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|Engine Accessories, Gaskets &
|Engine Electrical
Block/Drive Train
|Cooling System
|How to Buy Parts
Toyhead Auto World Famous Performance Cylinder Head Work
Here For More Information.
1. Chrome
plated oil filler cap $48.00 usd
2. Chrome
plated mechanical fuel hole cover with bolts. $40.00 usd
3. Chrome plated water pump pulley with stainless bolts. Discontinued
4. Chrome
plated hub grease cap set (Corolla, Celica, TE27, TA22
). $40.00 usd
5. Front engine cover stainless steel bolt set. $40.00 usd
NEW!!! 2TG High Strength
Cylinder Head Bolts
Made of high strength chrome
molybdenum steel.
Set of 10. $195.50 usd
2TG Engine Overhaul Gasket Kit
Kameari Engine Gasket Kits come with no head gasket (Kameari head gaskets are sold separate)
1. 2T-G Valve Cover Gasket, 1 Rubber Cork mixture type
2. 2T-G Half Circle Seals (Semi-Circle) Rubber
3. 2T-G Head Front Cover Gasket, 6 Bolt Type
4. 2T-GEU Head Front Cover Gasket, 2 Bolt Type
5. 2T-G Valve Oil Seal (8)
6. 2T-G Thermo Housing Gasket
7. 2T-G Thermostat Gasket
8. 2T-G Tensioner Gasket
9. 2T-G Water Pump Gasket
10. 2T-G Block Blowby Gasket
11. 2T-G Fuel Pump Hold Gasket
12. 2T-G Block Front Cover Gasket, 1 Right and Left SET
13. 2T-G Rear Oil Seal Retainers Gasket
14. 2T-G Crank Oil Seal (Front)
15. 2T-G Crank Oil Seal (Rear)
16. 2T-G Oil Pan Gasket, 1 Rubber Cork mixture type
2T-G (TE27, TA20, TA22, Carburetor) Price $153.83 usd
*Includes No. 1~16, but not No.4
(No head gasket included).
2T-GEU (TE71, TA45, Fuel Injection) Price $153.83 usd
*Includes No. 1~16, but not No.3 or No.10
(No head gasket included).
2TG Master Engine Gasket Kit
(For 2TG Only. Comes with Head Gasket and valve stem seals)
Price $284.96 usd
2TG Gaskets Available Sold Separate.
2TG Valve Cover Gasket $44.50
2T-G Half Circle Seals (Semi-Circle) $28.00 pair
Head Front Cover, 6
Bolt Type (early model)
2T-G Head Front Cover, 2 Bolt Type (early model) $15.87
Exhaust Pipe to Manifold Seal $42.37
2TG Valve Seals, 8 Quantity $53.65
2TG Intake Manifold Gasket (Standard port size 35mm ) $17.50
Intake Manifold Gasket (Large
port size 37mm ) $22.00
Exhaust Manifold Gasket $22.50
2TG Exhaust Pipe Flange Gasket $8.50
2TG OEM Type Replacement Head Gasket $215.00
2TG Oil Pan Gasket $37.38
2T-G Block Front Timing Cover, 1 Right and Left Set $26.00
2T-G Block Blowby gasket $9.50
2T-G Fuel Pump Mount Gasket $7.50
2T-G Rubber O Ring Kit (comes with 3) $10.50
2T-G Rear Main (Crank) Seal Kit (comes with gasket and rear main seal) $36.50
2T-G Water Pump Gasket $9.50
2T-G Crank Oil Seal (Front) $16.50
2T-G Thermostat Gasket $6.50
Kameari brand head
gaskets are made of multi-layered steel.
90mm bore. Two types available in several thickness.
Metal Head Gasket 90mm bore (Kameari)
Street Type
Metal Head Gasket
$225.45 usd
1.5mm $235.23 usd
2.0mm $264.65 usd
2.5mm $294.08 usd
3.0mm $319.64 usd
NEW!!! Racing Type Metal Head Gasket 90mm bore (Kameari)
1.0mm $303.55 usd
1.2mm $313.66 usd
1.5mm $328.50 usd
Our racing
type head gaskets feature and inner layer that is
pre-crimped at the outside edge of the head gasket. Which
in turn creates the ultimate seal to withstand even
greater combustion pressures, over our street type
Metal Head
Gasket 87mm Bore (Cosmetic) Special
.043 inch
$88.50 usd
.059 inch $88.50 usd
NEW!!! 2TG OEM Type Replacement Head Gasket
Price $133.80 usd
(2TG OEM thickness is
Transmission Mount (OEM type). Price $27.89 USD
Racing Clutch Disc.
Better power transfer and quicker shifting result from the
lightweight three puck design of the clutch.
Racing Pressure Plate. The reinforced clutch cover handles high revving motors and lots of torque while increasing
the power transfer from an upgraded diaphragm spring and high performance clutch.
For Our Many
Carburetor Options And Accessories, Please Click
Heater Connector 17mm - 3/8- 17mm $62.67
Heater Connector 14mm - 3/8- 14mm $62.67
Heater Pipe 17mm straight $60.05 USD
Heater Pipe 14mm straight $60.05 USD
Heater Connector 17mm - 3/8 $29.33
|3. Heater Connector 14mm - 3/8 $29.33 USD
Price $66.77 USD
Born from racing
71 Degrees Celsius Low Temp Stainless Thermostat
What is the optimum temperature to get the most power from the engine?Different parts of the engine are at various coolant temperatures. For example, the temp gauge is reading at 80 degrees Celsius but at the back of the motor, it is between 85 and 90 degrees Celsius, which means it is detonating. The perfect temperature for optimum performance is the temperature right before detonation, measured at the cylinder. However, in order to achieve this temperature, it is absolutely necessary to have good cooling efficiency and a low temperature thermostat. The thermostat opens the valve at 71 degrees Celsius and allows the coolant to flow earlier to prevent overheating and bring out the maximum performance from the motor.
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Recently, I've been reading "Beautiful Code" (edited by Andy Oram & Greg Wilson). This is a collection of short papers by academics and professional software developers which explores the idea of beauty in software:
I was looking forward to this, partly because we've just started a new course . . . → Read More: Beautiful Code … ?

subset: commoncrawl


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White mulberry tree, is also known as Morus alba, is a species in Family Moraceae that grows more rapidly but has a shorter lifespan, compared to black mulberry tree and red mulberry tree. It is native to northern China and long ago has been cultivated as an important feed of sericulture and silk craftsmanship there. In addition, its fruits can be used for making wine and bark for producing handmade paper. Medicinally, its main medicinal parts include mulberry leaf (Sang Ye), mulberry bark (Sang Bai Pi), mulberry fruit (Sang Shen), and mulberry twig (Sang Zhi). In this article, the medicinal uses of its twig are going to be the focus.
What is white mulberry?
Morus alba L. is one of deciduous shrubs or small trees, 3 to 15 meters in height. Trunk bark is gray and with shallow grooves; root bark is fibrous and yellow-brown or reddish yellow. The leaves are alternate and simple; petiole is 1 to 2.5cm in length; blade is ovate or broadly ovate, 5 to 20cm long, 4 to 10cm wide, and with acute or acuminate apex, rounded or heart-shaped base, coarsely serrated or crenate edge, sometimes irregular lobes, hairless and shiny upper surface, and velutionous lower surface; stipules are lanceolate and caducous. Unisexual flowers are dioecious; female and male inflorescences are axillary and arranged in a spike-like catkins; female inflorescence is pubescent, 1 to 2cm in length, and with 5 to 10mm peduncle; male inflorescence is sagging, slightly pubescent, and 1 to 2.5cm in length; male flowers are with tepals 4, stamens 4, and a sterile pistil in middle; female flowers are with tepals 4, gamogenic base, and 2-lobed stigma. Many achenes densely gather into an oval or oblong aggregate fruit, which is l to 2.5cm long, green at first, fleshy, dark purple or red when ripe. Seeds are small. Bloom time is from April to May and fruiting time is from May to June. Habitats include hills, slopes, area near the villages, fields, etc. Most of them are now cultivated.
The dried twigs of Morus alba, also called Ramulus Mori, are often used as medicine. It is produced across China and usually harvested at the end of spring and the beginning of summer. And the next procedures are to remove the leaves, dry them in the sun, or slice when they are still fresh before the drying. It is used raw or fried medicinally. And the preferred one is stout, young, dry, and with yellowish white section.
Mulberry twig contains tannin, sucrose, fructose, stachyose, glucose, maltose, raffinose, arabinose, xylose, etc.; stems contain flavonoids: mulberrin, mulberrochromene, cyclomulberrin, cyclomulberrochromene, etc.; wood contains morin, cudranin, 2,4,4′,6-tetrahydroxybenzophnone, 2,3′,4,4′,6-tetrahydroxybenzophnone (maclurin), etc.; heartwood contains dihydromorin, dihydro kaempferol, 2,3′,4,5′-Tetrahydroxystilbene, alboctalol, and so on.
White mulberry health benefits
Since white mulberry trees are the most common species grown in China, it is the main medicinal plant source. Therefore, mulberry mentioned in all medical book means Morus alba unless otherwise stated. Mulberry twig is known for its excellent healing properties on rheumatic arthralgia, in particular upper extremity joint pain. And its modern pharmacology has indicated that its twig has strong anti-inflammatory activity, which can improve human lymphocyte transformation rate (LTR), and thereby enhance immunity.
Medicinal properties of white mulberries
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), different parts of mulberry plant possess different properties and indications. And here are the details for your reference.
1) White mulberry leaves. It is bitter and sweet in flavor and cold in nature and good at dispelling wind, reducing heat, clearing liver, and improving vision. And it can treat diabetes, help weight loss, lower blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and more;
2) White mulberry fruits. It is sweet and sour in flavor and cold in nature. It is good at nourishing yin and supplementing blood. So, it treats insomnia, habitual constipation, palpitations, dizziness, tinnitus, and so on;
3) white mulberry roots' bark. It is sweet in flavor and cold in nature and good at relieving cough and asthma and inducing diuresis to alleviate edema;
As for the medicinal properties of its twig, it is bitter in flavor and neutral in nature. It goes to liver meridian. Prime functions include expelling wind-damp, dredging blocked channels, and removing edema. Basic white mulberry uses and indications are numbness or tingling in rheumatoid arthritis, hemiplegia in stroke, edema and beriberi, and pruritus. Recommended white mulberry dosage is from 15 to 30 grams in decoction. In addition, other products, like white mulberry tea, supplement, juice, and extract, are also available.
Sample white mulberry recipes on herbal remedies
1) Sang Zhi Tang from Tai Ping Sheng Hui Fang (Taiping Holy Prescriptions for Universal Relief). It is combined with Liu Zhi (willow twigs), Shan Zhi (Cedar twigs), Huai Zhi (Sophora japonica twigs), etc. to externally treat numbness of the skin and achy pain in hands and feet due to wind-pathogen attack.
2) Shuang Sang Jiang Ya Tang from Liao Ning ZHONG CAO YAO XIN YI LIAO FA ZHAN LAN HUI ZI LIAO XUAN BIAN (Chinese herbal medicine and new medical exhibition information Selected). It is formulated with mulberry leaf and Chong Wei Zi (Semen leonuri) to lower high blood pressure.
3) Sang Zhi Jian from Taiping Holy Prescriptions for Universal Relief. It is coupled with Yi Mu Cao (Leonorus) to cure lichen planus.
Since this herb is able to dispel the wind, dredge collaterals, and relieve joint pain, the older twigs can be used in large dose alone or in combination with other herbs to treat painful red swollen and hot joints and other arthralgia due to heat-toxicity. And here are some regular combinations for your reference.
1) In the case of numbness arms and fingers in rheumatism, it can be matched with Wei Ling Xian (Clematis), Han Fang Ji (Stephania Tetrandra), Dang Gui (Dong Quai), etc.;
2) If it is a cold pattern, adding Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) is a must in order to increase the efficiency of warming meridians;
3) If it is a hot pattern, adding Luo Shi Teng (Star Jasmine Vine) and Ren Dong Teng (Honeysuckle Vine) is a good idea to clear heat;
4) In the case of deficiency of qi-blood, adding Huang Qi (Astragalus Root), Ji Xue Teng (Evergreen Wisteria), etc. to replenish qi and enrich the blood;
5) In terms of itching all over body, dry skin, and lichen planus due to wind-heat attacking ying blood, combining with Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea), He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti Root), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia), or others could be a plausible way to cool and nourish blood while dispelling wind;
6) As for dispersion-thirst disease, it can be decocted alone since it can help promote the secretion of saliva or body fluid;
7) In the case of edema, it is ideal to work with Chi Xiao Dou (Adzuki Beans) to reduce edema.
White mulberry side effects and contraindications
Twigs of White mulberry are normally considered an edible herb. But TCM wise, care should be taken in the case of yin deficiency. Except for the mentioned contraindication, there are no other side effects mentioned or reported up to the minute this article is being written.


