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I am proud to be a part of one of the Top 10 Fintech News Events of 2016 – HR 3784 – SEC Office of Small Business Advocate:
Top Fintech Stories from Crowdfund Insider during 2016
As one year comes to end it is a good opportunity to reflect on past events. The preceding 12 months have been a momentous period for internet finance including capital formation online. Fintech started as a curiosity that engendered much excitement – and fear for some. Disruptive finance is now quickly becoming mainstream as all finance migrates online to be managed, monitored and leveraged for all types of services. We expect more of the same with some twists for 2017 but today we are reviewing some of the larger stories that occurred during the last year. Below is a small selection of some of the top stories published on Crowdfund Insider during 2016.
Gust Wins Crowdfunding Patent Infringement Case Against AlphaCap Ventures
This is a big win for the entire US crowdfunding industry.
Gust founder David Rose took the gloves off and went to war against a patent troll and won. AlphaCap Ventures, a company created to defend a spurious patent on crowdfunding, not only lost the case but was assessed attorneys fees and court costs. Ouch. Kudos to Gust. The entire crowdfunding industry owes you a debt of gratitude (drinks on us in 2017).
FINRA Expels Crowdfunding Portal UFP (uFundingPortal)
This was actually a series of articles as uFundingPortal filed numerous, questionable Reg CF offers only to disappear from the ranks of approved platforms in November.
FINRA later clarified why uFundingPortal got the proverbial ax. The expulsion came as no surprise to many industry participants and now stands as a point of caution for other regulated crowdfunding portals.
SEC Small Business Advocate Signed into Law
First proposed on the pages of Crowdfund Insider, the Small Business Advocate will now play a role in advocating on behalf of all small businesses within the halls of the SEC.
Signed into law by President Obama as part of a flurry of last-minute acts of legislation that had broad bi-partisan support, contingent upon the person who holds the office – this could be a turning point in defending the needs of SMEs. Too frequently the SEC has addressed the issues surrounding the largest companies to the detriment of smaller firms. The Small Business Advocate will now be in a position to assist the true engines of the US economy – SMEs (and that is good for us all).
FCA Publishes Interim Report on Crowdfunding Regulatory Update
The UK has been lauded as the gold-standard in crafting a forward-thinking regulatory approach when it comes to internet finance. The interim report indicates that additional rules are on the way. Depending on how it all shakes out, the UK may continue its reign as the Fintech capitol. More in the coming months.
Online Lender DealStruck Shuts Down
Big news in a not so positive way.
As the online lending industry struggled to regain its footing after a tumultuous year, DealStruck saw its funding channel dry up and thus was compelled to close its doors. A shudder went through the entire online lending sector.
Indiegogo Enters Equity Crowdfunding
Anticipated for quite some time, the second largest rewards-based platform pushed into equity crowdfunding in a partnership with MicroVentures. Indiegogo's move was viewed as further validation of the new form of online capital formation. The first four deals listed on the platform quickly hit their funding targets as Indiegogo predicted rapid growth in 2017.
Donald Trump Elected President
The election of Donald Trump as President will have a profound impact across all manners of policy. Fintech may benefit from his opinion that excessive regulation has stifled economic growth harming business (both large and small) and consumers alike. With the change in government 2017 is poised to be an interesting year.
France Enlarges the Scope of Crowdfunding by Boosting Cap to €2.5 Million
France displayed a very encouraging ability to work with the emerging investment crowdfunding industry by listening to the advice of industry participants. The increase in the funding cap came 2 years after the first French regulations were revealed. US policy makers could learn something by this relatively quick action in improving access to capital and thus helping boost the nascent industry.
Insurtech will be the Next Big Thing
The insurance industry is an old lumbering giant that is in dire need of an update and a tech refresh. It is finally happening with entrants like Lemonade and Metromile. More to follow.
The UK Financial Conduct Authority and Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) Collaborate on Regulatory Review
CCAF has been a leader in global Fintech research with its regional reports on the rise of intenet finance. The fact they are working with a government agency in a regulatory review is not only a "first" but should help provide some balance in the final outcome of forthcoming rule changes.
National Crowdfunding Association of Canada Hammers Regulatory Approach
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA) hammered the country's regulatory approach to internet finance in a strongly worded letter to the Alberta Securities Commission. Earlier in the year, one prominent industry participant labeled the Canadian regulatory environment a "mess." It appears the constructive criticism is having an effect as Ontario has acknowledged that Fintech demands a new approach.
European Union Stops Harmonization Process for Crowdfunding Rules
At least they are being honest. The EU admitted that harmonized investment crowdfunding rules just weren't going to happen.
Seedrs Delivers an Estimated IRR of 14.4%
Transparency is paramount in the emerging investment crowdfunding sector. Publishing honest and understandable return estimates are something every platform should eventually provide for investors. Seedrs published a report that was created with the assistance of Ernst & Young thus increasing the credibility of the numbers. Hopefully, other platforms will eventually follow suit.
China (Finally) Issues Online Lending Rules
China is the largest online lending market in the world. The industry rose to prominence as borrowers needed access to capital and the state-based banks were ill-equipped to provide it. The rapid growth was matched by rampant fraud as too many investors were fleeced and platforms failed. The new rules may bring a semblance of order to the huge Chinese internet finance sector.
First Three Months of Crowdfunding Under Reg CF Deliver Promising Results
CCA and several other platforms like NextGen have published reports on a rolling basis of the emerging Reg CF securities crowdfunding industry. The first CCA report showed a "healthy start" allaying fears that Reg CF wouldn't generate significant momentum out of the gate.
Fundrise Pivoted and Became a Real Estate Platform for eREITS Instead of Single Properties.
Fundrise, the first real estate crowdfunding platform to launch in the US, revamped their model as an issuer of eREITs using the updated securities exemption Reg A+. And it is working too. Fundrise now has 5 different eREITs seeking $50 Million from investors. The first two have sold out.
BrewDog Launches US Equity Crowdfunding Offer Under Reg A+
Perennial crowdfunding company BrewDog is setting up shop in the US. The craft brewer has selected Columbus, Ohio as the location for their first international brewery. As part of the expansion, BrewDog is offering US investors the chance to own shares, along with some perks, in the iconoclastic company. While the EquityforPunks offer is not doing as well as the UK version, thousands of US investors have indicated their interest in owning shares in BrewDog USA.
The craft brewer has selected Columbus, Ohio as the location for their first international brewery. As part of the expansion, BrewDog is offering US investors the chance to own shares, along with some perks, in the iconoclastic company. While the EquityforPunks offer is not doing as well as the UK version, thousands of US investors have indicated their interest in owning shares in BrewDog USA.
Singapore Wants to Own Fintech
The Asian economic powerhouse of Singapore has decided the Fintech is of strategic importance to their economy. Once they figured that out the country launched multiple initiatives to power their resolve to become the Asian capital of Fintech. And perhaps the world.
Dollar Shave Club Sells for One Billion Dollars
If investment crowdfunding is to be successful investors need to generate solid returns. AngelList, ostensibly the largest investment crowdfunding platform in the world, helped to accomplish just that. Dollar Shave Club, a company that raised capital via an AngelList syndicate, sold to Unilever for $1 billion. Early investors in Dollar Shave Club rejoiced.
Additionally, AngelList disclosed that from 2013 to 2015 the platform generated an estimated IRR of 45% after fees and carry. That's pretty awesome.
Goldman Sachs Launches Bespoke Online Lending Platform Marcus
As many online lenders retrenched, the most prominent investment bank in the world shunned partnerships and launched their own online lending platform.
Crowdcube Launches Self-Crowdfunding Round that Jumps the €5 Million Hurdle
Dog fooding equity crowdfunding platform Crowdcube launched an offer for a stake in their company that hurdled the €5 million mark. Part funding round and part proof of concept, the UK-based Crowdcube proved that issuers could raise more than the mandated limit by filing a prospectus. Expect other companies to follow.
The UK's decision to depart the European Union shook the world. While most UK Fintech participants adamantly supported Bremain – others believed it was a good thing. The country is now doing its best to remain the entrepreneurial capital of Europe. The Jury remains out on the final economic impact.
Title III, Reg CF Crowdfunding Launches in May
After years bureaucratic delay, the SEC finally allows investment crowdfunding to take place under Title III of the JOBS Act of 2012, now referred to as Reg CF. While deemed viable, most industry participants pointed to profound shortcomings in the final rules.
Lending Club CEO and Founder Renaud Laplanche Resigns. Online Lending Industry Falls into Disarray.
Former Lending Club CEO and founder Renaud Laplanche departed the largest marketplace lending club under a cloud of controversy. Viewed as an iconic leader of a sector of finance that he helped to create, the entire online lending industry suffered as investors ran for the door.
US Regulators Decide it is Time to Better Understand Online Lending Causing Fear of More Regulations
The US has created the most convoluted and confusing financial regulatory system in the world. It is not just the cornucopia of federal agencies that have a stake in the game. Each and every state needs to justify their import as well. Every time a bureaucracy says we are from the government and we are here to help private industry shudders with fear – even more so when it comes to financial services. Unfortunately, the cost of regulatory overreach is ultimately born by the consumer.
NextSeed Becomes First Approved Reg CF Platform Ushering in a New Era of Finance
NextSeed was the first funding portal to receive FINRA regulatory approval. Previously active in the intrastate crowdfunding arena (Texas), NextSeed helped to usher in a new era of investment crowdfunding with its debt focused platform.
The Fix Crowdfunding Act Seeks to Improve Reg CF but Falls Short of Expectations
The Fix Crowdfunding Act, created by Congressman Patrick McHenry, sought to address many of the incumbent issues of Reg CF. Unfortunately, by the time the bill hit the House floor, it was largely gutted as timid House Representatives fumbled an opportunity to improve on the exemption.
OurCrowd Continues to Deliver Exits for Early Stage Investors
Global investment crowdfunding platform OurCrowd registered its 5th exit in the spring of 2016 as Replay Technologies was scooped up by Intel. Mark Cuban was an investor in the company. Since that date, it has tallied five more. While not disclosing exact returns to investors, OurCrowd is very happy with the results generated by their platform.
While not disclosing exact returns to investors, OurCrowd is very happy with the results generated by their platform.
Mondo Bank Raises £1 Million in Blistering 96 Seconds
Mondo schooled the crowdfunding world in how to raise money online super fast. The digital challenger bank raised £1 million in 96 seconds on Crowdcube. If you blinked, you missed out.
The Second Largest Rewards-Based Crowdfunding Campaign of All Time, Coolest Cooler, is No Longer Cool
Coolest Cooler raised an astounding $13 million on Kickstarter several years back. The money ended up not being enough to fully fund the project and deliver on promised rewards to backers. Besides leaving thousands of supporters disgruntled, the project delivered a painful black eye to the rewards sector of crowdfunding.
Report Says Fintech Growth is Slowing. Other Reports Disagree
Fintech, or financial services innovation, has grown rapidly in the past several years. One recent report published by consulting groups KPMG and CBInsights stated this growth is slowing. Other reports have countered this sentiment. A report by Innovate Finance released in the fall said Fintech growth continues to boom. So which is it? Regardless of quarterly variations, Fintech growth will continue unabated (Just our $0.02).
Orchard Says 2016 Will Be Different for Marketplace Lending
Orchard Platform, the fulcrum of online lending, nailed it in early 2016 when they stated things were going to be different for the sector of finance as opposed to previous years. They probably had no idea at the time, how right they were.
PS – if you think we have missed something, please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text: chemie 17 Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 I am attaching two page - long time ago I created merge cells using Pages on my Mac and then I created 2000+ notes. It worked great for few years but recently when I check the tables were broken cross about 7000 notes. This is really frustrating. I am attaching two screenshots, it looks correct on web interface but local app on Mac shows broken. I updated Mac to latest OS but that did not help either. This is really frustrating and Evernote has standard answer that they will pass the info to their developers and can not give how long its gonna take it. ON My MAC On the Web Interface - at www.evernote.com Link to comment

