text:
Care of Granite Countertops
Care of granite countertops is a very important notion to consider for anyone who is thinking about buying new granite for their kitchens or bathrooms, and of course it is essential for all of us who already have them in our homes. Proper care of countertops is always something crucial to consider no matter whether you choose marble or Formica or any other surface material, and it is no different with granite than any other substrate. Buyers and potential buyers need to know how to care for these things and what they can do to get maximum service life and beauty out of their countertops.
To begin with, it is probably noteworthy to briefly discuss the strength and wear resistance of granite as a countertop material. Many people quite understandably think that since this is basically a rock from the earth, that it is probably impervious to damage. This is definitely not the case. You can etch the surface of a countertop, or chip it, or even do worse damage if you are not careful. Those who are trying to choose between a few different natural options should know that the care of granite countertops is simpler than that of marble in one important way, and that is that marble is easier to etch and wear on the surface.
Taking Care of Your Countertop
So, it is good to know that the proper care of dark granite countertops is important, yet manageable. As owners of these beautiful custom made and professionally installed countertops, we are drawn to this particular material for all the gorgeous colors and the naturally occurring patterns that are discernible on the surface. There are many folks who even love the way the tile or the countertop feels to the touch, holding on to the cold in a room and having a certain cool smoothness to it.
Maintaining that look and even that feel is essential. Imagine the disappointment you would feel if something happened to your kitchen that couldn't be repaired because the countertops were not properly protected. For all the money we spend on our kitchens, it is crucial that we protect our investments with a little preventative care. There is an easy way to do this, and one that is not all that expensive. Having trained and experienced professionals help you in the care of granite countertops right from the start makes it a lot easier to get all the life out of them that you should.
Importance of Sealing Granite
As far as the care of granite countertops is concerned, one of the most important of all actions you can take as an owner is to have them sealed professionally as soon as you have them installed, or if they are older as soon as you take possession of a home. There are a few different reasons why it is so crucial to do this upon installation. The first reason is very simple and practical in nature. This form of care of granite countertops makes it easier to wipe them down and clean up after you use them to prepare food or in your other normal activities.
There are many people who want to use granite countertops for a kitchen island where they take their informal meals. If you wish to use them in this manner and put them through that kind of use, they need to be sealed. Even just the normal activity of wiping them off is safer and is less likely to result in an etching when they are protected by a quality sealer. Taking care of your investment is really important, as you well know, and having the surface duly protected gives you assurance when you do ordinary things like put plates down to eat breakfast and things of that nature. It is not as if granite is as soft as some other surfaces, but it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the care of granite countertops.
Take care of your new kitchen or bathroom and it will stay looking as good as new for many years to come. Be careful in the way you put things down and pick them up; don't assume that any sealer will protect that surface on its own. And get a professional to help you in your care of granite countertops by sealing them with top quality products that make them more resistant to wear and damage and easier to wipe off after use. Keep the cost down and use our free form to find specialists in sealing and repairing countertops near you. Choose a company that you can trust to get the job done right and you will be happy with your investment for years to come. Care of granite countertops is essential.
What People Are Saying
Thank you for the free estimates. I was able to find a great deal on my new countertops in no time at all.
Anne E, Atlanta GA


text:
I blogged recently about how good a medicine for life laughter is, well, so is the sun. Just the boast to our vitamin D levels alone apart from the warming feeling and relaxation sitting in the sun can bring.
It's good for the body and good for the mind.
Then you can add walking in nature, sitting by a river, sitting by the sea, walking through a field of tall grass and running your hands through it. Sitting watching a fire and so on.
The simple things, that have somewhat evaporated from our lives are the best things to make us feel good, to lift us, to even heal us.
The all cost nothing and are often easily accessible.
Instead, we often opt to numb ourselves with comfort food, alcohol or hide in trash TV, social media, the internet and any other short-term dopamine fixes we can find.
Get out in the sunshine.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Wedge Salad with Crispy Chorizo
A crisp wedge salad with a creamy buttermilk dressing and blue cheese and tomatoes is a delicious classic that usually comes topped with crumbled bacon. This is a dish you'll find on the menu at most steak houses across America and one that I know many of my friends enjoy, too. While I can't argue with a classic I thought that by adding a smoky element of chorizo sausage, instead of the bacon, would be a great way to update this salad and give it an interesting twist. An Internati... Continue Reading


text:
Asia's only curated forum showcasing some of the most prestigious schools in the UK.
Families looking at the best British schools and pre-univesrity education may:
- meet school admissions directors face-to-face
- listen to experts speak on key issues and recent updates
- get support from special needs advisors, professional guardians and tutors
- talk to current students
List of BESSA 2017 Participants:
Abbey DLD Colleges, Alpha Plus Guardians, Cheltenham Ladies' College, Dragon School, Eastbourne College, Gordonstoun, Keystone Tutors, Malvern College, Norwich School, Radley College, Rugby School, Sedbergh School, Sevenoaks School, Shrewsbury School, St Edward's School Oxford, St Swithun's School, Tonbridge School, Wycombe Abbey School.
Programme of Speakers:
- 12.30pm "The Relevance of a Global Education and the IB - Lorna Dolan, Sevenoaks School
- 1.15pm "The Importance of the Co-curricular at Boarding Schools" - Andrew Leale, Tonbridge School
- 2.00pm "Supporting Special Needs in Boarding Schools" - Sheridan Steen, Dyslexia School Search
- 3.00pm "Tips for Applying to Top UK Universities" - Ed Richardson, Keystone Tutors
- 4.00pm "The Do's and Don'ts of the Oxbridge Interview Process" - Will Orr-Ewing, Keystone Tutors
Find out more at www.bessa.asia


text:
If you're trying to find a job in Germany, be aware that things are done differently in Germany. The German culture is much more formal than in the southern parts of Europe or than in the Anglo-Saxon countries. The work culture is more hierarchical and Germans like their status. If someone has earned a title, use it!
In order to be able to find work in Germany you first need to check if you are allowed to work there. Passport holders form other EU and EEA countries can work in Germany without any problem, with the exception of Bulgaria and Rumania who continue to have to apply for a work permit. However, the Germans like their red tape, so you still will have to apply for a residence permit. These are valid between 1 and 5 years and you should be issued withing 6 months after arrival in the country.
If you don't qualify as an EU/EEA passport holder you have very little chance of getting a job in Germany. There are shortages in certain industries and if you are lucky enough to have experience in these industries you might stand a chance.
Firstly you need to apply for residency in Germany. Applications can be filed with the representation of the Federal Republic of Germany abroad or within Germany with an aliens' authority – and usually approval of the Federal Employment Agency.
Special regulations: Nationals from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United States of America can also obtain the required residence title after entry from the competent aliens' authority in Germany. Attention should be paid to the fact that you can only engage in your intended employment after having obtained the adequate residence title.
Secondly, the prospective employer will have to apply for your work permit and he will have to show that no one in Europe could be found to fill the vacancy. It's a extremely bureaucratic process and not many companies are prepared to go through this.
The International Placement Services (Zentrale Auslands- und Fachvermittlung – ZAV) with its regional headquarters is the responsible authority for granting work permits and accepting residence titles.
Once you have all the red tape sorted you can start applying for jobs. Make sure you have an application package consisting of your CV, grade lists, letters of reference, examples of previous works, copies of diploma's, certificates, etc. The whole package can be 10 – 20 pages. Germans are "grundlich" , i.e. thorough. They like to get as much information as possible about a potential employee. Most employers return the package to you if you're not selected for the job.
Your CV is the tool to convince an employer to hire you. Focus on the reasons why you are the right person for the job. Don't waffle, be to the point. Your CV should be in reverse chronological order. Give a complete and precise description of the positions you previously held. Personal motivation for a job is less important in Germany.
Many candidates add their photo, although European legislation have ruled this out as a potential form of discrimination. The same goes for mentioning your gender, your date of birth and your ethnicity. You have to make up your own mind if you want to apply to European rules or think adding them would stand you a bigger chance in getting that job.
Some simple things to remember:
- Shake hands firmly and introduce yourself.
- Look interested – ask questions.
- Ask for clarification if you don't understand the question.
- Provide examples to illustrate your achievements.
- Answer questions with precision in a German interview.
- Prepare yourself. Read up on the company.
- Be late for appointments.
- Ask people directly for a job in their company.
- Sit until invited.
- Criticise former employers.
- Go over the top – stay calm and stick to the facts.
- Try to bend the truth.
Prepare yourself and make sure you know your own facts.


text:
Who is Hiromu Arakawa? | The Creator of Fullmetal Alchemist
Hiromu Arakawa is the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist - a Japanese manga series which has sold over 64 million volumes worldwide. Despite her global success, Arakawa's humble upbringing and fascinating early life, which influenced her works so greatly, is little known and rarely explored. We ask, who exactly is Hiromu Arakawa?
Ghost In The Shell | Manga @ Zavvi
You need more Matoko Kusanagi in your life, and let's be honest, who doesn't?


text:
Tipperary u-21s lose to Kerry
Tipperary failed to score in the second half as Kerry proved too strong for the home side in the Munster u-21 football championship at Semple Stadium on Wednesday night, winning 0-11 to 0-5.
It was a disappointing result for Tipperary at a time when football in the county needs a boost.
It looked like Tipperary were in for a heavy defeat when the visitors raced into a 0-5 to no score lead after eleven minutes.
However Tipp dug deep and points from Donagh Leahy, captain Adrian Cleere, Liam Treacy and last year's All Ireland winning minor stars Liam McGrath and Michael Quinlivan meant they were only trailing by two at the break, 0-7 to 0-5.
But they failed to maintain that momentum in the second period and despite having two players sent off, Kerry pulled clear to win., keeping Tipp scoreless in the process.


