text:
~They believed they could so they did~
I started Bella V Mobile Boutique shortly after surviving a brain tumor. There were 2 things I promised myself while going through radiation. 1-I'll survive & 2- I was going to start living life without fear. I named my company after my girls Isabella & Victoria. I hustle everyday to teach my girls to work hard and never give up on their dreams. My passion and extent experience in the fashion industry will bring together a one of kind collection. My mission is to have each customer feel confident, empowered & beautiful. Looking forward in getting to know you.
I was born and raised in the heart of the South Bronx, NY with a wide cultural diversity came many types of fashion, which always intrigued me. From a young age, I was always fascinated with fashion. At the young age of 17, I was accepted into The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, ready to conquer the fashion world. But, I was blessed with a beautiful baby girl, which redirected my life's path. I am a proud mama of 3, with a fiery passion for fashion which reflects in my own personal wardrobe.
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Windows XP Visual Styles
Ghacks.net has posted some links to 5 nice visual styles for Windows Vista from the deviantart website, the article is here, 5 beautiful visual styles for Windows XP. Of course you can't change the visual style out of the box, some "hacking" is required.
The feature to add your own visual styles to Windows XP is locked by default and you need to replace the original uxtheme.dll with a patched unlocked one to be able to add visual styles to the operating system. Download the patched uxtheme.dll from Softpedia and do the following. Rename the original file which can be found in the system32 folder of your Windows XP installation to uxtheme.dll.old and move the downloaded version into system32. You will have to restart your computer afterwards before the changes are recognized. Source: 5 beautiful visual styles for Windows XP

