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|Oct 23, 2014
Synthetic biology on ordinary paper, results off the page (w/video)
|(Nanowerk News) New achievements in synthetic biology announced today by researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, which will allow complex cellular recognition reactions to proceed outside of living cells, will dare scientists to dream big: there could one day be inexpensive, shippable and accurate test kits that use saliva or a drop of blood to identify specific disease or infection a feat that could be accomplished anywhere in the world, within minutes and without laboratory support, just by using a pocketsized paper diagnostic tool.
|That once farfetched idea seems within closer reach as a result of two new studies describing the advances, published today in Cell, accomplished through extensive crossteam collaboration between two teams at the Wyss Institute headed by Wyss Core Faculty Members James Collins, Ph.D., and Peng Yin, Ph.D..
|Wyss Institute scientists have embedded effective synthetic gene networks in pocket-sized slips of paper. An array of RNAactivated sensors uses visible color changing proteins to indicate presence of a targeted RNA, capable of identifying pathogens such as antibioticresistant bacteria and strainspecific Ebola virus. (Image: Harvard's Wyss Institute)
|"In the last fifteen years, there have been exciting advances in synthetic biology," said Collins, who is also Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Medicine at Boston University, and CoDirector and CoFounder of the Center of Synthetic Biology. "But until now, researchers have been limited in their progress due to the complexity of biological systems and the challenges faced when trying to repurpose them. Synthetic biology has been confined to the laboratory, operating within living cells or in liquidsolution test tubes."
|The conventional process can be thought of through an analogy to computer programming. Synthetic gene networks are built to carry out functions, similar to software applications, within a living cell or in a liquid solution, which is considered the "operating system".
|"What we have been able to do is to create an in vitro, sterile, abiotic operating system upon which we can rationally design synthetic, biological mechanisms to carry out specific functions," said Collins, senior author of the first study, "PaperBased Synthetic Gene Networks".
|Leveraging an innovation for chemistrybased paper diagnostics previously devised by Wyss Institute Core Faculty Member George Whitesides, Ph.D. , the new in vitro operating system is ordinary paper.
|"We've harnessed the genetic machinery of cells and embedded them in the fiber matrix of paper, which can then be freeze dried for storage and transport we can now take synthetic biology out of the lab and use it anywhere to better understand our health and the environment," said lead author and Wyss Staff Scientist Keith Pardee, Ph.D.
|In this animation, Wyss Institute Postdoctoral Fellow Alex Green, Ph.D., the lead author of "Toehold Switches: DeNovoDesigned Regulators of Gene Expression", narrates a stepbystep guide to the mechanism of the synthetic toehold switch gene regulator. (Video: Harvard's Wyss Institute)
|Biological programs on paper
|Using standard equipment at his lab bench and commerciallyavailable, cellfree systems, Pardee designed and built a wide range of paperbased diagnostics and biosensors. He also used commonlyused fluorescent and colorchanging proteins to provide visible indication that the mechanisms were working. Once built, the paperbased tools can be freeze dried for safe roomtemperature storage and shipping, maintaining their effectiveness for up to one year. To be activated, the freezedried paper need simply be rehydrated with water.
|The paperbased platform can also be used in the lab to save a huge amount of time and cost as compared to conventional in vivo methods of validating tools for cellbased research. "Where it would normally take two or three days to validate a tool inside of a living cell, this can be done using a synthetic biology paperbased platform in as little as 90 minutes," Pardee said.
|As proof of concept, Collins and Pardee demonstrated a variety of effective paperbased tools ranging from small molecule and RNA actuation of genetic switches, to rapid design and construction of complex gene circuits, to programmable paperbased diagnostics that can detect antibiotic resistant bacteria and even strainspecific Ebola virus.
|The Ebola sensor was created by using the paperbased method and utilized a novel gene regulator called a "toehold switch", a new system for gene expression control with unparalleled programmability and flexibility reported in the second study in Cell. Although its inventors had designed the toehold switch to regulate genes inside living cells, its function was easily transferred to the convenience of ordinary freezedried paper, showcasing the true robustness of both the freezedried paper technique and the toehold switch.
|The Ebola sensor was conceived by Wyss Institute Postdoctoral Fellow Alex Green, Ph.D., coinventor of the toehold switch regulator and lead author of its report, after the ongoing West Africa crisis brought the deadly pathogen to global spotlight. Due to its easy assembly and fast prototyping ability, Green was eager to test the paperbased platform as an operating system for the toehold switch, which he had initially developed for programming gene expression in living cells. Green reached out to Pardee and together they assembled the prototype Ebola sensor in less than a day and then developed an assay that can differentiate between Sudan and Zaire virus strains within an hour of exposure.
|Putting the "synthetic" in "synthetic biology"
|The toehold switch works as such an accurate biosensor because it can be programmed to only react with specific, intended targets, producing true "switch" behavior with an unprecedented ability to turn on targeted gene expression. It can be programmed to precisely detect an RNA signature of virtually any kind and then turn on production of a specific protein.
|Reported in the paper "Toehold Switches: DeNovoDesigned Regulators of Gene Expression", Green developed the toehold switch gene regulator with senior author Yin, who is Associate Professor in the Department of Systems Biology at Harvard Medical School in addition to being a Wyss Core Faculty Member.
|"While conventional synthetic biology complicates accuracy and functionality because it relies on repurposing and rewiring existing biological parts, the toehold switch is inspired by Nature but is an entirely novel, denovodesigned gene expression regulator," said Yin.
|"We looked at our progress to rationally design dynamic DNA nanodevices in test tubes and applied that same fundamental principle to solve problems in synthetic biology," said Yin. The resulting toehold switch, an RNAbased organic nanodevice, is a truly "synthetic" synthetic gene regulator with 40fold better ability to control gene expression than conventional regulators.
|The toehold switch functions so precisely that many different toehold switches can operate simultaneously in the same cell. This allows several toehold switches to be linked together, creating a complex circuit, which could be programmed to carry out multiplestep functions such as first detecting a pathogen and then delivering an appropriate therapy.
|"Instead of repurposing an existing part that was evolved by Nature, we wanted to change our way of thinking, leverage naturallyoccurring principles, and build from scratch," Green said. His Ph.D. in materials science and strong computer programming skills allowed him to approach biology with a fresh perspective and start from the ground up to engineer the toehold switch, rather than merely rewiring existing natural parts.
|By combining forces, the two Wyss Institute teams showed that the toehold switch, so effective in living cells for its dynamic control of in vivo gene expression, is also fully capable of functioning in vitro on freezedried paper. With its impressive gene regulation functions able to be transported out of the lab for easy delivery of diagnostics and gene therapies, paperbased toehold switches promise a profound impact on human and environmental health.
|"Whether used in vivo or in vitro, the ability to rationally design gene regulators opens many doors for increasingly complex synthetic biological circuits," Green said.
|Source: Wyss Institute
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For over 50 years, Sister Jayanti has been an emissary for peace. She has a vision and experience that is truly global and deeply spiritual. Sister Jayanti was born in Poona, India in 1949 of Sindhi parents, who migrated to England in the 1950s. From the age of eight she was therefore exposed to Western education and cultural influence.
Her return to India for several months at the age of 19 (leaving behind her study of pharmacy at the University of London) led her to begin her life's path of spiritual study and service with the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. Her role within the University is broad. As European Director, she supervises activities in 28 countries.
She travels the world as a keenly sought after speaker and broadcaster. Many trips during the early eighties were pioneering in nature,when she helped establish the work of the University in London, Hong Kong, the Caribbean, Japan, South Africa, as well as several European countries. Since 2009 she has headed the BK delegation to the United Nations COP Climate Change Conferences and has spoken internationally on the link between consciousness and climate change.
In 2018 she led early morning meditation sessions at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January and at the European Commission's EUSEW Policy Conference in Brussels in June. Sister Jayanti sees the erosion of spiritual values as the underlying cause of the crises that the world is facing today.

subset: commoncrawl


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Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a great holiday season with time to catch up with family and friends. We got to spend time with this adorable family of four and do a holiday photo shoot with them at Hillcrest Park in Fullerton! I've known Heidi since we were ten years old so it's crazy to see her with her own cute kids now (Austin and Emily). Heidi and her husband Jeremy are so good with their kids and it made the shoot so easy and fun to do. One of my favorite moments was when Austin looked up at me, smiled, and held my hand…just melted my heart! Hope you enjoy the photos as much as we did taking them!
We want to share a portrait session with a family near and dear to our hearts, who showed us that God answers prayers – and does it in big ways! This is Jessica and Adam with their two beautiful babies. Evie and Jonah are seriously the cutest babies ever! It's unbelievable how great these parents are, making it seem so easy (and look how great they look!). They even got Andy to hold the littlest one, Jonah, with minimal sweating (progress, hooray!). So, we're excited to share their beautiful home and family with you!!


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All of our hoodies are embroidered to order and take 7-10 days turn around time from the point of ordering.
This stunning Potty Mouth embroidered cowl neck hoodie is the stylish answer to the chilly days and nights.
Featuring intricate and striking embroidery, the design won't fade in the wash like some hoodies and will look fabulous each and every time you wear it.
The snuggly crossover neck will keep you warm on cold days with the addition of thumbholes to make this the most amazing hoodie you'll ever own.
- Available in black or grey
- 70% cotton / 30% polyester
- Three panel double fabric hood
- Flat drawcord
- Thumbholes to keep your hands nice and snug
- Ribbed on the cuffs and hems
Now, we know that just providing chest measurements can be infuriating when you're trying to find your perfect size, so we'll give you a bit of help.
- SMALL: Standard size 8-10, chest measurement 36 inch
- MEDIUM: Standard size 12-14, chest measurement 40 inch
- LARGE: Standard Size 12-14, chest measurement 44 inch
Our hoodies are nicely fitted at your standard size. They sit nicely in all the right places so just go with your normal size. If you're going for the oversized look, size up.


