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Stock Market Today: Microsoft Earnings Weigh on Stocks
Stocks opened sharply lower Wednesday as investors parsed an onslaught of corporate earnings updates.
Quarterly results from Microsoft (MSFT (opens in new tab), -0.6%) drew the most attention, as it is the first of the big tech giants on the earnings calendar. Late Tuesday, the software maker reported top- and bottom-line beats for the final three months of 2022, which initially sent MSFT stock higher in after-hours trading. However, a closer look at the company's guidance sent shares – and the broader market – lower in today's trading.
Taking a closer look at the numbers, Microsoft recorded earnings of $2.32 per share in its fiscal second quarter, down 6.5% year-over-year. Revenue of $52.8 billion was up 2% from the year-ago period, though this marked the slowest sales growth since June 2016. Additionally, Azure cloud revenue grew 31% year-over-year.
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"It's no secret that Cloud is front and center for the company right now [and] Azure beat on growth expectations," says David Wagner, portfolio manager at Aptus Capital Advisors. "Everyone knows that growth is slowing in Azure. Investors just want to see that it is slowing less than anticipated. And that's exactly what happened this quarter."
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However, in the company's earnings call with analysts, Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood said MSFT expects moderating "business trends that we saw at the end of December" to have likely continued in its fiscal third quarter as corporate spending slows.
"The celebration that Microsoft received from the market ended as the company's CFO delivered her words of caution," says Quincy Krosby, chief global strategist for LPL Financial. "It has been said so many times that corporate guidance during this fourth-quarter earnings season is crucial for understanding the direction of the market, especially amid a backdrop of weakening economic data."
And for today, that direction was mostly lower. While stocks finished well off their lows, the Nasdaq Composite ended the day down 0.2% at 11,313, and the S&P 500 was off 0.02% at 4,016. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, managed to eke out a marginal gain to 33,743.
The Newest Dividend Aristocrats
It was a big day for devout followers of the Dividend Aristocrats – an illustrious group of S&P 500 components that have raised their dividends every year for at least the last 25 straight. The Standard & Poor's annual rebalancing of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats resulted in three new members, effective prior to the Feb. 1 market open, including well-known consumer staples stock J.M. Smucker (SJM (opens in new tab)).
While this announcement is certainly welcome news for income seekers, investors of all stripes should be focused on dividend-paying names – especially in today's volatile market. "Dividend income, an important element of total return, is often overlooked amid gyrations in the stock market," say John Eade, president and director of Portfolio Strategies, and Jim Kelleher, director of Research at Argus. And dividend-growth stocks, in particular, "tend to hold their value better in periods of rising rates and deliver solid total returns in all markets." With that in mind, here are the best dividend stocks investors can count on for dividend growth.
Celanese Corp. stock falls Wednesday, underperforms market
United Rentals Inc. stock falls Wednesday, underperforms market


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Can This Biomarker-Based Screening Identify More Early-Stage Lung Cancers?
Dave Levitan
Conference | IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC)
A new study presented at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer's 2019 conference may have found a model for lung cancer screening which improves on lung cancer screening guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
The EarlyCDT-Lung test of several blood biomarkers was able to reduce the number of late-stage lung cancers compared to standard care in a screening trial of more than 12,000 high-risk individuals in Scotland.
"This is about targeting screening more effectively," said Frank Sullivan, a professor of primary care medicine at the University of St. Andrews. He presented results of the new study at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer's 2019 World Conference, held September 7-10 in Barcelona, Spain.
The EarlyCDT lung test includes seven antigens. These include p53, NY-ESO-1, CAGE, GBU4-5, SOX2, HuD, and MAGE A4. The trial enrolled individuals who were asymptomatic and considered at high risk for developing lung cancer; this included at least 20 pack-years of smoking history and a family history of lung cancer. All participants were between the ages of 50 and 75 years. Researchers focused on family practices in the most socioeconomically deprived quintile of Scotland. Most patients were invited to participate by their doctors, though some self-referred after learning of the trial.
The trial enrolled a total of 12,215 participants, randomized to undergo either the test (6,088 individuals) or standard care (6,121 individuals). Patients who had a positive test then underwent a CT scan at baseline and then every 6 months for 2 years.
Of the total group that received the EarlyCDT test, 598 had a positive result and underwent follow-up. The trial met its primary endpoint, with fewer late-stage cancers diagnosed in the intervention group. Among those that received the EarlyCDT test, there were 33 late-stage (stage III/IV/unclassified) lung cancers found, accounting for 58.9% of the total. In the standard care group, there were 52 such lung cancers, accounting for 73.2% of the total. This yielded a hazard ratio at 2 years favoring the test of 0.64 (95% CI, 0.41–0.99).
At the 2-year follow-up, the EarlyCDT test had a specificity of 90.4%, and a sensitivity for all cancers of 32.7% and a sensitivity for early cancers of 52.2%.
"We weren't adequately powered for mortality, but both all-cause and lung cancer-mortality were starting to separate by two years," Sullivan said, adding that they hope to follow the patients further to further examine mortality outcomes. "There was a 36% reduction in late-stage presentation at two years, which seems worthwhile, clinically and statistically," he concluded.
Stephen Lam, MD, of the British Columbia Cancer Agency in Canada, who presented results of another lung cancer screening study at the IASLC conference, said that the present guidelines put forth by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for screening are increasingly inadequate.
"It is now known that using the U.S. Task Force criteria based on age and smoking history, a decreasing number of people would be eligible for screening, because more people have stopped smoking, and people who are still smoking smoke less than before," he said during a press conference. "That's why we need a better prediction model to identify people who would benefit from lung cancer screening."
Sullivan agreed, saying that the next steps for lung cancer screening will involve determining what combination of biomarkers - like those used in the EarlyCDT test - and other factors will identify the best group of individuals to benefit from lung cancer screening.
IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC)Lung CancerLung Cancer
FDA Grants Novel Liquid Biopsy Assay Breakthrough Device Designation to Detect Lung Cancer
Expanded Indication for Pafolacianine Imaging Agent in Lung Cancer Approved by FDA
Erica C. Nakajima, MD, Analyzes Frontline Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in KRAS+, PD-L1+ Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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The Actual Return Upon Taxable and Tax-Exempt Securities
By Otto H. Kahn
It's late, and you're still awake. Allow us to help with Sleep Aid, a series devoted to curing insomnia with the dullest, most soporific prose available in the public domain. Tonight's prescription: "The Actual Return Upon Taxable and Tax-Exempt Securities," first published in the War Taxation: Some Comments and Letters, in 1917.
Wilhelm Schumann, The Sleeping Embroiderer, 1838.
Dear Sir:
Your letter indicates that you do not sufficiently realize the enormous advantage in interest yield which under the income tax schedule as fixed in the House Bill is possessed by tax-exempt securities as compared to taxable securities, especially, of course, in respect of large incomes.
Permit me to call your attention to the following eloquent facts:
The yield of tax-exempt securities at prevailing prices ranges from 3-1/2% to nearly 4-1/2%. Under the rates fixed in the War Revenue Bill as it passed the House of Representatives, a taxable 6% investment would yield:
per annum
on incomes over
Or, to put it in another way, the investment in 3-1/2% "Liberty Bonds" is thus equivalent to investing in a taxable security yielding:
in respect of incomes over
The investment in, say, New York City Bonds, being tax-exempt, at their present yield of 4.20%, would represent the following rates of income as compared to investments in taxable securities:
Of course, all these figures hold good only for the period during which the proposed rates of income taxation would prevail. As the income tax rate decreases, the yield from tax-exempt securities diminishes proportionately.
The volume of tax-exempt securities at present outstanding, including the new "Liberty Loan," is estimated at not less than $8,000,000,000.
The ability of corporations to find a ready market for their securities is a prerequisite for the continuance of business prosperity or, indeed, of adequate business activity. I need not elaborate the effect which the comparison of the income yield from tax-exempt securities as against taxable securities under an excessively high income tax schedule—even if confined to larger incomes—must necessarily have upon the eligibility of corporate securities for investment purposes. The conclusion seems unescapable that the resulting degree of disinclination to invest in such securities coupled with the impulse to dispose of existing holdings would bring about liquidation, severe shrinkage of values and more or less pronounced demoralization in the investment market—a condition of things which could not fail in a measure to affect adversely the country's business in general, and which could only partially be counteracted by Government expenditures, however large.
As to your observations concerning the principle of tax-exempt issues, I believe the Government acted wisely, considering all the elements of the situation, in making its first great war issue, the Liberty Loan, tax free. But in the face of the figures above quoted, the question naturally presents itself whether our traditional policy of making Government issues tax-exempt should not be discontinued, which, of course, would mean that a materially higher rate of interest than 3-1/2% would have to be paid for Government borrowing.
In theory, it seems to me, there can be little doubt that the balance of arguments is against the tax-exemption of Government loans. As an abstract proposition little can be said, I think, in favor of a policy the effect of which gives an advantage to the rich and well-to-do, militates against the widest possible distribution of Government issues amongst the people, tends to facilitate Governmental extravagance by concealing the true cost and establishes a fictitious basis of national credit.
Thus, for instance, on the $1,000,000,000, or thereabouts, which our Government has loaned to the Allies at 3-1/2% interest, it is losing money, because, whilst it nominally borrows this money through the Liberty Loan at 3-1/2%, the cost to it is actually considerably higher because it loses the revenue which would accrue to it from the income tax if the bonds were not tax-exempt.
Let me add that I do not wish to be understood as suggesting that our Government should charge to the Allied Nations more than the nominal rate at which it is borrowing. They have been fighting these three years and bringing unheard of sacrifices for a cause which we have recognized to be ours no less than theirs, and if we loan them money somewhat below its actual cost to us that item weighs but very lightly in the scale, especially also if we consider the immense monetary profits which our country has reaped from the sale to them of munitions, material and supplies.
However, as against the theoretical objections, some of which I have mentioned, to the tax-exemption of Government loans, there are certain "imponderabilia"—things which cannot be exactly weighed—in favor of a low rate of interest for Government borrowing, even if the lowness of the rate is to an extent fictitious. There are also certain practical reasons for the maintenance of our traditional policy, and various concrete facts which must be taken into account. For instance, there is the problem of how to deal with the situation that might result from the withdrawal of deposits from savings banks and similar institutions, which probably would be liable to occur in case the Government offered a bond issue at the higher rate it would have to fix if the inducement of tax-exemption were removed.
There is the problem of the existence of billions of municipal and state securities which offer to the holder the privilege of freedom from municipal, state and Federal taxes. I understand that it is the consensus of opinion of our leading lawyers that under the legal theory which treats such issues as "instrumentalities of government" that privilege cannot be abridged and that Congress has no constitutional power to tax state and municipal issues.
If state and municipal issues to be made during war time retain the feature of being free from taxation, can the Federal Government afford to make its war loans taxable, and thereby place itself in a position where it would have to borrow under conditions which would put it and its credit at a disadvantage as compared to state and municipal issues?
The problem is a complex one altogether and, like all economic questions, requires to be approached in a dispassionate spirit, giving due consideration to the reasons for and against. The temper of the stump speaker is not appropriate for dealing with taxation problems.
Let me add, in conclusion, that I fully agree that it is "sheer fiscal stupidity" and "socially inexpedient as well" to permit "mushroom fortunes" to be built out of war profits. I believe there ought to be imposed a large excess war profits tax on the English model upon a fair and well conceived average basis of earnings so calculated as to take account of the vast difference in the country's industrial plant to-day and before the European war. Such a tax may not be entirely free from objections in theory, but from the social and moral point of view it is, I am convinced, thoroughly sound and proper and called for. Appropriate taxation of excess profits, together with an adequately though not exorbitantly heavy income tax would go a long way to prevent the enrichment of a class through the calamity of war, without at the same time affecting wages or laming the enterprise and business activities of the country.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) Otto H. Kahn
Still awake? Read more here.
Defenestration of Prague
Adam Reads The Guide to Western Birds
By Patty Seyburn


