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GUJ.OOO is India's first-of-it's-kind platform to offer the services of a digital locker, along with providing unique digital identity to each and every citizen of Gujarat.
Following an easy two-step process, you are just required to send an SMS to 9227008959 with <your name>, and then receive your personal URL, a temporary password and a FREE Email Address to your registered mobile number.
Along with this, you will also be provided with a 10GB worth of FREE online storage. Tis cloud storage can be used by you to save any documents that you would like, including important documents such as your marriage certificate, birth certificate, degree certificate, and each of those endless certificates, mark sheets, and what not.
In the process of making our society more digitally empowered, GUJ is striving to reduce the use of paper to a bare minimum in the near future. This is also in view of moving towards being more ecologically aware than before.
Plus, not having to carry a load of documents at all places, at all times, and then being extra careful to not lose them, is a benefit you can't ignore! You can now upload and download your documents from anywhere and anytime, even using your mobile phone.
The other aspect of this plan is to ensure the confidentiality and security of all your documents, which has been ensured through encryption of the highest level. With 256-bit encryption and using the HTTPS protocol, you can rest assured that all your proceedings with this e document locker will be taking place over a safe network.


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Find the right combination! ChessBase 15 program + new Mega Database 2019 with 7.6 million games and more than 70,000 master analyses. Plus ChessBase Magazine (DVD + magazine) and CB Premium membership for 1 year!
Mr. President,
In 1972 Bobby Fischer became national hero. He smashed me in the match in Reykjavik. The Soviet chess hegemony collapsed. One man won against a whole army. Soon after that Fischer stopped playing. He repeated the sad story of Paul Morphy. At the age of 21, legendary Paul had beaten all leading European masters and became unofficial champion. He stopped playing and finished his tragic life at the age of 47 in New Orleans in 1884.
In 1992, twenty years after Reykjavik, there was a miracle. Bobby resuscitated and we played a match in Yugoslavia. But at that time there were sanctions against Yugoslavia forbidding American citizens any sort of activity on the territory of Yugoslavia. Bobby violated the instructions of the State Department. He became the subject of a warrant for arrest issued on December 15, 1992 by the US District Court. As for me, as a French citizen since 1978, I did not get any sanctions from the French government.
Spassky vs Fischer during the match of the century in Reykjavik in 1972
Since July 13, 2004, Bobby has been detained at Narita airport on immigration violations. Further events have been described by media.
It is clear that the law is the law. But Fischer's case is not usual. I am an old friend of Bobby since 1960 when we played in Mar-del-Plata and shared 1-2 places. Bobby is a tragic personality. I realized this at that time. He is an honest and good natured man. Absolutely not social. He is not adaptable to everybody's standards of life. He has a very high sense of justice and is unwilling to compromise as well as with his own conscience as with surrounding people. He is a person who is doing almost everything against himself.
I would not like to defend or justify Bobby Fischer. He is what he is. I am asking only for one thing. For mercy, charity.
If for some reason it is impossible, I would like to ask you the following: Please correct the mistake of President François Mitterand in 1992. Bobby and myself committed the same crime. Put sanctions against me also. Arrest me. And put me in the same cell with Bobby Fischer. And give us a chess set.
Boris Spassky
10-th Chess World Champion
The organisers of the Chess Classic in Mainz started a Free Fischer action, with the main organiser Hans-Walter Schmitt writing to the The Minister of the Interior (and honorary Chess Grandmaster) Otto Schily: "We regard what Mr. Fischer has done for chess and his brilliant ideas on how to develop chess further as much more important than his mistakes and his unacceptable remarks in relation to the events of September 11," Schmitt writes. "We dissociate ourselves from these mistakes and focus on the chess genius Bobby Fischer.
Bobby Fischer's biological roots can indeed be connected to Germany. We would therefore like to ask you to see if there is anything that you can do for Bobby Fischer using diplomatic channels. If asylum in Germany can be granted to Bobby Fischer, it would not be a problem for us to provide permanent housing and subsistence to him in the Rhein-Main area."
Mainz petition page to free Bobby Fischer with the full text of Schmitt's letter
Former FIDE world champion Ruslan Ponomariov wearing the special Chess Classic "Free Fischer" T-Shirt, with Hans-Walter Schmitt, chief organiser in Mainz [Photo: Dagobert Kohlmeyer]
Meanwhile the news is that the greatest hero of American chess no longer wants to be an American. Having finally hired a lawyer, Fischer released through her a statement saying, "I no longer wish to be an American citizen. Enough is enough. I hereby authorize my attorney Masako Suzuki to contact the U.S. embassy in Tokyo, Japan, immediately so I can officially renounce my U.S. citizenship at once."
Photo, l to r: Miyako Watai, president of the Japan Chess Association, Masako Suzuki, Fischer's lawyer, and John Bosnitch, a Japan-based Canadian who is helping Fischer.
Fischer's attempt to renounce his US citizenship will not enable him to escape the charges he is wanted for in the United States. It may, however, affect his status with the Japanese government. (Slate Magazine has a handy explanation of how exactly an American can renounce citizenship.)
Fischer is still in detention in the Narita Airport and is waiting for the result of his appeal of Japan's rejection to stay his deportation and to seek asylum in Japan. Technically this could take up to 60 days, but it is very unlikely to take that long. Another twist is that Fischer has been offered asylum in Serbia and Montenegro (the artist formerly known as Yugoslavia).
The case is hitting the editorial pages. The NY Daily News tabloid took a few shots, calling Fischer a "chess master and famous foaming maniac" and adds " Swell! So long, Bob! Sayonara!" to the news that Fischer doesn't want to return to the USA.
Recent ChessBase.com stories on Bobby Fischer:
|Books, boards, sets: Chess Niggemann

subset: commoncrawl


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Artist: CCMC
Song: [excerpt]
Recorded at The Music Gallery ("X Avant X"), October 15, 2015.CCMC - [excerpt]
This year's X Avant not only celebrated the festival's tenth anniversary, but also the Music Gallery's 40th season. No surprise, then, that the festival incorporated various methods to look back at the MG's legacy. After a duet with Casey Sokol, Michael Snow was joined by John Oswald, Paul Dutton, and John Kamevaar — the current incarnation of CCMC, the improvising collective that founded the Music Gallery forty years ago. Filled with energy, the group brought a bit more "noise" to the table than the last couple times I saw 'em, with Dutton in fine sound-shoutin' form and the others following suit. Accompanied by improvised visuals by John Creson and Adam Rosen, the set ended with a visual cue, the lights slowly fading until they were fully off — "I guess that means it's over," Oswald could be heard to mutter in the dark room.


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I hang my head in shame as I write this post; I know it has been a long time since I have put anything out there. I have had so much to share with you guys in the past couple of months but procrastination and a bit of laziness really have kept me from writing anything. Please accept my humble apology. But thank God for my girls Friday's Afro, Nsoromma and Sankofa who has kept LALI going.
Now that you have forgiven me, can we move on? Thank you!
A couple of weeks, Sankofa and Nsromma agreed to attend a Ghanaian Londoner's networking event with me, after (very gentle) persuasion. For those of you who do not know about Ghanaian Londoners, get to know. It's an organisation created by our girl Adwoa Agyemang, whose main purpose is to connect Ghanaians in London, and friends of Ghana with each other.
Now to the good stuff! Because we did indeed come across some very good stuff. Firstly was the creator of Yaa Ataa Bags. A small enterprise specialising in bags, laptop sleeves and Ipod cases. They have a retro, or "sankofa" feel because they made from old African prints. Check out the merchandise here!The girls and I practically convulsed over the clutches. They are beautifully made, of good quality, and decently priced too!
We also met another talented young entrepreneur - the creative designer and owner of Yaa Ohene Wa Textiles. It's a fabulous collection of tailored dresses, shirts and jackets for men, women and children. Please check it out. I promise, you won't be disappointed.
My main reason for writing this (except to big up young Ghanaian Londoners doing great things for themselves) is to get us all networking and generally supporting each other. You'll meet a lot of weirdos on the way, but also a lot of like minded, motivated and totally inspiring people.
Anyway chaps, until the next time...
P.S. Happy B'day LALI!


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Welcome to MetalArt of Florida! We're glad you found our home on the Web.
We offer a variety of stock and custom artwork crafted in metal just for you by metalsmith Susanne Thompson. We specialize in decorative metal art for the home and office, including signs, wall hangings, sculptures, gate inserts, and much more.
Please browse our online portfolio for a sampling of our work. We can also do a variety of custom metalwork using 10, 12, and 16 gauge steel as well as specialty items out of aluminum. All signs have a natural finish unless otherwise indicated.
Please feel free to email us with any questions you may have. We're happy to work with you on your one-of-a-kind designs, too--drop us a note or give us a call and we'll design to your specifications. We're always adding something new, so check back often. Thanks again for visiting our site!
Metal Art
c/o Susanne Thompson
27356 La Paloma Lane
Brooksville, FL 34602-7109
Phone/Fax: (352) 797-9700
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text: The new Cantigny Outdoor Education Center, located within the 500-acre Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Ill., earned LEED Silver. Designed by DLA Architects, the 3,100-sf multipurpose center will serve patrons of the park's golf courses, museums, and display garden, one of the largest such gardens in the Midwest. Space for meetings, lectures, workshops, and other educational activities has been provided. Sustainable features include both operable and clerestory windows for daylighting and natural ventilation, individual lighting controls and motion sensors, high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, xeriscape landscaping, bioswales for stormwater management, porous pavement, and recycled and low-VOC building materials.


