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Don't leave kids, pets in a hot car
Did you know the surface of the sun is 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit? The center of the sun is 27,000,000 million degrees Fahrenheit. That is pretty hot.
OK, let's move away from the sun and toward our planet. Mercury is 800 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and Venus is approximately 860 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt lead if you could stand on the surface.
Now, stay with me: That brings us to Earth. Earth's average temperature, remember average temperature, is 61 degrees. Not so bad right? However, there is a place that can feel like the center of the sun — your car.
Did you know that the interior of your car is probably the hottest place most people will visit in their lifetime (unless you are into saunas). The average temperature inside your car can increase within the first 10 minutes anywhere from 10 to 20 degrees. Over 30 minutes, the temperature increases by an average of over one degree per minute. If you park and go inside a store for 30 minutes on a 90 degree day, your car will be over 120 degrees when you return to it. After an hour, the vehicle will be 43 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.
The reason a car gets hotter than the air around it and a house or office is because it's a greenhouse on wheels. The glass allows sunlight to pass through freely. Once inside the vehicle, much of the light is absorbed by the interior and turned into heat. Heat does not easily pass back through the glass. One last thing: Temperatures in a vehicle can get dangerously hot even on cool days.
Why do I tell you all this about temperatures, planets and greenhouse effects? Simple: It is never a good idea to leave your child or pet in a vehicle when "running into a store." It is just not safe for the child or pet. I know, "I'll crack the window," right? Although this would allow some air inside the vehicle, researchers have found that the vehicle still heats faster than it cools. The temperature will still rise to a dangerous level given enough time.
If you see an animal or person left in the vehicle, gather information: Note the make and model, and write down the license plate of the vehicle. Contact the police and monitor the vehicle. Do not confront anyone yourself, let the police talk with the individual: You want to be safe as well. There are a lot of hot places in the universe, the inside of your car can be one as well.
If you have questions or comments, email them to firstname.lastname@example.com, or mail them to Ask A Trooper, Michigan State Police Brighton Post, 4337 Buno Road, Brighton, MI 48116.


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For Laurice Rahme, the founder of Bond No. 9, a new development project for New York City means a new fragrance for her brand.
"When I see there's a whole new neighborhood in New York that's going to be built, I want it," said Rahme, whose upcoming spring scent is based on the Hudson Yards development, to be constructed by 2018 atop Long Island Railroad, New Jersey Transit and Amtrak tracks between 30th and 34th Streets. "And if it's a neighborhood with green [space] and a park and the water, I really want it."
Inspired by the upcoming $1.5 billion project, Rahme's 59th scent, which launches April 1, is meant as a study in modernity and nature, both elements incorporated in the Hudson Yards design. Spanning 28 acres, the more than 17 million-square-foot space on the West Side will house more than 100 shops, about 5,000 residential units, a school, a movie theater, restaurants, a 150-room hotel, 12 "super towers" and a public square. The square, designed by green-minded landscape architect Thomas Woltz, will be filled with artfully placed gardens, flowers, fountains and open-air space for art exhibitions and events.
"When you do a neighborhood that doesn't exist yet, it's so exciting," said Rahme, adding that companies like Coach Inc. and L'Oréal USA have signed on to move to a Hudson Yards building. "This is the new fashion center in New York. It is the future of the city."
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The resulting "watery" scent, created by Givaudan's Aurélien Guichard, is meant to be at once futuristic and natural. Housed in a "near-neon" chartreuse laser-etched bottle, top notes include lily of the valley, freesia and pink peppercorns, while the heart is a blend of peony buds, Bulgarian rose and lychee, set atop a base of orange flower, iris absolute and white musk. A large fabric bloom, also a removable fashion accessory, adorns the bottle. "It's a fashion piece," said Rahme. "It's oversize, pretty daring, it's supermodern, like the project itself."
With her finger on the pulse of New York City Department of Parks & Recreation's comings and goings, Rahme is a virtual trademarking machine, a trait that has allowed her to launch Bond No. 9 scents such as Bryant Park, Union Square, Wall Street and Chinatown, which pay homage to the city behind her brand.
"People ask me: What am I going to do next? Am I running out of projects? I won't because New York City is always onto the next project, the next renovation to make the city attractive," said Rahme.
Although the company would not share financials, industry sources estimate the $285 scent, which will be sold through about 2,000 global department store doors, 100 of which will be in the U.S., could generate $5 million in its first year at retail.

subset: commoncrawl


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1. Extended Coverage Area
Located in the heart of Seoul, ARIRANG extends its coverage
as far as the greater Seoul Capital Area, which is the metropolitan area of SEOUL, INCHEON and GYEONGGI-DO.
The SCA has a population of 25.7 million (as of 2017) and is ranked as the fifth largest metropolitan area in the world. About 60% of expats live in these areas.
2. Co-Brokerage
Co-Brokerage is a way of business in which a broker participates in facilitating a real estate transaction with another broker who listed the property.
To Work Solely on Behalf of YOU
to Protect YOUR Best Interests
CO-BROKERAGE makes it possible:
To Expand Our Coverage
To Find a Better Property Faster


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The 2020 Lincoln Navigator Gets All Monochrome-y with New Package
The 'Gator also gets a phone-as-key feature, among other new tech.
Lincoln has embraced fashion trends and announced a Monochromatic Package for the 2020 Navigator. Available only on the Navigator Reserve, the Monochromatic goods are available in three colors: Pristine White, Ceramic Pearl, and Infinite Black. Chic colorways aren't the only updates to expect on the 2020 'Gator, because the SUV now comes standard with the phone-as-key feature that first debuted on the smaller 2020 Aviator. Power running boards, heated and ventilated front seats, and a wireless charging pad are now standard, too.
Perhaps the most significant addition to the 2020 Navigator's standard equipment list is the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 group of driver-assistance technologies. It includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert that also covers the trailer you're towing, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and a rearview camera with its own dedicated washer system.
Read More
The Navigator Black Label Is the Ultimate Brash SUV
All-New Lincoln Navigator Reserve Driven!
Here's How Much the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Will Cost
If you're looking to buy a 2020 Lincoln Navigator with the Monochromatic pack, you'll have to wait a bit because the SUV won't be in dealerships until November.


text: The apostle Paul who we follow, knew this in a way probably not to be excelled. But we can follow. Questions remain. Are tongues even for today or did God remove such. Has He taken it out of the scriptures. Has He told anyone to disregard tongues. Have we been taught they are not for today? Are they for today? Why do we disregard the testimony of millions of Christ's believers that they have spoken in tongues and do still speak in tongues? Do we think they are all liars? Do our Pastors really believe the New Testament teaching in entirety? Have they cut verses out of their Bibles? #Christian #BibleStudy #IreneBonneyFaulkes #Truth #wordofgod #HolySpirit #Quotes


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Anyone who has flown in Economy for more than 3 hours can attest that airplane seats are not made for comfort. That's why it is important to make yourself as comfortable as possible on a long flight by following a few tricks. I have flown all over the world and have found ways to make long flights bearable and even pleasant.
1. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Regardless if it's a short or long flight, our bodies tend to swell from sitting too long and the last thing you want is for your circulation to get cut off due to ill-fitting clothing or shoes. I don't subscribe to the pajama look but recommend fabrics that stretch and items that do not have tight waistbands. Select bras without underwire, underwear that fits loose, go for socks instead of pantyhose, choose semi flat shoes that you can quickly slip in and out from. I also highly recommend layering. If you have had to ever run through a terminal in a wool sweater or got stuck for over an hour sitting on a runway, you might know why I recommend layering. Layering allows you to stay warm when needed or to shed unneeded clothing when it gets too toasty.
2. Drink Lots of Water
Hydration cannot be emphasized enough. Stay away from caffeinated drinks and alcohol. They will dehydrate you more and if you have to have them then choose to drink those beverages when you know you are only an hour away from your destination.
3. Hydrate your Skin
The air in a plane leaves a lot to be desired. I swear either it feels to dry or the vents are blowing ice cold air. Use a good moisturizing cream and lip balm and your skin and lips will thank you.
4. Bring a Healthy Snack
I pack trail mix and something like a Chia bar. Many flights charge for snacks and the selection is often anything, but healthy. Pack something healthy for when you need to recharge. Don't wait until your blood sugar drops, a healthy snack can do wonders.
5. Entertainment
I used to bring a good book along, but ever since I can download audiobooks, I have opted to listen to a story instead of carrying around a heavy book. Download your favorite book, music and even movie ahead of your flight.
6. Bring an Inflatable Pillow
I swear by inflatable pillows and do not leave home without mine. Find one that is soft, memory foam works better than the ones you have to blow up. A soft neck support just makes the seat feel more comfortable and if you fall asleep nicely supports your head without giving you a neck strain.
7. Bring a Sleeping Mask
A comfortable sleeping mask is great for sleeping without interruption. Lights turn on and off and some people just don't realize how loud they are. Select an eyemask that fully covers your eyes and fits nicely over your nose. I use the Contoured Sleep Mask by Dream Essentials.
8. Pack Earplugs or a Noise Cancellation Headset
Earplugs work well, Noise Cancellation Headsets work even better. Bose still makes the best Noise Cancellation Headsets on the market. They take away the drone of the engine, chatty passengers, and crying babies. If you forgot to pack the headset then always keep well fitting earplugs with your pillow. This way you can at least dampen the unwanted noise.
9. Get a Foot Rest
I have been looking high and low for something where I can rest my foot on and finally found this footrest made by available via Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FPDRMR6
A footrest improves leg circulation during longer flights. When choosing a footrest look for one, where you can adjust the strap. The strap needs to attach easily to your tray tablet and come down enough so that your feet have ample room to hang in the hammock. Your footrest should not be too bukly and easily stored. Thist footrest has an adjustable strap from 17" to 32" and is made of breathable fabric that easily folds up and can be stored in its own carrying pouch that can be attached to your luggage. I suffer from back pain and can't wait to use the footrest on my next flight.
* This is a sponsored post in exchange for trying out and reviewing the Pravette Travel Footrest. All opinions are my own.


