From young ages, our brains are trained to build confidence as we embrace the beauty in our flaws and our individuality. However, in recent years, Whitney Houston's signature message seems to have gotten lost in translation.
Two ongoing media trends are getting linked together as contributors to one another's affluent presence among this generation's culture: selfies and mental disorders.
It may sound extreme, but expert psychologists are sharing their studies with the public and the results are concerning.
Narcissism, OCD, superficial obsessions, unrealistic expectations, entitlement, insecurity and other underlying traits can be magnified through selfies and can lead to destructive behaviors.
Today too many people are interested in making a statement about themselves on the internet and creating an influential existence. Selfies, when used to excess show a lack of depth and a shallow personality. If someone is obsessed with taking selfies it is most likely because the individual is self-absorbed and narcissistic.
As people share their photos on every social media platform at their own disposal, we assess more about them than they may realize they are disclosing.
When a female expresses herself in a half-naked selfie with an obscure musical lyric underneath, what is she saying about herself? It is a clear attempt and reach for reassurance of her appearance and attention and offers a complete lack of substance.
To some individuals, this is simply an obvious confirmation of deeper-rooted issues than she ever meant to expose.
Men pose in front of bathroom mirrors, claiming to show off their transformational fitness and health results, but in actuality, they aim to feed their own egos as they boast about personal accomplishments.
Individuals gratify this type of behavior and obtain happiness based on the number of "likes" they receive.
The evidence is clear, as our nation is self-obsessed in every essence of the word. The trend has become so prominent in our society that "selfie" was added to the dictionary and even led to a hit song, which parodied our own self-obsession. However, we did not let that stop us.
Our generation's "selfie obsession" has turned into an entire industry.
From Ellen's Oscar selfie to the highly-criticized selfie at Nelson Mandela's memorial service from the US president, it is clear that selfies have become the biggest and longest-lasting trend of our generation.
Selfies are not just affecting our media sources, but they are also influencing seemingly average individuals to make extreme alterations for the sake of their selfie-images.
Selfies are accessible to us on every social media platform, as individuals flood the virtual world with their photos. The most credible way to promote your relevance rests in the number of "likes" on your selfie.
There are apps to enhance these images — to smooth out skin, erase dark eye circles, whiten teeth and even thin out facial structure and features — all on a quest for the perfect picture. However, as we know, these apps are not real, nor do they equal permanent changes.
The results do not reflect accurate images, which leads to severe dissatisfaction with how we actually look and who we actually are.
Dr. Philip Miller is widely acclaimed as one of New York City's premier cosmetic, facial and specialty rhinoplasty surgeons, and has experienced a radical boom in business due to this intense distortion of one's physical image and one's self-esteem.
Dr. Miller has experienced a 10 percent increase in rhinoplasty surgery consultations based on a person's desire to achieve the ideal nose for a selfie. Although this seems drastic, the "selfie industry" is single-handedly boosting the plastic surgery industry.
Dr. Phillip Miller is at the forefront of this evolution and hopes to address and discuss the potential effects and future outcomes.
The physical ideals are only branding themselves in a stronger, more unrealistic capacity, as selfies are causing increasing cases of body dysmorphic disorder among young women and men.
Filters, lighting and angles provide the outcome of flawless features that simply cannot be recreated or accurate in real life.
Plastic surgery has skyrocketed in a quest for the "perfect pic," and individuals have learned all of the tricks, down to a scientific formula, to create the ultimate God-like image of themselves.
Selfies can be used to have some fun and actually show some good traits of individuals exploring life, happiness, and adventure.
Two things can happen here: a false sense of over-confidence and entitlement or a false sense of self-consciousness, accompanied by bigger issues that will affect multiple areas of a person's life.
Either way, selfies are being classified as doing more negative than positive, referencing back to sociology's behavior context of "I vs. Me vs. Self," and what is real.
So much information broadcasting the correlation between selfies and potential mental disorders has surfaced in recent months. However, people are unfazed and continue to post their indulgent selfies as often as the enablers, who fill the void and double tap the photos.
The addiction to selfies has been alarming to psychological healthcare professionals who fear we are raising a generation that relies on attention-seeking social dependence with no compassion, understanding or identity of any kind.


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Bella Wood Workshop is an honest hand-crafted furniture workshop specialising in bespoke furniture for hospitality, residential and commercial projects. A small team of master craftsmen work on a range of furniture and custom orders for clients.


These are assorted tanned goatskins from Hungary. They come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Our Gxx codes denote individual pieces. If you would like to order a specific Hungarian goatskins, please go to our Gallery to pick the exact one shown.


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Variants of BRCA1 and BRCA2: predict which variants are associated with increased risk of breast cancer by ENIGMA
Challenge: ENIGMA
Category: Germline cancer
Data: registered users only, limited by CAGI Data use agreement
[Summary] [Background] [Prediction Challenge] [Prediction Submission Format] [References] [Revision history]
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide. The association between germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and the development of cancer has been well established. The most common high-risk mutations associated with breast cancer are those in the autosomal dominant breast cancer genes 1 and 2 (BRCA1 and BRCA2). Mutations in these genes are found in 1-3% of breast cancer cases. The challenge is to predict which variants are associated with increased risk for breast cancer.
In normal cells, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are involved in homologous recombination for double strand break repair. Mutations in these genes have been linked to development of breast and ovarian cancer (Rehm et al., 2015). The ENIGMA consortium (https://enigmaconsortium.org/) is an international consortium focused on determining the clinical significance of sequence variants in BRCA1, BRCA2 and other known or suspected breast cancer related genes, providing expert input to global database and classification initiatives, and exploring optimal avenues of communication of such information at the provider and patient level.
Variants included in the dataset have been classified according to the IARC 5-tier classification scheme using multifactorial likelihood analysis. The procedure assesses clinically-calibrated bioinformatics information and clinical information (pathology, segregation, co-occurrence, family history, case-control) for each variant to produce a likelihood of pathogenicity. Likelihood values were calibrated against the features of known high-risk cancer-causing variants in BRCA1/2 (Goldgar et al., 2008; Plon et al., 2008). Each mutation is assigned to one of five classes depending in the pathogenicity likelihood, as shown in the table. A combination of public and unpublished information has been used to arrive at the final classifications, and all the classifications provided in the dataset for this challenge are either new or improved compared to what is in the public domain..
These data will be included in a publication being developed by the ENIGMA consortium.
Probability of Pathogenicity
5: Pathogenic >0.99
4: Likely pathogenic 0.95-0.99
3: Uncertain 0.05-0.949
2: Likely not pathogenic 0.001-0.049
1: Not pathogenic <0.001
Prediction challenge
For each variant, participants are asked to submit predictions on the probability that variant is pathogenic according to the ENIGMA consortium classifications. Optionally, a comment on the basis of the prediction may be given. .
The prediction submission is a tab-delimited text file. Organizers provide a template file, which must be used for submission. Five columns are designated for the probability of assignment to each class (Not pathogenic, Likely not pathogenic, Uncertain, Likely pathogenic, and Pathogenic). Each column must contain a probability between zero and 1.0, and the five probabilities must sum to 1.0. Optionally, a comment on the basis of the prediction may be given in the last column. In addition, a validation script is provided, and predictors must check the correctness of the format before submitting their predictions. In the submitted file, each row includes the following columns: note Please note that we are asking participants to predict the probability (and confidence) of only the Pathogenic class as indicated in the submission template file.
Column 1: Gene – BRCA1 or BRCA2
Column 2: DNA Variant - The DNA variant as listed in the prediction dataset file relative to the cDNA. A set of 429 variants (146 in BRCA1 (NM_007294.3); 178 in BRCA2 (NM_000059.3)).
Column 3: Protein Variant—The amino acid substitution where appropriate. Unirprot IDs: BRCA1 (P38398) and BRCA2 (P51587).
Column 4: The probability (P) the variant being pathogenic (0-1). 1 means pathogenic, while 0 means non-pathogenic.
Column 5: The confidence of each prediction probability in the form of a standard deviation (SD). High SD means low confidence, while small SD means that the predictor is confident about the submitted prediction.
Columns 6: Optional comment
In the template file, cells in columns 4-6 are marked with a "*". Submit your predictions by replacing the "*" with your value. No empty cells are allowed in the submission. You must enter a probability for each pathogenicity class for every mutant. Optionally, enter a brief comment on the basis of the prediction, otherwise, leave the "*" in these cells. Please make sure you follow the submission guidelines strictly.
In addition, your submission must include a detailed description of the method used to make the predictions, similar to the style of the Methods section in a scientific article. This information must be submitted as a separate file.
Predictors will not be assessed directly against the numeric probability of the ENIGMA classification. Rather, the ENIGMA classification will be used as a weight to assess CAGI predictions. Based on the ENIGMA classification variants will receive the following weights in in the assessment:
5: Pathogenic High weight
4: Likely pathogenic Medium weight
3: Uncertain No weight
2: Likely not pathogenic Medium weight
1: Not pathogenic High weight
Download submission template - missense variants only
Goldgar DE, Easton DF, Byrnes GB, Spurdle AB, Iversen ES, Greenblatt MS, Group IUGVW. 2008. Genetic evidence and integration of various data sources for classifying uncertain variants into a single model. Hum Mutat 29:1265-1272. PMCID:PMC2936773. doi:10.1002/humu.20897
Plon SE, Eccles DM, Easton D, Foulkes WD, Genuardi M, Greenblatt MS, Hogervorst FB, Hoogerbrugge N, Spurdle AB, Tavtigian SV, Group IUGVW. 2008. Sequence variant classification and reporting: Recommendations for improving the interpretation of cancer susceptibility genetic test results. Hum Mutat 29:1282-1291. PMCID:PMC3075918. doi:10.1002/humu.20880
Rehm HL, Berg JS, Brooks LD, Bustamante CD, Evans JP, Landrum MJ, Ledbetter DH, Maglott DR, Martin CL, Nussbaum RL, Plon SE, Ramos EM, Sherry ST, Watson MS, ClinGen. 2015. Clingen - the clinical genome resource. New Engl J Med 372:2235-2242. doi:10.1056/NEJMsr1406261
Amanda Spurdle, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (Australia), and the ENIGMA consortium
20 Dec 2017 (v01): initial release
26 Jan 2018 (v02): Note added

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Made of Pakistan is a platform (spearheaded by Pakistani clothing retailer Leisure Club) that hopes to educate, inspire and bring awareness to all that is good in Pakistan by featuring on-going projects that create social impact in Pakistan, as well as market a product line made through collaborations with Pakistani artists and designers.
I was asked to design its identity and also its first line of merchandise.
Also interesting to note was how the shape of Pakistan was heavily debated on at the last step and changed to include the disputed area of Kashmir… logo-making can get political too!
The brand was launched on Pakistan's Independence Day (14th August) and merchandise was distributed to influencers in these branded boxes.


