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Hyperthyroidism happens when the body has inadequate amount of thyroid hormones. This occurs mostly because of some inborn error in the thyroid gland. The thyroid glands become overactive making the metabolism of the body rise into an inappropriate rate. People who are hyperthyroid are experiencing symptoms such as: anxiety, hair loss, muscle aches, heat intolerance, fatigue, weakness, irritability, weight loss but with increased appetite, hyperactivity and sweating. If you think you are having these hyperthyroid symptoms, you need to consult your doctor immediately together with taking some of the best home remedies for hyperthyroid.
Best home remedies for hyperthyroid
· Kelp Sea Weed – this plant contains good amounts of iodine which is good for the thyroid glands. It will help the gland function healthy as well as acting as an exceptional antioxidant.
· Vitamin B Complex – it helps improve the cellular oxygenation and energy as well as keeping the digestive tract healthy and also the immune system together with the thyroid.
· L-Tyrosine – this is an amino acid nutrient which helps the plasma increase its levels. It also helps prevent weight loss problems caused by the thyroid malfunction while being a very important building block for the thyroid hormone.
· Primrose Oil – this is considered to be one of the best home remedies for hyperthyroid. Its essential oil is very vital to maintain proper thyroid function.
· Black Walnut – eating a handful of these regularly can nourish and strengthen the thyroid glands. It is rich with manganese and iodine which is good for keeping the thyroid function perfectly.
· Bladderwrack – it is a kind of seaweed that is another good source for iodine.
· Siberian Ginseng – you can serve this by boiling it into tea. Its main function is to help the adrenal and the thymus glands to function properly in which also supports the thyroid.
· Irish moss – useful for any thyroid gland problems. It helps nourish the thyroid that will keep it healthy.
· Black Cohosh – this herb helps keep the estrogen levels in balance and is also a good ingredient in keeping the thyroid glands fit.
· Spirulina – this comes in a form of alga that helps promote overall health.
· Mullein – a flowering plant that acts as a protection for the body tissues as well as reducing the swelling of the glands.
Take note that these home remedies for hyperthyroid will only work as an alternative to the proper medicine your doctor will give. You can also take these while in medication but always ask the advice of your physician. One's lifestyle is also important in keeping the thyroid glands healthy.
Other remedies for hyperthyroid
· Regular Exercise – if you keep your body fit and active, your metabolism and body cells will also function well together with the glands. Regular exercise will keep us away from thyroid diseases as well as other body illnesses.
· Have a simple, cheerful and happy life – if you have a healthy mind and body, you will sure to prevent the coming of any sudden illnesses. Always try to practice being happy and cheerful with life.
· Healthy Diet – eat only healthy and nutritious foods. This will not only keep your thyroid glands healthy but your entire body as well.
Home remedies can be effective in treating illnesses, only if they are also taken together with a healthy lifestyle and the proper medications apart from the remedies. For hyperthyroid, just keep a good amount of iodine in your body together with healthy activities, and you're sure to be well in no time.
Originally posted 2018-06-23 08:02:35.


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Sunday Summary – March 1st, 2015
So what did you miss this week?
Monday, February 23rd, the Cato Street Conspiracy was thwarted, we looked at the Top Five DieselPunk films, began our Symposium poster tease, and Youth Crafting & Costuming was added to the Symposium Sessions list.
Tuesday, February 24th, the SS Gothenburg sank off the coast of Australia, we reviewed Dutch band Delain, revealed more of the Symposium Poster, and added Once Upon a Time in Africa to the Symposium panel list.
Wednesday, February 25th, Hiram Rhodes Revels became the first black U.S. Congressman, our Dr. Pembroke looked at electrifying medicine, we uncovered the next quarter of the Symposium Poster, previewed Mad Bubble Science for the Symposium workshops, and Uncommon Geek podcast released Episode 43.
Thursday, February 26th, we discovered early color film, revealed that Frenchy and the Punk are headlining the Symposium entertainment line up, expose ALL of the new Symposium Poster, and added Victorian Embellishments to the Symposium workshops list.
Friday, February 27th, Japan got a flag, we had some Weekend Recommendations, and added the Basics to Leather Working session to the Symposium schedule.
Saturday, February 28th, vaudeville came to the USA, and Victorian Conduct Manuals to Current Modes was added to the Symposium Sessions list.
Sunday, March 1st, we wished Ohio a happy birthday, had adventure with the short story "Ariel Duel," and then it was time for the Sunday Summary 🙂
Coming Next Week . . .
Details of the International Steampunk Symposium entertainment schedule, adventures at Anachrocon, and more.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ultra-light Breathable Mesh Climbing Shoes
$20.40 – $22.90
MADE FOR Our hiker-designers developed these shoes to be worn during your short hikes on lowlands, in forests or along the coast, in dry weather.
Our motivation? To offer comfortable and lightweight shoes that provide a good grip on relatively flat country trails. With a very affordable price!
CUSHIONING- Cushioning at the heel with a 6 mm EVA pad designed for country trails.
GRIP- Perfect Grip for off-road trails, mountain climbing.
FIT- Slightly supportive flexible mid-upper. Precise lacing with 6 eyelets or hooks.
IMPACT PROTECTION- Synthetic stone guard at the front of the foot to protect you from stones.
EASE OF USE– A mid-upper that is good at preventing small stones or twigs from entering.
LIGHTWEIGHT- Weights less than a normal hiking shoe.


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[Corrected, 6/14/16, see below] Eleven Biotherapeutics's (NASDAQ: EBIO) may be in strategic limbo, but today it's gotten some cash to help figure out its next steps.
The Cambridge, MA-based company licensed EBI-031, an experimental, preclinical drug it's been developing for eye diseases like diabetic macular edema and uveitis, to Swiss pharma giant Roche. Eleven got $7.5 million up front, with another $20 million to $22.5 million coming if EBI-031 is cleared to begin human clinical trials. The exact amount depends on when this happens, but Eleven filed an application with the FDA earlier today to begin these studies. Eleven could see $262.5 million in total if EBI-031 hits a variety of milestones. EBI-031 is a protein drug meant to be injected into the back of the eye. It binds to an inflammatory molecule known as interleukin 6. [An earlier version of this story described EBI-031 as an eye drop.]
Shares of Eleven nearly doubled in pre-market trading, from a $1.87 close on Friday to $3.54 as of 9 a.m. ET.
It's unclear what the future holds for Eleven, meanwhile. The company's former lead drug, isunakinra, failed two Phase 3 trials in dry eye disease and conjunctivitis, leading Eleven to shelve the drug altogether in January and begin evaluating what a spokesperson termed "various business development and financing approaches." Its cash was meant to develop EBI-031, but Roche will now take the lead. Eleven CEO Abbie Celniker said in a statement that the company will "continue to evaluate additional strategic alternatives with a goal to maximize shareholder value." Eleven is working with an investment bank and is considering everything from an outright sale to divesting assets one by one.
Eleven sold off a technology used for drug delivery to Albumedix in January, and paid off its outstanding debt to Silicon Valley Bank in March. The company had $13.4 million in cash at the end of that month.
Here's more on Eleven, its founding, and its original strategic goals.


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Mastering Dance Photography - Kent
My Attendance
Appleton Photo Training is looking for members to attend their workshop. It's based around Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom Added 1570470880.
This event has expired.
16th November 2019
Here is a one-day workshop aimed at photographers who want to learn to capture the beauty, drama and frisson of dance, both in the studio and live on stage. It is aimed at photographers who already have a solid grasp of their camera controls and now want to acquire the specialist skills and techniques required to achieve really pleasing results in this genre. This is where Andrew began his own photography career, shooting live performance in theatres. Years on, he now travels the world, running photography workshops and courses; in this course, he shares his consolidated behind-the-lens knowledge and understanding of classical and contemporary dance.
In addition to tuition from Andrew, you are provided with a dancer for the day.
From these two professionals, you will learn how to capture the form, movement and mood of this highly expressive art form, through creative lighting, precise timing and technical accuracy. By the end of the day, you will be able to critique your own work and, just as importantly, understand how to improve and perfect your technique.
A number of variables are involved to make dance one of the most fascinating and emotive genres in photography. The classroom session covers all the critical elements which come together in a perfect dance shot. From his broad experience, Andrew is able to advice you on lens choice and optimum focus methods, in addition to the importance of lighting, shooting angle, framing and timing.
Practical Shoot Time
After the tutorial, you will be ready to put your learning into practice. Shooting for the day is broken down into four key focus areas:
Timing – In this section, you will concentrate on capturing Alexa as she executes a series of short movements. You will learn to appreciate the concept of brain-to-shutter speed, establish ways to work with your camera in order to compensate for the delay, and accurately anticipate the peak of a dance move.
Tracking the dancer – Building on your timing skills. Under Andrew's guidance, you will draw on all the methods you have been taught during the morning session to capture the dance move at the optimum moment and in the optimum place in the frame.
Static posing – This element focuses on the physical form. You will work with different lighting set-ups specifically designed to enhance shape and create specific moods.
Dragging the shutter – Here is your opportunity to freeze movement and to introduce blur into your dance photography, using constant light and flash. It's a chance to play with the abstract and really get creative.
Our professional ballet dancer for this course is Kate Byrne (featured above). Kate has danced all over the world, her last dance company was Ballet Zurich where she was a soloist.
Booking onto this event confirms your agreement of the terms and conditions. Please click here for terms & conditions


