text:
Building a Bright Career
IT offers a future of growth, advancement and opportunity – regardless of gender.
By Aletha Noonan
When I first entered the world of information technology in 1993, the industry was growing by triple digits. "Women in IT" wasn't really a thing. The issue of "women in IT" was likely born out of the fact that there were almost no women in this field in the early 90's. Women were (and still are) underrepresented compared to our male counterparts in most high tech fields and in most technology companies. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women make up 51 percent of the U.S. population and 59 percent of the U.S. labor force.
When it comes to women at tech companies, the numbers vary. An article published on CNET in May 2015 indicated that at many of the largest tech companies, women make up under 30 percent of the workforce.( That clearly does not align with the 59 percent Census figure. As you move up the ladder in corporate tech America, you will more often than not see an even lower percentage of women in technical roles and senior leadership roles. I know that women belong in and thrive in IT. However, the ratio of women to men in IT is still off balance.
Develop Talent — Regardless of Gender
I know that if a company really wants to position itself for long-term sustainable success and growth, then it needs to embrace the development and advancement of top talent — regardless of gender. I happen to work for a company that actively promotes the development and advancement of all coworkers. In fact, CDW has a stronger percentage of women reporting to the CEO than the most Fortune 500 companies.
I love my career in IT and I love working in an industry that is relevant to nearly every facet of the world —whether it be farming, healthcare, education, athletics, retail, etc.
I started my career as a technical sales person. With a background in sales and communications, I didn't know much about IT, but I certainly had an appetite and desire to work in this booming field. I knew early on that technology was a catalyst to enable best-in-class performance and results for the corporate and public sector. Having the commitment to stay in IT was pivotal to my growth and success as a professional. I attribute much of that commitment (though sometimes I was the only woman on a team or group) to mentors and support along the way. We might see more women in IT today if the support and mentorship opportunities were consistent and pervasive.
Joining CDW in 1994, the company offered me training on technology as well as continuing education opportunities. In a matter of months, I grew increasingly tech savvy and over time I became knowledgeable as an IT sales consultant. I could design a basic network and recommend what storage drives and memory to add to a desktop or notebook. In 2016 — 23 years later— I still wouldn't call myself a technologist, but I do identify as a woman in IT. Lucky me! I am a vice president of a technical sales force at a Fortune 500 company.
Growth, Advancement and Opportunity
As luck would have it, I have found a field and a career that has allowed me to have continued growth, advancement and opportunity. When I entered college in 1988, I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do. But I am certain growth, advancement and opportunity were all ideal scenarios for my career of choice.
I am inspired daily about what IT does to compel and move the world forward. As a mother of two middle-school girls, I'm acutely aware of how valuable it is for young girls to be excited about technology. I often spend time promoting their interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) so they can aspire to be anything they want to be. Young girls should know that they will gain advantages by understanding technology and its impact on the world. Talented people who pursue careers in IT are certain to have a future filled with growth, advancement and opportunity.
Being a woman in IT is just one way to describe me. Most importantly I'm a professional in arguably the world's most relevant field —technology.
Get the latest news and information about higher education at EdTech: Focus on Higher Education.
women in IT, women in tech


text:
#region Header
// Title Name       : Prop.
// Member of        : TupleGeo.General.dll
// Description      : Prop object provides utility functions related to object properties.
// Created by       : 04/06/2015, 02:05, Vasilis Vlastaras.
// Updated by       :
// Version          : 1.0.0
// Contact Details  : TupleGeo.
// License          : Apache License.
// Copyright        : TupleGeo, 2015.
// Comments         :
#endregion

#region Imported Namespaces

using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Linq;
using System.Linq.Expressions;
using System.Reflection;
using System.Text;

#endregion

namespace TupleGeo.General.Linq.Expressions {

  ///
  /// Prop object provides utility functions related to object properties.
  ///
  public static class Prop {

    #region Public Methods

    ///
    /// Gets a property name.
    ///
    /// <typeparam name="T">The object whose property name will be retrieved.</typeparam>
    /// <param name="expression">
    /// The expression used to retrieve the property. Should be like: p => p.PropertyName
    /// </param>
    /// <exception cref="ArgumentNullException">
    /// Thrown when <paramref name="expression"/> is <c>null</c>.
    /// </exception>
    /// <returns>A string holding the property name.</returns>
    public static string GetPropertyName<T>(Expression<Func<T, object>> expression) {

      if (expression == null) {
        throw new ArgumentNullException("expression", "Expression could not be NULL.");
      }

      var lambda = expression as LambdaExpression;
      MemberExpression memberExpression;

      if (lambda.Body is UnaryExpression) {
        var unaryExpression = lambda.Body as UnaryExpression;
        memberExpression = unaryExpression.Operand as MemberExpression;
      }
      else {
        memberExpression = lambda.Body as MemberExpression;
      }

      //var constantExpression = memberExpression.Expression as ConstantExpression;

      if (memberExpression != null) {
        var propertyInfo = memberExpression.Member as PropertyInfo;

        return propertyInfo.Name;
      }

      return null;

    }

    #endregion

  }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
using System;
using System.Collections;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Globalization;
using System.Linq;
using System.Threading;
using System.Threading.Tasks;
using Azure;
using Azure.Core;
using Azure.Core.Pipeline;
using Azure.ResourceManager;

namespace Azure.ResourceManager.SignalR
{
    /// <summary>
    /// A class representing a collection of <see cref="CustomCertificateResource" /> and their operations.
    /// Each <see cref="CustomCertificateResource" /> in the collection will belong to the same instance of <see cref="SignalRResource" />.
    /// To get a <see cref="CustomCertificateCollection" /> instance call the GetCustomCertificates method from an instance of <see cref="SignalRResource" />.
    /// </summary>
    public partial class CustomCertificateCollection : ArmCollection, IEnumerable<CustomCertificateResource>, IAsyncEnumerable<CustomCertificateResource>
    {
        private readonly ClientDiagnostics _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesClientDiagnostics;
        private readonly SignalRCustomCertificatesRestOperations _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesRestClient;

        /// <summary> Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="CustomCertificateCollection"/> class for mocking. </summary>
        protected CustomCertificateCollection()
        {
        }

        /// <summary> Initializes a new instance of the <see cref="CustomCertificateCollection"/> class. </summary>
        /// <param name="client"> The client parameters to use in these operations. </param>
        /// <param name="id"> The identifier of the parent resource that is the target of operations. </param>
        internal CustomCertificateCollection(ArmClient client, ResourceIdentifier id) : base(client, id)
        {
            _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesClientDiagnostics = new ClientDiagnostics("Azure.ResourceManager.SignalR", CustomCertificateResource.ResourceType.Namespace, Diagnostics);
            TryGetApiVersion(CustomCertificateResource.ResourceType, out string customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesApiVersion);
            _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesRestClient = new SignalRCustomCertificatesRestOperations(Pipeline, Diagnostics.ApplicationId, Endpoint, customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesApiVersion);
#if DEBUG
			ValidateResourceId(Id);
#endif
        }

        internal static void ValidateResourceId(ResourceIdentifier id)
        {
            if (id.ResourceType != SignalRResource.ResourceType)
                throw new ArgumentException(string.Format(CultureInfo.CurrentCulture, "Invalid resource type {0} expected {1}", id.ResourceType, SignalRResource.ResourceType), nameof(id));
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Create or update a custom certificate.
        /// Request Path: /subscriptions/{subscriptionId}/resourceGroups/{resourceGroupName}/providers/Microsoft.SignalRService/signalR/{resourceName}/customCertificates/{certificateName}
        /// Operation Id: SignalRCustomCertificates_CreateOrUpdate
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="waitUntil"> <see cref="WaitUntil.Completed"/> if the method should wait to return until the long-running operation has completed on the service; <see cref="WaitUntil.Started"/> if it should return after starting the operation. For more information on long-running operations, please see <see href="https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-net/blob/main/sdk/core/Azure.Core/samples/LongRunningOperations.md"> Azure.Core Long-Running Operation samples</see>. </param>
        /// <param name="certificateName"> Custom certificate name. </param>
        /// <param name="data"> The CustomCertificate to use. </param>
        /// <param name="cancellationToken"> The cancellation token to use. </param>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentException"> <paramref name="certificateName"/> is an empty string, and was expected to be non-empty. </exception>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentNullException"> <paramref name="certificateName"/> or <paramref name="data"/> is null. </exception>
        public virtual async Task<ArmOperation<CustomCertificateResource>> CreateOrUpdateAsync(WaitUntil waitUntil, string certificateName, CustomCertificateData data, CancellationToken cancellationToken = default)
        {
            Argument.AssertNotNullOrEmpty(certificateName, nameof(certificateName));
            Argument.AssertNotNull(data, nameof(data));

