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As a thank you for all the support and all the time spent reading this blog, I'd like to offer up a small sample from the project I am currently working on, entitled MOODY BLUE. It's about a young man whose fiancée's life is cut short, and how that impacts him and his other relationships. The tragedy also forces him to confront brutal and ugly truths he'd been hiding and running from.
Enjoy, and as always, PLEASE let me know what you think.
Melissa was disturbed by the lack of human interaction. Hell, Adam only talked to her when it became absolutely necessary, and those occasions were becoming rarer and rarer. She worried that the viewing and funeral would be too much, debacles, spectacles, horrible memories Adam would never be able to recover from. When the day of the viewing dawned, uncomfortably warm and overcast, she rose silently and began to make coffee in the kitchen. As she scooped dark grinds from one receptacle to another, she noticed her hands were trembling. She dropped the stupid, little, plastic scooper and brought her hands together, determined to make them stop. After all, why should she tremble? It was not her fiancée being mourned and then buried. It was not her life being upended. Why should she shake? She gave herself a moment to stuff down her sorrow at Lily's passing, which seemed nonsensical and illogical. Could it be that all this grief was for her brother? That didn't seem quite right, either. Was she marveling at the inevitability of her own mortality? She supposed that could be true, but truth be told, Melissa was not one for deep thoughts. When it came to life and death and all that, it was what it was and that was that. Melissa mentally repeated that mantra and bent to retrieve the scooper. For the time being, she was back to normal and set about to keep things as normal as possible for Adam, especially on the day of Lily's viewing.
Melissa gave Adam another twenty minutes of sleep, of blissful unconsciousness, as she enjoyed the solitude of and the absence of emotional turmoil in the empty kitchen. She generously filled her mug with fresh, steaming coffee and slowly sipped from it. The moment was peaceful, but neither it nor the caffeine would be enough to carry her through the day. She anticipated needing something much stronger, and that need became especially poignant as she rose from the table to rouse Adam, the undisputed but unexpected second victim of Lily's selfish and heinous act.
Melissa's slippers scuffed down the hallway. She always hesitated now outside Adam's bedroom door to steel herself against the horrible possibility that she would find Adam dead, driven to suicide from grief over Lily's suicide. Suddenly, Melissa hated Lily, was glad Lily was gone, and wished that Lily had never existed at all. The cruelty and savage nature of her own thoughts surprised and bothered Melissa, as did the nagging and reluctant admission that it was not the first time such brutal thoughts about Lily had crossed her mind. She shook her head to clear it. She chided herself for being superstitious and silly. She knocked on Adam's bedroom door.
"Come in," he said. The response was certain and immediate. Melissa was sure Adam had been expecting just such a wakeup call, and that expectation explained his preparation, explained the immediacy of the response. As Melissa opened the door, Adam was revealed to her, sitting on the edge of the bed nearest the door. His feet rested upon the floor and his elbows pointedly dug into his thighs from the weight and effort of cradling his poor head, cradled by lined, shaky hands. It was a pitiful sight to behold, what with Adam's red-rimmed eyes and their vacant glare that cleverly pointed in the appropriate direction, but did nothing more than emptily roam over the area. Adam looked, but he did not see. Melissa saw that he looked like hell, and was now fairly certain that Adam had been prepared for her intrusion not because it was expected, but because simply, Adam had not slept. By the looks of him, it was hard to tell when the last time he slept was, but it certainly had not been within the last day or two.


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Finding Solutions for Questions Posed in June
Updated July 7, 2015, 11:07 a.m.
Faculty and staff:
We will certainly remember the month of June 2015 for quite some time. Significant events occurred last month that sparked conversations in our halls, offices, and homes — raising both hopes and questions about our path forward. I'm writing today to reflect upon those events and their meaning for KU. Jayhawks always find a way to capitalize on opportunities and succeed.
Celebrated decision
The U.S. Supreme Court's historic ruling on marriage equality affects University of Kansas faculty and staff, as well as our families, friends, and neighbors. Recent news reports highlighted that all 105 counties in Kansas will now issue marriage licenses for same-sex couples. Today, we received the very good news that state agencies involved with revising policies are reaching out to clarify how and when benefits will be extended to spouses and dependents of state employees affected by the decision. Human Resources Management will share detailed information with faculty and staff as soon as it learns the date of implementation from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Division of Health Care Finance.
Legislative hurdles
All of us were deeply concerned by the risk of furloughs in early June. Furloughs would have led to great hardship in the lives of many in the KU community. Although the days and hours leading to the legislature's passage of Senate Bill 11 were quite trying, your essential contributions and dedication to this institution were never in doubt. I appreciate your patience, resolve, and your voice during this stressful time.
The longest legislative session in state history ended with restrictions on tuition and fee increases. We all want to minimize impact on students and their families. At the same time, these regulations create some challenges that limit KU's ability to plan for the future or launch initiatives that benefit students. The state's revenue shortfall is still in question, and possible cuts to higher education funding continue to hold our attention. There are no quick solutions. We are closely watching developments in Topeka and emphasizing KU's unparalleled contribution to the Kansas economy and quality of life.
National conversations
On a more somber note, the African Methodist Episcopal church shootings in Charleston, S.C., a spate of church fires, and debates about the Confederate flag have rekindled worries nationally over diversity, acceptance, and inclusion. On the local front, however, we have reaffirmed KU's commitment to diversity and a nurturing environment for all. The KU climate study task force is making good progress, and during the year we will distribute a campus-wide climate survey to assess the work and learning environment at KU. These activities augment resources and services already in place to aid and educate the KU community. Staff members in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Human Resource Management, and Counseling and Psychological Services are available to address concerns and provide information, training, and care.
Exciting days ahead
As we work to find solutions for the issues raised in June, we can take comfort in the rich and ever expanding Jayhawk community. In seven weeks, we will start a new academic year — rejuvenated by our summer respite and the infectious energy of incoming students. We will welcome 65 new faculty to KU during the coming year, including the six recently hired Foundation Distinguished Professors.
KU truly has exciting days ahead. As we continue the university's sesquicentennial festivities to mark the achievements of the past 150 years, we will march dramatically into the next 150 years with the launch of Innovation Way — the centerpiece of our Campus Master Plan. This pioneering project ushers KU into a new era — with structures and spaces to serve students and faculty. Funded largely from efficiencies created by Changing for Excellence, these crucial buildings and infrastructure will greatly enhance the university and allow us to continue to attract creative people to KU for years to come. Look for additional news of Innovation Way later this summer and fall.
KU has many success stories in its repertoire. Innovation Way will be one that transports this institution boldly into the future. As the faculty and staff of KU, you are the fuel common to all these success stories, propelling us forward every hour of every day. Thank you for your hard work and commitment!
Have a great summer!
-- Jeff
Jeffrey S. Vitter
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor
This issue of Provost eNews as well as past ones can be found on the Provost eNews web page.

subset: commoncrawl


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Shahrukh Khan is the face of the LA Times Calendar
Shahrukh Khan is the first Bollywood actor to be featured on the cover page of Los Angeles Times Calendar section. Shahrukh's films My Name Is Khan (2010) and the recently released film Ra.One are super hits and have been noticed and appreciated by the American media outlet.
The Bollywood baadshah is on the cover page of the Los Angeles (LA) Times Calendar section, a great feat as far as Bollywood is concerned. The only other Indian actor to be featured in LA Times is Freida Pinto whose Slumdog Millionare can hardly fall in the league of Bollywood cinema.
The LA Times November 4th edition's feature 'Outlining Khan"s success and appeal' reveals Shahrukh's humble beginnings before receiving a break in the big bad world of Bollywood. In an interview with LA Times, SRK said, "I was driving down a small lane in India recently, and I remembered that 20 years ago I was driving down the same lane, and I had maybe 10 or 20 dollars in my pocket. I couldn"t believe all that had happened to me. I feel lucky and even guilty to have this much."
With Ra.One turning out to be a blockbuster, Shahrukh Khan has pushed his level further. Shahrukh is also working on international projects and is reportedly in collaboration with Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio for the same.
The way things are moving at the moment, Shahrukh Khan seems unstoppable!