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HomeWorld Pharma News
UnitedHealth to buy homecare provider LHC Group in $5.4 billion deal
World Pharma NewsNewsletter
Optum, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group a health services company, and LHC Group, a provider of high-quality in-home health care services, have agreed to combine to further strengthen their shared ability to advance value-based care, especially in the comfort of a patient's own home.
UnitedHealth Group will spend $5.4 billion to acquire LHC Group, the agreement calls for the acquisition of the company's outstanding common stock for $170 per share.
The combination of LHC Group with Optum Health, which works with over 100 health plans, unites two organizations dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to patients and their families. LHC Group's history of high-quality home and community-based care matched with Optum's extensive value-based care experience and resources will accelerate the combined companies' ability to deliver integrated care, improving outcomes and patient experiences.
Dr. Wyatt Decker, CEO, Optum Health, said:
LHC Group's sophisticated care coordination capabilities and its warm, human touch is so important for home care, and will greatly enhance the reach of Optum's value-based capabilities along the full continuum of care, including primary care, home and community care, virtual care, behavioral health and ambulatory surgery. We greatly admire how the people of LHC Group have created a culture that enables them to be a trusted health care partner to patients and their families when they need it the most, and we look forward to working with and learning from them.
Keith G. Myers, LHC Group's chairman and CEO, said:
Since our founding in 1994, 'it's all about helping people' has been the core of our mission, and as part of the Optum team and its value-based capabilities, we will be able to expand our patient-centered mission and help drive best care practices across the country. Working together as organizations committed to caring for the most vulnerable in society will help us more effectively and efficiently deliver high quality and increasingly value-based care in the home.
LHC Group's 30,000 employees, including frontline care providers and administrative and support personnel, provide more than 12 million annual in-home patient-focused interventions and is widely recognized as one of the highest-quality providers of in-home care, with quality scores consistently running more than one-third higher than industry norms. The LHC Group leadership team will continue forward as part of Optum Health.
The agreement is expected to close in the second half of 2022 subject to LHC Group shareholder approvals, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Co-founders Keith and Ginger Myers will personally invest $10 million in UnitedHealth Group stock following the close of the combination. The acquisition is expected to be neutral to UnitedHealth Group's outlook for adjusted net earnings per share in 2022, modestly accretive in 2023, and advancing strongly in subsequent years.
Sourceunitedhealthgroup.com
LHC Group
ONO and Iktos collaboration in the discovery and development of a new small molecule compounds by using an AI platform and know-how
China advances commercialisation of long-acting COVID neutralising antibody therapy
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Nursing education evaluation programs are used to evaluate nursing education, instruction and administration to ensure they all meet standards set by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. These programs also help determine the effectiveness of training methods, determine the relevance of content to modern nursing practices, and gather information for administrative purposes. Most nursing schools have internal evaluation programs, while state boards of nursing often conduct independent evaluations.
Because the modern nursing practice is ever changing, multi-focused and complex, it is important to evaluate nursing education programs periodically to determine whether the content being taught in schools is consistent with current trends. For instance, information technology such as image storage and transfer has had a huge impact on the delivery of health care. Therefore, updating the nursing curriculum to cover changes in technology can add to the value of graduating nurses.
Evaluation of nursing education helps gauge the effectiveness of educators' instructional strategies. For example, if an instructor focuses too much on analyzing case studies of clinical situations, rather than balancing it with other strategies such as problem-based learning and role-playing, the evaluation can reveal whether the preferred strategy really enhances students' competencies. The evaluation process might involve interviewing students to gather their views and observing their conduct in real-life hospital situations. If an instructional strategy is ineffective, the evaluators can advise the educator to adopt a more inclusive teaching strategy that produces well-rounded nursing professionals.
When used to measure students' performance, nursing education evaluation programs can serve as a tool for encouraging learning. For example, if a state board of nursing conducts an evaluation and compiles performance results of all students in the region, underperforming students can use the information as motivation to aim higher. Evaluation programs increase interaction between learners, instructors and administrators, which is integral to improving quality outcomes in nursing. These programs can also be used to diagnose the strengths and weakness of individual students and provide remedial measures.
Another purpose of nursing education evaluation program is to gather information for accreditation purposes. For example, when a nursing school wants to offer a new degree program, it might need to invite an oversight board to conduct an evaluation and gather information to determine whether the institution has sufficient facilities and staff to effectively administer the course to students. A nursing school can also conduct an evaluation program to determine whether students who have completed studies meet graduation requirements.
Green, Alison. "Importance of Nursing Education Evaluation Programs." , https://careertrend.com/importance-nursing-education-evaluation-programs-42542.html. 05 July 2017.


The world of DJing has changed radically over the years. Once upon a time, you had two great lumbering record decks, and cases of heavy vinyl records to carry. Then CDs came and lightened the load for us. Eventually the computer would find its rightful place in the DJ's setup. With laptops getting ever more smaller and faster, it is very tempting to put your trust and faith in the laptop's ability to run the show.
I personally cannot bring myself to DJ with just the laptop. Considering I have been buying CDs since 1988, and have quite a back catalogue to turn to, this would be foolish. Coupled also with the fact that a laptop can FAIL, it would be just irresponsible. As I discovered last Tuesday when trying to add new music to the work laptop. No power. Nothing. Dead. A defunct laptop. But not to worry - I can remove the hard drive and dump its contents onto the main computer. This I tried, only to discover the hard drive was in fact dead. With 18,000 songs on it.
In this digital age we are reminded frequently of the need to back up our data. Not just because of hard drive breakdowns, but also because of those beloved "ransomware" programs that kindly encrypt all of your files, and then demand a good three-figure sum in order to retrieve them. With digital storage being relatively cheap, it is foolish to not back up your important digital content. What a shame I did not have a backup of all 18,000 of those songs. a collection that has taken six years to compile, and much money to purchase. All those vinyl tracks lovingly restored and transferred to the digital domain.
Coming by a new laptop was not tricky at all. That 2010 Toshiba has been replaced by a 2016 HP, and just that has realised an increase in speed. Only trouble is that dead drive with all that damn music on it! Yes I had CDs to fall back upon, but with modern music being cheaper to purchase as downloads - and largely instant - there comes with it a loss of the up-to-date music! Time to pay through the nose for data recovery, methinks.
And that is what has happened. I sent that hard drive off to a data recovery company on Wednesday, and today they have confirmed their success in recovering all 18,000 songs from the defunct drive. At a cost of £336. Arg! To think that a brand new 500GB external hard drive can be purchased for a tenth of that price, is it not clear to me that backing up is a whole lot less expensive? Will I ever learn? Perhaps.


The extensive use of cellular phones has made wireless news-flashes a common feature aswell. if you carry a mobile phone and you've subscribed to a cellular news network, then you would always be updated with current news. One news-flash which until recently had been neglected by the news networks, is cell phone gambling news.
The world of cell phone gambling news is spreading widely in current days. Casinos and poker tournaments, such as the World Series of Poker, have begun to release news to cellular phones. Gambling news are compiled and sent by the editorial staff of these institutes of the gambling industry. Numerous news flashes, regarding winners of poker tournaments, high rollers wins and campaigns, which appeal to the gambling public, are sent to millions of gambling-news subscribers every day.
News flash might hold important pieces of information to the average gambler. In the latest years many academic researches about gambling statistic are being conducted and any new research, regarding gambling statistics, would probably be a great benefit to gamblers. If you're close enough to your cell phone you'd be one of the first to lay their hands on this information and to use it.
On November 14th, 2006, the CEO and Chairman of Centrebet, Graham Kelly, made a comment in the first annual meeting of their company since Centrebet was listed in July. With the new change in the leadership helm of the House of Congress, Mr. Kelly questioned whether the new laws regarding the Internet Gambling Industry would be enforced after he made known that Centrebet may exceed their financial expectations for the coming year.
The company, which specializes in waging and different gaming activities, finished the last fiscal year with over 8% of their total target. Mr. Kelly further commented that the financial outlook of the company for the coming year will be guided by a "defined strategy" of selling their gaming products to their existing clients, cell phone gambling and other plans for expansion in Spain.
He said that they are right on target at the moment and he sees no reason why they should change it. The company previously flagged their expected profits for the year 2007 after being taxed almost $11.6 million. Graham Kelly said that he is a bit disappointed that their stock is not trading above its $2 price and points to the ruckus surrounding the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) as the culprit.
What is bewildering, according to CEO Kelly, is that although they have not entertained thoughts about entering the United States market, they are being affected by a law that forbids U.S. residents from playing online and restricts the transfer of accounts to online companies by U.S. based financial institutions.
4 ex-employees of a sister company of Yamato Transport Corporation, a well-known delivery company in Japan, were arrested by authorities on November 22, 2006 because they allegedly gambled on professional baseball games on the premises of the company where they were employed. Authorities said that the 4 on-duty delivery van drivers from both of the Kyoto and Osaka branches of Yamato Unyu Delivery Company placed bets on their favorite baseball teams via their cellular phones.
The betting activities were initiated by another employee of the company about 10 years ago. Approximately 100 million yen in total wagers by the employees were collected over the past years. Parts of these wagers were used to finance further gambling activities outside company jurisdiction.