text:
Catalina sat in her bed, her golden brown eyes staring wildly at the raven. He could almost taste her fear. Her sweet sweet fear. She had not noticed him yet and he found himself watching her intensely. Her dark locks fell richly over her slender shoulders. Her supple bosom rose and sank in with her quickened breathing, glistening slightly from a fever. She truly was a beautiful woman. Yet, she was so much more. Elegant, calculating, clever. A lot like him. They also carried the same darkness within. She may not have been capable of killing their father, but innocent she was not, no matter what pretty face she showed the world.
-Latest excerpt from 'Rise of the Raven' (Book 3 of the Ravenblood Cycle)
About Janna Ruth
As a fantasy writer, Janna Ruth likes to dive into fantastical worlds to find stories about real people. Born 1986 in Berlin, Janna has always loved fairy tales and the fantasy that comes with them. Soon she told and drew her own stories which she started out drawing until she eventually decided to publish her novels in 2016. Her debut novel "Tanz der Feuerblüten" was published in March 2017 by the Ueberreuter Verlag. That same year, she debuted as a selfpublisher with a modern fairy tale retelling "Im Bann der zertanzten Schuhe" which subsequently earned her the SERAPH 2018 for Best Independent Title.
At the moment, Janna Ruth writes several novels for publishers and publishes her urban fantasy series, Ashuan, independently. To find out more visit her publication and project pages.


text:
Smash Records
Smash Records was an American record label founded in 1961 as a subsidiary of Mercury Records[1] by Mercury executive Shelby Singleton and run by Singleton with Charlie Fach. Fach took over after Singleton left Mercury in 1966. Its recording artists included Frankie Valli, James Brown, Bruce Channel, Roger Miller, The Left Banke, Bill Justis, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
1960s Smash Records logo
|Parent company
|Mercury Records, a division of The Island Def Jam Music Group
|Shelby Singleton
|Country of origin
A dispute with King Records led Brown to release all of his band's instrumental recordings between 1964 and 1967 on Smash. Smash also released three of Brown's vocal recordings, including his 1964 proto-funk single "Out of Sight".[2]
Smash shared the numbering system for their singles with other labels that they distributed. The most important of these was Fontana Records. Mercury discontinued the Smash label in 1970.[3]
Mercury label owner PolyGram used the Smash imprint for reissues in the 1980s. PolyGram revived Smash in 1991 as an R&B/dance label with its offices located in Chicago. It was first under the PolyGram Label Group (PLG) umbrella, then under the Independent Label Sales (ILS) umbrella, then under Island Records until the imprint was retired in 1996. One of the hits Smash saw during this period was "People Are Still Having Sex" by house music producer LaTour. Another successful artist on the dance charts was Jamie Principle.
- The Angels
- The Asylum Choir
- James Brown
- The Caravelles
- Mother Maybelle Carter
- Jimmy Castor
- Bruce Channel
- Dee Jay & The Runaways (see also Iowa Great Lakes Recording Company)
- Joe Dowell
- Pete Drake (and his talking steel guitar)
- Jay & the Techniques
- Bill Justis
- Dickie Lee
- Left Banke
- Jerry Lee Lewis
- Linda Gail Lewis
- The Mesmerizing Eye
- Roger Miller
- The Nouns
- Charlie Rich
- Frankie Valli
- Sir Douglas Quintet
- Millie Small
- Swingin' Medallions
- The Tempests
- Eric Von Schmidt
- The Walker Brothers
- Scott Walker
- Crunch-O-Matic
- D'Bora
- Jamie Loring
- Jamie Principle
- LaTour
- M-Doc
- Chris Mars
- Luke "Long Gone" Miles[4]
- The Millions
- Pleasure Game
- Presence
- Sheep On Drugs
- Ten Tray
- Cookie Watkins
- Yello
- Hudsen Bay Co.
See alsoEdit
- ^ Gillett, Charlie (1996). The Sound of the City: The Rise of Rock and Roll ((2nd Ed.) ed.). New York, N.Y.: Da Capo Press. p. 51. ISBN 0-306-80683-5.
- ^ "James Brown Biography". allmusic. Retrieved 2006-11-22.
- ^ "Smash Album Discography". Bsnpubs.com. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
- ^ Stefan Wirz. "Luke "Long Gone" Miles discography". Wirz.de. Retrieved November 15, 2011.


text:
Christian Resources
Personal Loans
Debt Relief
Business Opportunity
Fast Loans
Acne Skin Care
Affiliate Program
Alcohol Treatments
Allergy Relief
Bad Credit Loans
Bankruptcy Counseling
Debt Consolidation
Debt Settlement
Diabetes Information
Eating Disorders
Health Treatments
Internet Services
Lawyers and Attorneys
Life Settlements
Make Money
Menopause Signs
Mortgage Options
Silver Jewelry
Work From Home
Remnant Will Be Saved
Isaiah 10:20-34
The Remnant Will Be Saved Bible scriptures located in Isaiah 10:20-34 explains directly from God's Word the Remnant Will Be Saved topic.
Isaiah 10:20
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
Isaiah 10:21
The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.
Isaiah 10:22
For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.
Isaiah 10:23
For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.
Isaiah 10:24
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt.
Isaiah 10:25
For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.
Isaiah 10:26
And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and as his rod was upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.
Isaiah 10:27
And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.
Isaiah 10:28
He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:
Isaiah 10:29
They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.
Isaiah 10:30
Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth.
Isaiah 10:31
Madmenah is removed; the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee.
Isaiah 10:32
As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.
Isaiah 10:33
Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.
Isaiah 10:34
And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.
Isaiah Bible Study Topics
Copyright© 2017 ChristiaNet®. All Rights Reserved.


text:
Get all 41 Darren Lock releases available on Bandcamp and save 70%.
Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Magnum Chaos, 2020 Vision, Rough Cuts - Songs 1992-1994, The Last of the Old Leytonians, Done in a Day, Slow Music, ForeverWorld, Dog Day Dreaming, and 33 more. , and , .
Darren Lock Loughton, UK
My name is Darren Lock and I like to make music...
Streaming and Download help


text:
By now many Americans reading or watching the news have heard about "murder hornets" from Asia invading the American landscape. It is true that in many parts of East Asia, Japan in particular, a large hornet lives and feasts upon honey bees and other insects. This is the Asian giant hornet (AGH), or Vespa mandarinia, which is a relative of the European hornet (Vespa crabro) that we typically see in North America. The European hornet is an import to America that has naturalized, or become established here as if it was native. The Asian giant hornet has just arrived on North America's west coast, by unknown means. Residents and beekeepers alike are hoping it doesn't become naturalized in America.
The Asian giant hornet is the world's largest, measuring 1.6 to 2 inches long, with a particularly large yellow-orange head. It is a social insect, living in colonies built in soil burrows dug by rodents and other animals. While people may not often see Asian giant hornets, beekeepers will definitely notice their decimated colonies of honey bees. It takes a handful of Asian giant hornets to slaughter an entire honey bee colony, after which hornets feed on the larvae, pupae and honey inside the hive. Japanese honey bees, which are a different species of honey bee than what we raise in North America, can fight back against AGH by surrounding and super-heating the wasp in a ball of bee bodies. Our European honey bees also have this defense behavior, but it is unknown how they would fare with this kind of predation. If AGH becomes established in the US and Canada, the greatest threat will be to beekeepers and their honey bees.
The hazard to humans posed by the stings of AGH is real. The venom is toxic and with their long stingers, AGH can inject more venom into a wound than most other stinging insects. Stings lead to intense pain and swelling, and can induce renal failure and anaphylaxis. Multiple stings can be deadly. But, these hornets do not come after humans and left alone, they mind their own business. The efforts to eradicate AGH from Washington State and Canada will be a priority aimed at avoiding their permanent establishment in the US. Unlike claims in some media outlets, it will likely take many years for this wasp to spread across the country on its own if we fail to eradicate it. Beekeepers will be on the front lines of detection.
*** June 2020 UPDATE – A dead queen Asian giant hornet was discovered this spring on a road near Custer, WA, which is close to the western Canada border. This indicates that queens produced by at least one colony in the Fall of 2019 overwintered and emerged. To date (6/3/20) no other detections have been reported.
*** August 2020 UPDATE
In 2020, both Washington and Canada have had new confirmed sightings of the Asian giant hornet. In addition to earlier reports, one queen, one worker and another unspecified wasp have been reported. This means we are not done with Asian giant hornets yet! Finding a queen wasp in May suggests that they survived winter in the Pacific Northwest. As colonies of these and related wasps grow in size through the end of summer, there may be more findings to report. Stay Tuned!
There are several species of wasps in the US that are very commonly confused with AGH and often killed unnecessarily:
Cicada Killer – Sphecius speciosus – a large, native, solitary wasp, does not readily sting or act aggressive toward humans, hunts cicadas, exclusively, digs burrows in the soil where eggs are laid upon the body of paralyzed cicadas. Common in suburban areas.
European Hornet – Vespa crabro – an introduced social species, colonies started by a single queen, colony builds and expands a tan paper ball nest typically in hollow trees and abandoned barns and structures. More common in rural areas. Not aggressive unless harassed.
Baldfaced hornet – Dolichovespula maculata – Large black-and-white wasp, not a true hornet, colonies started by a single queen, nest is a grey paper ball usually high in trees or on the side of structures. Not aggressive unless harassed.
Yellowjackets (many species) – Vespula sp. – Small yellow-and-black wasps that nest in large colonies in soil and other man-made cavities. Can be aggressive, especially in early fall.
Paper wasps – Polistes sp. – Slightly longer than yellowjackets, various colors, long legs, umbrella comb nest with a few to a few dozen wasps. Not aggressive unless harassed.
The Bottom Line: A few Asian giant hornets were discovered in Washington State in 2019. The greatest threat is to honey bees and beekeepers. Efforts to eradicate this wasp are underway. New York does not have Asian giant wasps and hopefully won't anytime soon.
Residents of the west coast should keep an eye out for Asian giant hornets and residents of Washington State are strongly encouraged to submit reports of sightings to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. If you live in New York and have questions about wasps or any stinging insects, you can contact NYSIPM or your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office for advice or to submit samples for identification.


