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The varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox is the cause for shingles as well. This chickenpox virus can remain inactive inside a human being's body for several years and surface as shingles during adulthood. Shingles can be very painful even though they clear away on its own in a few weeks.
Symptoms too are very distressing with fever and chills, pain, itching, blisters filled with pus and rashes that can spread to many places in the body. There are many medicines that are used to suppress the virus. But these are again dormant and hence have chances of surfacing again. Natural treatments are much more effective in treating shingles.
Best Home Remedies For Shingles
Apple Cider Vinegar
Being an antimicrobial in action, apple cider vinegar can clear off the action of the virus and help remove the rashes with continuous application. The astringent qualities of apple cider vinegar can be used for masking the pain as well.
Take a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar and gently apply on the affected skin. Do it twice a day and drink 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with a glass of water or fresh juice for an internal action as well.
Organic Honey
Organic honey helps in healing and moisturising the skin affected by shingles. Apply honey generously on the affected skin and leave it on. Reapply every few hours. You can seal the area with gauze if you are out. Frequent application of organic honey will finally heal the skin and provide relief to the patient.
Pure Coconut Oil
Pure unrefined coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal qualities. It will also arrest the spread of infection due to its fatty layer. Dip a soft cloth in virgin coconut oil and place it on the affected skin. Seal with a tape or gauze. Replace with fresh coconut oil every few hours. Continue application until the shingles fades away.
Aloe Vera And Cayenne Pepper
Both these naturally occurring products have antimicrobial properties and can heal and rejuvenate the skin affected by shingles. Mix equal proportions of cayenne pepper and aloe gel and smear it on the skin affected by shingles.
The pain and the itching will be greatly masked by the hot cayenne pepper and cool aloe gel. This will also stop the virus from spreading and speed up the process of healing.
Green Tea
Green tea is antiviral and hence a great treatment method for shingles. Drink green tea 4-5 times a day to relieve your body from stress and calm down the nerves. Stress is a major factor that can activate the shingles virus and trigger an attack.
Nail polish removers too can be used for treating shingles. How? Just apply acetone on the blister filled skin and prevent the pain and itching sensation associated with shingles. Acetone has a cooling action and will immediately cool the area. It acts as an exfoliant as well, removing the damaged dead skin cells that are accumulated on the skin. It also helps in removing the viral action on the skin.


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The little drummer boy
By Michael Roberts
Germany in 1979 was not renowned for facing up to its ugly totalitarian past, and thankfully in the intervening decades that's all changed, thanks in no small part to writers like Günter Grass and his astonishing epic, serio-comic meditation on Nazism and humanity, The Tin Drum. Volker Schlöndorff, who cut his teeth in cinema during the Nouvelle Vague in France in the 1960's as an assistant to Louis Malle, transferred the ground-breaking novel to the screen with its satiric heart and biting criticism of fascism (and crucially its humour) intact. The adventure of a boy who refuses to grow up in the face of a national crisis of identity is rich pickings for a narrative that embraces the surreal as much as the banality of evil. The film would not have succeeded half as well had Schlöndorff, not had a remarkable 11 year old David Bennett on board to play the boy, his expressiveness and impact ranks the performance as one of the most compelling ever delivered by a child actor in the history of cinema.
The opening scenes, set in 1899, resemble a medieval tableau, a poor woman alone in a field roasting potatoes until a man runs toward her pursued by a pair of bungling officers. The woman hides the man under her long skirts and the tone is set for an askance look at the nature of man via the sometimes tragi-comic avoidance of authoritarian rule. The couple get married and have a daughter, Agnes (Anglea Winkler) who grows up and has an affair with her amorous cousin Jan (Daniel Olbrychski) before marrying a soldier she meets when she serves as a nurse in WWI, the stolid and unimaginative Alfred (Mario Adorf). Agnes gives birth to a son, Oskar, who decides at the age of three, appalled and disgusted by the world of adults, he simply decides to stop growing. Oskar negotiates a world of his own design, a misfit in every way who is literally marching to the beat of his own drum.
It is Oskar's repulsion with the world he has inherited that triggered his existential crisis, a world that specialises in condemning outsiders, and Oskar is the ultimate outsider. Oskar takes a dispassionate view of his surroundings, avoiding connection and attachment after he sees the pain and confusion it causes his mother, the metaphor is unmistakeable, the innocent child watching helplessly as the world around him unravels. Oskar deals with stress by becoming the embodiment of Munch's painting The Scream, developing a glass shattering pitch that he employs in moments of panic and terror. The corollary and association of broken glass with Kristallnacht is also neatly underscored as Oskar's friend, the Jewish toy shop owner (Charles Aznavour), suffers under the Nazi jackboot.
Schlöndorff made an episodic tableau, tracking the quasi-surreal and picaresque adventures of Oskar as he negotiates the period between the wars, from the escapist whimsy of Weimar Republic hedonism to the advent of the Nazi's, who shamelessly exploited the implications of the Treaty of Versailles, even though Germany actually never paid war reparation. The piece is predicated on the idea, as Schlöndorff put it, that Germany was a country "unable to mourn", and he took the parts of the epic novel that could provide fuel to a future dialogue of reconciliation and reflection. One of the seeming great mysteries was how could such a civilised country as Germany fall for the mad brand of totalitarianism that the Nazi's were peddling? The film concisely represents a complex issue with the simplest of visual motifs, Oskar watches as his father takes down a portrait of Beethoven and replaces it with one of Hitler – "There once was a gullible people".
The film roams widely across ethnic terrain and cultural stereotypes, deflating and subverting them all mostly, as many people suddenly found themselves on the wrong side of an arbitrary divide. The idea that the whole miserable episode was a black circus is incorporated by, well, the use of a circus! A telling comment is made by the charismatic midget Bebra (Fritz Hakl), who becomes friends with Oskar, when he tells him "The others are coming, to preach our destruction". It's resonance to the "First they came for the communists" speech by a German pastor, is unmistakable. - it continues, "but I did not speak out because I was not a communist, then they came for the Jews…." In truth people did distasteful things in order to survive, and Oskar finds himself drawn into the Nazi orbit as an entertainer in Bebra's troupe, join the circus or die.
In 2015 the last German war trial opened with a startling admission from Oskar Gröning the now 93 year old 'bookkeeper of Auschwitz' that he knew all along the death camp was used for the extermination of people such as Jews and other enemies of the Third Reich. Gröning declared himself morally responsible for complicity in the deaths of over 300,000 people at the camp, and somewhat disingenuously decided it was up to others to decide if he was criminally culpable. The trial is a reminder of just how banal the day to day running of the racist, fascist Nazi ideology was, accepted by ordinary people like Herr Gröning as a reasonable solution to support and enlarge Germany's place in the world. Grass's novel makes no easy or glib judgements; it merely lays out the situation in human and humourous terms, gently framing the rise of Nazism with the words, "there once was a gullible people," before recounting how ordinary people did extraordinarily evil to other ordinary people.
Günter Grass avoided doing a deal for the film rights for two decades, turning down such luminaries as Roman Polanski and Andrzej Wajda, before Schlöndorff re-ignited Grass's interest in an adaptation. Grass said he'd become detached from the book, the controversy and the furore over its initial publication having taken its toll, but Schlöndorff wanted to make a film that reflected the book's epic nature, and Grass signed on to help construct a cinematic version of a classic of literature, letting Schlöndorff pick and choose from the episodes found in the novel to make a coherent film. One of the surprising choices, at variance from the book, was the decision to not show Oskar as a grown man, and this was only arrived at after David Bennett made such an impression as the boy that the idea of seeing him grown became unthinkable to the director.
David Bennet is simply stunning in the central role, compelling and devastatingly effective, everything that Schlöndorff could have hoped for. Bennett's expressiveness with his eyes is something to behold, and the fact that so young an actor could anchor an epic and appear in almost every scene is ridiculous. Speaking of ridiculous – a surreal post script saw the film banned in Oklahoma in 1997 because it allegedly showed under-age sex, when Oskar shares a tender moment with a grocer's wife in a beach change room. The case, brought by a fundamentalist Christian group, was eventually thrown out.
If history shows nothing else it reveals that every country consists of gullible people, able to be manipulated by opportunist politicians who will use any pretext to push their power agenda. Most of Europe was in the thrall of fascist governments, with France and Britain notable hold-outs, but even within those 'civilised' borders there were many friends of fascism. The British upper class were particularly impressed by Hitler's success and the French Catholics had no qualms about giving up Jews to the Nazi's during the occupation. It's not even too fanciful to imagine America adopting a quasi-fascist government if not for someone as charismatic and capable as FDR who led the way out of the Great Depression with his socialistic New Deal, much despised by the denizens of the political right.
The Tin Drum is a one-off masterpiece, there has not been and will not be another like it. A scandal of sorts erupted in 2006 after Grass admitted he was actually involved with the youth wing of the SS as a boy, leading some to retrospectively dismiss his masterpiece, but this is to be missing the point. Every country has the potential to follow opportunistic leaders, and anyone who lived through John Howard's disgraceful Tampa led election victory (look it up) in as benign a country as Australia should take pause for thought. In a few short years this pathetic reactionary took Australia from being an outward, generous-of-spirit country to an insular, mean and unwelcoming rabble. For many of us here, after that sudden lurch to the political right, the mysteries of why a country like Germany could fall for Nazism suddenly didn't seem so odd at all. Maybe one day someone will make a daring, inventive and layered cinematic essay on that episode, but until then we have The Tin Drum.

subset: commoncrawl


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Situated in a lovely location within a quiet, gated lane, this fantastic newly renovated two bedroom old apartment boasts modern and spacious interiors and floor heating throughout.
• Spacious living room with space to dine
• Modern fully kitted open kitchen
• Benefits from two double bedrooms and modern shower room
• Underfloor heating throughout
• Refurbished to a good standard throughout
• Lovely private balcony with great views
• Amazing views over the Shangahi city center
• Quiet location in the heart of the former French Concession
• Flat fitted with wood floors, underfloor heating and central A/C
* Information on the website can be used for reference only. Please note due to the high turnover in the Shanghai housing market, the availability of the property will need to be confirmed by the landlord.


