practical than ever What makes ultra long haul flying more sustainable than in the past? A couple of factors: - The new aircraft technology we’ve seen, especially with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787; these planes are fuel efficient and relatively low capacity (at least compared to the 747), and as a result are able to operate long flights in a profitable manner - Oil prices are still fairly low (though also volatile), and there’s strong global demand for nonstop flights between business hubs Qatar Airways A350 The world’s 15 longest flights I figured it would be fun to look at the world’s 15 longest flights, given how much the list has changed lately. I’m going off of distance here, since winds can also have an impact on the duration of flights, and on top of that, some airlines do a lot of schedule padding. What’s pretty amazing to me is that all 15 of these flights are over 8,200 miles, which is a long way to go nonstop. So, what are the world’s longest flights? Here they are, starting with the longest (I’m including the airline that operates the route, the distance, and the aircraft type used): - Newark to Singapore / Singapore / 9,534 miles / Airbus A350-900ULR - Auckland to Doha / Qatar / 9,032 miles / Boeing 777-200LR - Perth to London / Qantas / 9,010 miles / Boeing 787-9 - Auckland to Dubai / Emirates / 8,824 miles / Airbus A380 - Los Angeles to Singapore / Singapore / 8,770 miles / Airbus A350-900ULR - Houston to Sydney / United / 8,596 miles / Boeing 787-9 - Dallas to Sydney / Qantas / 8,578 miles / Airbus A380 - New York to Manila / Philippine Airlines / 8,520 miles / Airbus A350-900 - San Francisco to Singapore / Singapore & United / 8,446 miles / Airbus A350-900 & Boeing 787-9 - Johannesburg to Atlanta / Delta / 8,439 miles / Boeing 777-200LR - Abu Dhabi to Los Angeles / Etihad / 8,390 miles / Boeing 777-300ER - Dubai to Los Angeles / Emirates / 8,339 miles / Airbus A380 - Jeddah to Los Angeles/ Saudia / 8,332 miles / Boeing 777-300ER - Doha to Los Angeles / Qatar / 8,306 miles / Boeing 777-200LR - Toronto to Manila / Philippine Airlines / 8,221 miles / Airbus A350-900 Singapore Airlines A350 I intentionally left out the flight time, since they fluctuate throughout the year due to winds. All 15 of these flights are blocked anywhere between 15hr and 18hr45min. I’m leaving out those flight times not just because the seasonal fluctuations, but also because some airlines pad their schedules more than others (in order to create artificial on-time arrivals), so I don’t want to give them too much credit there. Here’s a map with all the routes, which is quite cluttered, as you can see: Just to further illustrate how much more popular ultra long haul flights have become, only six of the above 15 flights have been operating prior to 2016, meaning that nine of the above routes have been launched within the past few years. Even more impressive, the world’s six longest flights, and for that matter eight of the world’s nine longest flights, have been launched since 2016. What other record-breaking flights are on the horizon? Two of the world’s three longest flights have been launched last year, which raises the question of what other record-breaking flights might be on the horizon. Well, at the moment the answer is none. At least no routes have been announced that would be on the top 15 list. However, there are some routes that are both feasible and actively being considered by airlines: - Qantas has said that they are considering nonstop flights from Perth to Paris (8,863 miles), Brisbane to Chicago (8,901 miles), and Brisbane to Dallas (8,303 miles) - In 2016, Emirates was supposed to launch nonstop flights from Dubai to Panama City (8,588 miles), though they postponed the route; recently it was claimed that this route is still in the works, though personally I wouldn’t be holding my breath - For a while Thai Airways has been talking about launching nonstop flights to Seattle and Vietnam Airlines has been talking about launching nonstop flights to Los Angeles, but neither of these flights are set in stone As far as I know, these are the only routes that would rank in the top 15 that have been discussed as being under serious consideration. Many of the other ultra long haul routes we’ve heard about are ones that would require new technology. For example, the Boeing 777-8 is expected to enter service around 2022, and airlines are hoping this will be able to operate routes like Sydney to London and Sydney to New York nonstop. Qantas refers to this as “Project Sunrise.” Whether that actually happens remains to be seen, though. It’s exciting to see the number of new ultra long haul flights that are being added by airlines, thanks to new aircraft, like the 787 and A350. While these marathon flights are great for those traveling in a premium cabin, I can’t imagine doing a nonstop flight like this in economy. In those situations I can’t help but feel like I’d rather break up the journey than fly nonstop. Heck, even in business class I feel like some of these flights are too long. It’s especially encouraging how many of the longest flights have been added in the past few years. Unfortunately at this point there’s not much else in the pipeline with current plane technology. We might see a new Perth to Paris route, or something similar, but other than that, it seems like most of the record-breaking ultra long haul flights are behind us, at least until the 777-8 is introduced. What ultra long haul routes do you think we’ll see introduced next?
This $1.8 Million Drug Might Be Too Much For Investors High priced drugs are in the news lately and one company recently set the price for their breakthrough treatment at almost $2 million. Traders seem to be concerned about the price, perhaps because the news is already priced into the stock or perhaps for other reasons. As BizJournals reported, “…biotech bluebird bio (Nasdaq: BLUE) set a price tag of $1.8 million over five years (315,000 euros per year, or the equivalent of $356,000 annually) for its first commercial drug [recently], for which it received approval to sell in Europe last week. Zynteglo treats beta thalassemia, an inherited blood condition that leads to low levels of red blood cells and oxygen in the blood. 3 Red-Hot 5G Stocks: The Death of Comcast Is Near New 5G technology will be 100x faster than your home internet, and Comcast is worried. We've identified 3 stocks that are set to produce returns as high as 3,217%. Click here to see for yourself before it's too late. Get in early and own these 5G stocks on the cheap. The overall condition is fairly common, according to the NIH, but children and adults with severe forms of the disease can face life-threatening effects like liver, heart and hormone problems. The company plans to file for FDA approval later this year. Bluebird has been a vocal part of the industry’s cell and gene therapy pricing discussion, suggesting an installment plan in which patients pay for the drug over five years, forgoing payments if the treatment doesn’t work as intended. The conversation has heightened in recent months, as more gene therapies move to the market. There are currently a handful of gene-augmenting treatments on the market, including Spark Therapeutics’ $850,000 retinal disease drug and Novartis and AveXis’ spinal muscular atrophy drug, which became the world’s costliest drug when it was approved last month with a cumulative $2.1 million price tag (The cost is spread over five annual payments of $425,000). The number of these drugs is expected to ramp up in the coming years as the FDA anticipates approving between 10 and 15 gene therapies annually. Wedbush analysts David Nierengarten and Jeffrey La Rosa wrote in a May, investors note that they were cautious ahead of the Zynteglo launch, given concerns that the pricing model could create “air gaps” in the company’s cash flow.” The stock was little changed on the news. The stock is also well below its highs and this could reflect a “buy the rumor, sell the news” trade as the stock has been falling while the company moved closer and closer to the news that the drug was approved. The decline could be due to the fact BLUE is expected to report losses for at least the next two years. A Trading Strategy To Benefit From Weakness A price decline often results in higher than average options premiums. That means option buyers will be forced to pay higher than average prices for trades, But, sellers could benefit from the higher premiums. In this case, with a bearish outlook for the short term, a call option should be sold. The call should decline in value if the stock declines and sellers of calls benefit from this decline. Selling options can involve a great deal of risk. A spread options strategy can be used to limit the potential risk of the trade. One strategy that traders can consider is the bear call spread. This is a trade that uses two calls with the same expiration date but different exercise prices. Traders buy one call and sell another call. The exercise price of the call you sell will be below the exercise price of the long call. The call is sold to limit the risk of the trade. So, this strategy will always generate a credit when it is opened and will always have limited risk. The risk profile of this trading strategy is summarized in the diagram below which shows the limited risk and reward. Source: The Options Industry Council While risks and rewards are limited, this strategy will allow traders to generate potential gains in a stock they might otherwise find too risky to trade. Many individuals ignore bearish strategies because of the risks. You’ll know the maximum potential gain with this strategy as soon as it’s opened. It is equal to the amount of premium received when the trade is opened. The maximum loss is equal to the difference between the exercise price of the options contracts less the premium received and is also known. Every day, we scan the markets looking for trades that carry low risk and high potential rewards. These trades are available almost every day and we share them with you as we find them. Now, it’s important to remember these are trading opportunities in volatile stocks. When we find a potential opportunity, we evaluate it with real market data. But because the trades are volatile, the opportunities may differ by the time you read this. To help you evaluate the current opportunity, we show our math and explain the strategy. A Bear Call Spread in BLUE For BLUE, we could sell a July 19 $120 call for about $5.80 and buy a July 19 $125 call for about $4. This trade generates a credit of $1.80, which is the difference in the amount of premium for the call that is sold and the call. Remember that each contract covers 100 shares, opening this position results in immediate income of $180. The credit received when the trade is opened, $180 in this case, is also the maximum potential profit on the trade. The maximum risk on the trade is about $320. The risk can be found by subtracting the difference in the strike prices ($500 or $5.00 times 100 since each contract covers 100 shares) and then subtracting the premium received ($180) This trade offers a potential return of about 56% of the amount risked for a holding period that is relatively brief. This is a significant return on the amount of money at risk. This trade delivers the maximum gain if BLUE is below $120 when the options expire, a likely event given the stock’s trend. Call spreads can be used to generate high returns on small amounts of capital several times a year, offering larger percentage gains for small investors willing to accept the risks of this strategy. Those risks, in dollar terms, are relatively small, about $270 for this trade in BLUE.
A long-time chief data scientist at Amazon shows how open data can make everyone, not just corporations, richer Every time we Google something, Facebook someone, Uber somewhere, or even just turn on a light, we create data that businesses collect and use to make decisions about us. In many ways this has improved our lives, yet, we as individuals do not benefit from this wealth of data as much as we could. Moreover, whether it is a bank evaluating our credit worthiness, an insurance company determining our risk level, or a potential employer deciding whether we get a job, it is likely that this data will be used against us rather than for us. In Data for the People, Andreas Weigend draws on his years as a consultant for commerce, education, healthcare, travel and finance companies to outline how Big Data can work better for all of us. As of today, how much we benefit from Big Data depends on how closely the interests of big companies align with our own. Too often, outdated standards of control and privacy force us into unfair contracts with data companies, but it doesn't have to be this way. Weigend makes a powerful argument that we need to take control of how our data is used to actually make it work for us. Only then can we the people get back more from Big Data than we give it. Big Data is here to stay. Now is the time to find out how we can be empowered by it. \|Product dimensions:\|\|6.10(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.90(d)\| About the Author Andreas Weigend is one of the world's foremost experts on the future of big data, social-mobile technologies, and consumer behavior. He teaches at Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, and Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in China. He is the founder and director of the Social Data Lab. He lives in San Francisco, California. Table of Contents Prologue: When Everything Is Recorded ix Introduction: The Social Data Revolution 1 1 Becoming Data Literate: Essential Tools for the Digital Citizen 13 2 Character and Characteristics: The Stand-off Between Digital Privacy and Digital Honesty 39 3 Connections and Conversations: Identity and Reputation in the Social Graph 69 4 Context and Conditions: Making Sense of the Sensorization of Society 107 5 Seeing the Controls: Transparency for the People 145 6 Taking the Control(s): Agency for the People 175 7 Rights into Realities: Applying the Power of Transparency and Agency 199 Epilogue: Into the Sunlight 233
extratime provides high-quality, affordable out-of-school activities for children and young people aged 5-19 years with disabilities, in a safe, fun environment working closely with parents/carers, school staff and other professionals. Contact: Becky Jenner Tel: 01273 420580 mASCot is for families who have children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition and enables families to connect and meet others in the same situation as themselves. It is run by parents from Brighton and Hove who we all use the same schools and services. Contact: Sam Bayley Tel: 01273 414609 Barnardos Link Plus Brighton & Hove Link Plus is a Short Breaks Service that recruit, train and support foster carers to provide planned overnight and/or day care to disabled young people aged 0-18 years. The Service promotes good quality care and inclusive activities for young people, supporting families of disabled young people by enabling parents to take a regular break from their caring responsibilities. Contact: Lisa Giles Tel: 01273 295179 Children's Hearing Services Working Group This locally based multi-agency group, includes parent representatives, working together to maintain and improve services for deaf children and their families. They aim to look at current provision for deaf children in health, education and social care, and to develop the range of services used to make them more effective and family friendly. Currently represented in the group are:- parents, new-born screening services, audiology, paediatrician, health visitor, sensory needs team, speech and language therapy, National Deaf Children’s Society, family support worker, and the community audiology service. Contact: Virginia Harvey, Specialist speech and language therapist (Deafness) – Current Chair Autism Support & Awareness Promotion A group created to raise autism awareness in black and minority ethnic communities in Brighton. Contact: Zitha Anaiss A parent and toddler group for children with special needs and their parent carers. Tel: 07875 377961 or 01273 236366 Fresh Youth Perspectives Fresh Youth Perspectives (FYP) is a Parental Community Forum that supports families with challenges of youth wellbeing/emotional mental health and all forms of social exclusion including school/educational Exclusions. We believe in working in partnership with services to seek solutions and ensure our families voices are heard. We advocate when required and requested. We signpost. Presently we link with aspirational skilled mentoring for improved outcomes for our local Youth. Contact: Caroline , Mari or Alicja
Richard Wrangham figures our hominin ancestors tamed fire and started cooking with it 1.8 million years ago. Other authorities date our mastery of fire from 12,000 to 400,000 years ago. From the New York Times: “When early humans discovered how to build fires, life became much easier in many regards. They huddled around fire for warmth, light and protection. They used it to cook, which afforded them more calories than eating raw foods that were hard to chew and digest. They could socialize into the night, which possibly gave rise to storytelling and other cultural traditions. But there were downsides, too. Occasionally, the smoke burned their eyes and seared their lungs. Their food was likely coated with char, which might have increased their risk for certain cancers. With everyone congregated in one place, diseases could have been transmitted more easily.”