text:
The eve of BUKU Music + Art Project has creeped up on us, and we, the EARMILK staff, couldn't be happier. Sporting a robust lineup of hip-hop artists and electronic artists, the organizers of BUKU have created a festival that usually signifies the start of festival season. Taking place in the historic city of New Orleans, BUKU boasts 4 unique stages and a VIP-only riverboat that promises great music, great atmoshphere, and one hell of a time. Tickets are pretty scarce (official site lists single-day Friday VIP passes as available), so click the link below and start scouring the web for tickets.
UPDATE: BUKU organizers have re-released a limited supply of General Admission tickets here. GRAB THEM HERE
Check out an official BUKU video, and get to know some of the artists that will be playing each day below.
March 8, 2013
With artists such as Kid Cudi, Shlomo, Earl Sweatshirt, St. Lucia, Birdy Nam Nam, Flying Lotus, Japandroids, and many more performing tomorrow, BUKU certainly isn't messing around on the first day. Cudi and St. Lucia grace the Power Plant stage, while the Float Den stage hosts festival favorite Zedd as well as Shlomo, Flying Lotus, and Birdy Nam Nam. It's a safe bet to say that the music will be vibrant, and the drinks will be flowing.
March 9, 2013
If you were excited for Friday's lineup, then Saturday's lineup is the equivalent of the nectar of the gods. With sets from Kendrick Lamar, STS9, Nero, Ryan Hemsworth, Trinidad James, Major Lazer, RAC, Icona Pop, Flosstradamus, Dillon Francis, and countless others, the energy shall be climactic. If I were actually going to BUKU, then it'd be near insanity to miss the performances of Kendrick, RAC, Ryan Hemsworth, and STS9. Icona Pop and Action Bronson would be other artists I'd have trouble justifying missing out on.


text:
It's Wednesday and time to look at some of the things I've found interesting lately, and wauw this week I have a bunch of inspirering videos for you! One about life and pressure and expectations, one about a plastic free supermarket, an inspirational talk by Peta Kelly and a good advice from Hannah McNeely.
If you have anything you would like to share – books, articles, videos, documentaries, music etc. then feel so very free to share them with me!
1. This little video about life and pressure was just so beautiful and so true! We all live different lives, want different things etc. and you don't have to do something just because others are doing it. Do what makes you happy and do it when and where you want to
2. This plastic free supermarket in Amsterdam is pretty amazing, hopefully this will be the new normal within a few years!
3. This talk by Peta Kelly gave my goosebumps! So inspirering!


text:
*Disclaimer – I am not a stock analyst and anything stated in this article should not be construed as advice or be viewed as anything more than personal opinion. I do not own The Vitamin Shoppe ($VSI) or GNC Holdings ($GNC) and have no insider information. This article is written from the viewpoint of being a CPG management consultant that focuses mostly on the categories of dietary supplements and functional food & beverage.
The Vitamin Shoppe vs. GNC…King Kong vs. Godzilla…in the world of dietary supplements, these are the two biggest pure-play brick and mortar retail partners. For decades, the goal of any dietary supplement company was to land one or both of these accounts. These accounts were the North Star of your sales strategy and you built your product development map and marketing initiatives towards creating sales velocity at these locations.
In 2018, things are a bit different with many brands not even thinking about these accounts when they launch their brands. They are focused on social media storytelling, direct to consumer websites, and Amazon. They are focused on being the ones that speak directly to their customers, so they can control their brand in the age of the Internet. But is there a place still for The Vitamin Shoppe and GNC? Is there enough room for the both of them in the US in 2020, 2025, or beyond? Let's assume this is a zero-sum game, who wins? Lets explore below.
International Operations – GNC Wins
The last time I looked, The Vitamin Shoppe had less than 25 locations internationally in North and Central America. They also moved into China late last year but that was purely digital D2C and through 3P on the likes of Alibaba. Alternatively, GNC has around 2000 locations worldwide with its strongest areas of locations being in North America (Canada and Mexico), Central & South America, and Asia. The area that should see the biggest boost in international operations (likely digital and manufacturing) will be in China after the $300M investment GNC received earlier this year from Harbin Pharmaceutical (to hear more of this investment, please WATCH THIS VIDEO). China is the new North Star for businesses looking to capture customers in nutritional supplements so this strategic investment was very interesting by GNC and something I think could be a home run if its executed on effectively over the next few years.
International Brand Equity – GNC Wins
The GNC brand is very strong in international markets. If you have spent anytime in international sales of nutritional supplements you know this to be true. I believe part of the reason is the strong international operations but also the GNC brand name connecting to the private label products. GNC is to supplements in some international geographies as we in America say "I need a Kleenex or Google it." The brand name takes on a life of its own.
Private Branded Profits – GNC Wins
Vitamin Shoppe's private branded products were roughly only 24% of revenues compared to GNC's 45%. Anyone in retail knows that private label, if done right, can be a powerhouse of profits. As an example, GNC or Vitamin Shoppe buys a 2# protein from a 3P seller for maybe $20 to keep it simple, it then doubles that price to $40 to sell. That makes them $20. Alternatively, if they manufacture themselves or through a contract man as a private label, that cost may go down to $11-12 or more. That gives them a ton of additional space to pay additional commissions, marketing, or other conversion/demand levers. I actually thought when The Vitamin Shoppe bought Nutri-Force that it would ramp up its private label creation but those halo brands did not perform to the level pre-acquisition. Overall, I believe the GNC private brands are better positioned than the different Vitamin Shoppe ones. That statement is personal opinion based on by ideologies on different brand development standards.
Cost Structure – GNC Wins (for now…)
There are two reasons why GNC wins here; rent/real estate exposure and franchising model. The first point is that the footprint for GNC might be larger in terms of store locations but the sq footage of GNCs are usually much lower than the larger format Vitamin Shoppes. That creates less rent exposure for the company. I saw "for now…" above because that might end up being a negative for someone like Amazon that could look to grab The Vitamin Shoppe for a discount. Amazon is all about creating micro shipping points and those larger format boxes are great for that. The nutritional supplement categories are already a huge part of Amazon and they have started to dabble in private label production. I am not saying this happens but it does have some merits. The second point is around franchising and how GNC has that ability to sell stores to create a less capital intensive model. According to previous CEO, "We sell them [the stores] off at a profit, and more importantly, we make the same money owning them as selling them off. It's a cash-flow generator. … They pay us a franchise fee for the store, royalties (on sales) and they buy a lot of the product we make at a margin." The Vitamin Shoppe is about corporate-owned stores (except for international) so they have to carry the cost load for their 750+ locations.
Overall Thoughts – Competition, Shifts, and Outlook
If you play out the logic of the GNC bears that Amazon and the Mass channel have destroyed the business model of GNC then that logic has to also apply to Vitamin Shoppe. Vitamin Shoppe's gross margins, same store negative comps and negative operating margins are not looking good, and I would argue that the only way Vitamin Shoppe makes it is if it stops the race to the bottom pricing wars with GNC. That is the only way for them to materially get margins up. However, if we to play out that logic then this also greatly helps GNC.
If this is a zero-sum game, I have to go with GNC but things change fast in this environment and I could see a number of lifelines being extended to either party to really make one a winner over another.
As a reminder, these are just my opinion and should not be construed as investment advice. I do not own either stock at the writing of this article. I do not have any insider information and though I personally have done business with both customers, I was not paid or had bias in writing this article. I am a digital-first management consultant but I believe retail still plays a large role in CPG sales so I was compelled to write this article to create discussion after The Vitamin Shoppe and GNC's last quarterly results. If you are interested in this topic, please comment to discuss more.


text:
Kid-Inspired Role-Play Game Morphs Fun and Standardized Testing into an
"Anywhere on Any Device" Learning Experience
NEW YORK & SALT LAKE CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Cleverywhere—Cleverywhere,
offering kid-inspired role-play education gaming to improve testing
outcomes, today introduced ThemePark,
an interactive adventure game to challenge student academics while
improving standardized test scores with results increasing by as much as
20 percent. Three school districts — two in New Jersey and one in
California — have adopted ThemePark for their students and are actively
using the platform.
For students: ThemePark is a fun, pixel-style game that enables kids
to create their own avatar to fight monsters, earn a pet mascot, and
explore worlds. In the classroom, the students' game success,
collectively, helps to rebuild an old, dilapidated theme park to its
original glory to win the game. Kids can enjoy ThemePark on any device
and most platforms for "anywhere" play.
For teachers: ThemePark becomes a teaching partner to challenge
students, in or outside the classroom, with standardized testing
content. Teachers can access game analytics for each student or the
entire class to help them pinpoint what content needs additional
review. Parents can view their child's progress as well.
The first game, ThemePark Vocabulary 4, is available today and is based
on the Common Core test for 4th grade. ThemePark can be
downloaded on iOS and Android smartphones as well as on pads and
notebooks. Teachers and students can download
a demo game and use it for free through the end of this year.
Cleverywhere plans to rollout ThemePark Math in 2017.
"Teachers don't have to remind the kids to play the game, they just do
it," said Clancy Marshall, CEO of Cleverywhere. "In its most portable
form, a smartphone app, ThemePark crosses all education barriers giving
any student, anywhere access to a fun, yet educational game while
preparing for grade level testing."
"The interface is engaging and the pixelated graphics are similar to
Minecraft which many kids enjoy," said Shayna Sackett-Gable, Elementary
Teacher in New Jersey. "The leaderboard adds a level of competition that
this age group typically appreciates and the questions were generally
clear and appropriate."
About Cleverywhere
Cleverywhere raises online interactive educational gaming to a new level
by bringing outcome-based learning to standardized assessment testing in
fun, adventure-style games. Students learn by playing and teachers can
track classroom and student progress through easy-to-use analytics. Cleverywhere
delivers mobile and desktop access for a play "anywhere" experience.
Headquartered in New York and Utah, Cleverywhere is founded by a team of
education and gaming technology experts with the vision to create
compelling interactive games to help students learn, overcome
challenges, and improve their performance, all while having fun.
for Cleverywhere
Karen Lippe, 408-398-0310