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Does Society Benefit From Behavior-Based Advertising?
Google turned some heads this week when they announced behavior-based advertising - targeted ads based on browsing history. Although not as striking, Facebook made some headlines as well, announcing geo and language ad targeting. Both cases display the desire of advertisers to have as detailed and targeted advertising campaigns as possible, as well as Google and Facebook's desire to simply make more money through advertising.
Concerns have been raised by privacy groups over user data and Google's method of opting-out of behavior-based ads. But there is another argument: bringing more relevant and less intrusive ads to the user is a positive step technologically, economically, and socially. But what impact does behavior-based advertising have on society, and is it a good one?
Google's goal with behavior-based advertising
Interest or behavior advertising is based on a simple and longstanding premise: past behavior is a strong indicator of future actions. If someone browses anime forums every day, doesn't it make sense that he or she would be interested in anime DVDs and collectibles? For most, the experience of online advertising is painful - ads are ignored because they are simply never relevant or useful. But what if ads were always relevant online? Would they be considered hindrances to the online experience or a great way to be aware of products people might have an interest in?
This, in reality, is Google's goal. As more and more people become blind to ads (or outright block them), even greater ad relevance is needed to keep user attention. But behavior ads are more than just advertising; they are automated suggestions based on history. It's clear that behavior-based advertising is more relevant and efficient, but is it beneficial?
The economics of behavior-based advertising
Imagine a small business that utilizes advertising as one of its major revenue streams. What would even a 1% increase in ad click-through do for that company? Imagine a local coffee shop being able to target ads just to coffee enthusiasts in its area. Finally, imagine the individual who loves anime and coffee seeing ads for his or her favorite shows and drinks.
For every advertising dollar spent and kilobyte downloaded, there is a higher return for all parties. The user gets information on products he or she wants and companies can target the demographics most likely to purchase. The full effects of behavior-based advertising can't be predicted, but efficiency should be something society always strives for, even in its advertising. There are benefits to behavior-based advertising.
Balancing privacy and efficiency
Overall, behavior-based advertising means that businesses gain more leverage for each dollar spent and users gain more information with less intrusion. Advertising will probably always be an afterthought to the user, but with each innovation, they become a little more useful. But this type of advertising requires knowledge of past browsing history, something that is unnerving to many people.
Efficiency cannot come at the cost of privacy. Safeguards for protecting privacy and stopping abuse must be addressed, created and maintained. If they aren't, the distrust could have a lasting effect. But if behavior-based advertising can be balanced with legitimate concerns over privacy and abuse, society can benefit from the gains in relevance and efficiency.


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Pennsylvania Crime Agency Awarded
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A special advisory committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has received a prestigious national award for its efforts to help individuals with mental health needs that are involved in the criminal justice system.
PCCD's Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee received the National Criminal Justice Association Outstanding Criminal Justice Program award, which recognizes innovative and successful criminal justice programs that showcase promising practices to address critical crime-related issues in communities.
Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judge John Zottola, who chairs PCCD's Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee, accepted the award in August month at the 2011 National Forum on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.
The Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee provides guidance to counties in coordinating criminal justice and mental health activities, with the goal of reducing the number of persons with mental health, or co-occurring substance abuse needs, from entering or remaining in the criminal justice system, while also protecting public safety and the community.
The committee's work led to the creation of a Center of Excellence, or CoE, for the development and improvement of programs serving adults with mental illness involved in the criminal justice system. The CoE promotes evidence-based and promising practices and support for counties in the operation and sustainability of jail diversion and re-entry programs and acts as a clearinghouse for information and resources related to criminal justice, mental health and substance abuse.
"The creation of the Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee and the Center of Excellence has afforded the opportunity for state and local cross-system collaboration," said PCCD Executive Director Linda Rosenberg. "This initiative has enhanced Pennsylvania's ability to successfully divert from incarceration and provide treatment to justice-involved individuals with mental illness."
The Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee was established in 2009 with PCCD's Office of Criminal Justice System Improvements and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare's Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is the state's lead agency for criminal justice policy issues and is committed to providing essential support service to law enforcement agencies, responding to and supporting victims of crime and strengthening communities.


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Our management liability product consists of Directors and Officers insurance and Employment Practices insurance. These can be bought together or separately.
As a business owner, consider what the possibility is of the following happening?
An ex-employee brings an action for wrongful dismissal or termination of employment
An employer is accused of an employment related misrepresentation
An employee brings a claim due to unequal pay
An employee alleges unlawful deduction of wages
An employee alleges discrimination on the grounds of sex, pregnancy, disability, age, race, religion
An employee feels they have been harassed in some way or experienced some employment related humiliation
An employee feels his/her privacy has been invaded
An employee feels wrongfully disciplined
An employer is accused of failing to adopt adequate employment or workplace policies
An employee feels they have been victimised
An employee, or even a potential employee, feels they have wrongfully been deprived of a career opportunity
Most businesses will read this and feel something on this list could happen quite easily. We know from our experience as insurance providers that these things do happen despite the best efforts of the business owners.
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Following the Companies Act 2006, clear statutory duties were placed on company directors. If a director breaches these duties he can be made personally liable for damages, criminal sanctions and expenses. This means that a director's personal assets are at risk.
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•Copyright 2015 Custodian. All Rights Reserved
Custodian is a trading name of Custodian Management Ltd and is an Appointed Representative of Advent Solutions Management Ltd.
Advent Solutions Management Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.


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Nav Bhartiya Nari Vikas Samiti
Registered on 23rd August 1993, Nav Bhartiya Nari Vikas Samiti (NBNVS) – a NGO based at Ballia district of UP was a result of long discussion and debate when a small group of Muslim women professionals such as Teachers, Advocates, Doctors and Social activists united to work for the development of the Muslim and Dalit communities especially the women & children. The organization took to the ideals of Gandhi ji to promote integrated and self-sustaining village society by uplifting the depressed, exploited and the down trodden section of the society viz. children, women, Old-aged people; put an end to illiteracy; make them disease free; economically and politically empowered and to transform the Ballia district into a healthy and vibrant society.
Area Of Work:
Ballia (U.P.)
Contact Person:
Ajhar Ali
History of the Organisation
NBNVS has 23 years of experience in working on different social development issues. The geographical coverage of the organization is spread over two States (Uttar Pradesh and Bihar), five districts (Ballia, Mau, Gazipur, Gorakhpur and Barabanki of UP and Siwan of Bihar), Primarily it emphasizes on strengthening community based organizations, building leadership and encouraging people's action for advocating against exploitation, discrimination, violence against excluded communities and tapping the government resources. It is working for capacity building of the people in favor of decentralization and participatory development processes towards the self governance. Secondarily, it has built up a people's federation, to take up the initiatives for their issues of livelihood; campaigning and advocacy for pressurizing the State government to bring positive changes in the policy and practices; simultaneously it is working for the self-sustenance of this federation. NBNVS is also working for Women empowerment through SHGs, micro-credit and income generation programmes, rural youth leadership, organizing landless laborers, and small and marginal women farmers.
Core Values of the Organisation:
Core Values of the Organisation:
- Participation, which leads to empowerment.
- Education of Children especially the underprivileged and marginalized.
- Women's and Children especially the girls are the centre of all developmental initiatives.
- Maintaining transparencies and Accountability in all programme.
- Efficient and effective work by all staff, which would achieve professional standards of performance.
- Developing a very clear understanding of all project, roles and responsibilities is an important prerequisite.
- Team work and commitment in any job assigned.
- Completing the job assigned well within the speculated time period.
- Regularly upgrading the skills and knowledge and always strive for excellence.
- Always be honest to self and other.