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Are you an Experienced Hire or Early Careers?
Why not...
As a Graduate Building Surveyor within Infrastructure, you will work in a multi-disciplinary environment to deliver a full suite of Building Surveyor duties. We can offer extremely varied and interesting work with a large number of high profile public and private sector clients.
Whether designing/project managing iconic buildings or maintaining property portfolios, our pride and passion is in offering intelligent, sustainable solutions and unrivalled expertise. We design with people in mind. And we've designed our graduate opportunities to provide you with unique experiences as you play your part in all kinds of challenging projects.
We offer a world of opportunities from the projects you'll work on to the directions you can take your career in. Whatever your ambitions we've a role to match your passion and degree, while our training will help you achieve Chartered status and develop industry skills that are highly sought after.
Join us in our vision to be the world's best Infrastructure Consultancy, working with a broad range of clients to influence policy, future technology and global sustainability.
What you'll be doingWith a Bachelor's degree in building surveying, you'll work on a variety of construction related and property inspection/maintenance projects. Undertaking building and site surveys, you'll get the opportunity to develop your CAD skills preparing project specifications and design drawings.
Key activities include:
Where you'll be basedOpportunities are available in Bristol, Colchester, Leeds and Warrington. Please note applications for our London and Glasgow offices are now closed
Who we're looking for
Rewards and BenefitsIf you join us you will be working on some of the most challenging engineering projects of our time, helping to shape the future of Infrastructure. You will have opportunities to work closely with clients, spending time within their organisations and taking learning from some of the most experienced engineers in the industry. Our 3-year flexible graduate scheme promises to give you the support you need to develop your technical, commercial and consultancy skills. Some of our benefits, to name a few, include:
For a full list of our benefits, please refer to our website.
How to apply Our deadline for applications is Friday 20th April 2018. Some of our programmes are incredibly popular, to avoid disappointment (where some roles may close earlier) we recommend you apply as soon as possible. For further details on our recruitment process please refer to our website.


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1) A date with Jude Law.
Everyone has a price, and I am willing to bet, I could match or exceed his.So dreamy. So English. So mine for a friday night at Chapeau! if I win that lotto.
2) A stylist for Ms. Britney Spears
You would think that with all that money, she would have hired one by now, but apparently, this is not the case. What's that saying...something about taking the trash out of trailer...
3)Coachella Valley Music and Arts Annual Festival.
The whole damn thing. It would be mine. And I would get a ticket (or 30) every year. None of this sit on the internet for 3 hrs trying to get tickets, b.s.
4) Pay Pitbull to stop singing/rapping/entertaining...whatever it is that he does.
No words can express just how ridiculous this man is. He is so lame, I'm not even posting a picture of him on my blog. And I'm going to stop typing about him right now. He doesn't deserve my words.
5)The Perfect Brownie Maker
If you know me-and you don't even have to know me that well-you know that I LOVE brownies; yet every year, every birthday, Christmas, mother's day, Cesar Chavez day...etc, this amazing invention never finds it's way into my arms. Do I really have to buy it myself, people!?!?!


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Chapter 82 - 84
The Honor and the Glory of Whaling/Jonah Historically Regarded/Pitchpoling
The history of whaling stretches far back into the past. There is the myth of Perseus, who killed a leviathan to save the maiden Andromeda; the famous story of St. George and the Dragon could be about whales. Even Vishnoo, one of the three persons of the Hindu god, has had dealings with the whale.
Topic Tracking: Nature of Whaling 10
Some Nantucketers distrust the story of Jonah. Pictures in the Bible show Jonah being swallowed by a whale with two spouts, indicating a Right Whale; such a whale couldn't swallow something as big as a man. A bishop argued against this by saying that Jonah could have been lodged in the mouth of the whale, not the stomach. There are many combating theories, including the idea that Jonah took refuge in a dead whale. To many, the distance that Jonah traveled in the whale seemed impossible, but then there were passages that made it possible; besides, it was in the order of a miracle.
It is a popular belief that by greasing the bottom of a whaling boat, it can be made to move faster. Queequeg believes strongly in this, and one morning after the encounter with the Jungfrau, he took pains in anointing his boat.
Whales are spotted, and boats are lowered after them. The whales move fast, but Tashtego is able to hit one; however, the whale keeps swimming, and there is the danger that it will pull free of the harpoon. Stubb takes after it in the process of pitchpoling; with a long lance, connected to a length of rope, he darts the whale, then pulls the lance back, and repeats the process. He does this until the whale dies.


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Hi all,
We have worked hard to bring you our latest podcast on this bank holiday Monday so hope you enjoy! We review your match against Colchester here http://d3d4football.com/d3d4-football-podcast-episode-7-week-4-review/
As always feedback welcome on twitter @d3d4football or you can post comments at the bottom of the podcast page.
D3D4 Football – Dedicated to all things League One & Two


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"Hoarder House" Full of Records 27
Many customers had asked us about the "hoarder house" full of 250,000 records that Apollo purchased last year, and what it looked like. Here are some pictures that were taken part way through the clean out (when we first got there we couldn't even get through the doorways!)
It took us 6 months to pack and remove all the records from the house.
Don't Worry Folks, Most of you don't have anything to worry about!
The 2 Story House was filled to the brim by a 68 year old collector who had lived in the house since his childhood. He passed away in 2011 and the family was shocked at what they discovered. They soon realized why they had never been invited over and why he had been so reclusive. His Car was filled to the brim with records and the family suspected that he had been sleeping there over the last few years, as it was impossible to enter the house. The Bathroom and shower were also full of Records. We didn't know it was the bathroom until we came upon a toilet.
The Family Tried to sell the house as is, but found it difficult and general word of mouth led them to call Apollo (he had previously been a customer). At first glance, we wanted to "Pass on it" as it looked like a nightmare, but we knew the collector well and figured there could be something worthwhile under all that.
It was actually fairly clean, overall, other than the piles of dust from over the years.
What Kind of records are they?
ALL Kinds. While he combed thrift shops and bought anything interesting to him over the last 10 years, the older stuff showed he also bought a variety of Rock and Rockabilly & Elvis records (His favorite) back in the 50s and 60s and kept them on shelves in pristine condition.
The best thing there? The 45′s, about 20,000 on shelves, mostly all original 'as new' store stock Rock & roll & Rockabilly, and oddball stuff, plus hundreds of Pristine EPs ranging from Elvis, Ricky Nelson, Country Artists, to the Rare Carl Perkins Columbia EP.
We Spent just over 6 months boxing and transporting truck loads to our warehouse, where they sit today. (We've sorted only approx 25% in the last year)
At the same time, CBC Radio Vancouver Contacted us about purchasing their 60,000+ Collection so we really had our hands full for several months.
Are they for sale? Yes, but they are still being sorted, some are garbage and some are great (pulled out a nice Slim Harpo LP on Excello in between two Jim Reeves LPs). Thousands of records go into our massive "dollar room", (see our blog for pictures) good priceable records go into our shop, and some go online (mainly the 45′s that are being listed regularly in our online eBay store, along with our othermassive collection from CBC Radio).


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This is one of the playable characters in Star Ocean: The Last Hope. Her name is Myuria Tionysus. I'm not sure why I decided to extract the image and make a wallpaper of her. She's not my favorite character in the game. It does make me laugh at how she can't take a step without jiggling. lol
Anyway, I extracted the image, made the background and then worked in some textures and brushes. I tried going for blue but it just didn't go as well as the pink did. So I had it nearly the same, but in blue instead of pink. But I ended up totally redoing it.
Total time spent, about three hours, mainly because of the color switching. Oh and widescreen is best. I had to chop off the sides for the smaller resolution since I refuse to scrunch things together just to make it fit. =P


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Natural Gas is King in Pittsburgh – Deja vu All Over Again?
I was reading an article from the New York Times the other day, and the first line of the article was, "Natural gas is King in Pittsburgh."
The article described how much natural gas development is under way in the region; that with respect to overall enterprise cost, "gas is far cheaper as fuel than coal," especially for manufacturing; that it is reinvigorating the economy of Pittsburgh, and attracting capital to the region; and finally, that natural gas is a clean fuel.
The date of this article was October 18, 1885.
Read more here.
Labels: Energy, Natural Gas, Petroleum, Pittsburgh History, Pittsburghiana


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Cyber Terrorists Attack Russian News Agency
Hackers brought down the website for Russia's state-sponsored news agency, RIA Novosti, for several hours today with a series of cyber attacks. This in the wake of three days of fighting between Russia and Georgia. "'The DNS-servers and the site itself have been coming under severe attack,' said Maxim Kuznetsov, head of the RIA Novosti IT department." It's hard to imagine why in the world anyone would want to cripple good ol' RIA Novosti's news-spreading capabilities. Oh, in unrelated news, here is the rest of the Kremlin-backed article.
"A top Russian diplomat accused foreign media on Sunday of pro-Georgian bias in their coverage of the ongoing conflict.
"Russia says Georgian forces have killed around 2,000 South Ossetian civilians, mainly Russian nationals, since the start of the offensive, and that 34,000 locals have been forced to flee to Russia. In response to the Georgian attacks, Russia sent tanks and troops into the province, and carried out a series of air strikes on Georgian military targets." [en.rian.ru]


text: Yesterday, I showed you a bass design that really did not appeal to me, so today I'm showing you what I consider to be a far more attractive design. This 3-string bass was a custom order for AV Basses, a Czech company who specialise in boutique basses with as many strings as you want - 4, 5, 6, 7 or even 3 as on this example. I love the original shape of this bass, and the scroll on the upper horn is a nice touch.


