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A passionate healthcare worker in Papua New Guinea is using her Murdoch University studies to find better ways to help her country.
Emma Wakpi, who has spent the past 13 years working in health implementation and education in remote mountainous areas of Papua New Guinea, is completing a Masters degree at the Sir Walter Murdoch School of Public Policy and International Affairs at Murdoch University.
Although Ms Wakpi is already quite influential in the Papua New Guinean health service, she realised that improving her qualifications in the health policy area was essential.
She presented her views about the development challenges of her home country recently at the Australian Institute for International Affairs in Perth.
"It is not the remoteness of some PNG tribes that prevents good health outcomes. More than anything else it is trust, cultural sensitivity and language that are barriers to improvements in health," Ms Wakpi said.
"However, the inhospitable terrain doesn't help! It is common for 90 per cent of available funding to be used in just getting aid and supplies to remote villagers, particularly when the weather turns bad and rivers swell."
Ms Wakpi explained how supplies are delivered by teams of people, where they are broken down into manageable pieces that can be carried by one person across forest and river.
"It is incredibly challenging to find health professionals who are willing to go to the remotest areas. The work is tough and the villages are very isolated so this is not work for people who are used to big cities," she said.
"However the real battle lies in influencing the development of government policy and in advising funders."
Ms Wakpi said that although the Papua New Guinean government controlled most of the health and health education services, they relied on community groups to deliver services in the regions.
"Around 46 per cent of all health work is done by non-government groups, particularly church-based groups, and 80 per cent of all remote health services are done by these groups. Similarly, all community health worker schools and 80 per cent of nursing colleges are operated by church-based agencies in Papua New Guinea," she explained.
"Funding agencies, particularly governments like Australia, are rightly results oriented. However, they are gradually realising that a lot of money needs to be spent whilst results are only incremental.
"Funders are also realising more and more that they must take a long term view when looking at solutions. Culture and language barriers must be broken down and logistical barriers overcome before finally lasting solutions can be put in place."
Ms Wakpi believes Papua New Guineans need to be aware of their own health and the opportunities available to help themselves.
After completing her studies at Murdoch University, she hopes to help them petition their own government to prioritise health in government policy and spending.
Source: Murdoch Univesity


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I've never dreamed of having a car. All I wanted was a, motor bike! I don't know,maybe it's in the blood! You see, my grandma, back then, rode motor bikes. She took me from school when I was in first grade and I wore that small and tiny helmet that just suits me well.
However, I know my parents are against that. I don't know! I just find it cooler to ride on a motor bike than take on the four wheels! Well, I guess I still might change my mind. But not while I look at this Shoei RF-1100! Hehe!
Maybe I should just stick to walking, in the end =)

subset: commoncrawl


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We do grills whenever possible, on request too, maybe even each day in summer, with "MICI" and beer, the traditional Romanian food for grills. This meat is combination of beaf and pork, but can be "more interesting" like deer and bear, which we can find in the market. These meats also have 8 condiments & really taste great!
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Gardline mobilizes for survey over Providence's Irish prospect
Mobilization of Gardline's Kommandor vessel to conduct a new seismic survey over Providence Resources' Newgrange prospect, located off the south-west coast of Ireland, has started ahead of schedule.
The Newgrange Prospect is located in Frontier Exploration Licence (FEL) 6/14 which is operated by Providence Resources on behalf of its partner Sosina Exploration Limited (20%).
The license is situated in c. 1,000 m water depth being c. 260 km off the south-west coast of Ireland.
Following a contract award for the survey to Gardline and the Kommandor vessel in May, Providence informed on Monday, June 18 that the Kommandor survey vessel has started mobilization in advance of the planned acquisition of data suitable for input to an application for the permitting of an offshore exploration well.
Providence said back in May that Gardline would carry out the data acquisition during the third quarter of 2018.
Commercial discussions in relation to a potential farm-out of equity in the license to third parties are continuing, Providence added on Monday.
Dr John O'Sullivan, Technical Director of Providence, said, "We are pleased to confirm the commencement of the Newgrange site survey operations some two months ahead of schedule. In tandem with these operations, we continue to liaise with interested potential co-venture partners whilst also constantly monitoring possible rigs of opportunity which may become available for this exciting exploration venture."


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This video goes out to all you Final Fantasy VII fans. Watch and learn how to create an ISO file to install and play Final Fantasy 7 PC. If you want to continue your journey through this storyline, this is the way to go. In order to play, you need to make the ISO files and burn to a disc.
Final Fantasy 7 PC is basically an unofficial remake of Final Fantasy 7 game that won the nation over. The original game had a tremendous impact on gamers, which resulted in demand for a remake with better graphics. Final Fantasy 7 PC is the next best thing to an actual remake of the video game. FF7PC is essentially a modded version with vast improvements, if you're willing to go that route to get your Final Fantasy VII fix.
Start your career in Graphic Design with the WonderHowTo's Beginners's Guide to Photoshop Course


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Universally Accessible Playground at First Colony Park
With the help of The Jabez Foundation, the Fort Bend Junior Service League, area Rotary Clubs, The George Foundation, Minute Maid and more, the Universally Accessible Playground at First Colony Park provides a place where children of all ages, races, cultures and abilities can play together and foster friendships in a welcoming and safe environment where every child's unique qualities and abilities are recognized and appreciated.
The Need
In the United States, 6.7% of children under the age of 18 have activity limitations. An accessible playground allows for increased mobility and provides recreational opportunity for children with disabilities to interact with siblings and their peers. This fosters community and understanding for all.
The First Colony Athletic Park is currently the home to the areas baseball complex. As the existing playground equipment approached the end of its useful life it was clear it needed to be replaced. It is expected that the new, inclusive equipment will make a significant impact on the park and the community.
The First Colony Athletic Park already has a group of athletes who visit the park regularly. These children are part of the Dream League, a division of First Colony Little League. The Dream League roster is approximately 60 players with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. The Dream League and the City of Sugar Land have worked together to make the needed accessibility improvements throughout the baseball complex. This playground project enhanced these improvements to create a destination for all children and families to play together, even outside of baseball season.
Throughout the country, accessible and barrier-free playgrounds are becoming important community projects. The idea behind barrier free is simple: make the playground accessible for all abilities. Modifications are made to play equipment, walking surfaces, and other equipment in the park so everyone can play together and that every child, no matter the ability, can reach the highest play level.
The cost of an accessible playground is well above the standard playground equipment. The proposed playground and surfacing (5,500 sq. ft.) is estimated at $400,000 for construction. . Construction was completed in late summer 2015 and the playground is now open for the community to enjoy.
The Sugar Land Legacy Foundation thanks the generous contributions of the many donors that helped make this project a reality, including:
- The Jabez Foundation
- Fort Bend Junior Service League
- The George Foundation
- Sugar Land Rotary Club
- Sugar Land Skeeters Baseball Foundation
- Paul and Manmeet Likhari
- Don & Celia Olson
- Rotary Club of Fort Bend County
- Minute Maid
- National Recreation and Park Association
- LongHorn Steakhouse
- Macy's First Colony
- MOMS Club of Sugar Land North
- Chloe & Tayte Choudhury
- Tanches Global Management, Inc. - Tanaz & Chesley
Pictured (L-R) during a ribbon cutting ceremony are coaches and players of the Dream League, Sugar Land Councilmember Bridget Yeung, Legacy Foundation Board Members John Null and Brent Leftwich, Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson, Legacy Foundation Board President Sunny Sharma, Legacy Foundation Board Members Dr. Betty Baitland and Gene Reed, Sugar Land City Councilmember Amy Mitchell, Sugar Land City Manager Allen Bogard, Sugar Land Councilmember Steve Porter, coaches from the Dream League, and Assistant City Manager Mike Goodrum.
The new Universally Accessible Playground in Sugar Land's First Colony Park welcomes all people and has been built to allow children with physical and/or intellectual disabilities to foster personal, social and emotional development in a fun, safe, and welcoming environment!


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Welcome toEY Montenegro
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transactions and advisory services.
EY Podgorica is a part of the Central and Southeast Europe region of EY. Country office in Montenegro was established in 2010 and has since grown into a leading provider of professional services in the country.
Our country office in Montenegro enjoys strong reputation and close contacts with clients, resulting in intensive communication and cooperation and, consequently, highest level of services provided. Our approach is client-oriented and tailored to meet our clients' specific needs that are driven by the nature of their business in Montenegro. We provide top-end professional services in an independent, objective and ethical manner. We believe that a regular, open communication with clients paves way towards trust – a basis of any successful working relationship.
We consider people our main resource. Therefore, developing our people is what matters the most in our organization. Such approach has been recognized among young people throughout universities in Montenegro and even beyond. Many fresh graduates consider EY the employer of choice and a preferable environment to build a meaningful career.