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Suffering is Tough, But We Are Too!
You can make the right choices and do the right things and still walk into a season of suffering. Why is that? Because suffering comes as surely as the high-tide of the ocean.
"Suffering is the common thread in all our garments," Charles Swindoll says.
Every person faces it. So what do we do? We may not be able to completely resolve the hardship we face in this life. And maybe we are not supposed to! We may not have all the answers as to "why" we go through what we do, but we can find hope in what the disciples wrote in response to their suffering.
The first disciples of Jesus did not have it easy.
They faced opposition from religious and political institutions. Their suffering was not merited by immoral or wrong decisions. And yet, they chose to have a resilient attitude toward their suffering.
In Acts 5:41, Luke records something shocking. After being beaten and flogged for no other reason than preaching the gospel of Jesus and doing good toward others, Peter and John leave "rejoicing."
"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." Acts 5:41
How can this be? What did Peter and the others see in suffering that we are missing? Peter's first letter has some insights that help make sense of this seemingly unfathomable response.
Here are some truths about suffering Peter wants us to know:
1) Suffering is not arbitrary since it produces greater faith.
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9
Let's be honest. Peter is the kind of guy that we probably would have an issue with since he seems to make light of such heavy issues! He treats suffering as something so insurmountable in comparison to the glorious thing God is doing in us through it. But maybe this is what Paul saw, too, when he wrote about how our "present sufferings" are not comparable to the future glory that awaits us (Romans 8:18).
Peter is not denying reality. He is pointing us to the greater reality of what the crucible of trials does to refine our faith.
Diamonds, among the most precious things, are made through a process of intense exposure to heat and pressure. The beauty of the stone and its purity cannot exist without this. Perhaps Peter was getting us to see that we are diamonds in the making. Our faith, which is "of greater worth than gold" (1 Peter 1:7), can wield suffering as its tool for refinement.
2) Suffering is tough, but we are too.
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 1 Peter 4:12-16
Historically speaking, the "fiery ordeal" Peter is referring to is when Christians in the latter part of the first century would be tied to stakes and burned alive to serve as candles at Emperor Nero's dinner parties. While that is disturbing to think about, we can turn our attention toward their courage. Their "faith" was not something that was fickle or contingent on favorable circumstances. They knew that their "living hope" would lead them into God's kingdom even if that meant marching through death (1 Peter 1:3-5).
If the early Christians could have indestructible courage to face their hardships, so can we.
We are never left alone to walk through the fire. The Holy Spirit is our ever-present help and companion through all that we endure.
3) Suffering is temporary, and relief is coming.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13
God, not suffering, has the final word. And the final word has not been spoken yet.
Suffering has an expiration date. Relief comes in waves in this life, but relief will have a climactic day when there is a new world ruled by righteousness. God holds our hearts steadfast until that great day. Therefore, we hang on in hope. And our faith grows as resilient as a diamond along the way!


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Acquisitions are a very common part of the business landscape. Some work out well, others not as well. Predicting which will be which is more of an art than a science. But you can (and should) use hard data to at least determine what is your downside risk as an investor in the case the deal goes south.
On Calcbench, we do this using our newest feature…fully interactive disclosures that link each number in the text with its corresponding detailed XBRL info. The power of this is it allows us to trace any of our standardized metrics back to its source text in the 'paper document'.
We'll start by going to our Interactive Footnote Viewer (https://www.calcbench.com/footnote/) and pick a list of companies to look at: the S&P 500 for example.
Next, choose the topic we're interested in: business combinations. In particular, we'll look at the goodwill 'created' when companies buy other companies. (Goodwill in accounting terms is the amount paid for a company above and beyond the actual assets of that company). There is goodwill resulting from most every acquisition. However, large goodwill numbers can be a red flag, because they may lead to large write-downs if the acquisition doesn't work out as hoped. (Potential example here pertaining to Microsoft's purchase of Nokia)
Choose the metric using our explorer:
Now, let's go through the S&P 500 and see what we can find. Choose the "Portion of Purchase Price Allocated to Goodwill" metric, and our list will come up.
Aha! Without going very far at all, here's a case where goodwill is over $1 billion, and over 50% of the purchase price. Now it is up to the analyst to decide if this is a risk or not. But it is certainly something to consider in analyzing this company. If this acquisition does end up falling short of expectations, you can expect some of this goodwill to disappear, which will take earnings down with it.
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Erin Burnett To Anchor "Weekday General News Program" For CNN
She will also be taking on (soon to be) former colleague Steve Liesman in his own den as a "senior economics correspondent."
CNN said Friday that it has hired CNBC's Erin Burnett to serve as an anchor and chief business and economics correspondent. Burnett will anchor a weekday general news program, as well as contribute to CNN's coverage of national and international breaking news, out of the cable network's New York headquarters. She starts in June.
Erin is the kind of all-star player that knows how to connect-the-dots and translate events into relevant information for viewers," CNN Worldwide President Jim Walton said in a statement..."I cannot wait to launch our new show: Tackling serious issues and telling great stories," said Burnett. "The experience I gained at CNBC and NBC News will be invaluable as I expand my focus. I began my journalism career at CNN, so this is like coming home for me."
Now that this thing is official, you might consider sending EB a parting gift as thanks for keeping you company every day; a personal chef and/or a couple of world class vacations would be perfection.


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Some unprecedented scenes were witnessed at Delhi's Ferozeshah Kotla on the second day of the third and final Test on Sunday as several protesting Sri Lankans players wore facemasks as smog engulfed the city. In all, three Sri Lankan players vomited due to breathlessness, said Sri Lanka team coach Nic Pothas after the day's play. A total of 21 minutes of play was lost due to the weather conditions.
The Sri Lankans, trailing 0-1 in the series, didn't want to continue as pacer Lahiru Gamage appeared to be vomiting in the middle of an over while Virat Kohli was batting at 240. At that stage, India were in the driver's seat with their first-innings total reading 519 for five wickets in the 123rd over. Kohli, batting along with R Ashwin, was keen to continue and as a mark of protect lied down on the field with his pads on even as the umpires confabulate with ICC match referee David Boon of Australia, and later with the two teams' coaches.
The play was stopped twice due to smog, besides the time consumed by medical treatment on players. When the play stopped for the second time, again due to smog, India were 527 for seven – Kohli had got out for his career-best 243 – and Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra Jadeja were at the crease. At this stage, India team coach Ravi Shastri walked out in the middle to talk to umpires Nigel Llong and Joel Wilson. However, quite surprisingly Boon didn't come out on to the field to take a final decision on the prevailing situation. Maybe, he conveyed his thoughts to the on-field umpires on the walkie-talkie.
And when the third time the Sri Lankan players protested the smog, Nic Pothas waked out in the middle. But even as the Pothas and the umpires were engaged in a discussion, Kohli declared the innings closed at 536 for seven. He looked a bit angry as he repeatedly gestured that India will now bowl. Captains usually don't signal the bowling sign as it is understood that after an innings declaration, the team would bowl. But Kohli looked a bit annoyed at the Sri Lankan protests and his repeated gesture to bowl in the same conditions may have been due to anger and maybe to prove a point. Ironically, when the declaration came the sun was trying to peep out of the haze.
And, lo and behold, when India bowled, pacer Mohammed Shami dismissed Sri Lankan opener Dimuth Karunaratne with the very first delivery of the innings -- a beauty of a ball that moved a shade to kiss the bat on way to the wicket-keeper. Kohli was ecstatic and gestured towards the Sri Lankan dressing room as if to say "see, we can play and take wickets under the same conditions". Then, pacer Ishant Sharma dismissed No.3 Dhananjaya de Silva to make it 14 for two. Eventually, Sri Lanka finished the day at 131 for three and have their backs against the wall. The visitors now have three more days to save this Test and avoid a 0-2 defeat.
After the play, while India bowling coach Bharat Arun and Nic Pothas tried to justify their players' stands due to the smog – an issue that rages in Delhi every winter. Last month, Delhi government even closed the schools for a few days due to heavy smog.


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Ecommerce Order Fulfillment Guide: Process And Strategy To Improve
Efex · 2022-04-04
Especially when you want to expand your company scale, many problems come with it, and one is eCommerce order fulfillment. Before you can master your online business, you need to comprehend what order fulfillment is, and how an eCommerce order fulfillment process works. Besides, you should also know about the strategy and challenges of eCommerce …. View detail https://blog.efex.asia/ecommerce-order-fulfillment-guide/
Efex provides the latest news and sheds light on secrets about the warehouse, order fulfillment, and express in the cross border e commerce business
- Número de episodios: 270
- Último episodio: 2022-08-01


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The Empower@scale project aims to contribute to gender equality and sustainable livelihoods for rural women, men and youth who live in poverty and in marginalised situations. Empower@scale promotes the use of "Household Methodologies" (HHM) in development projects to position them as the drivers of their own development and promote gender equality starting from within the household.
Oxfam, Hivos and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) join hands through the Empower@scale project to increase knowledge, skills and expertise among local, national, regional and global stakeholders to support, implement and upscale HHM in projects and programs. Empower@scale focuses primarily on the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) because of its comprehensiveness and track record within the Empower@scale Consortium (Oxfam, Hivos and partners). From 2018-2022 the Empower@scale project focuses on:
- Developing "Empowerment Learning Communities" (ELCs) in Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria as living examples of change and sources of knowledge and experience to learn from practice;
- Linking those who design and implement projects with communities, groups and individuals who have real life experience with HHM through two Regional Hubs in Eastern and Western Africa;
- Connecting expertise and experience with HHM around the world through a Global Platform;
- Tailoring HHM approaches for easier integration into projects.
This is based on the understanding that GALS is best learned from "champions": people in communities who use it for their own empowerment process, and through guided practice and reflection. The Empower@scale platform supports participants, facilitators, experts and supporters of development projects to integrate HHM in project design and implementation.