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Granted that the Philippines is a nation of beer drinkers – a typical Pinoy salosalo won't be complete without the requisite San Mig.
That is why more props should be given to Straits Wine, a ten year old wine distribution company, who has been staging the country's premiere wine festival now on its fifth year.
Dubbed "Wine Fiesta Manila 2015" the festival brings together 15 wine masters, 21 wine companies with labels exclusive to Straits Wine and about a hundred labels and flavored in one roof. This wine extravaganza is happening on the 27th of October at the Axon@GreenSun.
KamikazeeGirl had the pleasure of meeting Straits Wine Company's managing director Julian Gagliardi, as well as its marketing and admin head Marion Ablaza during the recent launch of Wine Fiesta — and they've appraised us on their passion to bring wine closer to the Filipino public:
"Wine Fiesta is a celebration for sharing wine and food with an audience that is as equally passionate for wines. The idea behind the event is to make wines affordable and accessible to everyone," says Julian Gagliardi, General Manager of Straits Wine Philippines.
Gagliardi believes that Filipinos are ready to appreciate wine and aims to scrub the notion that wines are intended only for the elite. He shared that in Europe, wine is as common as water. Something that is immediately and inherently paired to food during meals.
Also worth nothing are the health benefits of wine, when taken in moderation:
"According to "Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010″4, published by the US Department of Agriculture, "If alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation – up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men".
The National Health Service5, UK, writes "Men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol a day. Women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day." One unit equals 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol. A 250ml (large) glass of 12% red wine has about 3 units of alcohol. A 175ml (medium) glass has about two units. (Source)
Tickets to the Wine Fiesta go for only PHP1,000 and provides access to a wide selection of wines from 5PM to 10PM. You can also attend master classes and talks conducted by wine masters during that time. Meanwhile, for only PHP2,800 — you can experience a unique Wine Dinner showcasing pairings of food and wine.
For more info, call Marion at (0915) 631-5380 call Marion at (0915) 631-5380 or go to https://www.facebook.com/straits.wine.5?fref=ts


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Book now
VIA FOSCOLO,17 00185 ROME Italy
Area: --
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Book online or call +39 041 8624040
view info & map
Property Location
With a stay at Adone House in Rome (Esquilino), you'll be a 4-minute walk from Colosseum and 10 minutes by foot from Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. This bed & breakfast is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Trevi Fountain and 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from Spanish Steps.
Make yourself at home in one of the 4 guestrooms. Satellite television is provided for your entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers. Conveniences include coffee/tea makers, and rollaway/extra beds can be requested.
Business, Other Amenities
Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.


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A little over a week ago, I had the chance to travel to upstate NY for a dear friend's baby shower, followed by a quick trip to Marlboro, VT to help out my friend Kirstin, who just became a new Mom to adorable twin baby girls. The girls, Sarah Rose and Jasmine Linnea, have quite an incredible story as they were born in India through a surrogacy program, and made their way 'home' to America at 2 months old in economy class from Mumbai all the way to Vermont! What a journey the twins, their parents and their Mormor (grandmother in Swedish) have been on! I had the honor to meet them for the first time last weekend and I can say with certainty that those little babies cracked my heart open wide.
Upon arrival, the house felt peaceful and full of love, with a little chaos thrown in for good measure. There were two of everything: Two adorable hand knit sweaters, two little play sets for them to lie on their backs and entertain themselves, two sets of bottles, two bouncy seats and many many diapers!
Driving in from upstate NY and a busy time there I had deceived myself into thinking that I would have a mini-retreat at my friend's gorgeous off-the-grid home and catch up on some reading on the Chakras for my upcoming retreat to Mexico. Ha ha, yeah right!!?? Of course I knew that I was there to help out my dear friend, but hey, I'm a single lady with a cat and no kids, so I had absolutely NO CLUE what I was getting into! As soon as I arrived it was clear that this would be my yoga for the weekend.
There was laundry to fold, babies to hold and swaddle, breakfasts, lunches and dinners to be made, dishes to be done, bottles to be sterilized, a dog to be walked, snow to be shoveled, a car to be fixed and the list goes on! Kirstin's husband William was away on business, and even with three of us on deck (Kirstin, me and a live-in helper/friend) there was never an idle moment. All flowed peacefully and smoothly as we attuned for 3 days to the needs of babies and household chores doing the 'new baby choreographed dance' around the sunny house. Surprisingly, everything did flow quite smoothly and effortlessly.
As dusk fell on my first day in cuteness overload land, Kirstin explained that I would be sleeping with Jasmine that night. 'Sleeping with Jasmine?! Are you kidding me?!' I could not even hide my surprise and dismay. There was no way to be all 'namaste' about this. I was the single free-spirit cat lady who cherished her full 8 hours and I wasn't about to disrupt it for this little being, as cute as she was. Well, as dusk became dark and we got the babies all ready for bed, I knew that this was part of my role in being here, despite my strong resistance to this idea. I would have to let go of my sleep. I assumed that in taking on this responsibility that when Jasmine cried, I would just bring her to Momma and she would be breast feed until pacified and then she would either continue to sleep in her Mom's bed or I would take her back when she was peacefully back in la-la land. Um...not so fast!
Kirstie explained to me that when Jasmine wakes up (at multiple intervals spread out over the long night) that I would pick her up, go downstairs, heat up water, make her a bottle of formula and rock her until she was full and fell back to sleep. 'Um, are you kidding me again??' You mean I have to get up and out of my warm bed, measure stuff at 3 am, not trip on the stairs on the way down and do this multiple times in one night?!!' Not surprisingly, I felt strong resistance rise up in me and deep entitlement to my long-held identity as the one with no kids, a free life, and little responsibility to anyone but myself (and my cat). But again, I relented. Kirstin delivered the placid Jasmine to me in her little baby basket and I stared down at her from my warm mattress on the floor. 'Okay, Jasmine, it's just you and me tonight, I hope we can do this!'
Fast forward to 1 am (my first wake-up call) and my feelings around this whole situation began to melt. I had this little tiny bundle of warmth and love to hold and bounce and I reached down to pick her up in the quiet darkness. A half moon shone through the window and Orion was vivid in the sky. I felt honored, I felt like I had this huge responsibility, and I felt like, 'I got this.' I also felt grateful that by taking Jasmine, my friend was getting some much needed rest with only having to care for Sarah. To make a long story short, my two overnights with the girls were touching and in the end, I was very sad to say goodbye and head back up the highway toward home. I think it was Marianne Williamson who said, 'It's not enough to love our own children.' This quote really struck me. I would like to add that it's not enough to love our own lives, our own careers, our own families and friends, and our own carefully crafted realities. We create change in the world when we soften our beloved walls, widen our circles and let a little more love in and give a little more love out. Even when we don't think we have the time.
I know for myself, I have carefully created my 'world' and I identify with what I think of as 'me'- my home, my lifestyle and my zone of comfort and familiarity. Cracking my heart open a bit for these babies really reminded me of the precious interconnected web of life of which we are all apart. It also reminded me what a big difference the little things make. In the words of Mother Teresa, 'Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.' I assumed that going to help out my friend for a few days wouldn't make much of an impact in the grand scheme of things, but I could tell it really did. Kirstin got 2 great nights of sleep, the babies received more love and support, and I received the blessing of widening my own circles of compassion and even letting some of my deeply held identity fall away. I felt a sense of connection to the twins native homeland, India, and all wild weavings that brought their births the fruition. I also realized that we can frame any experience any way we CHOOSE to. I could look at a night without much sleep as a drudgery or a complete honor and joy. I could look at it as a chore or a blessing. Outer circumstances will be outer circumstances. How we frame 'what happen's to us' is our choice. And can we remember that life is actually happening FOR US.
I want to thank Jasmine and Sarah for a little taste of unconditional love and for being two amazing jewels on Indra's Net. We are all interwoven, we are all connected, we all breathe the same air, and we all matter. As we break out of our carefully constructed cocoons and comfort zones we just might find a little more light, a little more love and some of the sweetest gifts awaiting us in small packages. As we take the time to remember that we 'inter-are' as Thich Nhat Hanh says, we see everyone around us in a different light- not just as anonymous people we don't really know and don't care to know. We see each person we encounter as a unique and beautiful jewel on Indra's Net or a glistening dew drop on a spider's web. And, we remember that any little tug on that web, for better or for worse, effects the whole of creation.
Asana Suggestions: Partner poses that remind us of our connection to the whole. Sure, we all practice individually, on our own yoga mats, but we are all interwoven. Try making a circle and have everyone do tree pose together or back-to-back breathing in partners. When we connect in a yoga class it reminds us that we're in this together.
Contemplations to Deepen Your Practice:
* What is your cherished view of yourself? Journal or share with a friend some deeply-held qualities that you believe to be true about yourself or identities that you hold on to. How true are they really? Are there other possibilities for who you really are?
* What is one thing that you deeply cling to? Examples: your sleep, your exercise routine, your yoga practice (eek!!). Would you be willing to give them up for a day or two if you had to?
* Examine (in your journal or with a friend) how your frame challenging situations. Do you catastrophize and awfulize or are you able to put a positive spin on things? Acknowledge the power of the mind and it's effect on our bodies and our well-being.
* Try something new that takes you out of your routine and might open you up to new groups of people, cultures, or socioeconomic groups: Volunteer at the local soup kitchen, offer to babysit for a friend who needs some support or join a meet-up group of interest. Widen your circles with compassion.
* What would it look like to step fully into your life with no excuses?? A great place to practice this is in a yoga class...immerse yourself wholeheartedly in whatever pose you are doing rather than holding yourself back and staying on the 'outside' of things. Breath into it.
Inspirational Readings:
I live my life in widening circles
that reach out across the world.
I may not complete this last one
but I give myself to it.
I circle around God, around the primordial tower.
I've been circling for thousands of years
and I still don't know: am I a falcon,
a storm, or a great song?
Rilke, Book of Hours, I 2
Translation by Joanna Macy and Anita Barrows
Call Me By My True Names
Do not say that I'll depart tomorrow
because even today I still arrive.
Look deeply: I arrive in every second
to be a bud on a spring branch,
to be a tiny bird, with wings still fragile,
learning to sing in my new nest,
to be a caterpillar in the heart of a flower,
to be a jewel hiding itself in a stone.
I still arrive, in order to laugh and to cry,
in order to fear and to hope.
The rhythm of my heart is the birth and
death of all that are alive.
I am the mayfly metamorphosing on the surface of the river,
and I am the bird which, when spring comes, arrives in time
to eat the mayfly.
I am the frog swimming happily in the clear pond,
and I am also the grass-snake who, approaching in silence,
feeds itself on the frog.
I am the child in Uganda, all skin and bones,
my legs as thin as bamboo sticks,
and I am the arms merchant, selling deadly weapons to
I am the twelve-year-old girl, refugee on a small boat,
who throws herself into the ocean after being raped by a sea
pirate, and I am the pirate, my heart not yet capable of seeing and
I am a member of the politburo, with plenty of power in my
hands,and I am the man who has to pay his "debt of blood" to, my
people,dying slowly in a forced labor camp.
My joy is like spring, so warm it makes flowers bloom in all
walks of life.
My pain if like a river of tears, so full it fills the four oceans.
Please call me by my true names,
so I can hear all my cries and laughs at once,
so I can see that my joy and pain are one.
Please call me by my true names,
so I can wake up,
and so the door of my heart can be left open,
the door of compassion.
- Thich Nhat Hanh
We are all jewel's on Indra's Net