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If you're in the Los Angeles area, come hang out at the live Steele Wars podcast recording this Saturday at 4pm.
We will be talking to life long Star Wars fan, filmmaker Kyle Newman.
Kyle is well known to Star Wars fans for directing the Star Wars themed road trip comedy Fanboys starring Kristen Bell & Seth Rogen.
He's also the director, producer and writer of the fan favourite "Smuggler's" series of Star Wars Celebration Live Stage Shows.
7522 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90046
(323) 851-7223
Hope to see you there. TICKETS HERE.
Here's a clip from last months show…


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Winterhawks Acquire 5th-Round Pick from Silvertips
The Portland Winterhawks have acquired a fifth-round pick in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft from the Everett Silvertips in exchange for forward Bronson Sharp.
Sharp was in his second full season with Portland this year. The 18-year old played in 38 games this season, registering two goals, one assist and 17 penalty minutes.
"We would like to thank Bronson for the two seasons he spent within our organization." said Winterhawks Vice President, General Manager and Head Coach Mike Johnston.
In his career, Sharp played a total of 84 games for Portland and had five points and 44 penalty minutes.
Portland is back in action this Friday in Kennewick to take on the Tri-City Americans. The Winterhawks then return home on Saturday to face off against the Seattle Thunderbirds at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.


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The Modern Bathroom Design Ideas
Modern Bathroom – Today it seems that more and more people regard their bathroom as one of the best places in their home where they can withdraw from the pressures of the day. A place for TV, free standing bath, 4 and 5 showers in one bath, soap dispenser, and towel shaper are part of the newly designed bathroom. The modern bathroom will not only bring comfort to anyone, but at the same time, it is able to emphasize straight lines, neutral, white and black, but also materials such as stainless steels, chrome, and mirrors. Modern bathrooms are not just a place where people can go for a refreshing bath, but a quiet place and complete relaxation.
For anyone who wants to make sure they redesign their bathrooms and bring them to modern standards, they need to know that simplicity is the way to go about Bathroom Design. The look modern bathroom is simple, spacious and elegant and only some colors will be used to make it. If people want the walls painted, most of the time the colors will be soothing and soft. Commonly used tones are white and black because they carry a mental balance and relax. If in the past the lines in the bathroom will become complex and the surface is filled with the art of the walls, now they are smooth and the lines are simple. Basically, there is no complicated design, no knick-knacks, and no mess.
15 Photos Gallery of: The Modern Bathroom Design Ideas
Through the bathroom element, a modern bathroom will emphasize the straight line, which means that the sink is mounted on the wall, while the faucet is designed geometrically and smoothly. Modern Bathroom Design also implies that the vanity can be mounted on the wall as well and generally people will go for the choice of ceramic, glass or stainless steel. Looking closely at the modern cabinet door, the doors were solid so as not to look messy, the toilets were slim and one part, while the hardware was also minimal. Depending on the type of cabinets people will use, some may have touch hooks that help improve their look.Incoming search terms:the modern bathroom design ideas


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Way Better Patent's patentECO clean tech ecosystem focuses on inventors, innovations, invention, and patents in clean technology. Major inventive domains consist of seven patentECO Indexes:
- Agriculture
- Air
- Energy
- Extraction & Harvesting
- Industry
- Transportation
- Water
Curiously, the USPTO's Green Tech Pilot Program has issued very few patents in the Extraction and Harvesting Index. One of these is US 8,162,049 issued in April 2012 to Peter E. Rose (Salt Lake City, UT) and assigned to the University of Utah Research Foundation. Rose's invention, "Injection-backflow technique for measuring fracture surface area adjacent to a wellbore," provides techniques for using tracer materials as a measurement tool to provide data for an underground reservoir fluid flow model. The model calculates fracture surface area resulting from hydraulic fracturing and geothermal formation stimulation. Increased surface area of fractures correlates with increased energy extraction rates. The invention is summarized in Claim 1:
A method, comprising:
measuring an initial temperature profile along the length of a wellbore;
injecting a tracer composition into the wellbore at an initial concentration, wherein the tracer composition includes a first thermally reactive tracer and a second thermally reactive tracer, wherein the second thermally reactive tracer is less thermally reactive than the first thermally reactive tracer;
allowing the tracer composition to diffuse within a subterranean reservoir for a time;
measuring a second tracer concentration of the second thermally reactive tracer and a first tracer concentration of the first thermally reactive tracer as a function of time;
and calculating a reservoir fracture surface area using the second tracer concentration and the first tracer concentration and thermal decay information of the first thermally reactive tracer and the second thermally reactive tracer.
Claims 4 through 6 provide the types of tracers to be used including:
- deuterated water, alkali metals, alkaline-earth metals, halides, and combinations thereof
- 2,6-naphthalene disulfonate
- esters, amines, aryl halides, rhodamine WT, eosin Y, dyes, halogenated fluoresceins, and combinations thereof.
Finally, the subterranean reservoir to which this measurement technique may be applied includes a geothermal reservoir, gas reservoir, oil reservoir, or combination thereof. In other words, the method can be applied to the hydraulic fracturing (aka fracing or fracking) method used in shale gas fields such as the Marcellus and Utica shales.
Rose's Figure 1 shows a general engineered geothermal system (EGS 100) including a single injection well 110 and two production wells 120A and 120B. A fluid can be injected into the injection well where the fluid travels through fractures 130 in the adjacent formations outward towards the production wells. In the case of heat recovery, the fluid is heated via natural underground thermal sources 140. The production wells are located such that the heated fluid can be recovered and directed to a suitable heat transfer mechanism for producing power or the like, e.g. steam turbines 150. As the inventor points out, the same hydraulic stimulation method can increase production of any well-based production of energy and/or materials (e.g. natural gas, oil, and the like).
Inventor Rose is one of the innovators whom we can thank for helping to unlock US underground energy sources, provide more efficient means for extracting those resources, and reducing the price of energy for all of us. A footnote: claim 15 states that "the reservoir fluid flow model is run in a numerical simulation program." Although the USPTO did not provide a software-related cross reference classification for this claim it refers specifically to software. There has been a steady drumbeat by many bloggers and commentators that software should not be patented. Software, however, is intellectual property, and deserves protection via patents, as do the myriad of other types of inventions found in the patentsphere. Search The Inkling for other posts on fracking.


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At the One Day Shop, organized by HTNK, I also spotted a new jewelry designer: Nadine Kieft. She designs very cute necklaces, with candyhearts in silver. Also, her jewelry are very French and baroc. I absolutely love it.
She uses a lot of pearls, roses and so called 'hello boots'.
Take a look at her webshop, NadineKieft.com