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Extremely Premature NewbornsEarly Results and Midterm Follow-Up
Author + information
- Received June 27, 2016
- Revision received August 12, 2016
- Accepted September 8, 2016
- Published online December 12, 2016.
Author Information
- Evan M. Zahn, MD∗ (evan.zahn{at}cshs.org),
- Daniel Peck, MD,
- Alistair Phillips, MD,
- Phillip Nevin, RN,
- Kaylan Basaker, CVT,
- Charles Simmons, MD,
- Marion E. McRae, NP,
- Tracy Early, MA and
- Ruchira Garg, MD
- The Guerin Family Congenital Heart Program, The Heart Institute and Department of Pediatrics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- ↵∗Reprint requests and correspondence:
Dr. Evan M. Zahn, The Heart Institute, 127 S. San Vicente Boulevard, AHSP-Suite A3600, Los Angeles, California 90048.
Graphical abstract
Objectives The goal of this study was to describe early and midterm outcomes of extremely premature newborns (EPNs) who underwent transcatheter echocardiographically guided patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure.
Background Surgical ligation of PDA in EPNs confers significant risk for procedural morbidity and adverse long-term outcomes.
Methods The Amplatzer Vascular Plug II was used in all cases. Post-ligation syndrome was defined using previously published parameters. Patients were followed at pre-specified intervals, and prospectively collected data were reviewed.
Results Transcatheter closure was attempted in 24 EPNs (mean procedural age 30 days [range 5 to 80 days], mean procedural weight 1,249 g [range 755 to 2,380 g]) and was successful in 88%. The 3 procedural failures were related to the development of left pulmonary artery (LPA) stenosis caused by the device, and all devices were removed uneventfully. Complications included 2 instances of device malposition, resolved with device repositioning, and 1 instance of LPA stenosis, requiring an LPA stent. There were no procedural deaths, cases of post-ligation syndrome, residual PDA, or device embolization. Survival to discharge was 96% (23 of 24), with a single late death unrelated to the procedure. After a median follow-up period of 11.1 months, all patients were alive and well, with no residual PDA or evidence of LPA or aortic coarctation.
Conclusions This newly described technique can be performed safely with a high success rate and minimal procedural morbidity in EPNs. Early and midterm follow-up is encouraging. Future efforts should be directed toward developing specific devices for this unique application.
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most common cardiovascular abnormality in extremely premature newborns (EPNs). The resultant left-to-right shunt has been associated with necrotizing enterocolitis, chronic respiratory disease, pulmonary hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and death (1,2).
Treatment with cyclooxygenase inhibitors induces ductal constriction and closure in some EPNs, but this therapy is successful only in an estimated 50% to 60% of cases and carries a risk for pharmacological complications such as renal insufficiency and bleeding (3). When medical therapy fails or is contraindicated, surgical ligation may be performed, but surgery has been associated with significant procedural complications, including early cardiorespiratory instability (so called post ligation syndrome [PLS]), pneumothorax, intraoperative bleeding, phrenic nerve palsy, wound infection, and vocal cord paralysis (4–6). More recently, concerns have arisen that surgical ligation may be an independent risk factor for poor neurodevelopmental outcome and chronic respiratory disease (7,8).
Although transcatheter treatment of PDA in children and adults is commonplace (9,10), this therapy has not been widely applied to EPNs for a variety of reasons, including concerns regarding vascular access, overall patient fragility, concerns regarding contrast administration, and lack of a suitable device.
We previously described a new transcatheter technique for the treatment of PDA in this population (11) and herein describe our institutional experience with procedural outcomes, periprocedural events, and early and midterm follow-up.
Study population
EPNs with hemodynamically significant PDA were treated initially with 2 doses of indomethacin unless contraindicated. If this therapy failed to result in PDA closure, either conservative expectant medical management and/or PDA closure was pursued, on the basis of the discretion of the neonatology team. If closure was requested, infants were evaluated to determine candidacy for transcatheter closure. Ductal morphology was evaluated with multiplanar transthoracic echocardiographic imaging, and only those infants with ductal length >6 mm were considered candidates. No infant was excluded on the basis of body weight, age, illness severity, or ductal diameter. The Cedars-Sinai Institutional Review Board approved this study.
Procedural details
We have previously described this technique (11), and procedural details are depicted in Figure 1. Briefly, femoral venous access was used exclusively following the first case, which was performed from a retrograde arterial approach (12). For all remaining cases, a 0.014-inch coronary guidewire was advanced under fluoroscopic guidance through the right heart, across the PDA, and into an ileac artery. A 4-F hydrophilic sheath (Flexor, Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana) was advanced over the wire into the descending aorta, and an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II (St. Jude Medical, Minneapolis, Minnesota) was implanted through the sheath using a combination of fluoroscopic and echocardiographic guidance. This device is a self-expanding nitinol cylindrical mesh with 3 equal-diameter disks and an unconstrained length of 6 mm. Devices were chosen so that the disk diameter was at least 1 mm greater than the narrowest diameter of the PDA. Prior to release from the delivery cable, the left pulmonary artery (LPA) and descending aorta were carefully evaluated by echocardiography with 2-dimensional imaging and color and spectral Doppler and compared with the pre-procedural imaging. If vascular stenosis related to the device was observed, as defined by a maximal instantaneous gradient >15 mm Hg or an "obstructed" pattern with persistent antegrade diastolic flow, the device was recaptured and either repositioned or removed and replaced with another device of a different size. If on repeat attempt(s) there was persistent stenosis, the patient was converted to surgical ligation. Following release of the device, echocardiographic evaluation of all pertinent structures was repeated. Patients were administered a single intraprocedural and 2 post-procedural doses of antibiotics (cefazolin 25 mg/kg) and a single procedural dose of intravenous heparin (100 U/kg) unless contraindicated. Over the study period the procedure evolved from being performed in the catheterization suite to being performed at the bedside in the neonatal intensive care unit with the assistance of a mobile mini C-arm fluoroscopy unit (Fluoroscan InSight-FD mini, Hologic, Marlborough, Massachusetts) and neonatal procedural bed (Rainbow Flex, NeoForce Group, Ivyland, Pennsylvania) that accommodates the fluoroscopic equipment.
Assessment of PLS
PLS was defined as diminished left ventricular myocardial performance associated with significant alteration in cardiorespiratory stability and/or increased need for vasopressor support (13). Myocardial performance was assessed via transthoracic echocardiography (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]) prior to intervention, within 12 h of intervention, and prior to discharge. Clinical indexes of cardiorespiratory stability (heart rate, blood pressure, systemic oxygen saturation) and the need for increased vasopressor and/or respiratory support were reviewed before and 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h following intervention.
Follow-up echocardiography was performed at pre-specified intervals: within 12 h, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and then yearly after the procedure.
Statistical analysis
Continuous variables are reported as mean values. To evaluate the possibility that the procedure resulted in LPA and/or descending aortic obstruction, paired Student t tests were used to compare pre-procedural, post-procedural, and latest Doppler velocities across these areas. To examine for the possibility that the procedure resulted in PLS, systolic and mean blood pressure, heart rate, and LVEF were measured at various pre-defined scheduled intervals and compared with pre-procedural values using a mixed-effect model in which pre-procedural values were used as the reference value. A p value < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.
Study demographics
Study demographics are presented in Table 1. A total of 27 severely EPNs (mean birth weight 912 g [range 440 to 2,480 g], mean birth age 27 weeks [range 24 to 32 weeks]) with hemodynamically significant PDA were referred for PDA closure (March 2013 to February 2015). Three patients were not candidates for catheter closure on the basis of ductal length <6 mm. Mean age and weight at the time of the procedure was 30 days (range 5 to 80 days) and 1,249 g (range 755 to 2,240 g), respectively. Fourteen patients had received previous trials of indomethacin, 1 was receiving inotropic support, 19 (79%) required mechanical ventilation, and 1 required nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation. All patients had type F (fetal type) tubular PDA with a mean minimal diameter of 2.3 mm (range 1.3 to 3.5 mm) and length of 7.6 mm (range 5.8 to 10.6 mm) (14).
Procedural outcomes
Procedural outcomes are reported in Table 2. Procedures were initially performed in the catheterization laboratory (n = 19), but the last 5 cases were performed at the bedside. All PDAs were closed using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II (3 mm, n = 8; 4 mm, n = 10; 6 mm, n = 3). Mean procedural and fluoroscopy times were 49 min (range 21 to 151 min) and 10 min (range 0 to 28 min), respectively. Procedures were performed using only femoral venous access with 2 exceptions: Patient #1, who underwent retrograde device implantation via the femoral artery, and Patient #8, who required device manipulation via the artery following release (see the following discussion). Devices were successfully implanted and left in place in 21 of 24 patients (88%). All patients had complete ductal closure by color flow Doppler prior to completion of the procedure. All 3 procedural failures (Patients #9, #18, and #24) had devices implanted and removed prior to release from the delivery cable because of concern about device encroachment upon the LPA (Figure 2). All 3 underwent uncomplicated surgical ligation immediately following the catheter procedure.
There were no procedure-related blood transfusions, bloodstream infections, limb ischemia or vascular insufficiency, device embolizations, or deaths. One infant (Patient #17) died 5 months following the procedure of events believed to be unrelated to PDA closure.
Effect of closure on neighboring vessels
For the group as a whole Doppler flow velocity did not increase in the LPA following device implantation (mean LPA flow velocity pre-procedure 1.4 m/s vs. post-procedure 1.5 m/s; p = 0.20) and fell to lower than pre-procedural values during follow-up (mean LPA flow velocity pre-procedure 1.4 m/s vs. latest 1.1 m/s; p = 0.02). The single exception was Patient #23, who developed echocardiographic evidence of moderate LPA stenosis early in follow-up and subsequently required pulmonary artery stent implantation (see the following discussion).
Doppler flow velocities in the descending aorta decreased significantly following PDA occlusion (mean descending aortic flow velocity pre-procedure 1.6 m/s vs. post-procedure 1.2 m/s; p = 0.0001). Two patients (Patients #4 and #8) experienced transient moderate descending aortic obstruction immediately following device release and acute increases in Doppler flow velocity. Both patients underwent successful manipulation of the device using a gooseneck snare, with no obvious ill effects, and complete resolution of aortic obstruction and successful device PDA closure. In 1 of these cases noted previously (Patient #8), arterial access was used to manipulate the device simultaneously from the pulmonic and aortic end.
Immediately after device closure, mean LVEF for the group decreased (pre-procedure 69% vs. post-procedure 63%; p = 0.004) but remained in the normal range, with the exception of 3 patients (Patients #2, #5, and #8), 2 of whom recovered normal LVEF prior to discharge (Figure 3). Neither of these patients had signs or symptoms of low–cardiac output syndrome or heart failure. In Patient #8, who required extensive device repositioning following release, significant septal dyskinesia was noted following the procedure. Although there was no notable change in blood pressure, heart rate, or oxygen requirement, the baby required reintubation and mechanical ventilation for 3 days following the procedure. Although at the time of discharge LVEF was still below normal (48%), it normalized in follow-up.
For the group as a whole, average heart rate increased early (1 to 4 h) post-procedure (pre-procedure 161 beats/min vs. post-procedure 173 beats/min; p = 0.0005), returning to pre-procedural levels by 24 h. No significant changes in systolic and mean blood pressure, oxygen requirement, or inotropic requirement were observed in any patient.
Twenty-three patients (96%) survived to discharge. After a median follow-up period of 11.1 months (range 4.6 to 30.3 months) no patient had residual or recurrent PDA shunt flow. One patient noted previously (Patient #23) developed early LPA stenosis requiring pulmonary artery stent implantation at 3 months of age. At catheterization at 12 months of age, right ventricular pressure was normal, and there was a 10 mm Hg gradient to the distal LPA, which disappeared once the stent was further expanded (from 4 to 7 mm in diameter). No other patient in the series had evidence of progressive LPA or aortic obstruction during follow-up.
LVEFs remained normal in all patients, and no patient had clinical evidence of lower extremity vascular insufficiency.
Although PDA is the most common cardiovascular lesion in EPNs and has been associated with a wide variety of important cardiac and noncardiac morbidities and even mortality (15–19), the treatment strategy for this lesion remains controversial (20). Current therapeutic options, particularly surgical ligation, have unacceptable morbidity, and surgical ligation may actually worsen long-term outcomes, including increasing the risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, and neurosensory impairment (7,8). These concerns have resulted in a trend toward avoidance of definitive treatment and a movement toward a so-called permissive approach to PDA in EPNs, consisting of fluid restriction, diuretic agents, and increased positive end-expiratory pressure (21). Although several studies have reported outcomes no worse, and in some cases better, than with surgical ligation (22,23), more recent studies have associated this approach with increased mortality and morbidity (19,24). The lack of an evidence-based ideal therapy for PDA in EPNs prompted our group to explore the possibility of performing transcatheter PDA closure in this population.
Although catheter-based PDA closure has been performed successfully for nearly 50 years (25) and has been shown to be among the most successful and safest interventions (26), this therapy has not been routinely offered to EPNs, because of concerns surrounding its safety and efficacy. Recently, however, some investigators have begun to explore this approach. Francis et al. (27) described 8 premature infants (median procedural weight 1100 g; range 930 to 1,800 g) who underwent successful transcatheter PDA closure using multiple coils and a combination of angiography and echocardiography to guide the procedure. Although these investigators reported successful closure in all 8 patients, on the basis of their experience they estimated that only 10% of their EPN population were candidates for this procedure, because of limitations of coil technology. Bentham et al. (12) subsequently described a retrograde arterial echocardiographically guided technique of PDA closure at the bedside in 3 premature newborns using a variety of devices. Although the approach was successful in all, the investigators noted the inherent risks of using femoral arterial access, including vascular insufficiency and limb loss. In addition, they noted that without the aid of fluoroscopy or venous access, device retrieval and/or manipulation would be quite difficult or impossible should a complication arise.
Based in part on these pioneering efforts, our group developed a novel method of echocardiographic transvenous PDA closure (11) designed specifically for this unique and challenging patient population. The advantages of our technique include the following: 1) minimal fluoroscopic exposure; 2) avoidance of arterial access and contrast media; and 3) the ability to perform the procedure at the bedside. Importantly, the use of real-time transthoracic echocardiographic guidance allows the team to accurately assess not only the adequacy of closure but also the possible development of LPA or descending aortic stenosis secondary to device malposition. Using this approach, our multidisciplinary team determined that 89% of our premature neonatal population (24 of 27) referred for PDA closure were reasonable candidates for catheter-based closure, 88% of whom (21 of 24) underwent successful procedures. Importantly, all 6 patients who did not receive devices were sent to surgery because of concerns relating to excessive device length and the potential for obstruction of LPA flow. Protrusion of a PDA device into the descending aorta and LPA stenosis are well-described complications following PDA closure in small children (28). The present study suggests that with careful real-time echocardiographic assessment before, during, and after device occlusion, this potential complication can be identified, minimized, and if discovered treated safely and effectively. Additionally, it is reassuring that in midterm follow-up, LPA Doppler velocities decreased, suggesting that LPA stenosis is unlikely to be a long-term concern in patients who do not exhibit this problem early. Access to a device that would be available in a variety of shorter lengths, particularly those <4 mm, would likely lead to an increase in patients who are suitable for this procedure, improve the success rate, and reduce complication rates. Such a device, the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II–Additional Sizes currently exists but is unavailable in the United States at this time (29). Advantages of this device include a variety of diameters and lengths that are more suitable for this population, a smaller delivery catheter rather than a long delivery sheath, and a softer delivery cable.
In this study, we also attempted to examine whether this new technique would be less likely than surgery to produce signs and symptoms of cardiorespiratory compromise, commonly referred to as PLS. Patients with PLS experience hemodynamic instability, increased need for inotropic support, and escalation of respiratory support in the 24 h immediately following PDA ligation. The etiology of PLS is not precisely known but likely includes the inability of the premature neonatal myocardium to tolerate acute increases in afterload, resulting in impaired left ventricular performance and pulmonary edema. It is also possible that mechanical manipulation of the left lung required during surgical ligation contributes to this clinical scenario. Infants undergoing surgery at <28 days of age seem to be at an increased risk for this complication (13,30). Clinical PLS was not observed in our study. Although there was echocardiographic evidence for diminished left ventricular systolic function following catheter-based PDA closure and virtually all patients had transient elevations in heart rate, significant changes in blood pressure, oxygen requirement, or need for increased inotropic support were not observed with the exception of a single patient who had a complicated procedure. This is particularly salient when one considers that our patient population was of a similar postnatal age (30 days vs. 18 days) and weight (1,249 g vs. 1,085 g) at the time of PDA closure compared with a high-risk group (<28 days of age) who underwent surgical ligation described by Teixeira et al. (13), in which the incidence of PLS was 27.6% and decreased systolic blood pressure and increased oxygen requirements were the norm. Recently it has been shown that earlier recognition and management of PLS may improve the post-operative course following PDA ligation in EPNs (30). We believe that our present study makes a case for evaluating the effect that catheter-based closure might have on the occurrence and severity of PLS as well.
Study limitations
This was a retrospective, single–treatment arm study with the usual biases of such investigations. Although standard criteria to determine which premature infants should undergo PDA closure do not currently exist, all study patients treated with catheter-based closure met criteria for surgical ligation at our institution. The present study design prevents any conclusions about how outcomes of a catheter-based PDA device closure strategy compare with medical or surgical therapy.
Transcatheter echocardiographically guided closure of PDA in EPNs can be performed with a high degree of success and an acceptable complication rate. Early follow-up suggests promising sustained results. Future efforts should be aimed at optimizing the availability of appropriate devices for this population and ultimately comparing the long-term outcomes of PDA device closure versus current treatment strategies in these patients.
WHAT IS KNOWN? PDA is the most common cardiac problem in premature newborns, accounting for significant morbidity and mortality. Current surgical and medical therapies are suboptimal.
WHAT IS NEW? We describe a new technique for performing echocardiographic guided, transvenous catheter-based closure of these defects in EPNs, eliminating the need for surgical ligation in a large percentage of patients.
WHAT IS NEXT? Devices designed specifically for this patient population are needed to improve technical results and minimize complications. Further studies designed to compare the long-term effect of this new procedure with standard medical and surgical therapies are needed.
This study was supported by a research grant from the Fashion Industries Guild. Dr. Zahn is a consultant and instructor for St. Jude Medical. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.
- Abbreviations and Acronyms
- extremely premature neonate
- left pulmonary artery
- left ventricular ejection fraction
- patent ductus arteriosus
- post-ligation syndrome
- Received June 27, 2016.
- Revision received August 12, 2016.
- Accepted September 8, 2016.
- 2016 American College of Cardiology Foundation
- ↵
- Hamrick S.E.G.,
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- et al.