Pink Pistols – Queer Lives Are Worth Defending A few years ago, I helped establish a chapter of Pink Pistols, a group of gays, lesbians, and friends who regularly get together to practice safe, legal and responsible use of firearms. Why? To begin with, “queer lives are worth defending.” I am such a big guy that muggers cross the street to avoid me, but many of my friends are of slighter build; many have been mugged and/or beaten. We all know of gays and lesbians who have been beaten or even killed. It does little good to “dial 9-1-1 and pray” when one is faced with an immediate, violent, possibly deadly threat. Guns have unique advantages for self-defense. They can be used by anyone, regardless of size and strength. They require training, but not so much as most other martial arts. They inspire fear in the biggest of bullies. When attackers are not deterred, if worse should come to worst, the smallest defender can stop the biggest attacker. Imagine a world with no firearms, and we might well be in a world like that of Genghis Khan – a time when highly trained and violent archers on horseback did whatever they wanted, unfettered by any opposition. Few peasants could afford horses and weapons, fewer still the many hours needed to become expert in their use. Firearms, by contrast, are very democratic – “the Great Equalizer”, as Samuel Colt named them. One of my favorite books is Negroes With Guns, by Robert F. Williams. In the 1950s, Williams was President of the Monroe, NC chapter of the NAACP. The Ku Klux Klan in those days was large, numerous, armed, and dangerous – and local law enforcers were often members. By day, these LEOs would confiscate weapons from black families, and by night they’d return with friends, wearing sheets and terrorizing disarmed victims. Robert Williams organized his neighbors for self-defense; they acquired arms and practiced skills. Williams heard and refuted most every argument against this. The main argument was that resistance would lead to violent war, a “cycle of violence.” He replied that the KKK were bullies and cowards who would not risk their supposedly “superior” lives against armed “inferiors” – it would be too much a blow to their fragile egos. Experience proved him right. He also made it clear that his goal was not bloodshed, nor victory over others; he just wanted to be left alone in peace. So it is with Pink Pistols; we are not at war with anyone; we merely want to be left alone in peace. Popular images of self-defense involve a hail of bullets, innocents caught in cross-fire, and blood in the streets. The reality is not nearly so suitable for Hollywood drama. According to analysis by Kleck, “only 3% of criminal gun assaults involve anyone actually being wounded, even nonfatally, and the same is true of defensive gun uses. More commonly, guns are merely pointed at another person, or perhaps only referred to (‘I’ve got a gun’) or displayed, and this is sufficient to accomplish the ends of the user, whether criminal or non-criminal. […M]ost defensive uses of guns do not in fact involve shooting anyone. Data from the National Self-Defense Survey indicate that no more than 8% of the 2.5 million annual defensive gun uses involved a defender who claimed to have shot their adversaries, or about 200,000 total.” Kleck expressed concerns that this number may be high, but it roughly comports with 150,000 reported gun wound treatments, so is probably not too far off. In addition to practical arguments, there are philosophical questions. What sort of society do we wish to live in? What would it take to abolish all weapons, given that we cannot even abolish drugs or weapons from prisons? Do we want to live in such a police state? Would it lead to the desired end, a safer society? Experience in the UK and other societies suggests otherwise. Some will say that the UK has lower rates of gun violence – but what about other forms of violence? The UK actually has knife control laws, because criminals readily substitute other weapons when guns are not easily available. It must be admitted, however, that total murder rates are still lower in the UK than in the USA. Does this prove the case for gun control? Not when you observe that those rates have always been lower, even when guns were freely available in the UK. Something other than availability of guns must explain the difference. We are often told that America has the highest rate of murder among “industrialized nations” – but a close look reveals that so-called “industrialized nations” are carefully cherry-picked. Back in 1999, I asked my then-boyfriend Javier his impressions of America. His reply startled me. “It’s so peaceful here,” he said. Pointing to the TV, which had been relentlessly showing interviews of everyone with an opinion about the Columbine shooting for over two weeks, every hour on every channel, he told me that “Back home in Medellin, this story would not have lasted four hours. It would have been replaced with another bombing, assassination, or kidnapping. It would have been old news.” I was shocked to discover that Colombia had a murder rate 8 times greater than the USA, and the top rate for kidnappings. Top government officials were frequently assassinated. Colombia also had very strict gun control; it was simply impossible for civilians to legally own any sort of gun or ammunition without express permission from the military. They even had motorcycle control laws in Bogota, in an effort to stop two-man hit teams. This gave me a different perspective on American media. When they go into one of their obsessive spells – which is quite often – I just tune it out. There’s bound to be something more relevant elsewhere on the internet. My friend Jose grew up in the comuna of Medellin, Colombia. That’s Spanish for the “wrong side of the tracks”, or the “barrio.” They had a serious problem with sicarios. [ young assassins-for-hire] So the military got smart and handed out weapons and ammo to “self-defense groups (Milicias Populares) that protected the comuna; they functioned as night watchers, they used conversation first to persuade the sicarios not to commit crimes; when talking did not work, they gave them warnings and deadlines to start behaving . . . after the deadline, the guys that did not follow the ‘advice’ were killed. These Milicias Populares spread fast from neighborhood to neighborhood because they proved they worked. They were easily identified because they were dressed all in black and had a red band on their arms. They protected people and people protected them. When all the major gangs ‘reinserted’ themselves into society, the Milicias Populares also rendered their weapons to the government and became normal civilians.” People tend to confuse war with self-defense. In war, it is often considered essential to defeat, to win, to be declared the victor. In self-defense, it is enough that the attackers just go away and leave us alone. Claiming always to be victims, making it seem that we need society to protect us, is not working. “I’m weak and helpless” is no deterrent to a bully. The business end of a gun is deterrent enough to make most bullies back away in a great hurry. Coming back to the fundamental question, I want to live in a free and peaceful society. To be free means to be able to do anything that is peaceful and honest, including gun ownership and the responsible use thereof. If our goal is peace, which is better – to allow killers to spend ten, twenty, thirty minutes shooting defenseless victims before police finally arrive, or to allow victims to defend themselves and stop the violence immediately? What if – as was the case for blacks in the 50s and 60s, for gays in many other periods, and for other minorities in a great variety of times and places – the police are no protection at all? I cannot imagine any way to realistically dispose of all evil, but I do want to live in a society where all are free to defend themselves and their loved ones to the best of their abilities, and to otherwise live in peace.
B - Natural Vitamin B Complex 90 capsules from organically grown tulsi, lemon and guave \| Power Supplements Power Supplements Natural Vitamin B-complex is a natural vitamin B-complex from organically grown plants devoid of synthetic additives. The B-vitamins we derive from food are used for energy production, amino acid metabolism and healthy cell replication. Supplements with B-vitamins are nearly always produced from synthetical sources. These synthetical vitamins are mostly not identical with the natural vitamins present in natural food. These synthetic vitamins are also absorbed and metabolised differently in the human body. In the USA it is a common practice to supplement refined foods (especially breakfast cereals) with synthetic folic acid (vitamin B9). There has been a major uproar because it has been established synthetic folic acid is metabolized differently than natural non-synthetic folate. Natural folate doesn't just contain one single but a whole slew of compounds that differ from the simple synthetic folic acid. Natural Vitamin B complex from Power Supplements only contains natural folate. Functions of B-vitamins: • energy production • maintenance of normal physiological functions (heart, central nervous system, blood, hormones, immune system, skin, mucous membranes (lungs, airways, intestines, cell replication) • maintenance of regular iron metabolism • maintenance of normal protein metabolism • protection of cells against oxidative damage - gelatin caps Some supplements are suitable for both men and women of all ages as well as children. But other supplements are specifically targeted to the aging woman or man. Another supplement is especially suitable for athletes, regardless of gender. - 4+ items = -€2 - any two = -€1! (iDEAL/Bancontact/bank) - any four = -€2! - in stock - <€30: €4+ (NL) - €7+ (EU) - quantity discount is valid for any combination of products - free shipping above €30 (NL) - €50 (BE/DE) or €7 discount above €50 (EU) - keep out of reach of young children - a dietary supplement is not a subsitute for a healthy diet ; do not exceed recommended dose - if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, lactating or trying to conceive, are under age of 18, or are taking medications, consult your health care practitioner before using this product. - books, probiotics and products bought in the SALE can NOT be returned - tested on doping in Köln WADA-doping lab How do you recognize vitamin B deficiency? Traditional media often run stories about how supplements may cause problems. One of the problems with studies highlighting supplements is they typically use synthetic vitamins, and not whole food supplements. Your body was not made to process unnatural agents, often posing as equivalents to the real thing. The reality is they are frequently not the same and do not provide you with the same health benefits. Vitamin deficiencies may lead to illness and disease, and contribute to chronic issues such as high blood pressure, dementia and cancer. One nutritional deficiency having the potential to wreak havoc on your health, your cognition and even your respiratory system is a deficiency in vitamin B complex. B vitamins also help your body to detoxify from chronic exposure to pollutants and chemicals. How to reduce stress with ASMROur brain is programmed to stress us. It does that a lot and on just about any subject. Like a lot of behavioral reactions, stress used to be and still is a survival mechanism that our brain used in order to inject alertness when needed. It’s there so we could harness internal resources and spring into action in a matter of seconds when hunted or hunting. Fortunately for us, we rarely need to spring into action nowadays to avoid a prowling lion. Today, stress is not helpful and is often counter-productive. When stressed, most of us lose focus and are immersed in unpleasant feelings. In the past, we needed all that “potential energy” when we faced fight or flight situations. It probably saved our lives more than once. Today, this energy still exists in each of us in certain situations; if it is not discharged via some sort of conduit (either physical or of a more neural nature), it slows us down. That’s why we need to get creative in the way we release stress. We don’t have time to go on a vacation every week; often we even can’t step away from the almighty computer, tablet, or cell phone. Timing of supplementsWe frequently receive the question whether it really matters when to use a particular supplement. Most supplements come with instructions to ingest them with a meal. This is in the assumption that meal contain fat, as fat will aid with absorption through the gut wall. Whether or not this can be your first meal of the day, depends on how much fat it contains. Especially fat-soluble vitamins, such as A,D, E and K need fat for proper absorption. A work-around is to ingest them together with a larger amount of fish or krill oil softgels if your first meal doesn't contain enough fat. Another reason take supplements with a meal, is that taking it by itself, can cause nausea or discomfort. How to repel mosquitoesRarely have people been so upset about mosquitoes as in this past week: a plague of mosquitoes seems to have arrived in the Netherlands and most surrounding countries. The reason it is possible to have so many blood thirsty mosquitoes swarm around us, is that mosquito eggs incubate in water puddles as small as a rain gutter, cavities on flat roofs, empty plant pots or pet bowls. In 14 days or less when it is very warm, larvae become fully grown adults, of which the females start searching for blood. The combination of a semi-monsoon in June and sudden tropical heat in July caused a mosquito 'babyboom'. take one capsule a day preferably with a meal do not take more than 2 capsules a day contains per minimal daily serving (1 capsule) vitamine B1 (thiamine) 5,5mg (500% RDI) vitamine B2 (riboflavine) 5mg (357% RDI) vitamine B3 (niacine) 8mg (50% RDI) vitamine B5 (panthothenic acid) 9,5mg (158% RDI) vitamine B6 (pyridoxine) 5,5mg (393% RDI) vitamine B9 (folate) 175mcg (87% RDI) - from 250mg extract of Tulsi, lemon and guave RDI = Recommended Daily Intake active ingredients (extracts from Tulsi, lemon and guave), filler (rice starch), capsule (bovine gelatin) keep dry and closed at normal room temperature between 15 - 22°C. keep out of reach of young children contains no familiar allergens (wheat, gluten, soy, lupin, nuts/tree nuts, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish or mollusks)
This article is a stub. You can help Pern Wiki by expanding it. "Kindan's Song" told the story of how Kindan saved Fort Hold during the Plague. The song was written by Master Composer Kelsa, using Kindan's notes from the event. Appearances Dragon Harper Retrieved from "https://pern.fandom.com/wiki/Kindan%27s_Song?oldid=22711" Categories: Article stubs Music Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
Plastics & Materials Open Innovation Companies, no matter how large their R&D staff, cannot solve all of the problems they are faced with. Open innovation has grown up to address that shortfall. Companies are able to reach external problem solvers all over the world to increase their chances of success. With 6 open innovation wins so far at Innocentive, I am rated among the top 0.01% of registered innovators. • Challenge 5070222 Highly Crystalline Polyethylene Surface with Wettability Properties • Challenge 5387183 Sodium-Free Chemical Leavening System • Challenge 9376500 Inert Filler for Water Soluble or Dispersible Films • Challenge 9542841 Fast Absorbing POP-UP Material • Challenge 9933601 New Uses for Spheroidal, Porous 5 Micron Amorphous Silica • Challenge 9933543 Corona-Resistant Materials for the Protection of Industrial Products In each case the application was just 2-4 sides of paper where the solution was described. The one I am most proud of is the invention of sodium free baking soda because it was the most difficult and of the most value to mankind, helping people keep dietary sodium under control. The leavening agent had to cook just like regular baking soda, have acceptable taste, be safe and of course inexpensive. I described the solution and gave details on how to make the new additive on a commercial scale. After several months of silence, while the many entries were evaluated and tested, I was contacted by Innocentive to say that I had won the $40 000 prize. I was shocked and amazed, proud and happy to have won. One always needs some luck to win but the confidence of this win spurred me on to compete in new innovation challenges.