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Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Does Stretching Increase Height?
Do you like this story?
First, you need to know that your body height is determined by the length of your bones. When you're still on your growth spurt phase, you became taller and taller because your bones grew. Thus there're many things you can do to get taller if you're still young and your bones are still growing. Otherwise, you'll need to go through a painful height increase surgery to allow your bones to grow. So, does yoga make you taller?
Well, there're many yoga practitioners reported that they gain some extra height after intensively practicing yoga for a while. The height increase is ranged from only ½ inch to 2 inches. With this fact, you can assume that yoga does help you to grow taller although may not significantly.
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Height Increase Shoes Increase Your Height upto 4" Inches
Lakh Jewelry Manufacturer and Wholesaler From India - Necklace, Pendants & Earrings
Semi Precious & Precious Gemstones and Beads at Wholesale Prices


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Unlock your untapped potential with a therapeutic and creative evening at Paperchase Tottenham Court Road, which will teach you basic skills in contemporary calligraphy.
During the workshop, Asha from Babooche Calligraphy will teach you how to use traditional and modern calligraphy tools to turn every day words into pieces of art. Whether you are a stationery lover, are in the midst of planning a wedding or simply want to learn a new skill, this workshop will give you the instruction you need to scribe with confidence at home.
With a strong experience in the world of scribing and printing, Babooche Calligraphy has established itself with many loyal clients over the past five years creating a range of beautiful handwritten pieces and illustrations.
Each ticket includes a beginners dip pen and ink set from Manuscript Pen company.
Please note: Workshops are suitable for ages 8 and upwards. All under 16's must be accompanied by a paying adult. Workshop tickets and vouchers are non-refundable and non-transferable. This does not affect your statutory rights. In the unlikely event that Paperchase cancels an event, they will contact you via Eventbrite to arrange an alternative date or refund. Paperchase reserves the right to refuse entry and is at the decision of the store manager.