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Clashes erupt after Mauritania anti-slavery activists jailed
Police in Mauritania used tear gas to disperse protestors, after three anti-slavery activists were sentenced to two years in prison on Thursday.
Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid, the runner-up in 2014 presidential elections and the head of an anti-slavery group, was convicted along with one of his aides Bilal Ramdane, and Djiby Sow, a civic and cultural rights campaigner.
Seven others on trial for joining anti-slavery protests in November were released.
Dozens of their supporters stormed the courthouse and surrounded the prosecutor's office while others smashed the windows of the police van carrying the three, according to private news agency Al-Akhbar.
Police responded with tear gas, leaving four injured, according to the news agency.
Amnesty International statement condemned the use of tear gas and batons force by police.
"We are going to appeal," Brahim Ould Ebetty, a defence lawyer told AFP in response to the guilty verdict.
Last country to abolish slavery
The activists were charged with "belonging to an illegal organisation, leading an unauthorised rally, and violence against the police", their defence team said.
According to Amnesty, the activists were arrested while trying to educate people about land rights in the west African country where slave descendents are often forced to give up a portion of their crops to the traditional masters.
Gaetan Mootoo, Amnesty's West Africa researcher, denounced the convictions, saying: "The intensifying crackdown on anti-slavery activists in Mauritania has no legal justification and is symptomatic of the government's lack of respect for human rights."
Mauritanian authorities have accused Ould Abeid's Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement (IRA) of spreading "racist propaganda".
Police have shut down IRA's headquarters in the capital Nouakchott.
The country was the last in the world to abolish slavery, in 1981, and since 2007 its practice has been officially designated a crime punishable by up to ten years in prison.
But campaigners say the government has failed in the past to acknowledge the extent of the trade.
Forced labour is a particularly sensitive issue in Mauritania, where anti-slavery charities are very active.


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text:
The sound is warm and clear, and the whole production introduces and advocates the composer's vision smartly. © 2012 Fanfare Read complete review on Fanfare
The Italian ensemble and especially solo cellist Vittorio Ceccanti bring the music prancing off the page…The CD box mentions this work's 'profound ritualistic expression', yet the Italians never neglect the lighter, more humorous aspects. They come into their own swinging the end of the Purcell fantasia off its quirky wall.
…Linguae Ignis ('Tongues of Fire')…benefits from being held together in this performance by the richness and confidence of Ceccanti's cello unabashed yet unmannered cello style: clean, pungent and open.
Vesalii Icones is just as dramatic, just as taut. Perhaps even more so. It's a work that really benefits from also experiencing the contortions and gyrations of the dancer who is usually involved in live performances. It's the visual and kinetic equivalent of the strangled utterances of the Mad King George, in Maxwell Davies' piece of the same year. Although played without a break, the sanctus bells lend structure, and distinguish between the 14 sections, none of which lasts longer than five minutes.
Contempoartensemble is splendid…Their players distil the musicality, the melody, texture and particularly the pacing of Maxwell Davies' spare scores in such a way that you feel you have really understood its essence. They have a far more thorough and engaging grasp of the juxtaposition of the 'old and new'. They produce music that stands in its own right. What a refreshing approach.
The acoustic is immediate and close without being over intense. The liner-notes are to the point and clear. Amazingly, this is now the only recording of any of these works in the current catalogue; another reason for snapping it up without hesitation.
Vittorio plays with warmth and sensitivity…Mauro, leading Contempoartensemble, doesn't shy away from letting Maxwell Davies' zany stylistic leaps and overlaps make the maximum impact. Naxos' sound is clean, vivid, and well-balanced.
Having commissioned and recorded a series of string quartet from Peter Maxwell Davies, Naxos now move to his other works for chamber ensemble. Many see him as something of an enigma, often writing music with the stated objective of linking with medieval plainsong, while the result stretches the understanding of concert audiences. Certainly Davies pushes boundaries forward, his work for solo cello and fourteen instruments, Linguae Ignis, described as an instrumental motet, is clothed in colours created by atonality. It is for the soloist a hugely demanding score performed by the same artists that gave the work its premiere in 2002. Dating from 1969, Vesalii Icones was the score that made a deep impression on the international scene and confirmed Davies as one of the most important 20th century composers. Davies often uses the sounds of 'popular' music to make a point, as here in two places while he relates the betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. That Davies does have a profound regard for the Baroque era. And beyond that, comes in the very attractive instrumental realisation of the Fantasia on a Ground and Two Pavans after Henry Purcell. The studio performances come from the highly regarded Italian group, Contempoartensemble, conducted by their founder Mauro Ceccanti. Working exclusively in music of our time they have the dedicated expertise in such challenging scores. The disc does not make clear why these 2004 recordings are just surfacing, but the sound is of excellent quality and with exceptional inner clarity.


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While most cases of scoliosis — curvature of the spine — don't require treatment, they do require regular monitoring to ensure that your curvature isn't getting worse. If you have scoliosis, schedule a visit with Sunshine State Medical Inc. in Orlando, Florida. Their team of medical experts can make sure that your spine stays healthy. You can book your visit by calling the office or using the convenient online tool.
Scoliosis is a condition where a section of your spine curves sideways. It typically develops just before puberty, when you have a large growth spurt.
Besides a curved spine, some of the signs of scoliosis include:
Scoliosis affects about 3% of adolescents, with most cases being mild and not requiring significant treatment. Some instances of scoliosis, however, can be severe and have debilitating effects.
Up to 80% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, which means that their cause is unclear. Heredity might be involved since the condition tends to run in families.
When scoliosis does have a clear cause, it can be divided into two categories: structural and nonstructural.
Nonstructural scoliosis is when the spine looks curved but functions normally otherwise. It's typically caused by a separate but related condition like:
Once the condition causing the nonstructural scoliosis is treated, scoliosis itself tends to disappear.
Structural scoliosis causes a curved spine that is rigid and can't be easily straightened. Some of the causes of structural scoliosis include:
The doctors at Sunshine State Medical Inc. can assess your condition and medical history to help you determine what's causing your scoliosis.
Most cases of scoliosis are mild enough that they don't cause any particularly harmful effects and don't require treatment, but in some cases, problems can develop. Some of the complications associated with scoliosis include:
If your scoliosis is severe enough, it can sometimes cause your rib cage to press up against your heart and lungs, making it more difficult to pump blood and breath properly.
Severe scoliosis can lead to chronic back pain as you get older.
Scoliosis can begin to affect your appearance if it progresses far enough, leaving your hips and shoulders to look uneven and making your rib cage more prominent.
Scoliosis is typically treated with either a back brace or surgery.
A brace is effective for scoliosis patients who are still growing. The brace won't reverse any of the spine's curvature, but it will stop the curve from getting worse. Back braces nearly invisible underneath your clothes, and don't interfere with daily activities for the most part.
Your brace is more effective the more often you wear it, but you can occasionally take it off to participate in activities if need be.
Surgical treatment of scoliosis is typically done with a spinal fusion. In a spinal fusion, your surgeon corrects your curvature by fusing two or more of your spinal vertebrae together, effectively restricting their movement.
To learn more about what Sunshine State Medical Inc. can do for your scoliosis, schedule a visit today by calling the office or booking online.


