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NH Legislature Passes 'Genderless Bathroom' Mandate Kept Alive By Republicans
P. Gardner Goldsmith, @@gardgoldsmith
March. 11. 2018
The turkey thermometer just popped on the state of New Hampshire, and Americans can finally fess up to the tough truth that has been evident for many years. Its reputation as the Live Free or Die state founded on bedrock granite principles of individual liberty and honoring ones neighbor to exist free of meddling is done -- big time. The state legislature just passed a genderless bathroom mandate on private business, and, get this, it was pushed by Republicans, and, if it passes the Senate (which is likely) the governor, Republican Chris Sununu, will sign it in all its unctuous statist glory.
This is a thuggish, thoughtless, callous, and utterly illegitimate attack on the voluntary choices of others, an attack the core principle of which will be overlooked by the vast majority of the pop news media in their fawning attempt to appear inclusive and kind to all of the bazillion metastasizing so-called gender identities people keep imagining every new day.
The law is called HB 1319, or the Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity bill, and, what a surprise, it amends an already unconstitutional law by adding gender identity to the list of things against which private business owners cannot discriminate in their sales, hiring, or even their bathrooms.
Read more: https://www.mrctv.org/blog/nh-legisl...zen.yandex.com
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Sizzling Chicken Fajitas
Serves 4
4 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp salt
4 garlic cloves
¼ cup lime juice
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into ½ strips (can also buy these as frozen strips)
2 red or yellow bell peppers, seeded, cut into rings
2 small onions, thinly sliced, separated into rings
4 flour tortillas (8-10 inch)
In a large bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic and lime juice; mix well. Add chicken, bell pepper and onion; stir to coat. Cover bowl; refrigerate at least 2 hours to marinate, turning once.
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Cut four 18x12 inch pieces of heavy duty foil. Remove chicken and vegetables from marinade; discard marinade. Place ¼ chicken and vegetables on each piece of foil. Wrap each packet securely using double-fold seals, allowing room for heat expansion. Place tortillas on another sheet of heavy-duty foil; wrap securely.
When ready to cook, place on cookie sheet. Cook chicken and vegetables 10-15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and vegetables are crisp-tender. Cook tortillas 2-3 minutes or until warm.
Serve each chicken and vegetable packet with 1 tortilla and top with low fat sour cream, lettuce, guacamole and salsa.
1/4 of recipe= 340 calories/32 g protein/7 g fat/3 g fiber

subset: commoncrawl


text:
No. Us women don't expect you men to do a David Beckham and come decked out in Armani.
As for women, we can be quite stubborn when it comes to fashion as we think we know best. But every now and then, the guy might just give a few suggestions here and there. How far would you listen? Do you compromise your sense of style that makes you who you are? Personally, I like to coordinate my outfit based on where I'm going. Ultimately, I have to feel comfortable in what I'm wearing. Sure I would take into consideration what my other-half likes me to wear but I only give in sometimes. Sometimes.


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Open Extended Cardigan
Simple and sophisticated open extended cardigan that has a loose fitting long length silhouette and two front pockets. It is made of a 100% acrylic.
Available in black, brown, khaki, tan and ivory colors.
We ship all orders via DHL/FEDEX/UPS which takes between 1-3 business days in the U.S and 3-5 business days outside the U.S to deliver. Some orders are processed faster. You may expect your package to arrive within 3 business days after you have received a tracking number.


text:
Table of Contents
AveXis, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
5. Collaboration and License Agreements (Continued)
the additional common shares that were granted. NCH's anti-dilution protection right expired on May 29, 2015 upon achievement by the Company of a $100,000,000 market capitalization.
April 23, 2015 (unaudited), the Nationwide License was again amended to further extend the filing deadline for a registration statement to December 31, 2015 in exchange
for a $100,000 payment by the Company to NCH. Such amount is included in research and development expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (unaudited).
Nationwide License commenced on the Effective Date and terminates on the earliest of (a) the last to expire of the licensed patents or (b) 10 years from the
date of first commercial sale of the Product Candidate (see Note 20). The Nationwide License can also be terminated (i) by the Company for convenience at any time after the first anniversary of
the Effective Date upon six months prior written notice, (ii) by either party in the event of an uncured breach upon thirty days written notice, (iii) by NCH upon the
bankruptcy/insolvency of the Company, and (iv) by NCH if it is sued by the Company for anything other than breach of the agreement (see Note 20).
REGENXBIO Inc. License
On March 21, 2014, the Company entered into a License Agreement (the "ReGenX License") with ReGenX Biosciences, LLC,
predecessor to REGENXBIO Inc. ("ReGenX"). Under the terms of the agreement, ReGenX granted the Company an exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide license to utilize ReGenX'S proprietary
adeno-associated virus ("AAV") gene delivery platform for the treatment of SMA, by in vivo gene therapy, using ReGenX'S AAV9 gene delivery vector.
consideration for the ReGenX License, the Company agreed to make a $2,000,000 up-front payment (the "ReGenX Up-front Payment"). $1,000,000 of such amount paid in March 2014 and the
remaining $1,000,000 paid by June 30, 2014. Additionally, the Company agreed to pay potential future milestones aggregating $12,250,000, and a mid-single to low-double digit royalty on net
sales, if any, of the Company's Product Candidate, subject to reduction in specified circumstances; and lower mid-double digit percentages of any sublicense fees the Company receives from sublicenses
of the licensed intellectual property rights.
Company also agreed to pay an annual maintenance fee on each anniversary of the effective date of the ReGenX License.
rights granted to the Company under the ReGenX License represent distinct components that need to be combined with other licensed intellectual property and know how in order to
complete the clinical development of AVXS-101. Additionally, the Company did not acquire any employees or
manufacturing capabilities in connection with the ReGenX License. As a result, the Company accounted for the ReGenX License as an asset acquisition.
ReGenX License term continues until the last valid patent claim expires or lapses in all countries of the world. Additionally, the Company may terminate the ReGenX License at any
time upon a specified period notice and ReGenX may terminate upon the breach or insolvency of the Company, if we are greater than a specified number of days late in paying money due under the
agreement or if the Company, its affiliates, or sublicensees challenges the ReGenX patents subject to the ReGenX License. Either party may terminate the ReGenX License for material breach if such
breach is not cured within a specified number of days.


text:
In this section
Welcome to the BESIG World Blog. Each month we've got a different guest author lined up who will be sharing thoughts and experiences on teaching business English from countries around the globe.
22 December 2015
Dana Poklepovic interviews Taona Knight
December 2015
Hello Besigers! In our last post of the year, we welcome Taona Knights who was a first-time speaker at 28th BESIG Annual Conference.
Hi Taona, it's nice to have you with us today. Could you tell our readers a little about your background?
Hello Dana. Well, I was born in Cornwall (Truro) but moved to France when I was 8. I grew up speaking both French and English.
Where are you based now?
I live in Vancouver, Canada where I am a Director of studies at EC Vancouver.
You have visited and lived in places as different and distant as Europe, Vietnam and now Canada, what has been your experience as a traveler teacher?
I used to believe that all students are very different; that they have vast cultural and learning styles and while that is true, you can still regroup them into small categories and draw a strategy from these differences. It was very much the topic of our talk (with Pete Rutherford). All students come to class for a reason and the teacher must gain trust and quickly show and enable them to get there. Students have different learning facilities and backgrounds, but a good teacher can draw on all they have seen and help them get there faster.
If you had to choose, what would be "the one thing" that marked you as a teacher in each place you worked?
Vietnam: Encouraging. You have to be a bit gentler and hedge more with a softer voice. They feel you are being unkind otherwise. "No" is not a word they hear or use.
Germany: Displaying your knowledge as a teacher. Germans have to be able to trust that you know your subject matter.
France: Patience. Grammar accuracy was very important as with our German friends. They spend a lot of time learning French grammar and want the English to 'match' that. Also, they are worried about sounding silly and won't try.
In November, you presented at BESIG Conference in Barcelona. Congratulations! What was your talk about?
Pete Rutherford and I were interested in what makes a good or a better teacher. We tried to narrow down from student feedback and teacher feedback what the core characteristics or a 'better teacher' are.
In your opinion, what makes a good teacher?
Empathy: seeing where students are, recognizing their strengths and challenges and helping them to get past them. A teacher should also be a facilitator. They should teach how to do and not lecture on how to do. In a nutshell, I believe those are two main keys and the rest can be taught.
As Director of Studies, you lead the team of teachers at your school, what are their most frequent concerns?
Well, I think they are mostly concerned with students' motivation. Teachers feel that it can be hard to keep the energy up for the whole lesson or the whole week.
Could you share with our readers your experience as a First Time Speaker?
I was quite nervous at first but everyone was so supportive in all the talks I had attended before my own that the nerves died down. The most challenging part was managing the online audience and the audience in the room. I wanted to make sure they both felt equally present.
How did you and Pete deal with the process of setting up a joint presentation?
Preparing the talk was a little challenging as we had 9 hour time difference and were not able to meet up to discuss and plan it out together but with emails, Skype and drop boxes we did well.
We discussed it a lot and sent each other drafts back and forth, the talk gradually got more and more precise and work was then divided up. The Friday before the talk we met up and smoothed over any remaining questions and decided who would say what.
Would you recommend this experience to fellow teachers who think of presenting some day?
Of course! It was a great experience and I would do it again.
Did you get to know BESIG members at the Conference?
Yes, I met a lot of great people and exchanged business cards. However being in Vancouver limits the crossover but it was great to meet new people and maybe some will come over to our BC Teal conference in April 2016.
What are your professional plans for the future?
I am planning to stay on as a DOS. I enjoy the contact with our students and the teachers. We are a growing center and there are always a lot of innovations and changes in our company. We are starting an online learning platform and recently have redone our entire curriculum.
What do you do in your free time?
I love to scuba dive but not in cold water. So I end up doing what everyone does: dinner and drinks with friends as we plan our next holidays J
Thank you Taona!
You can contact Taona at email@example.com
Full story
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english, business English
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Protecting an infant or toddler from the harmful sun rays while doing any outdoor events is a real concern. There are so few sun screen lotions that are safe for babies these days and you can't put sun screen in every place it's needed, like their hair, but their heads need protection too. That is why I was so excited to find this new product and bring it to our store. It is an Infant Play Shade Pop-up Tent that offers the highest UPF rating available at 50+ UPF. Now your baby can rest or play in total shade.
The Play Shade Tent is easy-peasy to pop-up and down for storage. The stored size is just 16 x 16" by 2" so it can be quickly stored in the cargo area of your vehicle, ready for your next outing. When opened the tent is large enough for a toddler to nap or play inside out of the suns harmful rays. Moms have even mentioned that they were able to lay (partially) inside the tent to breastfeed their babies in privacy.
The tent itself is made of waterproof polyester so it is easy to wipe clean when needed and is great for indoor or outdoor fun. At a price of just $44.99, this is a must-have item if you have any outdoor events planned with your babies or toddlers. We will begin shipping the Infant Play Shades on Tuesday, August 24th so order one now!
If you already have an Infant Play Shade Pop-up Tent and would like to share your experiences with other mamas, please do so by completing our Rating & Review form. If you have previously blogged about this product we will even add a link back to your blog post with your rating post!