            using var scope = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesClientDiagnostics.CreateScope("CustomCertificateCollection.CreateOrUpdate");
            scope.Start();
            try
            {
                var response = await _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesRestClient.CreateOrUpdateAsync(Id.SubscriptionId, Id.ResourceGroupName, Id.Name, certificateName, data, cancellationToken).ConfigureAwait(false);
                var operation = new SignalRArmOperation<CustomCertificateResource>(new CustomCertificateOperationSource(Client), _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesClientDiagnostics, Pipeline, _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesRestClient.CreateCreateOrUpdateRequest(Id.SubscriptionId, Id.ResourceGroupName, Id.Name, certificateName, data).Request, response, OperationFinalStateVia.Location);
                if (waitUntil == WaitUntil.Completed)
                    await operation.WaitForCompletionAsync(cancellationToken).ConfigureAwait(false);
                return operation;
            }
            catch (Exception e)
            {
                scope.Failed(e);
                throw;
            }
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Create or update a custom certificate.
        /// Request Path: /subscriptions/{subscriptionId}/resourceGroups/{resourceGroupName}/providers/Microsoft.SignalRService/signalR/{resourceName}/customCertificates/{certificateName}
        /// Operation Id: SignalRCustomCertificates_CreateOrUpdate
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="waitUntil"> <see cref="WaitUntil.Completed"/> if the method should wait to return until the long-running operation has completed on the service; <see cref="WaitUntil.Started"/> if it should return after starting the operation. For more information on long-running operations, please see <see href="https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-net/blob/main/sdk/core/Azure.Core/samples/LongRunningOperations.md"> Azure.Core Long-Running Operation samples</see>. </param>
        /// <param name="certificateName"> Custom certificate name. </param>
        /// <param name="data"> The CustomCertificate to use. </param>
        /// <param name="cancellationToken"> The cancellation token to use. </param>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentException"> <paramref name="certificateName"/> is an empty string, and was expected to be non-empty. </exception>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentNullException"> <paramref name="certificateName"/> or <paramref name="data"/> is null. </exception>
        public virtual ArmOperation<CustomCertificateResource> CreateOrUpdate(WaitUntil waitUntil, string certificateName, CustomCertificateData data, CancellationToken cancellationToken = default)
        {
            Argument.AssertNotNullOrEmpty(certificateName, nameof(certificateName));
            Argument.AssertNotNull(data, nameof(data));

            using var scope = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesClientDiagnostics.CreateScope("CustomCertificateCollection.CreateOrUpdate");
            scope.Start();
            try
            {
                var response = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesRestClient.CreateOrUpdate(Id.SubscriptionId, Id.ResourceGroupName, Id.Name, certificateName, data, cancellationToken);
                var operation = new SignalRArmOperation<CustomCertificateResource>(new CustomCertificateOperationSource(Client), _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesClientDiagnostics, Pipeline, _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesRestClient.CreateCreateOrUpdateRequest(Id.SubscriptionId, Id.ResourceGroupName, Id.Name, certificateName, data).Request, response, OperationFinalStateVia.Location);
                if (waitUntil == WaitUntil.Completed)
                    operation.WaitForCompletion(cancellationToken);
                return operation;
            }
            catch (Exception e)
            {
                scope.Failed(e);
                throw;
            }
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Get a custom certificate.
        /// Request Path: /subscriptions/{subscriptionId}/resourceGroups/{resourceGroupName}/providers/Microsoft.SignalRService/signalR/{resourceName}/customCertificates/{certificateName}
        /// Operation Id: SignalRCustomCertificates_Get
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="certificateName"> Custom certificate name. </param>
        /// <param name="cancellationToken"> The cancellation token to use. </param>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentException"> <paramref name="certificateName"/> is an empty string, and was expected to be non-empty. </exception>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentNullException"> <paramref name="certificateName"/> is null. </exception>
        public virtual async Task<Response<CustomCertificateResource>> GetAsync(string certificateName, CancellationToken cancellationToken = default)
        {
            Argument.AssertNotNullOrEmpty(certificateName, nameof(certificateName));

            using var scope = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesClientDiagnostics.CreateScope("CustomCertificateCollection.Get");
            scope.Start();
            try
            {
                var response = await _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesRestClient.GetAsync(Id.SubscriptionId, Id.ResourceGroupName, Id.Name, certificateName, cancellationToken).ConfigureAwait(false);
                if (response.Value == null)
                    throw new RequestFailedException(response.GetRawResponse());
                return Response.FromValue(new CustomCertificateResource(Client, response.Value), response.GetRawResponse());
            }
            catch (Exception e)
            {
                scope.Failed(e);
                throw;
            }
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Get a custom certificate.
        /// Request Path: /subscriptions/{subscriptionId}/resourceGroups/{resourceGroupName}/providers/Microsoft.SignalRService/signalR/{resourceName}/customCertificates/{certificateName}
        /// Operation Id: SignalRCustomCertificates_Get
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="certificateName"> Custom certificate name. </param>
        /// <param name="cancellationToken"> The cancellation token to use. </param>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentException"> <paramref name="certificateName"/> is an empty string, and was expected to be non-empty. </exception>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentNullException"> <paramref name="certificateName"/> is null. </exception>
        public virtual Response<CustomCertificateResource> Get(string certificateName, CancellationToken cancellationToken = default)
        {
            Argument.AssertNotNullOrEmpty(certificateName, nameof(certificateName));

            using var scope = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesClientDiagnostics.CreateScope("CustomCertificateCollection.Get");
            scope.Start();
            try
            {
                var response = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesRestClient.Get(Id.SubscriptionId, Id.ResourceGroupName, Id.Name, certificateName, cancellationToken);
                if (response.Value == null)
                    throw new RequestFailedException(response.GetRawResponse());
                return Response.FromValue(new CustomCertificateResource(Client, response.Value), response.GetRawResponse());
            }
            catch (Exception e)
            {
                scope.Failed(e);
                throw;
            }
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// List all custom certificates.
        /// Request Path: /subscriptions/{subscriptionId}/resourceGroups/{resourceGroupName}/providers/Microsoft.SignalRService/signalR/{resourceName}/customCertificates
        /// Operation Id: SignalRCustomCertificates_List
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="cancellationToken"> The cancellation token to use. </param>
        /// <returns> An async collection of <see cref="CustomCertificateResource" /> that may take multiple service requests to iterate over. </returns>
        public virtual AsyncPageable<CustomCertificateResource> GetAllAsync(CancellationToken cancellationToken = default)
        {
            async Task<Page<CustomCertificateResource>> FirstPageFunc(int? pageSizeHint)
            {
                using var scope = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesClientDiagnostics.CreateScope("CustomCertificateCollection.GetAll");
                scope.Start();
                try
                {
                    var response = await _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesRestClient.ListAsync(Id.SubscriptionId, Id.ResourceGroupName, Id.Name, cancellationToken: cancellationToken).ConfigureAwait(false);
                    return Page.FromValues(response.Value.Value.Select(value => new CustomCertificateResource(Client, value)), response.Value.NextLink, response.GetRawResponse());
                }
                catch (Exception e)
                {
                    scope.Failed(e);
                    throw;
                }
            }
            async Task<Page<CustomCertificateResource>> NextPageFunc(string nextLink, int? pageSizeHint)
            {
                using var scope = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesClientDiagnostics.CreateScope("CustomCertificateCollection.GetAll");
                scope.Start();
                try
                {
                    var response = await _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesRestClient.ListNextPageAsync(nextLink, Id.SubscriptionId, Id.ResourceGroupName, Id.Name, cancellationToken: cancellationToken).ConfigureAwait(false);
                    return Page.FromValues(response.Value.Value.Select(value => new CustomCertificateResource(Client, value)), response.Value.NextLink, response.GetRawResponse());
                }
                catch (Exception e)
                {
                    scope.Failed(e);
                    throw;
                }
            }
            return PageableHelpers.CreateAsyncEnumerable(FirstPageFunc, NextPageFunc);
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// List all custom certificates.
        /// Request Path: /subscriptions/{subscriptionId}/resourceGroups/{resourceGroupName}/providers/Microsoft.SignalRService/signalR/{resourceName}/customCertificates
        /// Operation Id: SignalRCustomCertificates_List
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="cancellationToken"> The cancellation token to use. </param>
        /// <returns> A collection of <see cref="CustomCertificateResource" /> that may take multiple service requests to iterate over. </returns>
        public virtual Pageable<CustomCertificateResource> GetAll(CancellationToken cancellationToken = default)
        {
            Page<CustomCertificateResource> FirstPageFunc(int? pageSizeHint)
            {
                using var scope = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesClientDiagnostics.CreateScope("CustomCertificateCollection.GetAll");
                scope.Start();
                try
                {
                    var response = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesRestClient.List(Id.SubscriptionId, Id.ResourceGroupName, Id.Name, cancellationToken: cancellationToken);
                    return Page.FromValues(response.Value.Value.Select(value => new CustomCertificateResource(Client, value)), response.Value.NextLink, response.GetRawResponse());
                }
                catch (Exception e)
                {
                    scope.Failed(e);
                    throw;
                }
            }
            Page<CustomCertificateResource> NextPageFunc(string nextLink, int? pageSizeHint)
            {
                using var scope = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesClientDiagnostics.CreateScope("CustomCertificateCollection.GetAll");
                scope.Start();
                try
                {
                    var response = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesRestClient.ListNextPage(nextLink, Id.SubscriptionId, Id.ResourceGroupName, Id.Name, cancellationToken: cancellationToken);
                    return Page.FromValues(response.Value.Value.Select(value => new CustomCertificateResource(Client, value)), response.Value.NextLink, response.GetRawResponse());
                }
                catch (Exception e)
                {
                    scope.Failed(e);
                    throw;
                }
            }
            return PageableHelpers.CreateEnumerable(FirstPageFunc, NextPageFunc);
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Checks to see if the resource exists in azure.
        /// Request Path: /subscriptions/{subscriptionId}/resourceGroups/{resourceGroupName}/providers/Microsoft.SignalRService/signalR/{resourceName}/customCertificates/{certificateName}
        /// Operation Id: SignalRCustomCertificates_Get
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="certificateName"> Custom certificate name. </param>
        /// <param name="cancellationToken"> The cancellation token to use. </param>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentException"> <paramref name="certificateName"/> is an empty string, and was expected to be non-empty. </exception>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentNullException"> <paramref name="certificateName"/> is null. </exception>
        public virtual async Task<Response<bool>> ExistsAsync(string certificateName, CancellationToken cancellationToken = default)
        {
            Argument.AssertNotNullOrEmpty(certificateName, nameof(certificateName));