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i am a heron. i ahev a long neck and i pick fish out of the water w/ my beak. if you dont repost this comment on 10 other pages i will fly into your kitchen tonight and make a mess of your pots and pans
You'll fly into my kitchen? I don't have a house. You're going to give me one? Nice! See you tonight! Don't forget to bring some fish for me to cook with my new pots pans in my new kitchen, or I might just have to cook a stupid bird instead.
i don't like this thread
You better be careful, I'm a fugitive!


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Builders put finishing touches to new Orpington cinema
PUBLISHED: 10:31 15 February 2016 | UPDATED: 10:31 15 February 2016
Please credit ODEON
The Odeon will be the first to open in the town for over three decades
The finishing touches have been applied to Orpington's new cutting-edge cinema.
Ahead of the cinema's opening next week, the state-of-the-art ISENSE screen - one of only two in the UK - will today take pride of place in a 276-seat theatre, featuring floor-to-ceiling Dolby ATMOS sound.
The screen measures 15m x 6.2m, and is curved to maximise light reflection, packing state-of-the-art 4K digital projectors that deliver almost nine million pixels for an even clearer and more detailed picture.
Orpington's first cinema for 34 years will hold 959 seats across seven screens - and tickets are on-sale now for opening weekend at just £2 during Friday February 26 and Saturday February 27.
Tickets for opening weekend are almost entirely sold out, but the last few can still be snapped up at www.odeon.co.uk/orpington
Some of the biggest films to be shown in the brand-new cinema include Goosebumps, Deadpool and the upcoming Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Trevor Cavell, general manager at the cinema, said: "We're less than two weeks away from opening the doors of our new cinema, and the team couldn't be more excited.
"To bring cinema back to Orpington after three decades - on our cutting edge ISENSE screen - will be a truly unique experience for residents, and we look forward to welcoming as many local film fans on February 26 as we can."
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Bromley Times. Click the link in the orange box above for details.


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Visiting Kolkata soon or thinking of a staycation this summer? Consider The Oberoi Grand, one of the oldest hotels in the world with all the comforts of the 21st century.
A Grand Experience: Plan Your Next Staycation At This Iconic, So-Kolkata Hotel
Rooms With History
A staycation is really about re-exploring your city as though you're a traveler, not a local and The Oberoi Grand offers the perfect home base to do just that, boasting a central location with some interesting places around.
The Oberoi Grand is quite the survivor having witnessed two world wars, the Bengal famine, floods and riots. Back in the Raj era, it was known for its lavish new year parties in the 1930s attended by British officials and their spouses. You can almost imagine the clinking of champagne glasses as you walk through the chandelier-filled hallways. The pillar-less ballroom had a New Year's eve tradition wherein people would let loose twelve piglets who would be chased and caught as the old year ran out.
World-Class Style And Quality
For those with an eye for old-style and design, the hotel is unlike any other property in the city. You can choose their luxury rooms or suites that offer splendid views of Kolkata's bustling market spaces, or something with a private balcony overlooking the quadrant garden and swimming pool.
The colonial style bar serves up a large collection of single malts, and cocktails infused with local ingredients like paanchphoron, ghondhoraj lebu and poppy seeds.
The food is top notch here — their new restaurant Threesixtythree°{where La Terrasse and Chowinghee Bar used to be} serves delicate sushi rolls with freshly-ground wasabi. People come here for their menu classics like the ice-cream sandwich, lobster thermidor, prawn cocktail, baked Alaska and smoked hilsa {some may not be on the menu, but they will make them for you if you ask for them}. You must have a meal at their award-winning restaurant, Baan Thai.
Shop High And Low
Sure, there is lot you can do while inside the Grand Hotel but don't underestimate what's outside {even though it might seem like half the population of Kolkata is on the streets outside the hotel!}. Do not miss the old shops selling books, shoes, sportswear, and a curio store selling an attractive range of curios, marble and wooden handicrafts, and semi-precious jewellery.
On the other end of that are the line of hawkers selling readymade garments, cheap sunglasses, belts and watches, photo albums and what not. They have completely taken over the pavement here and it can be quite tough to walk through the hordes of shoppers.
Anything Else?
You may have grown up on anecdotes about the grand dame of Chowringhee or read about it in countless memoirs — but the stories behind one of the oldest hotels in the world never ceases to amaze. Did you know that back in the 1870s the hotel was a boarding house {with the address 13 Chowringhee Street} owned by an Irish woman, Mrs Annie Monk? Later it fell into the hands of an Armenian adventurer, Arathoon Stephen, who with a sudden stroke of luck turned his destiny around from a cart pusher on Chowringhee to a millionaire hotelier! After Stephen's death, Mohan Singh Oberoi, another ambitious fortune seeker, acquired and refurbished the defunct hotel turning it into The Grand of today.
So go traveling back in time at The Oberoi Grand, revel in its old world charm, savour its classic cuisine and indulge in its luxurious amenities. After all it is not every day that you come by a place that offers you everything you can ask of a dream vacation topped off with limousine airport transfers and a personal butler, 24 hours a day.
The hotel also offers some interesting walks and tours around the city. For more details on that and for offers on suites and weekend specials, hit up their website here.


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Education. Vouchers. State Funding Of Private Schools.
Attorney General No.
Secretary of State No.
EDUCATION. VOUCHERS. STATE FUNDING OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Amends California Constitution to require State to provide voucher for every resident school-age child, redeemable at qualifying private schools of parents' choice, including religious schools, and at special schools established by public organizations. Voucher amount is higher for significantly disabled or low-income children; amounts increase as program is phased in. Limits new regulation of voucher-redeeming schools. Requires standardized testing in public and voucher-redeeming schools. Subjects voucher-redeeming schools to state financial audit; requires disclosure of school information to families. Withholds vouchers from schools advocating unlawful conduct or teaching hatred. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Fiscal effect largely unknown and depends on response to measure. Long-term state fiscal impact of vouchers, testing, and administrative requirements ranging from annual net costs exceeding $1 billion to no substantial net fiscal effect. Short-term state fiscal impact ranging from annual net costs of hundreds of millions of dollars to annual net savings of hundreds of millions of dollars. Potential costs to school districts in the tens of millions of dollars annually due to testing provisions. Capital outlay savings in excess of $100 million annually for state and school districts after 10 to 20 years.
Carlos Bonilla, 1020 North Commerce, Stockton, California 95202
Document Type
Failed to Qualify
Recommended Citation
Education. Vouchers. State Funding Of Private Schools. California Initiative 618 (1993).