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Electrical insulation is resistance to the flow of electric charge. Electrical insulation materials isolate individual components which are at different electrical potentials. The primary function of an electrical insulator is to support or separate electrical conductors without allowing current to flow through them. Conventionally, glass and ceramics were the most prominently used electrical insulation materials However, over the recent past, polymer based electrical insulation materials have accounted for a significant share in overall global electrical insulation materials market. Consumption of polymer based electrical insulation materials is expected to witness a steady growth during forecast period.
Electrical Insulation Materials Market: Drivers and restraints
Global electrical insulation materials market is expected to witness a steady growth over the forecast period. Demand for electrical insulation materials is expected to be driven primarily by the growth in demand from construction industry, especially in developing economies in Asia Pacific region such as China and India. Moreover, the steady growth in re-insulation market across developed economies of North America and Europe is also expected to fuel the growth of global electrical insulation materials
market during forecast period. Besides, increasing demand for consumer electronics and allied products is another factor that is expected to drive growth of global electrical insulation materials market. Also, increasing investments towards installation of transmission lines across developing regions is another factor that is expected to positively impact global electrical insulation materials market over forecast period.
Request Free Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1820
Electrical Insulation Materials Market: Segmentation
The electrical insulation materialsmarket can be segmented based on material types as:
- Ceramics
- Glass
- Composites
- Plastics
- Polypropylene
Consumption of polymer based and Composite materials for electrical insulation is expected to witness a relatively faster growth rate during forecast period. These materials are lighter in weight and exhibit favourable properties such as high mechanical strength and electrical resistance, capacity to withstand and deliver consistent performance in harsh climatic conditions and exhibit relatively more effective voltage endurance as compared to that of ceramics and some of the other materials.
The electrical insulation materials market can be segmented based on applications as:
- Cables and Transmission Lines
- Transformer components
- Circuit boards
- High voltage circuit breakers
- Others
The electrical insulation materials market can be segmented based on end use industry as:
- Infrastructure
- Transportation
- Manufacturing
- Others (Utilities)
The electrical insulation materials market can be segmented based on voltage as:
- Low Voltage
- Medium Voltage
- High Voltage
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Electrical insulation materials market: Region wise outlook
Global electrical insulation materials market can be broadly classified based on geography into seven key segments as North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia – Pacific, Japan, Middle – East and Africa. Out of all these segments, Asia-Pacific has the highest market share.Increase in the Transmission and distribution line related investments is expected to drive the demand for the electric insulation materials especially in Asia-Pacific and MEA regions during forecast period.
Electrical insulation materials market: Key market players
Some of the key players identified in the electrical insulation materials market are:
- Huntsman Corporation
- Knauf Insulation Group
- Owens Corning
- Recticel
- Fletcher Insulation
- GAF Materials Corporation
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GUEST BLOG: Jonathan Gordon, Clan Gordon
Clan Gordon is a letting agent and Living Wage Employer, focused on raising the standard of properties available to tenants in Edinburgh. Jonathan Gordon, Managing Director shares why the decision to pay the real Living Wage made good business sense - a dedicated team allows you to stand out from the crowd.
When Clan Gordon was initially founded in 2008, it was just myself and my brother Andrew working from my living room; which feels a long way from where we are today with a portfolio of over 550 properties and a team of 12 staff. We knew from these very early days that, as the company expanded, it was important to us to compensate our staff fairly. Clan Gordon employees have always been paid above the industry average, as we believe that everyone should receive a salary that allows them to cover real living expenses, in addition to reflecting their skills and experience. Becoming a Living Wage employer has allowed us to position this ethos at the heart of our business as we continue to grow and develop.
As a letting agent, operating in the competitive Edinburgh buy-to-let property market, we know that our team is our greatest asset. To stand out from the crowd, we need dedicated and enthusiastic employees who are genuinely happy to go over and above to meet the needs of our landlord and tenant clients every day. Being a Living Wage employer means that our employees know that they are paid fairly and their contributions to Clan Gordon are appreciated, reinforcing our ethos and creating loyalty and motivation with our team.
Our status as a Living Wage employer is also beneficial when advertising for new members of staff – we created two new positions in December 2018 alone – as potential applicants can see straight away that we are a company who values employee welfare. Even new employees who do not benefit directly, because their salary already exceeds the living wage, are reassured by our Living Wage Employer badge that they will be paid fairly, no matter what end of the pay scale they join us at.
Another advantage of paying real living wage salaries is that we tend to keep our staff, which can be rare in the high-pressure world of property management. Retaining staff means our team can get to know every client and property in our portfolio, allowing us to provide consistently high levels of service to all landlord and tenant clients. We fully believe that a happy team creates happy clients, which is our goal with everything that we do.
We are proud to be a Living Wage Employer and hope that more and more local businesses will take the opportunity to get on board and provide real living wages for their staff. We have seen fantastic benefits so far and are excited to continue growing our business while supporting our team by paying the fair salaries that they deserve.
Staff motivation, retention and attracting new employees are just some of the benefits that come with paying a real Living Wage to your team. Thousands of employers like Clan Gordon, are committed to paying the real Living Wage. Find out how you can join them.


