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Justia Patents Cemented To ToothUS Patent for Orthodontic appliance with removable insert Patent (Patent # 7,153,130)
Orthodontic appliance with removable insert
Jun 10, 2004 - 3M Innovative Properties Company
An insert is removably received in a channel of an orthodontic appliance. The insert substantially prevents sections of the appliance from moving toward each other a distance that would otherwise be sufficient for debonding the appliance from the associated tooth. The insert may be used with the appliance alone, or in combination with the appliance and a positioning tray. The insert may also be advantageously employed during manufacture, shipping, patient set-up or other handling, and may also be used in the course of treatment. Additionally, the insert may be provided with structure for serving as a positioning jig.
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This invention broadly relates to methods and articles used in the course of orthodontic treatment. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and articles used in conjunction with orthodontic appliances that are bonded directly to the patient's teeth.
2. Description of the Related Art
Orthodontic treatment involves movement of a dental patient's teeth to improved positions in proper alignment with each other. Orthodontic treatment can greatly enhance the patient's facial appearance, especially in regions near the front of the oral cavity. Orthodontic treatment can also improve the function of the teeth so that the opposing teeth work better with each other during mastication.
One type of common orthodontic treatment includes the use of a set of tiny appliances known as brackets. Each bracket has a slot and is affixed to one of the patient's anterior, cuspid or bicuspid teeth. Conventionally, a thin, resilient metallic archwire is received in the slots of the brackets and forms a track to guide movement of the teeth to desired positions. Ends of the archwire are often received in buccal tube appliances that are affixed to the patient's molar teeth.
Another type of common orthodontic treatment system involves a series of custom-made plastic positioning trays such as the "Invisalign" brand trays sold by Align Technology of Santa Clara, Calif. Each tray is made to move the teeth a relatively small, incremental distance toward desired final positions. The trays are made of a plastic material with sufficient resiliency to urge the teeth toward positions defined by the tray when the tray is relaxed.
However, plastic positioning trays sometimes have difficulty applying certain types of forces to teeth. For example, it is difficult for conventional positioning trays to apply a force in an extrusive direction (i.e., moving a tooth in a direction toward its outer tip). Moreover, the amount of force applied to the teeth is limited by the resiliency characteristics of the plastic material, which in general is somewhat less than can be applied to the teeth by the use of brackets and archwires.
Some orthodontic practitioners have used a "combination" treatment plan, wherein the patient is provided with a series of the plastic positioning trays at the beginning stages of treatment. Subsequently, and after the teeth are located closer to desired final positions, the use of the trays is discontinued and replaced by brackets and archwires. It is often thought that the use of brackets and archwires in the final stages of treatment provides a better result in terms of moving the teeth to exact desired positions at the conclusion of treatment.
It has also been proposed to use bonded orthodontic appliances simultaneously with plastic positioning trays. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,309,215 and 6,705,863 describe plastic positioning trays having receptacles for removably receiving appliances that are directly bonded to the patient's teeth. The bonded appliances can function as a handle to facilitate the transmission of force between the teeth and the positioning tray.
Regardless of whether or not orthodontic appliances such as brackets are used alone or in combination with a repositioning tray, it is desirable that the appliances debond easily and predictably from the teeth at the conclusion of treatment. Metal brackets, for example, are typically debonded from teeth by using a peeling or prying motion. An improved ceramic bracket having a debonding channel is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,439,379 and 5,366,372, and the bracket is debonded by pivoting sections of the bracket toward each other.
However, it is also important to ensure that the orthodontic brackets do not spontaneously debond from the tooth before the practitioner intends to remove the brackets. If, for example, a bracket detaches from the tooth prior to the conclusion of treatment, the detached bracket must normally be re-bonded or replaced with a new bracket in order to resume the course of treatment. As can be appreciated, premature debonding of orthodontic brackets represents a significant nuisance to both the orthodontist and the patient that is best avoided if at all possible.
The present invention concerns an orthodontic appliance and a removable insert that is received in a channel of the appliance. Once the insert has been removed from the channel, the appliance can be debonded from the tooth by moving sections of the appliance in a direction toward the channel. However, during the time that the insert is received in the channel, the insert substantially prevents movement of the sections to an extent that would be otherwise sufficient to debond the appliance from the tooth.
Optionally, the appliance and the insert of the present invention can be used in combination with a resilient positioning tray having a receptacle for receiving the appliance. As the positioning tray exerts forces on the appliance during the course of treatment, the insert helps to reduce the risk that one or more sections of the appliance will be moved a distance sufficient to detach the appliance from the tooth.
The appliance and insert of the present invention are also useful in instances when used alone and not in combination with plastic positioning trays. For example, the invention may be advantageously employed at any stage during handling of the appliance, to help insure that the appliance is not unduly distorted in shape or fractured before treatment has concluded. For example, the insert may be used during the time that the appliance is manufactured, shipped, handled in the practitioner's office, bonded to the patient's tooth and/or used as a force member during the course of treatment.
In more detail, the present invention in one aspect is directed to an assembly that comprises an orthodontic appliance having a base for bonding the appliance to a tooth and a body extending outwardly from the base. The body includes a first section, a second section and an elongated channel extending between the first section and the second section. The appliance is debondable from the tooth by moving at least one of the first section and the second section in a direction toward the channel. The assembly also includes an insert that is removably received in the channel. The insert substantially prevents movement of the first section and the second section to an extent sufficient to debond the appliance from the tooth when the insert is received in the channel.
The present invention is also directed in another aspect to a method of orthodontic treatment. The method comprises:
bonding an appliance to a patient's tooth, wherein the appliance has a first section, a second section and an elongated channel extending between the first section and the second section;
applying force to the appliance in order to move the tooth toward a desired position;
removing an insert from the channel after the tooth has been at least partially moved toward the desired position; and
debonding the appliance from the patient's tooth by moving at least one of the first section and the second section in a direction generally toward the channel.
These and other aspects of the invention are described in more detail in the paragraphs that follow and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view looking in a lingual direction toward an orthodontic assembly made in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded, elevational view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1, looking in a direction toward a mesial side of the assembly;
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1, looking toward a gingival side of the assembly and showing, for illustrative purposes, the surface of the tooth upon which an appliance of the assembly is mounted;
FIG. 4 is a view somewhat similar to FIG. 3 except that an insert of the assembly has been removed from the appliance and sections of the appliance have been moved toward each other in order to debond the appliance from the tooth;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an orthodontic assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, looking at the assembly toward its gingival, mesial and buccolabial sides;
FIG. 6 is a view somewhat similar to FIG. 5 except showing the assembly in exploded view;
FIG. 6a is a view somewhat similar to FIG. 6 except showing an orthodontic assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the orthodontic assembly shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, looking at the assembly in a lingual direction;
FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the assembly shown in FIGS. 5–7, looking at the assembly in a direction toward its occlusal side;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an orthodontic assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the assembly includes an orthodontic appliance, a removable insert and a plastic positioning tray, and wherein also is shown an exemplary upper dental arch of an orthodontic patient undergoing treatment;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the orthodontic assembly illustrated in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a view somewhat similar to FIG. 10 except in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view, looking in a mesial direction, of an orthodontic assembly according to still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the assembly includes an orthodontic appliance, a removable insert and an indirect bonding tray for facilitating bonding the appliance to a tooth surface; and
FIG. 13 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a number of inserts for different appliances are integrally connected together.
An orthodontic assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1–4 and is broadly designated by the numeral 20. The assembly 20 includes an orthodontic appliance 22 having an elongated channel 24. The assembly 20 also includes an insert 26 that is removably received in the channel 24.
In more detail, the appliance 22 includes a mesial section 28 and a distal section 30. The channel 24 extends between the mesial section 28 and the distal section 30. Each of the sections 28, 30 includes an occlusal tiewing 32 (i.e., a tiewing extending toward the outer tip of the tooth) and a gingival tiewing 34 (i.e., a tiewing extending toward the gingiva or gums). The tiewings 32, 34 extend over ligature-receiving undercuts or grooves of the appliance 22.
An archwire slot 36 extends in a generally mesial-distal direction in the mesial section 28 and the distal section 30, and preferably has spaced-apart, parallel, occlusal and gingival walls interconnected by a perpendicular bottom wall. Preferably, the walls are constructed to matingly receive an archwire having a rectangular cross-section for facilitating the transfer of forces between the archwire and the appliance 22 without undue tolerance or "slop".
The channel 24 (FIGS. 3 and 4) extends in a generally occlusal-gingival direction between the mesial section 28 and the distal section 30. As can be observed by comparing FIG. 3 with FIG. 2, the channel 24 preferably has a depth in a lingual direction (i.e., in a direction toward the patient's tongue) that is greater than the lingual depth of the archwire slot 36. In this embodiment, the channel 24 has a rectangular configuration in transverse cross-section and extends from the occlusal side to the gingival side of the appliance 22.
The mesial section 28 includes a base having an external lingual bonding surface 38. Similarly, the distal section 30 includes a base with an external lingual bonding surface 40. In this embodiment, the base of the mesial section 28 and the base of the distal section 30 are integrally connected by a thin, frangible web 42 that extends directly beneath and along the entire length of the channel 24. The web 42 overlies a groove that extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel 24.
As can be observed by reference to FIG. 3, the web 42 interconnects the bonding surfaces 38, 40 of the mesial and distal sections 28, 30. Preferably, the surfaces 38,40 together present a concave, compoundly curved configuration that matches the convex, compoundly curved shape of the surface of a tooth (FIGS. 3 and 4) to which the appliance 22 is adhesively bonded. Optionally, the channel 24 has a rounded bottom (not shown) to enhance fracturing of the web 42 generally in a reference plane that coincides with the central, longitudinal axis of the channel 24.
The insert 26 in this embodiment has a generally flat shape. A first portion 44 of the insert 26 is received in the channel 24. At least one region of the first portion 44 has a thickness in a mesial-distal direction that is substantially equal to the width of the channel 24 in a mesial-distal direction. For example, the first portion 44 may have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape as exemplified in FIG. 3 when viewed in a gingival direction. Alternatively, the first portion 44 may have a tapered shape or other shape that helps to reduce friction between the insert 26 and the sections 28, 30 when the insert 26 is removed from the channel 24. However, at least part of the first portion 44 has a shape or thickness sufficient to prevent movement of one or both of the sections 28, 30 a distance sufficient to detach one or both of the sections 28, 30 from the tooth 64 as will be described in further detail below.
Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 2, the first portion 44 includes a notch 45 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The notch 45 coincides with the archwire slot 36 when the insert 26 is received in the channel 24, so that the insert 26 may remain in place in the appliance 22 during treatment. However, the notch 45 may be omitted in instances where the insert 26 is to be removed before an archwire is placed in the archwire slot 36.
Preferably, the insert 26 also includes a second portion 46 that is integrally connected to the first portion 44. The second portion 46 extends outwardly past the confines of the channel 24 a distance sufficient to enable grasping or moving the insert 26 by a hand instrument. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 46 extends in a gingival direction. Alternatively, however, the second portion could extend in a buccolabial direction (i.e., in a direction toward the patient's lips or cheeks) outwardly past the buccolabial side of the appliance 22 or in an occlusal direction. As a further option, the second portion 46 may extend outwardly from the first portion 44 in two or more directions.
When the insert 26 is received in the channel 24 as shown in FIG. 3, the insert substantially prevents movement of the sections 28, 30 toward each other. To this end, the insert 24 functions as a stop to limit movement of either or both of the sections 28, 30 a distance sufficient to fracture the adhesive bond between the bonding surfaces 38, 40 respectively and the enamel surface of the tooth 64. By limiting movement of the section 28, 30, the insert 26 also helps to ensure that the web 24 does not unintentionally fracture.
When the orthodontic practitioner desires to remove the appliance 22 from the tooth 64, a hand instrument such as a ligature director or mosquito forceps is used to remove the insert 26 from the channel 24. Next, a pliers-type tool, such as the debonding tool described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,439,379 and 5,366,372, is used to fracture the adhesive bond between the appliance 22 and the tooth. To this end, one jaw of the pliers-like debonding tool is placed in a position to engage a mesial side of the mesial section 28 in areas adjacent to the occlusal tiewing 32 and gingival tiewing 34 of the mesial section 28, while the remaining jaw is placed to engage a distal side of the distal section 30 in areas adjacent the occlusal tiewing 32 and the gingival tiewing 34 of the distal section 30. The jaws of the tool engage the sides of the appliance 22 in buccolabial areas of the sections 28, 30, and preferably do not engage those portions of the sections 28, 30 that are located in a lingual direction relative to the bottom of the channel 24.
Next, the practitioner uses the tool to urge the engaged mesial and distal sides of the sections 28, 30 in a direction toward each other in such a manner that one or both of the sections 28, 30 pivotally move toward each other in an arc about a reference axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal, central axis of the channel 24. As one or both of the sections 28, 30 move from the orientations shown in FIG. 3 and toward the orientations shown in FIG. 4, the web 42 fractures in the manner illustrated in FIG. 4, thereby enabling the bonding surfaces 38, 40 to detach from underlying areas of the tooth.
In this embodiment, the appliance 22 is made of a ceramic material that fractures as the sections 28, 30 are moved toward each other and toward the channel 24. Preferably, the ceramic material is a translucent or transparent ceramic material such as monocrystalline or polycrystalline alumina. Preferably, the ceramic material exhibits a light transmittance sufficient for the color of the tooth to be visible through the appliance 22 or for the appliance 22 to assume the color of the underlying tooth. Suitable polycrystalline ceramic materials are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,954,080 and 6,648,638, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. In addition to polycrystalline and monocrystalline alpha-alumina, other ceramics may also be used, such as porcelain, glass, glass-ceramics and the like.
Additional aspects concerning the appliance 22 as well as other alternative constructions are set out in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,439,379 and 5,366,372, the disclosures of which are also hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.
Alternatively, the appliance 22 is comprised of materials other than ceramic, such as metallic materials or plastic materials. Suitable metallic materials include alloys of stainless steel, such as series 300 stainless steel and 17-4 PH stainless steel. Suitable plastic materials include polycarbonate, which is optionally reinforced with glass fibers.
The insert 26 may be made of any one of a number of materials. Preferably, the insert is made of a material that is suitable for sustained use in the oral environment and is not susceptible to significant staining by food or beverages in instances where the insert 26 is intended to remain in the channel 24 during all or a portion of treatment. Suitable materials include plastic materials such as polyurethane and polycarbonate.
An orthodontic assembly 20a according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5–8. The assembly 20a includes an appliance 22a having a channel 24a (FIG. 6). The assembly also includes an insert 26a that is removably received in the channel 24a.