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'He is the scum of all earth,' says mother of GA teen allegedly killed by traveling carnival worker
Washington County Virginia Sheriff's Office(ATLANTA) — The mother of a Georgia teen allegedly murdered by a traveling carnival worker described him as "the scum of all earth."
Cynthia Butterworth, the mother of 17-year-old Joslyn M. Alsup, told ABC Atlanta affiliate WSB-TV that her daughter met the suspect, 23-year-old James Michael Wright, last September at the North Georgia State Fair.
"He is unfit to even be called a monster," Butterworth said through tears.
Alsup's father worked for carnival company Drew Expositions, where Wright worked as a sub-contractor, Fred Newman, sheriff for the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Virginia, told reporters at a press conference Monday.
Wright was in charge of the ponies, Butterworth said.
"That's what we called him — the 'pony dude,'" she said.
It is unclear how long he worked for the carnival, which travels up and down the East Coast, Newman said.
Wright allegedly shot and killed Alsup near his home in Mendota, Va., on March 9, Newman said. She was reported missing by her family the day before.
"We've been looking for her. We had everybody out," she said. "And then come to find she's been gone this whole time."
Wright is also accused of murdering two other women he met while working at the carnival, Newman said. On Feb. 28, he allegedly shot and killed 22-year-old Elizabeth Marie Vanmeter, of Carter County, Tennessee, after an argument, and on March 17, Wright allegedly shot and killed 25-year-old Athina Hopson.
"I see someone that shouldn't be on earth," Butterworth said. "My heart is so full of hate — for him and what he has done."
Wright allegedly confessed to the murders last week while being interviewed by detectives in Tennessee, Newman said.
He allegedly deemed all three killings as accidents, Newman said, adding that the firearm believed to have been used in each murder has been recovered.
Alsup's and Vanmeter's bodies were found Friday on the property surrounding Wright's home, Newman said. One body was buried in a shallow grave and the other was placed on or near some logs, Newman said. Investigators have "tentatively" identified the bodies based on Wright's alleged statement.
Authorities have not yet located Hopson's body, Newman said. Wright allegedly told investigators that her body fell out of his truck and down an embankment near a bridge as he was driving and that he placed her body in the river, Newman said.
Hopson's cellphone was found in Wright's truck during a search two weeks ago, Newman said.
Authorities are still investigating Wright's involvement with the carnival to determine whether there could be more victims, Newman said.
A representative for the carnival company did not immediately return ABC News' request for comment. It is unclear whether Wright has retained an attorney.
Tweets by weisradio


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Predators to partner with Ticketmaster on ticket-resale program aimed at team's fans
Tickets sold on the new exchange will be available only to people within the Predators television viewing area.
Predators to partner with Ticketmaster on ticket-resale program aimed at team's fans Tickets sold on the new exchange will be available only to people within the Predators television viewing area. Check out this story on Tennessean.com: https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nhl/predators/2019/06/25/predators-ticket-resale-program-ticketmaster/1563174001/
Paul Skrbina, Nashville Tennessean Published 3:53 p.m. CT June 25, 2019 | Updated 4:07 p.m. CT June 25, 2019
What happens in Nashville the Predators are trying to keep for people in and around Nashville.
The team announced a first-of-its-kind ticket resale marketplace, in partnership with Ticketmaster, for Predators fans on Tuesday, the same day the NHL schedule was released.
Fans who wish to resell their tickets will be able to do so with a mysmashvilletix account. Tickets sold this way will be available only to people within the Predators television viewing area.
Predators 2019-20 roster: What to expect next season
Nashville Predators right wing Viktor Arvidsson's 2018-2019 numbers: 34 goals, 14 assists, 3 power-play goals, 2 shorthanded. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators right wing Viktor Arvidsson's contract: Five years at $4.25 million per year remaining. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators right wing Viktor Arvidsson had zero points during the playoffs as the top line of him, RyanJohansen and Filip Forsberg floundered against the Stars. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Nick Bonino's 2018-2019 numbers: 17 goals, 18 assists, plus-27, 3 power-play goals. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Nick Bonino's contract: Two years at $4.1 million per year remaining. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Nick Bonino is the only Predators player to win a Stanley Cup in Nashville (with the Penguins in 2017). Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Brian Boyle's 2018-2019 numbers: 18 goals, 6 assists, 7 power-play goals (with Devils and Predators). Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Brian Boyle's contract: Unrestricted free agent made $2.55 million this season; Predators probably will try to re-sign the 34-year-old. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Brian Boyle was brought in at the trade deadline to provide toughness and a big body at the net, especially on power plays; he proved to be the team's best trade acquisition. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg's 2018-2019 numbers: 28 goals, 22 assists, 7 power-play goals, 2 shorthanded. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg's contract: Three years at $6 million per year remaining. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Injuries cost Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg, who was streaky offensively and tailed off at the end of the season, scoring just 10 in his last 34 games and just one in the playoffs. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Predators center Frederick Gaudreau's numbers: 3 goals, 1 assist in 55 games. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators center Frederick Gaudreau's contract: 1 year, $666,666 remaining before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators center Frederick Gaudreau, 26, was a healthy scratch a healthy number of times but is the kind of depth guy teams need on the fourth line. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Mikael Granlund's numbers: 16 goals, 38 assists (with Wild and Predators). George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Mikael Granlund's contract: One year at $5.75 million remaining. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Mikael Granlund was acquired from the Wild for Kevin Fiala to provide secondary scoring, Granlund didn't pack the offensive punch the Predators had hoped he would. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Rocco Grimaldi's numbers: 5 goals, 8 assists, career-high 53 games. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Rocco Grimaldi's contract: Restricted free agent. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Rocco Grimaldi, the shortest player in the league at 5-foot-6, earned his spot and probably a hefty raise this summer. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Predators center Calle Jarnkrok's 2018-2019 numbers: 10 goals, 16 assists. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators center Calle Jarnkrok's contract: Three years at $2 million per year remaining. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Predators center Calle Jarnkrok disappeared for extended stretches offensively, which the Predators couldn't afford; he finished the season anchoring the fourth line after moving all over because of injuries to the team's top players. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen's 2018-2019 numbers: 14 goals, 50 assists. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen's contract: Six years at $8 million per year remaining. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen needs to shoot more, but was a constant force on the team's top line, even while Forsberg and Arvidsson were injured Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators left wing Cody McLeod's numbers: 0 goals, 0 assists in 7 games. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators left wing Cody McLeod's contract: Unrestricted free agent. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators left wing Cody McLeod returned for his second stint with Nashville before the trade deadline to add some grit. Lauded as a great locker room guy not afraid to stick up for teammates, as his 159 career fights suggest. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators left wing Zac Rinaldo's 2018-2019 numbers: 1 goal, 2 assists in 23 games. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators left wing Zac Rinaldo's contract: Unrestricted free agent. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators left wing Zac Rinaldo's lone goal was a game-winner against the Flames, the same game goalie Pekka Rinne was injured. Tough guy was signed as a free agent last summer to provide some punch. Last played Jan. 1. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators right wing Miikka Salomaki's 2018-2019 numbers: 3 goals, 4 assists in 37 games. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators right wing Miikka Salomaki's contract: One year at $750,000 remaining. Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators right wing Miikka Salomaki played in two postseason games after missing the final three months of the regular season with an upper-body injury. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators forward Wayne Simmonds's 2018-2019 numbers: 17 goals, 13 assists, 5 power-play goals (with Flyers and Predators). Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators forward Wayne Simmonds 2018-2019 contract: Unrestricted free agent. Ben Margot, AP
Nashville Predators forward Wayne Simmonds' size and power-play prowess were two big reasons they traded Ryan Hartman for him. But he looked slow at times. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Colton Sissons' 2018-2019 numbers: 15 goals, 15 assists, 3 game-winning goals. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Colton Sissons' contract: Restricted free agent made $650,000 this season. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators center Colton Sissons recorded a career high in points and was one of the team's most versatile players. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators right wing Craig Smith's 2018-2019 numbers: 21 goals, 17 assists. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators right wing Craig Smith's 2018-2019 contract: One year at $4.25 million remaining. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators right wing Craig Smith is consistently streaky. The 29-year-old reached 20 goals for the fifth time in six seasons but struggled to find chemistry on the second line with Turris and Granlund. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators center Kyle Turris' 2018-2019 numbers: 7 goals, 16 assists. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators center Kyle Turris' contract: Five years at $6 million per year remaining. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
In short, this season was pretty much a disaster for Predators center Kyle Turris: Never got it going with Granlund on the second line. Will Predators look to move him? Will there be any takers? Sean Kilpatrick, AP
Nashville Predators left wing Austin Watson's 2018-2019 numbers: 7 goals, 9 assists in 37 games. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators left wing Austin Watson's contract: One year at $1.1 million remaining. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators left wing Austin Watson never really was able to find a groove on the ice as he tried to get his life in order off it. Led the Predators with 109 hits but failed to find the magic of the 2018 postseason. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm's numbers: 8 goals, 36 assists. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm's contract: Three years at $3.75 million per year remaining. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm set career high in assists and points and was one of the team's most reliable defenders. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis' 2018-2019 numbers: 7 goals, 34 assists. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis' contract: Eight-year, $6.25 million-per-year contract begins next season. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis is one of two Predators, along with Roman Josi, to appear in every game. Set career high in assists. Led the team with 154 blocked shots at even strength. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman Dante Fabbro's 2018-2019 numbers: 1 goal, 1 assist in 10 games (including postseason). Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman Dante Fabbro's contract: Two years at $925,000 per year before becoming a restricted free agent. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman Dante Fabbro, a 2016 first-round pick, has more postseason experience (six games) than regular-season experience (four games). George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman Dan Hamhuis' 2018-2019 numbers: 0 goals, 5 assists in 57 games. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman Dan Hamhuis' contract: One year at $1.25 million remaining. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman Dan Hamhuis, 36, spent a lot of time nursing aches and pains and playing half the minutes he was used to. But he returned just in time to mentor Fabbro, which could prove invaluable down the road. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Predators defenseman Matt Irwin's 2018-2019 numbers: 1 goal, 6 assists in 44 games. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators defenseman Matt Irwin's contract: One year at $675,000 remaining until he becomes unrestricted free agent. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Predators defenseman Matt Irwin filled in in a pinch when the Predators needed him to make a cameo at forward. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi's 2018-2019 numbers: 15 goals, 41 assists, 274 shots on goal. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi's contract: One year at $4 million remaining until he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi, the 28-year-old captain, probably will get a huge raise this summer, and he's well worth it to the Predators. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban's 2018-2019 numbers: 9 goals, 22 assists. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban's contract: Three years at $9 million per year before becoming an unrestricted free agent. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban was slow to recover from an injury that kept him out of 19 games, and his 31 points were a career low. But when he's at his best, he's one of the best in the game. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators defenseman Yannick Weber's 2018-2019 numbers: 2 goals, 6 assists in 62 games. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators defenseman Yannick Weber's contract: One year at $675,000 before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Predators defenseman Yannick Weber is what he is, an economically friendly sixth or seventh defenseman. Injuries cost him some time, but with the emergence of Fabbro, Weber's time was going to be limited anyway. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne's 2018-2019 numbers: 30-19-4; 2.42 goals-against; .918 save percentage; 4 shutouts. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne's contract: Two years at $10 million remaining. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne will finish his career with the Predators after signing a two-year extension. Last year's Vezina Trophy winner was very good for many parts of the season but had some struggle streaks. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros' 2018-2019 numbers: 17-10-2; 2.62 goals-against average; .915 save percentage; 3 shutouts. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros' contract: Two years at $1.5 million per year remaining before he becomes a restricted free agent. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros started a career-high 27 times and filled in fine for Rinne when Rinne missed five games with an upper-body injury. The Predators' 24-year-old goalie of the future will begin his fourth full season as Rinne's backup. John Hefti / USA TODAY Sports
"This change will offer the greatest opportunity for our citizens to resell tickets while ensuring Smashville stays gold," a team statement said.
For years the Predators have tried to keep opposing fans out of Bridgestone Arena – and their own fans in it – including Blackhawks fans in 2015. Various obstacles such as not offering tickets for sale to the general public until the last minute and restricting purchases made outside the area were put in place.
Reach Paul Skrbina at pskrbina@tennessean.com and follow him on Twitter @PaulSkrbina.
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Meet the Titans fan who crowned Henry
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Semrock announces the addition of a new value-based line of optical edge filters for Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence imaging, thus significantly expanding its industry-leading product offerings. The new EdgeBasic long-wave-pass filters are hard-coated optical filters that share all the high transmission (98% typical) and laser-line blocking (optical density > 6) performance of Semrock's popular ultrasteep RazorEdge® filters, but with edge steepness that is tailored for cost-sensitive "application-specific" Raman systems that do not require measurement of the smallest possible Raman shifts, as well as for sensitive fluorescence imaging systems that demand maximum signal capture.
Like all of Semrock's thin-film optical filters, the new EdgeBasic filters are hard-coated using Semrock's ion-beam sputtering deposition process for permanent "no burn-out" optical durability and lasting reliability even in harsh environmental conditions, and are backed by an industry-leading five year warranty. These new filters also have extended blocking of light from the laser wavelength deep into the ultraviolet to enhance their suitability for fluorescence applications.
"Semrock has long been known for providing quality optical filters for cutting-edge applications like Raman spectroscopy," said Dr. Victor Mizrahi, President & CEO of Semrock. "We are now in a position to leverage our years of development to apply our sophisticated filter manufacturing technology to the more cost-conscious market for standard and high-volume applications. The introduction of these new EdgeBasic filters, following closely on the heels of our new value-priced BrightLine Basic fluorescence sets, demonstrates Semrock's ongoing commitment to bring superior products to the broad middle market. This level of performance and reliability was previously unheard of at these prices."
BrightLine, RazorEdge and Semrock are registered trademarks, and EdgeBasic and BrightLine Basic are trademarks of Semrock, Inc.