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- Research
- Open Access
- Open Peer Review
Plasma retinol, carotene and vitamin E concentrations and lung function in a crocidolite-exposed cohort from Wittenoom, Western Australia: a cohort study
© Alfonso et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2005
- Received: 04 February 2005
- Accepted: 11 May 2005
- Published: 11 May 2005
Increased rates of death from asbestos related diseases have been reported for people previously employed in the mining and milling operations at Wittenoom (Western Australia), and people who lived in the nearby town, where they were environmentally exposed to crocidolite.
Annual measurements of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) and plasma concentrations of retinol, carotene and vitamin E have been made since 1992. Mixed effects models were used to examine the associations between lung function and the plasma vitamin levels of retinol, carotene and vitamin E.
After adjusting for potential confounders, higher plasma retinol and carotene concentrations were significantly associated with higher levels of lung function at entry into the study, while vitamin E concentrations were associated with lower entry lung function. Retinol was associated with a less steep decline of lung function over time, while carotene concentrations were associated with an increased decline of lung function over time and vitamin E levels were not associated with changes of lung function over time.
These results support a beneficial relationship between plasma concentrations of retinol on the levels and rates of change of lung function, while showing no such consistent beneficial effect for plasma levels of beta-carotene or vitamin E.
- Lung Function
- Retinol
- Force Vital Capacity
- Asbestos
- Asbestos Exposure
Respiratory impairment is an important cause of disability in asbestos-exposed people. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have shown that greater intensity and duration of asbestos exposure are associated with greater impairment of pulmonary function [1]. A protective effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on lung function has been reported, and a number of studies have found positive associations between pulmonary function and dietary intake and blood levels of both carotenoids and retinoids [2–4].
Crocidolite (blue asbestos) was mined at Wittenoom, Western Australia from 1943 until 1966. Approximately 7000 workers were employed in the mining and milling operations [5]. In addition, about 5000 people, who did not work in the production of asbestos, are documented to have lived in the nearby town, where they received environmental exposure to asbestos [6]. Former workers and residents were also frequently cigarette smokers, and increased risks of asbestos- and smoking-related diseases have been shown in these populations [6].
Cohorts of former workers and residents of Wittenoom have been followed up continuously since 1975, and since 1990 some of them have participated in an intervention program including supplemental vitamin A in an attempt to reduce the occurrence of malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer [7, 8]. The Program also included advice on diet, stopping smoking and physical exercise. As no beneficial effect was reported for beta-carotene after five years [7, 8], and other studies showed increased risks of developing lung cancer in subjects taking beta-carotene supplements [9, 10], all participants have been provided with retinol since 1997.
The aim of this analysis was to examine the relationships between lung function and plasma levels of retinol, carotene and vitamin E, after controlling for potential confounders, in people exposed to crocidolite in Wittenoom who have participated in the Vitamin A Program. In analysing the relationships between plasma vitamin concentrations and lung function, we are not intending to assess of the efficacy of the Program, which will be described in a separate report (Musk et al, in preparation). The predictors of the levels and the rate of change of lung function, as well as the assessment of the efficacy of the Program, have been described in separate reports ([11, 33]).
Cohorts of former workers and residents of Wittenoom have been followed up continuously since 1975. In 1989, all ex-residents or ex-workers that could be located were invited to participate in the Vitamin A Program, and the Program has commenced accepting in July 1990. Each participant attends a clinic annually to receive a year's supply of the vitamin supplement. Annual spirometric measurements and plasma vitamins determinations have also been taken since 1992. All participants who had at least one spirometric measurement and a blood test for plasma vitamin concentrations performed on the same day were included in the present study. Participants were followed from the time of their first test, until the last result available before 23 September 2002. People younger than 25 years old were excluded from the analysis, because growth in lung function continues until this age [12].
Plasma vitamin concentrations
On the same day as the spirometry was performed, a non-fasting blood sample was collected and the plasma concentrations of retinol, total carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) were determined by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) [13]. Total carotene was measured from July 1990 to May 1994, but subsequently, alpha- and beta-carotene were measured separately. For this analysis, after May 1994, total carotene was assumed to be the sum of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene. For measurements whose plasma values were undetectable by laboratory methods, a value midpoint between zero and the laboratory's minimum detectable value was used (42% in alpha-carotene measurements, and 19% in beta-carotene) [14, 33].
Pulmonary Function Testing
FEV1 and FVC measurements were performed by trained technicians according to the guidelines of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) [15] and adjusted for body temperature and pressure-saturated with water vapour. The highest of at least three technically satisfactory attempts was selected. Only measurements in which the two highest attempts fulfilled the ATS criteria for reproducibility (an agreement within 5%) were included in the analysis.
Asbestos Exposure Assessment
Category of exposure (former worker or resident of Wittenoom), age at first exposure, cumulative asbestos exposure and radiographic asbestosis at first visit were the indicators of crocidolite exposure used in the present analysis. The three first indicators were obtained from the Vitamin A Program records.
Methods describing the assessment of cumulative asbestos exposure for workers have been described previously [16, 33]: job histories were obtained from employment records, and fibre concentrations for all job categories were estimated from the results of a survey of airborne respirable fibres of crocidolite that was carried out at various work sites at Wittenoom in 1966, and particle counts performed by the Mines Department of Western Australia throughout the period of operation of the mining industry. Each subject's cumulative exposure was calculated by adding over all their different jobs the product of fibre concentration and the length of time in that job.
For ex-residents, the estimation of individual asbestos exposure levels has also been described in detail elsewhere [6]. Subjects not working directly with asbestos were assigned an intensity of exposure of 1 fibre/millilitre (f/ml) from 1943 to 1957, when a new mill was commissioned and the town was moved, and then 0.5 f/ml between 1958 and 1966, when the mining operation ceased. Since then, interpolation between periodic hygiene surveys using personal monitors assigned exposures from 0.5 f/ml in 1966 to 0.01 f/ml in 1992. Duration of residence was obtained from a questionnaire completed at the time of attending the Vitamin A Program. Individual cumulative exposure was calculated by combining the duration of residence and the intensity of exposure for each person. These calculations have been demonstrated to be internally valid on the basis of lung fibre determinations and dose-response characteristics for mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis [6].
To assess radiographic asbestosis, without knowledge of exposure status, a panel of trained and experienced readers read the plain chest radiograph at the first visit according to the International Labour Office's (ILO) classification of the chest x-ray manifestations of pneumoconioses [17], utilizing the standard films provided by the ILO for side by side comparison. For the purpose of this study, radiographic asbestosis was defined as a profusion score of 1/0 or greater, as indicated in the ILO guidelines [17].
Smoking History Assessment
Smoking history was obtained from a questionnaire administered at entry to the Program. Information on smoking status (never-smokers, ex-smokers and current smokers) was evaluated as a categorical variable. The history over time of smoking was not available for this analysis.
Statistical Analysis
To assess the relationships between lung function and plasma vitamin concentrations, the dependent variables (FEV1 and FVC) were regressed on time, controlling for demographic characteristics (sex, age and height), asbestos exposure and tobacco smoking. Plasma levels of retinol, carotene and vitamin E (as quartiles) were included in the model, both separately and at the same time. A linear trend was also evaluated by including the raw values (continuos variable) of each plasma vitamin concentration. The main effect of each vitamin concentration was interpreted as the level of lung function at entry into the study, while the interaction of each vitamin concentration with time of follow up (in years) was interpreted as the annual change of lung function over time [18]. Specifically, levels of lung function at entry into the Program correspond to the values of lung function (or differences between groups) when time of follow up was zero. The analyses were performed initially for each vitamin separately, and then by including simultaneously the three vitamin values into the model.
The data were modelled by a general linear mixed-effects model, using SAS PROC MIXED [19]. Random-effects models are most appropriate for unbalanced longitudinal data or when the intervals between measurements for each subject are not equally spaced [18]. The model-building process was performed following the steps suggested by Verbeke and Molenberghs [18]. Initially, a model with all the explanatory variables and their biologically plausible interactions was applied in order to remove any systematic trends. In the second step, random effects were included in the model; the best model was selected according to a likelihood ratio test. Thirdly, several residual covariance structures were tested and the best was selected according to the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Finally, the model was simplified by deleting non-significant terms. Estimation was made by the restricted maximum likelihood method, and tests were performed using the 5% level of significance. Model validation was carried out by checking normal distribution of residuals.
Demographic characteristics of participants at first visit a
Participants, n (%)
567 (41.1)
811 (58.9)
Male, n (%)
270 (47.6)
749 (92.4)
FEV1, litres a
2.9 (0.9)
2.7 (0.7)
FVC, litres a
3.7 (1.1)
3.6 (0.9)
Age, yr a
50.8 (12.5)
59.2 (7.7)
Height at baseline, cm a
168 (9.5)
171 (7.5)
Cumulative asbestos, f/ml-year a
6.9 (7.5)
24.5 (47.8)
Age at first asbestos exposure, yr a
13.9 (12.7)
24.8 (6.1)
Radiographic asbestosis, n (%)
8 (1.4)
143 (17.6)
Current-smokers, n (%)
114 (19.6)
182 (21.8)
Ex-smokers, n (%)
183 (31.5)
452 (54.2)
Never-smokers, n (%)
284 (48.9)
199 (23.9)
Plasma retinol, (μmol/L)a
2.70 (0.70)
2.70 (0.69)
Plasma carotene, (μmol/L)a
1.38 (1.57)
1.38 (1.52)
Plasma vitamin E, (μmol/L)a
38.13 (13.85)
35.43 (11.40)
Characteristics of the follow up of the study cohort a
Total lung function and blood tests, n (%)
1942 (33.7)
3898 (66.2)
Measurements per person, a
3.43 (1.5)
4.7 (2.5)
Follow up, years, a
3.0 (1.7)
5.4 (3.3)
Months between measurements,a
14.0 (4.8)
16.5 (9.7)
Relationships between plasma retinol concentrations and lung function levels and annual rate of change*
Level at entry into program (ml)
Annual change (ml/year)
Relationships between plasma carotene concentrations and lung function levels and annual rate of change*
Level at entry into program (ml)
Annual change (ml/year)
Higher plasma vitamin E concentrations (as a single vitamin in the model) were associated with higher levels of lung function at entry into the study (Table 4). However, higher plasma vitamin E concentrations were associated with a steeper decline of lung function. The decline in people in the highest quartile was 7.9 ml (95% CI = 14.3-1.6) per year in FEV1, and 13.9 ml (95% CI = 21.9-6.0) per year in FVC, compared to those in the lowest quartile (Table 4). Linear trends were significant for both levels and rates of change of lung function (not shown).
Relationships between lung function and retinol, carotene and vitamin E concentrations, when the three vitamins were simultaneously included in the model*
Plasma vitamin concentrations (μMol/L)
FEV1 (ml) Estimate (SD)
FVC (ml) Estimate (SD)
13.9 (7.5)
16.6 (9.5)
3.5 (1.5)
5.7 (1.9)
14.6 (3.6)
13.1 (4.5)
-2.6 (1.0)
-3.5 (1.3)
Vitamin E
-1.0 (0.4)
-2.0 (0.5)
0.07 (0.09)
0.2 (0.1)
The analysis was also performed for alpha- and beta-carotene. As was reported for total carotene concentrations, both alpha- and beta-carotene concentrations were associated with higher levels of lung function, and inversely related to the change of lung function over time (not shown).
Relationships between plasma vitamin E concentrations and lung function levels and annual rate of change*
Level at entry into program (ml)
-1.9, 49.0
1.0, 66.0
12.0, 64.8
33.4, 100.6
8.1, 63.7
47.1, 117.5
Annual change (ml/year)
-10.1, 0.9
-11.4, 2.7
-12.7, -1.0
-15.3, -0.3
-14.3, -1.6
-21.9, -6.0
The positive effect of plasma retinol on lung function has been recognised in previous cross-sectional and prospective studies [3, 4], but not in longitudinal studies with multiple measurements per participant. This positive effect is consistent with the multiple biologic functions of retinoids, including regulation of cell proliferation, cell differentiation and morphogenesis [20]. In contrast to carotenoids, retinol is not a potent free radical scavenger; therefore other mechanisms have been advocated for explaining its possible beneficial effects [2]. For example, retinoids have a variety of effects on the cell membrane, involving altered glycoprotein synthesis and changes in membrane receptors for various hormones, including those mediated by c-AMP. The actions on these receptors may influence cell-cell interactions, cell adhesion, and cell membrane permeability. In a recent animal model, systemic administration of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) reversed manifestations of elastase-induced emphysema [21]. Similar results have now been replicated by Belloni and colleagues with both ATRA and 9-cis-retinoic acid [22]. This is a promising finding, although is not possible to draw a close parallel between an elastase-induced emphysema murine model and the pathogenesis of human chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The positive association between blood carotene concentrations and the levels of lung function has also been previously recognized in cross-sectional and prospective studies [3, 23, 24]. The biological plausibility for a protective effect of carotenoids on lung function is associated with the multiple biological actions of these micronutrients, in particular their role in scavenging oxidised products [2]. It has been postulated that antioxidant defences play a critical role in the respiratory tract where high exposure to endogenous and environmental oxidants occurs, which may impair ventilatory function by inducing inflammation and destruction of the alveolar walls [25]. However, our results showed that plasma carotene concentrations were associated with a steeper decline of lung function. This disappointing effect mirrors the results obtained in this Vitamin A Program and other intervention studies, in which higher-than-expected rates of lung cancer were found in people taking beta-carotene [9, 10].
Several observational studies have consistently showed that individuals who eat more fruits and vegetables tend to have lower risk of developing various cancers and other chronic diseases [26]. Several studies have found positive associations between pulmonary function and dietary intake and blood levels of both carotenoids and retinoids [2]. From the many potential nutrients in fruits and vegetables, beta-carotene was credited as the most important nutrient likely to be responsible for this beneficial effect, especially following the influential paper from Peto and colleagues [27]. However, results from at least 8 trials have shown that beta-carotene supplementation has essentially no significant role in decreasing cancer risk [28]. No previous studies have been reported on relationships between supplemental beta-carotene and lung function.
Two alternative explanations have been proposed to explain the conflicting results between observational and intervention studies: first, that beta-carotene is not the factor responsible for the beneficial effect of fruit and vegetable intake on cancer [28]; second, that the supplemental synthetic all-trans-beta-carotene does not reproduce the effect of the natural counterpart [29].
It is possible that many of the studies suggesting that dietary beta-carotene is protective were confounded [28]. Observational studies do not permit causal relationships to be established. Hundreds of carotenoids and thousands of nutrients exist in foods. Researchers are only able to examine and study a few hundred of them, and the synergy among these numerous nutrients may play a larger role that any single compound [28]. Although the reasons remain unclear, current wisdom indicates no role for synthetic beta-carotene supplementation for preventing cancer or improving lung function.
Despite being considered a powerful anti-oxidant, we did not find a consistent effect of Vitamin E on lung function. Whether the inverse relationships reported in the univariate analysis of this study reflects real relations peculiar to the subjects studied, or are the result of sampling variation or chance may be clarified by future studies.
Due to self-selection into the Vitamin A Program this population may not be representative of the whole cohort exposed to crocidolite at Wittenoom. People who participated in the Program were younger and had higher cumulative asbestos exposure [7]. The results from this study, may not apply to subjects with lower exposure to crocidolite or older age groups.
An additional difficulty in interpreting the results of our study may be that we examined vitamin levels in a population in which the vitamin levels were artificially increased and did not adjust for their assigned dose. Although the arm of the study to which participants had originally been assigned was known, we had no precise way of measuring their actual intake of vitamins, nor their dietary intake of fruit and vegetables. However, epidemiological theory [30] postulates a hierarchy of exposure measurement from available dose in the general environment (assigned vitamins), to administered dose (number of tablets taken), to absorbed dose (dose taken up from the gastrointestinal tract), to active dose at different target sites. The closer that the measurement is to the active dose, the more likely it is that a study will disclose any real relationship. Since we were able to measure the serum level of vitamins, adjusting for the assigned dose does not make theoretical sense, and would possibly artifactually decrease any relationship observed.
One problem in longitudinal studies is the occurrence of missing data due to withdrawals, which may result in follow-up bias [31]. Ninety subjects (6.3% of all participants) dropped out of the study, and 142 participants who during the follow up period. The people who died were not counted as dropouts as they had complete data [18]. People who abandoned the Program had lower levels of FEV1, FVC and FEV1 /FVC, compared to those who remained. We have assumed a 'missing at random pattern', implying that any withdrawal from the study did not depend on the level of lung function itself, although it may depend on some covariates. With a missing at random pattern, methods based on likelihood will produce valid inferences, if the model specification is correct [32]. Applying an available case analysis, using PROC MIXED of SAS, the reported relationships may be interpreted as the response conditional on the subject remaining in the study [18].
The present study has the advantage of having both cross-sectional and longitudinal components in the analysis of the data, which make efficient use of all the available information and explores hypotheses unable to be tested with cross-sectional approaches alone [33]. However, the accurate evaluation of tobacco smoke exposure in this report, as in most others, has some limitations because it was based on self-reporting. This report analyses the smoking status at the beginning of the follow up, and does not include the analysis of changes in smoking habits over time.
This longitudinal study demonstrates a beneficial relationship between plasma levels of retinol and level and rate of decline of lung function as measure by FEV1 and FVC, while showing no such beneficial effect for plasma levels of beta-carotene.
Ethical Approval
All subjects gave their informed consent and the study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Western Australia and the Clinical Drug Trials Committee of the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia.
The Vitamin A program has been funded by the Health Department of Western Australia and the Worker's Compensation and Rehabilitation Commission of Western Australia. The follow up of the Wittenoom cohort has been funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia. We are grateful to the participants of the Program and the Asbestos Diseases Society of Western Australia for their ongoing support. We thank Lynne Watts, Meralyn Pearce, Diane Jacoby and Naomi Hammond for data collection, Ms J Sleith for data entry and Mr Philip Etherington for database management.
Authors' Affiliations
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This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