text:
Two of the best offenses in the MLB are set to go head-to-head when the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds clash in a two-game set. The Yanks and Reds sit within the top five in runs, batting average and slugging percentage. Bettors should take notice with the Yankees going OVER in eight of their past nine and the Reds topping the total in 12 of their past 15.
– Shark Bites
- Billy Hamilton is hitting .355 with six stolen bases in the Reds' past 7 games.
- The Yankees are 5-0 in their past 5 games while averaging 7.6 rpg.
- The Reds are 5-0 in their past 5 games while averaging 8.4 rpg.
Reds pitcher Rookie Davis has the luxury of facing an exhausted Yankees lineup when he gets the start Monday. The Bronx Bombers are coming off an 18-inning marathon that saw the squad send 15 batters to the plate for 63 at-bats. The youngster is coming off the best start of his major league career, as he went 5.0 innings without allowing a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Masahiro Tanaka will look to pick up the W for his fifth straight start when he takes the bump. The righty has posted a 2.51 ERA in his past four starts with an 18/4 K/BB ratio. Tanaka will be facing a Reds lineup that scored a combined 31 runs in their most recent three-game series against the San Francisco Giants.
Opening Odds & Computer Pick
Baseball betting odds makers, including BetOnline, opened the Cincinnati Reds as 128 moneyline underdogs in this matchup. Over under total bettors saw the number open at 8.5 at shops such as Bovada.
Odds – Shark computer score prediction models pick a possible 5.8-4.6 win for the Reds on Monday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
New York Yankees vs Cincinnati Reds Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Cincinnati Reds bring a 17-14 record to the battle against the 20-9 Yankees. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Cincinnati vs New York injuries news.
This game puts the Cincinnati Reds, most recently No. 19 in Odds – Shark MLB Power Rankings, up against the New York Yankees, who rate a No. 2 in the latest survey.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Cincinnati Reds No. 3-rated offense, averaging 5.26 runs per game, against a New York Yankees defense that ranks No. 5 at 3.97 in runs allowed per game. The Cincinnati Reds have averaged 9.1 hits per game so far, less than New York Yankees batters have averaged on the year (9.69 hits per game).
Pitching and defensive stats are important baseball handicapping betting factors and Cincinnati has the No. 18-ranked defense. In the other dugout, the Yankees own the No. 5 mark in runs allowed.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Betting Trends
- NY Yankees is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
- NY Yankees is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone OVER in 8 of NY Yankees's last 9 games
- NY Yankees is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
- Cincinnati is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
- Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone OVER in 12 of Cincinnati's last 15 games
- Cincinnati is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
New York at Cincinnati, Tuesday, May 9th
Source link


text:
Yuelu Academy is located in the National Bank of Xiangjiang River in Changsha, Hunan Province 5A class scenic Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area, the geographical coordinates (28 ° 11'02 "N, 112 ° 56'07" E), is one of China's famous ancient four College; 1988, Yuelu Academy buildings was approved by the State Council for the third national key cultural relics protection units, as Yuelu mountain Scenic important tourist spots.
Hunan is a province of the People's Republic, is located south of the Yangtze River. Most areas in the south of Dongting Lake, hence the name Hunan. Xiangjiang River runs through the territory of North and South, also known as Xiang. According to legend, the Xiangjiang River in the past few plant hibiscus, Tan Tang Dynasty poet used the "Autumn Hibiscus country thousands of miles" of the sentence, Hunan, it has "Hibiscus country, "said. Hunan, Jiangxi east, west, Chongqing, Guizhou, southern border of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hubei Province north. Jurisdiction of 13 prefecture-level cities and 1 autonomous prefecture, a total of 136 counties (county-level cities or municipal districts) or more administrative units, the provincial capital of Changsha City based.


text:
This is a great, deep bench to lounge on outside. I built it to the measurements of my love seat. If you're going to paint, it's easier to paint this before assembling.
7 - 2x3x8
8 - 2x3 @ 47'' (7 seat slats and 1 bottom support beam)
Most cuts are self explanatory, but note that a seat support beam needs to be "worked with".
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Step 1
Attach supports to front and back aprons, half an inch from the bottom. The two middle supports should be 21'' apart. I didn't measure the other two, but you could put them at the ends. That would probably have been the smartest thing for me to do.
I forgot to measure a half inch up in the diagram above, but the 2x2s need to be half an inch up. I used a 1/2'' square dowel to support it as I drilled in from the front and back apron.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Notch out the arm rests as shown above. This should be to the exact dimensions of your 2x3, so measure your board first. Mine happened to fit perfectly into the dimensions shown.
Pre-drill through the side and screw into the back leg using two 2'' screws. Screw from the top into the front leg (2 screws).
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Thu, 04/21/2011 - 10:46
Wood to use
Hi Gina,
I am interested it doing this as my second-ever wood project (first was dog house). I love that it is relatively inexpensive to make. I am wondering what kind of wood to use? I assume pressure treated wood is needed? Not sure if the big box home stores carry all of these sizes?
In reply to Wood to use by Rob (not verified)
Thu, 04/21/2011 - 13:35
Wood to use
Rob, I just used fir and pine (studs and furring strips). For protection, you can use 1 part linseed oil and 1 part paint thinner (if you plan to leave natural) or use an exterior paint (provides better UV protection). It's easier to do these before assembling. HTH!
In reply to Wood to use by Rob (not verified)
Thu, 04/21/2011 - 14:19
Deck sealer
After I sealed my deck, I had a lot of deck sealer left over, so both my dad and I have used it to seal all of our outdoor furniture. That way it matches our deck, and it's well protected.
If you don't use exterior grade fasteners, it's a good idea to give it a coat of sealer after assembly as well, to protect the fasteners from rust. But really, better to use exterior grade (or deck grade) fasteners.
Wed, 04/27/2011 - 20:14
SOOOOO excited to make this!
We have a pretty large yard and I'm dying to make little "reading nooks" and spots to sit and pretend all over the place. LOVE LOVE LOVE this bench! So excited to make it! I think it would make a perfect reading spot. :)
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 09:13
finishing touches
Finally bought the wood, just waiting to have some time to put it together.
How did you do the rounded corners on the arm rests? How about the shape of the top back board?
Thanks again,
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 11:09
Rounded corners
I don't know how Ms. Goats did it, but a common trick for rounded corners is to use a quarter as a template. You can cut it with a jig saw, although it might be easier to pull off with a rasp. They're cheap and they are a basic tool for anything with curved shapes. You'd also need a wood file (very different from one designed for metal) to clean up the surface. I just picked them up at Lowes for under $10 each, because I have a few rounded corners to put on furniture in the next month or two.
Sat, 06/11/2011 - 16:04
materials list not enough 2 x 3
Maybe I'm missing something here but the materials list calls for 5 - 2"x3"x8' which doesn't seem to be enough...short by over 16 ft?? By my calculations you will need another 194" of 2"x3" so you could get by with another 8 footer plus a 10 footer or some combination to get you there....anyone else find this or am I looking at the plans wrong....Tim
Mon, 06/27/2011 - 12:38
2 x 3s
You are absolutely correct - I hadn't accounted for the legs when I had done the shopping list (mentioned in an earlier comment). When I fixed the cut list, I totally forgot to add to the shopping list. I'm so sorry (I have a few extra 2x3s in my garage, if you wannem! ;-)).
The rounded corners were done with 80-grit sandpaper. I used my random orbital sander and went in a continuous motion to round them out. The only "trick" to this is making sure that you don't spend more time on one area than the others, and it'll come put perfect (at least it has for me, every time). Took about 3 minutes per curve (much better than jigging them and then sanding afterward!)
The shape in the back was done with a jig saw. I just measured the middle and an equal spot on both sides and took my level from point to point. Drew it on with a pencil and went to work (that was the worst part of the whole thing!).
(I'm editing the shopping list now - sorry!)
Mon, 06/27/2011 - 15:00
An alternative for curves
An alternative for curves like that is to use a rasp and a wood file. Lowes and Home Depot sell a combo rasp and file for under $7. Rasps cut these kind of curves really fast, and can even do inside curves. One of the first tools I learned how to use as a kid.


text:
Does your story have the perfect hero? You have conflict, motivation, even a plot to challenge them along the journey to their goal, resulting in inevitable, but well earned character development? You've done hours upon hours of planning, and yet... something still seems to fall flat. Then you realize that in all the time spent prepping your story, the least of it was spent on your villain- the antithesis to your hero! Perhaps you avoided it. Maybe it didn't seem that important. Maybe it seemed too hard. Whatever the case, you know that writing a great villain is important. These 8 exercises will help you to do just that.
1. Dissect Some Great Villains
Take some of your favorite villains and break them down. Write out what makes them villainous. What reasons do they have for being villainous? What are their motivations? What traits might they have that are endearing? How do they serve to directly oppose your hero? Create a list of these traits and compare them to villains of your own. While you shouldn't directly copy a villain's "trait set" so to speak, you can draw inspiration and use some of them as building blocks for your own nefarious foes.
2. Create Five Likable Traits
…And then give them a flaw we can't forgive. Villains aren't always disgusting, revolting, savage beasts that we can't bear to look upon. Sometimes, quite often actually, they can contain a number of endearing qualities that make them somewhat more palatable. List a few of these possible traits out. Are they attractive? Perhaps they are clever in an admirable way? Maybe they are even selfless in some aspects of their lives, or caring of some particular individual. Whatever you do, remember that they are still a villain, and at the end of the day, write one or a few unforgivable flaws. Play with this and see what you come up with.
3. Create Three Empathetic Traits
Give your villain empathetic traits. These are the things that we feel for. So they are evil… but with these traits we can see how/why they are evil and on some level, we can really understand. "It's not their fault, not really." "They are a product of circumstance." "They were conditioned by their environment." "That could have been any of us." These traits create a sense of humanity for the villain. Examples of these traits may be "He was raised in a broken home." Or "She had an abusive stepmother" or "No one tried to reach out to them about their depression." Take simple, human traits and build on them. Explore the way they may have shaped the character.
4. Create Three Life Changing Occurrences
People are often shaped by significant events in their lives. Sometimes something happens that sets them on a path, or changes their world view. Sometimes these things are for the worse. Dive into your villain's upbringing and write at least three short scenes that help to define who they are. These may change, and some of these may be thrown out entirely, but give yourself a base to work with. Give your villain some depth.
5. Play With Ideologies
There are so many word views out there, good, bad or indifferent. Pick one. Study it. Now look at it from a different perspective. Find ways to benefit from it. Create an ideology out of that ideology and grant it to your villain. Something as simple as "Survival of the Fittest" can serve as a starting point for this research. Or you can go deeper. This requires a dive into theology and philosophy, but as a writer, research and knowledge is important, so don't shy away from it- Educate yourself!
6. Play With Leverage
Create ways in which the villain can leverage something against the hero or other characters in your story. This approach requires a takes on a more "brains over brawn" sort of stance, but it can also deepen the plot as well as the villain's "power" over individuals in the story, thus making him more of a challenge to defeat. What can your villain do to keep people in check? How do they keep the Hero from defeating them more easily? How does he use this power to get what he ultimately wants?
7. Mirror Your Hero
As you are defining your villain, ask yourself how he is the anti-thesis to your hero. If you can't give a good answer to that then it's time to start tweaking. Change your villain's ideology. Make what they somehow fall into direct contact with your hero's inner conflict. Give your villain something that is difficult for your hero to deal with in some way. If done creatively, this will create a deeper complexity to both the hero and villain of your story.
8. Write a Story from the Villain's Perspective
Lastly, take a villain you created (or a villain you admire) and write a short story from their perspective. Are you able to convincingly portray them as a hero from their perspective? If not a hero, then are his motivations and ideologies more relatable? While your villain doesn't need to be justified that they are right in what they are doing, despite their many flaws, they often do feel justified. While the audience and hero can clearly see what they are doing is wrong, the villain in their own twisted view of the world feels that what they are doing is right, or perhaps necessary for more noble ends. In either case, being able to do this will allow you to better write a believable villain.


