text:
The Super 73 Electric Bike has an old-school design and hits speeds up to 30mph
Trevor Daugherty - Jun. 6th 2016 2:26 pm PT Twitter icon @trevorjd14
New Toy of the DayNew Product
We're not just talking about electric bikes as a "one day" or "down-the-road" solution any more. With smaller batteries and greater range, what once was a dream is now a feasible reality. The latest alternative fuel creation comes way of Lithium Cycles, a group out of South California that has eyes on bringing a retro-style battery-powered bike to the masses. So far, interest is heavy. The Super 73 Electric Bicycle has already raised over $165,000 in just a few days on Kickstarter…
Lithium Cycles is touting its new creation as an affordable go-anywhere bicycle with impressive range. The designers behind this release are leaning on a throwback design as a starting point. It definitely says 80's more than Tesla. Although, there is nothing here that isn't needed. This allows the cost to stay lower and the battery to perform at a higher level thanks to a lightweight design.
The Super 73 is powered by a 1,000 watt motor that pushes speeds up to 30mph. A built-in battery recharges in four hours – using a standard outlet – and provides around 20 miles of range. One beauty of this arrangement is that a drivers license is not required to operate this bicycle. Given that it has limited speeds, this could be a very attractive option for parents of high schoolers in lieu of a vehicle.
Lithium uses a scratch-resistant steel frame that is powder coated. This is a little disappointing to not see aluminum used here but we're guessing cost vs. return didn't warrant this move. There is a built-in throttle on the handlebars that controls speeds. You'll also find a few different buttons there for changing ride modes, etc.
While the stats above are limited to full-on battery power, riders can also opt for a manual mode or a powered assist setting that provides help well past twenty miles of travel. There are five levels in this mode depending on your needs. A built-in LCD display communicates key information such as remaining battery life, distance traveled, speeds and more. Additional features include a USB charging port for your devices, a keyed entry system with removable battery and a cup holder.
At this time, all of the early bird purchase options have been claimed over at Kickstarter. For $1,899, you can reserve your bike and pick it up in Southern California. For a few dollars more, Lithium will ship it to select countries. Both options are slated to deliver in October.
More New Toy of the Day:
Segway returns with the smartphone-connected miniPRO electric transporter
The Star Wars Ultimate Collection brings incredible recreations of movie props to your home
SodaStream gets tipsy with its new Beer Bar homebrew beverage maker
This gorgeous $1,100 SmartBike cannot be stolen according to its creators
iDevices' latest creation brings HomeKit control to nearly any lightbulb in your house
Source: Kickstarter
Trevor Daugherty
Twitter icon @trevorjd14
Trevor Daugherty is the Senior Editor of 9to5Toys. Since joining in 2014, he's specialized in product reviews, exclusive discounts and 9to5's New Toy of the Day. Contact him direct at trevor@9to5mac.com.
Trevor Daugherty's favorite gear
Grado SR80e Headphones
Schiit Vali Subminiature Hybrid Headphone Amp


text:
In Escalation, Russia Cuts Gas Supplies To Ukraine
Escalating a long-running conflict, Russia said it has decided to cut off gas supplies to Ukraine on Monday.
The move comes after the two sides failed to find common ground on the price of natural gas and, perhaps more importantly, it marks another chapter in the conflict between the two countries, which flared after a popular uprising ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.
The Associated Press reports:
"Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov said that since Ukraine had paid nothing for the gas by Monday, from now on the company would demand that Ukraine pay in advance for any future deliveries.
"'Gazprom supplies to Ukraine only the amount that has been paid for, and the amount that has been paid for is zero,' Kupriyanov said Monday morning.
"Ukraine's Naftogaz company head Andriy Kobolev said Russia had cut the supply of gas to Ukraine. He added that Ukraine can manage without Russian gas until December."
The BBC reports that the Russians came out of the negotiations with a grim view, saying the chances "we meet again are slim."
But EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said he was "not pessimistic."
The AP adds that while 15 percent of Europe's gas flows through Ukraine, this move does not immediately disrupt that supply.
The BBC explains:
"Mr Oettinger later added that Ukraine intended to fill its gas transit commitments to the EU and he was also confident that Russia would meet its gas supply pledges to Europe.
"Ukraine's discounted rate for gas was axed in April after Moscow accused Kiev of failing to pays its bills.
"On Monday, Gazprom stressed that it would continue to supply European consumers with gas at 'full volume' and that it was Ukraine's responsibility to make sure the gas transited through the country."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