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To apply for a refund of motor tax, you need to download and complete form RF120 - PDF HERE
Your completed application form should include the current tax disc, Vehicle Licensing/Registration Certificate or Registration Book, together with all other required documentation as outlined in the RF120 form.
You can claim a refund of motor tax if:
- The vehicle has been scrapped, destroyed or sent permanently out of the State
- The vehicle has been stolen and has not been recovered by the owner
- The vehicle has not been taken out or used in a public place at any time since the issue of the current disc
- The owner of the vehicle has stopped using the vehicle because of illness, injury or other physical disability
- The owner of the vehicle has stopped using the vehicle because they are absent from the country for business or educational purposes
- The owner of the vehicle has stopped using the vehicle because of service overseas with the Defence Forces
Tax discs must be surrendered immediately as refunds are generally calculated from the first of the month following the surrender of the disc. A minimum of three unexpired whole calendar months must be left on the disc when surrendered.
Your completed application form should be returned toMotor Tax Office, Glenpark, The Mall, Castlebar Co. Mayo


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Search here for what you are looking for:
Hebei Doyan Screen Printing Equipment Co.,Ltd is a professional export polyester screen printing mesh and aluminum frame manufacturer and exporter of screen printing materials and equipment.Our product engineers work closely with customers in many diverse industries to develop product solutions that are tailored to their individual project specifications.Currently sold into over 50 countries worldwide. Enterprise faith: faithfulness,Mutual Benefit Enterprise purpose:provide high quality products and excellent service.
Line table frame is welded by 6063 aluminum tube,with excellent weldability,crushing resistance and corrosion resistance.it is widely used for running table printing, dress printing, arts and crafts gifts, leather, plastic, glass products, etc.Printing process are mainly by manual pipeline operation.
Popular size:12x16",16x22",18x24",or as request
Aluminum tube size: 25x25mm,25x38mm,25x41mm,etc.
Accessories: T guide and handle


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Make Your Own Homemade Tea from Fruits
Homemade fruit tea beats the bought one by far, after all, it does not contain any flavors or additives. In addition, domestic production offers another advantage – the very individual touch.
Homemade fruit tea delights die-hard fans of this refreshing thirst quencher and is gaining more and more fans. Not least because it can be completely tailored to the personal preferences of the respective tea lover.
It is fruit not the same fruit, it can be warm or cold, pure, enjoy refined based on classical Teevarianten or with various herbs.
Suitable fruits
Some types of fruit are suitable for making fruit teas, such as:
Not only the fruit itself, but even the peels can form the basis of a fruit tea. Of course, only untreated varieties come into question.
In addition, all berry fruits can be processed into fruit tea, such as:
- Strawberries
- Currant
- Raspberries
- juniper
- elder
- Sea buckthorn
- and many more.
Fruit tea variations
In addition to the pure fruit tea, there are numerous variations, some of which seem quite exotic. So even a classic peppermint, black or green tea can be spiced up with fruit.
Dried herbs or spices such as:
… Give lovers of intense taste a very special note.
Friends of high-proof pleasures simply mix the homemade fruit tea with wine or sparkling wine and a delicious drink is ready.
This is how you make your own fruit tea
There are two different ways to make your own tea:
- Scald the freshly collected ingredients (e.g. peppermint, rosemary, etc.) with hot water.
- The ingredients should be dried beforehand – these then also provide more flavor.
Drying ingredients:
Any ingredients should be dried before boiling. This way the ingredients are preserved and the aroma of the fruits and herbs is concentrated.
- The cleaned herbs are best hung up for around 72 hours in a warm, dark place (e.g. in the attic or closet).
- The cleaned fruits are best cut into small pieces, placed on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and then dried at around 50 degrees for around 6-8 hours. It is best to wedge a wooden spoon between the oven doors so that the moisture can escape.
- After drying, the fruits or herbs can also be crushed further – for example in a mortar – and poured into well-sealable jars or cans.
Perfect tea enjoyment
For perfect tea enjoyment, add 1-2 tablespoons of the homemade tea mixture with hot water (approx. 60 – 80 degrees) and let it steep for 6-10 minutes. Homemade green or black tea should only be steeped for 3-4 minutes.


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Democrats blast push for English-only communication in Georgia
ATLANTA — When state Rep. Pedro "Pete" Marin moved from Puerto Rico to Georgia with his family in 1995, he and his wife Nereida each had to apply for a new driver's license.
Although they had been licensed drivers in Puerto Rico for years, the Marins had to take the same written exam that Georgia teenagers do. But to pass the road-rules half of the written test, Nereida Marin needed help, her husband recalled, because her English at the time wasn't strong enough.
Fortunately for her, Georgia offered the written exam in various foreign languages. It's one of about 40 states that do. She took the test in Spanish and passed. She was soon driving on her own and, her husband says, was able to be a "productive Georgian."
However, that option could disappear. A state lawmaker is sponsoring legislation to make Georgia offer such services only in English.
From January to October 2015 — the most recent period for which Georgia's Department of Driver Services has compiled statistics — about 8 percent of written driver's license tests were taken in one of 11 foreign languages offered. Of those approximately 290,000 written exams, about 15,000 — 5 percent — were conducted in Spanish and more than 1,000 were taken in Vietnamese, Chinese and Arabic.
For years, though, some Republican lawmakers have argued that the state government should not be so accommodating to non-English speakers. They argue that services such as translating voting ballots and offering interpreters to help immigrants use welfare programs end up costing taxpayers money and don't encourage non-English speakers to develop the fluency to help them climb the economic ladder.
"My bill definitely has a taxpayer benefit," said GOP Sen. Joshua McKoon of Columbus, who is sponsoring a state constitutional amendment to designate English as Georgia's official language. It would require the state government communicate in English only, with some exceptions for issues such as public health and safety.
English is already the official language of Georgia, but that provision is in a statute, not the constitution.
McKoon said his proposal would also benefit non-English speakers, "since a key to economic success is adopting the language quickly."
His resolution was approved by a Senate committee last week and now awaits debate on the Senate floor. Constitutional amendments require two-thirds approval in both chambers and voters' approval in a statewide election.
Similar bills have previously failed to pass through the legislature, most recently in 2016, when an identical bill passed the Senate in a party-line vote but died in a House committee. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, the Senate's leader and a candidate for governor, supports McKoon's efforts to advance the proposal
"A key step to (contributing to our nation) is learning the English language, and the expectations set by this bill are reasonable," Cagle said in a statement Monday.
But unlike in previous years, Republicans lack a two-thirds super-majority in either chamber, meaning Democrats could quash the proposal through a party-line floor vote.
"We can prevent a constitutional amendment if we stay united," Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson of Stone Mountain said during a news conference Monday.
Despite this fact, Democrats are taking the bill seriously. Monday's event was the second news conference by Democrats to denounce the measure, which they have called xenophobic, against the state's business interests and a "distraction" designed to drive conservative voters to the polls in November.
McKoon called those arguments "ridiculous," accused Democrats of playing "identity politics" and said his bill is actually popular statewide.
"A majority of Democrats and Republicans are in favor of making English the official language," said McKoon, who is running for Georgia Secretary of State.
He also vehemently denies that his proposal is xenophobic.
Rep. Marin, though, said immigrants already face enough barriers and should not be forced to become fluent English speakers before they can drive a car. In the 23 years since his family moved, Marin said his wife's English has improved "tremendously" and she can now read, write and speak in both languages.
"It's not easy to learn the English language so fast," he said. "The government needs to be accessible, and helping immigrants get driver's licenses is precisely the opportunity we should be offering to help them succeed in our state."


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Saffron Basmati Rice Recipe with Dill is aromatic, pretty and utterly delicious. This a fantastic compliment to almost anything . . . meats, fish, vegetables, you name it! And it will brighten the table with its stunning, vibrant color.Saffron.
It's red, it's gold, it's oh so beautiful.
It's profoundly delicious.
What is Saffron?
- It's the most expensive spice in the world. In the world! And for very good reasons.
- Saffron threads are the stamens of the Crocus flower, which is native to the Mediterranean and western Asia. (The stamen is the pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower.)
- The Crocus flower is a very high-maintenance flower that only blooms for one week of the year and only produces about three stamens each.
- The stamens must be very carefully hand picked, and it takes about 80,000 flowers to produce 1-pound of saffron!
- When the stunning red threads are hit with liquid, they immediately turn a deep, rich golden color.
- The intense gold color, is said to be an indication that the saffron has medicinal qualities, like powerful antioxidants that can protect the body.
Saffron Basmati Rice brightens any plate with it's color and flavor.
What Does Saffron Taste Like?
- The flavor of saffron can be described as floral, buttery and earthy.
- A little will go a long way to color and flavor a dish it's added to.
Remember when we made Spicy Turmeric-Coconut Rice? The color of the turmeric is similar to that of the saffron — though the flavor is quite different. Try them both for fun.
What to serve with Saffron Basmati Rice:
- Saffron Orange Whitefish with Tomato Basil Salsa
- Skillet Sweet Potato Braised Chicken
- Garlicky Coconut Gai Lan
- Light Spring and Summer Fish Stew
- Baked Mango Coconut Chicken
Here is the saffron I've been using — it's from Spain. And here's a great article on the colorful History of Saffron.
I hop you enjoy this oh-so-beautiful and delicious Saffron Basmati Rice recipe!
Saffron Basmati Rice Recipe with Fresh Dill
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, washed and dried, roughly chopped
- Add the pinch of saffron threads to a mortar. Use the pestle to grind the spice until it's a powder. This should only take a few seconds, and will yield less than 1/8 teaspoon, which is all you need.
- Add about 2 tablespoons of the water to the mortar and then pour this, along with the remaining water into a medium-sized soup pot. Bring it to a very gentle simmer and then turn off the heat. Let it steep for at least 15 minutes.
- Now pour the rice into a fine mesh strainer and rinse it thoroughly, and then add it to the pot, along with the salt and olive oil.
- Gently stir and then bring to a boil. Immediately turn the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook just until all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- Fold in the dill and serve.
Cooking On The Weekends is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.


