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Every year, members of Jewel City Knitters crochet and knit hundreds of useful items for local, national, and international charities. There are no membership dues and everyone is welcome!
We meet on the first Wednesday of each month from 7-9 p.m. at Scholl Canyon Estates (map), 1551 East Chevy Chase Drive, Glendale, CA. On the second Saturday of every month from 2-4:30 p.m., we knit and crochet at the Chevy Chase Library (map), 3301 East Chevy Chase, Drive, Glendale, CA.
Come and make new friends and learn new skills. Please bring any current project to our next meeting. We look forward to seeing you soon!

subset: commoncrawl


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Finally got some before and after pics up of Dash!
http://hottiemcnaughty.wordpress.com/20 ... og-of-all/
BigDogBuford wrote:Well adjusted and trained adult dogs are great at training puppies!
furever_pit wrote:Oh my gosh, I can't believe how skinny he was!
Poor puppers. You have done a fabulous job with him.
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First Published: 18 Oct 2018
This toolkit is for local authority elected members in Wales, particularly those involved in housing and planning.
A guide for disabled people and the organisations that support them. Setting out your rights and responsibilities, information and tips on renting from a private landlord or from a letting agency, adapting your home and where to get help.
First Published: 16 May 2018
This report examines whether Premier League clubs have complied with their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people.
First Published: 11 May 2018
Report on accessible and adaptable housing for disabled people in Wales, setting out the challenges they face and our recommendations for the Welsh Government.
First Published: 23 Feb 2018
If you're a legal representative or adviser, why not get in touch if you come across a case we could get involved in.
First Published: 20 Apr 2017
The Commission wrote to all 20 English Premier League football clubs to ask about the accessibility of their ground and the services they provide to disabled supporters. This report is our assessment, based on the information they gave us.
First Published: 25 Nov 2014
This is an easy read guide of things to ask the UK Government about their work to make life better for disabled people.
First Published: 01 Nov 2014
A worker's guide to evidence under the Equality Act 2010.
First Published: 29 Feb 2012
This is the Easy Read guide to the public sector equality duty.
First Published: 21 Feb 2012
This report explores disabled people's experiences and aspirations in relation to paid employment and highlights best practice for employers.


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Development/Tutorials/Decibel/Handling TextChannels
This tutorial will walk you through the process of creating a simple application that uses Decibel's TextChannels to communicate via arbitrary instant messaging networks using telepathy. From the result of this tutorial, only a few more lines of code are needed to produce a functioning text based instant messaging client.
This tutorial is based on the source code of the simpleclient demo included in decibel. An explanation of using the simpleclient demo can be found here.
ChannelHandler class
The first class we will need to create is an implementation of the Decibel::ChannelHandler interface.
The Class Definition
The code below is the class definition for our implementation of the Decibel::ChannelHandler interface.
class MyTextChannelHandler : public Decibel::ChannelHandler
/** @brief Constructor. */
explicit MyTextChannelHandler(QObject * parent = 0);
/** @brief Destructor. */
/** @brief A implementation of the ChannelHandler interface's only method. */
bool handleChannel(QtTapioca::Connection *, QtTapioca::Channel *, const bool);
public slots:
/** @brief Called when a new text message was received on our channel. */
void onMessageReceived();
/** @brief Called when our channel is closed. */
void onCloseChannel();
/** @brief A pointer to our Connection. */
QtTapioca::Connection * m_connection;
/** @brief A pointer to our Channel. */
QtTapioca::TextChannel * m_channel;


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The rage of an entire generation on screen
Why are the film's protagonists so angry?
Reza Dormishian: Mostly because of the growing frustration felt by young Iranians as a result of all the disappointments and pressures we have suffered in the past eight years due to the economic crisis, growing inflation and unemployment. By contrast, we have been very enthusiastic and optimistic in the past few months.
Is this why you had to produce your own film? Does this make you angry?
Dormishian: I had no other choice. I had to take the risk and make a few compromises. Iranian films are produced either by state-run companies, private companies or they are low-budget productions, like mine. We had to work very hard because we only had a budget of about US$550,000.
How important were the demonstrations against the rigged presidential elections in 2009, which you reconstruct in your film, for Navid and his friends?
Dormishian: Navid was originally a very peaceful guy, who even tried to prevent violence during the demonstration. He was dismissed from his course not because he's Kurdish, but for taking part in a demonstration and for smearing paint on a professor's car. After a while, he begins to hate people and beat them up. My film is a love story set against this social backdrop.
Many students in Iran are not allowed to continue their studies because of their political or social opinions or activities. This was one of the worst decisions the previous government made. The new education minister, however, has given orders for over 400 former students to be allowed to return to university. The right to study is a basic right.
You juxtapose scenes of Iranians trying to sell their kidneys and liver with the voice of former President Ahmadinejad saying that there are no economic problems in Iran despite international sanctions.
Dormishian: He actually said that on TV.
Navid's friends advise him to leave Iran, but his girlfriend, Setareh, wants to stay in the country. How important is this issue to you personally?
Dormishian: Thank you very much for watching my movie so closely. Emigration is one of the most frequently discussed subjects among young Iranians. The main question for them is whether to stay in Iran or to leave. We have all wrestled with this question.
And what makes you stay?
Dormishian: I want to make films in Iran and screen them there. It is very important to me to present my country abroad and to make films about my compatriots, whom I know best. That's why I shot this film in Iran and obtained all the necessary permits. And I will screen this film in Iran, no matter what obstacles have to be overcome.
What permits did you need to make this film?
Dormishian: To begin with, we had to submit the script to the Ministry of Culture. Once it was approved, we had to choose a cast and a crew. They all have to be recognised by the Iranian alliance of motion picture guilds, the so-called "House of Cinema". In other words, they have to be members of one of the 32 cinema guilds. When shooting was completed, we had to get a screening permit, which we got.
The press reported that your film was one of two audience favourites at the 32nd Fajr International Film Festival in Tehran last week, but was ultimately excluded from the competition. Were you forced to pull out?
Dormishian: We always face problems, so we are used to it. The audience in Iran sympathised with this movie because it conveys the reality of their lives. What happened at the festival was very sad and so bitter that I don't want to talk about it.
Will the success of the film in Berlin help your film in Iran?
Dormishian: (laughs) Fingers crossed! If my film is released outside Iran, that will promote its dissemination inside the country, but it will be no help in getting a screening permit. We need a permit for public screenings and for video release in Iran. You can get pirate copies of any movie, even the latest American productions, on the black market in Iran.
Is the public hanging in your film realistic?
Dormishian: Such things do happen in Iran.
Press agent Mohammad Atebbai: On the day of our first screening in Berlin, two people were publicly hanged in Iran. Those hanged are either smugglers or rapists, but not political prisoners.
What has the political climate in Iran been like since President Rouhani took office last August?
Dormishian: Iranians are more hopeful now; some people smile and believe that this President was elected because of their vote.
Unlike former President Ahmadinejad in 2009?
Dormishian: (laughs) I never said that.
Once your anger evaporates, will you start making comedies?
Dormishian: (laughs) My scripts are the product of my moods, so a comedy is possible. At the moment, for example, I'm planning a silent movie.
Interview conducted by Igal Avidan
© Qantara.de 2014
Editor: Aingeal Flanagan


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Skip to content
Dr. Mary Lynn Realff is an Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). She received her BS Textile Engineering from Georgia Tech and her PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Polymer Science & Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Her current research is focused on Effective Team Dynamics for both undergraduate and graduate students. Her work to develop curriculum and workshops that enable students to gain the competencies to work effectively in teams and for faculty to gain the competencies to guide students through challenging team dynamics is making a positive impacts at Georgia Tech.
At Georgia Tech, she also teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in the mechanics of textile structures and polymer science areas. Dr. Realff has made a significant contribution to the understanding of the mechanical behavior of woven fabrics. She is continuing her work in modeling the mechanical behavior of textile structures utilizing both theoretical and experimental approaches.
Dr. Realff is the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Programs in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech and a Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Women, Science and Technology. She also facilitates a student/industry mentoring program which matches industry mentors with Georgia Tech undergraduate students for 9 month mentoring relationships. The program has been shown to increase the retention of students.
Dr. Realff is a member of The Fiber Society, American Association of Textile Colorists and Chemists, the American Society of Engineering Educators, and the Society of Women Engineers. She is currently Fellow and a Governor on the Board of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Dr. Realff is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, on the board of the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA and volunteers at Inman Middle School (directing the GEMS girls' science club) and at Buckhead Church. She lives in Atlanta with her husband (a professor at Georgia Tech). She has two children: one at Purdue University and one in Japan teaching English as a foreign language.
PhD, 1992, MIT in Mechanical Engineering and Polymer Science and Technology
BS Textile Engineering, 1987, Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of TechnologyNorth Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30332Phone: 404-894-2000