This is a brand page for the ICEPOP trademark by Novelty Magazines LTD in Tel Aviv, , .
Write a review about a product or service associated with this ICEPOP trademark. Or, contact the owner Novelty Magazines LTD of the ICEPOP trademark by filing a request to communicate with the Legal Correspondent for licensing, use, and/or questions related to the ICEPOP trademark.
On Monday, December 18, 2017, a U.S. federal trademark registration was filed for ICEPOP. The USPTO has given the ICEPOP trademark serial number of 87724595. The current federal status of this trademark filing is REGISTERED. The correspondent listed for ICEPOP is KELLI OVIES of Forrest Firm, P.C., 406 Blackwell St, Suite 420, Durham NC 27701 . The ICEPOP trademark is filed in the category of Education and Entertainment Services . The description provided to the USPTO for ICEPOP is Providing a website featuring non-downloadable videos in the field of film and popular culture; Publication of electronic magazines.
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text:
Blood glucose self-monitoring in type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial
Clinical Governance: An International Journal
Publication date: 7 August 2009
Article view Figure view Cited (4) cite article
(2009), "Blood glucose self-monitoring in type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial", Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Vol. 14 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/cgij.2009.24814cae.004
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Article Type: Health Technology Assessment From: Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Volume 14, Issue 3
A.J. Farmer, A.N. Wade, D.P. French, J. Simon, P. Yudkin, A. Gray, A. Craven, L. Goyder, R.R. Holman, D. Mant, A.-L. Kinmonth and H.A.W. Neil, on behalf of the DiGEM Trial Group
Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a technology that is frequently incorporated into self-management interventions of diabetes, but has been separately evaluated in only a limited number of trials. Despite this lack of evidence, guidance is given to both support and discourage its use. Self-monitoring was used to guide insulin dose adjustment among individuals with type 1 diabetes in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study Research Group, 2005). This trial demonstrated conclusively that tight glycaemic control reduced the risk of long-term complications. However, among non-insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes it is unclear whether self-monitoring is useful in providing personal feedback about the impact of changes in eating patterns and physical activity to support self-management. Self-monitoring of blood glucose is now widely accepted as part of the management of people with type 2 diabetes (European Diabetes Policy Group, 1999, Blonde et al., 2002). The use of self-monitoring in this group of patients and the cost to health systems of the consumable test strips has become a major and increasing proportion of health-care budgets (Farmer and Neil, 2004, Davidson, 2005). We therefore set out to establish the benefit and cost-effectiveness of SMBG in the Diabetes Glycaemic Education and Monitoring (DiGEM) study.
We report here the results of the DiGEM study – a trial designed to test whether self-monitoring of blood glucose, used with or without instruction in incorporating findings into self-management, can improve glycaemic control in non-insulin-treated diabetes compared with standardised usual care.
The DiGEM study was an open, parallel group randomised trial with an economic analysis, examination of impact on beliefs and self-reported behaviour, and a qualitative study to explore patient experiences. Participants were recruited from 48 general practices in Oxfordshire and South Yorkshire and were eligible if they had type 2 diabetes managed with diet or oral hypoglycaemic agents alone, were aged ≥25 years and had a glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.2 per cent. Patients were randomised to standardised usual care with 3-monthly HbA1c (control); SMBG with patient training focused on clinician interpretation of results in addition to usual care (less intensive self-monitoring); and SMBG with additional training of patients in interpretation and application of the results, to enhance motivation and maintain adherence to a healthy lifestyle (more intensive self-monitoring).
An intention-to-treat analysis was performed with the primary outcome of HbA1c at 12 months. Blood pressure, lipids, episodes of hypoglycaemia and quality of life measured with the EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) were secondary measures. Further questionnaires were used to measure well-being, beliefs about use of SMBG and self-reports of medication taking, dietary and physical activities, and health-care resource use.
A total of 453 patients were randomised, with mean (standard deviation) HbA1c 7.5 per cent (1.1). The differences in 12-month HbA1c between the three groups (adjusted for baseline HbA1c) were not statistically significant (p=0.12). The difference in unadjusted mean change in HbA1c from baseline to 12 months between the control and less intensive self-monitoring groups was −0.14 per cent[95 per centconfidence interval (CI) −0.35 to 0.07] and between the control and more intensive self-monitoring groups was −0.17 per cent(95 per cent CI −0.37 to 0.03). No evidence was found of a significantly different impact of self-monitoring on glycaemic control when comparing subgroups of patients defined by duration of diabetes, therapy, diabetes-related complications and EQ-5D score.
Self-monitoring of blood glucose was found to be significantly more expensive than standardised usual care, by £92 and £84 for the less intensive SMBG and the more intensive SMBG groups respectively. There appears to be an initial negative impact of SMBG on quality of life measured on the EQ-5D. The potential additional lifetime gains in quality-adjusted life-years, resulting from the lower levels of risk factors achieved at the end of trial follow-up, were outweighed by the initial negative impacts for both SMBG groups compared with standardised usual care. Results of the extrapolation also suggest that the incremental lifetime savings in diabetes complications did not offset the additional intervention costs. The cost–utility analysis showed that it is unlikely that either investigated form of SMBG is cost-effective compared with standardised usual care.
In-depth interviews identified groups of patients who used SMBG to monitor impact of different lifestyle choices and motivate adherence to these choices. However, there were also patients who were not clear about the relationship between behaviour and test results or who experienced no improvement in test results after changing behaviour. Questionnaires about health-related beliefs did not identify an increase in perceived control over diabetes, but did find an increase in perceived seriousness of diabetes in the group carrying out more intensive self-monitoring.
We have found no convincing evidence to recommend routine use of SMBG by reasonably well-controlled, non-insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes. The specific advantages of monitoring identified by patients need to be placed in the context of a decline in compliance in the more intensive monitoring group and, at best, a small reduction in HbA1c. Neither the within-trial economic analysis nor the long-term modelling supports SMBG as a cost-effective intervention for all non-insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes. However, a clinically important benefit for specific subgroups of patients in initiating good glycaemic control cannot be excluded without further research.
Implications for practice
This trial does not provide convincing evidence to support the routine use of SMBG for non-insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes. However, our trial does not negate the established benefits of SMBG in insulin-treated patients, although further work is required to optimise its use.
Our in-depth interviews suggest that some individuals may benefit from SMBG use. However, with our present knowledge, we cannot clearly identify these patients, and clinical judgement is required to make this assessment in discussion with patients.
Our trial cannot exclude the possibility that SMBG may be helpful in non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes patients with symptoms of hypoglycaemia; in those motivated to make alterations to behaviour that lead to consistent changes in blood glucose; and where there is strong patient preference.
If support for self-management training is available within usual care, then three-monthly HbA1c management may be the optimum strategy. However, if HbA1c remains above 8 per cent, then self-monitoring may provide motivation for medication adherence and lifestyle measures, as insulin therapy may be required in this group.
We have identified the following research priorities:
The qualitative element of the trial identifies a group of patients who consider that use of SMBG provides them with motivation to adopt and maintain behaviours that lead to better diabetes control. Further work is required to characterise those who gain most benefit in terms of glycaemic control and to determine whether this is related to use of the procedure.
Our results suggest that routine use of SMBG may not be appropriate for reasonably well-controlled patients; however, its role in the management of patients with less well-controlled diabetes is not clear. A pragmatic strategy of self-management education with HbA1c monitoring and intensifying drug therapy may be appropriate in the first instance. If glycaemic control is not then achieved, SMBG may be appropriate, first to explore any potential motivating effect, and second because insulin treatment is likely to be required. Exploration of the utility of this strategy may be useful.
There is an increased rate of hypoglycaemia reported among self-monitoring individuals. Further exploration of the data is needed to establish whether these differences are likely to result from biochemical differences or greater awareness of hypoglycaemia as a cause of symptoms.
Trial registration
This trial is registered as ISRTCN47464659.
NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme
The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme, part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), was set up in 1993. It produces high-quality research information on the effectiveness, costs and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage and provide care in the NHS. "Health technologies" are broadly defined as all interventions used to promote health, prevent and treat disease, and improve rehabilitation and long-term care.
The research findings from the HTA Programme directly influence decision-making bodies such as the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the National Screening Committee (NSC). HTA findings also help to improve the quality of clinical practice in the NHS indirectly in that they form a key component of the "National Knowledge Service".
The HTA Programme is needs led in that it fills gaps in the evidence needed by the NHS. There are three routes to the start of projects.
First is the commissioned route. Suggestions for research are actively sought from people working in the NHS, from the public and consumer groups and from professional bodies such as royal colleges and NHS trusts. These suggestions are carefully prioritised by panels of independent experts (including NHS service users). The HTA Programme then commissions the research by competitive tender.
Second, the HTA Programme provides grants for clinical trials for researchers who identify research questions. These are assessed for importance to patients and the NHS, and scientific rigour.
Third, through its Technology Assessment Report (TAR) call-off contract, the HTA Programme commissions bespoke reports, principally for NICE, but also for other policy-makers. TARs bring together evidence on the value of specific technologies.
Some HTA research projects, including TARs, may take only months, others need several years. They can cost from as little as £40,000 to over £1 million, and may involve synthesising existing evidence, undertaking a trial, or other research collecting new data to answer a research problem.
The final reports from HTA projects are peer reviewed by a number of independent expert referees before publication in the widely read journal series Health Technology Assessment.
Criteria for inclusion in the HTA journal series
Reports are published in the HTA journal series if they have resulted from work for the HTA Programme, and they are of a sufficiently high scientific quality as assessed by the referees and editors.
Reviews in Health Technology Assessment are termed "systematic" when the account of the search, appraisal and synthesis methods (to minimise biases and random errors) would, in theory, permit the replication of the review by others.
The research reported in this issue of the journal was commissioned by the HTA Programme as:
Project number 01/14/10. The contractual start date was in November 2002. The draft report began editorial review in July 2006 and was accepted for publication in July 2007.
Project number 07/40/01. The protocol was agreed in December 2007. The assessment report began editorial review in May 2008 and was accepted for publication in August 2008.
Project number 01/38/05. The contractual start date was in October 2002. The draft report began editorial review in August 2007 and was accepted for publication in September 2008.
As the funder, by devising a commissioning brief, the HTA Programme specified the research question and study design. The authors have been wholly responsible for all data collection, analysis and interpretation, and for writing up their work. The HTA editors and publisher have tried to ensure the accuracy of the authors' report and would like to thank the referees for their constructive comments on the draft document. However, they do not accept liability for damages or losses arising from material published in this report.
The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the HTA Programme or the Department of Health.
Editor-in-Chief: Professor Tom Walley
Series Editors: Dr Aileen Clarke, Dr Peter Davidson, Dr Chris Hyde, Dr John Powell, Dr Rob Riemsma and Professor Ken Stein
Farmer, A.J., Wade, A.N., French, D.P., Simon, J., Yudkin, P., Gray, A., Craven, A., Goyder, L., Holman, R.R., Mant, D., Kinmonth, A.-L. and Neil, H.A.W. (2009), "Blood glucose self-monitoring in type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial", Health Technology Assessment, Vol. 13 No. 15
© 2009 Crown copyright.A.J. Farmer, P. Yudkin, A. Craven and D. Mant are based at Department of Primary Health Care, NIHR School of Primary Care Research, University of Oxford, UK. A.N. Wade is based at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. D.P. French is based at Applied Research Centre in Health and Lifestyle Interventions, Coventry University, UK. J. Simon and A. Gray are based at Health Economics Research Centre, Department of Public Health, University of Oxford, UK. L. Goyder is based at School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, UK. R.R. Holman is based at the Diabetes Trials Unit, University of Oxford, UK. A.-L. Kinmonth is based at General Practice and Primary Care Research Unit, University of Cambridge, UK and H.A.W. Neil, is based at the Division of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Oxford, UK. A.J. Farmer is the corresponding author.