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A BJ Audiobook Review: Waiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall ~Narrated by Alexander Doddy
People come as well as go.
Twelve years ago, Edwin Tully came to Oxford and fell in love with a boy named Marius. He was brilliant. An artist. It was going to be forever.
Two years ago, it ended.
Now Edwin lives alone in the house they used to share. He tends to damaged books and faded memories, trying to a build a future from the fragments of the past.
Then the weather turns, and the river spills into Edwin's quiet world, bringing with it Adam Dacre from the Environment Agency. An unlikely knight, this stranger with roughened hands and worn wellingtons, but he offers Edwin the hope of something he thought he would never have again.
As the two men grow closer in their struggle against the rising waters, Edwin learns he can't protect himself from everything—and sometimes he doesn't need to try.
This is my third book by this author. I adored For Real, abso-freaking-lutely loved it. But the other one I'd read not so much, so I wasn't sure what to expect with a third one. Even after listening to it, I'm wasn't sure and had to really think about it. There were parts that I found quite slow, where my attention drifted away and I had to struggle to make myself focus on the story. But then there were other parts that I found to be deep and poignant, that jerked at my heart in the way they felt so raw and real. The writing was lyrical, slow-paced, contemplative.
The premise of two men meeting during a storm/flood appealed to me, as I usually adore such stories. But there were many times that I was confused by the words and conversation, which may have been part of why my mind often wandered. I enjoyed Adam's character quite a lot, but Edwin not so much. He seemed so very hung up on his old relationship even though a few years had past, that he let it influence him to the point that he cut himself off from life, and he very nearly let it get in the way of something good several times.
I've not listened to too many audios narrated with a UK accent, so it took me a tiny bit to get used to it. Not that it wasn't lovely, as it certainly was, just that it was a little bit harder to understand for me at first until my ears got attuned to it. I felt that he did a stellar job at handling Edwin's speech impediment.
Beautiful cover… I adore rain and these guys walking hand in hand in it totally did it for me.
Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | Audible | Amazon
Audible Audio, 3 pages, Listening Length: 2 hours and 51 minutes
Published May 23rd 2016 by Riptide Publishing (first published February 21st 2015)
ASINB01FXZ0FX8
SeriesSpires Universe
This entry was posted in Audio Books, Book Reviews, Books, Contemporary fiction, LGBTQ Audio Books, LGBTQ Book Reviews, M/M Book Reviews, M/M Contemporary Fiction, M/M Fiction, M/M Romance, Riptide Publishing, Uncategorized and tagged A BJ Audiobook Review, author Alexis Hall, gay fiction audiobook, M/M Audiobook, Narrated by Alexander Doddy, Riptide Publishing audiobook, Waiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall Narrated by Alexander Doddy.
A BJ Audiobook Review: Where Nerves End (Tucker Springs #1) by L.A. Witt ~ Narrated by Iggy Toma
Jason Davis can handle a breakup. And an overwhelming mortgage. And a struggling business. And the excruciating pain that keeps him up at night thanks to a shoulder injury. But all of it at once? Not so much. When his shoulder finally pushes him to a breaking point, Jason takes a friend's advice and gives acupuncture a try.
Acupuncturist Michael Whitman is a single dad struggling to make ends meet. When a mutual friend refers Jason as a patient, and Jason suggests a roommate arrangement to alleviate their respective financial strains, Michael jumps at the opportunity.
But Jason soon finds himself regretting it—he's too damn attracted to Michael, and living with him is harder than he thought it'd be. In fact, the temptation to act on his feelings would almost be too much if not for the fact that Michael is straight. Or at least, that's what their mutual friend claims.
This book began well for me. I liked Jason, felt for him and what he was going through, and was very eager to see him find the help he needed to get his life on track. When he met Michael and not only was he able to help him with his pain, but with his financial problems, that was working for me. I enjoyed Michael and his son for the healthy lifestyle and his caring. I felt the chemistry of Jason's immediate attraction and his frustration at Michael being straight. I also enjoyed all the stuff on the eastern medicine, acupuncture, cupping, etc. Very interesting.
Midway through I begin to not enjoy it quite as much. First the characters have a talk and Michael has the perfect opportunity to say something to Jason that he chooses not to reveal. The next thing we know, the whole story changed for me. I'm not a fan of misunderstandings, miscommunications, and of MC having sex with other people in my books. In this book, we get all three, I'm sad to say. And nope, I didn't enjoy that part at all. Why did that have to happen? It left me pouting. Later, after he pursues Jason and they have an interlude, Michael does explain his reasoning, and it actually made sense a bit until the next thing he turns around and does is deny the whole thing and suddenly it makes no sense at all. Michael's complete denial to everyone, even though he admitted he'd knew for years and years and even thought he'd grown up with a close gay friend who he never confided in bugged me as well.
So while I enjoyed how the story ultimately ended, the storyline itself lost its glow for me after that. However, Iggy Toma is a wonderful narrator and did a great job of keeping me engaged. He brought the characters to life and gave them dimension. I enjoyed the distinct voices he used, and the emotion he put into each scene. I'd give the narrator 4 stars and the story 3 stars for an average of 3.5.
The cover by L.C. Chase ties in with the rest of the series and does an adequate job of representing the guys and the town although I didn't find it sexy or particularly appealing.
Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | Audible | Amazon | iTunes
Audible Audio, 7 pages, 6 hrs 55 mins
Published December 20th 2015 by Riptide Publishing (first published June 3rd 2012)
ASINB019NHFKC8
SeriesTucker Springs #1 settingTucker Springs, Colorado (United States
This entry was posted in Audio Books, Book Reviews, Books, Contemporary fiction, LGBTQ Audio Books, M/M Book Reviews, M/M Contemporary Fiction, M/M Fiction, M/M Romance, Riptide Publishing, Uncategorized and tagged A BJ Audiobook Review, audio narrator Iggy Toma, gay fiction, gay fiction audiobooks, Riptide Publishing audiobook, Romance, romance audiobooks, Where Nerves End (Tucker Springs #1) by L.A. Witt - Narrated by Iggy Toma.
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Blueberry Boys by Vanessa North ~ Audiobook narrated by Tobias Silversmith
When Connor Graham returns to the town where his lived with his uncle, mom, and brother, the last thing he expects is to meet a man who attracts him like a magnet. His uncle has passed away and Connor and his brother have inherited the family blueberry farm that has a tenant farmer working the land. The farmer is Jed Jones—a very shy, very sexy man with a severe stutter, making speech difficult for him.
But Jed's stutter makes no difference to Connor as the two get to know each other. And though the brothers are selling the farm, Jed's place is secure for at least the next two years due to his lease, so the sale isn't an impediment to their attraction. What is an obstacle is Jed's religious upbringing, his firm place in the closet, and the distance between the farm and Connor's job as a well-known fashion photographer who is based in New York City but travels the globe.
With Jed's permission, Connor decides to use the farm as the backdrop for his next fashion shoot, buying the men more time to get to know one another. It's time well invested, but there's an expiration date, and as they reach the end, Jed breaks it off with Connor. He's not the type for a long distance relationship, and though Connor tries to make him see reason, he eventually returns to New York.
Circumstances combine to allow Jed to come out to his family and to reconcile his church's teachings with his homosexuality and life goes on. Jed and Connor ultimately get together, and it's likely not in the way many readers would expect, but it does leave the men with their HEA.
I was disappointed in this story, the first I've read from this author. It was a sweet tale, but I didn't feel the spark. The romance between the two men was more of a sexual chemistry and less of a bonding of two hearts. To be fair, I don't have the book to go back to revisit some of the scenes I felt were choppy or where there was a disconnect between the guys, so I can't get into detail. This is an audiobook review, and that is too difficult to do.
The narrator, Tobias Silversmith, was a fast reader; so much so, that at times I had difficulty catching what he said. The story felt rushed, and I don't know if it was the story as written, or if the speed was set by the pace of the narrator. But it wasn't appealing. I didn't hurry to get back to the story when I was occupied with other tasks, and I didn't look forward to what the characters would do next. They were just waiting there for me to get back to them. I felt like there was not much happening in their lives anyway, so why not wait? Needless to say, I don't recommend this in audiobook format.
I loved the bright, colorful cover art by LC Chase that prominently features a spilled bucket of blueberries superimposed on a background of a farm field with two young men holding hands.
Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | Audible |Amazon
Audiobook Details:
Published May 20th 2016 by Riptide Publishing (first published November 28th 2015)
Original TitleBlueberry Boys
ASINB01FWBX0PS
This entry was posted in Audio Books, Book Reviews, Books, Contemporary fiction, LGBTQ Audio Books, M/M Book Reviews, M/M Contemporary Fiction, M/M Fiction, M/M Romance, Riptide Publishing and tagged A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audio Book Review, A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Blueberry Boys by Vanessa North ~ Audiobook narrated by Tobias Silversmith, Blueberry Boys by Vanessa North ~ Audiobook narrated by Tobias Silversmith, closeted characters, gay fiction audiobook, Narrator Tobias Silversmith, Riptide Publishing audiobook.
A Lila Review: Crashing Blue by Della Boynton
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Francisco Cabot is an undercover narc for the police. Having lived his entire life on the underbelly of society, he's the perfect man to infiltrate hardcore gangs, gather bulletproof evidence against them, and make certain their bosses spend a lifetime behind bars. He hides a dark secret, though, that causes him to harbor a ravening hunger for revenge that not even his long list of successes can quench. But a man can only live with revenge and the refuse of humanity for so long, before not even his fantasies of innocents and his ideals are enough to light the growing darkness in his soul.
The last man Cabot expects to save him from that darkness is Christopher Caldwell, the son of the biggest drug king in the city and the man Cabot has been sent to destroy. Falling in love with the enemy was never the plan, but when Christopher begs Cabot to leave everything behind to be with him, Cabot finds himself longing to do just that. His life of violence, gangs, and slums can't be left behind so easily, though; they'll be lucky to make it out alive.
Crashing Blue works as a suspense story, but the romance between the main characters become secondary to the drama/case and Snow. The story was originally published under the title Snow, which seems more fitting taking into consideration Chris's and Cisco's HFN.
Francisco Cabot's undercover work shaped his life and his need for justice. He moves from case to case without much trouble until an assignment goes wrong and he's transferred to a new precinct. From that moment on, everything he was and knew about himself starts changing until he had trouble walking the line between good and bad. His relationship with Christopher Caldwell was unexpected, but at the same time, it was something both of them needed. The
Their relationship, the case, and the suspense were done well. The story keeps the reader engaged, wanting more with every page. Unfortunately, the answers we get along the way only served to bait the reader into an incorrect guess. I don't mind the wait, but I don't like to be misled just to find in the end that I was right to start with.
The characters and settings were interesting, as well as the main plot. Some of the wording, especially during the sex scenes seems out of place and takes the reader out of the story. Overall, it was a good story, just not for me.
The cover by Syneca Featherstone has two shirtless men with a window in the background. They seem distant, but it's hard to place them in the story. The wave in the font is the only thing pertinent to the book. The cover is, perhaps, too generic.
Sale Links: Loose Id | Amazon | ARe
Published: January 26, 2016, by Loose Id
This entry was posted in Book Reviews, Books, Contemporary fiction, eBooks, LGBTQ Book Reviews, Loose id, M/M Book Reviews, M/M Contemporary Fiction, M/M Fiction, M/M Romance, Uncategorized and tagged A Lila Review, A Lila Review: Crashing Blue by Della Boynton, author Della Boynton, Crashing Blue by Della Boynton, suspense fiction.
Its Paranormal Crime & Mystery with Breathing Betrayal by Bellora Quinn and Sadie Rose Bermingham.(character interview, giveaway)
Title: Breathing Betrayal
Author: Bellora Quinn and Sadie Rose Bermingham
Series Title and Number: Elemental Evidence, Book One
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Cover Artist: Emmy Ellis
Release Date: June 7th, 2016
Heat Level: 3
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 96,902
Genre/Tags: Crime and Mystery, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have a character here to interview from Breathing Betrayal to interview:
Character Interview with Doctor Ilmarinen Gale
RS: You've lived in a lot of different places. What would you say is your favorite place?
Mari: Well, I think I've lived in just about every continent now. My parents travelled a lot for work. Father worked for various Space Agencies and Mamma was with Medecins sans Frontieres. I was born in Africa, though I don't remember anything about that, and raised in New York State, London, Paris and Kota Kinbalu, in Malaysia. I think Malaysia was probably my favourite, it's such a beautiful country and the people are so sweet and friendly. And the food is absolutely to die for. We had a beautiful house there with huge gardens and a view of the mountains, I still dream about it sometimes.
RS: Tell us a little about how your talent works? Do you need special software?