text:
Attention:For textbook, access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Everything children aged 7-plus need to know to care for, and build a special relationship with, their cat. Even though cats are independent creatures, they still need a certain level of everyday care, attention, and understanding. This practical guide, complete with informative illustrations, helps children to care for and get to know their cat. In Chapter 1, Preparing For Your Cat, there is essential information on getting ready for a cats arrival, such as what equipment to buy and how to make your home safe. Chapter 2, Getting to Know Your Cat, reveals what to expect in the first few days. Learn how to handle a cat, help her socialize, and, most importantly, understand hercats are fascinating creatures and you can glean a great deal from their behavior and body language. Good everyday care is essential to a cats health and wellbeing, and so in Chapter 3, Everyday Care, there is useful advice on feeding your cat, teaching her to use a cat flap, and spotting the signs that she may be unwell. Chapter 4, Your Cat as Playmate is all about having fun with your feline friend. There are great ideas for games to play, such as Find the Food, and simple toys you can make yourself.


text:
District 89 delays push for tax increase
Glen Ellyn Elementary District 89 officials say they won't ask voters for a tax increase next year, but they will in 2013.
In the face of an increasingly grim financial picture, school board members have talked about putting a tax-rate increase proposal on the ballot for the past few years. Officials predict there will be $4.5 million in accumulated deficits over the next five years and district reserve funds -- which have been used to make up differences in each year's budget -- are only expected to last through the 2015-16 school year.
Based on feedback received from district residents, now may not be the right time to ask for an increase, Superintendent John Perdue said.
"The consensus (is) that these are very difficult economic times for everyone. (Residents said), 'You've done a great job using the resources you do have, being efficient with them and making reductions where they could be made practically without impacting the educational programming,'" Perdue said. "But the economy makes it very difficult to propose a tax increase right now."
District board members considered a referendum push for the March 20, 2012, primary election. Now, they're looking to get a question on the Feb. 26, 2013, ballot. They won't consider the Nov. 6, 2012 general election, to allow time to develop a proposal and work with the community, Perdue said.
What voters would likely consider is a "consumer price index override question," in which the tax cap could be exceeded for a still-undetermined period of time, Perdue said.
The last District 89 tax increase referendum was in 1986. Perdue said other feeder districts within the Glenbard High School District 87 system have raised their tax rates once or twice in that time.
"They've had a little bigger cushion with which to absorb the economic times we've gone through," he said.
District costs have been affected by inflation -- everything from employment and health care costs to the price of instructional materials and fuel for buses. Other variables include state and federal funding cuts, Perdue said.
Those reductions have led to the district spending reserve funds at a faster rate, he said.
The district also implemented $2.4 million in budget reductions over the past three years.
In March, the school board voted to cut some personnel and programs to help fill a projected $1 million deficit. Those cuts, along with fee increases, actually led to the district finishing the fiscal year with a small surplus, Perdue said.
But officials still are predicting deficit spending in the next few years.
The district's most recent cuts didn't include so-called Level 2 and 3 reductions that would have had a greater impact on classroom instruction. Perdue said the board isn't considering those options as it begins formulating next year's budget.
"We're going to hold steady for the time being with the current programming," Perdue said. "We will continue to look for operational efficiencies where we can."


text:
Select below for filters for…
Ventsure supplies and manufactures air filter media and filters.
We supply aftermarket DIY filter replacement packs for forced air ventilation systems like
– DVS, HRV, Smart-Vent, Moisture Master & Sayr.
All with easy DIY instructions.
Ventsure supplies any quantity from a DIYer wanting to save money to companies and bulk orders.


text:
Random thoughts and comments
November 1230
'.. The US Environmental Protection Agency said that it had temporarily blacklisted BP because of the company's "lack of business integrity" ..'
'.. lack of business integrity ..' coming from a nation that has a whole catalogue of integrity issues and regards friends solely as 'business opportunities' - mmmmm !
Now bearing in mind that in some areas of Florida the fishing industry and other job sectors were on the wane at the time of the Gulf disaster it could have been regarded as an opportunity from heaven. How many false claims for losses were made in the aftermath of the Gulf spill - the odd $20,000 here or there to bolster the failing Florida economy in the light of Mr Obamas economic policies?
We know for certain that many such false claims were made by local Florida business of all types (from hospitality through to marine related businesses) where they had not actually suffered any loss. So what has the US Government done about investigating these fraudulent claims against BP - it would be fair to say NOTHING, because after all BP is regarded as fair game by the US authorities and in any case the majority of Americans erroneously believe that BP is a 'UK foreign company' and therefore expendable or available to be milked mercilessly.
So what price integrity?
Well it is about time that the UK reciprocated with these 'blacklisting' games. How about starting with CSC who, as we all recall, were involved with the disasterous NHS computerisation under the project name of Lorenzo as well as number of other projects
Why does the UK Government employ CSC (Computer-Sciences-Corporation) ?
Then we can move onto other areas such as the very one sided extradition laws where the rules applied to the UK are manifestly different to those applied for the USA
... and if we wish to go back a few years, simply look at midnight on 31 December 2006 when Britain finally paid off the last tranche of its multi-billion debt to the Americans from the end of the Second World War - see reference below
Regrettably all our experiences with the USA from history boil down to - '.. a cautionary tale tells us about our so-called 'special relationship' ..'
Essentially all the UK dealings with the USA are a very one sided arrangement in which the UK is invariably the looser
Times - BP blacklisted by America over disaster in Gulf of America
Mortgaged to the Yanks
BP Ownership Statistics - Shareholdings
This is simply a dialogue of random thoughts and comments about news items or other matters as and when they arise
Powered by BlogEngine.NET
| Log in
©2011 Interlude. All Rights Reserved. Adapted by
Simon Martin • Design by Free CSS
Templates • Icons by FAMFAMFAM.
XHTML • Valid


text:
Gillette Elvgren has been writing for over thirty years, his plays having been produced by professional theatre companies throughout the world. He is co-founder and resident playwright for Saltworks Theatre Company in Pittsburgh, PA., a professional theatre that offers social action plays to schools and institutions in the mid-west. Presently, Elvgren has plays touring in Nepal and Northern India dealing with AIDS Prevention. His full length dramas have been produced at several Universities as well as Off Broadway, and regional theatres to include The Lambs Theatre, San Diego; Pacific Theatre, Vancouver; A.D. Players, Houston; Taproot Theatre Company, Seattle; and New City Theatre, Pittsburgh.
While a Professor at the University of Pittsburgh he was head of the M.F.A. directing program and staff director for the Three Rivers Shakespeare Festival. Presently he is a Professor in Film-TV at Regent University, Virginia Beach, where he teaches courses in play and filmscript writing. There have been approximately 8,000 performances of Elvgren scripts.