text:
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Why should people consider getting their Estate Planning documents (like Wills and Powers) in order?
People work very hard to pay off their home and accumulate assets during their lifetime and want to see their hard work benefit their loved ones. Making sure that your estate planning is in order is critical to ensure that your assets pass to your intended beneficiaries with as little cost and as few complications and delays as possible.
Certain organisations can do Wills for 'free'. Why would I consider paying a lawyer?
As the saying goes: 'there is no such thing as a free lunch'. Similarly, there is no such thing as a free Will.
Commonly, there is no up-front cost for preparing a Will with these types of 'trustee' organisations if they are appointed as your executor. On your death, the organisation will normally charge a commission based on the value of your estate.
On the current fee structure of some organisations, the cost of a 'free' Will and administering a small estate worth $400,000 (e.g. a modest house and other minor assets) would be $15,400 (not taking into account additional management and income fees that are charged on top of that). The cost for a lawyer to prepare a Will and administer such an estate is more likely to be less than $3,000.
What happens to my assets if I die without a Will?
If you do not leave a Will, you are said to have died 'intestate'. In that situation, the law decides what happens to your estate. Different rules apply in different states.
For example, in South Australia, if the deceased had a spouse and children, then the spouse will generally receive the first $100,000 of the estate and 50% of the rest. The children will receive the other 50%. If the children are under 18, then their share must be held by the Public Trustee (with the associated costs and lack of control associated with that).
While this may not seem to be too bad a result to some, the lack of control of the children's funds can cause serious practical and financial difficulties for the family, with the spouse potentially having to go 'cap in hand' to the Public Trustee if they need funds for the children's care, education or maintenance, with no guarantee that they will be provided.
What are the risks of having a DIY Will? What is the worst outcome you have seen from a DIY Will?
It always surprises me that people will pay a real estate agent thousands of dollars to help sell their house to a complete stranger, but are reluctant to pay a lawyer a fraction of that amount to help transfer all of their assets to their loved ones.
Despite what some people may believe, estate planning is a highly complex area of law. In my view, the person preparing a Will must have a detailed knowledge of estate and succession law, superannuation, trusts and taxation to ensure that all of the assets that a person owns, or controls, are dealt with appropriately and in the most cost and tax effective manner.
Also, many people (including some lawyers) do not realise that a Will cannot deal directly with superannuation or assets held in trusts. Other documents and steps are required there. As a result, proper specialist advice is required to ensure that those assets also pass to your intended beneficiaries.
Even a small error in a DIY Will can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, and many months, to correct. The most dramatic example I have seen is where a person with a relatively simple estate (a house, some savings and some shares worth about $800,000) prepared his own Will. Unfortunately, it was not entirely clear which assets he left to which beneficiaries. The total costs (including stamp duty and capital gains tax) to correct the error were almost $350,000. A Will prepared by a lawyer would have cost him around $500.
What documents do you recommend in case a person becomes unable to manage his or her own affairs?
As part of the estate planning process, I always recommend that clients prepare an Enduring Power of Attorney and an Advance Care Directive.
An Enduring Power of Attorney appoints people to make decisions about your legal and financial affairs (including signing documents and dealing with assets) on your behalf.
An Advance Care Directive appoints people to make decisions about your personal and medical affairs (e.g. consenting or refusing consent to medical treatment, deciding where you are to live, who cared for you etc.) if you are incapable of making those decisions for yourself.
By AMALIA SUBOTKIEWICZ, MT LAWYERS | ADELAIDE
Email | LinkedIn
Amalia is an Associate at MT Lawyers and specialises primarily in estate planning and estate administration. She is knowledgeable, friendly and has an excellent way of making clients feel comfortable in what can sometimes be a difficult and emotional area of law. Amalia can be contacted on (08) 8232 5604 or by email amalia@mtlawyers.com.au
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text:
On remembrance day for Rwanda's genocide victims, UN urges action on Darfur
Marking 12 years since the horrific genocide in Rwanda, when at least 800,000 people were massacred, mostly butchered with machetes, for being ethnic Tutsis or Hutu moderates, the United Nations adviser on preventing such crimes today warned of similarities with what is happening in Sudan's Darfur region, as he urged the global community to do more to stop the increasing bloodshed there.
The Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, Juan E. Mendez, said the international community had failed by allowing the events of Rwanda to happen, and while stopping short of describing events in Darfur as genocide, he highlighted the increasing killings going on and said the situation had deteriorated markedly over the past year.
"Remembering Rwanda, debates about troop strength on the ground and about mandate of our troops on the ground are very eerily reminiscent of what happened then and we're still debating today," Mr. Mendez told reporters in New York, referring to ongoing discussions on how to stop the killings in Darfur, by possibly strengthening the African Union force there or putting in a UN mission.
"There's definitely ethnic cleansing, there's definitely crimes against humanity, there's definitely war crimes and attacks on civilian population; all of those things should prompt the action of the international community, whether we call it genocide or not," he added.
Since becoming the Special Adviser in July 2004, Mr. Mendez has visited Darfur twice, and made various recommendations to the Secretary-General and to the Security Council about what needs to be done in the strife-torn region, consisting of four main themes that he says should be addressed simultaneously as much as possible.
"One is protection, meaning physical protection from harm of vulnerable populations…the second one is humanitarian assistance…the third is accountability: the cycle of impunity has to be broken before the victims can expect to find conditions of security that will allow them to return…and the fourth is support for the peace process."
Echoing today's remarks to reporters, Mr. Mendez also wrote an Op-Ed on the 12th year commemoration that was published by several European and Asian newspapers, in which he also stressed that despite international obligations – such as the 1948 Genocide Convention – the global response continues to fall short of what is required.
"We cannot claim to have learned the lessons of the 1994 Rwandan genocide if our action in the face of genocidal violence remains half-hearted. Action is particularly needed in Darfur, where the threat of genocide continues to loom large," he wrote.
Elsewhere in the world commemorations to mark the Rwandan massacres took on a similar sombre tone, including a minute's silence for the victims in a gathering at the UN Office in Nairobi, Kenya, and further calls to the world community to make sure such horror never gets repeated.
"If the international community had acted promptly and with determination, it could have stopped most of the killing. But the political will was not there, nor were the troops," the Deputy Executive Director of UN Habitat, Inga Björk-Klevby, told UN and other officials, echoing the words of the Secretary-General in a speech he made in 2004 marking the Memorial Conference on the Rwanda Genocide.
"If the United Nations, government officials, the international media and other observers had paid more attention to the gathering signs of disaster, and taken timely action, it might have been averted."
In Geneva, the UN Under-Secretary-General Sergei Ordzhonikidze expressed similar sentiments at a ceremony at the Palais des Nations, describing the events of 1994 as a "stark reminder to the world, of the dangers that prejudice and discrimination can breed."
Vigilance is vital, Ban Ki-moon stresses at Rwandan genocide exhibition opening
Madagascar ratifies statute establishing International Criminal Court
Ban pays tribute to late rights activist who spotlighted horrors of Rwandan genocide


text:
package org.apache.pirk.querier.wideskies;

import com.google.gson.Gson;
import com.google.gson.JsonDeserializationContext;
import com.google.gson.JsonDeserializer;
import com.google.gson.JsonElement;
import com.google.gson.JsonObject;
import com.google.gson.JsonParseException;
import com.google.gson.reflect.TypeToken;
import org.apache.pirk.encryption.Paillier;
import org.apache.pirk.query.wideskies.Query;

import java.lang.reflect.Type;
import java.math.BigInteger;
import java.util.List;
import java.util.Map;

/**
 * Custom deserializer for Querier class for Gson.
 */
public class QuerierDeserializer implements JsonDeserializer<Querier>
{

  private static final Gson gson = new Gson();

  @Override
  public Querier deserialize(JsonElement jsonElement, Type type, JsonDeserializationContext jsonDeserializationContext) throws JsonParseException
  {
    JsonObject jsonObject = jsonElement.getAsJsonObject();
    // Check the version number.
    long querierVersion = jsonObject.get("querierVersion").getAsLong();
    if (querierVersion != Querier.querierSerialVersionUID)
    {
      throw new JsonParseException(
          "Attempt to deserialize unsupported query version. Supported: " + Querier.querierSerialVersionUID + "; Received: " + querierVersion);
    }
    // Then deserialize the Query Info
    Query query = gson.fromJson(jsonObject.get("query").toString(), Query.class);

    // Now Paillier
    Paillier paillier = deserializePaillier(jsonObject.get("paillier").getAsJsonObject());

    List<String> selectors = gson.fromJson(jsonObject.get("selectors").toString(), new TypeToken<List<String>>()
    {}.getType());
    Map<Integer,String> embedSelectorMap = gson.fromJson(jsonObject.get("embedSelectorMap").toString(), new TypeToken<Map<Integer,String>>()
    {}.getType());

    return new Querier(selectors, paillier, query, embedSelectorMap);
  }

  /**
   * Deserializes a Paillier JsonObject.
   *
   * @param paillier
   *          A JsonObject at the root of a serialied Paillier object.
   * @return A Paillier object of the deserialized Json.
   */
  private Paillier deserializePaillier(JsonObject paillier)
  {
    BigInteger p = new BigInteger(paillier.get("p").getAsString());
    BigInteger q = new BigInteger(paillier.get("q").getAsString());
    int bitLength = paillier.get("bitLength").getAsInt();
    return new Paillier(p, q, bitLength);
  }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Khartoum — Cash withdrawals have been severely limited in Khartoum state in Sudan as the country-wide liquidity crisis continues without a solution in sight. Each day sees hundreds of residents queueing at the cash points.
A number of residents told Radio Dabanga said they had queued in front of the cashiers since 8 am without receiving a single Pound.
A teachers said that he went to more than five cashiers but they were all empty. He said an employee at one of the banks confirmed the lack of liquidity at the banks, and that any person with a bank account is entitled to withdraw only SDG 500 ($10.50*).
In December 2018, the Central Bank of Sudan issued a decision to set the limit of cash withdrawals by bank cards at ATMs at SDG 20,000 ($421*) per month.
Kadugli in South Kordofan is still suffering from high consumer prices with no solution in sight.
Residents of told Radio Dabanga that life has become very difficult in the light of soaring prices and low salaries.
Most of the city's large shops and cafeterias have been shut-down due to lack of liquidity and low means of livelihood. Long queues for bread in front of the bakeries has become routine.
Residents said there is general dissatisfaction among the city's residents due to the lack of living means with no foreseeable solutions.


text:
/*
 * Hibernate Validator, declare and validate application constraints
 *
 * License: Apache License, Version 2.0
 * See the license.txt file in the root directory or <http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0>.
 */
package org.hibernate.validator.internal.engine.valuehandling;

import javafx.beans.value.ObservableValue;

import org.hibernate.validator.internal.util.IgnoreJava6Requirement;
import org.hibernate.validator.internal.util.TypeResolutionHelper;

/**
 * Unwraps a JavaFX {@code ObservableValue} and returns the wrapped value and type.
 *
 * @author Khalid Alqinyah
 */
@IgnoreJava6Requirement
public class JavaFXPropertyValueUnwrapper extends TypeResolverBasedValueUnwrapper<ObservableValue<?>> {

	public JavaFXPropertyValueUnwrapper(TypeResolutionHelper typeResolutionHelper) {
		super( typeResolutionHelper );
	}

	@Override
	public Object handleValidatedValue(ObservableValue<?> value) {
		if ( value != null ) {
			return value.getValue();
		}
		return value;
	}
}


Fort Collins is a great place for wildlife because its located where the prairies merge with the mountains. A remarkably rich diversity of wildlife can be seen here. Please visit with respect- use binoculars to get a close-up view. If a creature changes it's behavior because of your presence, you are too close.
Birds of Larimer County Checklist (PDF/93k) by Fort Collins Audubon Society, thank you!
2008 Frog Survey Report- Volunteer citizen scientists collected data on frogs in Fort Collins Natural Areas.
Living with Wildife tips from Colorado Parks and Wildlife including beavers, coyotes, bears, and mountain lions.
Rattlesnakes- Be snake awake safety tips.
Wildlife photos from motion activated cameras at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.
You can protect your cat and be a responsible owner by preventing it from being lost, killed or stolen- keep your cat indoors. Youll be helping birds too. Outdoor cats kill a surprising number of birds and small mammals. The American Bird Conservancy estimates that outdoor and feral cats kill 1.4 billion birds a year. A recent study by the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute found that cats were responsible for about half the deaths of gray catbirds (Dumatella carolinensis) in a suburban environment.
Domestic cats are not part of natural ecosystems, they compete with native predators, and they can transmit diseases to wildlife. Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives. City code section 4-93 prohibits pet animals at large, including cats. For these reasons, the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department encourages you to keep your cat indoors. Learn more from the American Bird Conservancy and The Wildlife Society.