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The events surrounding the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), an oil pipeline in the United States, have generated significant attention worldwide and have been causing controversy in recent months. The controversy stems from questions raised over the legality of the construction of the pipeline, the humanitarian concerns of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and varying views over the manner in which protests against the construction have been carried out and reacted to.
Client relationship with a parent company
ABN AMRO is not involved in financing the construction of the pipeline, and is not a direct lender to the project sponsors. However, ABN AMRO does have financing relations with Energy Transfer Equity (ETE), the parent company of Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), one of the firms contracted to build the pipeline. This past autumn ABN AMRO initiated an engagement process with ETE in which it expressed its concerns about the involvement of its subsidiary ETP, and emphasised that ETE should exert pressure on ETP and the other project sponsors to reach a solution that is acceptable to all the parties impacted by the construction of the DAPL, among which the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
ABN AMRO subscribes to the principle of Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). Like the need to respect all other human rights, this principle is enshrined in the bank's sustainability policy. ABN AMRO is against any form of the use of violence and strongly insists that the emergence of violence must be prevented by all parties.
Suitable and peaceful solution for all parties
ABN AMRO uses its influence wherever it can to assure that its policies of sustainability and responsible banking are upheld. As part of the ongoing engagement process, ABN AMRO will continue to engage ETE to strongly stress the need for it to influence ETP with a view to reaching an agreement that is suitable for all parties impacted, and that this solution be accomplished without violence and with FPIC at the forefront.
Client relationship under review
The bank has informed ETE of its strict adherence to FPIC principles and, accordingly, its desire that an acceptable non-violent solution be found among all parties impacted by the construction of the DAPL, including the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. If such a solution is not achieved, the ultimate consequence will be discontinuation of the relationship. In the meantime, ABN AMRO will not pursue any new business with ETE until there is clarity regarding the situation and an acceptable outcome has been achieved.
Sustainability policies in practice
General information concerning the bank's sustainability policies in practice can be read in another news item on this website.


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Our sweet, delicious strawberries are available at the farm:
Pick-Your-Own season, mid-June – mid-July
Monday-Thursday, 7 am – 7 pm
Friday to Sunday, holidays, 7 am – 5 pm
** Please note, we may close the pick-your-own fields early if we are picked out. We recommend that you call ahead to ensure availability.
Strawberry picking season usually starts in June and ends in early July, depending on Mother Nature but yet available to purchase already picked until late September. As the season approaches, we recommend you call us at 613-833-2417 for updates and picking conditions before heading to the farm. Visit us daily to purchase read-to-go fresh-picked strawberries. You can also call ahead to have an order set aside for you.
We offer 13 varieties of strawberries, ranging in colour from pinkish-red to bright red. Our berries are juicy and sweet, and perfect for snacking or for making jams or desserts. There's nothing like the taste of Ontario strawberries!
$2.28/lb ($5.01/kg)
Average cost for 4lt, $10-15
Average cost for 2lt, $7-10
Bring containers from home to save the empty container fee. All containers are weighed empty before you head out to the fields, so you only pay for your berries. Special rates for groups of 15 or more, see " Strawberry Group Packages" for more information.
For larger quantities, contact us for more details. Price may change without prior notice
Picked fresh daily, ready for you at the farm store and our farm stands.
Available to purchase from June to first frost (usually late September)
1 liter, $5.50-7.00
2 liters, $9.00-11.00
4 liters, $18.00-22.00
Call ahead (613 833-2417) to have an order set aside for you or have delivered at one of our satellite locations.
See "Where to buy" for listing of our on-farm locations.
For larger quantities, contact us for more details. Price may change without prior notice
Cash, Interac, (discount with Cash, Cheques & Interac payment)
Cheques from associations/schools (we do not accept personal cheques)
at Road Stands: cash only
When strawberries come from a place named Proulx heaven!
Poetry and photo credit: Erika Kaptein c. 2016
Dear Proulx Farms
Today my husband placed two lovely
Sun ripened strawberries baskets, in our van.
Not only are the sweetness and largest
But extremely perfect each and every one!
The wonderful surprise is this
I can smell something so Devine!
I am an organic rose gardener
And I am used to scents of magnificence.
So, when I returned to our van
And opened the door a flood of freshly picked
Sweetness left me almost tasting strawberry wine.
Learn why strawberries are a nutritional powerhouse, and tips for keeping them fresh.


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My family and I set out on the road this summer for an All-American road trip to the Grand Canyon. While our trip was no Griswold Vacation, a little more preparation would have smoothed out some of the rough spots. Here is my list of RV renting tips I wish I had known before taking the keys and getting behind the wheel. Do yourself a favor and learn from my mistakes.
1. Rent in the Off-season
You will get better pricing and better selection in the off season. Summer is the busiest time for RV rentals, by avoiding the summer rush you will save on rental fees and avoid the higher gas prices. With the summer rush, RV rental outfits will be scraping the bottom of their inventory to meet demand. The age and mileage on the vehicle you rent will be determined by which vehicle was last returned. During off season months, rental companies will send out the newest of their fleet first to avoid maintenance issues and increase customer satisfaction. Your chances of getting a newer and more reliable RV go up the further away from the summer rush you rent.
2. Get Your Own Insurance
As soon as you book a reservation, call your auto insurance company and find out what coverage you can use toward the RV. You may be covered already, but you will need to provide written proof of insurance at the time of pick up. If your existing auto insurance policy does not cover RV rental, call your credit card companies to inquire about possible coverage, before paying your auto insurer for an extra rider to cover the RV. No matter which way you choose to insure the vehicle, be sure to bring proof to the rental pickup appointment.
3. Road Support
Do your research on the rental company and find out what type of road support is available if you run into trouble. A 24/7 support line will keep you from finding yourself stranded along without any assistance. If you have roadside assistance through AAA or your automobile insurance, find out if your coverage will provide support for RV's.
4. Generator
Before you sign the vehicle out make sure the generator will power the electrical systems in the RV. Just because the generator starts up easily, does not mean it is powering the electrical system. When the generator is started, look at the microwave and see if the clock is on, or have the rental service person turn on the air conditioner using the generator. The A/C system will place a heavy load on the generator and is a good way to test if the electrical system is working properly.
5. Learn How to Read the Gauges
Most RV's come equipped with auxiliary gauges that measure the levels of the onboard water and sewage tanks. Know how to read these gauges and check them before heading out on the open road. The last thing you want to do is head out on the road with an overflowing waste water tank. This is not only unsanitary, but will also decrease your gas mileage with the added weight. Nearly every RV campground has a place to dump waste water, use it before setting out on the next leg of your trip.
6. Water System
As part of the check-out routine, make sure the water tank is full and that the water pump will deliver water to the kitchen sink and toilet. Believe me, you will want to be able to use the bathroom and wash your hands while on the road. If the pump is not working or there is no water in the tank you will find yourself stopping at every rest area you pass between RV campgrounds.
7. Window Screens
Make sure all windows in the vehicle have properly fitted insect screens. You will be miserable if you cannot open the windows and cool off the interior because there are too many bugs.
8. Know Your Vehicle Clearance
Make sure you find out how tall the RV is before you get behind the wheel. While most public highways and over-crossings will not be a problem., tearing the A/C unit off the roof of an RV in the McDonald's drive through would not be a pleasant experience. Be hyper-aware of low hanging tree branches and other unmarked overhead objects.
9. Bring Along Some Tools
Add to your packing list a small set of tools. Nothing extreme is required, leave the Skil Saw at home, but having a screw driver to tighten a hinge or a pair of pliers to replace a fuse will save you a lot of hassle and money.
10. Don't Shop at Costco
The storage and living spaces on an RV are much smaller than those in your home. Warehouse store, stock-up sized packaging will not fit in your RV's small storage spaces and miniature refrigerator. If you insist buying in bulk at Costco or Sam's club, be prepared to repackage items in smaller containers before packing up and hitting the road.
(photo credit El Monte RV)


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Incident Dispatch Team Assisting with Fire Fight
Several of our dispatchers who are part of the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center Incident Dispatch Team (IDT) have been assigned to the Kannah Creek Fire. They are split into two, 12-hour shifts, and are monitoring and helping to coordinate the ground crews, as well as relaying messages to the air center.
The IDT operates our Mobile Communication Vehicle (a dispatch center on wheels), which is proving very useful in a remote area where communication through established towers is very difficult.
Here's the latest news release regarding the Kannah Creek Fire:
July 25, 2011 6 p.m.
Contact: David Boyd, UCR Public Information Officer, 970 319-4130
Tom Alvarez, UCR Public Information Officer, 970 210-2126
Kannah Creek Fire doesn't grow, full containment expected tomorrow
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The 42-acre Kannah Creek Fire 40 miles southeast of Grand Junction did not grow today, and fire officials have elected to fully contain the fire.
The fire was given the opportunity to grow today on National Forest lands on the north and east flanks to help reduce fuel and improve forest health, but fire activity was minimal. With increasing moist air expected over the region, the potential for the fire to grow further over the next week is low.
With about 125 firefighting personal and two helicopters currently working the fire, fire officials decided this evening to go ahead and secure fire line around the entire perimeter. Full containment is expected tomorrow, and the fire is not expected to grow further.
Fire officials have flexibility in managing lightning-ignited fires such as this one. When the fire actively burned on Sunday, firefighters worked to keep its spread onto City of Grand Junction-owned lands to a minimum, but did not take suppression actions on the north and east flanks. This allowed fire to play its natural, beneficial role on National Forest lands.
Kannah Creek Trail, Carson Lake, Deep Creek Trail and Drop Off Point Trail remain closed as firefighters continue to work the fire.