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I spent 6 years in College studying Mechanical engineering and learned a great deal about mechanical and electrical components. Â I am usually able to solve most problems on my own but I am having difficulty with Ruby's gear driven starter. Â The starter has been making a strange sound after you shut it off and then restart it within 10 minutes. Â The bendix is not retracting fast enough and is causing drag on the unit. Â The centrifugal force of the flexplate causes the bendix to go back in place but the drag is very loud. Â I assumed this was common with a gear driven starter but Fred said no. Â The GM gear drive is the best to install per Fred as it doesn't exhibit those characteristics. Â Basically, the problem could be attributed to one of the following areas. (1) The starter solenoid is defective. (2) The armature has flat spot. (3) The cables or wires are loose causing too much resistance. (4) All of the above.
I learned in school that electricity is like water flowing through a water hose. Â The larger the hose (wire) the more water flow (voltage) and volume (amperage) it can handle. I normally use a #4 gauge wire which can handle 70 amps. Â The amperage (power) is more than adequate to engage the bendix in the solenoid. Â I can tap on the unit and get it to start but that is not the solution. Â I personally think it is the starter solenoid and the # 6 wire battery cable that has been burned from header heat in the past. Â I hope to remove the starter today, install a new one along with a new cable and try to system again. Â I may try a new cable prior to removing the starter. Â I have never had starter problems prior to this but I know they do exists. Â I will let you know the outcome tomorrow. Â Hot rods are a continuing education for the do-it yourself enthusiasts.
Stay Tooned!
This is what I like to see when I check into a hotel. Â Bill Herbert's Deuce hiboy roadster with an Ardun motor and all the nice stuff was staged in the entrance to the Fairplex Sheraton. Â Nice job Bill!
I have a new starter to install but wanted to show you how nice the mini starters fit in the engine compartment. Â I am learning more about the unit as I dig into the interior workings of the unit. Â The dual bolt holes allow the use on any Chevy flexplate/flywheel combination. Â Fred said this is a good one also.
Here we go again on how nice a tudor sedan can look. Â Folkstone gray with maroon steelies makes my mouth water. Â This is a 39 Ford Deluxe. Â Note the windshield trim and wipers. Â Gary thinks the mirrors are worthless as you can't see anything out of the passenger side.
All you need is a little 283 hooked to the stock driveline and you have a good driver. This one still has the split core radiator which is stock.
Jeff drove his Moal built 29 to the show. Â The front end styling is perfect and all custom fabricated in Steve's shop. Â Graphics are cream which blend nicely with the black exterior.
The rear deck lid louvers make a good statement for the Track roadster. Â The chassis is a Moal torsion bar unit which rides really nice. Â The engine is also a Ford with the Moal touch.
Not as common as the Deuce the model 40 was well represented this year. Â This fellow was from WI and drove all through the swap meet area on Friday. Â The car reminds me of the late Joe Mayall's roadster.
After 40 Deuce hiboys, I headed to the preferred parking area and ran into this cutie. Â Folkstone gray, maroon steelies and perfect stance drew us to this coupe. The interior was done in an Indian blanket fabric and a custom back seating area.
Today's 4o Coupe….Dreaming!
A very nicely detailed coupe from CO was parked next to our Simi Valley crowd in the Preferred parking area. Â I don't think it was chopped but might have been lowered an inch or so. Â Overall quality was outstanding. Â I like the orange wires with radials.


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Which is extremely sad after years and years of creating beautiful clothes Nephilaine Protagonist decided to move on to bigger projects, knowing her, how talented she is i´m sure they will be even better.So while the shop is closing it will be open for some time with every set for 50L, I already owned a few of Neph´s clothes but i stoped by the other day to get this lovely Vigne dress that for some reason i had never bought.
Is also worth buying all of her awsome more recent mesh work from the dresses that will fit you right out of the box, to the lovely jewelry and her gorgeous cowboy boots i already blogged about here, I advise everyone to take this opportunity to stop by and check the amazing work of an amazing creator, work i hope to keep following as Neph ventures her creativity into new paths.
Following up on more mesh goodies I´m also wearing these two lovely hairs from Alice Project the second i found at the Vintage Fair, and as usual some makeup i got at M.O.C.K´s, i think most of the makeup i wear is her work between all the lovely group gifts and the raids to her store, my inventory makeup folder grows bigger and bigger.
Anyways here it is to PixelDolls.
Shape: Mine
Skin:Mynerva -Kianna Apricot
Eyes: Cool Beans – Soulful Eyes – Autumn
Shoes: Cool Bean – Plain Jane Pumps Red
Shape: Mine
Skin:Mynerva -Kianna Apricot
Eyes: Cool Beans – Soulful Eyes – Autumn
Shoes: Cool Bean – Plain Jane Pumps Red
1st Picture
Hair: Alice Project – Amiya – Red
Dress: PixelDolls – Vigne/Sweet . Violet
Makeup: M.O.C.K. – Dark Violet Fog
Makeup: M.O.C.K. – Lae's Cabaret Makeover (Lip 1) (group gift)
Necklace: PixelDolls – Necklace Bathory – Gold/Blood
2sd Picture
Hair: Alice Project – Annette – Red
Dress: PixelDolls – Ashley . Violet
Makeup: M.O.C.K. – Back to Basics [eyeshadow] [Black Currant]
Makeup:M.O.C.K. – Machine Envy Lip Jelle (1) (group gift)
Necklace: PixelDolls – Valois – Silver/Ruby
Earings: PixelDolls – Valois – Silver/Ruby


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No Sea Serpents, No Gangsters, But Tahoe Trash Divers Strike Gold | Nevada News
By SCOTT SONNER, Associated Press
STATELINE, Nev. (AP) — They found no trace of a mythical sea monster, no sign of gangsters in cement shoes or long-lost treasure chests.
But the divers who spent a year cleaning up Lake Tahoe's entire 72-mile (115-kilometer) shoreline came away with what they hope will prove far more valuable: tons and tons of trash.
In addition to removing 25,000 pounds (11,339 kilograms) of underwater trash since last May, divers and volunteers meticulously sorted and recorded the types and GPS locations of the trash.
The dozens of dives that ended this week were part of a first-of-its-kind effort to learn more about the source and potential damage caused by plastics and other pollutants in the legendary alpine lake on the California-Nevada line.
political cartoons
It also took organizers on a journey through the history, folklore and development of the lake atop the Sierra Nevada which holds enough water to cover all of California at 14 inches (36 centimeters) deep.
The Washoe tribe fished the turquoise-blue Tahoe for centuries before westward expansion in the mid-1800s brought railroads, lumber barons and eventually Gatsby-style decadence to what became a playground for the rich and famous.
Tahoe's first casino was built in 1902 by Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin, who owned much of East Los Angeles and built the important Santa Anita Racecourse in 1907. Huge waterfront estates of the lake have followed for decades, including one used for the filming of "Godfather II."
Cleanup organizers say one of the things locals ask the most is whether they've found any gangster remains near the North Rim. This is where Frank Sinatra lost his gambling license for allegedly fraternizing with organized crime bosses at his Cal-Neva hotel-casino in the 1960s.
The recovered debris consisted mostly of things like bottles, tires, fishing gear and sunglasses.
But Colin West, founder of the nonprofit environmental group that launched the project, Clean Up the Lake, said there were a few surprises.
Divers believe they've spotted wreckage boards near Dead Man's Point, where tribal tales tell of a Loch-Ness-Monster-like creature – later dubbed "Tahoe Tessie" – living beneath Cave Rock.
They also discovered a few "No Littering" signs, engine blocks, lamp posts, a diamond ring, and "those funny fake plastic owls that sit on boats to scare the birds away," West said.
"It's shocking how much trash has accumulated beneath what appears to be such a pristine lake," said Matt Levitt, founder and CEO of Tahoe Blue Vodka, which contributed $100,000 to the cleanup.
His businesses are among many – including hotels, casinos and ski resorts – that depend on the more than 15 million people who visit each year to soak up the sights that Mark Twain described in "Roughing It" in 1872 as "the fairest image that the whole earth offers". "
"It's our economic engine," Levitt said.
And while most contributors and volunteers were motivated primarily to help beautify the lake, it's what happens once the trash is piled ashore that excites scientists.
Shoreline cleanups have taken place across the country for years, from Arizona to the Great Lakes, Pennsylvania and Florida. But this waste goes into recycling bins and garbage bags for disposal.
Each piece of 189 separate Tahoe dives to depths of 25 feet (8 meters) was mapped by GPS and meticulously divided into categories including plastic, metal and fabric.
Plastics are critical as international research increasingly shows that certain types can break down into smaller pieces known as microplastics.
Scientists are still studying the extent and human damage caused by the tiny pieces. But the National Academy of Sciences said in December that the United States – the world's biggest producer of plastic waste – should reduce plastics production because so much waste ends up in oceans and waterways.
Zoe Harrold, a biochemist, led scientists at the Desert Research Institute in Reno who first documented microplastics in Tahoe in 2019. She was the lead author of Clean Up the Lake's 2021 report on a 6-year pilot project. miles (10 kilometers).
"If left in place, the continued degradation of submerged trash, especially plastic and rubber, will continue to slowly release microplastics and leachate into the azure waters of Lake Tahoe," Harrold wrote.
The cleanup comes half a century after scientists began measuring Tahoe's waning clarity as the basin began to experience explosive growth.
Most credit, or blame, the completion of the interstate system for the 1960 Winter Olympics near Tahoe City. The very first on TV, it introduced the world to the lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
From 1960 to 1980, Tahoe's population grew from 10,000 to 50,000 – 90,000 in summer, according to the US Geological Survey. Peak days are now approaching 300,000.
"The majority of what we take away is a result of human impact from recreation, living and building community here in the Lake Tahoe area," West said.
His group is planning dives this year at other Sierra lakes, including June Lake east of Yosemite National Park, and will expand future Tahoe searches to deeper depths.
The nonprofit Tahoe Fund, which also helped raise $100,000 for the cleanup effort, is commissioning artists to create a sculpture out of Tahoe trash at an event center under construction in Stateline, on the south shore of the lake.
"Our hope is that it will inspire greater environmental stewardship and remind those who love Lake Tahoe that it is up to all of us to take care of it," said Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry.
Copyright 2022 The Associated press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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This is not an offer for credit and should be used for estimation purposes only based on the information you provided. You should not base your decision on this estimate alone. Title, registration, tax and other fees, and personal circumstances such as employment status and personal credit history, were not considered in the calculations.
Front - Hydraulic disc
Rear - Shaft mounted hydraulic disc
Front - 25 x 8-12
Rear - 25 x 10-12
2 person capacity
Full bench seat
Matt Black
Hard top & windshield
Multiple storage spaces including - Glove compartment, Under driver and passenger seat, Under the hood, Inside the tailgate and a pocket under the dash
2 in. receiver
Winch - 2,500 lb.