Second Coming of Christ: Is he already here?
The Second coming of Christ. According to the bible, Jesus will come down when we least expect it take the pure souls to the gates of heaven while leaving the sinners to receive judgment in 2011 while finalizing in 2012. The bible explicitly says that upon the coming of the end of times, there will be many false prophets. We see this in the book of Matthew, 2 Corinthians, and 2 Peter.
José Luis De Jesús Miranda, self proclaimed anti-Christ believes he is the second coming of Christ. Most individuals believe that the anti-Christ is the evil embodiment of Christ but according to José Luis De Jesús Miranda, this is a misinterpretation of the biblical scripture. He even goes far enough to say that the numerical value of 666, most notable referred to as the sign of the devil is actual the symbol for the anti-Christ; meaning the second coming of Christ or new Christ. In the interview with a CNN correspondent, José Luis De Jesús Miranda says, "666, the Antichrist, do not put your eyes on Jesus Christ of Nazareth… put it in Jesus Christ after the cross". Mr. Luis De Jesús Miranda Miranda then goes on to say, "thats him, [the anti-Christ]".
Also, here is an article by the HoustonPress about José Luis De Jesús Miranda. Its an excellent supplemental read for anyone interested in this "new Jesus Christ". Click HERE to view article.
In conjunction to José Luis De Jesús Miranda, David Shayler (pictured below) believes that he also is the son of God. In an interview with Mr. Shayler, he makes claims that "his name derives from the 13th Name of God in Kabbalah…[and] can affect the weather, prevent terrorist attacks and influence football results". Mr. Shayler also admits in the article to smoke cannabis on a daily basis and one can infer that he is consuming mushrooms. He even admits that these drugs make him hallucinate but it makes him closer to "the light".
David Shayler dressed is messianic white.
David Shayler is sitting before me – slim, tanned, sockless, dressed from top-to-toe in white and very, very chatty.
"I am the messiah and hold the secret of eternal life," he starts excitedly. "It all came about quite suddenly.
Jesus Christ? "No, Jesus of the New Testament is an archetype," he explains patiently. "His name derives from the 13th Name of God in Kabbalah, which helps activate the Messiah consciousness within us.
"It was in June that a psychic channelled the spirit of Mary Magdalene and anointed me the messiah and, finally, my whole life made sense.
He also claims he can affect the weather, prevent terrorist attacks and influence football results. Oh, and that the Rod of Aaron – the staff said to have been carried by Moses's brother – has an anagram written on it in Hebrew which translated says: 'David Shayler, Righteous King'.
He has an answer for everything, even when I ask if he ever takes drugs.
"Yes, if you're not used to it, but I am," he insists firmly.
This guy is a FALSE prophet and con artist!!!!
I generally do not give my personal opinion but in this case both of these "prophets" are phony. I totally agree with you Alan. The bible warns us about the forthcoming of false prophets when the end times are near and these two are true examples of the word of the bible.
These men may be false prophets,but in no way,shape or form,are the antichrist. The antichrist,one,is not going to admit he is the antichrist,and two,will" win the hearts of the world"….
And I'm sorry.Don't you think that if the bible says that god will come when everybody least expects it,that a mass prediction of a certain date is only proof that that,in fact,will not be the date?
Just a thought.But maybe people should stop worrying about figuring out when god's going to come,and start focusing on the changes they can make while they're still here. And let me say this…judging people like you are doing on this page, is everything that jesus preached against.I don't care how blasphemous you think these men may be,(which,yes,i agree,they're ways come across as such)leave the judging up to god.
oh,and i'm sorry,but people have been using marijuana medicinally since before medical records were being kept. the bible clearly states that God invented everything for a reason.And i'm sorry,but…I'm not one to argue with God's creations.
I completely agree with your statements and as mentioned in many parts of this informational site I am here not to give my opinion, rather present the information. I am sorry if this post may seem as an opinion but I am just connecting scripture of the Bible to self proclaimed prophets – just a clarification.
I also do agree with you with the marijuana issue. It is part of this Earth and people may use it as a resource for their own purposes.
There are many key elements that direct a person to what and who the beast and its mark is. One element is an image is made that people bow down to and worship and another is it has a name. Bio-chips, social security numbers, government brandings, and other concoctions do not fit. If you take the number 666 and write it in the Hebrew numbering system using letters you come up with vstr, or vav samech tav resh. Vav is a prefix while the root str means secret or hidden. If you then look up the symbols of the letters they are nail, prop, cross, and head, and mean nail, prop, mark or sign, and head or leader. If you put these together it is the crucifix, the image of the beast. If you then take the name of the image, jesus, and add it up it comes to 616. The True Messiah warned that if another came in his own name he would be accepted, and he said many will come saying they are him. He gave us the tools to figure out who this deceiver would be and said that he would sit in the temple of God making himself out to be God and that the whole world would be deceived.
No, he´s no more God-like than you and me. But I also know that he is right in his assumptions and predictions about the immediate future. You British should take this very seriously, this is not a joke of a lunatic. It is as well true as the current invasion of Russia into Georgia. I am someone who has a strong intuition and is mentally very healthy and has several times accurately predicted major future events, and I must tell you that this man is, on the one hand, overwhelmed by his own intuitions but on the other hand is basically right about the events to come. Promised!