            using var scope = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesClientDiagnostics.CreateScope("CustomCertificateCollection.Exists");
            scope.Start();
            try
            {
                var response = await _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesRestClient.GetAsync(Id.SubscriptionId, Id.ResourceGroupName, Id.Name, certificateName, cancellationToken: cancellationToken).ConfigureAwait(false);
                return Response.FromValue(response.Value != null, response.GetRawResponse());
            }
            catch (Exception e)
            {
                scope.Failed(e);
                throw;
            }
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Checks to see if the resource exists in azure.
        /// Request Path: /subscriptions/{subscriptionId}/resourceGroups/{resourceGroupName}/providers/Microsoft.SignalRService/signalR/{resourceName}/customCertificates/{certificateName}
        /// Operation Id: SignalRCustomCertificates_Get
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="certificateName"> Custom certificate name. </param>
        /// <param name="cancellationToken"> The cancellation token to use. </param>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentException"> <paramref name="certificateName"/> is an empty string, and was expected to be non-empty. </exception>
        /// <exception cref="ArgumentNullException"> <paramref name="certificateName"/> is null. </exception>
        public virtual Response<bool> Exists(string certificateName, CancellationToken cancellationToken = default)
        {
            Argument.AssertNotNullOrEmpty(certificateName, nameof(certificateName));

            using var scope = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesClientDiagnostics.CreateScope("CustomCertificateCollection.Exists");
            scope.Start();
            try
            {
                var response = _customCertificateSignalRCustomCertificatesRestClient.Get(Id.SubscriptionId, Id.ResourceGroupName, Id.Name, certificateName, cancellationToken: cancellationToken);
                return Response.FromValue(response.Value != null, response.GetRawResponse());
            }
            catch (Exception e)
            {
                scope.Failed(e);
                throw;
            }
        }

        IEnumerator<CustomCertificateResource> IEnumerable<CustomCertificateResource>.GetEnumerator()
        {
            return GetAll().GetEnumerator();
        }

        IEnumerator IEnumerable.GetEnumerator()
        {
            return GetAll().GetEnumerator();
        }

        IAsyncEnumerator<CustomCertificateResource> IAsyncEnumerable<CustomCertificateResource>.GetAsyncEnumerator(CancellationToken cancellationToken)
        {
            return GetAllAsync(cancellationToken: cancellationToken).GetAsyncEnumerator(cancellationToken);
        }
    }
}


HANOI (AFP) — The World Bank Friday said it was lending communist Vietnam 60 million dollars for a project to modernise its central bank with better training and technology.
The credit would help the State Bank of Vietnam and other institutions "to reform and modernise the financial sector by improving delivery of their main functions in line with international standards," said the bank.
Much of the loan would be used "to build a modern, centralised information and communications technology platform to support the State Bank of Vietnam's evolving role as a central bank," the World Bank said in a statement.
The project would also help the Credit Information Centre and the Deposit Insurance of Vietnam with funding from the International Development Association, the Washington-based World Bank's concessional arm.
"The project is aimed at contributing to the achievement of the government's strategic goal of a stable and sound financial sector in Vietnam," said Xiaofeng Hua of the World Bank's East Asia and Pacific region.


Between the wave of Pokémon Sun and Moon news, we have an announcement for the arcade version of Pokkén Tournament. The Steel/Bug type Scizor joins the fray! Check out its intro trailer below courtesy of NinEverything.
Scizor has a burst attack of Mega-Evolution (aka becomes Mega Scizor). Sadly at the moment Scizor will only be for the arcade version of the game, making its debut on October the 20th. However, Scizor and Darkrai may well turn up in the WIi U version down the track.
Thanks to hashtag for the tip.


To contact the South Bank Arts Centre reception please phone 01234 291415. For facilities/room hire please phone 01234 291415 or email us.
For theatre show tickets, contact main reception on 01234 291000. To book our studio theatre or recording/rehearsal studios, please phone 01234 291415 or email us.
The South Bank Arts Centre is approachable through the College's main entrance on Cauldwell Street. At main reception turn right and head towards Springs, the sports hall.


Despite the fact that most national parks are usually being located far away from the nearest civilization, the same can't be said with the Mols Bjerge. It's because this national park is located near a town called Ebeltoft, which is actually located within its territory. So if you want to leave your car while you're enjoying the outdoor activities in this park, then perhaps you can find a reliable mols bjerge parkering service a lot easier, compared to the other national parks.
In such a civilized town, which is also a famous tourist destination, the authority, the locals, and also the government will do their best to ensure the safety of their tourists, along with their vehicle. Thus, allowing them to enjoy their vacation in this beautiful park without any worry about the safety of their cars, trailers, and motorbikes alike. So, if you want to visit this place soon by driving your own private car or bike, then don't hesitate. As long as you try to get the official and licensed parking service in Ebeltoft or the other area within the park, your vehicle will likely to stay safe when you leave them.


Is Ashton Meen Lesbian ?
Advertising Operations Assistant, Ashton Meem was married to Russell Wilson Seattle Seahawks quarterback on 14th January 2012 in Richmond, Virginia. She works as Advertising Assistant for American Family Insurance since 2011.
Ashton Meem was born on 6th September 1987 and raised in Richmond, Virginia USA. She is the daughter of Molly Meem and Lang Meem.
Meen enrolled at the University of Georgia in 2008 and then joined North Carolina State University. She transferred to North Carolina State in 2009. She also attended Collegiate School in Richmond. She graduated in 2010 with a B.A Advertising Operations Assistant in Communications.
Ashton Meen started her career as a secretary in Lewis Media Partner, and it's been an uphill in her career ever since. She worked as Account Executive for Morton Consulting LLC for seven years.
Ashton Meem met Russell Wilson while in high school and began dating in 2006. To be with her then-boyfriend, Russell, she changed colleges three times. Ultimately, they married after six-year relationship in 2012.
After graduating from North Carolina State University, her husband proposed to her and they got engaged in 2010. They divorced in April 2014.
There was a rumor that Ashton had an affair with Russell's teammate Golden Tate, but both denied the allegations. She is possibly single right now but her former husband is happily married to singer Ciara. The couple married on 6 July 2016. They welcomed their first daughter on 28 April 2017.
Ashton owns a grand house in LA, and her net worth is estimated to be more than $10 million.
Ashton Meem and Russell Wilson went to same high school. They began dating in 2006 and married in January 2012 and divorced in April 2014.