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Kate Gosselin: Not Returning to Nursing
Kate Gosselin picks up a few items from Target and Bed Bath & Beyond on Thursday (October 13) in Reading, Penn.
The 36-year-old reality mama recently shot down reports she might be going back to her former career as a registered nurse.
"No truth. Renewed license when up for renewal And that got it all going!" Kate tweeted to a fan who asked about the rumors.
But Kate said she'd be open to having her own talk show.
"This is an idea that thrills me to pieces! I LOVE doing satellite radio tours and it's something that a few people have suggested recently. I must admit, it would be a great way to put my 'gift of gab' to great use!" she wrote on her website.


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Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Going to see the new grandson, the twins and Opportunity Knocking
You never know when opportunity will just slap you upside the head. Yesterday I took some of my quilts in for a couple nurses to see at one of the nursing homes I go to. One person asked if I sold them and I said yes. He asked how much for my red/orange/yellow fracture strip bargello. I named a price and he paid me on the spot! He had just redone his bathroom in a log home in these colors. He has been looking for the "perfect" art for a certain spot and chose my quilt. I am so honored! One of the nurses is now talking to me about making a t-shirt quilt for her college bound daughter.
Today I went to my favorite lunch spot - I treat myself once a week to their food. I just love the Blue Sky Cafe in Fletcher, NC. I digress... I walked in and one of the woman who works there said "...and there is the quilt lady now!" Turns out she had been discussing my quilts (yes, I am shameless and had brought them in for the staff to see one day) with a customer who is looking for someone to do some custom design and quilting/sewing to include bed quilt, coordinating dust ruffle and curtains. She will be in touch when I get back from playing Nana.
Life is good!
9 comments:
- Mistress Girly said...
have fun with the grands. i know i love when i get to see mine. How awesome you are getting recognition for your work and actually getting some business in the process. congratulations.
- March 10, 2009 at 1:49 PM
Congrats on your quilt sale. I just found your blog. I know my daughter loves seeing my mom. It's all play play play!
- May 3, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Oh I just scrolled and saw you visited TN Quilts. I grew up not very far from there in the Boones Creek Area. You should have seen the store when Polly owned it and it was incorporated into the actual downtown area of Jonesborough. They moved because of over head to the building which use to house the Farm Bureau Insurance office...more space but not as much old timey feel.
- May 3, 2009 at 12:05 AM
- Lynn said...
Please email me at firstname.lastname@example.com so we can speak about what you asked.
- July 12, 2009 at 1:24 AM
- Lynn said...
Congrats on all the quilt selling and orders taken. I just sold one of mine and it was a wonderful feeling of having my art honored this way.
I also have twin grandchildren and adore my time with them. Looks like we have much in common.
- July 12, 2009 at 1:27 AM
- Judy Alexander said...
Thanks for following my blog. I am in Murphy NC right now at our camper. I just love being a Grandma. My GD is 6. Beautiful picture of the mountains!
- July 26, 2009 at 8:21 AM
- Irishgirlsews said...
Oh happy day, to be with your new grandbaby! I'm still waiting for grands. I just found your blog, so happy that you have found an outlet to sell your work, its great to receive recognition for your beautiful handmade work.
Good Luck
I used to spend my summers in Blairsville, Ga, loved the Western NC area too.
- August 22, 2009 at 7:25 AM
- Wilma NC said...
I see you live in my neck of the woods. Always nice to meet fellow quilters from western NC. And I'm a nurse too!!
- October 27, 2010 at 6:51 AM
- ButtonMad said...
Oh enjoy those little ones...nothing quite like them...such a joy...
- April 24, 2011 at 6:49 AM


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Art McDermott CSCS CISSN
Co-Founder & COO - National Corporate Fitness Institute
Certified Nutritionist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
Art has spent considerable time in the corporate fitness arena helping companies and employees prioritize health and wellness both in and out of the workplace.
He has owned several training facilities specializing in personal training, nutrition, fitness/physique transformations, 'baby boomer' and senior training as well as sports preparation. Art has been involved with strength sports for over 25 years. During that time, he has participated in over 20 National and World Championships in three different sports, and two US Olympic Track & Field Trials.
Current highlights:
- Author, Professional Speaker, Consultant and Wellness Activist
- Adjunct Professor – University of Massachusetts, Lowell. College of Health Sciences.
- 4 Time NCAA All-American in Track & Field and a member of multiple US National and International Teams
Art focuses the majority of his time on the "Boomer Blueprint"; a product and service designed specifically for helping individuals 50 years of age and over retain or regain health vitality and independence. Art is also known for his work helping personal trainers grow their businesses focusing on this older population.
Art is available for speaking engagements and interviews.
Additional Publication:
"Boomer Blueprint – A Step-by-Step Guide to Longevity, Anti-Aging and Fitness for Baby Boomers"


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Each year merchants lose millions of dollars to bad checks. Bad checks affect everyone, pushing the costs of goods and services higher. As you know, they can be devastating to small businesses. Make no mistake; unlawfully issuing a bad check is a crime.
The Check Enforcement Program is designed to assist merchants in recovering losses from intentionally written bad checks. The Program is FREE to all victims who accept a bad check within the Sutter County.
It is designed to handle dishonored checks marked "Insufficient or Non-sufficient Funds," "Account Closed" and "No Account" that are passed in the Sutter County.
Our primary goal is to assure full restitution for the victim - including any bank charges - without adding to the financial burden of the criminal justice system.
Finally, an improved economic climate in the Sutter County helps us all, businesses and individuals alike.
If bad checks are a concern for your business, I encourage you to participate. Please take a few minutes to explore this site to learn more about the Check Enforcement Program. Learn how this Program can benefit you. Then feel free to register and use the Program.
Amanda L. Hopper
Sutter County District Attorney