subset: commoncrawl


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GILCHRIST COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida man is accused of breaking into the home of his wife's lover, tying him up and then cutting off his penis with a pair of scissors.
The Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of a "stabbing/cutting" at a mobile home on Sunday. As deputies were on their way to the mobile home, a male caller told dispatchers that an armed man, later identified as his 49-year-old neighbor Alex Bonilla, broke into his home and cut off his penis.
Upon arrival, the male caller told deputies on scene that Bonilla came over to his home and threatened to kill the man if he resisted. The man told deputies Bonilla then took him to the man's bedroom, tied him up and then forcefully cut the man's penis with a pair of scissors.
The man, whose penis got cut off, told deputies that Bonilla fled the scene with the man's severed penis in his possession.
- Florida man gets in fight after wife gets on stage at strip club in the Keys, records show
- Florida man accused of using Taser to stun driver in road rage incident
- 75-year-old Florida man fights off alligator, saves dog
According to the arrest report, Bonilla "was found to have caught the victim and the [Bonilla's] wife during sexual intercourse" back in May.
Deputies found and arrested Bonilla a couple hours after responding to the original call.
Bonilla is facing multiple felony charges including burglary, kidnapping – false imprisonment and aggravated assault.
The victim remains in hospital, deputies said.
Officials did not specify what happened to the victim's penis.
Stay on top of all Florida news by downloading our ABC Action News Streaming App available on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.


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Don't take the garden tidy up too far and eradicate beneficial wildlife on the way!
Every year come fall we get the notion of having to tidy up the garden
and get it ready for the next season. The leaves are falling off the
trees and shrubs, perennials are dying back and the roses are starting
to look tatty.
If you are a conventional...or should I say traditional gardener you get very busy on the last fine days of the fall. Leaves get raked off the lawn and beds, flower beds get a good tidy up and every weed is removed. Vegetable beds are getting dug over in the hope that a frost would break up the hard lumpy soil. Soon the garden looks pristine and tidy....
But...is this practice really a good idea? If you want your garden to be more natural and function like a balanced ecosystem you want to rethink and question this tradition and maybe adapt it.
The aim of every organic gardener should be to preserve and create habitats for beneficial insects and predatory animals like e.g. hedgehogs, toads or lizards.
A tidy garden is often a very hostile
environment for these creatures. They basically can't find a home and
they move elsewhere leaving the place to all the slugs, bugs, and green
flies that will attack your plants once the spring comes around.
In theory, this is quite simple. You have to give them a home!
They are a bit like us: they need a cozy place that is safe and food for their survival.
A thick layer of mulch or fallen leaves makes a cozy home for insects
like millipedes, beetles, and earthworms. The leaves help them to
overwinter and stay protected while they start shredding and decomposing
the leaves. The soil underneath it stays healthy and fertile. When doing your garden tidy up pile raked up leaves onto garden beds and around trees and shrubs.
A lot of insects like e.g. mason bees build their nests in hollow stems of plants. Their larvae overwinter in the stems and they emerge in the spring ready to pollinate fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers in your garden. So leave them on the plants in the autumn. If they are still there in the spring they can be just become part of the mulch layer.
Piles of wood, twigs, and branches of shrubs and some leaves piled up in a corner of the garden is a great home for hedgehogs to overwinter. Hedgehogs live of slugs and snails, worms, beetles, and caterpillars. Having a few allies like that in your garden is of great benefit!
A pile of larger stones or a dry stone wall in a sunny spot is a great home for lizards. These creatures are cold-blooded and need to sunbathe to warm up. They live off insects, bugs, caterpillars, worms, small slugs, and flies.
A bug hotel is a great way to encourage beneficial insects like mason bees, lacewings, ladybugs, and spiders. But larger bug hotels can also become a home to lizards or hedgehogs. The idea is to create a structure with a lot of small spaces that will provide shelter and nesting space.
Encourage birds into your garden by hanging up nesting boxes and providing big shrubs, trees and hedges as habitat. They are great at keeping pest populations at bay. A pair of blue tits, for example, feeds around 15.000 caterpillars and flies to its babies within a 3 week period! Also important is not disturb the birds during their breeding time in spring and summer. Keep your hedge cutting to late summer and autumn when the birds are finished rearing their young.
Gardens are of course homes to exotic plants. Often those plants don't support the native wildlife species. If you want to encourage a balanced ecosystem in your garden and establish healthy food chains it is a good idea to plant as many native species as you can in your garden. These plants provide food and attract the insects that are the foundation of the food chain. These, in turn, will feed larger animals like birds for example.
Download our FREE Gardening4Climate guide and learn how to do just that in your own backyard with permaculture gardening!


text: Objective: To compare the amount of drug used during infusion (0.75ug/kg/min) with that used during the intermittent bolus (0.1mg/kg) and to compare the characteristics of recovery from neuromuscular blockade after injecting vecuronium either by infusion or repeated bolus. Materials and Methods: Sixty female patients undergoing gynecological surgeries lasting 90 minutes or longer were included. The degree of neuromuscular blockade was measured with a train-of-four (TOF) test. TOF% was measured and recorded every minute for 15 minutes and thereafter at 15 minute intervals till surgery was complete. After the initial recording of TOF%, the intubating (loading) dose of vecuronium bromide (0.1mg/kg) was given. The time intervals from reversal to TOF ratio of 25%, 50% & 70% were recorded. Extubation was done when TOF ratio was 70% or more. The amount of vecuronium wasted was calculated. The data between the two groups were analyzed using student's t test. Results: The amount of vecuronium used in both groups was comparable. The wastage of vecuronium was also compared, which is not statistically significant. In patients receiving intermittent bolus injections, the recovery time from reversal to TOF ratio of 25%, 50% & 70% was faster when compared with patients receiving infusion. Conclusion: Vecuronium infusion offers a stable degree of relaxation for long surgical procedures. This avoids fluctuating degree of neuromuscular blockade and the need to administer frequent bolus doses. Recovery from neuromuscular blockade in the infusion group is longer when compared to the intermittent group but clinically not significant.


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We have a huge S curve in the the road right at the front of our property. I mean really huge. Motorcyclists love it. In the summer on a weekend it would not be unusual to have 100′s of motorbikes ride past our home. They love going into the first bend and then coming out and then immediately going into the second. Cars also enjoy this bend, although we have seen more than our share end up in a ditch or most recently wedged between two mammoth pines at the front of our property.
Last year a young motorcyclist was rounding the first bend. We just happened to be out throwing the football around on the front lawn. We watched him take the first curve but as he rounded the second he lost control of his bike; he lost some degree of equilibrium. He came across the ditch, just missed the hydro pole, grazed a pine tree and then slid across the driveway and across our lawn, and ended up close to where we were throwing the football.
Thankfully he was alright, (not so much his bike). I was ready to call an ambulance but he declined. I let him know that he could put the bike in the back of my old pick-up and I would drive him home, but he was too shaken up to make any decisions. So we invited him to stick around while we prepared for a big family barbecue at our home.
I don't remember the young man's name but I do remember he was Polish. Well, he stuck around for about 6 hours and enjoyed the day getting to know my immediate extended family. You wouldn't have known that he was a stranger. Finally at around 6 pm, as my family was leaving, he decided he should be heading home. We put the bike in the back of the pick-up and headed to Brampton. What I loved about this young man is that he made the best of a really bad situation; he found his equilibrium in this unfortunate predicament. I mean his beautiful new ninja bike was a bit of a wreck and he still kept a positive outlook on the situation! What an amazing attitude!
Last Friday, I heard from a potential sponsor for our bike ride. They declined to become a partner with us. It had looked really promising, and for four months we (I) really believed something was going to happen. For me, like my Polish friend, this was like missing the S curve in the road. For him, he lost his bike, for me I lost my perspective.
I sort of crashed! It wasn't just this one sponsor that put me off my but a number of smaller issues. Plans were just not coming together like I had hoped or envisioned. I had become discouraged. The problem was that my focus began to change. Instead of attempting to recalibrate my equilibrium, (find a new balance) I choose to capitulate to my immediate misfortune.
Equilibrium is a state in which opposing forces are balanced. Words that are analogous with equilibrium are parity, symmetry and stability. I had lost equilibrium and could not regain it because I momentarily failed to look at the bigger picture and take into account the many good things that were happening. In essence, I had hit a wall, and for a short time became trapped in the S curve with the residual effect being 1)self pity, 2)ingratitude and 3) a loss of focus.
The first first step to restoring equilibrium to the situation was to recognize the choice I had made, and to take responsibility for my thought process. (Ownership)
Secondly, I took a step back and looked at the bigger picture. (Reflection)
Thirdly, I chose to focus on the many things that have been going really well.(Gratitude)
What have I learned about this experience?, One moment of negativity can keep you in a state of perpetual imbalance.
Be vigilant about your thoughts, because your thoughts impact your habits, your habits impact your actions and your actions impact your character.