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The SickKids Advanced Paediatric Cardiology Program is designed to meet the needs of health care clinicians interested in advancing their knowledge of evidence based care for paediatric cardiac patients.
This program aims to provide the necessary bridge between research and patient care delivery, influencing health care outcomes.
This course is accredited by the Centre for Professional Development, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto. The program is delivered by subject matter experts from a variety of disciplines such as Paediatric Cardiovascular Surgeons, Intensivists, Anaesthesiologists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists and Researchers. See our curriculum
Learners are exposed to and learn specialized paediatric cardiac acute-care clinical skills grounded in evidence and industry best practices. Examples of skills include, but are not limited to: interpretation of 15 lead electrocardiograms, chest radiography (X-rays), arterial blood gases and haemodynamic values, application of defibrillation, cardioversion and transcutaneous pacing, removal of chest tubes and pacing wires and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring. Read more
This program captures learner interest through a variety of learning modalities including: interactive lectures, small group work, simulation and seminar based discussions.
By far, the most innovative learning modality offered is the expert-guided heart specimen laboratory series. During these sessions, learners experience opportunities to closely visualize congenital heart defects, acquired heart diseases and surgical procedures. Examples of series topics include, normal heart anatomy, atrial and ventricular septal defects, atrioventricular septal defects, conotruncal abnormalities, transposition of the great arteries, pulmonary valve stenosis and atresia, total and partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, cardiomyopathies, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The webcast program does not include the heart specimen laboratory series. Read more
Throughout this course, learners will be challenged on how they will incorporate new knowledge into their individual practice. For example, how might this affect their daily interdisciplinary collaboration such that it becomes meaningful to the patients and families that they care for?
The variety and uniqueness of these learning modalities, combined with the diversity of subject matter experts delivering cutting edge research and clinical innovation-based curriculum is sure to satisfy any learner.
Upon successful completion of this program learners will have completed two semesters.
Semester 1: September 6th 2017 to December 20th 2017
Semester 2: January 3rd 2018 to April 25th 2018
Onsite Program $2400 CAD total for both semesters
Semester 1: $1200 CAD
Semester 2: $1200 CAD
*Webcast Program: $1800 CAD total for both semesters
Semester 1: $900 CAD
Semester 2: $900 CAD
*The webcast program does not include the heart specimen laboratory series.
Course registration is available online.
The Hospital for Sick Children555 University AvenueToronto, Ontario
Cvent Online Event Registration Software | Copyright © 2000-2019 Cvent, Inc. All rights reserved.


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Secret Drink to Lose Abdominal Fat and Flatten Your Stomach in Just 5 Days
Now in this article, we are going to present you an absolutely perfect drink which can help you to lose abdominal fat and get a flat belly in just five days.
In this drink, all of the ingredients are chosen to flush out the stored fat and toxins from your body, enable proper pH balance and restore all important body functions with no harmful effect.
Furthermore, this drink contains powerful antioxidants that actually work on a cellular level, trap toxins and successfully remove them from the body, which means that you lose abdominal fat easily and effectively.
So, don't waste time attack those fat deposits in your body with this refreshing drink and feel slimmer and healthier than ever.
> Ingredients:
## 2 oranges
## 1 limes
## 1 lemon
## 3 tsp. grated ginger
## 3 tbs. apple cider vinegar
## 2,5 liters water
> Preparation:
Squeeze the following ingredients oranges, lime and lemon and the juice needs to be added to the water. After that just add the remain ingredients (ginger and apple cider vinegar) and stir very well.
> Instructions:
You need to consume this drink during the daytime. Do the same the procedure for a period of five days. But if you want to melt more fat simply make a 3-day break and after that you can continue for another five days more.


text:
According to MedlinePlus, "IV" stands for "intravenous," which means "within a vein." The term "IV" typically refers to an intravenous needle or tube used to deliver additional blood, medication or other fluids directly into the body's bloodstream.
Healthline notes that IVs are used to deliver medicine when the drug cannot be taken orally, when it needs to be absorbed into the body immediately or when it needs to be given at a steady rate over time. IVs are commonly used to give saline or other fluids to a patient who is dehydrated. A doctor or nurse administers an IV by finding an appropriate vein and inserting a needle or tube into the vein.


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I made these vintage inspired Lemon and lime cupcakes for a friend and sent them in the post
Tags: anniversary valentine mothers day engagement birthday wedding blue pink white cupcakes lemon citrus vintage lace
Janne-Marie, Essex, https://www.facebook.com/regancakes
2 Comments
sweet cupcakes :) how do you make the lace?
The lace was made by rolling petal paste really thin and allowing to dry slightly and then pupping through a paper punch that has never been used for paper. I hope this helps :)


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The Leamington & Warwick Model Railway Society club stand
Information about the society, the exhibition, and our open day
Displays of models and our modelling competition
This website published by Leamington & Warwick Model Railway Society A company limited by guarantee
Registered in England and Wales Registration No.: 4938339 Registered Charity Number: 1117232
You have allowed cookies to be placed on your computer. This decision can be reversed.


text:
Saving Xena
Saving Xena is about 3 bunnies: Tom and his brother Jack, and Xena. Tom and Xena are engaged to be married but Jack is jealous and he kidnaps Xena and takes. Tom needs to save Xena; however, Xena is not your typical damsel in distress, she plays a very active role in her rescue.
Saving Xena is a super cool puzzle game. The maps start off easy and become really difficult as the story progresses.
Create Your Own Maps
Create your own maps and challenge your friends, and the world. Your maps will be featured under Community Maps and ranked by difficulty and coolness.
Competition of Wit
Saving Xena is the ultimate test of wit, allowing you to compete against your friends and when you are ready you can compete against other pro gamers worldwide.


text:
Samsung Galaxy Camera Samples
Digital Cameras - Samsung Galaxy Camera Test Images
Not sure which camera to buy? Let your eyes be the ultimate judge! Visit our Comparometer(tm) to compare images from the Samsung Galaxy Camera with those from other cameras you may be considering. The proof is in the pictures, so let your own eyes decide which you like best!
This page may take a long time to load, due to the many thumbnails!
All images copyright © 2012 by The Imaging Resource. All rights reserved.
All images copyright © 2012 by The Imaging Resource. All rights reserved.
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WGBH Openvault
Concert Party
Raphael Trio Mozart; Faure
License Clip
More material is available from this program at the WGBH Archive. If you are a researcher interested in accessing the collection at WGBH, please email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Undigitized item: Request Digitization
Untranscribed item: Request Transcription
- Series
- Concert Party
- Series Description
Radio series. Series release date: 1977
- Duration
- Asset Type
Broadcast program
- Media Type
- Citation
- Chicago: "Concert Party," 04/16/1977, WGBH Media Library & Archives, accessed January 22, 2019, http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/A_CACD7D2752364EA1815F13A2F65A48E8.
- MLA: "Concert Party." 04/16/1977. WGBH Media Library & Archives. Web. January 22, 2019. <http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/A_CACD7D2752364EA1815F13A2F65A48E8>.
- APA: Concert Party. Boston, MA: WGBH Media Library & Archives. Retrieved from http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/A_CACD7D2752364EA1815F13A2F65A48E8
If you have more information about this item, we want to know! Please contact us, including the URL.