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- Home
- Automotive
- Documents for MR25H40MDF
Documents for MR25H40MDF
Datasheet for MR2xH40, 4Mb Serial SPI MRAM
Product Change Notices (PCNs)
PCN02996 Add ChipMOS as a Subcontractor Assembly Site for the DFN package
PCN 02996 - Add ChipMOS as a subcontractor assembly site
PCN02934 ASE-M DFN for 4Mb SPI Product.pdf
Everspin Technologies, Inc. has approved ASE-Malaysia as a qualified source of the DFN package used on the MR25H40 4Mb SPI family of products. Everspin will consider this change accepted unless specific conditions for acceptance are provided in writing within 30 days of receipt of this notice.
Beginning December 30, 2011, Everspin may use an alternative Trace Code marking format interchangeably with the existing format. The existing format identifies fabrication site, assembly site, final test site and wafer lot, year and work week. The alternative format will identify the assembly site and wafer lot, year and work week. Affects all Everspin products and packages.
Everspin DFN Package Guide.pdf
Everspin DFN package guide
EST02153_Everspins Small Flag DFN Replaces SOIC Package_AppNote_Rev5 041413.pdf
product notes
PNT02190 8-pin DFN Package with Reduced Exposed Pad Size Recommended for New Designs
PNT02190 8-pin DFN Package with Reduced Exposed Pad Size Recommended for New Designs
application notes
EST02880 Magnetic Immunity for Everspin MRAM 073115.pdf
Comparing Technologies FRAM vs. MRAM
Compares FRAM memory technology with Everspin's MRAM technology.
Replacing Cypress CY14B104NA BA and ZS nvSRAMs with Everspin MR2A16A MRAM
Replacing the Cypress CY14B104NA-BA/ZS45XI nvSRAM with Everspin's MR2A16Axxx35 MRAM
Approximating the Magnetic Field When Using Everspin MRAM
How to create an approximation of the magnetic field strength surrounding an MRAM
EVERSPIN's New 2mm Exposed Pad DFN Package Meets Both SOIC-8 and DFN8 PCB Layouts
Replacing SRAM in SOIC or DFN package with MRAM in DFN
Quad SPI Evaluation Boards
SPI Evaluation Board Guide
technical articles & white papers
MRAM Improvements to Automotive Non-Volatile Memory Storage
Automotive powertrain modules use flash memory technology to retain critical control and diagnostic information during power off (keep-alive memory (KAM) and non-volatile memory (NVM)). Complex software must be designed to maximize the lifecycle of these devices because they have a limited number of write cycles. MRAM (Magneto resistive Random Access Memory) has the potential to eliminate this complexity and make the process of managing KAM and NVM easier and more robust. This paper demonstrates using off-board MRAM devices with a next generation of powertrain microprocessor. The prototype boards integrating the latest powertrain microcontroller, with the Everspin MRAM MRA16A (2 pcs of x16 bits) and MR2xH50 (@ a SCK 40MHz) chips were created. An investigation was performed evaluating the MRAM capabilities for storing and retrieving data during simulated key-off and key-on events.
Toggle and Spin-Torque MRAM: Status and Outlook
Article by J.M. Slaughter, et.al., of Everspin Technologies
RoHS / REACH
Everspin Technologies REACH Statement
Everspin Technologies RoHS Statement
EICC Product Level Master
EICC Company Level Master
Everspin CFSI_CMRT by Product 4.10_09232016.xls
Everspin CFSI_CMRT Company Level 4.10_09232016.xls
RoHS Red Phosphorous statement


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by: Archies
By the time of Jingle Jangle (1969) -- the third LP under the Archies' moniker -- the original 1968 CBS-TV animated cartoon series The Archie Show had expanded to a full hour spin-off, The Archie Comedy Hour. It is here that the majority of these songs were initially aired. This multimedia approach was the brainchild of Don Kirshner, who had similar success with the Monkees until the show's cast members demanded autonomy on their records. However, the Archies were ink and celluloid and essentially could not talk back. Behind the music were studio pros such as Ron Dante (vocals/guitar), Andy Kim (vocals), and Toni Wine (vocals). Although the program was still pulling in the kiddies, much of the novelty had already worn off the fickle, sugar-coated pre-teen market. With the exception of the Top Ten track "Jingle Jangle" -- which commences the effort -- this platter produced little in terms of chart action. This may have led to the radical overhaul in the sound of their follow-up Sunshine (1970). In addition to the upbeat and slight R&B vibe on "Jingle Jangle," there are a couple of other memorable sides scattered throughout. The mid-tempo ballad "Everything's Alright" is notable for the sweet harmonies that waft over Dante's lead vocal. Granted, the premise is undeniably inane, but "Nursery Rhyme"'s incessant and pulsating rhythm wouldn't be too out of place from any given mid-'60s garage rock unit. "Get on the Line" is reminiscent of the Soul Survivors' "Expressway to Your Heart" as the melody steadily drives behind the comparatively heady peace and brotherly love lyrics. "Look Before You Leap" is powerful and edgy, feeling a bit out of place; however, it would have fit in with the likes of the Standells or the Chocolate Watchband. Interestingly, in 1999 Dante reissued the exact same dozen tunes on CD as Archies Party (1999). Otherwise, several songs from the album can also be found on the various and sundry artist compilations that exist, such as Repertoire Records' recommended 24-cut Best Of (2002) [aka Sugar, Sugar (2002)]. ~ Lindsay Planer


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I've covered every square inch of the gigantic Consumer Electronics Show — year after year after year — and I've seen a lot of weird stuff. This is the weirdest thing I've seen yet. And the show used to dovetail with a porn convention, mind you.
MORE: Check out TIME Tech's complete coverage of the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show


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- My Account
- Language
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- Sign In
- Create MUSIC ID
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Steve Vai
About Steve Vai
In guitar, the order of technical prowess is: amateur - pro - virtuoso - guitar genius - Steve Vai. When it comes to technical skills, few have been able to come close him for the last 20 years.
His unique voice, characterized by an esoteric, mystical approach to guitar and sounds has delivered some of the most stunning performances guitar has ever seen.
Equal parts technical prowess and amazing feel, Steve Vai has singlehandedly transformed guitar from a classic instrument to a modern weapon of mass awesomeness.
Steve is a guitarist incarnate - he worked with Frank Zappa, took lessons from Joe Satriani and attended Berklee College. Music is in his blood, and his creativity and outlandish tones match is fiery fretboard work. This also made a connection with music fans everywhere and Steve has sold over 15 million records.
In 1989, Vai joined Whitesnake, replacing Vivian Campbell. When Adrian Vandenberg injured his wrist shortly before recording was to begin for the album Slip of the Tongue, Vai played all the guitar parts. Vai played on the Alice Cooper album Hey Stoopid, along with Joe Satriani on the song "Feed my Frankenstein."
Steve's unique and utterly stellar guitar playing has made him one of the most widely reckognized and revered guitarists in music, and his tunes have appeared everywhere from videogames to movies.


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Regular price
Awesome handmade talisman bracelet made from agate and jade stones together with the Butterfly symbol.You can read here all the great benefits rain flower jade stones will bring into your life!
If you want to know more about what the agate stones can do for you please click here!
The bracelet is unique, and now it can be your own talisman! It will come to you purified and charged with energy and it will be the best help for you or for someone you love in order to help heal and recover faster after any type of trauma, mental or physical, help you achieve your goals and dreams much faster, help you make your own desires and wishes reality and fulfilling your mind and soul with good vibes and positive energy and thinking.
Please choose carefully the size for your talisman bracelet and order the one that is right for you! If you can't find your right size on the page to order then order any size appropriate and tell us when we contact you for the confirmation of your order what would be the desired correct size for you! You will find the size written both in centimeters and in inches so it will be very easy for you to see which size you need, no matter the metric system you are used too!
We do not recommend wearing the bracelet in the shower or during the swim.
Please note the stone shade, color, and pattern may vary since we are working with genuine stones and no two are alike. The bracelet will come in a small gift bag.All items are handmade in the Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera island, Spain cleansed with white sage, Palo Santo, ocean water and charged in the moonlight or with selenite prior to shipment. What wrist should I wear my bracelet on? The left side of your body is your receiving side and also deals with your internal self. This is where your habits, motivation, and emotions reside. When you wear jewelry on this side of your body, you can make necessary internal shifts or invite specific energy into your life. The right side of your body is your action side or giving side. Wearing crystals on the right side aids in your productivity and controls the energy you put out into the world. This is just an example, always trust your intuition and do what feels best to you!**Crystal healing is not intended to be a substitute for conventional medicine.


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1-A, high-PSRR, adjustable ultra-low-dropout voltage regulator with enable
TI E2E™ support
Our TI E2E support forums comprise thousands of technical questions, with answers from TI engineers.
Content is provided "as is" by TI and community contributors and does not constitute TI specifications. See terms of use.
If you have questions about quality, packaging or ordering TI products, see TI support.
Training seriesView all TI training and videos
Low-dropout linear voltage regulators (LDOs)
Looking for a new LDO? Get an overview of our newly released devices, including key specifications and unique features. Find the right product for you!
Posted: 01-Jan-2019
Duration: 19:11
Related videos
Learn more about how TI's smart AC/DC linear regulator achieves breakthrough in efficiency and power density.
Design Details for TI design TIDA-00834 High Accuracy Analog Front End Using 16-Bit SAR ADC with ±10V Measurement Range Reference Design


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Punked by fake Jesse Ventura letter: The latest DIA conspiracy
Jesse Ventura — yes THAT Jesse Ventura — or someone claiming to be him, is maybe convinced there is something being covered up at Denver International Airport.
"We explored the Denver International Airport and saw mysterious artwork displayed throughout seems to depict a road map of plans for the Apocalypse."
In a letter to DIA CEO Kim Day, cc'd to The Denver Post, someone purporting to be the former Minnesota governor and pro wrestler explains he's learned of buried buildings at the airport.
And he plans to start digging.
DIA posted the letter to its Facebook page in the hopes of verifying the letter and reaching Ventura to "ensure the proper permitting."
We have reached out to Ventura and will update this story.
The letter is below.