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These recipes are perfect for use in our beverage fountains and dispensers.
For Beverage Fountains:
Champagne Punch
3 bottles of Moselle Wine
2 bottles of Pink Champagne
2/3 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon strawberry extract
Mix sugar and strawberry extract with some wine. Add to rest of ingredients.
Serves: 20
Use 6 bottles of Moselle and 4 bottles of Champagne for 40 people
(Approx. 4 gallons)
*Men usually enjoy this one too!
Sparkling Strawberry Punch
2 (10 oz.) pkgs. Frozen strawberries
1 (6 oz.) can lemonade, concentrated
1 (4/5) qt. Lancers Rose wine (fifth)
2 (28 oz.) bottles ginger ale
1 (28 oz.) bottle club soda
¼ cup sugar
In blender, combine strawberries, lemonade and sugar. Add remaining ingredients. Chill.
To keep chilled while serving, use ice in center cylinder of beverage dispenser so beverage doesn't dilute.
Serves: 18 (8 oz.) cups
For Acrylic Beverage Dispenser:
Cranberry/Ginger Ale Punch
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
8 cups cranberry juice
4 cups orange juice
2 cups lemon juice
4 quarts ginger ale
Boil sugar and water until clear. Add remaining ingredients except for the ginger ale.
Chill. Add ginger ale right before serving.
Yields 2 Gallons
Wedding Punch
2 – 27 oz. jars of Tang
7 – 1 qt. pkgs. of sweetened lemonade mix
2 – 9 oz. cans frozen orange juice concentrate
1 – 46 oz. can pineapple juice
4 ½ gallons water
Combine ingredients and serve over ice.
Do NOT store in metallic container.
Bonus Recipe:
Party Mints
3 oz. cream cheese, softened and at room temperature
¼ teaspoon flavoring (peppermint/almond/or other flavoring)
3 cups sifted powdered sugar
3 drops food coloring
Mix cream cheese and flavoring together. Add food coloring and powdered sugar to mixture, reserving ¼ cup of powdered sugar. Mix well.
Using the ¼ cup powdered sugar, knead mixture together. Roll dough into tiny marble-sized balls. Use mint molds sprinkled with granulated
sugar. Roll balls into granulated sugar also and place in mold. Refrigerate or freeze finished mints to firm a minimum of 24 hours.
These are delicious and can be tinted with the bridal colors.


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Cleveland Wedding Photographers Linczak Photography
Cleveland wedding photographers Ted and Rachel Linczak have been Northeast Ohio's most award winning wedding focused studio for the past decade. Since 2006, their fashion inspired yet affordable approach to documenting Cleveland's most discerning bride and grooms has gained the attention of many respected photography organizations, including the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI). They are also one of the only husband and wife photography teams in Ohio to both be Master of Photography degree holders from the PPA.
In 2016, Ted was awarded the Grand Imaging Award in Atlanta, GA by the PPA, which represents the highest award achievable in the International Print Competition. Ted's album "1863" was deemed the best of the best, beating out more than 6,000 photographic entries from the United States and around the globe. The same album was also award the Gold Medallion by the American Society of Photographers, the highest award presented by the organization for a photographic entry entered in the International Print Competition. Linczak Photography has also been named the Ohio Photographer of the Year for 2015 by the Professional Photographers of Ohio, which has rated Linczak Photography in the top 10 photographers in the state the past 5 years in a row. These awards have helped Linczak Photography become the most awarded Cleveland wedding photographers in Ohio.
A Unique and Creative Approach to Capturing Cleveland Weddings
Whether you choose to have Cleveland, Akron, Canton, or any other city in Northeast Ohio as the background for your wedding day nuptials, Cleveland wedding photographers Linczak Photography are committed to providing you the very quality of images to document your day. We focus heavily on creating photographic art throughout your wedding day, which enables you to have one of a kind frame-able art pieces to choose from when proofing your wedding images. If choosing downtown Cleveland as a backdrop for your creative wedding portraits, we will work with you on choosing locations that will provide for stunning image opportunities, our main objection being to produce wedding photographs that will stand out from the crowd! We have photographed at some of Cleveland's most unique wedding venues, including The Hyatt Arcade, the Cleveland Courthouse, the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel and Grand Ballroom, Stan Hywet Hall in Akron, and many others. Cities we have photographed wedding celebrations in Ohio include Cleveland, Beachwood, Willoughby, Westlake, Bay Village, Mentor, North Royalton, Brecksville, Akron, Canton, Columbus, Cincinnati, just to name a few!
What Sets Linczak Photography Apart from Other Cleveland Wedding Photographers
At Linczak Photography, we focus on capturing on exciting, glamorous, and romantic images on your wedding day. We strive always for our images to tell the story of your wedding day in the most flattering and exciting way possible. Part of accomplishing this includes shooting as a team at all times. We firmly believe in using our individual talents simultaneously in order to provide quality and variety to our clients. Our commitment to creativity has ranked us as one of the top Cleveland wedding photographers serving Northeast Ohio.
"My husband and I can not say enough good things about Ted and Rachel! They are such amazing photographers! They are the sweetest people, and so much fun to work with. We are so so so impressed with our wedding pictures & also our engagement pictures! Your wedding will not be complete if you use a different photographer! You will be absolutely blown away with Rachel and Teds work :) I literally look at our pictures every day! It is such an amazing feeling after the wedding to be able to look back at pictures and feel the joy you felt that special day all over again! -THEY CAPTURE EVERY SINGLE MOMENT :) Literally amazing! I work for a bridal shop, and I see different photographers work every day, and none of them come close to comparing to Ted & Rachel! I would recommend them to every one I know!"
If you would like to see more client feedback, comments or reviews please visit us WeddingWire.com, theKnot.com or our Yelp profile.
We encourage our clients to schedule a significant amount of time for photography after the ceremony. This time can possibly be the most valuable part of our service. We realize the importance of all the many details of the day, and we advise our clients to remember the importance and value of the photographs after everything else is done.
Location shooting can be a fun way to include some variety in your photography. Beforehand, we discuss with the bride and groom exactly what style and look they would like for their wedding photography and go scouting for places that would work. We look for locations based off what is best for the personality of each client as well as taking into account quality of light. We look also to find places that will not be over-used and over-run on any given weekend. This most times will take us off the beaten path to locations that are unknown or different from other brides, grooms, and Cleveland wedding photographers.
When photographing our clients, we encourage movement and interaction to display the relationships and connections that already exist instead of creating forced moments. We find people look their best when they are relaxed and enjoying each other. It is then that we can capture the absolute best expressions and moments to tell your story.
Our approach also includes a personal passion and love for photography that keeps us always shooting for ourselves as well as our clients. We begin every wedding as a challenge to see something different than last week, and every couple as if they were our first.
We are confident, we are committed, we will push the boundaries while being creative. We are consistent in our form, but unique on each wedding day to capture your day the way you desire. Our resume boasts 10 years of creating lifetime wedding day memories with knowledge that is unparalleled in our industry. Backed by a decades worth of experience we carry a natural talent and technique fueled by our passion to capture every wedding day moment exactly how you envision it.


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Auction Update Review
The First Week of the Fall Season is Orderly
For the first week of the fall season five sales were archived. Bloomsbury held two sales in London; Books, Original Artwork, Photographs and Modern Prints on September 3rd and a Bibliophile Sale on the 10th. Braun Rasmussen conducted a Books and Maps Sale on the 6th, and Christie's a Travel and Vintage Posters event on the 9th. PBA offered Fine Americana with Travel and Voyages on the 3rd. In America the week was holiday-shortened. A total of 2,044 lots were offered and 1,681 sold for an 83.6% success rate.
In dollars, the aggregate low estimate was US$883,592, the high estimate US$1,289,468. The total realization was US$1,417,650. The average lot sold for $1,013 but is misleading. Christie's Travel and Vintage Posters averaged $3,356 per lot, the other four sales $398. Images and frame-able material continue to have an edge in the marketplace.
PBA's sell-through percentage inched up to 62%. They are a bell-weather for the US market because they offer frequent sales through good markets and bad in a wide variety of materials. Consignor reluctance to reduce estimates seems to be giving way even as the market stabilizes. As the auction market gains footing more expensive material will return to the rooms.
Fresh charts were posted on September 5th on the Upcoming Auctions page under the link: Auction Trend Charts.
Bruce McKinney
September 13, 2009


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Switzerland?s Steve Morabito overshadowed the big names in the Tour of Switzerland on Wednesday to win his first ever race as a professional.
The 23 year-old Phonak neo-pro lives five kilometres from the finish of the stage in Leukerbad and used his local knowledge to beat Jurgen Van Goolen (Discovery Channel).
Morabito made sure he was part of the decisive six-rider breakaway of the stage, controlled a late attacked by Van Goolen and then out sprinted him on the uphill finish.
Spain?s Angel Vicioso -the winner of Tuesday?s fourth stage, finished 16 seconds behind Morabito, and so is the new leader of the race.
Jan Ullrich finished sixth on the stage, in the same time as Vicioso, and is now seventh overall at 16 seconds.
?It?s incredible to have won so close to my home. I was just happy to get a place in the Phonak team for the Tour of Switzerland. Winning this stage is amazing,? Morabito said.
The mountain stages continue on Thursday with the 212-km sixth stage from Fiesch to La Punt. The Tour of Switzerland ends with a 30-km time trial in Bern on Sunday.