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Mystery Trackers: Raincliff Collector's Edition Game
( 3.5 / 5 ) - Write a Review
After a group of young students go missing, the Mystery Trackers are called in to search the city of Raincliff! Tackle this difficult case and unravel the strange mystery to save the students! Explore the entire town and discover who is watching your every move in Mystery Trackers: Raincliff! Use your Hidden Object talents to carefully dissect scenes and piece together perplexing puzzles! This is a special Collector's Edition release full of exclusive extras you won't find in the standard version. As a bonus, Collector's Edition purchases count toward three stamps on your Monthly Game Club Punch Card! The Collector's Edition includes: [382]
Mystery Trackers: Raincliff Collector's Edition full game features:
- Bonus gameplay
- Integrated Strategy Guide
- Wonderful Wallpapers
- Stunning Screensavers
Free Download (962 MB)
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System Requirements:OS: Windows XP/Vista/8
CPU: 2.5 GHz
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Datasheet, Vol. 1: Describes the Intel® 100 series chipset family PCH, covering the SKU identification info, physical interfaces, functional and signal descriptions, system, thermal and power management, and electrical specifications.
Intel® Graphics Technology requires no add-in card and is ideal for gaming and HD video.
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology enables Intel® Core™ processors to simultaneously perform multiple tasks.
The 5th generation Intel® Core™ vPro™ processor delivers a secure, productive infrastructure for business.
Robert Lazzara M.D. discusses how virtual reality brings medical imaging to life and improves diagnosis and treatment.
Michigan brings services to its citizens by providing employees with mobile devices powered by Intel® Core™ processors.
See what's changed with 4th gen Intel® Core™ processor performance, battery life, and visuals.


text:
Dangerous adventure
Played 971 times
Dangerous adventure game information:
Amazing dungeon adventure game with gem-matching puzzle mechanics! Five heroes joined forces to fulfill their dreams! Explore a dangerous cave, kill enemies, open chests - earn gold! Between battles, you can improve their heroes and buy new items at the tavern.
How to play:
Check description.
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text:
Advances in Mathematical Physics
Volume 2013, Article ID 717659, 6 pages
An Enhanced Fractional Order Model of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites Actuator
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica Elettronica ed Informatica, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
Received 11 May 2013; Accepted 17 July 2013
Academic Editor: J. A. Tenreiro Machado
Copyright © 2013 R. Caponetto et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) are electroactive polymers which transform the mechanical forces into electric signals and vice versa. The paper proposes an enhanced fractional order transfer function (FOTF) model for IPMC membrane working as actuator. In particular the IPMC model has been characterized through experimentation, and a more detailed structure of its FOTF has been determined via optimization routines. The minimization error was attained comparing the simple genetic algorithms with the simplex method and considering the error between the experimental and model derived frequency responses as cost functions.
1. Introduction
In the last decade a new breed of polymers, known as electroactive polymers or more commonly EAPs, has emerged thanks to their electroactive capabilities [1]. Ionic polymer-metal composites [2] belong to this material class. They bend if they are solicited by an external electric field and they act as motion sensor if an external deformation is applied. They are characterized by several interesting properties such as high compliance, lightness, and softness. IPMCs exploit ionic polymers for electrochemical and mechanical transduction and noble metals as electrodes, and they represent a valid alternative to the classic actuators and/or sensors. They can be cut in any shape and size, they are characterized by large deformations applying very low level of voltage, and they can work both in a humid or in a wet environment. These properties make them particularly attractive for possible applications in very different fields such as robotics, aerospace, and biomedicine [3, 4].
An intense research has been currently carried out to improve the IPMC performances in terms of power consumption, developed force, and deformation [5].
Moreover the research efforts have been spent in finding improved models able to predict the IPMCs behavior both as actuators and sensors [6].
In the literature several models describing the IPMC as actuator can be found. In detail, they can be divided into three categories: white box, black box, and grey box.
The first category, called white box, or physical models, is based on the underlying physical mechanisms of the IPMC to develop a system of equations that fully describes the device response [7]. Numerical implementation via methods as finite element analysis can be found in the literature [8]. Some difficulties are presented with physical modeling of IPMC transducers, such as a complete knowledge of the chemical and/or physical mechanisms involved in the electromechanical transduction and the direct measurement of some material parameters; moreover the numerical implementations are computationally onerous due to the distributed nature of the problem solution.
The second approach for modeling IPMC actuators is called black box and uses a linear [9] or differential [10] equation to simulate the actuating behavior. Such models, called also empirical and phenomenological, are based on the identification of coefficients through a series of curve fits based on the experimental data. The internal physics is, in this case, just a minor consideration.
An alternative to the complicated physical models and the simplistic and not scalable empirical models is the grey-box models. They comprise the fundamental physical laws into time-domain equations or transfer functions and empirically identified parameters to describe IPMC electromechanical behavior [11].
The grey-box model identification is often a multiobjective optimization problem in a multidimensional space since multiple cost functions can be used for parameters optimal estimation.
In a previous work, see [12], the authors have already proposed a fractional grey-box model of an IPMC actuator. In the present paper two novelties, with respect to [12], are introduced. The first one is related to the data acquisition. In fact instead of using, as input, a chirp signal it was applied a step-by-step frequency sweep. The second one is related to the structure of the interpolating FOTF; in this paper a further term has been added to the FOTF, obtaining a more accurate measurement fitting.
A very popular method in the field of parameter identification is the Nelder-Mead unconstrained simplex algorithm [13]. The method works on the exploration of the design space and does not require any derivative information, being therefore suitable for problems with nonsmooth functions. It is widely used in optimization software tools (i.e., MATLAB) to solve parameter estimation and similar statistical problems, when the function values come from experimentation and are thus uncertain or subject to noise [14]. On the other hand, the simplex method is prone to local minima issues, and the lack of convergence theory is often reflected in practice as a numerical breakdown of the algorithm, even for smooth and well-behaved functions.
Genetic algorithms (GAs), that explore a poorly understood solution space in parallel by intelligent trials, represent a class of optimization procedures able to face nonconvex optimization problem and to provide optimal solution avoiding remaining trapped in local minima [15, 16].
In the following, the two methods have been applied and compared in order to optimize the parameters of the interpolating FOTF.
The paper is structured as follows. Some introductive notes on fractional order systems are given in Section 2. A view on IPMC physics and working principles is presented in Section 3 in order to give an introduction on such a composite material; moreover the description of the experimental setup is given as the basis for understanding the experimental data used for model identification. In Section 4 the optimized FOTFs of the IPMC membrane are given, and finally some conclusions are reported.
2. Fractional Order System
The subject of fractional order calculus or noninteger order systems, that is, the calculus of integrals and derivatives of any arbitrary real or complex order, has gained considerable popularity and importance during the last three decades with applications in numerous seemingly diverse and widespread fields of science and engineering [17–19].
Fractional derivatives provide an excellent tool for the description of memory and hereditary properties of various materials and processes. This is the main advantage of fractional derivatives in comparison with classical integer-order models, in which such effects are in fact neglected. The advantages of fractional derivatives become apparent in modeling mechanical and electrical properties of real materials.
The most frequently used definition for the general fractional differintegral is the Caputo one, see [19]: for . The initial conditions for the fractional order differential equations with the Caputo derivatives are in the same form as for the integer-order differential equations.
In the above definition, is the factorial function, defined for positive real , by the following expression: Also for fractional order systems it is possible to apply the Laplace transformation. It assumes the form and allows to easily manage fractional differential equation as noninteger order transfer function.
The fractional order transfer function of incommensurate real orders assumes the following form [18]: where (), () are constant and (), () are arbitrary real or rational numbers, and without loss of generality they can be arranged as and .
Since in this case the values of fractional exponents need to be estimated along with the corresponding transfer function coefficients adequate optimization procedures need to be used.
3. IPMC: Physics and Experimental Configuration
3.1. Working Principles and Manufacturing
IPMC consists of a fluorocarbon membrane containing sulfonate groups covered on both sides with a thin noble metal coating layer. The IPMC actuator sample is manufactured with three primary coatings and one secondary coating of platinum. To increase platinum deposition the dispersing agent polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) has been used with a concentration of 0.001 M [2]. The core of device is based on Nafion, distributed by DuPont; the characteristics of such an ionic polymer working in a humid environment allow the IPMC to work as actuator. The liquid molecules (generally water) which are mobile in the polymer structure, in fact, are at the basis for the electrochemical and mechanical transduction; they are driven by the voltage applied to the polymer via the metallic electrodes. The metal used to realize the device electrodes is usually platinum or gold.
3.2. Experimental Setup
The IPMC model was developed considering a configuration of a beam clamped at one end, as schematized in Figure 1. The pinned end is also used to apply the electrical stimulus via the electrodes.
The geometric parameters of the IPMC sample, as reported in Figure 1, are mm, mm, μm, and mm.
While the input signals were applied to the IPMC electrodes, the free deformation has been measured through a laser distance sensor, Baumer Electric OADM 12.
In order to determine the IPMC frequency response, sinusoidal inputs at different frequencies have been applied.
The considered range is between 50 mHz and 50 Hz with an amplitude of 3 Vpp, and the following set of frequencies has been applied:
Three acquisition sets have been considered, in the following referred as Acq1, Acq2, and Acq3.
Figure 3 shows the magnitude and the phases of the acquired signals. The three measurement sets have been successively acquired starting from the lower frequency towards the higher one and then back to the lower one.
The sampling frequency is the same for all the sinusoidal inputs and is equal to 1100 Hz.
The mechanical structure gripping the IPMC membrane and the measurement laser are shown in Figure 2.
4. Fractional Order Transfer Function Modeling
The acquired data shows a second-order like frequency response; see Figure 3. It is possible to note that, at low frequency, both the magnitude and the phase of the Bode diagram show a trend of fractional order.
It is possible to view that the magnitude curve slope is lower than 20 db/dec, and the phase does not follow integer order variations.
The high-frequency noise that affects the frequency response is due to the low quality of the measured signals, and it mainly affects the phase representation.
These considerations suggest considering a fractional order model. The following building blocks for the FOTF have been therefore considered: (i)(ii)(iii).
The first term allows to model a fractional pole at , the second one a fractional order pole with time constant , and the third one a second order fractional order term with a pair of complex poles.
The structure of the complete model for the FOTF if assumed is as follows:
Applications of IPMC as actuators imply the availability of a good model at low frequency.
The model representation in (6) proves to be a more accurate model at low frequencies with respect to the one presented in [12].
Taking into account the sets of available measurements, four different frequency models have been determined.
The first three are obtained from the measurement sets , while the fourth one is determined as a model with a mean error computed over the three measurement sets.
The parameters of the transfer function that are , , , , , , and have been determined applying both the simplex method and GAs.
The object function applied during the optimization procedures takes into account both the module and the phase of the FOTF and consists in the sum of two terms: where is the gain of the measured signal and is the module of the simulated one.
And the second term takes into account the phase where is the phase of the measured signal and is the phase of the simulated one.
Tables 1 and 2 report the results related to the FOTF parameters identification applying GAs and simplex method, respectively.
The Bode diagrams of the obtained FOTF are given in Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.
Figures 4–7 show the frequency responses obtained via GAs while Figures 8–11 via simplex method.
According to the error provided in Tables 1 and 2 both the optimization procedures provide a good frequency matching.
It is worth noticing that the models obtained via GAs (Figures 4–7) provide a better fitting at low frequencies.
5. Conclusion
The paper proposes an enhanced fractional order transfer function model of an IPMC membrane working as actuator. The IPMC model has been determined exploiting experimental data.
The model was proven to be very accurate at low frequencies, and such frequency matching makes it suitable for control system design.
This work has been supported by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR) under PRIN projects "Noninteger order systems in modeling and control," Grant no. 2009F4NZJP.
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- C. Bonomo, P. Brunetto, L. Fortuna, P. Giannone, S. Graziani, and S. Strazzeri, "A tactile sensor for biomedical applications based on IPMCs," IEEE Sensors Journal, vol. 8, no. 8, pp. 1486–1493, 2008. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- A. Punning, M. Anton, M. Kruusmaa, and A. Aabloo, "An engineering approach to reduced power consumption of IPMC (Ion-Polymer Metal Composite) actuators," in Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Advanced Robotics (ICAR '05), pp. 856–863, July 2005. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- D. J. Leo, K. Farinholt, and T. Wallmersperger, "Computational models of ionic transport and electromechanical transduction in ionomeric polymer transducers," in Proceedings of the Smart Structures and Materials, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD '05), pp. 170–181, March 2005. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
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- K. B. Oldham and J. Spanier, The Fractional Calculus: Theory and Applications of Differentiation and Integration to Arbitrary Order, Dover Books on Mathematics, 2006.
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- R. Caponetto, G. Dongola, L. Fortuna, and I. Petras, Fractional Order Systems: Modelling and Control Applications, vol. 72, Nonlinear Science, Series A, 2010.


