text:
We are still aboard the Halfling ship on our way to The Landing when our party—Horsebane—reaches a bit of a crisis point. Our party's internal meltdown agitates the Halflings and seriously threatens our ability to stay onboard the ship. Nearly everyone in the party has had words for Onath Tanner. While the rest of the party attempts damage control, I stay behind and try to speak to Onath. He tells me to leave him alone because I sold him out. I decide to leave him alone in the ship's hold and stand guard outside—both to keep others out and to keep an eye on him.
Meanwhile, Aideena goes up to the ship's deck and makes her way unobtrusively to Jack, who gives her back her wand. She thanks him for holding on to it for her.
Not long afterwards, Rin Riptide approaches Aideena and complains about the party. She's luckily able to mollify him slightly, though he still storms away from her once their conversation is over.
Targoth, who didn't hear the entire conversation, approaches Rin Riptide and tries to talk to him, though the latter is in no mood to hear what Targoth has to say. He brusquely tells Targoth to keep himself and the rest of the party out of the way. Upset, Targoth decides to take a moment for himself.
Jack heads down towards the hold where I am keeping guard outside of the door. Jack decides to polish his flute to keep busy and I lean against the wall and stick to the shadows, not really focused on what's going on around me.
Meanwhile, Targoth and Aideena briefly spot two dark slicks in the water, and can't tell what they may be. Targoth asks the Halfling in the crow's nest if he knows, but he doesn't, though he does say that there are large fish in the water. None of the other Halflings seem concerned or cautious, though Targoth is on his guard.
He tells Aideena that we all need to get together and talk about what's happened while we've been on the ship. So they head down towards the hold and join Jack and me. They ask me what happened when Onath and I talked, so I tell them that this "quest" of his boiled down to him being desperately curious and confused about what happened to him when he almost died. He wanted to "borrow" Aideena and Targoth's magical implements to see if he could use them to figure anything out. I told him that it didn't seem likely to work, and he said that he was going to do it with or without my help and walked off before I could stop him. Aideena starts swearing and Targoth goes around and asks us why we're on this quest.
Aideena says that she's here because she feels indebted to Targoth, in addition to respecting and admiring him, mainly because of how Targoth and I played a large role in helping rescue her sister from kidnappers. She also states, grudgingly, that she feels indebted—to a lesser extent—to me.
Jack says that he's not crazy like the dwarf, but there's a noticeable silence that everyone else picks up on. He finally says that he thinks the party all work well together—certainly better than he does on his own—and that that's enough of a reason for him.
I explain that the quest we're on is the most important thing to me—that I am bound and determined to see it through—and that I realize I cannot accomplish it on my own. I need them, and as long as they continue to help me in my quest I'll stick around.
Targoth says that he believes in the quest as well.
With that discussed, we turn to the door and knock to get Onath's attention, asking him the same question. He tells us to leave him alone. Targoth tells him to think about it, but there's no real response to that. We then discuss Onath's place in our group and how we feel about him—and much of it is not flattering or pleasant.
While we're having this discussion, we hear a cry: "Oh gods, what are those?!"
We—sans Onath, who elects to remain in the hold—run up to the deck to see what has the Halflings shouting. We see that there are silt monsters attacking the ship and the Halflings are terrified. We jump into action and defeat the silt monsters without help from Onath.
After the battle is over, Rin Riptide approaches Targoth and Aideena and thanks all of us for saving their ship. Aideena reassures him that we never meant any harm to come to the Halflings and, as a result of our efforts, the Halflings are much more cordial and friendly with us than they were after the disastrous start to the crossing. He tells us that he takes back everything he said earlier and we express our intention to handsomely compensate the bricklayer for his lost bricks.
Our relations with the Riptides repaired, we land at The Landing and learn that they are gathering for a meeting of the ships, the purpose of which is to elect a new Master of the Ships.
We make our way to the Big House, which sits on a hill—the place that the Halflings gather and stay while the politicking and electing occur.
As we're making our way there, we spot the Windrakers. Daren recognizes Targoth and greets him. He explains that he was acting as navigator on his father's boat. We also learn that he hates being called Lord Windraker. He introduces us to his father—Oresti—who then introduces us to his wife.
While talking with Oresti, we learn that Riven fell and that one of the princes—possibly Navuul, the second eldest—is headed there to take it over. We tell Oresti that we fought Tavrix in Riven and he curses and explains that the Windrakers are not at all fond of the king.
Oresti also tells us that the current Master of the Ships—Samsul Clearwater—cannot hold the post again and is backing his son, Belsul. Oresti broadly outlines the state of Halfling politics—that there are some clans who hold an isolationist view when it comes to the land-dwellers, and that the Clearwaters are chief among this group. He also lets us know that there are others who object to what the king of Dakkon is doing and that the Windrakers are strongly in this camp. Oresti makes it known that he is running in opposition to Belsul.
Targoth tells Daren that we've come to The Landing to seek out the Clearwaters specifically, because we heard that they smuggled the former Divine Augur—who had made a prophecy about the then-Crown Prince—out of the capital when his life was in danger. When I hear Targoth make this admission, I'm none too pleased because it seems like Targoth is trusting too freely. Unfortunately, the words are out and there's no taking them back.
Daren's main focus, though, is getting his father elected Master of the Ships and, as a result of that, getting the Halflings more involved in land-dwelling politics and what's happening with the kingdom. It's clear that we need Oresti Windraker to win the election, but it's also clear that we cannot be seen openly politicking for them, since that would alienate the Clearwaters, from whom we need information. The solution we hit upon is to subtly involve ourselves in convincing some of the clans to back the Windrakers.
After our discussion with Oresti Windraker ends, we go to the bar to talk more with Daren. Onath—who has distanced himself from us since arriving—gets himself some Elven ale. I decide to purchase a pint in order to blend in, but I'm overcome by the fumes and appear to be drunk, though what happens is more like an allergic reaction. Nevertheless, I'm essentially useless.
While Daren starts explaining Halfling politics to us, Jack calls the bartender over to our table and buys Daren a drink. Daren tells us that there are ten clans and that all of the clans have alliances and enemies. Ten of the clans are allied to either the Windrakers (Riptides, Tridents, and Slipstreams) or the Clearwaters (Whitecaps, Waveriders, Seaspears). Two clans—the Daybreakers and the Fairwaters—are generally neutral and hate each other, so they tend to wait to make a decision (or abstain altogether) in order to profit at the expense of the other.
After explaining this, Daren explains that he has to leave us so that we are able to accomplish our goals of helping the Windrakers while not alienating the Clearwaters. He flirts slightly with Jack and gives him the key to his room, in case we're unable to get accommodations of our own or need a place to meet with Daren in private.
Targoth then leaves to go speak with the Clearwaters about our main purpose there—the information we're seeking about the Divine Augur and where we might find him. He finds the Clearwaters in a private room and clears his throat to draw their attention. Samsul is not impressed by Targoth and wants to know our business. Targoth attempts to be diplomatic, but when Samsul pretends not to know what we're talking about, Targoth makes it clear that we know he knows and that we won't leave until we get the information we're looking for.
He finally relents and says that he knows why we're there, but that he can't tell us anything. He was sworn not to say and nothing—not even mentioning Solange—convinces him. He does look at us very closely and he counts us. Under the scrutiny—and due to the reaction to the Elven ale—my form flickers slightly and he notices. His eyes widen, and he reluctantly tells us that the Divine Augur is dead.
We still insist that he tell us more, but he holds firm, saying that he can't say anything, that the business of the election is his priority right now and that he can't speak on the topic right now. He also tells us that we're not the right ones, but he won't tell us how he knows that.
Aideena asks him if he was expecting five of us—and we whisper amongst ourselves about retrieving Onath from the bar, where he'd been in conversation with a group of humans—but Samsul tells us to leave.
Eventually, we wear him down and he dismisses us with the implication that—once the election is over—we might revisit the topic. We decide to accept this small concession with the understanding that he knows we're not going anywhere until we speak to him again on the matter.
We make our way back out to the bar and we can't find Onath anywhere. We do, however, see his boomerang shield. When Jack goes to pick up the shield, a man who doesn't look quite human stops him. He takes the shield away and asks after Targoth, saying that he is the only one that this mysterious man will talk to. Jack, suspicious about what could be going on, retrieves Targoth.
The man with the shield introduces himself as Eben, and he says that Onath asked him to give Targoth—and the rest of us—a message. Eben says that Onath has gone and that we shouldn't follow. He also says that he—meaning Eben—has heard of our travels and that he shares with us a common interest. Jack scrutinizes Eben while he speaks and determines that while he looks human, he clearly isn't. His brow is heavier, he's got quite a bit of facial hair, his teeth don't look exactly human, and his ears are slightly pointed and are tufted a bit with hair.
During this initial conversation, I fall to the floor, still under the influence of the reaction to the Elven ale. Unfortunately, it's beginning to attract attention—and not of the good variety—so the group makes several attempts to haul me off the floor and into the rooms that Samsul granted us.
Once above stairs and in private, the group attempts to get me to throw up, which fails at first. Eben attempts to help me through divine means, but that fails as well. Finally, after a number of tries, I'm able to throw up and recover somewhat.
The privacy of our rooms, however, provides the group an opportunity to interrogate Eben about who he is and how he came to know of us.
Eben explains that he has issues with the king that have to be resolved, but he refuses to be more specific. Targoth senses that he's not lying and the evidence points to Onath leaving of his own volition. We try to determine how Eben has heard of us and ask again who he is. He explains that he hails from the north, near Bashar, and that he's a follower of Kord.
