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Back only 100 years ago only 20% of the world's population lived in a city or urbanised area, this means that only 330 million people lived in a city. Today 50% or 3.5 billion people live in an urban area, this is one 1000% more than in 1900. And by 2050 the number of people living in a city will double.
Sustainable Building Design (above)
History of Cities
In early human history, humans were hunters and gatherers. Tribes would be in constant movement searching for food and water. 10,000 years ago humans started to use methods of selective breeding and early agricultural techniques. This new technological advancement created the first semi-permanent villages that were able to grow themselves with a sustainable food source. 5,000 years ago, irrigation and soil tilling techniques helped to replenish the soil with nutrients. This created permanent villages as the villagers could now rely on a single area of land for crops. These technologies created a food surplus meaning that not every human being had to farm, search or hunt for food. From this new jobs were created, jobs like builders, teachers, miners and blacksmiths. Cities were now producing tools, foods and other goods that could be traded between other cities. Commerce and interactions between cities was now taking place on larger scales. As trade began to flourish and it new technology grew with it. Carts, ships, roads and ports were invented to aid the trade between the cities. With these new technologies, new jobs were created and more people come from the country side to the city. This created a snow ball effect, more goods meant more trade, more trade meant both more money and bigger infrastructure, more money allowed people to hire others to work making goods and building bigger infrastructure for the city. At this time, around 4000 years ago, cities populations grew and quickly became densely populated as everything had to be within walking distance. The Roman Empire was the first to developed infrastructure to overcome some of these problems. However, modern cities as we know them didn't start to appear until the industrial revolution in the United Kingdom. Again as new technology thrived cities became much more complex establishing law enforcement departments, road and rail networks water and waste systems and later electricity distribution.
Photo of Wall Street, New York 1900's (above)
Through the growing demand for electricity cities used coal and oil to supply themselves with power. Thus beginning the era of pollution and resource depletion, leading to many of modern cities sustainability issues. To address these problems a new sustainable, ecological city will be created in the Sutherland Shire in Sydney NSW, Australia.
As the crow flies the Shire is 21km south from Sydney's CBD and 15km south from the international airport. Neighbouring areas include Kogarah and Bankstown to the north, Campbelltown to the west and Wollongong to the south. Population growth in the Sutherland local government area is significantly lower than the national average and has been over the past 15 years, as much as a 5.5% difference. This is prominently because of limited residential development approval in the area. This Shire has a lot of potential to grow in both sustainability and development. The Sutherland shire will become a modern futuristic city and Australia's leader in innovation and sustainability.
Sustainable Building Design (above)
As the Sutherland shire is already a developed the city already has access to water, waist and energy resources. Therefore the some costs needed to create a new sustainable city can be used in other areas like a new subway system and redevelopment of public spaces. The location also allows the city to take advantage of and work within the natural beauty of the local beaches and bushland.
The first and most important aspect for the new city is to be a vibrant community that is still connected to the surrounding beaches, bays and of course the national park. All the new features and developments will be used to connect people and enhance the sense of community while also reducing the impact of the city on the natural environment. For example in place of the Woolooware and Cronulla golf courses, a new pubic park will be developed with a costal esplanade, seating areas, lots and lots of vegetation and play areas for children.
- Blue – Subway system
- Red – Maglev line
- Pink – CBD's
- Purple – Public Parks
- Black – Esplanade's
With the creation of a new subway system this will make cars redundant and traveling around the city quicker easier, without the worry of traffic. This system will connect all reaches of the Shire and will transform Miranda into the cities centre. Miranda will become the cultural hub of the new city with long strips of shop, cafes and restaurants. The streets will have super wide pedestrian path ways with little to no cars flowing through. Because of the decrease in traffic the streets won't need to be wider than one lane each way creating room for safe cycle lane separate from the cars.
Design for shops along The Kingsway, Miranda (above)
The plan for the new city is to have a quick, easy and modern subway system connecting all the surrounding suburbs and a high speed rail way from Miranda to the International Airport and Sydney's CBD. The roads will also be re-designed so that cyclist have their own lane/s separated from the road.
The subway system will have 20 stops. The main stops will be at Miranda, Caringbah, Cronulla, Sutherland, Como, Menai, and Taren Point. All the stops are designed to make it easy for the public to get around the Shire quickly without needing to use their cars. The subway stops are also close to the existing Sydney Trains network also making traveling in and out of the Shire easy. The subway system will be a lot like other subway systems around the world. The car that will be adopted for the shire's subway will be very similar to those on the Metro System in Barcelona. The system in Barcelona has subway cars will large doors, the interior space is optimised with more standing area and seats along the side of the car. A public subway system has many benefits. Not only is it cheap to run, but it is also cheaper than other forms of transport and more convenient. Another benefit is the positioning on the stops. Because the platforms are underground they don't take up the same land space as a normal train platform does.
Maglev train design 2015 (left); Station design for Maglev train (right)
At Miranda on the corner of the Kingsway and Sylvania Rd will be the station for the Maglev train line to the international airport and central station. This will get people to Sydney airport in 4minutes and central station in 7 minutes. This new train line can be the push start for a new way of connecting Australia's cities.
Cycle lane design: (left and right)
Another part of reducing the need for cars in the Sutherland Shire, purpose built cycling lanes will be incorporated into the streets. The design will remove the cycling lane from the road so that bikes have their own place on the road and no longer have to share the shoulder. In the place of a 2 lane (each way) highway the new road will have:
- One lane each way for vehicles,
- Two 2 metre wide cycle lanes on each side of the road and
- A 3-4 metre wide pedestrian pathway on each side.
In place of a residential street:
- One 2 metre cycling lane for each direction shall be reserved for cyclists.
Cycle lane design in London (above)
These designs will work on any street in the Sutherland shire and can open up new possibilities for commuting on a bicycle. For example the lanes will allow the opportunity for e-bikes to be ridden safely allowing people to ride around the shire without getting sweaty. An e-bike is bicycle with an electrical motor attached to it. With the combination of the subway, Maglev train rail and cycle ways the need for cars in the Sutherland shire will dramatically drop, lowering pollution, reliance on fossil fuel transport and traffic congestion problems within the entire city.
Infrastructure and sustainability technologies.
All the new buildings that are built in the Sutherland Shire are to be built with green and passive building techniques and energy efficient landscaping. The buildings designed for the new city will be multi-story dwellings, to fit more people in the area, to share and utilise resources and facilitate community interactions. The architects will focusing on top-down approaches to their designs and plans to enable a closed loop relationships between cites and their surrounding environment. Also residents will be required to have a certain amount of vegetation per person under the Vegetation Law. This could be incorporated into the design of the apartment or as an external feature, like a vertical garden.
The aim for the Vegetation Law is to have majority of vegetables that people in the city eat are grown in the building. This will save money, fuel and pollution from the reduced need for food to be imported. Many new technologies are available that make growing food in skyscrapers possible, for example, vertical gardens and rooftop gardens. Vertical gardens are great space savers, allowing people to grow food on a wall inside their own houses and apartments. These gardens can also be used as design features. Rooftop gardens are self-explanatory, they make use of the space on top of the building for vegetation.
Building design incorporated system grows food on inside of windows for residents (above)
Sustainable Building Design (above)
Green building is a new concept that refers both to a sustainable structure that is built using techniques that are environmentally sustainable and is resource-efficient throughout the building's life-cycle. This includes the design process, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. Green building is all about finding the balance between building and the environment. Even if a building is complete with the latest in sustainable technologies, if the materials and construction techniques used heavily pollute and damage the surrounding environment the sustainable technologies are waisted.
Building uses natural sunlight and wind patterns for heating and cooling (above)
Sustainable residential home design (above)
Building using passive building techniques results in a building that is ultra-energy efficient and require little electricity for heating or cooling. The standard is not confined to residential properties it has previously been used in several office buildings, schools and a supermarket have also been constructed to the standard. Passive design is not an attachment or supplement to architectural design, but a design process that is integrated with architectural design.
Sustainable Building Design (above)
Energy efficient landscaping's purpose is to maximise buildings energy efficiency through design. Design techniques include:
- Planting trees for the purpose of providing shade, which reduces cooling costs.
- Planting or building windbreaks to slow winds near buildings, which reduces heat loss in the winter but also maximises wind for cooling in the summer.
- Wall sheltering, where shrubbery or vines are used to create a barrier directly against a wall to shied from sunlight in the summer and wind in winter.
- Green roofs that cool buildings with extra thermal mass and evapotranspiration and double as an outdoor area for residents.
- Reducing the heat island effect with pervious paving, high albedo paving, shade, and minimising paved areas within the city.
- Site lighting with full cut off fixtures, light level sensors, and high efficiency fixtures.
A perfect example of a fully sustainable building/business is a restaurant inside a green house. The restaurant has an anaerobic-digester, this digester takes biodegradable materials from the restaurant and green house and is make heat and electricity from the waist. The green house has a waste water treatment system that take the waist water from the restaurant and uses it to water the plants and also creates energy from the solids in the waist water. Also with in the green house, a fish farm fed with kitchen waist from the restaurant and worms from the compost, this fish farm provides fish for the restaurant. And finally the waist coffee grains can be mixed into the compost to add extra nutrients back into the soil in the green house. This restaurant is completely self sustainable and does not need the delivery of food or to be connected to the grid. At Kurnell, with the oil refinery closing there is opportunity to stamp a foothold of sustainability in the Sutherland shire. The area is already an industrial zone, therefor no land clearing will be needed to make room. In place of the oil refinery there will be a Concentrated Solar Power plant and a state of the art MBA Polymers recycling plant recycling both metals and plastics to be resold back into industries.
MBA Polymer recycling plants
The Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant works through the use mirrors to concentrate the sun's light energy which amplifies its energy. The plant converts this energy into heat to create steam to drive a turbine that generates electrical power. At Kurnell a trough system will be used. This system reflects the suns energy onto a water pipe. The water in this pipe heats up and turns into stem running through a turbine creating electricity. The water will be sourced from the ocean which is why Kurnell is the best place for this project.
MBA Polymers recycling technology is ground breaking. They have been able to find a way to sort plastics into types and so that they can now recycle them. The reason why recycling plastics has been so difficult to recycle plastics in the past is because it is extremely hard to sort them. Plastics can be any colour and have over lapping densities. However, MBA Polymers is the first company to be able to do this automatically in a sustainable mater. Click here to find out more.
How will the city be sustainable?
Sustainable shopping centre design (above)
The Sutherland shire has a great culture and sense of community to it. We look to enhance this in every area of development. From long open costal walks, to strips of shops, cafes and restaurants the shire will be full of life and culture. Education and health centres in the Shire will be modern and state-of-the-art.
Esplanade design along the Georges River.
Instead of people getting frustrated in traffic, they can enjoy the ease of relaxing in a subway car getting home in half the current time. The air in the city will be clear and fresh from the vegetation in the city. The Sutherland shire won't be like a normal city, with the stench of pollution in the air and concrete making up 99.9% of the city. The shire will have large open, natural reserves. The vegetation will also help regulate the cities temperature. The difference in temperature from the shire and neighbouring Sydney can reach up to 5 degrees Celsius.
The Sutherland leisure centre will be transformed into a centre of fitness and leisure for the city. with multiple swimming pools both indoor and outdoor, large rooms filled with equipment to work every muscle in the body until it is numb, access to physiotherapy and massage parlours and healthy restaurants and cafe's all in the same complex.
Inertia of Sutherland Centre for Health and Leisure (above)
Education will be a top priority in the Sutherland Shire. Hazlehurst will be transformed into the shire's centre of sustainability, art and culture. The Shires schools will be among the nations finest and will have a big focus on sustainability, learning and planning for the future. The facilities with in the schools will be modern innovative and state-of-the-art. This will teach generations to come the importance of sustainability and ensue sustainable living is continued.
The buildings built in the Sutherland shire will not only be sustainable for the environment the buildings will also be sustainable to the economy. As the buildings are so energy efficient, energy bills won't hit the roof. The community design of the shops, cafes, and parklands will draw people into the city making it a vibrant, sustainable economic hub. This will create jobs and attract more people to live, work and spend in the area. Being an innovative world leading facilities, both the Centre of Sustainability, Art & Culture and MBA Polymers Recycling will extend the economic sustainability. Both will sell education services and thought leading innovative products. They will also create unique tourist centres to draw international visitors an increasing the number of service jobs in the area.
Public park, Woolooware (left); Design for residential area (right)
For every person living in the Sutherland shire they will have to have a certain amount of vegetation. Having vegetation in urban areas is proven to lower eye irritation cases by over 50%, lower respiratory system problems by over 30%, lower cases of headaches by more than 20%, human productivity boosted by over 20% and energy consumption is lowered by 15%. All these statistics are because the plants in the buildings provide fresh air instead to air conditioners and the buildings stay at more of a regulated temperature. Specific plants even remove harsh chemicals from the air. The Sutherland shire will be a city that operates alongside nature instead of clearing nature altogether from the area.
Sustainable Building Design (above)
Likely efficiency of the new Shire
On the ARCADIS Sustainable Cities Index there are only 2 Australian cities listed in the top 50. The ARCADIS Sustainable Cities Index ranks cities biased on their sustainability over three areas, people, planet and profit. Over all Sydney is ranked 11th, Melbourne is ranked 17th. For people Sydney is ranked 4th and Melbourne 8th, for planet Sydney is ranked 18th and Melbourne is ranked 23rd and for profit Sydney is ranked 16th and Melbourne is ranked 5th. Sydney ranks very highly in the people category beating many of the world's leading cities, however it falls back in the planet and profit but is always in the top 20. Melbourne bets Sydney in the profit category and is close behind Sydney however falls below 20 in the planet category. Using our plans we think the Sutherland shire will be in the top ten cities over all of the ARCADIS Sustainable Cities Index. For the separate categories the shire will fit into the top five for people, top ten for earth and for profit top 15. The Sutherland shire will be Australia's leading city in sustainability and innovation.
Sustainable Building Design (above)
http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/news/population/world-urbanization-prospects-2014.html https://en.m.wikipedia.org/?title=Passive_house http://solareis.anl.gov/guide/solar/csp/ http://www.mbapolymers.com/home/mba-polymers-video-library http://profile.id.com.au/sutherland/about?WebID=10 https://s3.amazonaws.com/arcadis-whitepaper/arcadis-sustainable-cities-index-report.pdf https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_urban_infrastructure https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutherland_Shire http://www.traveller.com.au/the-worlds-top-10-best-cities-for-cycling-371ps http://www.sportrouteplanner.com https://en.m.wikipedia.org/?title=Shinkansen http://inhabitat.com/park-royal-tower-wohas-stunning-vertical-urban-park-opens-in-singapore/parkroyal-singapore-woha-architects-9/ http://www.copenhagenize.com/2014/04/the-new-question-for-21st-century-cities.html [JP1]