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February 18, 2015Décor
A Brooklyn Full Gut Renovation With Industrial Warmth
This full gut renovation from Brooklyn-based General Assembly, as featured on Design-Milk, expertly merged two new builder grade apartments in a developer's building to create a beautifully open, and inspiringly purpose-built space. Highlights include an ingenious desk nook that converts into a roll-out sleep space, a wooden bar with built-in dog bowls, custom industrial furniture, and warm textiles and accents. Scroll to tour the space now.


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customization in driver and user app
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Deuxième Forum Afrique Carbone 2010
The Africa Carbon Forum (ACF) is a regional platform established to promote knowledge and information sharing including business facilitation among the main carbon market players in the region. It is an event that brings together representatives from Designated National Authorities (DNA), Climate Change National Focal Points, Government and the Private Sector. This year the second Africa Carbon Forum has taken place in Nairobi, Kenya, 3-5 March 2010.
The ACF is an important implementation mechanism of the Nairobi Framework which was initiated in 2006 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Bank Group, African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The mandate of the Nairobi Framework partners is to assist developing countries, especially those in Sub-Sahara Africa, to improve their level of participation in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
The African Development Bank, as one of the strategic implementing partners, has been actively involved in the planning and organisation of this forum and is supporting the participation of key Regional Member Country (RMC) representatives. In addition to speaking at the opening ceremony and selected plenary and workshop sessions, the Bank hosted a side event and an exhibition stand to showcase its work on climate change mitigation and adaptation in Africa, with a focus on its clean energy projects and the Congo Basin Forest Fund (CBFF).
Highlights of AfDB Presentation at ACF
- Africa is the continent that is among the worst affected by climate change, even though it is not responsible for the phenomenon.
- The power generation capacity in Africa is only 37 megawatts per million of population which is a disappointing 10% of the average capacity in other developing countries.
- In Africa, expansion of infrastructure is not a choice. It is a necessity. Africa needs electricity and it needs electricity from all available sources. Renewable energy in Africa is only one component of the total energy expansion it needs. However, it is essential, in order to ensure that the continent's infrastructure development is sustainable in the long term.
- The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) should be a tool that helps make projects bankable. It thus provides an opportunity to shape Africa's infrastructure development in a more sustainable fashion than conventional technologies.
- The African Development Bank is working extensively in promoting and renewable energy on the continent via both its public and private sector windows.
- As the Bank ramped up its lending to a record $9 bln in 2009 as part of its financial crisis response, energy represented more than 30% of this. In 2008 the Bank adopted the Climate Energy Investment Framework and is finalizing its Climate Change Action Plan. The Bank is also implementing the Congo Basin Forest Fund, a $100mln facility.
Actualités Connexes
- Program (769 kB)
- Concept Note (142 kB)
- AfDB presentation: Clean Development Mechanism/Projects Utilizing Carbon Credits (1,56 MB)
- AfDB at Africa Carbon Forum 2010 (2,49 MB)
- Nairobi, Kenya, 3 March 2010 - Statement by Mrs Hela Cheikhrouhou, Manager, Infrastructure Finance, Private Sector Department, AfDB at the Africa Carbon Forum 2010 (124 kB)


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SXSW Interactive 2010 RecapMarch 30, 2010 – 9:57 am
I've been trying to make it to South by Southwest Interactive (SXSWi) for several years, but the planets just never aligned.. That is, until this year.
SXSW, for those unfamiliar with the event, is held each Spring in Austin, TX and includes Interactive, Film & Music sessions spread across 1 1/2 weeks. I attended the Interactive sessions, which ran for five days, Friday-Tuesday, March 12th-16th and is referred to by some as "Spring Break for Nerds."
I've been following the event for several years, so I somewhat knew what to expect going into it. According to several sources, interactive registration was up 40% over 2009, to somewhere between 12,000 and 15,000 total. I'm not sure what the final count was, but there will need to be some changes next year to accommodate the growth.
There have been several great summary posts, which I'll include below. Overall, at least for me, it was a very successful use of time and resources.
Attending events isn't cheap, but there's something to be said about attending events in person and meeting people in real life. It just isn't the same to watch the videos, monitor Twitter and blog content. You have to be there in person to really experience the event.
Steve Hall had a few great points that summarize my perspective (see his article below on Adrants):
- "But where else can you physically hang with so many people in the marketing/interactive/advertising/social/geek space all at once."
- "SXSW is about the people. Sure, panels and content are important but it's the people you want to connect with. It's people you will do business with. It's people who will become part of your professional (and personal) life."
Highlights for me:
- Attending Gary Vaynerchuk's keynote (the guy has passion!)
- Experiencing the hype around geo-location checkin services – everyone was checking in using Foursquare, Gowalla, etc. The panels such as Time+ Social + Location: What's Next in Mobile Experiences were packed.
- Overemphasis around all that's cool about iPhones, even though I don't think they'll rise above 15% market share
- The lameness of several of the keynotes and sessions (crowdsourcing doesn't always work)
- Validation of the large opportunities in mobile, social and location-based services
- Pleasantly surprised that the AT&T network held up under the network strain and the WiFi at the event was great, which helped make up for the horrible internet service at my hotel
- Meet and greet in real life at Allhat II, a meetup organized by David Armano & Richard Binhammer
- Hearing both sides discussing the Yelp effect
- Having a Twitter hashtag, such as #contentrelevanttome for each panel or event was very helpful for tracking discussions via Twitter
- The brainpower on stage for "Making Content Relevant to Me, Here and Now" and several other sessions was mind-blowing
- Good discussions around the future of context, information overload and the difference between information and being informed
- Learned about some cool new location apps like at Seek 'n Spell and scvngr, a geo-gaming platform at "Playing with Place: Location-Based Games and Services"
- While I don't always agree with Jason Fried from 37signals, I'm glad I was able to catch part of his session and learn a bit about his new book, REWORK.
- Many people have seen the Socialnomics videos from Erik Qualman, but it was good to hear him speak and I'm looking forward to an updated round of stats on social media
Other great SXSWi 2010 posts:
Technorati Tags: SXSW, Interactive, technology, advertising