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When Margo Price released Midwest Farmer's Daughter—her first album with Jack White's Third Man Records, and the label's first country release—on April 5, she followed it up with a performance on Saturday Night Live, a rogue pick by SNL's demonstrated musical interests and a clear indicator that she was an act to watch. The late-night mainstay booked its first independent musical guest last December with Chance the Rapper, and Price performed on the show nine episodes later as the fifth of six country artists to play SNL in the last five years. She made Billboard chart history when Midwest Farmer's Daughter debuted at No. 10 without a single song of hers hitting the Hot Country Songs chart before that, a distinction all her own in the 50-plus years of the chart's existence. In short: Margo Price had arrived, y'all.
SNL and the success of the album are bucket list accomplishments on their own, but it's the unquantifiable stuff—like Nelson himself inviting her to play his Texas ranch for his concert series the Luck Reunion, or running up onstage to join Kris Kristofferson and sing Janis Joplin's lines from "Me and Bobby McGee," or winning an award and wryly ribbing all of the Music Row executives who turned her down about ten seconds into an award acceptance speech—that sets Price apart from her peers. She was a popular attraction on the festival circuit, from Austin City Limits and Bonnaroo to Nelson's own Farm Aid and Newport Folk. (That's where the Kristofferson duet took place, and where she picked up a denim jacket with a lyric from one of her newer songs—"Wild women don't worry"—embroidered across the back.)
Sold-out shows on her headlining tours became the rule, not the exception. By the time her face graced the cover of the local alt-weekly Nashville Scene in September, she'd long since solidified her status as East Nashville's champion of the year, where the other locals started to stare a little longer when she and her family were out and about across town.
"We literally went from being starving artists, with nobody really knowing who I was, to now," she told me earlier this fall. "When I'm home in Nashville, I don't have the privacy to go out." It was mid-October at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, hours before yet another packed gig in yet another far-from-home city, a performance both her mother and her sister would attend. I mentioned that her local cover girl status probably didn't help in that particular department. She laughed.
"It's always cool to talk to people, and it's still really fun to go out, but I think the last few times I went out, my husband was like, 'Wow—it's changed!" she recalled. Price had been playing out in Nashville for over a decade between her solo work and the time she put in with Buffalo Clover, the band she founded with husband Jeremy Ivey. The rest of the nation had perked up to the sound of the resonant belt coming out of this tawny-haired, punchline-savvy, tattooed woman writing some very real lines about some very dark things. Her songs' timeless quality caught Jack White's attention, and the spotlight grew a little bit brighter when it came to going about her business on and beyond the Gallatin Pike.
"It's not like I've gotten this amphitheater kind of stardom," she continued. "I want to remain a down-to-earth person. I went and sang at the American Legion not too long ago with some friends, right after singing with Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle. I want to have my finger on the pulse of what's going on at that level, because I think there's something really exciting about it."
She's modest, as it's hard to lose the pulse of something coursing through your veins. That Scene story coincided with the Americana Music Association's week-long conference, which involved several performances taking place in Nashville's venues over the course of the week and an awards ceremony in the hallowed, pew-filled hall of the Ryman Auditorium, country music's cathedral. Price—in a burnt orange, velvet, floor-length number straight out of a Bond girl's closet (should a Bond girl find herself thwarting assassins with guitar picks and razor-sharp wit)—attended the AMA Awards as both a performer and a nominee.
There, in a room full of Nashville's most celebrated talents and influential tastemakers, Price walked into a frame that serves as a fitting allegory for Midwest Farmer's Daughter's success and her year on the whole. In that moment, she was very much the gal who could quiet a rowdy crowd at the American Legion while feeling right at home with embroidered and sequined polish of the traditional country set at the Ryman.
"I forgot my ticket," she recalled, rolling her eyes. "My tour manager had given it to me the day before, but I changed purses. There was a commons area where everybody was hanging out and eating hors d'oeuvres after doing the red carpet, and they were like, 'You can go to your seats now!' But I didn't know where mine was. So, I thought, I'll just go to the backstage area and hang out there until I can find where I'm supposed to sit. On the room where my name was, it was like, BONNIE RAITT. EMMYLOU HARRIS. MARGO PRICE. THE McCRAY SISTERS. LUCINDA WILLIAMS. There were a couple of people in there already. I just felt like I couldn't go in. I mean, my name was on the door! But I felt like I was going to freak out on all of them."
Price did go in shortly before she took home an honor of her own, and she refrained from freaking out on the other legends listed on that door. (Raitt herself did ask to get a picture with Price after her performance.) "Hands of Time"—the devastating lead-off track from Midwest Farmer's Daughter that details her humble beginnings, the plights of her farmer father, the death of her first child, and "trying to make something honest with [her] own two hands"—was up for Song of the Year, and she was nominated for Emerging Artist of the Year alongside Leon Bridges, John Moreland, and Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats.
She won the latter category, approached the podium without having prepared a speech, and got a dig in at the expense of the major and minor label A&R folks who passed on working with her before tearfully thanking the label that didn't, as well as her loved ones—and especially her husband, saying, "He helped me record this record, and we had to sell our car to do it."
The contrast between doing what they could to get by and this post-SNL star turn is the biggest shift that Midwest Farmer's Daughter has brought about for Price and her family, growing fame aside—even if she still prefers the basements of Nashville of her quieter days to the amphitheater. Price played a few gigs in town that week in Nashville in the midst of her fall tour, including another Nelson-sanctioned Luck Reunion show at the Nashville Palace, a honky tonk where she called out two women for scrolling through their Facebook feeds instead of paying attention to her set.
She beamed while introducing the covers she'd play—Levon, Loretta, Billy Joe Shaver, Neil Young—and delighted in telling dirty jokes almost as much as she did her own music. (The Palace crowd got a souvenir she picked up on tour in Denmark: "What's the difference between a G-spot and a golf ball? A man will spend all day lookin' for a golf ball.")
As much as she loves playing to festival throngs, the bourbon-bathed floors of smaller rooms—the Troubadour, the Palace, and every dive in between—keep her grounded, an anchor invaluable to the integrity of her music. She's committed to quality and doing the job right, even if it means making less and playing more to do it. She's insistent on pressing vinyl, for one thing, as it's vital to make "a piece of art that isn't going to disappear with the collapse of the Internet—or the collapse of humanity."
She's not going to workshop new stuff on the road, either: Save for a couple of songs that made their way into sets at ACL and Farm Aid, the next Margo Price record will remain largely unheard until she has it in hand. "There was a while when I was doing all my new material, and The New Yorker would come and write up all the songs, or it would end up on YouTube," she said. "I just realized that I wanted to save those things for when the record was out."
The straight-shooting Price calls out the fallacies and fuckeries of Music Row on Midwest Farmer's Daughter with "This Town Gets Around," a jab to the fake aspects of the industry only slightly more direct than her AMA award call-out. It's a trait she shares with artists she most admires, like Nelson ("He made his own sound, his own thing… I'm happy that what we're doing is coming off in that way, that it's not just regurgitating the past") or Father John Misty ("He's an individual, and he's not writing for anybody else") or Cass McCombs (whose name she says so enthusiastically she verbally italicizes it).
It's a directness that shone in a poignant moment in her Tiny Desk Concert, which was taped the day after the 2016 presidential election. The 14 minutes and change are some of the most moving in the history of NPR Music's landmark series, largely because Price's music speaks so closely to the disillusionment and distrust of the American Dream when its soul is sold for profit. The national context and life as we knew it shifted before Price wrote the songs of Midwest Farmer's Daughter, but her ability to shape them with little more than a pointed inflection and a resolute glare says plenty about the staying power and universality of her work.
That she can bounce from somber ballads tailor-made for the matters we drown with brown liquor to jokes about G-spots is a testament to her versatility, but also her relevance. We've always needed straight shooters, and Price is an lyrical Annie Oakley in that regard—and not unlike another country great who took aim with her verses.
"If you go back in the '50s and '60s and '70s, a woman with a tattoo was a street woman—if you did anything unladylike, you were branded," she said. "Patsy Cline was a total badass in that regard. She cussed and she smoked and she lived on the other side of the tracks. People in her town never accepted her, ever, or gave her the accolades she was due, because they were like, 'She's not a lady.' I think for so long women have been held to higher beauty standards and a different set of morals. We have a lot of things to talk about—not just raising children and staying home and what it's like to be a wife, but women should be able to talk about all sorts of things."
This conversation has been a constant in Price's year, as Midwest Farmer's Daughter dropped as the tide started to turn in her corner of the industry. A year after Keith Hill, a radio consultant, literally told stations to play the songs of female artists sparingly in order to keep their ratings up, Price was one of the women gathered byBillboard to discuss the changing attitudes in Nashville when it came to celebrating the women at the mics instead of keeping them as featured characters in a male-driven narrative. Price, memorably, shared how she called out Hill for his comment.
It's not that Price found her voice in 2016; the world, finally, was just starting to tune into her frequency. "For so long, women have been constricted about what they can sing and write about, and even as photographers and painters. I think that there have been women who have obviously broken the mold and done some cool things, but it's an exciting time for women to continue."
That intensity shapes not only how she writes and how she listens, but how her fans listen to her, too—and how they'll continue to do so in 2017. Here's hoping 2016's rearview will be even kinder to Price than the present; Midwest Farmer's Daughter deserved more statuettes than it'll receive, but her national debut was a triumphant one that showed that success not only can be a smattering of tangible honors and distinctions (SNL, her AMA award, Tiny Desk) and unpredictable live moments capable of shifting the course of an artist's career. She just announced her 2017 tour dates, which kick off in February in Knoxville, and as new material is in the works, an album hopefully won't be far behind. It's an especially exciting time for her to continue, too, as, clearly, this wild woman has little to worry about if she stays this course of her own making.


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Frequently Asked Questions
We'll ask you to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled appointment to fill us in on your medical history, medications, allergies (in case you're allergic to a product we're using), etc. After completing the short form, we'll also ask you questions about specific issues you'd like addressed and may even perform certain assessments to evaluate your condition. With this information, we can ensure that massage will be helpful and not harmful for you. This information also helps us customize your massage to fit your needs.
If you're uncomfortable with removing all of your clothing, you won't be able to relax, which is obviously counterproductive. For that reason, we recommend that you leave on whatever you want, with the understanding that we will have to work around those articles of clothing. After you undress in privacy, you'll lie on the table and cover yourself with a sheet. During your massage, the sheet will cover your body at all times, with only the area that is being massaged exposed. If you are an athlete and getting a massage to train for a sport, we may recommend that you wear running shorts and, for women, a sports bra.
Yes. While we can't name every condition here (and it will vary from person to person), it's important that you let us know your complete medical history prior to your first massage. Not only will the form help us know whether massage is appropriate for you, but it also will help us tailor the massage to your needs. We'll also check in with you before each subsequent massage for any changes in your health.
Absolutely. Your input is essential for you to receive the best result possible. Please tell us if the massage is too deep or not deep enough, and if we're working the right areas. Also if you're hot or cold, in an uncomfortable position, or don't like the scent of the oils. We always want to know what is or isn't working for you.
Everyday, your body's muscle tissue absorbs chemicals from food, cosmetics, deodorants, etc. When we massage those muscles, we release those toxins and push them back into your bloodstream. Drinking water right after a massage (in fact, add an extra glass or two beyond what you normally drink) helps the body flush out the toxins and keeps you feeling better longer.
Before is best. The sauna warms up your muscles, which in turn will make them more pliable and allow for deeper work. If you don't have time to hit the sauna before the massage, using it afterward can also be beneficial.
Much like the sauna, working out before a massage warms up the muscles and will allow us to do a deeper massage. If you're planning to work out after a session or preparing for a race or other athletic event in less than a week, be sure to tell us so we can adjust the massage to provide the greatest benefit.
No. We work by appointment only.
If you cancel your appointment less than twelve hours before your scheduled massage, you will be charged a $50 cancellation fee.
Visit UsMethod Massage & Bodywork is located at Purify, an infrared sauna.
Purify RVA5609 Patterson Ave., Suite D
Richmond VA 23226