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After the recent tensions and strains in our personal relational affairs, experienced by last week's Venus passing through the Grand Cross, we observe more relationship static this week, partly with asteroid Juno.
Juno is the asteroid of just relations in marriage (or the modern day equivalent). How capable are we of existing in a partnership where there is a mutual sense of love and respect for one another, without fouling the balance of give and take?
Anyone who has been in some version of a close, connubial-style partnership understands that so much is necessary in order to maintain an equilibrium with that special someone. Today, when so many of us have been awakened to the subtle forces that act between us, we become so ultra-conscious of our equal rights, and any issues of fairness and unfairness seem to harry deeper into our personal prerogative. Ultimately, some level of give and take is vital to stay in a committed relationship. This balancing process is Juno's business.
Juno is currently stationing at 00°♏11'Rx and in 24 hours will slip back into the late degrees of Libra until July 9. Her stationary position only intensifies her influence and her conjunction to Lilith (also in Scorpio since May 22), has been creating a very complex, psychologically demanding, and emotionally volatile environment that is often difficult to understand.
A lot of repressed stuff, hidden in our shadow side seems to be seeping out into the daily stream of marital affairs, and it may have been difficult to discuss, let alone deal with.
Juno's return to Libra for the next month means that we will either find ways of restoring some much-needed balance, or the whole entire deal could become turbulently uncooperative.
The Sun/Venus conjunction creates these two, critical transits to Juno at the moment.
Sun Sesquiquadrate Juno – Difficulty fitting into the confines of traditional marriage or any other such partnership, yet at the same time there's a fear of being left alone. Within any such contradictory framework lies the struggle to find an answer. There may be attempts to stifle creativity in one another, usually stemming from personal jealousies.
Venus Sesquiquadrate Juno – Any emotionally-structured relationships lead to frigidity or coldness, both physically and emotionally if either party should question the lack of spontaneous affection that is being shared.
The main keys, will be how openly communicative we are (Venus♊), considering Mars♏Rx is going through a personally difficult time – not being conducive to much conversation.
Originally published June 6, 2016


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Campus Living Versus Apartment Living
Though there are a variety of difficult decisions to make when heading off to college, choosing where you are going to live may be possibly one of the hardest and most vital. Many colleges actually require that you live on campus in a dormitory your first year of college. If you re living in an on-campus dormitory and thinking about moving to an off-campus apartment there are a variety of things to think about. A great deal of difference can be seen when making the change from campus living to apartment living. Apartment living can many times require much more responsibility, and some students find that it can be too much to handle with a full class load and other errands. Here are some main differences from campus living to apartment living:
COST OF LIVING: Considering the cost of living between campus living and apartment living should be a first step when deciding to live off campus. Depending on the college, some dormitories may be more or less expensive than certain apartments. Sometimes an apartment will only appear less expensive than a dorm room. When living in an apartment there are a variety of other costs to consider besides the basic rent. Utilities are one high expense that must be considered along with a monthly cost of food, furniture, the extra cost of a year long lease, commute costs, and even parking. All of these costs must be factored into the total cost and compared with the price of living on campus.
ACCOUNTABILITY: Apartment living certainly requires a great deal more accountability and discipline than campus living does. No longer will there be dining halls to quickly serve you your meals. Instead, you ll have to cook on occasion, or find various other inexpensive ways to eat. Bills such as rent and utilities must be paid on time on a monthly basis; otherwise your credit could be in jeopardy. Cleaning, buying groceries, dealing with roommates, and creating a budget will all be part of your monthly routine.
COMMUTE: Unfortunately, moving off campus means that transportation to and from class becomes a little more difficult. Some colleges or cities may have their own public transportation which can be beneficial, but may cost extra money. Having a car on campus also brings up the issue of parking. Many colleges will require some sort of parking permit to park on campus, and space may be fairly limited depending on the size of the school. Biking is always a fresh alternative to owning a car or using public transportation.
ENTERTAINMENT: Finally, entertainment can sometimes become an issue when living off campus. On-campus life tends to breed some sort of entertainment almost all the time. When living off campus entertainment can sometimes be a little more difficult to find on a daily basis.


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Wingsuit basejumper Ellen Brennan can travel at speeds of up to 112 miles per hour, making her the fastest flying woman in the world.
This video shows the 27-year-old American athlete taking a short flight in Chamonix, France, where she now lives to be closer to the mountains for daily practice runs.
Ellen only started skydiving when she was 18, and quickly switched to base jumping because she found it more exciting. Soon after, she settled on her preferred sport of wingsuit jumping from big mountains because it was the most fun.
And if you liked that clip, here's Ellen jumping/flying behind a friend at Le Pleureur in Switzerland from about 12,000 feet.


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Exclude squirrels and similar size animals with Tomahawk E40. Each trap comes with mounting wings that can be attached directly over the opening of the squirrel's den or passage way.
This trap allows the animals to remove themselves. The one way door will allow the animals to exit, but shuts close preventing them from re entering.
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We eat a lot of greens in our house. Well, they ARE just outside the door, after all. We don't eat them every day, but when we do we are serious about it and I build the meal around them. We typically eat three of our bunches of kale in one meal. And generally I sauté all greens, except salad-type things. Here's how.
If you need to reach us:Email is the best way. We're outside much of the day so it's difficult to return phone calls. But, if you are happy to talk to an answering machine, you can call (253) 859-5197.
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Boston 8, Devil Rays 6.
Rays fans are abuzz after Curt Schilling announced during a radio interview in Boston that he would consider playing for the Devil Rays after his contract expires at the end of the year.
"It's one of those situations you'd certainly have to look at. Knowing that I'm probably going to spend one more year playing, if circumstances happen and things happen and they made some moves that were positive, I'd love nothing more than to finish my career working on a pitching staff where I know that there are young guys that are going to be positively impacted by me being around [after] I was gone. I enjoy that. I love working and talking and being around young pitchers."
If there is one thing Schilling loves, it is attention and headlines. This looks like nothing more than another attempt to say something so far out that writers will have no choice but to write about it and fans will have no choice but to talk about it.
It obviously made big headlines in Boston as well as in the Tampa area. But the story was also picked up in places like Atlanta as well as making the "notes" section of many other papers across the country.
The other angle that cannot be ignored here is that Schilling is a free agent after this season and he is probably looking to increase the number of bidders for his services. His first choice is probably to remain with the Red Sox, and Schill may be bluffing interests in other teams to increase the offer from Theo Epstein.
Still, we doubt the Devil Rays are the longest shot at acquiring Schilling's services. We would still give them better odds than half of the teams in Japan.
Curt Answer [tampabay.com]
Schilling's comments devilish [boston.com]
Schilling exclaims his love for Devil Rays [AJC.com]
- Scott Kazmir is frustrated by being pulled with lower pitch counts in the second half. In his last ten starts, he has topped 100 pitches only six times. [Devil Rays]
"It just frustrates me," Kazmir said. "It's kind of in my head. You come to the late innings and you always have to look at the pitch count. It's something where you just don't need it. You've got enough stuff going on; you don't need to be looking at the pitch count."
- Fernando Cabrera, who turned down a waiver claim by the Devil Rays, signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles. [Baltimore Sun]
- Seth McClung was called up to the majors by the Milwaukee Brewers after winning the PCL pitcher of the week award. In his first appearance, he nearly blew a 3-run 9th inning lead, allowing two runs before being pulled. Seth being Seth. [WFRV]
- Could the last two months of the regular season be Joel Guzman's last chance to become an impact player? Minor League Beat thinks it might be. Reality is, Guzman only seems like he has been a prospect forever…well, because he has been. He was signed by the Dodgers when he was 16. But he is still only 22, and he has something you cannot teach…size. He is 6 foot-friggin-6-inches tall. The dud is huge and wings a mean stick. If he fails with the Rays, somebody else will certainly give him a shot. Carlos Pena anyone? [Minor League Beat]


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Geometric Design
Considering implementing a new look for your business? Thinking of giving your website a different vibe? Then geometric design is for you. Geometric design is a vibrant, coloured pattern that is eye catching to your audience. The use of colours and different shapes allows your business to make the design as dramatic and captivating as you like.
Geometric design is a professional looking pattern that doesn't have to just be for your website; it could be incorporated within logos, promotions or simply an office space to energise the staff and innovate the workspace.
The design is modern and promotes a creative edge for your business. Geometric design is a good marketing tool for a competitor within a digital industry, giving your company presence in an ever-changing market.
Talk to us about how we can help you create a geometric design.