Amalfi is a fairly new addition to the Cargo blush range.
It is a cool-toned bright pink with silvery shimmer that shows up glowy not glittery once applied on your cheeks. It is interesting because the shimmer is quite noticeable in the pan and you can definitely see it when swatched on arm.
This picture is taken under natural lighting.
Closest color in the same range would be the famous Catalina which is a matte ballerina pink.
Amalfi is cooler and brighter than Catalina, and the shimmery finish also makes a difference.
This blush is excellent in quality and the color is very flattering for me.
It blends well without much effort and the color shows up vivid but sheer.
I also like that it doesn't turn into some reddish unrecognizable color and it stays on for long hours.
oh my such a poppy pink! so cute!!
oh no this blush is sooooooooo pretty! and again, cargo isnt available here in Germany T.T.
Psst try Beautybay.com! I live in Belgium and I just got 2 Cargo blushes from there. The price is very correct, and shipping isn't all that expensive either!
I don't have a smart phone, I do love UDPP (haven't tried Shadow Insurance), but if I could buy a luxury car it would be Audi, and I LIKE MY CARGO BLUSHES TOO!!!
This shade is mega hot on you! It's a shade that looks intimidating to me in pan, but on you it looks super natural! I do have some problems with one of my tins, but it's OK. I heard that NARS packaging just collects fingerprints, and THAT is something I CANNOT stand!
Thanks for the review Lena :) I'm so happy I found your blog!
very pretty, lena. so subtle and feminine.
i do like my NARS and i personally think they have lots of imagination when it comes to creating colors, for that i respect them. i guess cargo blush speaks to me closer and i feel more comfortable wearing it.
It really is a lovely shade of pink! I assumed it was going to be really pigmented but it's not (which I think is a good thing with blush, easier to apply more but not to take off some!
it's quite pigmented but so finely milled so very easy to control.
it's not powdery at all!


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Loves Ultimate Measure
Are you willing to risk your life for those you love? Are you willing to give up your life so that a loved one can go on living?
According to some these are the true, ultimate measures of authentic love. Others think these are only the tests and measures of very strong love but not true of all love. Strong, healthy, real love is measured by how much one values a loved one according to many of the modern and ancient lore master's of love.
How much one values and, therefore, loves another may be measured by how much one will do for the well-being of a loved one. Some of love's lore masters hold that staying alive so you can continuously aid the well-being of a loved one can be just as important as sacrificing your life for a loved one. Also worth considering here is the New Testament teaching "greater love hath no one than that they lay down their life for another".
Do you suppose that if you are not willing to risk or lay down your life for a loved one your love may not be genuine or sufficient? Do you suspect that someone professing to love you would not risk their life for you? Does that mean that person may not actually love you? Or is it perhaps that they do love you but not greatly or completely?
Many of the greatest examples of love's incredible and wondrous power have to do with people who risked or gave up their lives so that others might live. This is apparently true for many different kinds of love. Here are some examples. Love of fellow humans is exemplified by the World War II servant girl who hid and then smuggled 18 Jews through her boss's house and out to freedom abroad. Amazingly her boss was a Jew-hunting, Nazi SS colonel. In doing so she risked not only certain death but extreme torture in the inevitable Nazi interrogation process of World War II. Great sibling love is evidenced by the boy who chose not to save himself but instead risked freezing to death while slowly carrying his younger brother through many miles of a severe blizzard which killed a fair number of others. The spouse who steps in front of his beloved and takes a bullet meant for the mate illustrates the extremes to which couple love may be seen in the service of a beloved's well-being.
Parent love is exemplified strongly by both the father and the mother who gave their own life jackets to their offspring as their boat sank in a colossal storm. A pet's love for its master may be in evidence when the family hound, though grievously wounded, nevertheless, kept attacking the bear that was menacing its master. Comrade love is in evidence in the lives of countless thousands of soldiers who have risked and surrendered their lives to save their brothers and sisters at arms. With these examples in mind how do you think you might act in similar extreme circumstances, or measure up? How do you suppose those who profess to love you might act? Are you and those in your love network growing your love relationships strong enough to meet this criteria of love's ultimate measure?
Perhaps we only can guess how we would actually behave in a situation threatening the life of a loved one, unless we already have encountered such a life threatening situation. Still there are many who proclaim to know that they are certain they would risk their life or give up their life for their most precious and cherished loved ones. Are you one of these?
Let us say here that growth often occurs in the contemplation of the question more than in the question's answer. We do not need to be absolutely sure of what we would do in an extreme situation to be able to contemplate the question and grow from that process. So, to really search into love and its great significance I urge you to quite personally, deeply and seriously contemplate these questions along with some others. We are not advocating a position but rather encouraging thoughtful pursuit into the many mysteries of love.
I remember a person who once told me, "My lover said they would do anything for me, they would die for me, but my lover did not even go to the trouble of visiting me in the hospital when I had an operation". Understandably that relationship ended soon after. Of course we must remember that it is not just in extreme acts that love is made evident but also in day-to-day loving acts. Most love is done one small act at a time, but also with a background of willingness to go to great lengths if the well-being of a loved one requires it. So, are you growing that kind of love in your life? If you think not, or perhaps not, are you getting yourself ready to go after that big kind of real love?
Healthy self-love also is to be considered and probably requires some different measures. Contemplate these. Healthy self-love usually demands that you insist on yourself becoming well loved. How are you doing at that? Do you insist that the people around you treat you well or are you prone to putting yourself last and least. Do you love yourself well enough to save yourself, to treat yourself healthfully, to stay reasonably safe, to avoid stupid dangerous risks, and to avoid needless and mostly useless sacrifice?
You are urged to ponder these questions about love, and especially about these concepts of love's ultimate measure. Hopefully you will grow in the process. While you're doing so perhaps you will pause and silently honor the many thousands who have so proven the power and majesty of real love by giving their lives for those they loved. Also you might pause and give silent tribute to the many whose love of their fellow humans have made the world you live in a better place.
♥ Love success question
Who do you love so strongly and deeply that you would risk or give your life to save their life?
Image credits: Measuring Love, an original graphic by Wade Watson and J. Richard Cookerly.


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NCAA: San Beda overwhelms Lyceum, advances to finals
Posted at Oct 17 2019 05:59 PM | Updated as of Oct 17 2019 06:19 PM
MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) The San Beda University Red Lions are headed straight to the NCAA Season 95 men's basketball finals.
This, after San Beda thoroughly dismantled Lyceum of the Philippines University, 85-62, to complete a sweep of the elimination round on Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
San Beda won all 18 of their games, marking the second time that they have swept the elimination round. The Red Lions went 16-0 in Season 86, when the league had just nine teams. They are also the second team to go 18-0, after Lyceum in Season 93.
With their feat, San Beda now advances straight to the finals -- the 14th season in a row that they have advanced to the championship round.
The Final 4 will be contested via stepladder format, with the No. 4 seed taking on third-seeded Colegio de San Juan de Letran. The winner of that match advances to play the second-seeded Pirates in a knockout game.
As it stands, the fourth seed is still up for grabs, with San Sebastian College and Mapua University contesting the last semis ticket.
"It's a bit of fulfillment on my part that we got this achievement," said San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez, who joined Frankie Lim as the mentors who steered San Beda to an elimination round sweep.
"(But) my job is not yet done, our job is not yet done," he added. "It will be a tough finals, whoever we're gonna face."
Donald Tankoua made the most of the absence of Lyceum counterpart Mike Nzeusseu to dominate inside the paint. He put up 26 points on 10-of-15 shooting, on top of 8 rebounds. Top MVP candidate Calvin Oftana had 18 points, 10 boards, and 2 assists, while James Canlas had 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 dimes.
READ: Letran takes care of business vs EAC to take third-seed
The Red Lions broke the game open in the second quarter, when they outscored the Pirates, 28-19, to take a 48-36 advantage into the break.
The Pirates came to within 11 points, 51-40, with 8:18 to go in the third quarter, thanks to a Jaycee Marcelino lay-up, but San Beda answered with an 8-point flurry. Oftana and Canlas each nailed a triple, and Tankoua added a lay-up for a 59-40 lead with 5:32 left in the frame.
It was all San Beda from there. They surged ahead by 20 points, 71-51, with a Clint Doliguez triple with under nine minutes to play. Their lead ballooned to 25 points, 85-60, when Tankoua split his charities with just under 30 seconds to go in the game.
The Pirates, playing without Nzeusseu, were out-rebounded, 49-39. Jaycee Marcelino led Lyceum with 17 points, and Jeff Santos had 12. But they shot just 30.26% from the field, while allowing San Beda to convert 50% of their shots.
The NCAA playoffs start on November 5.
The scores:
SAN BEDA 85 - Tankoua 26, Oftana 18, Canlas 17, Doliguez 5, Soberano 5, Abuda 5, Nelle 4, Carino 4, Bahio 1, Alfaro 0
LPU 62 - Marcelino JC 17, Santos 12, Guinto 6, Navarro 6, Valdez 6, Remulla 5, Caduyac 4, Ibanez 4, Marcelino JV 2, David 0, Tansingco 0, Yong 0
NCAA, basketball, San Beda Red Lions, Lyceum Pirates
Read More: NCAA basketball San Beda Red Lions Lyceum Pirates
Unvaccinated passengers to get chided, not arrested