text:
Next level down
Benefits & Assistance
CiviServ Citizen Portal
Project Tools & Process
Opioids Crisis Solutions Series Part 1
How opioids took America by surprise, and what states can do about it
Public Sector Business Consultant
Ravi Jackson
The opioids crisis has been all over the news for a reason. The effects are far reaching and often devastating for those with addictions, as well as their loved ones, the community, and health and social services agencies. In this three-part series on opioids crisis solutions, I hope to provide perspective on this issue, look at some responses around the nation, and inspire states to take action.
Many of us, including those involved in social services, may feel at a loss for how to help. Opioid addiction presents state agencies with a multivariate problem. Agencies need to know how to identify, treat, and support a wide range of people with potential mental health, substance abuse, housing, and criminal matters. They must also engage with the wider community, family members, and those of us in need of more education on this topic. This is where technology can provide solutions.
In Part 1, I will examine the wider context of the opioid crisis, who is affected, where it is happening, and what the costs are.
In Part 2, I will look at what some innovative states are doing in response, and what models are working and why.
And in Part 3, I will focus on what states can do to help, how to determine which model works best, and how to get funding.
Context on the crisis
The opioid crisis may be starting to plateau, but it isn't showing signs of diminishing anytime soon. (1) As the graph below illustrates, drug overdose deaths have increased rapidly in the United States, especially during the past 10 years. (2)
On average, 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. (2)
From 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 people have died from a drug overdose. (2)
Around 68% of drug overdose deaths in 2017 involved an opioid. (2)
In 2017, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids was six times higher than in 1999. (2)
As the Economist recently reported, "drugs now kill about 70,000 Americans every year – more than car crashes or guns (both 39,000), more than AIDS did at the height of its epidemic (42,000), and more than all the American soldiers killed in the entire Vietnam war (58,000). In 2017 about 47,600 of those deaths were caused by opioid overdose – a fivefold increase since 2000."
It is easy to get lost in the sea of statistics. But, behind these facts and figures lies the beauty of a real person's life, and the deep and complex sadness of those left behind. As the humanizing obituary of Maddie Ellen Linsenmeir reminds us, these are real people, not just numbers. Maddie's story went viral because it told the trials of an opioid user in an honest and relatable way.
The growth and pervasiveness of this epidemic is truly staggering. It has affected people from all walks of life across the nation, not only people traditionally thought of as most vulnerable to drug use. Opioid abuse is no longer an urban issue, nor does it only affect certain races, or sub-sects of society. This crisis has spread into everyone's backyards and a wide cross-section of society.
Where do opioids come from and where do they end up?
Most heroin comes from Mexico and fentanyl originates in China, according to the US Department of State. They may contain a cocktail of synthetic substances which can be 50 to 100 times stronger than other opioids and therefore increase the risk of an accidental overdose. (3)The robust supply chains support the high rate of addiction. Between 2012 and 2016, the number of overdoses involving synthetic opioids increased by nearly 640%, according to a recent article by CNN, and the mortality rate from synthetic opioids in 28 states has doubled every two years from 1999 to 2016.
Specifically, hardest hit by synthetic opioid related deaths, have been Northeastern states like Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Other states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia have also struggled, as the following map displays.
*Academic research map produced by the University of Stanford.
East Coast states appear to be using a more deadly version of heroin, which has left New Hampshire and West Virginia with a significant decrease in life expectancy. As Ben Tinker writes for CNN, "the opioid epidemic has evolved as a series of three intertwined but distinct epidemics, or waves, based on the types of opioids associated with mortality."
1990s-2010: Prescription painkillers
2010-present: Heroin
2013-present: Synthetic opioids
With the steady flow of non-prescription opioids there is greater access to harmful substances, and a greater risk of people we know becoming addicted.
Why do people use opioids and why should we care?
This health crisis snuck up on most Americans. Unaware of the risks associated with medically prescribed pain management drugs, people like Amy became unintentionally addicted. When Amy was 14 she was hospitalized from a knee injury while playing soccer. Subsequent surgeries resulted in her receiving opioid prescriptions. When these ran out she resulted to drastic measures to obtain more. This could happen to anyone prescribed opioid pain medication.
Since the price of medication like Oxycodone or OxyContin can be twice the price of alternatives like heroin and synthetic opioids(4), some people look for new and sometimes illegal sources to meet their needs. This can lead to alternative addictions to synthetic opioids or heroin.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse:
Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them
Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder
An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin
About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids
What is most troubling looking at the statistics above is how easily addiction could happen to someone we know. Reducing the amount of opioids prescribed, and access to illegal sources may help, but only if a person has not yet formed an addiction. Once a person has a substance abuse disorder, finding the right kind of treatment in their area may be a challenge. Increasingly rural states, impoverished areas, and suburbia are disproportionately affected because they are less equipped to provide the necessary help.
According to CDC, there are many other reasons aside from prescriptions why people begin using drugs. Sometimes there are mental health issues. Sometimes it's due to unresolved psychological or physical pain. Sadly, many wrestle with the stigma surrounding drug use, which has led to social isolation.
Better education is needed about the realities of issue, but we also need to provide more comprehensive assistance so there are less obituaries like Maddie's. Unfortunately it's difficult to find widely publicized success stories. This may be because until recently, it's been difficult for states to find the additional funds to adequately provide treatment.
What are the costs and impacts?
This epidemic impacts society in many ways. The White House Council of Economic Advisors reported the economic cost of the opioid crisis to be $504 billion, or 2.8 percent of GDP in 2015. And the non-profit health research organization, Altarum estimated the opioid epidemic to have cost the US one trillion dollars since 2001, and will cost another $500 billion by the end of 2020.
According to the Economist, "increasing distribution of naloxone, a life-saving drug that reverses overdoses, would decrease deaths by 4.1%; moderately expanding medication assisted treatment (MAT), which reduces cravings for drugs and helps users lead a more normal life, would cause another 2.4% drop, but as public-health experts at Stanford University estimate, on the current course, just over 500,000 people will die of overdoses from 2016 to 2025".
Most people affected by the opioid epidemic are working age adults. However, tragically, sometimes those affected are just beginning their lives. This includes the unborn. According to CMS, "as of 2012, there was an average of one infant born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) every 25 minutes in the United States and roughly 80 percent of infants treated for NAS receive their care through Medicaid."
Federal funding is essential to help state agencies create long-term, successful solutions to this problem. Funding can be used to integrate innovative substance abuse treatment in areas facing provider shortages. Virtual treatment centers, remote counseling, and technology tools can play a vital role in the health care system. This is particularly helpful in rural areas where distance to travel to physical treatment centers is a factor.
Some states struggle to find funding and connect resources for opioids treatment and support. Others might leverage Medicaid funds to expand longer term solutions and treatments, while others use temporary SAMHSA grants to kickstart their efforts. As another option, there have been several state settlements with pharmaceutical companies like Purdue and Johnson and Johnson that may provide states with additional funding opportunities. (Funding options will be discussed further in Part 3 of this series.)
What began as a well-intentioned effort by physicians to help people manage their pain has grown into a generational problem. Whole families and communities have been affected. People struggle to find solutions and treatments. State and local resources are being stretched.
As co-founder of Facing Addiction, Greg Williams, famously stated, "Twenty-two million Americans are currently suffering from a substance use disorder, and more than 23 million others are living in recovery. When you include the families of the afflicted, addiction impacts over 85 million people (a quarter of the 330 million people in the USA) – we all know somebody. It's not 'those' people, it's all of us."
Thankfully, we are now waking up to the full scope of this crisis. Better education is helping. MAT and patient-facing technologies such as apps and remote monitoring are gaining wider adoption. Grant funded projects and better access to treatment services are also spreading across the nation.
In the endeavor for solutions, I believe certain technology tools can help to alleviate the crisis. These include customer facing resource portals, mobile apps, and shared collaboration dashboards.
In Part 2 of this series I hope to inspire you to think about what actions you could take in your state. We'll look at some innovative states to help determine the best approaches. I will specifically examine three models:
The Hub and Spoke (H&S) model in states like Vermont and New Hampshire using resource portals
A Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) model in states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin using collaborative dashboards
Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS) model in Virginia using mobile apps and portals
Lastly, in Part 3, I will examine the grant funding process, what steps states can take to get funding, and how they can leverage technology to make a difference.
CNN: Crisis not diminishing
CDC: Deaths have increased rapidly
NIH: Cocktail of synthetic substances
Rehabspot: Price of opioids
CMS: Medicaid State Opioid Prescribing Mapping Tool
Kaiser Family Foundation: Opioid Overdose Deaths by Type of Opioid
Governing: As the Opioid Crisis Peaks, Meth and Cocaine Deaths Explode
GovWebworks: Making Digital Connections Easier: Three ways to help citizens access public sector content quickly and intuitively, by Ravi Jackson
Contact us to learn more about creating a substance abuse assistance portal
Ravi Jackson has a background in law, finance, and policy, with 10 years of experience in the Maine state government. A witty Brit with a gift for discourse, he welcomes further discussion on this topic. He can be reached at ravi.jackson@govwebworks.com and @RaviJacksonGWW on Twitter.
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2Top 5 for Gov Tech News
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3Key Steps to a Chatbot Pilot Program
How to support audiences who prefer conversational interfaces for accessing content
Adam KemplerMarch 13
4How to Get the Most Out of Scrum Meetings
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5Security is a Process, Not a Product
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How Minnesota's new CareerForce site encourages workforce growth
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Achieving Child Support System Modernization
Strategies from the National Child Support Enforcement Association conference
Ravi JacksonAugust 13
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Ephedra: Why All The Fuss?
Mauro Di Pasquale
Ephedra is used by bodybuilders and other athletes, and by those wanting to lose weight/body fat, for two main reasons.
Note: Ephedra was banned on April 12, 2004 by the federal government.
- Ephedra is used by bodybuilders and other athletes, and by those wanting to lose weight/body fat, for two main reasons. First of all it increases their energy and training drive. Secondly, under certain conditions, it increases metabolic rate and the mobilization and oxidation of body fat.
The stimulating, thermogenic and lipolytic effect of ephedrine, multiplied when used along with caffeine, and to a much lesser extent, also aspirin (the ECA stack), makes ephedrine arguably the most popular nutritional supplement in the world, next to vitamins and minerals. And scientific research shows that ephedrine does promote weight and fat loss, especially for obese individuals.
Why Ephedra Has A Bad Rap
Unfortunately for the few that are sensitive to its effects, and those that abuse it, it can have serious adverse effects, including rapid and/or irregular hear beats, tremor, agitation, insomnia, and rarely, seizures and even death. These adverse effects have raised safety concerns and attempts to limit ephedra's availability.
While ephedra is freely sold as a nutritional supplement, there are some sanctions against the use of ephedra. For example, the IOC and most amateur sporting bodies have it on their banned list, mostly because of its potential for increasing performance. The National Football League's has also banned its use as of July 31, 2002. Something that I consider more of a knee jerk reaction than a well thought out policy.
On the other hand, makers of ephedrine products say that the safety concerns are overblown, especially compared to the hundreds of thousands of people who have lost weight, gained strength or otherwise attempted to improve their lifestyle with ephedrine. And they already include warnings on the labels that warn minors and those with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and pregnancy not to use their product.
But ephedra, (a mixture of ephedrine alkaloids), even though there are no studies that conclusively show that ephedra is dangerous for healthy adults, has been dogged by controversy ever since it went on the market about 15 years ago. Lately the hysteria against ephedrine has taken on ridiculous proportions with comparisons being made between ephedrine and drugs such as methamaphetamine and ecstasy.
While many consumer and advocacy groups feel ephedrine should be controlled by the FDA, classified as a prescription drug or in some cases banned completely, academic researchers are less convinced that a ban is needed. They say that the side effects reported to the FDA and the misuse of ephedrine as a recreational drug, while worrisome, don't scientifically prove that ephedrine is dangerous to the general public.
Even with the polarity of views about the safety of ephedra, there's one thing everyone agrees on - we need more valid scientific studies on the effects and adverse effects of ephedra.
A recently published peer-reviewed study, the most comprehensive clinical trial on the safety and efficacy of ephedra products, does just that. In this randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study (the gold standard for research), a generic ephedra and caffeine combination (90 mg of ephedrine and 192 mg of caffeine per day for six months) were given to 167 mildly to severely overweight subjects. At the end of the study the authors concluded that the long-term use of herbal ephedra/caffeine promoted body weight and body fat reduction and improved blood lipids without significant adverse events.
The bottom line here is that scientific research does not support what the FDA and advocacy groups are saying about the serious side effects of using ephedra. That's not to say that ephedra can be abused without consequences. Just that if you follow the suggested directions, it's unlikely you'll run into any problems. On the other hand, if only to discover you're one of the few who are more sensitive to ephedrine than most, you could start off by using a test dose of 5 to 10 mg of ephedrine to see how it affects you before you take more.
Dr. Mauro Di Pasquale is one of the most influential voices on diet, performance and athletic training in the world. His innovative work in finding nu