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Santo Antão, mainly for mountain trekking.
Didn't do any mongering on Santo Antão. It doesn't mean however that I didn't keep an eye out for the possible opportunities. They sure are there. Not as obvious as in Mindelo but again I've no doubt that right taxi drivers would help you out. I'll talk about my experiences and thinking on that at the end of the section. Let's first cover general info and tourist stuff.
Continue reading Santo Antão Cape Verde


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A generation or two ago, advertising on television was a much easier process than it is today. Until the explosion of cable in the early 1980s, people could only watch a handful of channels, and there were still only three major networks (ABC, NBC, and CBS). Today, the average cable subscriber has access to hundreds of channels and also has the technology to delete your commercials before they even appear on the screen. How can you market your law firm effectively in this competitive landscape?
Why Is TV Advertising Such a Challenge?
Over the last 30 or so years, the TV advertising industry has experienced a huge upheaval, as advertisers find it harder and harder to effectively target customers. Major changes in the advertising landscape include:
- The near-total market penetration of cable television, which gives consumers access to hundreds of channels
- The diminishing market share of the major networks, which could once be counted on for mainstream advertising
- The ability of consumers to mute their TV sets or even eliminate ads during DVR playback
- The ubiquity of computers, tablets, and smartphones, which means viewers are more likely to use these devices during commercial breaks
- The trend toward shorter and shorter TV commercials; today, 30 seconds is considered a "long" ad, and you may find it difficult to convey your message in that time frame
- The disdain of viewers for the cheap ads that fill air time on basic cable channels, which raises the bar for your own commercial
Which Channels Should I Advertise On?
The best answer we can give to all attorneys is this; advertise on the channels your best clients are watching. That answer is going to be frustrating for the lawyer that just wants a simple response, but it is the best advice. First, only you know who your ideal client is. The first step you should take when building your practice is deciding who your avatar client is and start marketing only to them. Once you have a clear picture of that ideal client, you can start asking questions about their behavior. Are they watching the local news during dinner? Are they watching prime time TV shows? When is their attention fully focuses on their TVs? Once you have a clear picture of your ideal client's watching habits, you can begin designing an advertisement for them.
How do I know if My Ad is Working?
If you frequent the Great Legal Marketing library, you will know how we feel about tracking. Tracking is one of the most important marketing tools you can have. Without it, you cannot know if your marketing campaigns are performing. That is the same for TV ads. For one, television networks do not track your ads for you. You have to build your advertisement with tracking in mind. This includes a tracking phone number, URL, and landing page. You must ask every caller how they learned about your law firm. With that information, you can learn if your TV ad is actually performing, or take up airtime.


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A youthful spirit enlivens Esprit, a collection of contemporary rugs with joie de vivre! Punctuated by bold color and large-scale designs, this playful range packs a powerful design punch at a reasonable price.
Type: Area Rugs
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If You Have a Home Equity Loan, Do You Have to Pay Off the Loan Before You Sell Your House?
A traditional benefit of owning a home has been the ability to eventually sell it, usually at a profit. When you've found a buyer for your home, you'll both work out a mutually agreeable sale closing date. It's at your home's sale closing that any creditors holding liens on your home's title will be paid off from your home's sale proceeds. So, your equity loan is normally paid off when your home's sale closes.
Home Equity Loans
Lenders give home equity loans to qualified homeowners, with their homes serving as collateral for those loans. Typically, home equity loans are pegged to equity values assigned to the homes backing those loans. Your home equity loan may be for $50,000, for instance, with your home securing that loan. Because your home equity loan is backed by your home, the loan's lender has a right to place a lien on your home's title.
Property Title Liens
Liens on property titles are attached by creditors of those properties' owners. Liens serve a valuable purpose for creditors because the liens must be settled before a home they are attached to can sell.
Paying Off Liens
In normal home sales, property title liens are paid off from a home's sale proceeds. Say you have a $200,000 first mortgage and a $50,000 home equity loan and you sell your home for $400,000. At your home's sale closing, your $200,000 mortgage and your $50,000 home equity loan are deducted from your home's sale proceeds, leaving you $150,000 ($400,000-$200,000-$50,000 = $150,000). In order to clear your now-sold home's title and make it marketable, any liens must be eliminated.
Selling Your Home
You won't have to pay off your home equity loan or other liens just to list your home for sale. If your home sells, your buyer's mortgage lender, or even just the buyer, will have a search done on your home's title to find any liens. Mortgage lenders won't loan money to property buyers for properties encumbered with title liens. By law, any liens surviving on a property's title after its sale become the responsibility of the property's new owners.


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Cameras From around the world… 1/3/2018
Todays Cameras for your viewing!
Todays Cameras for your viewing!
Well i got the black friday deal for shodan lifetime $5 …… Here is what I did first! Open VLC and put in the following URL https://gist.github.com/random-robbie/7ccdf7c52c59977504ed628616f9110d View the code on Gist.
Once again the usual list of IP cams to view from around the world. Use VLC https://pastebin.com/raw/bSsGxTSk
Fire up VLC and put this url in https://pastebin.com/raw/VPnZufsn
Here is a scan from yesterdays shodan results. https://pastebin.com/6EqGy5eZ #EXTM3U #EXTINF:-0, CCTV – 126.96.36.199 – United States rtsp://22.214.171.124 #EXTINF:-0, CCTV – 188.8.131.52 – United States rtsp://184.108.40.206/live/ch00_0 #EXTINF:-0, CCTV – 126.96.36.199 – United States rtsp://126.96.36.199/live/ch00_0 #EXTINF:-0, CCTV – 18.104.22.168 – United States rtsp://220.127.116.11/live/ch00_0 #EXTINF:-0, CCTV – […]


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Sarah Wimperis
I am a professional artist, painting in oils and watercolour. After I got my degree in Fine Art Israel I lived and taught art in Israel for two years, Norway for six years and France for four years. I ran mural company as well as working as an illustrator while my five children were young. My work is exhibited in Cornwall and London. I have exhibited with the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, The Royal Society of Watercolour Painters and the Discerning Eye. I also work for Artlook Software for Artists as Artist Ambassador…and I just got into the Sunday Times Watercolour Competition (which is a big deal!) The opportunity to work on the film Loving Vincent was amazing, meeting so many talented artists from all over the world was a fantastic experience. To be so immersed in the world of Van Gogh felt like a privilege and a real tribute to him from artists to artist.
You can see my work here


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Spoilt for Fine Dining
We can cater for all your formal events from small intimate parties to large events. We offer a range of menus and an extensive wine list, together with all the tableware that you require with professional and friendly waiting staff. Hire charges for staff and all linen, tableware and glassware will be provided with your quotation.
We will work with you to make sure your event is a memorable one.
Smoked Duck Salad
with Ginger, Lime & Chilli Compote
Pan-fried Scallops
with Pea Puree, Crispy Pancetta Wafer & Mint Oil
Avocado and Crab Tian
with Tomato Concasse and Bloody Mary Shot
Warm Goat's Cheese & Beetroot Salad
with Toasted Hazelnuts & Balsamic Vinaigrette
Carpaccio of Beef
with Lemon Oil, Parmesan and Micro Cress Salad
Rich Beef Featherblade
with Horseradish Mash & Braised Red Cabbage
Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
with Pea & Mint Puree, Rosemary Jus, Crushed New Potato Cake and Crispy Pancetta
Pork Fillet
with Apple & Sage Compote, Braised Savoy Cabbage and Honey & Herb Parsnips
Corn Fed Chicken Breast
with a Mushroom & Tarragon Mousse. Wrapped in Parma Ham with a White Wine & Cream Sauce, Fondant Potatoes & Green Bean Bundle
Grilled Sea Bass
with Braised Fennel & Aubergine Puree
Fillet of Salmon
with a Dill & Lemon Crust, Chive Hollandaise and New Potatoes
Rich Chocolate Truffle
with Mixed Berries & Chantilly Cream
Lemon Tart
with Pistachio and Lime Mascarpone Cream
Poached Pear
and Almond Mille Feuille
Individual Fresh Fruit Pavlovas
with Berry Coulis
Fair Trade Tea Coffee & Truffles


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Thesis Topic: The role of magnetic fields in the intermediate-mass star formation process
Thesis Supervisor: Markus Schöller
Spectropolarimetric observations of Herbig Ae/Be stars indicate that magnetic fields are important ingredients of intermediate mass star formation. To properly understand the physics involved in the intermediate mass star formation process, it is particularly important to know the origin of the magnetic fields in these stars. However, current theories are not able to present a consistent scenario of how the magnetic fields in Herbig Ae/Be stars are generated or how these fields interact with the circumstellar environment, presenting a combination of disk, wind, accretion, and jets. Understanding the interaction between the central stars, their magnetic fields, and protoplanetary disks is crucial to reconstruct the Solar System's history, and to account for the diversity of exoplanetary systems.
The PhD project aims at a pioneering study of the disk-magnetosphere interaction in detail. Observational constraints on magnetic field models will be placed by inferring the relative contributions of vertical and azimuthal magnetic field components. Using observations with ESO instruments, the Stokes V profiles of the observed Zeeman signatures in photospheric lines as well as various wind and accretion diagnostic lines will be modeled. Furthermore, the study of the magnetic field structure will be combined with the determination of chemical composition and surface element distribution to constrain theories on star formation and magnetospheric accretion.