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Karch Kiraly Named U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team Head Coach
Bill Kauffman
USA Volleyball Communications
Phone: 719-228-6800
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
@USA_Volleyball - USAV Facebook
ANAHEIM, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2012) – Karch Kiraly, a legendary volleyball player in the indoor and beach disciplines who turned to coaching as an assistant for the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team that earned the silver medal at the recent 2012 Olympic Games, has been named the program's head coach for the next Olympic Games quadrennial culminating at the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Games, as announced by USA Volleyball Chief Executive Officer Doug Beal on Tuesday.
"I have revered representing the USA and wearing the Red, White and Blue ever since my first experience with the Junior National Team at 16 years old," Kiraly said. "It is a tremendous honor to be asked to lead such a powerful volleyball program, and I am thrilled to be able to carry forward the effort expended by this hard-working and talented group of athletes – an effort led by my mentor and friend, previous (U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team) Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon, and his staff."
"It is hard for me to define how excited I am that Karch has agreed to become our next U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team coach," Beal said. "I have often heard him compared to Michael Jordan as a dominant performer and personality. It is extremely rare that someone who was so talented and successful on the court can successfully make the transition to that same level in the coaching world. Karch is unique and USA Volleyball is fortunate and lucky to have him to continue the leadership of our National Team program."
Kiraly, 51, joined the coaching staff in 2009 under the direction of McCutcheon, who has assumed the head women's volleyball coach position at the University of Minnesota.
"I could not be happier with USA Volleyball's decision to select Karch as the head coach of the USA Women's National Volleyball Team," McCutcheon said of his successor. "He's a great man and a wonderful volleyball coach - this is a fantastic hire."
In his first international coaching experience in indoor volleyball, Kiraly helped the program to a 106-39 record over the past Olympic quadrennial. He played a key role in helping the U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball Team capture its second consecutive Olympic Games silver medal at the 2012 London Games. The Americans finished with a 7-1 record with only a loss to Brazil in the title match.
"I'm attracted to coach the USA Women's Team for many reasons: first, we have a group of athletes dedicated to fierce effort, to improvement and to redefining what's possible on a volleyball court," Kiraly said. "Another appeal is the daily process of a group of people - athletes and staff - striving to be one team, and to being the best team we can be, with the hope that our best might be THE best. A third draw is the strong trajectory the program is already on, with consistent success and numerous podium finishes the last 5 years."
Kiraly looks to move the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team to an even higher plateau than it already has achieved.
"This program has such a history of high performance and accomplished so much, including three Olympic Games silver medals … yet is has never won a Triple Crown Event: a World Championships, a World Cup or an Olympics," Kiraly said. "At some point, the USA Women will change that, and I yearn to help in that effort."
"I am confident Karch will represent USA Volleyball, USA and our sport in the most positive way possible and help us elevate the sport and the USA Women's Team to levels we have not seen," Beal said. "It is pretty hard to follow the success of our past two Olympics, but no one is in a better situation to do so than Karch. I have worked with Karch at many levels, and I am never ceased to be amazed by his abilities, his accomplishments and his drive. Part of my excitement is anticipating what he can do for our USA Women's Team."
Earlier in 2012, the U.S. captured the FIVB World Grand Prix gold medal for the third consecutive year. Team USA was 14-0 in the 2012 edition, including victories over Olympic Games bound Brazil twice (No. 2 in the world), Italy (No. 4), China (No. 5), Turkey (No. 7), Dominican Republic (No. 8) and Serbia (No. 9). The U.S. ended the 2012 campaign with a 30-2 record following the Olympic Games.
"I spent much of the last quad focusing on the task at hand, trying to be the best team we could be, especially in London," Kiraly said. "But as Hugh's departure drew near, I became thoroughly convinced and excited about carrying this work forward."
The U.S., currently ranked No. 1 in the world after over-taking Brazil in November of 2011, finished the 2011 season with a 39-10 record. Among the team's highlights were picking up the silver medal at the FIVB World Cup, their second consecutive FIVB World Grand Prix title, capturing the NORCECA Women's Continental Championship and winning the bronze medal at the Pan American Cup. Team USA knocked off Brazil twice in 2011, along with three wins over World Cup champion Italy and two wins over China (seven wins over 2012 Olympic Games qualified teams). Overall, the U.S. scored an 11-match victory improvement over 2010 and a 21-victory improvement from two years ago.
"I think it is an incredible decision by USA Volleyball, it is the best decision they could have made," said Lindsey Berg, a three-time U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball setter. "Having a coach who already knows the core group who will return for the next quad and has the respect from the group and became a big part of our team is a great way to start the quad going for gold in the next Olympics. The experiences that he has gone through, you can't replace those or ignore every experience in volleyball that he has been involved. To bring that as a coach and be able to relate to players, and know how to communicate these experiences and how to teach them so everyone else will have those experiences is amazing. He is a great technical coach who has been through it all. He is a good game coach and really knows how to talk to us. I think he is going to be so successful and I am so excited for him."
"I am really happy that Karch has accepted the position as I think it is a great decision on a lot of levels," said Nicole Davis, libero for the past two U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball Teams that won silver in Beijing and London. "Most importantly I think it is great for the continuity of the program on building what has been accomplished over the last four years. Karch was in the gym the past four years learning from a great coach in Hugh (McCutcheon). Karch is a genuinely liked person and he is the type of guy you want to go to battle with. He is already a leader in our gym. I have learned a lot from Karch on the game and how to compete. I think he is a really good fit for the program."
Kiraly has been recognized by many as the greatest volleyball player ever. He is the only volleyball player –male or female – to win Olympic Games gold medals in both the indoor and beach volleyball disciplines. Further, Kiraly is the first volleyball player – and one of only two ever – to win three gold medals in the sport. Accordingly, his coaching foundation is built around many of the mentors he had during his playing days and his recent coaching tenure.
"My foundational principles were established decades ago, having had the opportunity to play for and work with many of the best coaches in the history of this sport: the short list includes Rick Olmstead, Al Scates, Doug Beal, Bill Neville, Marv Dunphy and more recently Hugh McCutcheon," Kiraly said. "I lived my athletic career with these principles as my guide, and continue to adhere to them as a volleyball teacher and coach. They are: Mastery of Fundamentals, Relentless Preparation, Elevating the Play of Those Around Us, and Ferocious Competition."
"We have had some of the most remarkable coaches in the world leading our two National Teams," Beal said. "I am confident Karch will continue that tradition, legacy and level of success. His passion for the sport, his work ethic, his leadership and competitiveness is almost unmatchable. What is perhaps his most unique ability is being able to relate to each individual member of the team and transfer his knowledge, insight and his support making each of them better and the team stronger."
As a player, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) named Kiraly as the greatest men's volleyball player of the sport's first century, citing his performance and courage in leading the U.S. Men's Team to an unprecedented string of championships including the famed "Triple Crown of Volleyball" consisting of gold medals at the 1984 Olympic Games, the 1985 FIVB World Cup and the 1986 FIVB World Championship. Kiraly also captained the U.S. Men's Team to their second consecutive gold medal at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. The FIVB also named him "Best Player in the World in 1986 and 1988.
After his two Olympic Games gold-medal performances, Kiraly went on to play professional volleyball in the Italian League from 1990 to 1992. He won the World Club Championship with his team Il Messaggero in 1991 and was named the most valuable player. His team also won the Italian League championship in the 1990-91 season.
After years of dominating the game on the indoor courts, Kiraly returned to the sand and became equally dominant in beach volleyball. He and partner Kent Steffes captured the 1996 Olympic Games gold medal in beach volleyball as the sport made its Olympic debut in Atlanta.
Before retiring at the end of 2007, Kiraly had won 148 beach volleyball tournaments (144 domestic, 3 FIVB international events), more than any other player in history. He won at least one tournament in 24 of his 27 seasons of playing beach volleyball, claiming titles with 13 different partners during his four-decade long career. Kiraly was named the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) Most Valuable Player six times.
Kiraly still maintains influence on the beach and has been instrumental in its further growth across the United States. He has been active in spearheading the development of the U.S. Open of Beach Volleyball, which was created in partnership with USA Volleyball for the specific purpose of providing an opportunity for adult players to pursue a crowning achievement on a national stage for beach volleyball. In partnership with the Elevation Group, Kiraly backed the creation of the Wide Open beach tour series, a festival and grassroots-based beach volleyball series that started in 2009.
Kiraly was inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2001.
Domestically, Kiraly has been bestowed many honors for his volleyball skills. The United States Olympic Committee recognized him in 2008 with induction into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) inducted Kiraly into its 2005 Hall of Fame Class. In 1992, UCLA retired the All-American's jersey and inducted him into the UCLA Hall of Fame. Kiraly led the Bruins to a 124-5 record from 1979-82, including three NCAA titles and a runner-up finish. In 2009, Kiraly was inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame and the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America® Hall of Fame.
Kiraly's introduction to the sport occurred at the age of six. He earned his A and AA rating on the beach at the age of 15 and his AAA rating at 17. After leading Santa Barbara (Calif.) High School to the Southern California Championship title in 1978, Kiraly participated on the U.S. Junior National Team in 1977, 1978 and 1979 leading into his collegiate career at UCLA.
Kiraly now lives in San Clemente, Calif., with his wife, Janna, and sons Kristian and Kory.
Indoor Accomplishments
1988 Olympics (Gold)
- Team captain
- Team MVP
- 137 kills, 16 block stuffs, 15 block assists, 60 percent kill percentage
1987 Pan American Games (Gold)
1986 World Championship (Gold)
- All-tournament honors
- Named "World's Best Volleyball Player" by FIVB President Ruben Acosta
1985 World Cup (Gold)
1985 NORCECA (Gold)
1985 Appointed Team Captain of National Team
1984 Olympics (Gold)
- Outside/swing hitter
- Passer
- Youngest player on team (23)
- Played in all games (19), more than any other player
- FIVB Sportsmanship Award
- Connected on 74 of 158 spike attempts
1983 NORCECA (Gold)
1981 NORCECA (silver)
Setter/Hitter (6-2)
1982 NCAA Championship (1st)
1981 NCAA Championship (1st)
1980 NCAA Championship (2nd)
1979 NCAA Championship (1st)
124-5 in Matches during 4 years
1977-1979 U.S. Men's Junior National Team
1979 World University Games
- Starting setter
1979 Pacific Rim Tournament (1st)
1978 Pacific Rim Tournament (1st)
1977 Pacific Rim Tournament
1976-1978 Santa Barbara High School
- 1978 State MVP (CIF)
- Won 83 straight matches
- Undefeated in senior season
Beach Accomplishments
Gold Medal at the 1996 Olympic Games with Kent Steffes
U.S. domestic tournaments: 1st (144 times) $3,114,998
FIVB international tournaments: 1st (3 times) $83,750
AVP Best Defensive Player 2002
AVP Best Offensive Player 1990, 1993, 1994
AVP Comeback Player of the Year 1997
AVP Miller Lite Cup Champion 1996
AVP Most Inspirational 1998
AVP Most Valuable Player 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998
AVP Outstanding Achievement 2004
AVP Special Achievement 2002
AVP Sportsman of the Year 1995, 1997, 1998
AVP Team of the Year 2004 (Mike Lambert)


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If you're not familiar with video tags on Youtube, let me explain what this means.
Usually, people tag someone to answer to a bunch of questions about themselves. These tags have infinite possibilities since anyone can make them and fit them in so many themes.
I've decided to take the Sweater Weather TAG and reformulate it to insert winterythings because this is one of my favorite seasons.
Grab a cup of your favorite hot drink and Enjoy!
Grab a cup of your favorite hot drink and Enjoy!
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1. Favorite candle scent?
Red apple and cinnamon from IKEA. It is the perfect smell because I love apple pies.
2. What is your favorite coffee shop type beverage?
Hot chocolate or latte in the mornings and cappuccino at night, after dinner. This last one has a way of soothing me and comforting my stomach that I can't even begin to explain.
3. What's the best fall/winter memory you have?
A fall memory with have to be my grandfather picking me up from school or my parents picking me up from swim class because those moments always meant I was going home with my favorite people, and because coming home have always been my favorite part of a busy day.
Winter means Christmas to me and since I was little I've always loved this time of the year. I remember my large family being at my house at Christmas' eve and playing games until it was midnight and we could open the presents that one of my cousins, disguised as Santa Claus, would give us.
4. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?
Winged liner! Always!
5. Hats or scarves?
Scarves all year but beanies for Winter, definitely.
6. Favorite TV show, right now?
Hangover from the True Blood summer and still in love with it but right now, it would have to be between Vampire Diaries (catching up but still on season 3) and NCIS LA. Loving Grey's Anatomy though.
7. What is winter weather like where you live?
It's chilly but not freezing. There's no snow and there are sunny but cold days. Sometimes there's a lot of rain and wind but no major storms.
8. Most worn sweater?
A dark burgundy one and waiting for a cropped knit beige one my mom is making.
9. Favorite fall/winter nail polish?
Skirting the Issue by Essie.
10. Reading a book by the fire or playing in the snow?
I've always enjoyed reading and sitting by the fire. Since there's no snow here, I have to go with the first one.
11. Skinny jeans or leggings?
Leggings for lounging at home but skinny jeans all the time, everywhere!
12. Tall or ankle boots?
Right now I'm loving these ankle boots but searching for the perfect pair of tall ones.
13. What's your favorite thing about winter?
Fireplaces, hot beverages, cozy blankets, my cat curling up in my legs, decorating the Christmas tree and my favorite day is the day before Christmas when I cook with my mom, listen to Christmas music and have a funny and comfy family night.
|from Tumblr
Now I tag all of YOU! Yes, you can write your answers in the comment section or write a blog post and put the link here. I would love to read them and see if you love this season as much as I do.