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My ancestors all came from Eastern Europe from what is now Poland, Belarus/Lithuania, and western Russia. English was not the first language for three out of four of my grandparents.
By the time I came along, none of them had any foreign accent at all. It was very important to them to adopt the language and culture of their new home when they immigrated here and they worked very hard at speaking English with perfect fluency and no accent. They felt that opportunity, success and perhaps even survival were dependent on it.
I never once heard any of my grandparents speak anything but English (except for Hebrew during religious services). In fact, it never occurred to me that they even knew another language.
Apparently, that they might know other languages never occurred to my sister either. My sister is nine years younger than I am and when she was around four years old she was staying for a few days at our grandmother's house. My grandmother received a call (extremely rare) from family back in Lithuania, and since the other party didn't speak any English, she began speaking Lithuanian (her native tongue).
My sister completely freaked out. She had only ever heard grandma speak English and all of the sudden grandma was spewing forth what sounded like bizarre gibberish to my little sister. My sister got really scared that something was seriously wrong with grandma and started crying and it took a while to get her to calm down.
That shows the extent to which my grandparents completely rejected their heritage and completely adopted as many aspects as they could of the United States. You would never guess that they were immigrants.
The melting pot worked.
Now, the emphasis is on multiculturalism. Immigrants and children of immigrants are encouraged to keep their language and culture. They're not encouraged to assimilate. Member of their group, sorted by culture, first; citizen of the United States second (or possibly third behind religious affiliation).
We'll see where that takes us, but as we seem to become ever more polarized and fractured, I wonder if that's part of the reason.
Forum for discussion and essays on a wide range of subjects including technology, politics, economics, philosophy, and partying.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Assimilation Anecdote
2 comments:
- Howard said...
Aside from your sisters' distress, the actual event is pretty funny to think about.
- November 30, 2012 at 8:27 AM
- erp said...
Yes. Fragmentation and foment of envy between and among groups is the goal. I've seen seen people a couple of generations away from the old country suddenly becoming zealots for old wrongs done to "their" people.
It's so ridiculous and pathetic -- they have no historical perspective, but since they have no connection to a religion and don't feel allegiance to our flag, it must make them feel connected to something no matter how bizarre.
We're toast.
- November 30, 2012 at 8:46 AM
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Episode 62: Learn to distinguish types of study material and the study technique that it best suits.
How to Study Anatomy
To learn how to study anatomy like a medical student and beat your peers on undergrad, you need to find someone who's been there – done that. Look no further. Doctor Dan slows down the steps that busy medical students take in order to teach you EXACTLY how to study for anatomy.
Types of Study Material
Anatomy is aGRAPHIC type of material, not really narrative, process-oriented, or minutia-based. Therefore, you can use the following study approaches (explained in the podcast above):
- Drawings, graphic books
- Posters
- CD/Online graphics with an exam mode
- *OLD SCHOOL – blank paper covering the book labels
- YouTube/Google a student summary
Show Definiteness of Purpose
Look for opportunities to teach the material or be a prosector and come in early to prepare your dissection before class.
Listen to the podcast episode on Definiteness of Purpose for more inspiration.


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Peace Medal
Massachusetts Bay Colony
Copper alloy
Massachusetts Bay Colony
Copper alloy
The General Court of Massachusetts Bay granted this medal during the 17th-century conflict known as the War with the Indians of New England, later called King Philip's War. The English were losing to this indigenous alliance against colonial expansion until they pursued a full-scale effort to recruit Christian Indian scouts from a forced internment camp the English had established on Deer Island in Boston Harbor. While some Indians from the Praying Town of Natick and the Mohegan nation had assisted the English from the beginning, large-scale recruitment of men from Deer Island did not occur until the spring of 1676, when the English faced "frequent and violent" raids and every expedition to locate the encampments of the resistance had failed. As the missionary Daniel Gookin observed, "After our Indians went out, the balance turned of the English side."
This medal was most likely given to the eighty men who formed an Indian company based in Charlestown under Captain Samuel Hunting. Officers of this company included Andrew Pittimee (of Natick), James Quanapohit (of Nashaway and Natick), John Magus (of Natick), Job Kattenanit (of Hassanamesit), and James Speen (of Natick), all of whom had been interned on Deer Island. Some of the Native men who served the English lost their lives in the war, but many returned to their Praying Towns. They petitioned to prevent the execution and enslavement of their relations who were falsely declared enemy combatants by the colony. Some were instrumental in securing land rights and in negotiating with the English after the war. Many of their descendants continue to serve as leaders in the Nipmuc communities in the state of Massachusetts today.
The image on the medal is based on the Massachusetts seal, which was part of a marketing campaign to draw English settlers to the new colony. In the original seal, the Indian figure is portrayed saying, "Come over and help us," a reference to the missionary project. Ironically, it was the English who often required help, whether in navigating an unknown territory, learning to subsist upon native foods, or winning a war.
—Lisa Brooks (Abenaki)
Pipe tomahawk presented to Chief Tecumseh (Shawnee, 1768–1813)
ca. 1812
Wood, iron, lead
ca. 1812
Wood, iron, lead
"Where today are the Pequot? Where are the Narragansett, the Mohican, the Pocanet, and other powerful tribes of our people? They have vanished before the avarice and oppression of the white man, as snow before the summer sun… Will we let ourselves be destroyed in our turn, without making an effort worthy of our race? Shall we without a struggle, give up our homes, our lands, bequeathed to us by the Great Spirit? The graves of our dead and everything that is dear and sacred to us? I know you will say with me, Never! Never!"
—Tecumseh, 1811
This ceremonial pipe-tomahawk, a gift from Colonel Henry Procter to Tecumseh, probably was presented to the Shawnee war chief at Fort Malden, in Amherstburg, Ontario, late in the autumn of 1812. During that summer, when the War of 1812 officially started, Tecumseh led Native American warriors against the Americans on the Detroit frontier. In mid-August he joined with British forces led by General Isaac Brock to capture Detroit from General William Hull and an American army.
Tecumseh admired Brock's decision to prosecute the war against the Americans vigorously, and Tecumseh and Brock became good friends. After Brock was killed on October 13, 1812, the British command passed to Procter. More cautious than Brock, Procter was reluctant to attack American positions in Ohio, and Tecumseh soon lost patience with his hesitancy. In response, Procter met repeatedly with Tecumseh and other Native Americans, attempting to maintain their loyalty and support for the Crown. At these meetings the British often awarded tomahawks and other gifts of weapons to tribal leaders.
This tomahawk is typical of such a weapon and bears the inscription "To Chief Tecumseh / From Col. Proctor / MDCCCXII." (The inscription, with its alternate spelling of Procter, can be seen in the detail image below.) The tomahawk was probably made in France. The gift did little to mend the rift between Tecumseh and Procter. Less than a year later, on October 5, 1813, when the Americans attacked at the Battle of the Thames, Procter and the British fled from the field. Tecumseh and his warriors stood and fought, but Tecumseh was killed, and Native American armed resistance subsequently disintegrated.
—R. David Edmunds (Cherokee)
Effigy pipe associated with Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant, Mohawk, ca. 1742–1807)
ca. 1785
New York
Wood, slate, porcupine quill, dye, silver
ca. 1785
New York
Wood, slate, porcupine quill, dye, silver
"Among us we have no prisons, we have no pompous parade of courts, we have no written laws, and yet judges are as highly revered among us as they are among you, and their decisions are as highly regarded.
Property, to say the least, is well-guarded, and crimes are as impartially punished. We have among us no splendid villains above the control of our laws. Daring wickedness is never suffered to triumph over helpless innocence. The estates of widows and orphans are never devoured by enterprising sharpers. In a word, we have no robbery under color of law."
—Joseph Brant, letter to an unknown correspondent, 1807
When Joseph Brant presented a carved pipe to Dr. Caleb Benton sometime in the early 1790s, he was carrying on an ancient Haudenosaunee (Six Nations Iroquois) practice. Pipes were exchanged at meetings with visiting dignitaries and used to conclude treaties. Between individuals, the gift of a pipe and tobacco affirmed friendship and gratitude for an act of generosity or kindness.
After the Revolution, Britain's Haudenosaunee allies were left vulnerable, their lands open to expropriation. Brant, a commissioned officer for the Crown, led many displaced Mohawks to a new homeland on the Grand River in Upper Canada (now Ontario). He also sought compensation for Mohawk territorial losses from New York state and from the federal government in Philadelphia.
Brant may have received or purchased the Benton pipe during a visit to the capital in 1790. He traveled throughout Haudenosaunee territory shortly afterward in an effort to create a united front against U.S. intrusions. He also tried to form a confederation of Native nations in the Midwest to oppose American expansion. On one of those trips, he fell gravely ill and rested in a private residence near Seneca Lake. This may have been the home of Dr. Benton, who had built a tavern on the western shore of Seneca Lake, the traditional territory of the Cayuga Nation.
Brant would have known of Benton's involvement in the Genesee Land Company, which used bribery and intimidation to buy and sell Native lands, often at enormous profits. But a personal friendship with one of the non-Native leaders of western New York would have been important to Brant's strategy. The pipe may also have been Brant's way of expressing his gratitude for Dr. Benton's medical assistance.
—Doug George-Kanentiio (Akwasasne Mohawk)
Garters associated with Osceola (Seminole, 1804–1838)
ca. 1835
Wool yarn, glass beads
ca. 1835
Wool yarn, glass beads
"You have guns and so have we. You have powder and lead, and so have we. You have men and so have we. Your men will fight and so will ours, till the last drop of the Seminole's blood has moistened the dust of his hunting ground."
—Osceola, February 2, 1834, statement to Brigadier General Duncan L. Clinch
These leg garters likely belonged to the Seminole leader Osceola. Born in 1804 to Polly Coppinger, a part Muscogee Creek woman, Osceola was the most famous of several Seminole leaders who rose to prominence during the Second Seminole War, from 1835 to 1842. Osceola, whose name means Black Drink Singer, was also strong in medicine and was known for his ability to consume the black drink made from yaupon holly.
Osceola's great strength as a leader in war was his ability to plan and supervise multiple attacks. He was involved in more than a dozen battles and skirmishes and led Seminole warriors and their Creek and African-American allies against the U.S. Army and Florida militia and volunteers from 1835 until 1837, when illness led him to surrender.
Osceola enjoyed the stature and recognition that he had earned. George Catlin produced two paintings of Osceola. In each of them the war leader wears clothes of Seminole tradition. These finger-woven wool garters, which have beads woven into the pattern, are very similar to the garters Osceola wore in Catlin's full-length portrait, painted in 1838, shortly before the Seminole leader's death while he was imprisoned at Fort Moultrie, South Carolina. The image became widely known through a lithograph published by Catlin.
Donald L. Fixico (Shawnee/Sac & Fox/Muscogee Creek/Seminole)
Blytheville, Mississippi County, Arkansas
While much Mississippian art is cosmological in nature, "realistic" vessels in natural forms, such as this bullfrog, are not uncommon.
Hopewell platform pipe
Franklin, Warren County, Ohio Steatite
Franklin, Warren County, Ohio Steatite
This very thin, narrow-platform, black-stone pipe has a mouthpiece with a raised ridge and was probably smoked without a stem. This particular type of platform pipe is associated with the Heinisch Mound and Late Woodland culture in Ohio. In slight variations, this pipe shape persists into the Early Mississippian period and even later.
Caddoan blade
ca. AD 1100
Foster Place, Lafayette County, Arkansas
This is an exquisite example of a ceremonial Mississippian biface blade. To this day, blades are carried by the Creek—descendants of the Mississippians—during girls' puberty ceremonies. The blade is used during the ceremony to purify the ground for the young women.