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Deadline: 30th September 2020
AKE DIKHEA? Festival of Romani Film announces the call for Doc Project Lab, an exclusive mentoring workshop. We are looking for 3 filmmakers or film teams with a strong creative documentary project in any stage of production (from development to rough cut) who are seeking further support to develop their film with leading experts.
Application requirements:
We are first and foremost looking for documentary films that critically reflect upon the reality of discrimination of Romani people in the world. Directors or producers with a Romani background will be preferred. We also accept applications from filmmakers with other backgrounds telling stories about other marginalized groups from an intersectional, anti-racist, queer and/or feminist perspective.
The mentoring workshop:
The program of Doc Project Lab features a mentoring session on the 21st November 2020 in Berlin with the following experts:
- Andrea Kuhn (Festival Director, Nuremberg International Human Rights Film Festival)
- Miriam Carbe (Commissioning Editor, ZDF/Arte)
- Alex Tondowski (Producer, Tondowski Films)
You will present your project with your trailer and pitch in a non-public presentation and get tailored feedback and advice (e.g. on your story, trailer, pitch, financing, PR, marketing, post-production, legal, film festival or distribution strategy). Each project will get a 30-minute session with all of our experts.
In order to apply, please fill out the form here!
- Submission deadline: 30th September 2020
- Announcements of the results: 15th October 2020
Requirements and costs
In order to be able to take part in the Doc Project Lab, knowledge of English language is necessary. The workshop is free of charge for participants. We will also cover the travel costs up to 150 Euro and we will provide accommodation for one night for one project member (director or producer).
Measures against Corona
The Doc Project Lab will take place according to the local policies in effect in Berlin during the festival. In case of a lockdown, we will offer the mentoring workshop to the selected participants via Zoom.
If you have any questions regarding the application please write us at email@example.com
Looking forward to your stunning applications! Good luck!
AKE DIKHEA? Festival of Romani Film
Canan Turan
Events & Guest Management
Email: email@example.com
Mobile: +49-1771564118
PDF version can be downloaded here.


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How to start my new live stream?
The live gaming stream has turned out to be a broadly profitable niche amongst the new generation. The audience loves to watch the gamers playing in front of them, and enjoy the humor and the skills these professionals expose. The trend has become so prevalent that in several cases, even the people who got no gaming experience, adore watching the live gaming streams just for fun. All in all, the future has something really huge for those who are indulged in the field.
Streamers like Ninja and Shroud have millions of followers and channel views on the gaming platforms like Twitch. And if you too are dreaming about creating some name and fame for yourself in the gaming world, be it any like, Twitch, YouTube or Mixer, you are at the right place.
Stay tuned with this article to know the best tips to start your new live stream. #4 is awesome!
So without further due, here are some of the very basic tips:
1. Embrace the right tools
When it is about live game stream, people usually only follow the channels that maintain good video quality. No matter how exceptional you play, if you are not having the proper setup and screen-tools, you will slump.
Always, if you are thinking about starting your new live stream, be equipped with the list of the screen tools and the proper hardware.
2. Check for the sound
Every business begins with an investment, and so does the live gaming stream. To get popular and known, you need to make clear communication without any buzzing sound. And for that purpose, you will need to buy a standard quality microphone that will make the communication process smoother.
So, hello, hello, am I clear now! LOL
3. Keep up with the trends
A fundamental tip is that you must know the ongoing trends before starting your live stream. Although some of you may want to play old and less popular games, the world supports the latest trends. So, you need to grab your information and skills on the latest most hyped games on-trend and play them like a pro to keep your ship sailing.
4. On-screen elements are the key
The audience favors streams that not just assume in showing the live game but also considers to involve a lot of texts, memes and captions to keep them engaged. And don't forget to add your face with a webcam, reactions are important. Humor is everything, right?! So, you need to come up with some compelling and unique text ideas, the humor words, that will make your audience admire your content. Eventually, that will lead to your fame!
Consider upgrading your stream visuals with some cool, modern, trendy designs for overlays, transitions, panels, etc. Check out Nerd or Die for some awesome content packages and deals!
5. Play it cool on the conversation
Now, it can be a bit challenging to play and talk entertaining stuff at the same time, but you have to do it with practice. You have to keep up the conversation to let your audience know that you are living the game. Just try to talk and make it like you are sharing your life experiences in the game with them. And, always remember to thank new subscribers onscreen to create a warm and friendly reputation.
Wrapping up
Your new live stream should be all about fun and humor. If you have any of your role models, try to catch up on what all they do to get their channel running. Besides, again, you should always consider buying high-quality products when its about webcam and mic. Don't compromise, as it is the backbone!


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My Taxes, My Personal Almanac
My Taxes, My Personal Almanac
Tax accountant Jack Willow teaches his clients that taxes aren't just about money. For one woman in particular, taxes are about life in general: her divorce, her cancer and her alcoholism. Taxes are intimate and revealing — and human. And that's not all bad.
Related NPR Stories
MICHELE NORRIS, host:
Everyone is getting a little two-day extension on their taxes this year. Because of a local holiday in Washington, D.C., the deadline has been moved to April 17th, and that's just one week away. Procrastinators, and there are a lot of them, are going to wait until the last minute to get everything done. Not commentator Heather King. She actually looks forward to her annual appointment with her accountant.
HEATHER KING: Tax time is coming. Once again, I've driven an hour to see Jack Willow. Jack doesn't just do my taxes. He's helped me see that money is a tool to take better care of ourselves and each other. The first thing I learned when I came to Jack is that he spends way more time and charges way less money than you could possibly think. The second is that he could moonlight as a Vegas comic/shrink.
Hey, Jack.
Mr. JACK WILLOW (Accountant): How are you?
KING: Okay.
Jack lives in a double-wide, manufactured home, way out in the hills of the West Valley with his new Pomeranian puppy. I ring the bell, nervously clutching my papers, but the minute I'm in his office, I relax.
Mr. WILLOW: For most people, going to a tax guy is like when I go to a dentist. I'm petrified. So I do everything I can do to make people feel at ease, comfortable.
KING: As I hand over my stuff and he lights up yet another Marlboro, I know I'm in good hands.
Mr. WILLOW: I help people through marriage problems, through relationships, their kids, and depression. Yeah, everything.
KING: It's kind of like a hairdresser. People feel they can open up.
Mr. WILLOW: Or a bartender.
KING: Though I never thought of it before I came to Jack, taxes are a window onto life. Each receipt has a back-story. Every line on a 1040 is a year's worth of intimate details reduced to a number. We're all vulnerable around money, and living and working alone I feel more vulnerable still.
In the course of detailing my expenses, I'm surprised to find myself comfortable enough with Jack to tell him about my divorce, my alcoholism, my brush with breast cancer. Jack questions, listens, gently advises. After getting a picture of my situation, he's urged me to buy a cell phone, partial business write-off; get health insurance, which I did; and let go of a small-claims case I had against my former shyster boss, not worth the emotional-psychic toll.
I'm not the only one Jack has a repoire with. People drive all the way from Orange County and San Diego. Clients fly in from Oregon and Indiana, and Jack puts them up at his place for the night.
Mr. WILLOW: Everything goes very smooth. (Unintelligible), I give them my pillow. Then they pass out a lot.
(Soundbite of laughter)
KING: Jack's full of lame gags, but anything to sweeten the process for his clients, and humor makes it go easier for him, too.
Mr. WILLOW: I'm basically very shy. If I'm behind my desk, I can sit there and tell jokes and talk. If I go to a club or a bar, I'll stand at the bar and look very cool, but I don't move. I get out of my shell behind my desk. Once I walk around the desk, I can't talk.
KING: Jack has taken something we all dread and fear and made it human, an opportunity to connect, an occasion to trust. I never knew doing my taxes could be so intimate and revealing, and I wouldn't have thought it possible, but this year I'm actually kind of looking forward to paying my taxes.
NORRIS: Heather King lives in Los Angeles. She's the author of "Parched: A Memoir."
Copyright © 2007 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR's programming is the audio record.


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Zachary S. Fenton
Reflecting on his experience, he said, "To some extent you don't know much about yourself as a businessperson and a leader until you've been through some downtimes and overcome obstacles, and this is certainly a big one." Fenton plans to continue "to position UpCurve I to come out of this downturn in a stronger position than ever," with an eye toward anchoring a second iteration of the company in the current market.
Writing on the wall
"[At the end of February 2020], we decided to pull the plug on the capital program, defer all our obligations and focus on paying down debt. At the time we knew it was the safest option, even if oil prices held strong and the environment stabilized.
"No one would have guessed we would have a simultaneous massive price war and huge demand shock from COVID-19, but we were positioned very well heading into that because we had already gone on the defensive.
"We focused on what was most important—in this case making sure we came out stronger on the other side—and we put together a plan to execute on that. I'm not one to get particularly high or low over something, and the team did a great job of keeping their cool even when the environment was at its worst."
Career transition
"I started in the power and electricity investment banking and private-equity worlds, but after going back to work at ConocoPhillips, I moved into the engineering and operations world. I took masters level petroleum engineering courses through Texas A&M remotely for two years and based on that I moved into reservoir engineering before founding UpCurve.
"Looking back at my experience in school, I was definitely swimming against the tide. Everyone there was looking to get into investment banking and private equity while I was looking to get out [of that sector.]"
Industry transformations
"[Not focusing on] ESG is a nonstarter. You won't raise capital and will struggle to sell assets if you're not focused on it, and that's a bare minimum. It can't be something you just pay lip service to. You have to live it throughout your company.
"The growth at all cost mindset also needs to be done away with, and that's clearly starting to happen. We are in a commodity business that is currently oversupplied, and the low cost operator will always win. We all need to be laser focused on that."
Leadership qualities
"I played Division I lacrosse at Duke University, and we had a team of almost 40 kids each year. All those athletes are very different, come from different backgrounds, have different personalities and are motivated in different ways.
"For some the best thing you could do was challenge them in front of the team—and they would respond very well. For others that would be the worst possible thing you could do.
"It's the same now leading a team at our company. You have to know them all well enough to know what motivates people, how they respond to challenges, what they're worried about."
Giving back
"I work with Shrink2Grow, a nonprofit organization with a mission to take the misfortune of those who have lost their jobs and turn it into something positive by providing technology resources for at-risk children.
"One example [of the organization's work] is taking laptops from companies that have recently restructured or were bought and providing them to children in need throughout different Texas school districts.
"Providing laptops to underserved kids is not a new idea by any means. The magnitude of the problem, however, is now much bigger than it ever was, given the pandemic and massive school closures. What is unique is this confluence of events, and we are in a position to help."
"You have to know [your team] well enough to know what motivates people, how they respond to challenges, what they're worried about."