The appliance 22a also includes an archwire slot liner 48a that is connected to a mesial section 28a and a distal section 30a of the appliance 22a. The archwire slot liner 48a has an occlusal section 50a, a lingual section 52a and a gingival section 54a. The occlusal section 50a and the gingival section 54a preferably extend in parallel reference planes and the lingual section 52a preferably extends in a reference plane perpendicular to the sections 50a, 54a. The sections 50a, 52a, 54a together present an overall, generally "U"-shaped configuration when viewed in directions along the longitudinal of the axis of the archwire slot liner 48a. In addition, the sections 50a, 52a, 54a together define an archwire slot for receiving an archwire (not shown in the drawings).
The archwire slot liner 48a is connected to the mesial section 28a and the distal section 38a by any one of a number of methods. For example, an adhesive, such as an epoxy or a dental or orthodontic adhesive may be used. Other methods include a soldering process, a brazing process and a glazing technique. Examples of suitable brazing processes include the processes described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,358,402 and 5,380,196, both of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein. An example of a suitable glazing technique involves the use of a glass paste or slurry that is heated to its softening or melting temperature.
Additional aspects and alternative constructions of the archwire slot liner 48a are described in applicant's pending U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0123875.
The insert 26a includes a first portion having an occlusal leg 56a and a gingival leg 58a as illustrated for example in FIG. 6. When the insert 26a is received in the channel 24a, the legs 56a, 58a straddle the archwire slot liner 48a and extend in a generally lingual direction toward the bottom of the channel 24a. Preferably, the insert 26a also includes a second portion 46a that extends beyond the buccolabial side of the appliance 22a to facilitate grasping of the insert 26a and removal from the channel 24a when desired.
Other aspects of the assembly 20 are essentially identical to the aspects of the assembly 20 described above. As such, a detailed description of the similar aspects need not be repeated.
An orthodontic assembly 20a′ constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 6A. The assembly 20a′ is essentially the same as the assembly 20a except for the aspects described below.
The assembly 20a′ includes an appliance 22a′ as well as an insert 26a′. The insert 26a′ has a first portion with an occlusal leg 56a′ and a gingival leg 58′. The insert 26a′ also includes a second portion 46a′ that is integrally connected to the first portion.
In this embodiment, the second portion 46a′ extends beyond the buccolabial side of the appliance 22a′, and also extends beyond the occlusal side of the appliance 22a′. The second portion 46a′ includes a leg 47a′ for engagement with the outer or occlusal tip of the patient's tooth.
The length of the second portion 46a′ is selected so that the appliance 22a′ is properly positioned in a vertical or occlusal-gingival direction on the patient's tooth when the leg 47a′ is in contact with the occlusal tip of the patient's tooth. Consequently, the insert 26a′ functions as a positioning jig to facilitate bonding the appliance 22a′ in a proper, pre-defined position on the tooth. Optionally, the leg 47a′ may have additional structure for facilitating orientation of the appliance 22a′ in a mesial-distal direction on the tooth. For example, the leg 47a′ may include structure resembling a cap that matingly fits over the occlusal edge portion of the patient's tooth to provide a custom positioning jig that helps to position the appliance 22a′ in both an occlusal-gingival direction as well as in a mesial-distal direction. As another option, the leg 47a′ may be omitted, and the second portion may be provided with notches, index marks, shoulders or other indicia to help position the appliance 22a′ in an occlusal-gingival direction relative to the occlusal edge of the tooth.
An orthodontic assembly 20b according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 9. The assembly 20b includes at least one orthodontic appliance such as appliance 22b that is mounted on the patient's first bicuspid tooth. The assembly also includes an insert 26b that is received in a channel of the appliance 22b, as well as a resilient positioning tray 60b.
The resilient or elastic positioning tray 60b has a cavity or receptacle for removably receiving the appliance 22b when the tray 60b is worn over the teeth. Preferably, the position of the receptacle relative to remaining portions of the tray 60b is selected to facilitate the transfer of a force between the tooth bonded to the appliance 22b and the tray 60b. To this end, the receptacle preferably has a shape that is complemental to the exterior surface of the appliance 22b, so that force can be transferred between the appliance 22b and the tray 60b without excessive tolerance or "slop".
Preferably, the appliance 22b, the insert 26b and the tray 60b are all made of aesthetic materials that transmit light. For example, the appliance 22b may be made of a ceramic material that is translucent or transparent as mentioned above in connection with the appliance 22. The insert 26b as well as the tray 60b may be made of polymeric materials that transmit light, such that the polymeric materials mentioned above in connection with the insert 26. Suitable materials for the tray 60b include 0.03 inch thermal forming dental material, available from Tru-Tain Plastics.
Optionally, the tray 60b is one of a series of thin repositioning shells or trays representing successive stages of an orthodontic treatment program. Optionally, the tray 60b includes cavities shaped to receive and resiliently reposition teeth in incremental positions, such that the final tray moves the teeth to a final tooth arrangement. Examples of suitable positioning trays are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,309,215 and 6,705,863, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The appliance 22b and the insert 26b are shown in enlarged view in FIG. 10. The appliance 22b includes a mesial section 28b and a distal section 30b, as well as a channel 24b that extends between the sections 28b, 30b in a generally occlusal-gingival direction. To debond the appliance 22b from a tooth such as tooth 64b, one or both of the sections 28b, 30b are moved in a direction toward the channel 24b, similar to the debonding of the appliance 22 as set out above.
As shown in FIG. 10, the appliance 22b includes a tapered occlusal side that is presented by a tapered surface 66b of the mesial section 28b and a tapered surface 68b of the distal section 30b. The tapered surfaces 66b, 68b help to seat the tray 60b into a proper position. The receptacle of the tray 60b preferably also has tapered inner surfaces that match the shape and orientation of the tapered surfaces 66b, 68b of the appliance 22b.
In FIG. 11, an orthodontic assembly includes an appliance 22c that is similar to the appliance 22b. However, the appliance 22c includes an occlusal section 70c and a gingival section 72c. A channel 24c extends in a generally mesial-distal direction between the occlusal section 70c and the gingival section 72c, and an insert 26c is removably received in the channel 24c.
When it is desired to debond the appliance 22c from the tooth (such as tooth 64c), one or both of the occlusal section 70c and the gingival section 72c are moved in a direction toward the channel 24c by exerting a force in the occlusal and/or gingival direction as desired. The appliance 22c then debonds from the tooth in a manner similar to debonding of the appliances 22, 22a, and 22b.
Other aspects of the appliances 22b, 22c and the inserts 26b, 26c are similar to the appliances 22, 22a and the inserts 26 and 26a set out above.
An orthodontic assembly 20d according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 12. The assembly 20d includes an appliance 22d and an indirect bonding tray 73d. The appliance 22d is similar to the appliance 22a illustrated in FIGS. 5–8.
The indirect bonding tray 73d includes an outer shell 78d and a matrix material 80d that is received in the shell 78d. The matrix material 80d includes a cavity 79d having a construction that matches at least a portion of the patient's dental arch.
At least one orthodontic appliance is releasably connected to the indirect bonding tray 73d. Preferably, a number of orthodontic appliances are releasably connected to the indirect bonding tray 73d so that a number of teeth can be bonded to appliances simultaneously. In FIG. 12, the illustrated appliance 22d is a bracket as described above in connection with appliance 22a, although other appliances such as buccal tubes, buttons and other attachments are also possible.
The appliance 22d includes a base 74d that preferably has a configuration that precisely matches a portion of the patient's tooth structure 64d. A quantity of a bonding adhesive 76d extends across the base 74d, and serves to fix the appliance 22d to the patient's tooth 64d with a bond having sufficient strength to resist unintended detachment from the tooth 64d during the course of treatment. Preferably, the bonding composition 76d is applied by the manufacturer to the base 74d before such time as the indirect bonding tray 73d is made and shipped to the practitioner.
A portion of the matrix material 80d extends into the channel of the appliance 22d. This channel is not shown in detail in FIG. 12, but is essentially the same as the channel 24a illustrated in FIG. 6. The portion of the matrix material 80d that extends in the channel provides an insert that prevents mesial and distal sections of the appliance 22d to be moved toward each other a distance that would otherwise be sufficient for debonding the appliance 22d from the tooth, similar in function to the insert 26a as described above.
Once the indirect bonding tray 73d is placed over the patient's tooth structure including tooth 64d, the bonding composition 76d is allowed to harden. Subsequently, the indirect bonding tray 73d is detached from the dental arch including the tooth 64d and is also detached from the appliances including appliance 22d, leaving the appliances affixed to respective teeth. As the tray 73d is detached from the appliance 22d, the portion of the matrix material 80d that was previously located within the channel of the appliance 22d is simultaneously removed from the channel. The appliance 22d can then be debonded from the tooth 64d when desired by moving one or both of the mesial and distal sections of the appliance 22d toward each other.
Further details of construction of the indirect bonding tray 73d are described in applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 7,020,963 and pending U.S. patent publication No. 2005/0074716, this disclosures of which are both hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.
FIG. 13 is an illustration of another embodiment of the invention, which includes a number of inserts 26e that are each similar to the inserts 26a described above. Each of the inserts 26e is integrally connected to an elongated, strip-like substrate 82e to present a single, unitary insert device 84e. Preferably, the space between adjacent inserts 26e is equal to the spacing between channels of adjacent appliances when the appliances are mounted on the patient's teeth.
Preferably, the insert device 84e is received in the channels of all or at least a majority of all of the appliances mounted on a patient's dental arch. As an example, the insert 84e may be used in instances where the appliances are covered by a plastic repositioning tray (such as the tray 60b mentioned above). When the portion of orthodontic treatment using the tray has concluded, the tray is removed from the dental arch to uncover the insert device 84e. Next, the practitioner can detach the insert device 84e from all of the appliances in a single step before an archwire is inserted in the archwire slots of the appliances. The insert device 84e provides a timesaving to the practitioner, in that each of the inserts for each corresponding appliance need not be removed in separate, sequential steps.
Optionally, the insert device 84e may be connected to the positioning tray. For example, the insert device 84e as it appears in FIG. 13 may be adhesively bonded to the inner walls of the positioning tray. As another option, the insert device 84e may be integrally molded with the inner walls of the positioning tray.
Preferably, the substrate 82e and the inserts 26e are made of aesthetically pleasing transparent or translucent materials, such as the polymeric materials described in the paragraphs above.
The examples described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative of the invention. The invention should not be deemed limited to the specific examples described in detail, but instead only by a fair scope of the claims that follow along with their equivalents.
1. An assembly comprising:
a ceramic orthodontic appliance having a base for bonding the appliance to a tooth and a body extending outwardly from the base, the body including a first section, a second section and an elongated channel extending between the first section and the second section, the appliance including a frangible web beneath the channel that fractures to debond the appliance from the tooth when at least one of the first section and the second section is moved in a direction toward the channel; and
an insert removably received in the channel, the insert substantially preventing movement of the first section and the second section to an extent sufficient to fracture the web and debond the appliance from the tooth when the insert is received in the channel.
2. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the insert has a generally flat shape.
3. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the insert is made of a material that transmits light.
4. An assembly according to claim 3 wherein the insert is made of a plastic material.
5. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the appliance is a bracket having at least one tiewing.
6. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the appliance is a bracket having an archwire slot extending in a generally mesial-distal direction.
7. An assembly according to claim 6 wherein the channel extends in a generally occlusal-gingival direction.
8. An assembly according to claim 1 and including a tray releasably coupled to the appliance, wherein the tray has at least one cavity for receiving a tooth.
9. An assembly according to claim 8 wherein the tray includes a receptacle for receiving the appliance.
10. An assembly according to claim 9 wherein the tray is a resilient repositioning tray.
11. An assembly according to claim 10 wherein the tray is one tray of a series of trays, and wherein each tray is constructed to reposition the teeth in incremental steps.
12. An assembly according to claim 10 wherein the insert is connected to the tray.
13. An assembly according to claim 8 wherein the tray is an indirect bonding tray.
15. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the appliance, the insert and the tray are made of materials that transmit light.
16. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the channel extends in a generally mesial-distal direction.
17. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the direction is a direction that extends in an arc about a reference axis extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel.
18. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the direction is a direction that extends generally along a mesial-distal reference axis.
19. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the insert includes structure for positioning the appliance relative to the patient's tooth.
20. An assembly according to claim 19 wherein the structure comprises a leg for contact with an occlusal edge of the patient's tooth.
21. A method of orthodontic treatment comprising:
22. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 21 wherein the act of removing the insert from the channel is carried out prior to the act of applying force to the appliance.
23. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 21 wherein the act of bonding the appliance to a tooth is carried out by using an indirect bonding tray.
24. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 23 wherein the insert is connected to the tray, wherein the method includes the act of detaching the tray from the tooth, and wherein the act of removing the insert is carried out simultaneously with detachment of the tray from the tooth.
25. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 21 wherein the act of removing the insert from the channel is carried out subsequent to at least a portion of the act of applying force to the appliance.
26. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 21 wherein the act of applying force is carried out at least in part by a resilient repositioning tray.
27. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 21 wherein the act of applying force is carried out in part by a resilient repositioning tray and in part by an archwire that is connected to the appliance.
28. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 27 and including the act of detaching the tray from the tooth, wherein the act of applying force in part by the archwire is carried out subsequent to the act of detaching the tray from the tooth.
29. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 21 wherein the act of bonding an appliance to a patient's tooth includes the act of positioning the appliance relative to the tooth using the insert as a positioning jig.
30. A method of orthodontic treatment according to claim 29 wherein the act of positioning the appliance includes the act of placing a leg of the insert against an occlusal edge of the tooth.
2019773 November 1935 Landis
3128552 April 1964 Broussard
3803715 April 1974 Wallshein
4090299 May 23, 1978 Williams
4512740 April 23, 1985 Kurz
4954080 September 4, 1990 Kelly et al.
5055039 October 8, 1991 Abbatte et al.
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5439379 August 8, 1995 Hansen
5542842 August 6, 1996 Andreiko et al.
5711665 January 27, 1998 Adam et al.
5863198 January 26, 1999 Doyle
5971754 October 26, 1999 Sondhi et al.
6086365 July 11, 2000 Fields
6123544 September 26, 2000 Cleary
6168429 January 2, 2001 Brown
6309215 October 30, 2001 Phan et al.
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6648638 November 18, 2003 Castro et al.
6705863 March 16, 2004 Phan et al.
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20020197581 December 26, 2002 Georgakis et al.
20030198911 October 23, 2003 Knopp et al.
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Pending U.S. Patent Application Entitled "Ceramic Orthodontic Appliance with Archwire Slot Liner"; U.S. Appl. No. 10/730,344, filed Dec. 8, 2003.
Pending U.S. Patent Application Entitled "Method and Apparatus for Indirect Bonding of Orthodontic Appliances"; U.S. Appl. No. 10/428,301, filed May 2, 2003.
Pending U.S. Patent Application Entitled "Apparatus for Indirect Bonding of Orthodontic Appliances and Method of Making the Same"; U.S. Appl. No. 10/678,286, filed Oct. 3, 2003.
Pending U.S. Patent Application Entitled "Orthodontic Brace With Polymeric Arch Member"; U.S. Appl. No. 10/865,649, filed Jun. 10, 2004.
Date of Patent: Dec 26, 2006
Patent Publication Number: 20050277082
Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (St. Paul, MN)
Inventor: James D. Christoff (Birchwood, MN)
Primary Examiner: Cary E. O'Connor
Attorney: James D. Christoff
Current U.S. Class: Cemented To Tooth (433/9)
International Classification: A61C 7/00 (20060101);


