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Divinity teaches each through Life Case Studies. In the ordinary events, I began to hear and listen. I found Life filled with pictures and stories, each encouraging, educating, and guiding. These studies explore the link I have with God, others, and with my soul. My intent is to introduce you to your own stories. The stories are free with a request that they be used for good, not out of context, and with reference unless you have the author's explicit permission. As with all writing, there are stories within the story. My wish is that you find them helpful and introductory. Most of all, I hope that you accept them as my gift to you with the best of intent. Enjoy and learn from your journey!
The evening was a fundraiser for someone that is easy to love. He is a big yet gentleman with a soothing voice that always makes the listener feel better. Rough times had been by his side for the last few months and this evening was a gathering for everyone to tangibly say "we care."
I had no idea what to expect. Looking back, whatever I expected was a pale dream to what unfolded.
I lasted for the first five hours. A favorite venue opened on an off day and everyone who was part of the jazz and R&B music scene of Singapore dropped in. The diversity of sounds that emerged took me to places I had long forgotten and a few I do not think I had ever considered. With traditional jazz to Latin, old to new, R&B to a fusion blend that worked, the audience was treated to a unique musical journey that could never be planned much less repeated. read more
As painful, difficult, and disturbing as candor can be, I like it. Experience reminds me of candor's power to take people, including myself, to places I never imagined! I am not suggesting the journey between the present and candor's destination will be easy. In anything, it will be the opposite! I am suggesting that candor is a tool and vehicle that creates opportunity for learning, dialogue, and even collaboration.
Recent experiences remind me how difficult the process is. As much as I want candor, the reflection of my choices and decisions tells a different tale. In addition to what is on my side of the isle, there is the reality of less that truth in the conversations with others around me. To this, I can only whisper a prayer; "Deliver me from the liars, God! They smile so sweetly but lie through their teeth." (Psalm 120.2) read more
I do not need to look at graphs and stats from my fitness band to tell me how I feel. I am reluctant to digest the headlines of how evil is playing out in the world around me to inform my soul on how it should be reacting. It is far easier to use four letter words to describe my energy level, emotional reserves, and the dark clouds inside and out than it is to find and embrace possibilities, opportunities, and a anything-can-be state of mind.
As I looked out on the recent F1 race, I could see a visual contrast between hope and despair, possibilities and barriers, light and darkness. There was no question that those in and at the race were going to get dumped on! Within minutes my view would be consumed by the same storm, wind lashing the windows, visibility down to nothing except the rain right in front of me. read more
In my frequent rides on a motorcycle, I am struck by how many details you cannot avoid. There are the obvious things that few in a car think about. The nature, quality, and nuances of the wind. There is a difference in the wind that to the one who has not experienced it can be confusing; dry, humid, hot, cooler, moist, and jumbled uncertainty. The mood of traffic in general and those around you specifically. On most days, I do not notice it. However, there is an interesting relationship between lots of uncertainty in the new locally and the tension expressed by how traffic is behaving. read more
A friend is on a quest to bake the perfect loaf of bread. I do not think his primary focus is on getting to the destination quickly. His quest involves experimenting, learning, getting better and sharing the outcome along the way with people who are enjoying his quest. His approach to his baking is a wonderful example of real in life.
Each step is an opportunity to learn, no matter how wonderful or bizarre the outcome is. From forgetting steps to trying shortcuts, from getting it right only to discovering there is a better way to do it, each attempt is a learning experience that can and should be celebrated! In the various attempts, I have had an opportunity to share in failures that looked bizarre while tasting wonderful. I have also enjoyed celebrating each outcome regardless of appearance or texture. read more
I was recently welcome to a new community with a ceremony, handshake, and meal together. While I knew many of the individuals in the community before I joined, I was not completely clear on the group's purpose and vision. I find myself reflecting on my introduction. The words and manner in which I was welcome by the members of the community left me with reminders that are now tagged in my memories.
Being different should not lead one to conclude that one will, in the greater story, be rejected. There may be times where we are accused while being ourselves. In these moments, the bias and ignorance of others should not be confused with truth. While it can be distracting, our attention is called to the quest of being better and more. As others highlighted the imperfections and differences, I could hear the echo of the psalmist words; "The godless spread lies about me, but I focus my attention on what you are saying;" (Psalm 119.69) read more
I recently read an article on civility in the office. More accurately, the writer was lamenting the lack of civility in the office while issuing a call to bring civility back. As I read it was as if a feeling deep within me had found its voice. As I read I remembered the ideals from my grandfather's era and wondered when and where politeness, courtesy, and respect decided to leave. I look back over the years and see possible indicators, but no clear telltales of a departure. Along the way, I look back with longing for the days when individuals started with politeness and respect. read more
Today is, for some, a celebration of freedom, love, and country. Others celebrate it a few days earlier or on other dates on the calendar. As I reflect on the celebrations around the world under this theme, I find myself crossing cultures, friends I have not seen for a time, and great lessons shared.
At the top of my list was a magical moment. A large group had spread out their blankets to make themselves comfortable in the fading light of a hot day. The celebrations of the day so far had been good for everyone. There was a quiet lull as our anticipation grew for the planned flyover and firework celebration. read more
Open Tent
The temporary tent was bright, big, and bigger. The sides curtains were up. Multicoloured lights dominated the with a big sign in Chinese characters.
"It is a temporary structure for a Taoist celebration."
"Who can afford this"
"Temple sponsors, tickets sold, and items auctioned."
As we talked about the details, neither of us Taoist, I came to discover a fine nuance I wonder would work in other religions. Items that bring good luck are actioned off to the highest bidder for one year. At the end of that year, the winner of the auction pays for her/his winning bid out of the fortuitous results that were anticipated. Additionally, the item is freely given back with the understanding that it will bring good fortune to the next year's auction winner. read more
I wonder, how thin is the line between being committed and simply being stubborn? Even as I vocalized the question in my mind, I realized the question was as rhetorical as it was practical.
In this case, the observation was being made in the context of business choices. Which alternative was the best choice given resources, support, and when the results would make a difference? When I weighed the three variables, candidly I was not, still not, sure what constitutes the "best" answer. Candidly, I do not think I could accurately describe a good answer! There are too many variables, points of risks, and constraining factors to have a clear view on the future. read more
Awareness (466)
Belonging (362)
Dear John, Continuing Conversation (348)
Dear John, Love God (350)
Hope Emerges (366)
Hope Lives (255)
Knowing (347)
Reality God's Way Part II (366)
Reality into Living (365)
Reality Strikes (366)
Reality…God's Way (362)
Recreated (363)
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local architecture and engineering firm set out to test different building cladding and insulation approaches for their buildings; however, collecting test data turned out to be a large roadblock. How could they record data from multiple sensors at a high rate and consolidate this data without a lot of manual steps? Finding a platform that could provide a simple way to read, store and utilize data was the first step. Ignition was developed as a SCADA platform, but the capabilities it provides allow for much broader use cases. The benefits to Ignition are its connectivity, extensibility, the built in UI tools and its data management system. It is very easy to configure Ignition to store its data into MySQL and retrieve it later. The issue then became how to get the sensor data into Ignition. Since this is a small scale test, sensors that can broadcast the data using OPC or Ethernet directly would be quite expensive. The labjack UE9 device is data acquisition and measurement device that allows the user to read the temperature and humidity sensors through Ethernet. The sensors are connected to the device, which is then connected to the network. Values can be read and written to the device by sending Byte commands directly to the device, which will then process the requests and provide the requested information. Labjack has a well documented communication API, which was used to write the Ignition driver. The Ignition driver is the bridge between Ignition and the Labjack UE9 device.
Input Tag: these are read only tags.
DAC Tag: these are the digital to analog tags, which are write only, they are never read.
Digital IO: These tags are single bits, and are both readable and writeable. These tags also have an associated "mask" tag that must be set before a value can be written.
Once these tag objects were created, Ignition tags could then be mapped to these UE9 tag objects. This mapping is done when the device is created in the Ignition Gateway. When creating the Request Buffer, the Ignition tags are used to update the UE9 tags (by Ignition), which are then packed together according to the Labjack UE9 API. Once this structure was in place, all that was left to do was write the logic for packing the UE9 tags into the Request Buffer and unpacking the Response Buffer.
Create the base request buffer, setting all the constants.
The counters and timers contain more bytes, but unpacking the bytes for these was the same idea: read bytes and shift to the left.
The driver allows us to create devices inside the Ignition gateway, with a few configurable properties, and takes care of mapping all the Ignition input/output tags to the appropriate UE9 input/output slots. All of the configuration information is also stored in Ignition tags, providing an easy way to calibrate and modify the UE9 device from within Ignition. Once the device is created, it will poll data from the UE9 at the specified rate; with a resolution of 12 bits, we were able to poll at ~2ms (which is pretty impressive for that much data). Our goal when we started out was 100ms poll rate, which is easily achieved when using a resolution of 15 bits or less (for this project 10 is more than sufficient).
Since the full insulation test scenario is not yet finished, we have not fully commissioned the project yet, but we are looking forward to continuing work with the client. I personally, had never used a labjack before, but can think of many different applications of the Labjack and Ignition combination.