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Our philosophy of personal service for our customers allows us to reduce the worry and concern naturally associated with moving your home. This has enabled us over 65 years to build up a reputation for quality, which we believe is reflected in the fact that 54% of our customers come to us through recommendations from others we have moved.
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Cooks Removals offer a range of professional, safe, secure and convenient self storage solutions
Self Storage


text:
Even though their tents were cleared out of the parks this winter, the Occupy spirit has re-emerged with a vengeance this spring.
Much of the major action is happening from the inside. UK fund manager Hermes--which represents a group of pensions and other investment funds--has launched a protest against Deutsche Bank's executive compensation policies, lobbying other shareholders in the German bank to reject a resolution approving the board's performance, the Financial Times reports.
This comes on the heels of a major shareholder revolt at Citigroup, where they voted down a $15 million pay package for CEO Vikram Pandit this month--with strong, surprising support with Citi's employee-stockholders as well. Similar sentiments are bubbling to the surface at Wal-Mart and Verizon, where employee-shareholders also want more say on pay, as Gretchen Morgenson pointed out over the weekend.
Some of the action is also happening from the outside: Today in San Francisco, for example, a group of shareholders, together with other progressive activists, are scheduled to protest Wells Fargo's annual shareholder meeting under the Occupy banner of "the 99 percent." They're uniting under a hodgepodge of demands that include everything from halting foreclosure proceedings and protesting predatory lending practices to divesting from private prisons.
Still, it may be a while yet before banks and other publicly held corporations embrace major reforms. Hermes, for instance, is lobbying to change a vote that's non-binding. But it's a reminder that the anti-bank populism that inspired the Occupy movement hasn't dissipated; it was simply lying in wait for the next opportunity to surface.


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MECHANISMS / Anthony Huberman (editor)
Roma Publication 307
This catalogue accompanies a major group show at CCA Wattis in San Francisco, curated by Anthony Huberman. It reflects on ways the "machine" determines how we live and what we believe in. A machine is also a mechanism, not just a physical object but also an abstract ideology. The artworks point to the forms and instruments that make up our technological infrastructure, as well as to the values they are designed to enforce. Contesting a world that rewards efficiency, speed, and productivity, the participating artists test existing systems with inefficient machines, impossible tools, wasted time, and elaborate protocols that misalign outputs and inputs.
With contributions by Zarouhie Abdalian, Terry Atkinson, Lutz Bacher, Eva Barto, Neil Beloufa, Patricia L. Boyd, Jay DeFeo, Trisha Donnelly, Harun Farocki, Richard Hamilton, Aaron Flint Jamison, Jacob Kassay, Garry Neill Kennedy, Louise Lawler, Park McArthur, Jean-Luc Moulène, Pope.L, Charlotte Posenenske, Cameron Rowland, and Danh Vo.
(more images on www.romapublications.org)


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Finding good options for good-paying work in these trying economic times is hard enough. However, some would argue that preparing for today's job interviews is even tougher. Job interviews are notorious for being peppered with verbal traps for interviewees to fall into.
Tough questions abound, your answers to which could make or break whether or not you're actually seriously considered. Let's take a look at three of today's toughest and most commonly asked interview questions, as well as prep you on how you should answer if they're lobbed your way.
1. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult co-worker or someone you didn't like. How did you handle it?
Your first instinct is probably going to be to tell the interviewer that this has never happened. You're such a team player and a people person that you get along with everyone and never run into this problem. However, the interviewer will also know that you're lying if you say that. No one gets along with everyone all the time. Every job requires people to work with people they're not exactly fans of, so be honest, but tactful.
Talk about a time you dealt with someone you didn't like as a person, but who had other terrific qualities that made them a good worker. Explain how focusing on their strong work ethic and positive qualities helped you find common ground.
2. Can you explain the large gap in your employment history?
If you're like a lot of people, then it's certainly possible that you have been unemployed for a while, or that you were for a period in the past. Many potential employers are going to ask about it. While this can understandably be nerve wracking, it is certainly possible to use it to your advantage.
Talk about the organized, structured plan you made to reenter the workforce with a vengeance and explain how, in your free time, you chipped away at your project-in-waiting list at home. Emphasize how much you accomplished, but also mention how ready you are to get back into the fray of employment.
3. What does your ultimate dream job look like?
Some people are tempted to brown-nose a bit and say something like "this one." However, as with the answer to the first question, a potential employer is already going to know that that's not necessarily true. However, you also don't want to give the interviewer the impression you're going to fly the coop the minute the position you're really looking for presents itself.
A good way to answer this question is to start by describing a childhood dream job (like baseball pitcher) and explain how as you grew, you realized that you had other talents (marketing, customer care, graphic design, and so forth) and developed a desire to put them to good use out there in the work force. Naturally, the skills you highlight should tie into the position you're applying for.


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Kabuto (helmet)
■Helmet bowl: Gold lacquered bowl riveted by 12 iron plates
■Neck guard: Gold lacquered neck guard laced with white fabric
■Cuirass: Gold lacquered cuirass
■Shoulder guards: Gold lacquered shoulder guards laced with white fabric
■Kusazuri: Gold lacquered kusazuri laced with white fabric
Kusazuri is a skirt of plates attached to the cuirass
Small parts
■Armored sleeves: Gold lacquered sleeve
■Greaves :
■Shin guard:
*Every armor on our website is wearable. Suitable size is under 180cm high and under 110cm around the waist. If you have a special request, we might be able to customize with extra price.
*Each armor comes with a black lacquered wooden storage box and a wooden stand to have the armor stay still on the box. And there is an instruction paper printed in English for you to assemble and to wear the armor.
*It takes about one or two months to produce this armor since this is handmade.
* You can only order ONE armor per purchase.