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Kabunakama
Revision as of 14:35, 25 June 2016 by LordAmeth (talk | contribs)
Japanese: 株仲間 (kabunakama)
Kabunakama were merchant guilds of the Edo period, which evolved out of the more basic merchants' associations known as nakama. The kabunakama were entrusted by the shogunate to manage their respective trades, and were allowed to enjoy a monopoly in their given field.
Each kabunakama was made up of a set number of merchants whose membership was defined by their possession of a "share," or kabu. These kabu were passed on to one's heirs within a household (ie), and were sometimes traded to another family, under particular circumstances, in order to transfer membership in the guild. Similar systems were used in early modern villages to define which families, through their possession of a kabu, were acknowledged as members (i.e. residents) of a given village, as members of the gôshi (rural samurai) class, or as members of the gokenin class of low-ranking direct retainers of the shogun.[1]
Some kabunakama, known as gomen-kabu, were even allowed to set prices and manage the operations of other nakama. Though the shogunate originally opposed monopolies, they eventually gave in to the increasing numbers and organization of merchants' associations, and decided to make an attempt to control them by officially licensing them. In 1721, the government began to authorize individual nakama to become kabunakama, and to oversee the organization and trade within given fields. A given kabunakama typically enjoyed exclusive privileges in the production and distribution of a single product, such as tea, cotton, tobacco, or salt, and could rely on the shogunate helping to enforce other merchants' exclusion from the market in that good, so long as the kabunakama policed its own members, ensuring a steady supply at reliable prices and quality.[2] The goal was to encourage cooperation, not competition, and always to work towards the goal of advancing the economy. It is said that these groups became quite social and merchants' moral codes thus developed to a significant degree. Those who were not following ethical market behavior, behaving uncooperatively, or encouraging competition, were shunned by their kabunakama comrades, and likely by the larger market community.
By 1785, there were over one hundred kabunakama in Osaka alone, including a number granted special privileges by the shogunate, but taxed heavily in exchange. Meanwhile, the shogunate exerted stronger control over the older guilds, known as za, leaving the kabunakama with a relatively greater degree of autonomy.[2]
In the 1840s, rôjû Mizuno Tadakuni attempted to do away with the kabunakama, in order to combat monopolies, but this and many of his other reforms were resisted so strongly by the merchants of Osaka (and others) that he was forced to abandon his efforts. The kabunakama were all dissolved, however, in 1870 as the economy modernized and new forms of business associations appeared.
Frederic, Louis (2002). "Japan Encyclopedia." Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.
Sansom, George (1963). "A History of Japan: 1615-1867." Stanford, California: Stanford University Press.
↑ Chie Nakane, "Tokugawa Society," in Nakane and Shinzaburô Ôishi (eds.), Tokugawa Japan: The Social and Economic Antecedents of Modern Japan. University of Tokyo Press (1990), 225-226.
↑ 2.0 2.1 Robert Hellyer, Defining Engagement, Harvard University Press (2009), 86.
Retrieved from "http://samurai-archives.com/w/index.php?title=Kabunakama&oldid=34204"
Edo Period