Mari: It's sort of hard to explain, but I'll try. The communications networks we use are made up of different kinds of waves and they operate on all kinds of frequencies. Our brain waves work in similar ways. What Air Elementals like myself can do, if you can imagine this, is to find a place where we can switch the frequency of our brain waves to the same pattern as the technology. Once I'm on the same frequency, it's easy to push my thoughts along those waves. Now, every time we communicate with someone, by phone or on the internet, we create a kind of node where the energy from those waves pools and swirls around. I can use those nodes to navigate from one conversation to another, or look at documents stored in the Cloud, or chase a series of calls and plot the location of the caller. A hacker can trace calls and documents but I can see, literally at a glance, who you last spoke to, and who they last spoke to before that and all the people who spoke to them in a certain time limit, ad infinitum. It's quite draining though, I can't do it for extended periods at a time without running the risk of burning out my ability, or becoming hooked on the feeling of being out of my body. It's a sensation like nothing else in the world. If I get lost in the moment and don't come back to my physical body, I suppose it could actually kill me.
RS: Oh my! That sounds dangerous. Do you take precautions?
Mari: (laughing) You make that sound quite… suggestive. I suppose I don't really, beyond trying to ensure that when I'm going to have to surf for a longer time, or go deep into a system, I have someone with me to interrupt me, if I overrun. I've experimented with setting the alarm on my phone, which works for a shallow surf. If I'm very deeply immersed though, it can take a serious commotion to bring me back.
RS: What sort of Elemental are you?
Mari: My classification is Air. The medieval scientist Paracelsus who first categorised us, called my kind Sylphs, but I always think that makes us sound rather trivial and flighty. The things we can do are far more weighty than that. Family rumours said that my Great Grandmother was what scientific historians call a Remote Viewer, she could surf deep and see through the eyes of a person on the other side of the continent, if she tried hard enough. It's a Legendary skill, no Air Elemental has been able to do that for almost a century.
RS: I bet there's a big demand for something like that though. Have you thought about going into business for yourself? I bet you could make a lot finding…information, for people.
Mari: <frowning slightly> If I was less… ethical, perhaps. Yes, I concede, there is a market for my talent. I've never been out of work, since leaving University, let's put it that way. But a lot of the things I do for my employers aren't exactly encouraged in the mainstream, I suppose.
RS: Aren't you even a little tempted though? I mean, you could find out who <censored reality TV star's name> is dating before anyone else.
Mari: <looking bemused now> Why would I want to know that?
RS: Because it would be a *scoop*. You've missed your calling Dr. Gale. You could have been the greatest reporter ever!
Mari: <laughing> I don't think I'm cut out to be a journalist. I'd need to be far more curious about things for a start. Now if a certain cute interviewer happened to leave his phone by my seat while he went for a coffee… I might decide to find out if he was dating or otherwise. But stalking people I don't care for… no, I think not.
RS: <blushing> Speaking of dating. Rumor has it you're seeing a certain Detective?
Mari: Now, you see, that's why you're a journalist and I'm a scientist. Let's just say, I'm not currently unattached and I'm quite happy about that, shall we?
RS: I must say it's been a pleasant interview Dr. Gale. Thank you for joining us today.
Mari: You're most welcome. Thank you for having me.
Jake Chivis is the descendant of Fire Elementals with a gift for psychometry, the ability to see memories from touching objects. After a bad breakup and trouble at work, Jake gave up his career as a detective in Detroit and moved to England to join a research program studying Elemental gifts at University College London. It seemed like the perfect way to escape his past and start over, and this time he's vowed not to fall into the trap of dating a coworker. At least that's the plan, until he meets Doctor Ilmarinen Gale.
Mari Gale is blond, sexy, relentlessly academic and comfortable in his own skin in a way Jake envies. After a handful of embarrassing encounters, Jake is ready to resign himself to staying under the radar, but when a colleague's brother goes missing, he and Mari must work together to find him. As they dig into the inexplicable disappearance, Jake is impressed with Mari's competence and unique skills, and even more impressed by his ability to wrap Jake around his finger. Together the unlikely pair discover murder, betrayal, secrets and just how high Mari can fan Jake's flames.
Rain pink-pink-pinked against the window pane and drip-drip-dripped into the pot that Jake had placed under the leak in the hallway. Murky gray morning light greeted him when he opened his eyes. Another drizzly day. He had thought that was just some persistent stereotype, a comic exaggeration—about how rainy it was in London—but so far, this month, it was turning out to be true.
Jake was steadily getting used to the weather. It really wasn't all that different from his native Michigan. He had been told by his colleagues this was an unusually wet November and that when winter finally kicked off, it wouldn't be as severe as he was accustomed to. That was something to be glad about, at least.
The weather was not the only thing he'd had to get used to after moving a little over three and a half thousand miles away from the only place he'd known. London was worlds away from Detroit. It was still alive for one thing, not a dying husk. It was cleaner too, even with more than ten times the population. London had its crime and its dangerous places just like any large city, but even the urban degeneration here had a certain vibrancy to it that was unlike the desperation and decay of Detroit.
Enough of that.
Thinking about home was a guaranteed way to put him in a bad mood. At least he didn't hate his new abode.
The apartment was small and leaky but it was clean and bug free and he didn't have a lot of stuff anyway. Four rooms—kitchen, bathroom, small living room and a closet-sized bedroom that was barely big enough to hold a double bed and the armoire. The kitchen was equally tiny. A small fridge, sink and an ancient two-burner stove. There was just enough counter space to plug in his coffeepot. He was not complaining. The small space made it easy to keep warm and clean and discouraged clutter. It was also paid for, which was another big plus.
He hadn't liked that idea at first. He thought the university should just pay him outright and let him figure out how to deal with the rent and utilities, but he had to admit that having them take care of the bills took some of the worry off his mind. Unfortunately he still had plenty of other things to worry about.
No, he told himself firmly. He was not going to start off the day thinking about home and everything he'd deliberately left behind when he got on the plane. That was over.
Jake dragged himself out of bed and across the living room to the bathroom. After a quick slash, he washed his face, finger-combed his hair with wet hands then threw on some sweats and he was ready for his morning run. There would be time for a shower and food later. Back in Detroit, he would have started his day by driving to the track or the gym to work out before heading to the station house. Here he could walk or use public transportation to get just about anywhere he needed to go. At first the idea of not having a car, of not being able to just hop in and drive wherever he had to go, any time he wanted, had given him more of a panicky, trapped feeling than being an ocean away from everyone he knew and everything familiar. A car was the very first thing he'd asked about, after moving his meager belongings into the apartment. The research assistant who'd been assigned to ensuring he got settled in and had what he needed had told him to give it a week or two and, if he still wanted to purchase a car, the university would arrange it. At the time, Jake had thought there was no possible way he could survive for so long without a vehicle at his disposal, but by the end of his first week he had explored the Tube, the cabs and the buses, got himself an Oyster card and found he could get around remarkably well without having to fight through traffic behind the wheel. He hadn't brought up the need for a car again.
There was a small park only one street over from where he lived, and several right around the university, but they were little more than decorative green space—compact garden squares hemmed in by the tall, dark façades of houses and office buildings—nice for a picnic maybe, but not big enough for a run. Fortunately Regent's Park was fairly close to where he lived and the paths and trails there were perfect. The park was never truly empty but this early in the morning, especially on such a wet, gray day, only the dedicated were out. They all had little earbuds or headphones on and their eyes were fixed forward, everyone in their own private bubbles. No one stopped to say good morning. No one drew him to one side to ask if he could touch their grandmother's wedding ring and tell them if she'd hidden cash somewhere in the attic. It was great. It was almost perfect, except for one thing.
There was one other person from the university that liked to run the same route he did and while Jake didn't see him every morning, it happened often enough that he'd started looking for the guy while he ran. That annoyed him. Running was his time to clear his head. It was meditative. He could tune out and think of nothing. Or at least he could until he started paying more attention to the people he passed than he did the simple rhythm of putting one foot down in front of the other. Now during his morning runs, he was distracted by looking around to see if he'd catch sight of a particular slender figure whose long legs ate up the distance like the wind.
Jake told himself that he was only looking so that he could avoid him, and thereby avoid having to make polite conversation. It definitely wasn't because of the way the ridiculously tight Lycra leggings he wore outlined every muscle in his lean thighs or the way his perfect ass looked so tasty in them. No, not at all.
Jake never had been very good at lying to himself. Even so, admiring that sexy little derrière from a distance was all he would do. He had learned his lesson about getting involved with coworkers. Anyway, it was unlikely he'd see him today, given the dismal weather. He could stop looking around and just concentrate on pushing himself.
The park was usually Mari's first call of a morning, though he sometimes gave his running a break when the weather was this grim. Today the rain was that fine, persistent drizzle that evaded umbrellas and invaded just about all items of clothing that weren't a wetsuit. He was used to it, having spent almost the last three of his twenty-seven years here, at UCL, but after the sunshine of his previous job in Barcelona, it was still kind of a comedown to walk out of his front door on a morning like this.
Fortunately the park was just around one corner, and the university campus just around the other, one of the perks of living in town. Papi had wanted to pay for a place out in the countryside, arguing that it would be more peaceful, but his Mama would hear none of it. The London house had been her grandmother's then her father's. He had been renting it out for years while the family lived abroad but now it was finally useful, even if the reason behind its new purpose was a less than happy one. Plus, Mama argued successfully—because no one, not even Papi, would dare to fight with her right now—it was also a short cab ride to the hospital, not an ungodly trek through the suburbs every time she had treatment or saw her oncologist.
He pushed those thoughts away, determined not to dwell on what might be, knowing she would not thank him for it. She had not wanted him to come to London at all, but on that point he had dared to defy her and anyway, he'd already been offered and had accepted the post at University College London. It was a decent job, even if London was not Barcelona.
There was no one quite like Tomas here, but maybe that was a good thing too.
Mari put his head down and pushed on into the clinging miasma of the chill London rain. Tomas Arregui was something else he would rather not think about right now. With the clarity of hindsight, perhaps it had been for the best that the job had come up with UCL when it did. Given longer to chew over the frustration of his on-again, off-again lover, he might well have been driven to do something he would most certainly regret.
Damn it, though! The memory of Tomas was like a persistent tic that wouldn't let go of his hide once its nasty little fangs had sunk in.
He was glad of the distraction presented in the form of another early-morning loper and his spirits perked up even more when he was able to make out the familiar form and easy gait of the new guy who was working with the Web Security Team. Mari had spotted him striding through the park before, though they had never spoken. Lester in the print room said he was American, though Mari thought there was a slightly Hispanic look to his rough-cut, thick black hair and darkly handsome features. Maybe Romani, even? He couldn't be sure.
He was well built without looking chunky, except when he was bundled up in several layers of damp running gear, and almost as tall as Mari's six-foot-two-inch frame, which was a plus. It got embarrassing trying to flirt with men who were forced to look up at him all the time.
Not that he had any idea if Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome was even that way inclined. But that never stopped him testing the waters. Alicia in his department said that one day some guy was going to punch his lights out for flirting the way he did, as if every man in the world was automatically gay and, by definition, hot for him.
He'd made her laugh with his mock-horrified response. "You mean they aren't?"
Pride Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Bellora Quinn: Originally hailing from Detroit Michigan, Bellora now resides on the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida where a herd of Dachshunds keeps her entertained. She got her start in writing at the dawn of the internet when she discovered PbEMs (Play by email) and found a passion for collaborative writing and steamy hot erotica. Soap Opera like blogs soon followed and eventually full novels. The majority of her stories are in the M/M genre with urban fantasy or paranormal settings and many with a strong BDSM flavour.
Sadie Rose Bermingham: A storyteller since before she started school, Sadie also enjoys reading, photography, live music and long walks on the beach. Sadie has worked as a bookseller, a pedigree editor for the racing industry and a local and family history researcher. Originally from the north of England, she has been working her way across the UK ever since. She currently resides on the south east coast with her long term partner, where she hopes to buy a mobile home and establish a whippet farm.
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Rafflecopter Prize: One winner will be selected to win an eBook copy of Breathing Betrayal
This entry was posted in Book Giveaways, Book Reviews, Book Tours and Contests, Books, eBooks, LGBTQ Book Reviews, M/M Book Reviews, M/M Fiction, M/M Paranormal Fiction, M/M Romance and tagged authors Bellora Quinn and Sadie Rose Bermingham, Breathing Betrayal by Bellora Quinn and Sadie Rose Bermingham, Elemental Evidence series by Bellora Quinn and Sadie Rose Bermingham, IndiGo Marketing & Design book tour, Pride Publishing.