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Yep! Another eBay find!
I actually saw a set just like this in an antique jewelry
shop about two years ago but didn't get them, when I
went back they were gone.
Two eeks ago the appeared on eBay and I wouldn't let
them get away this time!
My heart was about to beat it self out of my chest as I
placed the winning bid. :D

subset: commoncrawl


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The Moseley Beach Club - Australia's first Beach Club - presents the Sunset Style Show.
Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, put your feet in the sand and enjoy a great night of fashion & fun while raising valuable funds for Childhood Cancer.
VIP packages available. Arrival 6:30pm for a 7pm show start.
We're all locals supporting locals, with local South Australian celebrities, AFL players and personalities modelling local Jetty Road traders and local South Australian brands, showcasing their latest fashion.
Participating brands and retailers include:
Skowsh | Koleha Bikini | Pampelone Clothing | NEUEBLVD | Cassandra Mamone


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US health startup brings to India cutting-edge cancer diagnostics
Doctors knew the 17-year-old boy was suffering from a rare strain of cancer called Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, but were not sure how to treat him. Yashwant Raj reports.business Updated: Jul 21, 2013 21:46 IST
Doctors knew the 17-year-old boy was suffering from a rare strain of cancer called Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, but were not sure how to treat him.
His parents — also doctors —wanted a second opinion. Delhi's Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute (RGCI), where the boy was admitted, got in touch with a US medical centre.
The treatment changed but the patient's condition didn't.
Star Health Network, a small US health startup that had just signed an alliance with RGCI, had a suggestion. Would the institute like to try one of its allied partners?
Experts at Fox Chase, a Star partner, were tapped.
The boy is now getting the best treatment in the world near home in Delhi and showing signs of improvement.
Founded in 2008 by US doctors of Indian origin, Star is a global network connecting centres of excellence in the US to centres of need around the world.
It brought RGCI together with Precipio Diagnostics, which represents Yale, late last year, bringing India right up to the forefront of the worldwide fight against cancer.
"We saw this expertise at institutions such as Sloan-Kettering," said Dr John Sanil Manavalan, one of the co-founders. "We wondered if the same expertise could be made available in India."
He met Afzal Jamal Naiyer, a medical student from a Jammu and Kashmir school. By 2008, Naiyer was ready to branch out on his own.
He launched Star with Manavalan and others. It was a unique health startup. The Delhi cancer institute now has access to multi-gene cancer DNA testing, which is the newest weapon in the war against the dreaded disease due to the association.
First Published: Jul 21, 2013 21:43 IST