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Each of the two 10G ports delivers up to 10Gbps speeds via standard RJ-45 cables. This gives your office or studio network the bandwidth to cope easily with even the most data-intensive tasks, such as backing up to a NAS or transferring huge files. There are also 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports for the ultimate versatility.
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Enjoy true plug-and-play convenience, with absolutely no setup required! Each port automatically configures itself depending on the type of device you connect, and the 10G ports include a handy three-color signal quality indicator LED that tells you what speed the cable supports.
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With its attractive design, spun-metal finish and tough metal construction, there's no need to keep XG-U2008 hidden out of sight! Its slim and compact shape makes it easy to situate anywhere in the office, studio or home.
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Saving the space around the office, for some of the SMB or enterprise users, XG-U2008 also has an optional bracket that makes it easy to mount in a standard 19" rack and work with other networking devices.


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Eric Mansuy appointed UN Women's HeForShe Ambassador, pledges to further promote gender equality before the Minister of Women's Empowerment and the Family
Yaoundé, 14 December 2021 - Eneo Cameroon announces the appointment of its General Manager, Eric Mansuy, as a HeforShe Ambassador by UN Women. In this capacity, Mr. Eric Mansuy accepts to further commit himself to gender promotion.
As part of this promotion, Eric Mansuy was received by the Minister of Women's Empowerment and the Family, Marie Thérèse Abéna Ondoa, on Tuesday 14 December 2021 at 2pm in the presence of the UN Women Resident Representative in Cameroon. During this ceremony, Eric Mansuy received the accolades of the position.
As a HeForShe ambassador, Eric Mansuy responded to the invitation of UN Women to stand in solidarity with women to create a vibrant, visible, and united force for gender equality. "Conscious of the fact that MINPROFF is the guarantor of the national strategy to support women's involvement in decision-making, we are seeking its support to strengthen the promotion of gender within Eneo and to project the company externally as a major player at the national and international scene in the areas of diversity and inclusion," says Eric Mansuy.
For almost a decade, Eneo Cameroon has been in the process of transformation, which is driven by several factors, including the promotion of gender. This approach is based on a "Diversity and Inclusion" policy and committee.
Eneo is convinced that the contribution of women is essential to the success of the company and the achievement of its objectives.
The face of our company has been transformed with women increasingly being represented at all levels of the company. Firstly, in an organic way, with women who have distinguished themselves individually by their talent, and then in an organised way with an identification and empowerment process conducted by both top management and other women leaders in the company.
Out of a total 3,700 employees, the representation of women now stands at 26%. This is an increase of 2 points over 4 years.
Among the executive staff, the representation of women has increased from 14% in 2018 to almost 21% to date.
If we look at the main areas of our business, which are Technical, Commercial and Support, we note that the representation of women is 7%, 51%, and 33% respectively. You can therefore understand the urgent challenge we face: increasing the number of women in technical teams. The actions that have been identified to reverse this trend will form the core of Eric Mansuy's roadmap as HeForShe Ambassador.
His roadmap will focus on the following key points:
- Align Eneo's gender promotion initiatives with the National Gender Strategy;
- Collaborate with the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and the Family, and the United Nations in setting up programmes to promote the socio-professional integration of young girls in technical training courses;
- Encourage young girls to take up technical professions in general, and more specifically those in the electricity sector in Cameroon (7% of women in the technical professions at Eneo). Recently, we organised a day of orientation and information for young girls at the Government Technical High School Koumassi in Douala where we noted that female learners represented less than 6% of the total number.
- Continue with capacity-building actions for women in the area of management.
- Continue to increase the representation of women in the company in general and among leaders in particular.
Above all, Eneo Cameroon's objective is to promote and guarantee the development of ALL its human resources. Regardless of origin, religion, age, physical condition, and especially gender.
The ceremony in pictures
Download the PDF version of the briefing note here
About Eneo Cameroon
A driving force in the electricity sector and a catalyst for growth in Cameroon, Eneo Cameroon's mission is to provide reliable energy and quality service, while positioning itself as a model for governance in Africa. Based on the values of integrity, cohesion, respect and commitment, since 2014, the company has safely connected over 700,000 new families and industries. At the end of June 2020, the rate of access to electricity in Cameroon was 63% compared to 49% in 2013. With an estimated workforce of 3,600 employees, Eneo Cameroon is a public-private partnership company that generates and distributes energy in Cameroon.
More information about the company can be found at www.eneocameroon.cm


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O'Malley details immigration plan in Iowa
Iowa immigration leaders and activists filled a hot church basement Thursday, listening to presidential hopeful Martin O'Malley spell out a plan for reform he called more detailed than any of his Democratic competitors'.
The former Maryland governor would use executive action to increase the number of undocumented immigrants who are protected from deportation and allowed to stay in the U.S., while also changing how law enforcement treats them, he said. He emphatically opposed using private prisons to detain immigrants and said only the most dangerous should be kept behind bars while waiting for judges to hear their cases.
"If you ever want to talk to someone who believes passionately in our country and our country's future and in the power of the American dream, talk to somebody who risked it all and left it all in order to come here," O'Malley said.
The remarks came during an immigration roundtable with local leaders the candidate hosted Thursday afternoon at Des Moines' Trinity United Methodist Church. It's one of several stops O'Malley is making in central and southeast Iowa ahead of the Iowa Democratic Party's Hall of Fame Celebration in Cedar Rapids on Friday evening.
All the Democratic presidential candidates have supported reforming America's immigration laws and creating a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants currently in the country. But O'Malley's plan was praised for its depth and specificity. The plan puts him "out front" of his rivals on immigration, said Nathan Blake, a Latino member of the Des Moines Public School Board, who is leaning toward caucusing for O'Malley.
"The message today was that we're failing immigrants right now and we need to have a system that's more humane and welcoming," said Blake, who was a member of the roundtable discussion. "This is definitely the most comprehensive (plan) I've seen."
Hillary Clinton unveiled her own immigration plan during a May Las Vegas roundtable, declaring, "We can't wait any longer for a path to full and equal citizenship." But the two candidates' attitudes toward the issue contrasted last year when Clinton said in a CNN interview that she supported sending waves of Central American children crossing into America back to their home countries if they could be returned to a parent or safe guardian.
As governor, O'Malley said he wanted to avoid sending those children into detention centers or back into unsafe situations. Maryland responded with the help of charities and faith groups by providing more foster housing to minors from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras than any other state per capita, he said.
"I think what we all should learn from that experience was that our way was the better way," O'Malley said when asked about the contrast by a reporter. "It's best to treat the refugee kids with the dignity and the respect, and also its better to protect them in a foster care setting."
O'Malley's plan includes expanding some undocumented immigrants' access to health insurance under the Affordable Care Act by repealing a 2012 federal regulation that blocks people here legally under Obama's deferred action for childhood arrivals order from getting subsidies to buy insurance on public exchanges.
The former governor has also pledged to stop U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from asking local law enforcement to detain undocumented immigrants in county jails unless a judge signs off. It's a move championed by advocates who say the practice erodes trust between local police and immigrant communities.
PREVIOUSLY:Polk County restricts ICE immigrant detainer requests
O'Malley gave Iowans a look into his personal life at an evening campaign stop in Ottumwa. Oskaloosa resident Bryan Johnson, 42, asked O'Malley what he does to handle stress.
"I do my very best to eat fruits and vegetables, even on the road," O'Malley said to laughs. "To resist the temptation of the cheeseburgers and fries ... at home I developed the practice of getting out in nature regularly, and I found that the time I spent on water felt like I'd been away for a week."
SETTING: O'Malley spoke at an immigration roundtable at Trinity United Methodist Church in Des Moines and then at an evening meet and greet at an Ottumwa hotel.
CROWD: About 20 people in Des Moines, not counting journalists and roundtable speakers. 47 people in Ottumwa.
REACTION: O'Malley got applause in Ottumwa when he voiced his support for raising a federal minimum wage to $15. "I think we should raise the minimum wage to $15 wherever we can, however we can."
WHAT'S NEXT: O'Malley will speak alongside other Democratic candidates Friday at the Iowa Democratic Party's Hall of Fame Celebration. He has events in Burlington and Washington before the evening dinner. For full details on all candidates' Iowa schedules, see The Des Moines Register's candidate tracker:http://data.desmoinesregister.com/iowa-caucus/candidate-tracker/index.php.