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Soulseller/Sound Pollution
Åtvidaberg´s finest, MAIM , skips all varieties and go for old fashioned death, influenced by the likes of; AUTOPSY, NIHILIST and MOTÖRHEAD. They debuted on Soulseller in 2009 with From the Womb to the Tomb". Here is number two, and their third outing is obviously finished already!?
Krille and Scott, guitars, Richard, bass and pukes, and Otto, drums, are the line-up all in all. "Gravedigger Sacrifice" opens sobbing but from then on it is old school death only. Vocals with some echo remind me of OCTURNUS. The vocals are also quite clean, not many effects here, odd paces or other tinsel. "Morbid Desecration" is close to doom, and the guitar solo has an enigmatic hypnotic effect. Richard keeps his voice in between early ENTOMBED/NIHILIST and their American contemporaries. "Evil Smell of Death" has a gentle echo on the vocals, when the grooves are at their most pungent. Surprisingly enough they perform a groovy and quite atmospheric instrumental in "Crematory". The second surprise is that the title track is a strange and obnoxious sludge of vomit vocals and second rate doom/death. They get back on track in the five-finger punch "Purged Through Napalm", and once more aim for early US death in the NOCTURNUS reminiscent "Nuclear Funeral". MAIM are not (often) out of bounds. The feeling of heading 25 years back in time is mostly present, making me a happy bastard…
Track List
Gravedigger Sarifice
Morbid Desecration
Covet Death
Evil Smell of Death
Deceased to Exist
Purged Through Napalm
Nuclear Funeral
Resurrected from Hell
Screams of the Mutilated
www. soulsellerrecords.com www.myspace.com/maimdeathmetal


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Handcrafted using a combination of wool and viscose, this collection of modern loop-and-pile rugs features multi-level contemporary motifs that treat your floors to a variety of exciting energetic textural looks.
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What is captured when a photo is taken of a scene? This seems important in relation to a theory of mine about photographic "levelling and sharpening" of memory or, in other words, the idea that what is captured in a photo is privileged within memory at the expense of what is not.
Photographs are not the objective recordings of reality suggested by the adage "the camera never lies". Their content is more limited and contrived than we generally acknowledge. Continue reading "What the photo shows"


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Russian photographer Murad Osmann started following his then-girlfriend, Natalia Zakharova, to travel around the world, capturing breath-taking and romantic images under the hashtag '#FollowMeTo'.
The popular couple is once again under the spotlight, this time for sharing their stunning wedding photos on Instagram.
"I promise to hold your hand and tell you I love you every day for the rest of our lives," wrote Osmann in his latest Instagram post.
Check out their wedding photos below!
Also Check out previous post:
Photographer's Girlfriend Leads Him Around the World
Photographer Continues to Follow His Girlfriend Around The World
Photographer Who Follows His Girlfriend Around The World Goes To Beautiful Indian Landmarks
Osmann's proposal in 2014
More info: muradosmann, Instagram, Twitter


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Republican Robert Hammond, a resident of Santa Ana, has withdrawn from the race for the 69th Assembly District, according to the OC Political blog. There are now four Democrats vying in the open primary, but only two of them have a shot at winning in June.
Santa Ana Couincil Member Michele Martinez has 13% of the vote, according to a poll conducted by the other leading Democratic candidate, Tom Daly, who currently is the O.C. Clerk-Recorder. Daly has a quarter of the vote, according to his poll.
The other candidates are totally unknown to the voters. One of them, Julio Perez, is a socialist union hack. The other, Francisco Barragan, topped Perez in the Daly poll, with 5% of the vote, compared to Perez, who is at 4%.
Click here to read the rest of this article.


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Today, September 17, commemorates the signing of the United States Constitution, the document that both frames our form of government and simultaneously protects our liberties by strictly limiting the powers granted to that government. As Patrick Henry put it:
"The Constitution is not an instrument for government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government, lest it come to dominate our lives and interests."
This is a day that should be celebrated with parades, picnics and speeches proclaiming the enduring principles of liberty enshrined in our founding documents and charging each new generation of Americans to jealously guard their national heritage.
Sadly, the majority of Americans will watch this day come and go without even knowing it's significance. Perhaps this explains, at least in part, our willingness to elect, then constantly reelect, representatives who consistently ignore the supreme law of the land and do so with impunity. Contrary to the clear intent of the framers of our Constitution:
- Congress now hands its constitutionally prescribed duty to coin money over to a private banking cartel known as the Federal Reserve that floods our economy with fiat currency, both devaluing the dollar and enslaving the nation with debt.
- Direct, unapportioned taxes are imposed on wages.
- Presidents engage in unending military adventurism abroad without a Congressional declaration of war.
- The 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms is infringed upon by a plethora of federal regulations.
- The IRS is used as a political tool to persecute organizations with views not favorable to the present regime while Congress sites ineptly by like a neutered lapdog.
- The 4th Amendment right to privacy is ignored as the NSA unlawfully spies on every American – and the whole world.
- Congress gives the President power to arrest and detain citizens indefinitely without right to a trial.
- Innumerable un-Constitutional and extra-Constitutional bureaus, agencies and programs tell farmers what they can grow, tell city dwellers how much water they can flush down their toilet and tell all of us what health insurance we have to buy.
I have been observing the political scene for about a quarter of a century now. I have watched Congress go from Democrat control to Republican, to Democrat to now being split. We have had a Republican President, then Democrat, then Republican and back to Democrat again. In all that time, the one constant has been that each Congress and each President has perpetuated, and in most cases added to, the unconstitutional deeds of their predecessors, showing at a minimum disregard for, and at worst outright disdain for, the once venerated document so carefully crafted by its framers 226 years ago.
This year, let's celebrate Constitution Day by doing our part to right these wrongs by refreshing in ourselves and others, the knowledge of the supreme law of our land so that we can ably defend it and stop being duped by those who subvert it. Read the US Constitution online or purchase a copy in booklet form for only $1, or better yet, purchase a box of 100 constitution booklets for only $35 and give them to everyone you meet. If you're really serious about rediscovering our national heritage, check out the Institute on the Constitution study course with kits starting as low as $74.99.
The only thing you have to lose by getting refreshed in the principles of our nation's founding is the bliss of ignorance as knowledge begins to compel you to actions that may take you outside your comfort zone. On the other hand, the only thing you can hope to gain by remaining ill-informed and forgetful of your heritage, is the destruction of your Constitutional republic and the loss of your liberty.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
(Hosea 4:6)
Celebrate Constitution Day with my Friend, former Missouri State Representative and host of the "Home Front" podcast, Cynthia Davis, as she presents a special Constitution Day podcast.
The archived edition of the program will be available after the live airing at www.cynthiadavis.net