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New Plastic Triple Ocarina (Double Colors)
Our new Plastic Triple Ocarina is the perfect travel buddy! Its compact and lightweight design and free carrying bag let you make beautiful music anytime and place. What is even more impressive is its broad pitch range of three full octaves. Yes, that is 3 full octaves from A4 to A7!
Made from durable plastic in a cool two-tone colored design, the Plastic Triple Ocarina weighs a mere 6.2 ounces and measures just 4.5 inches long. Great things do come in small packages! It also includes a complete fingering chart.
--- Plastic triple ocarina
--- 3 octaves range from A4 to A7
--- Lightweight and compact
--- Measures 4.5 inches long
--- Weighs just 6.2 ounces
--- Includes carrying case and complete fingering chart
Customer ReviewsT
I found this triple plastic ocarina to be a good start for wanting to explore playing on a triple. The weight of the ocarina is very light weight and the intonation is great! The tone overall is great except for the note D and Eb before you enter the 2nd chamber. The tone color takes a sharp shift from full and resonant to very airy. Overall very pleased with my purchase.K
New Plastic Triple Ocarina (Double Colors)g
I am surprised at the quality and at the sound! I have big hands and I am still getting adjusted to the narrow tone holes.G
Such a fantastic ocarina!
The only "issue" I seem to have with it, is with the lower octave. When I get to the higher pitches, the notes start to sound very airy. Might just be me, honestly, and for that I apologize! Still learning, but I absolutely support STL and I'm very grateful to have been following the channel for more than a decade. Very glad I am at a point where I can support financially also!
Ocarina's might be a good instrument for my Elementary school kiddos I teach to start out on! Very excited about this new musically journey!D
I love and adore this Ocarina! Despite being Plastic, it sounds great and its range allows me to play most any song!
All shipments may be delayed at this time due to COVID-19. We are processing and shipping as usual, but postal services are experiencing high volumes of packages, and this is causing delays. Please refer to USPS's or DHL's website for more details about your local area delays at this time.
Return Policy:
If you wish to return an item, you must contact us within 10 days of receiving the item at email@example.com. Original shipping and handling fees are nonrefundable. Customers are responsible for shipping items back to us. We reserve the right to issue a refund if we deem the returned items to be damaged or in unsatisfactory condition, and there is a 35% restocking fee for each item. Please include order number and reason for return. Address all returns to:
STL Ocarina
PO Box 28384
St. Louis MO 63146
Please note:
All ETA's calculated from date of shipment, not order date.
All orders shipped with DHL International are uninsured. In the event of the package being misplaced by the post office, we will not provide a replacement or refund.
We will ship your order within 2 business days unless we inform you otherwise, and we do not ship over weekends or major holidays.
If you wish to cancel an order, you must do before it is shipped. Once a package is shipped, we cannot cancel or refund the order.
If the package and/or contents are damaged during shipping, you must provide a digital photo and order number within 24 hours of receiving the package in order for your claim to be processed.
USA Domestic Shipping Rates:
-DHL Domestic: limited tracking, ETA 5-7 business days, $10 for orders $79.99 and under, free for orders $80 and over.
-USPS Priority: tracking, ETA 3-5 business days, $12 for orders $79.99 and under, $10 for orders $80 and over.
-USPS Express: tracking, ETA 1-3 business days, $42 for orders $79.99 and under, $39 for orders $80 and over.
Canada Shipping Rates:
-DHL International Standard: limited tracking, can take up to 8 weeks, $20 for orders $98.99 and under, free for orders $99 and over.
-USPS International Priority: tracking, ETA 7-14 business days, $42 for orders under $80, $40 for orders $80 and over.
-USPS International Express: tracking, ETA 3-5 business days, $58 for orders under $80, $55 for orders $80 and over.
International Shipping Rates:
-DHL International Standard: limited tracking, can take up to 8 weeks, $40 for orders $98.99 and under, free orders $99 and over.
-USPS International Priority: tracking, ETA 7-14 business days, $60 for orders under $80, $58 for orders $80 and over.
-USPS International Express: tracking, ETA 3-5 business days, $82 for orders under $80, $80 for orders $80 and over.
Sound SampleA Review of this ocarina:
Here's a sound sample of this ocarina:


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FCE LTER Journal Articles
Segregation of Palaemonid Shrimp Along an Everglades Estuarine Gradient: Do Multiple Species Have Similar Trophic Function?
Variation in physical gradients and production along estuaries can alter species compositions. Spatiotemporal variation in abundance and distribution of palaemonid shrimp species was investigated in relation to seasonal freshwater inputs and salinity in the Shark River Estuary, Everglades National Park, Florida, USA. Using trapping techniques, multiple sites were sampled repeatedly extending from the headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico. Stable isotope analyses were also performed on a subset of samples. Five palaemonid species occurred in the samples: Palaemonetes paludosus (Gibbes, 1850), Palaemonetes pugio (Holthuis, 1949), Palaemonetes intermedius (Holthuis, 1949), Palaemon floridanus (Chace, 1942), and Leander paulensis(Ortmann, 1897). Overall, shrimp catches in traps doubled in the dry season. Catches in the upper estuary were dominated by P.paludosus, particularly in the wet season, while catch per unit effort at the most downstream and highest salinity sites were dominated by P. floridanus. At mid-estuary, several species co-occurred. δ15n analyses revealed that most species filled similar roles in the community, with the exception of P. paludosus, which shifted from enrichment in the dry season to depletion in the wet season as it expanded downstream in the estuary. Palaemonid δ13C values varied between sites and seasons, with shrimp in upstream sites being more depleted. These data suggest that changes in salinity regimes resulting from Everglades restoration efforts may result in species replacement, with potential implications for trophic dynamics.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation through the Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research program under Cooperative Agreements #DBI-0620409 and #DEB-9910514. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Recommended Citation
McCarthy, L.C., W.F. Loftus, J.S. Rehage. 2012. Segregation of palaemonid shrimp along an Everglades estuarine gradient: Do multiple species have similar trophic function? Bulletin of Marine Science 88: 843-861.


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The other day I was at Starbucks (I know, I know...) getting my morning fix. I love Starbucks. Especially the one at the end of my street. I have said many times that it is like my Cheers, you know, where everybody knows your name and I am so grateful for this. When I first started my own … [Read more...]
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There has been more styles in current usage in the visual arts within the last three decades than ever before.
Travel and the modern mass media – cinema, television, colour photography and glossy magazines – have considerably widened our knowledge of foreign and ancient styles. Moreover, there has been an influx of new materials, either specifically produced or, what was previously regarded as unsuitable, has now been adapted to fit the artist's requirements.
It is possible today to have different style furnishings adorning the same room and resulting in a harmonious interior. A modern Scndinavian teak chair, a Victorian desk, on which an abstract sculpture of polished bronze stands next to a piece of Sicilian folk art pottery is possible. On the walls abstract paintings and 18th century watercolour landscapes may co-exist with an Art Nouveau clock and Jazz Age ornaments on a locally manufactured limestone mantelpiece. This eclecticism in taste would not have been possible a hundred years ago. Nowadays there is no one standard of taste.
Besides the musical revolution the spirit of the Sixties had enabled designers to create new shapes in furniture, ceramics and other products based more on the precision of geometric figures than the traditional forms. It's interesting to note that the long-established shapes of furniture, like chairs for example, were never seriously questioned until the 20th century. John Wright and Jean Schofield were two young British designers who in the Sixties were responsible for stripping furniture down to its basic essentials. They gave their chair a sweeping curve of the arm and used thick lacquered wood frames to give it a primitive quality. The Italian Osvaldo Borsani, in 1966, used black plywood and simple leather upholstered cushions fastened by large wooden bolts. His intention of giving the modern chair an informal appearance went down well with both the critics and the public.
In the meantime the Americans were experimenting with tubular metal and criss-crossed wire framing. Fibreglass then enabled designers to mould furniture pieces like chair seats any way they wanted to; from like an egg with one side scooped out, to segments of a sphere.
However when it comes to furnishings there is no escaping the standards set by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and his ideals for furnishing the modern house. He is what Chaplin is to comedy, Diagheliv to dance, Shakespeare to drama and Beethoven to music. His maxim was that a house is "a machine for living". Borrowing from the Francis Bacon immortal essay "Of Building" whose theme was: "Houses are built to live in and not to look on" Le Corbusier concluded that the best furnished dwelling was one which combines 'commodity' (or fitness for purpose), 'firmness' (or strength) and 'delight'.
In his widely read book, Towards a New Architecture, Le Corbusier refers to the house as "a machine for living". He argues that with the machine being an event of such importance in human history, it should be allowed to perform a decisive role in conditioning modern man and the works around him. As a radical thinker he dismissed the use of past styles believing that they no longer had a living relevance but merely a historical interest.
Le Corbusier's philosophy of furnishings which eventually gave way to the Jazz Age style to be later followed by the Modern Movement entailed leaving a room in its purest form. Devoid of almost any pattern or applied decoration, even of curtains which are normally used to soften the window's outline should not inhibit the room. Blinds or shutters are preferable. In such a set-up Le Corbusier maintains that interior furnishings would be of severe rectilinear forms with no soft curves allowed to interfere. The furniture may be made of traditional materials such as wood, however sheet and tubular metal was preferred.
When it comes to paintings which adorn the walls most of the contemporary masters like Paul Klee, Kandinsky and Rothko, seem to agree than rather than pleasing the eye, a work of art should strike the "vibrations of the soul". This is done by stripping the painting down to its barest essentials. What matters is not the subject-matter, its movement or texture but only colour and feeling. This enables the viewer to become immersed in the work, oblivious to the surrounding distractions. According to the masters, a work of art's distilled beauty should be a subject fit for deep contemplation. In fact one critic has called such abstract art: a Buddhist television set!
Whenever I am asked an opinion about any kind of furnishing, from a single room to a set design for a play or ballet, I inadvertently end up asking myself:
You think you can live with this thing?
Written by Tony Cassar Darien