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I couldn't tell whether other visitors were drawn to T.I. for the same reasons I was, namely that winter sucks and a tropical air hanger seemed like the strangest way to deal with it. But while there, it occurred to me that T.I. also offers an alternative for people priced out of international travel. And for families with small kids, the heated dome offers a level of logistical ease that's hard to beat. T.I. may be an approximation of a tropical vacation, but it's one without long flights or passport stress, where no child could ever claim to be bored and nothing is more than a two minute walk away.
You can definitely find really fast Internet in most of these places but you'll have to go there and spend a lot of time looking for the right place (and probably pay extra for it). If you're looking for 30 Mbps download I doubt you'll find that anywhere outside of a major city. When I'm house hunting I always use the Speed Test app on my iPhone to see if the Internet is up to snuff.
If you are looking for a romantic getaway where you can relax and get away from the stress of daily life without leaving luxury behind, head to Palazzo Versace. Located on Australia's Gold Coast, Palazzo Versace will provide you with great food, fine service, and luxury accommodations. Stay in one of the hotel deluxe suites or condominiums and enjoy your morning coffee from Versace China. Begin your day together by the pool and then try some shopping at the Marina Mirage. Try lunch at the Vie Restaurant and Bar with views overlooking the marina.
Ocean Beach is one of the most inexpensive places to visit in San Francisco! There's plenty of parking and most of what you can do is free! I was fortunate enough to have time to chase sunsets recently. Admittedly, the sunset took place behind some clouds but I'm familiar with the scene. It's been ages since I've hung out here and it was interesting to be surrounded by several cars from Sacramento. Must've been the long weekend! It was a windy day so actually getting out of the car was impossible. Well, unless you're ok collecting sand in your hair (and ears and nose)!! Ha! Growing up, I was spoiled with Ocean Beach being so close. Many nights and mornings were spent here working on my list of lofty goals, being a rebel with a 40 oz and J (ok, much hasn't changed), jogging the trail, kissing the cool mist, bond fires during the summer... You won't find a ferris wheel, amusement park, or row of palm trees but nearby is the San Francisco Zoo (for all you animals!!) and a lot of restaurants. Bring a jacket!
An hour before, in a maze of punch-colored lockers, I located number seven-thousand-something and began shoving all signs of winter weather into it. Puffy coat, recently unwound scarf, thick socks, boots, and sweater all went in, but not before I removed a bikini and beach gear from my overnight bag. An hour outside of Berlin, Tropical Islands (T.I.) fills an airfield hanger originally built in 1938 for the Nazi Luftwaffe. The Red Army overtook the site in 1945 and the Soviet Air Force stayed until 1992. A Malaysian company purchased the hanger at a steep discount in 2003, after some kind of German cargo-blimp enterprise went bankrupt. T.I. opened a year later.
Hello, swimsuits 2017! The most important part of your summer wardrobe is your must-have bikini-- the most iconic design of all the women's swimwear! Basically your warm-weather uniform, your bikinis are the first items you unpack when you arrive on your tropical vacay. From color to cut, we've got all kinds of bikini swimwear for women that want to make a splash with their beachwear! Stock up on our cheap bathing suits and wear a different design daily!
Yes, as in that Brando. The Brando is, in fact, a resort built on an island that was owned by Marlon Brando. So, if you weren't entirely sold on it before, you should be now. ($135,000 per night be damned!) Should you intend to book this joint, what you will get is 35 villas for a maximum of 82 guests. The rate is all-inclusive, meaning accommodations, meals, beverages, one spa treatment per guest, and select activities. Not included are transfers to the airport, premium wine/liquors, select off-island activities, additional spa treatments, and Godfather impressions on request.
The economy of Ocean Beach is dominated by small, independent retail businesses. Newport Avenue, the main business street, featured family-owned businesses from the 1930s through the 1960s, such as a bakery, drug stores, a book and novelty shop, a shoe store, men's and women's apparel shops, and a family-owned pet store. In the 1960s and 1970s larger stores and shopping malls elsewhere in the city gradually ran the small local stores out of business. Many of the storefronts were then turned into antique stores, and the area is now known as the Ocean Beach Antique District.[18] Also on Newport are restaurants, head shops, tattoo and piercing shops, coffee houses, bars, bike and surf shops, and an international youth hostel.[19] In 1969 Hodad's opened on Newport, gaining national attention in 2007 after appearing on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.[20] There are several small independent hotels in O.B., but no nationally franchised hotels.
To comply with the current European standard EN 1972 (2015), a snorkel for users with larger lung capacities should not exceed 38 centimeters in length and 230 cubic centimeters in internal volume, while the corresponding figures for users with smaller lung capacities are 35 cm and 150 cc respectively.[3] Current World Underwater Federation (CMAS) Surface Finswimming Rules (2017) require snorkels used in official competitions to have a total length between 43 and 48 cm and to have an inner diameter between 1.5 and 2.3 cm.[4] A longer tube would not allow breathing when snorkelling deeper, since it would place the lungs in deeper water where the surrounding water pressure is higher. The lungs would then be unable to inflate when the snorkeler inhales, because the muscles that expand the lungs are not strong enough to operate against the higher pressure.[5] The pressure difference across the tissues in the lungs, between the blood capillaries and air spaces would increase the risk of pulmonary edema.
Microkini	1995	A microkini, including subgenres like minikini, minimini and tear-drop, is an extremely meager bikini.[140] The designs for both women and men typically use only enough fabric to cover the genitals and, for women, the nipples. Any additional straps are merely to keep the garment attached to the wearer's body. Some variations of the microkini use adhesive or wire to hold the fabric in place over the genitals. Microkinis keep the wearer just within legal limits of decency and fill a niche between nudism and conservative swimwear.[141]
So with all this tropical inspiration – what do you think of the top 10 tropical islands in the South Pacific? Do you have your own secret islands to share? Just remember: touching down on a South Pacific island is a fantasy that lives in the hearts and minds of so many island lovers around the world. Only you can turn your fantasies into realities! Anything is possible, and if you need any help in planning – just let me know!
Goa is a state in India with some of the best beaches in the world. India is a place that you either love or hate, there is no in-between. Stepping off an international flight in a big Indian city is probably the most intense "culture shock" you will experience anywhere in the world. But if you spend enough time exploring India, you learn to love its ancient culture and the unique charm of the birthplace of so many of the world's greatest religions.
Your love affair with Moorea begins on a clear day in Tahiti as you look out towards the horizon. Lush giant peaks rise out of the blue waters high into the sky, leaving you wondering if you've just discovered paradise. As you near the island on the short ferry across from Tahiti, dolphins lead the way into the harbor like a welcoming party. Moorea is known as 'the magical island' and for good reasons, with time ticking away so peacefully as you're living out your Polynesian dream. Moorea's twin bays carve out the island's signature heart shape, and its lush deep valleys spill into a massive lagoon that feels like a giant heated pool. Your precious time in Moorea can be spent recharging your batteries in an overwater bungalow or in a simple beach hut. But with panoramic hikes in its valleys and peaks, diving with sharks, feeding stingrays and so much more above and beneath the gentle waves – Moorea certainly rewards those who manage to roll off the beach for a few hours!
Although child-sized bikinis appeared in the 1950s, in many European countries, swimsuits below size 11 are commonly not sold with a separate top, but in the United States, Britain, and Canada, it has often been considered unacceptable for girls in late childhood (ages 7–11) to go topless.[citation needed] Several incidents of families being evicted from public pools due to their child being topless have been reported.[112] In 2002, clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch came under criticism for selling child-sized thong bikinis and underwear.[113]
On a Galapagos cruise you take a journey through the archipelago, stopping at a range of uninhabited islands. You dock at coves and beaches that are inaccessible by land, which is where guests often find that the true charm of nature is entirely uninterrupted. You swim and snorkel at reefs that only the guides know about and where their knowledge directs you to hangouts for turtles and blacktip reef shark nurseries. The guides are always in the water with you. And their keen eyes help uncover the camouflage that lies below, directing you to marine wonders that you might have otherwise completely missed.
1938: First swimmers' mask with integrated breathing tubes. In 1938, French naval officer Yves Le Prieur introduces his "Nautilus" full-face diving mask with hoses emerging from the sides and leading upwards to an air inlet device whose ball valve opens when it is above water and closes when it is submerged.[18][19][20] In November 1940, American spearfisherman Charles H. Wilen files his "swimmer's mask" invention, which is granted US patent 2,317,237 of 20 April 1943.[21] The device resembles a full-face diving mask incorporating two breathing tubes topped with valves projecting above the surface for inhalation and exhalation purposes. On 11 July 1944, he obtains US design patent 138,286 for a simpler version of this mask with a flutter valve at the bottom and a single breathing tube with a ball valve at the top.[22] Throughout their heydey of the 1950s and early 1960s, masks with integrated tubes appear in the catalogues of American, Australian, British, French, German, Greek, Italian and Spanish swimming and diving equipment manufacturers. Meanwhile, in 1957, the US monthly product-testing magazine Consumer Reports concludes that "snorkel-masks have some value for swimmers lying on the surface while watching the depths in water free of vegetation and other similar hazards, but they are not recommended for a dive 'into the blue'".[23] According to an underwater swimming equipment review in the British national weekly newspaper The Sunday Times in December 1973, "the mask with inbuilt snorkel is doubly dangerous (...) A ban on the manufacture and import of these masks is long overdue in Britain".[24] In a decree of 2 August 1989,[25] the French government suspends the manufacture, importation and marketing of ball-valve snorkel-masks. By the noughties, just two swim masks with attached breathing tubes remain in production worldwide: the Majorca sub 107S single-snorkel model[26] and the Balco 558 twin-snorkel full-face model,[27] both manufactured in Greece. In May 2014, the French Decathlon company files its new-generation full-face snorkel-mask design, which is granted US design patent 775,722[28] on 3 January 2017, entering production as the "Easybreath" mask (see Figure 3) designated for surface snorkelling only.
Ocean Beach has one of the longest running Men's 16" "Chicago Style" Softball Leagues in San Diego. Do you have a team of guys who would like to play? Multiple seasons throughout the year. All games are played on Tuesday nights at Bob Kenny Field (corner of Ebers and Newport) in Ocean Beach. If you are interested, please call the Recreation Center at (619) 531-1527 for more information.
According to figures published by the company, Tropical Islands has spent EUR 23 million on further development and expansion work. The original total investment sum announced was EUR 75 million, including a EUR 17 million subsidy from the federal state of Brandenburg. The purpose of the subsidy for the development work was to preserve the 501 jobs.
Older proprietary designs came with special facilities. One design separated the eyes and the nose into separate mask compartments to reduce fogging. Another enabled the user to remove integrated snorkels and insert plugs instead, thus converting the snorkel-mask into an ordinary diving mask. New-generation snorkel-masks enclose the nose and the mouth within an inner mask at the demand end directly connected to the single snorkel with its valve at the supply end.
Ocean Beach City Beach is the main beach in the San Diego neighborhood of Ocean Beach. This is a wide sandy beach that has formed at the south side of the San Diego River mouth. Looking north you can see the neighborhood of Mission Beach on the other side of the rock jetties that protect the Mission Bay Entrance Channel. The southern view from City Beach is dominated by the Ocean Beach Pier which extends about a half-mile out into the Pacific Ocean. If you are visiting here for the first time you should walk out to the end of the pier to take in the view of the city. Below the pier and south of it you'll find extensive tide pools that are exposed at low tide.
Situated in the world's largest free-standing dome, Tropical Islands features an indoor rain forest, spa facilities, and lagoon-style pool. Decorated with authentic palm trees and an artificial beach, it also boasts Germany's highest water slide. The outdoor AMAZONIA area also features Whitewater River, a unique lazy river pool. Free WiFi access is available in many spots in the resort.