text:
JUSTKIDS x D*Face & Shepard Fairey – Plaza Hotel Las Vegas
Global art curator, Justkids, in partnership with Life is Beautiful Festival, continues to infuse art to the ever-growing outdoor art gallery in Downtown Las Vegas. This time choosing the 21 story tower of the iconic Plaza Hotel & Casino as the playing field for American artist Shepard Fairey and UK artist D*Face.
These are the 2 largest art murals ever painted in the city. A week after the historic demonstration of his "We the people" series, Fairey, accompanied by his daring team, arrived first on site to start the project with no vertigo in their system nor chill in their blood and went at it for six days enduring some unexpected cold weather. "This kind of work is very physical and pretty exhausting but it's also very rewarding to see a piece on that scale come together." said Shepard Fairey. This perfectly mastered art of proportion and precision invites the viewer not only to awe at the piece but also realize the risk of its creation.
The piece, entitled "Cultivate Harmony" is about as colossal as a mural can be. However the attention to detail and colours is never compromised. The final result is a dexterous work of solid stencil technique of Shepard Fairey's signature imagery and palette. The lotus flower, the peace sign, the Obey logo, the globe inside a teardrop remembering his latest environmental theme 'Earth Crisis'. Through his design Shepard conveys the idea of peace between human beings and harmony with the planet. As he explains, "These ideas are hard to argue with unless you are really just someone with a reactionary and a hostile side."
Bringing another member of his family of dysfunctional comic book characters to life by making a ingenious use of the Plaza fragmented architecture and uneven wall surface, D*Face's "Behind Closed Doors" is not only his fifth mural in Downtown Las Vegas, but his largest ever to date. His other downtown works are located throughout the Fremont East and have been curated by Justkids as well since 2013. "I get to stay in many varied hotels in many cities, as such I've become fascinated with the comings and goings in these dwellings, the people, the stories, the lives that have been before," said D*Face. "I wanted to play and use the architecture to present a mural to the public that is both a reference to and, I hope, a homage to hotel life."
The result is a frightened Lichtenstein imagery revamped in a perfect twisted D*Face style, and a rising ornamental yet political hopeful Shepard Fairey responding on a conflicted turning point in Americas history. Two pieces of art that will change Downtown's for the years to come. Justkids through Life Is Beautiful will continue enriching the Las Vegas community with art by bringing both up-and-coming and well-known artists to downtown for the festivals fifth year this September 22-24.
Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook @justkidsofficial and visit www.justkidsofficial.com for more


text:
How to Avoid Going to Church Late
1. Iron all your outfit before you sleep.
2. Polish/ clean footwear before you sleep.
3. Get your bible/ handbook/ tablet/ bags etc ready at one place.
4. Get your offering also ready
5. Sleep early
6. "Even when I get there early, I won't meet anyone"
Avoid the above saying. Get there early and let someone come and meet you. Don't forget you are also someone.
7. Washing on sundays before church is not really encouraging. It may delay you.
8. If taking your bath will make you late it's better to bath before going to bed on Saturday or wait until you are back from church.
9. If it takes you 15 minutes to drive/walk to the church, always make allowance for extra time for in case of anything. For instance, if service is 8am and it takes you 10 minutes to drive/walk to church, it's always better to leave home 7:40.
10. Don't give room for friends and relatives visit you few hours to fellowship. If they come when you are preparing to church, take them along or make them wait until you are back. They are not more important than God.
NB: going to church early ignites the blessing of the Lord upon your life. Don't be a habitual late comer to church, it's a dishonour to your God.


text:
Despite predications stating otherwise, flamboyant businessman Donald Trump has been voted to become the 45th American president. If he lives up to his word, Trump will reset a lot of how things are done in Washington.
High on Trump's proposed agenda is fixing the American economy — the country currently has a debt of $19 trillion and an insipid growth rate of 1 percent.
Part of the flamboyant billionaire's plans to redress this is to make structural changes to how the American economy currently works, a large part of which will be about reducing trade deficits and resolving what he says are bad trade deals.
Among the biggest of the worst deals is the one that the U.S. has with China, says Trump, who accuses Beijing of being a currency manipulator and a thief of trade secrets.
.@realDonaldTrump will direct his Secretary of the Treasury to label China a currency manipulator! #DrainTheSwamp pic.twitter.com/h00kOZZft2
— Team Trump (Text VOTE to 88022) (@TeamTrump) October 22, 2016
Trump's 7-point trade plan
As part of his 7-point trade plan to "rebuild the American economy," Trump singles out China on three occasions.
"Instruct the Treasury Secretary to label China a currency manipulator," being point five of his plan presented on his website.
"Instruct the U.S. Trade Representative to bring trade cases against China, both in this country and at the WTO. China's unfair subsidy behavior is prohibited by the terms of its entrance to the WTO," is point six.
"Use every lawful presidential power to remedy trade disputes if China does not stop its illegal activities, including its theft of American trade secrets — including the application of tariffs consistent with Section 201 and 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962," was his seventh and final point of the plan.
See Trump explain his trade plan in this report from Fox Business:
Understanding Trump's view on China
And when it comes to China, one of Trump's top economic policy advisors is best-selling author and filmmaker Peter Navarro from the University of California.
"If you want to read one thinker to understand Trump on China, it is Navarro," wrote Tyler Cowen, a columnist for Bloomberg.
Writing an op-ed for Fox News, Navarro said that the American economy started going into decline when President Bill Clinton "shoehorned" China into the World Trade Organization (WTO);
"This resulted in a wave of off-shoring of U.S. investment, thereby depressing the domestic business investment driver in America's growth equation — while lifting China's economy.
"Clinton's China deal also allowed a flood of illegally subsidized imports into U.S. markets and dramatically increased the U.S. trade deficit in goods with China — now at one billion dollars a day and $366 billion a year."
Among Navarro's work are the books and documentary films Death by China and Crouching Tiger: What China's Militarism Means for the World.
Before making Navarro a part of his team, Trump endorsed Death by China, saying it is "right on."
"This important documentary depicts our problem with China with facts, figures, and insight. I urge you to see it," Trump said.
Released in 2012, you can watch Death by China in full below:
Follow us on Twitter or Subscribe to our weekly email


text:
All students are welcome to attend a library workshop this week. Learn how to use the EBSCO databases–Academic Search Complete and others–to get full-text articles from scholarly journals and magazines on your research topic.
Tuesday, November 24
City Tech Library, Rm A540 (5th floor classroom)
For more information, contact Prof. Maura Smale at email@example.com or 718-260-5748.
Student workshops continue next week! To view our full schedule of student workshops, visit the library website.


text:
Former NSA contractor and privacy advocate Edward Snowden spoke at McGill on Wednesday, and it was a mess. There were confused crowds, angry protestors, and, eventually, Snowden's actual comments about privacy and surveillance in Canada, particularly relevant after police surveillance of Montreal journalists was exposed this week.
The event was badly organized. Where the line began wasn't clear to those waiting, but with thousands of people lined up to get in, the queue extended from the Leacock Building across the McGill campus and up University Street past the Trottier Building, a distance of at least 600 metres. Several mad dashes occurred as gossip spread through the excited crowd. At least one attendee reported injuries, and is hoping for an apology from Media@McGill, the event's organizer.
Then there was the strike. The AMUSE union of temporary and part-time workers formed a picket line across the entrance to Leacock 132, the lecture hall in which the event was scheduled to take place. The union had been on strike since last Friday, seeking a $15/hour wage and the same benefits as McGill's full-time employees. AMUSE viewed the event as their workplace because had they not been on strike, AMUSE members would have been working as ushers at the talk. They had a message posted on their website for the crowd, which was mostly made up of their fellow McGill students: "To cross this picket line [and attend the talk] is to undermine the strength of our strike and stand with the employer instead of the workers."
The crowd became frustrated that they weren't being allowed in, and many blamed the protestors for the delay. McGill security was then ordered by Media@McGill to clear Leacock and start a line outside before letting anyone into the lecture. This was a task that was impossible as the crowd in the hall swelled beyond the handful of security guards' control.
Why were Media@McGill and McGill security so unequipped to deal with the size of the crowd? It's not like they didn't have warning. Well over 6,000 people said that they'd be attending, with another 15,000 indicating interest in the talk on the event's Facebook event page. The organizers were happy to bask in the popularity of their event among university students but not deal with the consequences of gathering a group of people that large. The seating plan for Leacock 132, the lecture hall chosen for the talk, says the room has a capacity of 600.
Speaking after the talk, Professor Christine Ross of Media@McGill said that the event was a huge success and that they were amazed by the turnout, but if they could organize the event again they would have implemented a ticket system similar to the one they had used when former U.S. vice president Al Gore spoke at McGill.
Media@McGill warned on the Facebook event page that seats would be given on a first-come, first-served basis and that "due to contract restrictions" the talk would not be live-streamed or recorded. When the organizers realized just how many people were waiting to get in, they got Snowden's approval to live-stream the event on YouTube. They also set aside a second room, Leacock 26, for those who couldn't get into the original venue. Leacock 26 is designed to accommodate less than 200 students, according to seating charts.
When the talk actually began, almost an hour after the scheduled start time, the crowd erupted into applause when Snowden's face appeared on the screen. He was speaking via video chat from Russia, where he's in exile, wanted in the U.S. under the Espionage Act.
A former NSA contractor, Snowden achieved notoriety when he released classified material about the nature of the NSA's surveillance on U.S. citizens to journalists in 2013. Snowden has since become a leading advocate for surveillance reform and privacy rights, and the focus of the mainstream films Citizenfour, a documentary about Snowden's leak and subsequent exile and Snowden, a fictionalized political thriller. To some he's a hero standing up for private citizens' rights and to others he's a traitor who put American lives at risk by exposing ongoing counter-terror investigations.
The event was originally supposed to consist of Snowden speaking for close to an hour, followed by a half hour Q&A session. Due to the late start and technical difficulties, Snowden spoke only shortly, talking about his story and current issues of surveillance and privacy in a Canadian context.
His comments couldn't have come at a better time, as Montreal is now dealing with a surveillance scandal of its own. Reports came out earlier this week showing that the Montreal police had been spying on local journalists by monitoring their locations and communications. The police had obtained dozens of warrants from judges used to find the identities of journalists's sources from their investigations into police corruption.
Snowden found the targeted surveillance of journalists in Montreal particularly troubling, saying that the "fourth estate" must be allowed to operate with privacy as a requisite for their watchdog status in a democratic society.
During the Q&A, Snowden was asked about who he's supporting in the American presidential election, which is taking place next week, on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Snowden declined to reveal his preference out of principle, saying that no one would have to answer that question in a free and private society, and that the opinions of public figures like himself shouldn't influence voters' decisions.
Snowden's talk was interrupted when the privacy advocate's Google Hangout video chat link, which was left on 'public', was left on screen during the Youtube live-stream. Internet trolls interrupted his speech, with one prankster writing "You are being watched" on the stream. Snowden showed good poise, never letting the distractions affect his temperament.
Responding to a question about what university students could do to improve privacy in their own digital lives, Snowden advised people who need secure communications, like journalists, to use encrypted communication apps such as Signal.
"We need to move to a paradigm where all of our communications are encrypted by default," said Snowden.
"Privacy is the fountainhead of all other rights. Freedom of speech doesn't mean very much if you have to repeat what other people say. Privacy is the right to the self. It's the right to the 'you.'"
Snowden can't empathize with those who say they're ok with their records being collected, because they "have nothing to hide. That's like saying 'I don't care about free speech because I have nothing to say.'" ■


