text:
I have a perfect illustration of how the last weeks have been. Today I sat down at the computer to attempt some real work, and turned on my Pandora page. It was set to Christmas music.
There are about 30 reasons why, which I doubt very much you want to sort through. I'll just mention the most recent one, which is very typical of the other 29, in terms of debilitating power.
We got hit with a stomach virus; Spice first, then me. Not, of course, one of the wonderful "3 day stomach flu" bugs; this one is taking around 3 weeks. Starts with very thorough vomiting, which is likely to go on for 4 days or so, followed by a week or more of "tight stomach", along with half of your normal diet now making you nauseous. And, what the hay, exhaustion, right along.
I'm in the tail end of mine; you know, where you feel like you weigh 500 lbs and just had a lobotomy? Ah, joy.
What I usually do to combat the creeping insanity when I'm in that kind of place- almost able to get out of bed and work- but not really; is read.
I have a longstanding interest in and affection for China; I've been twice, and growing up I learned that my parents had a personal connection to General Vinegar Joe Stilwell; I read his diary when I was 14 or so. That was an eye-opener. Simultaneously I learned what a real general is like, and how difficult it is to be intelligent, moral, conscientious, and still function. And that China was an excellent model for Hell on Earth from about 1880 to 1950. And not comic-book hell; the real thing.
Consequently, whenever I've tripped over a novel or diary coming out of China from somewhere in that timeframe, I've always picked them up, added them to my pile.
So during my current convalescence (as opposed to the 8 others since January 1) I picked up the nearest book I hadn't read for several years, and it was Heaven Below, by E.H. Clayton; Prentice Hall, 1944. I tried to find a link to it- but nothing useful, and one site for rare books. Some libraries should still have it.
About halfway through it, I realized what I was holding in my hand. A manual for survival in the midst of cultural and political chaos. Something a lot of folks have been wishing for. Then it also occurred to me that many of the other books I have read about China in those years also contain many insights along the same lines; The Joy Luck Club, for instance, something a bit easier to find.
Clayton was a schoolmaster in Hangchow for 30 some years, starting in 1912; and the book was written before the end of WWII. Hangchow has been called the Venice of China, which is not a terrible comparison; canals, ancient, wealthy, and sophisticated. In Chinese literature, calling it Heaven on Earth, was a common metaphor.
The book is extremely readable, and Clayton has an acute eye for human nature, and an unusually good grasp of how the world works. And a sense of humor, mordant at times.
He lived through, and documents, including the details of daily life, the early rise of Chinese Nationalism, the advent of communism, the Generalissimo, and invasion and occupation by Japan. Plenty of chaos and conflict to go around. And he can see through his own eyes and culture, and the eyes of his Chinese teacher colleagues, and his Chinese students (boys), in an unusually balanced way.
An example from his early years, when ancient China was still predominant:
Several hundred years ago, a philanthropic Chinese gentleman had left his fortune to provide, in perpetuity, a free ferry across the river, which at Hangchow is a mile and a half wide. For three hundred years, sails and oars were the motive power, or long poling bamboos stuck in the mud and pressed against the naked bellies of sweating, chanty-singing coolies who leaned against them until they seemed almost on all fours as they forced the heavy junks through the water. The ferryboat was never started till every last inch of vacant space had been occupied by countrymen with loaded carrying-poles bringing produce to the city market - bamboo shoots, yams, peas, beans, chestnuts, water chestnuts, water nuts, the edible bulrush, and chickens - or returning carrying the precious two-bucket uncovered load of night-soil, which is the chief fertilizer on all Chinese farms.
I can see, and smell that, quite vividly - what a huge amount of information he has packed in. One of the most significant bits, to me, is the fact that traditional Chinese culture was so stable that a bequest like that could still be working after 300 years- longer than the USA has existed.
He lived there to see the complete collapse of traditional China, both culturally and politically, lived through constant sequential occupations by warlords, then the Japanese- a different phenomenon altogether. And, he saw the people survive (some of them), and develop a fierce determination among them to make China a modern state. They developed a sense of community.
One of the scariest things facing us is that we're looking at an unknown future; we can no longer predict or see what will happen next year, and after. One of the very ominous and real possibilities is the end of any practical rule of law- can we survive that? How?
Grab a book on China, 1910 to 1960, and you'll start to see what is possible. In 1938 or so, China's population stood at a mere 400,000,000 - close to the current population of the US of 300M plus.
A huge amount of it is grim beyond the comprehension of white-picket fence small town life here.
I think it can help to know that others have come through such hell, and out the other side to once again live lives they consider worthwhile.
I think it is also a good idea to learn what hell can bring, and prepare for it as much as you can. A good smack-upside the head with the 2x4 of Chinese history might help wake us up.
Much of what Clayton has to tell is heart-wrenching; reading the book is no picnic if you have an ounce of compassion. After the Japanese occupation:
A rice kitchen was maintained for adults who could show evidence of complete destitution. Eight hundred people were given tickets admitting them to a daily noon meal that was almost sufficient to keep them alive. These people were not all originally poor. One man had been the proprietor of a shop with a half million dollars worth of business a year. Several school teachers were in the group. Twenty years ago the military governor of Chekiang province had given the school a gymnasium, and now his second wife was eating in our rice kitchen, which used the gymnasium as a dining room.
One day I gave a ticket to a man whom I met on the street. It was a ticket for a month's dinners; but he misunderstood and thought it entitled him to just one meal. When he came in he was placed at a table with seven other men. He ate much more than a man in his condition should eat, then waited until the others had left and cleaned off with his tongue the entire surface of the table. So far as he knew, it might be the last meal he would ever have.
In spite of our work among children, we had many requests for rice-kitchen tickets for young people, and during the last few months we decided that, since the numbers could not be increased, we should try to save the young rather than the old. This decision forced upon me a responsibility that was very difficult to bear. Day after day it was necessary for me to say, time and again, to sweet-faced old grandmothers, or to kindly-faced old gentlemen, "No, we cannot help you." This meant, "Go and starve," and that is what they did.
A horrifingly difficult thing to do. Slightly easier for him perhaps because his boundaries and necessities were so clearly delineated. Just so much rice. 5,000 refugees inside his school walls, a school designed for 200 boys- and millions- literally- outside.
Could you do it? I have to think that coping with whatever comes may be a little easier if we think about it ahead of time. It may be, literally, a matter of life or death.