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On Friday November 2nd, at the Waving Art Gallery at Maurice Bishop International Airport, Grenada Arts Council with the kind support of Grenada Airport Authority opened the 9th art exhibit in the past year. "Natural Forms" on exhibit now has work by 5 artists depicting faces and figures along with natural and botanical elements. The … Continue reading Grenada Arts Council Energising Local Creatives
Festival of the Arts: Visual Arts
Grenada Arts Council has been happy to provide advice and support to the Ministry of Culture in facilitating a Visual Arts component to the Festival of the Arts. For the newly relaunched Festival of the Arts, Visual Arts will be an area for competition amongst secondary schools and T.A.M.C.C. only. We are looking forward to … Continue reading Festival of the Arts: Visual Arts
What are Open Calls for artists?
This is one of the great opportunities in the art world and one of the primary ways to get your artwork shown outside of Grenada! An open call is put out by a gallery, museum, curator, arts organisation etc. and they are asking YOU to show them your work! Here are a few websites that … Continue reading What are Open Calls for artists?
Artist Profiles
We believe that promoting our local artists through our website and social media is good for all artists in Grenada. We would love for as many artists as possible to come up when someone searches "art in Grenada". We will post this information on our website as well as Facebook and Instagram! To help us … Continue reading Artist Profiles


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Fight List 2 APK 2.0.2
Did you play the cool puzzle game Fight List MOD APK? The good news is that the publisher Voodoo has officially launched the second part of this super-hot game called Fight List 2. There are no actions, no adventures or fierce gun battles with high-quality graphics, but puzzle games always have a solid foothold in the mobile gaming market. And the Fight List 2 game was no exception when millions of downloads were made immediately after launch. Let's find out why this interesting game is so popular to everyone.
Overview information
|Fight List 2
|2.0.2 (Latest)
|MOD Features
|Android 4.4
Fight List 2 is an interesting puzzle game, the continuation of the previous gameplay. Participating players will answer the questions that the game offers. The special thing about this puzzle game is that you are confronted with other online gamers all over the world. Fight List 2 will pair with you and any player to start the fight. You can also invite your friends to play there.
Each turn, Fight List 2 will give a theme. You must write the words related to that topic to get points. If you write the wrong or incorrect topic, you will not get any points. The faster you write, the greater the score you will receive. Fight List 2 has turn-based gameplay. You and the other players will write one by one until the end. When time is over, who gets more points will be the winner. Fight List 2 is not too hard to play. However, once you get used to it, you will definitely be addicted to it.
The arena is the main mode in this game. You will be given lots of interesting insights when joining Fight List 2. Spot topics such as instruments in a band, Canadian sights, singer names … Thousands of fascinating topics covering all cultures, travels, events, entertainment, science, literature, etc. all over the world are included in Fight List 2. This time, the Voodoo publisher updated the game with countless new and interesting topics.
You have to write spelling correctly if you want to score. Also, playing Fight List 2 also helps you to train reflexes well. You have to fast, quick eyes, quick thinking to be able to win all opponents. I'm betting with you that your speed of thought also increases significantly after playing Fight List 2. Besides, you may have some help with the help of the game. Remember to use these help when really needed.
As for the graphics, since this is a puzzle game, there is nothing worth mentioning. The design of Fight List 2 is quite lightweight, simple but very well interacting with the players, giving you an enjoyable experience. However, the game appears quite a lot of ads coming from the publisher; this will cause certain discomfort to the player. Typically, ads will show up after each game, just turn them off as you can continue the game.
Like HQ Trivia, Fight List 2 helps players have enjoyable moments while still learning to think. This game currently supports 2 iOS and Android (APK) platforms, which you can download for free via the link below.
Download Fight List 2 APK for Android (Latest version)


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When Do Power Shifts Lead to War?
Transitions in and of themselves are not dangerous. The Relative growth rates of rising and declining powers and the transitions themselves (when they are precisely equal) do not affect the probability of war. What matters is the risk acceptance of rising powers, the risk adverseness of declining powers, the rising power's dissatisfaction with the status quo, the expected costs of war, and rough equality.
Some power transitions (shifts) lead to war and others pass peacefully. Additionally, war does not only or necessarily occur at transition points; it can occur at any point during a relative growth in power by a rising (challenging) state in relation to a declining (dominant) state. As a rising state's power increases, war becomes more attractive to it and less so to the declining state. At some point the declining state will yield to the rising state and submit its role as the dominant state in shaping the status quo. Before this occurs, there is the potential for the outbreak of war, but only if both sides see the benefits as outweighing the costs. How the states see the cost-benefit analysis is dependent not only on the relative capabilities of the states and the weaker states dissatisfaction with the status quo; but also on how risk acceptant the rising state is and how risk adverse the declining state is. Risk acceptant rising powers are more likely to go to war sooner to transform the status quo quicker; while risk adverse declining states are more likely to resist in order to preserve the status quo longer. Both states must be at points on their relative power curves where they agree to fight or transitions will pass peacefully. Also, the study breaks from traditional power transition canon by theorizing that transitions and capability growth rates are unrelated to the onset of war. Finally, this relationship applies not only to transitions between the hegemon and its most immediate challenger; but to all shifts in power among all major powers.
Findings: Risk acceptant, dissatisfied rising states are more likely to use force to challenge the status quo and risk adverse declining states are more likely to use force to forestall change in the status quo. The equality of capabilities increases the probability that both sides will be willing to go to war. The relative power growth rates of the two states and the actual transition do not increase the probability of war onset. Finally, alliances play an important role in state capabilities and the probability of war onset.
Conclusions: The traditional view of power transitions that relies heavily on relative growth rates and transition points as predictors of war onset needs to be adjusted, as these variables do not increase the probability of war. However, rough equality of capabilities and challenger dissatisfaction do matter. In addition to these variables, power transition theory also needs to take into account the strong role that the risk attitudes and alliances play in the probability of war.


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2016/2017 Season starting now!
Coming off a very successful season, cricket is back!
Norths 1st grade won last seasons one day final and
were runners up in the 2 day final.
Training starts next Tuesday and Thursday with a Wednesday
session for First Grade.
Club T20 is on the 3rd and 4th of September
1st and 2nd grade season starting the 10th and 11th
3rd grade starting around the 18th of September.
U16, U14 and U12 start at the beginning of term 4


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They were first spotted in 2007.
They were given the official thumbs-up in 2009.
Now they are everywhere. You cannot escape.
By they, I mean hashtags.
I was watching television the other evening and in the ad break, every single advert finished with a hashtag, inviting consumers to engage with the brands being advertised.
A day or two later, I was at Kings Cross St Pancras, walking through the underpass between the two stations. This is currently undergoing a takeover to promote six-day holidays in Ontario and you really cannot miss it as it stretches for many metres between the two ticket halls. It is a highly visual campaign – as you can see from the photo below – and, once again, contains a very prominent hashtag, in this case #discoverontario.
(images via AVIACIRCLE)
And then today, when people from the Faroe Islands to North Africa witnessed a solar eclipse. Oreo, who are renowned for their skills in using social media, hijacked the astronomical event by creating a multi-channel marketing campaign around it using the hashtag #OreoEclipse.
Oreo paid for a wraparound of The Sun newspaper:
They also ran this very cool video on a billboard in central London.
And they have paid to promote the hashtag on Twitter.
So, are we in danger of becoming hashtagged out? Some people, including Jimmy Fallon from America's Tonight Show, thinks we are well past that.
[ot-video type="youtube" url="https://www.youtube.com/embed/57dzaMaouXA"]
Hashtags are useful for marketers in one very clear sense – they allow you to categorise content you are using in a way that means it is easily trackable. Use a hashtag in a series of tweets in Twitter and you can easily see them all just by clicking on the hashtag. You can also easily see if anyone else has used it.
And this is the challenge – getting people to use it.
Hashtags can gain traction in some cases.
The #OreoEclipse is a good example of a hashtag that works well. The marketing campaign they have created is a lot of fun, in line with much of its previous marketing. People will use hashtags like these because they are acknowledging a funny advert.
The other sort of hashtag that works well is the #DiscoverOntario type. Other examples of this are #inCostaBrava and #LoveCapeTown. Yet hashtags like these do not necessarily have the effect that is intended. What often happens is that residents of those places pick up on the hashtags to demonstrate pride in their own regions. Whether they are used by tourists is another matter.
What doesn't work? Using ridiculously broad hashtags is a waste of time for brands. Why include #weather, #holiday or #sun in your campaign when millions of other people will do the same?
I also have a personal dislike of random marketing-speak turned into hashtags. You'll recognise one when you see one – #DareToBeDifferent, that sort of thing.
What brand marketers need to recognise is that hashtags should reflect the way people on social speak and act already rather than just trying to force a message down their throats. Hashtags that are seen as ways for brands to promote themselves will just not work, unless brands have something to bring to the social party, whether that's 10 seconds of fun in the case of Oreo's eclipse or a sense of pride from people who live in your region.