He is vague, though, and it's clear that he's keeping secrets. I keep my eyes on him while he speaks and it seems to me that he's fairly honest and that everything is more or less the truth, except for something he says near the end. There is something in what he's saying that doesn't quite fit.
Eben explains that his issues have nothing to do with war, and that he would very much like to join us. He also remarks on the suspicion and secrecy within our group, but we point out to him that he is doing very much the same thing. He sticks to the information he's presented us so far: that he has heard of us and wants to join with us. We tell him we want to sleep on it and think it over, and that we'll speak to him about it in the morning. He leaves.
After he leaves, there's a knock on the door and Daren walks in. He tells us that the Clearwaters have been on a high horse for years and that at one point—in the past, when Samsul's father had been Master of the Ships—they had not been neutral. He knows that the son obviously sees things different than his father did, but he has no idea why Samsul is isolationist.
We ask Daren if he knows anything about Eben, but all he can tell us is that he arrived a couple of days before us.
He also tells us that the Baroness withdrew the siege on Orran and is heading for Bashar, and that Gavrash also withdrew. It's clear that our side doesn't have the numbers to openly fight against the king, which is why it's so crucial that Windraker win the election. He would be in a position to get the Halflings involved on our side, which would help us greatly.
We also discuss how suspicious it is that Eben arrived at the Landing to find us before we even knew we were headed there.
After this discussion, Daren leaves. Now that it's just the party, Targoth asks Aideena what affected her so strongly in the clearing. He urges her to share and says that it's necessary for us to know what happened.
Aideena turns to the fire and says muses that it's impossible to run from the past, that a person's sins will come back to get you in the end. She explains that she'd been at the clearing before, but that she doesn't remember it very well because she wasn't in her right mind. Targoth asks her what happened, and she answers that she won't recount the gruesome details, but that those spirits were targeting her for a reason and that they were right to do so.
Targoth asks her if she attacked the caravan that we found there, the one that had been burnt out, and she answers that she believes she did—to her unspeakable shame.
He then asks her if that incident has something to do with her bitterness towards humans and the fire in the grate noticeably flares in response, but she doesn't really answer. Targoth then asks her if she remembers why, and Aideena rubs her neck and speaks quietly—as if to herself—and says, "Her face, her face…."
I remain quiet throughout this, partially glad that at least some of Aideena's painful secrets are finally being revealed. The urge to speak is great—to make some sort of sneering remark—but it's clear that Targoth will have much better luck in inducing Aideena to speak and, to me, having her secrets revealed is much more important than snarking at her about it.
Jack, who also remains quiet, is slightly stunned.
Targoth asks how long ago the incident happened and Aideena answers that it was months, maybe a year. She lingers near the fire and it's clear that the conversation is over. We all decide to head to bed for the evening and put up the chimes that will alert us if Eben moves within ten feet of us.
We all head to bed, except Jack who sneaks out of the room and goes to spend some time with Daren Windraker.
In the morning, he sneaks back in while everyone else—save Aideena—is asleep. She catches him moving into the room and is able to discern what he's been up to, but she doesn't say anything.
Once everyone has awoken, we talk about the conversation we had with Eben the night previously. We agree that we don't trust him, but that we need to talk with him more and find out as much as we can.
Targoth retrieves Eben and we ask him to tell us as much about him as he will. He says that he was trained in the art of war and that he's a healer. He studied at the Cloisters and that his time there was difficult. He says that he has something that has to be settled.
When we ask him about arriving at the Landing before we even knew we were headed here, he says that it was fortuitous he met us here because he was on his way somewhere else—to where the reports said we'd been—but that he has been unable to find passage off of the Landing.
After more discussion, we decide to keep him around and keen an eye on him. Eben goes to get his gear and then returns. We all go downstairs and Jack heads over to where the humans are. He starts playing the flute and the Halflings within hearing range are appreciative of his ability.
We discover that the humans are selling provisions—camping gear, mostly, though there are some healing potions as well. Eben goes shopping, and Aideena strikes up a conversation with some of the Halflings who turn out to be the Slipstreams. The Slipstreams operate near Riversend, in the Black Fen, and on the Casin River.
Jack continues to play as a distraction—which proves effective, as those in the room are enjoying the music—while Targoth goes and talks to Bann Trident.
I take the time to look around and up and I notice that the roof is open and that there are rafters which are mostly dark. It looks very much like a security risk to me, but I don't completely trust my ability to make it up to the top, so I quietly approach Jack and ask to speak to him.
Meanwhile, the humans in the room are gossiping about the latest news and we're able to hear that a major criminal organization in Easar has shaken up its leadership, and that the Black Shroud is out for Baron Stygia in Riversend.
Targoth continues to make the rounds amongst the Halfling clans and introduces himself to the Seaspears, a clan firmly in the corner of the Clearwaters, mainly because their motivation is to keep all the other Halflings away from land-dweller affairs. They are the only Halflings—apart from Daren Windraker—to hold titles in the kingdom. And, indeed, Kaless Seaspear is Lord of the Waves—essentially in charge of the King's navy.
After a short, tense conversation, Targoth cordially farewells them and walks off.
While Targoth is talking with them, I point out the rafters to Jack and ask if he wouldn't mind checking things out and making sure that there's no one up there. Jack agrees to and he finds his way to a pillar that connects to the rafters. He stealthily climbs his way to the top.
After Targoth's awkward conversation with the Seaspears, Daren casually walks over and begins to talk to the Tridents.
Around the same time, I overhear more gossip from the humans. They mention that a High Priest has been declared a traitor by the Crown Prince and one of the humans wonders if it's because of the siege of Orran.
Jack, who has been up in the rafters moving about quietly, overhears a heated discussion between three clans. It is clear that there is some backroom dealing going on, that one of the clans allied with the Clearwaters is trying to coax one of the neutral clans into voting with them. One of the clans storms off in disgust, and a member of one of the other clans left in the room says that "we're only doing this because it's in our own best interest; don't try to do more."
The rafter creaks very loudly at a lull in the conversation, however, and Jack's position is very precarious. He quickly and quietly makes his way down to a deserted room and he relates what he was able to hear of the conversation. It's clear that we need to talk to the neutral clans and see if we can't convince them to vote with the Windrakers.
First we try talking with the Fairwaters, but it doesn't go very well. There is a point in the discussion where we almost convince the leader of the clan to vote our way, but ultimately we fail to convince. We are successful, however, in ensuring that the Fairwaters will not vote with the Clearwaters but will remain neutral, which is some consolation.
We discover that the Daybreakers—the other neutral clan—are famously surly and don't get along with anyone except the Slipstreams, who support the Windrakers. They do, however, hate the Riptides who are some of the Windrakers strongest allies, which presents a bit of a challenge. We decide to talk to the Slipstreams to see if they can help us in convincing the Daybreakers to vote for the Windrakers.
While we're talking with the Slipstreams, it comes out in conversation that the Daybreakers are fond of sea shanties and might be more willing to listen to us if we can lure them away from the Whitecaps, with whom they are talking.
Aideena, Jack, and Targoth give it a try and, while those in the room like the song, it fails to lure the Daybreakers away from the Whitecaps. They attempt the same song, only this time with a different pace and are successful. The Daybreakers are stingy with their praise, but it is clear that they enjoyed the song. The Slipstreams introduce Jack and Targoth to the Daybreakers and it is clear that the music made them slightly more amenable to us, though they still are very wary.
We invite Daren into the discussion since the Daybreakers have demands for their vote that only his father can answer to.
Targoth, in particular, is very convincing in his discussion with the Daybreakers and—by the time the Clearwaters declare the time has come to vote—we're encouraged that the vote breakdown, which is along allied lines with the exception that the Fairwaters will remain neutral and the Daybreakers will vote for the Windrakers.
While the vote is taking place, Aideena flirts with the Elven barkeep, I am tense, and the rest of the party has a drink.
Finally, the doors open and Daren gives us a thumb's up. A moment later, the result is confirmed: Oresti Windraker is the new Master of the Ship.
Daren is clearly very happy; the Clearwaters and the Whitecaps are very unhappy.
We are happy for the Windrakers and for our quest, but we still have to go speak to Samsul Clearwater. When we find him, we ask him what will happen now. He explains that he'll step down in a fortnight and that the Master of the Ships acts as an advisor, though the clans generally do what he advises. The larger thing he's concerned with is that the Riptides are being pressed into service building ships for the king—it's part of the reason why he has been advising neutrality. But he recognizes that things are going to change and it's hard to predict what the clans will do.
We ask again about the Divine Augur and—with Eben now in tow—he tells us that our numbers were wrong before but that they're right now so he will tell us.
He was told years before never to reveal anything about what he knew until five people of five different races of the world came to the meeting of the ships. It was a prophecy from the Divine Augur and he was given epithets that seem to describe us:
The Queen's Pawn, The Many, The Favored of the Raven, The One of Myriad Faces, and She Who Burns Too Bright.
He goes on to explain that his clan did house and hide the Divine Augur for a time, but that he left and went deep into the forest to go to his grave because he knew he wasn't long for the world. He left the Clearwaters with a map to the site, which he gives to us. We all crowd around the map and look at it to see where the tomb of the Divine Augur is.