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Thank you for visiting our animations page! We are adding new videos and exercises every few weeks. Please enjoy these and subscribe to our YouTube channel to get the latest videos – http://bit.ly/2GehNOo.
We'll do an exercise to help you start saying yes to optimism in this video. We all have the FORCE inside us to reach the American Dream. In this video series, I share how to unleash the inner FORCE within you and taste true success.
In this video, we'll start with an exercise to help you live fearlessly. We all have the FORCE inside us to reach the American Dream. I learned about the FORCE the hard way. During the harshest time of my life. Now, I know how fortunate I am to know the FORCE and I want to share it with you. I want you to unleash the inner FORCE within you and taste true success.
Learn the importance of becoming strong from the inside out by starting to live relentlessly in this video. I want you to unleash the inner FORCE within you and taste true success.
Caring is an important part of FORCE. View this video to be one step closer to becoming a more caring person. You can make it happen! Be the one that initiates caring.
In aiming for excellence, you improve yourself more than you think. It's not only the action that improves, but your self-worth and strengthening of your inner soul is enhanced. Learn how to aim for excellence in this video.
Pursue your life with the FORCE and take this 30 day challenge.


The Ooma Butterfleye comes in a very sturdy box and the first thing I noted was the heft of this package.
As you read previously, this camera comes with a 10,400mAh battery inside so the camera alone weighs 12.5oz. The front of the box proclaims this to be the world's smartest camera, has a front view of the unit and indicates it is capable of full HD. The back lists the contents and mentions other capabilities like activity based recording, true wireless design, and mentions that its motion sensor can discern between animals and people.
Flipping the lid of the box reveals the camera neatly stowed in the bottom section, just behind it there is a small box that houses the other accessories, which includes the power adapter and a fairly long USB cable. In the lid you will find a quick start guide to get you going.
This version of the Ooma Butterfleye has a white housing indicating that it has 16GB of internal memory, the black units come with 32GB. The form factor for this camera is quite unusual. To house the large back up battery the housing itself is pretty large and roughly square (3.8" wide x 3.3" high) and fairly thick at 1.6". The lens is located in the top left corner and the PIR sensor is located below that. On the bottom right you'll see the Butterfleye logo. At the very top you will find a single button with integrated LED indicator and a microphone port on the top left.
The corner opposite the microphone you will find the array of holes for the speaker. I was surprised to see these didn't seem particularly well finished as you can see in the picture below. Around the back of the unit you will find the DC input and a hole for manually resetting the device.
Despite the flash around the speaker holes; overall I think the build quality is solid and I like the gloss white as it doesn't show dust or fingerprints nearly as much as black might. I also found the USB power cord to be more than long enough for every location I tried.


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Family Carjacked in Their Own Driveway, Child Held at Gunpoint in High-End New Jersey Neighborhood After Thanksgiving Vacation
Authorities say one man held a 13-year-old child at gunpoint and the other pointed a gun at the rest of the family
By Jen Maxfield	• Published November 27, 2017 • Updated on November 27, 2017 at 11:30 pm
Police in New Jersey say a family returning home from a Thanksgiving weekend vacation was carjacked in their own driveway as they unpacked luggage.
Police in Millburn say the family was unloading the two Range Rovers just before 2 a.m. Monday when they were approached by two armed men.
Police said one man held a 13-year-old child at gunpoint and the other pointed a gun at the other family members, demanding keys to the cars and cash. The girl's big sister, Anna Zakusylo, said they even threatened to kill her.
"They didn't have a plan" she said. They were all over the place. They got what they wanted and they left."
One man drove off in one the family's vehicles; the other man couldn't get the SUV to start so he left in in a waiting car.
Police later found the stolen Range Rover in Newark.
Zakusylo said she and her family know they were lucky -- especially because they still remember another carjacking in 2013 where carjackers killed a man in front of his wife to steal his Range Rover.
"The important thing is that everyone is safe," she said. "Everyone is in the house. It's just material things."
The men wore hooded sweatshirts that partially concealed their faces.
No arrests have been made in the case.
New YorkNew JerseyJennifer MillmanNewarkThanksgiving


The pre-licensing course is a New York State Department of Motor Vehicle required course for anyone who is applying (or re-applying) for a drivers license. This class is required by all drivers holding permits before they can schedule their driving test. All students are required to pre-register for the course. The cost of the course is $40 regardless if pre-paid or paid at the door. Bring your photo permit with you! Effective April 21, 2018 the DMV will no longer allow paper temporary permits.
If this is the only formal driving education that your teen will receive, feel comfortable in that Canandaigua Driving School will work hard to educate your teen about the dangers and responsibilities of driving.
Why take the pre-licensing course with Canandaigua Driving School?
We offer a complete pre-licensing course that strictly follows New York State Department of Motor Vehicle standards. We also offer a competitive price.