NORWALK, CT – The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is celebrating the hatching of a leopard tortoise.
The hatchling is the first member of the turtle and tortoise family to be born at the Aquarium. It hatched on January 6. The parents could be any two of the six leopard tortoises added in a new display last summer.
"We are extremely proud of our biologists for broadening their range of animal-husbandry expertise," said Barrett L. Christie, director of Animal Husbandry.
The tortoise weighed 10 grams upon hatching, but will not stay small. Leopard tortoises grow to an average of 40 pounds.
Christie said the hatchling tortoise will not be seen by Aquarium guests until it grows a little.
Leopard tortoises are native to central and southern Africa, from the Sudan down to the cape. They are known for their highly domed carapaces with attractive contrasting black-and-yellow patterns.


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Research ArticleOriginal Research
Decreased Heart Rate Variability in Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Renata M M Pimentel, Hugo Macedo, Vítor E Valenti, Fernando O Rocha, Luiz Carlos Abreu, Carlos Bandeira de M Monteiro and Celso Ferreira
Respiratory Care September 2019, 64 (9) 1088-1095; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.06681
Renata M M Pimentel
Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Cardiologia, São Paulo, Brazil.
Laboratório de Delineamento da Escrita Científica, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil.
For correspondence: [email protected]
Hugo Macedo Jr
Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências da Saúde da Coletividade da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Departamento de Saúde Coletiva, Santo Andre, São Paulo, Brazil.
Vítor E Valenti
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisioterapia, UNESP, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil.
Fernando O Rocha
Luiz Carlos Abreu
Carlos Bandeira de M Monteiro
Celso Ferreira
BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is considered a multisystem degenerative disease due to its autonomic dysfunction effects. Autonomic cardiac control disorders can be seen in ALS and influence the quality of life and the life expectancy of affected individuals. We evaluated heart rate variability in subjects with ALS and with variable lung capacity.
METHODS: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study performed in 42 subjects with ALS. The subjects were classified into 2 groups according to their FVC: (FVC > 50% of the predicted value [n = 19] and FVC < 50% of the predicted value [n = 23]). Heart rate was recorded at rest during spontaneous breathing by using a heart rate monitor. Linear indices in the time and frequency domains were analyzed, and non-linear analysis was performed by using Poincaré plots.
RESULTS: The results showed a decrease of heart rate variability in the subjects with lower lung capacity and who needed ventilatory support. Qualitative analysis when using the plots supported the quantitative analysis, wherein the group with a lower lung capacity showed reduced heart rate variability. No significant differences were found in the other heart rate variability indices.
CONCLUSIONS: The subjects with ALS and with decreased pulmonary capacity had reduced heart rate variability.
motor neuron disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the death of motor neurons,1 which eventually leads to respiratory failure and medulla oblongata dysfunction.2 There is recent evidence that an ALS diagnosis may be well established before the symptoms become apparent.3 According to the Brazilian Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association,3,4 a series of studies established that progressive bulbar palsy and primary lateral sclerosis are subtypes of motor neuron disease. Motor neuron disease in general is related to a degenerative process of the central nervous system, with a variable clinical spectrum, but these subtypes could present different associated clinical characteristics. Twenty percent of patients begin in the bulbar group, which most often presents with either dysarthria or dysphagia.4
The association of motor neuron death with mutations in the Cu and Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) genes5 is in agreement with studies that demonstrated autonomic failure in subjects with ALS with a mutated SOD1 gene in neurons.6 Recent studies showed the existence of subclinical cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, sweating, and salivary and lacrimal dysfunctions, even in the early phases of ALS, which indicates abnormal sympathetic activity during the early stages of the disease with hyperhidrosis and a reduction in sweat production as the disease progresses. Furthermore, in advanced stages and in patients who are dependent on ventilatory support, apparent autonomic disorders may lead to circulatory collapse or sudden death.7,8 Thus, ALS is a degenerative multisystemic disease that results from related autonomic dysfunction.
Breathing modulates the autonomic flow to the heart and contributes to changes in heart rate variability.9,10 Because of the influence of breathing on the autonomic system, some studies have assessed heart rate variability while performing techniques used for respiratory therapy by integrating the management of cardiac care subjects.11 It is important to detect autonomic cardiac control disorders early because of the influence on survival and quality of life.12 Orthostatic hypotension, nocturnal blood pressure fluctuations, or falls and postural dizziness are increasingly reported. Studies reported decreased heart rate variability coincident with impaired salivary excretory function and gastrointestinal tract function, which indicate parasympathetic abnormalities,13,14 whereas other studies15 showed impaired cardiac sympathetic innervation. We believe that these associated disorders in different neurodegenerative diseases could affect the clinical course of ALS by increasing the risk of cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death.
The autonomic nervous system regulates the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.16 However, there is little understanding of how ALS is involved in cardiac arrhythmias. Because patients with ALS often have predominantly respiratory symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias can be difficult.17 Moreover, because the clinical course is dependent on disease progression and worsening of muscle and respiratory deficiencies, it is necessary to examine autonomic cardiac control in patients with motor neuron disease and to associate these findings with respiratory capacity. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate heart rate variability in ALS with and without bulbar palsy in subjects with variable lung capacity.
Current knowledge
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multisystem degenerative disease, which can lead to several subclinical disorders linked to autonomic dysfunction. Changes in the autonomic nervous system are associated with cardiovascular dysfunctions. Because patients with ALS usually have predominantly respiratory symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias can be difficult.
What this paper contributes to our knowledge
Subjects with ALS with decreased lung capacity also had reduced heart rate variability. We believe that this autonomic dysfunction may affect the clinical course of ALS and increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death.
STROBE Guidelines
Our study conformed to the STROBE (Standards of Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. Our investigation contained details of the study design, setting, participants, variables, data sources, measurement, description of potential sources of bias, quantitative variables description, and statistical methods.
Population Study and Eligibility Criteria
This study was performed in 42 subjects diagnosed with ALS. The group of subjects was divided and classified according to their FVC. The protocol was applied during the assessment carried out during subject visits. Subjects with an FVC < 50% of the predicted were using noninvasive ventilation, usually at night. No subject had used invasive mechanical ventilation. As inclusion criteria to participate in this study, we considered all the patients in clinical follow-up at the Department of Neuromuscular Diseases at Department of Neuromuscular Diseases of the Federal University of São Paulo diagnosed with ALS and with the confirmation of characteristics in El Escorial supported by an electroneuromyographic evaluation.18 All the participants provided signed informed consent (subject or representative). Patients with congenital abnormalities, heart disease, and pulmonary malformations, and those patients using drugs such as antiarrhythmics, insulin, and medications that influence the autonomic nervous system were excluded.
The study was approved by the ethics committee in Research of the Federal University of São Paulo (CAAE 30799414.9.0000.5505).
Study Design and Setting
This was a prospective, observational, and cross-sectional study. Recruitment was carried out by the Brazilian Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association in connection with the Department of Neuromuscular Diseases of the Federal University of São Paulo.
We performed all protocols by using the same conditions to address potential sources of bias. Variables were collected under controlled temperature (21–25°C) and humidity (50–60%). Abstinence from caffeine, alcohol, cola beverages, chocolate (for 12 h), and exhaustive effort (24 h) was recommended to individuals. Heart rate variability was evaluated between 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm to standardize the interference of circadian rhythm. All procedures necessary for data collection were explained to the individuals, and the subjects were instructed to remain at rest during the data collection.
Initial Assessment and Experimental Protocols
Data collection started after obtaining informed consent from the subjects or their representatives. Heart rate was recorded for 20 min while the subject was seated at rest and spontaneously breathing. Subsequently, spirometry was performed while the subject remained seated by the same respiratory therapist through a portable spirometer (MIR Spirobank version 3.6 New Berlin, WI) coupled to a microcomputer that used the Ocean & WinSpiro software (New Berlin, WI) for Windows version 1.04 for analysis. The subjects were classified according to their FVC (>50% or <50% of the predicted value). Heart rate, breathing frequency, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were also monitored at rest.
Variables and Data Sources
Instantaneous RR intervals were recorded with a digital telemetry system, which consisted of a transmitter placed on the subject's chest and a heart rate monitor. This equipment was previously validated to capture the heart rate for heart rate variability analysis.19 Oxygen saturation was determined by pulse oximetry (DX2010, Dixtal, São Paulo, SP, Brazil) connected to the subject's second finger through an appropriately sized sensor. The saturation of hemoglobin oxygen was recorded after stabilization as the most constant value during the second minute.
After placing the heart rate monitor, the participants remained seated, at rest. This position was chosen because many of the subjects were in a wheelchair throughout the day. In addition, most patients do not remain in the supine position due to diaphragmatic muscle weakness, which may result in discomfort and cause a significant change in heart rate variability. We respected the initial 5-min rest interval to stabilize the heart rate. For analyzing heart rate variability data, we selected consecutive stable RR intervals, then filtering was performed through Microsoft Excel (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) to eliminate artifacts. The first 1,000 intervals of beats were chosen, and only series with >95% sinus beats were included in the study.20 The software used for heart rate variability evaluation was Kubios heart rate variability version 2.0 (Helsinki, Finland).