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Sara Lewis (née Hombal), 1970-2012
3 December 2012
Sara Lewis, a former Personnel Manager, has died after a short illness. Fiona Ford and other friends and colleagues offer an appreciation.
Sara joined the University as a Personnel Manager in May 2004. She initially supported managers and staff across the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, but throughout her time with us she also worked with staff in many other areas, including the Faculty of Engineering, Support Services and the Students' Union.
Sara also had many friends and colleagues in the Faculty of Arts, where, not long after joining us, she enrolled as an MA student on a course in French Translation. She was certainly put through her paces at her interview for the role with us, with the Dean of Medicine deciding to check out her claim of speaking fluent French by asking her a question in French! Sara took this in her stride, responding beautifully and proving beyond doubt her linguistic skills (as well as her impressive HR credentials).
It was clear from the outset that Sara was an excellent appointment. Not only did she bring with her a wealth of HR skills and experience, but she quickly found her natural home here, clearly understanding the University, its people, and its values. She was highly professional and brought a huge degree of personal commitment and integrity to her role, quickly inspiring respect, trust and confidence in all those she supported.
As a colleague, Sara was a joy to work with, always warm, bright and cheerful with a great sense of humour. She was great fun to be with and continued to enjoy regular social gatherings with her colleagues long after leaving the University. She made many very good friends during her time at the University and remained in touch with many of us.
Outside of work she loved to socialise with family and friends, and she also had a love of craft activities and travelling – most notably visiting extended family in India with her husband, Simon, and touring around Southern India with him last year. Sara had a very close relationship with her family and kept her colleagues entertained with stories of her many shoe-shopping expeditions with her mum!
Most people who knew Sara during her time here would have been unaware of the sheer grit and determination she showed in dealing with health problems even then. She maintained her amazing courage and positive approach throughout her short, but very rich, life.
Sara left the University in August 2008 to take up a more senior personnel role at UBHT, where she remained until her illness intervened. She is very fondly remembered and will be much missed by her friends and colleagues in HR and across the University.


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USB-UIRT repeater
USB-UIRT repeater
Jan 28 2014, 05:21 AM
Post #1
Be nice to me, I am new.
Group: New Members
Posts: 1
Joined: 28-January 14
Member No.: 15,590
Card: None
Ripping my hair out! I have a working program (ircommand2) that allows me to change channels on directv receiver. The wife has the crappy directv remote. She sits at an obtuse angle and as some of you may know, these remotes are garbage. I've seen everything except an easy method of passing her remote through my usb-uirt. HIP is way to complicated for a buffoon like me. I use Vista 64 bit as my O.S.. I can't seem to find much help with the HIP software on this problem. Help me get my wife off my back!!!
AMAZING! There is a ton of help in here for everything but what should be the simplest task and no one answers.
|Lo-Fi Version
|Time is now: 9th April 2020 - 02:13 PM


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Many of the risks described in this guide are specific to a particular assignment. But critical journalists working in repressive or hostile environments often face routine harassment and constant threat. Consider the groups most responsible for murdering journalists in recent decades worldwide. Antigovernment groups, including terrorists, are responsible for nearly one-third of all journalist murders, according to CPJ research. But government officials and government-linked groups such as paramilitaries are responsible for nearly the same proportion of journalist murders. Journalists in some nations do not know whom they can trust.
Personal Security
Being aware of your surroundings is essential when facing risk of attack or abduction. Practical safety procedures should include varying travel routes, changing routines, and keeping home and office buildings locked and alarmed. It may also involve securing vehicles in a locked garage, regularly checking vehicles for explosives, and checking mail for explosives. If you are faced with this situation, you should immediately enlist the assistance of security experts. (A number of security organizations are listed in Appendix B Security Training.) In some nations, journalists working under threat have chosen to wear body armor, travel with armed guards, and post observation cameras as well as guards outside their homes and offices. In making these decisions as well, journalists should consult with security experts.
Governments in nations from Colombia to the Balkans have official programs in which they assign armed escorts to accompany journalists under threat. In Colombia, in particular, teams of armed government bodyguards along with a driver and armored-plated vehicle have been assigned to journalists who have been attacked or threatened. As cumbersome as the arrangement may be, threatened or recovering journalists often feel it is necessary to protect themselves and deter future attacks. The hiring of private guards, if the cost is not prohibitive, may be another option.
Family Security
There may be no greater fear than believing your family members are at risk. Assessing the possible risk to your family can be guided in part by the past behavior of hostile actors. Family members of dissidents were frequently targeted in Guatemala in the late 1970s and early 1980s, as they were in Iraq in the Saddam Hussein era. Such historical background can provide insight into contemporary situations. Journalists may also wish to consult local security experts, colleagues, human rights defenders, and diplomats.
Be aware of the personal material you or your family post to Facebook or other social media sites. The people who wish to intimidate you are likely to seek out everything published online not only about you, but about your family as well. Do not share information about your family's daily schedule or vacation plans, for example. Take care in publishing photos or disclosing information not otherwise public. You may wish to have your family remove certain information from their social network pages or raise the privacy settings.
Some experts suggest you avoid sharing details about sensitive work with family members. Family members who are not informed about your investigative work, this logic goes, would not be targeted by assailants seeking to coerce information. Nonetheless, your family members could still be targeted as a way to broadly terrorize you and deter you from pursuing a sensitive story. Special care may be advisable to ensure that your children are monitored and escorted at all times.
You may wish to consider switching assignments for a time. More drastic measures include temporary or permanent relocation of family members. Journalists may wish to contact CPJ or other international organizations that may be in a position to help.
Surveillance comes in many forms, from the old-fashioned tactics of shadowing journalists in the street to the electronic techniques that intercept data without leaving a trace. The former is often used by repressive regimes with limited resources, such as the African Horn nation of Eritrea. The latter is deployed with chilling efficiency in nations with well-equipped intelligence operations, such as China. Throughout much of the last decade, the Colombian intelligence service illegally intercepted emails, eavesdropped on phone conversations, and conducted surveillance against many of the nation's most prominent reporters. In Tunisia, during the regime of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, critical journalists were placed under constant surveillance for both intimidation and information-gathering purposes.
CPJ has documented cases of physical or electronic surveillance in numerous other nations, including Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bolivia, Burma, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Pakistan, Rwanda, Russia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen and Zimbabwe. In the United States, a former U.S. National Security Agency analyst told MSNBC that the American spy agency electronically eavesdropped on journalists in the 2000s.
Physical surveillance of individual journalists often precedes violent attacks. Interior Ministry officials in Ukraine have acknowledged that their agents were watching journalist Georgy Gongadze shortly before he was abducted and murdered in a 2000 government plot. Colleagues of Geo TV correspondent Wali Khan Babar in Pakistan told CPJ that he was being followed in the days before he was killed in 2011. Babar was murdered by two assailants who intercepted his car and shot him four times in the head and once in the neck.
Do a broad assessment if you are concerned that your movements, communications, and reporting material are being observed or intercepted by third parties. What are you working on that might be considered sensitive? Who might take offense at your reporting? What surveillance techniques are they likely to employ? Are they more likely to have agents follow you, or are they adept at electronic surveillance? Once you've gauged the level of risk and the likely methods of surveillance, you can consider modifying your activities. That could include varying your professional and personal routines, along with your regular travel routes. In electronic communications, you may want to begin using pre-arranged codes with sources, resorting to prepaid phones not linked to your name, employing encryption programs, or using secure Web email or virtual private networks. (See Chapter 3 Technology Security.) You should also consider notifying your editors and colleagues, along with local and international press freedom groups.
Be aware of unfamiliar people or vehicles outside your home or office, especially if they appear more than once. Detecting that you are being followed can give you time to reduce risk. Enlisting a trusted person to observe your movements and those of potential followers is one method to confirm surveillance, but precise procedures are best imparted by trained experts. Some private security firms have added surveillance detection to training programs they offer journalists. (See Appendix B Security Training.)
Professional solidarity is important in situations in which local journalists face sustained risk. Perhaps the best step journalists can take in such environments is organizing themselves first in their newsroom, then with other journalists and news organizations within their city or region, and ultimately across their nation.
Groups such as the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, founded in 1989, or Colombia's Foundation for a Free Press, founded in 1996, have played valuable roles in curbing attacks on journalists and bringing journalists of all kinds together. The Philippine center has raised the profile of journalist murders and helped push authorities to bring those responsible to justice. The model has been followed by the Brazilian Association for Investigative Reporting, which was established in 2002 after the abduction and murder of national television correspondent Tim Lopes. The Brazilian group has pushed authorities to take action in anti-press attacks.
Journalists should never hesitate to contact international press freedom organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders, along with other human rights monitoring groups. (See Appendix E Journalism Organizations.) International groups can help raise the profile of journalists working under threat and pressure national authorities to respond.
Contingency Planning
Journalists facing sustained risk should prepare a contingency plan. The plan should include contact information for the journalist and his or her family members and editors, along with responsive government officials, foreign diplomats, and both local and international press freedom and human rights organizations.
The plan should specify the frequency and exact means by which the journalist will check in with editors and family members. The plan could include a simple code for the journalist to discreetly signal an immediate threat. Codes could also be devised to signal that the journalist wants to meet at a prearranged location, or to switch to another means of communication. In the event a journalist becomes out of touch, the plan should specify how long editors and family members should wait before taking action. The plan should include a detailed list of individuals and groups for editors and loved ones to contact or call locally, regionally and internationally.