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Blue Penguin Pom Pom Backpack Clip by Aurora
Brand: Aurora
Product Code: 60845
Availability:In stock
Keep a penguin friend on you at all times by jazzing up your backpack, bag or keys with the adorable mini blue penguin clip from Aurora. This cute penguin is from the Pom Pom Penguin range and features fluffy bright blue fur that tapers off to white with gorgeous sparkly silver eyes and teeny orange felted beak and feet.
- Clip top for attachment
- Measures approx. 11cm x 6cm
- Recommended for children over 12 months
Delivery Information
Free UK Delivery on orders over £29
£2.95 via Royal Mail 2nd Class to the UK
£3.45 via Royal Mail 1st Class to the UK
£1.50 for stationery & other flat items via Royal Mail 1st Class Standard
from £5.90 for a small parcel
Economy (Up to 21 working days) £6.90
Express (5-7 working days) £10.90
All parcels are sent via Royal Mail
Returns Policy
UK Returns are FREE and we offer a 100 Day Returns guarantee - not happy? changed your mind? No worries! You can return any item up to 100 days after delivery as long as it is unused and in the same condition that you received it in.
Just send us a message via email at email@example.com or message us on our Messenger chat bar on the website and we will email you with a free postage label.
About Us
Hi, I'm Sophie and this all started with a small request... of a penguin for Christmas! Now, I didn't get a real penguin, but a steady stream of penguin toys started being bought for me and this was the beginning of my penguin obsession.
After I received Pici the Penguin, a super soft penguin toy from The Deep which became my firm favourite, I started to chronicle his adventures on Instagram, along with the rest of my large, fast growing, penguin toy collection.
I began searching far and wide for new and even more adorable penguin goods, but I was dissapointed that there wasn't anywhere to go and find cute penguin themed items all in one place.
After chatting about the lack of penguin shops in the UK a friend asked me why I hadn't set one up myself - and after talking about the idea and getting encouragement from friends and family, I decided to fix it and The Penguin Patrol became a reality!
As a small business, I wanted to make sure that local UK makers and designers were supported alongside the big name toy brands so you will always find something unique at The Penguin Patrol.
To penguins!
Hello!I am Pici Penguin, and I help run The Penguin Patrol. I have a big penguin family and go on lots of fun adventures, and I want to help other penguins find homes where they can go on adventures too! I help Moomah find the nicest penguin friends from far and wide so we can help them look for other fun friends :)
Meet The Team
SumoHead of Security
Content Manager
SnaffooOrder Fulfillment Overseer
Supplies Manager
Flip & Flop
Promotions Co-ordinators


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- Janice Sugg
- >
- Reflected Light with Trees
Reflected Light with Trees
1 available
Reflected Light with Trees (12W x 12H x 1.5D in.) by artist Janice Sugg: Oil on Board. Hues of Gold, White, Blue, Green, Lavender, Orange. Style/Genre described as Contemporary, Urban, Wildlife. Original oil painting on wood/board (in stock, available to ship worldwide.) Janice Sugg specializes in brilliant wildlife, landscape, and abstract oil paintings on canvas. Her work fuses nature scenes (and often times bird subjects) with urban backdrops, and she enjoys challenging conventional color palettes. She creates her nature-inspired masterpieces in Colorado, USA.


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Children are wonderful subjects for our scrapbook pages.....
Here are a few that celebrate kids....
Tatiana created this wonderful layout using the Scraps Of Darkness
'Beloved' kit!
She used the Graphic 45 Mon Amour 'My beloved' paper for her base then fussy cut the roses from the Kaiser Craft Ma Cherie 'Beauty' paper
her next layout is just beautiful:
For this one Tatiana used the Graphic 45 Mon Amour papers from the kit.
She used the Crafter's Workshop Gabrielle Pollacco stencil from the kit with embossing powder.
The next layout is from Nicole using the Scraps Of Elegance kit
This is so striking and adorable.....
You can see here that she used the Bo Bunny foil transfers from the kit and Ranger Distress Spray Stain (from the Color Add-on) to create a bright and shiny background.
In her flower cluster is a combination of Prima,
Blue Fern Studios and stained wooden hearts (which were in the main kit).
Thanks so much for stopping by!


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7 Michigan-made munchies to satisfy any stoner
By Abigail Shah on April 28, 2014 in Munchies
From crunchy and salty to gooey and chewy, Michigan is home to some of the best food to get high with. We count down our top 7 Michigan-made snack foods.
Up close: Michigan-grown Blue Cheese, Big Band and The Church
By Michael Brouwer on April 28, 2014 in Galleries, Grow
Feast your eyes on these top-shelf varieties grown by a Michigan caregiver.
Detroit trio Jamaican Queens open up about pot's influence on music
By Ben Ness on April 28, 2014 in Entertainment
"I was high as hell in this hot ass room with really intense strobe lights…I started texting Adam: "Why don't we listen to this music more?"
These 12 Michigan communities may decriminalize pot this year
By Marijuana in the Mitten on April 28, 2014 in News
"It is highly likely every one of these efforts will be successful," said Tim Beck, a leader of the initiatives.
Strain Review: Murder by Death is 15-year labor of love by Michigan grower
By Kevin Nash on April 28, 2014 in Reviews
These potent buds offer relief for pain, anxiety, insomnia, glaucoma and headaches.
← Previous 1 … 4 5


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There is really no easy way to connect the dots linking the two sports Liz Seward has chosen to pursue in her life.
And the sports couldn't be more different.
When Seward, 25, graduated from Burroughs High in 2006, she was a decorated water polo player, earning first-team All-Area and all-league accolades. But after graduating from UC Irvine, she has decided to go in a completely different direction. Instead of using her talents in the pool, Seward now competes internationally in the martial art of sumo.
For nearly two weeks, Seward has been in Cali, Colombia, competing for the United States in the 2013 World Games. In the sumo competition, she took part in the women's middleweight event as well as the open division.
"My experience in water polo has definitely helped me with sumo wrestling," said Seward, who earned All-Almont League honors as a senior, scoring 38 goals. "I used to play set in polo, which is basically wrestling underwater. Also, both sports require strength, intensity, and are high impact."


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I thought that I would do Jim a favor and anyone who is interested can reply directly to him about volunteering to help out at ABLC 2017 in Washington DC -- it's a great meeting, focused on smaller companies and large in the bioproducts arena (biofuels, etc).. Please make sure that you mention Dave Jensen of Science Magazine suggested you be in touch to volunteer for this event:
Dear Dave,
Perhaps you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering at ABLC 2017 - students, postdocs, early-career professionals and those in mid-career transition have joined our volunteer team over the years to gain access to and participate in the biggest gathering of the advanced bioeconomy in the US market this year - it's a biofrenzy worth attending, for sure.
Many of our volunteers have gone on to careers in the industry - it's a great way to network and make new contacts.
Volunteers primarily help out at the registration desk and in the main conference rooms, with tasks like timekeeping or getting Q&A cards shuttled to the front, or changing out the cards on stage that identify the speakers. The rest of the time they are free to attend and participate in ABLC 2017, along with the other delegates. We provide a complimentary delegate pass and meals. We don't provide hotel or airfare.
If you are interested or know someone who might be, just click on the link below to indicate an interest, and we'll be in touch quickly with more detail.
Jim Lane
Editor & Publisher, The Digest (firstname.lastname@example.com)


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Billionaire businessman David Rockefeller dies at 101
David Rockefeller, the billionaire businessman and philanthropist who was the last in his generation of one of the country's most famously philanthropic families, died on Monday. He was 101.
Rockefeller died in his sleep at his home in suburban Pocantico Hills, New York, according to his spokesman, Fraser P Seitel. He was the youngest of six children born to John D Rockefeller Jr. and the grandson of Standard Oil co-founder John D Rockefeller.
With the passing of his siblings, he became the guardian of his family's fortune and head of a sprawling network of family interests, both business and philanthropic, that ranged from environmental conservation to the arts.
To mark his 100th birthday in 2015, Rockefeller gave 1,000 acres of land next to a national park to the state of Maine.


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Brand Label: Jane Iredale
Available for Purchase Online at Neiman Marcus for $28.00Pin It
Jane Iredale InTouch Cream Blush, 0.14 oz. DetailsGlide on this moist, cream to powder blush stick for a radiant flush that's soft, dewy and completely natural looking that is hydrating and easy to apply. Great for on-the-go touch-ups. Easy to apply stick form. Provides a radiant, lit-from-within glow. Suggested Use: Apply to apples of cheeks with fingers or Blending Brush and blend toward the temple for a radiant glow. 4.1 mL/ .14 oz.
Shop other brand label items from Jane Iredale on FashionStylist.com.
This item was published for sale online by Neiman Marcus on March 2, 2018 10:22 pm and last updated by us November 26, 2018 4:26 pm.
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Christine Tobin & Liam Noble revisit Carole King's Tapestry
- Kenny Mathieson
- 3 February 2010
Carole King's 1971 album Tapestry is one of the most successful singer-songwriter albums ever made. It stayed on the US charts for six years after its release, and has sold over 15 million copies. Almost every track is regarded as a classic, whether in their original form or in celebrated covers like Aretha Franklin's take on 'Natural Woman', King's own favourite cover version.
It has not had a great deal of attention from jazz artists over the years, but two of the UK's most original and inventive musicians, singer Christine Tobin and pianist Liam Noble, have embarked on a project to look again at the album from a jazz perspective.
In keeping with their own propensity for seeking out original avenues of exploration even when playing well established music, don't expect Tapestry Rewoven to be a literal replication of the originals.
Tobin reckons that those originals were pretty much perfect in their own right anyway. Their intention in taking on this project was not to produce 'carbon copies' of the songs, but rather 'to do something with them', and make something fresh and surprising.
London performances last summer are now followed by this tour, and a CD is in the offing. Responses so far suggest they have managed to retain the perfect pop qualities of the songs while giving them a new twist. Judge for yourselves in this first opportunity to catch the project north of the border.
The Lot, Edinburgh, Sat 13 Feb; City Halls (Recital Room), Glasgow, Sun 14 Feb