text:
Hydrovatus punctipennis är en skalbaggsart som beskrevs av Victor Ivanovitsch Motschulsky 1859. Hydrovatus punctipennis ingår i släktet Hydrovatus och familjen dykare. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Dykare
punctipennis

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
You are here: Home | National News | News | Hajj: Muslims urge MoF to honor Kiir's financial pledges
Hajj: Muslims urge MoF to honor Kiir's financial pledges
Author: Elshiekh Chol | Published: 6 months ago
Muslims pray at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia August 6, 2019. PHOTO: REUTERS
An official of the Muslim community in South Sudan is urging the Ministry of Finance to release over $160,000 reportedly approved by the President for Islamic pilgrimage this year.
This is money that has accumulated from the pledge -to support the pilgrims -by President Salva Kiir in the last 2 years.
According to Ahmed Abdul-majid, Secretary-General of Hajj and Umrah in South Sudan, Kiir's financial support for the roundtrips of the worshippers has not been met by the relevant authorities.
"The President last year agreed to pay for 100 pilgrims to go to Mecca, but there were problems when it came to the transfer of the money to us. This year also the President approved the money, but we have not yet received it," he said.
Abdul-majid, however, said some pilgrims left the country on Tuesday morning for this year's Hajj in the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
They are 217 and each faithful's round trip costs $3,600 or 1080,000 South Sudanese pounds at the black market rate of $1 per SSP 300.
This includes return ticket, food and accommodation in Mecca.
Abdul-majid said they used their resources to facilitate this trip, but called on the government to refund the money since it was a contribution from the President to the Islamic community.
"We managed to arrange for all the 217. But we want to make it clear that this money was raised outside and we have made pledges to repay it. So we are urging the concern authorities to implement the order of the President and send us the money because at the end of Hajji we shall be obligated to pay this funds."
The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims, and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can support their family during their absence.
The rites of Hajj are performed over five or six days, beginning on the eighth and ending on the thirteenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.
South Sudan has already declared a public holiday to mark the celebrations of Eid el Adha on Sunday 11, through Tuesday 13.