In order to be eligible, hedge fund indices have to be classified as financial indices according to the CESR's definition. The remainder of this document addresses the detailed questions put forward by the CESR (CESR/06-530) and gives EDHEC's views on these issues. In our replies to the detailed questions from the CESR, we argue that hedge fund indices should not be required to offer more controls and more transparency than existing financial indices such as stock market indices. Likewise, their construction should not be subjected to detailed rules for choosing constituents and implementing rebalancing and weighting mechanisms. In fact, there is no reason to discriminate against hedge fund index providers in this sense. Rejecting hedge fund indices seems to be inconsistent with the treatment of indices for other asset classes which face the same types of problems as hedge fund indices. A more promising approach would be to accept hedge fund indices in principle and to require a number of quality criteria, including: - Transparency of the method - A methodology that guarantees a high degree of representativity as well as precise classification of components (such as factor analysis) - Minimum liquidity of the indices - Investability of index components - Prohibition of practices such as backfilling - Information on risk factor exposure This alternative seems to be more convincing than to either reject hedge fund indices on the basis of their shortcomings or to make all hedge fund indices eligible without considering the specific quality of each index. Wide use of high quality hedge fund indices for investment and risk analysis would mark an important step towards proper information for investors on the level of risk in hedge fund products. As a complement to our answers to the questions raised by the CESR, please note our reply to the CESR published earlier (Amenc and Goltz, 2006).


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Feaella parva est une espèce de pseudoscorpions de la famille des Feaellidae.

Distribution
Cette espèce est endémique d'Afrique du Sud. Elle se rencontre vers Vioolsdrif.

Description
Le mâle holotype mesure .

Publication originale
 Beier, 1947 : Zur Kenntnis der Pseudoscorpionidenfauna des südlichen Afrika, insbesondere der südwest- und südafrikanischen Trockengebiete. Eos, Madrid, ,  (texte intégral).

Liens externes

Notes et références

Feaellidae
Espèce de pseudoscorpions (nom scientifique)
Faune endémique d'Afrique du Sud

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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The chairperson of the State Bank of India is the chief executive officer of India's largest scheduled commercial bank and the ex-officio chair of its Central Board of Directors. Since its establishment in 1955 by the government of India, the SBI has been headed by twenty-sixchairpersons.

The term of office typically runs for three years and can, in some cases, be extended for another two years. However, in practice, only two chairpersons, Raj Kumar Talwar and Arundhati Bhattacharya, had their terms extended. Arundhati Bhattacharya was also the first female chairperson of the bank and continues to be the only woman to have held that post

The inaugural officeholder was the Indian railway minister John Matthai, while Raj Kumar Talwar holds the unique distinction of having been in office for the longest time. P. C. Bhattacharya also held the post of governor of Reserve Bank of India.

Although the State Bank of India, through its predecessors, the Imperial Bank of India and others, has existed in some form since 1806, this article strives to list only those chairmen who have headed the bank since its formation in its modern form, that is since 1955.

Dinesh Kumar Khara is the current chairman of the State Bank of India since 7 October 2020.

SBI chairpersons list

References

External links

Lists of office-holders in India
State Bank of India
Lists of chairmen
Chairpersons of corporations by company


The Ristorante Certosino is the restaurant of the island. It offers traditional Veneto and Venetian fish and meat based dishes.
The Certosino has attractive indoor areas seating up to 80 and well-tended terraces surrounded by open spaces for lunches and dinners in the open air.
Particular menus for special occasions can be prepared by the chef.


Let's be honest, replacing your old furnace or air handler sounds like a no-brainer. You've made more than your share of heating repair calls recently, and you want consistent heat and a more energy efficient system. It's not worth throwing all your dollars into our emergency furnace repair service (but we're not complaining) when you could have a new heating system that will save you money in the long run.
If you've worked with our friendly professionals at Falso Service Experts in East Syracuse, you already know you're getting the best service around. However, we don't only offer HVAC services – Falso Service Experts also provides a variety of heating equipment. And our professionals will work with you to find the product best suited for your home, your needs and your budget. That's fewer worries for you and more comfort for your family.
We offer a full range of furnaces and air handlers in East Syracuse. Find out more on our website or by scheduling a free appointment with a Falso Service Experts professional. Alternatively, you can call 315-313-6531, too. We're eager to work with you on all your furnace and air handler needs.


I know some of you might find it hard to believe, but I am somewhat of a metal head. I really enjoy listening to good heavy metal bands (Metallica is my favorite mainstream metal band). I especially enjoy 1980's metal. One of my absolute favorite metal bands is Stryper, a Christian metal band. They've been around for 25 years and still rock…Jacinda and I saw them in concert last year.
Recently I've begun listening to the Christian rock band Skillet, and now I'm hooked on their music! They have such a raw sound, and it reminds me of much of the metal I listened to as a teenager, except this metal has a much more positive message. The band has been around for some time, but as I said I just recently started listening to them. I've discovered several great songs, but so far these two stand out as my favorites. Both songs are off their album Awake. The first is Awake and Alive, and the second is my favorite, Monster. Here are the official videos to both songs. They definitely get your blood pumping!


What Are the Benefits of a Good Air Conditioning Unit?
While the days when homeowners sat on the front porch to drink tall glasses of iced tea and grab a stray cool breeze during the stifling summer months are long gone. Today, there are air conditioning units that make it possible to stay inside and be cool, comfortable, and happy sitting on your couch sipping that same glass of iced tea. Now, you can even check into air conditioner financing so that you don't have to shell out a ton of money to buy an air conditioner upfront. However, there are other benefits to be had from good air conditioning as well. Interested in what those benefits are? Read on below to find out.
It has been proven that being hot slows the body's response times and makes it difficult to function. Having an air conditioner in your office or home will help you to stay alert mentally and get a whole lot more work done. Everyone has experienced the problems and sluggishness that you have on a hot summer day. Inside an office or house with no air conditioning will have the same effect on you.
One of the biggest benefits of air conditioner financing so that you can have a good air conditioner in your home or office is that it will help keep tempers in check. Temperatures aren't the only thing that rise when the summer heat hits, tempers rise as well. As your body temp rises due to the extreme heat, so does your blood pressure. This makes you cranky, irritable, and can cause you to snap over the littlest thing. Good and steady air conditioning in a home or office will keep the peace and make people happier at the same time.
Think about it. When you don't have an air conditioner in your office or home, you have to open the windows and doors to catch whatever stray breeze might be blowing in from the outside. Open windows, even ones that have screens on them make it easier for intruders to break in.
Having a good air conditioning unit allows you to keep those doors and windows closed and keep the world outside where it belongs. For more information on air conditioner financing, contact the professionals at Microf!