It is a sad fact of life that a small number of bad people exist who are willing to scam people in order to encourage them to part with their money. So what can you do to protect yourself? In the latest guide we provide 5 tips to help you avoid being the victim of scams related to searching for employment. 1. Always be vigilant Be open to the possibility that people may not be who they say they are. If you are open to this possibility then you will be in a better position to identify potential scams. 2. Learn how to identify scams Job scams are increasingly convincing but there are often traits that can help you to identify them as a scam. These include: - Being asked to make payment(s) in order to complete an test/application/background check OR you are asked to urgently provide cash/information/payment (this reduces the time you have to consider whether it might be a scam and is a common trick) - Receiving unsolicited email/call/text/message with a job offer or business opportunity - The “salary” for the role is higher than expected or the returns offered seem to good to be true - The “employer” uses different email addresses/contact methods to those listed in the job advert - The job advert contains poor English, spelling mistakes or other errors 3. Try and verify job listings It is a good idea to do some background checks prior to making a job application. These checks could include: - Checking with friends or family who work for the employer and may be able to verify the job opening - Checking the internet to see whether this could be a potential scam - Checking with the potential employer to verify the job opening. Scammers may list genuine contact details – it may be that only the email address or telephone number are not genuine. A simple check with the employer may help to uncover a scam. 4. Requests for money This is the main reason for the existence of most scams. The scammers want to trick you into sending them money. A legitimate employer or recruiter will NEVER ask you to send them money. If you are asked to make a payment then DO NOT proceed. 5. Report scam job adverts If you believe that a job advert is a scam always ensure that you report this to the advertiser and to the relevant authorities. This will enable them to (1) take action to remove the job advert (2) investigate the scam and (3) prevent other people from becoming victims. To find more careers articles visit: Careers Advice Search for Jobs To search for the latest jobs in the Philippines visit: www.philcareers.com/jobs
It is not possible to only have sunny days, sometimes in life, it rains. Sometimes it is torrential and goes on for hours or even days. Life is like the weather, there are good and bad days. We need both the sun and the rain in life, without them, there would be no life. The darker moments and rainy days in our lives serve a purpose too. They help us appreciate the good things in life more, they help us learn and how we deal with them is a choice. We can choose to allow the rainy days to bring us down, we can choose to ignore the fact that the sun always returns and we can choose to allow them to influence how we see ourselves and the situation. Naturally, we can choose the opposite, so we decide what to make to them no one else. Whatever it is in life, it is never as bad as we programme ourselves to think and it passes. Cherish the sunny days and let go of the rainy ones.
Hope for dogs with most common cardiorespiratory disease Open-heart surgery to address the most common cardiorespiratory disease in dogs has been performed for the first time in Australia, at the University of Sydney's Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Every year mitral valve disease (MVD) kills thousands of dogs in Australia, and millions worldwide. There is no cure and death usually occurs within a year after symptoms of heart failure being diagnosed. The only exception to this is a surgical procedure developed by Dr Masami Uechi, Director of Jasmine Veterinary Cardiovascular Medical Centre in Japan, which has added years to the lives of dogs affected by the condition. Dr Uechi, accompanied by five of his surgical team, flew to Australia to perform the open heart surgery last week with University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science specialists. "We're excited and grateful that Dr Uechi and his team could perform this surgery at our clinic. It is an unparalleled opportunity for us to assist with the surgery," said Dr Niek Beijerink, the veterinary cardiology specialist who took part in the operation. "It means that we'll be able to start the process of learning how to perform the surgery ourselves on Australian dogs and hopefully prolong many of their lives." Dr Beijerink invited Dr Uechi, who he has known for many years, to come to Australia. The six-hour operation was performed on Prince, a 10-year-old male Cavalier King Charles spaniel who was diagnosed with severe heart failure due to MVD earlier this year. The operation was a success and promises to extend Prince's life by many years.
“One can have an active, pain free life. Surgery for control of symptoms is rarely necessary. It is never a long-term solution as the underlying condition remains. A rehabilitation program is important for everyone.” Drs. Irène & Robert Minkowsky What is Spinal Stenosis Stenosis means narrowing and spinal stenosis indicates that there is narrowing of the spinal canal (central stenosis) or narrowing of the openings where spinal nerves exit the canal (foraminal stenosis). Although some individuals may be born with a congenitally narrow spinal canal, for the vast majority of individuals, spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition that occurs progressively over time. If we live long enough, we all develop it. With intervertebral disc bulging, herniation or drying, the disc space is reduced, secondary arthritic change occurs in the facet joints and ligaments hypertrophy. The spinal canal or neural foramen is narrowed by these changes. By the time we are 50, virtually everyone has some spinal stenosis, though for the majority it is asymptomatic. Symptoms from stenosis occur principally when nerve tissue is impacted, creating radicular symptoms of radiating pain down an arm or leg or back pain that occurs with standing or walking. Individuals with lumbar stenosis prefer to sit. Going to a museum or a cocktail party can provoke pain and the quality of life is affected. However, one can live pain free with spinal stenosis if there is balance in and around the spine and one performs specific exercises to open the canal and optimize function. Spinal Stenosis Pain If most individuals with stenosis are pain free, why and how do we get into trouble? The main variables in stenosis are changes occurring in the disc and arthritis in the facet joints. Arthritic change occurs slowly. The disc, however, can bulge more from one moment to the next and it is this change that usually renders stenosis symptomatic. Triggers can include forward bending, lifting, arching of the back, travelling or other activities that load the disc or narrow the canal. In the neck, carrying or working with the arms overhead may stress the discs. Usually there are several factors that together get us into trouble. If spinal stenosis becomes symptomatic, what are the treatment options? There are 2 goals. 1. Relieve the acute symptoms. 2. Have a daily exercise program that optimizes the canal and the function of the spine, maintaining an individual in a symptom free state. Acute Symptom Relief With nerve or spinal cord compression, swelling occurs. This creates more compression and a vicious cycle begins. The first goal is to decrease swelling and relieve pressure on nerve tissue. The treatment options include NSAIDS or oral prednisone. If these measures fail to improve symptoms, an epidural injection and selective nerve root block are often helpful. In this procedure, steroid is injected in the area of nerve tissue irritation. Although many patients view a steroid injection as a treatment cure to be repeated, in our experience, it is usually most helpful to decrease acute symptoms and enable an individual to get into a preventative rehabilitation program. Along with the use of anti-inflammatory medication, instruction in isometric core muscle strengthening exercises, flexion exercises and passive traction in a 90-90-degree position to optimize canal size are essential. Long Term Program Most individuals with spinal stenosis can be maintained in a symptom free state over years if they are diligent in doing the exercise program that emphasizes strengthening of transversus abdominis (core) and flexion exercises. Avoiding extension, weight reduction, attention to posture and body mechanics and dynamic use of the abdominal muscles in activities of daily living are important as well. Occasionally an individual may require surgery if they have progressive neurologic symptoms. However, the good news is that for the vast majority of individuals with spinal stenosis the treatment solution is a conservative one. One can have an active, pain free life. Surgery for control of symptoms is rarely necessary. It is never a long-term solution as the underlying condition remains. A rehabilitation program is important for everyone. Schedule Your Consultation Today Don’t let chronic pain and musculoskeletal injuries affect your quality of life. Schedule a consultation at the Physicians’ Back Institute today. Drs. Robert and Irène Minkowsky have helped thousands of patients. Let them help resolve your pain and get you back to your physical and active lifestyle. They are proud to serve the San Francisco Bay Area.
Brownies are just chocolates comes true. The core ingredient of brownies is dark chocolate. Brownies may be gooey, fudgy or chewy. But the essence remains the same that they are tempting and no one can say no to the brownies. They are gulped in within a few minutes after they are baked. ‘Fudgy’ brownies have a higher fat-to-flour ratio than cakey ones. So add more fat in this case, butter and chocolate. A ‘cakey’ batch has more flour and relies on baking powder for leavening. The amount of sugar does not change whether you’re going fudgy or cakey. I prepared the cakey brownies with a proper proportion of chocolate, butter and flour. Dark chocolate: 50 gms Salted butter: 55 gms All purpose flour: 3/4 cup Milk: 1/4 cup Castor sugar: 1/2 cup Vanilla essence: 1 tsp Baking powder: 1/2 tsp Chopped walnuts: 1 tbsp 1. Preheat the oven for 10 minutes at 180 degrees C. 2. To a double boiler add the chopped chocolates and the chopped butter. 3. Keep on stirring the chocolate and butter until they both melt completely. 4. Turn off the heat and take out the bowl from the double boiler. 5. Now to the melted chocolate add castor sugar and mix thoroughly with the spatula. 6. Add vanilla essence to the bowl. 7. Take another bowl and sift all purpose flour and baking powder together. 8. Now add the flour mix to the melted chocolate and give a gentle stir so that the flour is completely mixed with the melted chocolate. 9. Now take a cake tin and grease it with butter and dust some flour in it. 10. Now pour the brownie mixture to the greased cake tin. Sprinkle chopped walnuts to the brownie mixture. 11. Bake the brownies for around 30 minutes at 180 degrees C. 12. Insert a tooth pick and check the brownies. If it comes out clean then the brownies are done. 13. Let them cool completely, then demould it and garnish with chocolate sauce.
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multilateral initiative for securing concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, fight against corruption and strengthen governance through new technologies. The OGP introduces a domestic policy mechanism through which government and civil society establish an ongoing dialogue on the design, implementation and monitoring of the commitments. Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, Philippines, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States are the founding members of the OGP. Current membership of OGP stands at 70 countries. Government of Pakistan is committed to the principles of open government, accountability and transparency. After meeting the OGP’s membership eligibility criteria (achieved 15 of the 16 criteria) which cover areas such as budgetary transparency, access to information, asset disclosure and a law being in place for asset disclosure by public officials, the Government of Pakistan initiated the joining process of OGP with the approval of Cabinet and the Finance Minister handed over Pakistan’s Letter of Intent to join OGP to the French President Francois Hollande during the fourth biennial OGP Global Summit held in Paris 7-9 December 2016. The Government of France was the host and co-chair of that Summit. Government of France had formally invited the Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar to attend the Summit. Finance Minister and Secretary EAD had participated in the aforementioned Global Summit, which sent positive signals to our development partners and also improved the global image of Pakistan. The Summit was an important follow on to the OGP Asia Pacific Summit 2014, in which Pakistan participated with the Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, as the head of delegation. The next requirement of OGP is to develop a National Action Plan by June 2017. It will be the product of a co-creation process in which government, international organizations, civil society and private sector to define ambitious commitments to foster transparency, accountability and public participation. EAD in order to formulate the National Action Plan, has so far conducted four consultative meetings/events with federal Ministries, Provincial Focal Persons, Civil Society, Development Partners and Private Sectors. EAD has conducted provincial level consultations on NAP in each provincial headquarter with the support of Planning & Development Departments of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan during the month of May, 2017. In addition to these consultations, the civil society including OSF, Accountability Lab and Center for Governance & National Accountability have conducted their consultations in the country. Copyright © 2019 pjn.org.pk
The use of herbs for healing has been an ancient practice. Right from the beginning of human existence, human beings used medicinal plants to cure themselves of various diseases. The practice continues till today and will continue for as long as human beings occupy this earth. The knowledge of which herb is useful, and for which disease was by observation, instinct, and experimentation. Over time, human beings developed a more advanced way of knowing which plant is medicinal or poisonous, and which is beneficial for which illness. In the modern world, the knowledge of herbal medicine has significantly advanced. In fact, many of the so-called modern western drugs are derived from plants. Some examples are aspirin derived from willow bark, penicillin from Penicillium mold, cocaine from the coca plant, and quinine used for the treatment of malaria that is derived from Cinchona Ledgerina, nick-named ‘fever tree.’ Over 100 active chemical ingredients are presently known to be derived from plants for use as drugs and medicines. There are over 400,000 species of plants on this planet. Human beings in different continents use about 100,000 of these plants for medicinal purposes. Of these, only 10,000 (10 percent) is said to have been clinically analyzed and thus recommended for human consumption. This shows that despite the advance in medical and scientific knowledge, we have just begun to scratch the surface of the vast body of knowledge available in nature. This should make us humble and accept our ignorance. In the year 2000, I published the book titled: ‘Nature Power: A Christian Approach to Herbal Medicine’, which became very popular among Nigerians and across Africa and the world. When Nature Power was first published, at the time, the practice of herbal medicine in Nigeria and most parts of Africa was mainly, and widely associated with witchcraft, sorcery, ritualism and all sorts of native fetish practices and beliefs. Because herbal medicine was profoundly linked to paganism, therefore, many African Christians decided to secretly patronise traditional healers, while the elites and the religious figures did not want to identify in any way with traditional African Medicine, not at any one point even. The Nature Power, therefore, like a lonely voice in the wilderness, was written to try and correct the misconception that African Herbal medicine is synonymous with paganism, ritualism, and fetishism. Eighteen years after its publication, the levels of negative perceptions have reduced considerably. Since then, people from all walks of life, namely; religious authorities, medical practitioners, healthcare professionals, academics, etc. now openly and proudly patronise herbal medicine and speak boldly in support of it. There is also a growing interest at the moment in the scientific study of herbal medicine across the continent and Nigeria in particular. Since the publication of ‘Nature Power’ in 2000, there has been demands by readers for a plant album, to help readers identify the medicinal plants pictorially. This is very important to avoid taking the wrong herbs. Some herbs look so much alike that it takes careful examination and experience to spot the difference. The other day, I saw a man with some fresh leaves at the back of his car. He told me that the plant’s name is dandelion and that the plant is used to treat diabetes. I told him that the plant in his car is not dandelion but roseflower leaves. Some people see the leaves of pumpkin and call it garden egg leaves. There are many other instances of such mistaken identification of plants. To contribute to finding a solution to this problem, I decided to document some of our local herbs with their pictures, to help proper identification. Happily, this collection of local herbs and their pictures have now been published as a book, which has just been released to the public, with the title: ‘Medicinal Plants of Nigeria. An Ethnobotanical survey and Plant Album’. Hopefully, there will be many more similar books to follow. If you are an herbal medicine practitioner, or a natural medicine user, or lover of plants, ensure that you give pride of place to proper identification of plants. At a time so much attention is being given to phytochemical screening of plants, there is a temptation to overlook the philosophy of ethnomedicine and cultural use of plants, thereby losing the link between plants and the community. This is why a plant album that documents how the local people use the plants is essential. Another reason the documentation and proper identification of local plants are crucial is that even the traditional healers have become a highly endangered species, as many of them die mainly due to old age and other tropical diseases, without passing on their knowledge and expertise to their children and grandchildren. This has all been facilitated by the high rate of migration of the immediate generation to the cities, in the quest for modern education, where they attend modern universities and acquire degrees in fields like modern medicine, business administration, banking, architecture, geography, criminology, engineering, and a host of others. Some become fire-spitting evangelists, pastors and Christian crusaders who declare ‘war’ on traditional medicine and brand their kin, as idol worshipers and pagans. Western education and foreign religions seem to have indoctrinated African children against their predecessors, traditions, and culture, which have led to the current dimness in knowledge, as far as traditional medicine is concerned. It is not the will of God that we throw away the wisdom of our forefathers and mothers. The challenge for today’s African thinkers, scientists and philosophers is to sift out the fetish and superstitions from our inherited deposits of knowledge without throwing away the truth.