text:
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — A rape charge and all other criminal charges against former Penn State running back Austin Scott were dropped Friday.
The decision came after the state Superior Court ruled earlier Friday that jurors could hear testimony about the alleged victim's involvement in a separate sexual assault case in 2003. The defendant in that case was acquitted.
The Centre County district attorney's office said in a statement it withdrew the charges because there was "no reasonable likelihood" it could meet the burden of proof.
"It is with deep regret that we … withdraw the charges against Austin Scott," the statement said.
Scott left State College on Friday afternoon and returned to his home in Allentown.
"Finally, justice," defense attorney John Karoly said in a phone interview from his Allentown office.
Karoly said Scott was "happy and troubled" when the running back heard the news, and that Scott questioned why the case started in the first place when prosecutors were aware of the previous case.

subset: commoncrawl


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Oct 19, 2011 5:58 PM CST
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Baltimore, Md. In their own words, First Authors at the 2017 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology explain their findings. Their abstracts were designated as some of the newest and most innovative research presented on Thursday, May 11, 2017.
Anatomy and Pathology/Oncology
#535 - 5639. Inter-Layer Differences in Elastic Properties of Guinea Pig Sclera at the Micrometer Scale with Acoustic Microscopy. 12:45pm.
Nearsightedness is normally associated with excessively long eyes. A change in structural integrity of the eye wall might lead to weakening of the eye wall and underlie this propensity to elongate. Here we use a novel technology (scanning acoustic microscopy) which has the ability to assess stiffness of the eye wall, at a microscopic level, as a first step towards determine the exact changes that occur in the eye wall in nearsighted eyes.
#518 - 5466 - B0623. The Effects of Atropine on the Development of Binocular and Monocular Lens-Induced Myopia in Marmosets. 8:30am.
Nearsighted (myopic) people don't see clearly because their eyes are longer than usual, making them out-of-focus. Eyes develop myopia due in part to genetics, and in part to visual experience. The more myopic someone becomes, the greater the risk of having other eye diseases. This is why it is important to find ways to slow the development of myopia. One of the treatments that eye doctors are using to stop myopic patients from getting worse is an eye drop of a drug called atropine. We don't know exactly how atropine works to do this, and it also has side-effects, so using as little as possible to get the benefit is advisable. In our study we looked at the effects that different doses of atropine had on myopia. We found that when eyes develop large amounts of myopia, atropine was less effective and low dose atropine could not stop it. Atropine at a higher concentration is probably needed for higher myopia that develops quickly.
#518 - 5468 - B0625. Attenuation of myopia progression by aripiprazole is dependent on form deprivation. 8:30am.
Myopia is a sight compromising disease whose prevalence is markedly increasing and can severely detract on life quality. Even though this dysfunctional developmental process is treatable, in some more difficult chronic cases such measures are ineffective and disease complications may develop resulting even in blindness. To improve management of this condition, it was discovered that an association exists between changes in retinal dopamine levels and eye growth as well as emmetropization modulation in primates. Such changes affect these processes through possibly mediating dopamine 2 receptor subtype. To determine whether D2R promotes myopia progression, we compared the effects of a dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist, aripiprazole, on visual development on mice in a normal and vision obstructed environment. Even though this drug did not alter any of the baseline values, it had dose dependent inhibitory effects on myopia progression in a vision obstructed environment. This difference suggests that myopia may somehow alter the response patterns controlled by D2 receptor-linked signaling. Additional studies are warranted to clarify whether or not the responses induced by aripiprazole activation of D2R linked signaling are dependent on form deprivation.
#518 - 5469 - B0626. Effect of Topical Latanoprost on Myopia Progression in Guinea Pigs. 8:30am.
Myopia (near-sightedness) results from excessive eye enlargement. It has become a significant public health concern, due in part to its rising prevalence world-wide, now at epidemic levels in some parts of the world. The eye is like a balloon, with the pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP), exerting a stretching influence on the outer (scleral) wall of the eye. Remodeling of the latter wall, as in myopia, makes it more susceptible to stretching and so eyes will enlarge more. Following this logic, we tested the idea that eye enlargement and thus myopia progression can be reduced using IOP-lowering drugs. As our myopia model, we used guinea pigs wearing white plastic covers (diffusers) over one eye, which is known to induce excessive eye enlargement. The same eyes of half of the animals were treated with IOP-lowering drops and the others, with artificial tears. All animals underwent weekly eye examinations to measure their myopia, eye length and IOP. The IOP-lowering drops reduced eye pressure, as expected, and also inhibited "myopic eye growth" in our guinea pigs over the course of the 3-month study period. These results open the exciting possibility of using already approved IOP-lowering drugs for myopia control.
#519 - 5480 - B0637. Novel Myopia Genes and Pathways identified from Syndromic Forms of Myopia. 8:30am.
Myopia (short-sightedness) is a condition that has doubled in frequency in less than 30 years and, alarmingly, is still increasing. It is expected to affect 2.5 billion people by 2020 and 5 billion by 2050. Remarkably, we still don't why this is happening. Our study is an innovative step towards answering that question. We examined 130 rare genetic diseases that cause a range of problems including myopia, and compared that to genetic data that has been collected from normal subjects who have myopia. This revealed that 21 of the genes that cause rare diseases seem to contribute to "˜normal' myopia. We then looked at what the genes that cause these rare genetic diseases actually did in the body and found five new biochemical pathways that can lead to myopia. Together these new insights may help to solve the mystery of why the world is becoming myopic.
#519 - 5495 - B0652. Flexible optical waveguides for uniform periscleral crosslinking. 8:30am.
Myopia, or short-sightedness, affecting billions of people worldwide, is a leading cause of blindness and increases the risk of serious disorders such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and cataract. Weakening of the sclera, the white protective layer of the eye, is thought to underlie the accelerated axial eye growth that occurs in myopia progression. A potentially promising strategy for inhibiting axial growth is by strengthening the sclera through photochemical collagen crosslinking, a technique that is already used to strengthen weakened corneas in the clinic. However, delivering light to the sclera is technically challenging due to tight anatomical constraints, as well as the need to deliver light uniformly around the eye. To address these challenges, we have developed flexible, polymer-based waveguides optimized for light delivery to sclera. Using blue light and a riboflavin photosensitizer, we demonstrate efficient and uniform crosslinking of sclera around the equator of porcine eyeballs, resulting in a near-two fold increase in stiffness. We anticipate our method of sclera crosslinking will be useful as a preventive technique to control myopia progression in at-risk children and young patients with high myopia.
#518 - 5464 - B0621. Subconjunctival injection of gap junction antagonist (18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid) induces myopia in guinea pigs. 8:30am.
Myopia prevalence is markedly increasing in recent years and in some East Asian populations of tested young individuals its levels are approaching 100%. This visual developmental disease causes nearsightedness in which distant objects are perceived as being out of focus. In severe cases, complications can even lead to blindness. One of the factors possibly promoting such losses in visual acuity is a change in lifestyle requirements resulting from less time spent to outdoor daylight. Our studies are directed towards determining if curtailed outdoor exposure is associated with changes in retinal interneuronal communication. This is a relevant question because gap junction channel openings between neurons modulate light-induced signal transduction and propagation. A disturbance in this process may impair visual perception. To evaluate such a possibility, we hypothesized that selective drug-induced closure of retinal gap junctions affects myopia progression in guinea pigs. Our results showed that this prediction is correct because 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid-induced retinal gap junction closure induced myopia in guinea pig. Accordingly, maintenance of interneuronal retinal gap junctional connectivity appears to contribute to supporting normal eye growth and vision.
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
#508 - 5255 - B0142. Effect of High Energy Visible Light on A2E-loaded Retinal Pigmented Epithelium in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. 8:30am.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. The causes of the disease are not yet fully understood although we know that genetic background and environment are involved in the development of the disease. Some evidences indicate that sunlight exposure, and more specifically the blue portion, plays a role in the progression of AMD. More precisely, there is a molecule, called A2E, that absorbs blue light and this absorption is suspected to be toxic for the retina. To test our hypothesis, retinal cells filled with A2E at a concentration found in human eyes were exposed to blue light every day, 4 days a week during 11 weeks at a dose our eyes can be irradiated in real life. We then measured the effects on the cells using different stress markers and we found no effect of the blue light and A2E on retinal cells. Surprisingly, it seems that blue light degrades A2E, and would therefore be protective rather than toxic.
#508 - 5263 - B0150. Mitochondrial regulation of microRNA and implications for macular degeneration. 8:30am.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the world but there is variation in severity and responses to treatment among different patients. In order to develop effective treatments, it is critical to understand the causes of the disease and be able to screen patients to identify those who are most appropriate for certain medications. We hypothesize that the mitochondria can influence susceptibility and disease progression of AMD. The mitochondria are the power plants of the cell, providing energy for normal cellular processes. Using mitochondria obtained from a routine blood draw from individual patients, we can generate a "˜personalized' cell culture system referred to as a cybrid, which allows testing for responses to various treatments.
Our cybrid data shows that mitochondria from AMD patients cause cells to express different levels of key microRNA molecules that are relevant to AMD disease progression, driving inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth. MicroRNA are powerful regulators of gene expression that are of great interest for a wide variety of diseases, and therefore could serve (a) as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of AMD, and (b) as potential treatments to control the expression of harmful pathways.