Technique	The swimmers entire body is under the water. The diver's nose and eyes are covered by a diving mask; the diver cannot breathe in through the nose, except when wearing a full face diving mask, but adapts to inhaling from a regulator's mouthpiece.	Head & nose underwater. The snorkel tube can flood underwater. The snorkeler expels water either with a sharp exhalation on return to the surface or by tilting the head back shortly before reaching surface.
In snorkeling, the swimmers nose and mouth are submerged and covered by a mask. Breathing takes places through a mouthpiece connected to the L or J shaped tube that gets air from being above the water surface. If diving, the swimmer has to hold his breath, the tube is allowed to flood when underwater. The snorkeler expels water from the snorkel either with a sharp exhalation on return to the surface (blast clearing) or by tilting the head back shortly before reaching the surface and exhaling until reaching or "breaking" the surface (displacement method) and facing forward again before inhaling the next breath. The displacement method expels water by displacing its presence in the snorkel with air; it is a more advanced technique that takes practice but clears the snorkel with much greater efficiency.
String bikini		1974	A string bikini (or a tie-side) gets its name from its design that consists of two triangular shaped pieces connected at the groin but not at the sides, where a thin "string" wraps around the waist tied together to connect the two parts. The structure of the side tie bottom leaves the hips bare and just tie the knots on the sides with spaghetti ties or with the sash ties.[154] The first formal presentation of string bikini was done by Glen Tororich, a public relations agent, and his wife Brandi Perret-DuJon, a fashion model, for the opening of Le Petite Centre, a shopping area in the French Quarter of the New Orleans, Louisiana in 1974. String bikinis are one of the most popular variations of bikini.[155]
Explore the unseen side of Maui on an adventure beneath the sea. Snorkel off of Maui's pristine beaches or scuba dive around Maui's most popular reefs to see colorful fish, sea turtles and coral formations. Most resort beaches along West Maui and South Maui offer opportunities for snorkelers. The northernmost part of Kaanapali Beach near Puu Kekaa (Black Rock) is known for great snorkeling.
Continental islands are bodies of land that lie on the continental shelf of a continent.[10] Examples are Borneo, Java, Sumatra, Sakhalin, Taiwan and Hainan off Asia; New Guinea, Tasmania, and Kangaroo Island off Australia; Great Britain, Ireland, and Sicily off Europe; Greenland, Newfoundland, Long Island, and Sable Island off North America; and Barbados, the Falkland Islands, and Trinidad off South America.
9:00am, 12:30pm, 5:00pm moderate 3 hrs Beverages
Ocean beach is a beach. It is located in San Diego. I took my family and 3 of my closest friends here for a good old BBQ. The bathrooms smelled like fowl urine from the homeless folk but I still enjoyed eating my sandwich next to them. They asked me for a bite and politely declined. I wish all homeless folk were this nice however, that is not the case. The beach itself also has dog feces everywhere but I like dogs :)
I'm finally getting a chance to write a review for one of my favorite beaches . Ocean beach has the longest pier on the West Coast , I absolutely love Ocean Beach... it definitely has one of the best sunsets I've ever encountered. There's very limited parking but you can find parking near by and walk around . There's lots of cute restaurants & bars and coffee shops in the surrounding area . It's a great place for everyone to explore and it's pet friend.If you have time if highly suggest you also check out Sunset cliffs and OB Dog Park . One of my favorite places to eat would be Newport pizza . Everything is in walking distance also . Everyone is beyond friendly in that town .
According to Beth Dincuff Charleston, research associate at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "The bikini represents a social leap involving body consciousness, moral concerns, and sexual attitudes."[38] By the early 2000s, bikinis had become a $811 million business annually, according to the NPD Group, a consumer and retail information company,[107] and had boosted spin-off services like bikini waxing and the sun tanning industries.[7]
Modern designs use silicone rubber in the mouthpiece and one-way clearing and float valves due to its resistance to degradation and its long service life. Natural rubber was formerly used, but slowly oxidizes and breaks down due to ultraviolet light exposure from the sun. It eventually loses its flexibility, becomes brittle and cracks, which can cause clearing valves to stick in the open or closed position, and float valves to leak due to a failure of the valve seat to seal. In even older designs, some snorkels were made with small "ping pong" balls in a cage mounted to the open end of the tube to prevent water ingress. These are no longer sold or recommended because they are unreliable and considered hazardous. Similarly, diving masks with a built-in snorkel are considered unsafe by scuba diving organizations such as PADI, BSAC because they can engender a false sense of security and can be difficult to clear if flooded.
The gateway to this proud and independent Polynesian island nation, Upolu packs in something for everyone. It's that stereotypical tropical island – where waterfalls seem to be cascading from everywhere, where white and black sand beaches are a thing of the norm, and where the unique Samoan culture can be experienced firsthand. It's also one of the most affordable South Pacific destinations – as simple or as luxurious as you want it to be. From the colorful markets of its capital city Apia, to the laid back beach fale accommodations on the dreamiest of its beaches, to the natural pools that appear as if taken straight out of a fairytale – your vivid memories of beautiful Samoa will last for eternity.
Some of the most spectacular scenery can be found in the Maldives which have been the location for filming world famous movies. This is the place for overwater bungalows where you can jump in and swim with the fish as much as your heart desires. Check into Angsana Velavaru which is fronted by powdery white sand. You will be able to enjoy stunning sunsets, relaxing massages and dinners over the water.
The rays can be easy to miss as they blend into the sand below, with only their spots visible at first glance. But a tail flicks up and you can suddenly see the rest. Another iconic species to tick off your list. Flickering around the reefs you'll also encounter schools of vibrant tropical fish, which make up a kaleidoscope of colors just below the surface. Giant fish might be spotted, such as sunfish and bacalao groupers. Then the Galapagos fur seals come out to play, dancing and pirouetting through the water, sometimes swimming incredibly close to your snorkel. There are even more unique sights, like Galapagos penguins and diving seabirds.
Fraser Island in Australia surprised us. It's a grand adventure to four wheel it down the 75 mile beach, but it is also a great tropical vacation. Resorts have swimming pools, you can swim inland on fresh water beaches with pure white sand, there are champagne pools to relax in and there are plenty of spots to unwind. So while you may not consider Fraser Island for your typical tropical adventure, we definitely feel it is one and worthy of being the last of our best tropical islands in photos. See all about it here on our Fraser Island Tour
Seychelles is an archipelago made up of 115 islands off the coast of East Africa, located in the Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar and about 990 miles east of Kenya. Most of these islands are uninhabited, and many are protected as nature reserves. Full of color and beauty, the white sands and turquoise sea create a tranquil setting for a relaxing vacation.
1939: First side-mounted swimmers' breathing tube patent filed. In December 1939, expatriate Russian spearfisherman Alexandre Kramarenko files a patent in France for a breathing tube worn at the side of the head with a ball valve at the top to exclude water and a flutter valve at the bottom. Kramarenko and his business partner Charles H. Wilen refile the invention in March 1940 in the USA, where their "underwater apparatus for swimmers" is granted US patent 2,317,236 on 20 April 1943;[36] after entering production in France, the device is called "Le Respirator".[37] The co-founder of Scubapro Dick Bonin is credited with the introduction of the flexible-hose snorkel in the mid-1950s and the exhaust valve to ease snorkel clearing in 1980.[38] In 1964, US Divers markets an L-shaped snorkel designed to outperform J-shaped models by increasing breathing ease, cutting water drag and eliminating the "water trap".[39] In the late 1960s, Dacor launches a "wraparound big-barrel" contoured snorkel, which closely follows the outline of the wearer's head and comes with a wider bore to improve airflow.[40] The findings of the 1977 report "Allergic reactions to mask skirts, regulator mouthpieces and snorkel mouthpieces"[41] encourage diving equipment manufacturers to fit snorkels with hypoallergenic gum rubber and medical-grade silicone mouthpieces (see Figure 5). In the world of underwater swimming and diving, the side-mounted snorkel has long become the norm, although new-generation full-face swim masks with integrated snorkels are beginning to grow in popularity for use in floating and swimming on the surface.
Located in the Caribbean Sea, this Dutch-owned island is perfect. Voted one of the best in the Caribbean, Curacao is like being in tropical Holland. The town is built in the Dutch style, but the surrounding areas are all tropical. Hit the beaches, lay in the sun, and party the night away. This may not be Gilligan's Island, but what it lacks in privacy, it makes up for in romance and fun.
We have been to Maui three times and we're going on our fourth visit in November. That's how much we love it here. What is not to love? The hang loose island vibe is contagious and leaves you feeling recharged even after just a short visit. If you have time, make sure you venture all the way to the Seven Sacred Pools on the Road to Hana and don't miss a stop at Red Sand Beach!
A snorkel is a device used for breathing air from above the surface when the wearer's head is face downwards in the water with the mouth and the nose submerged. It may be either separate or integrated into a swimming or diving mask. The integrated version is only suitable for surface snorkelling, while the separate device may also be used for underwater activities such as spearfishing, freediving, finswimming, underwater hockey, underwater rugby and for surface breathing with scuba equipment. A swimmer's snorkel is a tube bent into a shape often resembling the letter "L" or "J", fitted with a mouthpiece at the lower end and constructed of light metal, rubber or plastic. The snorkel may come with a rubber loop or a plastic clip enabling the snorkel to be attached to the outside of the head strap of the diving mask. Although the snorkel may also be secured by tucking the tube between the mask-strap and the head, this alternative strategy can lead to physical discomfort, mask leakage or even snorkel loss.[2]
9:30am moderate 3 hrs Beverages
This underdeveloped island is on the fast track to becoming Vietnam's next major hotspot. Although it's technically a Vietnamese island, you'll find it positioned just off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. Its sparkling waters, silky smooth sand and dramatic scenery make it a very picturesque locale. Although it's now home to an international airport (PQC) and cruise ship port, the north and east sides of the island remain largely untouched by hoards of tourists. Take one of the dirt roads out past the rugged jungle for a taste of what the island was like way back when. Nowadays, visitors come to Phú Quốc for many reasons other than just the surf and sand. Explore its azure waters, isolated coves, pearl farms, pepper plantations or opt for a full-day tour of the nearby An Thoi islands, an archipelago of 15 islands and inlets off the southern coast. The best part is, you'll find hardly any tourists — for now, that is.
here's a spot that might be interesting to some people. I've spent a month two years ago in Cozumel, Mexico (right across from Cancun) and found it to be really cool. I worked on cruise ships and it is one of the major cruise ship stops so there are tourists but mostly during the day while the ships are in port. Other than that it's a cool and cheap place to stay. Using the app HomeAway (similar to AirBnB) I've found a place (it was a studio in a 7 apartment bulding, with a gate and a small pool in the back) that I paid $350 for a month for. The internet was very good and there were a few big supermarkets close by. Cozumel, for example is one of the top spots for scuba diving in the Caribbean and the side of the island that's opposite to downtown where the cruise ships dock is full of beaches that rarely anyone goes to but it's a great spot for windsurfing for example.
OB is a vibrant, boho-chic neighborhood, with a classic beach bum vibe. Surfers can be found all over, with lots of fishermen and some stellar views. Nearby you can check out antiques shops, beachwear and surf boutiques, organic groceries, taquerias and bars. There is lots of beach culture- plus you can hear the soothing waves crashing into the rocks throughout the day.
Lounging by the water is great but at some point you'll want to take a break, so be sure to throw a cute cover-up and sandals in your bag, too. If you're planning a jaunt to the beach as part of a longer vacation, you'll be glad to know that we also have a great selection of resort looks perfect for keeping cool and looking hot at dinner, a show, or on the deck of a cruise ship. Lulus is where to buy cute bikinis and everything else you need to look fabulous for any occasion--and in any location. Get Instagram-ready looks for the club, polished and professional styles for the office, and pretty formal dresses for special occasions.