Recently, I’ve had several people question me on playing tabletop RPGs with deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) people. Knowing I’m hard-of-hearing and an advocate for D/HH rights, they’re curious what gaming is like when you have hearing difficulties. So, in honor of Deaf History Month, I’m going to discuss how deafness can affect a game originally designed by hearing people. Why the curiosity? Well, at 8.6% of the US population, D/HH people are a significant number of potential players and GMs. Also, hearing loss occurs with age, and many of the most experienced gamers (not to mention the founders) are already reaching senior citizen levels. Also, thanks to the exclusivity of the hearing world, many D/HH individuals are at-risk for mental illness and can benefit from socialization and therapy. Groups that use RPGs to reach and include others provide a valuable resource beyond gaming. Before I begin, I want to preface that this is advice for running RPGs with a primarily D/HH group, meaning they’re likely knowledgeable in a sign language. Including a D/HH person in a game with hearing people is different, although much of this advice can provide guidance. Know How to Communicate It’s true that many D/HH people can speak, read lips, and even hear to some degree (especially with hearing aids). The best way to communicate, though, is through sign language and it changes (and enriches) RPGs. For one, sign language is a visual language that requires everyone to pay attention. The table must always be focused on whoever is currently communicating, whether it’s the GM or the current player. Techniques to gain attention can be as simple as waving a hand or banging on the table or floor, but there are better aids. Some groups use handheld lights to gain attention, and a small LED flashlight or similar device works wonders. This difference in focus also means turn order and providing equal spotlight are essential. Interrupting or “signing over” others is terrible form as-is, but at an RPG session, it can interfere with the game. Sign Language is the Best Language for Storytelling I may be biased, but I love storytelling in sign language; the expressive nature involving body language, facial features, and dynamic performance bring stories to a whole new level. An RPG session entirely in sign can be one of the most immersive experiences, even while sitting around a table. To be fair, there are some differences at a D/HH table, namely the depiction of NPCs and sound effects. Without verbal cues or accents to distinguish NPCs, GMs may use visual indicators to determine which character they’re portraying. Everything from pictures on stands to miniatures helps avoid confusion, and skilled or fluent signers can convey size, appearance, or demeanor with their language. Similarly, while a sound may not easily translate, GMs may describe indicators through other senses (like sight or smell) or even vibrations. Native signers can express what a shattering window is like or how heavy footsteps feel in ways Deaf players easily understand. Not Everyone Signs After praising gaming using sign language, I need to be clear: not everyone who is deaf or hard-of-hearing signs. Some were raised in the oralist tradition, and others developed hearing loss later; whether they know sign language (let alone the same one) varies by person. Groups with non-signing individuals may require other ways to communicate, whether it’s written on paper or texted through electronic devices. You may have a group that speaks verbally but needs lip-reading or hearing assistance to understand each other. Some of the advice I’m providing is still important, however, particularly about making sure everyone is focused and paying attention. Regardless of how individual D/HH people communicate, visual cues, changing the spotlight, etc. are vital to tabletop gaming. Embrace the Round Table One of my favorite aspects of Deaf culture is the use of circular seating arrangements. Regardless of how you communicate, it’s vital that everyone be able to see each other. Most hearing groups use rectangular tables, the easier to fit everyone and provide ample table space. While a square table might work for a D/HH GM and three players, any more than that you should look for a circular table. In games that require less paperwork or accessories, you can even forgo the table for chairs or other furniture arranged in a circle. Just make sure you (and your players) have access to whatever is necessary to play the game, even if it means some folding trays or a coffee table in the center. Know Your Environment Given the visual nature (and needs) of D/HH communication, proper lighting is necessary for any playing area. Nothing is worse than trying to understand or see something in dim light; mood lighting might be cool in hearing games, but I don’t recommend them for D/HH players. Personal appearance, from clothing to facial hair, is equally as important at the table. Whether wearing outfits that make signing easier to understand or toning down your inner Viking so lip-readers can see your mouth, D/HH groups have extra considerations at the table. One additional thing about sign language: know how expressive you (or your players) can be and prepare your playing area. Keep your table clear of food and drink, and place map and miniatures some distance from everyone; you don’t want to ruin a game by knocking everything over because you were signing excitedly! Lost in Translation Something many hearing people seem confused about is that a sign language is not merely a gesture version of a country’s spoken language. For example, American Sign Language (ASL) is a unique language from English, with some words or concepts not translating directly between either. Attempting to convey terms that may not exist in a language is an obstacle many D/HH can face at the gaming table. If there is no sign for a creature, species, technology, etc., not only does the group have to figure out what it means but also come up with something. The same is true for game terminology, from “armor class” to “difficulty level,” as well as explaining the rules. Fingerspelling is exhausting and can only get you so far before you need to find ways to translate the book into something everyone understands. Often, it takes some prep time (mainly from the GM) to make sure everyone is on the same page for how an RPG is played and what specific terms mean. Again, visual aids and examples bridge that gap, whether it’s showing what a hippogriff is or explaining how to read Fantasy Flight Games dice. I’m sure I could go on, particularly on how to make hearing tables more inclusive to D/HH players or my own obstacles and experiences as a HoH gamer. I’m hoping, though, this not only answers recent questions but makes people more interested in participating in a D/HH game. If you can find a way to use this advice to bring D/HH people into your game, that’s wonderful. Even if a game is simply more inclusive and accessible, my work is done. Remember, no matter how we communicate or whether we can hear, we’re all here for the story and fun. Finding ways to bridge that gap can only make our RPG community grow larger and stronger.
Winter Literacy and Math Centers for Second Grade includes 10 centers for both literacy and math concepts all in a fun winter theme. Have students practice time, parts of speech, money, missing addends, multiple-meaning words and more! ✷These centers are geared towards 2nd graders, but can also be used for talented first graders or third graders who may be struggling a bit.✷ • Penguin Synonyms and Antonyms: Penguin Synonyms and Antonyms: Match each penguin with the correct hat that contains the antonym and ice patch that has the matching synonym. • Skate Around the Contractions: Match each broken ice patch to create a contraction. Then match with the ice skate with the correct contraction. • Snowmen Place Value: Build a snowman by matching the parts of a snowman that has numbers in numerical form, expanded form, and written form. • Snowball Even and Odd:Solve equations with up to three digits and place in the correct pail based on if the answer is even or odd. •Snowball Complete and Incomplete Sentences: Read each sentence and decide if it is a complete or incomplete sentence. Place the snowballs in the correct pail then rewrite five incomplete sentences to make them complete. • Penguin Parts of Speech: Match each penguin to the correct ice patch with the part of speech it belongs to. Covers nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. • Hot Chocolate Time: Match the hot chocolate mug with an analog clock on it to the marshmallow with the correct digital or written time. Has times for every 5 minutes and covers half past, quarter past, quarter to and o'clock. • Money Mittens: Money Mittens: Match a mitten with the coins/bills to the mitten with the numerical value. • Multiple Meaning Mittens: Match a pair of mittens that contain two different definitions with the correct word. • Arctic Addends: Match each igloo containing a number with the equation on the ice patch where the number will fit. •By clicking that green star you are getting updates on when there are sales and when I have new resources! New resources are 50% off for the first 48 hours! It pays to follow! •Looking for freebies!? Check out my site Caffeinated and Creative for tips, ideas, and freebies! Thank you for stopping by and shopping with me! I hope this product will be a great addition to your classroom. I would appreciate your feedback on this product! Leaving feedback not only helps me as a seller but as a buyer, YOU get credits towards future purchases when feedback is given! As always, feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or to share photos of this resource in action!
SpaceX is preparing to launch its 12th official trip to space as part of the $1.6 billion contract it had with NASA. The rocket (Falcon 9) is transporting a number of supplies including health research materials for Parkinson’s disease and lung tissues. However, I’m mainly interested in the super computer it’s carrying. The super computer by Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE) called the Spaceborne, is quite different from the other ‘super computers’ that have been launched into space before. Unlike the rest which are hardware hardened, the Spaceborne has been software hardened. Hardening is done to protect or help the computer withstand space’s harsh conditions which damage computers such as the increased radiation found at the International Space Station (ISS). Hardware hardening has proven to be problematic as it not only consumes vast resource and time but it also increases the weight of a device since a lot of coating needs to be done. Therefore, software hardening using avant-garde seems to be the next best thing. The Spaceborne computer is expected to protect itself by detecting the prevailing environmental conditions and then appropriating necessary adjustments to its operations. To determine the efficiency of the hardening software, a control experiment (another Spaceborne computer here on earth) will be used to compare over a period of a year. However despite the 146 tests Spaceborne passed, there is still no guarantee that the operation will be successful. It will take up to next month to fully confirm the success of the operation. If successful, it means space exploration moves a step ahead since astronauts will then be able travel to space with more of such computers which will help them do on-board calculations rather than rely on earth for such. This will help operations run faster and probably much safer as they’d need to worry less about communication delays which until now (hopefully) have been a major setback. Quick NetOne, Telecel, Africom, And Econet Airtime Recharge If anything goes wrong, click here to enter your query.
Fibres below 12.5 mm in length neither contributes to quality or strength of the yarn. The higher presence of Short fibres in roving becomes a nightmare for spinners particularly when we face problems for minimum number of fibres required in the cross section to spin a particular count. We have been witnessing a steady increase in the Short fibres in the cotton being traded and supplied in the recent times. Is this the next big problem the cotton spinners will be facing after decades of issues related to contamination? At least we have partially solved the contamination issue with various initiatives both in farming, Ginning and spinning side. Factors such as increasing concern towards the adverse impact of synthetic fibers combined with the growing emphasis on reducing the usage of plastic-based materials are expected to fuel the growth of the Cotton Textile Industry.