text:
Happy Jack: A Day in the Life of one of Southwest's Biggest Fans
Happy Jack: A Day in the Life of one of Southwest's Biggest Fans
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Mark as New
- Mark as Read
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Printer Friendly Page
- Report Inappropriate Content
Jack Henry has been 'geek chic' for Southwest Airlines since his first SWA flight 2 1/2 years ago. Like most little boys, we considered his penchant for planes to be fairly typical, but Jack's love of planes was specific to SWA. He talked so much about Southwest that the following year, when we made our summer vacation plans, we specifically decided to fly Southwest as we knew it would thoroughly delight Jack. This flight only fueled his fire for all things SWA, which we found useful in negotiating that tricky period in the morning of trying to get breakfast made with two hungry toddler boys. While I prepared breakfast, I would let Jack watch a YouTube video of SWA on the condition that he had to type out "Southwest Airlines" into the computer. So at the age of 3 1/2, although he couldn't spell his first name, he could most definitely spell Southwest Airlines! I thought, of course he would want to watch videos with planes taking off, but he quickly learned how to navigate YouTube and his favorite videos included information about SWA and general air travel. Jack's favorite videos are, 'A Day in the Life of Reservations', 'A Day in the Life of Cargo' and his number one favorite, 'A Day in the Life of the 25 Minute Turn'. And, oh yes you can bet he's a bit sweet on Miss Christi McNeill.
With all of Jack's SWA enthusiasm, we wanted to do something special for his 4th birthday. We thought it would be great if we could get him a tour of SWA at our local airport in Los Angeles. As you can imagine, this is not as easy as you would think. However, SWA's customer-friendly team (led by the amazing Ashley Pettit) went out of their way to make it happen!
Our young pilot's day began at 5:30 a.m. in preparation for our 7 a.m. tour at LAX. There we were greeted by SWA's John B., who gave Jack a gift of an official toddler-sized SWA pilot hat and a SWA toy set. Talk about knowing how to get straight to Jack's heart! Jack dressed in his pilot uniform, capped with his official SWA pilot hat, relished in the attention and proceeded to tell everyone he was a pilot for SWA and that his little brother James was his Copilot.
John gave Jack a VIP tour, spending over an hour and a half with us, taking us to baggage, to maintenance, and to the flight tracker room, (you'd think boring, but oh no, Jack was eating all of it up). Afterward, John took us onto the tarmac where Jack checked out air stairs, a provisioning truck (or as Jack calls it, 'the food truck'), aviation pushbacks, the wheels of a plane, and the baggage compartment. One of the ground crew guys came over to say hi and gave Jack a lift up into the baggage compartment. Then he did the ultimate and gave Jack a pair of light sticks! (Since then he's been waving in planes from our front balcony!).
You may be wondering if this tour could get any better…well, it did. Captain Scott Kirk and First Officer Drew W. graciously agreed to arrive early to greet our birthday boy. Captain Kirk was so delightful with Jack in the giving of his time and enthusiasm. Not knowing John had already given Jack the SWA toy set, he also purchased one for Jack, which really touched us.
I feel that my words do not convey the generosity of Captain Kirk, the crew and John B. shared with Jack Henry and all of us that day, but I hope you can start to get a glimmer of it. And so, it is with heartfelt gratitude, we thank the magnificent team at Southwest Airlines: Ashley Petit, John B., Captain Scott Kirk, First Officer Drew W., the Flight Crew, and all the other SWA team members who contributed to a most wonderful 'Day in the Life of Jack Henry' that will likely become a cherished lifetime memory.
You must be a registered user to add a comment. If you've already registered, sign in. Otherwise, register and sign in.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases
Jean-Laurent Casanova, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Casanova studies the human genetic determinism of pediatric infectious diseases, particularly mycobacterial diseases, invasive pneumococcal disease, herpes simplex encephalitis and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. He is interested in identifying monogenic "holes" in the immune defense of otherwise healthy children who are susceptible to specific infectious diseases, work that has profound implications for and has resulted in a paradigm shift in clinical medicine and fundamental immunology.
Dr. Casanova's laboratory aims to understand what it is that makes some children develop a severe clinical illness in the course of infection while others exposed to the same microbe remain unharmed. The laboratory revealed that single-gene inborn errors of immunity in children may confer severe and selective vulnerability to certain infectious illnesses, whereas corresponding infections in adults result more from complex inheritance. This work not only blurs the distinction between patient-based Mendelian genetics and population-based complex genetics but also provides experimental support for a unified genetic theory of human infectious diseases.
Since the 1950s and until recently, it was believed that mutations in a single gene confer vulnerability to multiple infectious diseases (one gene, multiple infections), whereas common infections have been associated with the inheritance of multiple susceptibility genes (multiple genes, one infection). Dr. Casanova and Dr. Laurent Abel identified and characterized new genetic defects that predispose otherwise healthy individuals to a single type of infection (one gene, one infection), a novel causal relationship that modified the paradigm that had dominated the field for decades.
Dr. Casanova's team has identified inborn errors of immunity conferring increased susceptibility to specific pathogens. Examples include the discovery of the molecular genetic basis of predisposition to mycobacterial diseases (mutations of the IL-12-IFN--STAT-1 circuit), invasive pneumococcal disease (mutations of the TIR-IRAK4-MyD88-NF-B pathway), herpes simplex encephalitis (mutations of the TLR3-UNC93B1-IFN-/ pathway) and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (mutations in the IL-17 circuit). In parallel, Dr. Abel's team showed that several common infections, such as schistosomiasis and leprosy, reflect the inheritance of major susceptibility genes, as defined by segregation and/or linkage studies, at least in some populations.
In this context, Dr. Casanova and his colleague Dr. Abel discovered the first cases of Mendelian predisposition to tuberculosis in children and the first major susceptibility locus for this disease in adults. This work strongly supports the notion of a continuous spectrum of genetic susceptibility to infectious diseases, ranging from Mendelian predisposition in children (during primary infection) to complex predisposition in adults (during reinfection or reactivation from latency). The laboratory is now principally focused on testing the hypothesis that life-threatening infectious diseases of childhood result from collections of rare single-gene inborn errors of immunity.
Altogether, the discoveries have impacted immunology, as they revealed that many immunological circuits that were thought to play a broad role in host defense are largely redundant and essential for immunity against only one or a few specific infections. Dr. Casanova and Dr. Abel hope to decipher the genetic basis of several infectious diseases, thereby defining the function of host defense genes in natura, i.e., in the natural ecosystem in which human populations live and are subjected to natural selection.
Revealing monogenic holes in the immune defense of otherwise healthy children also has profound clinical implications, offering many families worldwide the possibility of molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling as well as treatments aimed at restoring a deficient immune response. Children with impaired IFN- production, for example, are prone to tuberculosis and benefit from IFN-, whereas patients with impaired IFN-/ production are prone to herpes simplex encephalitis and may benefit from IFN-.


text:
Kalie Shorr has been carving out a name for herself since moving to Music City five years ago . . . and she hasn't let a little thing like the lack of a record deal stand in her way.
Since 2016, Kalie has released three EPs, and as one of the co-founders of the all-female, singer-songwriter collective Song Suffragettes, the talented 24-year-old has been an incredible champion for women, not only in country music, but in all genres. The group's 2018 song, "Times Up," which Kalie co-wrote, addresses issues of gender inequality and sexual misconduct in relation to the #MeToo movement.
We talk about Kalie's journey, shocking ways she's been told "no" in the industry, her music and so much more. Hope you enjoy!
Podcast Participants:
- Kalie Shorr
- Elaina Smith, host of WWTHW
- Kalie "Plays It Forward" by covering RaeLynn's 2016 single, "Love Triangle," which reached No. 27 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
- Kalie performs her 2016 single, "Fight Like a Girl."
Kalie's Women Want to Hear Women Playlist
Need a refresher what #WomenWantToHearWomen is all about?
Past episodes:
Kacey Musgraves
Dolly Parton
Carly Pearce
Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square
Tegan Marie
Clare Dunn
Stephanie Quayle
Sarah Darling
Rachel Reinert
Carrie Underwood
Abby Anderson
Runaway June


text:
Server Side JTalk
Looks like JTalk is still making good progress:
As announced in an earlier blog-post, i implemented a RemoteRunner for the jtalk-server (based on the jtalk-project). It's very simple: if you implement a Method runRemote in your class, e.g. RemoteTest, then by executing:
RemoteRunner new runClass: RemoteTestwill execute the Smalltalk-Code implemented in the runRemote-Method on the server. The example prints out the date and time of the server.


text:
We've compared all 15 flights that go to or via Vishakhapatnam every week, to find the best deal for you. Virgin Atlantic usually has the cheapest flights from Manchester to Vishakhapatnam, so keep an eye out for them in your search results. If they're not the cheapest option, try searching by month to compare costs throughout the week.
We scan thousands of airfares from hundreds of airlines across the globe. We've found that three airlines operate the 8147 km flight from Manchester to Vishakhapatnam. Flights during peak season tend to be the most expensive – so if you want to go during that time, it's best to book early. Or you could try to get a last-minute deal.
If you're fairly flexible about when you want to fly to Vishakhapatnam, searching by month will show you the cheapest times to go. It's also worth looking out for flights operated by Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic & Emirates, as they're the most popular airlines for this journey.
Flights from Manchester to Vishakhapatnam normally take 22 hrs 30 mins. Make sure you check what refreshments or meals are included, so you can plan your journey. Before you book, why not check out our hotel and car hire options? We have some hotels close to the airport – handy if you're arriving late at night, or flying back very early.


text:
Laser incidents worry aviation officials
Federal Aviation Administration officials are worried about a substantial increase in the number of people pointing lasers at aircraft cockpits, saying the intense light can distract and temporarily blind pilots and has caused some to relinquish control to their co-pilots or abort landings.
This year, there have been more than 2,200 incidents reported to the Federal Aviation Administration, up from fewer than 300 in 2005. California, Texas and Florida have recorded the most, but the problem is widespread across the country.
There hasn't been an air crash so far, but the incidents have aviation officials concerned.
"It sounds silly, but this is a serious problem," FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt wrote Wednesday in a post on a Transportation Department blog.
"We know that laser pointers are an important tool for astronomers and casual stargazers," Babbitt wrote. "But we just can't stress enough the importance of being careful when you are shining them into the night sky."
The rise in incidents has coincided with a growing hobbyist market for handheld lasers that are far more powerful — and potentially dangerous — than the typical laser pointer. At the same time prices have dropped. Lasers that once cost more than $1,000 can now be bought online for a few hundred dollars or less.
Some lasers are marketed with holsters that can be clipped onto a belt, creating a gunslinger-like appearance. Earlier this year, Lucasfilm threatened legal action against Wicked Lasers, a Hong Kong-based company whose lasers have aluminum handles that resemble the lightsabers of the "Star Wars" movies. Lucasfilm later dropped the threat.
"Wicked Lasers defeats dark forces of George Lucas," the laser company's website brags.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology issued a statement in September warning parents that new, powerful laser devices can easily cause eye damage and blindness. The academy pointed to the case of a 15-year-old boy who suffered severe eye damage while playing with a laser in front of a mirror. Lasers don't have to be pointed at someone's eyes to cause harm; reflected light can cause damage as well.
A laser pointer like those used by lecturers typically generates about 5 milliwatts of power. Wicked Laser's website offers a 1,000-milliwatt handheld laser.
The laser company didn't respond to an e-mail request for comment.
Dozens of people in the United States and around the world have been arrested for pointing lasers at aircraft cockpits, most often near airports during takeoffs and landings. Those are the most critical phases of flight, when pilots need to be their most alert. Interference with air navigation is a federal crime.
Last year, an Orange, Calif., man was sentenced to 2½ years in prison for aiming a handheld laser at two Boeing jets as the passenger planes were about to land at John Wayne Airport.
In August, a Baltimore police helicopter pilot was temporarily "flash blinded" by a laser, preventing him from helping fellow officers chasing a suspect. The pilot recovered, circled around and spotlighted the house where the beam had come from as officers on the ground rushed in to arrest the culprit.
The same month, green lasers were pointed at the cockpits of two medical helicopters transporting patients in Pittsburgh, including a 5-year-old boy injured in a bicycle accident.
There are red, blue and violet lasers as well, but the green is the most visible against a night sky. The green lasers are also 35 times brighter than equivalently powered red lasers because humans are much more sensitive to green light, according to the Congressional Research Service.
In July, a Maryland state police helicopter pilot was briefly blinded by several green lasers while trying to land in Ocean City to pick up a trauma patient, but no one was injured. Two Coast Guard helicopters made precautionary landings this summer after the pilots were flashed with lasers while patrolling Los Angeles beaches and ports.
Last year, pilots of dozens of planes taking off and landing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport reported being flashed with green lasers.