text:
We have experience in working at several locations. Working onsite gives us the experience to take part of many technologies in the marketplace. Our clients and previous work includes the following companies listed below, and many more!!
Hewlett Packard Co. – Procter & Gamble Co. – Aesthetic Ambassadors Inc.
HMA & Associates – Autofinders – El Rey Cantina – Ventura
Concours Motors – Asian Autotech – Smart Choice Auto – DG Backflow
Agape Senior consulting – Direct Service Insurance – Oxnard Insurance –
Pro Image Ventura – Farmers Insurance Ojai – Pickart Plastic Surgery
Andy's Place Plumbing Santa Paula – Plaza Auto Sales – Ventura Chamber of Commerce
Logan Oslan Chiropractics – Omega Sports & Rehab Center – Clark Owen Reality
Tuttis Resturaunt on Main – J&E Tooling – The Luxe Lounge – Barefoot Boutique
Dr. Susanne Lammott – NU SKIN – Book Bank of Ventura – Evans Tax Service – Pure Chiropractic
Fifty150 Brand Clothing – Fitted Apparel – Ventura Travel Professionals
Your Accounting Professionals – Larson Insurance – KCSB 91.9FM Santa Barbara
805HipHop.Com – 80.5FM – 805 Radio – Kashroc ENT.- Cuzzalo Ink
DISRUPTION PRODUCTIONS – FND Entertainment – 5150 Recording Studios
Including Several Individual Users and Private Users


text:
Ellen is Annemarie's best friend.
That seems like a pretty obvious statement, right? But it's packed with meaning. When someone asks you, "Who is Ellen?" you would probably answer just that way: "she's Annemarie's best friend, of course." But think about it. There are a billion ways to answer that question. She's a Jewish young girl. She's a Dane. She's a student. But when we think of Ellen, we don't think of these things first. First and foremost, she's Annemarie's friend, and that limits what we can really know about her.
We see Ellen mostly through Annemarie's eyes. And because some of the most important things that happen to Ellen happen when she's apart from Annemarie, we don't get a ton of insight into her character. Think about it: once Ellen leaves to go to Henrik's boat, Annemarie doesn't see her again. We don't see Ellen take the journey across the sea to Sweden or hear what it was like for her to be smuggled out of Denmark. We don't know what happens to her, really, or how she feels. And by the end of the book, Ellen still hasn't come back.
So why is she such a big deal character? Well, it's through Ellen's presence that Annemarie's character really shines. She is able to show her maturity, loyalty, and bravery. And most importantly, she is able to show her vulnerability:
Annemarie felt a surge of sadness; the bond of their friendship had not broken, but it was as if Ellen had moved now into a different world, the world of her own family and whatever lay ahead for them. (10.4)
Losing her friend reminds us how young and innocent Annemarie really is. It's easy to forget that amidst all the bravery and day-saving, this is just a girl who wants to save her best friend so everything can go back to normal.
To be fair, Ellen does have some distinguishing characteristics. She's more than just friend-to-Annemarie, right? Right. For one thing, Ellen loves to act, which makes her a great partner in make-believe.
She was a talented performer; she often played the leading roles in school dramatics. Games of the imagination were always fun when Ellen played. (4.3)
She even has dreams of taking her performing skills to the next level: "'My father wants me to be a teacher. He wants everyone to be a teacher, like him. But maybe I could convince him that I should go to acting school'" (5.5). This is a girl with a passion, that's for sure.
We also know that Ellen is majorly kind, and she puts that kindness to good use. Remember when little Kirsti comes home in tears because she's embarrassed by her shoes? Ellen is quick to think of a solution: "'[T]onight, if your mama doesn't mind, I'll take the shoes home and ask my father to make them black for you, with his ink'" (4.19).
We can't overlook the fact that Ellen is Jewish during the Holocaust. Think about it: this is a ten-year-old girl who is face to face with the possibility of death. And she's scared out of her wits. Who wouldn't be?
"That's the worst thing in the world," Ellen whispered [to Annemarie]. "To be dead so young. I wouldn't want the Germans to take my family away—to make us live someplace else. But still, it wouldn't be as bad as being dead." (5.19)
Number the Stars is a story about living through the Holocaust. It may not lay out the nitty-gritty, gruesome images that many Holocaust books send our way, but it's no less scary. Seeing Ellen—a young, innocent girl—so actively fearing death just because of her religion is a slap in the face. This was an awful time in our world's history, and hearing stories like Ellen's help us remember: never again.


text:
Denialism: How Irrational Thinking Hinders Scientific Progress, Harms the Planet, and Threatens Our Lives
Michael Specter
Despite progress in medicine, genetic engineering, and other fields over the last century, a rising tide of "denialists," including organic food enthusiasts to vaccine skeptics, ignore science to the potential detriment of society. New Yorker writer Michael Specter does not just rebut their claims but describes the root of this mistrust in corporate malfeasance, weak-kneed policymakers, and, sometimes, scientists themselves.
The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon
David Grann
It's easy to get lost in this riveting tale of a monomaniacal explorer intent on discovering the ruins of a lost civilization in the Amazon basin. On his final expedition in 1925, Percy Fawcett, his son, and a companion, vanished — and over the years since many have attempted to trace his footsteps and followed in his demise.
Ivory's Ghosts: The White Gold of History and the Fate of Elephants
John Frederick Walker
In this provocative book, journalist John Frederick Walker tells the gaudy and irresponsible history of the elephant ivory trade in Africa — from billiard balls to piano keys — but he makes a powerful plea that ending the ban on ivory is in fact the only way to save elephants in the long term.
The Fallen Sky: An Intimate History of Shooting Stars
Christopher Cokinos
Few things are more mysterious than a hunk of rock from outer space. In this panoramic history, poet and author Christopher Cokinos traveled the globe to document man's enduring fascination with meteorites as both scientific specimens and collector's items.
A Brilliant Darkness: The Extraordinary Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Ettore Majorana
João Magueijo
A theoretical physicist recounts his investigation into the 1938 disappearance — and likely suicide — of Ettore Majorana, a Sicilian nuclear physicist who some observers rank with Galileo and Newton. Majorana's story has been told many times before in Italian, but this entertaining and humorous book marks the first comprehensive treatment in English.


text:
Rasheed Wallace started his career unfairly getting bench splinters for the Washington Bullets. He went west to Portland for his longest stint with any team and despite making the All-Star team a few times he was mainly known for racking up enough technicals to not only break NBA records but to break his own records year after year. His bad rep as a mad man with the refs wasn't helped when he was suspended for a 7 games for threatening the life of a referee Tim Donaghy. Sheed's rep for questioning calls even coined the now famous phrase "Ball Don't Lie!"
In 2004, the unappreciated Sheed was traded to a team full of unappreciated journeymen in Detroit. No longer called the Bad Boys, the Detroit Pistons were now the overachieving ball boys of the league that ended up beating the one shot to win it all Lakers with a divorcing Kobe and Shaq playing alongside a Mailman and a Glove.
Almost a decade and one short retirement later, Rasheed Wallace is back in the NBA with the New York Knicks where he has become known as the "Human Victory Cigar" When Sheed gets PT against your team it means the game is over and don't be surprised if he's bringing the dagger…and I don't mean that literally towards the refs but a dagger in the form of 3 pointer. Ball Don't Lie!
[youtube id="0GnKOT3Rmiw" width="600″ height="350″]
[youtube id="4KfFK2xv5yI" width="600″ height="350″]
[youtube id="G420G8HAo78″ width="600″ height="350″]


text: Fox 25 Morning News anchor Gene Lavanchy interviewed Dr. Donna Housman concerning the release of "Bully" and early bullying prevention. Dr. Housman argued that the seeds of bullying can begin within the first three years of life. She also discussed the need for parents to know how to properly communicate with their children and how adults can best help their children in bullying situations.


text:
After Emily married Trent (see their wedding Emily and Trent's Chic Melbourne Wedding) she offered up these wise words of wisdom.
"Remember to enjoy the day as it slips by so fast – many of our married friends warned us of this and it turned out to be very true. Enjoy the fact that the majority if not all of your friends and family are in the same room at one time – something that may not happen again!
When planning, make a list that prioritises what is important to both of you for your wedding. This will help you realise what you can be more flexible on. Your wedding is meant to reflect you as a couple – customise it to how you like. Don't do traditions just for the sake of traditions.
Remember to eat! We were so caught up in the day that we both ended up missing out on the incredible food. Our guests kept reminding us how amazing the food was in the weeks following. We ended up ordering room service back at the hotel!
Don't stress! Everything always works out. Hiccups are bound to occur in the lead up – our original DJ cancelled on us the day before the wedding! But with the help of friends we ended up finding a DJ duo who couldn't of fit the bill better! They played an eclectic set that reflected our tastes with tracks from The Cure and Pulp, as well as a tribute to Whitney Houston."
Photos by Leo Farrell


text:
Clubhouse & Park
The Newell Firehouse is our clubhouse which consists of a single large room, a small kitchen, and a bath room. There are 7 long tables with 50 chairs. Building capacity is about 5o people.
As an LPBOA Member, you're welcome to reserve the Newell Firehouse or the Wagner Park for your non-commercial gathering needs. Donations to the Association for usage are greatly appreciated.


text:
Christopher Hawtree
Short Measure
By Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy
Methuen 85pp £12.50 order from our bookshop
Twenty years ago, in A Single Man, Christopher Isherwood gave an account of a teacher's day which, although marred by its mawkish memories of the hero's dead lover, remains both extremely funny as social comedy and able to say something universal without becoming pretentious. October, a diary that he kept for a month four years ago, is written in the lucid prose that has characterised all his work, but is ostentatious in a way that his earlier first-person narratives and use of a 'Christopher Isherwood' character were not. Had sections been printed in a magazine they might have made a temporarily diverting series; in this large-format paperback, well printed in an edition of 1000 copies, it appears an indulgence only to be tolerated by the various friends pictured within.