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Chilli Coconut Mussels Recipe
June 10, 2013 / by Mustapa Jaffar
Ingredients: Serves 4
1 bottle The Malaya Laksa Paste (190gm)
1 lemongrass stick – bruised and torn into 2 pieces length ways
coriander leaves for garnish
2 kaffir lime leaves
1kg fresh mussels
150ml good quality coconut milk
150ml water
½ teaspoon chilli powder
- Combine The Malaya Laksa Paste, 150ml water, kaffir lime leaves & lemongrass in a Medium sized pot & fry on high heat for 1-2mins.
- Add the mussels, reduce the heat to medium & place the lid on the pot to simmer for approx.. 5 minutes.
- Add the coconut milk, stir and bring to simmering with the lid on.
- Once the shells have opened up, stir then serve immediately.
- Serve with steamed rice & garnish with fresh coriander.
Category: Laksa Paste
Malaya Sauce Recipes
- Curry Base (2)
- Kapitan (1)
- Laksa Chilli Sambal (2)
- Laksa Paste (5)
- Rendang (4)


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01OCT2015 - The site has been offline for several years now, and it felt wrong that there should be no trace left of this project. Before "curated content" was a category, webphotomag attempted to gather strong photographic work from authors around the world and provide it to the public in a format that would be both suitable for viewing online or in print form. Today, it feels incredible that the download size used to be a problem...
There is no plan to start webphotomag again, nevertheless if you want to get in touch, feel free to drop me an email firstname.lastname@example.com
This is a sample issue designed to show other photographers what the project was going to look like. I went along with applying the process to myself, which was a lot of fun !
This last issue is a bit peculiar: in 2006, Simon Larbalestier's photo agency had just closed, and he needed an electronic "book", something he could send around easily to quickly find his new agency. It was an enormous pleasure to put together this very emotional set.


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When the shops are 'beginning to look a lot like Christmas', the holiday season starts to kick in. But being cold outside with dreary grey skies, you sometimes wonder how you will survive 'the most wonderful time of the year'.
Maybe it's not a bad thing to reset yourself. Get rid of the clutter and find some happiness in simplicity.
When you want nothing then crawl onto the couch with a blanket, maybe it's better to rearrange your thoughts and clear out your head. Be kind to yourself and go out for a nice walk. Visite a friend and bring some joy into your world. Maybe take a break from social media and find some peace of mind, everything will still be there when you plug in again.
By the time the holiday season begins, you will be refreshed and ready for all the sillyness it brings.
And if you still can't enjoy this time of year, maybe Miss Poppy's Christmas song will change your mind.
Wishing everyone happy holidays!
Miss Poppy
Inspiration: Vintage Life Magazine


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What is the apprenticeship model?
Historically, there was hardly any formal training of craftsmen. The training took place under the watch of experienced craftsmen in working communities where the apprentice received continuous mentoring. The master demonstrated the correct way of completing a task, and afterwards the apprentice attempted to imitate the master's skills, while being corrected for any mistakes.
This traditional model of apprenticeship originated in the European guilds of the Middle Ages. The guilds appeared in the 12th century. Before training began, the apprentice and the master craftsman would sign a legal contract, with specific terms for the training. The apprentice was required to sign an apprenticeship contract of several years before she could become a journeyman, a person fully trained in a trade or craft, but not yet a master craftsman (Skagen 2004:118). The Encyclopedia Britannica (2013 online edition) defines apprenticeship as: "training in an art, trade, or craft under a legal agreement that defines the duration and conditions of the relationship between master and apprentice".1
The term "apprenticeship" can be used in two ways. The first to describe the statutory institutional structures that have dominated vocational education. The second is as a general metaphor for a relationship where a novice learns from an experienced person. The master knows how the work should be done. She models the work for the novice, who in turn tries to follow the master's example. The last decade has seen a rebirth of the apprenticeship model, and many now consider the master-apprentice relation to be a good vocational learning model. The apprenticeship model has also been introduced outside of the traditional vocational education, as a general pedagogical model (Nielsen and Kvale 1999).
The apprenticeship model has a particularly strong foothold within vocational pedagogy (Skagen 2004: 118). As a metaphor, it refers to an asymmetrical relationship between two individuals, one who has mastered the skills of the trade (the master), and another who has not (the apprentice). Similar to a traditional teacher-student relationship, this model is based on one-way communication. During the process, the apprentice acquires tacit knowledge through observing the master as she uses her skills (Polanyi 1958). This perspective can also be used to analyze the interplay between parent and child. Through the participation in daily activities, children learn skills by observing their parents (Rogoff 1990). This kind of learning is sometimes described as observational learning (see Albert Bandura).
Nielsen and Kvale (1999:19) mention four characteristics of the apprenticeship model as a pedagogical idea:
– Professional identity: The apprentice learns by completing practical assignments that gradually become more difficult. The professional identity is developed through the process of mastering new skills. The reflective conversation should take place soon after the assignment, or it may not have the desired effect.
– Learning through imitation of the master: The novice observes and imitates the work of the master or other skilled workers in a community. The mentoring process follows a traditional pattern, starting with the master demonstrating the correct execution of an assignment. The apprentice then starts to practice, and is corrected by the master until she is proficient at the skill. The master will often give more in the beginning of the process,and gradually less.
– The quality of the work is evaluated through practice: The quality of a product is judged on its functionality and the customers' feedback. The master governs the accumulated knowledge of the particular craft, and has developed subtle and complex criteria for the evaluation of craftsmanship. These criteria, however, are often characterized by tacit knowledge and are therefore not articulated. It´s therefore the master who selects the assignment which are appropriate for the apprentice.
The apprenticeship model is based on the assumption that competence can not be acquired through verbal communication alone. Competence is partly situational and improvisational. It can therefore be challenging for the master to find the balance between demonstrating how to complete an assignment and explaining it with words. Visualization, demonstration, observation and imitation are principal techniques.
Important theories
The theory of situated learning is central within the apprenticeship model (Lave and Wenger 1991). The focus is not on cognitive processes (see for instance cognitive learning theory), but on learning through interactions between individuals, cultural tools and social communities. Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger (1991) developed this theory by studying how craftsmen in African societies learn. Learning takes place by participating in a community of practice, which is "formed by people who engage in a process of collective learning in a shared domain of human endeavour".2 In the community of practice, the apprentice is initially seen as a "legitimate peripheral participant". The learning trajectory depends on the possibilities that are given to the individual in the community of learning (Nielsen and Kvale 1999).
With their focus on the community of practice, Lave and Wenger (1991) downplay the pedagogical importance of the master as an individual. The apprentice also learns a great deal from other apprentices and from trial and error. This approach is contradictory to Hubert and Stuart Dreyfus, who focus on how a novice learns from the master in a one-to-one relationship by observing and imitation. The novice does not necessarily need to be part of a larger social environment. This form of learning happens within both sports and research.
In the literature on communities of practice, the term scaffolding is used to describe how the instruction is adapted to the needs of the apprentice. Scaffolding means that the master offers support, and creates interest in the work for instance by simplifying practical assignments, explaining targets or evaluating the quality of the work produced by the apprentice. The master must also try at balance the apprentice's frustration on one side and willingness to take risks on the other side (inspiration: Rogoff). The term scaffolding is similar to the term zone of proximal development, originally developed by Lev Vygotsky. The idea behind the zone of proximal development is that the novice can only learn new skills in a tailored situation, and with support from a more capable person. The teacher might be thinking out loud while solving mathematical problems, and giving the student an opportunity to develop strategies and problem solving. Observational learning is another important learning method, where the learner imitates a model's novel behaviour through observation 3. This theory was originally introduced by Albert Bandura.
The importance of the apprenticeship model in many professions
Language often plays a subordinate role in the training of craftsmen, particularly during observation and demonstration. Most importantly, mentoring and practical work take place side by side. For instance, experienced architects mentor their students at the drawing board. Students are learning how to draw, while they are simultaneously discussing reasons behind their choices. According to Skagen (2004:19), Donald Schön rejects the notion that this form of apprenticeship simply means copying someone else's actions. He argues that the novice instead uses these experiences to develop her own work style. Schön uses the terms reflective imitation, imitative reconstruction and selective reconstruction to describe these processes. The idea is that the students must enter into a relation of dependence, before being able to become independent. To illustrate, Skagen (2004) cites two personal narratives from one of Schön's books, describing how architects mentor their students:
Criticism of the apprenticeship model
Some critics claim that the apprenticeship model has nothing to do with mentoring. Within the teacher education in Norway, for instance, mentoring courses have traditionally focused on the action-reflection model. The action-reflection model came as a reaction to the tradition of apprenticeship. According to critics the traditional apprenticeship model, dominant at that time, did little but cultivate "parrot teachers". It has now become legitimate to include the apprenticeship model as one of several mentoring approaches in introductory books about mentoring pedagogy (Skagen 2004 and Løv 2009). This approach, however, emphasizes the importance of giving advice more than other mentoring approaches.
It is worth noting that some theories within the apprenticeship model also focus on group mentoring (i.e. the community of practice approach) in contrast to traditional mentoring approaches wihch usually focus on individual mentoring (i.e. the action-reflection model). In addition informal mentoring is more important within the apprenticeship model compared with the action-reflection model, which emphasizes formalized mentor-mentee conversations. Learning is considerd as the most important type of learning, while the action-reflection model maintains that the mentee should put thoughts into words. The critique against the apprenticeship model can be summarized in the following way:
– The apprenticeship model requires a close connection between reflection and the professional practice. Verbalization is not essential and the result might be less in-depth reflection.
– The apprenticeship model downplays the mentee's right to formulate requests and criteria for own growth. Instead it is the vocational traditions which govern the mentoring practice. The mentoring approach criticizes progressive education which focus too much on creativity, self-development and learner autonomy.
– The fact that the master must be competent within a craft or a profession, limitates who can act as a mentor. Within the action-reflection model, it is more important that the mentor has communicative competence, that is the ability to develop good relations and ask good questions. Knowledge about the professional knowledge is not considered as equally important.
– The apprenticeship model has been criticized for valuing practice higher than theory. Excessive concern with mastering professional skills can undermine time used to learn important theoretical principles (Skagen 2004: 122-123).
Integration of the apprenticeship model in teacher education
In recent decades there has been a lot of focus on fostering reflective teachers in teacher education (Skagen 2004: 121). The didactic model of Hiim and Hippe4, for instance, builds on this idea. Skagen (2004: 125-126) critiizes this mentoring approach as being one-sided. The reflective conversation is dominant. Nowadays, the new teacher following initiation into the teaching profession is quickly provided full responsibilities for teaching with little opportunity to observe other teachers. Within the apprenticeship model, one could alternatively picture a situation where the student teacher is responsible for part of the teaching, until the final certification. When that is said, there is little empirical research to show which mentoring models are in fact used in the practicum of the teacher education.
– Hiim, Hilde og Else Hippe (2006). Undervisningsplanlegging for yrkesfaglærere. Oslo: Gyldendal akademisk forlag.
– Lave, Jean og Etienne Wenger (1991). Situated learning : legitimate peripheral participation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press .
– Lave, Jean (2012). Lecture about apprenticeship and learning. (Video resource)
– Nielsen Klaus og Steinar Kvale (1999). Mesterlære: læring som sosial praksis. Oslo: Ad Notam Gyldendal.
– Polanyi, Michael (1958). Personal knowledge. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.
– Rogoff, Barbara (1990). Apprenticeship in thinking: cognitive development in social context. New York: Oxford University Press.
– Skagen, Kaare (2004). I veiledningens landskap. Kristiansand: Høgskoleforlaget.