text:
Tocca Fine Fragrances
Italy's Tocca is a world-famous fragrance house known for its exquisite scents. Our Tocca fragrances and candles from Distinctive Decor include the best of this Italian company's Old Europe-inspired scents and fresh, new fragrances. Tocca is the Italian word for touch. Your skin will feel very touchable with Tocca's elegant body lotions, hand creams and soaps scented with your favorite Tocca fragrance. Choose scents that reflect your elegance, whimsy, love of romance, sense of adventure or mystery.
We have Tocca colognes from Italy in 1.7-ounce perfume bottles and 20ml travel sprays for your adventures around the world. Our 10.6-ounce Italian-made Tocca candles in open jars and small 3-ounce jarred votive candles are beautiful ways to add inviting scents to your home, beach house, island villa or mountain lodge accommodations. Create different moods in each home with different candle scents. Tropical resorts, grand hotels and quaint B&Bs are among our customers for Tocca candles perfumed with heavenly scents.
Combine two or more of our Tocca lotions and soaps with a Tocca candle to create a splendid gift for you or for loved ones. We can gift-wrap your purchase with our signature wrapping and bows or create a basket of presents for holidays and other special occasions. With our competitive pricing and fast shipping, we are a favorite for designer scents and home Decor. We have lovely fashion jewelry collections, famed home fragrance lines and exquisite handmade dinnerware. Sign up for our email sales exclusives and news about our latest finds. Because we work with Old World masters and innovative artisans, our company has been featured in leading newspapers and magazines. Discover why when you discover our myriad splendid buys.


text:
'Global warming may not be occurring in quite the manner one might have imagined' WND
Figures from the Compo and Sardeshmukh study |
As dignitaries from around the world gather for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, attendees are unlikely to champion a recent study that demonstrates oceanic heat levels – and not man-made greenhouse gases – are to blame for increases in temperature on land.
An estimated 9,000 government, media and U.N. officials are meeting in Poznan, Poland, for the conference, discussing possible international action to combat global warming. According to media relations information provided by the conference, "Climate change is already happening, is unequivocal and this change can now be firmly attributed to human activity."
Not so fast, says a study released earlier this year by Gilbert Compo and Prashant Sardeshmukh of the University of Colorado and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and presented in the scientific journal Climate Dynamics.
According to Compo and Sardeshmukh's study, all the greenhouse gases humans have dumped in the atmosphere over the last 46 years – the primary factor most climate change proponents cite to blame humans for global warming – haven't affected land temperatures at all.
The rise in land temperatures, the study states, can be tied directly to increased heat and humidity coming from warmer oceans, which in turn, the study admits, may be caused solely by natural forces.
The results led the scientists to conclude, "Global warming may not be occurring in quite the manner one might have imagined."
The study's conclusions were based on models of land surface temperatures from 1960 to 2006. The scientists forced the models to project temperatures accounting for only the known rise in oceanic heat levels from that time and negating any effect of an increase in man-made greenhouse gases.
"The recent worldwide land warming has occurred largely in response to a worldwide warming of the oceans," concludes the study's abstract, "rather than as a direct response to increasing greenhouse gases (GHGs) over land."
The study continues, "Atmospheric model simulations of the last half-century with prescribed observed ocean temperature changes, but without prescribed GHG changes, account for most of the land warming."
In other words, the study found that rising land temperatures can be explained by increased warmth and, particularly, humidity from the oceans. Man-made greenhouse gases, the study found, haven't significantly affected land temperatures.
But if rising land temperatures are caused by rising ocean temperatures, what's causing the earth's seas to heat up?
The study admitted it could be anthropogenic, man-made, but it could also be due to increased sun activity, underwater volcanoes or simply the earth's regular patterns.
"Although not a focus of this study," write Compo and Sardeshmukh, "the degree to which the oceans themselves have recently warmed due to increased GHG, other anthropogenic, natural solar and volcanic forcings, or internal multi-decadal climate variations is a matter of active investigation."
Further, they write, "A role for natural causes of at least some of the recent oceanic warming should not be ruled out."
Posted: December 06, 2008
By Drew Zahn
Source: WorldNetDaily


text:
When most people think of stretching, static stretches are what come to mind. But while static stretches may have a place in some situations, the benefits of dynamic stretching can be even more advantageous, especially for athletes looking for a sport-specific warm-up routine.
Use these dynamic stretching tips that focus on functional movements to improve flexibility and prevent injury before you workout.
More: Combine Plyometrics With Dynamic Stretching
Rethink Your Routine
Dynamic stretching is a routine in which momentum and muscular effort are used to elongate muscles at the end of a range of motion. It can be used as a way to prepare the body for exercise by actively engaging your muscles in movements similar to those you'll perform during your activity.
A lot of athletes shy away from this type of stretching, choosing instead to perform static stretches because it's more familiar.
But if you have an open mind, including dynamic stretching into your routine will benefit your workout in ways that static stretches alone cannot. Because these stretches are based on functional movements, you will improve your range of motion and your coordination, which are both unique to dynamic stretching.
More: Before You Run: The Dynamic Warm-Up
Dynamic Stretches Done Right
Dynamic stretching shouldn't last more than 10 minutes. Keep in mind that just because the stretches involve movement doesn't mean it's supposed to fatigue your muscles. The goal of dynamic stretching is to gradually increase your heart rate and elevate your core temperature before you workout. You should break a sweat, but you shouldn't be breathing hard.
Begin with the following warm-up:
1. Start with jogging, running, or skipping rope. Jumping jacks, burpees, and mountain climbers are other alternatives to get your blood flowing.
2. Once your muscles are warm and you've achieved a light sweat, choose exercises that will warm-up all of your muscle groups. Trunk twists, arm circles, squats, pushups and lunges are a good place to start. Perform each exercise for 30 to 45 seconds.
- 1
- of
- 2


text:
AC Limo Service
A&C Black Car Services
We offer a variety of luxury car and limousine services. Our fleet is diverse, ranging from premium sedans that are perfect for business travel to spacious vans that are ideal for group transportation. Recognizing the distinct needs of each client, we ensure our offerings can be personalized to align with their precise demands.
Austin ( AW-stin, UK also OST-in) is the capital city of the U.S. state of Texas, as well as the seat and most populous city of Travis County, with portions extending into Hays and Williamson counties. Incorporated on December 27, 1839, it is the 10th most populous city in the United States, the 4th most populous city in Texas, and the 2nd most populous state capital city. It has been one of the fastest growing large cities in the United States since 2010. Downtown Austin and Downtown San Antonio are approximately 80 miles (129 km) apart, and both fall along the Interstate 35 corridor. Austin is the southernmost state capital in the contiguous United States and is considered a Beta-level global city as categorized by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network.As of 2021, Austin had an estimated population of 964,177, up from 961,855 at the 2020 census.
Angus Valley, Austin Lake Hills, Barton Hills, Blackland, Central Austin, Central East Austin, Cherry Creek, Cherrywood, Chimney Hill, Clarksville, Crestview, Dawson, East Austin, East Cesar Chavez, East Congress