Sometimes you need a hook, sometimes you need a carabiner and at other times you just need both. The Qlipter offers a clever and highly multi functional combination of both. The hook rotates for added flexibility and features a rubber piece that provides enhanced grip. The Qlipter can be used in a variety of situations, from hanging a camping pack so it's off the ground to attaching luggage pieces together for easier portability. The current Kickstarter campaign has already surpassed its funding goal but there is still plenty of time to go before it finishes for anyone who is keen to get a Qlipter for themselves.


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Kosteljina je rječica u Hrvatskoj.

Izvire ispod Kostel-brega kraj Pregrade. Protječe ispod Kostelgrada. Sporo teče vijugavim tokom između livada do Toplica i dalje. Ponegdje ima manjih brzaka. Desetak kilometara od izvora utječe u rječicu Horvatsku kod Martinišća, koja se ulijeva u rijeku Krapinu. Rječica je omanja i neki je smatraju tek potokom. Slična je zagorskim rijekama Sutli i Krapini. Rječica izvire otprilike kod mjesta gdje se spaja lokalna cesta 2095 i državna cesta D507, koja dalje prati tok Kosteljine sve do ušća.

Na njenom putu koristili su je mlinari. Bila su dva "melina" kod Pavliše i Filipca. Tu su se nakon brana formirala jezerca pogodna za kupanje. Često se izlijevala pa je krajem 60-tih počela regulacija njenog toka. Zbog vrlo vijugava toka nakon regulacije ostalo je podosta rukavaca ili graba. U njima je bilo mnogo ribe, no ta riba nije imala budućnost zbog bujanja vegetacije, nedostatka kisika i sve većeg zagađenja. Posljedica je bila da su rukavci kopnjeli. Zbog niske ekološke svijesti, ljudi su odbacivali glomazni otpad u rječicu. Rukavci su se pretvorili u divlja odlagališta odbačenih autoguma, karoserija, frižidera, te svakojakog drugog otpada i ambalaže.

Florni svijet oko nje čine livade kroz koje teče. Uz obale rastu vrbe, trstika i ponegdje gusto šipražje.

Kosteljina je bogata ribom zbog čega je u to doba bila omiljeno odredište ribiča. U Kosteljini je bilo puno klenova i potočnih mrena u brzacima, a u dubokim, sjenovitim tunjcima štuka, somova, linjaka, šarana, ostriža i deverika. U rukavcima je nakon regulacije bilo crvenperki, klenova, cvergla, krapova, sunčanica, ostriža pa i rijetkih riba zmijolikog tijela tzv. čikova (piškor). Ptice također vole boraviti uz Kosteljinu te ima divljih pataka, čaplji, fazana i drugih ptica. Faunu čine i žabe, zmije, bizamski štakori (ondatre) i druge vrste.

Izvori

Rijeke u Hrvatskoj
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About 50 people gathered at the Bluejoint Rec Site north of Grand Forks for the grand opening of the "Trails of the North Fork" project.
About 50 people gathered at the Bluejoint Rec Site Thursday for the grand opening of the "Trails of the North Fork" project.
An initiative of the Grand Forks ATV Club, the club partnered with National Trails Coalition and Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation to complete "Trails of the North Fork," which saw Bluejoint Rec Site completed and sign-age erected over approximately 500 kilometres of trails in the North Fork region.
The Grand Forks ATV Club has been proactive in fulfilling its vision, which was set out when it was formed in 2008.
At that time there was a movement to create a Wildlife Management Plan for the Gilpin, Morrissey, Stewart Creek areas. This area includes a large number of hectares of south-facing slopes, the Gilpin Grassland Provincial Park, grazed rangeland areas, multiple forest tenure holders and in addition is used by many different groups as a recreation area.
The vision of the GFATV Club is to be active in preserving the environment and wildlife habitat, protecting our rights and privileges to access Crown land, promoting safe and responsible operation of ORVs, planning events and organizing rides and meetings for every trail enthusiast to attend.
The club is dedicated to promoting safe riding on marked trails for all riders, youth and seniors alike. The majority of our members want to get out, ride and see the beautiful areas in British Columbia on recognized trails in a safe and responsible manner.
The club's membership over the years since 2008 has grown to approximately 100 members, supplied many riders with a certified ATV safety course, hold many community gatherings promoting safe and responsible use of the regions outdoors, presented guest speakers on wildlife , invasive species control and regulations pertaining to the use of Forest Service and non-status roads.
In 2013 the Boundary Country Trails Agreement was created. This agreement is the first in B.C. to be signed by many trail users, municipal governments and others promoting collaboration and cooperation when making decisions on trail issues in our region.
The GFATV Club brought all partners who were interested together in the fall of 2013 with the intent of developing an educational project in the Morrissey, Gilpin and Stewart Creek areas.
There had been problems in these areas with users not knowing where private property boundaries were located and regulations on trapping rights. The trails were not marked and there were many species at risk in the area that users were not aware of.
The area is used heavily with many attributes but the club felt there was a very large educational component missing and that over 90 per cent of the users would respect the area's sensitivity and diversity if they were made aware of what the issues were. The partners agreed a proposal should be developed and presented.
The club felt that first there could be areas created (staging sites) where outdoor toilet facilities could be provided, educational material could be placed, equipment safely unloaded and loaded, where users could park safely off the road, and awareness seminars could be held.
There are many Forest Service roads old and new in the proposed area with no signage for users to know where to go, what areas are sensitive, what times of the year wildlife needs more awareness, how users can support conservation efforts, and many more education opportunities could be presented by other interest groups once staging areas where developed.
In spring of 2014 a proposal was presented to interested partners and was well received by all that attended. Public meetings were then held for comment and the proposal was modified to reflect public concerns.
In early April and May other public events where held showing maps of the proposed trails and allowing for more input and participation by the many partners and the community.
With the confirmed investment from the partners, the GFATV Club was able to secure a Job Creation Grant through Ministry of Social Development and Social. The funding was to develop trails, signage, develop three staging areas, place five heritage benches and clear over 134 kilometres of existing Forest Service roads.
In 2015 with the partners help there will be educational workshops for the many users motorized and non-motorized promoting respect for the wildlife, environment and private property as well as different tenure holders in the area.
Current membership of the club is 100.