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The best way to prevent a diabetes diagnosis is to start living a healthier lifestyle, such as eating healthier food and going to the doctor to get checked for prediabetes or high blood pressure, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. people also can help themselves by staying physically active through walking, riding a bike, swimming, etc.
The American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology have teamed up to raise public awareness of the "ABCs of diabetes," namely A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol. To have a good sense of your risk of cardiovascular disease and other diabetes complications, you need to "know your numbers."
A – stands for A1C
The A1C, or HbA1c, test is a measure of blood glucose control over the previous 2–3 months. Your doctor will likely recommend that you have an A1C test at least twice a year. It is usually done in a laboratory setting, which may or may not be located within your health-care provider's office. Small changes in A1C can make a big difference in your risk for diabetes-related complications. For example, lowering your A1C level by just one percentage point can reduce your risk for all complications by 30% to 35% and cut your risk of heart attack by 18%. Each A1C percentage point above 7.0% doubles your risk of complications.
For most people with diabetes, the A1C target is below 7%. However, even lower levels reduce the risk for complications even more, so each person with diabetes and his diabetes care team should set individualized A1C goals. Certain populations (including children, pregnant women, and elderly people) require special considerations.
Monitoring your blood glucose levels at home between doctor visits helps you know if what you are doing is working to keep your blood glucose levels controlled. The blood glucose targets for most people using a standard, plasma-calibrated blood glucose meter are as follows:
- Before meals, 70–130 mg/dl
- 1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal, less than 180 mg/dl
B – stands for Blood Pressure
Your blood pressure should be checked at every medical appointment. For most people with diabetes, the recommended blood pressure target is blood pressure below 140/80 mm Hg. Make sure it is below 140/90, as high blood pressure can cause heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
C – stands for Cholesterol
People with diabetes are advised to have a blood test to measure triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol at least once a year. The goals for most people are as follows, but these numbers may be modified based on your individual risk profile:
- LDL ("bad") cholesterol, under 100 mg/dl
- Triglycerides, under 150 mg/dl
- HDL ("good") cholesterol for men, above 40 mg/dl
- HDL ("good") cholesterol for women, above 50 mg/dl
Diabetes Self-Management
Diabetes is genetic and can be acquired. Make sure that you constantly monitor and manage your condition with the help of regular check-ups and blood tests. Consult your doctor and ask them to refer you to LAB24 for fast, affordable and reliable results.


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5 Poses to Work Your Way to Middle Splits
Are splits one of those things that you just envision all good yogis must be able to do, but meanwhile you think to yourself you will never quite get there? They can be quite intimidating, it's true. But like anything worth doing, it takes a lot of practice and patience to get there. You won't just one day wake up and be able to fall into them.
The good news is that there are a number of great yin yoga poses that you can practice regularly, and quite passively, that will slowly open the groin and hamstrings and get you closer to these coveted side splits.
In fact, though I'm the one that prepared this class, side splits are a weakness of mine. But now that I've created this practice, I'm going to do it several times a week to reach this goal.
As this is an intense practice, please do have props handy. I recommend a set of two blocks and a blanket.
The biggest tip I can provide for these stretches, is to be still. Like all yin yoga poses, don't tense up or force yourself into the deepest form but allow time to open the body further.
These poses make up my YouTube video this week - Yin Yoga for Side Splits
Don't forget to finish with a nice restorative savasana after these deep stretches.
Would you prefer to practice these poses with someone telling you when to leave them and offering some encouragement along the way? Check out my Free YouTube class below
Want to practice front splits? I've got a video for that too - Yin Yoga Splits Training
Thanks for watching, please remember to subscribe for new videos each week
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Yoga with Kassandra - Disclaimer
Please consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program. By participating in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge Yoga with Kassandra from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, arising out of Yoga with Kassandra's negligence.


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General Interest
DHcamera is market leading supplier of finished goods and genuine replacement parts for diverse range of consumer electronics, appliance, HVAC, computer and imaging products. Through distribution facilities strategically located in Chicago, Illinois, DHcamera supplier new, reclaimed and compatible parts for nearly 200 top manufacture brands. With largest multi-vendor parts inventory in the industry, we provide access to over 8 million parts in our database, ensuring superior fill rates.


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|タイゾウ Taizō
|Naruto Shippūden Episode #465
|Appears in
|Voice Actors
Taizō (タイゾウ, Taizō) was an inhabitant of the Land of Ancestors and a close friend of Asura Ōtsutsuki.
Taizō, Asura and their friends often met to play around their village. One time, Taizō initiated a hunt for a giant boar roaming around their village, but the group got surprised by the animal's size and decided to flee. Having climbed up a tree, Taizō urged Asura to defend himself with ninshū, but Asura was unable to do so. After his dog Shiro sacrificed itself, Asura's older brother Indra Ōtsutsuki came to the rescue.[1] Years later, Taizō pleaded Asura to cut down some trees in the forest, apparently to create a shortcut which would benefit the village. However, it came to light that he actually planned to sell the wood to buy medicine for his ill mother, which angered Indra who insisted to punish him for betraying the village. Asura however, bearing Taizō no ill will, freed him from his prison, even though he had to confront his brother directly for this.
After a while, Taizō, who hid in a shack, got informed by his friends Gasuka and Edashi about Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki's decision to send his sons to a long journey. His mother, who got healed by the medicine, urged him to accompany Asura, which he eventually did. Together, they travelled long distances to the village where the God Tree dwelt and discovered with the help of a local named Kanna, that a big number of the villagers succumbed to a mysterious illness. Taizō and Kanna then helped Asura to overwhelm the guards of the God Tree and accompanied him to the cave.
Learning that it was the presence of the God Tree saplings that was making the land lush while simultaneously making the people sick from eat of its nutrients, Taizō and Asura approached the village elder. Already having realised the truth of the God Tree, the elder regretfully declined Asura's request to destroy the saplings, noting their people had already lost so many before the sapling's emergence due to the barren land's nature. While Taizō wanted to give up and head back home, Asuara deciding the only way to help the people was to provide them with another water source they could rely on. Against Taizō's protesting, Asura began working tirelessly for weeks digging a well, which Taizō ultimately began helping with.
Eventually, inspired by his selfless actions, the villagers decided to help him dig. During that time, he began teaching them Ninshū, which they used to work further their efforts to the well. After a year passed, they finally struck water, allowing a huge lake to fill beside the village. Happy of their efforts, the villagers proudly burnt down the God Tree saplings, and sick people began to heal from the fresh water and ways of Ninshū. With his job complete, Taizō and Asura returned home, with many of the villagers wishing to come with him to see where Ninshū originated.[2]
Taizō was a carefree man showing lots of initiative. He loved his mother dearly, going as far as involving his best friend in committing a crime against his knowledge to heal her, although he regretted this decision afterwards. He was very loyal towards his friend Asura and accompanied him for a long time and during many hardships, even with Asura resisting in the first place. Even though he was offended by the villagers' initial hostility, he quickly brushed away his anger while helping Asura. He himself admitted not to be a big thinker, but made this fault up by always being supportive, giving his best no matter the situation.
Taizō had short, spiky black hair with a brown patch above his forehead and black eyes. As a child, he wore a grey apron-like cloak tied over his stomach with a white sash. Under it, he wore a plain, khaki shirt. He also wore plain pants and brown sandals.[1] As an adult, he wore a light-grey cloak tied over his stomach, a dark-grey apron tied around his waist with a brown belt, light-grey pants, grey sandals and white bandages wrapped around his wrists and ankles. During his journey alongside Asura, he wore a straw hat, a white cape that also covered his head, a scarf and a grey sash tied around his torso.[3]
While originally refraining from learning the art as his mother was against it, Taizō eventually chose to learn Ninshū from Asura. After months of studying under his friend, Taizō learned how to summon chakra to aid him in his struggles.[2]
- "Taizō" (胎蔵) is the abbreviated name of the "Womb Realm". Another reading stands for "hoarding" (退蔵).