text: Summer skies are most idyllic when clad in puffs of gray…too oft-washed eiderdown and cotton flannel tinged with traces of navy socks and denim in the laundry. But those are the days that are clean and breathable, rinsed with stream-scented galloping breezes. Eyes unsquint in the gentler light of day, free of tiresome scorching glare. … Continue reading Raft


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Contact is a group of military charities and other entities working with the NHS and the MOD to simplify the way the military community can find support with their mental health and wellbeing. The group meets every few months to identify ways that they can contribute to the military mental health sector, through collaborative working.
Contact has recently relaunched its website, making online help seeking easier for those in need. The website has been designed to create a space where those who are struggling can quickly access, easily navigate, and simply find the support they need. Through this simplified process Contact hopes to have more members of the Armed Forces community come forward and seek out the help they need.
The partners involved in Contact include Help for Heroes, Combat Stress, Walking with the Wounded, Big White Wall, The Royal British Legion, Cobseo, King's College London, the Ministry of Defence, NHS England, Veterans NHS Wales, Veterans First Point and The Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Contact is also one of eight charity partners of Heads Together, led by Prince Harry and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The campaign aims to change the national conversation on mental health.
Karl Hinnett, who founded Team Endeavour Running Club said: "Contact is there to bring together this range of military organisations to help focus and streamline care and what's available."
Prince Harry adds: "The collection of service charities known as Contact is a working group that is seeking for better pathways for care. Everything is coming together, people are working together for a fantastic cause and that's the key to success, is charities coming together, sharing experiences and agreeing that not one solution will fit all. Everybody is unique, everybody has a different cure for their illness but it all starts with a conversation."
For more information, visit www.contactarmedforces.co.uk.


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Elected officials will get a first hand look and gain first hand knowledge of the work being done in the Scioto County area by the Scioto Water Conservation District (SWCD) in a tour scheduled for this Friday, June 24.
The SWCD will take elected officials on a tour that will depart from the Scioto County Welcome Center, located on Second Street in Portsmouth and return to that location in the afternoon.
"I have confirmation from (Scioto County Prosecutor) Mark Kuhn and (First Ward City Councilman) Kevin W. Johnson locally and from State Senator Joe Uecker, as well as confirmation for aides attending from Congressman Bill Johnson and Congressman Brad Wenstrup's offices," Kate Sowards, Scioto SWCD Conservation Education Coordinator, said. "Several of our local partners will be joining us from Farm Service Agency, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and Scioto County Farm Bureau."
The tour will depart from the Welcome Center in Portsmouth at 9 a.m. and travel throughout the county highlighting several projects and showcase the work of the Scioto SWCD with the goal of raising awareness about that organization and their work. The tour includes a lunch and will wrap up at the Welcome Center at around 3 p.m.
"The tour's purpose is to raise understanding about our district and to highlight the work we do in the community," Sowards said.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts exist in each county in Ohio. Scioto SWCD is funded partially by the Scioto County Commissioners and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Soil & Water Resources.
Scioto SWCD offers free consultations to county residents for many topics. They also will assist with helping you find the help you need with any environmental concern.
According to the agency's website their mission is helping to maintain, conserve, and improve Scioto County's natural resources.
Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis


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BARD1-Related Cancer Risk
The BARD1 gene is classified as a "moderate risk" gene, meaning that there is possibly a modestly increased risk for certain types of cancers. For example, women who have a BARD1 pathogenic gene mutation may be 2-3 times more likely to develop breast cancer. Data regarding a potential association between BARD1 gene mutations and ovarian cancer risk have been inconsistent. Further research is needed to understand the interactions of moderate risk genes and family history on lifetime cancer risk.
BARD1 cancer screening and risk-reducing options
The best long-term medical management for individuals who carry a mutation in the BARD1 gene is a topic of on-going research. Healthcare providers oftentimes rely on an individual's personal and family history to guide medical care.
- Breast: Women should pursue standard clinical breast exams and mammography. Depending upon personal and family history, some women may also consider increased breast cancer surveillance with breast MRI.
- Ovary: There is no evidence that ovarian cancer screening with currently available methods (e.g. transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood measurement) reduces ovarian cancer mortality. Due to conflicting data, no definitive recommendation for risk-reducing surgery exists at this time.
BARD1 associated therapeutic/ treatment implications
Individuals who have a cancer diagnosis and an identified BARD1 pathogenic mutation should speak with their treating physician about the availability of targeted/ personalized treatment options.
Clinical trials evaluating different medications in individuals who have pathogenic mutations in BARD1 and/or other related genes might be available now or in the future.
BARD1 testing in other family members
At this point in time, testing adult family members for a moderate risk gene mutation does NOT provide the same clarity or guidance that testing for a high risk gene mutation does. This is because moderate risk gene mutations should not be assumed to be the sole explanation for a particular family's history of cancer. For example, a family could have additional unidentified genetic and/or non-genetic risk factors contributing to the development of cancer seen in family members. It is recommended that family members discuss risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing with their physician and/or genetic counselor. If an adult family member were to test positive for the familial BARD1 gene mutation, increased cancer screening might be considered. However, given the current lack of data regarding BARD1 gene mutations, if an adult family member were to test negative for a familial BARD1 gene mutation, that individual may still be at increased risk for cancer depending upon the family history and possibility for other genes to be playing a role. Cancer screening should be performed in accordance with the family history until further data is available.
Future considerations
As research and data on cancer risk estimates continue to evolve, physicians and researchers will gain a better understanding of how a BARD1 gene mutation influences medical care. Because the information provided to patients will almost certainly change, those with a BARD1 gene mutation are encouraged to keep in touch with their medical providers in order to receive updates.
- Tung N, Domchek SM, Stadler Z, Nathanson KL, Couch F, Garber JE, et al. Counselling framework for moderate-penetrance cancer-susceptibility mutations. Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2016;13(9):581-8. doi: 10.1038/nrclinonc.2016.90. PubMed PMID: 27296296.
- Norquist BM, Harrell MI, Brady MF, Walsh T, Lee MK, Gulsuner S, et al. Inherited Mutations in Women with Ovarian Carcinoma. JAMA Oncol. 2016 Apr;2(4):482-90.
- Slavin TP, Maxwell KN, Lilyquist J, Vijai J, Neuhausen SL, Hart SN, et al. The contribution of pathogenic variants in breast cancer susceptibility genes to familial breast cancer risk. NPJ Breast Cancer. 2017 June 9;3:22.
- Couch FJ, Shimelis H, Hu C, Hart SN, Polley EC, Na J, et al. Associations Between Cancer Predisposition Testing Panel Genes and Breast Cancer. JAMA Oncol. 2017 Sep 1;3(9):1190-1196.
- Ramus SJ, Song H, Dicks E, Tyrer JP, Rosenthal AN, Intermaggio MP, et al. Germline mutations in the BRIP1, BARD1, PALB2, and NBN genes in women with ovarian cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2015 Aug 27;107(11).
- Kurian AW, Hughes E, Handorf EA, Gutin A, Allen B, Hartman AR, et al. Breast and Ovarian Cancer Penetrance Estimates Derived From Germline Multiple-Gene Sequencing Results in Women. JCO Precision Oncology. 2017 June 27;1:1-12.


text: New 'Hunger Games: Mockingjay' Trailer Ignites 9:22 AM PDT 9/15/2014 by Rebecca Ford FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME YOUTUBE Jennifer Lawrence returns as the girl on fire The first full-length Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 trailer has debuted. A teaser trailer was shown at Comic-Con, but the new trailer for Lionsgate's upcoming third installment in the hit YA franchise gives fans a much better look at what the rebellion will look like. Jennifer Lawrence returns as Katniss Everdeen. But instead of fighting in the deadly games, she will be leading the rebels against the corrupt government, The Capitol. Directed by Francis Lawrence, Mockingjay is an adaptation of the first half of Suzanne Collins' third book. It also stars Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Mockingjay — Part 1 hits theaters on November 21, with tickets going on sale on Oct. 29 at 9 a.m. PST/12 noon EST. The final installment, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2, will hit theaters one year later, on November 20, 2015. The Hunger Games franchise has been a giant at the box office. The previous installment, Catching Fire, was released in Nov. 2013 and went on to become the top grossing film of the year in North America, earning $424.7 million. Worldwide, it grossed $864.6 million. FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME YOUTUBE Rebecca Ford firstname.lastname@example.com beccamford