text:
Find My Dream Home!
Sorry we are experiencing system issues. Please try again.
"We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your great efforts in working out everything beautifully and timely with our new home! Your professionalism and willing to go above and beyond to help truly warmed our hearts! We felt so lucky to have the opportunity to work with you on this project, and we certainly want to work with you in the future. We have not seen anyone who could be this responsive, attentive, professional, resourceful and helpful like you. You left a great impression onto us. We cannot thank you enough for what you did for us. " - Juming Z. & Su C. -
"I cannot rave enough about the experience of working with Joel and Dorit to buy a home in Encino. They were incredible business partners, very respectful of our needs and wishes, unbelievably organized and professional, and willing to get down into the weeds on anything- even if it was not a part of the job. I will definitely use them again in the future." - Bryan S. & Bethany S. -
"Joel was amazing to work with to buy a home. He was able to get me in to see homes immediately, and was extremely responsive when I called or emailed. I was able to find a home within two-three months and when the home of my choice fell through Joel was there to find other options. I love my home, and would use Joel again for any future purchases I do in the future. I recommend him to all my friends." - Miriam G. -
"Joel is a broker of great integrity. His knowledge of the market is very good and he was always available to us during the buying process. He worked very hard for us and I would highly recommend him." - Brian K. -
"Joel and Dorit are a powerhouse team -- pleasant to work with and very thorough. They went out of their way to not only make sure I found what I wanted in the price point I wanted, but they made sure I understood what my options were and walked me carefully through each stage of the process. I'm a first time homebuyer who was referred to them by a friend who also had a great experience with them buying his first home. I had an idea of what area of the city I wanted, generally the kind of place I wanted, what I thought I could afford. Right away, in our first meeting, they had pulled comprehensive market reports on the neighborhoods I was targeting as well as nearby neighborhoods. I got a bird's eye view of what inventory was like, how much places in the last year sold for, etc. When I was ready to begin searching, they were happy to let me set the tempo. How many listings do I want to receive? How many places would I like to see each week so I get a good sense of what's available without becoming overwhelmed? Given that I was kind of learning as I went, this was exactly what I was looking for in an agent. Someone very knowledgable about the marketplace, equally concerned with my satisfaction and enjoyment of the search as they were with closing a deal. When it came to making offers, Joel went out of his way to make himself available to what worked best with my schedule. He was helpful in my search for a broker, navigating the tricks that selling agents and developers try to get away with, and gave me perspective on the big picture. I have already began referring Joel and Dorit more clients and wouldn't hesitate to work with them again when I'm ready for the next stage of home ownership." - Theo T. -
"As a first-time homebuyer I had no idea what to look for in a realtor. Joel Cooper made buying a home painless and in some ways fun. Throughout the entire process of picking out a home and signing paperwork Mr. Cooper definitely made me feel as if I was always in the drivers seat. He was also more than happy to give his professional option whenever I wasn't sure of something. Joel Cooper has all the characteristics of a great realtor. He is honest, determined and most import VERY PUNCTUAL. I had worked with 3 realtors before I found Mr. Cooper and there is nothing more frustrating than waiting at a home you are interested in buying and your realtor calls you and says, "I'm on my way". I highly recommend Joel Cooper when deciding on a realtor and I will definitely request his services again when the time comes to either buy another home or sell my current one. " - Felipe A. -


text:
Potential new colorectal cancer treatment target identified
(HealthDay)—The cell surface marker carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CD66c) is a novel marker for colorectal cancer stem cell isolation, which halts tumor growth when silenced, according to research published online Oct. 1 in Cancer.
Marica Gemei, Ph.D., of CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnology in Naples, Italy, and colleagues characterized CD66c expression in colorectal cancer stem cells by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry in colon cancer samples and normal tissue. They evaluated its expression in colon cancer stem cells and in stem cell-enriched colon spheres and examined the role of RNA-mediated CD66c silencing on the in vitro and in vivo growth of Caco2 colon cancer cells.
Compared with normal colon tissues, the researchers found that CD66c expression was significantly higher in colorectal cancer samples, with expression correlating with cancer stage. Its expression was absent in Prominin 1 (CD133)-positive cells from normal colon but was brightest (CD66cbright) in CD133-positive colon cancer samples. In vitro experiments in stem cell-enriched colon spheres exhibited cells expressing CD66cbright, similar to that observed in fresh liver metastases. In Caco2 cells, CD66c silencing hampered in vitro proliferation and clonogenic potential, and in vivo xenograft experimentation attenuated the tumorigenic potential of Caco2 cells.
"CD66cbright expression was associated with colon cancer stem cells and CD66c silencing blocked tumor growth, thereby opening the way to a potential new treatment for colon cancer," the authors write.
More information:
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


text:
Water, water everywhere!
In our sequel to Sprinkle we are introducing water in a whole new way: pools, ponds and even oceans of it! You'll be able to travel between islands on a raft, extinguish burning objects by pushing them into the water and solve puzzles with objects that either sink or float!
[...] via Mediocre blog. [...]
If the game does not get too heavy fine because my tablet does not handle very heavy game
I want to play continue this game
When it comming ?
Have you guys ever thought about adding replay to your games. Could be a cool feature.
Leave a Reply to Droid Cancel reply
Back to work
It feels great to be back working after the holidays! Here is a glance at a rough sketch for the storyboard to the intro (for our sequel to Sprinkle). Can you guess the story?
Hope everyone are having an amazing 2013 so far!
Can't wait! Love your games!
When will the sequel be done by? Can't wait too long for it….
We don't have an official release date yet, keep an eye on our blog and facebook page for more info!
is it safe to buy your games on iranian Bazar?
Hi! Yes it is!
You guys are the best ….
Your Every Game rocks …
Pls make it soon … Can't Wait ..
I will buy It immediately .
Leave a Reply to Droid Cancel reply
The making of Granny Smith
Dennis has written two technical articles about the development of Granny Smith, you can find them on his blog:
Leave a Reply to Droid Cancel reply
Ten things you didn't know about Granny Smith
1) The main inspiration for the game was the intro sequence to the "Naked Gun" movies with Leslie Nielsen.
2) The working title of the game was "Rollo", named after a Swedish candy. The folder in our main game repository is still called rollo.
3) The game objective of collecting three apples before the thief was unknowingly invented by Jon Jordan at PocketGamer. We showed the game to PocketGamer at the Nordic Game Conference, and based on a misunderstanding, Jon wrote an article about how he thought the game worked. When we read his article we first went – doh, he got it all wrong! Then we went – hmm, his idea is actually more fun than ours, let's change it! We still haven't told Jon about this.
4) The voice actor for Granny is also a talented illustrator.
5) The main character was first an old man called Mr Rollins.
6) The soda machine in some of the city levels has a sticker that says "More molecules" as a tribute to the movie Idiocracy.
7) Even though the game only has two buttons, we spent a whole month trying out different control schemes before we settled on the current one. Some of them included the tilt sensor and a button for rotating backwards.
8) The Panda at the Zoo level is a tribute to Henrik's girlfriend Hanna, based on a nickname he has for her.
9) The building textures in the city levels are mostly made out of photos from San Francisco, where Dennis lived for some time before Mediocre existed.
10) The Stanley character is based on a man called Sten, well-known in the Swedish games industry for organizing great parties at game development conferences.
[...] via Mediocre [...]
Congratulations, Henrik, this is a great work!
Kisses from Barcelona,
It's a nice one. Kids really like it. Thanks for sharing. New Release !! Lets see this game "City Cleaner" for kids. Also FREE to download from Google Play..!! so download it & give rating.!
What is Henrik's score in Granny Smith?
Leave a Reply to Droid Cancel reply
Granny Smith Arcade Machine
For the Granny Smith release party, I wanted to make an old school arcade machine, and since the game is controlled with virtual buttons it should make a nice experience to play it with physical buttons. My initial idea was to build it from an old discarded radio or tv, but it was hard to find to find an appropriate cabinet.
After putting up some shelves in the kitchen I had this masonite board and some small pieces of wood laying around, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. I sketched out the pieces directly with a pen and then used a regular jigsaw to cut it. I should maybe have used proper screws to assemble it, but I was lazy and did it with nails instead. It actually turned out more sturdy than I thought it would.
The idea was to suspend a tablet on inside to act as screen and for running the game. It took some tweaking to get the height of it right and find a way to easily remove the tablet if needed without disassembling the whole device. Below is the final setup, which also leaves room for connecting the charger at the bottom of the tablet. The tablet is an Asus Transformer TF300T.
The controls was my biggest headache for the project and I was researching different ways of mechanically translating a button press into touch directly on the screen. Apparently, anti-static socks use silver thread, and they can double as the tip of a touch stylus. I never got further than that fortunately, because I came to think of a little toy from the goodie bag of this year's Game Developers Conference – a Zeemote wireless joystick. Connecting that to an Android tablet and hook up the buttons to the joystick should do the trick.
I ordered real arcade buttons from DealExtreme. They feel and look exactly as cheap as they are ($7 for four buttons, including shipping), but only two of the four I ordered actually worked. I wanted four buttons to also allow throwing baseballs and bananas, so I complemented the arcade buttons with more sturdy metal buttons bought locally. They don't feel like arcade buttons, but are way more reliable. Perhaps the trickiest part of the whole project was to solder wires from the buttons onto the Zeemote. Anyone who have seen a Zeemote know it is extremely tiny. Now imagine opening this device and soldering cables directly onto the circuit board. I didn't get it right the first time, and I was more than once convinced I would ruin it, but eventually I got all the wires in place, and it has worked ever since.
Controlling the tablet with a Zeemote is done using the Zeemote SDK, available to developers for free. Now I would say I'm a fairly experienced game developer and I have never in my career seen a more complicated API for something as simple as reading input from a joystick. Seriously, it should be three or four functions at most, but the Zeemote SDK somehow manages to present this in an API with tons of classes and methods, even suggesting that you base your whole game around their sample framework! I refused to use something that silly and started looking for alternatives. Fortunately there is a little Android app called USB/BT Joystick Center 6 that is totally awesome. It lets you hook up any USB or bluetooth joystick and map the input to key strokes, button pressed or even touch input. I hooked it up and it worked instantly!
Now all the pieces were in place, so I painted the cabinet black and printed stickers for the front and sides. Voila, the Granny Smith arcade machine. /Dennis
[...] Pad TF300T, some arcade buttons and a Zeemote bluetooth controller. Go ahead and check out Mediocre's blog to see more about the process and details. It took a bit of work and money to put it all together, [...]
[...] Pad TF300T, some arcade buttons and a Zeemote bluetooth controller. Go ahead and check out Mediocre's blog to see more about the process and details. It took a bit of work and money to put it all together, [...]
[...] little colonnade buttons as well as a Zeemote bluetooth controller. Go forward as well as check out Mediocre's blog to see some-more about a routine as well as details. It took a bit of work as well as income to put [...]
Hey Dennis – got a kick reading this. Thanks for posting! – Iris @ Zeemote
[...] arcade en tu casa. Si quieren seguir paso a paso la realización de ésta frikada, pueden pasar por el blog de su autor. Comparte éste post:Artículos que pueden interesarte también:Motorola comienza a mudar a [...]
[...] Source: MediocreGames [...]
[...] Source: MediocreGames [...]
[...] Source: MediocreGames [...]
[...] Source: MediocreGames [...]
Nice!! please can you tell me what is the engine used in granny smith game
Hi, we have built most of the technology in-house, so it does not use an off-the-shelf game engine.
[...] own design for it. I have a Nexus 7, and I was thinking of building the cabinet based off this one: Granny Smith Arcade Machine | Mediocre blog how as a no experience hardware assembler would go about [...]
USB/BT Joystick Center 6 is no longer available on the Play Store. Is there any alternative? Another question: When remapping the keys, do I need to do the same remapping on the other devices I want to use the device on?