Clinical/Epidemiologic Research
#539 - 5719 - B0257. Associations between the gut microbiome, a healthy diet, and age-related nuclear cataract. 11:30am.
Cataract - the clouding of the lens as the eye ages, is the leading cause of blindness in the world and a major public health problem. A healthy diet protects against the formation of cataract, possibly through antioxidant vitamins, but we do not know how exactly this happens. Gut bacteria have important functions in keeping us healthy as they generate nutrients from substrates that are otherwise indigestible. Therefore, we wanted to understand if a healthy diet influences which microbes are in the gut, and if these changes can be related to cataract. Our pilot study of 757 subjects from the UK (all part of the TwinsUK cohort) showed that there are differences between the gut bacteria in people who ate healthy diets compared to those who did not. Some of these bacteria, known to be important for digesting plant material, were associated with healthy diets and may protect against cataract. A bigger study is needed to better understand the role that bacteria play in cataract, and eye health in general.
Eye Movements/Strabismus/Amblyopia/Neuro-Ophthalmology
#504 - 5139 - B0026. Retrospective review of ocular pain management with eye removal surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital. 8:30am.
Patients who have eye removal surgery to alleviate pain have often had multiple prior treatments to save their eye and have been in pain for long periods of time. In clinic, some lament not having been referred for eye removal sooner. Our study quantified the amount of time between initial pain and definitive eye removal surgery for patients at Yale New Haven Hospital treated over the past three years and found the average time for all patients to be 13 weeks. Patients who had a blind painful eye due to more long-term diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, or corneal ulcer had a much higher average time (21 weeks) between initial pain and surgery. In contrast, patients who had eye removal due to cancer had surgery within an average of 9 weeks, and patients with rupture of the eye or infection of the interior eye had eye removal within an average of 1 week. These results highlight the differences in how we manage eye removal patients based on the cause of their eye pain and bring attention to the long-term suffering these patients may be experiencing.
#504 - 5138 - B0025. Personalized 3D-printed conformers for the treatment of severe microphthalmia/ anophthalmia. 8:30am.
In children with anophthalmia and/or microphthalmia one eye or both eyes are respectively not developed or remain smaller than healthy eyes. Children suffering from this condition are at risk to develop facial deformation as a too small eye cannot appropriately stimulate growth of the facial bones. Currently used treatments include surgery and the use of expandable materials such as rapidly swelling gels to enlarge the eye cavity. These strategies are invasive and require hospitalization. As an alternative we developed a noninvasive personalized treatment strategy involving 3D-printed volume-increasing conformers. These conformers are small spheres or dishes that fit in the affected eye cavity. The principle of the treatment is to exchange the conformers for a slightly larger size at every step, which can be done at home, and thereby mimic the growth of a healthy eye. The design of the conformer was based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) combined with a digitalized impression of the patient's eye cavity and the shape gradually changed with each step to form a suitably-shaped eye cavity for cosmetic prosthesis wear. Our research so far showed that our 3D-printed conformers are well-tolerated and noninvasively stimulate eye cavity expansion and eye lid fissure growth, creating facial symmetry.
#544 - 5852 - B0404. Neuro-Vascular changes associated with the Water Drinking Stress Test. 11:30am.
Drinking a lot of water in a short period of time increases pressure in the blood and inside the eye and reduces the electrical activity of the eye's nerve cells. Water Drinking Test (WDT) consists of drinking a liter of water within 5 minutes, and is commonly used to temporarily increase the pressure inside the eye and predict the risk of developing glaucoma, a blinding disease that is more severe in subjects with elevated eye pressure. The research demonstrates in normal subjects that the WDT also causes elevation of blood pressure and reduction of heart rate and the pattern electroretinogram, a measure of function of nerve cells susceptible to glaucoma. These changes represent additional risk factors for glaucoma and their assessment might increase the predictive power of the WDT for glaucoma development.
#540 - 5736 - B0288. Conditional, genetically-encoded, small molecule-regulated inhibition of NF-κB signaling in RPE cells. 11:30am.
Inflammation is a powerful weapon used by our bodies to eradicate viruses and foreign pathogens. As such, low levels of controlled inflammation are necessary to ensure a healthy, functioning eye. However, a number of both rare and prevalent eye diseases are likely caused by inflammation gone awry, unregulated inflammation that has detrimental consequences for cells involved in vision. Therefore, balance and tight regulation of inflammatory signaling must be achieved in order maintain eye health. Current methods to control detrimental inflammation in the eye rely on either permanent repression of inflammation or repeated injections of the eye with drugs that have substantial undesirable side effects. We have developed an approach that permits healthy inflammatory signaling while retaining the ability to dampen detrimental or "˜pathogenic' inflammation with the addition two harmless molecules. This method is tunable, reversible, and has been demonstrated to prevent inflammatory signaling associated with a number of stimuli. In theory, this approach can be targeted to particular layers within the eye, thereby avoiding off-target effects, and control of this strategy can be achieved by orally-administered small molecules. We are confident that this approach has the potential to significantly benefit human health through the treatment of inflammation-based eye disease.
Multidisciplinary Ophthalmic Imaging Group
#516 - 5432 - B0589. Motion-free en face OCT Angiography and Pigment Imaging based on Modified Lissajous Scan. 8:30am.
Although scanning speed of optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become faster and faster, it still take several seconds to scan 3D OCT volume typically, which allows eye motion. The eye motion results in image gaps and distortions in en face OCT images. We developed a software-based method to correct these eye motion artifacts. In our method, a modified Lissajous scanning pattern, which scan the entire volume for multiple times, is adopted as scanning protocol. With this residual scanning pattern, we can split the en face OCT images into small parts which have overlapping areas with some others. Remarkably, we necessarily split every image gaps to avoid these image gaps appear in final image. Using these overlapping areas, we can stitch small parts to build a motion-free image. In this stitching process, the large motion distorted small parts, which has low similarities with other small parts in their overlapping areas, were discarded. By confirming the effectiveness and validity of motion corrected images, we conclude that this method can provide motion-free en face OCT angiography and pigment images.
#547 - 5923 - B0659. Systemic complement activation in central serous chorioretinopathy. 11:30am.
The exact origin of the common and mysterious eye disease central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is still unknown. Several genes in the complement system, a part of the immune system, have been described to be associated with CSC. In age-related macular degeneration, a disease that overlaps with CSC, both genetic risk factors in and systemic activation of the complement system have been found. However, in this study in 76 CSC patients we found no evidence of either systemic activation or inhibition of the complement system, in comparison with 29 controls without ophthalmological history.
#547 - 5925 - B0661. Association between CFH variants and choroidal thickness in central serous chorioretinopathy. 11:30am.
Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a common eye disease which affects the vision of middle aged people. The patients of CSCR show a pooling of water at the posterior part of the eye. Some risk factors of CSCR such as hormone imbalance, psychogenic stress and pregnancy were reported, but the details why CSCR occurs are unknown to date. We thought that some genetic factors may contribute to this disease and firstly reported the association of genetic variants of complement factor H (CFH), a multifunctional molecule which regulates inflammation and circulation, with CSCR. In the present study, we have further demonstrated that the variants of CFH gene may be associated with a thickening of the choroid, a membrane of abundant blood vessels spread-out at the posterior inner surface of the eye, which may be correlated with the posterior ocular circulation. This finding may be a clue to disclose the molecular mechanisms of CSCR.
#521 - 5537 - B0737. Peripapillary Pigmentation and Optic Disc Morphology in Newborns with Treatment-Warranted Retinopathy of Prematurity. 8:30am.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a disease of the retina, or the back layer of the eye, that occurs in premature babies and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Little is known about the changes in pigmentation around the optic nerve or in optic nerve morphology during the progression of severe ROP requiring treatment intervention (treatment-warranted ROP [TW-ROP]). Using images obtained from the Stanford University Network for Diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity (SUNDROP), an initiative to screen premature babies in Northern California for ROP, we compared TW-ROP babies with non-TW-ROP babies. We found that the change in optic nerve area from the first to last screening eye exam was not significantly different between the two groups. However, TW-ROP babies had a greater increase in area of pigmentation around the optic nerve and the pigmentation became darker from the first to last screening eye exams when compared to non-TW-ROP babies. Further studies into these changes may be used to help guide patient selection for treatment of ROP in the future.
Retinal Cell Biology
#546 - 5905 - B0497. An Avian Adeno-Associated Viral Vector for Visualization of Post-Natal Chick Retinal Circuitry. 11:30am.
Gene therapy refers to the ability of scientists and clinicians to alter gene expression within a patient or animal model using a variety of techniques. One of these involves the use of engineered viral vectors, which have been used prolifically in recent years in neuroscience research and clinical trials. The post-hatching chick is a valuable model for visual research, but unfortunately lacks gene therapy tools available to the more typical rat and mouse models. This research represents the first attempt to adapt an avian serotype of a commonly used viral vector for use in the retina in basic scientific research. We show that injection of avian virus into the eye is sufficient to manipulate gene expression in a minority of cells, and use this technique to visualize retinal cells and their circuitry in situ by forcing expression of a fluorescent marker. Further, we show that transduction efficiency can be drastically increased by directly exposing isolated retinas to the virus in culture. This suggests that techniques that increase viral contact with the retina in vivo may increase transduction efficiency to scientifically useful levels. Overall, this research provides the foundational data for a gene therapy vector which - with further development - may transform the chick into an indispensable model for determination of retinal function and circuitry.
Katrina Norfleet
Posted: 5/11/2017