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Southside Bancshares, Inc. Announces Financial Results for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
July 28, 2017 6:30am Comments
TYLER, Texas, July 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Southside Bancshares, Inc. ("Southside" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:SBSI) today reported its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.
Southside reported net income of $14.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, an increase of $3.1 million, or 27.1%, compared to $11.4 million for the same period in 2016. Southside reported net income of $29.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, an increase of $4.6 million, or 18.3%, compared to $24.9 million for the same period in 2016.
Diluted earnings per common share were $0.49 for the three months ended June 30, 2017, an increase of $0.07, or 16.7%, compared to $0.42 for the three months ended June 30, 2016. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, diluted earnings per common share increased $0.08, or 8.7%, to $1.00 when compared to $0.92 for the same period in 2016.
The return on average shareholders' equity for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was 11.13%, compared to 10.93% for the same period in 2016. The return on average assets was 1.06% for the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to 0.99% for the same period in 2016.
"Strong financial results and the announcement of a merger agreement with Diboll State Bancshares, Inc. provide the highlights for the second quarter," stated Lee R. Gibson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southside. "Our financial results for the second quarter included solid loan growth of $71.3 million, a 2.8% increase on a linked quarter basis, net income of $14.5 million, which included $473,000 of merger related expense and $75,000 of expense associated with two scheduled branch closures, a decrease in the efficiency ratio to 50.26% and a decrease in our ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets to 0.16%."
"Our loan growth primarily occurred late in the quarter with $60.1 million booked in June and of the $60.1 million, $14.6 million was booked during the last two days of June. End of quarter loan growth, combined with our healthy pipeline, should provide an excellent start for loan revenue in the third quarter."
"On June 12, 2017, we announced the signing of a merger agreement with Diboll State Bancshares, Inc. ("Diboll"). We have filed all of our applications with relevant regulatory authorities and are currently preparing the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus to be included in our registration statement on Form S-4 which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We anticipate closing this transaction sometime during the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to regulatory approval, Diboll shareholder approval, and customary closing conditions."
Loans and Deposits
For the six months ended June 30, 2017, total loans increased by $53.7 million, or 2.1%, compared to December 31, 2016. The net increase in our loans was comprised primarily of increases of $87.7 million of commercial real estate loans, $6.7 million of construction loans, and $6.4 million of municipal loans, which were partially offset by decreases of $21.8 million of 1-4 family residential loans, $20.3 million of loans to individuals, and $5.0 million of commercial loans. Loans with oil and gas industry exposure totaled 1.14% of the loan portfolio at June 30, 2017, compared to 1.09% at December 31, 2016.
Nonperforming assets decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2017 by $5.9 million, or 39.3%, to $9.2 million, or 0.16% of total assets, compared to 0.27% of total assets at December 31, 2016, due to the payoff of several nonaccrual commercial loans during the six months ended June 30, 2017.
During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the allowance for loan losses increased by $1.3 million, or 7.4%, to $19.2 million, or 0.74% of total loans, compared to 0.70% of total loans at December 31, 2016, primarily due to loan growth.
During the six months ended June 30, 2017, deposits, net of brokered deposits, decreased $11.0 million, or 0.3%, compared to December 31, 2016. During this six-month period, our public fund deposits decreased $38.2 million, or 3.8%.
Net Interest Income for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Net interest income increased $1.0 million, or 3.0%, to $35.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, compared to $34.4 million for the same period in 2016. The increase in net interest income was the result of a $4.9 million increase in interest income on loans and the securities portfolio, partially offset by the increase in interest expense of $3.9 million associated with our deposits and other interest bearing liabilities, compared to the same period in 2016. For the three months ended June 30, 2017, our net interest spread decreased to 2.89%, compared to 3.24% for the same period in 2016. Our net interest margin decreased to 3.07% for the three months ended June 30, 2017, compared to 3.35% for the same period in 2016. Both the decrease in net interest margin and spread was due to higher average rates paid on interest bearing liabilities along with a decrease in the average yield on earning assets. The increase in average rates paid on interest bearing liabilities was a direct result of the subordinated debt issuance and the decrease in purchase accretion on the certificate of deposit premium during the third quarter of 2016 and overall higher interest rates. The decrease in the average yield on earning assets during the three months ended June 30, 2017 was primarily the result of a decrease in purchase accounting accretion on loans and a decrease in the average yield on tax-exempt investment securities. The net interest spread and margin on a linked quarter basis decreased from 2.93% and 3.08%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017, to 2.89% and 3.07%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2017.
Net Interest Income for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Net interest income decreased $290,000, or 0.4%, to $70.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to $71.0 million for the same period in 2016. The decrease in net interest income was the result of the $7.1 million increase in interest expense on our deposits and other interest bearing liabilities exceeding the $6.8 million increase in interest income on loans and the securities portfolio, compared to the same period in 2016. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, our net interest spread decreased to 2.91%, compared to 3.32% for the same period in 2016. Our net interest margin decreased to 3.07% for the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to 3.43% for the same period in 2016. Both the decrease in net interest margin and spread was due to higher average rates paid on interest bearing liabilities along with a decrease in the average yield on earning assets. The increase in average rates paid on interest bearing liabilities was a direct result of the subordinated debt issuance and the decrease in purchase accretion on the certificate of deposit premium during the third quarter of 2016 and overall higher interest rates. The decrease in the average yield on earning assets was the result of a 23 basis point decrease in the average yield on investment securities combined with a decrease in purchase accounting accretion on loans and the effect on the average yield on loans in 2016, of the $1.3 million recovery of interest income on the payoff of a long-term nonaccrual loan during the first quarter of 2016.
Net Income for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Net income increased $3.1 million, or 27.1%, for the three months ended June 30, 2017, to $14.5 million compared to the same period in 2016. The increase was primarily the result of a $4.9 million increase in interest income and a $2.4 million decrease in provision for loan losses, partially offset by a $3.9 million increase in interest expense and a $0.6 million increase in income tax expense.
Noninterest income decreased $0.1 million, or 0.8%, for the three months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to a decrease in net gain on sale of securities available for sale and a decrease in gain on sale of loans which was partially offset by increases in other noninterest income, deposit services income, and brokerage services income.
Noninterest expense decreased $0.3 million, or 1.1%, for the three months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to decreases in professional fees, FDIC insurance and advertising, travel and entertainment expense, partially offset by increases in other noninterest expense. The decrease in professional fees is due to decreases in consulting fees associated with the cost containment and process improvement efforts initiated in January 2016. FDIC insurance decreased due to reduced FDIC assessment rates. Advertising, travel and entertainment expenses decreased primarily due to a decrease in advertising expense. Other noninterest expense increased primarily due to acquisition expense of approximately $473,000 related to the pending merger with Diboll.
Net Income for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Net income increased $4.6 million, or 18.3%, for the six months ended June 30, 2017, to $29.5 million compared to the same period in 2016. The increase was primarily the result of a $6.8 million increase in interest income, a $3.8 million decrease in noninterest expense, and a $3.6 million decrease in provision for loan losses, partially offset by a $7.1 million increase in interest expense, a $2.0 million decrease in noninterest income, and a $0.6 million increase in income tax expense.
Noninterest income decreased $2.0 million, or 9.5%, for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, due to a decrease in net gain on sale of securities available for sale and a decrease in gain on sale of loans which was partially offset by increases in other noninterest income, deposit services income, and brokerage services income.
Noninterest expense decreased $3.8 million, or 6.9%, for the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to decreases in salary and employee benefits, professional fees, occupancy expense, FDIC insurance, advertising, travel and entertainment expense and other noninterest expense, partially offset by an increase in ATM and debit card expense. The decrease in salaries and employee benefits was due to a one-time expense of $1.7 million related to the acceptance of early retirement packages of 16 employees during the six months ended June 30, 2016. Professional fees decreased due to decreases in consulting fees associated with cost containment and process improvement efforts initiated in January 2016. Occupancy expense decreased due to lower rent expense. FDIC insurance decreased due to reduced FDIC assessment rates. Advertising, travel and entertainment expenses decreased primarily due to decreases in advertising and travel expenditures. Other noninterest expense decreased primarily due to a reduction in the provision expense for losses on unfunded loan commitments, losses on other real estate owned, a decrease in core deposit intangible amortization expense and equipment maintenance expense, partially offset by acquisition expense of approximately $473,000 related to the pending merger with Diboll. ATM and debit card expense increased due to increased activity.
Southside's management team will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2017 financial results on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 9:00 am CDT. The call can be accessed by dialing 844-775-2540 and by identifying the conference ID number 52302927 or by identifying "Southside Bancshares, Inc., Second Quarter 2017 Earnings Call." To listen to the call via web-cast, register at www.southside.com/about/investor-relations.
For those unable to listen to the conference call live, a recording of the conference call will be available from approximately 3:00 pm CDT July 28, 2017 through August 9, 2017 by accessing the company website, www.southside.com/about/investor-relations.
Our accounting and reporting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the United States and prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, certain non-GAAP measures are used by management to supplement the evaluation of our performance. These include the following fully-taxable equivalent measures: (i) tax-equivalent net interest income, (ii) tax-equivalent net interest margin, (iii) tax-equivalent net interest spread, and (iv) tax-equivalent efficiency ratio, which include the effects of taxable-equivalent adjustments using a federal income tax rate of 35% to increase tax-exempt interest income to a tax-equivalent basis. Whenever we present a non-GAAP financial measure in an SEC filing, we are also required to present the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP and reconcile the differences between the non-GAAP financial measure and such comparable GAAP measure. Tax-equivalent adjustments are reported in notes 2 and 3 to the "Average Balances with Average Yields and Rates" tables under "Results of Operations" below.
Tax-equivalent net interest income, net interest margin and net interest spread. Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis is a non-GAAP measure that adjusts for the tax-favored status of net interest income from loans and investments. We believe this measure to be the preferred industry measurement of net interest income and it enhances comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest income. Net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis is net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis divided by average interest-earning assets on a tax-equivalent basis. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest margin. Net interest spread on a tax-equivalent basis is the difference in the average yield on average interest-earning assets on a tax equivalent basis and the average rate paid on average interest-bearing liabilities. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest spread.
Efficiency ratio. The efficiency ratio, calculated on a tax-equivalent basis, is a non-GAAP measure that provides a measure of productivity in the banking industry. This ratio is calculated to measure the cost of generating one dollar of revenue. The ratio is designed to reflect the percentage of one dollar which must be expended to generate that dollar of revenue. We calculate this ratio by dividing noninterest expense, excluding amortization of intangibles and certain non-recurring expense by the sum of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis and noninterest income, excluding gains (losses) on sales of investment securities and certain non-recurring impairments. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our efficiency ratio.
These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered alternatives to GAAP-basis financial statements, and other bank holding companies may define or calculate these non-GAAP measures or similar measures differently.
About Southside Bancshares, Inc.
Southside Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company with approximately $5.58 billion in assets as of June 30, 2017, that owns 100% of Southside Bank. Southside Bank currently has 60 banking centers in Texas and operates a network of 70 ATMs.
To learn more about Southside Bancshares, Inc., please visit our investor relations website at www.southside.com/about/investor-relations. Our investor relations site provides a detailed overview of our activities, financial information and historical stock price data. To receive e-mail notification of company news, events and stock activity, please register on the E-mail Notification portion of the website. Questions or comments may be directed to Suni Davis at (903) 531-7235, or suni.davis@southside.com.
Certain statements of other than historical fact that are contained in this document and in other written material, press releases and oral statements issued by or on behalf of the Company may be considered to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of and subject to the safe harbor protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management's views as of any subsequent date. These statements may include words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "anticipate," "appear," "believe," "could," "should," "may," "likely," "intend," "probability," "risk," "target," "objective," "plans," "potential," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are statements with respect to the Company's beliefs, plans, expectations, objectives, goals, anticipations, assumptions and estimates about the Company's future performance and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For example, discussions about trends in asset quality, capital, liquidity, the pace of loan and revenue growth, the Company's ability to sell nonperforming assets, expense reductions, planned operational efficiencies, earnings, pending acquisitions, and certain market risk disclosures, including the impact of interest rates and other economic factors, are based upon information presently available to management and are dependent on choices about key model characteristics and assumptions and are subject to various limitations. By their nature, certain of the market risk disclosures are only estimates and could be materially different from what actually occurs in the future.
Additional information concerning the Company and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect the Company's financial results, is included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, under "Forward-Looking Information" and Item 1A. "Risk Factors," and in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any factors or to announce publicly the result of revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect future events or developments.
SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL SUMMARY (UNAUDITED)
June 30, Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sept. 30, June 30,
Cash and due from banks $ 56,033 $ 54,345 $ 59,363 $ 54,255 $ 45,663
Interest earning deposits 175,039 185,289 102,251 144,833 18,450
Federal funds sold 4,760 7,360 8,040 — —
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value 1,397,811 1,444,043 1,479,600 1,622,128 1,416,335
Securities held to maturity, at carrying value 925,538 929,793 937,487 775,682 784,925
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost 61,561 61,305 61,084 51,901 47,702
Loans held for sale 3,036 5,303 7,641 5,301 5,883
Loans 2,610,198 2,538,918