Aside from providing you with beautiful, emotional portraits in a casual setting, engagement photo sessions allow us to get to know each other before the big day.
Knowing what to expect from your wedding photographer and feeling relaxed in front of the camera are critical for photographic success.
During the engagement photography session, we love to work with you to find the styles, smiles, angles, and poses that work best for you as a couple. That way, when your wedding day comes around, we'll have already practised picture-taking together and everyone will know what to do and expect!
Engagement photo sessions are the time for you and your partner to show your inner selves, your love for one another in a relaxing and enjoyable environment. Let us recommend a few of our favourite spots based on our experience.
We can't wait to get you in front of the camera and bring out what makes you so beautifully unique!


Meridian Magazine--Come Follow Me Latter-day Saint Podcast | Listen Free on Castbox.
April 22-28The Lord often requires us to do things that we think sound impossible. Forgive seventy times seven? This does not mean 490 times, but boundless forgiveness, that we travel with forgiveness for those who have wronged us. Forgiveness is not always easy, especially when we have been deeply hurt or wronged or if we live in a situation where we are poorly treated continually, but the Lord's command to forgive is one that can free and heal our hearts and cultivate boundless love for our neighbors.
April 1-14In Jesus's teachings, the land of Israel itself becomes his visual aid. That is nowhere more evident than in the teachings he gives in Caesarea Philippi about the rock on which His Church will be built. Learn about that this week as well as the profound answer the Pharisees got who were seeking a sign.
March 25-31Not all of the moments and sayings in the life of Jesus can we read as a sequence of events. We have stories and sayings that we can't always connect. But in today's study we can see things in sequence, which adds meaning to the story. This includes the feeding of the 5,000, the rescue of the apostles while they are struggling against great winds on the Sea of Galilee, and the Bread of Life speech which motivated many of Jesus's followers to desert Him.
March 18-24Jesus taught in parables both to reveal and conceal truths. There is more in even apparently simple statements than immediately meets the eye in what Jesus taught. What for instance does it mean, "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father"?
March 11-17This episode of the Come Follow Me podcast relates many stories that you probably haven't heard into the calling of an apostle and what today's apostles say about their own special witness of Jesus Christ. You will also come to know, by tradition, how each of the Twelve that Christ called eventually died.
March 4-10As mortals we are on a journey to move from being broken to healed, and it is the Lord who is our attending physician. The stories in the New Testament are not only about the halt, the blind, and the person afflicted with leprosy. They are about us, and our universal need for his healing touch.


Aha, my steps on Mangata!
Before the waves of feminism began.
Unmatched in the whole hierarchy!
Went inside the womb of mother earth without a trace.
A will and confidence to many unknown!
A strong opponent of Yagnavalkya, we've known for years.
To make the inner channels clear.
Start a journey that's invincible!
where status frothed in tall glasses.
baked her twenty precious springs!
and deflated swinging in the wind.
Dr. Ranjana Sharan Sinha, a well- known voice in Indian poetry in English, is a former professor of English at S. B. City college, Nagpur (MH), India. She is also an author and literary critic. Her poems, short stories, articles and research papers have been extensively published in dailies, magazines, e-zines, archives, journals etc. at the national and international levels. She has authored and published 07 books in different genres and 50 research papers. Her poems have appeared in Sahitya Akademi' s journal "Indian Literature". Conferred with a number of awards for her contribution to literature, she has received accolades from the former President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for her poem "Mother Nature". She has completed and published UGC-sponsored MRP on comparative literature. Associated with many literary organisations and poetry groups, she is currently a Research Supervisor, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur.


A few years ago Americana put out an all green eye. I took it off and potted it. Digging through pots today I noticed that it wasn't just plain dark green anymore - it has a lighter green center now.
This year it's back looking better.
At the National Hosta convention this year one of the gardens you could visit was that of Dave and Gail Russo. While getting photos in their garden I came across this plant - I think the label was Color Revolt - a sport of Revolution. It remained me of this Americana sport - same family tree.
You can definitely see the similarities. Nice looking sport - amazing how consistent your plant is.
i have the reverse of that i call four play, you know because its a tetraploid. i have 3 clumps now.
I had been searching for a name for my sport. I was looking for something "patriotic" to stay in the family. Finally "Uncle Sam" hit me but it was already used. But my grand kids call my son-in-law "Uncle Sands" for Uncle Sam. That works on a few levels - it's part of my family and the word "sands" always reminds me of the John Wayne movie "Sands of Iwo Jima" with the flag raising.