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We have already begun the search for the 2020 Wales Fast Growth 50, the annual project that celebrates the best of Welsh entrepreneurship.
First published by the Western Mail in 1999, this unique initiative has become firmly established as the list of business success which businesses across Wales aspire to. The 2020 list of the fastest growing firms in Wales will appear in a special supplement, which will be published by the Western Mail in association with Barclays bank and the University of South Wales.
Assuming that social distancing issues can be overcome, there will also be a 22nd Anniversary dinner to celebrate over two decades of the Wales Fast Growth 50, which will be held at the Mercure Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on Friday October 23rd 2020. This event has become one of the most prestigious in the Welsh business calendar and, yet again, promises to be a showcase of the best of Welsh enterprise for all attending. Awards will be presented to the fastest growing firms in each of the key sectors of the Welsh economy, as well as individual awards for sustainable long term growth.
To be eligible for a place on the Fast Growth 50 list, firms must:
- Have had sales of at least £250,000 in 2017
- Be an independent and privately held business (not a branch plant or wholly own subsidiary of a non-Welsh based company)
- Be based in Wales
Rankings will be based on percentage growth of revenues from 2017 to 2019 and the closing date for entries is July 31st 2020.
The Fast Growth 50 project is dependent on receiving completed entries and information from companies that are then verified by Companies House data or through the firm's accountants. Without these, companies cannot be entered onto the list and data received after the closing date does not qualify. For various reasons, some companies choose not to enter the Fast Growth 50 competition and the project cannot be held responsible for their exclusion from the list. Some companies choose not to enter the Fast Growth 50 competition and the project cannot be held responsible for their exclusion from the list.
PRIVACY POLICY - The Wales Fast Growth 50 Awards are run by Enlli Associates Ltd and your contact details forms part of the Wales Fast Growth 50 mailing list of past and present entrants, industry contacts and business clients. We would like to continue to contact you with the latest news and updates on the awards, and we want you to rest assured that the information you share with us when using our site is safe and secure. To read the full data protection notice, click here


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This fossil is one of the most complete skulls of this species, best known from the Turkana Basin and Olduvai Gorge in East Africa. It is likely from a female, and had a small brain size for H. habilis.
You are here
Homo habilis
Homo habilis
This species, one of the earliest members of the genus Homo, has a slightly larger braincase and smaller face and teeth than in Australopithecus or older hominin species. But it still retains some ape-like features, including long arms and a moderately-prognathic face.
Its name, which means 'handy man', was given in 1964 because this species was thought to represent the first maker of stone tools. Currently, the oldest stone tools are dated slightly older than the oldest evidence of the genus Homo.
A team led by scientists Louis and Mary Leakey uncovered the fossilized remains of a unique early human between 1960 and 1963 at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania. The type speciman, OH 7, was found by Jonathan Leakey, so was nicknamed "Jonny's child". Because this early human had a combination of features different from those seen in Australopithecus, Louis Leakey, South African scientist Philip Tobias, and British scientist John Napier declared these fossils a new species, and called them Homo habilis (meaning 'handy man'), because they suspected that it was this slightly larger-brained early human that made the thousands of stone tools also found at Olduvai Gorge.
We don't know everything about our early ancestors—but we keep learning more! Paleoanthropologists are constantly in the field, excavating new areas, using groundbreaking technology, and continually filling in some of the gaps about our understanding of human evolution.
Below are some of the still unanswered questions about Homo habilis that may be answered with future discoveries:
- Was H. habilis on the evolutionary lineage that evolved into later species of Homo and even perhaps our species, Homo sapiens?
- Are H. habilis and Homo rudolfensis indeed different species, or are they part of a single, variable species? Or was one the ancestor of the other?
- If H. habilis is not the ancestor of Homo erectus, how does it fit into our evolutionary tree?
- H. habilis is one of the earliest members of the genus Homo. Was there a relationship between the origin of this genus and climate change – either with an increased period of climatic fluctuations, or major episodes of global cooling and drying leading to the spread of C4 grasslands?
First paper:
Leakey, L.S.B., Tobias, P.V., Napier, J.R., 1964. A new species of the genus Homo from Olduvai Gorge. Nature 202, 7-9.
Other recommended readings:
Bobe, R., Behrensmeyer, A.K., 2004. The expansion of grassland systems in Africa in relation to mammalian evolution and the origin of the genus Homo. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 207, 399-420.
Domínguez-Rodrigo, M., Pickering, T.R., Semaw, S., Rogers, M.J., 2005. Cutmarked bones from Pliocene archaeological sites at Gona, Afar, Ethiopia: Implications for the functions of the world's oldest stone tools. Journal of Human Evolution 48, 109-121.
Haeusler, M., McHenry, H., 2004. Body proportions of Homo habilis reviewed. Journal of Human Evolution 46, 433-465.
Spoor, F., Leakey, M.G., Gathogo, P.N., Brown, F.H., Antón, S.C., McDougall, I., Kiarie, C. Manthi, F.K, Leakey, L.N., 2007. Implications of new early Homo fossils from Ileret, east of Lake Turkana, Kenya. Nature 448, 688–691.
Ungar, P.S., Grine, F.E., Teaford, M.F., El-Zaatari, S., 2006. Dental microwear and diets of African early Homo. Journal of Human Evoution 50, 78–95
Ungar, P.S., Grine, F.E., Teaford, M.F., 2006. Diet in early Homo: a review of the evidence and a new model of adaptive versatility. Annual Review of Anthropology 35, 209-228.
Early Homo had smaller teeth than Australopithecus, but their tooth enamel was still thick and their jaws were still strong, indicating their teeth were still adapted chewing some hard foods (possibly only seasonally when their preferred foods became less available). Dental microwear studies suggest that the diet of H. habilis was flexible and versatile and that they were capable of eating a broad range of foods, including some tougher foods like leaves, woody plants, and some animal tissues, but that they did not routinely consume or specialize in eating hard foods like brittle nuts or seeds, dried meat, or very hard tubers.
Another line of evidence for the diet of H. habilis comes from some of the earliest cut- and percussion-marked bones, found back to 2.6 million years ago. Scientists usually associate these traces of butchery of large animals, direct evidence of meat and marrow eating, with the earliest appearance of the genus Homo, including H. habilis.
Many scientists think early Homo, including H. habilis, made and used the first stone tools found in the archaeological record—these also date back to about 2.6 million years ago; however, this hypothesis is difficult to test because several other species of early human lived at the same time, and in the same geographic area, as where traces of the earliest tool use have been found.
This species, along with H. rudolfensis, is one of the earliest members of the genus Homo. Many scientists think it is an ancestor of later species of Homo, possibly on our own branch of the family tree. Naming this species required a redefining of the genus Homo (e.g., reducing the lower limit of brain size), sparking an enormous debate about the validity of this species.
While scientists used to think that H. habilis was the ancestor of Homo erectus, recent discoveries in 2000 of a relatively late 1.44 million-year-old Homo habilis (KNM-ER 42703) and a relatively early 1.55 million-year-old H. erectus (KNM-ER 42700) from the same area of northern Kenya (Ileret, Lake Turkana) challenged the conventional view that these species evolved one after the other. Instead, this evidence - along with other fossils - demonstrate that they co-existed in Eastern Africa for almost half a million years.
OH 24 is the oldest fossil skull found at Olduvai Gorge; besides OH 5, it is the most complete. Its third molars had erupted, so we know it was an adult at death, yet the molars show no sign of wear, indicating that this individual probably died soon after their eruption.
By this time, the feet of early humans had a modern-type arch. Want to read about the evidence that this individual was attacked by a crocodile?


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Lives in Vienna, Austria
Joined on Mar 9, 2011
6/10 - can live with it
it's the host's job to eliminate entries that don't fit to the rules, not the voter's job.
didn't know that ducks are mammals - as mentioned in the title and rules
pen - yes, stand - ??
there are quite a lot of pictures without any roof visible in the picture.So it is quite impossible to vote in a correct way for the pics in this challenge.
ornamental ??
driller head?
painting brush ????
may not be everybody's way of christmas-decoration - but I like it (and the shot too)
voting has started - and there are still b/w-photos in the challenge. Obviously the host isn't very interested in his own challenge and rules.
where is the living being ???
no leaves ???
bridge ????
fishing boats ???????
is this really the "beauty of rain" ??
I just miss the balcony
newborn ??
most of the pics are no shots of silhouettes through a window (curtain)
heatherc: Is it just me or are some of these not "combinations of two or more pictures"?
you are right
I miss the beach


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03 Jul 2005
STOP Software Patents in Europe!
How you can help
- Join the web demo
- Join the economic-majority.com
- Join the demonstration in Strasbourg
If you cannot attend the demonstation in Strasbourg in person please phone or fax your member of the European Parliament (MEP). Or better yet discuss the situation with others you work with and send a company FAX to show them how this new legislation will hurt your business if the Buzek-Rocard-Duff amendments are not adopted by parlement on Wednesday. If you don't inform your parliament, mega-corporations are doing the job for you: "The European Parliament is filled with lobbyists of Microsoft, Eicta, CompTIA and so on. There are 30 to 40 lobbyists permanently roaming the halls."
Join us now…
Jerry Haltom and Robert Schuster have (re)joined Planet Classpath. Make sure you read their announcements of the Ubuntu GCJ4 Eclipse packages and the GNU Classpath presentation at LinuxTag 2005 and the accompanying paper.