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The expanding range of Dengue Fever
Date Added Thursday, April 21, 2011 | 2:06 am
Last Updated Friday, April 22, 2011 | 3:59 pm
Category: Arts & Entertainment > Interviews
It's easy to say something invokes nostalgia when talking about music, but few bands do it more flawlessly and genuinely than the Los Angeles-based Dengue Fever. Playing an amalgamation of pre-Khmer Rouge Cambodian pop and psychedelic rock, the band performs in a uniquely desaturated style that is suited for songs ranging from upbeat kitsch to thoughtful and expressive storytelling. In an interview, the band's keyboardist Ethan Holtzman shared his thoughts on the band and their music as they prepared for the release of their latest album, Cannibal Courtship. It was released Tuesday and continues that tradition of combining a wide range of styles into something delightfully listenable.
After returning from a voyage through Cambodia in the late '90s, Holtzman founded the band with his brother Zac in 2001. By then, both were familiar with some Cambodian songs. Holtzman said he first encountered the ghostly, radical rock that characterized the country's pop of 1960s while packed in the back of a truck with about 30 villagers. The cramped trip from Siem Reap to the capitol in Phnom Penh became the spark that created his closeness with the people of Cambodia and their music.
"The truck was driven fast and the tires were bald," he recalled. "My life was being risked for that entire ride and my friend was sick with dengue fever up front. The road was dirt back then - all the bridges were blown up from previous wars ... it was a bonding experience with the Cambodians and their music."
Dengue Fever's beginnings were rooted in performing covers of songs in Khmer - the language of Cambodia - that Holtzman brought back on cassettes from his trip and that Zac had heard at Aquarius Records in San Francisco. The band's sound today has evolved to include more musical styles and techniques while maintaining the same upbeat, adventurous tone. Previous albums were heavily inspired by those old Cambodian songs from the '60s, as well as the band's 2005 tour through Cambodia, where their shows drew audiences upwards of 10,000 people. Cannibal Courtship, however, draws from a wider array of experiences and musical styles, Holtzman explained.
"We've become more comfortable creating space for each other," he said, adding that touring all over the world had a significant influence on the new album. In particular, he cited playing alongside the Nigerian group Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 while in New Zealand and Australia as a direct contribution to the strong afrobeat sound on several of Cannibal Courtship's tracks. "We're just doing whatever music we like and whatever grooves we feel and come up with in the studio," he said.
On the new album, the band's Cambodian-born vocalist Chhom Nimol sings more lyrics in English than she has on their previous albums, boosting mainstream appeal without compromising their established sound. According to Holtzman, non-Cambodian fans like to sing along, and English helps facilitate that, but the Cambodian language will always be part of the band: It's just like another instrument for them.
"There's certain songs that just feel more Cambodian," he said, explaining how the band determined what songs should be sung in English and which in Khmer. "And those songs will naturally sound better with Nimol singing in her native tongue. And then there's other songs where its like 'Oh, this is kind of a cool relationship story,' which the English would be great for."
Ultimately, it's all about how the song is expressed in the end. As an example, Holtzman said the latest album's Khmer track "Sister in the Radio" is a very emotional song for Chhom to sing. The slow, slithering tune has a magnificently haunting aura, and although most Western listeners won't understand what the words mean, the feeling put into it leaves a distinctive mark. As Holtzman explained, the song has a greater impact once you realize that it tells a story about how a young Nimol and her family discovered that her sister - then a famous singer like Nimol is today - was alive in Cambodia while the rest of the family had fled to a refugee camp in Thailand.
With the addition of afrobeat influences, as well as the distinct funk and jazz sounds heard on Cannibal Courtship, Dengue Fever's trademark throwback pop has been modified to expand its international sound, creating a feel that is all their own. Holtzman said the band's main goal is to continue touring and reaching new audiences by making great music. And although the band's shows today are dominated by their new work, they always toss in five or six of the '60s covers they started with. As part of the Cannibal Courtship release tour the band will be playing three Bay Area shows, the first at the Fillmore tonight, then at Ameoba in San Francisco on April 26th and another on April 27th at Moe's Alley in Santa Cruz.
"It's been very slow and steady progress," Holtzman said. "Ultimately we just want to play music and be able to travel, and that's good enough for me."
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Balance is Better in Blockchain
Madeline Murray is a technical writer at PegaSys and has three young kids. Madeline writes in this post about PegaSys' remote first culture and what it's like to work at PegaSys as a professional woman in blockchain.
I read the following quote in an article from Forbes the other day and it reflects a lot of what I love about working at PegaSys:
Let's be blunt: In the ordinary organization nearly everyone is doing a second job no one is paying them for — namely, hiding their weaknesses, looking good, covering their rear ends, managing other people's favorable impression of them. This is the single biggest waste of a company's resources. Now imagine working in a place that is sending the message, every day, "We hired you because we thought you were good, not because we thought you were perfect. We are all here to get better, and the only way we will get better is to make mistakes, reveal our limitations, and support each other to overcome them.
In too many jobs, women feel like they need to hide the fact they're fitting their work in around their lives. Not draw attention to the fact they arrived late, or needed time off to watch a swimming carnival, or leave early to do school pickup irrelevant of how many hours they actually work or more importantly the work they actually get done.
I don't feel this mental load on top of my actual job at PegaSys. We're remote first and everyone recognises that everybody has a life and responsibilities outside of work. Nico, my workmate in France, is a Dad and has school dropoffs blocked out in his calendar so we all know he's not available then. Seeing Dads be open about parenting responsibilities gives me a huge amount of reassurance I won't be judged negatively for it.
Because we're remote first, you really are judged on the work you produce, not the hours you sit at the desk, what you're wearing, or how good your makeup looks. It can't actually be the other way around because as a remote first company, we literally can't see how many hours people are sitting at their desk. I think this is something a lot of companies say they do but I know from previous jobs I seemed to be a lot more noticed when I stayed late than when I came in early, got heaps done, and left early. Then you're just known as the mother that leaves at 2.30 to do school pickup. At PegaSys, people notice the work I do, not when I sat at my desk doing it.
This isn't the first job I've had that's given me the flexibility to work around my family. But at PegaSys the flexibility is combined with the opportunity to work on exciting new technology with a bunch of smart, passionate colleagues. My work at PegaSys challenges me and gives me opportunities to grow. Too often, the choice is between flexible work and interesting work that provides opportunities to work to our potential and grow professionally.
Blockchain is a new technology - I've heard it compared to the internet in 1995 more than once. Quoting from an article by Andrew Keys at Consensys:
As the Internet transformed and commoditized how society communicates, blockchain will transform and commoditize how society agrees, trusts, and transacts.
So as well as letting me fit my work into my life in the best way for our family, I get the chance to work on technology that will have a huge impact on our lives. I really thought I'd have to wait until my kids were teenagers before I'd have the chance to do interesting and impactful work. But PegaSys has given me that opportunity.
We're also a flat-organisation (that is, no managers). This means we have the autonomy to define how we get things done. We're directly involved in hiring the people we work with and everyone gets the opportunity to talk to any potential teammate. Anyone can propose and makes changes when they see things that could be better.
The freedom of working for a self-organising, remote company also brings responsibilities. We all have to participate in decision making and sometimes that's hard. Sometimes working around timezones can mean meetings outside of traditional working hours. But for me, the opportunities PegaSys give me far outweigh these things.
Safe to say, I love working at PegaSys and look forward to seeing what we can achieve.
Want the latest PegaSys updates straight to your inbox? Join our mailing list.
PegaSys is a thought leader in the Enterprise Ethereum space. Want to join the team? Check out our list of open roles.