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Pieter Devos' Apart officially retired
Today it has been announced that Pieter Devos' 17 year old chestnut gelding Apart, has officially retired from the sport of show jumping. A year on from injury, and as much loved member of the entire Devos family, Apart has been retired as a healthy, sound and well horse to a life with his stablemate Espoir in the rolling green fields of Devos Stables.
An incredibly competitive horse for Pieter, Apart possesses huge amounts of intelligence and charisma alongside the most gentle of natures, meaning he is loved by all including Pieter's two young children.
Apart's story began with his education with Stal Hendrix, who then entrusted him to Devos Stables in 2013. Quickly becoming one of the most talented and important horses in the Devos Stables, Apart was previously ridden by Caroline before having the reins handed over to current Pieter Devos who is currently ranked second on the 2022 LGCT standings.
Apart competed across the world with success in many countries, he had huge success and was a popular name on the Longines Global Champions Tour. Big wins in Berlin and Hamburg along with placings including Shanghai, Monaco, St Tropez and Madrid to name but a few.
Source: Devos-Stables.com


The American Red Cross of the Finger Lakes is accepting nominations for its annual Real Heroes Breakfast which will be held on March 8th, 2019 at The Corning Museum of Glass.
Proceeds from the Real Heroes Breakfast benefit the Finger Lakes Chapter, which serves Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates counties. Last year, the chapter responded to 85 local disaster incidents, providing assistance for 101 people; made 141 households safer through the installation of 361 free smoke alarms as part of the Home Fire Campaign; trained 5,911 people in first aid, CPR and water skills; provided 515 case services to military members, veterans and their families via Service to the Armed Forces; and collected 14,734 blood donations from volunteer donors.
The Real Heroes Breakfast concept grew out of a desire to sponsor an event closely related to the mission of the Red Cross. In order to celebrate this spirit of humanitarianism, the Red Cross honors individuals who have shown courage, dedication and unselfish character by their acts of heroism in our community.
For a nomination form, and a description of award categories, visit redcross.org/flxrhb or call 607-936-3766.
Woman hospitalized after crash on County Road 6 in Ontario Co.


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Fanfan la Tulipe (1952)
Fanfan la tulipe (original title)
Not Rated | 1h 42min | Adventure, Comedy, Romance | 4 May 1953 (USA)
Swashbuckling adventures of young army recruit Fanfan la Tulipe during the reign of King Louis XV in 18th Century France.
Christian-Jaque
René Wheeler (original scenario), René Fallet (original scenario) | 4 more credits »
Gérard Philipe, Gina Lollobrigida, Marcel Herrand | See full cast & crew »
Sade Announces Six-Album Vinyl Set 'This Far' for October Release
02 September 2020 | Rolling Stone
Movie Poster of the Week: "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" and the Posters of Karl Oskar Blase
The Forgotten: Who Killed Santa?
25 December 2009 | MUBI
created 25 Nov 2019
Hazeef Fr. List
created 09 Dec 2018
french cinema between world wars
35 Films from the Golden Age of Italian Cinema
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Title: Fanfan la Tulipe (1952)
2 wins & 1 nomination. See more awards »
Gérard Philipe ... Fanfan La Tulipe (as Gérard Philipe du Théatre National Populaire)
Gina Lollobrigida ... Adeline La Franchise
Marcel Herrand ... Louis XV
Olivier Hussenot ... Tranche-Montagne
Henri Rollan ... Le maréchal d'Estrée (as Henri Rollan de la Comédie Française)
Nerio Bernardi ... La Franchise
Jean-Marc Tennberg ... Monsieur Lebel (as Jean Marc Tennberg)
Geneviève Page ... La marquise de Pompadour
Sylvie Pelayo ... Henriette de France
Lolita De Silva ... La dame d'honneur (as Lolita de Silva)
Irène Young ... Marion
Georgette Anys ... Madame Tranche-Montagne
Hennery ... Guillot
Lucien Callamand ... Le maréchal de Brandebourg
Gil Delamare ... Un soldat
Fanfan is a handsome young peasant. He joins the army to escape a forced marriage and because a gypsy girl predicted he will earn glory and the king's daughter as a wife. But the 'gypsy' girl was in fact Adeline, the daughter of the recruiting officer. Once he has discovered the stratagem, Fanfan refuses to forget this dream and decides to fulfill the destiny of the fake prediction. Fantastic swashbuckling adventures in a 18th Century setting, with a light criticism of the war and the mighty. Written by Yepok
fortuneteller | french army | king louis xv | adventure hero | council of war | See All (22) »
Adventure | Comedy | Romance | War
Italian censorship visa # 12475 delivered on 31-7-1952. See more »
Fanfan's white trousers get dirty from falling off a horse, but in the next scene they are clean. See more »
Referenced in Rozstrel: Ondrej Vetchý (2017) See more »
FANFAN LA TULIPE (Christian-Jaque, 1952) ***
24 December 2008 | by Bunuel1976 – See all my reviews
This is the last of four swashbucklers from France I've scheduled for viewing during this Christmas season: the others (in order of viewing) were the uninspired THE BLACK TULIP (1964; from the same director as this one but not nearly as good), the surprisingly effective LADY Oscar (1979; which had originated as a Japanese manga!) and the splendid CARTOUCHE (1962). Actually, I had watched this one not too long ago on late-night Italian TV and recall not being especially bowled over by it, so that I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it this time around (also bearing in mind the baffling lack of enthusiasm shown towards the film here and elsewhere when it was first announced as an upcoming DVD release from Criterion).
Incidentally, FANFAN LA TULIPE has quite a bit in common with the afore-mentioned CARTOUCHE: not just cast and crew members (producers Georges Dancigers and Alexandre Mnouchkine, cinematographer Christian Matras, actor Noel Roquevert) but plot-wise as well – in fact, the hero is a womanizing soldier (Jean-Paul Belmondo's Cartouche had also had a brief military spell) who's loved by a fiery girl (in this case, gypsy Gina Lollobrigida) while he's himself obsessed by an impossible love (here, it's none other than the king's daughter)! As in the later film, too, Fanfan (an ideally cast Gerard Philipe who, ironically, is so full of life here that one finds it hard to believe that he would be stricken down by cancer within 7 years' time) is flanked by two fun-loving yet cowardly men (one of them is actually his superior officer and the heroine's own father) and opposed by an unscrupulous figure within his own ranks (the ageing Roquevert, with whom the hero eventually engages in a rooftop duel since he too has amorous designs on the gypsy girl)!; for the record, Lollobrigida will rejoin Philippe in her next film, Rene Clair's delightful romantic fantasy LES BELLES DE NUIT (1952).
FANFAN proved to be a big box-office hit on its home-ground and even copped a surprising (but well-deserved) Best Direction award at Cannes over more renowned films like AN American IN Paris (1951), DETECTIVE STORY (1951), OTHELLO, UMBERTO D. and VIVA ZAPATA! In fact, its popularity ensured its re-release in a computer-colored version (presumably for the benefit of viewers who wouldn't touch a black-and-white product with a ten-foot pole) and the Criterion DVD itself contains a sample from this variant; being obviously a foreign-language title, there's also the dubious choice of an English-dubbed soundtrack but, even if these proved not especially painful to sit through considering, when all is said and done, there's simply no substitute for the original!
FANFAN LA TULIPE (a nickname given the hero by a young Genevieve Page as the celebrated Madame De Pompadour) contains about as much comedy as (the expected) action and romance; while some may find this overwhelming, I don't agree myself as I enjoyed the sharply satirical narration and, on the whole, this combination is comparable with Jerzy Skolimowski's equally droll THE ADVENTURES OF GERARD (1970). That said, the swordfights here are remarkably forceful for an essentially lighthearted enterprise (particularly a scuffle in the woods and the ambush at a convent) and the film itself rather adult at times (with numerous allusions to sexuality as well as coarse language adopted throughout) when viewed back-to-back with vintage Hollywood fare as I did now; the climax, then is quite ingenious: the enemy forces (who, amusingly, are made to speak in speeded-up gibberish!) are depleted by our heroic trio alone, much to the king's amazement who, as portrayed by Marcel Herrand – best-known for his role of leader of the Parisian underworld in Marcel Carne''s CHILDREN OF PARADISE (1945) – is himself something of a lecher.
P.S. An Italian TV channel has been threatening to screen Christian-Jaque's promising CHAMPAGNE FOR SAVAGES (1964) for months now but, despite programming it three times already (with a tentative fourth one slated for next week), they have yet to show it; even so, I do have three more films of his in my unwatched VHS pile (equally culled from late-night Italian TV screenings): the three-hour epic LA CHARTREUSE DE PARME (1948; also starring Gerard Philippe), THE SECOND TWIN (1967) and THE LEGEND OF FRENCHIE KING (1971; with Brigitte Bardot and Claudia Cardinale).
8 of 11 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?
Italy | France
4 May 1953 (USA) See more »
Fanfan la Tulipe See more »
Italy See more »
$6,070, 23 July 2006
Amato Produzione, Filmsonor, Les Films Ariane See more »


This game is so much fun. Its only single player, but for 30 bucks its great. So much to do. And smashing zombies with a tire iron is a plus.
doom · Lmao. I tend to do this to people.
Picked it up too, haven't had chance to play it yet, looking forward to playing it now. A lot of good reiviews.
You have made an excellent choice. I will be also getting these" if" my schedule frees up. Lol. Because the witcher looks just downright awesome.
Its just soo cool. Little glitchy at times but the fun factor cancels that out.
I have been watching a lot of stuff on The Witcher and I think it will make game of the year. Decided not to get the season pass yet. The first DLC won't drop until Oct and the 2nd until next year. Can't see tying that kind of money up.
Well probably pick it up this Friday, or Wolfenstein (not the new one out the other day).