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District Board >
Board Trainer
Key Club International
Kiwanis Family
Treasurer's Letter
District Education and Leadership Conference >
DELC FAQ
Key Leader
Past Key Leader
District Project
Service Project Database
Other Service Leadership Programs
Key Club is just one part of the Kiwanis Family, and there are many other branches that you should be aware of. The Kiwanis Family is made up of adult and youth members that form the largest and most effective service organizations...in the world!
Adult Clubs
Dedicated to serving the children of the world, this global volunteer organization annually raises more than US$100 million and dedicates more than 18.5 million hours to strengthen communities and help children. Through service projects and fundraisers, Kiwanis members improve their communities, make lifelong friendships, and, most importantly, help children thrive, prosper and reach their full potential.
Eastern Canada Kiwanis
aktion club
Aktion Club is the only community service club for adults living with disabilities. It provides members opportunities to become integrated into their communities while developing initiative and leadership skills.
aktion club ECD facebook page
aktion club international
CKI is the world's largest student-led collegiate service organization with clubs on 469 campuses. More than 132,000 Key Club and CKI alumni are associate members of Kiwanis to remain engaged in the Kiwanis family of clubs.
Eastern Canada CKI
Key Club International is the high school organization sponsored by Kiwanis International, and is the oldest and largest service organization for teens. Key Club assists Kiwanis in carrying out its mission to serve the children of the world. High school student members of Key Club perform acts of service in their communities, such as cleaning up parks, collecting clothing and organizing food drives. They also learn leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions at the club, district and international levels.
 Builders Club for adolescents provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, improve self-esteem, increase civic engagement and learn life skills through service.
builders club international
k-kids
Kiwanis Kids for elementary students provides opportunities to work together on service projects, develop leadership potential and create strong moral character.
k-kids international


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Coast Guard Assists Boaters Taking On Water
Coast Guard assists boaters after their boat hit an object off North Carolina coast.
Coast Guard assists boaters about 13 miles off Carolina Beach.U.S. Coast Guard District 5 PADET Baltimore
WILMINGTON, N.C. — A Coast Guard boat crew came to the assistance of two men whose boat began taking on water after striking an object Wednesday morning, about 13 miles off Carolina Beach.
At 9:10 a.m., they contacted Station Wrightsville Beach watchstanders via VHF-FM marine radio channel 16, reporting that they had struck an object off the coast, were taking on water and their bilge pump failed.
A boat crew member boarded the men's boat with a dewatering pump to keep the boat from sinking.U.S. Coast Guard District 5 PADET Baltimore
A boat crew from the station launched aboard a 45-foot Response Boat—Medium to assist the boaters. Once they arrived on scene, a boat crew member boarded the men's boat with a dewatering pump to keep the boat from sinking.
"Anything can happen, anywhere, at any time when out on the water," said Fireman Nolan Jackson, a crew member on the Coast Guard boat. "Know your boat, know your safety gear and be prepared to contact the Coast Guard as soon as possible if anything were to happen."
The crews were able to keep up with flooding and make it to the Wrightsville Beach Wildlife boat ramp under the boat's own power and it was trailered out of the water. A large gash was visible in the hull.
The boaters were wearing life jackets when the Coast Guard crew arrived and no injuries or pollution were reported.
More How To