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When was the last time you woke up feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on your day? If you're like most Canadian men, chances are it wasn't this morning. You've probably heard by now that most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night, and that getting less (and funny enough, more) sleep can lead to a host of health risks like lower testosterone, poor concentration and even stroke. But what about guys who walk that knife's edge between sleep deprivation and the bare minimum? Can some men really survive on six hours of sleep a night?
It turns out the amount of sleep you need depends on your age, genes and lifestyle. Earlier this year, the U.S.-based National Sleep Foundation brought together sleep specialists from every corner of the medical world and released a "Recommended Sleep" chart. For guys between ages 26 and 65, there are no surprises: you're looking at 7 to 9 hours as your ideal sleeping window. But there are still some people who can sneak in just six hours of shuteye each night and still kick some ass. Another sub-group of (unlucky?) dudes needs a whopping 10 hours each night to function properly.
But what about you? Let's start with what we know about sleep patterns. According to Statistics Canada, Canadian men report they sleep less than women on average. The reasons behind this phenomenon aren't fully understood, but we do know things like young kids, work stress and a lack of exercise can eat away at length and quality of ZZZ's.
We also know sleep deprivation lowers testosterone levels in men (you can thank Peterborough's Brock University Sleep Research Laboratory for that recent discovery). If you're still not getting it: lower testosterone = erectile dysfunction. Have we got your attention now?
The benefits of figuring out your individual sleep window are beginning to shape up. So how do you do it?
- Keep sleeping notes. Write down when you go to bed and when you wake up each morning. If you're too lazy to monitor your slumber, there are awesome digital wristbands that track your sleeping pattern through apps (FitBit One and Jawbone Up are great). Once you've figured out your sleep time, take a minute to assess your mood when you first get up and a few times throughout the day. If you're irritable or finding it hard to concentrate, try setting your bedtime back by half an hour for a week. Repeat as necessary.
- Cut back on caffeine. This will be a challenge, but if you can stop masking your fatigue with coffee, you'll figure out pretty quickly if your minimum sleep time is on point.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses. If you've got young ones at home, you're probably LOL'ing at the mere suggestion of a proper night's sleep. For the rest of us, things like longer work days, a lack of exercise and even a crappy commute are taxing on sleep quality. Take the YouCheck health tool, courtesy of the Canadian Men's Health Foundation, to give you a starting point for evaluating your overall health. If you're lacking in the exercise department or feeling wired from your work stress, even a 20-minute walk around the block can make a big impact on your sleep pattern.
Some guys can function fine on six hours of sleep a night, but your ideal sleep window depends on genetics and lifestyle. For most guys, seven to nine hours is the sweet spot. Keep track of your sleep pattern (or have an app do it for you) and take note of your mood for a true, individualized read on your ideal sleep time. Taking control of your sleep doesn't take much!
1) Who gets any sleep these days? Sleep patterns of Canadians. Accessed July 11, 2015. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-008-x/2008001/article/10553-eng.htm#2
2) Cote, K.A., McCormick, C.M., * Geniole, S.N., * Renn, R.P., * MacAulay, S.D. (2013). Sleep deprivation lowers aggression and testosterone in men. Biological Psychology, 92: 249-56.
3) Sleeping over eight hours a day associated with greater risk of stroke. Accessed July 11, 2015. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150225164004.htm
Are you trying to get more and better sleep? If so, we've got your back!
Download the free "How to Rule the Bedroom" ebook right now.


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India is bringing in new measures aimed at strengthening investigations into sexual assault, as well as reducing a backlog of cases awaiting DNA testing, a senior official said.
The government has pledged to build more labs specializing in examining DNA evidence in sexual assault cases, and has issued new guidelines to help ensure that investigators do not contaminate evidence.
Less than half of the more than 25,000 cases that go to DNA labs each year are processed, while 20 percent of lab reports do not hold up in court due to contaminated evidence, said India's chief forensic scientist, S K Jain.
"We are looking to increase the capacity of labs and hire more qualified manpower in the next four months to plug these gaps," Jain told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
A new set of guidelines for investigators of sexual assault cases, released by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), emphasizes the proper handling of samples like vaginal swabs, condoms, pubic hair and clothes.
The government also announced that it would build six labs dedicated to investigations of sexual assault against women, which will be able to provide forensic examination of 50,000 cases per year.
The first facility is being set up in the northern city of Chandigarh at the CFSL campus, the Ministry of Women and Child Development said in a June statement.
The Chandigarh facility will serve as a model for five more in cities across the country, and it will increase the capacity of forensic examinations at the CFSL from less than 160 cases a year to 2,000, the statement said.
India tightened its laws with a greater focus on women's safety after the fatal 2012 gang rape of a student in New Delhi. Yet only one in four rape cases results in a conviction, according to government data.
A shortage of well-equipped laboratories and qualified staff means that DNA samples from hundreds of sexual assault cases await testing, said lawyers and campaigners who welcomed the government's initiatives.
"Lots of DNA evidence gets disintegrated and it's crucial that samples reach on time," said Kushi Kushalappa of the charity Enfold Proactive Health Trust, which works on child sexual abuse.
"We need more labs and quick results."
Ravi Kant, a lawyer and founder of the anti-trafficking charity Shakti Vahini, said he hoped the new guidelines would improve crime scene investigations.
"Crucial evidence is not collected, and as a result, all cases of sexual assault and trafficking are dependent only on victim's statement," he said. "Good forensics can actually nail the truth."


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Kitaab interview with Kulpreet Yadav: Thriller genre is poised for a fillip in India
Kulpreet Yadav's latest novel 'Catching the Departed' was shortlisted by Hachette-DNA in a contest called 'Hunt for the Next Bestseller' and launched at 'The Arts House, Singapore' on 18 July 2014. He is the Founder-Editor of Open Road Review, an international literary magazine that has published over 130 writers from 20 countries in the last three years. As a Creative Writing Mentor, Kulpreet has conducted several workshops for aspiring writers in India. Shortlisted numerous times for literary awards, Kulpreet's stories and essays have appeared in over 30 publications, in India and elsewhere. He has participated in various literary festivals in India and abroad like Asia Pacific Writer's events at Bangkok in 2012 and Singapore in 2014, Hyderabad Literature Festival, Delhi Literature Festival, Glitterati Gurgaon Art and Literature Festival, etc. He is an invited speaker at Literati fest at IIT Delhi in Sep 14 and at Goa International Writers and Readers Festival in Oct 14. Kulpreet lives in New Delhi.
Here is an interview with Kulpreet Yadav:
Tell us about your debut novel. Why did you choose to write a thriller? Did you have any models/writers to follow?
Kulpreet Yadav: 'Catching the Departed' is a popular fiction novel. Though my first thriller in a commercial sense, this is not my first novel. The two books that I had written earlier had a literary slant. And so did my collection of short stories. 'Catching the Departed' is a spy novel that has an intricate plot and a high entertainment quotient. It reminds us of the imminence of manmade tragedy that surrounds our lives, where money and power are the only remaining elixirs of gratification.
I used to read a lot of thrillers in my school and college days. Mostly James Hadley Chase, Alistair Maclean, Sidney Sheldon, Fredrick Forsyth, Ian Fleming, Leon Uris, Jeffrey Archer, etc. More recently I have been reading Lee Child, David Baldacci, James Patterson, Steig Larsson, John Grisham, etc. I don't follow a particular writer's style.
How can you describe 'Catching the Departed' in three sentences?
An embodiment of eternal patriotism, Andy Karan, the protagonist of 'Catching the Departed', reminds us that nothing else matters. This is the story of a young Indian spy in his late twenties taking on a bigger, more vicious and powerful enemy.
The Karan part of Andy Karan's name has been derived from the epic Mahabharata as mentioned in the novel. According to you what does Karan embody?
Karan was an unsung hero in the epic Mahabharata. Born to an unwed mother, he faced the ire and brunt of his teachers and family members for no fault of his. Yet as a warrior, he never switched sides and kept his word, finally paying a price with his life. In 'Catching the Departed' Andy Karan embodies loyalty, trustworthiness and courage—attributes that are mirrored by the young Indian generation.
Monica as a former model and a desperate journalist appears edgy and insecure in the novel. Are single women in India in their mid-thirties disillusioned in search of their rightful place in an evolving society?
This is a very relevant question. The society is evolving, yes, at least in terms of education and wealth. But as always, the minds are the last to change. Indian society can be best described as quasi-tolerant when it comes to women. Monica is the perfect example of a young Indian woman losing her way in search of love and identity in a society mired by hypocrisy and gender-bias.
You bring out the 'dirty bomb' in your book. Not exactly an Armageddon, but it sure can cause no less havoc. You think there is such a possibility in India in the near future?
Dirty bomb is a reality. The security apparatus of any nation can only ignore this at its own peril. Before 9/11, the idea of planes crashing deliberately into buildings would have been labeled as prophesy listed in some drunk sage's diary. The desperation of those outside the circle of influence to gather wealth, or when not in power, is palpable. The innovative terrorist strikes in the recent times are proof enough. Why just India, the entire world's security is at risk like never before.
Filmmakers are on the lookout for interesting thrillers. Is this novel appropriate for a screen adaptation? Would you change anything to make it more screen friendly?
I am answering this question in practically every interview. Yes, the book can easily be adapted into a suspense movie. I think an adaptation into a movie will take this story to more people, which as a storyteller, I think is an exciting extension. The twists in the plot are enough to engage the readers/viewers, and therefore I don't think any major change to the plot is necessary.
How difficult was it for you get a publisher for this novel, especially being a new writer?
Since I am represented by a literary agent, it wasn't difficult. I had to wait for several months though after signing the contract.
How have the readers responded to the book? Any interesting anecdotes?
The novel was launched at Singapore on 18 July and it reached the number 1 position on 17 Aug on Amazon India (Thrillers and Mystery) in exactly one month. Most of the readers have liked the book. This is a genre fiction novel. The Indian critics have a tendency to favour literary fiction and have a complete dislike for popular fiction. I am not expecting their support—no successful, bestselling author in the last decade had. I write for readers and for the moment they are happy.
There are not many good thriller writers in India. How do you see the thriller scene in India?
Thriller genre is poised for a fillip. I have noticed the youngsters want thrillers. Some of the writers from the western world are already doing well in India. This is a good sign for someone like me.
What do you plan to write next?
Andy Karan is a series of three books. Book two is called 'Drowning the Pirate' and book 3, 'Eating the Dragon'. I will also continue to write short fiction for literary magazines.