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This vegetable salad is colorful, crunchy and a great side dish that can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for several days. A refreshing vegetable salad, it will make the perfect addition to any meal in the hot summer months. Serves eight. (Chef tip: Add crumbled feta cheese and black beans to make a nutritious meal.)
1 English cucumber, thinly sliced into half moons
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Article Photos
Loretta Paganini
2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, core, seeded and thinly sliced
Honey vinaigrette:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup fresh orange juice and juice
1 tablespoon Acacia honey
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
To make the dressing, combine orange juice and zest, Dijon, honey and vinegar together in a large mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients together until combines. Add olive oil slowly while whisking to emulsify the dressing. When all oil is combined add salt and pepper to taste.
To assemble the salad, wash, slice and chop all vegetables and toss to combine all in a large bowl. Refrigerate to chill for an hour. Just before serving, toss salad with honey vinaigrette. Serve.


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LeeRoy Aiken, Sr, age 73, for Wilmington, DE, passed away on Monday, July 3, 2017 after a long illness, to join his wife of 50 years, Karen and son LeeRoy, Jr.
He was born and raised in Newark and was the son of the late Blanche and Ralph Aiken. LeeRoy graduated from the former Brown Tech HS. He worked as an electrician for the DuPont Company for 35 years and retired in 2013. LeeRoy served his country proudly in the Army National Guard for 25 years.
He enjoyed going to his trailer, with his late wife at Indian Acres on the Chesapeake Bay, MD. He also liked to watch baseball and professional wrestling, but most important to him was spending time with his family. LeeRoy attended St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.
He is survived by 2 sons, Michael (Aida) and Chris (Alayna); 3 grandchildren, Anna, Kimberly and Josiah; a daughter in law, Kathleen; 5 siblings, Robert, Virginia, Albert, George and Donna, a beloved sister in law, Lorraine McLaughlin and numerous nieces and nephews. LeeRoy is also preceded in death by his 3 siblings, John, William and Diane.
A viewing will be held on Monday, July 10, from 6-8 pm, at McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy(at Duncan Rd) Wilmington, where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 11, at 11am. Burial will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com


text: The remotest fact in the history of England is written in her rocks. Geology tells us of a time when no sea flowed between Dover and Calais, while an unbroken continent extended from the Mediterranean to the Orkneys. Huge mounds of rough stones called Cromlechs, have yielded up still another secret. Before the coming of the Celtic-Aryans, there dwelt there two successive races, whose story is briefly told in a few human fragments found in these "Cromlechs." These remains do not bear the royal marks of Aryan origin. The men were small in stature, with inferior skulls; and it is surmised that they belonged to the same mysterious branch of the human family as the Basques and Iberians, whose presence in Southern Europe has never been explained.


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Financial problems can adversely affect the quality of life for yourself and your family. Don't let your life. No matter what sort of financial hole is causing you angst, things will look better if you take steps to improve your financial habits and get your bank account into better shape. Continue reading for some ways that you can salvage your finances.
Try writing things down on a whiteboard located in your kitchen or somewhere else that is visible. You will glance at it often so that you need to do.
Buying your lean protein in bulk will allow you to save a lot of time and money. Buying in bulk is usually much cheaper if you actually use what you purchase. A lot of time will be saved by cooking everything in one day which will leave you with food for the rest of meals all at once.
This method forces you to save some every few weeks. This approach is ideal for something like a luxury vacation or wedding.
Protect yourself financially with the best health insurance policy. Everyone will get sick at one point or another. This is the best health insurance plan in place is very important to your life. Hospital bills can climb as high as twenty thousand dollars or more in some instances.This can wipe out your finances and leave you financially if you don't possess insurance.
Stop charging the credit cards you have a hard time paying it off. Pay off your monthly balance before making future purchases with the card.
A number of credit card companies provide bonus points that you can use to get low cost or discounted flight tickets to be redeemed from purchases for no additional charge. Your reward miles may also be used at some hotels for services and products other than flights.
You can't repair your credit without getting out of debt. You can decrease your monthly expenses by eating in more and limiting yourself from going out on weekends.
Try making presents instead of wasting all your money on store bought things.This can lower your visits to stores and save you avoid spending significant amounts of money during Christmas.
You should find out if your debit card to be able to automatically pay your credit card bill each month. This will ensure that your credit card bills get paid even if you do not forget to pay a bill.
This can help ensure that you will forget to make a late payment. This will help you budget and keep you to stay away from late fees.
Keep all the important tax related documents together in files to access them easily. Keep all of your personal documents such as receipts or insurance papers in one file so you can access them easier.
At this point, you should have a few new ideas about the best way to manage your hard-earned money. Now you are probably well aware of how you can help your personal finances. With a new sense of hope, share this material with a friend who may be in need.


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Samuel Eto'o was restored to his customary centreforward position. Imposing midfielder, Alex Song was back in the Lions' midfield. Geremi as well was reinstated into the starting lineup. Paul Le Guen acquiesced to player pressure and went back to a more comfortable lineup.
Cameroon were rewarded when Poulsen's defensive error allowed Eto'o to open his account in South Africa. At that point it looked as if the Lions were on their way to victory as they were the team most likely to score. But Dennis Rommedahl had other ideas. The Ajax winger had the better of Benoit Assou-Ekoto all match and was clearly the best player on the field yesterday.
Thanks to Rommedahl, Denmark were level by the stroke of halftime when he supplied a precise low cross for Bendtner to sweep home. This followed a fantastic cross field pass from Simon Kjaer. Cameroon continued to show more desire to get the win, and that desire led them open to counter attacks from the Olsen-Banden.
In one such break-away attack, Bendtner slipped a pass through to the flying Rommedahl who cut inside and curled a left footer past Souleymanou Hamidou. Denmark lived on borrowed time later on as the Lions pressed forward again and again only to be denied by Sorensen and the goal posts.
A better performance from Paul Le Guen's side but it probably came one match late. Le Guen must take the blame for confusing the players with his selection for the Japan opening match.
Credit to the 3-time Ligue 1 winner though as he took full responsibility of Cameroon's failure to qualify.
"What I think what we lacked was efficiency in front of goal. We had an enormous amount of very clear chances and we failed to put them away. We were clumsy with our finishing, but I feel that we gave everything we could tonight. We did what we could on the pitch. I have regrets after these two matches and that's understandable given the quality of the match we played tonight. Honestly, we came very close and we just didn't make it. We can have legitimate regrets but I take responsibility for everything."
So one Lion gone, will the Three Lions suffer the same result on Wednesday next week? England will try "mind control" to overcome the fear of failure and the in-form Slovenia.


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We source quality packing materials to ensure your goods are protected and arrive intact and undamaged.
Personalisation options? We can brand your despatch notes and shipping labels as standard.
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Friday November 28
Karnaf Hall
11:30 AM First Segment
Atom by Kazuyo Shionoieri, Oded Zadok, Israel
Golem Couple by Mariko Kakizaki, Japan
Maria Addolorata by Carlo Massari, Italy
BodyMagic by Ido Batash, Israel
1:00 PM: Second Segment
The Red Purse by Miguel G font, Spain
P = mg by Jann Gallois, France
NOMADS by Nobuyoshi Asai, Japan
Transparent Borders by Sharon Vazanna
Saturday November 29
Karnaf Hall 8:30 PM
The International Choreography Competition Finals – The Four Chosen Choreographies
The International Dance Competition Awards Ceremony
The winners of the competition will be announced at the end of the evening. The prizes of 4,000, 2,800, and 1,800 Dollars were generously donated by the Oregon-Israel Business Alliance and the Einhorn Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego.
Sunday November 30
Karnaf Hall 7:00 PM
White piece by Sofia Krantz
Backbone by Anat Cederbaum
Interviews by Idan Sharabi
Original productions for Machol Shalem Festival 2014
Beit Mazia 9:00 PM
The Holycoaster'(s)HIT Circus by Ruby Edelman and Sascha Engel.
Machol Shalem Dance House Production in cooperation with the PENG! Palast group, Switzerland
Monday December 1
The First Station 11:00 AM
Conflict and Coexistence in Jerusalem
The talk will provide an overview about the city of Jerusalem, including socio-demographic data, communities residing in the city, and geo-political aspects. Special emphasis will be given to the complicated and delicate reality of East Jerusalem, and the fragile relationship between Jews and Arabs living in the city.
Free Admission
Gerard Bechar Center 4:00 PM
"Pi" Created by Gitty Porgesz - Carmia Dance Company
"Pi" was born from internal movement. From nature. From the infinite came the finite. Pi was created as a new life that was growing within me, while I was expecting my child. As my baby grew inside, my movement of creativity grew just the same."
Beggars' March by Idan Porges
A segment from a new work that will be performed as part of Mifal Hapayis's "B'Ikvot" project, January 2015, inspired by the work "The White Death" by Ruth Ziv Ayal, 1981.
Choreographer: Ronen Yitzhaki
Choreographers and dancers from a broad spectrum of connectedness to Judaism will present diverse opinions and experiences related to issues that arise when choreographing and producing dance within the religious milieu.
A glimpse into the special connection between the spiritual world in the domain of corporeal art and modern dance. The learning and panel session, in which choreographers, dancers, and members of the public will participate, will be conducted in English by the Rabbi Maoz Kahana.
Gerard Bechar Center 7:00 PM
YouMake ReMake by Renana Raz
Karnaf Hall 9:00 PM
ANU ("We") by Michal Herman
MUSTER by Shlomi Bitton
Tragic Magic by Yoav Grinberg
Original productions for Machol Shalem Festival 2014
Tuesday December 2
Beit Mazia
De La Alhamra by Sewar Ebelini
Bread and Circuses Blood by Ido Batash
I Can See Them Coming by Merav Dagan
Museum on the Seam
Choreography and concept: Rachel Erdos
2014 Machol Shalem Festival Production
Gerard Bechar Center
Heroes Choreography & Performance: Oded Graf, Yossi Berg
LE SACRE DU NAHARIN by Ruby Edelman
The announcement of the choreographer selected by the Zawirowania Theater, who will participate in the 2015 Zawirowania Festival , Warsaw.
Wednesday December 3
French Institute 7:00 PM
A panel will discuss the differences between models of government support in culture with Mr. Laurent Van Kote, Ministry of Culture, France
THE FIRST STATION- free worksohps and performances- all throughout the Dance Week.
For more information AND TICKETS: 053-3358210
For more information about Machol Shalem Dance House performances and tickets please visit our site:
Artistic Direction: Ofra Idel and Ruby Edelman
Artistic Direction House Productions: Oded Graf
Artistic Committee – International Choreography Competition:
Moshe Shechter Avshalom Israel
Hagit Yakira England
Ziv Frenkel Germany
Romain GuionGermany
Artistic Committee – International Jerusalem Exposure
Shir Hacham
Nira Trifon
Yael Nahari Shefer
Anat Shamgar
Production: Machol Shalem Dance House
External Relations and Production Management: Katherina Vasiliadis
Marketing: Anat Asudi
Graphic Design: Bio-media
Image: Gaya's Music Photos
PR: Lina Ballas PR and Communication
Sales Management: Efrat Ochayon
Legal Advice: Gilead Sher & Co. Law Offices
We wish to thank the following individuals and organizations:
Raphael Gamzou, Rachel Nir – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ofer Berkovitch , Shemi Amsalem ,Eyal Ezri, Nava Dissentshik, Yossi Sharabi, Milka Borenstin, – The Jerusalem Municipality
The Jerusalem Foundation
Keren Karmel, Karin Daniel – The Ministry of Culture and Sports
Shlomo Levi , Shelly Lankri and Shimon Levi – The Canada House
Sari Manor
Ruth Cummings and Nirit Roessler – JCU
Sigalit Gelfand, Or Dekalo – The Choreographers Association
Bentzi Bitran – The Gerard Behar Center
The Harold Edelstein Foundation
Uwe Kaestner and Romain Guion – LUCKY TRIMMER
Rachel Salant, Dr. Nira Kfir, Hadassa Ben Itto, Machneyooda
Special thanks to Sagit Klapholtz.
Thanks to the Machol Shalem Association Board Members:
Chairman, Eytan Ronel, Dafna Efron, Rosy (Steve Rosenberg), Gilah Kahn-Hoffmann
Audit Committee: Attorney Betty Nulman, Roee Metzer
Machol Shalem Dance House Map
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text:
At Cooper®, we talk tires every day, and we understand that the four tires on your vehicle are what keep you connected to the road, playing a crucial role in how your vehicle handles, and in keeping you safe on your travels.
As an American company since 1914, our focus is on making quality tires that will perform well and last for thousands of miles. With more than a century in the tire industry, we know that tires matter, and that is why you should count on Cooper®.
Shop Cooper® tires with us today.
The beginnings of Cooper date back to 1914 in Akron, Ohio, when two brothers-in-law John F. Schaefer and Claude E. Hart formed a company to produce tire patches, tire cement, and tire repair kits. In 1915, Schaefer and Hart purchased The Giant Tire & Rubber Company of Akron, a tire rebuilding business, and shortly thereafter moved the business to Findlay, Ohio.
In 1926, Ira. J. Cooper developed the "Cooper Creed" which focused the company on providing "good merchandise, fair play, and a square deal." The vision of Ira J. Cooper continues at Cooper today.
At Cooper, we believe that manufacturing a quality product is key to ensuring your peace of mind. All Cooper® tires are backed by a standard or premium limited warranty, and select products are also backed by a 45-day road test or mileage warranty, helping to give you peace of mind on the road.
Looking for a full-service tire shop with flexible hours to fit your busy lifestyle? Are you hoping to avoid having to travel out of your local area? The staff at T & M Tire Service has exactly what you're looking for. With 2 locations in St. John and Porter, we are able to offer a wide service reach to our customers in St. John, IN, Porter, IN, Chesterton, IN, and surrounding areas. Our TIA-certified tire shop offers tires from some of the best names in the business, as well as tire services like computer spin balancing and flat tire repair. We also provide 24 hour roadside assistance for mobile tire repair. If you need specialty tires, such as commercial or farm tires, we carry those, too. Our staff brings over 30 years of industry experience to ensure an outstanding service experience every time. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
St. John, IN
Porter, IN