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Hello Guys,
Today VTU has released a circular about VTU Practical Exams Time Table Dec 2016 Jan 2017 Examinations, we are hoping soon it will also release the circular about final vtu exams timetable for Dec 2016 Jan 2017 theory exams, till then you can refer draft vtu timetable for vtu exams Dec 2016 Jan 2017.
In the vtu circular following points are mentioned,
- In view of the online delivery of question papers for the practical examinations in the Computer aided drawing subjects, Principals of affiliated Engineering Colleges are requested to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Schedule the practical batches with slots as given:
a. 1st slot batches for the day 8.30 am. to 11.30 am.
b. 2nd slot batches for the day 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.
c. 3rd slot batches for the day 2.30 pm. to 5.30 pm.
- Schedule the Practical examinations on the dates given below:
Schedule the Practical Examination in the subjects a) 10CH36, b)10MN36, c)10MRL48,
d)1OPM/TL36, e) 10PM/TL46, f) 10TL65 g)10TL74 and f)15MN36 between 01.12.2016 to 02.12.2016.
- Schedule the Practical Examination in the subject 10EE65 between 01.12.2016 to 04.12.2016.
- Schedule the Practical Examination in the subjects a) 10Al.IA306/406, b)10MEA306/406,
c)06MEA306/406, d) OGCED14/24, e)10CED14/24, f)14CED14/24, g) 15CED14l24 and
h)15ME36A between 01.12.2016 to10.12.2016.
for further info you can refer vtu official facebook post embedded below:
Contents of this circular may be brought to the notice of all the concerned.
for more updates and news about VTU, bookmark us and like our facebook page.
Thanks for visiting vmrworld.com VTU Practical Exams Time Table Dec 2016 Jan 2017 @ vtu.ac.in


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|Photo by Heriberto, via rgbstock.com
My husband and I have been talking about how our daughter is showing a head for math and yet, I have NO IDEA about how to sustain her interest and encourage it. I see so clearly the road ahead and all its enticements away from the STEM path, and I don't know how to keep her on it.
She is very much a girly girl but also loves to play chess, Rush Hour-type games, and I just want to make sure that we can support her interests in this kind of thinking before the tide of growing up sweeps her to other things. Her school is progressive and awesome, and I feel like she will be supported there. Curious to watch her trajectory considering her interest now and how that pans out in a decade or so.I love this question. I get really pumped, providing a fire hydrant of information. So, I'll try to keep this brief and useful!*
I've been watching girls in STEM, particularly girls in engineering, for quite some time**. Through the years, I have seen a lot on the science of girls and STEM: from cognitive studies on how people learn engineering to questions about whether biology made a difference (Thank you, Larry Summers, for opening that can of worms...). All of these are informative on the topic of girls in STEM, but as an engineer, I find myself wanting to find solutions... things to do instead of just studying the issue.
In short, I find that both girls and boys start with the same "raw ingredients" required by science, engineering, and mathematics professionals -- inclinations to investigate the world, find patterns, and use those to get what they want (solve problems) (see talk on STEM in early childhood). They differ only by the experiences (toys, challenges, guided learning) and environmental factors (supportive or hostile environment, prejudices, finances, and opportunities); they are, in a sense, engineered to go into STEM, rather than born that way.
Sorry to say, I haven't found a silver bullet for introducing and keeping girls in STEM: no one curriculum, no one type of school, no one toy. There are some half-hearted efforts (e.g. "pink-ifying" erector sets) and some really thought out ones (e.g. combining stories and tinkering as GoldieBlox does). While there isn't one solution, I have found that girls who become women in STEM have traveled a number of different and interesting paths.
While I can't endorse one product that will fit all girls, I can suggest guidelines that activate positive conditions:
- ENVIRONMENT MATTERS: Picking the right school for your girl does matter. Kudos to parents who take the time to find a good fit. Some find that girl-inclusive is good enough, an environment where teachers don't fall into the subconscious habits outlined in the classic study, Shortchanging Our Girls. Others find that girl-only may be the best for their girl, where girls do not fall into the habits of waiting to be invited or defer to the vocally eager boys.
- WHAT IS TAUGHT MATTERS: For better or for worse, a lot of girls come into school with more head and heart rather than hand experiences. In the "old days" girls may have actually had more hand skills that gave them a base for STEM knowledge, even though they were stereotypical: cooking, cleaning, sewing, crafting. But these hand activities still developed the needed skills for STEM. In other words, your girl doing "girly" activities isn't necessarily a detriment (see "Women Art" and Engineering). Today, with a largely virtual and microwave world, these basic experiences in chemistry, manufacturing, and material technologies are lost. If you, your school, or the out-of-school activities she does can help her develop other skills like programming, tools, electronics, and construction, all the better. Good toys, teachers, and parents provide opportunities to learn the basic traits needed for STEM (I call them "the 8 traits" in Engineering for the Uninitiated).
- HANDLING FAILURE MATTERS: Too many times girls find their sense of confidence from getting answers right the first time; to fail is disastrous for their belief in future success. But failure is inevitable when one approaches anything new or challenging, so while it's good for you to be there to pick her up when she stumbles and give her encouragement, don't overprotect her. I have chided friends who anticipate future difficulties by telling their girls who bring home A's in math, "You don't have to get an A every time." STEM, like other professions, has its challenges, and the ability to learn from failure is an important skill no matter what she will do. Action is important, too. Girls try to avoid failure by planning too long. But if the challenge is in a new area, the faster action needs to happen to learn more. I like to say "fail early, fail often so you can learn faster" (see Failure, healthier than you thought).
- SUCCESS WILL LOOK DIFFERENT: Too many times, people assume that if a girl is "hooked" she will be obsessed (as young boys often are) with STEM, doing kits, blowing up things... living and breathing that one passion. Statistically, this won't be the case and you may miss the positive impact you may have made (see One Small Step). Instead, look for the activities she tries to engage you or friends in, games she likes to play, projects she finds interesting. Realize this is an indication of her growing passion.
- STEM AND... MUST BE ADDRESSED: This is related to Guideline 4. Don't create an ultimatum where your girl must choose between STEM or some other interest such as sports, dance, art, music, or friends (see It's My Thing: A New Approach to Girls and STEM).Girls statistically are interest gatherers (not interest-hunters), sampling and trying things out early until they weed out a few and develop them. Work with her to find ways that she can pursue her multiple interests -- even into college. I can't tell you how many women I know take courses in a broad range of areas for fun. It is this diversity of interest that will let them see how each complements the other; it also may be where their unique contributions to STEM may come.
Blog post series:
- The Curious Case of Girls in STEM: Guidelines to keep your girl in STEM
- Guideline #5: STEM and...
- Guideline #4: STEM Success Will Look Different in Girls
- Guideline #3: Handling Failure
- Guideline #2: What Is Taught Matters
- Guideline #1: Create a Fertile Environment
*Other resources can be found at Engineer's Playground > Resources > Educational Issues and > Fun Stuff
**Following girls in STEM started early when I read biographies of women scientists. Lifestyle considerations became more concrete when when my mother put "The Leaky Pipeline" report in my hands as I graduated from high school in the late 80's. My own experiences as a woman engineering led me to compiling what may be the first "reflection" book by women in engineering (She's an Engineer? Princeton Alumnae Reflect), all of which informed the decade of my time at St. Catherine University advising engineering and computer students and being an all-purpose contact for NSF STEM scholars.
Want to learn more about girls in STEM or STEM in general? Check out the professional development and consulting packages at Engineer's Playground or contact Yvonne to discuss your unique situation.


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Posts Tagged 'am'
Oscar Meza "Cell Phone Raid"
Broken bones, the homies and 100% pure skateboarding. Find out what makes Oscar tick on this edition of the "Cell Phone Raid."
The Tampa Am Experience
Alec Majerus "Cell Phone Raid"
Get to know Alec by taking a look at some of the cell pics that were bouncing around his phone and check his Welcome Video.
B/S lip Photo: Hammeke
More Blood…
Hailing from freezing Minnesota, Alec Majerus brings the heat as Flip's newest am.
Big thanks to Warpaint and Rough Trade Records for the music.
Photo courtesy of Joe Hammeke.
Matt Berger "AM ON RYE" Interview
CCS caught up with Matt to talk about how he landed a spot on the team, the Canadian skate scene, upcoming plans and a bit more. Click Here to read the interview and stay tuned for more AM ON RYE's with the Flip crew…
Ben Nordberg "12 Pack"
The Prince of Pinnacle and Bath, England's most stylish export, Ben Nordberg, came to our park to crush a 12 Pack. It's only right he wanted to apply his lip trickery to our rugged pool coping. He came out looking proper, but what's new?
New x Flip x Am
Matt Berger. Just turned 18, but skates (and shaves) like a Man-Beast!
Big thanks to the Static Jacks and Fearless Records.
Photo courtesy of Jay Delaney
Ben Nordberg CCS "Cell Phone Raid"
For his CCS "Cell Phone Raid" Ben came through with some solid pics from deep within that memory chip of his mobile device. Sip that morning mug and get a glimpse into the amateur lifestyle of Ben Nordberg.