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


This method of shock treatment cleans the water through the use of silver and copper ions instead of chemicals. The pool ionizer makes use of a low voltage current which discharges the copper and silver ions into the water of the pool. These negatively charged ions bond to viruses, bacteria and algae, killing them. They penetrate the cell walls of these microorganisms and as a part of the process they increase in size and become large enough to be filtered through the filtration system of the swimming pool.
This process is safer than regular chlorine or shock treatments. You may notice the water in the pool will take on a white appearance, but this is no cause for alarm. The ionizer is doing its job by sanitizing the water until it is sparkling clear as it should be.
No more red and irritated eyes or skin. It also puts an end to the bleaching of hair. There is no hazard for swimmers left in the pool after ionization and this means you can enjoy the water much faster than with traditional shock treatments.
The ionization process also saves money which would otherwise be spent on costly pool chemicals. You get all of the benefits of algae and other organism control, reduced requirements if any, for chlorine, fewer treatments needed and fewer issues achieving the proper pH balance.
You also enjoy the benefits of knowing your family and friends are swimming in clear and clean water which is safer than heavily salted or chlorinated pools.
The ionization method of sanitizing and maintaining swimming pools is safer, faster and less expensive than the regular chlorine shock treatments. Say goodbye to heavy chemicals which can irritate your skin and cause discomfort. For more information about pool ionization systems contact www.clearwaterpoolsystems.com.


Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2019-04-18 22:00:53 UTC and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on http://www.amazon.com/ at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
TIMBERLAND LEATHER TRIFOLD WALLET BIFOLD WALLET HYBRID - A functional and unique compact wallet with lots of storage, 8 credit card pockets, 3 slip pockets, 2 ID windows, large cash bill pocket and horizontal flip pocket.
UNIQUE BIFOLD TRIFOLD DESIGN: This unique designed horizontal slilmfold wallet trifold wallet is the perfect combination of two classic designs. With its unique flip pocket with ID window you can easily display your license or commuter badge but with its classic bifold design your wallet will not be to thick and bulky.
TIMBERLAND QUALITY:Timberland is well-known as a reliable manufacturer of long-lasting and durable leather products. This quality extends to every wallet they manufacture, especially the genuine leather slimfold wallets made by this trustworthy brand. The Timberland Men's Leather wallet is a thin-designed wallet made from 100% genuine leather. Its slim design allows a precision fit in dress slacks, jeans, and shorts. It can be used as a daily wallet or for a night on the town. This thin-designed wallets has a genuine leather exterior, tight stitching, and superior manufacturing procedures that help it last through extended use.