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How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Fentanyl belongs to a group of medications called opioids. Fentanyl is used to treat persistent chronic (long-term) severe pain for those who need constant pain relief and are currently taking other opioid (narcotic) medications. It acts on the brain to increase pain tolerance.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it
What form(s) does this medication come in?
ratio-Fentanyl Transdermal patch® is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under fentanyl transdermal patch. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
How should I use this medication?
The dose of fentanyl transdermal patch must be individualized and is based on many factors, including the dose of opioid medication that a person is currently using before starting this medication.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
Apply the patch to non-irritated and non-irradiated (not exposed to radiation) skin on a flat surface such as the chest, back, flank (side of the body between the upper abdomen and back), or upper arm. Hair at the application site should be clipped (not shaved) before applying a patch.
Clean the area with water only; do not use soaps, oils, lotions, alcohol, or any other agent that might irritate the skin. Using soap, alcohol, or other chemicals to clean the skin may cause the fentanyl to be absorbed faster, causing unwanted side effects. After cleaning, allow the skin to dry completely before applying the patch.
Each patch may be worn continuously for 72 hours. A new patch should be applied on a different skin site after removal of the previous one. This helps to prevent skin irritation, which may increase the speed that the fentanyl is absorbed through the skin.
The patch should be pressed firmly in place with the palm of the hand for 30 seconds. Make sure the contact is complete – especially around the edges. The patch should not be folded so that only part of the patch is exposed. If the patch does not stick to the skin properly, tape the edges of the patch with first-aid tape. If the patch still does not stick, you can cover the patch with a transparent adhesive film dressing recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.
If the patch falls off before 72 hours have passed, you may apply a new patch to a new site. Wash your hands immediately with water only, after applying or removing the patch. Consult the package insert, your doctor, or your pharmacist for additional instructions on how to use the medication.
Do not use the patch if it is cut, damaged, or altered in any way.
After 72 hours, there is still enough medication in the patch to cause serious harm to someone who is not using the fentanyl patch for pain control. Accidental exposure to the fentanyl patch may cause death or serious medical problems. When you remove the patch, fold it in half and dispose of it safely, somewhere that pets and other people will not come into contact with it.
Maximum pain relief may not occur for up to 72 hours after first starting this medication. Your doctor may give you a short-acting pain control medication during this period.
This medication may be habit-forming if taken for long periods of time. Do not stop taking this medication without talking with your doctor. If this medication is stopped suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:
- anxiety
- diarrhea
- hallucinations
- nausea
- shakiness
- sweating
- tremors
- trouble sleeping
If you plan on stopping the medication, your doctor may want you to reduce the dose gradually to reduce the severity of withdrawal effects.
Do not change the dose of the patch you are using or the way you are applying the patch without direction from your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects of too much fentanyl in the body, seek immediate medical help:
- cold or clammy skin
- confusion
- dizziness
- feeling faint
- hallucinations
- seizure
- severe sleepiness
- slow heartbeat
- slow or shallow breathing
- trouble breathing
- unable to think, walk, or talk normally
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If a patch is left on for more than 3 days, change the patch as soon as you remember. Do not apply 2 patches to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to fentanyl, the adhesives used in the patch, or any ingredients of the medication
- are not already using opioid (narcotic) painkillers to manage your pain
- have acute or severe bronchial asthma
- have acute pain or pain following surgery, including outpatient surgery
- have mild or intermittent pain that can otherwise be managed
- have or are suspected to have paralytic ileus (a condition of the intestine that does not allow material to pass through the intestine) or any other conditions that block the intestine, narrow the intestine, or slow down movement through the intestine
- have or may have "surgical abdomen" (conditions of the abdomen, such as appendicitis, that need urgent surgery)
- have severe difficulty breathing
- have delirium tremens (e.g., confusion, diarrhea, shaking, fever, hallucinations, disorientation) associated with alcohol withdrawal
- have acute alcoholism
- have epilepsy and other conditions that can cause seizures
- are taking or have taken (within the last 14 days) MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
- have increased intracranial pressure (increased pressure inside the head), cerebrospinal pressure (increased pressure inside the head and spine), or head injury
- are pregnant, in labour or delivering, or breastfeeding
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is used in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- confusion
- fainting
- mood changes
- pounding or irregular heartbeat
- signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
- signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
- skin rash
- weight loss
Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- cold, clammy skin
- difficulty speaking or walking normally
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not actually there)
- seizure
- severe sleepiness
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., rash, fever, swelling, tightness in chest, shortness of breath)
- signs of a severe skin reaction (e.g., blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort)
- signs of breathing problems (e.g., shortness of breath, troubled breathing, wheezing, or tightness in chest, fast or irregular breathing)
- slow heartbeat
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
October 14, 2013
Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of Duragesic MAT, pms-Fentanyl MTX, RAN-Fentanyl Matrix Patch, ratio-Fentanyl, Sandoz Fentanyl, and Teva-Fentanyl (fentanyl transdermal patch). To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Abdominal conditions: Fentanyl may make the diagnosis of abdominal conditions more difficult or it may worsen these conditions. If you have abdominal conditions such as inflammatory or obstructive bowel disease, acute cholecystitis, or pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Accidental exposure: Accidental exposure to this medication may lead to serious complications or death. Accidental exposure can occur when a patch is transferred to someone else through hugging or moving them in bed. If this happens, immediately remove the patch from the person, wash the area with water, and seek immediate medical attention. If you are applying the patch for someone, wash your hands with water only immediately after applying or removing the patch.
Dependence and withdrawal: As with other opioid medications (narcotics), fentanyl may become habit-forming if taken for long periods of time. If you have a history of past or current substance use problems you may be at greater risk of developing abuse or addiction while taking this medication. Drug abuse is not a problem for people who require this medication for pain relief. Physical dependence (a need to take regular doses to prevent physical symptoms) has been associated with some narcotic analgesics.
Withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if the dose is significantly reduced or suddenly discontinued. Reducing the dose gradually under medical supervision can help prevent or decrease these withdrawal symptoms when this medication is no longer required for pain control.
Difficulty breathing: Fentanyl can cause serious and life-threatening breathing problems. If you experience slowed breathing or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention. If you have lung problems and are taking other medications that can slow breathing, you are more at risk of experiencing these symptoms.
Make sure you follow the instructions on how to properly use this medication. If you have any questions, contact your doctor or pharmacist. If you have a chronic lung condition, such as bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: This medication may impair the mental or physical abilities required for certain tasks, such as driving a car or operating machinery. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery while using this medication until you have determined how this medication affects you.
Fever or heat exposure: If you develop a fever you may get higher doses than expected from the patch because the release of medication depends on heat. Tell your doctor if you develop a fever, and have a plan in place in the event that your body temperature rises.
Avoid exposing the application site to direct external heat sources, such as heating pads, electric blankets, heated water beds, heat lamps, hot water bottles, saunas, hot whirlpool spa baths, or intensive sunbathing. This exposure to heat can cause the patch to release too much medication.
Head injury: If you have head injuries or increased pressure in the head you may have a higher risk of experiencing side effects (breathing problems) or worsening of your condition while taking this medication. Discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: The kidneys are partially responsible for removing fentanyl from the body. If you have reduced kidney function you may experience increased side effects of fentanyl as a result of it not being removed as quickly as expected.
If you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Fentanyl is broken down by the liver so it can be removed from the body through the kidneys. Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause a build-up of fentanyl in the body and cause side effects. If you have liver disease or decreased liver function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems (e.g., abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, feeling unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine), contact your doctor immediately.
Slowed heart rate: This medication can cause a serious and life-threatening reduced heart rate. If this occurs, seek immediate medical attention. If you have an irregular heart beat and are taking other medications that can slow heart rate, you are more at risk of experiencing these symptoms.
If you have a slowed heart rate or heart rhythm problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stopping medication: Do not stop using fentanyl abruptly, since withdrawal symptoms may occur if fentanyl is stopped suddenly. These symptoms include seizures, irritability, sleep problems, agitation, tremors, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, headache, muscle cramps, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, sweating, and confusion. Your doctor will advise you on how to safely stop taking fentanyl if you no longer require it for pain control.
Tolerance: Fentanyl transdermal patches may lead to tolerance when used for a long period of time. Tolerance means that your body gets used to the medication so that more medication may be needed to produce the same pain relief. Your doctor will recommend the dose of fentanyl patch that is most appropriate for you. Do not change your dose or the way you are using the medication on your own. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions.
Pregnancy: Fentanyl crosses the placental barrier and may cause harm to an unborn baby. Withdrawal symptoms have been noted in newborns of mothers who used fentanyl during pregnancy. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Fentanyl passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using fentanyl, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 18 years of age.
Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication and may require lower doses.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between fentanyl transdermal patch and any of the following:
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2020. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/ratio-Fentanyl