4 Children’s Books Where Silliness Reigns Supreme One of the many things we learn from our kids is the importance of being silly sometimes. Silliness can be a wonderful way to relieve stress, overcome bad times or simply to make an ordinary, boring day more fun. Laughing together has health benefits, as well. Laughter can lower your blood pressure, boost your immune system, and even burn calories with no scary side effects. If it has been a while since you got goofy with your brood, there’s no better time to share some silliness than right now. Have a crazy dance-off in the living room, tell corny jokes, or have contests to see who can perform the goofiest walk, voice, or facial expression. Another way to introduce more silliness into your everyday life is by reading books together that have ridiculously goofy plots and characters. We have curated a list of truly silly stories that your kids (and you!) will want to read again and again: by Oliver Jeffers Floyd’s kite gets stuck in a tree, so he tries to knock it down with his shoe. The problem is that Floyd’s shoe gets stuck, too. So what does he do? He throws his other shoe to knock out the first one. Well, he keeps throwing more things to knock down the last thing he threw – which, of course, get stuck. What kinds of things does Floyd throw? Well… a duck, his friend’s bicycle, the milkman, and the kitchen sink, just to name a few. Not even the firefighters who show up with their ladder truck can help. Finally, Floyd has a great idea and heads off to grab a saw. In the end, Floyd is successful in getting his kite unstuck from the tree, but probably not in the way you or your kids will imagine. Giggle together at the silly things the little boy hurls into the tree and the ridiculous conclusion of this colorful book. by Jon Klassen Bear’s hat is gone and he wants it back. He politely asks Fox, who is sitting in the tall grass, but he hasn’t seen the hat. He asks Frog, who is lounging in the pond; Turtle, who is trying to climb a rock; Rabbit, who is resting in the field wearing a pointy, red hat; and wants to know why Bear is asking and what he is accusing him of because he would never steal a hat; Snake, Armadillo, Deer, but none of them have… WAIT! Bear has seen his hat! Furthermore, he remembers precisely where he saw his hat. At the end of the book, Bear is blissfully wearing his hat once more when Squirrel asks if he has seen a rabbit wearing a hat. His silly answer will incite chuckles throughout the room. by Mac Barnett Sam and Dave started digging a hole on Monday. Dave told Sam that they were on a mission and would not to stop digging until they found something spectacular. They dug so deep that they were underground, but they had not found anything spectacular yet. They dug in all different directions. They drank canteens of chocolate milk and ate animal crackers and even split up for a while, but they still didn’t find anything spectacular. Suddenly, Sam and Dave fell down, down, down, and landed right back where they started. Or did they? You will all be amused, and maybe annoyed, as you watch the boys come so very close to a spectacular discovery. Be sure to look carefully at the first and last pages for even more silliness, as well. by John Burningham John Patrick Norman McHennessy was on his way to school, when a crocodile snuck out of a drain and stole his book bag. He tried to fight it off and lost his glove in the process. To top it all off, he was late for school! His teacher did not believe him and punished John Patrick Norman McHennessy by making him stay after class to write: “I must not tell lies about crocodiles and I must not lose my glove” 300 times. The next day, while John Patrick Norman McHennessy was on his way to school, a lion jumped out of the bushes and ate his pants, and on another day, he encounters a tidal wave, but his teacher does not believe him. In fact, he is quite angry with John Patrick Norman McHennessy. At least he was, until the tables are turned and something really outlandish happens to the teacher himself. This silly twist is sure to bring on smiles and laughter. Shake off the worries of the day and spend some time being goofy with your gang. You will all gain good feelings and great memories by doing so. What are some of the silliest books you’ve read with the kids? Share your favorites with us! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.Tags : picture books
The goat lowers his head like a fur-covered anvil, as if he knows all things in the world change. His eyes are bisected by a horizon line of yellow light. You’re wondering what might happen if you move closer. There’s a language we speak to ourselves and one we use for others. I told you, he’s lowered his head. Nevertheless, you can see for yourself he’s chewing. What he swallows becomes his rumination. I too was attracted to someone I did not understand. With each other we were bestial, that’s not too strong a word. Although at first, at first, when our foreheads touched, we were curious. We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to email@example.com.
HOUSTON—African American voters are expected to help propel Hillary Clinton to victory in today’s Democratic presidential primary in Texas, but the idea that black residents here in the state’s largest city will be easily mobilized in her favor is not clear. Despite the fact that Houston’s population has grown in recent years, with young people and immigrants drawn to the region’s oil jobs and affordable living, blacks make up a declining share of the city’s residents. Where African Americans made up 28 percent of all residents in 1990, they now comprise less than 23 percent. (The share of white residents has also declined from above 40 percent in 1990 to around 25 percent, while the share of Latinos and Asians has increased.) Where did these once-concentrated potential voters go? Historically grouped in the city’s Third and Fifth Wards, young, upwardly mobile blacks have been moving to the suburbs north and south of Houston for more affordable housing, better schools, and lower crime. What’s more, some lower-income African Americans have also been forced into poorer suburbs as gentrification takes root in the inner city. What does that mean for black voter turnout in an election without a galvanizing figure like Barack Obama to serve as a rallying point for African Americans? Interviews with elected officials, political scientists, and church leaders paint a somewhat muddled picture. The obvious answer is that the picture will be clearer after the results roll in. But there seems to be general agreement that mobilizing Houston-area black voters is going to be somewhat more complicated for Democratic presidential candidates. “It’s much more difficult to get people to vote than it used to be,” said James Douglas, the head of the Houston branch of the NAACP. The geographic dispersion of the black community means it is harder to reach high numbers of black voters through individual campaigns. Where churches, Douglas noted, have traditionally played a role in rounding up members to vote, since so many churchgoers now drive in from suburbs outside Harris County, they aren’t necessarily registered to vote in Houston anymore. And, crucially, pointed out Dr. Stephen Klineberg, a Rice University professor who has spent decades tracking the region’s demographic changes, the role of the church has shifted from the center of the battle for civil rights and social justice to one of pure spiritual guidance. Douglas has seen that transition firsthand. When he was a boy, churches in the area were fighting to end segregation and other blatantly racist policies that disadvantaged the entire community. Ironically, now that more young churchgoers are experiencing higher levels of economic prosperity and upward mobility, he said, it has become a challenge to inspire these voters to demand change for policies that might not affect them—but that would benefit blacks who have not experienced such prosperity. James Dixon, the head of the Community of Faith church in Houston, said he speaks to churchgoers about voter registration and the “spiritual obligation” to vote, but he agreed that the “dismantling” of inner-city communities makes it harder to mobilize voters. Ten years ago, he said, 80 percent of his congregation drove 10 minutes or less to get to church. Now, 80 percent drive at least half an hour to church, which makes it “increasingly more difficult” to bus people to the polls and to minister to people’s needs in general. While his church has plans to build two or three satellite campuses over the next five years in suburbs that have seen a growing number of black residents, he has also been combating a slight decline in church membership by reaching out to other demographics, which makes bringing politics into the pews a riskier proposition. While blacks have largely voted Democratic, and polls of African American voters in Texas show they mainly support Clinton, that’s not necessarily true of other potential voters or congregants. Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, which stands in the city’s historically black Third Ward and whose original pastor, William Lawson, was a vocal voting advocate and civil-rights leader, still encourages people to cast ballots, but it has scaled back on activities like driving vans of parishioners to polls. And several older civil-rights leaders said that the current leadership does not seem as invested in fostering political activism. Gene Locke, a Harris County commissioner, urged caution at putting too much emphasis on the importance of churches literally driving voters to polls, however. While it has helped with a small segment of older voters, he argued, the larger struggle to mobilize voters in the black community, he said, is just like the struggle to mobilize many other low-income, urban voters: The city’s residents are getting younger, and many black inner-city residents are less educated and thus less likely to be civically engaged than those who move away. Convincing them to vote is a challenge: “I figure it out, I’ll call you,” he quipped. Grady Prestage, a Fort Bend county commissioner, thinks that some of the mobilization role the church has traditionally taken on is now filled by social media. “Folks are going to respond when prodded, regardless of where they are,” he said, adding that social media allows advocates to tailor messages for different groups. But whether potential voters view those messages as truly sincere and personal—crucial factors in driving turnout—is another question. Audrey Lawson, William Lawson’s wife, foresaw the erosion of some of that personal connection within the black community during a 1996 interview with the University of Houston: “Those blacks who have, quote, made it financially or economically are no longer a part of the inner city or of the community. And so the kids that are growing up over in Third Ward don’t really have a lot of people to look up to … The black church is the only real institution that the black community has, that it owns, that it can control … That is where our power is, and it always has been … The church was the only place that you could corral people, or you had enough people to actually get the grapevine moving.” Still, Michael Adams, a professor at Texas Southern University, a historically black university blocks from Wheeler Baptist, says that, even as the number of black residents has declined, “African Americans have been able to coalesce.” Black voters have played pivotal roles in electing black officials to office, notably Sylvester Turner, the current Houston mayor. The role black voters will play in 2016 is obviously still to be decided, as is the precise role of the church. But nationally, around 65 percent of eligible black voters cast ballots in 2008 and 2012, a rate on par with white voter turnout, and higher than both Asian and Latino voter turnout. And while the percentage of people in this country who say they are religiously unaffiliated is growing, blacks are more likely than whites to have a religious affiliation. Among Democrats and Democratic-leaning adults, 12 percent identify as historically black Protestant, according to the Pew Research Center. The vast majority, 85 percent, of religiously affiliated historically black Protestant churchgoers say religion is very important, and more than half attend services weekly. All of this means that the role of the church during election season stands to be significant if church leaders make political participation a priority. Some studies even suggest a positive correlation between church attendance and the likelihood of voting. According to Pew, 62 percent of black Protestants say Clinton would make a good president (compared with 36 percent who say the same about Bernie Sanders), and polls of black voters more generally also put Clinton ahead. “The black church remains enormously important,” Klineberg, the demographer, said. He will be watching closely to see how Clinton handles things in the coming days. If, as is largely expected, she ultimately picks up enough delegates to secure the nomination, how will she pivot toward the political center, as most candidates do in the face of a general election, without alienating those who helped her win the Democratic primary? And will black voters mobilize in her favor come November? This article is part of our Next America: Communities project, which is supported by a grant from Emerson Collective. We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to firstname.lastname@example.org.
Camp Meade was founded in 1917 and was used by the US Army's medical department. The camp moved building a couple of time but eventually claimed a permanent location. The new building was built in June of 1930 and is called Building 4411. The marker was placed in 1997 by the Fort George G. Meade Museum. Fort Meade was established in 1917. The Fort was named after the Union General George G. Meade. He was honored due to his efforts in the Civil War to repel the Confederates during the Battle of Gettysburg. This battle was crucial in the North favor. This marker is located in Fort Meade, Maryland and is located near to other markers. The marker is specifically talking about the significance of the hospital at the fort. One of the first detachments of Fort Meade was that of the Medical Department. The original hospital was originally a group of buildings within the camp. The building that is behind the marker, known as building 4411, was built in June 1930. Building 4411 occupied 80 patients. The building is positioned in the central part of the post, which goes against the practices of previous of hospitals. Also just off to the side of building 4411 is Kuhn Hall. This building was used for nurses to be housed. This Fort has been used throughout the time that it was established. Once established, it has been used throughout World War I and World War II. When the outbreak of World War II happened they began expanding to a building that would hold 545 beds. Once this happened, they began using building 4411 as an induction station and an outpatient service annex for the Fort Meade Hospital up to 1972. In 1971 and 1972 a 9-bed Intensive Care and Coronary Care Unit was built and they replaced building
low-voltage deck lights are an easy diy installation. the higher you go in the air, the deeper the posts should be embedded in the ground. you dont have to surround the posts with concrete. concrete becomes a liability in the future if you have to replace a post. ive had great success using crushed angular gravel. low-voltage systems make lighting a deck both safer and easier. step 1: d up a lighting plan. if the night is calling you, pull up a lounge chair step 2: connect to a power source. waterproof wire connectors are ideal for exterior low-voltage step 3: install stair lighting. stair lights installing low-voltage lighting around a deck is quite easy. the soft lights create a magical mood and provide safety on steps. a transformer converts the normal household 120-volt ac current to a low-voltage system has three parts: the transformer plugs into a nearby gfci-protected outlet and reduces 120-volt current to 12 volts. the low-voltage cable carries current between the transformer and the light fixtures. the light fixtures get connected to the cable with wire connectors made specifically for outdoor use. attach deck sconces to deck posts in order to light your deck, patio or walkways. add safety to deck stairs or risers with the luna step light or recessed led lighting kit. of the wired systems, the low-voltage deck light are the easiest and the safest for a novice diy person to install. therefore, this article will focus on low-voltage systems. installing low-voltage outdoor lighting is a big-impact diy project. and since it's low voltage lighting, it's safe to use and install, even for beginners. outdoor lighting can be used to illuminate paths, steps and dark zones, plus it can add artfully dramatic emphasis to your yard's best features. do it yourself low voltage landscape lighting - diy kits - duration: 16:52. lighting doctor ltd. 14,071 views step and deck path lights have a distinct function: to safely illuminate traffic throughout the deck and yard. they also help to enhance the view from indoors at night. call an electrician or diy? unless you have worked with lighting before, it's best to work with an electrician. most outdoor lighting is low voltage, using 12 volts of electricity. buy lighting kit. low-voltage lighting kits are available at many home centers. they typically include a variety of lights, 100' of low-voltage cable and a transformer, which converts household current into low-voltage current. strip the ends of the low-voltage power cable, and connect them to the terminals on the transformer. how to install low voltage deck lights and lighted post caps. using lighted post caps also helps protect the wood posts from rotting. deck lighting is the perfect way to finish any decking. not only is it easy to install but it can also help to create an inviting atmosphere for evening enjoyment in your garden. learn how to get free 2-day shipping on qualified low voltage, deck lighting products or buy lighting department products today with buy online pick up in store. low voltage - deck lighting - outdoor lighting - the seven trust get free 2-day shipping on qualified low voltage, stair lights products or buy lighting department products today with buy online pick up in store. diy projects and ideas best pro lighting low voltage black outdoor landscape round step/deck light model bpl400-blk $ 14 99 $ 14 99. as evening approaches, install the 25-watt bulb and plug the clamp light into an extension cord. then clamp the lamp at different locations on your deck, turn it on and observe the lighting effects. this will simulate the various fixtures we used in our deck plan. keep the light low about 2 ft. off the deck surface to prevent glare. most outdoor lighting is low voltage, using 12 volts of electricity. a transformer will be needed to power down the 120-volt current indoors to 12 volts outdoors. but before buying one, you will need to figure out how many outdoor lights will be attached, plus their wattage.
Clear labels sometimes called transparent labels can be printed digitally to achieve full colour or can be plain or pre-printed with upto five colours. There are many clear label materials to chose from including polypropylene and polyester with matt and gloss finishes. All adhesive types including permanent and peelable are available. The Paperchain uses a wide range of material manufacturers. Clear labels can be over-printed with variable data on thermal transfer label printing machines such as Zebra, Toshiba Tec, Datamax, Sato etc. The Paperchain can over-print clear labels for customers or can supply them ready for printing on customer’s equipment. The Paperchain supplies Clear Labels on rolls and fanfold formats often with a sense-mark, also called fire-mark printed on the reverse of the web for label registration during the over-printing process. Clear labels can also be supplied on sheets for printing on laser and inkjet printing machines.