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Until now, I have been a Q*bert, which may or may not change in the future. In any case, the purpose of this page is to make note of instances in which the L/M (Farrer–Goulder–Goodacre–Watson-et-al)-hypothesis would seem to make better sense of data, at least to me. I have no idea whether or not it will shift me to the L/M position, but it seems to me that the only way to test a given hypothesis is to try to present it (to oneself and others) in the strongest light and see what results from this experiment. Interestingly, alongside my exposure to arguments advanced by Mark Goodacre and Francis Watson, I have been especially moved to grapple with this issue by my translation of Michael Wolter's Luke commentary (which endorses the Q hypothesis, albeit with important qualifications [Das Lukasevangelium, pp. 12-14; cf. A. Fuchs's criticism of Wolter]). In short, Wolter's extensive documentation of the so-called "minor agreements" and his discussion of possible explanations for them in each case (which unfortunately does not include interaction with Goodacre, though there is occasional interaction with Goulder) has made me much more aware of the amount of material that needs to be explained (away) in order to maintain that Luke does not know Matthew (or vice versa as Hengel argued: see The Four Gospels and Riesner's chapter in Earliest Christian History; cf. also A. Fuchs's criticism of Hengel here and here). In any case, as I continue to work through Wolter I hope to highlight phenomena in Luke that seem to me to work better from within a L/M framework, which may or may not move me to abandon the Q framework that I have worked with until now. I am aware that my own discussion will undoubtedly fall far short of what has already been said by scholars such as Farrer, Goulder, Goodacre and Watson, but since it is often the case that one only really feels the strength of arguments if one formulates them oneself, I have decided to do so here.
Luke 3:4 – Matthew 3:3 – Mark 1:2 with Luke 7.27 and Matthew 11.10 (GK): it is noteworthy that Luke 3:4 and Matthew 3:3 both differ from Mark 1:2 in such a way that we no longer find a mixed quotation is cited as a Isaiah text and that the text from Mark that is missing here is found in Luke 7.27 and Matthew 11.10. While other explanations of this data can be advanced (see e.g. Wolter, ad loc), the explanation that Matthew made a change that was followed by Luke is arguably more cogent than its competitors.
Luke 3:23-38 / Matthew 1:2-16 (GK): Wolter, ad loc, argues that Luke probably created the genealogy himself, with the form critical rationale that the genre genealogies is not attested as an independent text but only as part of a superordinated genre. If this is so, however, then it would seem unlikely that Matthew and Luke independently encountered existing genealogies, which means that one would have to postulate that they found a genealogy in Q or that they independently decided that a genealogy should be introduced to their Jesus story. In comparison, it would seem easier to assume that Matthew introduced a genealogy and Luke proceeded to keep this feature while revising the content of the genealogy, most significantly by having it run through Nathan rather than Solomon and having it extend back to Adam/God.
Luke 4:8/Matthew 4:10 – As Wolter, ad loc, Matthew and Luke's quotation of Deuteronomy 6.3 or 10.20 both deviate from the Septuagint version in the fact that instead of "worship" (προσκυνήσεις) both Septuagint texts have "fear" (φοβηθήσῃ), and unlike Matthew 4.10 and Luke 4:8, the Septuagint texts lack the word "alone" (μόνῳ). While Wolter explains this data by postulating that Q already differed from the Septuagint in this way, which seems possible, it seems to me that the L/M explanation may have greater explanatory power here, since Matthew often introduces προσκυνέω redactionally, though it is, of course, not impossible that this redactional tendency could have been shared by or inspired by Q.
Luke 6:12-19/Mark 3:7-19/Matthew 4:24-25 (Gk): The apparent connections between Luke 6:12-19 and both Mark 3:7-19 and Matthew 4:24-25 seem easiest to explain if Luke knew Mark and Matthew, especially insofar as the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain seem to be placed in the same Markan context.
Luke 6.21, 25/Matthew 5.4 (GK): While it is possible to explain the fact that Luke expands the opposition of "laughing" and weeping" from 6.21 through the addition of "mourning" in 6.25 by appealing to the stereotypical combination of the terms "mourning and weeping" (see Wolter, ad loc), the addition of this word is perhaps more easily explained as evidence of Luke's familiarity with Matthew 5.4.
Luke 8:1/Matthew 9.35. Wolter, ad loc, provides some interesting data in relation to these verses. On the one hand the similarity of these verses is noteworthy. On the other hand, the Lukan verse seems quite Lukan [preaching/bringing the good news of the kingdom of God] and the Matthew verse quite Matthean [preaching the Gospel of the kingdom]. It would be possible to postulate that this verse was in Q (see e.g. the commentaries of Schürmann; Marshall; Schmithals). Or one could argue that the two evangelists have independently formulated a similar statement (this seems to be the position of Wolter, ad loc [?]). It seems to me, however, that the L/M explanation is stronger in this case: Matthew expressed an idea in typically Matthean language and Luke then took it up and expressed it with typically Lukan expressions.
Luke 9.10-17/Matthew 14.13-12/Mark 6.30-44 [GK]: While Wolter, ad loc, regards it as "recht sicher" that Luke 9.10-17 is independent of Matthew 14.13-21, the quality and quantity of minor agreements that he identifies is certainly striking, and it is not at all obvious to me that this explanation is less plausible than the alternative explanations he registers, namely that it was in Q or that it reflects a secondary revision of Mark's text that was accessible to Matthew and Luke.
Luke 9.22/Matthew 16.12/Mark 8.31 (GK): After sketching a series of attempted explanations for the agreement between Luke 9.22 and Matthew 16.12, Wolter, ad loc, says that with the exception of the proposal that Luke is dependent upon Matthew, all the explanations are conceivable. It seems to me, however, that positing Luke's dependence on Matthew works well here and is at least as conceivable as its competitors if one does not rule it out on other grounds.
Luke 9.37-45/Matthew 17.14-23/Mark 9.14-32 (Gk): Due to the extensive negative and positive minor agreements Wolter, ad loc, appeals to several types of explanation (rather than a monocausal explanation). It seems to me that Luke's dependence on Mark and Matthew is arguably a more attractive explanation for them.
Some (other) Matthew/Luke Agreements [positive and negative] against Mark [details e.g. in Wolter, ad loc]: Mark 6:3/Matthew 13.55/Luke 4.22 (GK); Mark 1:41-42/Matthew 8:2-3/Luke 5:12-13 (Gk); Matthew 13.1-9/Luke 8:4-8 (GK); Matthew 13:9-11/Luke 8:9-10 (GK);


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So I managed to get the Marocco photo's
online tonight so I thought I document the trip for posterity.
Stayed at the Atlas Asni
hotel. Not a backpacker place for sure, but not horribly expensive either. My impression of Marrakesh and most of the towns we found in Marocco was that they where effectivly two towns. You had the old city which was still within their original medival city walls and next to it a new modern city. Marrakesh featured a lot of beautiful architecture, especially the Bahia Palace stood out. While there Wim and I visited/got lured into the taneries, was an interesting visit both visually and smell wise :). We also got hijacked into a local leather and carpet shop and which both Wim and I was each a carpet richer and a bit of money poorer. Also signed up for an evening at Chez Ali which is a gigantic resturant and folklore show. The show was definetly interesting, but I couldn't help but feel that it felt a little short due to little things like for instance giving you some insight into who the dancers and groups represented in terms of Moroccan society and maybe a bit more choreography to the horse show. But still definetly worth it. We also figured we couldn't visit Marocco without riding a camel so we signed up for a trip with local trip organizers Sahara Expeditions. We signed up for their 2 day trip which included one night in a berber tent in the dessert. Turned out we ended up traveling with a fun group of people, including two crazy Canadians called Oryan and Jeff. While the camel trip and the desert stay was fun I did regret not signing up for the longer trip though, the trip we took did end up being mostly two days in the car back and forth with only hour or two of camel riding at each end. Also we noticed that there where a lot of cute backpacker girls signed up for the longer trip :). That said both Wim and I ended up quite cripled for a few days just from the little camel riding we did so maybe we did ok as it was :)
Back from the desert we rented a car and set of for Fes, deciding for a little detour past the d'Ouzoud waterfal on the way.
Trip to Cascade d'Ouzoud and Fes
We decided to go by the d'Ouzoud waterfall on our way to Fes. As it turned out we never found the actual waterfall, but we drove through some beautiful mountain terrain. We also ended up staying in the town of Khenifre instead of reaching Fes. Khenifre was maybe not a terribly interesting town from a sightseeing perspective, but it was a pleasant change in the context of people giving us non-inflated prices for things like the hotel room. I guess not being a tourist town had spared them from slipping into the mindset that every foreigner is a walking cash dispenser.
Fes and Rabat
Next day we drove into Fes to look around the old city. Fes being the old city of learning and religion I have to admit I where a bit disapointed in the town. Had expected more in terms of architecture for instance. Of course having caused a chain collision on the way into town I guess we might have been a little bit to edgy to really enjoy the town :). Drove down to Rabat in the afternoon and spent the morning after sightseeing around. Rabat is the administrative capital of Marocco and used to be the adminstration town of the french. It shows with one of the major landmarks in the town being the church built by the french.
Casablanca had three major events/sights. We did a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque. It was a very beautiful building, but walking through the slums on the way to the mosque you couldn't help but wonder if it really was money well spent in light of the problems of the country.
The second fun stop was Rick's Cafe which was an attempt to recreate Rick's Cafe from the classic movie Casablanca. Such things tend to easily end up cheesy, but I have to say that in this case it had been pulled of beautifully. Part of the reason for that is that it was clearly done as a labour of love and not primarily as a business venture.
The last don't miss waypoint in Casablanca I have to recommend is the Bodega de Casablanca. Its a Spanish bar/resturant with a great menu and a great athmosphere. I ended up seeing more bullfighting and listening to more spanish music during the hours I was there than I has for all my years in Spain :). To top if off they have a nightclub in the cellar which seems to be the place to go for the young and beautiful of Casablanca. It comes with a great DJ and crew. Stay away from the places called nightclubs in Casablanca though, they are generally horrible places.
Marocco and free software
As a sidenote, what struck me in Casablanca was that it could be a great place to host GUADEC. So any local enthusiasts interested should definetly think about it and get maybe send a proposal to the GUADEC comitee :)


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When Mahindra acquired Maini Motors (the makers of electric car Reva a.k.a G-Wiz), it was done with a very strategic vision. Mahindra foresees the demand of electric vehicles (EV) to rise in the future.
Also, if Mahindra plans to truly become a global automaker, it would require electric propulsion technology to capture the more developed markets. Now, the vision is becoming reality.
At the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo, Mahindra showcased the electric version of the Verito. According to Hindustan Times, the Verito EV is slated to hit the production line in two years. Furthermore, electric options of its light trucks and utility vehicles are also under development.
See images of the Mahindra Verito EV from the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo unveiling
The Mahindra Verito is essentially a re-branded Dacia Logan. Mahindra acquired the rights to make the Logan in India from Renault when the they parted ways two years back. The electric version of the Verito is powered by a 29 KW AC motor. On a full charge, the Verito EV can take you a distance of 100 km. The key features include:
- Fully electric drivetrain
- L-Ion battery for fuel reserves
- Telematics (information gateway - Connects car info to the external world)
- Clutch less easy drive
- Reduced noise levels
- Fast charging Port Provision (charge time - 1hr 15min)
- Normal charging time 6hrs
- Top speed of 100 kmph
Ever since Maini Motors was acquired by Mahindra, the company is working on the development of electric options of other M&M products. They have already proved their mettle by presenting electric versions of utility vehicles Bolero and Scorpio. They have also developed electric options of light trucks Maxximo and Gio. The former was helping out in the logistics of the 2010 Delhi Auto Expo.
Although many EVs have been showcased in India such as the Beat EV and the Reva NXR, the trend has not caught on because on lack of adequate infrastructure. Can the ecosystem change enough in two years to convince buyers to spend on an electric car?
[Source: Hindustantimes.com]