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IWC Media make intelligent and thoughtful documentaries including Terry Pratchett: Living with Alzheimer's and The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive with Stephen Fry, as well as blue chip science programmes such as Brave New World and Stephen Hawking – Master of the Universe.
They are currently making a programme about how skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne can lead to anxiety and depression – and also the lack of psychological support services available. If you are currently struggling with your condition, they would very much appreciate your help in talking about how your life is affected by it. This is purely for research and will not be for broadcast.
Talking openly about how a condition such as eczema can have a psychological impact would also raise awareness of just how debilitating it can be and hopefully contribute to a greater understanding and perhaps better treatment of the condition."
For more information please contact Lesley at firstname.lastname@example.com


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After the holidays I know you want salads + kale + quinoa + millions of vegetables. Trust me, I do. I want those things too. But I was looking of my page views and popular recipes in 2012, and the stats don't lie. You beautiful, smart, and totally amazing readers are looking at sweet things. […][Continue reading...]
Top 25 Recipes From 2012
This year has been fun. I finished my first year of college and started my second year. I saw a bunch of concerts. I went camping a bunch of times…oh, and I got engaged. I would definitely say that 2012 has been the best year for this blog as well. More people seem to be […][Continue reading...]
Homemade Peppermint Patties
I've been making peppermint patties since I began baking and cooking on my own. It seemed easy enough – make the filling (no bake!) and coat it in chocolate. But you see, coating a soft filling in chocolate when you're not experienced can sometimes lead to ugly treats. And this is why I haven't posted […][Continue reading...]
Eggnog Fudge
Some things just scream Christmas for me. 1. Eggnog. 2. Gingerbread anything. 3. Cats in Christmas hats…. I officially finished all of my Christmas baking yesterday, and tried quite a few new recipes from various bloggers. Needless to say, my pants don't fit. Despite running between 5-15 miles five days a week my body has […][Continue reading...]
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
I had a birthday party for two on the 8th. I turned 25, and the boy and I celebrated with mulled wine, the walking dead, paneer curry…and cake. Ohhhh the cake. It had a toasted marshmallow frosting, a delightful spiced sweet potato based cake and cinnamon brown sugar buttercream. Everything was going splendidly until, seemingly […][Continue reading...]
Tres Leches Cake
Happy Birthday to me! 25 years old and I am not above eating cake for dinner. This tres leches cake has been made for many birthdays and parties in my life. My fiance, my soon to be mother in law, my cat (it's her favorite since it has a lot of milk products)…uhh, anyway, this […][Continue reading...]
2012 Gift Guide For Winter (Lady) Runners (under $200)
As I mentioned before, the only Christmas gifts I'm giving this year are delicious baked goods. Not a bad thing, certainly, and definitely something I would be happy to receive, but a big reason for this is my selfish obsession for running. Running gear and signing up for running races, to be exact. Because, as […][Continue reading...]
Artichoke Feta Garlic Bread
As I cross "being vegan for a month" off of my 30 Things To Do Before 30 list, I am excited to get back to my old pals cheese and butter, but I'm extremely happy that I was able to consume animal free products for an entire month. During the 30 days, I must say […][Continue reading...]
Christmas Baking Time – 2012 Edition
I hope you like Christmas baking, because this year it's all I can afford! You'd think I was kidding, but I'm totally not. You need to know two things about me. 1. I'm a student and barely make any money. 2. I put all the saved money that I have into running clothes, props for […][Continue reading...]


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HUSTLER owner and chairman Larry Flynt released a statement to GOP Presidential contender Donald Trump, offering his services to help the real estate mogul's "little problem," following Thursday's Fox News Republican debate.
The letter was published this Friday, March 3.
Read the full text below:
12 Comments
This entire article is offensive.
Tom: Where is your sense of humor? I do not find Mr. Flint's challenge offensive. Mr. Trump opened the door and he is being called out. His comments at the debate were totally inappropriate and unnecessary. I will be most interested to learn whether Trump has enough chutzpah to respond.
So that means Flynt is demanding to see Trump's long form?
Methinks tho dost protest too much.
You should complain to whoever forced you to read it.
Actually, I didn't read the article. Only read the title and lost interest. The whole issue is rediciulous. If we are serious about the Presidency why is this an item?
Tom: Of course the whole issue is ridiculous. While many of us take the election process very seriously, obviously the Republican candidates do not. I take it you did not watch the most recent "debate" when Cruz, Trump and Rubio brought up this subject. The only adult on the floor was Kasich. Reminds me of my little boys playing in the sandbox. I absolutely have no other option but to vote for a grown up.
Actually it was an issue raised by Marco, and seems to fit the alleged past homosexual pattern he has maintained since his college years with the gay bar foam parties.
If anyone has anything to prove, I think it's Senior Hermano Cubano Rubio who needs to prove his hetro-cred.
Its Jerry Springer revisited, and I have only watched one of those, we are flooded in all forms of media to witness these behaviors hence forced to be exposed to this lack of maturity but keep in mind his ex claimed rape, like a caveman. Our country is being cheapened by this trash, no decorum in the Repub party. I look forward to the total destruction of the two party system and this is what we are witnessing. Could this really get any more unreasonable? Is Trump going to "moon" them next? The man is social trash.
You raise the great question: How is it that, debate after debate, Kasich remains the sane one and is continually falling so far behind?
My question exactly. I could blame reality TV, the folks that sit for hours and play video games rather than meeting and interacting with others, those whose hopes and dreams were crushed when they lost their jobs, their homes and find themselves existing on wages that do not meet monthly expenses. In times of despair, when people have nothing to strive for, what greater entertainment than the "great white hope" mouthing off in the debates… unless our society becomes better balanced, education really "educates", our citizens have viable and lucrative prospects in their future, this country and our Constitution are doomed.
I would like to have a further just one , in any other case they are really wonderful 360 frontal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny8rUpI_98I and encourage to anybody.


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- Home
- About Us
- What's Happening?
- How Can I Get Involved?
- Contact Us
- Your Account
Please select which prayer letter you would like to see:
This is the Prayer Letter for May 2016. Please use this list to target praying in your group over the next month. The prayer requests focus on quality rather than quantity.
Please pray for the Pentecost prayer vigil we are holding from 6 pm on Friday 13th May to 6 pm on Saturday 14th May. Pray that enough people will sign up for a half hour slot, to cover the whole 24 period in prayer (especially the night time slots). Pray that the church will not experience any problems, particularly during the night, and that all will go well. Pray that God will speak into your heart as to which slot you should sign up for. Finally, pray that God will hear and act on our prayers for the re-evangelisation of our nation.
Please pray for our PCC as they begin a new "PCC year". Pray especially for the four new members of PCC: Pete Dawson, Mike Downey, Ros Haines and Jan Richards, that any nerves will be soothed and that they might enjoy serving on PCC. Please pray that God will give to the PCC His vision for St John's, that they might tackle the issues facing the parish, and that they will work together for God's glory.
In May the PCC will be considering a Disability Awareness Audit that the diocese has conducted. Please pray for the Spirit to give PCC insight into which parts of the Audit they should implement, and how they should go about it.
This is from 15th to 21st May, following the week of prayer above (the timing could not be better!). Please pray for Diane Edwards who is organising it and those who will be delivering and collecting Christian Aid envelopes. Pray also that those receiving the envelopes would be moved to support those in need.
This service attracts people from outside Burscough as well as local people. The love and fellowship in this service is very uplifting for all who attend it. Please give thanks to God for those involved and for the special work He is doing in this service, and pray that it might continue to grow as members speak to their friends about the love of Jesus.
Those present on 26th April were conscious of a how a meeting can be held with a united spirit. Those applying for membership of the PCC; Peter Dorling, our Treasurer; Christine and Joanna, our youth and children's leaders; Jeannie, our pastoral co-coordinator; and Ian our curate all spoke of the work they do. What stood out was the amazingly different gifts that people have and how they have been used in the last year. Praise God for this, and for all who perform any kind of ministry at St. John's.
Please see here for a list of all available prayer letters.


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Aurora Theatre Company
Check website for hours
2081 Addison St.
Berkeley, CA 94704
Website:Aurora Theatre Company
Phone:(510) 843-4822
BART Station:Downtown Berkeley
Walk Time:2 minutes
Photo courtesy of Aurora Theatre Company.
Aurora Theatre Company invigorates audiences and artists through the shared experience of professional, intimate theatre. The theatre challenges the community to do better, think deeper, laugh louder and cast wider nets of empathy toward the world. Through their productions of both classic and new works, they support the Bay Area community by hiring local artists and artisans and likewise support all forms of diversity both onstage and off.