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Farmers learn from other farmers. Farmers trust the experience and knowledge of other farmers who are in situations similar to their own. A newly established project through Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY and the Center for Dairy Excellence capitalizes on this simple concept. The Profit Discussion Groups program brings together farmers to share ideas, experiences, and learn new ways to impact the profitability of their farms. The groups represent the diversity of the industry both in geography and production management systems that characterize the New York dairy industry. Each group has a targeted membership so that there is a shared commonality i.e. young farmers, large herd, value-added. This is to ensure that the group discussions are meaningful and valuable for the group members. Agribusiness professionals and extension educators are facilitating and coordinating the groups. The groups are self directed. The farmers in the group choose the topics to discuss, as well as when, where and how often to meet.
There are many benefits to participating in a discussion group for both the farmers and the facilitator. It's an opportunity to keep up with the latest information, keep abreast of industry trends, learn more about a specific technology or practice and perhaps most valuable, interact with other respected farmers.
Benefits to the participating producers
Dairy Profit Discussion groups provide farmers with the opportunity to:
- Discuss and exchange ideas with farmers they respect.
- Draw on the strong knowledge base of their peers
- Learn from the substantial real world experience of the other farmers
- Interact with industry professionals and other invited resource people in a manner directed by the farmers
- Build professional relationships and networks with other farmers.
Benefits to the Facilitators
- Discuss and exchange ideas with farmers they respect.
- Impact farm clientele through an effective educational method.
- Opportunity to stay closely attuned to on farm trends and issues.
- Build professional relationships and networks with farm clientele.
- Next best thing to one on one consulting.
Current Dairy Profit Discussion Groups
There are over thirty newly formed Dairy Profit Discussion Groups across New York State. The groups represent the diversity of both the geography and management systems of New York dairy farm. Through participation in these groups and adoption of benchmarking tools, progress of participating farms will be measured and success stories captured as examples of the potential for this approach to effectively enhance dairy farm profitability. Successes of this program will be leveraged to broadly affect the mindset of the NY dairy industry in order to promote long-term profitability.
For more information contact Kathy Barrett at firstname.lastname@example.com


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A filmmaker friend just told me about his 2 months spent in Chad, interviewing victims of Darfur. I was like, "Woah." I then told him that I just returned from Haiti, having shot footage for a short documentary on Wyclef Jean's inspiring organizaton, Yele Haiti. He was like, "WOAH!" I guess that should give you some impression of what I was getting myself into…
Haiti is a unique country—the first born out of a successful slave revolt, and currently the poorest in the Western Hemisphere—and we saw it through several unique lenses. By "we" I mean myself and Jenna, from Press Play Productions, who brought me on to the project.
(That's not Wyclef.)
There is also the lens of the NGO itself. Part of their job is identifying the biggest problems in Haiti in order to help alleviate them, and since our job is to tell their story, we witnessed several of these problems—poverty, corruption, hunger, lack of opportunities for women, lack of education, unsanitary conditions—first hand.
And, of course, there is the literal lens through which I was seeing the country—the camera lens. I was very grateful to have that physical separation between myself and my surroundings, to help me to focus on getting the work done in emotionally challenging circumstances.
We arrived in Haiti and proceeded directly to the "Diplomatic Lounge" at the airport, which is where foreign dignitaries, government people, and the like wait while their customs info is being processed. We met a World Bank official, sat in plush chairs, and sipped on espressos. It was all very high brow compared to the zoo that was the Delta terminal at JFK. And then the lights went out. Twice. And everyone continued their conversations and Blackberry exchanges without missing a beat. Oh yeah, I guess I am in a third world country.
We went straight from the airport to Cite Soleil, known as the most dangerous slum in the Western hemisphere. BAM. Straight into the action. I was familiar with the area thanks to the documentary Ghosts of Cite Soleil, which I happened to select for the San Francisco International Film Festival when I sat on their Golden Gate Awards committee a few years back. The documentary took place during a particularly bad period in Cite Soleil, when the district was besieged by a violent war between drug gangs, so I was expecting the worst.
Fortunately, things have improved considerably in Cite Soleil in the last few years in terms of the violence, and it is hard to imagine it being so dangerous when the streets are filled with people. What I did witness, though, were unpaved roads, no trees protecting people from the relentless heat, dust, rubble, thick piles of garbage, concrete shacks, hollow eyes and an intense stench of many bodies and little sanitation.
The purpose of this first visit was to see some of Yele's impressive projects and try to identify a family to feature in our video who could really portray the story of Yele's success. We visited one of the Yele Cuisine kitchens which was apparently operational even through the crisis period in Cite Soleil. At the Yele Cuisine kitchens, women are employed to cook and deliver food to schools without cafeterias. This accomplishes multiple objectives—jobs for women, local food distribution, and encouragement for kids to attend school, as the meal provided will likely be their only one of the day.
From Cite Soleil we finally checked in at our hotel, where the real shock set in. The difference between the filthy slum and our gorgeous hotel up the mountain, reportedly the nicest hotel in Port-au-Prince, is hardly calculable. As we drove through the city, it looked somewhat healthier than Cite Soleil, with vibrantly colored buildings and more trees, but it was obviously poor everywhere until we ascended up the mountainside where the wealthier Haitians and foreign businesspeople live in well-protected homes and where hotels like ours cater to diplomats and NGO executives. From up there, looking down at the crystal Caribbean waters, leafy palm trees and mountains beyond, it was hard to imagine all the suffering that was happening below.
We only had five days to scout, cast and shoot our entire piece and, as always with docs, things came together in unexpected ways.
We knew that we wanted to tell the story of a mother who works in one of the Yele kitchens and whose kids are educated at a Yele-funded school. Originally, we planned to have the mother's story intertwined with that of Killa, a former gangster who was influenced by a meeting with Wyclef to change his life, and now works distributing food to poor families with Yele.
Killa seemed like the perfect candidate—a charismatic and colorful guy with a fantastic backstory and a true investment in YeleHaiti. Unfortunately, he also has musical ambitions and a serious rep to protect. He wouldn't even admit on camera to no longer being part of a gang, for fear that there would be repercussions with its members. After shooting for one of our precious full days with him, where he walked us through his 'hood ("This is where I started selling drugs when I was 14…"), he pulled out and wanted nothing more to do with the project. He later demanded certain favors from the organization in order to continue.
I have to give Jenna major character-judgement kudos on this front. She sensed this potential outcome from our very first meeting with Killa. Despite our day of shooting with Killa, we still needed a critical shot of him handing rice from Yele food distribution off to our mother character, in order to link their stories together. It looked like we weren't going to get it but, as always, the show must go on. I always say that the best AND worst thing about documentary filmmaking is that you never know what's going to happen.
So the next morning, we started filming with Lenise, our "mother character." Lenise is a handsome woman with short, elegant cornrows and a worry-creased face. She is a single mother with five kids ranging from age six to teenaged, and they all live together in her small, three-room concrete house, along with two of her nephews. She works in a Yele Kitchen at a Yele-sponsored school where her children attend class and participate in soccer training. Yele is literally providing a life for this family and preventing Lenise from, in her words, crying herself to sleep every night worrying about how she would take care of her kids, and doing "bad things" to help feed them.
One thing that really impressed me about Lenise was that, despite her circumstances, she managed to keep all the kids clean, polite, and more well-behaved than most kids I know. She does this in part by running a tight ship at home, where everyone wakes at 4 AM and does homework by candlelight while she cleans, prepares them for school and makes breakfast if she has any food, so that they can all be ready to take the dusty one-hour walk to school by 7:00. We shot these morning rituals and then piled Lenise and the kids into our cars and continued filming them at work and school for the rest of the day. This included shooting Lenise's work in the extremely hot Yele kitchen, where she and about five other impressive women cook using two countertops, four open flames, and no refrigeration for around 1,500 kids. During our interview with Lenise later, she said that she felt like a star and it had been the best day of her life.
While scouting at the school, we met Jimmy, their handsome young Administrative Director. As he assisted us with logistics, he told Jenna of his own story--having been raised in Cite Soleil himself but getting educated and deciding to work at the school to help make a better future for his community, despite better professional opportunities elsewhere. Once again, her producer instincts kicked in and she thought we just might have found a compelling replacement for Killa in our story.
As we got to know Jimmy better, it became more and more evident that he would be an amazing person to help tell Yele's story. The Yele folks wanted to make sure that we didn't just present Haitians as victims, and here was a young, passionate, articulate community advocate with high hopes for a better future for his country despite his own underprivileged upbringing. (Remind you of anyone?) We ended up shooting lots of great footage of Jimmy in Cite Soleil and at the school, and he gave us a fantastic interview. Ultimately, the Yele folks will decide between the two men, but no matter what happens, I am so glad that we got to meet Jimmy.
Overall, It was a FASCINATING trip, and challenging too--both physically (shooting hand-held in direct 98 degree sunlight for hours) and emotionally (meeting kids who walk an hour to school in said heat to get one meal a day). When we arrived back in the U.S., I almost kissed the poor customs officer whose thick Brooklyn accent mumbled, "Welcome home, OK?"
As trite as it sounds, I really did think about how lucky we are to live in a land where, though we have many problems of our own, there are opportunities and freedoms that others simply don't have. I thought it was no wonder that people want to come here from all over the world to try to make a better life. And then, lo and behold, my cab driver from the airport was Haitian! We had a long talk wherein he waxed poetic about the good old days in Haiti before Papa Doc's outrageous corruption, when tourists visited and noone locked their doors.
It wasn't until Jenna and I had shot in Cite Soleil several times that one of our hosts casually mentioned the slew of foreign kidnappings and beheadings that happened during the lockdown of that area about five years ago. I remember being asked about my dream career during a college internship. My reply included terms like "travel," "education," "storytelling," and "being creative." I am living that dream career now. Unfortunately that means that sometimes, in places like Haiti, I am witnessing other people's nightmares.
As I embark on editing the piece this week, I take some comfort in hoping that our piece will help YeleHaiti spread its message more widely and ultimately do more good work.


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What did we hear today from the sacred Liturgy about the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary? How close to did you pay attention to the priest praying the Mass prayers on your behalf? What's the import of the feast? To know the answers we have to look at the texts of today's Liturgy. Did you notice when the priest prayed:
1. God preserved Mary from every stain of sin by foreseeing the death of His Son Jesus, and so we pray too, that is, we hope to be cleansed of sin and admitted to communion with Him;
2. we profess belief in God's prevenient grace given to Mary and we hope that He will deliver us from sin;
3. in the Preface, the priest prays that in Mary who was "endowed with the rich fullness of your [God's] grace … [there is] a worthy Mother for your Son and [which] signify the beginning of the Church; As Pope Benedict said today, "Mary, on the other hand," he continued, "is Immaculate, free from all stain of sin. The Church is holy, but at the same time marked by our sins."
4. in her yes to God's invitation to be the Mother of Jesus, we have the "Lamb would wipe away our offenses";
5. we pray that the singular grace given to Mary may also be given to us.
This Liturgy is a mix of liturgical, dogmatic and systematic theology. BTW, this is fitting way to celebrate the graces given to our nation.