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Visit Vocations Toronto at www.vocationstoronto.ca, a resourceful site in answering these questions.
When they got to the top, they found Jesus there. They saw Him, and they worshiped him. They realized that He was the Son of God. Yet, some of them still were full of doubt. How could it be possible that this man with whom they walked and ate and talked over the last three years, whose violent death they had fled, how could it be that he could have risen from the dead and be waiting for them on the mountain? Was this a dream? Was it an apparition? Some of the disciples still doubted. Jesus answered their doubts immediately: "All power in heaven and earth has been given to me. Now, go from here and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." Jesus himself proclaims the Divine Trinity and empowers the disciples to bestow the life of the Trinity on the Baptized.
"Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you, and know that I am with you always, until the end of time."
The disciples became apostles. The learners, disciples, were sent, apostles. How could these eleven transform the world? They could transform the world through the power they received. They could transform the world through the Presence of the Lord. But Jesus was ascending to the Father. He would no longer be walking with them, teaching them and guiding them as He had been the last three years. Still, He said to them, "Know that I am with you, always." They would not be alone.
We are not alone, either; even though we often have feelings of abandonment in life. We often feel alone. Even the busiest of Moms with a house full of children and an attentive husband feels alone in the world. How can anyone understand her fears, her struggles, her upset? Everyone compliments her, but no one realizes how tired she is. She can talk to her mother, but her mother only says it will pass. She might as well talk to the wall.
That attentive and dutiful husband likewise feels overwhelmed with his responsibilities to the present and future of his family. He doesn't want to burden his wife. She doesn't fully understand why his fear of unemployment is so intense. Men have been raised to be the provider for the family. Most men are devastated when they are unable to provide. The husband can try talking to his friends, but the conversations men have with each other are very different than those women have with other women. Women usually speak about feelings and emotions. Men speak about cold hard facts. So for the man, fears are not discussed. As a result he also feels alone in life.
Even the most pious senior who says three rosaries a day and is crowded with loved ones checking in on Gramps, on Mom, on Good Old Mr. or Mrs. Jones, even the most faithful senior, feels very alone in the world. Everyone thinks that he is a man of supreme faith, she a woman like the matriarchs of the Old Testament. How can they tell others that they are afraid to die? How can they tell them that they are often afraid to think about the past because most of those they knew way back then are no longer alive?
For teenagers and young adults the feeling of being alone can be even worse. As they enter into maturity, their first experiences of rejection, of defeat, of questioning all they were taught as children, convince them that no one understands them. Every teenager thinks that he or she is alone. Every teenager is convinced that their experiences have never been felt by anyone else. When the teenager says, "You don't know what it is like to be in love, Mom and Dad," he or she is projecting onto the world a feeling that is new to him or her. Although we might chuckle at the statement, the truth is that none of us know the feelings inside the Teen. He or she is truthful in feeling alone.
Even our little children, often feel very alone. How many times has the six year old climbed into Mommy and Daddy's bed because she or he could not bear the feeling of being alone? How many times has the school age child wanted to go with Mom or Dad to the store just to be with him or her.
Jesus knows what it is like to be alone. Jesus, one of us, the one who died deserted by all, felt the loss of his Father's Presence and cried out, "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?" He experienced the human feeling of loneliness. Jesus' answer to loneliness is his Resurrection, Ascension and the sending of the Spirit, Pentecost. Now no one who calls upon Him will ever be alone. "Know that I am with you always until the end of days." I don't think that there are any more reassuring words of Scripture than those. We are not alone. Jesus is with us. In fact the name he is given in this same Gospel is Emmanuel, God with Us. He never deserts us. He never leaves us alone.
So go out and get to work. Tell the world about the Messiah. Preach through your lives, our lives, and when we think we are alone, we need to realize that Jesus is closer to us than ever before. He didn't ascend into heaven to leave us. He entered into the dimension of the spiritual so we could experience the Power of God within us, the Holy Spirit, and bring His Presence to the world.
We will never be alone. "Know that I am with you always until the end of time."
Reflections are available for the following Sundays:


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Insurance Investing and the $100,000.00 Challenge - The Outcome
After writing the column, "Why So Critical on Annuities," I got a particularly interesting email. It started off with:
I can blow away saving for retirement in any market fund, with an Indexed Life policy. How about a NET return of 8% that allows you to take out the gains Tax Free for retirement income, with NO downside market risk.Unlike most of the other emails I received from insurance producers, this one didn't use any abusive language and I'd be thrilled to earn eight percent annually, without any risk. So I accepted and agreed to fork over $100,000 for this challenge, if he could deliver. The challenger, Brett Anderson, has a website titled Last Chance Retirement.
Will I be forking over $100,000 to buy this product? I had some surprises on this one. Read on.
The product - Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Policy
In the challenge, Mr. Anderson promised to bury me in analysis and, at the very least, he buried me in paper. The product features and timing of paying my $100,000 changed over the challenge. Initially, I would get 140% of the S&P 500 index return. Then it was changed to use an option giving me 100% of the index return but a higher cap. Ultimately, he ended up with an IUL from Minnesota Life. The product's name is Eclipse Indexed Life. I'd hand over the $100,000 up front and would be credited 100% of the S&P 500 index return, with no downside risk in bad years.
The first promise to go in the challenge was the claim that I could "take out the gains Tax Free for retirement income." That went out the door because paying the full $100,000 up front disqualified it from IRS rules letting me borrow gains against the policy, as this is technically called a Modified Endowment Contract (MEC). I didn't consider this a big deal, because I don't really want to pay to borrow my own money anyway.
The claims from the producer
In written correspondence, Mr. Anderson noted that this policy would give me 140% of the market return, later reduced to 100%. Mr. Anderson also started using the term "limited" downside risk in place of his original wording "NO" downside risk. Let's look at each claim vs. the actual policy.
Would the product meet the reduced claims of the producer?
Claim 1: Market returns
As I've done dozens of times before, I started pouring through the paperwork and the illustrations run by Mr. Anderson. One of the easiest to find illusions is the claim of 100% of the "market return." Mr. Anderson noted a possible market return of 7.4% annually and stated my crediting would be based on this. In actuality, the crediting is based on the S&P 500 index, which is only the return from appreciation and strips out the dividends paid by the market, currently about 2.2% annually. This may not seem like much but, over a thirty year period, that takes out well over half the return. Mr. Anderson noted that the illustration shows a historic return of 9.21% annually based on the results of the last thirty years of the market. Of course, this was the beginning of the great bull market. And he didn't mention that Minnesota life had the unilateral right to lower the maximum annual indexed credit to as low as three percent annually. Anderson's response was that they have never lowered these caps.
Claim 2: Limited downside risk
While his challenge was for "NO downside risk," I gave Mr. Anderson the benefit of the doubt here. I looked at the "guaranteed values" in the illustration as these are my minimum returns as long as Minnesota Life stays in business. In ten years, I was guaranteed to get back all but 5.5% of my initial cash outlay. How did this compare to a moderate second grader portfolio of 60% equities and 40% bonds for the ten years ending September 30, 2009? Well, the simple index portfolio gained 44.4%.
Now I asked Mr. Anderson to run a few illustrations. What was my guaranteed return in year 26 and beyond? The answer was zero -- nada! I could lose my entire amount!
Discussion with Minnesota Life - didn't go as I thought
Mr. Anderson was kind enough to put me in touch with Benjamin Roth (no relation), Actuary & Director of Life Products at Minnesota Life. When I typically speak to officers of the insurance companies selling these products, they compare their returns to stocks in bad stock market years and to bonds in good ones. It's part of the illusion.
This time was different, though, because Roth noted that this product would not be appropriate for someone like me who did not have an insurable need. He noted the insurance costs are part of what the policy holder is paying for and that my insurance costs were going up dramatically, as I aged. Hence the zero guaranteed value in year 26.
Roth and I discussed the importance of disclosing to the policy holder that only part of the market return is credited with this product and that Minnesota Life had, in fact, unilaterally lowered its cap from 17% to 16% in February. I noted that when insurance companies had the unilateral right to change credits and payments to the policy holders, the policy holders were in effect providing insurance to the insurance companies. Roth didn't agree with my statement here.
I then asked Roth why I shouldn't just buy a zero coupon bond and a couple of low cost index funds with my $100,000. It works out that I could get a guaranteed $100,000 in 26 years for forking over about $32,842 today. I then could take the remaining $67,158 of my hundred grand and put it in low cost index funds. Roth responded that this is similar to what Minnesota Life does with the premium left after paying commissions. I was floored at his candidness.
Bottom Line
Not only will Anderson not be receiving my check, Minnesota Life seems to agree that this is not appropriate for those without an insurable need. It's easier, more tax efficient and far cheaper to use the zero coupon bond strategy Minnesota Life uses without paying those high commissions and insurance that is not needed. Anderson's errors in his statements, as well as his omissions, are completely consistent with his web site, where one can read ridiculous, not sourced statements such as "The odds of a couple age 65 eventually needing to pay for one typical Nursing Home stay for 2 1/2 years, is 100%!" As you might expect, some of the more recent emails from Anderson haven't been quite as respectful.
While I won't be buying the product, Minnesota Life earned my respect with both its candidness and belief that insurance products are meant for those with an insurable need.
More on Money Watch
Annuities and the Hundred Thousand Dollar Challenge
Progress on the $100K Challenge
A Real Estate Investment Without Market Risk
I am a Boglehead!
Wisdom from Bogelheads VIII - Day One
Wisdom from Bogleheads VIII - Day Two
Tough Questions for Your Financial Adviser
Investors Going it Alone - Revisited
Smarter Retirement