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Pastor Jeff was called to eternal salvation at age twenty-seven through the faithful witness of a close friend who invited him to Twin Cities Bible Church in Maplewood, Minnesota. That Sunday he heard the gospel preached clearly from the book of Galatians. The next week, while reading A. W. Pink's essay on saving faith, he repented of his sin and trusted in Christ to save him. Everything began to change at that point in Jeff's life. He began to develop a real, growing love for Jesus and His word, a desire for biblical teaching, and a passion for fellowship with believers. Furthermore, soon after his conversion, Jeff began to desire serving the Lord in ministry.
Having brought this desire before the elders at Twin Cities Bible Church, Jeff began the process of confirming this call and training for ministry by teaching and serving the youth on Wednesday nights, teaching through the book of Colossians in adult Christian Education, and attending elders' meetings. Through God's providence, his family was led to Chicago for a period of time where he continued serving in college campus ministry and in a growing church plant. By God's grace, in 2005, he was called back to Minnesota to help plant a church in Lakeville and to pursue formal seminary training.
Jeff has been trained as a doctor of chiropractic with specialty in radiology and continues to use this education to help support his family. He earned a Masters of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in May of 2012. He has also taken classes at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Moody Bible Institute. Once ordained in November of 2007, Jeff served as Assistant Pastor at Twin Cities Bible Church and has since become the Pastor of Preaching at Grace Community Bible Church since its inception in April of 2009.
Jeff is passionate to teach followers of Jesus true biblical Christianity from the authoritative, inerrant, and sufficient word of God, with a literal, grammatical, and historical approach to the text of Scripture. Based on these convictions, he is committed to preach the meaning of the text in its context verse-by-verse from both the Old and New Testaments. In short, preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified – preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ – is his lifetime calling and passion.
Jeff has been married since 1995 to his beautiful wife Jodi and the Lord has blessed them with nine wonderful children. Jeff continues to work as a radiologist part time at Northwestern Health Sciences University. He enjoys sports, bonfires, the outdoors, playing with his children, as well as reading and discussing theology.


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If anyone has looked at internet trending topics, they will see that reality shows, such as, the Bachelorette rank toward the top. Out of morbid curiosity, on Monday night, I watched the premiere of the Bachelorette with growing horror along with pure amazement. WOW! People truly do not know what TMI (too much information) is. While a certain amount of outrageousness is to be expected on an entertainment reality show, somehow this ease of sharing inappropriate information with total strangers and with the world has crossed the line into everyday life. For those who have not watched any of the comedians or spoofs of the Bachelorette, one of the Bachelors explains how he received the name "Shooter". I will not go into it in this blog but a search of the Bachelorette and the word "Shooter" will bring up this truly amazing and unbelievable revelation. This Bachelor did not receive a rose and will probably never go on another date….ever.
Unfortunately, over the years I have seen professional candidates, like this Bachelor, who did not know what is appropriate or funny when dealing with their job search and employment. For example, I placed a candidate in a management job with a major company. An offer was extended and accepted. In the end, the job offer was rescinded. Why? When filling out the requisite company application paperwork after the question, Sex, the candidate wrote, "As often as possible!" When I received the call from the Client explaining why the candidate was no longer welcome at the company, I could not believe what I was hearing.
Recruiters help candidates with their resumes and prep them for interviews. However, it should be obvious that any references to topics, such as, sex, politics and religion have no place in the job hunting and employment process. Nothing seems to be off-limits on Reality T.V. anymore, but that does not translate to everyday life and career moves. If you want the rose, job offer, DO NOT share inappropriate information or discuss inappropriate topics.
By: Tracy Levine, President, Advantage Talent, Inc.


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A stylish, rugged, decent sized high performance binocular- if that's what you desire, then Bushnell can give you the very best in a considerably low price. The Bushnell Trophy XLT Roof Prism Binoculars is a perfect choice in these categories. It's a very stylish and compact binocular with some excellent next gen features. Let's check out this Bushnell Trophy xlt binocular review.
What You Gonna Read Here
Bushnell Trophy xlt Binocular Review and Features
We're already aware of Bushnell's excellent reputation in providing excellent and efficient features in their mid-range binoculars. The same applies to the Bushnell Trophy xlt binocular review. The features it offers are equally practical, efficient and helpful. Let's take a closer look at its features.
Exterior and Design
The Bushnell Trophy XLT Roof Prism Binocular looks amazingly beautiful with its unique and rugged design. The chassis is made of 100% high quality materials which are extensively tested.
The durability is ensured with the O-ring seal and the nitrogen purged water and fog resistance. It also has a rubber armor and very soft touch thumb grip.
Bushnell Trophy XLT weighs only 25 ounces and the dimensions are 7 x 6 x 3 inches. It comes with flip covers for the objective lenses. In simple words, it's a ten on ten in terms of design and exterior.
Optics, Lens and Image quality
The Bushnell Trophy XLT Roof Prism Binocular provides you with a stunning HD quality viewing experience with its high quality optics. The optics are fully multicoated which enables it to provide super bright and a razor sharp viewing experience.
It has an ultra-fast focusing system which is perfect for hunting. The 10x magnification with 42 mm objectives work perfect. It has a very wide field of view and it's capable of giving excellent performance in different light and weather conditions.
Pros and Cons
Now that we're finished with the basic features of the amazing Bushnell Trophy XLT Roof Prism Binocular, let's have a look at the pros and cons of this binocular quickly.
What We Liked:
- Beautiful rugged design
- Rubber armor and the thumb touch grip ensures firm grip
- Water and fog resistant
- Excellent performance in different light and weather conditions
- Easy and fast focusing
- Wide field of view
- Sharp and ultra-bright viewing experience
- Considerably cheap
- Excellent customer support
What We Don't Like:
- The front lens covers are bit of loose
- It's fairly heavy
Feature at a Glance
- Compact and beautiful
- 10x magnification with 42 mm objectives
- Fully multicoated optics
- BaK-4 prisms
- Center focusing system
- Convenient twist up eye cups
- Closest focus distance of 8.2 feet
- Can be mounted on a tripod
- Field of view of 325 feet at 1000 yards
- Roof prism system
- Water and fog resistant
- Exit pupil of 4.2 mm
- 2 mm eye relief
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Now that we've almost finished our review on the amazing Bushnell Trophy XLT Roof Prism Binocular, it's time to answer some of your most frequently asked questions about it. So let's get it done.
Q: What's the warranty of it?
A: The Bushnell Trophy XLT Roof Prism Binocular provides a lifetime warranty.
Q: Can it be mounted on tripod?
A: Yes, it has a built in tripod adapter.
Q: Where was it made?
A: The Bushnell Trophy XLT Roof Prism Binocular is made in China.
The Final Verdict
The Bushnell Trophy XLT Roof Prism Binocular is an excellent binocular for many purposes. It's excellent for hunting, long distance viewing and also birdwatching. The features it offers are simply exceptional. The price compared to its features is very low and you also get the premium lifetime warranty of Bushnell.
So it's a win-win situation all around. This is one of the best binoculars available in the market within its price range. It's highly recommended and you should definitely check it out.
Check Out Best Price On Amazon.com


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S'agapo, agapi mou – A Greek Love Song
Here is another funny video i just made: How to write a Greek love song!
Almost every Greek song speaks about love, and it's full of sentences like "I love you" and "My love". So I made my Greek song, with just these sentences. Hope you enjoy it!


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Wrestler Training
Wrestlering is all about reaction time. Wrestlers need to be able to explode towards their opponent or fight out of a hold. We believe that through proper strength and conditioning a wrestler can develop both their explosiveness and conditioning.
At NX Level we work to develop sport-specific power to help each individual athlete reach his or her performance goals. Power development is accomplished through speed and strength training.
Speed Training
A wrestler must be able to take a quick shot or forcefully rotate his hips to execute a throw.
Acceleration is key to extending into an opponent before they can react with a sprawl or a countermove. At NX Level we work to improve acceleration through:
• Plyometrics forcing full leg and hip extension.
• Rotary core and glute strengthening to improve the
ability to throw a resisting opponent.
Strength Training
Point of contact occurs in every wrestling match. Each wrestler must be physically prepared to take on that contact through a full six-minute match.
At NX Level we use all full body lifts such as Olympic lifting, front and back squats, all angles of pressing with bars and dumbbell and all angles of pulling with bars and dumbbells. These lifts improve total body development, movement, flexibility and conditioning for the sport of wrestling.


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Nokia has proudly launched another Cheap Nokia Asha Phone which is in Nokia QWERTY phones category. Nokia Asha 210 full phone specifications include Dual SIM support, slim and handy design and basic requirements. Nokia Asha 210 price in India is very low. Nokia Asha 210 review is good and can impress budget concern customers.
You may like: Nokia Asha 308 Review.
You may like: New Nokia Asha 305.
Nokia Asha 210 Review:
Nokia Asha 210 features Dual SIM (Mini SIM) support, which is a very useful option. According to the Nokia Asha 210 review, Nokia Asha 210 is a handy and bar style phone. In Nokia Asha 210 Pictures you can see the design of the phone, the dimensions of Asha 210 are 111.5 x 60 x 11.8 mm and weight of the phone is only 97.3 g. Nokia QWERTY phones are very popular and efficient, so is the Nokia Asha 210.
Nokia Asha 210 features 2.4 inches (~167 ppi pixel density) TFT display with 320 x 240 pixel screen resolution. There is a 2 MP camera in this cheap Nokia Asha phone. The camera of this Nokia QWERTY phone features 1600×1200 pixels resolution. Nokia Asha 210 Dual SIM phone also has a shot cut key for social network or messaging. As you can see in Nokia Asha 210 pictures, Nokia Asha 210 is available in bright colors like Yellow, Black, White, Cyan, Magenta.
You may like: New Windows Phone Nokia Lumia 720.
You may like: Nokia Lumia 620 Windows Phone.
Nokia Asha 210 Phone Specifications:
Nokia Asha 210 features useful connectivity options. Nokia Asha 210 is enabled with Bluetooth v2.1 with EDR, Wi-Fi, 2G connectivity options. In this Nokia QWERTY phone, a long tap on space bar WiFi is launched.
In Europe and Latin America Nokia Asha 210 will feature a physical button for regular Facebook, in China Nokia Asha 210 will have Weibo, which is a mobile messaging and micro-blogging service. India, the Middle East, Africa, and some parts of Asia (Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia) will get WhatsApp, a messaging application. Nokia's cloud-based Xpress Internet browser is also loaded in Nokia Asha 210.
Nokia Asha 210 houses 32 MB Ram, 64 MB internal memory which can be expended up to 32 GB by using a microSD card. There is a 3.5 mm audio jack and micro USB port as well in this cheap Nokia Asha phone.
Battery Specification:
Nokia Asha 210 is powered by Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery. Nokia Asha 210 features long battery life, which offers talk-time of 12 hours and a standby time of 24 days.
You may like: Dual Sim Nokia Asha 200.
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Nokia Asha 210 price in India:
Nokia Asha 210 is a cheap Nokia Asha Phone. Nokia Asha 210 is launched officially. Nokia Asho 210 Price in India is Rs 3,800/-. Nokia Asha Price in US is $72.
Nokia Asha 210 full Phone Specifications:
- SIM : Dual SIM (Mini-SIM).
- Announced : 2013, April.
- Dimensions : 111.5 x 60 x 11.8 mm.
- Weight : 97.3 g.
- Keyboard : QWERTY keyboard.
- Display : 2.4 inches TFT, 320 x 240 pixels (~167 ppi pixel density).
- Memory : 64 MB Internal expandable up to 32 GB.
- Wi-Fi : 802.11 b/g.
- Bluetooth : v2.1 with EDR.
- Camera : 2 MP, 1600×1200 pixels.
- Colors : Yellow, Black, White, Cyan, Magenta.
- Battery : Li-Ion 1200 mAh.
- Price : Nokia Asho 210 Price in India is Rs 3,800/-.