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" Better lighting means a better customer experience, a better customer experience means repeat business, repeat customer means more business!" Jack Riely, Westwood, MA
Medfield, MA (PRWEB) July 11, 2012
"As the US economy continues to struggle, more and more of our clients and prospects are taking a serious look at each and every line item of their monthly operations budget. One area that is generating additional discussion is the cost of energy and lighting the exterior portion of their store, parking lots and gas station canopy fixtures in particular." says James Feeney, Managing Director of Improved illumination.
"As an example, canopy lights. Many existing units in use today are older, energy hungry 175W – 400W MH (metal halide) bulbs that operate 12-16 hours a day. Previously, upgrades involved the entire replacement of the physical unit: the lamp, ballast, wiring and the housing along with the possibility of carpentry work for each unit. That is an expense undertaking. Today, with our series of 100W / 135W induction retrofit kits, you simply open the unit, remove the bulb, the ballast and if required, the lens, and slide in the specific retrofit kit engineered based on the current existing unit. Available retrofit kits can effortlessly replace 95% of existing installed units including Scottsdale/Whiteway, Richard/Civic, 2x2 Dakota, Rivera and Jet Phillips."
"In addition to the monthly savings of 45-75% off their lighting bill, clients will benefit from the 100,000 rated lamp life (at 12 hours a day, that comes to over 22 years), along with lower maintenance costs, better "day light" like lighting and a 5 year warranty."
With over 10,000 of these canopy retrofit kits units already installed across the county, Improved illumination is pleased to add these proven, time tested products to our current offerings. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your specific lighting projects and invite you to contact us for a no-cost evaluation and conversation. .
Improved Illumination provides exterior and interior lighting solutions to commercial, industrial and educational clients. Based in Metro West, Boston, MA, Improved Illumination works with parking facilities, warehouses,hospitals, lodging organizations, car dealerships and a host of others to evaluate and provide cost saving suggestions to reduce their lighting consumption. These projects provide a solid ROI and a payback measured in months not years. Improved Illumination can be reached at 508 810 9205 or at info(at)improvedillumination(dot)com.


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On a Windows XP SP3 machine I installed xampp 1.7.0. I setup apache to start as a service. I installed XAMPP, I ran mysql_installservice.bat and mysql was started as a service with no problem.
After that I made an upgrade of Internet Explorer from IE 6 to IE 7. When the computer was restarted a message error appear that mysqld service encountered an error and it must be closed.
I used mysql_uninstallservice.bat to remove the myql service and the service was removed. With mysql_installservice.bat I reinstalled the service. The service starts but in two seconds the same message mysqld service encountered an error and it must be closed appears again.
What can be the problem? What IE7 did in order to stop or close the mysqld service?
Thank you for reply


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He will take up office in March 2012 when John Heeley, incumbent interim CEO, will step down.
Garry studied hotel and catering management at the University of Strathclyde, and pursued a career in hotel management before joining Visit Britain in 1999. There he has carried out destination marketing in a range of senior management roles in Europe, America and latterly, Asia Pacific Middle East Africa. He is an experienced and accomplished speaker, having served as a visiting professor to the tourism department of Strathclyde for many years.
Dieter Hardt-Stremayr, president of European Cities Marketing, says: "ECM is enormously fortunate to have Garry as the new CEO. I am convinced that his knowledge of destination marketing and his global outlook, combined with his enthusiasm and strategic mindset, will be of enormous benefit to our members. Garry White is the source of energy and inspiration we have been looking for."
Garry White says: "I am really thrilled to be given this opportunity to be a part of the ECM family. The organisation impressed me immediately because of the business model, the sense of collaboration, and the professionalism and commitment of the members and the ECM team based at Dijon. This is a really serious organisation with people striving for excellence.
After so many years actually living in European cities in London, Glasgow, Frankfurt, Berlin, Oslo, Helsinki and Stockholm, I have had the opportunity to visit just about every one of the ECM member cities. So I know first-hand that I will be working with a truly excellent product and I know that I can represent and market this with energy, conviction and passion. There is immense opportunity for city tourist offices and convention bureaux – not only in Europe but also BRIC markets and North America. For the past five years, I have been based in Asia working with 12 markets in APMEA and I know that European cities are on the wish list of both consumers and buyers. I believe we will be pushing on open doors....."ECM (European Cities Marketing) is the leading European association of city tourism offices and convention bureaux, representing 125 members across 100 major cities in 32 countries. Its aim is to improve the performance and maintain the competitiveness of its members through the exchange of best practice and information.


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Urgent news alert: GalaCon is hosting an AMA (ask me anything) on Saturday, so if you want to know where you can still get a room near the venue, what the origin of Canni's name is, or why the GalaCon team is so swag, then head to Reddit at the given time.
Dear loyal subjects,
We're simply overwhelmed. Within one week, our StarNext fundraiser accumulated over 9,000 Euro! An astounding sum that you, as the community, made possible. Our most sincere thanks go to all of you! We certainly couldn't have done it without the wonderful promo video, so many thanks as well to JanAnimations, Super Psyguy, Gabby, and ShadyVox! It's wonderful to see what this community can do.
The money will fund great things for GalaCon, that's guaranteed – stay tuned for announcements!
If you've had questions on your mind about anything GalaCon-related, you might be interested in our upcoming AMA! This Saturday, 15:00 UTC (4PM CET, 11AM EST), head of PR Weatherhoof will be avaiable on Reddit to answer whatever's on your mind!
Best wishes and see you soon,
Your GalaCon team


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Time for another 3 To Inspire challenge! It's Veera here today to share this weeks' prompts with you.
Here are my prompts:
- Use twine
- Document something about your home
- Use limited color scheme
I had so much fun with these prompts! For the first one, I wrapped the twine around the whole layout. As my layouts are normally fairly flat, I love how twine can bring another textural element to the layout.
The second prompt is to document something about your home. I wanted to scrap this picture of a shoe cabinet with flower vase that is on our foyer. Truth is, I'm terrible with flowers and I can't keep them alive. Fake flowers to the rescue and the place look pretty.
The third and final prompt is to use limited color scheme. In this layout I used mainly mint and gold in addition to the white background. I think limited color scheme can help to create simple and cohesive look to the layout.
Now it's your turn! To play along with this week's challenge, create a layout inspired by these prompts, upload it to the Citrus Twist Kits Gallery with the challenge date (07/22) in the title.
Happy scrapping!