text:
Fry's house
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Fry's house | |
Location | Near Newkirk Avenue, Old New York [3ACV04] |
First appearance | "The Luck of the Fryrish" (3ACV04) |
Fry's house is the house where Fry grew up. In 3002, Fry, Leela, and Bender went there so that Fry could retrieve his seven-leaf clover, but Fry's brother had removed it from its hiding place in 2000. [3ACV04] In 3013, Fry went there during a lucid dream to find the source of a melody that he had heard on 31 December 1999. [7ACV23] He was later joined by the rest of the crew, including Nibbler, as well as by Nixon and Agnew.
Additional information
- An image of Fry's house is used on the extras menu for Volume 8.
- The design of the house is based on writer Eric Kaplan's childhood home. [1]
Bender: Man. Father Time really took a bat to this place. [3ACV04]
- "The Luck of the Fryrish" (3ACV04)
- Bender's Big Score
- "Cold Warriors" (6ACV24)
- "Game of Tones" (7ACV23)
See also
- ^ Commentary for "Game of Tones" on Volume 8, disc 2.


text:
Members of the Hells Angels outlaw biker gang have rented Langley Township facilities multiple times in recent years, each time using different names and claiming different types of events, according to internal emails and documents from the Township.
However, documents obtained through a Freedom of Information request, show that while staff found the group frustrating to deal with, until recently they would have allowed them back to the George Preston Recreation Centre – provided they stop violating the rental agreements.
"They book once a year," one Township staffer wrote in an email after the April party had come to light.
"They always book with a new person and every year we do this dance. We tell them that the activities that [sic] had are not consistent with the Township of Langley and that there [sic] group is welcome to book again but cannot conduct themselves in this manner. The next year they get a different person to book and claim it to be a different type of event like a men's soccer team windup etc. They previously booked with Rec Ex and what we hear is they basically just let them do whatever they want," the staffer wrote.
It is unclear exactly how many times Hells Angels have booked facilities in the Township, or when they started holding events at the George Preston Recreation Centre.
READ MORE: Hells Angels partied with strippers at Langley rec centre
READ MORE: Hells Angels parties at Langley rec centre worry anti-gang cops
In another follow-up email, a staffer looked into the initial rental and confirmed that Township staff had talked to the renters about the company background, had clarified what type of alcohol was to be served, and told the renter that "appropriate conduct in a community facility strictly enforced" was part of the contract.
"Nothing in my conversations with [name redacted] raised a red flag for me," the staffer wrote.
The April 6, 2019 event was described to Township staff as a "fundraiser retirement party" with up to 175 people coming. Under "crowd profile," the person booking the event simply wrote "old guys."
Another email noted that there was no investigation into the incident after the fact, but the person who rented the facility was flagged in the Township's system – if they tried to rent a facility again, staff were to contact a senior manager.
A senior staffer noted that the presence of about eight exotic dancers at the April 6 event violated the liquor licence under which the party was run.
"Neither the GPC [George Preston Centre] nor the individual hold a licence for an exotic dancer type establishment, which means no one can operate in such a manner."
The same email also shows that no senior managers were alerted to issues while the April party was underway.
"From my understanding, staff did not shut them down, and actually only learned of the exotic dancers much later in the night when going into the bathroom to look at a mechanical issue," the email says. "Unfortunately, no managers were notified and it was only brought to a supervisor's attention the following Monday."
Township staff tried to follow up with the person who booked the party, but couldn't reach them.
"A similar incident happened in 2016, where an individual booked a wrap-up party for [redacted] soccer team, and some HA [Hells Angels] members apparently attended. A similar sequence of events happened, and the individual can no longer book at TOL facilities."
The email noted that sometimes people booking Township facilities misrepresent who they are or what their group is doing. It was noted that staff do not stand in the room monitoring every event.
"In an ideal situation, staff would talk to the organizer, and/or shut down such an event, and if uncomfortable, would call a manager, and or the police if called for," the email says. "Unfortunately, none of this happened in this instance and it has been reviewed with the staff about notifying managers more quickly if something like this were to happen again."
In September, Township council approved a new facilities rental policy.
The policy mentions that renters who violate the contract may be refused entry or refused any future rentals.
It does not specifically mention gangs or the Hells Angels, but Mayor Jack Froese said under the new safety provisions, people wearing gang colours can be removed.
The safety section of the policy says a rental can be cancelled before or during an event "if such rental could lead to a protest or similar civil disruption resulting in safety or security concerns for attendees or Township staff."
Froese noted that some Hells Angels wearing their colours turned up to a recent RibFest fundraising event in Langley Township and were asked to leave, and did so.
A known criminal organization would be denied rental, Froese said.
However, Froese noted that an individual Hells Angels member, not wearing his colours, who attended an event such as a birthday party would have to be treated the same as any other member of the public.
Langley is home to a Hells Angels clubhouse, for the White Rock chapter. Although the group represents itself as a motorcycle club, police consider the Hells Angels a criminal organization, which is linked to murders, drug dealing, and money laundering. There have been a few violent incidents linked to the gang in recent years.
On Oct. 24, 2016, the dismembered remains of Shaun Alan Clary, 27, were found along the side of Robertson Crescent in rural Langley.
Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) said that Clary's death was thought to be linked to the killing on Oct. 16 of Robert Keith Green, a prominent Hells Angel who was shot by Jason Francis Wallace, at a Langley property. Wallace quickly turned himself in to police and later pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Clary had been present at the same property and was a friend of Wallace's, according to media reports.
In 2019, two Hells Angels members have been murdered in the Lower Mainland. One was found dead near the Golden Ears Bridge on the Maple Ridge side of the river, and the other was shot and killed in broad daylight while waiting at a Starbucks drive-through in South Surrey.
READ MORE: Biker club with ties to Hells Angels sets up in Fort Langley: police


text:
< Previous Photograph - Return To Article - Next Photograph
< Previous Photograph - Return To Article - Next Photograph
OCZ Fatal1ty Series 700W: It has been a number of months since last looking at an OCZ power supply, but OCZ Technology recently announced a new high-performance power supply that piqued our interest. The Fatal1ty Series 700W power supply is OCZ's latest high-performance power supply that is approved by NVIDIA for SLI usage, 80 Plus Certified, is backed by a five-year warranty, and it uses a single 56 Amp +12V rail. OCZ's power supplies have impressed us before -- especially with all of the talent they acquired from PC Power & Cooling -- but how does this latest creation stack up? We have run it through its paces on Ubuntu Linux and are pleased with the results.
Copyright © 2024 by Phoronix Media. All rights reserved.