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It's a disturbing diagnosis that football families and fans have come to know well. For rodeo families and fans, it's a new one.
An examination of the brain of Ty Pozzobon, the Merritt bull-rider who took his own life earlier this year, has found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, known as CTE.
CTE is a degenerative brain disorder which kills brain cells and often leads to impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and paranoia.
"Superficially, his brain looked pretty good, like any 25-year-old's should," said Dr. Dirk Keene, one of the researchers at the University of Washington's School of Medicine who looked at Pozzobon's brain.
But under a microscope, Keene found the telltale signs of CTE.
"Under the microscope there proved to be areas most consistent with trauma he suffered in the past," he said.
His colleague, Dr. Christine MacDonald, said that while there is still much that's unknown about the causes of CTE, what they saw was another reminder that "cumulative exposures are not good."
"We do know that one-plus-one does not equal two when it comes to the world of head injuries and concussion," she said. There is some suspicions that genetics are an underlying factor in making a brain susceptible to CTE, along with repeated trauma.
Researchers at Boston University have found strong links between CTE and the repeated brain trauma suffered in football.
As far as MacDonald and Keene know, this is the first time CTE has been found in the brain of a former bull-rider.
Pozzobon, 25 at the time of his death, suffered at least a dozen concussions during his five-year career as a pro bull-rider. Family and friends have said his memory had become erratic in recent years, his emotions unpredictable, his decision-making impulsive.
The cause of his depression wasn't run-of-the-mill sadness — it was because of brain injury.
One injury in particular worried the family: a November 2014 fall off a bull in Saskatoon. He was unconscious before he hit the dirt, and the bull then stomped on his head, shattering the hockey helmet he wore for protection.
The family told Maclean's magazine earlier this year that Pozzobon's personality, once a vibrant one with a slew of friends and always actively engaging with fans on social media, became a different person.
"The look in his eyes changed after that," his mom Leanne said.
MacDonald said a civilian study she'd been involved in had found that one in three people who had suffered a head injury were also suffering from post-traumatic stress.
"We used to think PTSD was a military diagnosis," she said.
The simple truth, Keene said, was how much remains to be learned about CTE.
"We just don't know enough to make an informed opinion about what the risks are," he said. Keene is a parent and said his family has had to make decisions about what kinds of sporting risks their children would take.
"Ty along with a lot of other athletes are at the forefront of our understanding of what CTE is."
When speaking with families about the risks sports like hockey, football, rugby — and yes, bull-riding — pose for children and teens, MacDonald said, "it's a balance."
"The focus really is on education and an awareness of where we are now."
But it's also about "what we don't know."
In a statement, the Pozzobon family thanked the UW team "for their time and care during this process."
"The results that they have provided can only help others and that is the family's wish and goal," they added. "Ty's passing has brought so much sorrow and pain to all, we hope everyone, specifically athletes, understand that we need to educate each other with regards to head injuries, both short and long-term impacts." Ty's family believes not to stop doing what you are passionate about, but do it in a smarter way, and listen to both what the medical professionals tell you and what your body and mind are telling you."
The Pozzobon's message is one echoed by MacDonald and Keene: The only way to understanding CTE better will be more data, both through long-term studies on living people and, sadly, through further examinations of brains.
"Brain donation is the ultimate gift that you can give to science," MacDonald said.


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The next Mayor of London should "grasp the nettle" and build homes on London's Green Belt, a business leader has said.
Simon Neate, head of the London Chamber of Commerce property committee, said politicians have been too "deferential" to public opposition.
London's Green Belt is an area of protected land that surrounds the city, where developers are not allowed to build.
Most politicians – including the majority of London Mayoral candidates – have vowed to safeguard it.
But as demand for housing in the capital increases, there is growing pressure to reconsider.
Last month, Government inspectors scrutinising Sadiq Khan's plans for building in London called for a review of Green Belt development.
The Mayor has pushed back against their report, saying he is not willing to sacrifice protected countryside.
Conservative mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey and Liberal Democrat Siobhan Benita have both said industrial land could be used for home-building instead of Green Belt.
But the think-tank Centre for London and the London Chamber of Commerce back a review.
The Chamber supports limited building on the Green Belt, in areas where land is vacant or poorly used, such as former quarries, landfill, or car boot sale sites.
It believes 20,000 homes for emergency service workers – police, fire fighters and paramedics – could be built on just one per cent of the protected area.
The Chamber has also suggested that some of the 63 golf courses on London's Green Belt could be used to build homes.
Mr Neate, a chartered town planner, said the capital was not meeting targets for new housing.
Speaking at a meeting with Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate Siobhan Benita yesterday, he said: "Isn't there a danger that we're kidding ourselves because we're over-responsive or over-deferential to the public's understandable and inevitable resistance to building on the Green Belt.
"We just need to grasp that nettle. Doesn't the Mayor need to grasp the nettle of the Green Belt and initiate the review that's been recommended?"


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Welcome to the Great Barrington Police Department's Open Data Portal. The Great Barrington Police Department is one of more than 130 local law enforcement agencies that participate in the White House Police Data Initiative — a voluntary program in which participating police departments throughout the country release data sets to the public in an effort to improve public safety through transparency and trust.
As part of the program, agencies are required to guarantee the release of at least three open data sets about different areas of policing.
Click here to learn more about the Police Data Initiative.
Open Data Sets:
Community Engagement
The Great Barrington Police Department is committed to the people we serve and want residents to be able to see a "snapshot" of our efforts to continuously proactively engage and form partnerships with community members.
Comfort Dog Beko Activity
Department Demographics
Hate Crimes
Hate and bias crimes are those that target individuals or groups based on their race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or disability. They are often under reported and consequently not well documented. By releasing this information to the public in the form of open data, the Great Barrington Police Department is aiming to narrow the reporting gap, call more attention to the problem in an effort to better prevent these incidents, and set a foundation for two-way engagement and problem-solving between law enforcement and the community.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Activity
Traffic Accidents/Crashes
The Great Barrington Police Department releases this data to the public in order to promote awareness and help create opportunities to reduce the number of crashes that occur.
Internal Investigations
The Great Barrington Police Department feels strongly that a relationship of trust between the employees of this police department and the citizens of the community is essential. As such, all police employees are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect favorably upon themselves and the department. Therefore, the GBPD makes data about internal investigations public. To view a spreadsheet outlining those investigations by year, click here.
Officer Involved Shootings (OIS)
An officer-involved-shooting (OIS) occurs when one of our police officers fires their gun at an individual.
To view a spreadsheet outlining OIS by year, click here.
Officer Use of Force
August 2020
Since we began carrying Tasers in 2013, we reported 29 instances of Taser use. The State requires reporting every time a Taser is removed from a holster but not necessarily used.
In that time period, Taser probes were actually deployed 7 times and another 10 times where they were used in drive stun mode. There have been no injuries.
Tasers are non-lethal weapons and used exactly so that lethal use of force does not have to be used.
Taser deployment is guided by department policy which is approved by the State. Each deployment is reviewed by the Chief and one of our two certified Taser instructors. Annual use of Tasers must be submitted to the State.
GBPD's 'Use of Force' information (including Taser use) is publicly available in the reports here-within.


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Savory Paleo Chicken Chowder
There's nothing like a hot and steamy bowl of easy homemade chicken chowder on a cold and rainy day.
This one really hits the spot – especially if you're craving a soul-warming chowder that doesn't take half the day to cook.
Got 30 minutes? That's about all the time you need to go from prep through that first delicious spoonful with this really quick and simple recipe.
The secret to this easy paleo chicken chowder's hearty flavor are the chopped chicken thighs – they contain a bit more fat than white meat. And you're also cooking the pieces in reserved bacon fat which of course enhances the savoriness of this dish even more. The chicken thighs also make for a nice, soft texture that's ideal for chowder.
You've also got a great line-up of healthy veggies in this one too. By the way, I chose red potatoes which are considered Whole30, but if you want to keep this one all-paleo, just sub out the red potatoes for chopped sweet potatoes instead.
The secret to making a good chowder without dairy is this recipe's blend of cauliflower florets and full-fat coconut milk. I promise you won't taste the cauliflower in this one with all the powerful flavors going on – it's just in there to add a little more structure. Along with the richness of the full fat coconut milk, it makes an excellent base for all the other yummy ingredients. Even if you have picky eaters at home, they'll never know the cauliflower is in there.
Try this one out … you may even want to double the recipe and freeze half the chowder for those weeknights when you don't have time to cook. Just thaw and reheat in a saucepan. But since it's a 30-minute meal, whipping this one up fresh when you're short on time is super-easy.
Make yourself a bowlful and melt away the winter blues with this easy paleo chicken chowder soon! Enjoy!
Savory Chicken Chowder Recipe
February 18, 2017
4 strips cooked bacon, chopped small
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and chopped
1 pound red potatoes (or sweet potatoes) cut into bite-size pieces
1In a large pot over medium heat, cook bacon strips about 5-6 minutes, or until crispy. Remove from pot and set aside to drain on a paper towel-lined plate
2Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat, and drain remainder from pot. Add I tablespoon of bacon fat back into the pot
3Season chopped chicken thighs with a little salt and pepper, and place pieces into the pot. Cook over medium heat until chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from pot and set aside
4Add remaining tablespoon of bacon, and the diced onions, carrots, celery and minced garlic to the pot. Cook together about 5 minutes
5Add chicken broth, cut potatoes, and bay leaves to the pot. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and complete next step. (Total cooking time, 15-18 minutes – or until potatoes are tender)
6While chowder is simmering, add cauliflower and and coconut milk to blender. Blend mixture until smooth and creamy. Stir into the soup, season to taste with salt and pepper, and continue simmering
7When potatoes are tender, remove bay leaves and garnish with chopped bacon and fresh chopped chives