We analyzed the time and frequency domain heart rate variability indices and non-linear methods through Poincaré plots. For heart rate variability analysis in the frequency domain, we used spectral components of low frequency (0.04–0.15 Hz) and high frequency (0.15–0.40 Hz) in ms2 and normalized units (nu). Spectral analysis was calculated by using the fast Fourier transform algorithm. The analysis in the time domain was performed through the mean ± SD of normal RR intervals) and the root of the square successive differences between adjacent normal RR intervals. We used the Kubios heart rate variability analysis software for the linear analysis of heart rate variability.21
The RR triangular index was calculated based on the construction of the density histogram of normal RR intervals and was obtained by dividing the histogram integral interval (ie, the total number of RR intervals) by the maximum density distribution (modal frequency of RR intervals) measured on a discrete scale with boxes of 7.8125 ms (1/128 s).22 The triangular interpolation of RR intervals constitutes the width of the baseline distribution as measured by the base of a triangle; the distribution of all RR intervals and the difference of least squares were used to determine the triangle.22
The heart rate variability Poincaré plot was analyzed from the RR intervals based on non-linear dynamics.23,24 This analysis was a 2-dimensional graphic representation of the correlation between consecutive RR intervals, in which each interval was plotted against the next interval.23,25,26 For the quantitative analysis of the Poincaré plots, the following indices were calculated: SD of the instantaneous variability beat by beat (SD1), SD for long-term of continuous RR intervals (SD2), and SD1/SD2.27 Qualitative analysis (visual) of the Poincaré plots was performed through the analysis of the figures formed by the attractor of the plot, which were described by Tulppo et al28:
A figure in which an increase in the dispersion of RR intervals beat by beat is observed, with an increase in RR intervals, characteristic of a normal plot.
A figure with little global dispersion beat by beat and without increased dispersion of RR intervals in the long term.
Kubios Heart Rate Variability software Version 2.0 was used to assess these indices.21 Vital capacity was measured by spirometry. The subjects were classified into 2 groups according to their lung capacity (FVC). Individuals with ALS were distributed into the spirometry group <50% (FVC < 50% predicted [n = 23]) and the spirometry group >50% (FVC > 50% predicted [n = 19]). Based on these parameters, the subjects with FVC < 50% predicted required ventilatory support. In neuromuscular diseases, for example, ALS, an FVC < 50% of the predicted value is an indication for ventilatory support with 2 pressure levels, even in the absence of respiratory symptoms.29–32
Study Size
To determine the sample size, previous knowledge was required based on the mean ± SD of normal RR intervals index in a study by Moreno et al.33 A sample size of 18 participants per group was stipulated by a hypothesis test (2-tailed), with a 5% level of significance and 80% power.
Qualitative variables were analyzed by using the Fisher exact test or the chi-square test. The data are presented as box plots. We used the Shapiro-Wilk normality test to evaluate the distribution. For parametric distributions, we applied the unpaired Student t test; whereas, for nonparametric distributions, we applied the Mann-Whitney test. All findings with P < .05 were considered statistically significant. To measure the magnitude of the difference between the groups, the effect size was calculated by using Cohen's d for significant differences. A large effect was considered for values > 0.9, moderate for values between 0.9 and 0.5, and small for values between 0.5 and 0.25.
Forty-two subjects diagnosed with motor neuron disease were evaluated: 47.5% were female and 52.5% were male subjects. The mean age was 57.7 y. The subjects had been diagnosed with motor neuron disease, on average, 3 y earlier, and 17 subjects had bulbar disease characteristics. Data regarding age, sex, baseline heart rate, and oxygen saturation of the groups are shown in Table 1. We noted that the resting heart rate was higher, whereas SpO2 was lower in the FVC <50% group. In relation to the lung capacity of the 2 groups, the FVC <50% group was mean ± SD, 38.06 ± 0.10%, whereas the FVC >50% group was mean ± SD, 73.54 ± 0.097%.
Distribution of Study Subjects by Age, Sex, Baseline Heart Rate, Oxygen Saturation
Linear Methods
We found no significant differences between the groups in the frequency domain analysis (Table 2).
Frequency Domain Indices
Geometric Heart Rate Variability Indices
With regard to the geometric indices, we observed increased SD2 in the FVC >50% group (moderate effect size) (Table 3). Shown in Figure 1, is an example of a Poincaré plot from one subject in the FVC >50% group (Fig. 1A) and one subject in the FVC <50% group (Fig. 1B). We noted less dispersion in the points of subjects with reduced lung capacity. We performed a correlation analysis to verify whether there is an association between respiratory function and autonomic control of heart beats in both groups (Table 4). There was no significant correlation between FVC and heart rate variability in both groups.
Geometric Indices of Heart Rate Variability
Visual pattern of the Poincaré plot observed in one subject with FVC > 50% (A) and another with FVC < 50% (B).
Correlation Between FVC and Heart Rate Variability in the Both Groups
Our main finding indicated a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the SD2 index in the subjects who needed ventilatory support, which indicated reduced overall heart rate variability modulation. We also found a higher heart rate in the FVC <50% group, which reinforced the impaired autonomic function; whereas SpO2 was decreased in the same group, which supported the worst pulmonary condition in this group. In this sense, our findings supported that breathing modulates autonomic flow and contributed to changes in heart rate variability.10
Spirometric measurements showed that, in most cases, regardless of motor neuron failure, FVC decreased with progression of the disease.34 The restrictive lung pattern in ALS is characterized by an increased residual volume with reduced total lung capacity.35 Moreover, inspiratory and expiratory pressures are also reduced, and pressure decreases according to the disease evolution. Previous studies reported that dyspnea is generally associated with diaphragmatic dysfunction, respiratory pulse, and a delay in or abolition of diaphragm responses to stimulation of the phrenic nerve or cortical stimulation.34,36 These results were consistent with previous observations of predominantly phrenic nerve neuropathologic abnormalities in subjects with ALS.34,36
The presence of FVC < 50% predicted in motor neuron disease requires bi-level ventilatory support, even in the absence of respiratory symptoms.30,32 Verification of heart rate variability is important to detect autonomic dysfunction disorders in patients with motor neuron disease to avoid sudden death or other conditions that lead to a decrease in life expectancy.12 Autonomic dysfunction also supports the concept that ALS is a degenerative disease of multiple systems.6
Autonomic dysfunction (hyperhidrosis, alterations in salivary and gastrointestinal tract function) usually leads to subclinical symptoms. Patients in more-advanced stages of disease that requires ventilatory support often show autonomic nervous system disorders. Such responses are marked by fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate, and can occur in clinically stable patients with ventilatory support. This response is known as the autonomic storm and is characterized by a hypertensive crisis with systolic blood pressure >250 mm Hg and tachycardia.6 These autonomic symptoms are similar to baroreflex failure; they indicate a poor prognosis and may result in sudden death.6 In this situation, careful assessment and individual treatment are strongly indicated, although adequate therapeutic approaches have not been well established. Autonomic dysfunction may be clinically obvious and devastating, especially at an advanced stage when ventilatory support is required.
Our results showed no significant correlation between heart rate variability and pulmonary capacity, which is supported by previous studies (Table 4).15,37 We hypothesize that the absence of significant differences in the time (mean ± SD of normal RR intervals, percentage of adjacent RR intervals with a difference of duration of >50 ms, and the root of the square successive differences between adjacent normal RR intervals) and frequency (high frequency, low frequency, and low frequency to high frequency ratio) domains is because geometric indices are more sensitive at detecting changes. In this sense, non-linear behavior is predominant in human systems due to their complex and dynamic nature. Human physiology cannot be accurately described by linear methods. Chaos theory describes elements that manifest behaviors that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions but that are difficult to repeat and are deterministic.20
The analysis of non-linear heart rate variability methods has been gaining increasing interest, because there is evidence that the mechanisms involved in cardiovascular regulation probably interact in a non-linear way. This new insight into abnormalities in heart rate behavior under various conditions may provide additional prognostic information when compared with traditional methods. However, its clinical utility requires further research with large populations.38
Heart rate variability was analyzed from the RR intervals through Poincaré plots based on non-linear dynamics.23,24 The Poincaré plot is a 2-dimensional graphic representation of the correlation between consecutive RR intervals in which each interval is plotted against the next interval.23,25,26 The Poincaré plot can be analyzed qualitatively by evaluating the shape formed by its attractor, which shows the degree of RR interval complexity,39 as the results show in Figure 1, or it can be analyzed quantitatively (as shown in Table 2) by setting an ellipse to the shape formed by the plot, in which the SD1 and SD2 indices are generated.27 These methods describe the complex fluctuations of the rhythm and can separate structures of non-linear behavior in a temporal series of heartbeats more adequately than linear methods.36 It has been speculated that heart rate variability analysis based on non-linear, dynamic methods can provide valuable information for physiologic interpretations of heart rate variability40 and assess the risk of sudden death.8,24
Pinto et al8 reported that a low coefficient of variation of heart rate is a potential prognostic marker in ALS and other forms of motor neuron disease, and may lead to sudden death. Our results indicated a decrease in SD2 in subjects with greater respiratory impairment (heart rate variability < 50%), which required ventilatory support. The SD2 index represents both the vagal and sympathetic modulation of HR.41 Reduced SD2 was suggested to be an indicator of cardiac mortality and morbidity.42 Taken together, we reinforced that declined SD2 in patients with ALS and with lower pulmonary capacity was related to a worse prognosis.
For visual, qualitative, analysis of the Poincaré plot, it is clear that the group with FVC < 50% predicted presented a more-flattened form with less dispersion of RR intervals, which indicated decreased heart rate variability. In this sense, the plot supported the quantitative analysis of SD2, which showed reduced values and worse autonomic function in the ALS group with FVC < 50%. The theories of non-linear systems have been progressively applied to interpret, explain, and predict the behavior of biological phenomena. These parameters have been found to be good predictors of morbidity and mortality in the clinical context, despite the need for deeper scientific analysis, with expressive samples and prolonged follow-up. Such studies may be useful in research and treatment of heart disease.43