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Does My Chevy S10 Pick Up Need a Catalytic Converter?
Reader Question Thanks for the help on my other question…I have another: How can I test to see if my catalytic converter is clogged or bad and needs replacement in my Chevy S10 pick up?
Hey there Patrick
You can test for an exhaust restriction by having someone stand behind the tailpipe with a rag over the outlet of the exhaust pipe as you mash the gas pedal to the floor a few times. Warning, it will be VERY hot, do not burn yourself! If the engine RPM raises quickly and there is lots of hot exhaust coming out the tailpipe, you do not have a problem in the exhaust or catalytic converter system.
To be honest, you really need to have the computer codes read to help narrow things down…its cheaper than guessing at parts to replace and all the time involved in testing these items yourself. Do you have a local repair shop that is capable of diagnosing this type of problem that might work with you on price? When I owned my shop Thursday was the slowest day of the week….and I would usually discount our rates just to get people to come in on Thursday. You might make some calls and see if you can get a shop to cut their diagnostic fees for you.
You want the check engine light codes "Read", but you really need to have the truck acting up WHEN the mechanic is reading the codes, since the light goes off when it runs good…chances are there is no negative information being stored in your computer at that time.
You mentioned previously that the check engine light comes on when it runs bad, and goes off when it runs good. You also said it ran bad/dies when the engine gets hot, which is probably due to a sensor overheating and freaking out the onboard computer.
Things that can cause the issues you describe:
1. Faulty MAP sensor – measures pressure in the intake manifold
2. Ignition module – controls spark to the plugs and the distributor
3. Camshaft and crankshaft sensors – if your model is equipped with them
4. Lack of fuel pressure – weak fuel pump
All the items above are fairly expensive to GUESS at. If you can't make a deal with a local repair shop let me know and I will call my old shop (I sold it 6 months ago) and see if they will help you for a reduced fee.
Austin C. Davis
Looking for a Church Houston?


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Topics: ultraclear polypropylene, polyproyplene sheet, clear polypropylene
As sustainability concerns continue to remain at the forefront of packaging discussions, using a recyclable and environmentally conscious packaging material is an essential requirement for many converters and brand owners. However, selecting a material that is recyclable is only half of the battle. While certain plastics materials technically recyclable, research has shown that infrastructure supporting the recycling of certain materials is not widely available to a small portion of the population. So steps to ensure that you are choosing a material that consumers can actively recycle for diversion into other applicatons is an important piece of the puzzle.
To give insight to recycling rates of different plastic materials, since 2009 the plastics division of the American Chemistry Council has commissioned a study on recycling rates in the US. Continue reading to learn more about the findings of the 2015 National Post-Consumer Non-Bottle Rigid Plastic Recycling Report!
Topics: polypropylene, sustainability, polyproyplene sheet, environmental impacts of polypropylene
NXTM UltraClear Polypropylene sheet will be making an appearance at this year's International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA) show in Anaheim, CA!
Continue reading for more information about the show!
Topics: polypropylene, ultraclear polypropylene, polyproyplene sheet, clear polypropylene
One of the wonderful, but confusing, things about PP is that there are several different grades of the same polymer and no two resins behave alike. One one hand, this is great because it gives us the opportunity to tailor the plastic sheet formulation to our customers application; but on the other hand, this can lead to confusion regarding which grade of PP is best suited for which application. So what is the difference? To offer some guidance, we put together a basic guide to help you differentiate between the three main grades of PP. Continue reading to learn more!
Topics: polypropylene, polyproyplene sheet
For the second year in a row, Impact Plastics will exhibit at Luxe Pack New York, the premiere trade show in the US dedicated to creative packaging. This trade show provides an exclusive event for creative packaging solutions for the beauty, fragrance, wine & spirits, and fine foods industries. Impact Plastics will be exhibiting in conjunction with Flock Tex, a worldwide leader and manufacturer of flock coated materials and specialty fibers. Get a preview of what you can expect to see from us at Luxe Pack NYC this year and be sure to visit us at booth B106!
Topics: polypropylene, polyproyplene sheet, Luxe Pack
Choosing the right plastic for your application can be confusing, particularly if you are new to the industry. In our recent blog post, "When it Comes to material selection, not all plastics are created equal," we gave a quick overview of the polymers that Impact extrudes, touching on their general characteristics and typical uses.
In this next blog post, we narrow our focus to discuss one of the materials we extrude in greater detail – polypropylene. If you couldn't tell from our other blog posts, we at Impact Plastics love PP for a variety of reasons. PP is an economical material that offers an outstanding combination of physical, chemical, thermal and sustainable attributes. Continue reading to learn 7 key facts about PP plastic:
Topics: polypropylene, polyproyplene sheet
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) is one of the most widely used mineral fillers in the plastics industry, and its use in rigid packaging has increased significantly over the years. Once thought of simply as a resin extender, the addition of calcium carbonate in plastics has been shown to contribute to increased performance, improved processing, and improved sustainability of the finished part.
Check out five great reasons why you should consider using calcium carbonate filled polypropylene sheet for your next project:
Topics: polypropylene, polyproyplene sheet, calcium carbonate filled polypropylene
The benefits of polypropylene are indisputable – the material efficiency, sustainability attributes, and performance of the polymer make it an extremely versatile material. However, the one drawback that has pushed customers in the direction of other polymers such as PET and Clear HIPS has been clarity – or lack thereof.
Topics: polypropylene, ultraclear polypropylene, polyproyplene sheet, clear polypropylene
Working with polypropylene sheet for the first time often presents new challenges for thermoformers including shrinkage, low rigidity, and low stiffness. The addition talc or calcium carbonate mineral fillers can help remedy these problems while contributing added benefits compared to resin-only formulations. But while talc and calcium carbonate both offer benefits, we often find our customers asking, "what's the difference?"
Topics: polypropylene, talc filled polypropylene, polyproyplene sheet, calcium carbonate filled polypropylene
Those of us living and working in the plastics world have heard the comments before – plastics are not sustainable. As sustainability becomes more important to consumers, pressure is put on brand owners to consider sustainability in all that they put out into the market – and that includes their packaging. I don't know about our readers, but I believe that the sustainability of plastics are misunderstood. Not to say that plastics are blameless, but there is an unfortunate misconception aomongst consumers that plastics are not a sustainable packaging choice.
Topics: polyproyplene sheet


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Comenius trip to Ireland
On Wednesday 13th March Miss Samani, Miss Parker and Mrs Bakshi headed off to Trim in Ireland to visit our Comenius partner school, St. Michael's. St. Michael's is a CatholicboysPrimary school with a Centre for Autism attached to it.There are currently 291 pupils in the school and the average class size in the mainstream school is 21. The children had all been completing work on the Comenius countries in preparation of the trip.
The school has a reputation for the excellent provision that it provides for pupils with autism. It also has a very strong music department. We were treated to a special assembly where several members of staff accompanied the choir on a range of instruments including the guitar and flute. One of the highlights of the assembly was hearing one of the teachers, Ms Mulcahy playing a traditional Irish instrument called the 'Uilleann (elbow) pipes'. This was a real privilege as she is one of only five people who is able to play it at a professional level. She is often invited to play around the world and has played in China, America, Australia, Canada, Vietnam as well as Europe. Ms Mulcahy and her sister are regarded as Ireland's most talented and gifted multi – instrumentalists in Irish Traditional music today, they play a range of instruments including harp, concertina, piano, fiddle, flute, tinwhistle and Uilleann pipes !
Mrs Bakshi and Miss Parker were lucky enough to see a demonstration of Gaelic Football. They are both fast paced games and quite different from what we play here. The school is very successful in these sports and like us, have many trophies un their school cabinets !
During our time in Trim we visited the historical site of The Battle of the Boyne. The battle was fought in 1690 and was a very important battle in Irish, British and European history.
We were also treated to a special lunch overlooking TrimCastle, (which was featured in the film Braveheart) with the Mayor of the town.
This is a picture of the Co-ordinators from each country with the Mayor of Trim and standing outside St. Michael's School.
The highlight of the trip was our visit to Dublin to celebrate St Patrick's Day.
We had the great honour of taking part in the famous St Patrick's Day Parade which travels through the streets of Dublin. This was an amazing experience and we were able to view the American Marching Bands at close range as well as all the amazing themed floats and costumes. The city was a sea of green as thousands of people lined the streets – it was an amazing experience! The following photos should give you a flavour of the day…