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Many Alliance employees volunteer their free time to coach youth sports or serve on civic organizations. We have a long-standing commitment to making a positive difference in the community through volunteer efforts, donations and active community involvement.
We make contributions to a wide variety of important programs and organizations. Our communities are important to us; and by volunteering, we continue to contribute to the quality of life in our service territory.
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Property damage at Brush Creek Access
On Feb. 1, a St. Clair County deputy took a property damage report at the Brush Creek Access, Osceola. Friends of Brush Creek Vice President Jim Terry reported fresh ruts in the grass. The deputy observed ruts in multiple areas on the property. Terry explained some of the ruts were already there from another recent incident.
Stealing reported on A Highway
On Feb. 1, a St. Clair County deputy took a report on A Highway, Lowry City, in reference to stealing. Shawn Casey reported his house was recently lost due to a fire. He stated he went to the property and noticed several items missing from the barn. Items missing included a tractor battery , a five-gallon gas can with an estimated two and-a-half gallons of gasoline, two come-alongs, a table saw and various hand tools. Casey also estimated five-gallons of gasoline had been emptied from a tractor.
On Jan. 29, a St. Clair County deputy took a burglary report on NE 60 Road, Osceola. Rex Todd reported he is a care taker and Janis Baker owns the property. Todd said he arrived and found a screen door open and a door damaged. Contact was made with Baker and she responded to the scene. Baker reported a 46" RCA flat screen television and 13 cans of beer were missing from the residence. Total loss and damage was estimated at $1,712. Evidence was located at the scene.
The investigations on these cases are continuing. Sheriff Keeler urges those with any information on these or any other cases to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office Tip Line, 417-646-5832, or email to email@example.com.


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The Cabin's Story
Since 1997
Nestled among the rolling hills of Northeast Kansas near Hiawatha is a retreat that offers food, spectacular scenery and cozy cabins. Perfect for a romantic weekend getaway or a family reunion, The Country Cabin Restaurant and Lodging, located at 2534 Kestrel Road, is just a stone's throw away from a small community and far enough away to offer a relaxing country atmosphere. The Country Cabin would like to invite you to explore one of northeast Kansas's finest dining experiences. At the Country Cabin, we focus on providing our customers with freshly prepared, mouth watering food served in a comfortable atmosphere.
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Hello holiday visitors!
Happy Tonics is participating in the Christmas Lights in the Park for this first time this year. The Lions Club and leader Arlise Santiago came up with the idea three years ago. At that time the City of Shell Lake gave permission to use the campground. There are paved roads within the campground. People can drive through the park and enjoy the festive lights and Christmas music. Churches, school, art center, bank, businesses and nonprofits are all there with lighted displays to welcome visitors and residents alike. We are the only city in Washburn County, Wisconsin, that has a unique display of lights like this.
This year Happy Tonics was lucky enough to buy lighted butterflies and dragonflies on sale. Board member Diane Dryden is responsible for painting the cheerful sign and putting the display up. Sally Peterson, Mayor of Shell Lake, said she loved the display and several people told me they really liked what we did. I always have to give credit where it is due and of course the applause goes to Diane Dryden.
Hope you enjoy our show.
Shell Lake, Washburn County, Wisconsin


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Recently Jeanette Levellie had us sharing our pet peeves and Jessica Patch talked about our quirks. They were referring to those things that either annoy us or seem peculiar. The thing is, neither is unusual. Don't we all have them?
I admit to some idiosyncrasies (only the unkind would say they border on OCD). When doors and drawers are meant to be shut, I like them closed all the way. Sliding closet doors that are left slightly ajar force me into corrective action, even when I'm already in bed. Honestly, do you expect me to sleep with that gaping void staring at me all night? Bifold doors and open drawers that snag me as I walk by, beg to be slammed shut. Cushions askew on the couch, and towels crooked on the rod? Need I say more?
If normal people have quirks (hey! I'm normal… at least in most areas), isn't it logical that our characters not only might, but should, too?
There is a danger in creating stereotypes – for instance, looking at physical features and bronzing the hero's brawny chest while scarring the antagonist's cheek. A lot is written about using character flaws to make our protagonists real, but to accomplish realism takes more than simply portraying random weaknesses and strengths.
Personalities are complex – just ask anyone who has examined the results of a Myers-Briggs test. If we are to develop credible characters we need them to display the kind of strengths and weaknesses that we would find in real people but also have a few quirks to make them memorable. Not too many. Just a few, such as we all have. (I hear you objecting, but I'm almost positive I'm not alone with mine.)
The Myers-Briggs test divides us into four main personality types that can be combined in multiple ways to create sixteen:
- Extrovert (E) versus introvert (I),
- Sensitive (S) versus intuitive (N),
- Thinking (T) versus feeling (F), and
- Judgmental (J) versus perceptive (P).
We can't just pull quirks out of the proverbial hat and assign them to our characters. The quirks or idiosyncrasies need to be reasonably in line with the characters' personalities.
Who'd have guessed that making our characters appear real could be so much of a challenge?
In your current w.i.p., what quirks does your main character have? Do they fit his/her personality? Are they ones you possess or have you borrowed them from people you know?


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Lars is a common male name in Dutch, Nordic and German-speaking countries. In Sweden, people named Lars are commonly nicknamed Lasse.
Lars is derived from the Roman name "Laurentius", which means "from Laurentum" or "crowned with laurel." Lawrence and Laurence are of the same origin.
A homonymous Etruscan name was borne by several Etruscan kings. The etymology of the Etruscan name is unknown.
Lars was the name of the Archbishop of Sweden 1255–1267.
Lars is a Swedish form for the Latin name Laurentius, which in English is Lawrence. This was the name Lars used as an archbishop. His birthname is unknown.
Lars was recruited from the recently established Franciscan monastery in Enköping. Since the monastery is unlikely to have had time to recruit Swedish monks, it is possible that he was foreign.
In 1255, when Lars had just recently been ordained (which he was in the primate Lund), a papal letter arrived. The Pope expressed his belief in the Swedish monarch Birger Jarl. The situation in Sweden was still shaky. There was an ongoing struggle for the throne, which later forced the antagonists to tax the clergies to support their war.
Another papal letter in 1257 expressed the Pope's support for crusades to the east, towards the Swedish parts of Finland that were either not yet Christianized, or had turned apostate. The inspiration came from the crusades to Jerusalem.
Lars was dedicated to enforcing celibacy among priests. This was a problem that had still not been solved in Sweden, despite papal efforts and threats. The usual reason given was the low population in Sweden, which made it necessary for priests to marry and have children. Even though Lars was known for trying to uphold celibacy, in 1258 he had to send a request to the Pope about not having to excommunicate those who broke the rule. We can imagine how common it was since this was necessary.
Probable leucyl-tRNA synthetase, mitochondrial is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the LARS2 gene.
This gene encodes a class 1 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetase. Each of the twenty aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases catalyzes the aminoacylation of a specific tRNA or tRNA isoaccepting family with the cognate amino acid.


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By Chris Melchin / September 4th, 2016
I'd never heard of Klang before scheduling my demo session. However, after spending some time with the game, and speaking with some of the dev team, it's gone on to be one of my most anticipated games of the next month. I got a chance to talk with creator Tom-Ivar Arntzen and composer bLiNd about the upcoming rhythm platformer, in addition to playing the demo.
Klang is a twist on the traditional rhythm genre by also incorporating standard platforming elements such as running, jumping, wall-jumping and sliding, all of which the player can do freely. However, the platforming is easiest when done in time to the music, and with some practice, movement across the game can be fast and fluid, without mistimed jumps or slowing down. However, the biggest rhythm element is in the combat, where the player hits the face buttons or flicks the right stick in the direction of incoming attacks to reflect them back at enemies. Attacks come, as one might expect, in time with the music, with harder fights having enemies attacking from eight different directions and coming more quickly and in different patterns. It's pretty straightforward, but the game uses the left trigger to jump, which takes some getting used to. Later parts of the demo also throw environmental hazards into the mix, making the player take on enemies from all directions, attacking constantly, while needing to keep track of and avoid the hazards.
The graphics have brightly-colored lights contrasting sharply against the dark background. Enemy attacks start out as bright orange against the fairly uniform dark blue background, which starts shifting colors as fights go on. The extensive use of bright and contrasting colors gives a very trippy effect, with enemies and certain other environmental features really standing out. However, what stands out by far the most is the music. If you've listened to OverClocked Remix in the past, specifically the Final Fantasy VII album, you may recognize the name of bLiNd; he's an EDM composer with some fame on YouTube, who primarily does remixes of video game music. The trance music is all incredibly well-suited to the game's style, something I mentioned to him in our conversation. He said that the only direction he was given for the music was to make it sound "blue", and enjoyed the almost complete artistic freedom he was given with the vague direction that left him free to experiment.
Klang is very close to release, set to come out on Steam on September 22. If you are a fan of fast-paced platformers, rhythm games, or even EDM music, I'd strongly recommend you take a look when it comes out. I know I'll be keeping a close eye on it.
ImpressionsKlangPAXPAX WestSnowcannon GamesTinimations