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CGL Production
Film Poster Gallery
Gif Gallery
Window on the Arts
Cinelines archives
Santa Fe, NM. Created 1.2000. Volume 23 - Issue 1202
Updated every Friday 12:00 PM
Pi = 3.14 + 1...
Math may one day calculate the number of universes in the multiverse of Everything Everywhere All at Once, but it can't comprehend how the relationship between a mother and daughter in just one of those universes can impact all the others. Math can measure the frames per second in a young Steven Spielberg's camera, but it can't inspire the budding filmmaker at the center of The Fabelmans. Math can tell us exactly when Maverick reaches Mach 10 in Top Gun: Maverick, but not when he achieves inner peace over past demons.(Courtesy Ben Zaumer)...
Have a pleasant Friday night at the movies,
Jean Constant
NORTHERN NEW MEXICO THEATER LISTING
COMMERCIAL RELEASES
STREAM LISTING
NETWORKS | ALTERNATIVE STREAMS | THEATERS NEWS
Selection of the week.
THEATER LISTING
Cast: Tom Hanks, John Higgins, Tony Bingham
...Otto is a grump who's given up on life following the loss of his wife and wants to end it all. When a young family moves in nearby, he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol, leading to a friendship that will turn his world around...
Location: DreamCatcher 10, Premiere Cinema 14, Regal Santa Fe Place, Violet Crown
Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver
...Jake Sully lives with his newfound family formed on the extrasolar moon Pandora. Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na'vi race to protect their home....
BILLY EILISH LIVE AT THE 02
Director: Sam Wrench
Cast: Billie Eilish
...Never-before-seen extended cut version of Billie's Grammy-nominated concert film....
Location: Violet Crown
Director: Ryan Coogler
Cast: Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira
...Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M'Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T'Challa's death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with Nakia and Everett Ross to forge a new path for their beloved kingdom...
Location: DreamCatcher 10, Premiere Cinema 14
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Cast: Tom Hanks, Austin Butler, Olivia DeJonge
...The life of American music icon Elvis Presley, from his childhood to becoming a rock and movie star in the 1950s while maintaining a complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker...
Director: Dan Kwan Daniel Scheinert
Cast: Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis
...A middle-aged Chinese immigrant is swept up into an insane adventure in which she alone can save existence by exploring other universes and connecting with the lives she could have led...
INFINITE POOL
Director: Brandon Cronenberg
Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman
...James and Em Foster are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation in the fictional island of La Tolqa, when a fatal accident exposes the resort's perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence and surreal horrors...
LEFT BEHIND: RISE OF THE ANTECHRIST
Director: Kevin Sorbo
Cast: Kevin SorboMary ArmstrongMark Bellamy
...The only light after the world falls into chaos is a charming new leader who rises to the head of the UN who bring hope for a better future...
Location:DreamCatcher 10, Premiere Cinema 14
Director: Nicholas D. JohnsonWill Merrick
Cast: Tim Griffin, Ava Zaria Lee, Nia Long
...After her mother goes missing, a young woman tries to find her from home, using tools available to her online...
Location:DreamCatcher 10, Premiere Cinema 14, Regal Santa Fe Place, Violet Crown
Director: Gerard Johnstone
Cast: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Amie Donald
...When Gemma suddenly becomes the caretaker of her orphaned 8-year-old niece, Cady, Gemma's unsure and unprepared to be a parent. Under intense pressure at work, Gemma decides to pair her M3GAN prototype with Cady in an attempt to resolve both problems-a decision that will have unimaginable consequences...
Director: Jean-François Richet
Cast: Gerard Butler, Daniella Pineda, Tony Goldwyn
...Brodie Torrance saves his passengers from a lightning strike by making a risky landing on a war-torn island - only to find that surviving the landing was just the beginning. When most of the passengers are taken hostage by dangerous rebels, the only person Torrance can count on for help is Louis Gaspare, an accused murderer who was being transported by the FBI...
Location: DreamCatcher 10, Premiere Cinema 14, Violet Crown
Director: Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado(co-director)
Cast: Antonio BanderaS, Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillén
...Puss sets out on an epic journey to find the mythical Last Wish and restore his nine lives...
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Noémie Merlant, Nina Hoss
...Fictitious biography of Lydia Tár, widely considered one of the greatest living composer-conductors and the very first female director of a major German orchestra....
Location: DreamCatcher 10, Violet Crown
Director: Martin McDonagh
Cast: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon
...Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them...
Cast: Michelle Williams, Gabriel LaBelle, Paul Dano
...Loosely based on Spielberg's childhood growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, from age seven to eighteen, a young man named Sammy Fabelman discovers a shattering family secret, and explores how the power of movies help us see the truth about each other and ourselves...
Director: Florian Zeller
Cast: Vanessa Kirby, Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern
...Peter has his busy life with new partner Beth and their baby thrown into disarray when his ex-wife Kate turns up with their teenage son, Nicholas...
Cast: Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Ty Simpkins
...A reclusive English teacher attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter...
Director: Sarah Polley
Cast: Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley
...Do nothing. Stay and fight. Or leave. In 2010, the women of an isolated religious community grapple with reconciling a brutal reality with their faith...
Location: DreamCatcher 10
STREAMING CHANNELS
, Amazon confirmed that it has picked up rights to the Japanese national team's games in the upcoming 2023 World Baseball Classic...
Director: Jason Moore
Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel, Lenny Kravitz
...A couple's extravagant destination wedding is hijacked by criminals. In the process of saving their families, they rediscover why they fell in love in the first place...
THE KING SPEECH
Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter
...The story of King George VI, his impromptu ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer...
Disney has unveiled 23 artifacts as it approaches the celebration of its 100th anniversary The 23 artifacts are from the Walt Disney Archives vault, and they will all be on display when the exhibition opens at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia on February 18. The Walt Disney artifacts exhibition will range from the stories created as far back as the 1960s to as recently as 2019, such as the Carousel Horse used by Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins in 1964, the Genie Maquette from Aladdin in 1992, the First Order Stormtrooper Armor from Star Wars: The Last Jedi released in 2017, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker released in 2019...
MILA IN THE MULTIVERSE
Director: -
Cast: Laura Luz, Rafaela Mandel, liMalu Mader
...For her 16th birthday, Mila receives a very special present. Mila can now travel back and forth between different parallel universes to look for her mother...
NATIONAL TREASURE: EDGE OF HISTORY, FAMILY TREE
Cast: Lisette Olivera, Zuri Reed, Antonio Cipriano
...Jess Valenzuela, a 20-year-old Dreamer, sets off on an exploration to discover the mystery of her family history, and, with the help of her friends, seeks to recover historical lost treasure...
If you Googled "The Last of Us" and you're a fan of the beloved Naughty Dog game and the new HBO show adaptation, you got quite a treat. Googling the show's title on desktop or mobile causes a mysterious dark red button with a mushroom icon to pop up at the bottom of the web page. Click the button, and tendrils of vasculature-like fungus will start spreading across your screen. Click again, and more rubbery-looking hyphae will appear around all four edges of the search result page. Press the button enough times, and you'll grow a whole mushroom farm that encroaches on the search result and covers the page in thick, wriggling clumps of fungi...
JOHN WICK (2014)
Director: Chad Stahelski, David Leitch
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen
...An ex-hit-man comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that killed his dog and took his car...
Director: Chad Stahelski
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Riccardo Scamarcio, Ian McShane
...After returning to the criminal underworld to repay a debt, John Wick discovers that a large bounty has been put on his life...
Liz Garbus is set to direct and executive produce in the untitled orphan limited series at Hulu that is inspired by a true story.The eight-episode limited series tells the stranger-than-fiction story of Ukranian-born Natalia Grace and her U.S. adoptive parents, who claimed that she was an adult "sociopath" pretending to be a child...
Director:Justin Lee
Cast: Nicky Whelan, Trace Adkins, Shane West
...After an accident during their vacations on a paradisiac island, a group of friends is stalked by a large shark...
THE DEER KING (Shika no ou)
Director: Masashi Ando, Masayuki Miyaji
Cast: Shin'ichi Tsutsumi, Ryoma Takeuchi, Anne Watanabe
...The last survivor of a band of warriors is enslaved in a salt mine. One night, savage dogs attack and a mysterious disease wipes out everyone at the mine. The warrior escapes with a little girl, while a gifted physician looks for a cure...
Sitting in the #1 spots on the Netflix Top 10 charts this week are: Season 2 of Ginny & Georgia topped the English TV List for the third week in a row with 87.4M hours viewed. Feel-good family film Dog Gone, based on a true story and starring Rob Lowe and Johnny Berchtold, has 20.91M hours, In its fourth week on the Non-English TV List, Mexican drama La Reina del Sur pulled in 54.09M hours viewed for the #1 spot. South Korean sci-fi thriller JUNG\_E enters the Non-English Films List at #1 with 19.3M hours viewed...
KUNG FU PANDA: THE DRAGON KNIGHT
Cast: Jack Black, Rita Ora, Della Saba
...Follow Po, who partners up with a no-nonsense English knight named Wandering Blade, to find a collection of four powerful weapons before a mysterious pair of weasels do, and save the world from destruction...
VIKINGS; VALHALLA
Director: Jeb Stuart
Cast: Sam Corlett, Leo Suter, Frida Gustavsson
...Follow-up series to 'Vikings' set 100 years later and focusing on the adventures of Leif Erikson, Freydis, Harald Hardrada, and the Norman King William the Conqueror...
ALTERNATIVE STREAMS
The highly anticipated second season of the acclaimed documentary series "Make or Break," featuring behind-the-scenes access to the world's best surfers as they battle for the top title at the World Surf League Championship Tour, is set to premiere with four episodes on Friday, February 17. An additional four episodes debut on Friday, February 24...
Director: Brett Goldstein, Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel (creators)
Cast: Jason Segel, Jessica Williams, Harrison Ford
...A grieving therapist starts to tell his clients exactly what he thinks. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge changes to people's lives - including his own...
Director: Nichelle D. Tramble
Cast: Octavia Spencer, Mekhi Phifer, Ron Cephas Jones
...A true-crime podcaster tries to solve the mystery surrounding a family patriarch's death...
Crunchyroll is an anime streaming services. with over 1,200 titles in its library, Crunchyroll supports HD streams for both free and paid accounts. Crunchyroll's content supports subtitles, but not dubs...
Director: Tetsuaki Watanabe
Animation studio: Eight Bit
...In 2018, the Japanese national team finished 16th in the FIFA World Cup. As a result, the Japanese Football Union hires the football enigma Ego Jinpachi. His master plan to lead Japan to stardom is Blue Lock, a training regimen designed to create the world's greatest egotist striker. ...
Director: Hiroshi Ikehata
Animation studio: Seven Arcs
...A Young Prodigy accepts a Sudden Proposal from a Mysterious Woman who he falls in love with after she saves him from a Near-Death Experience...
MORE STREAMS
NESTFLIX
Web designer Lynn Fisher has created an amazing new website called Nestflix, a fake streaming site that looks like Netflix but features tiles devoted to over 400 fake movies and TV shows that have popped up in other movies and TV shows. This slick site has a familiar look, with everything broken everything into specific categories ("Action Movies," "Criminal Justice Reality TV," "Game Shows with a Bit of Danger!") and a page devoted to each entry that contains a description of the fake movie or show and multiple images from it, if available.
Streaming platform that has for goal connecting viewers to carefully curated films, award-winning shorts, and festival favorites. The company's website tagline reads "Just the Staff Picks – Stop Searching, Start Watching.
NoBudge & Shout! Factory is a 24/7 TV channel based on its horror sub-brand. Scream Factory launched in 2012 and has since become one of the most esteemed and well-respected authorities in horror and sci-fi cult classics, in addition to bringing new movies and original productions to a wide audience...
MOVIE - NEWS
This week in the news
John Williams Beats His Own Record as Most Oscar-Nominated Living Person The legendary composer received his 53rd Academy Award nomination for his work on Steven Spielberg's 'The Fabelmans'. Williams' first nomination was in 1968 for Valley of the Dolls, and he has won five times since, the first time in 1972 for Fiddler on the Roof. His other wins include Jaws in 1976, Star Wars in 1978, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in 1983 and Schindler's List in 1994. Of course, his other credits include Jurassic Park, the Indiana Jones series and the first three Harry Potter films...
Over 75 percent of the DPs with narrative films at the Sundance film festival utilized either the Arri Alexa Mini or its large format sibling, the Alexa Mini LF, as their camera of choice. The Mini was introduced in 2015 as a compact version of the Alexa designed primarily for use on drones and gimbals, but its combination of a traditional Alexa sensor with increased mobility eventually led to its use as the A camera on Hollywood studio movies like "A Star is Born" and "Get Out" — and now, it seems, for a majority of cinematographers in the independent realm...
For the longest time, the term "video game movie" was never synonymous with adjectives like good, enjoyable, or even faithful, but that has all changed in recent years with video game movies like Sonic the Hedgehog and shows like HBO's The Last of Us. And with the slate of upcoming video game movies and TV shows, it looks like the dark days of the poorly-received Max Payne, Resident Evil, and Prince of Persia adaptations are nothing more than a distant memory. Over the course of the next few years video game fans will be treated to some truly promising movies and TV shows adapting modern classics like Super Mario Bros., God of War, and Metal Gear Solid...
For a certain breed of movie lover, Moviepass was, for a time, a true blessing — before it became something of a curse. The movie theater subscription service rocked the industry by introducing the concept of unlimited moviegoing for a monthly fee (a rather low fee at that) to the general public. But, as we discovered, that business model had major issues, primarily that it was wildly un-profitable, and Moviepass came crashing to the ground several years ago. Well, much like Palpatine in "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," somehow, Moviepass has returned. The company has opened up its beta, letting many new users sign up for the revamped version of the service...
Cineworld, Regal Cinemas parent company will reject the leases for these 39 theater locations from coast to coast on February 15, 2023. The trade cites rising rent prices amid domestic box office decline during the pandemic as a factor in the closures. Cineworld has roughly 500 theaters in the U.S., so this will put about a 13% dent in its stateside operations and may well result in a movie theater near you closing for good very soon. While the box office has been showing some signs of recovery since 2020, Cineworld lost a staggering $3 billion that year, and overall moviegoing is still down 30% from what it was before the pandemic. Due to close soon: Santa Fe Stadium 14 Meadows Stadium 12 (Littleton, CO), SouthGlenn Stadium 14 (Centennial, CO)...
MOVING IMAGE GALLERY
GIF OF THE WEEK
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Bikini girl Rihanna enjoys the single life with her best friend as she takes a beach vacation in Barbados
Maybe all she needs is a little sun to get over her recent heart break.Rihanna is staying in a luxury beach front villa in Barbados for a much needed vacation after her split from on-again, off-again boyfriend Chris Brown.
The Diamonds singer was spotted Tuesday at the resort — not the $21million Sandy Lane estate as had been previously reported — walking around her cosy pad in a tiny green and gold string bikini.Rihanna, who was raised on the small Caribbean island before coming to the United States as a teen to launch her music career, arrived in Barbados late on Tuesday, tweeting a picture of her bed on her plane ride over.
The 24-year-old songstress took a quick flight after her performance on the finale of The Voice USA, where she sang her latest hit, Diamonds, wearing a Swarovski embroidered tuxedo jumpsuit by Lanvin.She also tweeted a photo of herself on Tuesday with a new tattoo of a marijuana leaf on her backside, with the caption 'thuglife', and another of herself covering her face with a cap and coat.'Either way, you're fuct!' the picture read, referring to the brand label on her clothes.
The Diamonds singer – who just splashed out $12 million on a new home in the Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles – will join a raft of celebrities who traditionally decamp to the island, including X Factor supremo Simon Cowell, Top Shop billionaire Sir Philip Green, as well as a host of music executives.
The 24-year-old singer, who has a net worth of $72 million, always returns to her native Barbados for Christmas, and was reported to be joined by Chris Brown before their very public split this week.Rihanna was left reeling after Chris was pictured partying with scantily-clad girls on tour in Paris and enjoying a meal with his ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran in Dubai and vented her feelings in a note to her fans.The model's best friend Christina Milian, 31, claims Karrueche has always been the 'Turn Up The Music' singer's 'girlfriend' despite Chris previously announcing they had split last October.
When asked about her friend's relationship status with the 23-year-old R&B star, The Voice USA star said last week on The Wendy Williams Show on Friday: 'You know what, from what I've always known, she's his girlfriend.'And that's where it lies for me. I see everything in the media. I really don't get into the detail of it, but I think everybody has their own life and how they deal with things. They have the right to handle it how they want. I think they make a great couple.'
Chris released a statement last October, admitting he had broken up with Karrueche after nearly a year of dating because he wanted to focus on his 'friendship' with Rihanna.The Diamonds singer recently confirmed her split from Chris, just months after they reconciled even though Chris is still on probation for beating her up in 2009.In response to Chris' recent outing with Karrueche, Rihanna posted an eCard on her Instagram on Tuesday: 'Being single sucks. The only thing I get to do anymore is whatever the f**k I want to do (sic).'
The superstar also uploaded a photograph to Twitter of a heartfelt letter, thanking fans for their constant support and later posted the messages: 'Examine what you tolerate', 'Goodbye muthaf*****', 'You give, you get, then you give it the f*** back' and 'Claps for the basic b****** (sic)'In between posting raunchy images of herself, she followed it up, musing: 'Never underestimate a man's ability to make you feel guilty for his mistakes.' – Dailymail
Tags: beach vacation in BarbadosChris Brown
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Retiring in Mexico – Is It In Your Stars?
Enjoy our most popular blog post. – There are many videos on the web celebrating and promoting retirement and tourism to Mexico. There are thirty-six Magical Cities of which Bacalar is one. Each individual Mexican state invites you to visit with stunning scenery, colorful fiestas and beautiful children (Quintana Roo). Even TV personality Anthony Bordain raves about Mexican cuisine and culture.
Even if you didn't get those high school language credits in Spanish, and are of a certain age, (older than three), start today. Your life will be so much richer and easier if you understand rudimentary Spanish and can navigate basic living functions – grocery shopping, restaurants, and travel. It's challenging to learn a second language, and takes commitment and perseverence, just ask Lisa. Another option used by USers is to throw money at problems. You can hire people to do all the work of finding you a place to live and shipping your possessions. They will navigate the immigration process and all you have to do is show up for fingerprinting. It depends on your resources and how you want to spend them.
Even if retirement is years down the road, there is much that you can do and need to do today. Whether you will be living on social security or in a condo on the beach, have a plan, talk about your priorities, dream and take action.
Living in a foreign country is hard. Our biggest challenge is that we don't know what we don't know. We have exchanged one set of stressors for another. People who succeed in creating a life here must be resilient. It is so easy to carry a satchel of unrealistic expectations. Do not expect Mexico to save your marriage, be the laid back country it was in the seventies or make you happy.
I agree. You'd better be flexible to live here.
The stories we could tell!
Your closing passage, "Do you love adventures and are willing to take risks? Then just maybe Mexico is perfect for you too" sums it up perfectly.
Thanks Bruce. One cannot live a life of fear and be happy here.
I think they are good rules for retirement period. Five years ago, I took a look at my pension and figured out what my expected pay out was going to be if I retired at 55. Then I asked Donna if she would mind if we tried to live on that amount to see what we could and could not afford – what we minded giving up, and what was no big deal. I banked the leftover into our 401K/457.
It turned out that other than taking our car out of the parking garage (alternate side of the street parking in NYC is a challenge but it is free), cutting down on convenience eating out (as opposed to entertainment eating out), and buying less "stuff", we didn't have to give up much and we got our expenses down (excepting travel) to under my pension level. Consequently, no change in standard of living when I retired, and a big travel fund. It can be done, but it takes planning and examining your spending patterns.
So right. We lived on one income and banked the second for several years. It can be done.
I retired a bit earlier than I should have and sacrificed that extra income. There were a multitude of reasons, and I would do the same today. If I could just sell my house (which needs work and is in a town where NOTHING is selling), I'd be in Mexico, exploring a new life. Glad you two made it!
Can you barter for repairs? Just a thought. You'll get there.
I do a little barter. Am saving now for a maybe trip into Oaxaca for a few weeks. There's a chance I could rent my house once it's more fixed up. Then I could afford to do . . . something.
You can do it Lori & Bob! You're already ahead of the game w your Spanish. Glad you've picked Bacalar.
The Tortas are on an adventure. Please enjoy this popular post.
Great re-post. Up to now, I have not considered Mexico as a retirement destination, but it's a possibility! I do speak fluent Spanish, so got that covered 😉 My sister, Ann, and I walked part of El Camino de Santiago in September, and they told me I sound like a Mexican, compared to their Castillian Spanish. je je Muchas "grathias" for all you posts.
There are many beautiful places in the world to live. Or you could be a perpetual traveler.
Thank you Alex, for re-posting this blog. I can only imagine how difficult it was to remain patient during all of this. It's hard enough to build a home here. Much less to be on Mexico time!! I truely appreciate your honesty.
Welcome to the blog Stacy. Let me know how I can be of service.