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In August, the io9 Book Club read Maureen McHugh's After the Apocalypse. Now McHugh is coming to answer your questions about the book today, Friday, September 7, from 12-1 PM PST. Ask her whatever you want about the book!
Photograph by Ellen Datlow.
McHugh will be joining us in the comment thread on this very post starting at 12:00 on Friday. Start posting your questions for her now, and she'll answer as many as she can during that hour.
Please be polite!
Want to get a head start on our next book? In September, we'll be reading John Scalzi's Redshirts [via Amazon]. We'll meet October 2 to talk about the book.


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How often should you change your oil?
Should you get an oil change every 3,000 miles?
One of the keys to keeping your car in good condition is staying up-to-date on oil changes. But how often should you change the oil?
It used to be said that cars should get an oil change every 3,000 miles. While that could still be true for older vehicles and vehicles with certain conditions, newer models can wait longer.
According to Cars.com, manufacturers including Ford, Volkswagen, Porsche and Toyota recommend oil changes every 10,000 miles on certain models. BMW told Cars.com some models can go 15,000 miles between oil changes.
However, according to Cars.com, manufacturers recommend more frequent oil changes if you're driving in severe weather and in severe conditions, and if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving.


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Zone Examining Secretary (ZES) Duties
Application Procedures for Certificates
E Certificate
D Certificate
D* Certificate
C Certificate
C* Certificate
K Certificate
B Certificate
A Certificate
H Certificate
Syllabus of Instruction
E, D & D* Efficiency Tests are done within the Club by a Club Instructor at any Club Rally.
Applications for all other Efficiency Tests - C, C*, K, B, H & A must be made to the Zone Examining Secretary by the Club District Commissioner.
C - B Efficiency Certificates:
Each Zone accepts applications throughout the year. They must be submitted at least two months before the date of the practical test.
Zones set their own dates for assessment, and you need to contact the relevant Zone for the application form for Efficiency Certificates. Check your Zone's website for the form or the Zone Examining Secretary's contact details.
There are no written examinations, assessment is based on completion of Workbooks and Practical assessment
A & H Efficiency Certificates:
Worksheets are submitted to the Coaching Director and forwarded to the State Appointed Assessors for assessment.
E, D & D* Efficiency Tests:
Are conducted within the Club by a Club Instructor, at any Rally.
C, C* & K Efficiency Tests:
Are organized and conducted within the Zone by personnel appointed by the Zone DCI/ZA Panel. It is recommended that there is a maximum of six candidates per Assessor per day.
It is important that Candidates who are interested in sitting any Certificate of B and above notify their Zone Examining Secretary/Zone Chief Instructor well in advance so the assessments and practical exams can be organized.
B Efficiency Test:
Conducted by the Zone using personnel appointed by the Zone DCI/ZA Panel. A second assessor from outside the Zone is also required. This person is usually from a neighbouring Zone and is endorsed by that Zone's DCI/ZA Panel.
All 'B' Candidates must be assessed at least six months prior to sitting the practical test. This assessment must be conducted by the Zone appointed personnel and a written report, which outlines the areas the Candidate needs to work on, must be provided to the Candidate. This process helps to avoid disappointment if the Candidate is not yet up to the required standard for the Certificate. It allows the Candidate time to work on the areas that need improvement or postpone their assessment until they are ready.
A & H Efficiency Tests:
Conducted by PCAV using personnel appointed by the State Coaching Director.
All A & H Candidates must be assessed at least six months prior to the practical test. This is done by the State Appointed Assessors, a written report is supplied and the Candidate will be made aware of the areas they need to work on. If necessary they may need to postpone their assessment until they are ready.
Candidate Certificate Registration and Assessment Fees from 1st July 2018
Candidate Fees are Not Refundable unless withdrawal is due to medical or veterinary reasons. In both cases a certificate must be produced to recieve a refund
Efficiency Test application form - Club to their Zone
Efficiency Test application Form - Zone to PCAV
This form is to be used by the Zone Examining Secretary to notify PCAV of applications to sit A & H Certificates. Fees should accompany the applications with a cheque made out to the Pony Club Association of Victoria.
Efficiency Test Recipient Confirmation
This form should be used by the ZES to notify PCAV of the Certificates gained by their members. This enables PCAV to update the Rider's details on the data base and ensure the correct Certificates attained are printed on their Grading Card at Membership Return time. During the year a sticker will be posted out to update the existing card.
Should a dispute against a decision of an examiner arise a mediation process based on the Incorporation Act- Model Rules for disputes is available. More information here.
The current recommendation from State Council for Travel Reimbursement is 50c per kilometre.
$100 per day, plus travel reimbursement at 50c/km - paid by Zones
**Please note - Assessors may choose at their own discretion to volunteer any part of their time or travel to assessing candidates. Some assessors may prefer to simply be reimbursed on receipt for fuel rather than per km, some may only require a travel reimbursement and no day fee, some may only require a portion of the day fee.
It is recommended that Zones use the this generic reimbursement form for all Certificate Assessors
Assessor Reimbursement Form
C.I.P. updated May 2018


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He had me at the itinerary.
Even though Philip Caputo sets up a far-reaching, serious justification for his new book, "The Longest Road," you can't help but get as excited as he seems to be by the basic premise.
This piece first ran in Printers Row Journal, delivered to Printers Row members with the Sunday Chicago Tribune and by digital edition via email. Click here to learn about joining Printers Row.
What would it be like to leisurely drive from the southernmost point in the United States (Key West, Fla.) to as far north as the pavement runs (Deadhorse, Alaska)?
Road trip!
We've seen this concept before, where a famous writer takes off on a gimmicky route and reports back on what he finds along the way. John Steinbeck famously did it with "Travels with Charley." Ian Frazier penned a classic after traipsing around the Great Plains. Robert Pirsig's "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" offered the heady version.
For Caputo, who devised the novel approach of seeing the USA diagonally from south to north, the prods were many. He confesses to a wandering spirit. As he approached 70, he wanted one less regret. And, he intended to pose — and perhaps find an answer to — the question about what holds America together. How does a land stretching the 6,000 miles he proposed to travel — shaped by divergent cultures, climates and landscapes — adhere? The question for the author was pertinent, considering the great fissures in American politics and economic life he saw emerge over the last decade.
Caputo, who grew up in Westchester and attended Fenwick High School and Loyola University Chicago, boasts the literary bona fides to guarantee an intriguing ride. He shared a Pulitzer Prize at the Chicago Tribune, where he was also a foreign correspondent. He's best known for his classic memoir, "A Rumor of War" (1977), which recounted his experience as a young officer in Vietnam. Several gripping novels set in rugged places followed.
To make things a little more interesting, Caputo decides to haul a classic 1962 Airstream trailer, one of those shiny, aluminum humps, behind his pickup. He'll share that tiny home with his wife, Leslie, a magazine editor. Two English setters fill out the caravan, which pledges to stay out of hotels and off the interstates.
Right from the start, Caputo discovers the seams in America may be stronger than he thought. In Key West, he runs into a couple from West Virginia who have come south to minister to the city's homeless and addicts.
Up in Tallahassee, the Florida speaker of the house, Republican Dean Cannon, provides a quick, cogent and disarming answer to Caputo's big question: "The nation is held together for structural, cultural and historical reasons. We have a federal, not a national,government. It's the difference between steel and Kevlar. The structure is flexible enough to support differences in diverse peoples and diverse states, but strong enough to hold things together."
Further on the road, he and his wife volunteer to help the then-recent tornado victims in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Surrounded by selfless folks from around the country, they experience America at its best. And that's the way it goes throughout the journey. People all over America are a lot less worried about what holds the country together than Caputo is. They simply feel, as one Missourian puts it: "that we have more in common than not. ... I'm not sure it's true, but the important thing is that we believe it is."
To his credit, Caputo doesn't belabor the issue and instead lets the trip unfold along the blue highways. It's fun to tag along as an expert reporter recounts the sights, offers little history lessons and yanks stories from strangers at every stop.
The odyssey really takes flight when the pair cross the Mississippi and try (very loosely) to follow Lewis and Clark's trail. They make the requisite stops in South Dakota: the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (site of the Wounded Knee massacre), the Badlands and the Black Hills. And the lure of the Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana is too great to ignore.
However, Caputo is at his best in describing the little places that normally don't get attention. He visits a hippie commune in Tennessee and charts its four decades of evolution. His stop in Lebanon, Kan., near the geographic center of the "Lower 48," offers a vision of how once thriving cities now try to market "historic" downtowns.
In Grand Island, Neb., he encounters a community of Somali and Sudanese immigrants, whose refugee status worked in their favor when the Swift meat-packing plant sought legal foreign workers. At the farthest remove, the oil workers of Deadhorse live in an almost sci-fi world of fog, metal, burnt-off gases and cold. The end of the road was the "strangest and ugliest town in the country."
Through it all, including constant problems with the Airstream's balky drainage system, Caputo remains an amiable guide.
"The Longest Road" is good evidence that he's delightful company. But maybe the best evidence is that, despite traveling 8,314 miles over 79 days and living in a 19-foot trailer, he and his wife had only two spats.
John Barron is the former publisher and editor-in-chief of the Chicago Sun Times. He lives in Oak Park.
"The Longest Road"
By Philip Caputo, Henry Holt, 320 pages, $28
Philip Caputo will appear at a Printers Row event in Tribune Tower on July 24. For tickets or more information, visit printersrowjournal.com.