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Fighting the power and speaking for the earth: The explosion of Native American hip-hop
"I see 20/20 …; they pimp us for money. Revising our story, they're televising …; Hey Diane Sawyer, I am a warrior, give me your camera and send me your lawyer," raps Frank Waln, a young Sicangu Lakota hip-hop artist from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. His 2011 track "Oil 4 Blood" continues on a political bent, referring to war-mongering politicians who seek mineral wealth but "want the earth dead."
Waln's politically charged subject matter is fairly representative of a whole new generation of Native hip-hop performers. But Waln is not just your typical "angry young man" from a reservation. A recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship, he attended Columbia College in Chicago, originally intending to become a doctor. He wasn't always as focused in his life.
"When I was a kid, music was a sanctuary for me. I was very insecure," says Waln, who started playing piano at age 7."Part of that was growing up in a rodeo cowboy family, and we had to just 'cowboy up.' We were Native Americans in survival mode with a history of genocide."
His first solo album will drop on Indigenous People's Day. (That's the holiday celebrated by many Natives and supporters of Native rights instead of Columbus Day.) "The theme of violence towards Native people is in the new album, like pipelines being built on our land," Waln says. His album is entitled "7," a reference to the Seventh Generation philosophy originating in the Iroquois Confederacy that all Native people strive to live by.
A particular focus of many native hip-hop artists' music today is environmental damage. "Back when I wrote 'Oil 4 Blood' in 2011, it was born of frustration," Waln says. "The government was trying to build the Keystone pipeline on our Rosebud Reservation." He's excited about the recent wave of activism around the pipeline issue: "It's really dope what's going on in North Dakota – those kids on the rez ran to DC!"
Native hip-hop, especially when it comes from the reservations, has a unique flavor, blending hip-hop with Native culture. Sound and style differs between regions. There are seven reservations in South Dakota, and the sound is different from each. "We are all pioneers," says Waln. "For the longest time, we never got looks from mainstream media, so even this article is an example of Native messaging getting a closer look."
Supaman, born Christian Parrish Takes the Gun, is an Apsáalooke Native American from the Crow Nation Reservation near Billings, Montana. In 2014, he was Artist of the Week on MTV, and he's unique. He rhymes about some of the same issues better-known African-American rappers do, but there is an added element of reservation life. His parents were alcoholics, and he was a foster child until he went to live with his grandfather. Reservation life provided too much idle time and too much poverty, and no good came of it. He was involved with crime and drugs. Takes the Gun says hip-hop – in its more negative aspects – influenced him to play the part of a gangster.
But in his early 20s, Takes the Gun realized this was not the way he wanted to live – and concluded that his music sent the wrong message to his fellow Native young people. So he changed course. After a record deal with a Seattle label saw him leaving his wife and child behind and living a rapper's lifestyle, Supaman found religion and returned home to Montana, embracing his ancestral traditions and cultural mores. Today, he's an educator and performer, and one of the best-known Native hip-hop acts.
"'Rapper's Delight' was one of the first songs I heard," he recalls. "I liked the drums, the percussion; I like all kinds of drums. If I'm producing, I have to have the right kind of drums." Supaman performs in full tribal regalia, a personal approach that other artists don't typically use. He says he knew this gambit would get audiences talking, and makes clear he is using his tribal dress not as a costume, but toward education.
"We would be invited into schools to educate kids, sharing music, culture and hip-hop," he says, "and we realized wearing regalia was a great tool to reach the person who was watching and show [we're] proud of who we are. It also told other Natives they should be proud, too." The dance Supaman does when he performs is also unusual, contemporary form of powwow culture dance called men's fancy dancing that originated in Oklahoma. "It's good to have all these elements to speak to audiences," he says, adding elements both Native and non-Native audiences probably haven't seen before.
Reached on the plane on his way to perform and speak at Harry Belafonte's Many Rivers to Cross festival in Atlanta, Supaman says he makes music to address issues of social injustice. He'll be singing with artists like Dave Matthews and T.I., and speaking about core social-justice issues, he said. "Most of the artists are about that theme, and positivity. I'll be talking about the Dakota Access Pipeline and Sacred Stone Camp, which I had the opportunity to visit for a few days recently. The unity of people coming together; people from all over the world, standing up for simple things — clean water. The little guys, the regular people fighting against oil companies. That was inspiring."
Tall Paul, an Ojibway M.C., hails from Minneapolis. He says his life's purpose is to spread messages of peace. He grew up listening to hip-hop from all regions, initially making music for fun. In 2009 he dedicated himself fully to the art form. He says that his goal is to make people shed tears of joy and pain, and to share a common experience.
Molly McGlennen, an Ojibway poet, is an associate professor of English and Native American Studies at Vassar College. She says there is a direct link between the Native oral storytelling tradition and the storytelling of hip-hop as a form of expression — and ultimately a form of resistance. "I'm interested in Tall Paul, because he's using the Ojibway language and English to convey the experience of Ojibway people in Minneapolis," she says. "The issues that he speaks to resonate with Ojibway people, but at the same time, he's also speaking to broader indigenous issues of class and race and struggle," she says. "Because he's speaking to so many layers of society, indigenous and non-indigenous, he's an example of the forms of indigenous storytelling. He's a powerful voice in the contemporary scene right now. He's fabulous."
Throughout Frank Waln's new album, he talks about politics and politicians. "I don't believe in U.S. politics," he says. It's all driven by money and capitalism. Honestly, as a Native person, I can see how there are people who don't want to participate in the system. It's parasitic, built on exploitation of human beings, stolen land and labor." Waln recently scored a short message film called "Miranda and Shonta," about harmony with animals in nature; the backdrop is the Sacred Stone camp at the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Supaman's forthcoming album "Illuminatives" speaks to many political concerns that go beyond Native issues, including the pipeline and immigration. He sees a need for "bringing the south-of-the-border Native people up here, and connecting more with other indigenous people."
Supaman is a voice strongly in favor of unity of all peoples, as are most Native hip-hop and rap artists. "I think that it has always been the case with artists that I know," he says. "They have used their platform to bring awareness of issues important to Native people. I just finished a tour of a bunch of junior high schools in Colorado; they have no idea bout Native Americans. I'm about bringing light to the darkness and times that we live in. I want to let people know that there is always light and hope at the end of the tunnel."
Waln is excited that music and political action hand in hand seem to be enabling positive social change in his lifetime. "I am so happy to see it," he says. "Native young people fostering change and being the source of worldwide movements. I never thought I would see that."


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Two Elements You Do Not Have Information Relating To LASIK Eye Medical SurgeryThe eye can be examined with relative ease regarding both its function and its structure. A practical examination consists of the ability to relocate the orbit and the reaction of the student to light and lodging.
The function of the eye may be evaluated in several methods. The patient might be asked to identify illuminated letter or things of varying sizes on exactly what is called the Snellen chart.
Conversely, the assessment of the structural part of the eye might be made in a number of methods. Tension within the eyeball is determined by a "tonometer." In certain illness, specifically in glaucoma, the tension in the eyeball is increased markedly.
It should be well remembered that a client with an eye issue might have other issues. Frequently other physical conditions are primary and impact the eye as a effect. The look of the eye can alert the doctor and the client to problems in some disturbances of other parts of the body even prior to other symptoms present themselves.
One's reliance on sight is stressed when one faces a possible or short-lived long-term loss of this essential sense. Hence, when restorative procedures are looked for, specific types of vision correction such as contact lenses or spectacles are prescribed.
On the other hand, some people are bothered with the truth that they have some framed lenses or contact lenses in front of their eyes.
For this factor, advanced surgeries were developed to motivate reduced usage of contact lenses or glasses. One of which is the now popular LASIK eye surgery.
Basically, LASIK eye surgical treatment is the short-term for "Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis." Like its concrete equivalent, LASIK eye surgical treatment is another type of vision correction. The only distinction is that with this kind of surgical treatment, one's vision is remedied permanently.
With LASIK eye surgical treatment, the refractive mistakes in the cornea you can try here are permanently transformed. This can be done using an "excimer laser."
The primary purpose of this surgical treatment is to develop a threadlike, rounded "flap" in the cornea using a blade known as "microkeratome." In a series of unfolding and laser processing, the cornea is lastly reformed, permitting much better the eye to direct more light into the retina.
Popularity vs. Disadvantages
Amidst the growing appeal of LASIK eye surgical treatment, there are still disadvantages that individuals must understand. Most likely, the primary reason this type of eye surgery useful site has become well accepted is because the majority of its cases had actually been successful.
In spite of its success, there are still some disadvantages. Here is the list:
1. It is an operation used to the most delicate part of the eye
Because LASIK eye surgical treatment involves the operation of the retina, which is one of the most sensitive parts of the eye, a lot of people state that the operation can be extremely dangerous.
Simply puts, a simple error might practically cause an person's lifetime blindness. It is important to think about many elements before choosing whether LASIK eye surgical treatment is the best restorative procedure one has to go through.
2. It is not a best procedure
LASIK eye surgical treatment might remedy your vision but it does not always indicate Read Full Report that it can offer you a best vision. Even if analytical reports show that 70% of the patients might have 20/20 vision, this does not necessarily indicate they have perfect vision also.
Provided all these things, it can be deduced that, in spite of the appeal of the operation, LASIK might not always be the ideal eye surgical treatment the way most individuals view it
Conversely, the assessment of the structural part of the eye may be made in numerous ways. It must be well kept in mind that a patient with an eye problem may have other issues. Often other physical conditions are main and affect the eye as a effect. The appearance of the eye can signal the client and the doctor to difficulties in some disturbances of other parts of the body even prior to other symptoms present themselves.
Like its tangible counterpart, LASIK eye surgical treatment is another form of vision correction.


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We make selective approaches to businesses we feel match our investment and acquisition criteria.
We are careful to ensure any approach is confidential.
Ideally we look for the following:
- Well established businesses with a strong market position.
- Sustained profit and positive cash flow.
- Professional, motivated and enthusiastic management.
- Vendor involvement post-acquisition where possible.
- Solid relationships with suppliers and staff.
If you're a company owner that has met this criteria and you have been approached by CorpAcq, then please don't hesitate to contact us for a discrete and confidential discussion.


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For years I've been struggling to find a face wash that does a great job...some leave my skin feeling too dry, some too greasy and others feel like they haven't even cleaned. A couple of weeks ago I purchased Garnier Pure Deep Clean Foam Wash and it is amazing. After using it my skin feels perfectly clean without being left dried out or greasy. It's left my complexion noticeably improved and breakouts seem to be a thing of the past.
However seeing as I've only been using this for two weeks I don't feel I can definitely say it's the best so I'm going to keep using it for a while and I'll let you know the results!
One other face wash that I did enjoy using, but is a bit expensive for me to use on a daily basis being a student is Soap and Glory Face Soap and Clarity Foaming Wash. However at £7 for 150ml it is pricey, compared with £2.95 for 200ml of the Garnier, but definitely worth it if you can afford it. It offers similar results to the Garnier but as it contains little grains it also helps to exfoliate your skin leaving your face feeling soft and looking refreshed!
What are your favourite face washes? Care to share?