If you happen to notice that a guest is close to finishing their glass of wine, cocktail, or beer, don’t ask them if they’d like “another” or “more.” Instead, ask if they would like “some” wine/beer/whatever. Asking if they want more implies that they’ve been indulging too much. Whether you intend it to or not, it could be seen as a pointed remark, making your guests feel uneasy about helping themselves to another glass. How fun is that? The same applies to food. People might be hesitant to enjoy seconds if you make a big deal about them having “more.” Nobody wants to feel like they’re being watched like a hawk or judged for every bite they eat. Simply encourage your guests to “help themselves,” and allow yourself to do the same. If you pick at your food, your guests are unlikely to feel comfortable about filling up their plate. A good host makes guests feel at home. Encourage indulgence, not restraint or guilt. Otherwise, people will soon start wishing they’d stayed at home.
Photography is a very complex process whereby we are able to use a camera to create a reflection of reality. Thanks to technology we can capture a scene and reproduce it in another medium whether that be digital or print. This is the inspiration for the current theme of ‘Seeing Double’ for which we would like to ask you to explore reflections and symmetry in photography. Reflections may be used in an artistic way and can include reflections in water, glass, mirrors or any highly polished surface for that matter. They add a layer of interest and depth to a photograph making it appear more visually interesting. Reflections can make an image appear to be more abstract or artistic and they can encourage the viewer to examine a scene more carefully in order to discern what is reality and what is reflected. Of course reflection can also be interpreted a technical way and may explore the use of reflected light in photography or the use of multiple exposure as a way of layering different images to create a single new image. Symmetry in composition can have a very powerful impact on the outcome of a photograph. Symmetry in architecture, for example, can strengthen the composition and create an eye catching point of interest. Symmetry in nature can be captured through the close up macro photography and can allow the intricate details of creation to be witnessed in all their magnificent glory. However you choose to interpret this theme we’re looking forward to seeing your entries.
The C word Healthy For Men It’s the word that strikes fear into the toughest of men. But cancer is no longer the desperate killer it once was. Pioneering research has improved the rates of detection and cure, while our knowledge of what changes we can make to our lives to reduce our risk grows greater year after year. Different types of skin cancers exist depending on what type of cell becomes abnormal,’ says Dr Noor Almaani, consultant dermatologist at The Private Clinic of Harley Street. ‘Usually, they’re divided into melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is by far the most common cancer in humans and amounts to 75% of skin cancer cases, occurring most commonly on the face.’ Nick Hill, 30, was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma in 2012 ‘I’m into long distance running and rock climbing and was always outdoors doing stuff, but hadn’t ever given much thought to sun protection. About a year before my diagnosis, I noticed a red dent above my right eyebrow, which I initially thought was an acne scar. Over the course of the next year, it rapidly grew in size. I booked an appointment with my GP who diagnosed skin cancer, which had grown into my eyebrow and spread underneath the skin so, when they removed the cancer, it also meant removing my eyebrow, too. I was given the all clear after the procedure, but I looked very different, which made me quite self-conscious. The NHS removed the cancer, though unfortunately weren’t able to reconstruct my face. But I was able to undergo an eyebrow transplant – using hair follicles taken from my scalp – at The Private Clinic of Harley Street.’
AMERICA’s coronavirus chief has branded Europe the “new China” as cases top 22,000 – and 70 per cent of people could be infected. The deadly bug is rapidly spreading across the continent after arriving from China, where it has infected more than 80,000 and killed more than 3,000. ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates There are now at least 22,000 confirmed cases in Europe, including 12,000 in Italy and around 2,000 each in Germany, France and Spain. Montenegro is now the only country in Europe without the deadly Wuhan virus, after Turkey reported its first case overnight. And Robert Redfield, the head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said: “If you want to be blunt, Europe is the new China.” Donald Trump yesterday took the unprecedented step of suspending all flights from 26 European countries for next 30 days to try to stem the outbreak. The UK and Ireland were exempted from the ban. The President said the European Union "failed to take the same precautions" as the US before announcing the travel restrictions - which will go into effect on Friday at 12am. The killer bug now threatens to engulf the continent with up to 70 per cent of citizens - 500million people - at risk, leaders say. Bulgaria’s PM Boyko Borissov said: "Today at the video conference with my European council colleagues, specialist analyses were quoted that said that coronavirus would affect more than 70 per cent of Europe’s population." And all European countries could enforce a total a coronavirus lockdown like Italy within 10 days, the ex-Italian PM has warned. EUROPE ON LOCKDOWN The Mediterranean country has been the worst hit by the virus outside China, accounting for more than half of the cases in Europe. The whole country was placed on lockdown on Monday, with all public events banned, cinemas, gyms and pubs closed, funerals and weddings cancelled and sporting matches suspended. Current PM Giuseppe Conte later said that all businesses in the country would closed except for pharmacies and grocers. And former Italian PM Matteo Renzi sent an ominous warning on Wednesday that the rest of the continent could soon follow Italy's lead. He said: “Today, the red zone is Italy,” but warned if containment measures fail, “the red zone will be Europe.” Denmark has since become the second European country to be placed on lockdown, after a ten-fold spike in cases. The government will shut all schools and universities and tell all employees with non-critical jobs to work from home for two weeks. Gatherings of more than 100 people are also banned, meaning most bars and nightclubs will close. Italy also slammed the EU for being too slow to come to its aid, after the country begged for emergency medical supplies. Germany and France are among the EU countries to have imposed limits on the export of essential medical kit. Italian ambassador Maurizio Massari said: “Italy has already asked to activate the European Union mechanism of civil protection for the supply of medical equipment for individual protection. “But unfortunately not a single EU country responded to the commission’s call. “Only China responded bilaterally. Certainly this is not a good sign of European solidarity.” It comes as The World Health Organisation (WHO) today declared the outbreak a global pandemic as 126,000 people have been diagnosed with the killer bug across 114 countries. More than 4,600 people have died - over 3,000 of them in China - after contracting COVID-19 across the globe. Most read in news Two more patients died from coronavirus in England on Wednesday bringing the UK toll to eight after the number of cases jumped to 460. Denmark and Belgium have both reported more than 250 cases, while Sweden has more than 350. Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that the coronavirus was likely to infect about two-thirds of the German population. Italy on lockdown - Italians told to stay home and “limit social contact as much as possible” - All public events banned, with sporting matches including Serie A games suspended - Weddings and funerals cancelled, with cinemas, gyms and pubs closed - Travel only allowed for “urgent, verifiable work situations and emergencies or health reasons” - Public and private companies encouraged to put their employees on leave - Mortgage payments suspended, with debt moratoriums offered to small firms and households We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at email@example.com or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.
5 Edtech Trends That are Influencing Student Engagement In the not-so-distant past, student apathy seemed to be at an all-time high. Children would fill classroom seats but their minds weren’t engaged in the material, even during the lesson itself. When they left their desk at the end of the hour, they hardly ever considered the material again in their daily life. The paradigm is shifting as student engagement rises alongside the introduction of edtech into the modern, blended classroom setting. Are you curious which attributes have led to this significant shift to engaged learning? You’ll want to see these top five trends that influence student engagement. Games are teaching lessons. This is perhaps the most noticeable difference for students who find that technology holds their interest in the classroom. Children are more likely to actively engage the material if they can practice skills under the guise of a video game. These virtual games give them a real-world opportunity to assess how well they understand the concepts and motivate them to try their hardest to complete problems. Adaptive learning changes with the child. Some educational programs are now using adaptive learning to shape how students receive their materials. The computer program will respond to a child’s responses in real-time, giving them help or scaffolding them up to a more critical concept. These customized lessons can help students to feel more successful and to achieve academic standards with greater ease. They can learn the material and ask questions without fear of embarrassment in front of their peers. Virtual reality makes learning real. Have you ever wished you could see history taking place around you? With new virtual reality tools, this may soon be possible. Schools that have the budget are now considering implementing virtual reality programs into the schools to engage the students much more actively in their studies. Consider walking through a historic event or a major scientific discovery as if you were there firsthand. The experience can dramatically alter a child’s recall and understanding of key events. Teachers can spend more time interacting with students. Some schools are encouraging students to read and cover the material on their own before coming to class. Using online tools and programs, students should have access to all the materials they need to engage the curriculum from home. By being prepared with the knowledge beforehand, teachers can then guide students through the practical application of that knowledge with an interactive activity. This can help lessons come to life for some learners, cementing the material much more quickly. Students are required to take more responsibility for lessons. Teachers of older students may be able to place some of the responsibility for learning the material back on the student. Not all children are naturally self-motivated to learn, but edtech can help guide them through the process. The flexibility of the system allows students to work at their own pace and in their own unique way without necessarily falling behind. This frees teachers up to do other activities with students during class time or to offer help to students who need it instead of nagging everyone to complete a project on time. Edtech is clearly shaping the way that students engage in the classroom. Their engagement seems to be at an all-time high for the past decade, and the trend promises to continue as more technology is invented. Perhaps this will lead to the creation of a much more educated generation to come.
Sergei Skripal: Salisbury’s other spy lived in fear of KGB revenge Even when feeding the swans on the banks of the River Avon or enjoying the peace of Salisbury Cathedral, Vladimir Pasechnik was always afraid. Long before Sergei Skripal was poisoned, another Russian enemy of the state lived and died, invisibly, in Wiltshire. His name has almost faded into obscurity — his Wikipedia profile has the wrong photograph — but the germ warfare expert who was once one of the Soviet Union’s most valued scientists spent the last 12 years of his life lying low in Salisbury, convinced the KGB would kill him. “He could spot a Russian in any crowd,” said his son, Nikita Pasechnik, 53. “In a way, being in England was the happiest time of his life. He was free. But he said
A new piece of Indigenous art is taking to the skies on a Qantas plane to promote Australian culture around the world. The team behind the airborne art project hopes it will prompt greater recognition and curiosity towards Aboriginal art. An ochre canvas painted by the late Indigenous artist Paddy Bedford was selected to inspire the fourth flying artwork commissioned by Qantas. The visually striking aircraft was shown off to a team of collaborators including staff from the National Gallery of Australia in a Canberra hanger. The original painting which inspired the plane artwork, Medicine Pocket was created by Mr Bedford using earth pigments on canvas in 2005. The National Gallery of Australia’s Franchesca Cubillo says it tells the story of the landscape in the East Kimberley. “This is referencing an important waterhole or a site of living water,” she said. Designer Ros Moriarty who collaborated on the project says it is an important piece. “A magnificent piece of work from a world renowned artist, a luminary in the Indigenous and the Australian art scene,” she said. The team behind the project included Mr Bedford’s family, the Bedford Trust, the National Gallery of Australia, an Indigenous owned design company, Qantas and Boeing. They spent 18 months translating some of Mr Bedford’s original vision into a form that could adorn an aircraft. The completed design has been named Mendoowoorrji after Mr Bedford’s mother. The team of collaborators say the translation of Mr Bedford’s original dreaming image onto the Boeing 737 aircraft was far from easy. “He was one of the first East Kimberley painters to paint wet-on-wet, which meant he was loading up his paintbrush,” Ms Moriarty said. “It included stringing a number of paint brushes together, wrapping scourers on the end of implements. “These paint schemes last about ten years. So the paint dries very quickly, a bit like nail polish! “So for the engineers and the technicians to be able to apply this technique to get a painterly feel is actually a phenomenal job that was achieved in the Boeing paint shop.” Ms Moriarty says 140 nylon stencils were needed to define every line and the 702 dots featured in the Mendoowoorrji design. “125 kilos of paint. So a lot of paint a lot of man hours. A lot of technique,” she said. Qantas says the plane’s skin will be due for a refresher in about a decade and will carry an estimated 5 million passengers during its lifetime.