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'Finis coronat opus' - 'the end crowns the work' or - refers to the serene happiness that awaits the pious in afterlife. It is symbolized by the laurel crown resting on the skull. The laurel crown was the highest honor that could be awarded to a Roman general, this main reason why all Roman emperors wore them for festivities.
Feel free to connect with me in Facebook or Twitter


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Global Nuclear Medicine Market to Grow at 8% CAGR, Expects Infiniti Research in Its Report Available at MarketPublishers.com
08 Aug 2016 • by Natalie Aster
LONDON – The nuclear medicine marketplace is dominated by such players as Digirad, Philips Healthcare, Cardinal Health, GE Healthcare, and more.
The number of partnerships is currently on the rise, and the same tendency is observed in the field of funding for R&D.
This market is expected to grow at more than 8% over the period 2016-2020. This growth will be encouraged by a number of factors. Rising incidence of CVDs and cancer is one of them. High demand for PET and SPECT imaging is another important factor.
There are also some challenges that this marketplace has to deal with: regulatory issues and a shortage of nuclear medicine amongst major challenges.
Topical research report "Global Nuclear Medicine Market 2016-2020" elaborated by Infiniti Research offers an up-close look at the global market for nuclear medicine. The study starts with detailed coverage of research methodology applied by the publisher.
It proceeds with a 360-degree overview of this marketplace. The report estimates sizing of the world's market and contains a Five Forces analysis. The research study concentrates on performance of this marketplace on the basis of applications and end-users.
It concentrates on performance of the marketplace across different geographies. The research report casts light on forces driving this space and impact they have. The study investigates challenges the marketplaces faces and key market trends.
It delves deep into the vendor landscape globally and covers key vendors. Future outlook for the marketplace can be found in the study, too.
Report Scope:
- a bird's eye view of the market;
- coverage of drivers, challenges and trends of this space;
- insights into the competitive environment;
- profiles of major vendors;
- coverage of different geographies;
- future outlook;
- and more.
More in-demand research studies by Infiniti Research can be found at its page.
The Market Publishers, Ltd.
Natalie Aster
Tel: +44 208 144 6009
Fax: +44 207 900 3970
[email protected]


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Lack of Evidence for Aspirin in Heart Failure
The WARCEF (Warfarin Versus Aspirin in Reduced Ejection Fraction) trial indicates that, compared to warfarin, aspirin does not increase the risk of hospitalisation for heart failure. The study findings contrast with those of two previous trials that showed an increase in such risk, notes an editorial published in JACC: Heart Failure.
The randomised trial, which involved 2,305 patients with heart failure in sinus rhythm and with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, was both the largest and most methodologically robust trial comparing warfarin and aspirin for heart failure.
While the results "allay some of the fears" raised by previous trials that aspirin could increase the risk of congestion, the editorial states that these results "provide no evidence that either warfarin or aspirin should be given routinely to patients with heart failure in sinus rhythm.
Aspirin is a nonspecific cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor that blocks the production of a range of prostaglandins. Many prostaglandins are thought to have beneficial actions, including vasorelaxation, maintenance of glomerular filtration, and reductions in platelet adhesion to vessel walls; whereas others, such as thromboxane, increase platelet aggregation, providing a theory to support the supposed benefits of aspirin in patients with coronary artery disease.
"The balance of beneficial and harmful effects of aspirin is likely to vary according to the clinical setting," writes John G.F. Cleland, MD, Robertson Centre for Biostatistics & Clinical Trials, University of Glasgow (UK) in the editorial. In the presence of ulcerated plaque, benefit may greatly outweigh risk, the doctor explains. In heart failure, prostacyclin may be an important counter-regulatory mechanism that causes vasorelaxation, protects renal function, and reduces sodium retention, thereby reducing the risk of worsening heart failure. "This may be a mechanism by which angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors exert benefit," he points out.
In addition, there is a great deal of evidence that the benefits of ACE inhibitors are diminished in the presence of antiplatelet therapy, predominantly aspirin, according to Dr. Cleland. One possible explanation is that aspirin may interfere with the beneficial effects of ACE inhibitors, which is biologically plausible. Or it could be that ACE inhibitors and aspirin exert benefit through a common pathway but the effects are not additive (statistically plausible).
Meanwhile, randomised trials of aspirin compared to warfarin show that warfarin reduces the risk of stroke but increases major bleeding; overall mortality was similar on aspirin and warfarin. Further, the importance of occult or incident atrial fibrillation to strokes in patients with heart failure is uncertain. "So why do we use antithrombotic agents in heart failure?" Dr. Cleland asks. Cardiologists will generally respond that they are not treating the heart failure; they are treating the associated coronary artery disease, he says.
The doctor continues: "So what evidence is there that patients with coronary artery disease benefit from long-term aspirin? Surprisingly, at least to most cardiologists, no trial of long-term aspirin administration to patients with proven coronary disease has shown a reduction in mortality."
He says that if we are going to use aspirin for generations to come, it's important to know which doses are effective and safe. "Unfortunately, dose-comparison studies are not very helpful because if no dose of aspirin is known to be effective, then there is no reference-dose!" adds the author.
Source: JACC: Heart Failure
Image Credit: 14 Mostafa&zeyad
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Published on : Tue, 8 Aug 2017
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CHATSWORTH, Calif., May 2, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capstone Turbine Corporation ( www.capstoneturbine.com ) (Nasdaq:CPST), the world's leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, received another order for 22 C65 microturbines for one of the world's largest independent oil and natural gas companies.
This latest order is the second such follow-on order to the first 18 unit C65 order received back in August. All three orders are for Capstone C65 natural gas product and together total 64 units in 9 months from this new oil and gas customer. Capstone's local distributor Pumps & Service sold the units and will provide installation, commissioning and long term service support.
Pumps & Service has received 20 MW of new orders over the past ten months from three major oil and gas companies exploring large shale reserves -- or plays -- in the United States. Customer adoption of Capstone microturbines in the oil and gas sector continues to expand in the U.S. The U.S. shale gas market is expected to grow substantially, especially since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Air Act has strict requirements for emissions levels at natural gas sites.
The latest order for 22 low-emission C65 microturbines will provide prime power to central processing facilities and metering stations at remote well sites in the Eagle Ford shale play in South Texas. The Eagle Ford play is expected to emerge as a major oil and gas play in the United States over the next decade. Experts estimate it will rank sixth in size among the all-time giant oil fields in the U.S.
"The fact that Pumps & Service has now received orders totaling over 20MW in less than a year goes to show the tremendous market penetration Pumps & Service is getting in the shale gas space with the Capstone technology," said Jim Crouse, Capstone's Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
About Capstone Turbine Corporation
Capstone Turbine Corporation ( www.capstoneturbine.com ) (Nasdaq:CPST) is the world's leading producer of low-emission microturbine systems, and was the first to market commercially viable microturbine energy products. Capstone Turbine has shipped over 5,000 Capstone MicroTurbine(R) systems to customers worldwide. These award-winning systems have logged millions of documented runtime operating hours. Capstone Turbine is a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Combined Heat and Power Partnership, which is committed to improving the efficiency of the nation's energy infrastructure and reducing emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. A UL-Certified ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certified company, Capstone is headquartered in the Los Angeles area with sales and/or service centers in the New York Metro Area, Mexico City, Nottingham, Shanghai and Singapore.
The Capstone Turbine Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6212
This press release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is used in the federal securities laws, about the quality of our products, the ability of Pumps & Service to sell, install and maintain our products, compliance with certain air quality regulations and opportunities in the oil and gas sector. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "objective," "intend," "targeted," "plan" and similar phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties described in Capstone's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that may cause Capstone's actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied in such statements. Capstone cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Capstone undertakes no obligation, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
"Capstone Turbine Corporation" and "Capstone MicroTurbine" are registered trademarks of Capstone Turbine Corporation. All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Capstone Turbine Corp. Investor and investment media inquiries: firstname.lastname@example.com 818-407-3628
© Copyright 2012, GlobeNewswire, Inc. All Rights Reserved


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In efforts to fill all the gaps of trying all types of food Japan is known for, we searched for an affordable place to try wagyu beef. I mean, we couldn't leave Japan without having some beef! We had done some research and decided that kobe would be saved for the next trip.
Gyuzen was a little difficult to find since we were new to Kyoto's bearings, having only spent a couple of hours there, and we were a little unprepared as Gogyo (our original dinner plan) had been closed for renovations. Nevertheless, in one of the commercial buildings, we finally set foot in the more traditionally-designed interiors of Gyuzen. Considering its closeness to an equally traditional area, Gyuzen's interiors gave a great continuation of the traditional streets in Gion.
We decided on the option to have both the shabu shabu (in boiling broth), as well as sukiyaki (grilling on the cast-iron pan with a thicker, slightly sweet sauce).
Regarding the freshness of the food, it was good in terms of all-you-can-eat, but perhaps not of the best quality on a whole. The beef however was extremely tender, melt-in-your-mouth, and fatty, without being overly so. The sauces were just sweet and salty enough to create a great and rich flavour with the beef in the sukiyaki without overpowering the meat and losing all the beefy flavour.
I have to say that the shabu shabu was no big deal, and was a little average, but that's also because we tend to love hot pot at home, with which we can buy fresher and better quality ingredients. We definitely appreciated that they refilled the shabu shabu with broth as opposed to hot water (as some hot pot places will).
The rest of the food included various vegetables, tofu, other soy-based products, fungi, other types of meat, and so forth.
The service was average, didn't wow us, but keep in mind, this is an ACYE restaurant. As with all service industry in Japan, they are always polite.
If you're looking for some quick, wagyu beef without dishing out too much money, this is definitely a place to look into!
Food: 8.2/10
Service: 3/5
Atmosphere: traditional, casual, cozy
Price: $40CAD
~ kehwon