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education be in their case practicable, yet to send their children, or at least their sons, to school. Such are—the superior practical ability of masters who have devoted their lives to particular branches of instruction;—the advantage, so important to boys, of finding their level among many the stirring and healthful influence of emulation;—the means of acquiring self-confidence, and the probability of learning good sense and common discretion, as well as pliability, on that wider field; and not least, the salubrious animal excitement, the buoyant inspiration of high which is to be had on the play-ground, and for which, it is extremely difficult to find an efficient substitute in the quietness of home.
But then, if we were thus to go into the general question, we must put in the other scale—beside the merely intellectual advantages stated above, those reasons which spring from the fact (hardly to be denied) that home is the place where, if at all, purity of sentiment is to be preserved from contamination, where the domestic feeling may be cherished, and the heart and tastes refined; and where, especially, religious knowledge, religious habits, a genuine conscientiousness, and an unfeigned piety, may best be parted, conserved, and promoted. These reasons will, with some parents, outweigh every other consideration; and yet such would do well to remember that there is a balance, even in relation to the moral welfare of children, and that an extreme anxiety to seclude young persons from all knowledge of, and contact with the evil that is abroad, induces, often, a reaction, worse in its consequences than an early and unreserved acquaintance with the world as it is. None are more likely to meet with cruel disappointments than those parents who trust too much to the innocence and ignorance which they think they can preserve within the sacred precincts of home; for such are often astounded by the discovery of the simple fact that the hu-


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Was a bit of a walk from train station with out backpacks and no map, but helpful people along the way, so we met nice Italians! Guy at front desk of hotel initially did not want to give us a map of Parma (!) but...More
Parma'da kaldığım süre içerisinde gezdiğim yerlerin en görkemlisiydi. Ziyaret etmelisiniz. Mistik bir ortam var. Özellikle alt katta bulunan İsa heykeli çok etkileyici.
It was the most magnificent place I've ever seen while i was in Parma. You must visit if you like this kind of...More
Pretty basic hotel, not much to the hotel - it has a couple of vending machines and a few chairs that's it apart from the rooms.
It's good if you want somewhere to sleep only, there's no reason to hang around the hotel. There's not...More
We booked this hotel for 2 nights! We visited Parma for the Mille Miglia 2015 (and off course the Parme cheese and Ham)! The hotel was nice and clean, bathroom a little bit small but ok! It was a 20 minute straight walk to the...More
"Ours was on the corner so lots of nice light"


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Allen Holub
Allen is an internationally recognized trainer, agile-process consultant, speaker, and author. He specializes in Lean/Agile infusion and tuning, software architecture, and web-application programming using open-source toolsets. Allen's worn every hat from grunt programmer to CTO. He's built compilers, operating systems, massively scalable web applications, and mobile apps. He's written a dozen books and hundreds of magazine articles on practical programming topics, and currently blogs for Dr. Dobb's Journal (http://www.drdobbs.com/author/Allen-Holub). Allen speaks regularly at conferences, worldwide, and works for both startups and Fortune-50 companies. Contact him at: [email protected], or on Twitter at @allenholub.
Pluralsight Courses
Java Fundamentals: Object-oriented Design
Beginner 1h 59m Jan 20, 2017
Picturing Architecture: UML (The Good Bits) and More
Beginner 1h 2m Mar 17, 2016
Intermediate 5h 5m Sep 11, 2015


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Three Considerations for Finding Ideal Lethbridge Show Homes
Searching for your dream home can be quite a hectic and stressful process. Whenever you decide to buy a house for your family you want the best, someplace fitting and comfortable for you. Devote yourself and be hands on since you will spend a vast sum of money if purchasing a home. You cannot afford to be random, so you put a lot of effort in the house hunting. Purchasing a home is the wisest and most expensive investment a person could ever make. Thus you will need to be extra careful when picking out the house of your liking.
We can discuss some of the tips that will help you discover the ideal home for sale:
Professional Realtor
You most probably do not have any clue about where to begin your search because of lack of experience and also the right connections. It might be a tricky undertaking to walk around town seeking contacts. That is not a terrific idea. You could have invested plenty of money, wasted your time and will be exhausted. A good real estate agent will supply you with the choices that are best where the Lethbridge show houses are situated since they are well aware of how the sector works. On account of the long duration they have served in the business, they have many contacts. Estate agents have accessibility to information about homes.
Although you will need to pay a fee for the job the estate broker offers, they are incredibly reliable. You can escape all of the strain of attaining information from numerous people that may not be competent. Any discussions and changes can be done over the phone hence lessening the workload.
Research over the internet
You can search about anything concerning homes for sale over the net, and the chances are that your queries will be answered. In these sites, you will find the most suitable homes located in Lethbridge. When lounging in your house for the necessary details you want all you have got to do is navigate through the real estate sites.
Read customer reviews
It is a fantastic idea to examine the reviews beforehand settling upon the real estate website or the estate agent you want to hire. These websites will give you the capacity to accumulate what the clients have to say about property sites or agents' level of credibility, pricing, and professionalism. You will be guided by the advice to finding the ideal person. You will be assured that the work you give them will be in safe hands and you can believe in what they notify you.
Follow these hints which ascertain you of landing the best deal and place for the home you have always wished for. After this, you can now move in and enjoy your newly acquired house.
The 5 Laws of Sales And How Learn More


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Email started becoming an important method of communication in the year 1996. It was during this time that Sabeer Bhatia and Jack Smith built one of the free web based email services. It soon turned into the world's largest provider of email service which offered free service. It is available in almost 30 languages and has a user base of 260 million users all across the globe.
Hotmail was launched in the year 1996 on the 4th of July and was one of the first web based email services in the market. This was the time when dot-com was in its boom. By the end of the year 1997 Hotmail had almost 8.5 million users. During this time Microsoft invested in Hotmail by paying them $400 millions. Once Microsoft invested in it, Hotmail got expanded to even more languages and by the end of 1999 was one of the largest web based email service with a user base of 30 million users. In the year 2008, Hotmail was reported to have almost 260 million users.
Hotmail was built on a platform which uses Free BSD and Solaris and when Microsoft made an attempt to launch Hotmail on a windows platform it failed miserably and in the year 2005, Microsoft rebuilt it from the scratch and launched it.
Though Hotmail was the first among the web based email services it had other competitors in the form of Yahoo and Lycos. In the year 2004 Gmail took over the email world by storm and revolutionized the entire industry. The main features of Gmail were speed as well as huge storage space. In order to maintain its market share Hotmail.com sign in made significant improvements to its services.
Hotmail Features:
The features of sign in Hotmail have changed significantly over the years. In the beginning, Hotmail had POP mail retrieval feature, spell check, folder options and many more. When Microsoft took over many additional features were added which included MP3 files, integration with Windows Microsoft messenger, audio player for MP3 and amazing security features. The number of languages in which the services were offered also increased considerably. Here is the list of languages in which sign in Hotmail could be used:
• Finnish
• German
• Bulgarian
• Korean
• Slovenian
• French
• Italian
• Chinese (both traditional and simplified)
• Latvian
• Polish
• Dutch
• Hebrew
• Arabic
• Japanese
• Romanian
• Thai
• Norwegian
• Swedish
• Croatian
• Estonian
• Slovak
• Lithuanian
• Turkish
• Russian
• Czech
• Portuguese
• Greek
• Ukrainian
• Hungarian
• Spanish
• Danish
• Serbian and
• English
Hotmail.com sign in has two different versions. One is the free version which offers 5 GB of space to the user and another is the paid version of Hotmail sign in where the user needs to pay $19.95 per annum and get 10 GB of space. The added features of the paid version include it being advertising free and have 20 MB of file attachment size.
How to Open a New Hotmail Account
Email is the most preferred form of communication in the present world whether it is official, personal or financial. With the help of an email one can send text messages, pictures and other documents with any cost apart from that paid to get an internet connection. An email can also be a perfect way to advertise for the business. Business houses prefer people using their in-house email but they would also need a personal email. Hotmail sign in is one of most popularly used email services in the world. Setting up a Hotmail account is an extremely simple task.
• In the web browser open msn.com website. This page is the home page and contains much more information about issues relating to health, entertainment, news etc. In the right hand side of the web page there is a sign-in button. Click on this and there will be a screen that that will show up. This screen will have two options. The first option is the sign in account and the next says are you new to MSN? and asks if you want to sign up – click on this button.
• A screen will pop up which asks if you want to sign up for a new hotmail account. Click on continue and this will take you to a new screen which has loads of questions and also a place where you have to enter your username and password. Security questions will also have to be answered.
• Select an email id which will be your name or something that identifies you.
• Click on the "I accept" button after all the details are filled in and at this stage you will be brought back to the msn home page. This is where you have to sign in and began sending emails.
Recover lost password:
Hotmail.com sign in has the largest number of users. There is a fair enough chance that a person might forget his password and will be unable to use his hotmail login. Hotmail has a system through which the users' password can be retrieved. Here are the steps in which it can be done:
- Open hotmail.com sign in page on the web browser
- Click on link which says "Forgot your password?" and then select on "I forgot my password"
- Click on "reset the password" which is the link that is given below "I forgot my password"
- Enter windows live ID as well as the verification code. Click on the next button and this will send your new password to the alternate email id you mentioned during the registration process.
How to Contact Hotmail Customer Service
Hotmail is a part of the services offered by Microsoft and a part of windows live suite of services. In order to contact their customer care, one needs to send them an email to the customer service. They can also be contacted through phone as well.
• Go to the sign in hotmail page
• Click on the help icon which is present on the right hand corner on the screen
• Click on support which is in the drop down menu
• Type your query here and you will find many question similar to yours.
• Click on a query that is somewhat similar to your query and see if this can solve your problem.
• In case you are not able to find an answer to your query on the web then, you can call on 1-866-672-4551 anytime between 8 a.m. and 1 a.m. EST from Monday to Friday and between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST on Saturday and Sunday.