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Car News
Values Dip for High-MPG Used Cars
It was bound to happen sometime, and according to Kelley Blue Book, it finally has: prices for fuel-efficient used cars have fallen. The automotive analytics and pricing firm reported that after 20 weeks of consecutive gains totaling nearly 25 percent, fuel-efficient used car values have peaked, finally slipping in response to falling gas prices.
Kelley Blue Book says that for the first time since January, its analysts have finally seen values for subcompact, compact, and hybrid cars begin to decline. That matches up with gas prices, which rose rapidly throughout the spring to peak at a national average of $3.98 per gallon in May, only to decline to around $3.71 per gallon now – and KBB projects the trend will continue.
"Our advice to dealers and consumers is to shop with caution today, since values are likely to fall through the early part of the summer," said Alec Gutierrez, Kelley Blue Book's manager of vehicle valuation. "If possible, it would be best to hold off on purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle until after summer, when values should be more stable."
According to Kelley Blue Book, fuel efficient cars will see values slip an additional 3 to 5 percent through the summer if Saudi Arabia goes forward with recently-announced plans to break rank from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and increase crude oil production. Such a step will continue driving gas prices down, lessening demand for fuel-efficient used cars.
"Regardless of where these used-vehicle values end up, fuel-efficient vehicles will remain a smart purchase for budget-conscious consumers," said Gutierrez.
Indeed, while values for fuel-efficient used cars may be dropping, consumer demand is still strong. According to last month's Trend Engine Report showing search activity on AutoTrader.com, interest in fuel-efficient cars was extremely high, with searches for high-mileage cars like the Ford Fiesta and Focus, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima increasing while search volume decreased for popular trucks and SUVs.


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Vodka is a clear, mostly odorless spirit which is un-aged. It comes out of the still and into a bottle, and never sees the inside of a wooden barrel like whiskey, brandy or rum. Its either distilled from potatoes or wheat and its origins lie somewhere in Scandinavia, Poland or Russia. Vodka is a Slavic word meaning "water" and first appears in text dating back to 1400 AD. In the 1950s vodka sales soared and by the 1970s it became the largest selling spirit in the USA. In the 1990s with the rise in popularity of "Martini like" cocktails including the Cosmopolitan, it almost put American Whiskey out of business. By the 21st century vodka got so carried away with itself that it was now nearly in every flavor including blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, marshmallow, caramel and even cotton candy. Its no wonder that by 2010 Americans were turning back to whiskey, mostly bourbon and as of 2015 vodka officially took a dive nearly by 20% in sales.
Personally, unlike some of my colleagues, I feel there is a place for vodka in the mixology world. While it is like tofu of the cocktail realm, I think plain, straight, unflavored vodka is nothing but the perfect ingredient in many drinks like the Bloody Mary and even as a replacement for gin in a Martini, with soda like bitter lemon, 7up, Sprite, and of course tonic. For me, the perfect place to use it is in a chocolate martini, it thins out the overbearing Irish cream and chocolate liqueurs and continues to pack the punch a good stiff drink should, even if sweet.
Vodka has a clean, crisp taste, and sometimes you want that instead of something that has been sitting in a barrel aging for a decade or more. Vodka does have taste. Its hard to differentiate or taste, but you will find they do differ. What I love about vodka is its incredibly cheap. $20 will get you a gallon of it, and not just the cheap stuff, but some of the highest rated like Svedka from Sweden. This makes it more economical to drink at home and have a party, and you can even cook with it when you go to make Penne A la Vodka. But if you are going to drink it straight, chilled or in a strong cocktail, here are my personal favorites.
- Reyka (Iceland)
- Stoli Elit (Russia)
- Stolichnaya (Russia)
- Svedka (Sweden)
- Mezzaluna (Italy)
- Belvedere (Poland)
- Smirnoff Black (Russia)
- Grey Goose (France)
- Fris (Finland)
- Tito's (Texas, USA)
Vodka pairs well with many foods like caviar, smoked fish, nearly anything from Poland or Russia, however, you will want to discover the classic cocktails that brought vodka to its rise and avoid the ones that contributed to its decline. If you need a vodka flavored with any particular ingredient, just add that ingredient instead and use pure, straight vodka that is not artificially flavored.
- Frozen: Right out of the freezer, icy cold, it makes it even easier to drink straight.
- Screwdriver: Simply orange juice and vodka. Add some Galiano to it and you have the popular drink from the 1970s known as the Harvey Wallbanger.
- Moscow Mule: Vodka, Fresh lime juice, ginger ale or ginger beer
- Vodka Martini: Many will argue its not a martini if it does not have gin, but if you don't like juniper and prefer a cleaner taste, be like James Bond and go against the mainstream and enjoy something non-traditional.
- Vodka Highball: This works with any soda including bitter lemon, tonic, lemon lime soda, orange soda, ginger ale, but definitely not Coke.
- Vodka & Cranberry Juice: My personal favorite and go-to vodka drink, even better with a squeeze of fresh lemon wedge, lime works too.
- Cosmopolitan: A bit more ambitious, this drink was popularized by the HBO series Sex in the City and includes vodka, cranberry, Cointreau, lime and maybe a splash of soda. It might appeal to the ladies, but it packs a punch for the guys for sure.
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Amazing Trees
Why do trees matter?
As familiar and attractive components of our landscape, trees can form an important part of our heritage providing us with living links to our past. They inspire us to look at the natural world around us and enjoy all the benefits that nature has to offer.
As well as being vital to the global ecosystem they provide us with a range of cultural benefits often connected with our economic prosperity and social customs. Over the centuries many of the trees we live with have been put to various and unexpected use; serving as sacred altars and convenient hideouts as well as watchtowers, hanging gibbets or shelters against the elements. Some have even been connected with death and others with the power of life, renowned for having magical healing and restoration powers.
Through the centuries our intricately sculptured past has meant that we have some of the most amazing trees that can be found anywhere in the world, a resource well worth protecting and conserving. In fact, all around the British Isles there is an immensely rich and varied tree legacy which can been discovered and enjoyed by us all.
You can discover more about some of these natural wonders by following us around the country to find some of the oldest and most impressive trees in the UK. Simply scroll down our 'amazing trees' menu to find our newest discoveries, print off the information and get out there!
The Ankerwyke Yew, Egham, Surrey
The Knightwood Oak, New Forest
The Wyndham's Oak, Silton, Dorset


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Rsaunders13 avait besoin d'un nouveau design de print ou packaging et a lancé un concours sur 99designs.
Un gagnant a été sélectionné de 20 designs proposés par 6 designers freelance.
Spinaday is an exciting new game that will provide businesses a manner in which to take advantage of the modernization of marketing and advertising utilizing social media.
Each day consumers play a game (spin of a wheel) for the opportunity to win coupons from both local and national merchants.
Spinaday will facilitate a way for consumers to communicate a businesses message, adding consumers they would have never reached.
Targeting business owners (both local and national) who are supplying us with the coupons for brand exposure on Spinaday.
This audience is used to being targeted by Daily Deal sites for coupons. We are looking to differentiate from the Daily Deal sites by giving them access to customers all year long using Game Mechanics.
Taking this copy (and above), be creative and add pictures that go along with the copy. This will be a one pager. Logo inclusion (attached), Social Media Buttons (facebook, twitter), stock image of wheel/game.
Virtually 100% of new consumers use Instant Messaging, Facebook and most of them use it as their primary mode of exchanging information. This new way of communication has bred a new wave of consumer advertising. More than half of young consumers rely on family and friends for their purchase advice while 65% tell others about the products they like
By combining people's loves for games and their desire to save money, Spinaday will provide users with an exclusive and enjoyable way to earn savings from their favorite vendors. Our game platform will allow a large group of consumers to play a game each day with the opportunity to interact with your brand. With the spin of a wheel, users will have a chance to win a variety of deals, giving you brand visibility to them daily. A winning spin, will allow the users to share this deal with up to 5 friends, spreading the word about your business via email, Facebook and Twitter.
What you can get?
This will get you millions of impressions of your brand on a daily basis, strengthening your customer base by drawing the interest of active consumers


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Patent filing reveals Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE)'s PlayStation VR could be getting better
The USPTO recently published a patent filing by Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) that gives a hint about the company's plans for virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) worlds. That patent describes what can be termed as a Smart Glove, which in the case of Sony is actually a VR Glove. It is a kind of glove that can be used to operate or control virtual reality experiences.
The VR Glove patent leaves no doubt about Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE)'s efforts to try and differentiate its VR offering from the competition. Sony plunged into the VR space with PlayStation VR, which was initially codenamed Project Morpheus.
Need for better controls
When it comes to handheld VR controllers, the truth is that much work is still needed to make their operations seamless. It appears Sony is taking the challenge with its VR Glove. Sony's VR Glove appears to track Nintendo's ill-fated PowerGlove, which looked like a noble idea in the 80s, but didn't quite live up to the high expectations of the maker. However, because there has been much technological advancement since PowerGlove, Sony's VR Glove not only stands a better chance of success but the approach is also interesting.
Given the complexity of existing VR controllers, Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE)'s VR Glove could offer the much needed relief for those using VR devices.
VR in gaming
It is projected that VR and AR will eventually find application in many areas of life such as education. However, the area that is initially expected to see wide VR and AR adoption is gaming. Interestingly, Sony's PlayStation VR targets just that market. The fact that gaming-themed VR controls still give users a challenge means that Sony could easily displace the competition with its VR Glove that simplified controlling of gaming VR devices.
Competition in VR/AR space
In the VR/AR space, Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE)'s PlayStation VR competes for consumer attention with Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB)'s Oculus Rift headset and will soon confront Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)'s HoloLens. Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) are also aggressively pursuing opportunities in the VR/AR market, but they are yet to launch their advanced products in that space.
Neha Gupta
Latest posts by Neha Gupta (see all)
- Is Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) Winning Or Losing In Virtual Reality Space? - May 27, 2016 07:35 AM PST
- No Growth In Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST)'s 3Q Comps Explained - May 27, 2016 07:34 AM PST
- How Will International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM)'s Big Data University Help? - May 27, 2016 07:33 AM PST