Reading Apostle Paul 5 Second Corinthians continues Paul’s complex correspondence with the church that he founded and with which he had such difficult relations. It is among the most difficult of Paul’s letters to read, not only because of the critical difficulties we discuss, but also because of the density and power of its language, forged in a context of anguish. 2nd Corinthians lacks many of the details of community life that we found in 1st Corinthians. We learn very little of the social realities that we heard about in 1st Corinthians. But we do find in 2nd Corinthians another stage in mis-understanding, even alienation between Paul and the Corinthians. And in response to that increased alienation we find Paul responding with his most passionate examination, in fact a passionate self-examination of the meaning of “the mind of Christ” Recall that in 1st Corinthians 2:14-16 Paul tried to remind the Corinthians that they had not received the spirit from worldly culture, which was based on dualist thinking, rivalry, and competition with each other. Rather, they received the spirit that comes from God, which using Paul’s language, is the mind of Christ. 14 Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 Those who are spiritual discern all things, and they are themselves subject to no one else’s scrutiny. 16 “For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. In other words, Paul was suggesting that they should be thinking in a very different way. In 2nd Corinthians we will see him examining that proposition in more detail. We are also going to examine in turn the question of the literary integrity of 2nd Corinthians. It is the major critical issue having to do with this letter. Secondly the painful situation of alienation that Paul is forced to address at a major point of intersection in his ministry. And thirdly the rhetoric of reconciliation that Paul crafts in order to meet this crisis. All scholars consider 2 Corinthians to be an authentic letter, indeed, one of the four “great letters” (1st and 2nd Corinthians, Romans, and Galatians). And by authentic they mean that it is unquestionably from Paul, either written or dictated. The critical question concerns its literary integrity: Is 2nd Corinthians one letter or several stitched together? The letter is unquestionably difficult to read in a straight line from end to end. The movements of Paul and his delegates are not easy to disentangle (see 1:15; 2:1, 12–13; 12:14). Paul begins in chapter 1 tracing the movements of himself and his delegates and then abruptly in chapter 2 beginning in verse 13 he drops the description and moves to an entirely different subject for 5 chapters. And then suddenly in Chapter 7 verse 5 picks up the itinerary again exactly where it left off. His references to the movements of his delegate Titus are terribly obscure. He says in 2:12 that when he went to Troas he could not find Titus. And then much later in 7:6 he says that when he came to Troas he met with Titus. In 8:18 he says he is about to send Titus to Corinth but then in 12:18 he said that he had already sent Titus. So where is Titus? And how many times has Paul visited this community? In 1:15 Paul seems to suggest that he had delayed visiting. In 2:1 he suggests that he had made a painful visit to this community. And then throughout the letter we have further references to a second and a third visit either accomplished or anticipated that Paul mentions. In other words we do not know what is going on here. And especially what went on between the writing of 1st Corinthians and 2nd Corinthians with reference to the movements of Paul and his delegates. Paul’s reference in 2:1-11 to a letter that he wrote to the community that was written in “great anguish and with many tears” is equally obscure. To what was he referring. Maybe he was referring to the rebuke of that brother that was living with in some sort of incestuous relationship with his father’s wife. But we cannot be certain. But in addition to these obscurities having to do do with what happened and when some scholars have identified literary seams in the letter that seem to indicate places where blocks of text have been clumsily stitched together. For example, in moving from chapter 9 to 10 Paul seems to make a dramatic rhetorical shift; from being very purposeful, very congratulatory in Chapter 9. Then suddenly in chapter 10, without warning, he shifts into the language of strong rebuke. Secondly, there is a very dramatic shift in 6:14 to 7:1. In the text up to 6:13 Paul is speaking warmly and lovingly to the Corinthians, saying “our hearts are wide open to you, open wide your hearts also.” And that thought continues later in 7:2. “make room in your hearts for us….”. But suddenly in 6:14 Paul engages in an angry polemic against them for continuing to socialize with former friends (unbelievers). Then we apparently have a double treatment of the collection for the saints in Jerusalem in chapters 8 and later in 9. In 9:1 Paul writes “Now concerning the collection I have no need to write to you.” Now that is clear because he just wrote extensively on that subject in chapter 8. But then all of chapter 9 is another pleading for the Corinthians to be generous regarding the collection for the assembly in Jerusalem. The difficulty of keeping up with Paul and his delegates, together with several apparent broken seams in the narrative have led the majority of scholars today to adopt a hypothesis that what we call 2nd Corinthians is a composite of notes written by Paul over a period of time to the Corinthian church. 2nd Corinthians is thus to be read not as a single rhetorical unit written at once, but rather a series of notes to be read with an understanding of where the breaks are. Later we will try to show one way of doing that. So What Do We Have? So with this hypothesis we have now a reigning view that this letter is actually a composite of 4 or 5 letters or notes from Paul to the Corinthians. The idea is that there was someone in the Corinthian assembly had most of these notes and somehow stitched them together. A letter of reconciliation from Paul to the Corinthians from chapters 1-7 in which Paul, having experienced alienation from the community is now attempting reconciliation. An interpolated fragment from 6:14 to 7:1. And some scholars have opined that this may be a fragment from that lost letter that Paul referred to as being “written in tears”. Then we have chapters 8-9. This is apparently two separate notes written about the collection for the saints written at different times and then pasted together. And finally there is chapters 11-13. This is an angry polemic concerning the rival teachers that some of the Corinthians prefer to Paul. Paul revels a great deal about himself and his concept of his role as an apostle. If this hypothesis is correct then it is fairly clear why this is a difficult to read. In order to make sense of it the reader would need to know what the sequence of these note was. Some have suggested that the proper sequence may have been that Paul first wrote the letter in tears, followed by a letter of reconciliation, then after that wrote two different notes hoping his reconciliation worked so he could take up his collection. But we are not certain if that was the actual sequence. Paul’s Rhetorical Situation Paul’s situation is very difficult. At the very moment that Paul is seeking to reconcile Jew and Gentile followers of Jesus through a large collection of money for the Jewish followers in Jerusalem he seems to be finding out that his gentile followers of Jesus want nothing to do with Paul. While trying to promote reconciliation, something he feels is very important to his ministry, he is actually facing alienation from Corinth. Let’s try to show why this situation is so important to Paul. And why is he so interested in reconciling these two groups (Jew and Gentile)? First we know that the Jerusalem followers of Jesus, mostly Jewish, are very impoverished at this point in time due to famine. Paul often argued the importance of that group as the mother church of the Jesus movement. There are numerous indications that Paul was receiving numerous oppositions from the Jewish followers of Jesus, who resented, misunderstood, and sometime opposed Paul’s ministry to the gentiles. Finally, it must be recognized that there are deep-seated ethnic rivalries between Jew and gentiles grounded in their very profound cultural differences. It must be remembered that anti-Semitism was not invented by Christians. Anti-Semitism was a serious reality of the Greco-Roman world as well. We know the collection was very important to Paul because of the frequency that he wrote about it in many letters. For example in Galatians 2:1-10 Paul describes the important meeting he had in Jerusalem with the Apostles in which they agreed that Paul would take the Gospel to the uncircumcised, they only requested one thing in return, that Paul remember the poor, meaning the saints in Jerusalem which Paul said he was very eager to do. In 1st Corinthians chapter 15 after Paul deals with all the pastoral problems of the community he turns to what is uppermost in his mind, namely for the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. He plans to travel to Corinth, pick up there money, travel to Macedonia, pick up their money, and then go back to Jerusalem. Finally though, we should mention that in Romans we see Paul in 15:19-31 telling the church in Rome that he is about to pick up generous contributions from both Macedonia and Achaia for Jerusalem. So apparently the church in Corinth did eventually join in for the collection. 2nd Corinthians did provide us some clues as to why the Corinthians were alienated from Paul. Several factors played into this increased state of alienation: 1. The Corinthians continuing resentment at Paul’s rather high handed authoritarianism. At one stage in 1st Corinthians Paul at one time said “I may have to come to you with a big stick” 2. In chapter 10 of 2nd Corinthians Paul acknowledges that they were not impressed with his personal presence. Possibly he came on such a threatening visit and maybe it got out of control. 3. They think that Paul is unreliable and possibly even fraudulent in his dealings with money (11:7–11; 12:16–18). (Paul had emphasized that he preached for free, but he did not tell the Corinthians that assemblies in Macedonia were financing him on the side. As a result the Corinthians were suspect when he began to hit them up for a big donation for the poor in Jerusalem. The deep paradox of Paul’s situation is that to carry out his cosmic ministry of reconciliation, he must first reconcile with his own community. He does this again by using a Greek rhetorical form that focuses not on rational proof but on an appeal to character. Known by ancient rhetoricians as an Ethos argument. The Ethos can possibly be seen as consisting of three parts defining a ministry of reconciliation – which is something he can do and they can do by following the mind of Christ. Seen this way the letter can be organized as follows: 1. In Chapters 1-7, the ministry of reconciliation is very positively defined to show how both he and they can reconcile by thinking like Christ. 2. Then jumping to chapters 10-12 (his defense of his ministry) his ministry of reconciliation is defined by contrast with how his rival teachers operated. 3. Then jumping back to chapters 8-9 (the chapters on the collection for Jerusalem) he give the ministry of reconciliation practical embodiment through the collection (by donating to the Jerusalem people the community will be following Christ’s ministry of reconciliation of all people.) And as part of that argument in Chapter 8 he made a strong linkage to the mind of Christ when he stated: 7 Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you - so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. 8 I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 10 And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something - 11 now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means.”
The mortgage crisis of 2008 Mortgage lending is likely to dry up next year. That's the stark warning from the industry. So what exactly will it mean for borrowers and who will be worst affected? This is Money Editor Andrew Oxlade sets out what he expects in the mortgage crisis of 2008... Bad news has not exactly been in short supply in recent months with the subprime crisis and the credit crunch it caused continuing to impact on British banks, most notably Northern Rock. But today British borrowers, who have been watching the fallout of the global credit crisis with a mix of fear and bemusement so far, have been given warning of the looming 'perfect storm' that will affect their lives and finances more directly in 2008. The International Monetary Fund yesterday warned surging oil prices and the turbulence on financial markets caused by the credit crunch might bring a 'big reduction in international trade from which no one would be immune'. Grim stuff. It then got worse with the UK's Council of Mortgage Lenders warning of a lack of money available to fund mortgage markets 'if capital markets do not open next year'. And then today, the UK's largest building society warned house prices fell in November at their fastest pace in 12 years. Could it get worse? Yes. The Bank of England then warned of a slump in new mortgages - from 102,000 in September to 88,000 in October - and its governor Mervyn King told MPs on the Treasury select committee that getting a mortgage could become more difficult: 'I'm sure lenders will feel more constrained in their ability to fund mortgage lending.' The consumer has witnessed some pretty gloomy warnings in recent months, but nothing so clearly defined and repeated in so many quarters as it has been this week. Quite simply, mortgage costs are set to soar for all. Because of the credit crisis, banks are simply not lending to each other as none know exactly how badly the others are exposed to subprime borrowing in the US. So unless UK mortgage lenders can raise money from British savers - unlikely given the historic low rate of savings - there simply won't be so much money to lend in the form of mortgages. The result? Mortgages will be more expensive. The special deals - the two year 'discounts', the three-year 'fixed rates' - that borrowers have come to take for granted may be withdrawn and even standard variable rates could surge higher regardless of what the Bank of England does with its official borrowing rate (expectations are currently for a cut in February). Those people who see their introductory mortgage deals end next year and who were hoping to switch may suddenly find it difficult to find a cheaper deal. Everything you need to know about house prices... The people most at risk are those who have bought a home in the past year or two with only a 5% or 10% deposit. Lenders are likely to tighten criteria further and increasingly refuse the cheapest deals to borrowers with a loan-to-value of 95% or more. And if that person's house price falls 5%, they would only be eligible for an even more expensive 100% mortgage. But the scenario for some buy-to-let investors is worse. People who have bought 'off-plan' may find that by the time they come to secure a mortgage for the completed property that lenders, already feeling the credit squeeze, refuse to give a mortgage on a property that is valued at less than the loan required. The investor faces losing the deposit or raising money elsewhere, such as via equity in their own home - a risky strategy. The impact of all this on the property market is anyone's guess. Property demand continues to rise in the UK thanks to demographics and immigration and supply is contained by planning restraints, but basic economic theory suggests that by turning off the taps in the form of reduced demand, with less mortgage money on offer, will put the market - and British borrowers - under pressure. • Andrew Oxlade is Editor of This is Money: Meet the team Most watched Money videos - Austin Metro TV ad from the 1980s introduced the new British car - Jaguar Land Rover introduce safety measures to reopen factory - New Italian Fiat Panda introduced in 1981 - Jaguar Land Rover providing vehicles to emergency services - Classic 1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth is heading to auction - Shares that could benefit from a stock market recovery - Vauxhall Astra car comes to UK market in 1981 - Jaguar car showrooms prepare to reopen after coronavirus lockdown - NHS test and trace give you warning signs to look out for - Kent farm advertises crop picking position for under 1,000 people - RAC gives you tips on looking after your car in lockdown - Brabus launches the Invicto - capable of withstanding explosions No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. We are no longer accepting comments on this article.
Young Adult Book Prize 2020 shortlist Students looking for inspiration for their ‘to be read’ lists may be interested in the books that have made the Young Adult Book Prize 2020 shortlist. The award is specifically aimed at fiction for teenagers and young adults, with the aim of encouraging them to read and buy more books. The 10 titles which made this year’s shortlist are: - The Black Flamingo – Dean Atta - Crossfire (A Noughts and Crosses novel) – Malorie Blackman - The Places I’ve Cried in Public – Holly Bourne - Meat Market – Juno Dawson - Furious Thing – Jenny Downham - Deeplight – Frances Hardinge - A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – Holly Jackson - The Quiet at the End of the World – Lauren James - The Deathless Girls – Kiran Millwood Hargrave - The Gifted, the Talented and Me – William Sutcliffe The books’ themes include an exploration of a mixed-race LGBTQ+ experience in Britain; the dark side of the fashion industry; what is love and what isn’t; and embracing who you are. All the books are in the school library for when students return and until then, three of the titles are available as eBooks via Cambridgeshire Libraries online: The Places I've Cried in Public, Crossfire and Furious Thing. More information on each of the shortlisted books and the authors can be found here.
The Ohio Means Internships and Co-ops grant program at Southern State Community College connects interns with businesses and helps students acquire real-world experience, according to two speakers at Tuesday’s meeting of Hillsboro’s Rotary Club. Josh Montgomery, assistant professor of computer science, and Amy McClellan, academic service specialist at SSCC, described the program, with McClellan noting that more than $1 million has been received from the state to promote internships in the co-ops’ Southeast region. Montgomery said the program curriculum is determined by what business partners need, and that it strives to meet three important goals for students – a college degree, certification in the targeted field, and real-world experience. According to program information distributed Tuesday, the purpose of Ohio Means Internships is “an investment of state and private dollars to increase the number of internships and co-ops for employers and students in key industries to close the skills gap, increase student completion, and give Ohio a competitive advantage in the global human capital talent marketplace.” Benefits to employers who participate in the program include being eligible for 50 percent salary reimbursement for interns for up to 400 hours, and “providing learning opportunities for college students in high-demand, high-wage industries.” Montgomery said that out of about 100 interns who have been placed in internships, only three did not eventually graduate, and “I’m still working on them.” The college has worked with 18 regional employers, he said. Businesses interested in exploring the possibility of becoming part of the program can contact Montgomery by email at email@example.com. Montgomery and McClellan were introduced by Dr. Nicole Roades, vice president of academic affairs, who said Dr. Kevin Boys, president of SSCC and a Hillsboro Rotarian, asked her to set up Tuesday’s program. Reach Gary Abernathy at 937-393-3456 or on Twitter @abernathygary.