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It might not be the best solution for gamers, but having a monitor attached through USB is quite a practical solution for most purposes. After all, virtually every computer has a USB-interface, while video inputs vary greatly. At the San Francisco CES, DisplayLink showed its new DL-5500 series USB-chip. This is a product that will be implemented into various docks and adaptors by several manufacturers in the next months.
4K over USB 3.0
The advantage of the new DL5500 UHD-adaptor is that your computer doesn't require a special connector to utilize the full potential of a 4K-monitor; a USB 3.0 port and a modern processor are sufficient. The latter is important since the technique requires quite a bit of CPU-power.
DisplayLink's adaptor with the new DL-5500 UHD on board


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ERIC Number: ED059401
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1971-Sep
Pages: 62
Abstractor: N/A
Reference Count: 0
A Comparison of Two Methods of Teaching Life Career Planning to Junior High School Students. Final Report.
Curry, John F.; Brooks, Robert L.
In an effort to find a better way to help students make educational and vocational decisions, this study compared two methods of teaching life career planning to junior high school students. Following the "Nonequivalent Control Group" design, the study involved an experimental group being taught by means of the Life Career game and a control group being taught by a teacher-directed method using traditional materials. Pretest and posttest measures of subject content, attitude, and critical thinking abilities were obtained using such instruments as a Semantic Differential, the Life Career Inventory, and the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal. Also a retention test was administered 23 days after the posttest. Based on the analysis of data, a major conclusion of the study included: (1) The Life Career game is no more effective than traditional methods in assisting students to learn subject matter, (2) Simulation is more effective than traditional methods in changing attitudes and for retention of subject matter, and (3) Neither method was effective in improving critical thinking ability. (Author/JS)
Publication Type: N/A
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: N/A
Sponsor: Office of Education (DHEW), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: North Texas State Univ., Denton.


text: Joining us for this episode of Ditch The Box is the talented and highly experienced Gary Swaim. Gary is currently the National Sales Manager-Managing Director of Prairie Mills Products LLC. His main role is to direct sales and marketing of grain based bakery ingredients and deal with product development. With an extensive knowledge of the food and agricultural industry that dates back to his Indiana farm roots, Gary offers incredible insights on the industry as a whole. Tune in to this captivating episode on 8-3 at 4pm EST!


text: Hi, I'm a first time LV buyer and I'm looking for a classic timeless over-the-shoulder Monogram canvas Louis Vuitton bag with a zipper to close it shut. Basically, I want a shoulder bag that will not be discontinued and will be around forever- something I can give to my daughter. I also want it to look professional, so it can be used for work as well. However, overall, I'm looking for an everyday bag that can be used for EVERYTHING. I'm drawn to the Speedy 30 (because it's timeless, been around forever, and also Audrey Hepburn), but unfortunately, it's only a handbag. I also like the Alma, but again, it isn't a shoulder bag. It seems like Louis Vuitton does not have many classic shoulder bags. I went to a LV Boutique, but couldn't decide. I'm currently looking at [totes] Babylone, Cabas Mezzo, Cabas Piano, [shoulder purses] Viva Cite MM, Tikal PM, Boulogne, Papillon 30, Popincourt Haut. I did not include the Bucket or the Batignolles because they do not have zippers. Also, the Lockit Horizontal did not catch my eye. It seems like every bag has something wrong with it. The Popincourt Haut just never appealed to me and there's just something about it that doesn't look right- maybe too triangular. Also, the balls seem like they would be annoying over time. The Babylone was cute at first, but the shoulder straps are really really long- I think too long (I'm 5'5")- and it also looks a little "mature-looking." The Cabas Mezzo seems way too large, but the Cabas Piano seems way too small. And both Cabas seem too casual-looking and I've heard complaints about the vachetta bottom being hard to clean or maintain. I really love the Cabas' simple lines and the way it looks (and it seems to be a celebrity favorite), but because of the "vachetta" complaints, will the Cabas be discontinued in the future?- afterall, they did discontinue the Alto. The sales associate said something about the Popincourt Haut sort of being the Cabas Piano replacement- the PH doesn't have the vachetta bottom. The Viva Cite MM has a really elegant shoulder strap and shape, but I don't think I'd ever use the outside two pockets. Tikal PM is really cute and elegant, but it's really too small for me. The Boulogne seems cute, but the sales associate didn't seem to like it that much (I don't know why). The Papillon 30 is over the shoulder and is cute, but it seems too trendy and less serious. To be honest, I'm really looking at the Cabas Mezzo, Babylone, and Cabas Piano. But on the other hand, I really want a cute shoulder bag, how about the Viva Cite MM, Tikal PM, Boulogne, or the Papillon 30? And is the Babylone or the Cabas Mezzo/Piano more timeless, classic, and least likely to be discontinued?


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Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the seventh report of the Standing Committee of International Trade, entitled "The Canadian Steel Industry's Ability to Compete Internationally". Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.
I would also like to thank our clerk, our analysts, and especially our committee. We have a hard-working committee. We do a lot of travel across the country and internationally. We do well for this country when we do our business.


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"Oh, dear, scheming. I was afraid this would happen if we got chummy again."
This was a very good sequel. I love that "grades" are given and Sophronia has a whole lot of added pressure. Many of the same characters return, but we do get up close and personnel with a few. We also get a brief look at Lord Akeldama. The story is full of mystery and it takes a lot for Sophronia to glean all the information she needs, but with the help of friends and skills only Sophronia has can you learn the truth about the trip to London. Great read. Can't wait for the next one!


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Life is such a precious gift. There is so much opportunity out there if we just open up our hearts and listen to our souls. The universe is constantly providing us with the keys to which we asked for in order to open the doors to our future. Just ask and it will be given. I am a healer/medium/psychic and so much more. I am amazed at how my gifts from God and the Angels help people and animals that I come in contact with. I am in constant awe and always will be. I am grateful beyond words for the time I have on this planet. I give thanks to everything I have and don't have. We are all taken care of. Have faith and believe.
- Monica's blog
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Prepare an introduction and background report for your project.
Your report should be around 750 words covering your introduction and 1000 words covering background of your project. This report should ideally become introduction and related work sections of your final project paper. The coverage of this report should demonstrate your competence with the content of the project. Your writing should be clear, engaging, technically sound, and written in an appropriate style for an academic publication.
Your introduction section should address:
Your related work review should address:
You should use one of the IEEE templates
Submitting your files
Submission of your homework is via WebCampus. You must submit all the required files in a single PDF document.