text:
I entered the Magic Kingdom about 5:30 PM and went to check out the old Mickey meet first. I noticed that Mickey is still supplying unconnected Fastpasses (you can get Mickey Fastpass and any other at the same time). The Princess FP machines were closed because they were moved to Fantasyland, as I discussed yesterday.
EuroRob and I wanted to be among the first to experience Fairytale Hall during a party, so we headed for the Rapunzel and Flynn Rider line. It was REALLY confusing. Previously, they allowed a standy by line to form off to the side and then after all the day guests were flushed from the line, the party guests would line up to meet the Princes with their Princesses. We knew Flynn would be super popular, so we lined for him first. After a few minutes of confusing, Melissa and Ryan worked through the line assisting day guests who wanted to meet Princesses while the rest of us stayed in line for the Princes. I like to see Disney respond when things aren't working 100%. We ended up waiting like 25 minutes, but it didn't bother us because we were there to have fun, not to try to meet every character imaginable.
There was a considerable line forming for Cinderella, so we decided to come back right after the fireworks, which we watched from Fantasyland. We headed over to meet Goofy at the Barnstormer because I like unique locations, even when the character is in a familiar costume. We passed Donald and Daisy, who looked like they were planning a football play. The Photopass person didn't know football and the only photo I got was the 8th Wonder of the World…the backside of Donald.
After leaving the Scream o Ween Ball, we journey to Town Square to catch the Creepa Crew and try to get my first EVER decent photo of the Headless Horseman. We also wanted to see if the internet rumors that meeting Jack and Sally during parades would provide good, or not so good advice for party guests.
Can't finish out the wonderful night yet, so I'll pick up where I left off tomorrow! Hi ho, Hi ho! If like 50,000 people would go buy my app right now, I could quit working Four 10 hour shifts and focus my time on blurry photos, bad puns and inaccurate information. Call now and I'll throw in a FREE Character Locator button! See ya real soon!
For a stress-free Disney or Universal Studios vacation, let the FREE expert planners at Royal Carriage Vacations take care of every detail including dining reservations, applying discounts, and onboard cruise credit.


text:
Monday, May 3, 2010
More evidence of strong consumer spending
Car sales were up 20% in the 12 months ending April. This, in spite of the "cash for clunkers" program which presumably boosted sales in the third quarter of last year at the expense of future sales.
Separately, as Mark Perry notes, (see his post for details) restaurants enjoyed a huge boost in sales last March. Restaurant activity hasn't been this strong since September '07. I can add some anecdotal evidence to this: my wife and I went out for dinner last Saturday night, and were pleased to see that most restaurants in the area were full and there was lots of foot traffic in the downtown area.
5 comments:
- John said...
Thanks for this post on the restaurant industry. My largesr holding is Sysco (SYY) which is the country's largest foodservice supplier. I have had it many years and still get warm fuzzies when my wife and I go out to eat and I see evidence of their presence (for instance their name on the sugar packets on the table).
The restaurant business has had a rough time in the last several quarters but as your chart suggests they seem to be coming out of it. Going out to eat is a small ticket luxury and as unemployment comes down and confidence comes back this is an industry that will benefit. Sysco pays a good and rising dividend (listening Benj?) and is a solid, conservative way to play the economic recovery. Its not a world beating investment but its a lot safer than BP (IMHO) and I have slept soundly with it for many years.
If you take the plunge, do your OWN homework FIRST and try to pick it up on weakness. Exercise patience. This is NOT a volatile stock. Decent returns over a long period of time is what this company offers, not fast buck flips. You'll be paid to wait. If Scott is right about our economy this is the kind of conservative dividend paying company an investor can investigate and consider adding to a diversified portfolio. - May 3, 2010 at 5:45 PM
- John said...
I am sorry my post got duped. After the first one I got a web page saying something about a conflicting edit and suggesting I try again. When I got back to the 'leave your comment' box my original post was absent so I tried again thinking I had lost my original post.
Again, please accept my apology. I only intended to post once on the subject. - May 3, 2010 at 5:49 PM
- Scott Grannis said...
John: thanks for the recommendation, it makes sense.
- May 3, 2010 at 5:53 PM
- Benjamin Cole said...
Yes, brother, I am listening (to the dividends).
Good luck on SYY and all your investments. - May 3, 2010 at 9:13 PM
- W.E. Heasley said...
Mr. Grannis:
Re: More evidence of strong consumer spending.
What about Milton Friedman's concept of "permanent income"? Permanent income is the average income a consumer expects over the medium term. In Friedman's A Theory of the Consumption Function he argues annual consumption was a function of "permanent income". Friedman was examining the Keynesian view that the consumer adjusted consumption based on current income.
The concept of "permanent income" sure doesn't seem to get any press time in discussions of current consumer spending. - May 3, 2010 at 9:16 PM


text: Actor Bradley Cooper surprised an audience at the AMC Boston Common Tuesday night when he turned up at a screening of his movie "The Place Beyond the Pines." The film's director, Derek Cianfrance, was the only VIP booked for the screening. He was supposed to answer questions for an audience of members of Boston Globe Insiders (a program that holds special events for Globe subscribers). We're told that Cooper — in town to film the new David O. Russell movie — was having dinner with Cianfrance, and the director asked him to tag along to participate in the Q&A. Apparently, some audience members tried to sneak out of the film before the Q&A with Cianfrance began. But they were told it would probably be in their best interest to sit back down. When Cooper appeared, they went wild, gasping and taking photos with their cellphones. Cooper, who sported a scruffy look, told the group he filmed "Pines" before "Silver Linings Playbook," and that the film helped him prepare for his Oscar-nominated role. Cooper was also thanked for his performance in "Silver Linings" by a young man in the audience who identified himself as bipolar. Cooper should be around Boston on and off for the next two months with his costars on the Russell movie, who include his "Silver" costar Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner, and Christian Bale. Cooper was also spotted Tuesday night at the Four Seasons.


text:
Home >
News & Policies >
August 2005
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 25, 2005
Personnel Announcement
President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate three individuals to serve in his Administration:
The President intends to nominate James M. Andrew, of Georgia, to be Administrator, Rural Utilities Service at the Department of Agriculture. Mr. Andrew currently serves as a consultant for BAS, Inc., in Waynesboro, Georgia. From 1978 until 1999, he owned and operated the company, which designs and services agricultural irrigation systems. Earlier in his career, he was a Regional Marketing Manager for the Federal Pacific Electric Co. Mr. Andrew received his bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama.
The President intends to nominate David B. Dunn, of California, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Togolese Republic. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Mr. Dunn currently serves as the U.S. Consul General in Johannesburg, South Africa. Prior to that assignment, he served as Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia. Earlier in his career, Mr. Dunn was Director of the Office of East African Affairs at the Department of State. He received his bachelor's degree from Occidental College, his first master's degree from American University, and his second master's degree from the National War College.
The President intends to nominate Dale W. Meyerrose, of Indiana, to be Chief Information Officer at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Major General Meyerrose is Director of Command Control Systems and Chief Information Officer for Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command. He also assumes the positions of Director of Architectures and Integration as well as Chief Information Officer for Headquarters United States Northern Command. General Meyerrose first entered the United States Air Force in 1975 after receiving his bachelor's degree from the United States Air Force Academy. He has served in a number of information related positions at Air Force Bases across the United States and overseas, including Director of Communications for Operation Southern Watch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. General Meyerrose graduated from the National War College and received his master's degree from the University of Utah.
# # #


text:
Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.
Show All Answers
A sewer lateral is a section of pipe from the property line to the mainline sewer in the street. This section is sometimes referred to as the "public" side. The section of pipe between the property line and the structure is called the building sewer. This section is sometimes referred to as the "private" side. Every building receiving sewer service has at least one building sewer and sewer lateral.
The sewer lateral (the section between the property line and the mainline sewer) is owned and maintained by the District. The building sewer (the section between the property line and the structure) is owned and maintained by the property owner. It is private property, considered part of the house plumbing. Property line cleanout Should be installed by the homeowner at the property line.
For sewer laterals with installed property line cleanouts, the District will clean the lateral sewer from the cleanout to the mainline. If at the time of connection to an existing lateral, the property owner or contractor did not install a property line cleanout, it is the property owner's responsibility to install one. The property line cleanout allows access to the county-maintained section of pipe in order to clear blockages from the property line to the main.
A sewer cleanout is a point of access where the sewer lateral can be serviced. According to Special District specifications, it should be 4-inch in diameter with a tight-fitting steel or plastic cap over it. Two cleanouts are typically installed at each house or building. One is located just outside of the building (plumbing cleanout), and one is located at the property line (property line cleanout).
Visually inspect your front or rear yard for a sewer cleanout box. A cleanout looks like the end of a pipe with a cap on it. All cleanouts must be properly capped with a tight-fitting steel or plastic cap.
If you are unsuccessful in locating one, you either do not have one or it may be buried under dirt or concrete. Special Districts can provide you with a map of the lateral location and a plumber can assist you in locating it.
No. Sewer cleanouts belong to the property owner. It is the responsibility of the property owner to install a property line cleanout.
Contact your local building department and request a permit for a sewer cleanout installation. (Anyone can install a Property Line Cleanout (PLCO). It does not require a licensed contractor). This installation will be inspected by Special District staff.