"We are the Swordwrath! Forging blades so sharp, that limbs will sever at mere sight!"
A swordwrath is a basic black stick figure with no clothes or adornments. They carry a broadsword for combat.
Swordwrath units are cheap and fast early game units. This makes them ideal for picking off Miners, though if there is any sort of resistance, do not expect the unit to survive.
Buy the Rage upgrade as soon as you can. It will drastically tip the scales in a fight. The small amount of health loss is absolutely worth it for the improved damage output.
Vulnerable to large AoE spells, due to their lack of health.
The Swordwrath destroy giants, due to their sheer numbers. Picking up Swordwrath late game for giant massers can be very effective.
One to three Swrodwrath can help prevent suicidal bombers from doing heavy damage with a meat shield tactic.
Health 2 bars Speed Statue to Second Row of Gold in 6 seconds.
The swordwrath were originally, like all the nations, a small tribe. However the thriving city-states of pertland and westwind,who had already existed rather stabally for almost a milleniea at this time, influenced the swordwrath, spreading the religon all modern nation states follow, in addition to the technology of the miner which allowed the swordwrath to discover the vast amounts of metals useful for weapons located in central inammorta. following this the swordwrath developed the sword and unlike the pacifist nations of pertland and westwind, would set out to establish an empire. The government they created saw a group of the best warriors, who had killed their competitiors in open combat form a council called the swordwrath military high command, which would govern their empire until it's the council's destruction in the battle of the swordwrath counter during the conquering nearly four hundred years later. The newly formed empire began by conquring the seven other tribes that inhabited the inner homeland of the swordwrath, their primitive clubs and lack of battle armor being no match for the swordwrath's new weapons in addition to light metal armor following this, the other 2 dozen or so tribes formed the swordwrath resistance, a confederation of tribes to attempt and stop the empire before it got to powerful. however the movemnet was defeated by the swordwrath empire multiple times and the land that they received in the peace treaty would remain in the grasp of the swordwrath empire until the time of the conquering. despite this, the Swordwrath resistance would persist until the time of the conquering, where they would ambush order's armies during their advance to the Ice Hills in an attempt to reclaim their ancient lands. The swordwrath, now the dominant power in central inamorta, would go on to invade the future territories of the spearton empire, and then turned their eyes to the lush forests of the east coast of the continent. during their conquering of this territory, a man called the champion archer was able to invent the first ever bow and adapted the technology and religon of pertland and westwind, forming the archidon empire. The bow proved the perfect counter to the swordwrath troops, and soon this new empire had conquered a vast swath of territory across the east coast, including the forests that the swordwrath themselves had intended to conquer, over the next 100 years the swordwrath would steadily lose all their holdings on the east coast of inamorta, however due to the reforms of the 61st high command, the empire was able to finally defeat the archidons, and the borders stabalished into roughly what they were during the conquering, give or take the territory the two would capture from each other over the course of their history. The 62nd high command tried to lead a campaign to capture the nothern territories to gain more territory, manpower, and wealth in order to gain an advantage over the archidons. the territory that was to be the spearton empire was still under their control. However the both the swordwrath and their counterpart archidon conquering force encountered a strong force in the north, a nation that was far older and more powerful then they were, the magikill, a nation of powerful magic weilder's who were able to stun entire groups of units and summon their own deadly minnions to fight hand to hand, and they two had adopted the technology and religion of the great mining states of pertland and westwind, which at this point were in their terminal states of decline due to the rise of the nation of giants in the north. The swordwrath military was devastated from this brief war, and to the south, one of their longest-held territories was lost. the homeland of the speartons held people that viewed each warrior as precious and thus invested in building an army in secret to rebel aganist the swordwrath, an army of heavily armored units, equiped with sheilds, and helmets, to fend off the feared archidon headshot, and they had a spear, a new weapon which could do serious damage from behind their defensive armor, but did need signifigant skill to use properly. for the sake of versitlity, they could also throw this weapon. The speartons and their allies the swordwrath reistance were able to defeat the wrecked armies of the empire and establish the spearton empire. The new spearton empire would then slaughter the leadership of the Swordwrath resistance, ending any signifigant power they one wielded. The borders established during this period would remain more less constant, with small changes during the near-constant wars between the empires of central inamorta until the time of the conquering about 200 years later.
The Rage ability, the Swordwrath's sole ability, and by far the most vital one, increases the Swordwrath's attack and unit speed, by 50% for approximately 6 seconds..
Spearton-Swordwraths make great distractions for higher health enemies (i.e. Speartons), but will most likely lose.
Crawler- In a fight with another unit,the crawler has a deadly advantage of speed. In a fight between a swordwrath and a crawler, the swordwrath will always win because of health and damage advantage.Under pressure of a group of crawlers,the swordwrath has a 1/4 chance of winning.
Bomber- The swordwrath can stand an attack of 3 bombers, max.
Juggerknight- The swordwrath don't stand a chance against a juggerknight. They can take down 5 swordwraths alone.A 6 swordwraths can take down a juggerknight with sever injuries and deaths.
Deads- The dead's poison is it most deadly asset. A dead can slowly poison many a swordwrath and retreat.In a direct fight,2 swordwraths can take down a dead.
The Swordwrath on the title screen of the game and in the unit profile picture is shown holding a curved sword, a sabre, yet in-game, they are always holding a broadsword.
The opening suggests that they are Order's most populous nation.
Although artwork in Stick Empires shows a Swordwrath wearing a helmet, one has to buy helmets for Swordwrath within the armory.
The reason the swordwraths lack helmets stem from animation issues; a swordwrath sometimes stand looking to the sides and sometimes stand staring directly at the player, forcing the developers to create a new set of animations and coding to compensate. In addition, many of the Swordwrath's death animations feature them recieving blows to the head (e.g. A Juggerknight chucking his axes at a swordwrath's head and the headshot animation) and require another set of animations to depict a helmet cracking.
In some ways, Swordwrath units can be compared to StarCraft Marines. Both are cheap early game units. Both are strong in numbers. Both have an ability that drains health but allows for a faster attack rate.
Stick Empires Wiki is a FANDOM Games Community.


Spending one-on-one time with your child and allowing them to lead you in play is a great way to observe that they are a separate person – already devising their own plans and dreaming their own dreams. When we follow their lead, step back, and observe, we give them the space to show us who they really are, and what they really need.
Play with your child this way one-on-one several times a week from infancy for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. This time should be set aside to give all of your focus to play. Choose a time that sets them up for a positive interaction, when they are well fed and rested. Play in a quiet place, with no electronic distraction. Communicate to your child that this is special time when you play only with them.
Tell your child ahead of time how long you will be playing together. When you're ready to wrap it up, give them a one- or two-minute warning so they are prepared for you to move on. Another option is to set a timer, allowing a bit of time for wrap-up if necessary when the timer goes off.
Need a little extra help getting started?
Get down on the floor with your child and share the space they occupy. If you have a great playroom, play in there!
Channel your inner radio announcer and try describing your child's play. You might say, "There goes the queen, she's waving at the crowd." No need for specifics or detail – just something quick to prompt your child to come up with new ideas.
Imitate what your child does when they play. If they love to play with blocks, you can ask to build a tower with them, telling them you need direction for where to put your pieces, or you can tell them you are building a tower of your own. Don't be afraid to keep your child away from your tower and tell them to work on their own. This teaches them to respect other children's towers, too.
Keep an open mind about how kids play with their toys. There is no wrong way to play with a toy – even a static, realistic looking one – unless it is somehow harmful.
Giving commands about play or toys. If you find yourself saying the words "no" or "don't," and it isn't a matter of respect or physical safety, it's time to reflect. Especially avoid "not like that" – instead, consider ways that you can adapt to how they are choosing to play with something.
Directing your child's play. All play should originate from your child's ideas. Your job is simply to take those ideas, expand on them, and help your child to run with them.
Quizzing your child. "What color is the sky?" or "Can you find a red car?" This is fine to do sometimes, but much more fun in the context of a game. Refrain from asking too many questions while your child is leading play – just learn to roll with it!
Using this time for competitive games. Child-led play is a time for connection and not a time for following rules, winning and losing, or getting into power struggles.
Playing this way helps develop deeply trusting, mutually respectful relationships between parent and child. It will also help to raise kids that you not only love but in whose company you love to be.
How has allowing your child to take the lead in play affected how you relate to each other? We want to hear from you in the comments below!


text:
permalink: /components/form/container/overview
title: "Form container"
comp: formContainer
---

{% include base_path %}

The `o-form-container` component allows you to place a [breadcrumb]({{ base_path }}/components/breadcrumb/overview/){:target="_blank"} on the top of the [form]({{ base_path }}/components/form/overview/){:target="_blank"} easily. This component has been introduced for solving the problem of maintaining the breadcrumb and the form toolbar fixed at the top of the page while the form content is scrolling.

>**NOTE** Remember to initialize the `NavigationService` in your main application component when using the breadcrumb component. Read more about this component [here]({{ base_path }}/components/breadcrumb/overview/){:target="_blank"}.

## Example

```html
<o-form-container breadcrumb="yes" breadcrumb-label-columns="ENTITYID;OFFICEID;CDID;ANID" breadcrumb-separator="-">
  <o-form service="branches" entity="account" keys="ACCOUNTID" columns="ACCOUNTID;BALANCE;ENTITYID;OFFICEID;CDID;ANID;CCOUNTTYP" header-actions="R;U;D" show-header-navigation="yes">
    ...
  </o-form>
</o-form-container>
```

Here you have and example of the form container component with the breadcrumb.

![Form container component]({{ "/images/components/form/o-form-container-breadcrumb.png" | absolute_url }})

You can see the example above working in the [OntimizeWeb QuickStart](https://try.imatia.com/ontimizeweb/quickstart/main/accounts/19952?isdetail=true){:target="_blank"} or check the code in [GitHub](https://github.com/OntimizeWeb/ontimize-web-ngx-quickstart/blob/master/src/app/main/accounts/detail/accounts-detail.component.html){:target="_blank"}.

Below you can see an example the `o-form-container` component wrapping a form.

![image-center]({{ base_path }}/images/layouts/form-container/customers_with_breadcrumb.gif){: .align-center}

Below you can see an example of a form whiout the `o-form-container` component.