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Love brownies and blondies? Now you have the best of both worlds, with double decker brownies that also feature chocolatey M&Ms candies woven through the batter! Soft and delicious (no dry brownies here), this dessert is sure to delight.
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Double Decker Brownies
I love brownies, but sometimes they seem to come out sort of dry and crumbly. Not so with these soft, double decker M&M brownies! They aren't overwhelmingly rich either, with a perfect balance of chocolate. The added candies in the top layer make this dessert recipe super fun and delicious!
This double decker M&M brownies recipe features a blondie layer atop a traditional brownie cocoa layer. The top layer has M&M candies stirred in, and is then studded with more of the colorful candy. The combination of moist and flavorful brownies with a crispy crunch of M&M candy is just too good!
Recipe for Double Decker Brownies with M&M Candy
I discovered this recipe back in high school, from a compilation cookbook in my home ec class. Students contributed a favorite family recipe and then sold the cookbooks to earn money for supplies. This double decker brownies recipe was literally the only recipe I ever used from that entire cookbook. As a teenager, these double decker M&M brownies were a weekly treat for me to prepare for my parents. And now, I'm making the recipe for my kids!
My teenage son, noticing the up-tick in dessert baking lately, asked if I'm trying to fatten him up, Hansel & Gretel style. I laughed and just said that with all this time together at home, seems like dessert every night is appropriate! Coming off the holidays, we baked our favorite Tart & Sweet Cranberry Cake quite a bit! Before that, lots of Everything Cookies were made. If we're honest, nobody is complaining. And based on how quickly these Double Decker Brownies with M&Ms disappeared, looks like I need to order another bag of candy for grocery pick-up!
How to Make Double Decker Brownies Fun for Each Season
I've always loved how the M&Ms on top of the brownies can be customized in color to coordinate with holidays or themes. The flavor doesn't change but the seasonality of using various colors is cute. Dark and light green for St. Patrick's Day, green and red for Christmas, pastel candies for Easter, etc – you choose the color scheme you want to use! We went with red and pink plain M&Ms for our special Valentine's Day family love-fest. If you're looking for additional ways to celebrate this February 14th, see our awesome at-home party ideas for Valentine's Day at home with kids.
Baking Double Decker Brownies
Making the batter for these double decker brownies with M&M candies is basic and simple enough for beginning cooks. I'll offer a few baking tips here that will make your brownies come out spectacular!
I use a Pyrex glass baking dish so that when I cut the brownies with a knife I'm not worried about scratching a non-stick surface. Plus the dish has a lid to cover the cookies in between snack sessions. Use a cooking spray like Baker's Joy to create an non-stick surface inside your 9 x 13″ pan.
Whenever you're baking, you'll want to cream the butter extremely well to ensure that the brownies will be fluffy and not dry. Use a stand mixer, like a Kitchenaid, with a paddle attachment. Beat softened butter very well, stopping to scrape down the sides occasionally. The butter should be soft and smooth before you add the sugar.
Add the sugar and continue to cream, beating up to 10 minutes until it's puffy and light. Add the eggs (room temperature eggs will make your baked goods even more fluffy!) then the vanilla, continuing to beat until well mixed.
Beating the sugars, butter and eggs extremely well is important (and takes longer than you think!) Once you add in the dry goods, you'll want to mix as little as possible. Notice that the recipe calls for the flour to be divided (a small amount will be mixed into just the blondie layer).
Dividing the Batter
This is when the double decker part comes into play! Divide the dough in half as best as you can, separating one half into a medium sized bowl. To the mixer with half the batter, add the melted butter and sifted cocoa powder. Get a good, high-quality cocoa, you won't be sorry!
Blend just until combined. It's important to sift the cocoa to break up any large chunks of cocoa powder. This batter will be extremely thick and difficult to combine. You don't want to risk over-mixing (and making the batter dry), so only mix until the cocoa and butter are combined.
To the second half of the batter in the separate bowl, add the remaining 1/4 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of M&M candies. Carefully stir together with a wooden spoon, just until combined.
Spread the cocoa brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, using a rubber spatula to carefully work the dough up to the edges.
Dollop the M&M blondie batter on top of the brownie batter, taking care not to mix the two batters together. Carefully use a rubber spatula to spread the blondie batter up to the edges, completely covering the brownie batter.
Baking the Brownies
Use 1/2 of the M&Ms to decorate the top of the dough. You can choose to just scatter the candies across the batter or carefully lay them out. I usually space the candies 1/2″ apart in rows to help aid me in cutting the brownies after baking.
Bake until edges begin to pull away from the pan (or by checking with a toothpick inserted into the center). Cool after baking on a rack, then cut into squares. Leftovers (if there are any, ha!) can be stored in a covered container.
Double Decker Brownies with M&Ms
Double decker brownies have a cocoa layer, blondies layer with the chocolaty crunch of M&M candies.
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 1/4 cups flour (with additional 1/4 added later)
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1 cup M&M candies, divided
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray 9 x 13" baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter. Add in sugars, creaming well (up to 10 minutes). Add eggs and vanilla, beating well.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
- Divide the batter in half, moving half of the batter into a medium sized bowl.
- To the mixing bowl with half the batter, add melted butter and sifted cocoa powder. Mix with paddle attachment until completely combined.
- Spread brownie layer into the prepared baking pan. Use a rubber spatula to carefully smooth the batter fully to all edges. Set aside.
- To the second half of the dough (the "blondie" layer), use a wooden spoon to mix in remaining 1/4 cup flour and 1/2 cup of M&M candies. Stir just until combined.
- Dollop blondie dough on top of brownie batter. Use a rubber spatula to smooth the top layer across, careful not to combine the two layers.
- Spread the remaining candies across the top of the batter.
- Bake 25-30 minutes, until edges begin to pull away from the pan (or check in the center with a toothpick for doneness).
- Cool completely on a baking rack then cut into squares.
- Store leftovers in an air tight container.
Sweets for Your Sweethearts
We're making these Double Decker Brownies for Valentine's Day, along with some other sweet desserts! My friend Cam at Big Crazy Life has a bunch more Valentine's Day Treat Ideas for all-ages.
Valentine's Day doesn't have to be an expensive celebration, especially when you make your own loving gifts and crafts in this round-up of 50+ Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day on a Budget.