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Adidas and Spotify have announced that they are increasing their partnership by bringing offline playback to the MiCoach Smart Run.
Spotify recently teamed up with Adidas to help create playlists and suggested running routes based on distance and intensity of the users' run.
However, the two companies are taking their "boost your run" partnership further with a deal that will see Adidas' MiCoach Smart Run watch get the ability to store offline Spotify playlists.
According to Engadget, which first reported on the upcoming deal, the functionality will become available around Christmas time. That's perfect timing for those wanting work off those extra pounds from Christmas dinner and winter slouching.
The feature will be available to Spotify subscribers according to the blog. However, it is unclear which tiers will have access to the functionality.
We've contacted Spotify to find out more. Due to the Bank Holiday, we're not expecting to hear back until tomorrow though.
Source: Engadget


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Venue Inspiration
Be inspired. Search our fantastic range of Christmas party venues from an office party at a local restaurant, hotel booking or a Christmas themed event space, the choice is yours.
Hilton at St George's Park, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 9PD
Group Size: Min: Enquire | Max: 450
Price: From £50.00pp
Dates Available: 29th November 2019
A Night at the Movies Christmas Party
The Hilton at St George's Park presents 'A Night at the Movies' Christmas Party!
Join us throughout December for an evening of glitz, glamour and movie magic at the truly special Hilton at St George's Park.
Party Night Packages available - £50.00 per person
From 8pm-1am
3 Course sit down dinner
Tea, coffee and mince pies
Christmas novelties
Happy hour available between 6:00-7:45pm offering a 20% discount on our bar prices!
Available Dates
29th November
30th November
6th December
13th December
14th December
19th December
20th December
21st December
*All 'A Night at the Movies' party nights will take place in our Sir Bobby Robson Ballroom*
Why not book Accommodation from as little as £90.00/£100.00 Bed and Breakfast.
Over 18's only. Subject to Availability. Terms and Conditions apply. 50% deposit to confirm booking. Non-refundable, non-transferable.
Hilton at St George's Park, Newborough Road, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 9PD


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15 Remarkable Antique Bedroom Vanities Photograph Ideas
Hi there, what is up all, now let me give you to see some kind of special position, have you any idea where by is it? That's proper house, house sweet house, residence is the gorgeous position if we canshare and communication, come up with a joke. I do believe all of us have a similar strategy, so we have to make our house as good as achievable. Then, the favourite position at home is room. Master bedroom is made up ofbed and cupboard, and room vanities. Perhaps most people do not know that room vanities really are essential especially for woman. Master bedroom vanities are connected with woman, it is actually conveying of womanly. Right here I will provide you with some information and photo about 15 Remarkable Antique Bedroom Vanities Photograph Ideas.
Actually, we wish to make our room appearance wonderful, tidy, and comfortable. But, I recently to help remind you that room vanities are make the room appearance ideal. Then, you can choose the vanities with the style and you can match with your room color, it is going to make the room gorgeous. Master bedroom vanities offers the work for put your elegance stuff like lip stick, comprise, and etc. Adjacent to that room vanity offers the other work that may be make the room a lot more womanly.
Furthermore, room vanities are comprise of match, vanity kitchen table, and vanity stool. Fairly recently, style of room vanities are establishing many creation of room vanities for example room vanities that combination with room, it a single established with vanities, we could call this expert room vanity established. It is going to make extra space to the place. Master bedroom vanities are important for women because she is going to make her entire body a lot more gorgeous with room vanities. As spouse you need to opt for room vanities with the wife's want. Because if you can not match the design or color it is going to make the place look really total. Then, bedroom vanities is created by using wood, wood have to in good quality because if you wrong in choosing your bedroom vanities will easy broke.
That's all of my explanation about room vanities I really hope this info will assist you to. Then, never forget to continually search details and you can made the decision the vanities in accordance your desire and need. For more complete cases you can open this by just click 15 Remarkable Antique Bedroom Vanities Photograph Ideas to check a lot more several of room vanities.


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We've all witnessed and/or been a part of a horrific time in our country this past week. Let's do this next one...and every future one...differently. Plan to do just "one thing" each day for someone else. Of course, you can do a jillion things too! :) Mother Teresa said something like..."we cannot all do great things but we can do small things with great love". Call someone and check on them or just remind them they are loved, buy someone's coffee, bake something and take to a friend or neighbor, smile at a stranger, compliment a stranger, leave flowers anonymously at someone's door, leave a note on a stranger's windshield, help a new mom or someone that has had surgery, take a meal to a family in need ~ hey, you know the drill!
I really feel that positives and LOVE can make a huge difference in our lives, in the lives of others, in our neighborhoods and in our nation. We need more kindness and love ~ NOT the ugly stuff. See what you can do, ok? Acts of kindness are my "go juice" ~ I especially love to do the anonymous ones!
Come back and share if you'd like ~ just do it! ;-)


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Piercee Bill of Rights
Every client has the right to:
- Be pierced in a clean, hygenic, private environment;
- Be pierced by a trained, clean, sober, conscientious piercer who follows only the highest standards of sterilization and hygenic techniques;
- Be pierced with appropriately sterilized equipment, jewelry, and single-use piercing needles which are then immediately disposed of in a medical sharps container, after piercing is complete;
- Never be pierced with a "piercing gun" which cannot be sterilized properly, and can actually be dangerous to your health;
- Have only well-designed implant-grade jewelry of appropriate size installed in your new piercing;
- Written after-care instructions and continued access to your piercer for any questions or assistance you feel you may need;
- Change your mind at any time without feeling obligated or pressured in any way to complete the piercing process.
What should I look for in a shop and a piercer?
- A clean, well-lit environment
- Knowledgeable, clean, communicative, gloved piercing professionals
- Individually packaged, sterile jewelry and piercing tools
What should I ask the person who will be piercing me?
- How long have you been piercing?
- Where did you train?
- Can you tell me about your experience in performing this piercing?


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"The instructors and my fellow students played an important part in helping me launch my company. I encourage anyone who wants to start a business to apply. It may just be your best business move!"
"I have gained so much confidence and knowledge through taking the LEAP! program. My business idea went through many changes and I am finally at a place where I am happy with my business and the future."
"I joined LEAP! without a clear business idea, just a hope to address community needs. With the help of an inspiring instructor, supportive peers and lots of community feedback, a vision for our social enterprise emerged."


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Stevia's Anti-Diabetic Properties Detected in Rat Models
A study performed in rats has shown stevia's anti-diabetic properties in rat models. Stevia fed rats demonstrated up to a 64% reduction compared to elevated blood glucose levels….
The rats were separated into 8 groups of 10 each. Four of the groups were injected with streptozocin, a known diabetogen which acts to selectively destroy beta cells and consequently caused a marked reduction in insulin levels. Groups also varied in the source of stevia including: stevia leaves powder, stevia leaves fiber, and stevia leaves polyphenols.
Rats receiving streptozocin with no stevia showed a significant increase in the cardinal signs of diabetes: polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria. Food consumption increased from 65g to 91g/week, water intake nearly doubled from 27ml/day to 59ml/day, and urine output increased from 39ml/day to 98ml/day. However, rats that were pre-fed with stevia leaves powder and polyphenol extract before injection of strepotozocin showed significantly less of an increase in food consumption, water intake, and urine output.
In the stevia leaves powder and its polyphenol extract groups, food consumption was brought down by 15% and 18%, water intake by 28% and 12%, urine output by 42% and 54%, respectively. Stevia leaves powder and its polyphenol extract also demonstrated a blood glucose reduction of 36 and 64%, respectively, from the elevated levels.
These findings did not parallel those in the stevia fiber fed rats, which showed no reduction in blood glucose levels.
The results of this study also showed an increased serum insulin level in the stevia leaves powder and its polyphenol extract groups, suggesting stevia might have a role in enhancing the number of beta cells in the pancreas of diabetic patients. Other proposed mechanisms for the benefits of stevia on hyperglycemia include modulation of glucose transport or glucose disposal. Further benefits of stevia reported in this study include renal protection and antioxidant properties.
Health-e-Solutions comment: We use stevia as a natural, zero-calorie, zero-glycemic, zero-carb sweetener. When used as a sweetener, it has little to no effect on blood glucose levels in most people. With the added potential benefits of enhancing beta cell replication, renal protection and blood glucose reduction, we think it should be the preferred sweetener for people with diabetes.
With increasing reports of health consequences resulting from consuming artificial sweeteners, and too much sugar and fructose, most people looking for a sugar substitute have been left wanting. In our special report called, Sweet Alternatives – Replacing Sugar, Fructose and Artificial Sweeteners, we identify several delicious natural sugar substitutes, suitable for people with diabetes, that can take the place of any other sweetener – even in baking – and one surprise that makes them all taste even better. Put your body in a position of strength to #MasterDiabetesNaturally by promoting, supporting and creating health. Get tools and solutions to help minimize consequences and maximize benefits for nutrition, environment, exercise, sleep and stress management.
Journal References: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23140911 Naveen Shivanna, Mahadev Naika, Farhath Khanum, Vijay K. Kaul. Antioxidant, anti-diabetic and renal protective properties of Stevia rebaudiana. Journal of diabetes and its complications 1 March 2013 (volume 27 issue 2 Pages 103-113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2012.10.001)