text:
Product Benefits
More than just CBD: CBD plus naturally-occurring phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and more in every CBD organic hemp oil serving.
We use limited, select ingredients to ensure you have the absolute best CBD oil possible, with no fillers. Our CBD oils include our premium hemp extract, oil, and natural flavors.
Additional Information
- Verve Athletic CBD ZERO THC organic hemp oils are whole-plant extracts that include a variety of phytochemicals. These beneficial compounds include a range of phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Hemp produces more than 80 different phytocannabinoids naturally. Of the 80+ non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids, Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most widely known. Others include Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabichromene (CBC) & more.
- The human body has a vast network of receptors, called the endocannabinoid system, which helps us maintain overall wellness and keep many of our physical processes moving in the right direction. CBD fits into the receptors, helping the body complete in its efforts to keep us in good health. Learn more about Cannabinoids here.
Suggested Use
- Consistency, as with any supplement, is key for success.
- Sensitive to flavors? Feel free to mix your oil into your favorite food or drink.
- Store in a cool dry place.
- 30mL bottle contains 30 1mL servings or 60 .5mL servings. The dropper on all 30mL bottles holds .5mL of oil
- Dropper use: Gently squeeze the rubber end and release. The dropper will be half full which indicates a "full dropper". (Oil will not fill the entire dropper)
- See dosing recommendations
Additional Information
Avoid touching dropper to mouth to preserve the purity of your hemp extract oil.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


text:
- Home
- Government
- Departments A - D
- Agricultural Commissioner
- Certified Producers
Certified Producers
Certified Producer (Producer) is a grower who sells agricultural products of their own production at Certified Farmers' Markets (CFM) directly to the consumer. The producer will be issued a Certified Producer Certificate (Certificate) listing all the products grown by the producer. The Certificate will be issued after an on-site inspection of the growing grounds by Placer County Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures (County Agriculture Department) to verify that all products presented for sale are grown by the producer.
The Certificate will include a list all the products grown by the producer and must be conspicuously posted on the seller's booth at the CFM for potential buyers to read. The Certificate is applicable only to the Producer/CFM program and is not required for participation in the Placer GROWN organization or for sales directly from the farm.
Certified Farmers' Market
Certified Farmers' Market (CFM) is a market which is comprised of many Producers at one site offering a variety of agricultural products. Only Certified Producers are allowed to participate in CFMs. The CFM allows the producer and consumer to be connected directly across the sales counter. Producers benefit from direct sales to customers, without the expense of a middle man, and consumers are able to purchase fresh produce from the person who grows it.
Sales between producers are not allowed. A producer cannot buy agricultural products from another producer to sell to the public or anyone else.
Product Plan
For a person intending to become a producer, a plan should be developed for the agricultural operation. It is the responsibility of the producer to research the marketability of their products and to determine whether to produce them using conventional or organic farming methods. Please refer to the organic discussion for the specific requirements of that program.
Once the decision has been made regarding what crops that will be grown, the potential producer should contact the County Agriculture Department to arrange for an on-site inspection of the growing grounds. The crops must be growing in the ground before an appointment for the inspection will be made. This inspection will verify that the products listed on the Certificate are in fact grown by the producer.
The County Agriculture Department will issue embossed copies of the Certificate which are required to be displayed at the CFM sales location. Certificates issued by the County Agriculture Department are valid for the calendar year in which they are issued and must be renewed annually. Certificates issued by the County Agriculture Department are valid for participation in all CFMs throughout California.
It is the responsibility of the producer to contact the appropriate CFM operator(s) and apply for membership to sell at their markets. Currently there are three CFM operators in Placer County.
Weighing Produce
The majority of produce is sold by weight. It is the responsibility of the Producer to obtain a scale that is certified for this specific commercial use. It is recommended that the producer contact the County Agriculture Department which is also responsible for enforcing weights and measures regulations, before purchasing a scale to insure that it is approved for retail sales. Scales must be registered and sealed annually by the County Agriculture Department.
There is a registration fee for producer-owned scales brought in into the County Agriculture Department office and a maximum of 3 scales allowed per producer. Contact the County Agriculture Department for the current fee or if more than 3 scales need to be registered.
If any product sold at a CFM is pre-packaged in bags or other containers, it must be properly labeled with the identity of the product, the contact information of the person responsible for the product, and the quantity of product in the container. This is known by the acronym-IRQ.
License to Sell Nursery Stock
If a Producer plans to produce and sell nursery stock, they will need to obtain a License to Sell Nursery Stock. There are two options for a License to Sell Nursery Stock: the Fee Exempt License for those selling under $1,000 of nursery products annually or the regular License to Sell Nursery Stock which has a minimum annual fee of $150. Nursery license applications are available through the County Agriculture Department.
Rules & Regulations
CFMs are governed by State regulations which are enforced by the County Agriculture Department The respective CFM Boards of Directors have also developed rules to govern the members of their particular markets. It is the responsibility of the Producer to comply with all State and CFM Board rules.
Herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides are all different types of pesticides. Producers who use any type of pesticide (including organic pesticides) must obtain a Pesticide Operator Identification Number from the County Agriculture Department prior to the purchase and application of pesticides. Use of all agricultural pesticides must be reported to the County Agriculture Department by the 10th of the month following use.
Organic Foods
Organic is a term that is regulated by the California Organic Foods Act of 2003. In order for someone to use the term organic, they must comply with all the regulations contained in this act. The most basic requirement is for the user of the term organic to be registered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. If the sales from the organic operation exceed $5,000 per year, then the operation also must be "certified" by a third party organization which ensures that all required aspects of California Organic Foods Act of 2003 have been met.
Applications for organic registration are available and processed through the County Agriculture Department. While many organic producers are participants in the CFM program, organic producers selling through venues other than CFMs do not need to be a producer, but they must be registered as organic producers.
Placer County Certified Farmers' Markets
View a list of Farmers' Markets in Placer County.
Agriculture / Weights & Measures
Physical Address
11477 E Avenue
Auburn, CA 95603
Phone 530-889-7372Fax 530-823-1698
California Department of Food & Agriculture
1220 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-218
Fax: 916-445-2427
California Department of Food and Agriculture Website


text:
Besides the two jackpot winners who split Tuesday's $636 million Mega Millions, the drawing produced 20 other winning tickets worth $1 million. But there's a good chance some of those might never be claimed.
Each year, about $800 million worth of lottery prizes are not collected, according to gaming officials. That represents about 2% of total prize money awarded.
A year ago, when Powerball got up to a then-record $587.6 million, at least two of the $1 million second prize tickets were never cashed in.
New York State alone had $65 million in prizes go unclaimed in its most recent fiscal year, while California had another $22 million in unclaimed prizes.
Related: Did you win? Two winning tickets sold
Many of these winning tickets are worth only a few dollars each. But there are also people who buy tickets worth $1 million or more who never collect their prize money.
Tuesday's winning tickets were purchased in Atlanta and San Jose. Many occasional lottery players who were drawn in by the big jackpot, and who bought tickets elsewhere, will hear where the winning tickets were purchased, realize they didn't get the jackpot, and never bother to check to see if their ticket won a lesser prize.
Even in the weeks when no one wins the jackpot, many don't check their tickets. And they may be missing out -- more common lesser prize can be considerable.
Mega Millions raised the payout on a second place ticket, one which has five of the six numbers correct, to $1 million in October, matching the second place payout on Powerball. Both lotteries also allow players to pay extra to increase the payout of the lesser prizes by up to five times.
But lottery tickets aren't good forever -- they must be cashed in by a deadline, generally between 3 to 12 months after a ticket is purchased, depending on the state.
"You just hope for their sake that they never know they missed out," said Connie Barnes, communication director for the Florida lottery.
Related: Online gambling toes confusing legal line
New York has two $1 million winning tickets set to expire in the next six weeks. One was purchased Jan. 4 at Star Wines and Liquors in upstate Monroe, and the other was bought Feb. 2 at C&C Discount store in the Bronx.
But while there is still time for those winners to come forward before the state's 12-month deadline, other states have had five potential millionaires fail to cash in their winning tickets in just the last two months.
Two million-dollar Powerball tickets that were purchased when the jackpot hit $587.5 million last year were bought in New Jersey. They expired unclaimed in November.
Another $1 million Powerball ticket purchased last March in Florida expired in October. And a winning ticket in a Florida state game expired earlier this week.
Related: $58 billion unclaimed - is some of it yours?
Perhaps the biggest uncollected prize this year was a Powerball ticket worth $10.4 million purchased in Tampa last May. The ticket expired in November.
Unclaimed prize money either goes back to the state where the lottery ticket was purchased, or goes into a pool of money for special jackpot winners.