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Courses we Offer
This is a list of the ACT LMS mainstream offerings and the intended audience. Depending on roles and responsibilities however, training courses may be pertinent for a different target audience in which case the training will be modified accordingly. Course descriptions follow on below.
The majority of firearms courses focus on various forms of marksmanship but the gun handling skills course has been compiled to develop handgun skills that support tactics and marksmanship. This course includes: Recognizing and preparing various handguns for active carry; Loading and unloading; In and out of holster ready/carry positions are explored and put in context; Access; Dealing with malfunctions; Grip changes; Shooting from a base/shooting on the move
Even when direct contact is avoidable, most gun fights in the urban environment still take place at close range. Success and survival require dynamic movement and firing from both mobile and stationary platforms. Disruptive shooting implies delivering fire power to slow, interrupt or stop your adversary from achieving their goal of causing you harm. In some instances this may require pin point accuracy and grouping of shots, in another it may simply require hits anywhere on your target and in yet another it may simply mean forcing you adversary to pause firing and seek cover. In this course you will learn how to select and integrate the correct combinations as dictated by various situations you may encounter an urban environment. This course includes: Mental management before during and after the fight; Understand the concept of disruptive fire; Weapon access and movement; Learning how pressure, environment and objectives dictate tactics; Integrating point/instinctive shooting and marksmanship.
This is the flagship course for close-quarter gun work – it includes handling skills, weapon access and retention, dealing with multiple opponents and the key concepts for achieving effective disruptive fire when in contact range of your enemy. It provides a range of force options and a range of tools to protect yourself and your weapon.
This course is an extension of the fighting for your gun course. Here course participants will expand their options and skills to dominate close range encounters utilizing their side arms. Course participants will also be exposed to skills that enable them to continue to access and deliver effective fire at close range if injured. Course participants will integrate close-range gunfighting with marksmanship.
Integrating various lethal and non-lethal Force Options with a side arm requires an understanding of force options and a specific set of handling skills. Course participants will learn to integrate (depending on client's needs) their sidearm with OC Gas, tactical baton, tactical flashlight and tazers (on request). We will also cover fighting injured magazine change and stoppage drill options.
Grappling is an effective one-on-one skill. However going to ground with an opponent in the chaos of combat needs to be countered at all costs. Should you be taken to ground by an opponent, your priority is to utilize your weapons to ensure you get back on your feet as quickly as possible and regain mobility. In this course participants will learn to avoid being taken down as well utilize their weapons to prevent high risk extended ground struggles.
The probability of a low light confrontation is highly likely. At night you will encounter a broad range of lighting conditions. You may be engaging threats in a well-lit street with dark shadowed areas, working in the dark belly of a ship or even moving from a bight sunny day into dark warehouse or poorly lit buildings. This means the probability of low light confrontations are always a consideration. We need to understand and prepare ourselves for these the challenges low light environments present. .Our enemy views darkness as an asset. We should utilize the same advantages darkness offers our enemy and when possible remove our enemies' advantage. Tis course includes: Define and understand conditions of light; Define objectives of when working in low light conditions; Use appropriate tools and techniques for low light high risk scenarios; Low light shooting.
Fire-arm disarms require various elements to be in place in order to be achievable. It is important to note that the vast majority of fatal shootings in take place within arm's reach often with loose contact. For this reason we believe that firearm disarms should be part of every toolkit. Course members will learn the key mechanics of disarms to disarm a threat to their person or to disarm a person that may be pointing a firearm at someone else.
Combat marksmanship and point shooting progressions. In this course participants will learn handling, safety and dealing with malfunctions. Practical range-work dealing with the dynamics of combat marksmanship and point shooting progressions 0-20 meters. Grip transitions and firing on the move. Participants will learn to recognize and prepare carbines for active carry and dealing with various malfunctions.
Extreme up close and personal with a rifle. Rifle handling skills and movement for close range confrontations. Weapon retention, weapon transitions and shooting progressions on the move. This course is a natural extension of Rifle (Carbine) – Functionalizing weapon handling.
A natural progression of our close range rifle work this course is reserved for military units only.
Fire arm disarms require various elements to be in place in order to achieve them successfully. It is important to note that the vast majority of fatal shootings in take place within arm's reach often with loose contact. For this reason we believe that firearm disarms should be part of every toolkit. Course members will learn the key mechanics of disarms to disarm a threat to their person or to disarm a person that may be pointing a firearm at someone else.
This course is designed to complement good first line anti ambush and driving skills usually taught in most VIP protection training curriculums. Fighting in and around vehicles presents numerous variables that create a formidable challenges and a range of opportunities often neglected in handgun training. In this course you will learn, both the vulnerabilities and advantages the structure and mobility of vehicles provide. This course includes: Fighting form inside the vehicle; Exiting the vehicle; The vehicle (cover or bullet magnet); Moving toward vehicles.
Solo and small team tactics where little or no equipment, weapons, protective armour and information are available, require a different mind-set and tactical approach to what swat/special force type tactical teams utilize. To move through and clear structures implies that tactics need to be adapted and changed to suite small lightly armed teams and individuals. This course includes: Tactical movement; Defining objectives related to moving in and around buildings; Firearms handling skills for structure clearing; The utilization of torches/flash lights and other commonly available implements.
The objective of this workshop is to empower the team or individual to be able to identify threats early so as shorten the time necessary for effective decision making and to initiate the appropriate response/s (escalation/ de-escalation) in close quarter confrontations.
Arrests place the arrester within arms-reach of criminals and are high risk activities. Arrest procedures utilized on this course have been developed to reduce and virtually eliminate the window of opportunity for criminals to counter, injure or kill arresting officers/civilians.
Here arrest procedures are put the test with resisting opponents and life like scenarios. Arresting team members will require the utilization of all their force options (OC Gas, Tactical baton, Empty hand) and be forced to make shoot or no shoot decisions. Team members are provided with skills that a required when core skills arrest procedures are not available. Team members will have to make on the spot decisions about effecting arrest procedures and or tactically abandoning arrests.
Surviving edged weapon confrontations is made possible by understanding the dynamics of attacks and the gross motor skills that occur in edged weapon confrontations. Depending on the client's requirements and mandate this course can include the basic use of a duty knife as a backup weapon.
Utilizing edged weapons as an integral part of force options or sometimes even primary weapon. This is applicable in situations where firearms are not a viable carry option or for tasks.
The objective of this workshop is to facilitate an individual's ability to effectively make use of the tactical baton as an effective tool in the force/threat/ continuum. By the end of this course each participant will understand and make use of the additional options that the tactical baton affords them in conflict situations. Effective targeting and striking will be second nature. Facing empty hand, as well as edge weapon threats is a paramount focus of this course.
OC/Pepper gas has become a valuable force option. It is crucial to understand it's effective as well as appropriate use. In this course, participants will learn to understand the effects as well as the limitations of OC/Pepper gas in their work environment. Please note that course participants will experience the effects of OC/Pepper gas themselves.
In Any Combat situation the phrase "mentality first" is Paramount. Skills and tools are useless if not congruent with the mentality, value and belief system which are required to apply them in practice. In this workshop course participants will: Examine (or re-examine) their value and belief systems Explore what it means to be a warrior that serves his fellow man Learn what happens to our bodies under stress and how to improve their performance in high stress conditions By understanding the dynamics of combat and working as a team to reduce occurrence and effects of PTSD.
Empty hand skills for close quarter combatives are developed to provide effective empty hand skills as well as support of weapons skills and consistency across empty hand and weapons tactics for close quarter conflict situations.
Exercise programs need to be congruent with the skills that are required on the job. These courses were initiated by Mark Human by utilizing his combat back round combined with a sport sciences degree and a military mustering as a Biokinetician. Since the initial inception of these programs we have utilized a broad range subject matter experts and research to develop the current CONFLICT FIT programs. Exercises are designed to resemble actual attributes required of force members during the course of their duties. Exercises are selected to improve core strength, along with flexibility and reduce the risk of injury during training exercises and in field operations. Clients can select to include a grappling program to provide force members a platform for high intensity contact sport with a relatively low risk of injury.
Please note that many of our general course descriptions are available on the public domain. These have been readily plagiarized by almost everyone from the local martial arts instructor to members of the security training community. Be assured that even though curriculums may appear similar, that the content most certainly is not. We do not prescribe to minimum requirements of other institutions or set minimum requirements for other institutions but strive for efficacy, pride and excellence.