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Americas Best Value Inn - Mill Valley
Welcome To Americas Best Value Inn - Mill Valley
The Americas Best Value Inn & Suites is conveniently located in a quaint little town known as Mill Valley along Hwy 101/Shoreline Hwy. Our ABVI Hotel offers clean, comfortable, spacious rooms to accommodate you, your family and friends. All of our rooms include Flat Screen TV, free wireless Internet, microwave, mini fridge, We are just 3 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco and just minutes away from Muir Woods and Stinson Beach.
Muir Woods is a few minutes from our location and a few miles north of San Francisco, In an isolated canyon. As you arrive you will discover the ancient coast redwood forest known the world over as Muir Woods. Experience the tranquility of a forest of majestic coastal redwoods - some more than 500 years old - and canyon ferns. Follow a gentle trail and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
Mount Tamalpais is one of the most scenic mountain sites in California and rises 2,571 fee on the East Side. From this point you can explore spectacular unobstructed views of oceanside. The mountain rest in 6,300 acres of red wood groves and oak woodlands known as the Talmalpais State Park.
Stinson Beach is only 9 miles away on scenic Highway One, just north of San Francisco , California . Three and a half miles of sand give plenty of access to swimmers, surfers, and sun bathers.
Visit Sausalito... The beautiful Sausalito and Tiburon waterfronts offer a variety of water sports, such as fishing and kayaking, and scenic interludes. The historic Point Reyes National Seashore and Lighthouse, the Napa Valley Wine Country, Twin Peaks and Sears Point are destination of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Enjoy hiking, biking horseback riding, bird and whale watching and tasting Award-Winning Wines just 20 minutes from our front doors.
Experience the diverse restaurants, bars, shops, art galleries, golf courses and museums that surround us. We are also close to public bus and ferry transportation.
Whatever adventure, business, or just pleasure trip that brings you our way, ABVI (Americas Best Value Inn) Mill Valley will give you best Hotel - Motel and Lodging rates near San Francisco. Be sure to give us a call and we know you will enjoy your stay! We look forward to meeting with you, and helping in a small way to bring you memories that will last a lifetime...
Americas Best Value Inn - Mill Valley


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I have always had a desire to learn how to become a real estate investor, which is a little strange, since until just recently I leased or rented homes, or shared one with a family member. Buying our first home was confusing enough as a first-time home buyer, but considering how to buy a foreclosed home as an investor seems far more challenging.
Current trends in the housing market indicate that small investors might be wise to consider buying foreclosed property as their family home, for resale purposes, or for rental income. Savvy investors will also note that that the variety of foreclosed homes now available includes those found in affluent areas and seaside resorts, areas where home values typically see nice growth (until beaten down by housing bubbles such as the one we recently experienced.
How You Could Benefit from Buying a Foreclosed Home
While the majority of foreclosures are sold at 5% below market value, your savings may increase if you buy from a lender that is willing to lower the down payment or interest rate, or waive certain closing costs, because the mortgage is in default. Since an appraisal on the property has already been done, you might be able to avoid the appraisal fee, and much of the risk entailed will be removed if title insurance is also included in the purchase price.
If you have a good credit rating, your loan may equal the foreclosure's full amount, and if you plan to use the home for rental income, the lender may only require a down payment of 10%. Obviously, lending requirements are different across institutions, geographic regions, etc, so investigate down payment requirements in your area.
If you have a substantial amount of equity in your current residence, you may be given a line of credit to make the purchase without even providing a down payment. Personally, I'm not crazy about the idea of using equity in my primary residence to finance the down payment, or significant percentage of the purchase price, of a second, foreclosed home.
What You Should Know
Many home owners who default on their mortgages have been in financial difficulty for about a year, and both regular maintenance and repairs that are needed in the home have probably been neglected on either a large or small scale. Since this can even happen in an affluent area and location really does count, if the resale value of the home seems promising, you might want to consider making a reasonable offer and prepare to invest in its upgrading.
In other words, keep an eye out for the ugly house in a nice neighborhood that is in need of mostly cosmetic upgrades, but is structurally sound. I don't recommend novices get involved changing floor plans or repairing sinking foundations. If I bought a foreclosure in need of upgrading, I'd stick to new carpet, paint inside and out (if needed) and maybe a go so far as replacing the roof if it was in dire need of replacing. Beyond that, I'd leave it to someone with more time and money than me.
As a rule, banks try to sell their foreclosed home at an auction or work through a real-estate broker. If a property has been up for sale for less than a month, the lender will probably expect a full-price offer, but after that, they may be ready to sell at a bargain price.
A Word About Home Auctions
In the past, a foreclosed home was usually auctioned off for less than 50% of its fair market value, but today, attendance at these auctions has increased significantly. The hike in the number of bidders in attendance increases the competition, which results in a higher sales price. Consequently, foreclosures now often go for 10% to 20% less than fair market value, which makes them an interesting investment, but not the golden opportunity they were when buying foreclosures was done in more exclusive circles.
Note that if you buy a foreclosed home at below market value in a good area and it appreciates annually, this may turn out to be a wise investment strategy. The appreciation will be tax-exempt until you sell the home, and if it becomes your primary residence, it may also be tax-free. If you use the home as a rental property, it may build equity and increase in value while giving you a valuable tax deduction at the same time.
Cover All the Bases with a Home Inspection
Before completing any real estate transaction, especially a foreclosure, you should be willing to pay for a complete home inspection. This will cost between $250 and $400, but it will reveal anything that is wrong with the property's systems or structure. Remember that you can only determine if the asking price is fair when you know what maintenance and repairs are needed. If you plan to make a direct offer to the owner, find out if there are any outstanding lines or other claims on the home.
Finally, I would recommend using a real estate attorney to help navigate the legal hurdles of buying a foreclosure. We used an attorney to buy our home, because a real estate agent was not needed, and I wanted someone representing my interests throughout the transaction.


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Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
He's here! He's here!
After nearly 10-and-a-half-hours in labor (and months of waiting), Kate Middleton and Prince William welcomed their precious baby boy into the world today.
And although the young prince's name or (surely adorable) face have yet to be revealed, there's a good amount of information we do know about the future king.
Here's everything we know so far about HRH Prince of Cambridge...


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by nathan oster
G.K. Construction has passed the midway point of a project that will to alleviate landowner concerns about the deteriorating condition of a 500-foot tunnel between Shell and Greybull that was build in the early 1900s.
Chris Knodell is a project manager for States West Water Resources, Corp., an engineering firm based in Buffalo and Cheyenne that is managing the Shell Canal Tunnel Rehabilitation Project.
"I'd say we're over 55 percent done," said Knodel. "We've been in construction mode for a little over a month. We were hoping to get done by April 1, but it looks like we'll get it done easily by March 1.
"So things are good, well ahead of schedule."
The tunnel that is being dug up was built around 1909, without rebar, and in recent years, has begun to cave in, said John Ed Anderson. Fearing the worst, he Shell Valley Watershed Improvement District began pursuing funding to remove the tunnel and put in its place an open trench along the 500-foot stretch.
An engineer's estimate of the project costs came in at $1.2 million, but Anderson said the project is on track to be completed for approximately one half of that cost. "Bids came in lower than expected," he said.
In addition to removing the tunnel, G.K. is also cleanup up the ditch banks for approximately 500 feet on both sides of the tunnel. All together, more than 140,000 yards of soil are being moved for this project. "Of that," Knodel said, "We're estimating that about 10 percent is hardrock that they are having to use special techniques to get excavated."
Knodel and Anderson concurred that the removal of the tunnel would bring a greater sense of security to landowners. "Before, there was probably a significant risk that the tunnel could shift or collapse," Knodel said. Had that happened, it would have left about 3,700 acres downstream of the tunnel without water.
The tunnel is located approximately eight miles east of Greybull, so a collapse would have meant disaster for properties lying between the tunnel and Greybull, including the Poverty Flats area and the Greybull Heights, among others.
The Shell Canal Company received a Wyoming Water Development Commission grant to fun 67 percent of the project costs. The Shell Canal Company took out a loan, payable over 30 years, to fund the remaining 33 percent of the costs.
The project is progressing under the watchful eye of Ed Welsh, who has been on site round the clock looking for fossils that unearthed by the heavy equipment. As of Thursday, he said he had found "some dinosaur bones and fish scales," adding, "This is an area known to be very productive (in terms of dinosaur finds). In fact, right now, we're only a few feet away from a crocodile locality."
Tunnel project nears completion
by nathan oster


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Have fun flying over the waves and exploring Dubai on one of our powerful Jet skis here in Luxury Yachts Rental. Riding a jet ski is not only exhilarating and great fun, it cools you down and lets you explore the beach of Dubai.
Whether riding Jet skis is for Dubai tours or high speed water races, Dubai Beach is one the best places in the world to enjoy them. Riding a jet ski is a fantastic and exciting way to spend your time on your vacation here in Dubai.
And Jet Skis rental is not expensive. You can rent jet skis with Minimum of 15 Minutes. This offers best value for your money. But be careful, once you have sampled the excitement of Jet Ski riding you usually want to do it again and again; and for longer periods of time.
- And enjoy the scenery with the best service for rental jet ski in Dubai
- More playful experience nest, exercise Aquatics in Dubai
- Life jacket will be provided to customers before the flight.
Your Dubai vacation wouldn't be complete without a fun jet-ski ride! Feel the adrenaline rush as you speed along the ocean's turquoise water! This is best enjoyed with friends that you can race with!