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MTV reality star Daniel Dias has passed away, aged 34.
He was perhaps best known for starring in the show Road Rules, having appeared in the 13th season of the show in 2004.
Dias was found dead in his apartment in New York, according to reports, though the cause of death is yet to be determined.
New York police told US Weekly: "Police discovered a 34-year-old male unconscious and unresponsive.
"The EMS responded and pronounced the male deceased at the scene. No criminality suspected at this time. The Medical Examiner is going to determine the cause of death. There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing."
E! News reports that a friend became concerned after not hearing from Dias for two days, later finding him dead in his apartment.
Road Rules followed half a dozen young strangers as they were stripped of their money and forced to live in an RV as they travelled around different locations. It was nominated for an Emmy back in 2001.
Following his success on the show, he appeared on The Challenge in 2005, following stars as they competed in a number of tasks.
"We are saddened by the news of Danny Dias' passing," MTV said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Twitter account and you're all set.


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The Intercultural City Initiative seeks to activate an American version of Europe's Intercultural City Programme to help the city of Saint Paul and other interested jurisdictions in Minnesota learn to "perceive cultural diversity not as a threat but as an opportunity, and make diversity work to their advantage".
Project status: Underway
January 14, 2011 - Met with Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Marketing Director Jake Spano to pitch the Intercultural City Initiative concept
July 13, 2011 - Explored the future of Saint Paul as an Intercultural City using Joel Barker's Implications Wheel at the Ethnic Cultural Tourism Destinations Conference
July 19, 2011 - Initiated plans to bring Charles Landry author of Intercutural City: Planning for Diversity Advantage back to town for a consultancy on Intercultural City strategies. This morphed into a distinct project of its own as we sought strategic partners. Go to the Charles Landry project page.
Throughout 2011 - Drafted and revised an Intercultural City Resolution to present to City of Saint Paul
January 10, 2011 - Distributed draft v2 of the Intercultural City Resolution to Saint Paul city staff and Mayor's office.
May TBD, 2012 - Intercultural City Workshop with Charles Landry (details pending). Link to project page.
Council of Europe/European Commisson's Intercultural City Index & Benchmarking Tool
Intercultural City Resolution - Working (Saint Paul, latest version)
Implications Wheel Results
American Indian Family Center, ARTS-Us, Asian Economic Development Association, Aurora-St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Center, Black Bear Crossings on the Lake, City of Saint Paul, Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter, Saint Paul Council Member Melvin Carter III, CultureBrokers Foundation, CultureBrokers LLC, East Side Neighborhood Development Company, Explore Minnesota Tourism, Little Mekong, Local Flavor Travel, Metropolitan Council, mPaisley's, Minnesota Chicano Latino Affairs Council, Native American Community Development Institute, entrepreneur Al Paulson, artist Chamath Perera, Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, Preserve & Benefit Historic Rondo Committee, Selby Avenue Action Coalition, University of Minnesota Tourism Center, Visit Saint Paul, and Walker West Music Academy.
Copyright CultureBrokers Foundation, Inc. | PO Box 40485 | 917 Selby Avenue | Saint Paul, MN 55104 | 651-344-0664


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Live events at the Wellesley in June offer classic shows for audiences of all ages and tastes.
The month opens on Wednesday 7 June with three contrasting productions on the same bill from the Royal Ballet screened live from The Royal Opera House in London. The programme opens on 2 June and brings an end to the celebrations to mark 70 years of Frederick Ashton's choreography.
'The Dream' (1964) is an adaptation of Shakepeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' set to music by Mendelssohn; 'Symphonic Variations' (1946) was Ashton's first masterpiece and is an abstract work celebrating pure movement; 'Marguerite and Armand' (1963) is a tragic love story originally inspired by the dance partnership of Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev.
The programme features the Royal Ballet's most celebrated dancers including Steven McRae and Marianela Nūnez.
Take That's 'Wonderland' Tour is screened live from London's O2 Arena on Friday 9 June at 8.00pm.
The tour which has just opened in Newcastle features a circular stage swirled with projections of woodland, underwater scenes, a floating man on an Aladdin's carpet and Dali-esque images.
A review in The Sunderland Echo describes the concert: "You have to hand it to Take That: they know how to put on a real, theatrical show. Remember the carnival of the Circus tour and the 60ft mechanical robot of the Progress tour at the Stadium of Light? Well they're still pushing those boundaries of live production. When a band is already firing the confetti canons and flames on the second song (Greatest Day) you know you're in for a good night.
"Lead single from Wonderland, Giants, is a soaring track which was performed with towering projections of Gary, Howard and Mark circling the stage. The staging constantly takes new twists and turns and is a curiosity shop of inspirations, from steam punk and Jack Sparrow to Cirque du Soleil.
"Though we couldn't all get on our knees to pray, we could join in for Never Forget as Howard took lead vocals in front of a sea of out-stretched arms.
"I want you to do us all a favour and put your phones in the air," they said as they closed with 'Rule the World'. When I went to my first Take That gig it was all lighters in the air. This time I may have been swaying with my iPhone, but it felt like those teenage years were just yesterday."
Advance booking for this show is recommended.
The National Theatre's acclaimed production of J.M Barrie's 'Peter Pan' is screened live on Saturday 10 June at 2.30pm.
This much-loved narrative exploring the magic of childhood and the pain of growing up will be familiar to many children. When Peter Pan, leader of the Lost Boys, loses his shadow during a visit to London, headstrong Wendy helps him re-attach it. In return she is invited to Neverland – where Tinker Bell the fairy, Tiger Lily and the vengeful Captain Hook await.
Following the acclaimed production of 'Jane Eyre', director Sally Cookson brings her "wondrously inventive" 'Peter Pan' to the NT after a sell-out run at Bristol Old Vic.
The production is suitable for 7yrs+
Further details and advance booking from Merlin Cinemas website.


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Early Childhood Education- APPR
Program Description
This is a training program which combines weekly evening classroom instruction with on-the-job training and support. Students must be employed in the early childhood field to be eligible for the program. The related classroom instruction uses Caring for Preschool Children. This is a comprehensive, child development-based curriculum that shows teachers how to plan and implement a developmentally appropriate program. Students receive a Child Care Apprenticeship Certificate upon full completion of all program components. The program is tuition free. It is open to applicants who are currently employed in a child care center facility and have their high school diploma or GED. Program Total Hours: 4288. Apprentices may receive up to half credit for program hours based on desired prerequisites and a credit assessment.
- Childcare rules & regulations
- Appropriate methods of guidance
- Theories of child development
- Inclusion for children with disabilities
- Identification and report child abuse & neglect
- Curriculum and lesson planning
- Communication & Interpersonal relationships
- Food service & nutrition education
- Classroom management techniques
- Developmentally appropriate activities for young children.
Desired Prerequisites
- 30 Hour DCF Child Care Facility Certificate
- 5 Hour DCF Preschool Appropriate Practices Certificate
- 5 Hour DCF Understanding Developmentally Appropriate Practices
- 5 Hour DCF Online Early Literacy Training
- CPR/First Aid Certification
- ECPC Early Childhood Professional Certificate
- CCAC Child Care Apprenticeship Certificate
Career Information
Possible Careers: Childcare Worker, Pre-School Teacher, Lead Teacher in Childcare Facility, Nanny
Further education to B.S. for elementary education teacher
Program Requirements
- 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent who are currently employed at a child care facility
- Students must be employed in the early childhood field to be eligible for the program
- DCF 45 Child Care Clock Hours
Program Cost
- $100 Materials Fee and Textbook
- Class meets one night per week. On the Job training Monday – Friday.
Download a printable summary of the information on this page here.
"Like" us on Facebook! Child Care Apprenticeship Program of Pasco County! https://www.facebook.com/
Important Links
Program Instructors
Katie Chefero, Instructor
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
University of Central Florida
23+ Years In-Field Experience
Building 7, Room 07-011
Andi Walker, Instructor
Master of Arts in Adult, Career and Technical Education
24+ Years In-field Experience
Building 7, Room 07-011


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Today was also the first day that I used my new heart rate monitor. I'm still unsure if I'm setting my limits right, but I decided to set my lower limit at 133bpm (the lower limit for a moderate workout) and the upper limit at 170bpm (the upper limit for an intense workout). I spent most of the time in the 160's to 170's. If I noticed I was going over 170, I would pause and get it down a little bit, which is what Tony says to do.
From what I've read, staying in the low to moderate workout levels is better for weight loss, but this was pretty near impossible. So I just focused on trying to keep my heart rate below 175ish.
I ended up burning over 500 kcals during the kenpo workout. Afterwards, I went for a walk with my friend since it was so nice out today, so today I burned a total of 930 kcals!! This is really good because I had pizza for supper! I really haven't been doing very well with my nutrition lately.
- Breakfast: 2 pieces multigrain toast with almond butter, juice
- Supper: 1 piece of pizza, garlic fingers with donair sauce, small glass of diet coke
- Snack: chocolate bunny, blueberries


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I recently updated my cab`s os to Lubuntu 11.04.
since then i am unable to shut down using the wahcade menu.
I can exit to desktop and reboot, but if i choose shutdown i get this error message; see attachement.
I am using the latest Mahcade from launchpad. It also happened with the previous version.
Otherwise everything seems to work fine.
Greets, Ger.