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'Commercial Blockchains Just Two Years Away,' Says Russia's Largest Bank CEO
Feb 17 2017 · 14:40 UTC | Updated Feb 20 2017 · 06:20
The head of Russia's leading bank unveiled his views on the future of the blockchain technology while speaking at the Real Estate Market Innovation Conference.
Sberbank CEO, Herman Gref, considers that the industrial use of the distributed ledger technology in Russia will be possible by the end of 2019, news website Prime reported.
Although the timeframe is a little optimistic, Gref noted, it was nonetheless workable. "Two to two-and-a-half years is the timeframe in which we could be talking about seeing Blockchain technology commercially operating," he said.
Currently, Sberbank is working on developing its own use cases of the technology as part of the working group formed to explore innovative technologies in the financial market, including blockchain applications.
Gref also noted that prime minister Dmitry Medvedev gave green light to the creation of the group for studying the distributed ledger use cases. "The prime minister of the Russian Federation has signed off on the creation of a special working group, headed by First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, focusing on ways to assimilate Blockchain technology," he said.
Meantime, Gref added this a major step forward by the government of Russia in promoting the use of the technology. He also noted that blockchain would have an impact on literally all industries.
Last month, Sberbank announced that it is preparing to launch a new blockchain system, called Digital Ecosystem, in Q1 of 2017. The platform is designed to facilitate the exchange of documents between organisations. The initiative involves Russian airline company Aeroflot, coal producer Russian Coal and ForteInvest.
A few days ago, Mvideo, one of the largest Russian electronic retailers, announced it successfully completed a pilot blockchain project, which is claimed to be the first of its kind in Russia. As part of the initiative launched together with Sberbank, the company conducted a trial of the blockchain-based platform that was used to verify transactions. With the blockchain technology, Mvideo noted, the delivery process is completely automated, what eliminates the risk of data breach.
Sberbank is one of the largest advocates of blockchain in Russia. In 2015, the bank announced the intention to join the global blockchain consortium R3 established to explore bitcoin's underlying technology.
Herman Gref is an active supporter of virtual currency and the distributed ledger technology. As he previously stated, the blockchain can be applied in various industries, from state governance to finance sector, and shoud not be banned by regulators.
The potential of the blockchain is being recognized by other government officials in Russia. Earlier, deputy finance minister Alexey Moiseev said that the technology is relevant for the development of the e-commerce industry.


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James Rouvelle & Blithe Riley
Thursday, March 29, 2007. 8:30 pm
James Rouvelle at Roulette 2007
http://audio.roulette.org/2007_03_29_RouvelleJames.mp3
Blithe Riley at Roulette 2007
http://audio.roulette.org/2007_03_29_RileyBlithe.mp3
Artists: Blithe Riley, James Rouvelle
Genres: Electronic, Experimental, Film/Video
James Rouvelle
Formally trained in music composition at the Aspen Music Festival and Juilliard schools, James Rouvelle changed media when the Contemporary Classical Music scene became impossible, and focused his attention on electronics and programming. Presently acting chair of Interactive Media at
the Maryland Institute in Baltimore, James teaches programming, networking, physical computing, and interactive theory and practice. Having happily worked on various team based, interdisciplinary, tech-intensive projects over recent years, his current, personal efforts can be described as shared,
de-centralized, perhaps even aimless events, unfocussed by design to investigate collective intelligence, enhance social relationships, and foster empathy through the practice of listening and dialogue.
For tonight's show, James will be "performing" with the audience…
Blithe Riley
Blithe Riley is an artist working with video, performance and installation.
Her work combines narrative elements with systemic based structures. Recent
projects have explored the operations of spectatorship in various contexts,
including performance-based religious practices. Her work has been screened
nationally an internationally at venues such as the Hallwalls Contemporary
Art Center in Buffalo, NY, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's 125 Maiden
Lane Space in New York City, Pittsburgh Filmmakers, The Warhol Museum, and
Regina Miller Gallery, in Pittsburgh, PA and The European Media Arts
Festival in Germany. Riley received a BFA from Alfred School of Art and
Design in 1999, and an MFA from Carnegie Mellon University in 2005 where she
taught courses in video and performance. In addition to her own work, she
has organized and programmed video screenings since 1998. She currently
resides in Brooklyn, New York.


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Cultural & Economic Committee - Monday, 12th March, 2018 7.30 pm
Agenda reports pack PDF 2 MB
Venue: Council Chamber, The White House, Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 1HD.
83/CE
Apologies for absence had been received and were accepted from Councillor A Brandham, substituted by Councillor C Palmer.
Members were asked to declare any interests, including the nature of those interests, which they had in any of the items under consideration at this meeting. No declarations were made and no dispensations had been requested.
QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
To receive questions and statements from members of the public in respect of any item of business included in the agenda, as provided for in Standing Order No.s 1(f) and 1(h).
Four members of the public spoke during the public session. Three spoke in relation to the street market (agenda item 10). A statement was read out by a market trader representative stating that traders wanted a fair system for rents and that many did not agree with the proposed long service discount. This had been reflected in a petition submitted to the Council on 6 March. It was stated that communications were felt to be misleading due to some errors.
A second speaker and market trader spoke to suggest that the Council should allow traders to form a co-operative and run the market themselves.
A member of the public and town centre retailer questioned the justification for use of Central Bedfordshire Council grant monies for the market relaunch project and whether there would be evidence to show the project had benefitted the market. It was noted that the retail sector was experiencing challenging times and that everyone wanted the market to succeed.
A member of the public and representative of LB First spoke about the Christmas lighting contract, due to be reviewed later in 2018. A request was made to consider additional lighting for areas such as Ropa Court and North Street.
Members of the public were thanked for attending the meeting and for their comments. The 4 market traders then left the meeting.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS PDF 167 KB
To receive and approve as a correct record the minutes of the Cultural and Economic Services Committee meeting held on 10 January 2018.
The Committee received the draft minutes of the previous Committee meeting held on 10 January 2018.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cultural and Economic Services Committee held on 10 January 2018 be approved as a correct record and were signed accordingly.
SUB-COMMITTEE AND TASK GROUP MINUTES PDF 86 KB
To receive the draft minutes of the following meetings (attached) and to consider any recommendations contained therein:
(i) Market Sub-Committee 1 February 2018
The Committee received the draft minutes of the Market Sub-Committee meeting held on 1 February 2018.
Minute reference 097/MK: several recommendations made by the Market Sub-Committee were given consideration.
RESOLVED to endorse the revised Market Cancellation Policy.
RESOLVED to endorse the minor amendments to the revised Community/Charity Pitch Policy.
RESOLVED to endorse the creation of a Community Tuesday Speciality Market to take place once per month.
RESOLVED to receive the draft minutes of the Market Sub-Committee 1 February 2018.
TEENAGE ADVICE AND INFORMATION CENTRE PDF 387 KB
To receive an update report (attached) regarding TACTIC activity during December 2017 to January 2018 and consider the recommendation/s contained therein.
The Committee received an update report regarding TACTIC activity during December 2017 to January 2018, including the youth work programme, external hire of the Centre outside operating hours, satellite projects, agencies, individual support, staffing and attendance.
It was noted that attendance had increased; this was felt to be because of a greater awareness within the wider community of the TACTIC offer but also a greater awareness of issues affecting young people, particularly mental health issues.
The Committee was advised of concerns regarding the potential loss of funding for youth counselling services, despite a growing requirement for this service and increasing waiting lists.
TACTIC staff and young people were thanked for their recent celebration event to note the 15th anniversary of the Centre. This had been well organised and the exhibition on the history of the building had drawn in a wider audience.
RESOLVED to note the report.
COMMUNITY EVENTS PDF 265 KB
To receive an update report regarding community events (attached) and consider the recommendation/s contained therein.
The Committee received a progress report on community events including the Outdoor Cinema Event at Mentmore Park in April, the annual Music in the Park concert programme, the Big Lunch Festival in June, the Linslade Canal Festival in July, Living History Day in October and the initial planning for the Christmas Festival. The potential for corporate sponsorship of events was discussed.
It was noted that the Royal British Legion and other partners were leading on the events to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War 1 in November 2018, but that the Town Council would be leading on the beacon lighting part of the commemoration.
BEST BAR NONE
To receive a verbal update on the delivery of the Best Bar None Award Scheme.
The Committee received a verbal update on the delivery of the Best Bar None Award Scheme, designed to improve standards within licensed premises. Having trained six assessors in January, assessments of the licensed premises were currently underway and would be followed by a People's Vote in April. It was anticipated that an awards presentation would be held in June.
The Committee was reminded that the Best Bar None Co-ordinator also facilitated the scheme in Dunstable and Houghton Regis, with a contribution being made by those town councils. Funding had been secured to extend the post until the end of March 2019, which would allow time for future arrangements to be given consideration.
YOUTH PROMISE GRANT FUND
a) To receive a verbal update on the grant scheme.
b) To receive a report on grant applications and consider the recommendations therein – this agenda item pending received applications.
The Committee received a verbal update on the new grant scheme. To date, four applications had been received. Additional information was being sought from all four applicants. The grant steering group would assess applications in advance of the next Committee meeting.
The point was reiterated that clear measurable outcomes needed to be established prior to approval of any grant funding.
RESOLVED to note the information.
MARKET PDF 269 KB
To receive a report (attached) on proposed market pitch fees and consider the recommendations therein.
The Committee received a report and was asked to consider the recommendations therein regarding proposed market pitch fees.
The Committee was reminded that management of the street market was a discretionary service to the community and that as such, there was no legal requirement for consultation. However, in line with good practice, the Town Council had undertaken consultation over a period of time.
The Committee was reminded that a previous fee structure had been agreed in 2017 but it had been agreed to defer implementation of any increases until 1 April 2018 to allow time for traders to plan and budget accordingly.
Ongoing discussions had taken place in respect of the agreed fee structure and the revised proposals were as a direct result of feedback given by traders and trader representatives. The fee for additional space beyond the maximum of three standard pitches had been reduced from £2.10 per square metre to £0.50 per square metre. In addition, it was recommended to award traders a long service discount on pitch fees.
It was reiterated that no pitch fee changes had been implemented since the Town Council took over the running of the street market in 2012, but that the time had come to standardise fees and ensure a fair and transparent fee structure which would apply equally to every trader.
Under the revised proposals, 8 out of 30 permanent traders would see no change in their pitch fee. 11 would see a reduced fee as a result of the long service discount, and 11 would see an increase, which would be implemented in a gradual process depending on the amount of the increase. Up to 24 months would be allowed in order for rent equalisation to be achieved.
Committee members expressed support for the proposals but recognised that the complexity might be difficult for some to clearly understand. Councillors asked that each trader be given clear, personalised communication as to the nature of their own fee and how the recommendations would affect these.
A query was raised regarding turnover of traders. It was noted that the market industry was one with frequent fluctuations and that it was a particularly challenging retail environment at present. This very fact had necessitated the market relaunch project, with every effort being made to ensure the market would change, grow and develop in order to survive into the future.
On being proposed and seconded, the four recommendations being put to the Committee were agreed unanimously.
1.1 To endorse the proposal that Casual market traders pay £23 per pitch at 3m x 3m per pitch.
1.2 To endorse that additional square metre space taken above the standard maximum space of 27 square metres is charged at .50p per metre.
1.3 To endorse recognition of trader's 'long service' for permanent traders by offering a whole pitch fee discount according to years served:
i. 5 years and over: 5% discount
ii. 10 years and over: 10% discount
iii. 15 years and over: 15% discount ... view the full minutes text for item 92/CE
COMMITTEE WORK PLAN & OBJECTIVES PDF 121 KB
(a) To receive the Committee objectives and work plan for 2017-2018 (bassed on the Town Council Three Year Plan) (attached).
(b) To receive and consider the Committee objectives work plan for 2018-2019 (based on the Town Council Three Year Plan) (attached).
11(b) Cult & Ec Services Work Plan 2018-19 DRAFT , item 93/CE PDF 97 KB
The Committee received the Committee objectives and work plan for the current year, in accordance with the Town Council's Three Year Plan, as well as a proposed plan for the forthcoming municipal year.
RESOLVED to note the Committee objectives and work plan for 2017-2018 and for 2018-2019.
BUDGET REPORTS PDF 196 KB
To receive a budget monitoring report (to follow).
12 Appendix A_C&E budget report Mth11 , item 94/CE PDF 20 KB
12 Appendix B_C&E earmarked reserve Mth11 , item 94/CE PDF 7 KB
The Committee received a system generated budget report for the revenue budget and earmarked reserves, as well as an additional sheet outlining any committed expenditure and the amounts remaining available.
i. To note the report.
ii. To carry forward unspent funds from the Community Access Defibrillator budget line 101/4554 into the earmarked reserve for this purpose (970/9022), to facilitate the ongoing costs of maintenance and kit replenishment.
Following on from the earlier discussion regarding provision of services at TACTIC, it was proposed and seconded that any underspend within the TACTIC revenue budget (104) be carried forward into the TACTIC earmarked reserve (970/9020) and that authority be delegated to the Town Clerk to authorise expenditure of up to £6,000 for future service provision. This was agreed unanimously.
RESOLVED that any underspend within the TACTIC revenue budget (104) be carried forward into the TACTIC earmarked reserve (970/9022) and that authority be delegated to the Town Clerk to authorise expenditure of up to £6,000 for future service provision.
MARKET TOWN REGENERATION FUNDED PROJECTS UPDATES
To receive verbal updates on:
a) Market Relaunch project.
b) Architectural lighting project.
c) Electronic Variable Signage.
d) High Street Improvement Scheme, (HSIS).
The Committee received a verbal update on Market Town Regeneration Fund projects including the market relaunch, electronic signage and architectural lighting. An update was also given on the High Street Improvement Scheme.
Some concern was expressed regarding project completion timescales but it was noted that many elements of the projects were outside of the control of the Town Council and dependent on other parties.