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The Settle in Australia site provides information for all new arrivals, including skilled migrants, family migrants, refugees and former humanitarian entrants.
The Beginning a Life in Australia booklet welcomes newly arrived migrants and humanitarian entrants to Australia. It provides useful national, State/territory and local settlement information for migrants, humanitarian entrants, their sponsors and service providers. It is available to download in English and 37 community languages.
For information on support available for asylum seekers please contact the Principal Liaison Officer - Multicultural via email firstname.lastname@example.com or by phone 6232 7192.
The Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) scheme became operational in Tasmania on 10 October 2015. All of Tasmania qualifies as a regional area.
The Tasmanian Government encourages people who have been granted the SHEV visa, or who are waiting a determination, to consider relocating to Tasmania to work or study.
Tasmania is a dynamic and diverse society with a rich cultural, religious and linguistic heritage of which Tasmanians are proud. Resettling refugees is a proud and important part of Tasmania's humanitarian history.
However it may difficult for new arrivals to know who to contact and how to go about finding accommodation, education, local services and employment, and participating in the community.
The Tasmanian Government is investing up to $1.2 million over four years to establish a Safe Haven Hub in Tasmania. Once established, the Hub will provide a first point of contact for people coming to Tasmania to work or study under the SHEV scheme.
A particular focus of the Hub will be to work with industry councils, employers, jobactive and training providers to fill labour shortages, particularly in growth areas of the Tasmanian economy.
If you have been granted a SHEV visa or are waiting for a visa determination and are interested in moving to Tasmania, CatholicCare Tasmania and the Australian Red Cross have been contracted by the Tasmanian Government to provide assistance to help you find accommodation, work or study.
These services can assist you throughout your move, before and after your arrival.
You can also contact the Communities, Sport and Recreation, Department by emailing email@example.com or phoning 1300 135 513.
The Tasmanian Government considers the diversity of its people as a key asset for the state. The resilience and resourcefulness of refugees has made a major contribution to Tasmania's economy.
Tasmania is a liveable place where balancing work, family life and recreation is far easier than in major population centres.
Housing is affordable, good schooling is available and there are a range of supports in place for bringing up children which offer a wide range of family centred support and activities.
The State offers easy and safe access to public open spaces including walkways, cycleways, trails, beaches, rivers and other recreational environments, and sporting clubs.
There are a number of growth industries in Tasmania looking for skilled workers, including agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, hospitality and the disability care sectors.
SHEV holders are required to work in regional Australia without accessing income support (Special Benefit payment) or study full-time in regional Australia, or undertake a combination of work and study, for at least three and a half years (or 42 months) of their visa, to be eligible to apply for other substantive visas, including permanent visas (but not Permanent Protection visas), provided they meet the application criteria for those visas.
More information about the SHEV can be obtained from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
Provides early practical support to humanitarian clients to help them settle in the community, from arrival for six to twelve months. Provides information about contracted service providers assisting the settlement of humanitarian entrants.
Provides interpreting services 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. Information about how to access interpreting services for Non-English speakers and English speaking agencies and businesses.
The Adult Migrant English Program provides free English language courses to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants. Participants can also make new friends and learn about Australia, its people and customs.
This service, provided by TAFE Tasmania, aims to develop English language skills and improve understanding of Australian culture, Statewide Migrant Education teams help people to develop English language skills and cultural knowledge of life, work and further study. They assist in building pathways to further work and training.
Migrant Education offers a broad range of opportunities including preliminary and unregistered short courses, as well as courses ranging from Certificate I through to Certificate III.
Provides specialised and intensive case management services to humanitarian entrants with exceptional needs.
Refugee and Migrant Liaison Officers provide confidential services to culturally and linguistically diverse patients accessing care. This also includes facilitating cross-cultural awareness training for staff.
Provides funds to organisations to deliver targeted services to those in greatest need of settlement assistance, for up to five years from arrival.
Provides information on key groups of entrants under Australia's Humanitarian Program. Community Profiles has been developed to assist service providers understand the backgrounds, experiences and likely settlement needs of new arrivals within these groups.
The Migrant Resource Centre's (Southern Tasmania) Inc runs a Settlement Drop-In Service:
When: Monday 10am-2.30pm
Where: Migrant Resource Centre, 1A Anfield St, Glenorchy 7010.
This service is available for anyone from a Humanitarian background within their first five years of living in Australia.
The Migrant Resource Centre's (Southern Tasmania) Inc has an Information and Referral Service for New Migrants available to migrants from all visa streams and can provide information and referrals for settlement issues by phone or email:
Southern Tasmania: (03) 6221 0999 or email@example.com
Northern Tasmania: (03) 6332 2211 or firstname.lastname@example.com
Open the Information and Referral Information sheet
Business and skilled migrants may also find out more about Tasmania on the Migration Tasmania website
This program, which includes the Multicultural Arts and Festivals Grants, provides funding to help organisations promote and celebrate an inclusive, multicultural Australia.
Provides statistical data on permanent settlers to Australia arriving since January 1991. It brings together data from various sources to assist government and community agencies involved in the planning and provision of services to migrants. Reports provide numbers, locations and general characteristics of permanent arrivals.
Provides information on how to apply for Australian Citizenship.
Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA)
The Migration Support Program offers non-commercial immigration assistance to eligible newly-arrived humanitarian migrants. This assistance may include migration advice, form support, and in some cases representation.
For more information, please contact the Migrant Resource Centre:
Phone: 03 6221 0999
Email: email@example.com
The Code of Conduct for registered migration agents prescribes the appropriate practice for migration agents. The Code of Conduct may be viewed here.
Registered Migration Agents (Colin Maier – MARN: 1687867)
The Department of Home Affairs provides information about visas for Australia.
Find out whether you need the services of a Migration Agent.
The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) is an office of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
To find a Migration Agent near you visit the OMARA website.
Tasmania offers a wide range of employment opportunities for skilled migrants, as well as a great lifestyle.
Visit the Migration Tasmania website


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Apples are at their peak season right now, and there is no better way to showcase their wonderful flavor than to serve them baked with a few simple additions. This easy recipe for baked apples is a perfect finish to any holiday dinner (or anytime, really!).
Tart apples will technically work in this recipe, but I love using sweet apples such as Gala or Honeycrisp. Their flavors shine and are enhanced by the brown sugar and cinnamon.
You definitely want to line the pan with aluminum foil because as the apples cook, the sugar and butter will combine with the apple's natural juices to create a delicious, gooey mess. Foil makes cleanup a breeze! This is a simple, quick dessert that your entire family will love.
Baked Pecan-Stuffed Apples
Yields: 4 servings
Total Time: 25 minutes
- 4 sweet apples, such as gala or honey crisp
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 tablespoons dark brown sugar (light brown sugar will also work)
- 4 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a roasting pan with aluminum foil. Wash and core the apples and place them in the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, sugar, pecans, cinnamon and salt. Use a small spoon to evenly distribute the mixture into each apple.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the apples are soft but not mushy. Drizzle the apples with the pan drippings.
- Serve immediately.
Photo credit: Jennifer Farley


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Brand identity and the graphic design of printed marketing collateral for an Australian small business.
Case Study
The Challenge
1800 Find Us is a sales based small business focused on providing phonewords for businesses across Australia. They approached Percept with the task of creating a new brand identity and the graphic design for printed marketing collateral, which would encourage customers to make a direct enquiry by calling their number.
The Solution
Percept created a simple and bold brand identity with a strong feel. It uses a magnifying glass as a visual identifier that also represents the business name and product offering.
The navy colour portrays the business as an established and trustworthy Australian brand.
As part of the brand identity project, Percept were also asked to develop the graphic design style for their printed marketing collateral, which included items such as sales and trade brochures. Percept also established a tone of voice for the copywriting and a custom style of simple and bold infographics as part of the overall graphic design solution to flesh out the brand, giving it a unique and ownable feel.
As a follow-up to the initial launch of the mother-brand, and with a far more focused target audience, Percept developed a creative campaign for 1300 The Vet.


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Buy local or brew your own. Anybody can brew beer. Everybody should brew beer. Do it your way.
Welcome, please leave a comment if you have questions or email me firstname.lastname@example.com
Making a starter for Belgian Ale...
get growler, stopper & airlock
sanitze them
1 quart water
4 or 5 hop pellets (probably optional, I use for antiseptic effect)
4 oz of dry malt extract (need see what that is in cups)
boil 15 minutes
cool in sink
pour into growler
pitch wlp575
aerate by shaking vigorously (be careful wet glass can be slippery)
add airlock
put towel around it
pitch after fermentation starts at some point
2 comments:
- Dave said...
Do you really need hop pellets in a yeast starter? Seeing how the starter is only active for a up to a day before pitching. Also, is 15 minutes long enough of a boil? Probably need to add a step to aerate your starter when you pitch your yeast to help ensure there's enough oxygen in the starter.
- Sunday, May 25, 2008
- Adam said...
Hey there Chipper Dave,
Do I really need the hops pellets? Good question. I'm adding them 'cause I've always done that. I guess I could say they add an antiseptic quality to the mini wort.
Aeration? Oops forgot to record that step. I did shake it very well in the growler.
Thanks :-) BTW it seems to be fermenting very nicely. I'll be brewing later today.
- Sunday, May 25, 2008


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We love Windows 8! But we love it even more that we can play Angry Birds Space with our business intelligence data! Bet you can't do that with your business intelligence tools.
If you want to do it, jump over to the Windows 8 App Store to download a copy of PUSHBI and Angry Birds and get cracking.
More Info: www.pushbi.com
Enjoy, Patrick