A safe haven in Malawi ?
Imagine fleeing from your home because you feel unprotected by the people who are required to so by law. And when you get to where you feel safer, the very same people come to persuade your keepers to let you come back with them, claiming you are running away from nothing ! Well, this is the situation some 5,800 Mozambican nationals have found themselves in. Hundreds of them, including unaccompanied children, have been fleeing from Tete Province, near the Malawi border, since late last year following renewed fighting between government forces and opposition Renamo fighters.
The province is said to be one of the strongholds of Renamo, and the people say they are running away because allegedly government forces have been attacking them for supporting Renamo. They have since fled to Kapise village in Mwanza district in Southern Malawi, 300 meters from the border. About two-thirds of the refugees are women and children mostly below five years old, as well as the elderly. The refugees, whose numbers continue to steadily rise every day, are living in desperate conditions at the camp scrambling for necessities with 150 local families there.
A statement from Medicines San Frontiers (MSF) says that refugees do not have enough water and sanitation facilities, have poor housing, and are at risk of diseases. They are also in fear of getting attacked by soldiers from their country. A two month-old baby died of diarrhoea at the camp last month. And last week alone, MSF, which set up a clinic at the camp, treated over 380 malaria cases. Even worse, the Malawi government is under pressure from Mozambique not to recognize the people as refugees, according to MSF. Doctors without Borders says Mozambique sent several delegates to the camp to try and persuade the displaced people to come back, arguing that there was no conflict back home. However Mozambican media reports indicate that tensions have increased in recent weeks in Tete, Zambezia and Sofala provinces, with daily attacks and shootings. MSF, which started its intervention there in November 2015, has since appealed to the Malawi government to move the people to a more spacious camp, 50 kilometers from Kapise, and also away from the border as required by international humanitarian standards.
MSF has since warned that the strain by the refugees could cause tensions with Malawian families living in the village, especially on access to water. But Malawian authorities are not yet decided on whether to move the refugees or send them back home. Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs Beston Chisamile told The Nation newspaper on Thursday that they were still discussing the matter with Mozambican authorities. "Our friends in Mozambique want these people to go back home, so unless a decision is made between the two parties that they should remain in Malawi, then we can start thinking about moving them to a different place," he said.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees-UNHCR representative to Malawi Monique Ekoko recently appealed to donors and other humanitarian organisations for more funding to help the refugees. Malawi has hosted refugees from Mozambique before. The Luwani Camp hosted over one million Mozambican refugees who fled from their country's 16 year civil war between 1977 and 1992. The country is currently facing a tough economic situation of high inflation and interest rates which has left many people struggling to survive. It is estimated that about 2.8 million Malawians themselves are in need of food aid following last season's dry spell and floods. A report by the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee says about K23 billion (about US$18 million) is needed to feed such people up to the next harvest.
Les plus récents dans "Afrique australe""Mozambique"
Les plus lus dans "Afrique australe""Mozambique"
"Mozambique : néolibéralisme et guerre civile"