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Be honest, now. What do you actually do... don't give us what you *wish* you could do. (That vote, I am afraid, would require more answer options than would fit on the page.)
In the comments, share your tips for dealing with line jumpers.Tweet
OK... :-) really, I've just let it slide whenever someone works their way past me up the line and be mildly annoyed at worst. So, "nothing", so far. If it's a parent getting back to their family further up the line, so what. For more serious cases (it hasn't happened yet) involving attitude or belligerence (whether or not I'm involved) I'll definitely open a case about it. If I have my digicam I'll try and snap a few pictures for surveillance purposes so I can show park security exactly who the offenders are.
I've also lined up the kids as a blockade to prevent line passers.
There's really nothing I can do about those who don't come right by me. But those that do, I'll stop.
From now on, though, I'm yelling, "Hey! Wait your turn!" All it takes is one person raising a stink, and several more will join in. That will (hopefully) alert ride crew that they've got a potential riot on their hands, and deal with the offender. If people in line would not tolerate this behavior, it would stop. The line jumpers are counting on people acting like sheep and letting them have their way without resistance. Time to wake up, people. Take back the streets -- and the queues -- by letting these miscreants know that they're no longer going to get an unfair advantage by cutting in line.
I am a firm believer that if your entire group is not ready to get in line for a ride(like lets say someone needs to go to the bathroom first), then nobody gets in line until they are all ready. If they are really that impatient and do it anyways, oh freakin' well. Not getting by me.
You see, I dont have to report them because i stop it right then and there, humiliate them enough and they will think twice about doing it the next time.
Great example. When Expedition Everest allows the line in the morning to pour out into Asia (before opening up the internal lines), there's one spot where it's easy to cut in. Since the line appeared monstrous, people were cutting in every few minutes. Nobody seemed to be doing anything, besides grumbling to themselves, until I had seen enough and, um, flipped off a couple who cut in. After that, the throng of people surrounding the couple began chirping them. The couple just stood there, staring at their feet, taking the abuse. No matter how much time it saved them, I'm sure it wasn't worth it.
Now, when it comes to people rejoining their group in line, I don't mind. I sometimes save spots for people, but only if we're still in view to the general public and the group can cross the line without cutting through throngs of people.
Most parks in California specifically prohibit letting someone join you in line, or even leaving and returning to the same spot. If your friends are really waiting for you, they can wait at the ENTRANCE and then you can all enter the line TOGETHER!
If im with other people we will often try to stop people from skipping, but if they are aggressive I wont get in a fight over it and risk getting thrown out of the park.
If I was running the park I would have people who would be out in the park wearing regular clothes ridding in lines and when they catch line jumpers would remove them from the park immediately!!
Typically, in a somewhat loud voice, I ask the offending individual if the concept of a line is foreign to them; remind them that the rest of us had to wait our turn and suggest that they return to the end of the line. I'm not angry or nasty - actually the nicer you are the more others around tend to support the action. I have gone as far as to go get a park employee. Sadly, I've had park employees say that they don't get involved, or refuse to do anything.
I was once saddened and sickened to witness what seemed to be a perfectly able bodied person use the disabled cart to get to the front of the line with about 5 family members or friends in tow.
This may happen quite often. I don't know.
But it'd be a little embarrassing to challenge because you can't be certain. This particular person jumped out of the cart and looked pretty fit to me getting on the ride and there were a few audible groans from people nearer.
The other scam is where you have one person in front of you and the next moment about 15 family members join them.
I'm all for one person getting in line to hold a place but more than 3 0r 4 is too much.
One time we had a youngster run out of line and I had to go track him down. It was a big deal when I was bringing him back to this mom (his dad and I went looking for him). People should just relax. If it is a parent, give them some slack and hope they are not cutting. Teenagers are usually the ones who actually "cut" line.
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The old Musima buildings still exist, but they aren't a pretty sight. After the factory closed in the early '90s, the city of Markneukirchen bought the ruins with the intention of demolishing them, but sold them to the Harmona company, who wanted to move their accordion production from Klingenthal to Markneukirchen. They haven't decided whether to restore the old buildings or tear them down to build a new factory, so the Musima buildings lie silent. You can only view them from the outside, but here are exclusive interior photographs of the abandoned factory.
Musima Guitars
Musima's most admired guitars are their archtops, which have a great reputation among players. Musima began building them in the mid 1950s, using original Roger parts out of Wenzel Rossmeisl's workshop. (Rossmeisl's property was seized after the GDR government jailed him for supposed trading crimes.) From there, they developed their own models: Record, Spezial, Solist, Primus, and the export models Ambassador and Atlas. Musima also made cheap archtops, though you can identify higher-quality models by their "German carve" solid tops, a typical Roger feature to which Rossmeisl held a patent. (A German carve top is flat near the edges where it meets sides, but slopes upward closer to its center.) These guitars were available with and without pickups (sometimes discretely embedded in the end of the fretboard), and in both fully hollow and semi-acoustic models. Well-known Musima builders include Armin Weller and Karl-Heinz Neudel, who made most of the high-end and custom instruments during the GDR era.
A real insider's tip is the Musima Nashville steel-string line, designed and built by Neudel. Some custom shop models were built by a single master luthier who used only the best available woods and added fancy embellishments.
Musima also built a Strat-style guitar called Lead Star. Nicknamed "the Strat of the East," it was a fairly faithful Fender copy, but with GDR-produced parts such as a brass inertia block. These are sought-after instruments because of their quality and retro look. Other Musima electric models include the Elektrina, Elgita, Elektra, Etherna, Deluxe, plus some radical metal guitar designs and several bass guitar models.
There were many other gifted luthiers during this era. For more info, visit the Musical Instrument Museum Markneukirchen's online forum. (It's in German, but English postings are common and welcome.)
Markneukirchen is a special place with a quaint and charming atmosphere. Guitar fans might squeeze a visit into their European holiday plans, right between the Black Forest and Oktoberfest. If you have the opportunity to visit the music corner, don't miss these must-see attractions!
Points of Interest:
Musical Instrument Museum Markneukirchen
The Musical Instrument Museum in Markneukirchen, Germany, houses more than 3,000 instruments, including many eccentric stringed instruments built in the region centuries ago.
Founded in 1883, the museum is now housed in a gorgeous 1784 building called Paulus Schlössel. Its collection boasts more than 3,100 musical instruments from all over the world. Curator Heidrun Eichler's role an authority on Markneukirchen instruments is reflected in the collection she's assembled.
The beautiful Musical Instrument Museum in Markneurkirchen is housed in this 1784 building.
It includes the world's largest tuba and accordion, as well as an historic trading station in its original state. Guitar and bass highlights include a 300-year-old double bass and early guitars from Stauffer, Antonio Torres, Richard Jacob (Weissgerber), Martin, and many gorgeous and eccentric Markneukirchen guitars.
www.museum-markneukirchen.de (English version available.)


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Craig Richey first donated blood when he was in high school. The experience left him feeling light-headed and in no hurry to do it again. Now the Herndon resident donates platelets and plasma every two to four weeks at Inova Blood Donor Services.
"It seems like I'm volunteering for community service or something," Richey said. "I can sit here and do work, read things to catch up on."
Kristin Gross, assistant director of marketing and business development for Inova Blood Donor Services, said that 60 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, but only 5 percent actually does.
In Richey's case, he is AB+, which makes him a universal donor for platelets and plasma, so instead of waiting to give blood every eight weeks, he donates his platelets every couple of weeks.
GROSS SAID there is a blood shortage in the metropolitan-Washington D.C. area. Inova Blood Donor Services provides blood and blood products to 15 hospitals in Northern Virginia, Maryland and the District.
For some blood types, the need has become critical. For example, on Nov. 21, Inova's inventory records showed that out of a desired 75 units of O- blood, there were zero on the shelves. The desired number of B- is 45 units; Inova had eight. And even O+ was down to 147 of a desired 185 units.
"We see a spike during the holidays, a downward spike," said Gross. "People are busy with shopping and family. The holidays is such a difficult time for us."
To help make it easier, Inova has begun using an automated blood collection system, which collects the blood, separates into red blood cells, platelets and plasma. The needed components are collected, while the others are returned to the donor as part of a sort-of continuous feed through the arm.
Richey sits at one of the machines for about an hour and half to have his platelets collected. And he's actually afraid of needles, he said.
"I've been donating regularly since January 2001," Richey said. "My mom [who is also AB+] got me started. She's been donating blood for about 15 to 20 years and platelets for about five years. I just felt I should do something."
THE AUTOMATED MACHINES are also being used for what is called double red donations. During a double red donation a person can donate two units of blood in one seating because the platelets and plasma are returned to the body. Typically during a whole blood donation a pint of the person's blood — red blood cells, platelets and plasma — is collected. A whole blood donation takes about an hour, including the registration, medical history questions, mini physical, donation, and drinks and cookies afterwards. A double red donation only adds about 20 minutes to the total time, Gross said.
"We're trying to increase the amount of the donation and the collection amount of red blood cells patients need," Gross said.
Once the blood is collected, it is subjected to 12 federally required tests. It takes about 48 to 72 hours for a donation to be available for use. Blood can be stored for up to 35 days.
The minimum requirements to be a donor include being at least 17 years old; generally in good health; and weighing at least 110 pounds. Potential donors are also required to eat a good, healthy meal and drink plenty of hydrating fluids before making a donation.
Double red donors are typically male; weigh at least 150 pounds; are between 17 and 60 years old and meet other eligibility criteria.