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2015 is the year of the sequel
Multiple long-awaited sequels to beloved movies, books and TV series came out this year
Nick Booth and Jillian Leiby
For over 30 years, audiences have enjoyed "Mad Max," a film series surrounding Max Rockatansky, an Australian police officer, who finds himself having to survive in a world without natural resources.
"Mad Max" was released in 1979, and with it, a new age in post-apocalyptic action movies. The film had surprise success with both critics and audiences. The sequel, "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior," which was released in 1981, was more successful than its predecessor. By the time the third film, "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" was released in 1985, however, audiences and critics were feeling the fatigue of Max and his post-apocalyptic adventures, shown by the box office.
In 2012, the release of "Mad Max: Fury Road," the fourth film in the series was announced with Tom Hardy as the protagonist. Released last summer, "Mad Max: Fury Road" became the most successful ever. Critics praised the film for its practical effects and fully fleshed-out characters–a novelty in the action film genre.
The film follows Max as he is captured and imprisoned in a water-based society, The Citadel. He is conveniently captured right before Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a driver in the city, steals his harem of healthy young women and starts a road war.
"Mad Max: Fury Road," represents a new age in modern action movies by, ironically, not being so digitally manipulated. The film uses practical effects in the car chase scenes. Special effects enhance some shots.
The plot has been criticized for lacking depth, as the entire film is a long car chase. However nuance can be found in the characters: Furiosa is the actual protagonist of the film, fighting against those who hurt her and helping women that have been hurt themselves.
Harper Lee's 1960 classic, "To Kill a Mockingbird," followed ten year old Scout as she navigated the racist world of the '30s in the South. For year, it was the only novel published by Lee and it won her a Pulitzer Prize. Last summer it was announced that at the age of 89, Lee would release a second novel.
"Go Set a Watchman" was actually written before "To Kill a Mockingbird," although it's now widely considered a sequel. With the re-emergence of classic characters, however, there was bound to be criticism from fans of the classic novel.
Atticus Finch, portrayed in the first book as the mild-mannered lawyer with a strong moral compass, is revealed in "Go Set a Watchman" to hold political beliefs that at best are contrary to Scout's liberal views and at worst border on racism.
Although "Go Set a Watchman" might not be a work of the same literary genius as "To Kill a Mockingbird," it creates a much more complex and adult narrative, and cements itself as an excellent companion to the original novel.
"Heroes: Reborn"
The original "Heroes," released in 2005, had an excellent first season but fell short after that, providing lackluster story and execution for its next four. The show's seasons followed a basic formula: We see a dark, dystopian vision of the future where the protagonists are pitted against each other by violent factions, then the heroes work together to stop that future and save the world.
"Heroes: Reborn" uses the same formula. It does the formula well, but it's hard to overlook that it does still use it instead of creating more original content.
In this new series, the creators had an opportunity both to improve and make something new, but they instead recycled the same old stuff. Fans of the original show will appreciate this sequel, but it still gets a bit boring after a while.
Nick Booth, JagWire copy editor
This is senior Nick Booth's third year on the JagWire staff. He is very excited to be copy editor and to continue his work with Mill Valley News, which includes his gaming blog Extra Lives. Outside of journalism, Nick is involved in band, debate, forensics, Science Olympiad, Quiz Bowl and drama and is co-captain of the robotics team. In his free time, Nick loves to read, watch a nice movie, play video games or listen to some music.
Jillian Leiby, JagWire opinions editor
P.E.: A look at the school's physical education classes throughout the week
Thespian Festival offered a variety of new acting skills for students to learn and improve
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Students and teachers show their aesthetic through Instagram
Culinary Essentials class participates in "Sidesgiving"
Mill Valley welcomes exchange students from Spain and Mexico
Students take pride in their unusual cars
National Novel Writing Month gives writers of all ages a way to express their creativity
Sophomore and junior students discuss Gluten-free Awareness Month