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Just relax and have fun boys and girls.............
Not everything needs to have a ribbon with it in order to measure success.
Just relax and have fun boys and girls.............
Not everything needs to have a ribbon with it in order to measure success.
These are field trials and the people involved largely don't understand a normal day much less a "normal days hunt".
Absolutely amazing.
Matt McKenzie
"Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it." Henry Ford
If they can keep half that much joy in their marriage they are going to be alright.
Some people dream of success, while others wake up and work hard for it.
"Five in the hole is better then 250 circling overhead." - Jase Robertson
I'm guessing they chose this song BEFORE Chris Brown's domestic abuse issues.
I was waiting to see John Belushi and Dan Akroyd doing back flips down the aisle.
Ken do you just browse youtube looking for this stuff.
Pretty cool, I am betting the party after the wedding was pretty fun.
Mamma Mia!
...and the YouTube vidoe of the reception is crazier yet.
Last edited by Thomas D; 07-23-2009 at 03:58 PM.
Tom Dorroh
Boston, GA
I thought that was one of the secrets of life "Dance like nobody is watching".
cave canem...beware of the dog
Richard Halstead (halst001 at yahoo.com)
Nancy P
"We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made." M.Facklam


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Fun Things to Do in Cecil County This Summer
July 22nd, 2013
Ah, summer. The season for enjoying nature, barbequing, spending time with family and friends, and hearing the dreaded three words "Mom Im bored." The further we get into summer, the more my kids are looking for something to do and looking at me to suggest it. My usual ideas like clean your room, unload the dishwasher, and vacuum the living room only generate exaggerated eye-rolling, or blank stares followed by, Im hungry–what do we have to eat? Luckily, there are lots of fun things to do with your kids in Cecil County this summer, most of which are free or very cheap. Here's my top ten list:
1. Take a hike on the Blue Trail to Turkey Point Lighthouse at Elk Neck State Park.
2. Travel back in time with a visit to historic Mount Harmon Plantation.
3. Attend the 60th Annual Cecil County Fair July 19-27 and make sure to stop by the Cecil County Public Librarys booth!
4. Visit the animals at the Plumpton Park Zoo.
5. Explore the historic Main Streets of one of Cecil County's great towns. See the canal and bridge in Chesapeake City, admire the granite cliffs in Port Deposit, or window-shop the boutiques in North East.
6. Drop by Harts Peach Festival for music, puppets, and peach goodies at Harts Amphitheater in North East on Saturday, August 10 from noon-4 pm.
7. Wander the trails, walk the covered bridge and play in the creek at Fair Hill.
8. Cruise to the Cecil County Dragway.
9. Pick your own fruits for a healthy, delicious summer treat. Click here for a list of the many wonderful orchards and markets in our county.
10. Don't forget to sign up for summer reading! People often think it's too late, but that's not true. Any reading your kids (or you) have done since June 1st counts, so sign up today. You have until August 3rd to turn in your reading logs and kids, teens and adults can win awesome prizes. The library also has a variety of entertaining (and free!) summer events for all ages. Click here to search the library's calendar.
What are your best ideas for summer fun in Cecil County?
Tags: Cecil County, Cecil County Fair, cecil county public library, cecil county public library summer reading, fun things to do in Cecil County, things to do in cecil county


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Program Co-Chairs:
Oliver T. Barry, Esq.
Barry Corrado Grassi & Gillin-Schwartz, P.C.
Wildwood, NJ
Stephanie M. Lockspeiser, Esq.
Stark & Stark
Princeton, NJ
Abraham Tran, Esq.
Andres & Berger, P.C.
Haddonfield, NJ
8:00 am - 9:00 am
Continental Breakfast & Registration • Exhibit Hall
9:00 am - 9:30 am
President's Address & Welcome
Edward P. Capozzi, Esq. • Roseland, NJ
NJAJ Membership Meeting
Click to view registration fees.
ABOUT THE SEMINAR: The Boardwalk Seminar 2020 features 31 seminars over three days. The advantage of this unique format is that you may move from seminar to seminar, hearing different topics as desired and thereby creating a seminar tailored to your specific needs.
* * * Special Offer * * *
Join NJAJ & Save $300 on Boardwalk Seminar registration.
If you join the New Jersey Association for Justice when registering for the Boardwalk Seminar 2020, you will receive the member registration fee ($200 less than the non-member rate) and as a part of this special offer you will receive an additional $100 off of the registration fee. Join NJAJ.
MCLE Credits
New Jersey - (Earn 7.20 Credits/Earn 0.0 Ethics Credits)
New York - (Earn 7.0 Credits/Earn 0.0 Ethics Credits - pending)
Pennsylvania - (Earn 6.0 Credits/Earn 0.0 Ethics Credits - pending)
This program has been approved by the Board on Continuing Legal Education of the
Supreme Court of New Jersey for 7.20 hours of total CLE credit.
Of these, 0.0 qualify as hours of credit for ethics/professionalism,
and 7.20 qualify as hours of credit toward certification in civil trial law.
Full-Time Judges, Full-Time Law School Professors,
Judicial Law Clerks & Law Student Members
Registration is complimentary for the seminar.
Pre-registration is required.
Course Materials
The seminar course materials will be online for attendees
to download on July 31, 2020.
Onsite/Door Registration:
An additional $25 will be added to all program fees for onsite registration.
Cancellation Policy:
Friday, July 31st is the last day for a refund (minus $20).
All cancellations must be in writing.
After Friday, cancellations and no shows will receive a credit (minus $20)
automatically good for 1 year for a future seminar or an on-demand seminar at www.theCLEstore.org.
If you have a disability that will require special assistance or services,
please send a letter describing your needs.


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Hoxs64 is a Commodore 64 emulator for Microsoft Windows 10. The emulator substantially reproduces this legacy machine in minute detail. Hoxs64 is available for download.
Hoxs64 is written by David Horrocks with the help of documents
written by the following people.
Many thanks to:
The debugger is now under construction.


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M8 Connection cable ifm electronic EVT187
Item number: 100272EAN: 4021179252287
- Connection cable
- M8 socket
- Angled - M8 connector straight
- 4 poles
- 2 m PVC cable
- Protection rating: IP67/IP68/IP69K
- Silicone-free
- Gold-plated contacts
- Stainless steel coupling nut
Technical details
Product description
M8 Connection cable ifm electronic EVT187The 4-pole M8 connection cable EVT187 from ifm with angled M8 socket and straight M8 plug has a 2 m PUR cable. The M8 stainless steel coupling nut is secured against shock and vibration due to saw tooth contoured vibration protection. Besides the high protection rating IP67/IP68/IP69K and the gold-plated contacts the EVT187 silicone-free connection cable is distinguished by its stainless steel coupling nut. The EVT187 connection cable is therefore ideal for demanding applications in hygienic and wet areas in the food industry.
Customer reviews