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Good afternoon friends and welcome. Today author Breanna Hughes is here to talk about her new book, A Fine Mess. For those of you who missed it, you can click on the link for my review. Come on in and join us.
What is A Fine Mess about?
While picking up the pieces after a family tragedy, 24-year-old singer/songwriter Harper Foley tries to fix her relationship with her estranged sister, Emily, get closure on her relationship with her ex-fiancé, Finn, and sort through her confusing feelings for her best friend, Kiley, all while trying to come to terms with who she is. A twist on the traditional coming of age story, A Fine Mess is a story about navigating through the chaos and finding yourself among the wreckage.
What was your inspiration behind the book cover for A Fine Mess?
I wanted to keep it simple. A girl and her guitar. The plot is obviously more complicated than that, but Harper's one constant in her life is her music.
Was there anyone or anything in your life who encouraged you to write? If so, what did they do?
When I was ten years old, my grandmother wrote me a letter on my birthday telling me what a great writer I was and that maybe that's what I should be when I grew up. She had read a few things I had written for school, along with a letter I wrote to her and I guess she was impressed. I kept that letter close to me all these years. I lost her just a few years after she gave me that letter, but I still keep it with me and keep her in my heart. I ended up dedicating my book to her.
Can you elaborate on what has assisted you with your creativity?
What assisted me with this particular book was the fact that I wanted something that young LGBT women could read and relate to, especially those who are just coming out and figuring out who they are.
How has your own music influenced your writing?
I started writing this book when I was travelling around different clubs in different cities trying to make it as a songwriter. It helped put me in the mindset of the lead character, Harper. I ended up including several of my own songs in the book. The lyrics to those songs really helped me form the story.
Did you name your book after your song, A Fine Mess, and why?
Actually, I named the song after my book. I wanted to include some original lyrics in the book, so I wrote the song based on Harper's relationship with her sister. I didn't think I would turn it into an actual song, but I was really excited about the lyrics, so I created a melody for it. I kind of love that my novel-writing inspired my own song-writing.
Me: click on the link below to see Breanna perform her song.
Breanna Performing 'A Fine Mess'
Let's give a shout out to TriPub books. What would you like to say to them?
Without Triplicity, not only would I still be struggling to get this book published, but I definitely wouldn't have the confidence in my writing that I have now. The fact that someone saw something special enough in A Fine Mess to publish it is a great feeling.
What has been your favorite part of being an author? The least favorite?
The answer is the same for both questions: The reviews. I've had people say that the book is very relatable and that they had been through similar experiences. I love reading and hearing things like that. And then there's the other side when people write what they hate about the book. That's never fun to read. But in the end, all reviews help me to become a better writer.
Me: Everyone please leave a review when you finish a book. Authors really appreciate it.
On your FB page you liked Resident Evil: The Final Chapter. How did you like it? Which one is your favorite movie?
The first one will always be the best. My fiancee was actually the one who got me into those films and I'm glad she did. I love the character of Alice and how badass she is. The Final Chapter was a great way to end the franchise, but there were a lot of very glaring plot holes and changes from earlier films. It took me out of the film a bit, but it was still pretty awesome. It's hard to complain about a film with a strong female lead.
What video games are you into?
Honestly, I'm not a gamer. I used to have Super Nintendo and loved Mario Kart. That's the extent of my video gaming experience.
Being a SoCal girl, what is your favorite attraction and tell us a bit about it?
Pierce Brothers Cemetery in Westwood. My two favorite actresses are buried there: Dominique Dunne and Natalie Wood. A lot of other famous people are buried there. I'm really into old Hollywood, so I love visiting that place. Sometimes I go there to write, as well. It's a beautiful, rather small cemetery surrounded by huge buildings and it's really hard to find unless you know exactly where it is.
Who is your favorite Anaheim Angel? Have you ever been to an Angels-Dodger's baseball preseason rival game? If so, how was it?
Current: Mike Trout. All Time: Toss-up between Wally Joyner, Tim Salmon, and Garret Anderson. I've definitely seen a few freeway series games. I will always root for the Angels first and foremost, but the Dodgers are a close second.
What is next in the works for you?
I'm working on a new book featuring a lesbian lead character. It takes place in the immediate aftermath of a nuclear war, in a hidden away bunker. It has the lead character trying to find answers to what happened and solving the mystery behind the bunker and why she, along with everyone else there, happened to survive. There will be a featured romance in the book. It'll be somewhat of a love triangle.
I have included two excerpts from A Fine Mess:
Excerpt 1:
Sinking lower into the couch, Harper hesitated briefly before she picked up the phone and called the one person she had been avoiding. It only rang once before a voice answered on the other end.
"Oh, so NOW you wanna talk. I've called, left you messages, been waiting by the phone…but when it's convenient for YOU, 'Miss 2:30 in the morning', then you suddenly wanna talk." Kiley was still slightly hurt at Harper's reluctance to speak to her, but she was trying to lighten the situation by gloating a bit.
Harper knew she was joking, but wasn't exactly in the mood to play along.
"No, no. It's fine," Kiley dramatically interrupted. "It's not like I have a life, or anything. I don't need to spend my time thinking about how you're mad at me and…"
"Emily's home."
There was nothing but silence on Kiley's end until she could muster up one word. "What?"
"Emily. She came back." Harper waited while the news sunk in for Kiley, then heard the words that pretty much could have gone without saying.
"I'll be there in ten minutes."
Excerpt 2:
Kiley contemplated for a moment. "So…where do you think she was all this time? I mean, what could she have been doing? How did she make money?"
Harper shook her head emphatically. "I don't know. I don't wanna know. I don't wanna think about it."
"I can't even imagine what she's been through. When you're young, you never really have that goal of 'I want to be a runaway and live life day to day not knowing when or if I'm going to eat again.'"
"Yeah, I guess that's not really one of the options when people ask you what you want to be when you grow up."
"What did you want to be?"
"Me?" Harper chuckled to herself. "Oh man, I don't think I wanna share that with you."
"Why not," asked Kiley.
"Because you make fun of me enough as it is."
"Okay, now you have to tell me."
"I know I do. I was just hoping to prolong it. Ugh, fine. There was a time when I was eight years old, for about three weeks, when I wanted to be a hooker."
Kiley looked over at Harper. "Okay, are you taking notice of my blank stare? Details please, before I start laughing so hard, I can't hear your explanation."
"Hey, it was before I knew what it actually entailed. My parents had rented 'Pretty Woman' and I just so happened to watch it while they were away and my babysitter cared more about talking to her boyfriend on the phone than actually watching Emily and me. So I watched it and I just loved how glamorous Julia Roberts was and wanted Richard Gere to pay me to hang out with him and…I really had no idea. My friend Amy was much more mature than me, and her older sister told her everything. So she set me straight on what exactly a hooker was. I really had no clue. So after that, I just decided I wanted to be an astronaut. I knew what that meant."
Kiley sat staring at Harper, awestruck.
"Shut up," said Harper.
"I didn't say anything."
"Well, you were going to, so just don't. There's a reason eight-year-olds shouldn't watch R-rated movies."
"That's for damn sure."
A sudden flash of fear washed over Harper. It had been in the back of her mind ever since Emily left, but she never brought herself to actually consider the option. "You don't think Emily ever…I mean. I know she needed money but she would never have…you know…"
Before you go, make sure you check out Breanna's links and friend her on social media.
Until next time,
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Photos subject to copyright.
Printed with Permission.
Copyright 2017


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8 products
Customer Reviews
Got two pots with drainage and I love them both. The plants are doing great inside them and I couldn't be happier.
I bought this to add to my collection to display my cacti plants & they look really good. They are on the pricey side but I've seen nothing like them in my local garden centres so I was happy to pay premium price for quality product.
I now have 4 of these planters! I love the shape and the colors. I also prefer the style where the saucer is separate. The only small issue I had was on the one where the saucer isn't glazed, the moisture seeped through and some mold grew on my shelf. That was a bummer but otherwise they are perfect. Just get one with a glazed saucer.
looks great. High quality. Would recommend!
My 8 pots and saucers arrived promptly and the colours and glaze on the pots were stunning. The saucers match the pots beautifully. I love them
Customer Reviews
Adorable woodland animals on a pot perfect for any room.
Liberte 4.25" Pot and Saucer
got the sparrow in 4.25". Decided right away we needed a second. It is so elegant and lovely. Also, if you are not familiar with Chive, their customer service is fantastic. Super response and friendly :)
Just what I wanted
Love the colors and the prints! Hard to decide who gets what for Christmas!😀 May have to keep them all!
Customer Reviews
I looked all over for a purple pot and saucer for a violet plant. It is absolutely beautiful and the quality is great. The first pot arrived with a chip in it, the shipping box seemed to have had a rough time at USPS. I was very happy with the quick and efficient customer service I received to get a replacement pot and saucer. I ended up buying a Pooley vase from Chive as well. I just love what they do with pottery. I highly recommend!
I love my Big Tika pot and hopefully my mini orchid will too
Very happy with my purchase!
I now have 6 of these! They're perfect to drop a 4" nursery pot in. My purple one has some paint flaws but I'll just keep it.
Love the pot and the color is so vibrant! I think it's super cool you guys recycle your boxes for shipping. Having said that, my shipment came in a M&M box. I was super psyched that someone sent me an entire box of almond M&M's! So I was happy and disappointed at the same time to see my new flower pots. My plants have never been happier and I have never been hungrier. Thanks for caring about the earth!
Customer Reviews
It's a cute pot I put my prince of orange in. He looks great with the orange and the green. The price seems a bit high, but it was a unique design I couldn't find elsewhere. Overall I'm very happy with it
Perfect for my plant!
I'm very pleased with this pot! It's colors compliment my exotic plant beautifully. The combination couldn't be more perfect.
Love it, perfect in everyway
Really cool metal pot.
Customer Reviews
My sister and I love the colorful pots I ordered and are using them for our baby African violets. They came quickly and very well packed so were in perfect condition. We love our early holiday gifts and the company's upbeat communications
I ordered 2 of the 5" Dyads hoping that they would look as good in person as they do in the pictures. They definitely didn't disappoint! The only "snafu" was that for some reason the tracking/shipping email never arrived. I sent an email to customer service and heard back literally within a couple of minutes that my pots were scheduled for delivery that same day. Fantastic, looks, quality, and customer service. Can't wait to order the hanging Bobbin when they come back in stock.
Beautiful pot. Could not be more pleased.
The pots were smaller than what I expected but what they packed in size, where out matched in construction, packaging and beauty.
I loved my gorgeous pots. They were originally bought to go outside in the spring but i couldn't wait to use them .
Customer Reviews
Slab Wall Mount Planters
Slab 4" and 6" Wall Mount Planters
We are renovating so we havent installed them yet but they are sooo nice!
Love the product itself. We ordered the navy and just a little bummed with how dark the color actually is in person. Looks more black.
Customer Reviews
What I wanted
Love it, but the downside is that the soil sticks to the matte finish on the pot
It's pretty, but it isn't Big
Hi Sean! We try our best to provide as much information so that our customers can be confident in their Chive purchases. If you come back in the future, dimensions, materials etc can always be found on the bottom on the page under Product Details!
I bought the Big Hexi in light grey. The curbside pick-up was convenient, and the staff who assisted me was very friendly. The Big Hexi elevates the look of my Scindapsus Pictus Exotica. I would definitely recommend Chive Canada for your planter needs!
I love my Hexi. It's beautiful and arrived perfectly packaged.
Customer Reviews
Thrilled with this purchase. I will definitely buy more!!
Great pot and saucer! My string of hearts looks so nice in it. The blue gray colour is very pretty!
Really beautiful planter with drainage hole and saucer. Please make bigger vessels too chive!