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NASH and NAFLD (Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis / Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) Research
NASH and NAFLD (Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis / Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) Research
In addition to a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss and risk factor modification, targeted treatment specific for each individual patient remains our goal. We collaborate at every level — from genetics to experimental therapeutics/clinical trials to behavior modification — to offer you a comprehensive plan for the management of fatty liver disease.
We also work in close partnership with the Institute of Genomic Medicine as an area of focus within the Precision Medicine Initiative.
To learn more about specific research studies or clinical trials for which you may qualify, please contact our research office.
M. Cristina Falo, Ph.D.
Director of Clinical Transplant Research / CLDT Research Initiative
622 W. 168th Street, PH 11 Rm 460
New York, New York 10032
General Office: 212.305.3839
Direct Line: 212.305.6758
Fax: 212.305.6873
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Ava Farrell
Clinical Research Coordinator
622 West 168th Street, PH 11 Rm 460
New York, New York 10032
Phone: 212.305.3839
Fax: 212.305.6873
Email: email@example.com
Julia Wattacheril, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation
Columbia University - NY Presbyterian Hospital
622 West 168th Street, PH 14 105-D
New York, New York 10032
Academic Office: 212.305.0660
Appointment Scheduling: 212.305.0914
Fax: 212.305.9139


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Totem Poles - the Legacy of Native American Indians and Tribal Customs
The Legacy and History of Native American Indian Totem Poles
Majestic and magnificient, American Indian totem poles stood tall along the Native American landscape. They became a lasting legacy of the first people who lived long ago, on the North American continent. The Pacific Northwest is the only area Native American totem poles have been found. Totem poles tell a story of the rich culture of the Native Americans. You can see many totem poles in museums across the United States.
These tall poles told a special story about the individual it was commissioned for, including stories about their ancestors. Everything carved on the pole had a special meaning. Often the owner had to explain their story for the totem pole to be appreciated fully. For example, if an eagle was put on the pole it could mean that the owner's ancestory had something to do with an eagle, he could have had a supernatural experience with the eagle, or he could have recently encountered an eagle. There is always a story attached to the inanimate objects that are used on the totem poles.
The first white man to ever see a totem pole in American was Capt. James Cook in 1778.
Totem Poles Have no Religious Meaning
According to Wikipedia "The word totem is derived from the Ojibwe word odoodem, - his kinship group". It is an anthropological word that references the idea that a particular animal is the ancestor of a kin people. They treat that animal with respect, and special care, and never eat it or hunt it.
Characteristics of an authentic totem pole:
- are carved from wood
- some were placed in a room in the tent
- if they were carried, it was only done by men
- some stayed outside the tent to show the status of the people who resided in the tent
- all are hand carved
- totem poles have carved artwork of humans, animals and mythical creatures.
- they have no religious significance
The Reasons for Totem Poles
They were created to tell a legend, a myth or a story. They were also built to commemorate the special events such as births and marriages and other important lifecycle events.
Tribal leaders would order a pole to be carved for 6 main reasons.
- Story Poles depicted a tale or a legend as a way to pass down the oral stories to future generations. At the time, there was no written language.
- Family Poles were carved to display family lineage, the tribal history, and the social standing of the Native American family.
- Shame Poles targeted those who failed in some way, whether it was to repay a debt, of because of some unpleasant action on their part. If someone was disgraced by the tribe, a shame pole was commissioned by the chief to expose their wrongdoing. The shame pole would only be removed after the person paid a pre agreed price or find another way to make peace. The shame pole was very effective.
- Potlach Poles celebrated momentous occasions, festivals, and commerate special events. These poles were generally the largest of all the totem poles.
- Mortuary Poles were used as a way to honor a chief who died. The story of the head of the tribe would be carved into the wooden pole to portray the accomplishments of the chief. It was customary for people who were leaders and high ranking part of the tribe to be cremated after they died. Their ashes were placed in a hollow part at the top of the totem pole. As Native Americns converted to Christianity, grave marker poles became more commonplace as cremating decreased.
- Memorial Poles honored the life of someone important in the tribe.
The Process of Creating Totem Poles
Usually, a totem pole was commissioned by the tribal chief. The carver would first design the totem pole on paper. This would enable them to know the dimensions of the log they needed. The bark would be stripped, the first one to three inches of the log, known as the saproot is removed and the log is set out to dry. A dry log becomes easy to carve. Usually, totem poles are made up of a single log. Separate logs may have been added to create fins and beaks and teeth, etc.
The entire pole was never completely painted. They only painted the details that highlighted the characteristic of the object. Just to create the paint alone, was labor intensive. A female member of the tribe would chew salmon eggs and then spit them in a bowl to create a base for the oil based paint. Powders were mixed in to make 4 main colors that were used on the totem poles.
- White colored paint came from clam shells
- Black was made from charcoal
- Turquoise came from copper oxide
- Red was made from iron ore
The carver used tools made from wood, bone, animal antlers and animal teeth, bones, and shells. As the white man settled on their lands, the American Indians discovered the metals the settlers brought with them. With these metals, the carvers made stronger tools to create the images on the totem poles.
The totem poles were created by an expert carver and his apprentices. The expert would carve the lower 10 feet of the pole because that what was eye level. His intricacies and expertise could be closely examined. The less experienced apprentices would carve the higher part.
A Man Stands Up Straight
The red cedar poles used in making family totem poles were called Gyáa'aang by the people of southeastern Alaska and coastal British Columbia. this language is known as Haida. The translation for the word Gyáa'aang means a man stands up straight. Oral history from these people indicates creating totem poles is an ancient tradition.
Most totem poles that once decorated the territories in the Pacific Northwest are gone. In the latter part of the 1800's, many tribes stopped carving these monumental poles because Canada made the ceremonies illegal. Those who did make the poles, did so in secret. As time went on Native Indians moved into single family wood houses and no longer made these towering tales of their ancestry. The poles that were left were either taken away, sold to collectors and museums, or chopped down or left to decay.
The Pacific Northwest Area where Totem Poles Existed
Totem Poles See a Revival
Tourists who would see the poles marveled at the art work and design and totem poles began to be looked at as powerful symbols of the area. In the 1880's and 1890's people would come by steam boats to view the totem poles. Native artists started to carve smaller models as souvenirs to these tourists. Exhibitions began to be held and the existing full sized totem poles were brought on display to places in 1876, like the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, other other places throughout the U.S. In 1910, a Totem Park was establish in Sitka, Alaska as a national monument.
In the 1930's the Federal Government of the United States created several more Totem Parks in Southeast Alaska. They hired Native carvers to replicate some totem poles. In 1951, Canada dropped the law banning the celebration of putting up totem poles. In Vancouver, Victoria, and British Columbia, Canada hired Native carvers to make new totem poles for Totem Parks they set up. Today, you can still find Native people making totem poles to celebrate their relatives, family histories, and momentous celebrations.
Interesting Info
A little bit of trivia:
A shame pole still exists in Saxman, Alaska to shame the United States government into paying back a northwest tribe for the cost of slaves who were freed when the Emancipation Proclamation was established.
Did you know? totem poles are the most expensive Native American pieces of art in existence
Would you believe? there is no such thing as "low man on the totem pole?
Some totem poles were created to represent that the figures on top were of greater importance. Some poles were designed where the more important figures were at the bottom or the middle because that the part most often looked at.
If you are looking to buy a totem pole know your prices:
A hand carved totem pole will sell for more than $500 a foot. To be an authentic piece, the totem pole needs to pass certain tests. it must be created by a trained carver from the Pacific Coast; it must have been blessed by the elders or natives who are part of the totem pole tradition. They must never have been carved with a chain saw. It must be hand carved.
I enjoyed learning about the different types on totem poles--something I've been wondering about for along time. Thanks
very good info
I am doing a project on Totem Poles and this was very helpful so thank you very much!
coool but i have a question. how amny heads are on a typical totem pole?
that was very good facts keep it up!
My pleasure toknowinfo. This hub is not heavy going, yet contains plenty of info. As an overall package - succinct writing, clear presentation and illustrations - I had no problem at all including this page in my review.
Hi toknowinfo. I really like this page because although fairly light in tone it gives a very comprehensive summary of all the main aspects of totem pole history, design and significance. For these reasons I am promoting the page in a review hub I have just published which links to ten of the best articles on native American culture on this site.
Very interesting hub. I have always lived close to reservations most of my life and have seen some magnificent Totem Poles. Never realized the cost of them though.
Great Hub! And I had NO IDEA that there was such a thing as a shame pole!! LOL!!! "For you, we are making A SHAAAAAME POOOLEEE!!!" O__________O *gasp*
I find totem poles to be absolutely fascinating, but always thought they had some kind of religious meaning. Your excellent article dispelled a few myths. Thanks.
voted up/awesome
Interesting hub, as usual, TKI. The statement: "They must never have been carved with a chain saw. It must be hand carved." made me laugh.
Imagine how awful something like that would be. A production line of Native American men whacking out several totem poles per day, and some poor Native American women at the other end of the assembly line chewing salmon eggs like mad to make the paint base and never catching up.
Very interesting, You dispelled a few myths and that's always great! I'm glad they are making a comeback. It's hard to imagine they were ever discarded and disregarded.
Hi toknowinfo, great in depth and informative history of Totem Poles, very fascinating and interesting read !
Awesome and up !!!
Have a great week my friend !
I love Haida and Salish artwork and totems. I had designed a tatto using both styles, still have the flash somewhere in my house. Thank you for sharing.
You are right.I have seen totem poles most of my life. While they may not be native to the mid west they are certainly around.a quick search of the internet shows that there are modern one being made and sold.Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I never really thought to question the authenticity.
I didn't know that totem poles weren't discovered until as late as 1778, or that they 'have no religious meaning'.
As usual there's a lot of useful information here.
Up and useful.
Totem poles are so beautiful and they show that when Europeans thought of the Indians as uncivilized, they were dead wrong. Creativeness is not uncivilized, but many will label a culture badly because it is not understood. Beautiful write.
It seems that Totem Poles have always been sort of a part of the landscape in Minnesota where I grew up.Like local customs we absorb some of the lore without conscious thought. Very nice hub.
very original and informative. Thanks Toknowinfo
What a very interesting hub! I had no idea that the women had to chew salmon eggs for the paint. I really enjoyed this information. Thanks!
I often encounter these totem poles during my stay in Canada. We also have something similar here in Borneo Island (Sarawak state of Malaysia).
Now that I know that it comes with background story, I wish they placed a small info board beside the totem to tell the story. That'd certainly help people to appreciate these historical pole more.
Another great hub !
P/S, I see your hub score escalating for the past few weeks. Congrates, I am happy for you. You certainly deserve it, your articles are of great quality ! Well done !
Wow very interesting history on the Totem Pole, its amazing the craftsmen with what little they had to work with. I was shocked to learn how they made paint, very cool. Great hub!
Great stuff! Very enjoyable reading.
great hub, toknowinfo! i've always found native american history and culture fascinating and this hub really played into that interest. voted up and awesome. i had no idea what the meaning of the totem pole is, so awesome job!
Awwwwww I love totem Poles. They have always fascinated me!
My Great Grnadmother is Cherokee. I love the spirit. Thank you for sharing. I voted up/useful/awesome. Keep up the good work.
Native American Books.;)
Great hub, and thanks for clearifing the totem poles, what they really mean.