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Fun at Sandy Paws!
We were invited to attend a Sandy Paws event, and we had a blast! There we got to see first hand this spectacular facility created for dogs to play and learn. This is an awesome place to take your dog to be properly socialized. The fact that it's indoors is a real plus. The staff there were knowledgeable professionals, and were quick to help us, even when there was a little wee wee accident!
Sarah and Megan enjoyed winning some contests, but before I barely walked in the door, Carolyn Shoup was ready to meet Sparrow, whom she adopted and renamed Peanut!
After Sparrow was adopted, we set up shop, and noticed that someone had walked off with Gumbo, one of Holly's puppies! A very nice young lady approached me and asked how to proceed to adopt Gumbo. I said, she'd have to talk to Gumbo's foster. The lady replied, "oh, you mean Holly?"
Well I knew then that this little boy was going home TODAY! It was Joleen! Joleen had adopted one of Holly's Teddy Bear pups a few months ago, she adopted Bear!
Joleen spoke with Holly over the phone briefly, and Gumbo's adoption was completed!
Asia introduced herself to as many people as she could, however, there was one young lady at the event that spent quite a bit of time with Asia, I'm sorry I didn't get her name. She wanted to bring Asia home SOOOO bad, but had to discuss it with her husband first. Asia did very well playing with the other dogs, and greeting strangers. This dog fears nothing!
I had the pleasure of meeting Jeniffer Grady for the first time, and seeing Janie Nelson again, what a treat! I didn't know that Janie had also adopted one of Holly's Teddy Bear Puppies.
When I asked Holly why I didn't know what, she said, "Gisele, I've told you that over 70 times, but you have selective hearing!" In short, I'm losing my mind. Oh well! I loved the chance to FINALLY meet these Teddy Bear Puppies, knowing that they were rescued by Hope Master and Connie Rice from Georgia, it was a treat to see them full grown, fully socialized and playing together!
We also had the pleasure of seeing Sue McNulty, who displayed her spectacular artwork.
The highlight of my day was seeing Joey again. Jennifer, a volunteer for Aloma Jancy, fell in love with Joey, and brought him to the event for us! It was important for me to see first hand how badly Joey wanted to play with the other dogs, but he had no experience. Joey came across as a bully, but he's really all puppy, and needs to learn some basic social skills. How was I supposed to know how fast his temperament would change after Kim nursed him back to health!!! So, I've made a decision to send Joey to Clearwater. Sarah White has been gracious to offer to transport Joey to "the farm" where Joey will play with Mark & Leslie's pack, including the ever so handsome Kudos!
Special thanks to Megan, Sarah, and Olivia Frost who took some amazing photographs of the day.
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Regnum Christi Members Share their Advent Traditions: Young Adults' RC Posada in Dallas
How do Regnum Christi members keep Christ at the center in the busy advent weeks leading up to Christmas? We asked a... Read More
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A good set of kitchen supplies can make or break your cooking experience.
Most of us invest in durable kitchen staples like ovens, cast iron skillets and non toxic cookware sets. These big ticket items make it easier to create restaurant-quality meals from the comfort of your own kitchen – especially when paired with high-quality cooking utensils.
Material Kitchen is a direct-to-consumer brand that created a new category of tastefully designed and affordable kitchenware for the modern home cook called Fundamentals. This seven-piece kitchenware set is simple, elegant and designed with world-class materials that marry form and function.
We sat down with Eunice Byun, the Co-founder and CEO of Material Kitchen, to talk about Fundamentals and why it's so important to invest in quality kitchen utensils that will help elevate your kitchen and making cooking more special.
What inspired you to start Material?
Dave and I met over eleven years ago in NYC and quickly bonded over our love for food. We tried out new restaurants together and texted each other about good spots when exploring on our own. We both continued on our own career paths until the summer of 2016. Dave was working at Chanel and I had just had my daughter, Hadley. Dave's brother is a professionally trained chef, and was living with Dave at the time. As many chefs do, Dave's brother had a ton of knives and kitchenware tools that he had invested a lot of money in. Dave thought that spending $300 on a good chef's knife seemed outrageous.
Meanwhile, I was standing in a kitchen that I used to love to cook in that was now overtaken by bottles and baby food containers, overwhelmed by the addition of more stuff in a kitchen that was already bursting at the seams. The thought of cooking anything in that war zone sent me into a state of panic.
One summer night, Dave and I met up to catch up at Russ and Daughters. We started talking about Dave's observation that kitchenware was so uninspired and so expensive. I started talking about how all I wanted in life was a kitchen that wasn't stress-inducing – I just wanted to enjoy cooking again. Over plates of smoked salmon and whitefish salad, Material came to be.
We believe that today's modern cook loves the experience of cooking and the social aspects of entertaining, but doesn't have the space or budget to afford all that is marketed to them. Material is about practicality and intentionality, but not at the expense of design or beauty. We wanted to create something that didn't look like anything else – that pushed kitchenware out of this conundrum that existed where most of the good-looking stuff is super expensive, and most of the affordable stuff isn't so good-looking. We wanted to create products that made you feel good when you held them in your hands, and a brand that wasn't just talking about "cutting out the middleman" but a brand that wants to connect people more deeply to their kitchens and their tools and other people that love cooking like they do. We want to create that space for meaningful moments in our kitchens.
Material is all about minimalism. Why is that essential in the kitchen?
We really wanted to capture the idea that "Everything in your kitchen has its place." Everything has a reason to exist. No clutter, no extra decoration, no unnecessary noise. Everything is deliberate…so that you are free to create.
We also wanted to capture the warmth and beauty that is inherent in the kitchen that seemed to get lost online when you were shopping for kitchenware. That moment when the sun is starting to set, maybe had a crazy day at work and you're settling into cook something because it's that momentary pause you're giving yourself to create something…to control your space for maybe an hour. It may not be a fancy meal for one…it might be something as simple as frying an egg for dinner…but that moment is yours. So we try and marry the simplicity of we're creating for your kitchen with the joy and the warmth that comes from being in the kitchen.
Can you tell us more about Fundamentals. Why did you make this set? What types of materials did you use?
We did a lot of talking and listening. We reached out to family and friends – some that were professionally trained chefs to some that were just getting started in the kitchen. We spent some time with people in the food industry and the kitchenware industry. We poured through a number of cookbooks that we loved to see what they recommended. We wanted to hear what people couldn't live without in the kitchens – and what makes buying kitchenware overwhelming. What we heard time and time again was that people wanted more guidance in the tools that they actually needed in their kitchens instead of the massive 22-piece kitchenware sets that include avocado slicers and pizza cutters. We then broke it down into what do most people need to prep their meals and how do we design products that can meet most of their day-to-day needs. We heard a lot of people say that while they thought they needed their 12-piece knife set which they spent hundreds of dollars on, they only really used two or three of their knives. So we took that input and designed The 8" Knife and The Almost 4" knife, our take on the chef and paring knives that will satisfy most people in their home kitchens.
Which piece in the Fundamentals set is your favorite?
It's a bit like asking which of my kids is my favorite! I love our knives because they're not only beautiful, but they're super sharp and have the perfect weight and balance to them. But, my go-to is The Only Tongs. The way that they open and close with only one hand, thanks to our hidden locking mechanism, somehow makes me feel like I'm a better cook! I can move more seamlessly since I don't have to keep putting whatever else I'm doing down to lock my tongs.
How do you use, clean and look after Fundamentals?
We recommend our knives are hand washed, mainly so that the edges of the knives don't get banged up in the dishwasher. Everything else, with the exception of The Wood Spoon, can go straight into the dishwasher. We recommend oiling your wooden products when they could use a bit of extra TLC, as they'll develop a gorgeous hand feel and patina over time. We also offer a lifetime guarantee, so you will be set for a long, long time!
Who is Fundamentals made for?
The premise of The Fundamentals is that it is a great foundation for any type of home cook. The quality and design features impress avid cooks, and the simplicity and aesthetics catch the eyes of aspiring cooks. We have had many people buy for smaller spaces, as well as for larger kitchens. It has also been gifted many, many times for new homes, graduation, weddings, new moves and birthday.
Why is it important to invest in kitchen utensils?
High-quality, long-lasting tools are essential in the kitchen. Nothing is sadder than a melted spatula or dull knife when cooking! Our goal is to help people find joy in the tools they use every day, for every meal. The best way we can achieve that is by creating things that feel and look great, and perform well.
Are there any other kitchen products you hope to launch in the future?
We are always thinking about other items in the kitchen that are constantly reached for that, but that have not been re-imagined recently, whether in its design or function. So keep an eye out for what's coming next for us by signing up for our emails or following us on Instagram (@materialkitchen)!
No matter if you're a professional chef or a first-time home cook, Fundamentals includes everything you need to put your favorite dish together.
Learn more about Material Kitchen at www.materialkitchen.com, and stop by Batch to shop the Fundamentals set in person.


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If the NHOH keyword is specified, the number of water molecules expected to be determined by PX at the given resolution and temperature is reported, as estimated by the statistical analysis of Carugo & Bordo, Acta Cryst D, 55, 479 (1999). This estimation is based on an analysis of structures deposited at the Protein Data Bank. Only models having less that 3% heteroatom content other than water were considered in this analysis. The predicted number of crystallographic waters is meant only as a guide, and is not a substitute for correct evaluation of electron density maps.
Modifications : Martyn Winn
rwcontents XYZIN $CEXAM/toxd/toxd.pdb << eof nhoh 2.3 lowt end eof
Number of amino-acids residues = 59
A rough estimate of the theoretical number of Hydrogens for the protein is 489. (including Haems). A rough estimate of the theoretical number of Hydrogens for the waters is 118.
Number of atoms of each type in PDB file (except hydrogens). (Partial occupancies are taken into account.) Atom number and type - number of atoms 6 C 295.00 Atom number and type - number of atoms 7 N 93.00 Atom number and type - number of atoms 8 O 95.00 Atom number and type - number of atoms 16 S 9.00 - number of waters 59.00
Total number of protein atoms (including hydrogens) 966.00 Total number of atoms (including hydrogens) 1158.00
Total number of protein atoms (excluding H) = 477.0 Expected number of crystallographic waters = 39 Associated standard error of this estimate = 4 Expected range at 99% confidence level: 30 to 48 Actual number of waters in model = 59.0
Cell volume: 66488.688 Molecular Weight of protein: 7139.000 Molecular Weight of all atoms: 8201.000
The Matthews Coefficient is : 9.31 Assuming protein density is 1.34, the solvent % is: 86.69 If atom volume ~ 10, % of cell without protein is: 85.47 If atom volume ~ 10, % of cell without atoms is: 82.58


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How is a Pour-Over Will different from a Regular Will?
When an attorney asks if you have a Will, does he or she mean a Last Will and Testament, a Pour-Over Will, a Living Will, or all of the above? You may be thinking, "I thought these were all the … Read More


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Keystone XL Pipeline: Costs, Benefits for US Manufacturing
Although President Obama just nixed TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL pipeline, tar sands oil will in all likelihood continue to dribble from Canada to China and elsewhere, regardless of whether a pipeline links Alberta to the Gulf.
At least that's the conventional wisdom many folks in the US manufacturing sector point to, when discussing the pros and cons of Keystone XL.
Keystone XL Pipeline and Construction Industry in the US
MetalMiner's Jeff Yoders took readers through the implications of this glorified "construction stimulus" project in his analysis back in November 2014 – the last time Keystone was shot down:
The final environmental impact statement said 42,000 jobs would be created by Keystone XL in construction and support jobs in the states of Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska.
We have covered the rail car shortage in those states over the past few weeks and one of the side benefits of building the pipeline would be a reduction in strain on class 1 railroads, but the construction piece of the pipeline has been the focus of the argument since its initial permit application was applied for in 2008. The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) points out that nearly 10,000 miles of pipeline have been built in the US since the application was filed with little to no argument. The AGC is a big supporter of Keystone XL.
Those 42,000 construction jobs certainly look enticing to the skilled laborers in those states still looking for work, yet, pipelines are anything but permanent solutions to unemployment. That same State Dept. environmental review found that the Keystone XL will create only 35 permanent jobs. (35, that's it.) So, for such a limited impact is, essentially, a construction stimulus project really worth all of this debate?
If the environmental objections to the process of pumping large amounts of water and natural gas into tar sands to pump steam into the tar to extract oil are to be believed, then yes.
Read the rest of the article here: Keystone XL Senate Failure About More Than Construction
Keystone Costs, Benefits
Our Executive Editor Lisa Reisman interviewed Andrew Browning of Consumer Energy Alliance back in 2011, and he took us through why an "all-of-the-above" energy policy makes sense – including the construction of Keystone XL.
From the original post:
We look at the role of the massive Keystone pipeline from central Canada — our largest trading partner — down to the Gulf of Mexico as a transport conduit for Canadian crude. While a good portion of the pipeline already exists, there are significant phases still under regulatory review.
As much as folks talk about severing ties to crude oil entirely as an energy source, the sad truth is that we're nowhere near making that a reality just yet. Simply to sustain the country while new energies are worked out and tested, oil has a firm place in the mix of energy sources that the US has to work with. Not only that, the production of the pipeline itself, Browning mentions, will help create jobs in steel and manufacturing. Bottom line, Browning says, "The Canadians are going to produce this." It'll go east or west if not south; it'll end up in China if not the US.
FREE Download: Our latest MMI® Report, analyzing price trends for steel and 9 other metals.