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"This little hipster girl is becoming a real pain in my ass, doctor."
Dr. Von Schnitt recoiled slightly under the gaze of O5-2; even over the plasma screen, his visage was intimidating. On screens flanking Overseer 2 on his left and right, O5-7 and O5-8 watched the proceedings in terse silence. Behind Von Schnitt, Doctors Snorlison and Gears were equally nonvocal, the former looking rather relieved that it wasn't his head on the chopping block, and the latter gazing on the proceedings with an impassive stare. Off to one side of the two observational doctors, the enigmatic being known as the Fishmonger stood nearby, arms crossed as he took in all the others with an aloof indifference.
"The situation with the late Dr. Bishop is most unfortunate, Overseer," stammered Von Schnitt, "but as I think you'll see in my official report, SCP-808's reaction was not unjustified. In both cases where the SCP forced an override of a combination technological-organic system, it was in response to a direct threat to itself."
"I have read the report," shot back O5-2. "My question to you, doctor, is how do you determine what is a justifiable threat to SCP-808? We're not talking about an automated weapons platform with precisely doled artificially intelligent missile defense systems; we're talking about a frightened and unpredictable 19-year-old girl with the ability to hack anything electronic — and anything connected to anything electronic — with her thoughts."
"I will admit to failure in regards to the selection of Dr. Bishop," said Von Schnitt. "He was young, inexperienced, and cocksure. I misjudged his abilities in respect to his self-control. However, I do not believe I was incorrect in my assessment of the situation. If SCP-808 is to become the invaluable resource that Oversight believes she can be, then it is imperative that her motivations change to a pro-active stance, rather than a reactive one. To that end, we need a liaison to her."
O5-2 huffed. "And whom or what would you propose that honor fall to next? Completely electronic entities are out of the question. Completely organic entities have proven ineffective. Composite entities almost certainly ensure disaster. What options would we have left, then?"
Von Schnitt was silent for several seconds.
"Begging sirs pardons," spoke up the Fishmonger, "if I might make a suggestion?"
"Speak," nodded O5-2.
Fish spoke. "I believe that Dr. Von Schnitt is correct in his assessment that a liaison is required to properly adjust SCP-808's attitude. I also believe that you are correct in your assessment that the standard compliment for such work is ineffectual."
"Then you must also agree that the situation create a vicious circle," said O5-2
"On the contrary," Fish said, "I would like to propose an elegant, if unorthodox solution."
O5-2 hummed. "Continue."
"What SCP-808 requires is an entity with whom she can relate. The logical course of action would therefore be to assign another SCP to her that we can implicitly trust. If, in turn, this SCP has certain abilities of its own that interest SCP-808, we would have a unique opportunity to guide her development. Naturally this would mean that an SCP with cybernetic implants would be preferable. However, in light of the exposure to SCP-137, the SCP would also need a natural countermeasure to SCP-808's abilities."
"And where," asked O5-2 with marked sarcasm, "do you propose we find this magical SCP?"
"Actually," answered Fish, "he lives right down the hall from her."
Dr. Franks knocked on the door of Cain's room. "You busy?"
"No, doctor," replied the Arabic-looking man, his voice even-toned and unimposing. He was sitting at a desk, taking files out of a folder and scanning his eyes over them in sequence. He did not look up at the doctor as he spoke again: "I assume you've come to deliver the Kriebel documents for memorization and cataloging."
"Right as usual," said Franks, entering and placing the folders he'd brought with him in Cain's inbox. "Never ceases to amaze me how you do that."
"As I've explained previously," said Cain, "a scientist such as yourself should be closely familiar with integral functions. Once a pattern emerges, one can easily deduce the next event in the sequence, given enough time and data." He stopped reading for a moment, looking up at Franks. "Have they authorized her to meet me yet?"
"Who?" asked Franks, looking sincerely puzzled.
"The girl," replied Cain simply. "She's become quite an issue to Oversight as of late. I calculate an 87% probability that she will be assigned to me today."
Franks looked slightly incredulous. "You mean 808? Are you sure you've got your data straight on this one, Cain? This is a little lady who can direct cybernetic implants to reconfigure a host body on a cellular level. Not exactly a good fit for you, I'd surmise."
"Under normal circumstances, I would deem you correct, doctor," replied Cain. "These, however, are highly unusual circumstances, which warrant a larger focus on the least absolute deviation. I believe my prediction will hold true."
Just then, Von Schnitt entered the room. "Franks," he said curtly, "take a powder. I need to talk to Cain."
Franks screwed up his eyebrows, looking to Cain and then back to Von Schnitt, but said nothing, leaving without fanfare.
"Dr. Von Schnitt," said Cain, nodding to the new arrival, "I've been expecting you."
"That's cheeky, because I sure haven't been expecting me," snapped back Von Schnitt, visibly displeased. "I'm here to inform you that I've been removed from continuing evaluation of SCP-808, effective immediately. Oversight has decided to place you in charge of her further development. Mobile Task Force Tau-3 is at your disposal."
"I see," said Cain. "Thank you, doctor. I will endeavor to do my best to motivate her towards the SCP cause."
"See that you do," said Von Schnitt, leaving in a huff.
Cain considered the doctor for a moment, then turned back to the collection of folders in his inbox, picking up where he'd left off, reading the files one by one.
"They took away my DVD player," pouted Alice, eyes gazing down into her meal, which she played with idly without taking any bites.
"I'm sure it wasn't personal," replied Agent Trevino, sipping her tea out of a featureless coffee mug. "You know they always need to study everything thirty times over whenever an event happens. You'll probably get it back when they're done looking it over."
"I hadn't finished watching Baraka," Alice added, remaining sullen.
Trevino watched Alice for a moment. "You really should eat something," she offered. "I know you're having a hard time these last few days, but you shouldn't punish yourself by starving. Go on, have some of the potatoes, they're really good."
"That's why they sent you to watch me," Alice said, "because I'm 'having a hard time.' Nice euphemism for 'rape victim' there."
"That's not fair," said Trevino. "I've been with Tau-3 before we got assigned to you. I've known you a long time, Alice. I thought maybe you and I could dialog a bit, is all."
"They just sent you because you're a girl," said Alice. "Like we've got some sacred sisterhood of the bleeding vagina."
Trevino sighed. "Look, I'm sorry. I really just thought you could use someone to talk to."
"That's part of your script," said Alice, becoming irate. "I know I'm young and really naive, but I'm not retarded. All this is is another tactic to get into my head and find out what makes me tick. Well, guess what? I don't know what makes me tick! So maybe you stupid government jerks are just wasting your time!" She threw her fork into the plate, splashing up bits of asparagus.
Trevino said nothing. The two women sat in silence for a long, awkward moment.
Agent Underwood appeared at the door. "Trevino, we're taking 808 down to 073's room. He'll be heading this up from now on."
Trevino blinked. "073?"
Underwood nodded. "He wants to see her immediately."
Trevino stood up. "You heard the man," she said to Alice.
"I'm not exactly in a mood to meet anyone today," replied Alice, crossing her arms.
"You know we can do this the hard way if we have to," Underwood said, firmly, "and we won't feel bad about it, either, because we warned you in advance."
Alice sighed, standing up form the table. "Fine," she spat, heading for her waredrobe.
"I'd suggest keeping to wool, leather and polyester," added Underwood.
"Come in," said Cain, simply, still engrossed in his work.
Trevino gave Alice a gentle press, to which Alice returned a rather spiteful look, before entering Cain's abode.
"You may go," added Cain to the Agents.
"Regulations state that at least one Agent must be present between any meeting of SCPs," stated Underwood matter-of-factly.
Cain looked up from his file at Underwood. "Article B-47-D, section J-89-A-2, subsection A-12, subsubsection H-9 of that regulation states that in cases of a minimum of three O5-level agreement, no more than two SCPs of Safe designation may be allowed unrestricted access to one another. I have been granted such an approval. If you would like to verify this order, you may contact Dr. Von Schnitt."
Underwood huffed visibly, knowing fully well that Cain wasn't known for bluffing. "No, sir," he responded, leaving the doorway. Trevino followed in tow.
"Please feel free to make yourself comfortable," said Cain, returning to his files. "I will be finished with this task momentarily."
Alice regarded Cain for a moment before moving, unsure as to how she should proceed. After a long silence, she asked, "What do your implants do?"
"I'm not entirely certain," replied Cain. "They seem to function in much the same way as normal limbs, but I don't recall when they were given to me, or why I needed them."
Alice blinked. "Do they hurt?"
"Not in the manner you mean," said Cain.
Alice inhaled sharply, looking around the office. All of the furniture was made of non-organic materials — glass, metals, etc. There were many books and files, but the paper they were printed on appeared to be some kind of flexible plastic, rather than normal wood based.
"There," said Cain, putting the last file into his outbox, "I've finished today's queue." He turned to face Alice in his desk chair. "Sit, please."
"All things considered," said Alice, "I think I'd prefer to stand."
"As you wish," said Cain. He regarded her face for a moment. "You may call me Cain. I've followed your files very closely, Alice Jasper Rook. You've been a part of my statistical calculations for some time. I believe that you and I can aid each other."
"I've heard that before," said Alice, "and it always means that someone wants something from me or else they'll do something bad to me."
Cain blinked. "I am incapable of causing you intentional harm, Alice. On the other hand, you are also incapable of causing me intentional harm."
"I've done pretty well with it in recent events," warned Alice.
Cain nodded. "Let's try an experiment, then, if you're willing. I want you to use your abilities to take control of me. Have me do something fairly innocuous — picking up this pen, for example." He pointed to a plastic ball-point on his desk.
Alice hesitated. "Why?"
"I want to prove to you that the only person that can hurt you here is yourself," said Cain.
Alice thought a moment. Then, she reached out with her mind to Cain's implants, trying to imbue them with her will, directing his arm to reach up and pinch himself on the nose. Shockingly, Alice found herself reaching up to her own nose, and grabbing it hard.
"Ow!" she yelped, letting go of the implants with her mind, and finding that her fingers let go of her nose as she did so.
Cain, amazingly, didn't laugh at her. "I apologize for this demonstration," he said, with genuine concern. "Are you alright?"
"No!" shouted Alice, rubbing her nose. "How the Hell did you do that?"
"Any violence imposed on my person returns to the inflicter," explained Cain. "Invasion of my thoughts is a violation by definition. Therefore whatever actions you attempt to have me do will be executed by your person instead. This is why I suggested a harmless action. Attempting to exercise severe changes though my implants, such as restructuring my neural pathways, would undoubtedly wreak grave consequences."
Alice considered Cain's words carefully. "Okay, so I can't hack into you like I can other cybernetics," she concluded. "But what's to stop you from hurting me?"
"That is not an option I am disposed to," said Cain, simply.
"You're going to have to do better than that, said Alice.
Cain blinked, then sighed. "I can offer no explanation at this point that you would not dismiss. I apologize for this inadequacy."
"Fine," said Alice, "say I take you at face value. Why is dealing with you going to be different than dealing with any other doctor or agent who's been looking to exploit me?"
"Because, Alice," said Cain, "you are not here to learn how to help the SCP. Tentatively, that is the goal I have been assigned, but it is not the reason you have been called to me."
"Then what is the reason?" asked Alice
"To become the Chariot of Splendors," replied Cain.