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Published on Jun 16, 2016
The more I make,
The unknown known,
The closer I am,
To my true home.
Think about it! With Mercury (the thinker) in Gemini (the communicator) opposing Saturn in Sag (the wisdom keeper), square Jupiter (the guru) opposite Neptune (infinite spirit consciousness)….. what else can you do? IF you stay locked up in the 3D ego consciousness limited to this material world, stuck in the box, sealed in the envelop, you are gonna go down, down, down as the future outlook of some much of life looks dim…..
However, moving beyond the seen, beyond the "known," beyond the surface of life, there is great magical mystery at work. So this week, as we approach the Solstice, it is time to go within, to tap into that infinite spirit Self that is our true core, and come home to safe, secure, nurturing, love that is moving and changes the shape and forms of "this world."
It's like it is time to expand or suffer, open or get shut down, forgive and accept or struggle to control the crisis. There is a method to the madness and as the old saying goes…. God/dess works in mysterious ways…. still your mind, feel your heart, and come home to the magic that is Life! Injoy!


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Meaning : Unknown, Poet, Philosopher,
Origin : Scottish, Unknown, Irish,
Pronunciation : TIEG , (Unknown),
If you have information about this name, share it in the comments area below!
Additional information Tadhg:
Irish Meaning: The name Tadhg is an Irish baby name. In Irish the meaning of the name Tadhg is: Bard.
Gaelic Meaning: The name Tadhg is a Gaelic baby name. In Gaelic the meaning of the name Tadhg is: Poet.
Greek Meaning: The name Tadhg is a Greek baby name. In Greek the meaning of the name Tadhg is: Honor.
Celtic Meaning: The name Tadhg is a Celtic baby name. In Celtic the meaning of the name Tadhg is: Mythical a prince of Munster.
Means "poet" in Irish. This was the name of an 11th-century king of Connacht.
Definition funny of Tadhg:
Tadhg is an incredibly cute boy from Ireland, except he doesnt believe hes cute. Hes smart and funny. Hes everything a girl could want.
Melissa's so lucky that she found her tadhg.
Tadhg is the name which is the product of incoherent angstful shouting, and kerboard-bashing. The term 'Tadhg' can be used as an adjective, and is sometimes used as a way of expressing/venting emotions: - (refer to 'HUGHES')
person1: You are a Tadhg. person2: No, YOU are a Tadhg. person1: THIEVIN' Tadhg! person3: DIRTY Tadhgs! persons1+2: Arrr TADHG!!!!!!
worthinger,resident of worthing
u back 2 worthing tadhg
Expression information Tadhg:
People with this name tend to be a powerful force to all whose lives they touch. They are capable, charismatic leaders who often undertake large endeavors with great success. They value truth, justice, and discipline, and may be quick-tempered with those who do not. If they fail to develop their potential, they may become impractical and rigid.
Soul information Tadhg:
People with this name have a deep inner desire to use their abilities in leadership, and to have personal independence. They would rather focus on large, important issues, and delegate the details.
Songs about Tadhg:
The Chase (feat. James Harvey & Tadhg O Meachair) by Colm Phelan from the Album Full Circle
Happy Song For Tadhg by Dosh from the Album Naoise EP
Lost Time (feat. James Harvey & Tadhg O Meachair) by Colm Phelan from the Album Full Circle
Rub You Out (vocals by Tadhg Hickey) by Fish Go Deep from the Album Draw The Line
Tadhg and Biddy's / Denis Murphy's #2 / Mary Shea's Promise to Her Dog / Dust On the Bible (Waltz / Slides) [feat... by Niamh Ní Charra from the Album Cuz: A Tribute to Terry "Cuz" Teahan
Tadhg's Moon by Boylan Buckley Evans from the Album Soulful Days
This One's for You (feat. Tadhg O Meachair & Áine MC Geeney) by Colm Phelan from the Album Full Circle
Books about Tadhg:
The Gun (The Tadhg Sullivan Series, book 1) by Daithi Kavanagh (Sep 30, 2014)
Tadhg Kennelly: Unfinished Business by Tadhg Kennelly (May 7, 2010)
Tadhg Kelly.(Cutie): An article from: Girls' Life by Beth Broccolino (Apr 19, 2005)
Back to the Future of Irish Studies: Festschrift for Tadhg Foley (Reimagining Ireland) by Maureen O'Connor (Mar 29, 2010)
Tadhg Gabha: Séamus Ua Dubhghaill Do Sgríobh (Irish Edition) by Séamus Ó Dubhghaill (May 25, 2010)
Tadhg O Cianain: an Irish Scholar in Rome by Fearghus O Fearghail, Colm Lennon, Nollaig O Muraile and Benjamin J. Hazard (Jan 2012)
Tadhg Gadha. by Seamus Ua Dubghaill (1915)
Wiki information Tadhg:
Tadhg Kennelly is an Irish sportsperson known for his top level careers in both Gaelic football and Australian rules football. He is the only holder of both an AFL Premiership medallion and a Senior All-Ireland Championship medal, the highest...


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I haven't been inworld much lately as I've been working on a web project – but this announcement after all the hoopla over the new viewer is no doubt causing a bit of a flap in the content-provider community.
I'm a much more casual, social user, but even I can see that a 30% reduction in staff is… a bombshell.
Hope to make it inworld this week, finally, now that my little project is finally done.
Linden Lab Restructures to Generate Efficiencies and Support Investment in New Platforms — SAN FRANCISCO, June 9 /PRNewswire/ —
As part of the restructuring, Linden Lab will also improve its geographic and cost efficiencies. The company's product and engineering divisions will be combined. The software development teams will be consolidated in North America and customer support will be reconfigured to provide more scalable services. As a result, Linden Lab anticipates staff reductions of approximately 30 percent.


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Category Archives: Fraud Charges
Medical Identity Theft: Texas Criminal Defense of Health Care Fraud Charges
In Texas, both state and federal law enforcement are keenly focused upon the investigation and prosecution of all varieties of health care fraud, which can result in serious prison time upon conviction. From a criminal defense standpoint, this investigatory zeal into the medical industry is of serious concern in part because of its impact long…Share This
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Fraud Charges: Texas Criminal Defense Overview
Fraud can mean many things, but for our purposes it involves an illegal act as defined by state or federal law. Almost a century ago, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) explained that to commit the crime of fraud is "to defraud" someone, by "… wronging one in his property rights by dishonest…Share This
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Consumer Insurance Fraud: Crime Involving Submission of Insurance Claims
Anyone applying for insurance or submitting an insurance claim seeking payment pursuant to provisions of an insurance policy can be arrested and charged for insurance fraud under Texas Penal Code Section 35.02. In Texas, insurance fraud is prosecuted by the local District Attorney's Office working with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and the…Share This
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Misapplication of Fiduciary Property by Trustees, Guardians, Executors, Administrators, Managers in Texas: Fiduciary Criminal Charges
Fiduciaries Can Face Arrest under Texas Penal Code 32.45 When someone under a power of attorney, or other legal authority, has control over the financial assets or property of another person, there's always the temptation to take things. Accordingly, under both civil and criminal law, fiduciaries are held to a higher standard of conduct. In…Share This
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Online Impersonation: Catfishing is Illegal in Texas
Texas Penal Code 33.07 and Social Media Masquerade as Cyber Crime Catfishing is not the only form of online impersonation, but it may be the most well-known example of it. The temptation to pretend to be someone they're not online may be overwhelming for some people, given how easy it is to set up social…Share This
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Health Care Fraud Prosecutions in 2018: Money and Drugs
Criminal Investigations, Arrests, and Charges of Doctors, Pharmacists, Psychologists, Billing Services, Clinic Owners, and More on Felony Fraud Charges Anyone involved in the healthcare industry here in Texas need to be prepared for scrutiny by local, state, and federal law enforcement. Healthcare fraud is a big, big deal these days. The heavy media coverage of…Share This
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Things to Know about Wire Fraud Today: It's a Big Deal
Read news stories about arrests or prosecutions here in Texas, and you'll find Wire Fraud usually gets added into the mix alongside Mail Fraud and the more well-known felonies like Racketeering, or Money Laundering, or Drug Trafficking. Wire fraud is like the apple that gets tossed into the lunchbox – it's got substance and it…Share This
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When Suits Are Arrested White collar crime prosecutions for various kinds of fraud, among other things, are popping up all over Texas right now. Professionals in nice suits and enjoying swanky life styles are getting arrested and charged for all sorts of felonies. What is White Collar Crime? You probably know more about "white collar…Share This
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Arrested for Bank Fraud in Texas
When you are arrested for bank fraud in Texas, the charges usually come along with other serious felony charges like money laundering and mail fraud. Identity theft and RICO charges may accompany a bank fraud charge, too. Over the past few years, more and more prosecutions in both state and federal court involve some kind…Share This
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Arresting Texas Doctors for Health Care Fraud: What You Need to Know
If you are a practicing physician here in North Texas, then you need to recognize how very, very serious the federal government is in targeting health care fraud. The Justice Department is eager to find and arrest doctors, as well as other professionals, on all sorts of federal felony charges based upon fraud involving health…Share This
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This article first appeared on February, 21 2016 and was updated February 19, 2020. Tis the season! Depending on your situation, you probably either love tax time or you dread it like that horrible View Post
4 Money Decisions You Will Regret Later
Editorial Disclosure
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author's alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Have you ever made a decision, one that seemed like a good idea at the time, only to feel awful about it later? I think we all make these types of decisions in life. After all, it's these kind of View Post
User Generated Content Disclosure
Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
4 Little-Known Ways to Cut Expenses When You're in Debt
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Hey everyone! Lots of exciting things have been happening with GalaCollider, and progress is steady! Here's a brief update on what's been going on with the game and with the GC team.
Progress of the Save/Load feature is going well – our dev team has been pulling the impossible with this very complex feature. Combining simultaneous play with asynchronous gameplay and accounting for all scenarios is a very complex scenario to code for. This feature will be hands-down the most complex code component in the game to date; but the pay off should be substantial since it will let anyone play anyone they want and just get notified when their turn is ready by email or notification.
We've designed some new card information overlays, these will show up when you tap the info button next to a card to learn more about them. For the moment, text in these overlays is just placeholders:
Our creative writing team is now 3 people and they completed renaming all the cards to match all the background lore they've written. They've also been working out all the details of the future factions the game doesn't have yet… but eventually will. We needed to figure this all out so we know where the story's main arc will go, plus it's important for gameplay design. The creative writers' next objective is to lay down the framework for the first expansion cycle. So this includes key characters, their appearance, stories and how we plan to connect this to card releases and future mechanics.
Kamil continues to generate better and better 3d models, we can't wait for him to finish all the core set. He's been focusing on developments lately:
In other news, we've been making headway on the in-game deck builder, scheduled for completion with our Beta-1 release. We have some great new redesigns for our website and mobile platform that will be coming soon, and we're making progress on the online and in-game store(s)!
We have a new HR Manager who has been doing a great job posting, interviewing and recruiting new team members. Our Project Manager has been fantastic in coordinating various tasks across the teams. We've also begun putting together some short videos showcasing the many incredibly talented artists who have contributed to the game! Check out the first one:
Furthermore, we've been working to proofread and validate all of the card text and in-game text and tutorials. We take card text clarity seriously. Even though this is a digital game, it should be clear from reading a card what it does. Our QA team has been hard at work squashing bugs, and has expanded to roughly a dozen people! However, we can always do with more testers, check out our careers page and/or the QA tester page to find out more.
So things are progressing smoothly here with GalaCollider. We can't wait to finish up the Alpha 5 build, and get the game into your hands! Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about the Open Alpha launch this summer.
All the best!
-The GalaCollider Team