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Are you ready to boost your metabolism and optimize your thyroid health but don't know where to start?
Raise a hand if you've tried different diets, including calorie-cutting, high carb, low carb, measuring, counting, and fasting, but haven't had lasting results, or you've reached a plateau and can't break-through?
This article will explain my top (unexpected) thyroid diet tips to boost metabolism. These tips are based on fifteen years of research, experimenting with different diets to boost metabolism, and talking with hundreds of thousands of thyroid patients about which diets worked best.
If there's one thing I've learned, patients suffering from thyroid problems commonly have MULTIPLE health issues. All of which can contribute to weight gain and a slower metabolism, including:
- Adrenal Fatigue
- Cushing's Disease
- Estrogen Dominance
- Insulin Resistance
- Hashimoto's
- Candida Overgrowth
- Leaky Gut
- Epstein-Barr Virus
- Mold Allergies
- MTHFR and methylation issues
- Mineral deficiencies
Do you have more than one of these health issues or suspect you might?
If so, you're not alone.
As a thyroid patient, that's also why you need to know some fad diets can make these underlying health issues worse.
The great news is that, surprisingly, these health conditions are related. Meaning, a diet strategy that boosts metabolism for thyroid health may also help support other health issues.
That's why the RIGHT thyroid diet strategy is essential for helping you reach and maintain your ideal weight.
What is the Best Diet to Boost Metabolism?
Before we get into the tips, this guide is a starting point for understanding the causes of slow metabolism and strategies for getting results with your diet. If you like what you're learning, you can find out more about my step-by-step Thyroid Coaching Program.
Now, let's dig into my thyroid diet tips to boost metabolism. But we are going to cover more than just diet.
1. Calorie Restricted Diets Don't Work
If you're like most thyroid patients, at some points, I'm guessing you've tried a calorie-restricted diet.
At age 12, my doctor put me on my first calorie-restricted diet. Not only was the diet humiliating, but the calorie-restrictions didn't work.
Sadly, until I was 35 years old, every doctor missed my thyroid condition. Perhaps if they used the right thyroid testing and looked my symptoms, those doctors would have discovered the problem started with my thyroid, not my diet.
This is my thyroid health journey:
Do you have a thyroid condition and you've tried a calorie-restricted diet but had limited results in losing weight and keeping it off?
That's why it's so important to know calorie-restricted diets don't work long-term, and they make thyroid function worse. (1)
A common problem for thyroid patients is thyroid hormone conversion. When you're healthy, your body converts T4 thyroid hormone into T3.
That T3 gives you energy, supports your immune system, and helps boost your metabolism. However, T4 hormone conversion doesn't always go smoothly for thyroid patients.
Even if you're taking thyroid medication, T4 conversion is a potential issue that may affect your weight. Other factors can also affect thyroid hormone conversion, including stress, inflammation, illness, lack of sleep, digestion issues, and mineral deficiencies.
A calorie-restricted diet also affects thyroid T4 to T3 conversion.
When you restrict calories, your body goes into starvation mode to conserve energy. Meaning, your body slows down calorie burning and stores energy as fat.
However, for thyroid patients conserving energy does the opposite of boosting our metabolism. Also, calorie-restricted diets can leave you feeling hungry, irritable, unsatisfied, and unhappy.
My first tip to boost metabolism is to avoid calorie-restricted diets as a long-term strategy and learn how to improve your T4 to T3 conversion for better energy production and fat-burning.
2. Avoid High Carb Diets
Like me, if you were born before 1980, you might remember that glorious time when high-carb diets were popular. Eat more bread and pasta, they said. You'll lose weight, they said.
A high-carb diet is perhaps the worst type for thyroid patients. Raise a hand if you learned that the hard way.
Healthy thyroid function depends on keeping your blood sugar in a normal range. Keeping your blood sugar in a normal range depends on healthy thyroid function. (8)
For patients with already low thyroid function, eating too many carbs can cause hormone imbalances and insulin resistance. Both of which can trigger the production of Reverse T3, which slows down your metabolism.
For people with autoimmune thyroid problems, insulin resistance can increase the destruction of the thyroid gland.
Carbs also contribute to another common health condition reported by thyroid patients—Candida overgrowth. Candida feeds on carbs, and when they get hungry, they make you crave more carbs.
In short, my tip is to avoid high carb foods or eating an excess of carbs in a meal.
3. Avoid Low Carb Diets, too
Wait, what? Avoid high carb AND low carb diets?
While that might seem contradictory, research suggests that low carb diets like Keto and Paleo aren't necessarily the answer for people with thyroid problems. For some people, low carb diets might work great for boosting metabolism and energy.
For others, a low carb diet might not help boost metabolism and energy, especially if the carb intake is too low.
Here's why:
Your body actually requires some carbohydrates to make glucose which helps convert T4 into T3. (5)
Not eating enough carbs may impair your thyroid hormone T4 to T3 conversion. As a result, your body could redirect T4 and create Reverse T3, which slows down your metabolism and energy.
Find the right balance of carbs for you by tracking your lab tests, weight, and thyroid symptoms like energy, low body temperature, fatigue, and brain fog.
Quick note: If you're doing a Candida cleanse, a no-carb diet may be the only way to kill off the Candida overgrowth. But that's another diet topic.
3. Eat Healthy Fats to Curb Cravings
Eating healthy fats, like nuts and full-fat dairy, can help reduce cravings for unhealthy carbs.
Many high-fat foods like nuts, nut butter, avocado, olive oil, dark chocolate, and full-fat dairy are satisfying and do not cause an insulin release. As a result, they keep your blood sugar more stable. (6)
A diet higher in healthy fats may improve insulin response and decrease blood glucose without causing reverse T3. (5)
Consider eating healthy fats like butter and milk from grass-fed cows, first cold-press olive oil, nuts, avocado oil, avocados, good-quality cheese, and dark chocolate.
4. Eat High-Quality Protein to Reduce Cravings
For people with hypothyroidism, research shows that increasing protein intake may boost metabolism. (7)
A meal with a higher protein content between 25%-81% may help you feel more satisfied for longer. That means reduced cravings. Feeling satisfied also helps to reduce energy intake, which is necessary for weight loss. (8)
Consider eating more high-quality proteins like organic free-range eggs, wild-caught salmon, organic chicken, pork, and grass-fed beef.
5. Eat the Right Balance of Protein, Fat, and Carbs
As a thyroid patient, finding the right balance of protein, fat, and carbs is essential for managing weight and metabolism.
But, what is the right balance of protein, fat, and carbs? It depends on the person.
For women with Hashimoto's, consider a moderate carb ratio like this one from Michelle Hoover, NTP, at Unbound Wellness:
- 40% Carbs (at least 100 carbs a day)
- 30% Fat
- 30% Protein
For general thyroid health to boost metabolism, lose weight, and feel satisfied, author and thyroid expert Dr. Broda Barnes recommends a ketosis type diet like this one with lower carb intake in the following balance of fat, protein, and carbs;
- 70 grams of Protein
- 90 grams of Fat
- 50 grams of high-quality Carbohydrates*
Which ratio is best for you? That depends on your particular health situation, weight loss goals, lifestyle, and observing how you feel.
Are you craving sugar and salt? Are you losing weight, stable, stuck, or gaining? Are your thyroid-related symptoms like energy, sleep, brain fog, and low body temperature improving or getting worse?
If you're looking for step-by-step coaching, consider enrolling in my Thyroid Coaching Program.
6. Try a Low-Stress Diet
What you eat is one factor affecting your metabolism. What you think and feel are equal factors affecting your weight and metabolism.
Stress can happen from your work, money, family relationships, chronic illness, low thyroid function, eating too many carbs, not sleeping enough, and even over-exercising.
When your body and mind are stressed, your adrenal glands increase cortisol production. Repeated stress and excess cortisol production can lead to adrenal burn-out, fatigue, illness, and abdominal weight gain. (4)
An indication of adrenal fatigue is cravings for sugar, sweets, salty foods, caffeine, and chocolate which can undermine your weight loss goals.
To keep your metabolism boosted, try a Low-Stress Diet. If you feel stress-levels rising, try managing stress with these tips:
- Meditate for five minutes
- Practice deep breathing
- Take a walk outside
- Do five minutes of yoga or stretching
- Take a nap
7. Address Mineral Deficiencies to Boost Metabolism
For thyroid patients, mineral deficiencies play a significant role in thyroid health, thyroid T4 to T3 conversion, adrenal cortisol production, glucose levels, and balancing estrogen dominance. All of which can affect weight and metabolism.
Here are the minerals our bodies use daily for thyroid function, hormone production, and metabolism:
- Iodide helps make thyroid hormones, reduce goiter, and nodules
- Iodine helps balance estrogen and may reduce ovarian cysts
- Selenium reduces inflammation and helps convert T4 into T3
- Sodium (unrefined salt) helps adrenal cortisol regulation (10)
- Zinc helps the metabolism of thyroid hormones (11) and stabilizing cortisol (12)
- Magnesium helps convert T4 and regulate adrenal cortisol (13)
- Vitamin C helps improve serum T4, T3, and TSH concentrations (14) and may reduce adrenal cortisol stress response (15)
How to Boost Metabolism with Thyroid Diet and Minerals
If you have hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's, no thyroid, or an undiagnosed thyroid condition, it's possible to boost metabolism and get lasting results with the right diet strategy.
I recommend choosing high-quality protein, fats, and carbs in the ideal ratio for your thyroid condition, addressing mineral deficiencies, and of course, talk with your doctor or nutritionist.
The right thyroid diet strategy may provide lasting weight loss results and may help you feel healthier overall.
Learn more about my thyroid support supplements are how they are formulated to help with mineral deficiencies that affect thyroid and metabolism.