text:
The Navy says it won't comply with sonar training restrictions that aim to protect marine mammals off the California coast, arguing that the commission that imposed the rules does not have the jurisdiction to do so.
The U.S. Pacific Fleet said in a statement Monday that the California Coastal Commission's rules cannot be applied beyond the scope of state waters, three nautical miles from shore.
"The Navy does not take lightly our responsibility to the environment and marine life," said Vice Adm. Barry Costello, commander of the U.S. 3rd Fleet in San Diego. "And we can be responsible environmental stewards while our sonar operators receive realistic training and experience at sea they need."
The Navy has been using sonar during training exercises off the California coast for decades, a practice that critics say can injure whales and other sea mammals. Last year, it sought permission for the exercises from the commission as part of new internal guidelines to ensure major exercises are environmentally sound.
The commission agreed to the exercises last month. But it also imposed restrictions on use of midfrequency active sonar in a zone the Navy said was outside the commission's jurisdiction.
Mark Delaplaine, a project analyst for the commission, said members might take up the issue later in the week.
"We've got some stuff to think about and figure out as to what a proper response would be," he said.
Environmentalists criticized the Navy's decision, accusing it of denying the commission's authority to protect mammals off its coast. The Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group that has sued to stop other Navy sonar training, vowed to sue if the coastal commission does not.
"The notion that the commission is pre-empted from protecting marine mammals off the California coast is not only without any legal basis, but it is in direct contradiction to the fact that the commission has been doing exactly that for decades under the federal law protecting our coasts," said Joel Reynolds of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Environmentalists say whales have stranded themselves on beaches after being exposed to high-intensity midfrequency sonar. The sonar is also claimed to interfere with the ability of marine mammals to navigate, hunt, take care of their offspring and avoid predators.
The Navy acknowledges midfrequency active sonar can contribute to marine mammal injury or even death. It says it takes steps to protect marine mammals, such as posting lookouts on board to watch for marine mammals nearby.


text:
House of Versace Film
Here's How the House of Versace Feels About Lifetime's New Versace Movie
As it turns out, the house of Versace is not as happy about Lifetime's upcoming movie House of Versace as everyone else is. In a statement to WWD, the Italian fashion brand said it it had "neither authorized nor had any involvement whatsoever in the forthcoming TV movie about Mrs. Versace. Since Versace did not authorize the book on which it is based, the movie should only be seen as a work of fiction."
The film, which stars Gina Gershon and will premiere Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. EDT, is based on Deborah Ball's 2010 book House of Versace: The Untold Story of Genius, Murder, and Survival. Despite the statement, Donatella and her brother Santo Versace were interviewed for the book, part of which chronicles Donatella becoming the house's creative director after the death of her brother Gianni.
Just last week, Gershon told POPSUGAR that she hoped the movie would meet Versace's approval. "I think Donatella — if it were a life story done about her, she'd want it to be a $90 zillion big feature film, which I totally understand, you know. Who wouldn't?" Gershon said in an interview with entertainment reporter Allie Merriam. "I don't know if they actually gave their blessings for this, but hopefully they'll be OK with it."


text:
Dear Professor Dawkins,
I cannot express in words the profound influence you have had on myself and many others. I was raised Christian conservative and always believed that the word "atheist" was synonymous with "evil." After taking a few steps back and observing my beliefs from a neutral point of view, I concluded that, actually, the word "faith" is indeed synonymous with "ignorance." After a year or so I finally decided to inform my devout parents of my loss of ignorance. Currently, I'm constantly being told that I'm the lost one, or I'm the one who doesn't know what they're talking about. Needless to say, I've adopted your policy regarding debates with YEC's. I'm unable to successfully argue with people who value faith over evidence (or knowledge). Despite my perpetual frustration, I don't have to hide my beliefs anymore, which is a great weight taken off my shoulders. At first I feared death after I stopped believing in the afterlife. Now, I realize how incredibly lucky I am to have this life and certainly wouldn't insist on having a second. My fear of death was primarily based on dying before I had all the answers. However, I now realize again that science is all about constantly learning and having all the answers would make it incredibly boring. I suppose dying while knowing so little could be classified as almost a beautiful tragedy. I am currently reading all of your books and am absolutely intrigued by your views on evolution. So intrigued, as a matter of fact, that you've inspired me to return to college (after a year off) and become a science major (and yes, I'm leaning toward biology). Thank you so very much for everything that you have done and for opening the eyes of myself and many others to the beauty of science and rationality.


text:
Within 5m of the dining room window of our listed building, we inherited an ugly 2 feet high breeze-block earth-retaining wall in the sloping garden. I had it faced with lime render last summer and my wife painted it with two coats of Sandtex microseal ultra-smooth masonry paint. Moisture seeping through has blistered this inappropriate paint in many places, but:
[i] Akzo Nobel say that there is no way of removing the Snowcem that will not scrape off, while [ii] Farrow & Ball report that limewash cannot be used over existing coatings.
Can you recommend a practical means of rectifying this situation?


text:
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