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Sunday, March 22, 2009
Holiness to the Lord
A few weeks ago we were able to take the entire family to tour the inside of the temple during the public open house. During this time, before the temple is dedicated to the Lord, the temple is open to the public for anyone to come walk through and tour the inside. My kids were so excited - they have always asked me what it was like inside the temple. I've tried to explain it to them. There is nothing in this world that can compare to the beauty, the serenity, the absolute peace that can be found within the walls of these holy buildings.
Today as we attended the dedication, I was overcome with emotion as I sat with my husband, and two of my children, sharing with them this special experience. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.
As I was waiting for the meeting to start, listening to the beautiful music and feeling the sweet spirit that was present - I pondered on a couple of things. Recently, as I have been hopping around different blogs, I have read a couple of things pertaining to my faith, and to the way members of our church are perceived by those not of our faith. I also reflected on some of the words that were spoken when I attended church this morning. The topic was on sharing our faith and beliefs with others, and how it is sometimes difficult because we may be afraid of over stepping our bounds, or perhaps offending someone.
I thought about how there are times when I feel perfectly comfortable with reaching out and sharing what I believe - and it is such a joy. But there are other times when I feel like sharing something with someone, but don't because I am too afraid of what they will think.
It also occured to me that there may be many people who are actually wondering about some aspect of our beliefs, or religious practices but don't know how to ask, either because they are afraid of offending someone, or they maybe just don't know anyone who is a mormon.
So I have a couple of questions. If you are LDS, do you sometimes find it difficult to share your testimony with those who aren't members, because you are afraid of offending them?
And if your aren't LDS, do you, or would you find it offensive if someone who is LDS wants to share what they believe? OR do you have something you have wondered about that you don't know how to ask?
I really want to know what you all have to say. Leave me a comment, or a question. I promise that: 1- I will not be offended no matter what the question or comment, and 2- I will answer each person who asks me a question. You can leave a comment, even anonymously if you prefer, and I will respond through the comments, or you can email me through my profile and I will respond through email.
The Church has a website specifically for learning about the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, you can visit at http://www.mormon.org/.
To end tonight, I just wanted to share this video about the blessings of the temple. I love this video, and hope you will enjoy it as well.
14 comments:
- Unknown said...
HI, I am stopping by from SITS. I must say this seems like an amazing experience you had!
- March 23, 2009 at 12:53 AM
- HeatherPride said...
I think the most important thing is that your religion speaks to your heart and soul. And I think you should be able to talk openly about your religion whenever you want to - and not talk about it if you don't.
- March 23, 2009 at 7:49 AM
- Shawn said...
I was raised a Southern Baptist girl and now am part of an incredible non-denominational church. Our church is a Bible teaching church that believe in the power of prayer and worships our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
I honestly do not have much knowledge of other faiths and although I believe strongly in mine I am interested in knowing what others believe.
I do believe that as long as you believe that Jesus Christ came pure to this earth, lived a flawless and holy life, was crucified for our sins, died, and 3 days later rose for each of us nothing else matters.
Thank you for your boldness and willingness to break the barriers and clear any confusion, it is a true testament of your faith.
- March 23, 2009 at 8:41 AM
- ~Emily~ said...
What a great experience for you and your family!!
I am LDS and I do feel uncomfortable sharing my testimony because I am not sure it is very strong right now. But I am working on it!!!
- March 23, 2009 at 9:06 AM
- Unknown said...
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am a Catholic girl that believes very strongly in her faith, and agree with the first commentor that faith in our Lord in the most important thing, and there are many ways that faith is practiced. I have always been curious about other faiths.
- March 23, 2009 at 10:10 AM
- Amy said...
That is so pretty.
- March 23, 2009 at 10:50 AM
- Michelle said...
Great job on making the top 10 over at SITS. What a nice post today. And some great comments to boot!! I'm Lutheran (ELCA to be more specific), and feel that we all worship the same God, we just interpret things a little differently.
- March 23, 2009 at 11:57 AM
- LunaMoonbeam said...
How interesting to see so many other faiths represented here. I'm a Mormon girl, like you. I'm a SAHM, with a bitty cottage industry, and two kids under the age of three.
The other night, my husband asked me if there was anything I would do DIFFERENTLY if I decided the Church wasn't true any more. I couldn't think of a single thing! I would still keep all of the standards I was raised with, for the sake of my kids. (He declared that he would drink Dr. Pepper and Coke...and then, after a moment of thought, decided he'd be doing that anyhow, if he wasn't married to ME! LOL)
Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience! I grew up 10 minutes from the Seattle temple. I am now a good 90 minutes from the Manhattan temple...I do miss seeing Moroni as I drive about doing my errands!
I do have a question for you - how do you keep the Spirit with you when the kids have been crying/begging/shouting/jumping for 6 hours, dinner is burning on the stove, the doorbell is ringing, the phone is too, and you're about three days behind on the ribbons you wanted to work on for your boutique? I'm in Primary, and I MISS hearing the Relief Society sisters answer questions like this!
- March 23, 2009 at 11:59 AM
- Shey said...
This is a beautiful temple. Very inspiring to visit.
- March 23, 2009 at 12:30 PM
- Tanielle said...
What an awesome post! Thanks for sharing your feelings so honestly. I do have a bit of a hard time, but you are a great example to me!
- March 23, 2009 at 1:55 PM
- Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence said...
I am a non-denominational Christian. I do know quite a bit about mormonism and have studied it. My father was raised LDS, but chose to leave it as a young adult. I always wonder why mormons do not use a cross as a symbol. It is the main and most recognized symbol of Christianity, but not seen in any mormon temples or stake houses. I did tour the temple in Billings Montana before it was dedicated (it was beautiful, but also very different from most churches) and asked this same question, but the person I asked was unable to answer it. Maybe you can help. Thanks!
- March 23, 2009 at 3:42 PM
- Xazmin said...
I have always learned that although the cross is a prominent symbol of Christianity, it is a symbol of the instrument of our Lord's pain and death. Although we are amazed and immensely grateful at His love and willingness to suffer on our behalf, and are humbled and reverent at the thought of His great sacrifice, what is more wonderful is what happened after. He rose for us. He conquered death and made it possible for us all to rise again, to be reunited with our families, and be exalted.
This is why we choose to decorate with pictures of our Savior, celebrating the gift of the Atonement rather than the instrument of His pain and suffering.
Also, the temple is different from most churches, because it is not simply a meetinghouse. We have Church buildings where we meet each week, for sabbath services, as well as weekly activities. You would probably find these more similar in design to most other churches.
The temple serves a different purpose, and therefore is different in design.
- March 23, 2009 at 4:26 PM
- Mrs. Goddard said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- March 23, 2009 at 7:46 PM
- Mrs. Goddard said...
Thanks for sharing your list! I had to delete my first post. I should have spell checked it first! :) I enjoyed reading all that you are thankful for. I think that it is important to share your faith and am grateful you shared it with us through this post. I hope that you have a blessed week!
- March 23, 2009 at 7:48 PM


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The seventh episode of this season's IAAF Inside Athletics is available to watch online now and features an exclusive interview with world 400m hurdles champion Kori Carter of the US.
After picking up a silver medal in the 100m hurdles at the 2009 World U18 Championships, Carter focused more on the 400m hurdles and made a big breakthrough in 2013, clocking 53.21. She reduced her PB to 52.95 last year and went on to win the world title in London.
IAAF Inside Athletics is hosted by Trinidad and Tobago's 1997 world 200m champion Ato Boldon. To watch episodes of IAAF Inside Athletics as soon as they are released, follow the IAAF World Athletics Club Facebook page.


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Jets From Young Stars V
High Performance Computing and Applications
- Editors
- (view affiliations)
- 4.1k Downloads
Part of the Lecture Notes in Physics book series (LNP, volume 791)
Part of the Lecture Notes in Physics book series (LNP, volume 791)
Studying the complex physical systems of stellar jets necessitates the incorporation of nonlinear effects which occur on a wide variety of length and timescales. One of the primary methods used to study the physics of jets is numerical simulations that apply high performance computing techniques. Such techniques are also required for analysing the huge modern astrophysical datasets.
This book examines those computing techniques. It is a collection of the lectures from the fifth and final school of the JETSET network, "Jets From Young Stars V: High Performance Computing in Astrophysics." It begins with an introduction to parallel programming techniques, with an emphasis on Message Passing Interface (MPI), before it goes on to review grid technology techniques and offer a practical introduction to Virtual Observatory. The second half of the book, then, is devoted to applications of high performance computing techniques, including 3D radiation transfer, to jet and star formation processes.
Aimed at graduate students in astrophysics, this book presents state-of-the-art methods, thereby offering interesting new insights to researchers in the field.


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|Fight Fraud Now
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SIU Career Prep Program for Insurance & Law Enforcement
The IASIU Fight Fraud Now SIU job seeker is in control of their own SIU career preparation with the help of a Fight Fraud Now portfolio that documents their training, on-the-job experiences and other SIU networking activities. This portfolio is geared towards preparing the Fight Fraud Now job seeker for a future interview for a SIU position.
What is your background? Click the links to learn more about your path to a career in SIU:


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Yogarasayana: Yoga of Rejuvenation
Rasayana is to enter into essence. Yogarasayana is the heart (essence) of yoga. Starting with therapeutic vinyasa flow, adding yoga nidra followed by deep pranayama; we continue into chanting to Shiva and eventually find ourselves at this heart of yoga: the stillness of a contemplative trance.
All levels welcome.
4.00-6.00 pm
Arun Deva, DASc, AYT, E-RYT(500),YTRx, is a Senior Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayur*yoga Therapist and a Vinyasa Krama certified yoga teacher in the USA. Arun has served on both the National & State Ayurvedic Associations: NAMA & CAAM. He teaches internationally, lectures at Conferences, writes articles for different publications, leads international Retreats, has been featured on both radio and television and continues to present at both SYTAR (International Yoga Therapy Association) and NAMA Conferences. He also teaches the Ayurveda and Yoga modules for many Teacher Training Programs around the world and is on faculty for the LMU Yoga Therapy Rx Program. Born in India, Arun has made his home in Los Angeles, where he has his Clinic, for the past 35+ years. www.yogarasayana.com


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Law Enforcement
Working as a law enforcement professional is one of the most challenging jobs in the country. Police officers, sheriff's deputies and highway patrol face a wide variety of situations every day. Some of these are routine, others are dangerous and traumatic. For this reason, law enforcement officers often find themselves turning to alcohol or drugs to find an outlet for these stresses . Correctional Officers also face daily challenges, being surrounded by people who are traumatized, dangerous and hopeless creates an unpredictable work environment. All officers must remain hyper vigilant to do their jobs properly.
There are not too many groups of professionals more proud than law enforcement officials. These people take great pride in ensuring the safety of others. For this reason, many officers are afraid to reach out for help. They are worried about what their peers will think of them. They are concerned about what seeking treatment will mean to their career. As a law enforcement professional, there is nothing to be embarrassed about, nobody is going to look down on you. In fact, others, including your command and peers, may rally around you as you get the help you need to regain control of your life.
Law enforcement agencies throughout the United States employ more than 1.1 million full-time professionals, as well as more than 100,000 part-time employees. Due to the nature of the work, it is only natural for some of these people to rely on drugs and/or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Each patient, regardless of their history as a law enforcement professional, will be evaluated to determine what type of program or clinician is best for them or their family member