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04 Feb Introducing BCKRDS: The Brand & Design Agency You Need To Know About
Johannesburg-based brand and design consultancy, BCKRDS (pronounced Back-Roads) was founded by designers Wade Moonsamy and Samu Belle, and illustrator Musonda Kabwe. Having gained a wealth of experience and expertise at well-known branding agency Grid, they decided to launch their own company towards the end of 2017.
The consultancy overflows with creativity and brings distinctiveness to the branding scene. The founders were interested in exploring the different ways in which they could skilfully blend their interest for brands and design. To this end, the business operates as a design consultancy that works hand-in-hand with clients to develop and evolve identities and brands – and in doing so, seeks to experiment with design to create culturally relevant and moving work.
Their breakout product is the '(011)' tee which is a shout out to the city of Johannesburg, and a way of paying homage to the city that has shaped them and the many people who reside in it. The (011) tee was, in fact, the starting point for the consultancy. "That was really how we started; doing a small round of tees. We started wearing them [and] people started liking it," co-founder and Creative Director, Moonsamy says. "We saw the kind of work that people were doing when we were still working at Grid, and we felt that we wanted to have a greater cultural impact through our work and that's why we started BCKRDS. It essentially became that platform for us to have a voice in 'the culture' and in creative spaces," co-founder and Managing Director, Belle continues.
One of the first brands the consultancy worked on was MTN's fibre company, Supersonic. The company was launched with the aim of changing the fibre and ISP market marred with intentionally confusing language and complex offerings. BCKRDS was commissioned with the task of designing the look of the newly launched company.
BCKRDS has also worked with a youth-oriented magazine and website, Zkhiphani.com, which covers all aspects of culture from music, fashion to celebrity content. BCKRDS was approached to create a brand identity that reflected the boldness and energy of its youthful audience – to also bring the brand up-to-date with its contemporaries, both locally and abroad.
To date, the list of brands that BCKRDS has worked with has grown exponentially; some of which include Is Yours Mag – a culturally focused magazine, as well as a number of start-up tech and investment companies.
In the future, the founders see themselves expanding this list and working with clients who are willing to take risks. "We want to do work for brands that want to do cool and interesting things. At the end of the day, we can help you with the corporate stuff, the campaigns, identities, and roll-out for advertising – but for us, it's more about having the meetings with people who would have us working on the cool activations as well as the interesting expressions of the brand," Moonsamy says.
For more information visit bckrds.com.
Visit their online store.


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About the series – Roger West Creative & Code set out to discover how our clients are adapting to the historically disruptive business environment of 2020. This is the first installment of our series, Rise & Thrive, an examination of challenges faced and lessons learned in the time of COVID-19.
Who is Dynamic Communities?
Dynamic Communities is the platform connecting partners and users of Microsoft business applications and other top tech solutions around the world, enabling them to interact with purpose and meaning online and in person.
The global community nurtured by Dynamic Communities gives tens of thousands of members the chance to pursue business growth, collaboration, discovery, education and professional development. Dynamic Communities is focus on providing these opportunities through personalized content and interfaces based on the information and experiences relevant to the individual.
Connections among members are supported by local online user groups, online training and education. But things really take off when members gather in person three times a year at Community Summit North America, Community Summit Australia and Community Summit Europe.
These in-person Summits have become must-attend events for thousands of partners and users in the tech solutions space. In a professional ecosystem often fragmented across industries and functions, attendees know they can find "their people," explore solutions, gain education, and engage in unforgettable experiences at Community Summit – no matter what continent they're on.
Then came 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic. Dynamic Communities, like millions of organizations around the globe, had to figure out a new way forward.
CEO John Seifert shared an inside look at how the organization has confronted unprecedented challenges and positioned Dynamic Communities to pivot and reinvent themselves.
Recognition & Response – The World Stood Still
Like many around the world, the team at Dynamic Communities began to pay close attention in early 2020 to rising international concerns about a dangerous, new virus. By March 7, when New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a disaster emergency in the state, Seifert understood that disruption was inevitable.
"We knew this was going to be disruptive not only for our business but for our country and for the world," Seifert said. "That's when the organization took a step back and said, 'What do we need to be thinking about here, and what do we need to be adapting to?'"
The initial concern was what to do about the three in-person Community Summits scheduled for 2020 in Australia, Barcelona, Spain, and Nashville, Tenn.
"One of the first adaptations was really around rethinking and reconsidering our live event strategy," Seifert said. "This is what all the event companies were trying to figure out at the time."
The sports, entertainment and convention industries took an early beating as events were canceled or postponed. The NCAA canceled its men's and women's college basketball tournaments. Japan's Summer Olympics also were canceled, as were concert tours for musicians Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and Billie Eilish.
The world stood still and waited to see what was next.
Meanwhile, Dynamic Communities continued to provide its worldwide online community support and to prepare for potential live events in Australia and Spain. They remained optimistic but began to consider different options.
New Challenges – Identifying Unexpected Obstacles
By June, it became obvious that ongoing local lockdowns and international travel restrictions would not allow Dynamic Communities to hold its in-person events in Australia and Spain.
The in-person event planned for Nashville in October also seemed to be in jeopardy. Ultimately, Dynamic Communities chose to go 100% online for their Spain event, and combine their Australian event and the Community Summit North America into one virtual conference.
Before those decisions were made, however, Dynamic Communities had to identify and evaluate the new challenges ahead.
Pretty quickly, Dynamic Communities came to understand that the online community and live event planning model was not sustainable during a pandemic. Perhaps the biggest new challenge was identifying and managing the shifting expectations of online community members and event attendees.
"The context of a live event is really quite different from that of a virtual event," Seifert said. "When you go to a live event, the context is, 'I'm going to go wait in line for registration, or I'm going to go meet my friends at the bar that I haven't seen for a year.' Or, 'I'm going to pick and choose the conference sessions that I want to go to.'
"You've got individuals that are choosing their 'explore and discover' time. In our category, it's going to be exploring and discovering all the new software features and functionality, and exploring new ISV solutions to extend their software investment. The problem is, you can't really replicate all of that in a virtual experience."
Strategic Shift – Adjusting to a New Model
With the contrast between expectations for virtual events vs. in-person events established, Dynamic Communities made the decision to move to an all-virtual model for its Summits.
Community Summit Europe was the first event to receive the all-online treatment. It was an opportunity for the Dynamic Communities team to find out early what worked well – and what didn't.
Seifert acknowledges it was a learning experience.
"In Europe, one of the things we realized was that because the team was really trying to replicate that live event environment, we didn't meet our attendee expectations," Seifert said. "We said, 'let's take a step back and make sure we really reconsider what the expectations are.'"
The major difference between a live event and a virtual event, Seifert said, is the in-person potential for spontaneity in a hotel lobby, at a breakout session, or at an after-hours dinner.
"Part of what makes it tough is accepting the fact as an organization that puts live events together, you can't replicate that serendipity," Seifert said. "A virtual environment is more about education and levels of engagement that you can take away from this environment.",/p>
As it happened, Dynamic Communities was well-positioned to shift from the spontaneous ecosystem of an in-person event to the "point-in-time" environment of a virtual event.
The Revelation – What They Learned
The obstacles that arose from the pandemic allowed Dynamic Communities to take a new look at how it serves its community members. The company found that its strength as a platform of online communities worldwide and its recent investments in new technology infrastructure translated well to the sudden shift to virtual event planning.
"This is the incredible benefit of being a community platform," Seifert said. "We don't need to use just a point-in-time event to bring people together. We're in an enviable position because we're already connecting people together: peers together on this side, and buyers and sellers on the other side."
Knowing that virtual attendees are looking for specific experiences, need fast results and expect swift answers played into Dynamic Communities' foundational service – online global community curation.
They developed the concept of the Decision Acceleration Community (DAC) to help guide the approach to virtual event planning.
"What we're doing now is an interesting way of reinventing our connection points with our community while those (in-person) events are not going on," Seifert said. "We can enable them to come in and pick and choose the content, filters, and tags most important to them. And when the time comes to go back to live events, we can't wait to bring the community back together in-person again."
Download the full infographic here
The Takeaway – Change is Inevitable: Plan to Adapt
While challenging and disruptive, the COVID-19 pandemic furnished an opportunity for Dynamic Communities to reimagine and re-invent its business model. For them, it meant building on their existing online communities, rather than attempting to start from scratch.
The lessons they learned about how to adapt nimbly in the face of historic disruption can serve companies across a variety of industries.
"This entire process has to be about adaptation," Seifert said. "It has to be about quick learning, and then shifting direction in order to make sure that we're serving the communities across this ecosystem and ethos. The beauty of this premise of adaptation is you're learning every single day on what to shift, what to adapt and what to bring to bear for our audience."
A Way Forward
The pandemic of 2020 left many organizations searching for a way forward. Roger West is examining how our clients chose to meet their unique challenges, and we're sharing their lessons in the hope that others might benefit. Our team of digital marketing masterminds is here to help your organization thrive in 2021, so contact us and let's figure it out together.