Disturbances in cardiac autonomic control in patients with ALS with and without progressive bulbar palsy can influence survival and quality of life because this is associated with the onset of a hypertensive crisis, sudden cardiac death, and cardiovascular collapse, all leading to a decrease in life expectancy.13,14,44 Also worth mentioning is that the associations tested through Pearson and Spearman procedures were not statistically significant. We believe that patients with ALS and with lower FVC are influenced by physiologic variables not evaluated, including cytokines,45 antioxidant status,46 and α-amylase.
This study showed that heart rate variability may help to provide information regarding the lung function of patients with ALS. However, because lung function was measured only by spirometry, our results should be considered with caution. Heart rate variability changes induced by autonomic change could provide important data about the interaction between heart rate autonomic control and FVC in patients with ALS. Thus, we suggest that further studies of this procedure are needed. A limitation of the present study is that we did not monitor breathing pattern and tidal volume during heart rate recording. The above-mentioned variables mainly influence the high frequency band.22 During heart rate variability analysis, all the subjects were breathing spontaneously.
Our study showed that subjects with ALS and with reduced lung capacity presented impaired autonomic regulation of the heart rate. We suggest that impaired lung capacity was associated with autonomic dysfunction in subjects with ALS. This finding is important for the clinical team to plan therapies and treatment based on patients' lung and autonomic function.
We thank the reviewers for the anonymous constructive review on our manuscript and for providing interesting ideas for future projects.
Correspondence: Renata M M Pimentel PhD, Laboratório de Delineamento da Escrita Científica, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Av. Lauro Gomes, 2000 Vila Sacadura Cabral, Santo André, SP, Brazil 09060–870. E-mail: re_pimentel1{at}hotmal.com.
This study received financial support from CNPq and Capes. English grammar and spelling was extensively reviewed by Hani K Atrash and by Proof-Reading Service, London, United Kingdom.
The authors have disclosed no conflicts of interest.
Copyright © 2019 by Daedalus Enterprises
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Renata M M Pimentel, Hugo Macedo, Vítor E Valenti, Fernando O Rocha, Luiz Carlos Abreu, Carlos Bandeira de M Monteiro, Celso Ferreira
Respiratory Care Sep 2019, 64 (9) 1088-1095; DOI: 10.4187/respcare.06681
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As women take to Marching on Washington this Saturday to protest for women's rights and the rights of all, I am reminded of one of my favorite reads from 2016, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
The Nightingale tells the story of two French sisters who fight the Nazis, each in different ways, during WWII. The bravery of women in the French underground is a story we haven't heard before - and one which Hannah intensely researched for this novel. Both sisters are crippled by the death of their mother and abandonment by their father, leaving them with shattered personal power (Sacral Chakra) and an inability to forgive (Heart Chakra), actually affecting all of their chakras.
Through this captivating tale, each finds a way to overcome fear, through re-connection and love. This book is exceptional for its historical accuracy and the two women's social/political activism - Hannah told us at a writing conference I went to in November that her inspiration for the younger sister, Isabelle (known as The Nightingale), was the real life story of a woman who led downed RAF pilots in France on foot over the steep, snowy Pyrenees to Spain so they could return to their fight against the Nazis. The second sister saves countless Jewish children as she takes care of her own daughter and fights the Nazis in her own way - even as they take over her home in the French countryside.
The Nightingale is an affirmation of the strength of women even under the most dire oppression - and one which can give every reader the inspiration to speak and act her own truth.
This brings me back to our current political situation. How can you get involved and fight for love and equality for all? The Women's March on Washington will send a bold message to our new government on their first day in office, and to the world, that women's rights are human rights. "We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us," say the organizers.
If you can't make it to Washington, D.C. on January 21, join or host a Sister March near you. Sister Marches are solidarity events inspired by the Women's March on Washington, and organized by volunteers around the world. For more information, see https://www.womensmarch.com.
DO YOU FEEL ENOUGH LOVE IN YOUR LIFE?
I often put others ahead of myself.
I'm tired from being a caregiver.
I'm angry and resentful about the way I've been treated.
I find it hard to forgive or let go of hurt feelings.
I'm very empathic – feeling other's feelings.
My heart has been broken.
I have heart problems (hypertension or high cholesterol).
I have lung problems (asthma, allergies or frequent coughs).
I have problems in my love life.
I feel numb and a loss of passion.
I release my stress by connecting with friends or family.
I don't get enough hugs, kisses or massages.
I often get heartburn after eating.
I don't really like vegetables.
Relationship problems cause me to overeat.
Located at the center of your chest, the fourth chakra, the Heart Chakra, is associated with the physical organs – the heart and lungs. If your Heart Chakra is blocked or imbalanced, you may experience physical issues with these organs, such as hypertension or respiratory ailments, or feel pain in the upper back and shoulders. You may feel emotional insensitivity, sorrow, depression, resentment, or dependency on nicotine or marijuana.
When the Heart Chakra is balanced, you are able to feel love, openly giving and receiving it. You are able to be compassionate without taking on other's feelings. You can let go of sadness, release old resentments, forgive yourselves and others, and move forward with emotional empowerment.
The Heart Chakra is the bridge between the lower three chakras – the Root Chakra which relates to our safety and security; the Sacral Chakra, which relates to our creativity and sexuality; the Solar Plexus Chakra, which is the base of our personal power and identity; and the higher three chakras – the Throat Chakra, which is associated with speaking our truth; the Third Eye Chakra, which opens us to our higher knowing and intuition; and the Crown Chakra, our connection to spirit.
Heart Chakra Healing Foods: While the first three chakras are fed by protein, fats and carbohydrates, the Heart Chakra is balanced through phytochemicals or macronutrients, especially those in green vegetables. The rising energy imparted by leafy greens, for instance, feeds our expansion, growth and opening in all directions, like the feeling of love and a willingness to give of ourselves.
Foods, especially that share colors with the chakras, carry vibrations that can activate or balance your chakras. So, nourish your Heart Chakra with the many green vegetables – from kale, spinach, chard, collard, dandelion and mustard greens, to lettuce and sprouts of all kinds, and nourishing and health-protective cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussel sprouts and cauliflower. There's also bok choy, cabbage, arugula, green peas and peppers, leeks and green onions, watercress, zucchini, celery, and more. Take a stroll through your local Farmer's Market and appreciate the abundance of green veggies and choose your favorites, then open up and try some new ones. Ask how to best prepare them and savor their delicious flavors.
Also, include green fruit in your diet, from green apples, pears, grapes and kiwi, to that best salad ingredient of all – avocados.
We often overeat to fill a feeling of emptiness or lack of love. If sharing food is one of the major ways your mother has expressed her love to you, or you to your family, think of other ways to feed the longing of your own heart, rather than with food. Instead, pamper yourself with a massage or social activity, or reach out to others through volunteer work.
Exercising with others is recommended for the Heart Chakra. Join in a yoga class, a team sport, an aerobics or spin class at the gym, take a walk with a friend or partner, or play catch with your children.
Healing Visualization: One of my favorite visualizations if I'm feeling a relationship problem, is to imagine playing catch with the person I'm having difficulty with. In your mind's eye, see a person you are having a problem with. See if they catch the ball and throw it back. If not, surround the game of catch or relationship with a green glow, send that person love and forgiveness, and through magical thinking, have them throw the ball back and forth with you. And then catch yourself smiling.
When we balance our chakras, we craft our lives the way we want them to be, rather than living in constant reaction to forces outside of us. These spirals of energy are wheels that heal, feeding the body good energy and profoundly affecting our metabolism, as well as emotions, sensations and behaviors.
Rinse and dry a bunch of kale (organic is best) and sprinkle with olive oil and sea salt. Massage the oil and salt into the kale leaves with your hands.
Fill 2 large rimmed baking sheets with a single layer of kale and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the leaves are crisp. Eat immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Please share your favorite recipe for Heart Chakra balancing – it may be included in my upcoming book, THE CHAKRA DIET! If you'd like to win a Personalized Chakra Diet Plan, enter to win at the bottom of the page.
Balancing the Heart Chakra is key to manifesting success and happiness in your life. When your heart is full of love, it is easier to create whatever you want, break through blocks, and overcome fear and doubt. When you send out vibrations, thoughts or feelings of how much you enjoy something, then it comes back to you in greater and greater abundance.
"Whatever you love with positive energy will manifest more abundantly." ~ Serge Kahili King, Ph.D.
Serge Kahili King helped me apply his "instant" energy healing technique, Dynamind, to chakra healing. Now, as we enter a New Year, a year holding new promise and hope for love and peace in our lives, and in our world, it's the perfect time to apply the Dynamind Process to healing the Heart Chakra.
Usind Dynamind to balance the Heart Chakra can bring forth more love and compassion in your life….
Located at the center of the chest, the fourth chakra, the Heart Chakra, represents selfless love and devotion, kindness, empathy and compassion. It vibrates with the energy of the color green. When the Heart Chakra is balanced, you feel free to give and receive love in all its expressions – passion, caring, rapport, understanding, empathy, compassion and forgiveness.
Follow along with me in using Dynamind to balance all seven chakras in the Kindle book, BALANCE YOUR CHAKRAS, BALANCE YOUR LIFE, and the DVD, Balance & Tone Your Chakras.
Feel the yellow sacral chakra light travel up the spine to the center of your chest, the home of the heart chakra. Breathe in and out a beautiful emerald green, with love, joy and compassion for other people and yourself. Feel any tension blocking the flow here, shutting off or shutting out love. Any anger or fear is past, it can be healed. If you let it go, you'll feel your true essence of love and joy. To send forgiveness, wrap those people who caused you pain in the bright green light, cleansing and healing the situation. If you can, see that the persons and situations that hurt you were in fact teaching you something you needed to learn. Or what they did was because of their own pain and fear. Release yourself and them from any negative connection now, keeping only the good. Let go of anger to have space for love to grow. Now, with love and compassion, wrap yourself and your whole life experience in healing green light.