Hot tubs and Saunas can make your backyard the life of the party. They provide a source of fun, entertainment, stress relief, and muscle relaxation. Hot tubs and saunas are a great way to melt away the stress, so don't detract from your relaxation with complicated installations. Give us a call to help you enjoy your warm and cozy hot tub or sauna as promptly and safely as possible. We will make sure that you get the dedicated outlets and proper electrical wiring taken care of so that you can have the peace of mind to truly enjoy your new addition. Give us a call to set up an appointment.


Rooibos is a plant grown in South Africa. Its texture is broom like and it is a member of the Fabaceae family of plants. It is aromatic with mild taste there are various benefits of #Rooibos_Tea and is very popular in countries like England, Holland, and Japan. According to research, the benefits of Rooibos Tea are 50% more than Green Tea. People of Africa have been drinking this tea since ages.
Look through the top benefits we've listed below and find the one benefit that will motivate you to start incorporating Rooibos Tea into your daily life.
It is absolutely caffeine free therefore it is a boon for people suffering from insomnia. Benefits of 1 cup of Rooibos Tea are – If it is taken before going to bed, it helps in sound sleep. It elevates your mood, improves energy and stress level naturally; without caffeine which is addictive.
Rooibos Tea helps in lowering high blood pressure. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce hypertension and promote HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and curbs LDL (bad cholesterol), which means protection against heart conditions like atherosclerosis and stroke.
Benefits of Rooibos Tea are enormous in infants suffering from stomach ache and colic problem. A mother in South Africa swears to the healing and soothing effect on her child who is colicky.
Rooibos Tea consists of alpha hydroxyl acid and zinc, which is good for skin. You can apply red tea powder directly to the skin for pimples, acne, and sunstroke problems. It is beneficial in the premature aging skin and also on reducing wrinkles. They are also used in cosmetics chemical peels to rejuvenate skin and give a healthy glow to the skin.
Rooibos Tea promotes healthy teeth and bones because it contains minerals such as manganese, fluoride, and calcium. The role of manganese is to stimulate enzyme in the body which helps in building bone mass and also repairs any damage. Fluoride maintains healthy and strong teeth and also is the main ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpaste. Drinking Rooibos Tea prevents conditions like joint pain, arthritis, and osteoporosis.
Consuming Rooibos Tea often will promote hair growth and will make hair fiber strong. The tea contains polyphones which are organic chemicals and is full of antioxidant capabilities. These polyphones protect hair from sun damage and make hair soft and shiny. Rooibos relieves hair loss as it has an ingredient that helps in removing dead skin cells which block hair follicle that prevents hair from growing. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory reaction of Rooibos Tea contributes to preventing soothing the scalp and dandruff.
Many people agonize over poor blood circulation which can take towards consequential health condition like a heart attack. The compound like chrysoeriol has flavonoid which is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Chrysoeriol assists in blood circulation and lowering cholesterol.
Rooibos Tea consists of aspalathin which is a rare antioxidant and has various qualities. It enhances insulin resistance, balances blood sugar, and helps in glucose absorption of muscle. All this leads to preventive measure against diabetes. Because of its blood sugar balancing properties, it is beneficial to people who already have diabetes by improving the drop and spikes that are hazardous to health. Families who have a history of running diabetes are particularly benefited by drinking Rooibos Tea.
The Rooibos Tea has antispasmodic properties that help in stomach ache and stomach cramps. This can be due to K+ (potassium ion) set in motion in the body without alienating the pursuit of calcium. Jointly they can minimize the over activity in the gastrointestinal tract by stopping intestinal concern and diarrhea.
Rooibos Tea contains polyphenol which is anti-inflammatory and mutagenic antiviral. They also save us from free radicals that are dangerous to cell metabolism which causes diseases like cancer and hypertension. The tea also has aspalathin and nothofagin which are antioxidants. The antiviral compound of polyphenol gives an advantage to the immune system which shields the body from irises, cough and cold, and the flu.
Drinking of Rooibos Tea will hinder cardiovascular disease. It also decreases the risk heart attack and atherosclerosis because Rooibos Tea contains bronchodilator substance which dilates bronchiole and bronchi due to which airflow to lungs increases making breathing easier.
Rooibos Tea is a boon for people who are suffering from kidney stones and who love to drink tea because it does not have oxalic acid in the beverage. Oxalic acid forms a crystal-like substance which makes the existence of calcium stones in the kidney and even making them larger.
Rooibos Tea has many benefits. It is useful in insomnia, asthma, bone weakness, skin disease. It can diminish the risk of different types of cancer. The tea has vitamin C which helps in easing the digestive problems. Rooibos Tea boosts your immune system and protects the body from all types of diseases.


Wasn't Missouri a slave state?
Being a slave state doesn't make a state Southern from a modern standpoint. C'mon, you know this.
Although last I checked there have been several widely publicized issues of race surrounding St. Louis and the state of Missouri. Crickets in Louisville and Kentucky at large.
There have been issues of race in Illinois and Ohio as well. You and I both know from a modern standpoint that race issues don't make a place Southern. I'm totally exhausted from this argument. Despite massive supporting evidence people still think their opinions trump facts. And please...Louisville a better city than St. Louis? Louisville is a metro of around 1.5 million people. St. Louis is a metro of nearly 3 million people. There is no comparison between the two..St. Louis is rich in culture and history, has more to do, professional sports teams, etc. and has fantastic suburbs spanning many miles. Louisville may be growing more than St. Louis but it still has eons to go before it can ever brag about being in the same league as St. Louis or Cincinnati or Cleveland. It is a small city by comparison to those other three. This argument is getting ridiculous. I've presented the facts. For those of you who disagree, you have no basis to disagree other than your own personal opinion. I have linguistic maps, cultural facts, etc., on my side. One thing I will attest to is that long before sweet tea became a phenomenon in St. Louis and cities north of the Mason Dixon line, it was widely available in Louisville.
Last edited by U146; 05-04-2016 at 01:34 PM..
Just pointing out that there is at least one pretty strong historic tie (Civil War was a pretty big deal) to the South here. Not totally black and white.not so much commenting on today, as the economy of St. Louis and demographics are certainly more northern than southern. But people who point out some areas are not delusional either.
Missouri never segregated on buses and water fountains. That's a flat out lie. The only legally mandated segregation was in schools, and even that was already in the process of being phased out by the time Brown vs. Board hit. School segregation occurred in Indiana and Kansas as well and those states aren't the South. Missouri's star on the Confederate Flag is illegitimate. The state supported the Union over the Confederacy by a large margin.
There have been issues of race in Illinois and Ohio as well. You and I both know from a modern standpoint that race issues don't make a place Southern. I'm totally exhausted from this argument. Despite massive supporting evidence people still think their opinions trump facts. And please...Louisville a better city than St. Louis? Louisville is a metro of around 1.5 million people. St. Louis is a metro of nearly 3 million people. There is no comparison between the two..St. Louis has more to do, professional sports teams, etc. and has fantastic suburbs. Louisville may be growing more than St. Louis but it still has eons to go before it can ever brag about being in the same league as St. Louis or Cincinnati or Cleveland. This argument is getting ridiculous. I've presented the facts. For those of you who disagree, you have no basis to disagree other than your own personal opinion. I have linguistic maps, cultural facts, etc., on my side. One thing I will attest to is that long before sweet tea became a phenomenon in St. Louis and cities north of the Mason Dixon line, it was widely available in Louisville.
You've presented anecdotal opinion at best, you clearly have a predisposition to have the last word. Your stance on this issue is just as emotionally driven and opinion based as any presented.
I agree that historically Missouri and St. Louis have some Southern ties. From a modern standpoint, they don't.
Yet from a modern standpoint you cannot excuse Louisville and Kentucky. I can see how you would be an unbiased historian and modern day expert on the subject.
Right...like you can do any better. Please.