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New Adult, Uncategorized
My Review: The Raven King (All For the Game #2): by Nora Sakavic
June 11, 2020 October 28, 2020 nicholasjgoodsell
Publish Date: March 31st, 2016
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing
Genre(s): New Adult
***Warning!! This review contains spoilers from the previous book in the trilogy! Continue reading at your own risk, you've officially been warned!!***
To see my review of book #1 – The Foxhole Court – Click HERE!
To see my Fancast/Dreamcast for the trilogy – click HERE!
Total Star Rating: 2.5 Stars
He was their family. They were his. They were worth every cut and bruise and scream."
— Nora Sakavic, "The Raven King"
I wish so much that I loved this sequel like so many other fans do, and maybe this is just another case of the (self diagnosed) ADD I've formed during the stay at home with COVID since mid-March that's made even enjoying a book a major chore because my anxiety and depression have made motivation almost nonexistent for mostly everything but mindlessly binge-watching Netflix and/or Hulu, but I couldn't get into this book I'm afraid to say!
It wasn't a completely negative experience at least; I can say I did notice quite a bit in this book that many others can appreciate: The author's writing has improved quite a bit, and leaves you feeling much more emotionally involved with the characters because let me tell you… the characters are the saviors of these books! The plot moves slow, excessively slow in my opinion, but what really drives the story and gives it so much life are the characters and witnessing them slowly but surely becoming closer to each other, Neil Josten being a catalyst to make it happen. I'm a total sucker for those "found family" stories, especially the ones with a group of outcasts that all come from tragic backgrounds, believe they'll never have anyone else care one bit about them, but then they form a family with others just like them and show vulnerability because they finally feel safe enough to reveal that side of them!
Literally, give me any works of fiction like that and I am HERE for it!
I can also appreciate the heavier, trigger heavy material that these books have to offer because lately it just feels like a lot of the mainstream literature is what I deem too "safe," and the fact that these books have material like assault, rape, drugs and alcohol, violence, torture, etc. makes it feel surprisingly achingly real, but also mixed with some over-the-top vibes that remind me somewhat of the ridiculousness that the CW's Riverdale tv show has become lately. With recent events in my home state of Minnesota and even all over the United States, I do have to point out that this may be my privilege talking because I haven't experienced any of these traumatic situations in my life, so I know I need to watch how I scoff at people who take the trigger warnings in books more seriously. If anything, it's shown me the importance of compassion and trying to look through the eyes of someone else and make sure they're validated too.
I just have to say that the first large chunk of the book was just so BORING for me! I actually almost DNF'd this book because it was so hard to get through and I felt such little interest. I admit I kind of had similar feelings to the first book, but it felt like everything was even more elevated, but unfortunately that also was apparent with my lack of interest in the slower moments. The main highlight was learning more about the past of a lot of the characters, and it makes you really start to understand their methods, actions, and just the way they are in general. Andrew certainly has a traumatic past, to put it mildly!
The Foxes are a fractured mess, but their latest disaster might be the miracle they've always needed to come together as a team. The one person standing in their way is Andrew, and the only one who can break through his personal barriers is Neil.
Except Andrew doesn't give up anything for free and Neil is terrible at trusting anyone but himself. The two don't have much time to come to terms with their situation before outside forces start tearing them apart. Riko is intent on destroying Neil's fragile new life, and the Foxes have just become collateral damage.
Neil's days are numbered, but he's learning the hard way to go down fighting for what he believes in, and Neil believes in Andrew even if Andrew won't believe in himself.
They never pried, but it took him weeks to realize they didn't have to. They didn't ask for secrets; they settled for the breadcrumb truths of day to day life. They knew he hated vegetables but loved fruit, that his favorite color was gray, and that he didn't like movies or loud music. They were things Neil understood only in terms of survival, but his teammates hoarded these insights like gold. They were piecing Neil together and building a real person around all of his lies. They found the parts of him no disguise could change."
The Found Family Aesthetic! Like I said it before, I'm a huge slut for these kinds of stories! About to go all psychologist right now, but part of me feels like I'm really drawn to these stories because growing up, I never felt like I fit in anywhere, and that I was a huge outcast. I wasn't necessarily bullied or a social pariah, but I wasn't homecoming court material either… I was just there, you know? Having that experience, I really empathize with characters that have so much inner self doubt and have convinced themselves that no one will appreciate them, no one will care, and then barely hold it together when they do eventually find that family they've always secretly wanted! When Neil froze in pure shock at Nicky calling him a friend…. Man, did I feel that right in my heart!
The "Raw" and "Heavy" Subject Matter! Maybe it's not all handled the right way, and I did say this in the previous review too, but I still say I appreciate the darker themes and actions these books have shown. Imagine if shows like Riverdale and Elite were rated R, and that's pretty much the same vibes as the All for the Game trilogy!
More Character Development! The Foxhole Court was all about simply meeting the characters, so it was nice to see some major character development and motive reveals in The Raven King. I think some of it could've been revealed in a more interesting way, but it sure makes for you to maybe understand the characters a little more. You may still not like them a whole lot, but at least understand them a little better. Andrew was a great example of this. You really learn a lot about his tragic past, and you could even say to yourself: "You know, I'd probably go psychotic too if all that happened to me!"
The First 60% is BORING…I just couldn't get into it! I mean, sure it was nice that more background info was revealed about the characters, but it was mostly by having someone other than the actual characters themselves talk about it and sit down with Neil to do so. For me, it felt repetitive at a certain point, and I couldn't help but feel like this book really dragged.
Andrew & His Drugs…I still don't entirely follow this whole aspect of the story, and am pretty sure there's nothing logical behind it other than maybe some plot convenience. Also, I kind of got the impression that Andrew's "condition" was being manipulated, and that he was being used by Coach Wymack and the rest of the team purely for them to win games by taking advantage of his situation… Maybe I'm wrong, but it felt a little slimy to me, like they weren't really allowing him to fully recover properly.
Still No Romance…Where is the romance that everyone says is so amazing in these books? Besides so very incredibly small little interactions with Andrew and Neil that could go honestly be interpreted either way, there's still no romance to get my heart racing, or even hardly enough to still consider it a slow burn… It seems like any of it is all going to be crammed into the next book because I don't have any proof to make me believe there's any attraction on Neils end. Andrew does touch him every now and then, but it feels more predatory than romantic. I'm really curious to see how this plays out in the next book.
Overall, the ending really once again saved the book for me, much like the first book, and while I was disappointed—I was feeling some major sophomore book slump with this one—I am curious enough to see what happens in the next and final book of this whole story, but I'm not exactly racing to grab it right away.
The writing was a lot better, you learn so much more about the characters, and the emotional investment will become a huge factor in whether you love or hate this title (or trilogy as a whole), but I just wish it didn't take until the last chunk to get there like it did for me. Like I said, maybe it's the fact that with the pandemic and staying home, but I can't ignore that I was really bored, and considered adding it to my DNF pile.
I'm also still irked that there's still hardly any romance by this point because that was a major factor to make me want to explore these books in the first place, but knowing it's there and how I know I'll get it in The King's Men can make me want to continue.
Trigger warning: Sexual assault, drugs and alcohol, violence, torture, stabbing, death, bloodshed
Tagged Aaron Minyard, All For the Game series, All For the Game trilogy, Andrew Minyard, Coach Wymack, Dan Wilds, Kevin Day, Matt Boyd, Neil Josten, New Adult, Nora Sakavic, The Foxhole Court, The Kings Men Nora Sakavic, The Raven King, The Raven King Nora Sakavic1 Comment
Uncategorized, YA Fantasy
My Review: All the Stars and Teeth (All the Stars and Teeth #1): by Adalyn Grace
March 10, 2020 October 28, 2020 nicholasjgoodsell
Publish Date: February 4th, 2020
Publisher: Imprint
Total Star Rating: 3.75 Stars
Boarding a magical ship and following the tail of a wandering mermaid, you'll be absolutely shanghaied into joining a fearless heroine with ominous magical abilities and her newfound crew as they set sail to save the kingdom!
This title has been one of the more highly anticipated YA Fantasy releases of 2020 so far, and it's also the author's debut novel as well! Saying that, it's a pretty impressive work to say the least, and with a solid first book under her belt, Adalyn Grace has a bright looking future in YA literature. Not much is known about her, but in her short author bio, I thought it was worth mentioning that she was actually an intern on Nickelodeon's animated show, The Legend of Korra, and is a big fan of burritos; add those two facts with how she's written a story taking place on the high seas with pirates, mermaids, curses, romance, and plenty of danger, I may have a friend-crush on her!
Adalyn if you're reading this, you've got a bookish friend in me! Let's grab some burritos sometime and talk bookish topics!
It was a lot of fun to get this book as a surprise in the February Owlcrate box with the theme that was "The Power Within" (For those of you who don't know, Owlcrate is a YA Fantasy monthly subscription box where there's a theme, several bookish gift items based off well known books that fit that theme, and a special edition of a newly released book that they don't reveal until the box literally plops onto your doorstep! I personally recommend trying it out!)
Here's a link to their official website: www.owlcrate.com
You saw the original cover on the top of this post, but check out their exclusive edition that came with the order:
They added more colors to the scheme of the cover but kept it in shades pertaining to the ocean and it's many majesties and mysteries, it's own original foil design inside the jacket, plus was signed by the author herself with a special letter!
Alright, so special editions and gorgeous covers aside, back to the book itself and my reasoning behind my rating. Basically, overall it was a fun read filled with interesting imagery and enjoyable characters, and while the adventure they partake on in the story was action packed it never really blew my mind or made it feel like the stakes were high enough. I never felt like the characters were in real danger. The intensity and emotional impact wasn't all there, but like I said, this book was fun and pretty impressive for a debut!
A map of Visidia, image courtesy of fiercereads.com
As princess of the island kingdom of Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer—the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for her, it's never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the Visidian throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy's dangerous soul magic.
When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he'll help her prove she's fit to rule if she'll help him reclaim his stolen magic from a conniving tyrant.
But sailing the islands of their world holds more wonder—and more peril—than Amora had ever anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she'll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.
The Main Cast of Characters! Our Protagonist is Amora Montara, who is the princess of Arida, about to ascend the throne if she can showcase her particular soul magic in a ceremony. We also have Bastian, a pirate of a ship named the Keel Haul, and he was a fun & sexy character to add to the story. He's certainly keeping plenty of secrets, but has a nice romantic dynamic with Amora. There's Ferrick, who's betrothed to Amora through an arrangement much like plenty of royal family histories, and he was a little tropey by being the skinny, naive boy who makes it easy for the MC to pick the other love interest, but he does grow a pair later on in the story which I appreciated! Then there's Vataea, a kidnapped and vengeful mermaid who is rescued by the others in order to save the kingdom. She was vicious and adorable all at the same time if you can believe it!
The Group Dynamic Aboard the Ship! One of the real highlights of the book was the group aboard the ship and their development as their mission is acted out. While Bastian and Amora have an obvious attraction to each other, the author also explores that possibility with the other two, and am curious to see how that plays out in the next book!
Pirates & Mermaids Aesthetic! I've always been a fan of them since I'd first watched Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl back in the day! I still consider it to be one of my all time favorite movies, and I've always had a love for the ocean and mermaids. Ariel from The Little Mermaid was always my favorite Disney princess growing up! I'm glad to see a Fantasy novel have these qualities that I adore, and not just for that reason but because they aren't used as often as I'd like!
The Gorgeous Cover Design! Add this book to any list of books that have absolutely stunning and artistic cover design! It certainly draws the eye, both the Owlcrate Edition I have and the original!
7 Magic Systems! People that love well thought out magic systems will appreciate that this novel can boast an astounding number of them! Each island in the story hosts people who have a specific ability as it's a part of the history of the land and is basically law.
Amora is Morally Grey! She's not some Mary-Sue, goody-two-shoes type that will bore you to tears; the princess has a dark side! She's not afraid to draw blood in a fight and smirk at the sight of her weapon protruding out of her enemies, and you really see it in the ceremony in the beginning of the book. Amora having her boss-bitch moment and embracing her dark side had me like:
I Wanted More Mermaids…The hype surrounding this book was that there were many vengeful mermaids the characters would come across through their journey, but all I've met so far is just Vataea, who says she may be one of the last of her kind! I hope the next book will show us more of the sirens of the deep, and have them be as beautiful and terrifying, much like the ones you saw in the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie!
This Was A Little Too Predictable…Honestly, as someone who's read quite a few Fantasy titles, both Adult and YA, this book didn't bring too much "new" to the table in terms of plot, story arcs, etc. Nothing really shocked me, none of the twists really blew me away; for the most part I'd seen it all before.
Overall, All the Stars and Teeth was not a bad debut novel by any means! I enjoyed the characters, the setting, the worldbuilding, and the fact that there's romance treated as a subplot rather than being a big driving force. The plot was more or less the same sort of story any sort of fantasy reader has read before, especially in YA Fantasy, but it's still easy to get swept away if you connect with Amora and the crew of the Keel Haul. While I wasn't disappointed and definitely plan to read the second part of this duology when it releases in 2021 most likely, it also didn't exactly blow me away to the point of me obsessing and immediately pushing it onto my friends/coworkers to read. I still had fun reading it, it was just nothing too new or mind-blowing for me personally, BUT the positives do outweigh the negatives!
I would recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a more ocean-centric Fantasy/Adventure title to try out, and of course anyone who enjoys Pirates and Mermaids! Quite honestly, I don't see as many novels coming out that feature those aspects, so it's a nice change of pace to keep the genre a little fresh, plus I plan to write a Fantasy book series with a lot of similar aesthetics, so it gave me an opportunity to compare and think of how to take the idea even further! If you love the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Truthwitch by Susan Dennard, the Falling Kingdoms series by Morgan Rhodes, or the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, I have a feeling you'd enjoy adding this title to your bookshelf!
Tagged Adalyn Grace, All The Stars and Teeth, All The Stars and Teeth Adalyn Grace, Amora Montara, Badass Females, Bastian the Pirate, Ferrick, Keel Haul, Kings and Queens, Magic Systems, Mermaids, Pirate Ships, Pirates, Pirates and Mermaids, Pirates of the Caribbean, Save the Kingdom, The Little Mermaid, Vataea, YA Fantasy1 Comment
The Struggle is Real…
January 6, 2020 January 6, 2020 nicholasjgoodsell
Welcome to the new year readers! 2020 is here and it's already off to a busy start! So much to do and not enough hours in the day to complete them all!
One issue in particular, a good issue to have actually, is the amount of books I've got lying around and not having any idea which ones to start!
I know…woe is me right?
So many great sounding stories, so many beautiful covers, it's so stressful picking one out! Anyone have any recommendations? Let's talk! Comment on this post, message me on Twitter or Instagram or Pinterest or wherever you'd prefer and let's talk books!
Tagged book blog, book review blog, bookhaul, books, fantasy novel, YA Fantasy, YA Fantasy book review, ya fantasy novel, ya fantasy series, YA Fiction, YA novelLeave a comment
Chapter 6 of "When In Doubt" is available!
August 10, 2019 nicholasjgoodsell
All I can say is it's titled "Bed-Breaker"…Come check it out on Wattpad!
Click on the link HERE to come read it!
Click on the page up on the bar to take a deeper look into this passion project that I've been working on for some time now, and here's the synopsis below for those that need a refresher on what it's about:
When in Doubt is a coming-of-age story filled with laughs, tears, parties, all-nighters, friendships, secret hookups, found families, and finding yourself during what is supposed to the best years of your life. Six complete strangers arrive onto the University of Wisconsin-Stout campus, ready to begin their freshmen year of college. Each have their own reasons for being there:
Matt Anderson just wants to come out of his shell and find a sense of belonging, but he has to confront a part of himself that he's kept hidden for too long…
Madison Parker just wants to succeed in all ways possible, but learns the struggle of making the decision of what's worth fighting for: her schoolwork, sports, or her social life…
Luke Mitchell has made terrible past mistakes, losing the trust of those closest to him, and just wants to turn a new leaf in order to redeem himself…
Heather Gracie just wants a fresh start after a dramatic betrayal left her shaken to her core…
Jared Mikaelson just wants more freedom and to become a campus legend, but might have to rethink his plans when the right girl comes along…
Eden Harrington struggles to gain confidence in her artistic abilities to see if she has what it takes to become an animation artist one day.
(Warning!!! has strong language, sexual content, drug & alcohol use: for mature audiences only)
(Please Note: Locations are actual places, but used fictitiously within story. UW-Stout is not associated, and doesn't condone any illegal activity done on property within story.)
Tagged Art & Design school, Aspiring Publish Author, Author, College Campus Story, college story, college students, Contemporary fiction, fiction series, New Adult, New Adult Series, University of Wisconsin-Stout, UW-Stout, wattpad, When In Doubt, When In Doubt Series, Wisconsin, Work In Progress, writerLeave a comment
July 26, 2019 nicholasjgoodsell
Tagged book blog, book quote, books, comfort, escape the world, escapism, new adventures, quotes about books, rainy day, reading on a rainy dayLeave a comment
My Review: Zodiac Academy - The Reckoning (Supernatural Beasts and Bullies #3): by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti


A premium Colostrum Supplement containing essential nutrients for optimum health and vitality in the new-born.
Essential start in life for puppies and kittens.
Mix with clean, warm (38°C) water before feeding - mix 10g in 20ml water and allow puppy to consume to appetite from birth.