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If there's anything the investment business loves, it's a good marketing angle. And this is a business than can market like nobody else.
Growth stocks, value stocks, contrarian funds, macro plays, guru driven...you name it, the folks on Wall Street have thought it up and sold it to someone.
It's a lot of effort to keep people interested in money. Like any arcane profession, investing has its fans and obsessives.
For most people, though, it's a big yawn. They'd like to make sure their hard-earned savings grows safely, sure, but they really don't want to know too much about how or why.
Such fundamental disengagement is the kind of force that allows for the Bernie Madoffs of the world to prosper, unfortunately. But there's also something to be said for taking a hands-off approach.
For instance, research has shown that women do better than men at investing, in large part because they don't get wrapped up in heated trading strategies. Frankly, they are less emotional about it.
Seeking to capitalize on interest in the hands-off approach, the investment business dreamed up the index fund. It promised to buy and hold a broad selection of stocks, usually an entire market (thus "index") and help investors avoid the desire to buy and sell individual stocks.
So far, so good. But investors were looking for something even cheaper. And they wanted to trade those indexes more easily. Thus, 20 years ago, the exchange-traded fund (ETF) was born.
What is the major difference? These days, not as much as you might think.
The biggest difference is that index funds operate in the way all mutual funds do, in that they are priced at the close of the trading day based on the net asset value (NAV) of the underlying securities.
ETFs, meanwhile, are priced to the market all during the trading day. That means they are easier to buy and sell rapidly, if need be.
The downside of such flexibility is that there can be a spread between the "bid and ask" of an actively traded ETF, that is, you might not be able to sell it back into the market at the price you paid, even a minute later.
But the advantages of ETFs are very clear: They're dirt cheap. The expense ratio of the cheapest ETFs is down around 0.04%. (Note the extra zero to the right of decimal there. We're talking hundredths of a percentage point.)
Some of the cheapest index funds cost double that price or more. You might say, well, I'm losing money on the spread, right?
Maybe, but only if you expect to be buying and selling your ETFs willy nilly. The fact is, like our friend the highly composed female investor, you absolutely should not do that.
One might also argue that ETFs have turned into the high-risk marketing vehicle du jour. Also true, if you fall into the trap of trying to use ETFs to execute tricky macro strategies. Stories of "tracking error," where an ETF fails to keep up with its target benchmark, even moving in the opposite direction, are legion.
Yet that doesn't happen with the really broad, widely held ETFs, the ones that follow the S&P 500 or the biggest parts of the bond market. Their benchmarks are well understood, their designs simple and liquidity alone acts as buffer against crossed signals.
In sum, you can and should consider both ETFs and index funds. Both provide exposure to important asset classes at a very low price point.
But the ETF business is booming for a reason: Ease of trading and very low cost can help even the most ordinary retirement investor build a nest egg that will stand up in the long run, come what may in the markets.


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Hardy a late scratch with sprained left thumb
BALTIMORE -- About half an hour before the Orioles began their season finale with the Cardinals, an eventual 8-3 loss, J.J. Hardy was still part of the O's lineup. But after the shortstop took some swings, the Orioles decided to play it safe with his left thumb sprain and give him the day off.
"He wanted to play today," manager Buck Showalter said. "Probably could have. Swung the bat. He was going to make a little adjustment in his grip. Obviously, his left hand doesn't bother him defensively. But the wrong jam shot…"
Hardy, who entered the day batting .283 with six homers and 40 RBIs, injured his thumb during Baltimore's win on Saturday when he slid into catcher A.J. Pierzynski in the second inning. Hardy was on the field for pregame batting practice and was initially listed as batting sixth. He was replaced by Ryan Flaherty, who took over the eighth spot.
After Sunday's game, Hardy said the thumb was "a little bit sore" and making it tough to grip and swing the bat and open and close his glove. He and the O's aren't yet sure how long the injury will keep the former All-Star out.
"I have no idea," Hardy said. "Any time you're dealing with your hands it's tough in this sport. It's definitely frustrating. Hopefully, today's the only day and I'll come in tomorrow and I'll be able to get through it."


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- This event has passed.
Fish Feeding
June 11, 2019 @ 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Stop by our exhibit hall and take a trip through Florida's Coastal Ecosystems. Watch the unique and interesting creatures that inhabit our aquariums. Learn about different feeding behaviors and food choices as our fish, corals, anemones and much more chow down.
This program is FREE!


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Discount Room Rates
*Room Rates per room per night, breakfast included
Our rates do not include 18% taxes
NOTE: Sales Tax (IGV) on lodging is applicable to Peruvians and to foreign nationals with 60 consecutive days or more in Peru. To avoid this tax, foreign nationals and Peruvians who live abroad must present during hotel check-in their Customs stamped Andean Immigration Card - TAM, their Customs stamped original passport and the visa that certifies they live abroad (this last requirement is only for Peruvians that live outside Peru). Additionally, in case the room is shared by both a taxable and a non-taxable guest at the same time, the Sales Tax will be applied.
Prices are in American Dollars and subject to change without previous notice.
We DO NOT use an automated reservation machine. When you write to us, you will be in touch with a real travel specialist that will assist you in finding what you really need. We can also arrange airport transportation, tours, travel packages, flight bookings, and any other travel service that you may need
The best prices in Peru Tour Packages


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Function Room Hire Search - London and UK pub and bar venues
Are you looking for your very own private bar venue or pub function room for hire for an event such as a birthday party, wedding reception, Christmas party or sporting event.
Use the search below to find suitable pubs and venues and Sportspubs will email your requirements directly to each of the venues for you.
The search results will list the venues and their event facilities e.g. food, big screens for sport, band and DJ facilities, and late license availability.


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Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve Its History, Promote its Values & Celebrate Excellence Everywhere
Share your pictures, videos, and stories from your visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on our social media. We might even feature you in one of our promotions!
Alex and Ani is an official licensee of the NFL. Alex and Ani, LLC offers eco-friendly, positive energy products that adorn the body, enlighten the mind and empower the spirit, designed by Carolyn Rafaelian and made in America.


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First Half in the Books, Can't Wait for Friday
Been a rough first half for the Tampa Bay Rays. Some things have gone as planned, while others have seemed to be spontaneous adjustments and hunches that either worked brilliantly or destined to be talked about, and dissected over and over again by the Rays faithful. Not once this season did Rays Manager Joe Maddon get to post the nine names he wanted on his line-up card together, the 9 names that he felt would make a difference, would bring him a consistent key to victory.
Not one line-up card in the first half carried all 9 of the Rays best players. That in itself proves something to me. It also tells a tale of how hard these first 86 games has been for the Rays coaching staff and Maddon to nightly present a consistent line-up card. How frustrating it must have been for Maddon over these first few months to consult his Medical staff before penciling in someone with clarity. From B J Upton's early season absence to Evan Longoria's delayed return ( maybe mid-August), this team has been a mire shadow of their 2011 selves.
But with this All Star break comes a mini diversion of their 162 strife with a few days of life away from the ballpark to not only catch their breaths, but recharge and re-focus heading into their final 76 contests, I'm expecting to see some nervous energy and renewed excitement bouncing from the roof catwalks to the outfield walls when the team again straps on their uniforms this Thursday in preparation of their second half kick-off against divisional rivals Boston.
Odd how that old Maddon mantra of "Fortune Favors the Bold" will again be in play this Friday as divisional rival Boston brings their bats and fans into the Trop. for a weekend shindig. Bold moves have been made all year-long with positional players doing a merry-go-round of nightly choices, with a few of them meriting longer looks and prolonged involvement for players who might not have made this squad if all were healthy. Still the seamstress known as Maddon has stitched some amazing embroidery so far this season with his patchwork quilt of players from Brandon Allen to Will Rhymes.
Got to hand it to the Rays skipper for keeping the positive front, going with his gut instincts and proving again and again sometimes stats do not lie about players and situations. Only problem is Maddon will have to dig a little deeper over this final stretch, to find the pieces of the puzzle that fit each and every situation. Maddon has always preached the gospel of "Pitching sets the tone", and it does, but when bats go silent or swing at dead air, even a brilliant pitching performance or quality start can be lost in the nightly box score. Maddon might have to listen closer to the Zim bear as he whispers into the Rays skipper's ear. Seize the day has to be paramount with a hard-nosed defense again becoming the focal point of this club.
Might be kind of ironic that the group Train will perform on the Rays first night of their 10-game home festivities to begin their quest for another champagne soaked clubhouse and game dates in October. I got a nice vibe of reassurance from this squad in their final game in Cleveland on Sunday, that with all the strife, humbling injuries and peculiar results this team has had to endure over their first 86 games , the simple prospect of this team sitting just 1 game out of the American League Wild Card race is amazing.
I believe it was less than a month ago that the entire AL East was so jammed and reaching for the top spot you had to check the standing nightly to see who might be top dog. This division currently has their entire corp of contenders at or above the .500 mark and are bunched within single digits from the top-tier to the cellar. Toronto and Boston currently are 9.5 games out of the top spot, but that could change as quickly as a 3-game win or losing streak by anyone in front of them. To put this into deeper prospective, if the Rays were to get swept in their upcoming series against Boston ( not going to happen), the Red Sox would not only jump over the Rays into third place, it could just as easily push the Rays from eyesight of the New York Yankees into the cellar.
Even with the Rays currently sporting a 45-41 record, ESPN has the Rays enthusiastically sporting a 26.8 % chance of again spilling champagne in late September. For that to materialize, this squad has to re-mold itself into a more consistent fighting machine both on the field, and especially at the plate. Signs have been surfacing lately with Ben Zobrist rising his average up more than 50 points, Luke Scott finally getting the woodpeckers out of his bat bin, and Elliot Johnson no longer being the "secret weapon" no one knows about. Just a little more out of each of the Rays 25, and this club could be on track to again move onward and upward.
I know this Rays squad has it in them, we all saw it in their early Walk-off victories that somehow got lost in all the clouds of frustrations both on the hill and at the plate. When the Rays again get a few cogs of their offense back from their injury hiatus, pieces of the overall Rays puzzle will click back in place. Matt Joyce is days away, Evan Longoria could be back by mid August, starter Jeff Niemann should begin some level of baseball activities soon, possibly being back before the roster expand in September. This team realistically has their old magic just out of their reach right now, but it could be back sooner than we all imagine. For now, patience is not only a virtue for this team, it is a necessity.