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An exploration of the Noble Eightfold Path provides an opportunity to appreciate the depth and breadth of the Buddha's teachings through direct experience.
Every link bears a direct relationship to our daily life. The path points to a goal – wisdom, a fulfilled life and liberation from a problematic mind. Continue reading


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SINGAPORE - The Government has relaxed some residential property measures relating to the seller's stamp duty (SSD) as well as the total debt servicing ratio framework (TDSR). The new rules take effect from March 11.
However there is no change to the additional buyer's stamp duty (ABSD) as well as loan-to-valuation (LTV) limits.
Instead, the Government is making "calibrated adjustments" to the SSD and TDSR framework, the ministries of national development and finance and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said in a joint statement on Friday (March 10).
The SSD is currently payable by those who sell a residential property within 4 years of purchase, at rates of between 4 per cent and 16 per cent of the property's value.
- The changes will see the SSD holding period cut to three years, down from four.
- The SSD rates will also be lowered by four percentage points for each tier.
- The new SSD rates will range from 4 per cent (for properties sold in the third year) to 12 per cent (for those sold within the first year).
The rates apply to all homes bought on and after March 11.
The current TDSR framework aims to encourage prudent borrowing by households.
Under this frameowork, property loans extended by a bank cannot exceed a TDSR threshold of 60 per cent.
This means that your total loan obligations cannot exceed 60 per cent of your monthly gross income.
However, this 60 per cent TDSR threshold will no longer apply to mortgage equity withdrawal loans with loan-to-value ratios of 50 per cent and below. These refer to loans where borrowers borrow against the value of their properties to obtain more cash. This move is expected to affect only a small group of owners.
Said the statement: "Some borrowers have given feedback that the TDSR framework has limited their flexibility to monetise their properties in their retirement years, that is to borrow against the value of their properties to obtain additional cash. MAS will therefore relax the rules to meet such needs."
The Government said the bulk of current property measures "remain necessary to promote a sustainable residential property market and financial prudence among households."


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I started doing yoga videos in my living room while in university. And I don't mean Youtube videos- VHS tapes! I wanted to try yoga because it was the opposite of all the organized sports I played. The individuality and quietness of the practice drew me in.
A couple of years later while living in Toronto, a co-worker took me to my first yoga studio. I was intimidated at first but quickly felt comfortable on my mat. It was a big adjustment going from videos to a studio where the teachers only used Sanskrit names for poses but I loved everything about it- the wood floors, gauzy curtains, the smell of incense, the ancient names and shapes, using props to help me into new poses. I didn't know it then, but I was building a foundation for my future practice as a student and teacher.
For over 20 years I have continued to seek out studios, teachers and styles to explore and learn. This is what led me to yoga teacher training. I've always wanted to become a teacher to share my joy for yoga and demonstrate how we really do live our yoga both on and off the mat. I hope you will feel it too, when we practice together.


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Backyard Fence Repair
Fences & Gates review in Vaughan
Chris and his associates were exceptionally polite, efficient and very reasonably priced in the replacement and repairing of our backyard fencing as well as the removal of old fencing materials. He was also very open to answering questions about the work and made sure we were pleased with the progress of the work. I would highly recommend Chris and Top to Bottom Renovations and Maintenance and would have no hesitation in securing his services again.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $4,200.00
Was this review helpful?
- Company Response
Always a pleasure to complete work to a satisfactory level for a customer. We strive for nothing more.


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At Buckfire & Buckfire P.C, we pride ourselves on using our years of experience to help victims of medical malpractice obtain the compensation they deserve. We specialize in Michigan cerebral palsy malpractice and we have exceptional experience in helping families.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a brain condition that impairs motor function in the body. There are different types and a wide variety of symptoms, varying from mild to severe. Some symptoms of the various types can be seizures, muscle tightness and spasms, mental retardation, and many other disorders. The causes for the disorders are generally attributed to brain abnormalities that can happen before birth or within the first two years of development, due to lack of oxygen, infection, brain trauma and other complications.
For many of the estimated 800,000 people in the U.S. living with cerebral palsy, life can be difficult and often painful. Due to their disorder, people who have cerebral palsy can have a wide assortment of physical and mental challenges that they are forced to manage throughout their lives. Although there is no cure, breakthroughs in medications and therapy can help with many of the symptoms and reduce the pain and dysfunction associated with the condition.
Cerebral Palsy & Managing The Pain
Spastic muscles are one of the common causes for pain in CP patients. Due to the muscles tightening and lack of muscle control by the brain, spasticity can occur. This is an imbalance in the signals coming from the brain to the muscles, causing them to continuously be at work, day and night, and often leads to chronic and constant pain.
Since much of the pain associated with CP is due to spastic muscle conditions, the best treatments seem to be geared towards relieving this condition. Common drug treatments to help calm spastic muscles and the pain derived from them are Botox injections, muscle relaxants and a device called a baclofen pump.
Contact a Michigan Cerebral Palsy Malpractice Lawyer
If an infant suffers cerebral palsy due to medical mistakes and negligence, it can give rise to a medical malpractice lawsuit. Cerebral palsy is a serious medical condition that can affect the social, academic and vocational pursuits of your infant. The treatment for cerebral palsy can result in significant expense over the period of a lifetime. Such type of damage requests are included in a medical malpractice lawsuit filed for the case of anoxic brain injury.
It is essential to contact our office at (800) 606 -1717 to speak with one of our experience Michigan cerebral palsy attorneys as soon as possible so that we can obtain your child's complete medical chart to determine whether there was negligence involved in the treatment. There are strict time delays for filing medical malpractice lawsuits in Michigan so it is essential to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible to see if your child has valid case. We will represent you under our NO FEE PROMISE. This means you owe us nothing, unless we obtain a settlement for you!


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The LSAT 2018 Result will be declared soon after the exam. Candidates should meet the basic eligibility needs to apply for law courses. LSAT is a part of the law school admission process in United States, Canada, and a growing number of other countries. It is managed by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), USA. An eligible candidate can take admission in law courses offered by the universities of foreign countries like United States, Canada, etc. We are providing all the information regarding LSAT 2018 Result in the below article.
LSAT 2018 Result: Important Dates
|LSAT India Exam Date
|4th week of April, 2018
|Announcement of Results
|3rd week of May, 2018
Get Latest Admission Updates About LAST 2018 Through Email or Sms, By Entering Your Details Below :
LSAT 2018 Result
- The declaration of LSAT 2018 result will be in May 2018.
- Students need to login in the official website using their login credentials to check the result.
- The score card will be available for downloading only for two months after the declaration of result.
- Thereafter, request of score card will not be entertained.
- Candidate can only check their result by login only, the exam conducting authority will not send the score card via post or e-mail.
- Candidates are advised to keep the result safe till the admission procedure.
LSAT Admission Process
- Candidates can report to the college or institution where they are seeking for admission from among 60 law institutions (approx) in India consider LSAT score for admission.
- Candidates have to follow the admission rules and regulation of that particular university or institution where candidate is looking for admission.
LSAT 2018 Result: Important Points
- The online registration fee for LSAT India is Rs. 3800/-.
- Candidates can pay the application fee online and offline.
- They can pay Offline by demand draft/pay order/ banker's cheque.
- They can also pay Online by credit card and Only VISA and Master Card will be accepted to pay the registration fee.
- The Admit Card will be available in April 2018, on the official site of LSAC.