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#1 -->
feul cells
الأخوه الأعزاء
لدي بحث عن خلايا الوقود فهل ممكن الحصول علي المساعده.............
#2 -->
› Introduction to How Fuel Cells Work
Photo courtesy Ballard Power Systems
A prototype fuel-cell car
You may have heard a lot recently about fuel cells. According to many news reports, we may soon be using the new energy-saving technology to generate electrical power for our homes and cars. The technology is extremely interesting to people in all walks of life because it offers a means of making power more efficiently and with less pollution. But how does it do this?
In this article, we'll take a quick look at each of the existing or emerging fuel-cell technologies. We'll detail how one of the most promising technologies works, and we'll discuss the potential applications of fuel cells.
What is a Fuel Cell?
If you want to be technical about it, a fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device. A fuel cell converts the chemicals hydrogen and oxygen into water, and in the process it produces electricity.
The other electrochemical device that we are all familiar with is the battery. A battery has all of its chemicals stored inside, and it converts those chemicals into electricity too. This means that a battery eventually "goes dead" and you either throw it away or recharge it.
With a fuel cell, chemicals constantly flow into the cell so it never goes dead -- as long as there is a flow of chemicals into the cell, the electricity flows out of the cell. Most fuel cells in use today use hydrogen and oxygen as the chemicals.
The fuel cell will compete with many other types of energy conversion devices, including the gas turbine in your city's power plant, the gasoline engine in your car and the battery in your laptop. Combustion engines like the turbine and the gasoline engine burn fuels and use the pressure created by the expansion of the gases to do mechanical work. Batteries converted chemical energy back into electrical energy when needed. Fuel cells should do both tasks more efficiently.
A fuel cell provides a DC (direct current) voltage that can be used to power motors, lights or any number of electrical appliances.
There are several different types of fuel cells, each using a different chemistry. Fuel cells are usually classified by the type of electrolyte they use. Some types of fuel cells work well for use in stationary power generation plants. Others may be useful for small portable applications or for powering cars.
The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is one of the most promising technologies. This is the type of fuel cell that will end up powering cars, buses and maybe even your house. Let's take a look at how they work...
#3 -->
Proton Exchange Membrane
The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) uses one of the simplest reactions of any fuel cell. First, let's take a look at what's in a PEM fuel cell:
Figure 1. The parts of a PEM fuel cell
In Figure 1 you can see there are four basic elements of a PEMFC:
The anode, the negative post of the fuel cell, has several jobs. It conducts the electrons that are freed from the hydrogen molecules so that they can be used in an external circuit. It has channels etched into it that disperse the hydrogen gas equally over the surface of the catalyst.
The cathode, the positive post of the fuel cell, has channels etched into it that distribute the oxygen to the surface of the catalyst. It also conducts the electrons back from the external circuit to the catalyst, where they can recombine with the hydrogen ions and oxygen to form water.
The electrolyte is the proton exchange membrane. This specially treated material, which looks something like ordinary kitchen plastic wrap, only conducts positively charged ions. The membrane blocks electrons.
The catalyst is a special material that facilitates the reaction of oxygen and hydrogen. It is usually made of platinum powder very thinly coated onto carbon paper or cloth. The catalyst is rough and porous so that the maximum surface area of the platinum can be exposed to the hydrogen or oxygen. The platinum-coated side of the catalyst faces the PEM.
#5 -->
Table of Contents:
› Introduction to How Fuel Cells Work
› What is a Fuel Cell?
› Proton Exchange Membrane
› Problems with Fuel Cells
› Efficiency of Fuel Cells
› Gasoline and Battery Power
› Surprised?
› Other Types of Fuel Cells
› Automobiles
› Portable Power
› Buses
› Home Power Generation
› Large Power Generation
› Lots More Information
› Shop or Compare Prices
#6 -->
الف الف شكر أخي العزيز علي تعاونك هذا وإنشاء الله يقدرني الله أرد لك هذا الجميل
|زوار هذا الموضوع الآن : 1 (0 عضو و 1 ضيف)
|أدوات الموضوع


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|Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York
New Initiative to Aid Local Governments in Managing Growing Waste Problem
A new partnership to assist local communities in managing ever-increasing amounts of waste — and the growing presence of chemicals and hazardous and toxic elements in the general waste stream — was launched today at the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development.
The new Partnership, the International Partnership for Expanding Waste Management Services of Local Authorities (IPLA), aims to help bring together local authorities and the private sector to develop public-private partnerships to tackle the waste problem and to create a conducive investment climate for expanding waste management services of local and municipal authorities. The Partnership will be hosted by Bangkok-based Asian Institute of Technology.
Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, said the provision of quality waste management services is critically important in achieving environmentally sound and sustainable development in all countries. "[The Department] supports this new and unique partnership which will not only be a catalyst to foster multi-stakeholder partnerships in expanding waste management services of local authorities, but also for a better and healthy life for people in developing countries."
Managing waste has emerged as one of the biggest challenges facing cities and urban areas. The complexity and daunting nature of waste management challenges has prompted a more extensive collaboration among the different stakeholders — Governments, civil society, private sector, local communities, and the United Nations system. Governments and public utilities, which face enormous resource challenges in providing quality public services, are increasingly looking towards collaborating with the private sector for help to deliver their public service mandate.
The United Nations estimates that more than half of the world's population already live in urban areas, and it is expected that by 2050, three quarters of the total world population will be city dwellers, with almost all the growth occurring in the developing world. At the same time, urbanization is a major driver of climate change, a major international concern for modern society, and climate change will also have a significant and compounding impact on urban environments, adding a dangerous feedback loop to growing urban stresses and issues.
Cities often spend between 5 to 15 per cent of their total budget on solid waste management, according to new data collected for United Nations Human Settlements Programme's (UN-HABITAT) 2010 book Solid Waste Management in the World's Cities. In low-income countries, 90 per cent or more of that budget is spent on waste collection alone, while only 45 to 60 per cent of the waste is actually collected.
"Providing waste collection to all people, while raising the environmental standards of waste disposal, is a major challenge for municipalities," said Joan Clos, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, which has offered to serve as the Regional Secretariat of IPLA for three developing regions — Africa, Asia and Latin America. "Public-private partnerships could create win-win solutions both for the public utilities and private sector — if duly supported by appropriate policy frameworks."
While conventional waste streams already pose a considerable challenge to local authorities and municipalities in developing countries, they also have to contend with the rapid increase in the consumption of a wide range of electronic goods, adding another critical dimension to the existing problem. Wastes from electrical and electronic products (e-waste) and goods containing new and complex hazardous substances have become a serious health and environment issue worldwide and pose the fastest growing challenge for both developed and developing countries.
"The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is pleased to host the Global Secretariat of IPLA," said Prof. Said Irandoust, President of the Institute. "AIT will, through active collaboration with IPLA partners, foster bridges between policy and practice across the local authorities of the world and build their capacities towards integrated solid waste management and the application of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle). AIT hopes that IPLA will lead to paradigm shifts in local level actions to address wastes as resources and move towards a resource efficient and zero waste society.
The Commission on Sustainable Development is presently meeting in New York to recommend concrete actions towards sustainable waste management. The Partnership will also contribute to the preparatory process leading to the Rio+20 Summit in 2012.
Membership in the IPLA partnership is open to all interested entities that align with its mission in expanding waste management related services of local authorities.
A list of partner organizations that have joined IPLA (as of 12 May 2011) can be found at: www.uncrd.or.jp.
For more information on IPLA, please contact: Dan Shepard, United Nations Department of Public Information at tel.: +1 212 963 9495, e-mail: email@example.com; Prof. C. Viswanathan, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand, at tel.: +66 2 524 5640, e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com; or Choudhury Rudra Charan Mohanty, United Nations Centre for Regional Development, Nagoya, Japan, at tel.: +81 52 561 9417, e-mail: email@example.com
* *** *


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There is this beetle on the wall
and it's going to give me a sleepless tonight.
I'm certain it is not a lady
with black polka dots and red
(else I would've nothing to fear)
but a corrosive hardened green which creeps me out
and when it creeps on my wrist
I will be washing my hands in the sink
To ward off the fear and stink
And the rest of the night
it's going to be a Boogeyman under my bed.
I just can't get out this thought out of my head.
You beetle, who makes me sweat in the damp night
I'll find you and I'll step on you
And I'll be strong again.


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Kathy Martin has been making quilts for 17 years and long-arm quilting for 15 years. I love what I'm doing and am extremely excited about my new location at Broadway Quilts. All of my quilting is customized for your quilt and I strive to quilt every quilt as an heirloom.
Jessica Fitzhugh, my daughter, has been quilting for over four years and is excellent at all-over patterns, such as meander, leaves, swirls & flowers. Sometimes simpler quilting on a quick baby quilt, shower gift, etc. is all that is needed.
The cost is $30 per square yard, plus batting. This includes your choice of thread. You select your batting. I have 80/20 black & white, all cotton, wool, silk & and poly down batting. I love to hear your ideas for quilting your quilt. Extremely intricate patterns may be slightly higher.
There are no hidden charges, no set up fees, and no charge for thread. There is an extra charge for RUSH jobs.
Contact Kathy directly at 707.938.7319 to arrange an appointment, or you may drop off and pick up your quilts at the store during regular business hours.