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Nov. 5: W&M Law Students to Host Election Day VOTEline
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, students at William & Mary Law School are set to run the W&M VOTEline at (757) 221-2890, a voter assistance hotline aimed at responding to questions local citizens have about voting. This nonpartisan voter assistance hotline will be operated by members of the student Election Law Society.
"Our goal is to ensure that everyone properly registered to vote can do so," said Ashley Eick, a first-year law student and VOTEline Co-Coordinator. Phones will be staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Volunteers will be available to answer any questions that might arise on Election Day.
VOTEline is an annual non-partisan service provided by the William & Mary Election Law Society to prevent confusion at local election precincts. The student group has operated VOTEline on Election Day since November 2007. Any citizen may call the hotline seeking information regarding his or her rights at the polls. Please note that VOTEline assistance will only be available on Election Day.
William & Mary student voters are advised to bring a government issued form of identification to the polls on Election Day. Valid forms of identification include a voter identification card, a valid driver's license, and a W&M ID card for certain voters. Also, due to redistricting, your polling place and Assembly and Senate districts may have changed. All voters should receive updated Virginia Voter Information Cards prior to Election Day. To find out where to vote, use the VERIS website at virginia.gov, or call VOTEline on Election Day.
For more information about VOTEline, e-mail Ashley Eick '16 at [[e|ameick]] or Aaron Colby '16 at [[e|abcolby]].
About William & Mary Law School
Thomas Jefferson founded William & Mary Law School in 1779 to train leaders for the new nation. Now in its third century, America's oldest law school continues its historic mission of educating citizen lawyers who are prepared both to lead and to serve.


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This year, for the first time, we selected a 'Charity of the Year' for our Aberdeen offices. We have always taken our commitment to CSR seriously and at the end of 2014 we decided the best approach for the year ahead was to focus our support on one charity, to maximise the benefits for them and the opportunities for our personnel to get involved.
We engaged with our personnel to establish which charities they felt we should support. After receiving many varied suggestions we narrowed the list down to five options, not an easy process in itself as all charities suggested were deserving of support. We engaged with personnel once more, asking them to vote for the charity they felt would most benefit from being our Charity of the Year.
In the end our personnel chose Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA), a charity providing support services, counselling and advice to people affected by challenges related to mental health and wellbeing. MHA had been suggested by one of our personnel whose friend had been helped by MHA, so they knew first-hand the support that they provide.
We approached MHA to establish how we could work with them. We were clear that we did not want to hand over a cheque in January and have no interaction with them for the rest of the year; we wanted to identify different ways we could support them throughout the year and get our personnel involved.
We agreed a programme of events and fundraising activity, recognising that a number of smaller events would have a bigger impact. And our personnel lent a hand where they could – most notably moving furniture and helping to paint the MHA offices in Aberdeen.
The impact on our personnel has been clear, particularly when hearing about the services that MHA provide and some examples of the support they have given to individuals. This has been very powerful and has helped to raise awareness of mental health challenges that we can all face, while at the same time tackling some of the perceptions and misconceptions that people hold (unfortunately mental health remains a taboo subject for far too many people).
An example comes from the first ever ADIL Ceilidh in September – an event our personnel organised specifically to raise funds for MHA. It was an excellent event, clearly enjoyed by all that attended and the biggest impact came from the real insight shared by MHA Chief Executive Astrid Whyte. Her powerful story demonstrated the invaluable work of MHA and the difference they make to so many people, young and old, and reminded everyone why they were there that night.
I believe that choosing our Charity of the Year has not only helped to raise awareness and change perceptions of mental health with our personnel, and in turn their friends and family, but in many cases it has also started to develop long term support for MHA. So looking ahead to 2016 I would encourage other organisations to look at supporting their own charity – one that their personnel can truly engage with.
Steven Smith
Communications and Marketing Manager
Media contact


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Our Specials!
Call 231-533-6262 or check our Facebook for tonight's preparations!
Ahi Tuna
sushi grade tuna steak seared on both sides and prepared chef's choice. ask your server about tonight's preparation.
Beef Tenderloin
prepared chef's choice. ask your server about tonight's preparation.
Ryan's Slider of the Week
try one, we guarantee you'll want another. ask your server about this week's slider.
Our Regular Small Plates and Appetizers
New Menu!!!
Starlight Lounge shifted to a brand new bar menu on February 1st. We are working to get photos of each item added to the website, but for your convenience, we're posting the full menu here. Crispy Chicken Slider crispy chicken, buffalo sauce, parmesan dip, white cheddar, lettuce, tomato and pickle fries. 3.75 All American Grass…
Spicy Shrimp
sautéed shrimp and artichokes in a lemon, garlic and chili butter sauce served with grilled bread.
Warm Potato Chips
seasoned and served with housemade french onion dip.
Fried Brussels Sprouts
served with a drizzle of bee well honey and sea salt.
Fried Goat Cheese
paired with pay the mortgage pesto, tomato concasse, balsamic vinegar reduction, kalamata olives, avocado and served with grilled bread.
Starlight Nachos
housemade queso cheese, chorizo, cheddar cheese, guacamole, black olives, pinto beans, queso fresco and lime sour cream over housemade tortilla chips.
Bahn Mi Slider
ground pork slider made with ginger and sesame, topped with cucumber and carrot slaw in rice wine vinaigrette and a chili garlic mayo.
Beef and Bacon Slider
rodger's farm grassfed beef and applewood smoked bacon slider topped with lettuce, tomato, white cheddar cheese and spicy ketchup.
Reuben Fries
roasted corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese and russian dressing over french fries.
Chicken Wings
tossed in frank's hot sauce and served with blue cheese and celery.