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We have completed the new website of FIPRESCI (the International Federation of Film Critics) at the occasion of its 90th anniversary. 924 films, 784 festivals, 1796 reports, 2070 personalities have been uploaded to the site and it is growing day by day with every festival on the way. The site is going to be a referential source for film lovers.
And also, there is a special section (username & password entrance only) on the website for FIPRESCI members all around the world to communicate with each other.
.NET MVC 4 (Razor Syntax), MS Sql 2008, LinqToSql - Entity Framework
Html5, Css3, Jquery, Javascript


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There's no end to the terrifying photos you can find on the internet. Some of the most disturbing photos are those of Regina Kay Walters taken by serial killer Robert Ben Rhoades.
The haunting images of Walters, in a black dress and shoes – provided by Rhoades – are among the most disturbing photos because of what happened after they were taken. Rhoades killed the 14-year-old in an abandoned barn after shooting the images – weeks after abducting her. Her captivity included countless rape and torture sessions at Rhoades' hands.
There are some genuinely sick individuals in the world. While Rhoades spends his days in a cell, academics argue over the number of serial killers active in the US. Experts believe between 2000 and 4000 serial killers are active in the United States, and responsible for 1-2% of all murders.
Robert Ben Rhoades and his most disturbing photos
Also known as the Truck Stop Killer, serial rapist and killer Rhoades is suspected in more than 50 killings. He was tried and sentenced for three murders.
Rhoades apparently had a normal upbringing and faced some misdemeanor charges in his teens. He wasn't a recluse, Rhoades was involved in school activities. After graduating he joined the Marine Corp.
Rhoades goes off the rails
After joining the Marines, Rhoades' father was arrested for molesting a 12-year-old girl and committed suicide before his trial. In the late 60s, Rhoades was given a dishonorable discharge from the Marines for being part of a robbery. Back in civilian life he tried for a career in law enforcement but was unsuccessful. He held a number of menial jobs before becoming a long haul truck driver.
He was married three times and fathered one son during the 70s and 80s. It was during this time he became interested in BDSM, the practice becoming one of his main hobbies. He was active in his local BDSM scene.
The killings and most disturbing photos
Rhoades started killing in the 70s – his prey were hitchhikers and truck stop prostitutes (lot lizards). He converted the sleeper section of his truck's cab into a torture chamber with restraints. He would keep women for days or weeks, raping and torturing them multiple times before ultimately killing them.
Rhoades admits to being active for 15 years – 1975 to 1990. Authorities believe from his preferred victim, truck routes, and missing person reports he could be responsible for more than 50 rapes and murders.
1990 – The end of Rhoades spree
Rhoades first confirmed victim was Patricia Candace Walsh and her husband, Douglas Zyskowski. Both were hitchhiking. They were picked up by Rhoades who quickly killed Zyskowski and dumped his body. Walsh was less lucky. She was kept as Rhoades prisoner for more than a week. He raped and tortured her countless times before killing her and dumping her in Utah. Her body was discovered in October 1990.
An unidentified woman was abducted and kept prisoner by Rhoades. After being subjected to two weeks of multiple indignities at Rhoades' hands, the woman escaped and went to the police. She declined to press charges, thinking it would be a case of she-said, he said. Also, she lived in fear of Rhoades coming back for her.
Regina Kay Walters and the most disturbing photos
Rhoades bloodlust was escalating – something common for serial killers as their cool-off period after a kill grows shorter and shorter. Only days after the escape of the unidentified woman, Rhoades abducted runaways 14-year old Regina Kay Walters and her boyfriend Ricky Lee Jones, outside of Houston, Texas. As in his previous killing, he murdered Jones and dumped the body in Mississippi.
There must have been something special about Walters – Rhoades kept her a long time. He cut off all her hair and forced her to wear clothes he provided for photoshoots. From the photos seized by police after his arrest, there is noticeable hair growth on Walters to indicate she was a prisoner for several weeks.
In the most disturbing photos, Walters can be seen holding up her hands and backing away from Rhoades, her fear evident. Some believe these photos to be staged to feed Rhoades' perversions. Staged or not, the look in Walters' eyes makes these some of the most disturbing photos. Rhoades strangled Walters after taking the photos. Her body was found in an abandoned barn – where the photographs were taken – near Greenville, Illinois in September of 1990.
The end of Robert Ben Rhoades reign of terror
Rhoades was apprehended on April 1, 1990, by a state trooper in Arizona. A naked and screaming woman, identified as Kathleen Vine, was found restrained in his truck's torture chamber. He couldn't talk himself out of the suspicious situation and was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, sexual assault, and unlawful imprisonment. After investigating further authorities were able to link Rhoades to the disappearance of Walters and Jones.
After searing Rhoades home police found:
- photos of a nude teenager, identified as Walters
- Photos of Walsh
Rhoades Trial and Imprisonment
Rhoades was convicted of the murder of Regina Kay Walters, the subject of the most disturbing photos. He was sentenced to life without parole in Illinois. Utah was to take Rhoades to trial for the Candace Walsh and Douglas Zyskowski killings but canceled the proceedings at the request of the families. Rhoades pleaded guilty in Texas related to the Walters and Jones murders to avoid the death penalty. He is serving his life sentence at the Menard Correctional Center in Chester, Illinois
Rhoades is a truly sick man. His photographs have left a lasting effect on many that have viewed them. Getting a glimpse into the last moments of Regina Kay Walters' life has left many depressed and sickened.
What do you think? Are the photos of Regina Kay Walters among the most disturbing photos on the internet? Are there photos that are more disturbing? Leave a comment below.


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Nearly 250 yacht captains, crew and industry folks stopped by Triton Networking with Lewis Marine Supply last night to check out the renovated storefront, tour the updated warehouse and nibble on tasty barbecue.
Representatives from the company's large yacht-specific concierge service, Supreme Marine, were also on hand to answer questions about the fast-growing provisioning division. Capt. Joe Schumann was the lucky winner of the GoPro raffle.
Photos by Dorie Cox and Tom Serio


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Gemini Quilting Gloves
- Quilting gloves for gripping fabric or the Gemini Quilting Pattern Guides
- Features coated fingertips to stop slipping
- Perfect for free-motion embroiderers
Delivery from €5.95More Details
Earn points with Club InspireMore Details
Gemini Quilting Gloves
Gemini Quilting Gloves. For expert precision and incredible accuracy, try out the Gemini Quilting Gloves. These gloves have been specifically designed to give you a firm grip on your fabric or
Gemini Quilting Pattern Guides to make sure every stitch is applied exactly as you'd like.
These gloves come in one-size-fits-all, so they'll be sure to fit every quilter's hands, and with the striking white colour, you'll be able to easily differentiate between your quilting fabric and the glove fabric.
Their coated fingertips make slipping a thing of the past, so these gloves are absolutely essential if you enjoy free-motion embroidery or using slightly more complicated techniques.Take total control of your quilting projects with the Gemini Quilting Gloves!
|Delayed Despatch


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I love helping people develop the tools they need to cope with all of life's challenges. If you haven't already, you can review my specialties here to get familiarized with my services. If you are ready to schedule your first appointment, check out the next steps.
The how: You can fill out the contact form below or email me at firstname.lastname@example.com to schedule a 15-minute consultation.
This consultation call will help us to see if we are a good fit for each other. I will hear a bit about what brings you to counseling, tell you about my approach, and answer any questions you might have.
Then, we can begin working together to create intentional changes in your life and wellbeing, helping you get the right support for pregnancy and postpartum distress, fertility complications, trauma, and/or supporting your parenthood journey.
The investment:
My rate is $250 per session.
I do not work directly with most insurance companies, as this allows me to provide my clients with the highest quality of care and protect their confidentiality. There might be circumstances where your insurance can help reimburse you for a portion of your session cost. You can contact your insurance provider to find out about your out-of-pocket behavioral health benefits.
Cancelation/Consistency policy: If you cannot attend a session, please make sure you contact me at least 48 hours in advance. You can reschedule the week before, during, or the week after you need to cancel. Otherwise, you are responsible for the full rate of the session.
Where: I provide online support to individuals residing in Washington, California, & Florida. I am also able to meet some clients in person at my office in Lower Queen Anne.


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Pallaso gets a Silver YouTube Award for having over 100K subscribers
By Michael Nampala 13 Mar 2021 10:12 PM EAT
Gone are the days when social media verifications were a big deal and maybe still are, but YouTube awards are the in thing and will soon be part of the decors in our stars living rooms.
Pallaso cannot keep calm as he has been told to prepare to receive one.
Pallaso thanks his subscribers for his Silver YouTube Award
YouTube Creator Awards, commonly known as YouTube Play Buttons or YouTube Plaques, are a series of awards from YouTube that aim to recognize its most popular channels. They are based on a channel's subscriber count but are offered at the sole discretion of YouTube.
Pallaso's YouTube award has 120,000 Subscribers with 27 Million views since April 24, 2011. It has certainly not been an easy journey as Pallaso real name Pius Mayanja is getting to celebrate this milestone one month short of ten years.
Some of the videos that Pallaso's subscribers have loved are God Down Low that he did with Sheebah that has 2.3M views six years ago, Twatoba that he did with Nigeria's Davido, it has 1Million views as of six years ago.
The last seven months have seen Pallaso become a 'problem' to the music industry through his latest songs like Malamu, Ani Oyo, What is Money and Nalonda Nemala.
A Japanese artist going by her stage name Shona did a cover of Pallaso's Malamu song bringing in a whole new version of the song with her Luga-Japan flow which also boosted his views.
His latest songs have done very well compared to the songs in the previous 9 years and now, a force to be reckoned with to the extent of his brother branding him the best artist of the year.
Pallaso was also named the best according to Bebe Cool in his list and since numbers don't lie, his YouTube plaque is on the way, he chooses to celebrate it with all his 120k subscribers.
It has been a year from the time artists were stopped from performing and many have kind of taken a back seat, but Pallaso is not among them.
A week back, he released Sikyegomba featuring Guvnor Ace and DVJ Pofia.
"Thank you everyone from my very first subscriber. Thank you YouTube for this award. It marks a major milestone in my career. I can't wait to receive it."