Resent research published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that most civilian doctors in the U.S. feel unprepared to care for military veterans. The study included a survey of 140 U.S. physicians who had no medical training by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system but were treating a high level of vets.
The majority of the doctors who took the survey indicated they did not feel comfortable discussing and assessing common veteran health concerns such as exposure-related health risks. The survey responses also indicated the doctors were not adequately trained to identify, communicate, and treat veterans with military-related health conditions.
While some doctors did display some level of comfort dealing with patients who are veterans, an overwhelming number of the survey participants were uncomfortable with veteran's health issues. The researchers are now calling for improved training and counseling for doctors who see veteran patients in order to facilitate the best care and understanding possible.
The VA provides veteran-centric care to nearly all U.S. military veterans regardless of their health condition. If you are a disabled veteran with discharge other than dishonorable, you are entitled to health care at any VA facility. In many cases, VA doctors are best equipped to deal with common combat ailments and service-connected conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), uranium and Agent Orange exposure, and IED blast injuries.
If during or as a result of your military service you developed a disabling health condition or illness you may be entitled to veterans disability benefits. Veterans Help Group® is here to help you with your veterans disability claim, call today – 1-855-855-8992.


The Modern Hotel is a renovated Travelodge that honors its mid-century heritage with modern design and accommodations. Located in downtown Boise's Linen District, the Modern features 39 uniquely appointed rooms with simple, stylish finishes and all the Modern conveniences.
Our most modern creation yet awaits just one block north of our main hotel. These newly-built, furnished suites come with more room to unwind and all the amenities to make your visit feel more like home—if your home looked like The Modern, that is.


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ELAN Helps to Build a Personalized Smart Home for Wounded U.S. Veteran Through the Gary Sinise Foundation
Dave Newman | July 3, 2018
dave.newman@nortekcontrol.com
ELAN® control paired with SpeakerCraft® audio and Panamax® power protection, all by Nortek Security & Control, provides the ultimate smart home experience for U.S. Army SFC Jared Bullock.
PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA — After serving two tours in Iraq, U.S. Army SFC Jared Bullock trained for Special Forces and received a Green Beret in October 2013. Just a month later, on deployment in Afghanistan, an IED explosion on a routine patrol forever altered his life, leaving him without his right arm and leg. After more than thirty surgeries, Bullock was recognized by the Gary Sinise Foundation's R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence, Supporting Empowerment) to receive a smart home designed and built specifically to address his needs.
When U.S. Army SFC Bullock describes that fateful day in November of 2013, he refers to it as "an incident," according to David Young, Owner & President of integration firm The Sound Room. That is Bullock's personality: unapologetically upbeat, always looking forward, doing his best not to dwell on the past. Speaking with the Gary Sinise Foundation® about the incident, Bullock shared, "I knew that my life wasn't over, and this was just another challenge. Challenges have always motivated me to push harder in life."
Designing a modern home to fit the lifestyle of a wounded veteran involves technology that is customizable and extremely easy-to-use. To serve at the center of the smart home system, The Sound Room installed an ELAN® Control System and other Nortek Security & Control technologies that enable easy control of lighting, audio, video, window shades, a security system with cameras, motorized door locks, garage door control, two zones of climate control and a front door video intercom.
The user-intuitive ELAN control interface is available to U.S. Army SFC Bullock through the two ELAN touch panels in the master bedroom and great room, as well as on an iPad® and iPhone®. This way, he and his family can easily see who is at the front door, view security feeds, and see what equipment is currently on or off throughout the home. Young also personalized "home" and "away" settings – the "away" setting can be enabled from any connected device to automatically ensure that TVs and lights are turned off, security is activated, and the doors are closed and locked when the family leaves.
The designer and integrator worked together to build what is perhaps Bullock's favorite area in the home, the exercise room. Complete with a 43" 4K TV and a pair of SpeakerCraft® in-ceiling speakers, he is always hard at work keeping his body in top condition. His dedication to physical fitness and challenges is part of his identity, as evidenced by the 12-mile race he ran just 10 months after the IED incident. Since then he has competed in Spartan races, worked with child amputees, and been featured for his strength and resilience on Bodybuilding.com.
With a large amount of equipment involved – including two ELAN® touch-panels, 16 SpeakerCraft in-ceiling speakers, three Sony® 4K TVs, 16 Lutron® lighting dimmers, six 75" wide Lutron motorized window shades, home theater equipment and more – protecting the system is of paramount importance. The Sound Room relied on Panamax® VT4315-PRO power conditioners to ensure every component gets clean, consistent power for optimal operation, and a Panamax MB-1500 rack-mount battery backup to allow for safe operation and shutdown of all rack components in case of a power outage.
During the project, Young was impressed with his team's willingness to donate their time and expertise to this project. "This project presented a few challenges, namely because it was 2.5 hours away from our home location," he said. "But even considering that, as soon as I announced our involvement in the project, several team members volunteered to work for free in support of U.S. Army SFC Bullock. It was a proud moment, as it was when we finally handed him the iPad that serves as the keys and control surface for his home."
The Sound Room also worked directly with other manufacturers to have additional items donated, including obtaining a free Luxul® networking system for the family. Toward the end of the project, a Verizon® cell phone signal booster was added to improve the mediocre cellular reception at the home.
"The home for U.S. Army SFC Bullock was built to make his life at home as seamless as it could be with customized design," concluded Judith Otter, Executive Director of the Gary Sinise Foundation. "We're so honored to be a part of his journey and to better personalize his home to his needs. Without the generosity of Nortek Security & Control and our other partners, this wouldn't be possible."
ELAN, now part of Nortek Security & Control, develops an award-winning line of whole-house entertainment and control solutions distributed through a comprehensive channel of select dealers throughout the United States, Canada, and countries worldwide. The ELAN 8 update was honored with the "2017 Human Interface Product of the Year" award, and continues to expand its intuitive functionality with security, climate, surveillance and video distribution products and integrations.
About Nortek Security & Control
Nortek Security & Control LLC (NSC) is a global leader in smart connected devices and systems for residential, security, access control, and digital health markets. NSC and its partners have deployed more than 4 million connected systems and over 25 million security and home control sensors and peripherals. Through its family of brands including 2GIG®, ELAN®, GoControl®, Linear®, Mighty Mule® and Numera®, NSC designs solutions for national telecoms, big box retailers, OEM partners, service providers, security dealers, technology integrators and consumers.
Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, NSC has over 50 years of innovation and is dedicated to addressing the lifestyle and business needs of millions of customers every day.
Other brand names and product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks, tradenames, service marks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.


text:
Panel Reviews EPA Rule Changes for Scientific Studies
Court Decision on MN Mining Permits Could Set Precedent
Small OR Town in Big Fight Over Facebook's Undersea Cable Plans
Allegheny County Residents Demand Action on Air Pollution
Granite State Native Americans Stand in Solidarity Against Pipeline
On the same day thousands marched in the Native Nations Rise march in Washington, about 50 locals held a vigil in solidarity with the march. (Joshua Lang).
CONCORD, N.H. – The Native Nations Rise March received major news coverage over the weekend.
New Hampshire Native Americans and their supporters held a candlelight vigil in Concord Friday evening. And New Hampshire indigenous organizer Sterling Chase says more than 50 people were in attendance, including indigenous people, veterans and members of local peace groups.
Chase says it was heartbreaking to see members of the Standing Rock Sioux forced out of their encampments and he says the vigil was meant to support the tribe's ongoing opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline.
"We're standing in solidarity with Standing Rock," he states. "We are standing for indigenous people's rights, human rights, and to protect the water."
Thousands took part in the Native Nations Rise March in Washington on Friday to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline. Some stopped along the route to build a tepee in front of the Trump Hotel.
At the end of last year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers halted construction of the pipeline, but in January, President Donald Trump issued an executive order allowing the project to go forward.
Backers of the $3.8 billion pipeline project say it does not pose a risk to public health, but Chase strongly disagrees.
"Running oil pipelines under rivers, under lakes that leak, they do fail, that is a fact," he points out. "They contaminate the earth, they contaminate the water. It's not a good idea."
He says the Dakota Access Pipeline is just one example of the ongoing threats to not just the environment but also the rights of indigenous people all across the nation.
"Definitely human rights, and indigenous rights that are being trampled, treaties that are not being honored," he stresses. "These are treaties that were signed by the U.S. government. They are clearly not being honored."
Among the groups that joined the Concord vigil were Building a Culture of Peace Forum and New Hampshire Stands with Standing Rock.
Mike Clifford, Public News Service - NH