![image-center]({{ base_path }}/images/layouts/form-container/customers_fixed_withoutbreadcrumb.gif){: .align-center}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
NPESU CONTACTS
UNSW CONTACTS
National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit (NPESU)
Australian & New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database (ANZARD)
Australian & New Zealand Neonatal Network (ANZNN)
The Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network (ANZNN) is a collaborative network that monitors the care of high risk newborn infants by pooling data to provide quality assurance for this resource consuming care. The network was established in 1994 under the recommendation of the National Health and Research Council's (NHMRC) Expert Panel on Perinatal Morbidity.
Since its establishment the network has developed a minimum data set and implemented a data collection that monitors the mortality and morbidity of infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units across Australia and New Zealand.
All neonatal intensive care units in Australia and New Zealand have contributed to the network's audit of babies since 1st January 1995. In 1998 all special care nurseries in New Zealand joined the network and began contributing data. Since then, membership has extended to an increasing number of Australian special care nurseries and most recently a Singaporean neonatal intensive care unit.
The ANZNN has been hosted under the National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit since 2008.
For further information and to view the ANZNN annual reports :
www.anznn.net
ANZNN Operations Manager
Sharon Chow
Email: anznn@unsw.edu.au
Study at NPESU
Work at NPESU
NPESU Staff Profiles
UNSW Staff Directory
Centre for Big Data Research in Health and School of Women's and Children's Health
UNSW Medicine
CRICOS Provider Code: 00098G
T +61 (2) 9385 9155
E npesu@unsw.edu.au
Level 2, AGSM Building (G27)
Copyright © 2013 UNSW MEDICINE - National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit
Authorised by National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit
Page Last Updated: 9:16:37 am, Sunday 19 September 2021


text:
Partner: Condor Trust for Education
Condor Trust for Education ←
Sebastian was born in Loja in the south of Ecuador and lived for five years with his grandparents, while his parents went to other cities in search of work. For the last six months he's been living in Quito with his parents and his sister: the family has been re-united.
Genesis lives with her mother and an elder sister, who is 20. They live in a small house built by the government but had to take out a loan for it, which they are now working to pay back. Genesis is a very bright student and managed to get a place at one of the best state secondary schools in the city. This means a long daily journey from her house on the outskirts, as the school is in the middle of the city, but she says she doesn't mind this (most days!). She enjoys most subjects at school, and is also very fond of animals. This is why she would one day like to become a vet.
Magaly lives in a small village on the outskirts of Quito with her mother and two sisters. Her mother does not have a stable job.
Anita has so far had a very difficult life. She is an only child, although this wasn't always the case. A younger brother died of cancer four years ago and her father also died a few years previously. At the moment Anita lives with her mother. She is very dedicated to her studies. When she first came to the Condor Trust two years ago, she was very sad and shy, but this is changing little by little. Now she is beginning to dream about the future and what she might be able to do.
Brenda lives with her mother and two older siblings. Her mother struggles to support them through her low-paid work. She started to learn to play the violin in her primary school and is now continuing to have lessons through the Condor Trust. She loves playing the violin and would like to become a great violinist.
Anghelo
Anghelo has a lot of determination to succeed at whatever he does. He has begun to play the guitar, and practices for two hours every day. He also sings in the school choir. Apart from music, he is keen on mathematics and would one day like to become an accountant. He is close to his immediate family and likes to spend the weekend playing with his cousin.
There are 8 people in Johnny's household: his mother and father, five brothers and sisters, and himself. Johnny calls himself number four - he has three older and two younger siblings. They all live in a large village in the mountains in a house with three small rooms and a patio. His father, mother and older brothers earn a living locally in agriculture, but the work is seasonal and insecure. Johnny has been doing well at school. He's particularly keen on maths but likes anything technical. His dream is to be able to qualify as an electrical engineer. When he's not at school or helping at home, he likes to play the guitar.
Luis lives with his mother, an older sister and two younger siblings. They live in a house with two rooms, a kitchen and bathroom. Their only income is his mother's irregular, low income. Luis is very keen on science and in his spare time likes to learn more about about it. At the moment, he is undecided whether a career as a doctor or as a mechanic attracts him most.
Manuel is the second of five children. He lives with his mother, as his father has abandoned them. Manual couldn't go to school for two years because his mother couldn't afford it, so he is particularly happy to have the support of the Condor Trust and to be making up for lost time. He is a very responsible boy. His passion is playing the guitar. According to his mother he spends every moment he can practicing. His great dream at the moment is to go to Loja at Christmas. This is a town in the south of Ecuador where his grandparents live, and Manuel wants to play them some songs on his guitar.


Located just north of the Markham Woods luxury corridor just off Markham Road, Buckingham Estates is a well-kept gated and guarded community. The homes here are both custom and production-built.
The Seminole County bike trail runs right along the community - making for easy access by its residents. The trail runs throughout Seminole County.
Excellent shopping and fine restaurants are close by in both Colonial Town Park and Park Place. In addition, I-4 is two miles away for an easy communte into Orlando to the south or Daytona to the north.
Contact Us if you would like to tour this community or any other community to find your next home!


The holidays have arrived and with it the shopping, the gifts – and who could forget the holiday parties? I love the merriment it all brings – gathering together with friends, letting neighbors know how much you appreciate them and leaving small tokens of gratitude for everyone from the mailman to teachers. Whipping up fresh baked goods during the holidays is one of my favorite ways to let people know that I'm thinking of them, but there are so many recipes out there to choose between. From snickerdoodles and sugar cookies to macadamias and ginger breads, finding the right recipe can be tough! However this year, I wanted to try a fun spin on another classic holiday treat – hot cocoa. Bonus, this Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe is so easy to make thanks to the new "cake cookie" trend and require just six ingredients.
One of the things I like about the new cake cookie trend is that it allows me to swap out butter for options like Crisco® Pure Vegetable Oil. The best part is, I don't have to sacrifice taste or beauty in my recipes, just take a look at these cookies!
Hot Cocoa Cookies - Made with Cake Batter!
Add wet ingredients to dry mixture.
Stir until everything is wet and mixed well.
Put in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
Place parchment paper on cookie sheet.
Drop balled tablespoons of cookie dough onto the parchment paper.
Gently press 2-3 mini marshmallows into each cookie.
Bake an additional 2-3 minutes.
After a quick trip to Publix for staples like eggs, Crisco® Pure Vegtable Oil and vanilla, we were ready to get our bake on.
These cookies are so easy to prepare, but they do need to be watched. I recommend setting a timer for the first 9 minutes, pulling the cookies and cooking an additional minute at a time for the remaining 2-3 minutes.
I prefer these guys washed down with a cup of cocoa but milk is just as good too. Place these cookies in a dessert bag and pair them with your Snowman Soup in a Jar for a super cute holiday gift.
Check out the Dessert Debate for Coupons and great recipe ideas!
What is your favorite recipe to make for the holidays?
Visit www.crisco.com for more information, tips, and recipes. Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/crisco or follow them on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/CriscoRecipes.
These sound divine! I make a smores brownie that's similar but this will be perfect for our cookie exchange.
I am actually hiring my granddaughter to bake my holiday cookies this year. It gives her Christmas cash and me one less thng to do. These are great looking cookies and I have everything already on the ingredient list.
I love baking cookies for the holidays. I pinned this recipe to my Christmas Cookies board to try out later.


0:08Skip to 0 minutes and 8 secondsWe kind of think of it as "real French" rather than textbook French. In the classroom, you're often offered a very toned down version of the language, and if you watch a film it's very fast paced, so it gets you used to authentic French speaking. And it's a challenge, because often if you're looking at a textbook you can take your time with it, whereas with watching a film, it's very quick and you need to be on it, otherwise, you'll miss what's going on. I think it allows people to apply the knowledge they already have of French into real life situations, and how people would use certain phrases and certain tenses in real life.
0:40Skip to 0 minutes and 40 secondsI think also it can really help with the accent, and how people pronounce certain key vocab that maybe they were struggling with earlier. All children become extremely inquisitive and very exact. They want to use the language correctly so they constantly ask me in the target language, Madame Chadier, [SPEAKING FRENCH] They're very conscious of wanting to get the pronunciation right, as well as the written word. I'm very much a visual learner, so if I see something on screen and subtitles, and hear the words, then I'll find it a lot easier to remember than if I'm looking down at a textbook and reading.
1:15Skip to 1 minute and 15 secondsThey're hearing the word in a context, and they often can see the word too, because if you've got subtitles on in French then they're going to read and see the word at the same time. And therefore, it's well-documented that if you see a word in a context, you are going to remember that word much more easily than if you're, say, learning a list of vocabulary, or in a more fake kind of situation. So I think with film you do find their recall of vocabulary is better, but also their pronunciation because they've seen it in the context. And that makes all the difference.
1:47Skip to 1 minute and 47 secondsThe way you pronounce it seeing it, is different than the way it is actually said, so you may pronounce a word and they pronounce it differently. And miscommunication could happen. So I think with movies, you could just use the accent with the knowledge of the words, and also use it in your speaking.
One of the benefits of working with film when learning a language is the opportunity to listen closely to spoken language while being able to watch people speaking. The addition of subtitles - as one of the speakers in the video in this step points out - is a further help, or 'scaffold', for our listening.
Language teachers talk about the 'comprehensible input' that helps with learning a language. This is the range of extra visual or verbal cues that give a context for talk, and the phrase comes from research into learners of English as an additional language, watching Sesame Street in America, with the English subtitles on.
Watch the video in this step and make a note of the different reasons learners offer for film being a rich resource for learning languages. Do your own learners think of film and film dialogue like this? Are there any other aspects of language learning that your use of film dialogue might support? Post any thoughts you have in the comments section.