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Abilene, TX – That Was Fun!
Event Highlights:
Event Photos:
Click here to view Event photos and click here to view Photo Wall photos in our Facebook photo album.
Oct 6-7, 2017
Friday 7:00 – 9:30 pm / Saturday 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Hosted By: Pioneer Drive Baptist Church and many area churches
Location: Pioneer Drive Baptist Church
701 S. Pioneer Drive, Abilene, TX 79605
Event Program: Click here to view the event schedule.
Event Listening Guide: Preview full-color printed Listening Guide.
Special Guests
**Platform guests subject to change.
Countdown to Event
Look Who's Coming
Watch 60 Second Promo Full Screen on YouTube | Watch Billy Graham TV Special Full Screen on YouTube
Map and Directions
back to top


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Investing in Capitaland
Being one of the largest listed real estate companies in South East Asia, Capitaland remains an enigma in Singapore stock exchange. Share price reached a record high of $7.00 in 2007 and subsequent bombed out during the Great Financial Crisis.
Since then, this counter never really recover from the setback, presumably due to the slew of property cooling measures implemented by Singapore government. The slowing down of the China market could also played a part in the laggard of the share price. In this article, the investment merits of Capitaland are examined.
Profile of Capitaland
Formed in November 2000 following a "big bang" merger between DBS Land Limited and Pidemco Land Limited, Capitaland is 40% owned by Temasek Holdings. Black Rock also has a stake of 6% in this real estate giant.
Capitaland is famous for its Raffles City integrated projects. [This is a premium article. The rest of the content is blocked and can be accessible by SG Wealth Builder Members only. To read the full content, please sign up as member.]
Sign up as member and receive a bonus investment report on Singapore stocks! The membership benefits include:
1) Access to the latest premium articles of SG Wealth …
The post Investing in Capitaland appeared first on SG Wealth Builder.


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Sarah Leeman Receives Ripon College Pierre Guiet Prize in English
RIPON, WI (05/06/2010)(readMedia)-- Sarah Leeman, a senior majoring in business administration and English from Neenah, Wis., was named the recipient of the 2010 Pierre Guiet Prize in English during a ceremony held April 21, 2010 at Ripon College.
The Pierre Guiet Prize in English recognizes a senior majoring in English intending to go into graduate work.
Leeman is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Leeman of Neenah, Wis.
About Ripon College
Ripon College, founded in 1851, prepares students of diverse interests for lives of productive, socially responsible citizenship. Ripon's liberal arts curriculum and residential campus create an intimate learning community in which students experience a richly personalized education. Ripon has consistently been recognized as a "best value" and "Best 371 College" by The Princeton Review; a "Best Buy in College Education" by Barron's; a "Best Liberal-Arts College" by Washington Monthly; one of the 40 best liberal-arts colleges nationwide for value by U.S. News and World Report; and among the top 100 private colleges in the nation overall and for value by Forbes Magazine. For more information about Ripon College, visit www.ripon.edu.


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The regular shooting of the film will starts from June 15 and the unit will leave to USA for 40 days to complete one schedule.The film is said to be a family entertainer.
After a gap of almost 10 years Nagarjuna and Dasarath are teaming up for this film. Earlier the duo worked for the film Santosham. Dasarath's last released film in Telugu is Mr Perfect with Prabhas.After Boss, Nag and Nayantara acting together in this film.
Watch out this space for latest updates on Nag and Nayantara's Love Story.


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These 5 EOS Lip Balm Flavors Will Have Your Taste Buds SingingApril 24, 2017 - Author: steph - No Comments
Ever since EOS lip balm hit the market, they seem to have become a force to be reckoned with. They offer a wide range of innovative flavors which made them surpass the well-known Chapstick brand. With their unique packaging and multitude of colors and flavors, it's no wonder why the EOS lip balm has become a worldwide favorite.
As we all know, lips can easily lose moisture and become chapped by both hot and cold conditions. That is why you'll be glad to know that EOS lip balms are specially formulated with vitamin E to help keep your lips hydrated. They also seal and nourish your lips to protect them from harsh conditions. They are perfect for everyday use as they provide many extra benefits that'll help your lips maintain their natural, healthy look. To get an idea of the different flavorings that EOS lip balms come in, take a look at a few we have listed below.
Blueberry Acai
Blueberry Acai comes in a blue case and is made with the lush fragrances of blueberry and acai. This combination helps to keep your lips nourished by utilizing antioxidants as well as other organic compounds.
Summer Fruit
The EOS Summer Fruit lip balm provides a mixture of flavors which can only come from fruit. The fruit combination includes blueberry, peach, and strawberry. Encased in a red case, the Summer Fruit lip balm has many elements to help moisturize and prevent your lips from drying out.
Sweet Mint
This refreshing mint flavoring gives a whole new name to emollient. Packaged as a sphere, the Sweet Mint heals and prevents cracked lips from worsening. This is made possible from the essential mint oils and natural extracts that are involved in it.
If you are looking for softer, smoother lips, then getting your hands on the Honeysuckle Honeydew flavored lip balm is the way to go. As soon as you open the light-green ball packaging you can't help but smell the fresh honeydew as it permeates and revitalizes your lips.
Vanilla Bean
This heaven sent is packed full of Vanilla Bean flavor and comes in a soothing white packaging. The Vanilla Bean flavor lip balm gives you two reasons for its perfection: hydration and moisturizing. That's a perfect combination for healthy, smooth lips. Go straight to this related link.
Make sure to visit https://evolutionofsmooth.com/ for more information.
Categories: Fashion and Accessories


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Bids/RFPs FAQs:
How do I find out about bids/proposals opportunities?
You can find out about bids and RFPs daily by utilizing the website for the City of Houston Purchasing at http://purchasing.houstontx.gov/bid_download.aspx. You can search for Bids that interest you by using the Bids, RFPs & Tabulations Search Engine. Simply hover your mouse over the yellow Bids and RFPs area menu and select the Bids & Tabulations Search Engine item. Additionally, you can make an appointment with the assigned buyer to talk about a particular opportunity and to let them know of your interest and capabilities in meeting the needs of the City. Their phone number is listed on the Notice to Bidder Section of the bid/proposal package. You may also refer to the online complete listing of our employee directory for phone numbers and email addresses.
Is there a fee for a bid package or proposal?
No, there is no fee to download and print copies of bid packages.
Can I download bid/RFP documents without going through the bid registration process?
No. You will not be able to download any documents from our website without properly registering and submitting the mandatory online registration form. Make sure your cookies on your system are enabled and the privacy settings on your browser is set to low to avoid the re-registration process every time you need to download bid documents. The Web Site Registration Form allows you to create an account used to get access to online bids and bid documents. It is also the account used to place online bids. We do not mail out or email copies of any bid documents or bid tabulations. All documents are available online for download and a hard copy can be obtained from 901 Bagby at the fee specified above. Here are the instructions on how to register for Bids & RFPs downloads:
Our website is compatible to any PC with Microsoft Windows Operating System. You must use Internet Explorer IE 8.0 or higher. Apple Macintosh users may encounter problems with our online transactions
Use Internet Explorer to logon to the Strategic Purchasing website at http://purchasing.houstontx.gov
Click on the Bids & RFPs tab
Click on Online Bids and RFPs
Scroll down and find the bid you are interested in downloading
Click on the Bid Description
Fill out the Bid Registration Form that appears on the screen
If you have an issued City vendor number then enter it otherwise leave it blank until you obtain a vendor number
Click inside the square box located before the bid description you are intending to download. You can select and print multiple bids if you like
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and hit Submit
The selected bids will now appear in a table and at this time you need to click on each Bid Description to move on to the next screen that lists the original bid document and any additional clarification letters that the bid may have
Click on the bid document listed under the field Document to open it
Print it and bring it with you to the Pre-Bid Conference Schedule
Click on the Back button shown at the top left corner of the screen to return to the previous screen to select and print any additional clarification letters that the bid may have and attach them to the original bid document
If you are downloading and printing more than one bid, hit the Back button twice to return to the screen labeled Confirmation Form to print the additional bids you have selected for download; otherwise, you are practically done at this point and are registered for the bid you selected.
How do I find out about bids for construction projects?
Construction projects under $500,000 are found at http://purchasing.houstontx.gov/bid_download.aspx. However, the Houston Airport System and the Public Works & Engineering Department Capital Projects are responsible for construction, architectural and engineering contracts for the City of Houston over $500,000 in value. If you are interested in bidding on these types of projects, you will need to login directly to the Public Works & Engineering Department Website @ http://bidsets.publicworks.houstontx.gov/, or the Houston Airport System Website @ http://www.fly2houston.com/bidRFPAdvertisement. You are highly encouraged to attend the pre-bid or pre-proposal conferences. They provide you the opportunity to find out who is interested in bidding or proposing on a particular contract. You can always contact the assigned buyer for any information you need.
Where do I turn in a bid or proposal?
All formal bids must be submitted by the specified due date and time, in duplicate, to the City Secretary's Office, City Hall Annex, Public Level, (900 Bagby). The bid due date and time is specified in each bid/proposal package.
How do I find information about a bid or RFP?
Attending the Pre-Bid or Pre-Proposal Conference will give you the opportunity to ask questions about the specifications and general terms and conditions. This conference also allows for your guidance to find out who is interested in bidding or proposing on a particular contract, or you can contact the assigned buyer.
When and where do I locate your bid documents bid tabulations?
Bid tabulations are placed in the bid folder after an award has been made by City Council. You can search for the bid folder by bid name or bid number through our Search Engine.
How do I get paid for services or goods I provide to the City?
Submit your invoice to the billing department as specified on your purchase order. If you do not submit your invoice to the proper billing address, payment will be delayed. Do not forget to show the City of Houston Purchase Order Number on your invoice to expedite payment, and invoice exactly as shown on the purchase order. All invoices must be submitted in triplicate. Goods and/or services must be itemized as to quantity, part number, description and applicable discount. Invoices must show the department, division or section to which the goods and/or services were rendered. The City's automated purchasing and financial systems require a three-way match of the purchase order, the receiver and the invoice to complete a payment transaction in a timely manner.