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Gastro Obscura
Panama Hotel and Tea Shop
Stay in a historic B&B that provides a powerful glimpse into the lives of Japanese-Americans relegated to WWII's internment camps.
Seattle's Panama Hotel may look like little more than a quaint bed and breakfast with the Pacific Northwest's requisite tea and coffee shop in its lobby, but hidden within its floorboards is an aspect of America's history that refuses to be buried.
Built in 1910 by Seattle's first Japanese-American architect, Sabro Ozasa, from the outset, the Panama Hotel served as a home to generations of new immigrants to the United States settling in the city's bustling Japantown (Nihonmachi) District, as well as international travelers and offshore fishermen hailing from all over the Pacific Rim. Throughout the late 1930's, as the area grew and prospered, the Panama Hotel's popularity was no exception. With tenants above and a Japanese bathhouse in the basement, the Panama Hotel rose to be the center of Nihonmachi's cultural life, bolstered by a traditional Japanese bathhouse tucked in its basement – the restored (display only) version of which remains the only sento in the United States extant today.
Everything changed, however, when President Roosevelt ordered the nation-wide forced internment of Japanese-Americans in 1942. Today, a window on the floor of the restored tea shop in the hotel lobby provides a glimpse into the area where Seattle's residents hid their personal possessions in hopes of retrieving them later, only to never return.
The hotel's current owner, Jan Johnson, bought the hotel from original owner Takeshi Hori in 1985 and continues to lead pre-arranged tours of these original, unclaimed belongings. Interspersed with true tales of people whose real lives have come to be represented by these ghost suitcases, visitors walk away with a better understanding of Nihonmachi's vital role in Seattle's cultural development in the years before and since this dark period of American history.
Recent years have seen the Panama Hotel become a newfound destination for the literary crowd, drawn by its pivotal and poignant role in Jamie Ford's 2009 Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, whereupon the aforementioned belongings discovered in the hotel set into motion the rest of the best-selling novel's plot.
Regardless of the draw – rare bathhouse, disgraceful history, literary basking – the Panama Hotel continues to operate to this day as a functioning bed-and-breakfast with 101 rooms individually decorated to match a theme. For guests less interested in staying the night, all are welcome to step inside for a peek at the discarded possessions visible through the floorboards in its public-facing tea house in the lobby, which also serves excellent Japanese pastries.


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We offer four types of 'D' handle and a recessed handle option with the Education range.
D' Handles
Both small and large 'D' handles are made from nylon and available in the colours shown. The polished chromium plated 'D' handle is made from die-cast steel. New in the range is the SAA 'D' handle. All 'D' handles are fixed by two countersunk screws through the back of the doors and drawers.
Recessed handles
The recessed handle, also made from nylon, is glued and screwed into the unit doors and drawers. Recessed handles are available in three colours black, white, and grey.
Dimensions: 100mm x 52mm
If you have any questions about our handles for education email us, or fill in our enquiry form. Alternatively you can call us on 01843 604896.


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CMS Launches Hospice Compare
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS) has launched Hospice Compare as part of a larger initiative aimed at helping consumers make more informed decisions about the healthcare they choose. The site shows hospice specifics and national averages on seven measures focused on patient preferences, managing pain and treating symptoms, with more to coming at a future date.
Hospice Compare represents the latest portal in the CMS Compare family of websites, which aims to offer consumers visibility into the performance of providers and information in their search for health care. Currently, the family includes compare sites in post-acute healthcare specific to nursing homes and home health care.
Users can search by hospice name or by geographical region (city, state, zip code) and compare up to three providers to see how each measure against national data, as well as each other. The information in hospice compare is provided by over 3,876 hospice agencies or providers.
While CMS has mandated that home health providers collect and submit patient and care data using the OASIS (Outcome and Assessment Information Set) assessment, hospice providers had no such requirement until 2014 with the launch of the HIS (Hospice Item Set). The HIS is typically captured using a hospice EHR software. It's that data set which drives the information found in Hospice Compare, although the site will ultimately will include data from both CMS' Hospice Item Set (HIS) and Hospice Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Survey.
Visit the Hospice Compare site here.
If you're a hospice provider and need to update your information, you can do that here.


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When you fall in love, you see everything through pink glasses (at least I do, my brain only works partially)!
You want to see each other as often as possible, you can barely keep the hands off each other and have loads of hot steamy sex and you are 100% certain, that this state will last forever, even when you are old and move in snail pace. You get told, once you get married and time goes by it won´t be like that anymore. Sex will be a rarity. You laugh them in the face, saying "yeah, whatever…"
Than reality hits you and you must admit, they where right! Why did it change? When did it change? What happened to all the nice sex sessions? The snogging and making out in dark corners, the oh so tender stroke down-under in the pictures where no one can see (oi! just to check if everything is still in place of course). The sleepy from behind (no one likes morning breath, not even when you are fresh in love) morning sex.
Don´t get me wrong, I do have sex with my hubby. And I still find him hot. Even more now that he shred over 20 kg and got more tattoos (the more the better). Sometimes we have sex twice a week but it also happens, that we don´t have sex for a whole month. Yes, I know it could be worse: Only to special occasions.
When we have sex it is often in passing. Why? Because we have 4 children which are never in bed before 9 o´clock and I don´t like the mental image of us having sex, while they are downstairs watching tv. I would be too frightened someone opens the door. And when we finally have sex, it is a quickie in the bathroom or downstairs in the livingroom, because our youngest still sleeps in our bed and no, no, noooooooooo… I can´t do it, when our son sleeps next to us. NO!
Sometimes though we get the opportunity, but then I am just too tired. That is no excuse. I get up at 6:30 and am busy with children, preparing food, workout (5 – 6 days to stay sane), walking to school, going for walkies, to the playground and also I have to keep the house clean and once my youngest is in school as well, I honestly hope, to find a job. So who can blame me, that I am too tired?
Question is: How do I keep the spark alive? I know it mustn´t be sex in particular, a nice couple day out would be lovely as well. Which could end in…. you know what (GRIN).
Maybe I should move our little one out of our bed and in his own one, helloooo long-lost morning sex!!! I mean, men are simple. They are happy when they get regular sex! And women? Well I would be happy with a handbag (for my defence, I only own one!) or with the french bulldog I wanted for so long, but hubby keeps saying no, laugh.
What about roleplay? Well I don´t think that would be something for us and it is not, that our sex life is boring, when we have sex, it is great, though he needs to improve his "how-to-spank-wifey-properly-skills" but that is another story.
Guess the answer is as easy as this: Make time for each other somehow!


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Technology Consulting
"Work Smarter! Not Harder!"
No Charge For Initial Consultation
Rate Based on Recommendation
Small businesses today have available to them and endless supply of tools that can improve the success of the business. Just a few years ago only large corporations had the resources needed to have a "High-Tech" company. Now anyone with any budget can. It just takes the knowledge of which tools are available and desire to use them to optimize your business. Our Technology Consulting is designed to educate small business owners on the practical use of technology in their business. We will help you pinpoint which aspects of your business could be improved upon and find the best tools to achieve the results your looking for. If possible we will work with you to figure out the exact amount of time and or money that will be saved or gained by incorporating our recommendations so you can calculate what your willing to invest into the solution.
During the Free initial consultation we will talk about the aspects of your business technology can be used to improve upon. No doubt you are already using technology to some extent and its possible we can show you how to stream line your current day to day operations.
After the initial consultation we will present to you a number of recommendations that will go beyond just streamlining what your already doing. We will show you some of the "latest and greatest" tools available to you. Our recommendations may include updated equipment/software, mobile devices, or various online services. Some of our recommendations may involve free or very low cost options, other times we may recommend making an investment that will save money down the road.


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Many of the stores are already gearing up for the big holiday season. If you've been out to places like Walmart and Target, you already know the decorations are calling you from their shelves. This season it might be a good idea to take on a different approach by getting your family ready now. In this blog, we kick start the season to help you get a grip on things early.
Start out by purging some of your home's items that will get in the way while hanging wreaths and putting up the tree. Next, have the kids help with a 'quicker picker upper' party and get them to help with the dusting and cleaning. It's great to do good cleaning as it will allow you to have more time focusing on other things.
Ask the kids to put up the decorations with you. Many of your youngsters will most likely want to help. But the teens need to participate for some family bonding. Designate mobile device times so they join in the fun.
Delegate jobs to your children. Ask someone to oversee making shopping lists, another to pick out the type of cookies to bake, etc., By giving everyone a job; it might teach some skills and leave you less work. Well…maybe.
Next, go to Pinterest or Good Housekeeping and get some ideas for decorating your home. Look specifically for crafts your kids can do with you. This will give them a sense of pride for helping beautify your home.
Assign different tasks for holiday parties to each child and relative. Things like taking out the garbage aren't always fun, but, responsibility is a part of life. Other activity may include taking someone's coat or serving the guests. Throwing a party is a lot of work, but when you have teamwork, it's a lot more fun.
Keep in mind; you can always reward your family with a night out at the Wow Factory if all goes well. What the heck, even if it doesn't, bring them in!
We look forward to seeing you next time!
For my information about The Wow Factory fun or how to plan your next event with The Wow Factory, visit our website at https://wowfactoryfun.com/
Connect with us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/WowFactoryFun and https://twitter.com/wowfactoryfun


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