08 Oct Fast Fold Projector Screens – Living Up To It’s Name! Fast fold projector screens are great because they are highly versatile and give you the option of front or rear projection. They are also very easy to assemble, operate and disassemble and can be easily transported. This week as part of our ongoing series looking into types of projector screens for schools we’re going to take a closer look at the advantages of using a fast fold projector screen. Fast Fold Projector Screens for Any Application Fast fold projector screens are suitable for almost any application, including classrooms and meeting rooms, large halls and auditoriums and home cinema use. There is a full range of sizes and formats available to suit almost any projector screen requirements you might have. Fast Fold Projector Screens Can Be Assembled On Site Fast fold projector screens can be assembled on site and then put away into bag or case and easily transported. Assembly will take 10 mins max., once you are familiar with it. An aluminium fold up frame is put together and hinged. Then you simply click a front or rear projection screen on to the frame. To disassemble you just do the opposite and then you put it away for easy transportation. Other types of mobile projector screens fail to be so easily transported, as they have rigid casings that are the full width of the screen. A Major Advantage of the Fast Fold Screen The option of front or rear projection is a major advantage of the fast fold screen. If you are not sure about this difference, read on! Front projection screens are white and part of what you would expect of a projector setup: the projector is in front of the screen and projects onto it. Rear projection surfaces are opaque in colour. Though rear projection requires more brightness than front, it has the distinct advantage of having a neat and tidy setup and look. However, rear projection does have its limitations. Rear projection requires space behind the screen (where you will put the projector), which could be as much as 4M, so this will restrict your room space. The Fast Fold Screen Lives Up To Its Name All these advantages and disadvantages taken into account, we believe the fast fold projector screen to be a very good choice for those shopping around for a projector screen. The benefits far outweigh the limitations. It is a highly practical and versatile piece of technology and you will master it in no time. Assembly and operation are virtually fool proof and the ease of transportation is sweet indeed. Its popularity is justified by its performance and compactness. The fast fold screen really does live up its name as it is very quickly folded and unfolded. Fast Fold Projector Screens – A Wise Investment We consider a fast fold projector screen to be a very wise investment and is a real all rounder when it comes to projector screens. It this screen sounds like something you may be interested in, why not give us a call on +353 1 4660515 or contact us online today to find out more about our range of projector screens. Make sure you don’t miss out on future blog posts by joining our mailing list now!
1966 (9th October) David Cameron was born David William Donald Cameron in Marylebone, London, to Ian Cameron and his wife Mary. His father was a stockbroker. He was the couple’s third child after brother Alexander and sister Tania. David’s sister Clare was born to Ian Cameron and his wife Mary. David was enrolled at Heatherdown School, Windfield, Berkshire, a private school. Cameron entered Eton College, Berkshire. David Cameron gained a total of 12 O-Levels. David left Eton College. He decided to take a gap year before going to university. He began working as a researcher for Conservative MP Tim Rathbone. Cameron gained 3 A-Levels in History, History of Art and Economics and Politics. Cameron’s father arranged for him to spend three months working as an administrator in Hong Kong. David Cameron began studying for a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Brasenose College, Oxford. Cameron left Oxford University with a first-class honours degree. David Cameron began working for the Conservative Party, in the Research Department. Cameron worked with Conservative Prime Minister John Major’s responses for weekly Prime Minister’s Questions. Cameron was tasked with briefing John Major prior to press conferences during the 1992 General Election. Following Conservative victory in the General Election, Cameron was appointed Special Adviser to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Norman Lamont. 1992 (16th September) The value of the pound fell and the government had to take the pound out of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism. The consequent economic downturn damaged the Conservatives. 1993 (late May) Chancellor Norman Lamont was removed from his post. David Cameron was given a position by Home Secretary, Michael Howard. Cameron took a position as Director of Corporate Affairs at the media company, Carlton Communications. 1996 (1st June) David Cameron married Samantha Sheffield, daughter of Sir Reginald Sheffield and Annabel Jones at the Church of St Augustine of Canterbury, East Hendred, Oxfordshire. The pair had been introduced by David’s sister, Clare. David Cameron stood as Conservative candidate for Stafford but was beaten by Labour candidate David Kidney. 2000 (4th April) Cameron was selected as prospective parliamentary candidate for Witney, Oxfordshire. 2001 (7th June) David Cameron was elected Conservative Member of Parliament for Witney, Oxfordshire in the General Election. The Labour Party had won the election so Cameron became a member of the opposition. David became a member of the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee. 2002 (8th April) A son, Ivan Reginald Ian was born at Hammersmith and Fulham, London. He suffered with cerebral palsy and epilepsy from birth. David Cameron and George Osborne were asked to brief Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith prior to Prime Minister’s Questions. After the Conservative Party issued a whip to vote against a motion to allow same sex and unmarried couples to adopt children, Cameron refused the whip and abstained. Cameron became a shadow minister in the Privy Council Office. David became a vice-chairman of the Conservative Party. David Cameron became Opposition local government spokesman. 2004 (19th January) A daughter, Nancy Gwen Beatrice was born at Westminster, London. Cameron became head of policy co-ordination. 2005 (5th May) David Cameron was re-elected as Member of Parliament for Witney. The Conservatives were again defeated by the Labour Party. David was appointed Shadow Education Secretary. Conservative Party leader, Michael Howard, announced his resignation as leader of the Party. Elections for a new leader would be held in October. 2005 (29th September) David Cameron announced that he would be standing for election as leader of the Conservative Pary. He stated that if elected he would take Conservative members of the European Parliament out of the European People’s Party because it favoured creating a federal Europe. 2005 (6th December) It was announced that David Cameron had been elected leader of the Conservative Party. 2005 (7th December) Cameron re-shuffled the shadow cabinet. 2005 (12th December) It was announced that the Conservative Party would take steps to increase the numbers of female Members of Parliament. 2005 (14th December) Cameron was created a member of the Privy Council. 2006 (1st January) Cameron scrapped Conservative Party plans to provide half-price private care to those who would like it. 2006 (9th January) Cameron announced that his Party would not be seeking a return to the Grammar School system. 2006 (14th February) A son, Arthur Elwen was born at Westminster, London. Following his son’s birth, Cameron took paternity leave. 2006 (8th March) Cameron officially became a member of the Privy Council. 2006 (20th March) David Cameron responded to a row over political party funding by stating that individual donations should be limited to £50,000. 2006 (31st March) Scotland Yard launched an inquiry into the circumstances of those that donated money to the Conservatives to determine whether a system of ‘loans for lordships’ was in play. 2006 (21st April) David Cameron made a visit to Svalbard in Norway to highlight global warming problems. 2006 (28th April) David was criticised for portraying himself as being ecologically friendly by cycling to work when a car containing his papers and work shoes followed him. 2006 (4th May) The Conservatives gained 40% of the vote in local elections across the country. 2006 (25th June) David Cameron announced that the UK should have a Bill of Rights to replace the Human Rights Act. 2006 (24th July) David Cameron paid a visit to British troops stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan. 2006 (24th August) David Cameron met Nelson Mandela. 2006 (30th October) David Cameron launched the civic national service scheme and the Young Adult Trust. 2007 (20th July) David Cameron was criticised by members of his own party after the Conservative candidates came third in the Ealing Southall and Sedgefield byelections. 2007 (27th September) was chosen as Conservative candidate for London Mayor. 2008 (15th March) MPs Expenses Scandal The amount of money claimed by MP’s was made public amid immense criticism at some of the figures involved. David Cameron promised to ‘clean up parliament from within’. 2008 (1st May) The Conservatives had excellent results in the local elections. Cameron’s daughter, Nancy, was accepted as a pupil for St Mary Abbots Primary School. The school is a regular state school. 2009 (25th February) David’s son, Ivan Reginald Ian died at St Mary’s Hospital, London. 2009 (12th May) MPs Expenses Scandal Following revelations by the Daily Telegraph newspaper that some Conservative MPs have charged ludicrous amounts on their expenses claim forms, Cameron called for them to repay those claimed expenses. David Cameron was instrumental in the creation of the European Conservatives and Reformists, a new group in the European Parliament. With a General Election due to be held, the Conservatives announced an intention to reform education to bring it into line with elite countries. 2010 (22nd March) David Cameron’s wife, Samantha, announced her fourth pregnancy. 2010 (13th April) The Conservatives published their election manifesto. 2010 (15th April) David Cameron took part in a televised leaders’ debate ahead of the General Election. 2010 (6th May) The Conservatives won the General Election but did not have enough seats for an overall majority. 2010 (11th May) David Cameron announced that the Conservative Party would form a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats. Cameron would be Prime Minister and Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats would be Deputy Prime Minister. At 43 years old, Cameron was the youngest ever Prime Minister. It was announced that there was no money and that spending costs had to be made. Britain was subject to an austerity programme. 2010 (24th August) A daughter Florence Rose Endellion was born at St Endellion, Cornwall while the family were on holiday. 2010 (8th September) David Cameron’s father, Ian died following a stroke in southern France. Cameron was at his father’s bedside when he died. It was revealed that Cameron’s father had invested in offshore tax havens. He had also created Panamanian Blairmore Holdings, an offshore investment fund which was also exempt from UK tax. 2011 (17th March) David Cameron finally managed to gain United Nations approval for a no-fly zone over Libya to help secure the defeat of dictator Colonel Gaddafi. 2011 (5th May) As part of the coalition deal with the Liberal Democrats, a referendum was held to change the voting system from the present ‘first-past-the-post’ to the ‘alternative vote’ system. The alternative system was decidedly rejected. 2012 (3rd May) David Cameron’s leadership was called into question after the Conservatives did poorly in the local elections. 2012 (27th June) House of Lords Reform Bill This bill was introduced by Nick Clegg to remove hereditary peers and make the chamber a largely elected body. 2012 (6th August) House of Lords Reform Bill This bill was withdrawn when it became clear that many Conservatives would not support it. David Cameron and Nick Clegg agreed to introduce legislation to legalise same-sex marriage. David Cameron announced that the government would cut net migration to less than 100,000 a year. 2013 (17th July) Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act This act was passed into British law and allowed same-sex couples to legally marry. Cameron tabled a motion in the House of Commons in favour of bombing Syrian armed forces following a chemical attack on Ghouta. He lost the motion. 2014 (13th March) With the support of his coalition partners, Cameron managed to legalise same-sex marriage. 2014 (14th May) House of Lords Reform Act A very modified form of the bill presented in 2013 became law. This Act enabled hereditary peers to resign their from the House of Lords and also allowed those that had committed a criminal offence to be removed. In the campaign for the Scottish Independence referendum, Cameron supported the successful ‘Better Together’ campaign against independence. The House of Commons approved a motion for British aircraft to join a bombing campaign against Islamic State targets in Iraq. The motion included a statement denying permission for military action in Syria. It was reported that the government had failed to reduce net migration as promised and that it had actually increased. Cameron attended the funeral of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. 2015 (7th May) David Cameron was elected Member of Parliament for Witney. The Conservatives won a clear majority and Cameron returned for a second term as Prime Minister. 2015 (28th May) European Union Referendum Act Cameron and the Conservatives had promised in their election campaign that if elected they would offer an in out referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union. This act was introduced into parliament to fulfil that promise. It emerged that Cameron was aware that British aircraft, along with other foreign aircraft, had been bombing targets in Syria. This was expressly against Parliament’s wishes. 2015 (12th October) Conservative peer, Lord Michael Ashcroft published ‘Call Me Dave’ an unauthorised biography of Cameron. The book accused Cameron of various misdemeanours in his university days. Ashcroft was accused of publishing the book because he had not been offered a position in Cameron’s government. 2015 (26th November) Following a series of terrorist attacks by Islamic State on Paris, Cameron again requested that British forces be sent to bomb Syria in retaliation. 2015 (3rd December) Members of Parliament voted in favour of air strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria. 2015 (17th December) European Union Referendum Act This act had finally passed through parliament and became law. The Act stated that the referendum should be held no later than 31st December 2017. 2016 (20th February) 2016 (late February) Cameron tried to renegotiate the UK’s terms of membership of the European Union in the hopes that the people of Britain would look more favourably on the European Union but concessions were very limited. Leaked documents revealed that both Cameron and his wife had invested in David’s father’s offshore investment fund. There were calls for Cameron to resign but he denied any wrongdoing stating that he had paid tax on all profits he had made. As campaigning began for the Referendum. Cameron declared himself firmly for remain. Other members of his government did not share his opinion and declared for leave. it soon became clear that Brexit was going to split the Conservative party and the electorate. 2016 (24th June) In the early hours of the morning it was announced that the British people had voted in favour of leaving the European Union by 52% to 48%. Later that day Cameron announced that he would step down as Prime Minister by October 2016. 2016 (11th July) Theresa May won the Conservative Party leadership election. 2016 (13th July) David Cameron resigned as Prime Minister. 2016 (12th September) Cameron resigned his parliamentary seat with immediate effect and Robert Courts became the new MP for Witney. Cameron was appointed chairman of the National Citizen Service Patrons. An organisation that provides voluntary personal and social development programmes for 15 – 17 year olds. David Cameron became president of Alzheimer’s Research UK. 2019 (early September) Cameron criticised Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to prorogue parliament. 2019 (19th September) David Cameron’s memoir ‘For the Record’ was published by William Collins.

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