To get you pumped for this Tuesday's L'Etage StorySlam on the theme "Awkward", here's a countdown of our top 5 strangest, weirdest, and most uncomfortable tales in the FPA archive. Enjoy!
Deniz relives the glories of youth: acne, lopsided afros, and apple patches on his shorts. Thanks, mom!
Anissa is caught in a wormhole/vortex of love.
Andrew is desperate to impress his ultrasound technician.
Nimisha reveals the tale of how she found true love and her parents' hilarious and shocking response.
Steve is unable to contain himself during an awkward high school date at a church carnival.


Nova and Phalanx-Select Gamora awaken to find themselves in each other's arms! After separating, Gamora attempts to stab Rich Rider with a knife and receives a kick to the stomach in return! The warrior woman begins shooting bursts of energy at the Earthman who blocks them with a grav-shield. Nova returns the attack with a collimated beam!
As the two continue fighting, Nova attempts to reason with Gamora by getting her to remember the last thing that happened to them. She attempts to kill Rich again until he reminds her that he has a phased pulse ready to blast her head off.
Gamora recalls that she and Drax had caught up to Nova in the extradimensional transit created by the scientists of Knowhere. After they started fighting, she doesn't remember anything before waking up with the young hero. The two ex-lovers begin walking through the strange landscape they're trapped in. At the same time, the WorldMind continues to attempt finding information on where they are stranded. However, it is limited in its scanning capabilities. This is due to the continuing battle being waged inside of Richard Rider between the WorldMind and the Phalanx's techno-virus.
Nova notices they are surrounded by wrecked starships and Gamora notes that the place smells of death. Rich also realizes that it appears they were interrupted in their journey to Kvch. Suddenly, they hear a loud noise similar to the one which woke them earlier. The two continue exploring and come across an alien being that the WorldMind recognizes as a Voidnaut.
With his universal translator on, Nova learns that the Voidnaut is injured and has been stranded for some time. Before Rich can rescue the alien traveler, the three of them are attacked by a swarm of slithering creatures! The hero from Earth immediately begins blasting the attackers in an attempt to save the injured Voidnaut but he's too late to free him. Nova grabs Gamora and they fly off to a safer area.
Temporarily safe, Richard Rider takes a moment to regain his focus. The techno-virus is raging through his system and is gaining strength. Gamora senses that he is weakening and begins trying to convince him to give in to the virus. Nova tells her that he will never give into the Phalanx again. The two engage in a heated argument about being a Phalanx Select and Rich reminds her that she killed Ko-Rel in cold blood. Gamora tries to tell Nova that he had reached his powerful potential while he was a Select. The Earthman reminds her that he was a monster and she is still one until she's no longer one of the Phalanx.
The two former lovers recall their relationship during the Annihilation War. Gamora says they can have a relationship again if he becomes a Select. Nova reveals to her why he left her during the war. Rich had left her in charge of interrogating a group of Kree collaborators. Instead of learning information, the female fighter decided to kill them. That was the moment Richard Rider decided he could no longer love her and left.
Suddenly, they are attacked by the slithering creatures! Nova and Gamora put aside their differences and begin fighting the alien attackers. The WorldMind alerts Richard that they must stop fighting or the techno-virus will be released. Rich tells the artificial intelligence that he has to rescue Gamora from the overwhelming numbers. The WorldMind tells him to let her die as she is a sworn enemy. Nova saves Gamora and tells the WorldMind that abandoning someone in danger isn't his style.
Having escaped the creatures, the two fighters come across an energy gateway. Nova flies through it in order to avoid the pursuing aliens. They land in another chamber and Nova collapses due to his internal battle against the strengthening techno-virus. Once more, Gamora tells Rich to give in before it kills him. Richard Rider refuses and Gamora cannot understand why he is so stubborn. She also reveals that she is jealous of his moral strength and being around him made her feel guilty about who she was. It's the reason she embraces being a Phalanx Select since she no longer feels guilt or any other emotion.
Before they can continue their talk, the slithering creatures return! The WorldMind realizes where they are and informs Nova of his conclusions. Nova and Gamora are trapped inside of a Vore. The Vore is a natural predator that hunts between dimensions. The predator had captured the two enemies as food for its offspring! They also discover that the Vore is about to give birth! Nova immediately forms an energy shield around himself and Gamora as the young bursts out into normal space!
Now that they are safe in the normal universe, Gamora embraces Nova while pulling out a knife behind his back! Suddenly, there's a burst of energy and Gamora collapses from Nova's blast. Gamora had previously told him not to trust her and he didn't. The hero takes her limp form and tosses it to Drax who had been trying to fight the Vore from the outside. Nova opens a stargate and resumes his course to Kvch. The WorldMind is very concerned about Rich's health as the Phalanx virus is raging throughout his body. The artificial sentience reveals that they have only two hours before the virus takes control of Richard Rider's body...or kills him!