text: ohskylab - Upcoming.org ArchiveThe Upcoming.org Archivesohskylab #10224May 25, 2006BOMBE SURPRISE at 43 South MoltonSeptember 5, 2006London 2.0 RC 7 - Tuesday the 5th of September at TBCOctober 11, 2006Husky Rescue at The LuminaireOctober 19, 2006WSG Meetup: Microformats at New Cavendish Street campus of Westminster UniversityNovember 10, 2006DiS 6th Birthday Party at BarflyNovember 14, 2006FSOL (Future Sound of London): 'The synthesis of new 'Life Forms' in surround sound at Kinetica MuseumDecember 9, 2006BBC Backstage London Christmas Bash at The CubanDecember 12, 2006Second Life Workshop at Hyde ParkDecember 13, 2006Mashup: Advertising 2.0 at The Captain's RoomDecember 14, 2006Pub Standards Christmas Party at Bricklayers Arms, FitzroviaJanuary 18, 2007Pub Standards XIV at Bricklayers Arms, FitzroviaJanuary 18, 2007Social Media Club London at Fleishman HillardFebruary 15, 2007Pub Standards XV at Bricklayers Arms, FitzroviaFebruary 18, 2007Resonance FM fundraising gig at The SpitzFebruary 19, 2007The Future of Web Apps at Kensington Town HallFebruary 26, 2007Usability: Whose Problem is it Anyway? at TBCFebruary 26, 2007Chinwag Live: Mobile Metamorphosis at The Slug & Lettuce (Downstairs)March 3, 2007Furthur presents THE CHAP + Capitol K + Line + Furthur DJs at The LuminaireMarch 8, 2007SXSW Interactive Festival at Austin Convention CenterMarch 16, 2007Open Knowledge 1.0 at Limehouse Town HallMarch 20, 2007Semantic London at Pitcher and Piano (Kingsway)March 21, 2007MediaGuardian Changing Media Summit at Victoria Park PlazaApril 4, 2007Mobile Clubbing at Victoria StationApril 11, 2007London 2.0 at The Old Bank of England PubApril 17, 2007The Future of Web Design at Kensington Town HallApril 17, 2007AJAX2007 at The Millennium GloucesterApril 24, 2007Brighton Girl Geek Dinner at The EagleApril 29, 2007The London Nobody Knows at Tate ModernMay 2, 2007MEX 2007 - the strategy forum for mobile user experience at London UKMay 15, 2007XTech 2007 at Novotel Paris Tour EiffelMay 16, 2007Battles at The ScalaMay 31, 2007New Media Awards at TBAJune 7, 2007@media 2007 Europe at Business Design Centre, IslingtonJune 11, 2007Mashup* event Energy 2.0 at unknown to be confirmedJune 12, 2007Innovation Forum: Designerly Thinking: In conversation with Bill Moggridge at NESTAJune 14, 2007Sonar Festival at Centre de Cultura Contemporània de BarcelonaJune 15, 2007Interaction Design Rendezvous ver.2.0 at John SnowJune 15, 2007interesting2007 at Conway HallJune 18, 200724 hours of Flickr, London at Tate BritainJune 19, 2007Chinwag Live: The Dark Side Of Social Media at The Slug & Lettuce (Downstairs)June 19, 2007Science in virtual worlds at Apple Store LondonJune 20, 2007Web 2.0 at Dana CentreJune 26, 2007Geek Dinner with Julie Howell of Fortune Cookie at Ye Olde Cock TavernJuly 4, 2007New designers at Business Design Centre, IslingtonJuly 4, 2007The Gas Organ (preview) at Shunt VaultsJuly 5, 2007Chinwag's Big Summer '07 party at Imperial College UnionJuly 10, 2007Simon Munnery's EGM at Soho Theatre & Writers' CentreJuly 12, 2007Last.fm BBQ on Rooftop Terrace at herbalJuly 19, 2007MOO's Hot and Sticky Summer Party at The AmbassadorAugust 11, 2007Field Day 2007 at Victoria ParkAugust 14, 2007Mini-dinner with Eric Meyer at The Thai Terrace RestaurantAugust 28, 2007An Evening With William Gibson at Congress CentreAugust 30, 2007Lewbowski fest London at Tenpin ActonSeptember 4, 2007Anthrodesign/UX Meetup at John SnowSeptember 7, 2007dConstruct 2007 at The Brighton DomeSeptember 8, 2007Not-a-BarCamp - The Eagle at The EagleSeptember 11, 2007last.fm supports the spitz at The SpitzSeptember 14, 2007Open House London 2007 at London UKSeptember 18, 2007Second Life Meetup at T-BarSeptember 19, 2007Delete yourself music/gaming party at The MacbethSeptember 25, 2007Sight at Dana CentreSeptember 30, 2007Toast in memory of Michael Jackson the beer hunter at The Dove FreehouseOctober 4, 2007Searching for science at The Apple StoreOctober 10, 2007Frieze Art fair at Regent's ParkOctober 17, 2007spiked: The future of the media at RSA, The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and CommerceOctober 22, 2007Video Games Live at Royal Festival HallOctober 23, 2007Virtual Worlds Forum Europe 2007 at CanvasNovember 8, 2007World Usability Day at City University London at City University, LondonNovember 13, 2007Future of Mobile at BFI London IMAXNovember 19, 2007@media Ajax at Church House Conference CentreNovember 23, 200710 reasons why you shouldn't test your software (SkillSwap session) at MadgexNovember 29, 2007Shit and Shine, Popnoname, Roadside Poppies, Ipso Facto, Last.fm DJ Team at Bloomsbury Bowling LanesNovember 30, 2007Interpol at Alexandra PalaceDecember 8, 2007PlugLondon at Skype's Offices (London)December 8, 2007The 27th Great Christmas Pudding Race at Covent Garden PiazzaDecember 11, 2007Spitalfields Winter Festival at Shoreditch ChurchDecember 20, 2007LJ Kruzer's Electronic Christmas Carol Service, Big Chill Bar at The Big Chill BarDecember 22, 2007Ginglik Saturdays Christmas Party feat. LJ Kruzer's Electronic Christmas Carol Service, Mixmaster Morris at GinglikJanuary 17, 2008Pub Standards XXVI at Bricklayers Arms, FitzroviaJanuary 23, 2008Geoff Manaugh @ The Bartlett at Darwin Lecture Theatre (UCL)January 26, 2008"Magnetism, That Electricity.." - a Highpoint Lowlife Label Showcase at The LuminaireJanuary 29, 2008Chinwag Live: Skills Emergency at The Slug & Lettuce (Downstairs)February 7, 2008late @ Museum of London - Life, Love & London at Museum of LondonFebruary 13, 2008Hide and Seek Sandpit #1 at Shunt VaultsFebruary 22, 2008THE SCHOOL FOR GIFTED CHILDREN hosted by Robin Ince at Bardens BoudoirFebruary 23, 2008JOSIE LONG & Friends at Bardens BoudoirFebruary 26, 2008RICHARD HERRING + Simon Munnery + MC Matthew Crosby at GramaphoneFebruary 26, 2008YUI Library and YPattern Library Turn 2! at De HemsFebruary 28, 2008JOSHUA FERRIS + Joe Dunthorne + Richard Milward at Bardens BoudoirMarch 16, 2008From computers to ubiquitous computing, by 2020 at The Royal SocietyMarch 17, 2008Clay Shirky + Brian Eno on the Power of Networks at ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts)March 18, 2008Chinwag Live: Tomorrow's Ad Formats at The Slug & Lettuce (Downstairs)April 8, 2008ATP Presents: The Silver Mount Zion Orchestra (SOLD OUT) at The ScalaApril 16, 2008Hide and Seek Sandpit #3: Spying and Lying at Shunt VaultsApril 21, 2008Chinwag Live: Real World Usability at The Slug & Lettuce (Downstairs)April 24, 2008Bang Face - The Weekender at Camber SandsApril 30, 2008Fire Eagle Developer Evening at WallacespaceMay 1, 2008Powering up at Dana CentreMay 17, 2008geeKyoto2008 at Conway HallMay 20, 2008Stars of the Lid / James Blackshaw / Lichens at St Giles-in-the-FieldsMay 22, 2008ATP Presents: Animal Collective + Atlas Sound at KOKOJune 1, 2008London Web Week Closing Party at John Snow PubJune 20, 2008Interesting2008 at Conway HallJune 25, 2008Requirements Of A Modern at Plastic PeopleAugust 21, 2008Microclimate at Battersea BargeNovember 21, 2008Forever - installation by Universal Everything in the V&A's John Madejski Garden at Victoria and Albert MuseumMay 29, 2009Thrilling Wonder Stories: Speculative futures for an alternate present at Architectural Association (AA) School of ArchitectureSeptember 2, 2009Internet of Things Master Class at ClearleftSeptember 11, 2009Interesting 2009 at Conway HallOctober 29, 2009Playful 09 at Conway HallFebruary 19, 2010The Story at Conway HallSeptember 2, 2010dConstruct 2010 at The Brighton Dome


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Call selling gains popularity
By writing out-of-the-money call options, the investor's upside is capped at the level of the strike. However, the premium the investor earns from selling the option can be attractive if they feel the underlying stock price is unlikely to rally during the life of the trade.
"More and more people are happy to bet against the market trading very strongly and, with current levels of volatility, investors are quite happy to cap their upside if it means they can raise some premium to outperform the downside," said Cyril Levy Marchall, head of equity derivatives flow trading at JP Morgan in London. "Furthermore, particularly during recessionary periods, upside calls tend to be overpriced compared with upside returns, which makes overwriting quite an attractive strategy for investors."
Implied volatilities have soared since the third quarter of last year in the wake of the US subprime mortgage crisis. This means investors are able to earn significantly higher premiums through selling options. For example, a three-month 105% call on Deutsche Bank would have earned the writer of the option 2% on March 26, 2006. One year on, the same call would have paid 4.3%.
"As volatility has increased, the yield an investor can obtain from overwriting strategies has increased significantly, with some two- to three-month call options offering 6% and up," said Gerry Fowler, director of trading floor multi-strategy at Citi in London.
JP Morgan advocates selling short-dated covered calls as a good way to capture the volatility premium and realise yield enhancement on an equity portfolio. Based on an expected slowdown in economic growth and lower upside potential for equities, the bank expects short call strategies on the Dow Jones Eurostoxx 50 index to perform relatively well. Over the past 12 months, for example, a strategy of systematically selling non-delta-hedged Dow Jones Eurostoxx 50 one-month 103% calls would have resulted in an average profit of around 3.7%.
However, not everyone is convinced, noting that, in the current volatile environment, stocks could spike upwards. "A lot of managers are more concerned with bigger risks and profit-and-loss swings in their portfolios. I doubt single-stock call overwriting is very popular as the markets are so volatile right now," said a London-based hedge fund manager.
Indeed, as Fowler conceded: "Investors are careful to only implement this strategy selectively on stocks they do not believe will rally much further, such as oil." They are also more careful to move their strikes further out of the money. "A few years ago, investors would choose strikes that were very close to the money because that was the only way for them to get a decent premium. Today, investors tend to prefer higher strikes, in the range of 110–115%. They don't mind getting a smaller premium if it means they will not be called," said Fowler.
Société Générale currently advises overwriters to focus on defensive stocks, such as telecoms, basic materials, or food and beverage companies, which tend to be less affected by market volatility.
"In the case of a market rebound, defensive stocks would not gain as much as distressed stocks or growth stocks, which would give the investor time to change the strike of their overwriting strategy or unwind it altogether. Equally, if the market deteriorates further, defensives are likely to outperform other stocks," said Arnaud Joubert, head of research at Société Générale Corporate and Investment Banking in Paris.
A three-month out-of-the-money call on UK telephone company Vodafone with a 105% strike currently pays a 4.7% premium, with sector volatility in the telecommunications sector hovering around 32%. One year ago, volatility stood at around 22%, and the same call would have paid a 3.5% premium.
For some investors, however, stock prices at current lows are best left alone. "While asset managers continue their usual business of overwriting one- to three-month calls with 100-105% strikes, insurers are actually slowing down their overwriting operations to avoid realising losses," said Joubert. "If they've bought stock at high levels in the past and these stocks have dropped in the past months, an overwriting strategy could see them sell stocks at a strike price that is far below their initial entry price in the stock."
See also: Uncertain certificates
The creative hedge
Mid-cap emerges
The write option
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Why are animals so prominent in African myths?
African Heroes
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The centrality of animals in African mythology and in other animistic mythologies, such as those of the Native North American, reflects the sense that all things in nature are animated by the spirit world. In an earlier time, according to this perspective, animals and humans were much more involved in each other's lives than they are now and could communicate directly.