Last month I wrote about a beta version of Glassboard which included a handy "invitation code" feature which makes it much easier for others to join your private boards.
Well, it's out of beta now - you can get it from the Android Market and the iPhone App Store.
If you'd like to find out more about this release, stop by the Glassboard Blog for details.
This strikes me as strangely funny: we want to talk about how people are using Glassboard, but we made it so private that we don't know how people are using it unless they tell us.
That's right, we're so committed to privacy that even we can't see how Glassboard is being used.
So if you've got a story to share about how you're using Glassboard, please drop us a line at stories@glassboard.com. We'd love to feature your story in our blog and elsewhere to let others know the benefits of private group sharing.


The remarkable permanent collections and important contemporary art exhibitions held there since the late 70s and its architecture make it one of the world reference sets for the art of the 20th and 21st centuries. It is also one of the most visited museums in the capital. Conferences, screenings, performances are organized, the library and the bookstore make it an important cultural creative exchange place.
It is at the Pompidou Centre that took place major retrospectives of artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp, Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, Pierre Soulages, Jeff Koons, Gerhard Richter and Anselm Kiefer.


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Where beer and science meet
Brews and Brains group translates complex research for a mass audience
by Roy Rivenburg, UCI | June 19, 2017
At a Brews and Brains event at Costa Mesa's Fireside Tavern, Ceazar Nave, a second-year UCI doctoral student in physiology & biophysics, outlines how studying fruit fly brains might help jet-lagged humans reset their biological clocks. Steve Zylius / UCI
Can glow-in-the-dark fruit fly brains help humans avoid Monday morning grogginess after a weekend of partying? As a crowd of 30 sip beer and gobble sliders at a Costa Mesa tavern, Ph.D. student Ceazar Nave explains how insect research at UCI might lead to a cure for the "social jet lag" caused by staying up late and sleeping in.
His 10-minute talk is part of Brews and Brains, a biweekly blend of science, beer and camaraderie organized by UCI graduate students. Think of it as Toastmasters for brainiacs, says Nayna Sanathara, who co-founded the group in 2015 while earning a doctorate in pharmacology.
The goal is to help graduate students and postdocs communicate complex scientific research to the general public – and have some fun in the process. "Grad school can be very lonely," Sanathara notes. "With Brews and Brains, I got to know a good amount of people, which was refreshing."
Brews and Brains co-leader James Pratt Jr., a fourth-year Ph.D. student in criminology, law & society, mingles with attendees on the venue's patio. Steve Zylius / UCI
The gatherings have gained enough steam that students from UCLA and UC San Diego have asked about establishing Brews and Brains branches at their campuses. UCI's club has nearly 1,400 followers on Meetup.com and sells beer pint glasses and coasters emblazoned with its logo.
Professors, students and curious civilians attend the mini-lectures, which cover such topics as sex workers in Indonesia, butterfly eyesight, intestinal immune cells, teen smoking, and sugar as a potential remedy for multiple sclerosis.
The idea for Brews and Brains germinated in a science communication skills course taught at UCI by writer/performer/radio host Sandra Tsing Loh. On the last day, Sanathara and two classmates – Mike Bryant, a mechanical & aerospace engineering master's student who worked in UCI's lasers, flames and aerosols research group, and Christian Herrera, a psychology Ph.D. student specializing in cognitive neuroscience – decided they wanted to continue honing their storytelling abilities.
Bryant suggested forming a Meetup group, Sanathara designed a logo, and Brews and Brains was born.
But the first meeting – held March 17, 2015, in UCI's Anteater Pub – was a bit of a disaster. "We forgot it was St. Patrick's Day," Sanathara recalls. So the inaugural speaker found herself struggling to explain "the psychophysics of color" in a room filled with loud, drunk people. "After that, we looked for a quieter location," Sanathara says.
A Newport Beach pizza parlor was the group's next home, followed by an Irish pub, a Mediterranean diner and, currently, the Fireside Tavern in Costa Mesa's Crowne Plaza Hotel. Slowly but steadily, the events caught on, growing from a handful of attendees and the need to arm-twist potential speakers to audiences of several dozen and a waiting list of folks wanting to deliver talks, organizers say.
On June 26, Brews and Brains will belatedly celebrate its second birthday with a big science party at The Cove, UCI Applied Innovation's hip networking hangout. Food and drinks will be included, along with an expanded lineup of mini-talks, two by UCI faculty. The event is open to the public.
In coming months, the club hopes to launch a blog, propagate to other campuses and apply for nonprofit status, says James Pratt Jr., a criminology, law & society grad student who co-leads the organization.
And, of course, Brews and Brains will continue its every-other-week fusion of science and suds.
On a recent Tuesday, jet lag researcher Nave took center stage to discuss the use of disembodied fruit fly brains to study the side effects of flying cross-country (or staying up late and sleeping in on weekends). By manipulating the croissant-shaped organ's biological clock and tracking the reaction of circadian neurons (bred to glow in the dark), UCI investigators discovered that a brief blast of light shortened the recovery time.
This summer, Nave – a second-year physiology & biophysics doctoral student – plans to experiment with the timing and intensity of the light to see if more instant jet lag relief is possible.
In the meantime, he warns Brews and Brains listeners that altering their sleep patterns on Fridays and Saturdays not only causes "social jet lag" on Monday morning, but increases vulnerability to heart disease and other ailments.
Reworking a line from Shakespeare, Nave concludes: "Partying is such sweet sorrow."
Bringing hope and health to Duroville
UCI closes Orange County's largest philanthropic campaign, surpassing $1 billion goal
Play explores UCI's PrisonPandemic project
Underwater sleuth
Brews and Brains
http://www.brewsandbrains.com
UCI jet lag research
https://news.uci.edu/faculty/uci-study-of-fruit-fly-brain-in-a-jar-reveals-mechanics-of-jet-lag