text:
Vertical Laminar Air Flow Chamber
Our organization offers a precision engineered range of Vertical Laminar Air Flow Chamber, which is manufactured in line with the international quality standards to ensure optimum quality in the final product. Our rage is safe to use as and finds application for bio-assays and sterility testing, microbiological manipulations, microbiological labs and other research centers engaged in investigative work with sub-toxic material.
The Vertical Laminar Air Flow Chamber provides a high degree of localized control for critical processes. The work area is continuously bathed with positive pressure HEPA filtered air to protect product from contamination. The Vertical Laminar Air Flow Chamber meet or exceed ISO 14644-1, Federal Standard 209E for ISO 5/Class 100 air and IES Recommended Practice for Laminar Flow Clean Air Devices.
Our Laminar Air Flow Chamber are available in different sizes and these models can also be configured to meet your needs. These units feature 99.99 % HEPA filtration system, air intake grill and pre-filter, fluorescent lighting, centrally located control center, vibration control system and available in optional stainless steel work-surfaces and increased work zone height.
Technical specifications :
- Cleanliness : Class 100
- Particle retention : 0.3 micron
- Velocity : 90FPM + 20%
- Illumination : 750 – 800 lumen
- Noise level : 60-65 decibels
- Standard : FED 209E
- Power supply : 220v single phase
Advantages :
- Air-Stream is not directed at the operator causing less stress over
- Larger pieces of equipment cause less
- Larger working area
Application Areas :
- Microbiological manipulations
- Bio-assays and sterility testing
- Bio clean protection for semi-automatic vial filling and bunging
- Operations in parenteral production, hospitals, pathological laboratories, microelectronics, optics, food and beverage, agriculture, animal husbandry, avionics and biotechnology
- Dry processing of electrons, electronic integration and micro feature assembly or, for automatic filling lines in parenteral production
- Microbiological labs or other research control centers engaged in investigative work with sub-toxic materials
- Providing protection for open vessels of chemicals, solvents or powders


text:
Helicobacter Pylori
What is H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori)?
H. pylori (Heliobacter pylori, pronounced Hel-ee-koh-BAK-ter Pie-LORE-ee) is a type of bacteria that infects your stomach.
It can damage the tissue in your stomach and the first part of your small intestine (the duodenum). This can cause redness and soreness (inflammation). In some cases it can also cause painful sores called peptic ulcers in your upper digestive tract.
H. pylori is common. Many people have it. Most people who have it won't get ulcers or show any symptoms. But it is a main cause of ulcers.
H. pylori attacks the lining that protects your stomach. The bacteria makes an enzyme called urease. This enzyme makes your stomach acids less acidic (neutralizes them). This weakens your stomach's lining.
Your stomach cells then have greater risk of being hurt by acid and pepsin, strong digestive fluids. That can lead to sores or ulcers in your stomach or duodenum.
The H. pylori bacteria can also stick to stomach cells. Your stomach can't protect itself very well. The area gets red and swollen (inflamed).
H. pylori can also get the stomach to make more acid. Health experts don't fully understand how.
What causes H. pylori infection?
Health experts don't know for sure how H. pylori infection is spread. They believe the germs can be passed from person to person by mouth, such as by kissing.
It may also be passed by having contact with vomit or stool. This may happen if you:
Eat food that was not cleaned or cooked in a safe way
Drink water that is infected with the bacteria
Who is at risk for H. pylori infection?
You may be at greater risk for H. pylori infection because of:
Your age. Over half the people in the U.S. with the bacteria are over 50 years old.
Your race or ethnicity. Almost half of all African Americans have the bacteria. For people who come to the U.S. from developing countries, at least 50% of Latinos and 50% of people from Eastern Europe have H. pylori.
Most people first get the bacteria when they are children, but adults can get it too.
What are the symptoms of H. pylori?
Most people have the bacteria for years without knowing it because they don't have any symptoms. Experts don't know why.
You may have redness and swelling (inflammation) in your stomach lining. This is called gastritis.
You may get sores or peptic ulcers in your stomach or the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). Ulcer symptoms may include belly or abdominal pain, which can:
Be a dull pain that doesn't go away
Happen 2 to 3 hours after you eat
Come and go for several days or weeks
Happen in the middle of the night when your stomach is empty
Go away when you eat or take medicines that reduce your stomach acid level (antacids)
Other symptoms of an ulcer may include:
Weight loss
Not feeling hungry
Swelling or bloating
Having an upset stomach or nausea
The symptoms of ulcers may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure.
How is H. pylori diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will look at your past health and give you a physical exam. He or she may also use other tests, including:
Blood tests. These check for infection-fighting cells (antibodies) that mean you have the bacteria.
Stool culture. This looks for any abnormal bacteria in your digestive tract that may cause diarrhea and other problems. A small stool sample is collected and sent to a lab. In 2 or 3 days, the test will show if you have any abnormal bacteria.
Breath tests. These can check if there is any carbon after you swallow a urea pill that has carbon molecules. If carbon is found that means that H. pylori has made the enzyme urease. This enzyme makes your stomach acids less acidic (neutralizes them). It weakens your stomach's mucous lining.
Upper endoscopy, also called EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy). This test looks at the lining of your food pipe (esophagus), stomach, and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). It uses a thin, lighted tube or endoscope. The tube has a camera at one end. The tube is put into your mouth and throat. Then it goes down into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Your healthcare provider can see the inside of these organs. A small tissue sample (biopsy) is taken if needed. The tissue sample can show if you have the enzyme urease. It can also check the bacteria that is there.
How is H. pylori treated?
Your healthcare provider will create a care plan for you based on:
Your age, overall health, and past health
How serious your case is
How well you handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies
If your condition is expected to get worse
What you would like to do
Your healthcare provider may have you take medicine that kills bacteria (antibiotics).
Other medicines may include:
H2-blockers. These are used to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach by blocking the hormone histamine. Histamine helps to make acid.
Proton pump inhibitors. These help to keep your stomach from making acid. They do this by stopping the stomach's acid pump from working.
Stomach-lining protectors. These medicines protect your stomach lining from acid and help kill bacteria.
Helicobacter Pylori in Children
H. pylori is a very common cause of peptic ulcers and gastritis in adults, but it can and does occur in children too.
Call your pediatrician if your child has any symptoms suggestive of gastritis. If your child has been diagnosed with an ulcer or H. pylori gastritis, call a doctor immediately if the following occur as they may be symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer perforation:
Sudden, sharp abdominal pain
Blood in the stool or black feces
Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
What are the complications of H. pylori?
If you are infected with the bacteria you can get a painful sore called a peptic ulcer. These sores form in your upper digestive tract.
A very bad ulcer can wear away your stomach lining. It can also cause problems such as:
Bleeding when a blood vessel is worn away
A hole or perforation in your stomach wall
Blockage when the ulcer is in a spot that blocks food from leaving your stomach
H. pylori can also lead to stomach cancer.
What can I do to prevent H. pylori?
Health experts don't know for sure how the bacteria passes from person to person. But having good health habits (hygiene) can help keep you safe. These habits include:
Washing your hands with soap and water. It is very important to do this after using the bathroom and before eating.
Making sure all food you eat has been cleaned and cooked safely
Making sure that your drinking water is safe and clean
Living with H. pylori
Once you know for sure that you have H. pylori, follow up with your healthcare provider. He or she will do some tests to make sure the bacteria has been removed.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms. Call right away if you have symptoms such as bloody vomit, blood in your stools, or black, tarry-looking stools.
Key points
H. pylori is a type of bacteria that infects your stomach.
It attacks your stomach and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). This can cause redness and swelling (inflammation).
Many people with the bacteria won't have any symptoms.
It can cause open sores called peptic ulcers in your upper digestive tract.
It can cause stomach cancer.
It may be passed or spread from person to person by mouth, such as by kissing. It may also be passed by direct contact with vomit or stool.
Having good health habits (hygiene) can help protect you.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the names of new medicines, treatments, or tests, and any new instructions your provider gives you.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.