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Subject: Lower and upper bound of variables (1D and 2D cases)
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2000 18:46:33 PST
From: john lee
I have two problems which are related, one is 1-D case, another is 2-D case. In the problems I want to get the lower and upper bound of variables.
There have N variables Ci, i=1,2,...N. Ci is a real number. At the beginning, Ci is 0 for all i.
Associating with every Ci, there has a pi, which is a non-negative real number. And the summary of all pi is exactly 1, i.e., \sum_{i=1}^{i=N} pi = 1.
At the beginning of every second, Ci increase by pi, i.e., Ci = Ci + pi.
Then, the Ci with the maximum value is selected. (Ties are broken randomly) The selected Ci (only one will be selected) will decrease by 1, and all others are unchanged: we select i, where Ci >= Cj, for all j, then let Ci = Ci - 1.
So, we know that at the end of every second, the summary of all Ci is exactly 0. But for every individual Ci, it can be 0, negative, or positive.
I want to know whether we can find the tight lower and upper bound of C. I can prove that the lower bound is -1, and upper bound is N/2. But by simulation, I found the upper bound is very close to 1. (It's larger than 1) Can you show me how to prove a tight upper bound?
There has an NxN array [Ci,j]. Ci,j is real number for all i,j. At the beginning, Ci,j is 0 for all i,j.
Associating with every Ci,j, there has a pi,j. pi,j is a non-negative real number. And the summary of pi,j in every column and every raw is exactly 1, i.e., \sum_{i=1}^{i=N} Ci,j = 1 \forall j, and \sum_{j=1}^{j=N} Ci,j = 1 \forall i.
At the beginning of every second, Ci,j increases by pi,j, i.e., Ci,j = Ci,j + pi,j
Then a matching is found. The matching is defined as following: From the NxN array, we select exactly N elements, where in every column there has exactly one element selected, and in every raw there also has exactly one element selected.
There has a large number of possible matchings for a large N. In this problem we try to find the Maximum Weight Matching (MWM). Where from all the matchings, we find the matching that can maximize the summary of Ci,j.
Then, after the matching is selected, Ci,j will decrease by 1, if (i,j) is in the matching.
So, at the end of every second, the summary of Ci,j in every column and raw is exactly 0.
I want to know whether we can find the lower bound and upper bound of C.
By simulations, I found that the lower bound is larger than -2, and the upper bound is about +4.
In the simulations I set N to 16 and 32.


text: |Journal of Biomedical Graphics and Computing (JBGC) is calling for submissions to the Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2018 issue (Deadline: January 31, 2018). If you are interested in submitting a manuscript to this journal, please review the About the Journal page for the journal's section policies, and submit your manuscript online. If you have any questions, please contact: firstname.lastname@example.com


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For a team that has to deal with a large amount of data day in and out, Google sheets are a boon. And, with tons of critical and confidential data you need to protect Google Sheets.
While there may be times when you would want your teammates to access your Google sheet, you would not want everyone to have access to everything. Let's say, maybe you want your subordinates to just view the data and not make edits while on the other hand you want your supervisors to be able to make edits.
Game Of Permissions – A General Overview
In a way, assigning access to others in Spreadsheet is a game of permissions. Talking of which, let's have an overview of what these permissions are all about. You would be using these to protect Google sheets and cells and everything in between.
Can edit – This means that the person will be able to view and edit the given data
Can comment – As the name suggests, the person will just be able to add comments
Can view – Here the person will be able to see the complete data but won't be able to make any changes
A Google Sheet is not just one sheet. There are times when there is more than 1 sheet in the main sheet. Let's take the example of the sheet. Here the main sheet "Sample Data" is further divided into "dataset A" and "dataset B"
In the blog, that follows we shall look at ways using with you can protect sheets and cell ranges in Google sheet.
Protect Cell Ranges And Sheets
Using the method mentioned below you can restrict permissions at Range and Sheet level. More specifically, you can choose who can edit and who can view range and sheet.
- Click on the dropdown (inverted triangle) next to the sheet name
2. Click on Protect Sheet. You will see a section opening up on the right hand side by the name Protected sheet & ranges
Also Read: How to Use Google Sheets: Online Spreadsheets 2020
When Choosing to Assign Permission to Range
This is the way you can lock cells in Google sheets and restrict permissions at the cell level (cell ranges).
- Click on Range
- When you see the cursor blinking In the text box, hold down right click and select the cell ranges that you wish to lock. In my case I have chosen cell ranges 'dataset A'!A2:C2
- Click OK and then on Set permissions.
- You can choose to just show a warning or
- Restrict people who can edit this range
Also Read: How to Create and Use Google Sheets Template
When Choosing to Assign Permission to Access Sheets
Quite like using above the methods to lock cells in google sheets, you can even control others from accessing the various sub sheets in your main sheet.
Using the methods below you can restrict permissions on a sheet level. Which means if you use the method mentioned below on a sheet only the person you choose will be able to view or edit the sheet.
- Click on Sheet
- (A) Here you will see another dropdown where you can choose from other sheets in the main sheet.
(B) You will also see a checkbox. If you click on this, you can choose to exclude cell ranges or even add your desired cell ranges
- Click on Set permissions and the rest is same as point 3 in "When choosing to assign permission to Range"
Hiding A Sheet
This is not a full proof method of protecting the sheet or to protect cells in Google sheets. But as long as the person/s with whom you have shared the sheet has no idea or will not get a clue of the hidden cell, you are all good to go.
To hide a sheet click on the dropdown next to the sheet name and then click on the hide sheets. You will see that the sheet will no longer be visible.
Note: To get the sheet back click on View > Hidden sheets > select sheet name (Which in this case is test)
Also Read: How To Turn Google Sheets Into Translator
Did This Help
This was just a basic overview of how you can protect Google sheets and lock cells in Google sheets. Though there are advanced ways to which we shall try to cover in the blogs to come. If you found this blog to be helpful, don't forget to share this with your friends, after all, sharing is caring!
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Nestled against the foothills on a private corner lot this late 50's traditional will surely please the eye. Bamboo flooring throughout the living & dining area create a light and airy feel. The remodeled kitchen has a stainless dishwasher & refrigerator, double oven, cook-top, blt-in microwave, hardwood cabinets, Adobe tile floors & decorative sink. Three bedrooms with double mirror closets provide ample storage. The tastefully upgraded full and 3/4 baths are decorated with black & white tiling along with updated lighting and fixtures. French doors lead to the sparkling pool with new energy efficient heater. Enjoy the secluded patio laced by a variety of plants and flora. A finished dble attached garage w/skylight, houses the laundry facilites & is currently used as an artist studio. Other amenities include central air, crown moldings, recessed lighting, automatic sprinklers, slate drive & entry. Close to hiking trails and downtown, an absolute Sierra Madre treasure!
Click on a thumbnail to enlarge the image.
*Rates for December 2022. Information displayed is accurate as of the date of the latest update and is subject to change without notice. Loan pricing can only be locked through a home mortgage consultant. Other restrictions may apply. The Rate/APR and other terms may vary from those displayed based on the creditworthiness of the borrower, the type of dwelling, whether the borrower is self-employed, the location of the property and other factors. Please contact a lender in your area to determine what rates you qualify for.
**Rates calculated from national averages. To determine rates in your area please contact your local lender.