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Have a question or comment for Jon? Email him at email@example.com or tweet him @jon_wertheim.
After seeing that Andre Agassi only played in nine Australian Opens despite a 20-year career, I wondered why. If everybody cares so much about the numbers of Slams won, why don't we see who has the highest wins-per-Slams-played percentage. (Note: This list is not comprehensive. I just picked some of the more famous names on the list of top slam winners.) Here are the results in order:
1. Borg 40.7% (11 of 27)
2. Nadal 35.9% (14 of 39)
3. Federer 27.4% (17 of 62)
4. Sampras 26.9% (14 of 52)
5. Emerson 20.3% (12 of 59)
6. Djokovic 17.5% (7 of 40)
7. McEnroe 15.5% (7 of 45)
8. Lendl 14.0% (8 of 57)
9. Connors 13.8% (8 of 58)
10. Agassi 13.1% (8 of 61)
-- Christian Jackson
• Thanks. Very interesting. But I could see fans taking issue with the premise. Federer, of course, has won only one major of the last four years, after all but rampaging from 2003-09. (And yes, we intentionally aspired to be the first to refer to a Swiss citizen as rampaging.) Should the last four years count against him? I would argue no. Though on the downslope, he has continued to compete nobly and those assorted deep runs -- three in the past year alone -- bolster his case.
It seems to me the Spanish Davis Cup team is in far more trouble than appointing a female captain. If Carlos Moya can't get the great Spanish players to commit, how is a seemingly unknown and unconnected captain (male or female) going to get the job done? Of course there are injuries in play, but their bench is the longest of any country. Davis Cup in Spain imploded and I'd be interested to understand the politics behind that and the thought process behind the appointment of Gala Leon Garcia -- there must be a bigger story here.
-- Marjorie, Virginia Beach
• Yes, this move smacks of internal politics. (Wait. Internal politics? At a tennis federation? Now you're talking crazy!) And as you note, the success of the captain is based largely on recruitment. If the top players commit, you're gold. If the top players don't, your employment will become precarious. But those are the Davis Cup rules of the road. And -- regardless of motivation -- good for Spain for realizing there's no reason a woman can't do the job just as well.
Thoughts on the ATP-Asian Games standoff?
-- @TennisChroniclr
• The reader is referring to the current showdown between Yen-Hsun Lu and the ATP. As I understand it, it's now a moot point, as a) Lu and the ATP came to an agreement and b) Lu lost in the Asian Games finals.
But I see this from both sides. Both the WTA and ATP have longstanding rules prohibiting players from competing in non-sanctioned events while tour events are being held nearby. On the other hand, you'd think players could carve out a special exception for events like the Asian Games. I remember once talking to Alan Ma, the Chinese coach, and he explained that in some countries, winning gold in the Asian Games is a bigger deal than winning Wimbledon.
What trips me up here is the length of suspension. In the case of Lu, he was being threatened with a three-year ban. (Given that Lu is already 31, this would effectively end his pro career.) One point to consider: this is three times the length of suspension handed to Wayne Odesnik -- who was caught with vials of human growth hormone -- and subsequently, his name appeared in the jottings of the Biogenesis facility. (For the NFL crowd: you might say Lu was Josh Gordon to Odesnik's Ray Rice.)
Jon, I have tremendous respect for your thoughts about the game, but I am bewildered when you discuss a player like Yevgeny Kafelnikov and his HOF credentials and say, "But if we're being honest here, he wasn't a good corporate citizen and left the sport on poor terms. He was not popular with his peers." I want to scream, "Who cares!" Tennis is a competitive sport where it is (relatively) easy to evaluate merit based on numbers of majors, ranking, Davis Cup wins and other available stats. Do we really want to establish personality tests and start looking at nebulous criteria like how friendly a person was?
-- Tim Johnson, New York, NY
• Not unfairly, I took a fair amount of grief for this. But we've all been talking, for years, about the need for the Hall of Fame to break from precedent and become a true Hall of Fame and not a Hall of pretty-good-but-we-need-to-have-a-ceremony-each-summer. In Kafelnikov you have a two-time Slam winner, but also a guy who was notoriously indifferent to the state of the game itself; who left the sport under the murkiest of conditions; who once had prize money withheld by a promoter because he tanked so egregiously. I think that's relevant criteria. Which is to say I reject the contention that factors like collegiality and sportsmanship -- subjective as they are -- should not matter.
How much of a barometer is it that the U.S. girls won the junior Fed Cup?
-- @cmjones_fedfan
• From the press release: "Led by singles victories from CiCi Bellis, Tornado Alicia Black, Michael Mmoh and William Blumberg, the United States won both the Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Finals on Sunday in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, sweeping the 16-and-under world team titles for the second time in the last seven years. The top-seeded Junior Fed Cup team of Bellis, Black and Sofia Kenin carried the U.S. to its third Junior Fed Cup title (2008, 2012) without losing a singles or doubles match this week. The No. 2-seeded Junior Davis Cup team of Mmoh, Blumberg and Gianni Ross also won all of their singles and doubles matches to bring the U.S. its third Junior Davis Cup title (1999, 2008). "
It's not quite fool's gold, but it's not exactly predictive, either. If you're rooting for U.S. tennis, you take whatever triumphs come along.
Long as we're here, I feel like we need to distinguish among genders. The U.S. women are doing quite well -- it's the men who are problematic. Before the USTA does a victory lap, this distinction should be limned. For a variety of reasons -- some of them crassly economic -- getting women to play tennis is easier. No football to compete with. Lots of opportunity for college scholarships. Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Li Na will make multiples more than any female professional basketball player. Getting the 10-year-old boy to choose tennis over hoops or baseball or football or soccer is the much tougher proposition.
I can't see why you have not addressed the Neil Harman controversy. If it's due to legal or respect of colleague, it would be understood, but it's just unlike you to stay silent in any tennis-related issue.
-- @stephenbirman
• I'm not ducking the questions. I just don't have much to add. I know I speak for many when I say it's been profoundly sad to watch this unfold. One takeaway for me: this has sharpened a distinction between abstract and concrete. Presented with this fact pattern in the abstract -- a colleague repeatedly plagiarizes work from others -- I think most of us would be inclined to reach a harsh conclusion. Yet when this happens to someone you've known quite well for many years -- a longtime colleague who owns his mistake with honor and humility -- you hope the decision-makers show some mercy.
Could you give us an update on Mardy Fish? I haven't heard much about his health or if he plans on playing tennis again.
-- Diane Wymer
• I reached out the Mardy to see if he wanted to comment. He did not respond. This goes to the issue we discussed last week. In a team sport, a franchise would, by virtue of league rules, publicize a player's status. In tennis, the player can be much more discreet and secretive. We can debate what sort of obligation (if any) the athlete owes the public, but for now, I'll simply link to this.
Shots, Miscellany
• Stephen Farrow has been appointed tournament director of the Aegon Championships, with Ross Hutchins joining the ATP as their vice president of player relations.
• Rich of NYC: There is an Argentine movie called "Two Shots Fired" premiering at the NY Film Festival that stars a young actor named Rafael Federman. Interesting name, don't you think?
• Press releasing from the Red Rock Pro Open: "Breaking into the top 100 is the goal of any professional tennis player, and it's a place Madison Brengle is likely headed to for the first time on Monday once the WTA ranking are released. Missing among all the great headlines at the Red Rock Pro Open in Las Vegas this week was how the 24-year-old worked her way through the draw without dropping a set, including a dominating performance on Sunday in a 6-1, 6-4 final win over rival Michelle Larcher De Brito of Portugal to capture the $7,600 winner singles check at the USTA Women's $50,000 Pro Circuit event played at the Red Rock Country Club. But more importantly than the cash, the Dover, Del., native is also the welcome recipient of 80 valuable WTA points. The points will likely be enough to leap-frog the No. 4 seeded and currently No. 110 world-ranked Brengle into the top 100."
• From The Wayback Machine: "Williams is lost cause: For all her talk, Serena Williams will never return to the top again"
• A subscription is required, but Dan Kaplan had an interesting Sports Business Journal piece on the WTA serving up in-venue data for fans.
• Props to the Shenzhen Open for hiring an outside writer --James Pham -- to liven the media coverage. What is Richard Gasquet's Chinese nickname? What would Juan Monaco want for his last meal? Click here to find out.
• Here's a sample of an exchange with Viktor Troicki from Shenzhen. Note that this is not exactly the palaver you expect from in-house PR organs:
Q: Are you disappointed that more players didn't come out in support of you? It seemed like a pretty honest mistake.
VT: Ooh. Tough question. Tennis is an individual support so everyone looks out for himself and doesn't really care what happens to the others. I have some friends and I know who they are and they've been really helpful and I will never forget them. Maybe you know who they are. They even had problems because they did that for me and it's great to have such friends. I really admire that and I will cherish that for the rest of my life. As far as the rest, you know, whenever someone saw me, they felt sorry but to go out public, nobody really went, not many players went towards my side and as I said, it's an individual sport; they don't want to get involved and it's not their matter so they feel like they shouldn't talk about it.
• Li Na was named an official ambassador of the WTA Finals Singapore. "In her transition from being Asia's highest-ranked player ever to WTA Legend, the two-time Grand Slam champion will serve as an Official Ambassador for the WTA Finals in 2014 and 2015. Li will be joined by an all-star line-up of WTA Legends at this year's event, including Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin, Marion Bartoli, Iva Majoli and Mary Pierce."
• Anne B. from South Carolina has LLC: Marin Cilic and Marco Polo.


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Now Brewing: International Delight's Iced Mocha. The great part about this is that you can buy it by the gallon at just about any store that sells liquid coffee creamer. This morning I used one of those water bottles that you can infuse with fresh fruit to make your own flavored water. I filled the fruit section with raspberries, filled the water portion with ice and poured this flavor over the ice. It was a delicious iced raspberry mocha in a quick (and much cheaper) fix.
As I mentioned yesterday, one of the first aspects that comes with starting a new piece of fiction for me is creating characters. I've spent much of these first few weeks with my new project working on character development.
For me, there are a few steps that I will always take when I'm building a new character. I try to do this for every "main" character in the piece, although the line between a main character and a supplemental character is not always definite.
The art of character development has always been one of my favorite parts about starting a new piece of work and the best part about characters is that once you create them—they never stop surprising you—if you do it right.
When I first started writing seriously I was about nine years old. Around that time I wrote my first short story, called "The Purple Life" and it won two grand prizes in writing contests in my area, including the top short story for my age group in the Southern Lakes Anthology contest that year.The story itself was not very complex and the characters were rather bland (think no names at all), but the plot was what won those contests. The story was about a town learning to accept everyone no matter their differences. After I wrote that story I realized that I needed to work on creating more believable characters.
For my birthday that year my parents got me my first official writing tool handbook, Writing Smarts: A Girl's Guide to Writing Great Poetry, Stories, School Reports and More! It was with that book that I first learned the importance of getting to know your character before writing their story. The book had a character survey to fill out to get to know your character. Although I filled that write-in page out long ago; one of the most important tools I use for character development is to fill out a character survey or questionnaire from the viewpoint of each main character. Typically, I try to find a sketch that has an equal balance of basic questions (like favorite food or color) and deeper questions (like where the character would go if they were mad or how they handle having a bad day). A good starting character survey can be found here.
In addition to finding out what makes your character who they are—it is equally important to pick a name that fits your character. Depending on the story I use quite a few tactics to pick names. Of course I use baby name books when I have one handy or sometimes even a website like Behind The Name, if I want names with meanings that correlate with the character or plot. When I first began writing sometimes I would even flip through a phonebook to find last unique names. However I choose to come up with a name I always have to keep in mind that a name is half of what makes the character so paying attention while coming up with the right name is crucial. The following are three tips I keep in mind when I craft a name:
- Pick a name that reflects your genre. Although a pop culture name (like Miley for instance) may work in a piece of contemporary fiction—it would be out of place if you were writing a thriller set during the Great Depression. It is important to pay attention to details when matching your character names with your story. It would be silly, of course, to read a romance piece with a character with a Western name like Billy Bob. Genre fuels your characters and readers have expectations when it comes to the genre you choose to write so being mindful of those expectations is important.
- Try on the name first. You know the old saying, if the shoe fits, wear it? That's what I mean by this. Try the name out on a character for a few chapters. If it seems to really fit the character's personality and actions after the story starts to progress—then great. If not, you can always change the name as you write. There's no one to tell you "No."
- Start with a cliché. Clichés, although in many instances are a no-no, are necessary to create a believable character. After you get to know your character and they seem to fit into a few distinct stereotypes or clichés, think of names that you would associate with that stereotype. For example, a sweet, homemaker from the South could be named Honey. Clichés can add dimension to name by acknowledging that the character fits the stereotype, so that when your character does something extraordinary, the reader is able to see the break from the mold much easier.
Another aspect about characters that it is crucial to remember is that your readers are human. They want to be able to connect with your characters. This means that your characters actions and the situations that they find themselves in, must be believable. Think about experiences you are going through in your own life—how did you react? How would your best friend react, or your brother? Use these real-life experiences to shape how your characters react to a similar situation. The easier it is for a reader to see themselves in your character's shoes, the easier it is to relate to them and connect. In this month's Writer's Digest, there is an article called, "Be A Book Club Favorite" about what makes a book"readable" for book clubs. One of the main points of the article is that a book that has allowed readers to connect on some level with the novel, or perhaps the characters, makes for a good book to share in a book club setting, or even one to pass on to a friend when you're done reading. One of the books featured in the article, Kristin Hannah's Firefly Lane, is a story about a friendship that spanned across decades. The amazing part about this book is that it allows readers of all ages to connect to the two main characters Tully and Kate. Friendship is such a universal topic that a strongly crafted literary friendship can touch many readers simply by reminding them of their own best friend. This story in particular tells the story of their friendship as they grow—which means that mothers, daughters and grandmothers alike can reminisce about their own friendships at that age. The novel makes it easy to see themselves in Tully or Kate's shoes because we all were young a one time and have all experienced friendship of some kind. As the article states,
It might sound obvious, but the number one rule for a book club book is to give readers something to talk about-a chance to give an opinion, perhaps share a memory
Firefly Lane gives readers that chance to share their own memories of friendship as Tully and Kate go through everyday life from high school to adulthood. Hannah does a fantastic job writing the emotions of a friendship that weathers the years. Firefly Lane was featured in the article as one of the top book club books of the year in 2012. Its sequel, Fly Away, was published earlier this year, giving readers an additional chance to reconnect with the story.
Another article in the month's Writer's Digest gives writers tips on how to create a series. The article, entitled "The Stuff Series Are Made Of" shared another quote that relates to the importance of creating strong characters to drive your writing,
Readers fall in love with characters and plots. They want conflict but don't want you to hurt their heroes. They want something different but don't want things to change. But a character or plot that doesn't evolve doesn't remain lifelike
That quote relates to what I'm going to touch on next, which is letting characters tell you their story.
Although it may be tempting to write all of the details about the character that you've found out from filling out a character survey like the one above—no one wants to read a story where every detail is out in the open from the get-go, so it is important to avoid idea dumping. The beautiful thing about characters is that their backstory and their personalities will come out throughout the piece, if you let them. It is not necessary to tell readers exactly what makes your heroine tick or what happened that made her distrust her father, because as the story progresses, those details will become evident through the characters actions and situations that arise will call for these details to be revisited. Although it is important for you as the writer to have any idea of your character's backstory so that you can carefully craft their future from that point—readers want to be able to watch the character develop as they read.
Crafting characters takes practice and does take time. While I was writing my first novel, Second Shots, I wrote the first 150 pages and realized the name I picked for one of my main characters was unfitting based on her personality. So I went back and changed it. The fact is that if you write your characters well, they will continue to surprise you. This is one of the many reasons why I do not outline my stories before I begin to write. Instead, I write about 100 pages and then create a rough outline based on what has happened so far. I choose to do this because even though when I start to write a piece I think that I know where it is going, as I write the story never fails to head in a different (usually pleasantly better) direction. I have found that personally letting my characters tell me their own story for a while lets me better craft their story for the rest of the ride—which is always a fun one!
For more resources and tips on character development visit these websites:
How To Make Ordinary Characters Compelling
If you want to hear more about me or my writing, follow me on Twitter: @kweas558
All For Now,
Kathryn E. Weast