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'Read-Aloud' Assistance on Common Tests Proves Contentious
Faced with the decision of whether to allow students with dyslexia and other print disabilities the option of having text passages on the common-core tests read aloud to them, the two federally financed consortia responsible for creating the general assessments took a Solomonic approach. Rather than prohibit the so-called "read-aloud accommodation" entirely or allow reading aloud with no restriction, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers decided to permit text passages to be read to students, with a notation on score reports saying no claims can be made regarding the student's foundational reading skills.
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So much catching up to do!!
I'm baaaaaack!! Well actually I never left but I haven't been posting much because I am using my faithful but less than state of the art laptop that up until today, was WAY too slow for any picture programs....can you say dial up and 128 megs of RAM?? Sloooooooooow.......but to be honest, this was a really great laptop in it's day so I decided to give it a facelift! I added some RAM and a little perseverance and voila! Pics galore to make up for lost time! and now I have a really good "spare" if my
really expensive piece of shit wonderful Gateway decides to show it's self again!
So on to some KNITTING CONTENT WITH PICS!! First up I give you the long awaited Adrienne Vittadini Shaped Top! I started this on KIP day (June 11) and finished it on July 6th so just about one month. The pattern was a bit more "organic" than I would have liked....you were given ONE pattern repeat of the lace and fitting in the armhole decreases and simultaneous neck decreases while keeping the lace looking as it should was left up to me! So the *second* time I knit the lace, I got it :) Here she is (and I *LOVE* her!!)
Adrienne Vittadini Spring 2005 Pattern Book
Rowan All Seasons Cotton in Ravish - just under 8 skeins
size #6 US Addi Natura Bamboo Circs ( I knit really loosely with cotton!)
Mods: aside from having to figure out the lace/decreases myself I added the picot bind off that was called for at the neck and the armholes to the hem and I like it A LOT!! The pattern called for a plain cast on which being stockinette, rolled unmercifully and I felt the Top was too dressy for a ribbing or a seed stitch hem. I think adding the picots to the hem really pulled it all together! To do this, I did a provisional cast on by crocheting *around* my needle to form temporary loops and knit into each loop. Once the peices were finished, I unzipped the provisional cast on, placed the live stitches on my needle and bound off using the matching picot bind off.
All in all, a fun knit and a (in my opinion) beautiful result! I'm very happy with the top and I hope the acrylic content of the ASC will keep it from stretching out so I can wear it for many *Summers of Lace* to come!
Now what else has Debi been up to in her blogging absence you ask? First up, I finished my socks for my Sockapal-2-za pal:
Next, I knit these Leaf Socks for a friend. She's a lover of the color sage so I used "Artic Moss" Naturespun Sport for the body and some Mountain Colors "Sagebrush" for the trim, heels and toes. I think she will *love* these socks!
The pattern is from the German Sock Knit-a-Long Yahoo Group.
Next week, two new WIP's and hopefully a new toy*
Happy knitting everyone!!
*please forgive the horrible quality of these pics, my camera :::cough, Gateway, cough:::is not very good at the close-ups and it was my first digital camera ie: I didn't know any better!) My birthday is in September so I think there's an early birthday prezzie in my immediate future! Stay tuned.....
addendum 7/16 4 pm: I took my camera outside after the rain stopped and re-shot all the pics....the quality is slightly better but still not very good so, if you visited earlier, your eyes are not playing tricks AND I'm still looking for a new camera :)


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BP Comment Quick Links
November 11, 2004
Lies, Damned Lies
Superstars, All-Stars and Busts
A couple of people have asked me what I think about the selection of Jason Bay, rather than Khalil Greene, as the National League Rookie of the Year. Greene was probably the better selection from a sabermetric standpoint. He out-VORPped Bay, 37.8 to 32.3, and out-WARPed him 6.0 to 5.1. There are legitimate gripes that the writers did not take the offense-deadening effects of PETCO Park sufficiently into account, and might have neglected Greene's strong finish.
Nevertheless, the two candidates were fairly close. Bay missed more playing time than Greene did, which accounted for some of the difference in VORP. He probably has more star potential than Greene does, though we'll see what PECOTA has to say in a month or two; slow middle infielders like Greene tend not to age very well. The writers have certainly made bigger mistakes, and at the very least, it's hard to chalk this particular one up to some sort of newsprint-fueled hubris; Internet Baseball Awards participants also preferred Bay by a small margin.
The more interesting comparison isn't between Bay and Greene, but between Bay and Bob Hamelin. Both are slow power hitters who reached the big leagues relatively late. Bay hit 24 doubles and 26 homers in his rookie year; Hamelin hit 25 doubles and 24 homers, albeit in a strike-shortened debut. Bay hit .282 on the season. Hamelin also hit .282. Even their sabermetric stats are similar; Hamelin's 5.4 WARP3 score is just a hair away from Bay's 5.1. Does being a Rookie of the Year winner increase a player's chance of success in the future, or does it jinx him?
The Rookie of the Year award has been given out 116 times, from its inception in 1947 through today, including split ballots in 1976 (NL) and 1979 (AL, a memorable dead heat between Alfredo Griffin and John Castino). I went through each winner, excluding Bay and Bobby Crosby, and placed them into one of five broad categories:
For the most part, these categories work out pretty precisely, but as with any taxonomic system, there are judgment calls at the margins. Bob Allison and David Justice had pretty similar career profiles. Justice finished with 305 home runs, Allison 256, but Allison played in an era in which dingers were harder to come by. Each made three All-Star teams. They both had strong plate discipline and unremarkable batting averages. Both were injury-prone. But Justice played just a little bit longer than Allison, and was just a little bit better on defense, so I classified him as an All-Star and Allison as a Regular. The judgments are even murkier when it comes to players who are still active. I classified Derek Jeter as a Superstar but Nomar Garciaparra as an All-Star. Jeter is just a few points ahead of Nomar's pace in career WARP, but I expect him to age a lot better.
All told, the breakdown between stars and scrubs works out thusly:
People tend to remember the Hamelins and the Mark Fidryches and the Pat Listaches, but in truth they are very rare, occurring less than 10% of the time. Another 13% of players fall into the purgatory known in the Netherlands as Hollandsworthland. The rest of the Rookie of the Year winners can be divided about evenly between major league regulars (39%) and All-Stars/Superstars (39%). Success, whether moderate or better, is the rule here.
None of which tells us anything in particular about Bay or Crosby. Of course, we have more information to go on than the mere fact that they won the ROY award. Albert Pujols did not have the same chance as Jerome Walton of crashing and burning; Pujols debuted at 21 and immediately became an MVP candidate, whereas Walton debuted at 23 and was barely better than league average. Bay and Crosby, for their part, had rookie campaigns that were about average in so far as ROY seasons go, and they are most likely headed for Regular status, although I think PECOTA will see breakout potential in both. (Bay, in spite of the parallels I described earlier, had a notably better minor-league track record than Hamelin did. He also does not appear to have eaten Cecil Fielder).
The truth is, players like Hamelin serve an important purpose in baseball, which is to allow managers to scare the bejeezus out of their newly anointed young star. It's pretty easy to envision Jack McKeon walking out to the mound at some point during the past season, whispering "Hamelin" in Dontrelle Willis's ear, and walking quietly back to the dugout to spit sunflower seeds, fully expecting his pitcher to strike out the side. We've now gone ten full seasons without a true Rookie of the Year bust, and can only imagine what might have been next year if Calvin Pickering hadn't exhausted his eligibility.
Rookies of the Year were placed in categories as follows:
Nate Silver is an author of Baseball Prospectus.
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The center of Asprey's quest rests in mitochondria. He details in a fixed, straightforward manner the incorporation of the cell organelle into our evolutionary makeup and then proceeds to reference the cell powerhouse throughout the remainder of the text. Written with accessible prose and with many of the scientific references footnoted, Asprey discusses the damaging effects of our lives on first mitochondria, then our brains, and finally on our longevity. Some of these assertions tie together observations many of us make: when we sleep in a hotel room with a funky smell and then struggle to think the next day, we were most likely exposed to mold and the resulting toxins. Everyone has dealt with this problem at least once in their life, but here Asprey discusses first the why and then how to fix it. With food, he advocates a Paleo style approach high in grass fed meats and fats, but once again confronts mold head on. Asprey notes that when we ingest moldy coffee or grains, the mold damages our mitochondria and sends us into a debilitating brain fog. He ties mold to our no pastured raised meet, noting that when chickens, pigs, and cows are feed moldy, cheap corn and grain, we ingest the toxins with our meals.
Further Asprey discusses exercise, water, light, and sleep. Each of these segments are well cited and ring with his personal experience of moving from an overweight, overstressed Silicon Valley Venture capitalist to one who feels that he can live to be over 180. While his longevity goals may seem outlandish, putting to practice some of the simple steps he lays out results in easy changes. Adding Brain Octane Oil (which is tasteless) and Grassfed butter to my breakfast was easy, and this change has quashed carb cravings and resulted in a satiated feeling that extends all morning. Covering led light indicators in my bedroom is not hard, nor is turning the Wifi off at night (it saves power anyway). Some of Aspery's suggestions may ring with more difficulty, but in the end he is aiming to hack into your life and make you Head Strong. A strong recommended read here for anyone who wants to fix their life and the way they feel.