Teresa meets clients in a professional and confidential office in Pickering, just minutes east of Toronto. The office is in close proximity to the Brock Road exit off highway 401, and about 15 minutes south of the Brock Road exit off highway 407ETR.
From the 401: Exit at Brock Road in Pickering. Drive south along Brock Road. Turn left at McPherson Court. It is the first street on the left after the traffic lights at Clements Road/Dillingham Road. The office is on the left hand side. Please park in the visitors' spots.
From the 407: Exit at Brock Road (where Highway 407 ends). Turn right on Brock Road (Pickering). Drive south along Brock Road. Turn left at McPherson Court. It is the first street on the left after the traffic lights at Clements/Dillingham Road. The office is on the left hand side. Please park in the visitors' spots.
Copyright © Teresa Jarosz 2007 - 2017. All Rights Reserved.


Earlier this month, fashion designer and critic Richard Blackwell died at 86. His list of worst-dressed celebrities skewered the popular and the powerful. Though he died before the news broke, Mr. Blackwell probably would have been gratified to learn that the McCain campaign spent $150,000 on clothing and hairstyling for Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and her family.
The crossing of these two news stories leads to an inexorable conclusion: We need an arbiter of politician fashion. Based on what we've seen, there's work to be done.
Democrat Barack Obama moves across a stage like silk on satin. He's tall and trim, and no doubt drops some serious bucks on his well-tailored suits. But when he chooses the "man of the people" look and loses the coat and tie, the image goes awry. Too often, Sen. Obama, for some reason, won't undo the top button, making him look like a foreign exchange student trying, but failing, to assimilate to American culture. Or like a minister in some minor religious sect that believes sin is held in check by that all-important top button.
On her recent visit to Bangor, Gov. Palin noted the good showing of "Carhartts and steel-toed boots" in the audience at the airport hangar. We'd rather see our Maine politicians sporting that kind of garb than some of the choices they make.
Democrat Mike Michaud should remember cuffs ought to be seen protruding from the sleeves of his sports coat. His Republican challenger, John Frary, has made a conscious effort to evoke the sartorial splendor of a bygone era with his wide-lapel, broad-pinstripe suits, garnished with a carnation. He gets style points, for sure, but why does he want to evoke the 1930s? Is he subliminally trying to scare the electorate into voting for someone who knows how to dress for a depression?
And then there's our governor. The new glasses are stylish but perhaps he should add a couple new sweaters to his Christmas list.
If one were inclined to put a best and worst side-by-side, Charlie Summers, the Republican 1st Congressional District candidate, gets the "best" billing. When he met with the BDN editorial board, Mr. Summers – who is tall and blond – wore faded jeans, along with a white shirt (no tie) and dark blue blazer. The Mr. Blackwell worst award has got to go to the perennially rumpled Dennis Bailey of CasinosNO! Mr. Bailey also may be affiliated with IronsNO! CombsNO! and TiesNO!
No wonder the presidential candidates didn't pick running mates from Maine.


For only RM688++ (Orginal price is RM988++) , you get to enjoy the "Dragon Gate Banquet" in a private room that equips with KaraOK facility, and the dishes included many expensive seafood, namely the prawn, crab, oyster, fish and abalone. They also offer free drink like Red date with Wolfberry upon request.
☞Value added service included free drink and hot towel.
☞Banquet set up and decoration may vary, surprise for everyone.
What is "Dragon Gate Banquet"? It is still a 9-course Chinese dinner, but instead of serving the dish by dish, they will serve you all the 9 dishes at once, which you can see in the picture that they need at least 4 men to serve your food.
Lets see what they offer in the "Dragon Gate Banquet" menu.
Tidbits served with extra charge.
Advance reservation is needed to secure the private room. Though they have 16 rooms in total, but beside the "Dragon Gate Banquet" costumer, even if you just order as cheap as RM288++ menu, you are also eligible to request for the room. So better hurry than sorry.
If you like to celebrate special occasion with some alcoholic drink, they have plenty to offer.


We would love to turn our deck into a sunroom & open the room up to expand our kitchen. We live in the Metro Atlanta area.
Melissa, there are several Hometalk members in your area who have showcased just that type of work. You can do a search for them using the "find a pro" button at the top of the page.
Thanks, Douglas! I will do that, I'm just learning how to navigate Hometalk :) I really appreciate the tip.
Here's a link to help you out, Melissa. You can click on any of these pros to find out more about them: http://www.hometalk.com/members/professionals?search=building-construction&zipcode=30214 Welcome to Hometalk!
Melissa, check out my website, bewareofcontractor.com. To convert your deck to a sunroom in GA will likely take a building permit. It will definitely take a state licensed residential or general contractor -- that state license may be verified with the Professional Licensing Board of the Secretary of State's office and assure that they have not had unfavorable action against them. It is NOT a business license. Be careful, unfortunately there may even be some on Hometalk and other websites who are performing work for which they do not hold a lawful license. The contractor should pull the permit in their name--NOT YOU! That makes them responsible for code compliance and inspections. You want to be sure to have these to at least have some minimum assurance that your deck is properly attached to your home and, if above ground, will NOT collapse and injury someone. My suggestion is to start here in Hometalk but to continue your due diligence elsewhere to confirm anyone. Check their BBB rating, Kudzu, etc but those ratings and reviews can be falsified or manipulated. If however you see horrible ratings, the run away. Any company can have one or two bad reviews (if so, see how they respond and see that they are professional). A good contractor will have a good contract and will meet with you. There are certain requirements that they should have in their contract, and the absence of a written warranty, the FTC Cooling Off rule disclosures (if signed anywhere other than their permanent place of business), and the Right to Repair Act disclosure should be warning signs also. I also recommend that you find a member in good standing with an association like NARI (full disclosure: I have been legal counsel to NARI Atlanta). As a general rule (and this is broad brush), members working on certifications and keeping up with the industry have a reputation they truly care about. Again, however this is only one thing to check. I can go on but check out my website (its free) and if you have questions give me a call. Also you may want to check out the Natl Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud (NCPHIF.org). I speak for them and we'll soon have out a workbook to help homeowners.


Beaducation is excited to launch a new FREE class. We love combining techniques in our projects, and this class is the marriage of knitting, wirework, and beading. Introducing Spool Knitted Bracelet with Lisa Claxton.
In 44 minutes, Lisa will teach you to use this handy Knitting Spool to create a beautiful bracelet that you can embellish with the clasp of your choice.
The class is also available on our YouTube channel, for those of you learning from your iPhone or iPad.


text:
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Small Wars
Too Big to Ignore
Ahmed S. Hashim
Small Wars Hardback
April 2020 • £25.00
9781849040822 • 320pp
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The end of the Cold War and the (then) receding threat of global nuclear conflagration were meant to usher in a 'peace dividend': concomitantly warfare would decline as states devoted themselves to making money and providing for their respective societies. This intensely optimistic liberal attitude — which has its parallel in scholarly reluctance to study warfare and its wider impact — has proven sadly wrong. Large-scale conventional war between regular armies has disappeared, but Small Wars, which have existed since ancient times, have not. Such 'Small Wars' are 'nasty, brutish, and not necessarily short'. But what are Small Wars, how can they be defined, and what are their salient characteristics? These are the key themes addressed in Ahmed Hashim's provocative, timely and judicious analysis of how the phenomenon has changed throughout history, from the Jewish Revolt against Roman rule to today's asymmetrical conflicts in Afghanistan and the Middle East. His book follows two parallel tracks. The first is methodological and conceptual, dedicated to definition; the second is an interpretive analysis of the causes, meanings and characteristics of such wars across epochs, environments and cultures — in other words an intellectual and socio-political history of Small Wars. His account ranges from the Ancient World, through to the Napoleonic era, the history of anti-colonial resistance in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, via discussion of the leading theorists of insurgency and counterinsurgency in the twentieth century, and concludes with the often neglected Islamist doctrine of irregular warfare, drawing upon its leading military thinkers and practitioners.
Ahmed S. Hashim is Associate Professor of Strategic Studies at Nanyang Technological University's Rajaratnam School of International Studies, where he specialises in contemporary warfare issues, Middle Eastern security and counter-terrorism. He is the author of Insurgency and Counterinsurgency in Iraq and The Caliphate At War: The Ideological, Organisational and Military Innovations of Islamic State.
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The term contract follows IOC signing up to buy crude oil from the US through a term-tender deal in Aug last year. It had at that time bought about 6 million barrels of US crude oil under single tender for delivery between Nov 2018 and Jan 2019. This is the first time any Indian refiner has signed an annual contract since the country in 2017 began importing crude from the US.
Cutting short the 10-day selling trend, crude oil prices rose by around 1% to touch $71 per barrel mark after the world's largest oil exporter Saudi Arabia announced plans to cut production by 500,000 barrels per day from December and called for a global output cut of one million barrels per day to support oil price.
The softening in global crude prices is good news for policy makers as well as consumers in India. The easing globally has led to a cut in prices of petrol and diesel prices at the retail level.
"The Indian rupee has gained 2 per cent over the last one month to trade below 70 per US dollar. The Indian rupee is the best performing emerging market currency over last one month," Sunil Sharma, chief investment officer, Sanctum Wealth Management, said.