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Grove Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4LS
These industrial units to let are located in a popular and established commercial quarter of "The Potteries". Grove Road Industrial Estate, Stoke on Trent offers a flexible range of unit sizes ideal for warehousing and for assembly or production purposes.
The flexibility of these industrial units to let means that it is possible to create smaller unit sizes within the two units quoted. The premises are available on short and long lease terms.
Grove Road has excellent access to Stoke on Trent's main transport links situated adjacent to the A50 trunk route and just 3 miles from the M6 motorway.
Incentives are available to the ingoing tenant subject to lease length.
Find out more about the Considerations when Choosing an Industrial Unit to Let.
12,000 sq ft (1,115 sq m)
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The all natural, pure fruit juice and sparkling water - Yumm!
Not only do I love the packaging because they make great party drinks but the flavors are fabulous.
Here are some fun recipes for a little refreshment these hot July days.
more info here: {IZZE.COM}
I guess it's time to throw a party (even if it is party of one)!


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A couple of months ago I held a series of classes during which the meaning and structure of the morning service (Shaharit) was explored. To help participants follow the discussion, I provided the following explanatory outline of the tefillah. It is still a work-in-progress but I thought it might be of interest to some of the readers of this blog. Bear in mind that it is based upon the Sephardic format of prayer which is slightly different from the Ashkenazic in minor respects.
Structure of the Morning Service (Shaharit)
General Theme: Prayer is called Tefillah in Hebrew, which means judgment. Our objective in Tefillah is to place our existence in its proper context. We are dependent upon Hashem for our resources and we are free of the delusion that our own agendas and visions for this world should dominate it. We recognize that our ultimate goal should be understanding the purpose for which we were created and working to fulfill that rather than superimposing our own artificial plan.
The structure of the morning service, Shaharit, is organized around this principle. It progresses from the most basic awareness of G-d (morning blessings) to the most intense (Amidah or Shemoneh Esreh). It is useful to think of this progression by drawing a comparison to a physical workout which begins with simpler "warm up" routines and culminates in vigorous exercise. Similarly, our souls must be warmed up gently before reaching the heights of spiritual focus each day.
The concluding components of Shaharit, which serve as a sort of "cool down", are not yet included in this presentation but will be added in the future.
1. Birkhot Hashahar – Morning Blessings
Purpose: Attuning us to the blessings we take for granted on a daily basis, including the function of our senses, our bodies and our minds. This prepares us for the broader vision of Hashem's graciousness that is articulated in Pesukei Dezimra
Content: Blessings thanking G-d for sight, the ability to walk, giving us the Torah, etc. Concludes with Kaddish, prayer for the sanctification of Hashem's name in the world, which reminds us of the ultimate purpose of all mitsvot and serves (as usual) as a transition to the next segment of the prayer service.
2. Pesukei Dezimra – Verses of Praise
Purpose: Awakening in us a recognition of how G-d's goodness is not only present in our lives, it permeates all of creation – the stars and planets, animals and vegetation, humans and angels.
A. Introductory sections from the Book of Chronicles and Tehillim (Psalms) which remind us that the purpose of our national existence as the Jewish people, as well as our individual existence as human beings and Jews, is to spread knowledge and awareness of Hashem in the world. This section is expanded on Shabbat and Holidays with additional Psalms that reflect specific themes of those days.
B. An opening blessing, Baruch Sheamar, which acknowledges our inherent limitations in understanding and praising G-d and our reliance on the divinely inspired texts of Tehillim (Psalms) for this purpose.
C. Paragraphs taken primarily from the Book of Tehillim that express the kindness and goodness of Hashem throughout creation. Highlights include the famous "Ashre" psalm and the final chapter of Tehillim, which describes praising Hashem with instruments of various kinds. Two additional Psalms are included and one is excluded from this section on Shabbat and Holidays.
D. A closing blessing, Yishtabach, reminds us that the task of articulating G-d's greatness can never really be "concluded" – the process is infinite. On Shabbat and holidays, this blessing is preceded by the Nishmat Kol Hay prayer, which expands upon the theme of our inability to fully fathom and/or express Hashem's wisdom and graciousness with our prayers.
1. Shema and Its Blessings
Purpose: Now that we have laid the groundwork of thankfulness and gratitude to Hashem, we reflect upon our obligations and duties to our beneficent Creator. Recognizing Hashem as the King of the Universe and also the One who directs and guides our intellectual and moral development as human beings, providing us with instructions as to the wisest and most fulfilling lifestyle.
A. Opens with Kaddish and Barechu (the call to prayer), signifying the beginning of a new segment of prayer in which the community, not just the individual, participates.
B. Two Preliminary blessings that set the stage for the declaration "Hashem is our G-d, Hashem is One". The first blessing details G-d's kingship over the Universe or the "macrocosm" – stars, planets, angels, etc. Everything we observe in the world is under the direction of His laws. In other words, "Hashem is One" – He is the single, transcendent Cause of all that exists. The second blessing acknowledges that Hashem is the guide of our development, He educates us with Torah and Mitsvot and brings us ever closer to the ideal of living in complete harmony with the rest of Creation – i.e., following Hashem's plan for us just as the rest of the Universe abides by His plan. In other words, He is "Our G-d".
C. The three paragraphs of the Shema. The first opens with the famous line "Hear Oh Israel Hashem is Our God Hashem is One", the summary of the thrust of the two preliminary blessings. The first paragraph describes our obligation to love Hashem, study His Torah at every opportunity, and be constantly mindful of its importance in our lives through the wearing of Tefillin and the hanging of mezuzot.
The second paragraph speaks of the service of Hashem, referring to prayer as well as the performance of all of the commandments. This paragraph describes the ideal of a Jewish community living perfectly in line with its objective.
The third paragraph contains the Mitsvah of wearing tsitsit, or fringes. The theme of the paragraph is not to be drawn after the allure of material wealth or physical pleasure. It concludes with a verse in which the Exodus from Egypt is recalled. This is part and parcel of the acceptance of G-d's kingship, since to truly accept His kingship means to reject the kingship of man represented by the Pharaoh and his materialistic and tyrannical society.
3. One blessing that follows the Shema and expands upon the theme of the Exodus from Egypt. We do not believe human beings have the ability to impose their own imaginary purpose on creation. Everyone is ultimately held accountable for his or her fidelity to Hashem's plan alone. The Exodus was the method by which Hashem redeemed us from our belief in the saving power of human government.
2. Amidah or "Shemoneh Esreh" – The Ultimate Tefillah Experience
Purpose: To reflect upon our position as individuals and community members in G-d's grand design. This requires us to focus on Hashem as the source and director of all existence, including our own. Then we must 'reframe' our practical pursuits – our pursuit of knowledge, personal development, health, material prosperity, social justice, etc. - as instrumental to fulfilling the purpose Hashem has determined rather than merely being steps toward the realization of our own agendas. Finally, we must acknowledge that the resources we have acquired and the development we have attained are functions of Hashem's overarching plan steadily moving toward its full expression.
1. The First Three Blessings acknowledge that Hashem's design manifests itself in the sustenance and management of human society, the material/biological world, and the metaphysical realm.
2. The middle blessings (on the weekday 13, on Shabbat only one) place our pursuit of satisfaction and fulfillment (individually and communally) in the context of Hashem's plan.
3. The final three blessings express gratitude for what we have already attained and acknowledge that these accomplishments are functions of Divine Providence directed toward helping us to act as agents of G-d in perfecting ourselves and our world.