There's an old saying about water, shared among health-conscious people: If you are not drinking filtered water, then you are the filter.
When you apply that proposition to the air circulating through buildings, you may think there's no problem because the air is filtered or cleaned by the building's air handler. But in many cases, that may not be true.
If a building's air handling units have a clogged, leaking or poorly draining condensate pan, this creates the perfect breeding ground for molds, fungi, bacteria and other biological contaminants that circulate continuously within the building's air and the lungs of inhabitants. And if the problem isn't solved, it likely will intensify.
Why are such air contamination problems so widespread in today's buildings and seemingly worsening?
Maser, a certified industrial hygienist with over 30 years of experience in the fields of environmental, fire protection, industrial hygiene and safety compliance, knows that the likely culprit in such air contamination cases is the air handler's condensate pan or "drip pan" that is supposed to catch condensation moisture released from the air handler. It is vital that the condensate pan provide for proper water drainage. Yet, having conducted many indoor environmental air quality studies and consulting on bioaerosol cases, Maser knows that air handler condensate pans can be poorly designed or inadequately serviced.
Essentially, the molds, fungi and bacteria that plague building air systems requires only three things to propagate: the right temperature range, a source of sufficient nutrients and water. Malfunctioning condensate pans generally meet all three requirements.
Maintaining the cleanliness of the system is crucial. A key point is to reduce manual efforts required to help maintain the air quality in the building.
Obviously, the problems with air handlers made toxic by leaking, clogged or malfunctioning condensate pans go far beyond maintenance costs. In addition to that issue come several others, such as business disruption, the reputation of a "sick building," rental of temporary HVAC equipment and potential for liability for health issues.
In addition to allergic reactions and other health issues, a "sick" building caused by air handlers with stagnant water due to leaking or clogged condensate pans can make building inhabitants feel tired or lethargic.
Maser's company, Enviroair, entered an alliance with AQUIS Air Quality Innovation Solutions in order to provide recommendations to clients needing repair or replacement of air handler condensate pans in order to make their HVAC systems more healthful and reliable.
"We had seen any number of retrofit and repair 'systems' devised to improve condensate pan integrity and efficiency. Almost invariably they were not readily applicable to existing installations, were not strong enough or not compliant with NFPA code," Maser says.
Maser cites the use of quick-fix membranes such as epoxy coatings, roofing membrane and roofing tar to solve condensate pan deterioration problems as being ineffectual and possibly non-compliant with building guidelines.
Most condensate pans are fabricated from steel, which can rust, clog and weaken when not set at the precise floor pitch. Maser says companies have found success with condensate pans that incorporate highly engineered polymers that produce no VOCs and ensure that pans remain free of standing water, rust and corrosion, and remain leak-free for greater than 10 years.
Ed Sullivan is a Hermosa Beach, Calif.-based writer. He has researched and written about high technologies, health care, finance and real estate for over 25 years.


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Breakthrough Artists: Aldis Hodge, Camila Morrone, Lulu Wang
For the past eighteen years, HIFF has focused on emerging acting talent and highlights a dynamic class of actors each year. Since 2002, past honorees have included many future award winners and nominees, including award-winning actors Emily Blunt, Brie Larson, Adam Driver, Jessica Chastain, Mahershala Ali, Riz Ahmed, Alicia Vikander, Lupita Nyong'o, Emma Stone, Elisabeth Moss, Rooney Mara, Oscar Isaac, and more.
This year's three breakthrough artists are thrilling new talents whose stars are solidly on the rise. Two of the three are appearing in films at the festival, and we are delighted to welcome them to HIFF 2019.
"With our Breakthrough Artist signature program, we are pleased to recognize the talent of Camila Morrone, Aldis Hodge, Lulu Wang, three artists whose work on the screen has been stunning."
Meet the Breakthrough Artists at our Winick Talk on Saturday, October 12.
Aldis Hodge is an award-winning actor who is best known for his roles in films and television series such as Underground, Leverage, STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON, and HIDDEN FIGURES. This year, he starred as the title character in the film BRIAN BANKS, in addition to the Paramount Pictures film WHAT MEN WANT opposite Taraji P. Henson. Currently, Aldis is starring opposite Kevin Bacon in the critically acclaimed Showtime series City on a Hill. Earlier this year, Hodge's film CLEMENCY (HIFF 2019) won the Dramatic Grand Jury prize at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, and will be released in December by NEON.
Hodge has earned National Board of Review, Screen Actors Guild and Palm Springs Film Festival awards for his acting work. In 2017, Hodge was asked to join the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences. In addition to acting, he is developing projects for film and television, designs luxury timepieces, and is an avid artist and painter.
CAMILA MORRONE
An affecting and charismatic actress, Camila Morrone is quickly making a name for herself as one of Hollywood's most talented performers. Upcoming, Morrone will star as the titular 'Mickey' in Annabelle Attanasio's MICKEY AND THE BEAR (HIFF 2019). The film follows a determined Montana teenager (Morrone) as she maneuvers a turbulent relationship with her veteran father (James Badge Dale). The critically-acclaimed drama made its world premiere debut at the 2019 SXSW Film Festival and later played to sold-out crowds at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.
Morrone's additional film credits include A24's comedy NEVER GOIN BACK, which premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival; Eli Roth's remake of DEATHWISH, opposite Bruce Willis; and James Franco's biopic BUKOWSKI.
Chinese-American director Lulu Wang wrote and directed her second feature film THE FAREWELL, which A24 released this summer. The story follows Billi (Awkwafina), a young woman who returns to China after decades in America to join her relatives as they gather to say goodbye to the family's elderly matriarch. While Billi's story is unique to her Asian-American experience, it is entirely relatable in its heartwarming depiction of love within a family. The film had its world premiere at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. Variety also named Wang among its "Top Ten Directors To Watch in 2019."
For her first film POSTHUMOUS (2014), an indie romantic comedy starring Brit Marling and Jack Huston, Wang was awarded the Chaz and Roger Ebert Directing Fellowship at the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards. She also earned a 2014 Film Independent Project Involve Directing fellowship. Wang's 2015 short film TOUCH premiered at the Palm Springs International ShortsFest..
Born in Beijing, raised in Miami and educated in Boston, Wang originally trained as a classical pianist. However, her love for writing eventually paved the way to her success as a storyteller, with her diverse background reflected and emphasized in the global sensibility of her films. Lulu is currently developing her next feature.
Filed Under: Festival Updates, Film News, HIFF27, Home Page Feature Tagged With: aldis hodge, breakthrough artists, camila morrone, clemency, HIFF 2019, lulu wang, mickey and the bear