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New educational agreements between the Netherlands and Indonesia will see new international degree options, research partnerships and opportunities for student exchange programmes.
During a four-day official visit in February, Leiden University signed arrangements with the University of Indonesia (UI) and the University of Gadjah Mada (UGM) for a new double degree PhD programme in History between Leiden and UGM, and agreed to create increased options for Humanities students to complete exchange programmes between Leiden and UI.
Medical schools from both nations also agreed to participate in research partnerships, as well as work collaboratively both within the field of Parasitology and towards establishing a centre of excellence in cervical cancer. Rector Magnificus and Leiden University president Carel Stolker has called the visit a success.
'Leiden University and Indonesian universities already had a close relationship, but now it is even closer,' he said. '[The visit] was, in fact, one big celebration of the past and future.'
As well as sharing a colonial past, Leiden University has long held strong ties with Indonesia. Leiden sports the world's largest research hub on Indonesia, with the university library recently entrusted with collections of both the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asia and Caribbean Studies (KITLV) and the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT).
Asia is a leading area of research at Leiden, offering a range of study programmes via its International Institute for Asian Studies and Modern East Asia Research Centre. Leiden also runs 'ENCOMPASS,' a unique study programme where the university offers Asian scholars the chance to engage with its research and archive resources. The two or three year programme is financed by Leiden and the Dutch Ministry of Education, and works in partnership with a number of Asian universities. Leiden is also a member of the International Student Network (ISN), a European association that promotes and develops international student exchange.
These ago-old relations, it seems, are only set to strengthen. As a follow-up on agreements to strengthen educational ties between the nations, Indonesian Vice President Dr. Boediono paid a visit to Leiden on March 26 to give a lecture on Indonesian democratisation and receive the illustrious William of Orange medal. Awarded for services to society, the medal has previously been awarded to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
The Indonesian government is also examining to work with Leiden University's law department in investigations of stolen asset recovery and corruption crimes. This initiative featured as a topic of discussion during Dr. Boediono's March visit.
Currently, there are approximately 600 Leiden alumni living in Indonesia.
Useful Links
3 Fields to study in the Netherlands


text: This vintage cabinet card photograph features a couple holding hands and posing for a photographer. Their style of clothing leads me to believe that they are Mennonites. The photographer of this photo is W. H. Farley. He operated photographic studios in Crete, Tampico, and Gibson, Illinois during the 1880's. The cabinet card gallery has several photos by Farley. One of these images also is of a Mennonite couple. To see Farley's other photos, place his name in the search box. (SOLD)


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Clean Energy Victory Bonds
Many Americans are looking for a way to invest that helps our country address the defining issue of our time – the urgent need for a clean energy economy as the climate crisis intensifies.
Many Americans are looking for a way to invest that helps our country address the defining issue of our time – the urgent need for a clean energy economy as the climate crisis intensifies.
During the First and Second World Wars, the US government sold Victory Bonds in order to finance the costs of war. In the spirit of patriotism and national sacrifice, Victory Bonds generated $185 billion during World War II (over $2 trillion in today's dollars). They gave ordinary Americans ownership in the efforts of their military overseas and afforded individual and institutional investors access to a low risk/secure asset.
In that same spirit of national commitment, many Americans are looking for a way to invest that helps our country address the defining issue of our time – the urgent need for a clean energy economy as the climate crisis intensifies. Now, H.R. 3886, the Clean Energy Victory Bonds Act of 2021, re-introduced by Representatives Zoe Lofgren and Doris Matsui, and Senator Jeff Merkley would authorize the government to issue $50 billion in Clean Energy Victory Bonds (CEVBS).
For as little as $25, all Americans could purchase these Treasury bonds that support solar, wind, geothermal, second generation biofuels (switch grass and agricultural waste), electric vehicles, energy efficiency.
Over 1 Million New Jobs: The $50 billion raised by CEVBs can be leveraged to provide a full $150 billion in investment in clean energy technology. Research shows that total investments of $150 billion in clean energy can create at least 1 million competitively-paying jobs, significantly reducing the unemployment rate.
Not a Tax: CEVBs would not require any new taxes on individuals or corporations. Instead, CEVBs represent an investment opportunity that individuals and institutions will choose to support.
Energy Security: Reduce U.S. dependence on foreign sources of energy, enhancing national security.
Consumer Savings: Clean energy solutions will lower utility bills since clean energy sources are free of the volatility and price increases of fossil fuels. When clean energy solutions are paired with energy efficiency, consumers will see a decrease in energy costs.
A Safe Investment: Investors will be purchasing US Treasury Bonds. Backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government, investors will earn back their full investment plus interest.
Grow US Businesses: Support the growth of American businesses in the clean energy sector, and help them become more competitive globally.
Health Benefits: Protect the health and safety of Americans by reducing local air and water pollution throughout the country. Clean energy will significantly reduce deaths from heart attacks, lung diseases and asthma, and reduce birth defects from mercury poisoning.
Grow the US Economy: Will bring money into the American economy through foreign exports as demand for clean energy around the world increases.
Clean Energy Protects the Economy: Clean energy relies on limitless sources like sun, wind and geothermal, which in turn will limit jolts to the US economy from energy price increases. Currently, the economy is at the mercy of price increases for fossil fuel resources (especially oil), and the price of oil will only go up as we deplete reserves.
With a new administration in the White House and a renewed interest in funding infrastructure and clean energy in the US, the time is now to push for the enactment of Clean Energy Victory Bonds legislation.
Green America will work with its allies and supporters to promote Clean Energy Victory Bonds and build support in the House ad Senate.
*Thanks to all the organizations that support Clean Energy Victory Bonds: 350.org, American Sustainable Business Council, Center for American Progress, ConservAmerica, Ceres, Calvert Investments, The Change, Clean Edge, Clean Yield, Cleantech Institute, Climate Bonds Initiative, Ethical Markets, LLC, Franciscan Action Network, Green Choice Bank, Green for All, GreenandProfitable.com, Kansas Energy Information Network, Kenergy Solar, EcoOptions, Ltd, Lazarus Financial Planning, Natural Investments, New Resource Bank, New Voice of Business, Pax World Funds, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, Self Help Credit Union, Union of Concerned Scientists, and National Wildlife Federation.
The EPA has a legal and moral obligation to protect farmworkers, children and communities. We are going to do everything in our power to hold them accountable. Join us in continuing the fight by telling the EPA to ban organophosphates.…
Amazon has NO public info on its chemical management policy for its own apparel brands nor for any textiles it sells.
Trader Joe's needs to answer for its poor labor and climate practices and lack of transparency. Join us in holding them accountable!
Join Green America and our partners in calling on the world's ten biggest chocolate companies, including Hershey, Godiva, Mars, and Nestle, to finally put an end to child labor in cocoa and an end to deforestation!
Back to the Vote With Your Dollar Toolkit
Brought to you by Green America and Social(k), national leaders in advancing socially and environmentally responsible investing (SRI).
Whether you are an employee or an employer, you…
33 banks have funneled 1.9 trillion into fossil fuels since 2016. Of these banks, Goldman Sachs ranks number 12 in the biggest financiers of fossil fuels, pouring approximately $59.26 billion dollars over the last three years. Yet in…
Representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) recently introduced their much-anticipated framework for a Green New Deal. The accompanying resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives calls for massive…


text: Winter Storm Jonas slinked in like a white lion. Although early reports were cautious, the blizzard of 2016 broke a record for snowfall in one day, and its total snowfall measurement of 26.8 inches came within 1/10th inch of the "storm total" record. The days post-Jonas were filled with clean-up and altered rules of the road. Mayor de Blasio urged those digging themselves out to not dump the snow into the street. The shovelers I spotted did not comply with this request and inquired, "Where else is it supposed to go?" Rules as to right-of-way tend to slip as the slippery stuff melts and refreezes, and many eschew curbing dog etiquette leaving poop piles atop snow banks (as if it will magically melt away with the snow). It is a time for extra patience and vigilance no matter how you choose to travel. Be kind and careful out there!