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Christian Top News combines lists of breaking headlines and summaries of the stories that matter most to you.
We're not your typical Christian news site.
In an age where we scroll news and Twitter feeds as quickly as possible, we're a site that is interested in bringing you the top headlines in Christian news that you need to know to get your day going.
Here at Christian Top News, you'll get a short list of headlines followed by brief and fresh summaries of what's happening around the world. We'll also provide links to full-length credible news stories for those of you wanting to delve deeper into the issues.
We're passionate about the news.
We understand that the way we consume news is changing, so this model is for you. So you'll have something to talk about at the watercooler on Friday. So you'll have a grip on what's happening. So you'll be able to pray for this world.
As Christians, we have to be connected and plugged into this world, but not everyone has the time to read a newspaper or the time to plow through tons of headlines online. We're doing that part for you and hoping to bring you what's trending and making waves in the world.
Because God loves this world and we need to learn a little bit more about the places we've never been or haven't heard of or don't understand. Also, this world is here. Our neighbors and community and churches are made up of people from all over, and we're better equipped to pray and love on them if we stay informed.
We want to be the place you go to for your daily and quick dish of Christian news. Bookmark us. Send us your feedback, and go ahead, scroll away.
The ChristianTopNews.com Team


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It's been almost a year since we released Bill Callahan's Dream River, but Bill still manages to find something that gets beneath the skin. Lyrically, he tugs at the loose strands of a scene and unspools 'em until he comes to the knot. Or if he's out of doors, he ruffles the chaff that makes up the haystack, looking for something sharp and hard. The visual modes of "Javelin Unlanding" are exquisite; shifting in delicate but deliberate time as Bill's lyrics wander. On screen, Bill takes shape as the moon, surveying the earth below. Guitar strums fan into blooms of smoke, sliced through by more guitars taking other forms---snakes and mountainous ranges, shards of erupted earth. But don't fret! Even with such devastation, Bill is able to give us a grounded perspective as he floats into the unknown surrounding universe. See the magic for yourself in the brand new video for "Javelin Unlanding" by Hanly Banks and Chris Rusch, and all you Euro-types make certain you dig on the European tour dates beneath it!
8/7/14 @ Oya Festival in Oslo, Norway
8/8/14 @ Flow Festival in Helsinki, Finland
8/9/14 @ Way Out West Festival in Goteborg, Sweden
8/11/14 @ VoxHall in Aarhus, Denmark
8/12/14 @ Mojo Club in Hamburg, Germany
8/13/14 @ Zakk in Dusseldorf, Germany
8/14/14 @ Sankt Peter in Frankfurt, Germany
8/15/14 @ Openluchttheater De Goffert in Nijmegen, Netherlands
8/16/14 @ Pukklepop Festival in Hasselt, Belgium
8/17/14 @ Green Man Festival in Brecon Beacons, United Kingdom


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Friend's Email:
Subject: I have found a CD that I think you would enjoy
|Various Artists
Cocktail Capers: Ultra Lounge 8
Genres: Alternative Rock, Jazz, Special Interest, Pop
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Listen to Samples
CD Details
Similarly Requested CDs
CD Reviews
Cuttin' Capers
winkingtiger | Oakland, CA | 04/11/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Everyone has their favorites in the Ultra-Lounge series; this is one of mine. Unlike most of the volumes, this one doesn't stick to any one type of lounge music (Bossa Nova, Exotica, TV Themes, etc.). Instead, it is kind of an overview of ALL the styles this great series covers. So, if you'd rather start with a series entry and not the famous 'Fuzzy Sampler', this might be a good place to begin.Highlights of Vol. 8 include: The eerie exotica of 'Jungalero' by Les Baxter, the fantastic movie theme 'Charade' (very James Bond), great spy music cuts 'Underwater Chase' and 'I Want To Be A James Bond Girl' (A song you want to sing along to, even though it hasn't any words!), a killer rendition of 'The Pink Panther Theme', and the two sultry & steamy vocal numbers 'Hey Bellboy' and 'Teach Me Tiger'. Saving the best for last, my absolute favorite 2 cuts on the disc are 'Honorable Hong Kong Rock' (what WOULD Austin Powers listen to if he were in Hong Kong?), and Nelson Riddle's astounding 'Lolita Ya-Ya' (from the film 'Lolita'). 'Ya-Ya' sounds like some demented fantasy of a bubble-gum pop song, as imagined by someone who HATES bubble-gum pop songs! Mindlessly cheerful and endlessly amazing...it's truly unique.And don't forget our old friend 'Mr. Continental'and his hidden bonus track, 'You Go To My Head'!"
Smooth Enough
Sir Charles Panther | Alexandria, Virginny, USandA | 11/17/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Eighteen tracks, plus a bonus, and probably 7 really good ones. All in all, a good collection. The real standouts: A pumpin' "Pink Panther Theme" from the Hollywood Studio Orchestra. The solos portion is very reminiscent of Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island" and/or Us3's remake, "Cantaloop." Check out "Hey, Bellboy;" I swear you can hear the stiletto heels and the peroxide blonde hair in the ether of this track. Ya gotta like "Underwater Chase," from the original album "Music To Read James Bond By." An then there's the obligatory Burt Bacharach track, "Call Me" by the New Classic Singers. It's replete with those ubiquitous "bah bah buh-buh" non-lyrics, evoking those long-banned Benson&Hedges cigarette commercials. The liner insert is quite good too, with detailed info on the tracks, and the standard Ultra-Lounge graphics and drink recipes. All in all, a winner."
Not the Best Entry, But Has its Moments...
loungelizard7 | 05/07/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This Ultra-Lounge installment is very different in flavor from the others (with the exception of Vol.18), and somehow misses the mark almost all-around, save for a few shiny golden tracks buried among much of the forgettable songs included here.Les Baxter has a few entries, being the hyper-frenetic "Roller Coaster," which if listened to carefully, does resemble a coaster ride. If you let it play out, it's actually a very pretty song. His "Shooting Star" is delightfully spacey, and his "Jungalero" (which accompanies it) is a beautiful jungle-inspired exotica tune. I'm not sure what I make of Gloria Wood's "Hey, Bellboy!" but I do know it gets better as it goes along (although it doesn't seem to have a point). She really screams out those high notes! Dave Pell's perky "This Could Be the Start of Something" (written by renaissance man Steve Allen) is a fun scatted choral arrangement, as is the lovely '60s pop/easy listening-sounding "Call Me," by the New Classics Singers. A little cheesy, the latter, but nice. There are some selections really worth mentioning, though, as they largely carry the wright of the rest. The Ernie Freeman Combo (an Ultra-Lounge staple) is marvelous on the bright, brassy, bluesy "Mountain Greenery." No matter what anyone else tells you, the hard-swinging "Pink Panther Theme" cover by the Hollywood Studio Orchestra is great music. Hip, sassy, and fun, with a cool sax solo (Ultra-Lounge regular and Les Baxter's saxophonist, tenor player Plas Johnson, was the sax player on the original "Pink" theme), this version is just as viable as Mancini's. Al Caiola on the James Bond-inspired "Underwater Chase" is fantastic. A tight, fast, tense, dynamic arrangement guides Caiola's quivering guitar sounds with punching brass and an organ to make this one of the CD's best. David Rose won a Grammy for his gorgeous arrangement of "Like Young." A real treasure, this cool, light track combines crystal-clear vibraphones and soft strings, and it's breathtaking. Si Zentner, another found on many a U-L disc, always offers up something exciting. His swinging take on Henry Mancini's "Charade" is far better than the original, with his big band blowing for all they're worth, accompanied by an organ and a deeply infectious electric bass grooving below the action. (If you like this, you'll love his "Mister Lucky" on Vol.13.)There are an embarrassing share of boring songs on this volume, especially when compared to more full, popular volumes (like Vols. 3-7). But, there are a few that make it worth the money anyway. It's still worth buying."


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One of the key ways to determine an athlete's brain recovery following a concussion is to compare the level of brain function before and after the concussion.
At the Wellington Sports Concussion Management Program, we use ImPACT©, a research-based software program that evaluates multiple aspects of brain function, such as memory and mental processing speed. The information we gather can help us to assess how severe the concussion is and to monitor recovery of brain function.
ImPACT© provides important insights into the challenging puzzle of concussion management for athletes from middle school through college. It can help us return these young athletes to play as quickly and safely as possible following a sports concussion.