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Yael Selig Consultant
Covid-19 and Financial Settlements – The consequences are known to be extreme
We are living in the most unprecedented times. The world has been turned upside down, global stock markets have taken an incredible hit, many have found themselves either unemployed or on reduced salaries or with assets which as Richard Branson has told us have significantly reduced in value. All this is without a foreseeable end in sight.
The reality is that no-one knows what the future holds. Anyone who has received a Court Order in Family Proceedings less than a year ago whether by agreement or imposed by a Judge should consider having matters reviewed. Equally where the Order is older but includes instalments of a Lump Sum the unpaid instalments may be challengeable.
The case of Barder is a long established precedent that confirms that dramatic unforeseen changes may mean the Court would set it aside or vary it on the basis that such considerable change in circumstances means it is no longer valid.
It is important to review this to avoid further economic suffering in situations where it has now become apparent that it is impossible to comply with the terms of an Order that has been made or to do so would produce a completely different and unjust result wholly different to what was intended.
The obvious option is to apply to challenge the order on the basis of a "Barder Event" argument. The real question is "Is this likely to succeed ?" Of course there are no guarantees but it is definitely worth exploring and to do so promptly because delay will mean the opportunity is lost.
So what can be done in these circumstances?
It is important to explore what constitutes a Barder event.
What is a "Barder Event"?
In the case of Barder v Barder [1987] the former matrimonial home was owned jointly by the husband and wife. An order had been made by consent during the divorce proceedings for the husband to transfer his interest in the home to the wife, who would be looking after the two children, within 28 days of the Order being made and that he make substantial periodical payments towards the children. However, 5 weeks after the award had been made but the order had not yet been executed, the wife killed their two children and also committed suicide. As a result the husband applied for permission to appeal the order as the only beneficiary of the wife's estate was her mother who was herself rather wealthy.
This case established that where an event occurs which was unforeseen or unforeseeable and which undermines the foundation upon which the financial settlement was based, the court may allow a challenge to a financial remedy order.
For the Barder principle to apply, 4 conditions must be met:
- The new event must have occurred since the order was made and invalidated the basis of the order or the fundamental assumption on which the order was made, so that an appeal would be very likely or certain to succeed;
- The new event must have taken place within a relatively short period of time of the order being made. There is no specific guidance on how short a period is acceptable but it is generally agreed that it should be less than a year and ideally no more than a few months;
- The application to appeal out of time has been made promptly after the event occurred; and
- Granting leave to appeal out of time would not prejudice any innocent third parties' interests in the property which is the subject of the order.
Whilst each case is dependent on its own facts and circumstances, some situations where the Barder principle has been applied include:
Changes in housing needs:
In the case of Nasim v Nasim in 2015, the financial remedy order stipulated that the proceeds of sale of the former matrimonial home were divided 70/30 between the wife and husband respectively on the basis that the children were to spend 70% of the time with the wife and 30% with the husband. However, after an altercation between the wife and the eldest child and the wife's subsequent prosecution for a criminal offence all in the space of around 6 weeks after judgment, the children both refused to live with the wife and spent most of their time with the husband. Therefore, this change in living circumstances meant that the basis of the financial remedy order was no longer applicable and so an appeal would very likely succeed.
Changes in the value of assets:
In the case of Cornick v Cornick in 1994, dramatic price fluctuation occurred soon after judgment which made the husband's asset value soar whilst the wife's asset value decreased by 20%. This was not judged to be a Barder event because the change was the result of the natural processes of price fluctuation, even though it was unforeseeable.
Following the financial crisis of 2008, the case of Myserson v Myseron (No 2) in 2009 held that the dramatic reduction in the husband's assets shortly following judgment did not constitute a Barder event as again it was due to the natural processes of price fluctuation. A further reason why the appeal was not allowed was due to the fact that there remained £2.5 million in lump sum instalments due from the husband to the wife still outstanding and these could be varied.
In the case of Critchell v Critchell in 2015, the husband received an inheritance of £180,000 as his father died within a month of a consent order which had split the £175,000 equity in former matrimonial home (FMH) so that the husband received a charge in his favour for a lump sum equal to 45% of the net proceeds of sale. The wife appealed the order after the inheritance was received and was successful in extinguishing the charge which the husband had over the FMH.
Changes in employment status:
In Maskell v Maskell in 2001, it was held that the husband's unemployment, which occurred shortly after the judgment, was not capable of being a Barder event because loss of employment is "something that hundreds of thousands of breadwinners…have to face".
Remarriage and cohabitation:
In Williams v Lindley in 2005, the wife's engagement a few months after the order was given did constitute a Barder event as it meant that the purpose of the lump sum with which the husband was to provide her was no longer relevant or necessary. The lump sum had been given to her for the urgent need to re-house herself and her children should she need to sell the family home.
Following Williams v Lindley, in the case of Dixon v Marchant in 2008 the Court of Appeal, before the Rt Hon Wall LJ and the Rt Hon Ward LJ looked specifically at this issue. In this case there had been a lump sum buy out of periodical payments and the former wife then promptly re-married. The principle of finality was considered to remain fundamental and the wife got to keep the money she had received and the Appeal was dismissed.
This was the case in Barder itself where the wife killing herself and their children constituted an unforeseen and new event. However, death does not always constitute a Barder event. In the case of Amey v Amey in 1992, an agreement had been made where the wife was awarded a lump sum in recognition of her contribution to the family business. Her subsequent death was not a Barder event as it did not change the extent of her contribution to the business and the husband also did not bring the appeal promptly; therefore both the first and second Barder conditions were not satisfied.
It should be noted that until now the Courts have been keen to restrict the application of Barder principles due to the public interest in maintaining the finality of litigation. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the Courts will consider COVID-19 and the current worldwide pandemic to be a Barder Event capable of challenging a financial settlement order. In any case, the Courts are likely to take a cautious approach when they consider appeals and will review each matter on a case by case basis. But due to the current ECONOMIC scale of the pandemic and the glaring uncertainty surrounding the length of time government restrictions will be kept in place and what the likely long-term economic impact will be, it could be possible to argue it constitutes a Barder event.
Whether Pandemic will be considered a Barder event has not yet been tested; the last major pandemic was over 100 years and quite a long time before Barder.
This article was co-authored by Trainee Solicitor at Ince, Francesca Leonard.


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Before leaving for Thanksgiving vacation with family in Colorado I made a trip to the computer store. I wanted extra storage space for my digital pictures. On a whim I decided to spend a bit more money and buy an iPod. This decision went against my recent 'less pocket crap' philosophy. Over the years I've owned a Minidisk player, a Palm Pilot and a half dozen pocket sized digital cameras. In each case I became exasperated with all of the cords, charges and docking stations. I succumbed to the iPod because of its elegance. Four buttons. One cord.
Before leaving for the Rocky Mountains (dial-up country), I downloaded a bunch of music and podcasts. I gave myself over to the new toy. Here are my reactions. First, I can hear the collective 'duh' when I say the iPod is great for music. More specifically, it is great for sound. I'm a big fan of audiobooks. I downloaded all seven CD's of the current book I'm listening to – Larry Watson's Orchard. It is a treat to have the whole thing in one small place.
My feelings about the podcasts are a bit more mixed. First let me say what I like. Unlike a web browser, the iPod is good at 'containing' information. When I look at podcasts on a browser, I never feel like I'm fully present. A momentary curiosity will have me checking email, news, and so on. Because everything on the web is linked, I feel like nothing is contained. By downloading it on my iPod, I'm a little less distracted.
With the iPod I was able to watch every Magnum in Motion podcast. I'd seen a handful before but always became web-distracted. But seeing these programs on the iPod brought up some other problems. First, the image is ridiculously small. Most of the Magnum images were too rich and complex for the tiny screen (The exception was Thomas Dworzak's '7/7 The Longest Week' which seemed to have been shot for the iPod). My second problem was with the brevity of the programs. On the web all you want is a little teaser. It is all you have time for. But with the containment of the iPod I wanted a fuller experience. The Magnum programs were too short. I searched the web looking for video and slideshow podcasts that would give me a more complete artistic experience; I looked for programs that could immerse me in their small-screen world. My search was unsuccessful.
Of course the era of the podcast is still quite young. So perhaps great artistry will emerge. But this is where I really get frustrated. I don't think it has time to emerge. Next year the iPod will have a bigger screen. The year after that it will have a web browser. And the year after that it will be obsolete as some new unforeseen technology takes over. The medium only has time to be a toy. It never has time to mature into a tool.
This is the same problem I have with digital photography. The potential is always remarkable. But the medium never settles. Each year there is a better camera to buy and new software to download. The user never has time to become comfortable with the tool. Consequently too much of the work is merely about the technology. The HDR and QTVR fads are good examples. Instead of focusing on the subject, users obsess over RAW conversion, Photoshop plug-ins, and on and on. For good work to develop the technology needs to become as stable and functional as a typewriter.
After hours spent playing with my new iPod, I set it aside to read a book. While I thought the iPod was elegant, nothing beats the book. No downloading. No batteries. No cords. No ads. No links. No distractions. The format is so elegant that it becomes transparent. It is the perfect container for art.


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Delaware Congressmen Mike Castle' Legacy
May 4, 2008 in 50 state strategy, A Dad's Responsibility, administration policy, America's morals, Belief in Santa Claus, blood for oil, breast feeding, Bush, cancer clusters, Celebrety Status, Celia Cohen, Conservative Movement, Crooks and Liars, crotch shots, David Anderson, David Graham, Death of Conservatism, Death of Democracy, debt, Delaware, Economic collapse, economic fallout, Elections 08, eminent domain, ethics, fiscal responsibility, Fox News, Frank Knotts, FSP, gasoline prices, global warming, greed is good, gwb43.com, Haliburton, Health Care, High Crimes & Misdemeanors, Homeland Security, If this is goodbye, Impeach Bush, Impeachment, impending attack, inflated gasoline prices, inner city schools, iran, Iraq, Iraqi Oil Bill, Iraqi oil exploitation, Iraqi troop surge, Iraqi War Deaths, manipulation of youth, Media bias, Medical costs, Mercury, Mexican economic benefits, Midwest Drought, Mike Castle, military buildup, money in politics, national defense, National Security Letters, natural gas futures, Nitrous chemicals, no bid contracts, nuclear option, nuclear weapons, oil futures, overdevelopment, Pension Bailouts, per person cost, Pharisees, political favors, poor get poorer, Population explosion, Presidental Pardons, Presidential Library, Privatised Toll Roads, Privitize Social Security, Protect Cheney Act, Quantico, racism, republican ineptitude, Republican intimidation, Republican Majority Leader, Republican National Committee, Republican soul, rich get richer, Rick Jensen, Run on the Bank, Rush Limbaugh, Senator Trent Lott, slave labor, Soup Kitchens, Spying on American Citizens, State of Denial, stock market crash, Tax policy, taxes, Trillion Dollar War, war protests | 1 comment
Courtesy of DelawareLiberal.net
Say It Isn't So…….
May 2, 2008 in America's morals, Bill Lee, David Graham, Elections 08, Exchange of ideas, political favors, political humor, poop, professional advice, republican ineptitude, Republican intimidation, Republican Majority Leader, Republican National Committee, Republican soul, Rick Jensen | Leave a comment
David Graham just accused on the eve of the Republican State Convention, governor draftee Bill Lee, of being an alcoholic.
Alas, like most things being said by Republicans these days, it probably isn't true.