text:
Hi guys,
Weigh-in: 206 lbs
Calories: 3600
Today I want to run you through the people I actually pay attention to in this world. Here's a clue: it's not Men's Health! The great thing about the internet is the freedom it gives, and if there's a niche then it's likely that someone is filling it. While the big names have important things to say (otherwise they wouldn't be big names), it really is possible to find a writer/blogger/podcaster/youtuber/etc who truly speaks to you. These are a few of the people I looked up to when I got into health shenanigans, and still follow today.
1- Abel James, Fat Burning Man: http://fatburningman.com/
Abel's show is what got me into the Paleo and Ancestral Health movement to begin with. He doesn't push the ketogenic line that I'm more interested in now, but he's a great place for people to start. Combining a silky smooth voice with friendly interviews, it's easy to see how he's become so popular. Abel's podcasts, blogs and books are an excellent place for a beginner.
2- Dave Asprey, Bulletproof: https://blog.bulletproof.com/
Dave's stuff is more up my street now; his content and products are excellent for any stage of the health journey and his work introduced me to biohacking and proper supplementation. Anyone at the intermediate and advanced stages of their health journey would do well to pay attention to him, because as well as starting advice, he gives excellent directions on truly optimising how you feel and perform.
3- Mark Sisson: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/
Mark's daily blogging is what provided the inspiration for this blog and the current series we're on. What I especially love about his work is that a) there's so much of it and his website is a treasure trove, and b) as an ex-athlete he can confidently speak about training while on a low-carb high-fat diet. I would check out his work especially for the exercise component.
4- Carl Totton & Tod Perry, What's This Tao All About: http://whatsthistao.com/
This is admittedly a left-field recommendation but I'm not shying away. The podcast is all about Taoism with Carl taking on the role of mentor and Tod the knowledge-seeking everyman. Spirituality becomes a part of many people's health journeys because at the end of the day you want to feel your best. Gaining new perspective on life is part of that. Carl's teaching is fantastic; he's the sort of person you wish you had as a mentor.
5- Pedram Shojai; https://theurbanmonk.com/
Before I head off I want to give a quick mention to Pedram Shojai for his work. He used to be a student of Carl's and has taken his teachings forward and applied them to a hectic life. Before anyone turns their nose up, just remember how many studies are coming out now "discovering" how effective things like meditation are. In lots of ways, the west is limited by the scientific method and is only now catching up with eastern traditions.
Until tomorrow,


text:
FocusLock Software
Fast, Continuous Focus for any ASCOM Focuser
Special Note for Windows 10 Patch - KB4056892
Developed in partnership with Innovations Foresight, Optec's new FocusLock software integrates patent pending SharpLock Technology to provide an easy-to-use focusing application that functions whenever guiding is active. When using the ONAG On-Axis Guider a cold-mirror passes infrared light to the guide camera while reflectiing visible wavelengths on to the imaging camera. The cold-mirror introduces a slight astigmatism to the guide image allowing FocusLock to quickly determine on which side of focus the camera is currently positioned. Using the proprietary SharpLock software, a single system gain constant, Ks can be used to quickly drive the focuser to the optimal focus position and maintain focus.
FocusLock is designed to maintain focus whenever the guide camera is operating. Guiding can be accomplished through Maxim D/L, TheSky X, and PHD2 Guide or any other guiding program using the Optec ASCOM Server. Focuser control and filter focus offsets are supported for any ASCOM filter wheel.
Auto Calibration wizard is included with manual calibration overides. Scripting for external program control and focus verification is now included for observatory automation.
How Does SharpLock Work?
Dr. Gaston Baudat of Innovations Foresight describes the ONAG and SharpLock in detail in this excellent Astronomy Technology Today article. Download for a full explanation and description of the technology that FocusLock is based upon. (PDF courtesy Dr. Gaston Baudat and Astronomy Technology Today.)
System Requirements:
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 (available from Microsoft)
- ASCOM Platform 6.1 or higher (available from the ASCOM website)
For guide camera control, you may use any of these programs:
- Maxim D/L version 5 or 6 (Diffraction Limited),
- TheSky X (Software Bisque),
- PHD2 Guiding
v2.5.0dev2 or later (Open PHD2
NOTE: If using PHD2 Guide, you will need the Development Snapshot Build available here,
- Sequence Generator Pro (Main Sequence Software),
- or any ASCOM guiding program using the Optec ASCOM Server
FocusLock Software Installer:
FocusLock Help:
|View the FocusLock Help Document online.
|Download the FocusLock Help Document in pdf format.


text:
What would you like to know?
Mortgage Calculator
For new mortgages, if the downpayment or equity is less then 20% of the purchase price, the amortization cannot exceed 25 years and the maximum purchase price must be less than $1,000,000.
Mortgage rates are estimates of current rates. No fees are included.
What is your availability for a viewing?
Ph6 1270 Robson Street, Vancouver
$965,000Calculate Mortgage Calculate Mortgage
859 Sq.Ft. 1 Baths 2 Beds 1980 Built
Google Maps Map WalkScore Email Us Request a Viewing
Welcome to this beautiful Penthouse in a very sought after West End neighbourhood. Breathtaking views from all 3 patios. Large open concept living with 2 bedrooms. Tastefully renovated kitchen. Corner unit with no common walls gives you total privacy. Building is perfectly located in the centre of the West End. Steps to everything: restaurants, shopping, beach, Stanley Park... Rentals are allowed making this an excellent investment opportunity. Call to book your appointment today.
Taxes (2019): $1,987.47
Bike Room Garden In Suite Laundry
ClthWsh Dryr Frdg Stve DW


text:
Fallbrook Locksmith Company Joins Local Business Trend
"Locavore" is a term that has been around for about a decade now. It refers to those individuals who prefer to consume food that has been grown or raised locally. It's a trend that has been steadily growing year after year. "Locavore" was even the Oxford American Dictionary's Word of the Year in 2007. Restaurants and grocery stores catering to locavores have been springing up … [Read more...]


text:
Get the lowest prices in the UK on these products from brands such as; Snickers Workwear, Helly Hansen workwear, Mascot workwear and more, now but only while stocks last. Every item is chosen from our top name brands, completely brand new and the cheapest this week in the UK.
Enjoy a superb value for money bargain from our top brands at MI!


text:
This clip is the opening scene of the documentary Lessons in Dissent which will air in the United States in November.
It's about two Hong Kong activists: Joshua Wong, leader of the Scholarism movement, and Ma Jai, a member of a radical pro-democracy party.
Directed by Matthew Torne, the film looks at these young Hongkongers, and what they were up to 2012, providing an interesting background to events happening in Hong Kong today.


text:
Caption Goes Here
Things just aren't the same without you. While we're waiting to welcome you back, we've been busy supporting our team members, helping the community and getting our properties ready for you. You mean a lot to us and we look forward to more fun times to come!


text:
According to the latest report published by Credence Research, Inc. "Circulatory Support Devices Market- Growth, Future Prospects and Competitive Analysis, 2017-2025," the global circulatory support devices market expected to witness significant growth owing to increasing demand for circulatory support devices due to increase in heart failure and cardiogenic shock.
Browse the full report Circulatory Support Devices Market - Growth, Future Prospects and Competitive Analysis, 2017–2025 report at https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/circulatory-support-devices-market
Market Insights
The usage of implantable circulatory support devices has increased in recent years, due to the increase in the mortality from cardiogenic shock and heart failure. Cardiogenic shock is one of the most extreme types of heart failure, which leads to the dysfunction of myocardial contractile resulting the failure of the left ventricle. Circulatory support devices are used for the treatment of these types of congestive heart failures. These devices are the temporary support and act as a scaffold to treatment playing a key role in supporting the life of the patient suffering from heart failure.
According to the America Heart Association's 2017 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, heart failure is projected to increase dramatically, with a rise of 46 percent by 2030. Moreover, the report states that around 92.1 Mn American are living with some type of cardiovascular disease or the delayed consequences of stroke. Cardiovascular disease asserts more lives annually than all types of prolonged lower respiratory disease and cancer combined. The rise in the patient pool suffering from cardiovascular diseases is expected to drive the market, leading to the high demand for circulatory support devices during the forecast period.
The global circulatory support devices market is distributed into product types, usage area, and by geography. On the basis of products types the market is segmented into the total artificial heart (TAH), ventricular assist device (VAD), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Additions on the basis of usage areas the market is segmented into ambulatory surgical centers and hospitals. Advancement in technology and intensifying incidence of heart failure, the surge in disposable income and better patience awareness in the emerging nations would boost the demand for circulatory support devices.
Geographically, the universal circulatory support devices market is anticipated for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. In terms of value, North America drives the global market and expected that the situation will remain constant amid the forecast period. Though the dominance of North America will be clearly challenged by Europe. The need of circulatory support devices has become prominent in the Asia Pacific because of growth in the healthcare infrastructure in terms of treatment and awareness related to the disease. According to NIH, In 2016, 8.5 percent of individuals globally were aged 65 and above and this percentage is anticipated to increase to nearly 17 percent by 2050, hence this shows that rise in geriatric population will further enhance the market of circulatory support devices. There are massive probabilities for market diffusion in countries like Mexico, China, and India to the market leaders already having a grip in developed countries.
About Us
Credence Research is a worldwide market research and counseling firm that serves driving organizations, governments, non-legislative associations, and not-for-benefits. We offer our customers some assistance with making enduring enhancements to their execution and understand their most imperative objectives.
Media Contact
Name: Chris Smith
Address: 105 N 1st ST #429,
(US/CANADA) Ph.: +1-800-361-8290
E-mail: email@example.com


text:
Quantity Available:
(Looking for a Better LTL Freight Rate ? Give Us a Call)
Enter zip code to calculate shipping.
The Defender LTX M/S tire from Michelin is an all season light truck and SUV tire that features long tread life and excellent traction in all seasons. The Defender LTX M/S offers shorter stopping distances and better snow traction that many of the leading competitors. Featuring a fuel efficient tread compound and long tire life, the Defender LTX M/S is an excellent choice for light truck and sport utility vehicles. For the Michelin Defender LTX M/S Tire, call or order from our online tire store today.