Browse baking pans and read reviews. Then order with a click – and you'll be ready for holiday baking. Take a look.
Warm, rich chocolate, hearty oats, oozing caramel: Chocolate Chip Caramel Layer Bars have it all.
If the ingredients were not enough to entice you as a comfort food, this easy cookie recipe is even more appealing in that it is simple to make. The recipe calls for just 7 ingredients – and one of them is pre-made chocolate chip cookie dough.
Additional chocolate chips are sprinkled on this base, making this recipe not only easy but also a favorite for chocolate chip lovers.
Get the full recipe for Chocolate Chip Caramel Layer Bars. And you can see other chocolate chip cookie recipe variations on our Chocolate Chip CookiesPinterest Board.
Quick, Convenient, Good, Low-Cost. In One.
At The Cookie Elf, we're all about home baking and home cooking – with less time and mess. So be sure to check out The Prepared Pantry. It's a family-owned business that sells baking mixes, kitchen tools, baking ingredients, and gourmet foods. Their mixes come straight to you from their own production and packing facility in Rigby, ID. I love that!
Best of all, their prices are really, really affordable.
Cookie Baking Tip: What's the Difference Between Caramel and Toffee?


The Eltham Ordinances are a set of rules drawn up to regulate the functioning of the King's privy chamber. It was implemented in January 1526, but plans for it had been in the offing for quite a few years.
Articles devised by the King's highness, with the advice of his council, for the establishment of good order and reformation of sundry errors and misuses in his most honorable household and chamber.


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Nuclear Energy: Safety and Viability
Posted on November 30, 2021Todd DegerCategories Energy, Journal of Regulatory Compliance
Todd Deger
Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD 2023
The United States currently stands ready to make energy decisions that will impact every U.S. citizen alive today and generations moving forward. President Joe Biden committed to fighting climate change in his campaign for President and has continued in this vein by making goals to halve U.S. carbon emissions by 2030 and further, to create a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. The key to this plan is the not-so-simple issue of electricity generation.
Current sources of United States electricity
In 2020, about sixty percent of the four trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity generated in the U.S. came from burning fossil fuels such as natural gas. When discussing how to "go green" in the modern world, the nation must essentially work to replace the kilowatt-hours currently generated by fossil fuels with kilowatt-hours generated by a "clean" technology.
The Natural Resource Defense Council ("NRDC") was founded in 1970 by a group of law students and attorneys at the forefront of the environmental movement. Currently led by President and Chief Executive Officer Manish Bapna, the NRDC defines clean energy as coming from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished. This brings resources such as sunlight, which keeps shining, and wind, which keeps blowing, into the fold of renewable resources. Conversely, "dirty energy" is defined as coming from nonrenewable sources such as oil, gas, and coal. When those resources are utilized, it is pulling from a finite resource refined from crude oil from prehistoric ages long past.
Solar, or photovoltaic, energy accounted for just over two percent of U.S. electricity generation in 2020, wind energy made up about eight and a half percent, and hydropower contributed a little over seven percent. In all, renewables made up just under twenty percent of the total U.S. electricity generation. Renewable energy sources have grown faster than expected and even surpassed coal-based energy generation for the first time in 2019 with the U.S. Energy Information Administration ("EIA") projecting that renewables were on track to produce more than forty percent of U.S. energy by 2050.
These figures, while denoting impressive progress, are still shy of President Biden's hopes to decarbonize by 2050 Adding other forms of alternative energy such as biomass energy and geothermal energy can bolster those numbers, but only by so much, as biomass and geothermal contributed less than two percent to the total U.S. generation in 2020. Even as renewables need continued support to grow their electrical contributions, other forms of energy generation deserve attention and respect if the nation hopes to meet its goals. Enter: nuclear power.
The numbers of nuclear
Nuclear energy contributed 790 billion kilowatt-hours and just under twenty percent of U.S. electrical generation in 2020, a number that matches all renewables combined. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic Ocean, the largest source of electricity in France is nuclear power. French nuclear power plants generated 309 billion kilowatt-hours and over seventy percent of the country's total electricity production. As it stands, nuclear power is capable of meeting the demands of an entire country, but simply the ability to meet demand is not the only obstacle in the way of expanded implementation.
The nuclear phantom hanging overhead
Unfortunately, there are numerous examples of nuclear power plants having catastrophic failures that killed and injured innumerable people. These moments in history live in the public consciousness and serve as a warning to anyone trying to once again tempt fate by believing in nuclear power. But is this the proper takeaway from the spotty past of nuclear power? No. Nuclear power should be pursued in earnest with a focus on regulation and safety.
The life cycle of a nuclear power plant
Much like any building or piece of human-made machinery, a nuclear power plant has a life cycle throughout which its operators must care for it and bring it forward to its next stage of operational life. On its webpage devoted to explaining this process, the International Atomic Energy Agency ("IAEA") writes "A nuclear power plant must be managed in a safe and efficient manner throughout its entire life cycle, from design through decommissioning, with the overall goal of providing reliable and affordable electricity."
From beginning to end, the stages of building a nuclear power plant are as follows: siting of nuclear facilities, design of the plant itself, construction and commissioning of the plant, operation and maintenance, and finally decommissioning of the nuclear installation. Without proper care and attention at every level, nuclear energy can become not only a net sink of resources, but dangerous as well.
The fear of danger may be a contributing factor to the fact that the majority of American nuclear power plants are approaching the end of their designed life cycle and have not been updated in a meaningful capacity for close to a half century. The lack of updates to the nation's current fleet of reactors isn't an automatic sign that they must be decommissioned. Eighty-eight of the country's ninety-three reactors have approval for a twenty-year extension, the majority of which will expire in the 2030s. Regulatory reviews of the reactors take time, so in the meantime, research is being conducted to determine how to support the long-term operation of the power plants.
Depending on the results of this and other research into the area, nuclear power may finally have the numbers to support not only the ability to meet the U.S.'s ever-increasing demand for electricity, but also to assuage the safety concerns and fears of its citizens by providing hard evidence that these reactors can continue to safely and efficiently operate for decades to come.
Tags clean energyEnergyEnergy ComplianceJournal of Regulatory ComplianceNuclear Energy


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Best Jobs for Moms
There are hundreds of opportunities for moms to find the job that suit their skills and schedule!
Online jobs for moms
Working moms are less stressed
A U.S. survey says that mothers who work are less anxious and stressed.
According to a survey which polled more than 60,000 women and found that moms who stay at home with their babies are more prone to stress and depression than those who work; 41% of moms in the home are recognized to suffer from stress after the birth of baby against 34% for working moms.
The survey also shows that mothers who stay at home when they want to work feel more stress. And conversely, when a new mom wants to stay at home but is forced to work, it is also more worries. Wholesale moms are cool when you let them decide how they want to live their lives.
When mom is working, the baby is also happy
Needless to feel guilty when you're a working mom. According to a recent study from the University of New York, children whose mothers returned to work a few months after birth are neither more nor less happy than others. Another misconception that shatters since recent years, we were told the opposite: children of working women were supposedly less sporty, ate less, had more difficulties in school and emotional problems … the list was long.
Neutral effect on the welfare of the child
But this time, researchers say they have taken into account all the factors that affect a child when her mother works. "The family relations, household income, mental health of the mother, these things change when a mother works," they explain. After completing development and family characteristics of more than 1,000 children aged 0-7 years, the researchers concluded that the disadvantages of returning to work during the first year of a child's life are offset by a number of benefits. And a working mother is generally more fulfilled and would tend to show a little more "maternal sensitivity" than a mother at home. In addition, the additional income at home can often provide the child with greater comfort and a higher standard of living. So stop the blame!
Best Jobs for Moms on the Internet
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