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What you will need:
- Black velvet or black construction paper
- Magnifying Glass
- Snow
Since snowflakes melt so quickly you need to freeze your cloth or paper. Have the cloth or paper frozen and ready to go for the next snowfall. Place the cloth or paper outside and let some snowflakes land on the dark surface. Quickly, before they melt, examine the snowflakes with a magnifying glass. Many snowflakes are "broken" and so you don't see the whole six-sided crystal, but with persistence you'll see some beautiful examples.


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jewelry - earrings - button - animal themed - sterling silver - elephant - thailand
11 items
11 items
By Gordana
This is the cutest earring I even purchased. Excellent quality, color is beautiful, price is right. Packaged well.
By Jennifer
These are somehow delicate yet substantial. So nice to have a distinctive work of art that are not seen everywhere you shop.
"Now that our parents have retired, they have more time to visit us. They are so happy that we are carrying on their silver jewelry tradition!"


text: The dude on the left is NOT an American Soldier. He's an American trained Iraqi National Guardsman. Scary looking, no? He's good news and here's why: The guy looks like he's got the esprit de corps that the nascent ING needs to grow into a potent fighting force to battle the Islamohadeen nutjobs tearing up the place. Frankly he looks as mean, well armed and ready to rumble as the American standing next to him. I bid him and his brave countrymen well.


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Monday July 9, 2018 - 9:00 am to Friday July 13, 2018 - 4:00 pm
Maritime Venture Camp
CAMPUS: Maritime
LOCATION: Maritime Building
Maritime Venture Camp
The San Jacinto College Maritime Ventures Camp is a fun, exciting way for 14 to 17 year olds to learn all about the maritime industry. Campers will have the opportunity to explore exciting careers available in the area's thriving maritime industry. The camp includes a entertaining and educational maritime adventures and will be held at the brand new Maritime Campus. Students will take field trips on vessels and get to explore the Houston Ship Channel.
Age: 14-17
Cost: $25
Time: 9 am - 4 pm Monday-Thursday
9-11:30 am - Friday
For more information, contact Robert Lloyd at 281-974-2200 ext 6403
Maritime Technology and Technical Training Center
3700 Old Highway 146
La Porte, Texas 77571
281-974-2200, press 1 for Maritime
Register for Camp >>>
Robert Lloyd
281-974-2200 ext 6403


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Quotes about God Page 14
God is getting ready to move again and do something special, something new. Russell M. Stendal, God's Plan for Spiritual Battle
God Knows Best |
No matter what your situation is or what circumstances you are facing, what matters is that God can save you from the gutter most to the uttermost. God is never late, but on time. Michelle Murray, Healing In The Midst Of Adversity
Time |
God instructs our hearts, shapes our character and spurs us into action in many ways. Roy Godwin, The Way of Blessing: Stepping into the Mission and Presence of God
Character |
As we journey through this life - through the easy times and the painful times - God is fashioning us into people who are like his Son, Jesus. That means God is in the process of changing what we desire far more than he is in the process of giving us what we desire. Charles Stanley, Finding God's Blessings in Brokenness: How Pain Reveals His Deepest Love
Quotes about Change |
The Bible records numerous examples of God's favor upon His people causing them to experience many breakthroughs. breakthroughs. Favor is God's loving-kindness. John Eckhardt, Prayers that Activate Blessings
Kindness |
Joy is always the result of God's presence, God's blessings, God's justice, or the fellowship found with other believers. Kristin N.Spencer, The Truth About Godly Confidence
Joy |
Yet GOD supplies the all-important ingredient - His power, His love, His faith - His guidance - HIS LIFE! Herbert Armstrong, The Seven Laws of Success
Love |
Thus, today the local church in many areas of the world seems to be slowly dying because its members have apparently lost their enthusiasm and their vision for serving the Lord. But that slow death is not without some very serious eternal consequences. James Thomas Lee Jr, How to Serve the Lord with Confidence and Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm |
Know when things get tough that all things work out for the best of them who know and love Him. Know that God is in charge. Michael Caputo, When Suffering, Persecutions and Tribulations Come Your Way
Work |
How can we have a renewed mind? Surely only by habitually meditating on the Word of God by the Spirit's help; until the principles of God's Word become absorbed into our thinking, and such thinking governs all our actions. Brian Johnston, Exploring Issues of Life
Inspirational Messages |
The human senses. We have been given by God some very helpful and essential senses that help us survive. Michael Caputo, Human Nature: Good, Neutral or Evil?
Good |
Fortunately, the Word of God does not just spotlight problems - which it must do - it also offers us amazing solutions. Michael Caputo, Bible Study: Going to the Source of Spiritual Success
Problem |
God entrusted this child to you and He knows you can train him well and you must believe it. David Bishopson, How to Discipline a Child
Children |
Whatever your goal, prayer or big problem is you need to reach it or overcome it, remember it is possible with God. C. L. Griffin, Practical Daily Devotions
Prayer |
In other words, I believe that it's really important for us to share what God has done in our lives with others because honestly, someone else may be wrestling with the exact thing that you learned about that particular day. Michael D. Perkins, Identity Crisis: 21 Days of Discovering Who God Says You Are
Sharing |
Before we first knew God, first experienced Him, the scriptures of the Bible were just words in a book, a story. That changed when we first came to know God. Tom Allen, Chapter 1, Verse 1
Experience |
Animals are a blessing to God's creation. He created them to assist mankind in many ways.
John Stange, What is Heaven Really Like?
Blessed |
More Quotes about God:
. . . .
Words of Wisdom | Words of Faith | Prayers | Quote of the Day | Thought For The Day | Quotes by Topic |
Contact Us | About Us | Disclaimer | Disclosure |


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Los Angeles: Actress Eva Longoria says she would like to have a child, but not all by herself.
The actress, who appeared on the cover of Parade magazine's new issue, opened up about her future family plans, reports eonline.com.
"I've always wanted a family. I believe in family. But children are a product of love. So, I don't think I'll go off and have a baby by myself. I do not have that need to procreate," she said.
The 39-year-old first got married in 2002 to actor Tyler Christopher. After two years, they split. She later got hitched to basketball player Tony Parker, but got divorced in 2011.


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NEW YORK — In an attempt to fight "compassion fatigue" and keep the celebrity charity ball rolling, USA for Africa organizers unveiled "HandsAcrossAmerica" Tuesday: a human chain that would stretch from Manhattan to Los Angeles on May 25, 1986, and would raise an estimated $50 million to $100 million to feed hungry Americans.
Following the successful fund-raising pattern set by the 1984 Olympics torch relay, the scheme would involve as many as 10 million Americans who would each pledge between $10 and $35 to participate in the national hand-holding event.
USA for Africa President Ken Kragen, who made the Tuesday announcement at a press conference, estimated that at least 6 million would have to hold hands in order to stretch the 3,980-mile "HandsAcrossAmerica" route. But far more than that are expected to call a special 800 number (USA-9000) to sign up, and everyone will be afforded a place in line, he said.
At noon Pacific Daylight Time (3 p.m. EDT) on the Sunday before Memorial Day, participants would link hands over a prescribed route that snakes over 16 states and the District of Columbia. According to the plan, the transcontinental daisy chain would then sing, in unison, "America the Beautiful" followed by the anthem of the 10-month-old USA for Africa Foundation, "We Are the World."


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Agilent Technologies Inc. has released comprehensive solutions for monitoring and troubleshooting new complex Sigtran networks.
The new enhanced QoS analyser and session trace applications further extend the assureME application portfolio by simplifying the process of managing converged networks (SS7 over IP or circuit-switched).
Network quality is ensured through rapid identification and analysis of potential issues and in-depth troubleshooting for early problem resolution.
Deploying Sigtran is a key step in managing surging SS7 traffic and enabling new services such as voice over IP which deliver higher network efficiencies and significant operating expenditure reductions.
As telecommunications service providers deploy these Sigtran networks, they look for familiar ways to manage the converged networks.
As this takes place, the network is highly susceptible to configuration, traffic load and interworking issues.
Agilent's QoS analyser prioritises critical service and network problems for rapid diagnosis. The solution enables wireless and wireline operators to track a new extensive set of key performance indicators (KPIs), to manage Sigtran networks and to deliver an acceptable service experience.
Agilent's session trace has evolved to provide critical new capabilities to help operators troubleshoot Sigtran networks. Customer, service and network problems are detailed from session down to packet decode of signalling and service messages.
Combined, these solutions provide rapid problem resolution in three clicks: notification, context and troubleshooting.
Further extending their industry proven capabilities, both solutions are integrated into the workflow of operations and engineering, enabling the easy transfer and sharing of information and problem diagnosis across departments.
Agilent has a long history of monitoring signalling networks in the industry and leads the market in this area.
Agilent has leveraged that experience and technology to provide two new applications for Sigtran: QoS analyser and session trace for Sigtran, which simplify the management of converged networks and greatly accelerate real-time deployments.
The benefits of Agilent's QoS analyser for Sigtran include:
- Ensuring network and service problems are not ignored with easily configured key performance indicators (KPIs) and thresholds
- Rapidly detecting and resolving protocol interworking problems as messages traverse from circuit-switched to IP stacks through new nodes to maintain expected network quality
- Assuring that routing algorithms have been set up correctly to balance the load across the network and that bottlenecks are not occurring and
- Spotting real-time, logical link-load failures or mis-configurations to significantly reduce outage times
The benefits of Agilent's session trace for Sigtran include:
- Rapid resolution of Sigtran problems with a simple, intuitive sequence diagram depicting a complex session
- Fast Sigtran fault-time-to-fix with one-line error messages to help determine problem cause and
- Business-friendly solution that easily integrates into the workflow of operations and engineering
The session trace is now available and the QoS analyser is expected to be available by the third calendar quarter of 2007.