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Russia has finished fourth in the medals table.
This is an astonishing result given that the entire Russian track and field team was excluded from the Olympics and given that so many of Russia's other athletes also were.
Moreover after the McLaren report was published every single Russian athlete would have been unsure right up to almost the last moment whether or not they would be entitled to compete in Rio.
Not only did Russia have to fend off attempts by McLaren and WADA backed by a shrill media campaign to have the entire Russian Olympic team collectively banned from Rio.
Every single Russian athlete previously eligible to compete in Rio would have had the nerve wracking worry right up to the moment of the start of the Games that they might be individually banned from competing in Rio simply because they had been mentioned by McLaren in his report.
All of them would moreover have had to go through the whole humiliating cycle of being retested again, and some of them would also have had to worry about the outcomes of appeals they had brought to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against individual bans imposed on them.
What this must have done to the pre-Olympic preparation of these athletes simply does not bear thinking about. To those not interested in sport I would compare it to trying to revise for a difficult exam without knowing right up to the last moment whether one would be allowed to sit it.
In the circumstances I assumed – as I suspect did most people – that Russia's medal haul would collapse this time. In the event it has held up remarkably.
Whereas at the 2012 Olympics in London Russia gained 24 gold medals and 82 medals in total, as of the time of writing and with the Rio Olympics still not quite finished Russia's medal table is still a very respectable 19 gold medals and 56 in total.
The resilience of Russian athletes in the face of appalling bullying and pressure has been remarkable, even allowing for the fact that by definition these are tough, strong minded and highly motivated young people.
Another striking fact about this whole affair is that not a single Russian athlete has broken ranks.
The demand made by the IAAF and WADA that Russian athletes be allowed to compete in Rio only if they could prove a totally clean record and if they agreed to perform as "neutrals" was not only outrageous.
It was also plainly intended to encourage Russian athletes to follow Stepanova's example by informing against their fellow Russian athletes and coaches in return for the reward of being allowed to compete in the Olympic Games, though only as "neutrals", with the eventual prospect of a lucrative sports career in the West.
The fury on the part of WADA and the Western media at the IOC's decision to exclude Stepanova is surely in part because it finally buried this plan.
The fact nonetheless remains that not a single Russian athlete has spoken out or "defected" at any point during this scandal. What that means is that not a single Russian athlete has come forward to lend credence to McLaren's (and Rodchenkov's and Stepanova's) claims of a systematic state-sponsored doping system in Russia.
The fact that not a single Russian athlete – not even those excluded because of past doping offences – has come forward to corroborate McLaren's claims of a state-sponsored doping system in Russia despite the inducements to do so is a strong reason to doubt that such a state-sponsored doping system in Russia in fact exists.
As of today the only evidence that there is a state-sponsored doping system in Russia remains that set out in the McLaren report. Both the IOC and the Court of Arbitration for Sport say this report is incomplete and have said that the "evidence" it contains cannot be used as the basis for any decision to exclude any individual Russian athlete.
Lastly, there inevitably has to be a big question about what the Rio Olympics medal table would have looked like if the entire Russian Olympic team including the very strong Russian track and field team had been allowed to compete in Rio. Isinbayeva has already sourly commented that the winner of the gold medal in her sport knows that she was only second best.
One should not take away from the achievement of those athletes who did compete successfully in Rio and who are entirely guiltless in this affair.
However it is surely not a coincidence that the media that has prosecuted this scandal most aggressively against Russia has been the media in those countries (the US, Britain and Germany) which judging from the medals table have benefitted most from the exclusion of Russian athletes from the Rio Games.
Over the course of this scandal Russia has been accused of chasing medals over honour. On the facts so far that might be said more truthfully of some of those who have been saying it.
The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Duran.


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I'm writing this my phone because simply too tired to walk back downstairs to get the laptop. It's been one of those days...
Quite simply, today I am inspired by all of the reminders that spring is here, not just for me, but for my family and friends in the Prairies who have suffered through one of the worst winters I can remember. There are people who are still waiting for their water to work again, even after almost three months since their pipes froze in the first place.
It's a cliche, but it's true: spring is a time for hope. Here's hoping we're happy and healthy and that we remain grateful for every day we get on this Earth.
Here are a few shots of the blossoms on my little dogwood tree. I've never seen them before in person: I remember seeing a sketch of them in a book as a child. They are as delightful as I imagined.
Happy Spring!


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The best nonprofit website designs are not only aesthetically beautiful, they also effectively communicate a nonprofit's mission and its objectives with innovative and creative design.
Think of your website as a store. When you walk inside, you should feel safe and comfortable in a reputable establishment, one that's well-maintained, provides a delightful, frictionless experience, and is responsive to the customer's needs. Without these things, you won't be spending your time or money inside. Donors and constituents of your organization share the same perspective. When arriving at your website, they will (however subconsciously) critically evaluate its contents prior to partaking in your services, utilizing your resources, or giving a donation.
Your nonprofit's website is no longer an expense, but a long-term investment into the future and longevity of your organization. Here are 5 reasons why your nonprofit should invest in your website today.[...]
Oct 08, 2019 by Sarah Henry
How did this month's newsletter do compared to last month's in terms of generating traffic – including potential donors – to your website? Do you know what percentage of your donations originated from that email campaign you sent last week?
What if you could easily answer those questions not just for your nonprofit's email and newsletter campaigns, but for ALL of your marketing campaigns, no matter the source?
Whether you're posting a press release to Facebook, tweeting about an upcoming event, or guest-blogging for a sister organization, it's possible to know which sources are getting you real results, and which are falling flat. The answer is UTM parameters! Let's dive into what these are and how you can combine them with your analytics goals to transform your donor conversion rates.[...]
Oct 01, 2019 by Erin Mastrantonio
We build high-quality websites for nonprofits. But it doesn't stop there. We believe in elevating nonprofits to do more by giving them the best nonprofit website designs so they can spark even greater change. How will your nonprofit take it to the next level?
The best nonprofit website designs are not only aesthetically beautiful, they also effectively communicate a nonprofit's mission and its objectives with innovative and creative design.
Accompany your nonprofit website with exceptional graphic design. We'll help you develop your nonprofit's brand identity so your nonprofit can continue building strong, reliable relationships.
Optimize your nonprofit's website so web users and search engines can explore and interact with your meaningful cause.
Creating a website is not a quick and easy task. It can be challenging for a nonprofit with small team and limited resources but my experience with Elevation made it much simpler! I appreciated the team's organization and direction. I always felt like I knew what was happening next and what I needed to get done. The team was responsive and able to translate what we were looking for. I love our new site, it truly represents the professionalism and uniqueness of our social enterprise Pedal Revolution. Many thanks to Elevation!
Nancy Gallegos
Business Development Manager
Pedal Revolution
YMCA Canandaigua is an organization that works to strengthen the community in Canandaigua, New York by offering a variety of Y programs to all regardless of age, income or background. We partnered with them to design a nonprofit website to serve as a resource for those who live in Canandaigua. For an organization that relies heavily on their nonprofit website, we built them an easy-to-maintain and customized website that comes with, customized graphic design, high-quality security systems, and a SEO-compatible site.
We partnered with the Alzheimer's Foundation of America to design a nonprofit website to educate and provide resources to those living with dementia and their families. The website is search engine optimized and incorporates nonprofit web development features such as an interactive graphic design that supports and engages their community.