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3 suspects in custody following overnight crime spree in Tempe
TEMPE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Nick Trogi was shocked to wake up to a large hole in his backyard wall.
Earlier this morning on the other side of the wall was a Dodge Avenger with its front end smashed up after the driver slammed into a moving train. The three people inside made a run for it but were quickly caught.
"They're pounding on the door on the other side," Kheva Best said.
Best lives less than a hundred yards from the scene and says she looked out her peep hole around 3 a.m., moments after the alarming knock.
"I saw an officer stand right in front of my door and I hear him yell, 'Stop!'" she said. "I kind of stepped back for a second, I heard a scuffle then I saw him pull out his gun, then I saw two officers and man on the ground."
A total of three juveniles were taken into custody and according to police, it all started with an armed robbery at a Whataburger in Phoenix. After that, the suspects held a pedestrian at gun point and stole his cell phone in Tempe, then back to Phoenix where they allegedly carjacked a woman.
"An MCSO deputy working in Guadalupe sees the suspect vehicle, the black Avenger, tries to stop it, flees, the other victim vehicle, it flees also and they leave at a high rate of speed," Sgt. Damon Despair of Tempe police said. "MCSO deputy, once it went into the neighborhood, he stopped the pursuit. The helicopter gives out information that three suspects bail from that vehicle, flee in different directions."
As of late this morning, Phoenix police were still looking for two more potential suspects last seen driving away in that stolen Nissan.


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Although the government and FEMA suggest every person in America have an emergency kit, medication and food for at least 72 hours following any sort of disaster... I would hope that most of you have a longer plan. But, that would be a post for another day. We have long and short term storage for emergencies and in the short term, are things that are used and replaced to keep them at optimal freshness. Something cheap, quick and easy to prepare are dehydrated potato products. This week I picked up a container of mashed potatoes from Sam's Club - over 3 pounds (65 - 1/2 cup servings) for about $6. (Also available online for a little more; Idahoan REAL Premium Mashed Potatoes)
If you are using food storage you can use instant mashed potatoes, freeze dried cheese, butter powder, dry milk powder and dehydrated spices. You can dress 'up' or dress 'down' potatoes in so many ways. The addition of herbs, cheese, sour cream, butter, bacon... have fun and play with your food. This made about 8 servings
Mashed Potatoes
3 c water
1 c reconstituted milk (I use 1/2 c canned evaporated milk plus 1/2 c water to reconstitute)
4 T butter (Powdered Butter)
2 c dry potato flakes
Shredded Cheese (Freeze-Dried Cheddar Shredded Cheese)(reconstitute or add dry with 2 T more liquid water or milk as needed)
Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic powder to taste
Mrs. Dash or other seasoning you prefer
Options: cooked, crumbled bacon, Ranch dressing mix to taste, cream cheese, sour cream, etc.
Heat the water, milk and butter. If you are using dry milk, freeze dried cheese or other dried products add the additional tablespoons of liquid as needed. Bring to a boil or 'almost' boil - add to the dry potato flakes and stir. Let stand 1 minute. Add more liquid milk or water as needed to get the personal texture you prefer in your mashed potatoes. Stir in the salt, pepper and seasonings - stopping to taste and season to your personal preference. Our family loves them very cheesy, with lots of garlic!
|Dehydrated foods simply need water... and heat


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16th February 2019
The play-off places have been confirmed in the Girls' North Under-19 League.
Defending champions Olympia Cannock grabbed fourth place, and the final play-off spot. Despite losing both their matches, against Warrington Wolves and NEM Hawks, they finished above Peninsula on goal difference.
Wolves finished in third, while Hawks were second, goal difference separating them and top-of-the-table Shropshire.


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Durability, high-color performance, ease-of-use, advanced technology, and portability are all features that I look for when bringing new lights into our rental pool. The SL1 Mix and the Mini Mix from DMG Lumiere provide all of the above, and make them a perfect fit for our rental clients.
Having the complete line-up of Rosco Gels at your fingertips is one of the many features of both the SL1 Mix and Mini Mix. While this isn't new in the world of LED lighting, it's nice to see these options integrated by many manufacturers.
Both fixtures can be powered by batteries, and this is, hands-down, my favorite feature. Production is a fast and furious business, so the ability to quickly power a fixture via battery is crucial!
Last but not least is the DMG Lumiere app that controls both of these units. Making your own colors, matching sources, dimming, and creating your own lighting libraries are just a few of the benefits that this app offers its users.
Both units are available to rent at Rule Boston Camera. Take either or both for a test run with our 25% discount in May. Click here to email rentals or call 800-rule-com.
-Dylan Law, QC/Logistics and MoVI Tech


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Econintersect: CoreLogic's Home Price Index (HPI) shows that home prices in the USA are up 5.5% year-over-year year-over-year (reported up 0.1% month-over-month). There is considerable backward revision in this index which makes monthly reporting problematic. CoreLogic HPI is used in the Federal Reserves's Flow of Funds to calculate the values of residential real estate.
This is the 33rd consecutive month of year-over-year increase, and the second month in a row of improving growth. Sam Khater, deputy chief economist at CoreLogic stated:
After decelerating for most of the year, home price growth has been holding firm between a 5-percent and 6-percent growth rate for the last four months. However, pockets of weakness are clear in Baltimore and Washington D.C., and three of the top four states with the highest price appreciation are energy intensive and had been benefiting from the energy boom which is currently receding as oil prices trend downward. These states–Texas, Colorado and North Dakota, may see some downward pressure on prices in 2015.
/images/z corelogic2.PNG
Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic stated:
The pace of home price gains have slowed as we exit 2014 but this is probably only a temporary lull. While the CoreLogic HPI Forecast shows a slight dip in prices next month, we believe that prices will be up a year from now as continued economic growth fuels buyer confidence and their willingness to purchase a home and invest in their future.
/images/z corelogic3.PNG
Comparison of Home Price Indices – Case-Shiller 3 Month Average (blue line, left axis), CoreLogic (green line, left axis) and National Association of Realtors (red line, right axis)
/images/z existing3.PNG
The way to understand the dynamics of home prices is to watch the direction of the rate of change – and not necessarily whether the prices are getting better or worse. Home prices are improving – and the rate of growth is now marginally improving after almost a year of declining growth rate.
Year-over-Year Price Change Home Price Indices – Case-Shiller 3 Month Average (blue bar), CoreLogic (yellow bar) and National Association of Realtors (red bar)
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Source: CoreLogic


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In an effort to protect students in the event of a mass shooter, a school district in Pennsylvania has "symbolically" armed its teachers — with miniature baseball bats.
"They're the little souvenir bats that you buy in baseball parks," Hall told The Washington Post. "They could be used as a weapon, but so could a number of things in a classroom."
Hall said Millcreek officials have periodically discussed how to respond to school shootings for about five years but always with a focus on hiding from an attacker. However, the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., prompted the northwestern Pennsylvania district to revisit its policies, he said.
"Obviously, after Parkland, we went back and looked at our active shooter and hard lockdown response and realized that it had to change," Hall said. "We had basically adopted the 'just lock the doors and turn the lights out and hide' approach in terms of the response. … [The modified plan] includes not just hiding but also running and, as a last resort, having to fight as necessary."
The Parkland shooting — one of several school attacks in 2018 — left 17 students and staff members dead, and it immediately jolted nationwide discussions about school safety and gun control. In the weeks after the Florida tragedy, President Trump continued to push a proposal to arm schoolteachers.
On the other hand, the shooting also seemed to galvanize a new generation of activists, including many teenagers from Parkland, in support of stricter gun control. Hundreds of thousands of protesters appeared at March for Our Lives rallies across the country March 24 to call for an end to gun violence.
For the Millcreek school district, the response was somewhere in the middle, Hall said. Shortly after the Parkland shooting, the district sent out a survey asking how parents would feel about arming people at its schools who were not police officers.
"We weren't at the time seriously looking at that, but we were wanting to gauge how our community felt about having a non-SRO gun presence," Hall said. "There's an expense involved in that, laws and training and liability — it's problematic, obviously."
The survey also included a space people could write in suggestions for other ways to protect students. People suggested arming teachers with rat poison, Mace and, yes, baseball bats.
The district decided it would move forward with nearly a dozen safety improvements, including building a concrete wall and an open walkway linking two of its campuses, installing security film on its windows and constructing "secured entrances" at five of its schools over the summer.
It also revised its active-shooter response plan to emphasize fighting back as an option. (True to the education world, the new plan was rolled out with an acronym — T.R.O.J.A.N. — that is also the name of one of the district's mascots. The "A" stands for "Attack," Hall said.)
To drive the point home, the district ordered $1,800 worth of the baseball bats and handed them out to teachers at a recent in-service training session about school safety.
"We want to change the culture in our district to incorporate best practices," Hall said. "The little miniature bat was more of a symbolic gesture. … Unfortunately, it might come down to a situation where it's one on one. It's about educating people that you may need to find something in that immediate environment to protect yourself."
Hall said the bats will be locked away during the school day and are a "last resort" option. Jon Cacchione, president of the Millcreek education union, said he supported the bats, according to Erie News Now, which first reported the news.
Hall told the news site the goal was for every classroom to have one. "Unfortunately, we're in a day and age where one might need to use them to protect ourselves and our kids."
However, on Wednesday, Hall emphasized to The Post that the bats were part of many other steps the district was taking to improve school safety.
"The bat story, it's taken on a life of its own, unfortunately," Hall said. "At the same time, I'm kind of okay with that. I want people to know that we're looking at everything. [The bats are] obviously not the first option."
He said district officials had not taken their cues from the Blue Mountain School District, also in Pennsylvania, which recently opted to provide buckets of rocks to students as a last-ditch effort to stop school shooters.
"They're probably getting some heat, too. 'What do you mean? You're going to fight a shooter with a rock?' " Hall said. "That's kind of a narrow-minded response. That's really not what it's about. Having a rock or a miniature baseball bat as opposed to nothing — well, that's better than nothing."
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