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Oak Ridge's wealth of volunteers and community support for a new Japanese dry landscape garden surprised and delighted an Asian garden specialist who recently visited Oak Ridge to speak about the gardens.
Oak Ridge's wealth of volunteers and community support for a new Japanese dry landscape garden surprised and delighted an Asian garden specialist who recently visited Oak Ridge to speak about the gardens.
"What I find inspiring ... is that you started with broad community interest in these types of gardens," said Martin McKellar, who spoke at the University of Tennessee Arboretum in Oak Ridge about karesansui (pronounced car-uh-san-swee) gardens before training volunteers to design, rake and maintain the local garden.
Oak Ridge now has its own karesansui garden at the International Friendship Bell Peace Pavilion in A.K. Bissell Park, created during McKellar's training sessions for volunteers. A smaller, second garden will invite anyone from the community to practice raking the garden.
Karesansui gardens, a centuries-old Japanese tradition, feature sand or fine gravel raked in patterns around carefully placed boulders and stones, peaceful sites encouraging viewers to spend time in contemplation.
"In Japan, people approach these gardens with great respect. Children taken as toddlers know that you don't walk on the garden and you don't pick up gravel and throw it," said Pat Postma, co-chair of the International Friendship Bell Citizens Advisory Committee.
McKellar said it was a privilege to meet a group of people who intentionally gathered around the idea of creating this type of garden, funding it and maintaining it.
"It is exceptional to be in a situation where there is active community support for this type of garden," he said.
During his talk at the UT Arboretum, he pointed out volunteers who are helping with the project. Woodworker Duane Starr crafted a ceremonial rake of exotic woods to be used for special occasions. He also made five traditional white oak rakes for everyday use in the karesansui garden.
Home Depot contributed Masonite rakes, with help from Shawn Boothe, the store's assistant operations manager. Consolidated Nuclear Security, the contractor operating the Y-12 National Security Complex, made blades for the rakes. Tom Lakers, of Willow Ridge Garden Center, traveled as far as Sarasota, Fla., to seek a traditional palm tree log for the Friendship Bell striker, McKellar noted.
"Community members are coming together to move this project forward," McKellar added.
Volunteers learning how to design and maintain the new Japanese dry landscape garden at the International Friendship Bell Peace Pavilion began and ended their sessions by raking fine gravel in different designs, learning the history and philosophy of the gardens in between. The training attracted 31 volunteers, who are now curators of the Oak Ridge karesansui garden, Postma said.
McKellar will return later in the spring for another training. Anyone interested in taking the training may email hporder@comcast.net for more information.
McKellar had just returned from a five-week trip to Japan before his visit to Oak Ridge. There, he photographed and researched the various types of rakes used to create the karesansui gardens. The patterns and detail put into the gardens in part depend on the type of tools gardeners have, he said.
"You can actually make a rake that gives you exactly the type of pattern you want for your garden," he said. The Asian garden specialist at the University of Florida's Harn Art Museum, McKellar volunteers to rake and maintain the karesansui garden there. Retired from the university's International Center, McKellar said he knew little about taking care of such gardens when he volunteered in 2013.
After 11 trips to Japan, he has written articles and become a specialist in the gardens. The literal translation for karesansui, he said, is "dry-mountain-water," referring to use of sand or gravel and stones arranged to represent mountains and water.
Postma first contacted McKellar to learn more about the dry landscape gardens, and then asked Duane Starr to design a rake.
"Duane came up with the idea of using stainless steel for the rake blades, thinking about durability and precision," said Postma. Starr suggested contacting CNS Y-12 to see if someone there could create the blades for the rakes, and CNS readily agreed, Postma said. Retired from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Starr was a distinguished R&D staff member in the National Security Sciences Directorate. He and his wife Nancy attended training to become volunteer karesansui gardeners.
Postma noted that Shawn Boothe, at Home Depot, became familiar with Japanese dry landscape gardens when he lived in Los Angeles and during trips to Japan, where he visited gardens. Boothe devised rake blades from light-weight Masonite and used handles and braces from squeegees. He also provided several replacement blades for use when needed.
Postma, too, was pleased with the response to the call for volunteers to make rakes and to rake and maintain the garden. She will host another training in early February for members of Church Women United, the Oak Ridge Interfaith Partnership and Women's Interfaith Dialog as part of their month of service in harmony.
"We have something truly inspiring here that caught everyone's imagination, and something very special to bring to the Bell," Postma said of the new karesansui garden.


A wedding photographer based in Surrey should keep out of the way as much as possible to be effective.
You have to understand that when it comes to this particular profession, you don't really have to be up front and center all of the time. As a matter of fact, the more you will be able to stay out of other people's way, the better it will be both for you and for them. For you, staying out of the way will allow you to get your shots done in and to capture what you would really like to go ahead and capture from the vantage point of the keen observer and outsider. Candids are very easy to pull off and you will be able to really capture the essence of the moments as they pass by or as they occur during the wedding. On the other hand, this will work out well for other people because the long and short of it is that they came to the wedding event not to see you. They came so that they can show their love and support for the bride and groom who are joining their lives together. The less you bother them, the better it will always turn out to be for them when it all comes down to it.
Don't give people a heads up when you are taking photos.
Taking people by surprise is at times the best way for you to go, especially if you are trying to capture the authenticity of the emotions being felt by the subjects of your photos during that particular moment. When you give people a heads up that you are about to go ahead and get their photos taken, this gives them a few seconds to actually prepare for the shot. They will try to arrange their hair, or prepare their poses right then and there. It will be next to impossible for you to produce authentic looking pictures the entire time that you are working there and it will defeat the purpose of a reportage approach in the first place. Try to wait for people to get distracted and fully immersed in the moment before you go ahead and sneak in your shots somewhere along the way.
A shutter that goes off with that annoying clicking sound every single time you try to take a shot can be a bit annoying at times and this can really clue people in on the fact that you are taking photos of them in the first place. The whole point of trying to go incognito as a surrey wedding photographer is to make sure that you get to capture authentic candid shots while you are there. You won't be able to do that if your shutter sounds clue them on every single time you press that button. Set it to quiet so that you can work in peace.
Try not to talk at all as a wedding photographer.
Talking can ruin the moment and it can take them away from what's actually happening during a particular time.


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Kanye West's Failed Presidential Campaign Says It Was Defrauded of Thousands
ByLuna Mike
Kanye West's 2020 official mission answered to political decision controllers Tuesday that somebody took huge number of dollars from the gathering's records in a demonstration of "outside misrepresentation."
The rapper's bombed crusade, which actually exists as a lawful substance called "Kanye 2020," recorded a divulgence with the Federal Election Commission, got by Billboard, that said it had unintentionally offered $3,999 in real money across three separate exchanges throughout the course of recent months.
"Subsequent to examining, it was resolved that an individual not associated with the mission got to a mission record to pay his own charge card," the gathering composed. "It was accounted for to First Bank of Wyoming and a stop-pay was set up to safeguard against future unapproved charges. The bank couldn't invert the exchanges at issue."
The divulgence came after the FEC controllers sent a "Solicitation for Additional Information" to the mission about the three exchanges. The repercussions of the episode, for the mission or for the person who purportedly took the cash, are muddled. A rep for West didn't promptly return a solicitation for input.
Also Read: Bright Eyes frontman Conor Oberst walks off stage after two songs during Houston show
Sent off in July 2020, West's mission for the administration never fully made headway. He just qualified for polling form access in twelve states and, regardless of encouraging fans on Twitter to project write-in votes in favor of him, the rapper just won approximately 70,000 decisions on Election Day.
As indicated by a February report by The Hollywood Reporter, Kanye burned through $12.5 million of his own cash on the mission. Yet, an examination by the Daily Beast observed that the mission was connected to a large number of dollars in administrations from a clandestine organization of Republican Party agents.
FEC records show that as of March 31, the mission actually had $392,173 in its money chests – after the fake withdrawals, that is.
Also Read: Meghan Markle is apparently 'terrified' of upcoming royal biography
Pete Davidson hits back at claims 'he's been brainwashed' by Kim Kardashian
Jason Momoa fought for Amber Heard to remain in 'Aquaman 2'
Jan 8, 2023 Maria Jose
Jan 3, 2023 Luciana Rojas


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