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Why You Should Think Twice About Becoming a 'New You' in the New Year
Thoughts & Encouragement to Help You Attain Your Goals
You know the phrase, "Become a new you in the New Year!"? We've all heard it in one form or another through various channels. Sometimes it's weight loss commercials on TV, sometimes it's through an ad in a magazine, and sometimes it's a little closer to home – from a friend or a loved one. I'd like to encourage you to think critically about the 'become a new you' notion. While this phrase is cloaked in positivity, it's actually rooted in negativity. The idea of becoming a new person infers that you must abandon yourself to become someone else entirely – someone better. This phrase also reeks of negativity because the subliminal message is that you are not good enough. It causes you to dwell on your downfalls.
I have a challenge for you as the New Year draws near. I challenge you to change your mindset. Far too many of us start thinking, 'If I just make it through this holiday season, then I'll emerge on the other side with motivation to make the changes in my life I so long to see.' What if, instead of limiting yourself to merely 'making it through,' you opened the door of abundance in your own life. Change your thinking to thriving instead of existing. The idea of just 'making it through' something is bleak, isn't it? Wouldn't you rather experience life and thrive no matter the season or the situation?
Well, I'm happy to tell you that you can! The simple act of changing your thinking will launch you from negativity to positivity – just like that! Did you know that taking on a new mindset is the most effective catalyst for taking on new behavior? The power of the mind is astonishing. Let's say your goal for the New Year is to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Maybe you are struggling with your weight, or maybe you just know you are not very healthy. The moment you decide to change your thinking from simply 'making it through' to 'thriving,' you will begin to see open doors where there was once only dead-ends.
In a motion to make this less nebulous and more tangible, I want to give you a very basic example that can be applied to many circumstances and situations. Picture yourself at a holiday party. The wine and bubbly are flowing and the hor'deurve table is full of a sweet and savory delights. If you were stuck in a negative mindset, the situation would likely end in you eating everything you wanted, all the while telling yourself, "It's okay, just make it through this holiday season – you're going to be a new person in the New Year." The problem with this thinking is that you are not giving yourself a realistic, manageable path to success. How will you reach your goals if your thinking and habits don't change?
Now, picture yourself getting ready for that holiday party. You're anticipating a plethora of delicious food and drinks and you want to enjoy yourself. You are thinking ahead, though. You know that if you gorge on the holiday food, you won't feel great afterward. Physically, you will feel like you over did it and emotionally, you will feel, empty! So, since you have decided to change your thinking, you are keeping your goal in mind. Why wait until New Year's Day to start getting healthy? Won't it be much easier and more fulfilling to make small decisions and changes now through New Year's Day, so that you have some momentum to keep fueling that goal? You decide to have a healthy snack at home before the party so that once you're there, you can enjoy your favorite things, but you don't over do it and better yet, you don't feel deprived! After the party, physically, you feel good and emotionally you feel wonderful.
Yes, this is a very simple example, but what I want you to see is that you always have two choices ahead of you. Whatever your goal may be, you can choose the healthier, more fulfilling path by thinking positively and thinking ahead, or you can make it much more difficult for yourself by taking the oft-easier, but sadder path of negativity.
Also, no matter what your goal for the New Year might be, take this to heart: You do not need to become a new person. Who you are is unique, wonderful and the culmination of all of your life's circumstances and events. Why would you want to erase that? Sure, we all have areas we'd like to improve and goals we'd like to reach for – that is healthy! I challenge you to pursue a new version of YOURSELF, not a whole new you!
Many blessings to you and yours this holiday season and in the New Year to come!
Originally posted 2013-12-27 22:53:09.
Related Posts
Filed Under: Enlightenment • Health


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A number of lenders have now passed on the recent interest rate hike to mortgage customers, which means that borrowers, including buy-to-let landlords, will see their bank's standard variable rate (SVR) increase.
Since the Bank of England hiked the base rate to 0.75% in August, most lenders have made plans to increase not just their SVR, but also their buy-to-let mortgage rates, according to fresh research by Property Master.
By using algorithms to match the requirements of individual private landlords against the entire buy-to-let mortgage market, the online mortgage broker reports that average standard variable rates for buy-to-let mortgages saw the biggest month-on-month increase with the cost of an interest-only loan of £150,000 jumping from £603 per month to £620 per month.
For average five-year fixed rates loans, increasingly popular with private landlords in light of increasing interest rates, the cost of a similar loan rose from £348 per month to £350 per month if the customer was looking to borrow 65% of the value of the property, and from £423 per month to £425 per month if 75% of the property's value was required.
The news comes as the Monetary Policy Committee prepares to meet again today.
Angus Stewart, Property Master's chief executive, said: "The move by the Bank of England to normalise borrowing rates following the last market crash seems to be truly underway and it is beginning to feed through to buy-to-let mortgage rates which up and until now have been relatively stable.
"The MPC meets again [today] but market commentators are not yet expecting another rate rise quite so soon."
Private landlords, especially those on standard variable rates that have seen a big jump in cost month-on-month, should really be carefully evaluating their finance requirements, according to Stewart.
He added: "Whilst increased competition has helped to keep costs down to some extent the trend is now upwards and we would expect keenly priced fixed rates to be snapped up."


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Pratyahara, restraining the senses [BG 6.25]
about 23 days ago.
A bi-weekly Bhagavad Gita class in NY. Each session includes readings, analysis, audiovisuals, verse recitations and practical insights into India's essential wisdom text. Attendees will discover the message of the Gita, master basic vocabulary and concepts, and acquire skills for teaching and practicing yoga philosophy. Class notes available at www.gitawisdom.org/podcast. For information on attending a class, visit www.facebook.com/pg/gitawisdomteachings/events.RSS
Updated about 1 year ago.
The discussion continues about the nature of an inner life and giving up attachments. BG 5.22-5.25
Class notes available at www.gitawisdom.org/podcast.
Questions? Join the Gita Wisdom Discussion Group on Facebook.
We are reading from Bhagavad Gita As It Is by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Recorded at EverVeda on June 27, 2019.
Running time: 33 minutes


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Handicapped High School Teen Stars In 'Wizard Of Oz' – And Her Little Dog Is Toto Too! –
Erin Bischoff never expected to land the lead role in her high school's production of "The Wizard Of Oz."
Credit: CBS News
Erin is a 17-year-old student at Hasbrouck Heights High School in New Jersey. She has a genetic disorder known as brittle bone disease, and uses a wheelchair. In her 17 years, Erin has had over 100 bone fractures and 10 surgeries.
Four years ago, Erin was matched with her first service dog, Gauge, a 6-year-old golden retriever.
So, the school rewrote some of the play just for Gauge – since he was a little larger than the basket-fitting version of Toto.
But Erin's mom, Michelle, always saw her daughter as a star.
"She makes me a better person," Michelle said, adding "the only limits you set are the one you set upon yourself."
Watch the video below.


text: Hiles' environmental aspiration extends far beyond the doors of the houses he builds. His team's smart tree-planting initiatives increase the volume of a community's tree canopy to exceed pre-development levels. "Each of the 3,000 trees we planted last year sequesters over 45 pounds of carbon dioxide and pollutants while releasing oxygen," he states. At the same time, Hiles efforts to preserve existing arboreal treasures, such as the hundreds of 100-year-old oak trees that thrive in a designed park next to one Western Rim site. Marcus Hiles envision environmental responsibility as a reward for both community members and the planet. "Our bold goal is to lessen carbon emissions by more than 500,000 metric tons over the next decade," he asserts. "In the process, we'll deliver energy savings to our residents and create sustainable, livable communities."


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Faculty Advisor
Rong, Yiming
Project Center
Wuhan, China
The project analyzes the current practices of Stanlok/REM and suggests means by which this corporation can increase global collaboration through the application of web-based engineering tools. Research was conducted in the field of software design, focusing on the communication between Java and SQL, along with preliminary study of relational databases. Proposed software was designed and implemented creating a server-based software tool which allows employees from any location to access and manage a manufacturing cost estimation dataset and deliver real-time simultaneous cost calculation.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Date Accepted
August 2010
Mechanical Engineering
Project Type
Major Qualifying Project
Copyright Statement
All authors have granted to WPI a nonexclusive royalty-free license to distribute copies of the work, subject to other agreements. Copyright is held by the author or authors, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise noted.
Advisor Department
Mechanical Engineering


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WANTED: Suspect identified in deadly Sacramento stabbing
Sac PD is actively looking for Arturo Hernandez
Sac PD is actively looking for Arturo Hernandez
Investigators are looking for a man in connection with a stabbing death that happened three weeks ago, the Sacramento Police Department said Tuesday.
Arturo Hernandez, 25, has been identified as a suspect in the Nov. 19 homicide in a Regency Apartments unit in the 5900 block of Riza Avenue, police said.
During the initial investigation, police said the victim and another man got into a fight, which led to the stabbing.
The two men knew each other, investigators said. There were at least three people inside the apartment when the fight broke out.
Police later named Hernandez as a suspect. He is considered armed and dangerous. Hernandez is described as a Hispanic man, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 220 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
The weapon used in the deadly stabbing has not been found, police said.
Anyone with information about Hernandez and/or his whereabouts is urged to call the Sacramento Police Department at 916-264-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-4357.