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ULIPs are some of the best investment plans that you could use to invest your money on. Even if you decide to start off with a small sum, you will be assisted by a fund manager who will help manage all your money and also advice you on which bond or stock you should invest in. However, you should also be involved with your financials and investments and try out strategies that will help you in getting good returns.
A ULIP Plan is considered to be one of the most-effective ways to enter into the equity market and make good returns in the long term. In simple terms, ULIPs are life insurance plans that come with an additional benefit of also investing in capital market. You could choose from a wide variety of different insurance companies to invest part of your premium in some of the best investment plans with high returns. Here are 5 tips to ensure that your investment delivers higher returns.
1. Optimizing Asset Allocation
Asset Allocation simply means to expand your investments across different asset classes. Correctly doing this could help determine your risk to return ratio. Hence, optimizing your asset allocations in different asset classes will save you from big losses that you could suffer when you invest in a single asset class. When you go in for a ULIP investment plan, you are allowed to switch between different asset categories like cash, equity and debt, depending on the risk you’re willing to take and your financial goals.
2. Selecting Between Debt and Equity Funds
Each type of investment comes with their own set of risk and returns. Equity funds are known for their high risk and high returns, while debt funds come with lower returns and lower risk over a long-term. Debt funds will make your investment less risky and solid – a balance of both these are called Balanced Funds. ULIPs generally come with about 40% exposure, hence making them a safer option.
3. Life Stage Requirement
Your financial goals play a very important part in defining the risk you are able to take. Let’s say for example, your kid’s education needs would require proper long-term planning. For such a situation, equities cover early to mid-tenure of your ULIP investments, so it is safer to save the money you’ve made by switching to a debt fund when it’s time for your kid to pursue higher studies. You can use the saved money to pay your child’s admission fees.
4. Keep Up with Premiums regularly
ULIP plans come with few charges that would be deducted only at the beginning when your plan is activated. These include charges like policy administration charge, fund management charge, surrender charge, mortality charge, etc. Sometimes these charges would also be paid back to you as a loyalty. The 5-year lock-in period of ULIPs help with being discipline with your savings which then can also be used for other investments as well to generate good returns on your investments in the long run.
5. Stay Up-to-date with the Market
With a ULIP investment plan, the beneficiary of your policy would get either the fund value or the sum-assured, whichever one is higher at the time of claim due to unfortunate circumstances like death. Secondly, you are paid the value of the fund in the event of maturity of your policy. Staying up-to-date with market conditions will ensure that your benefactor will receive higher fund value benefits just because you were regularly monitoring your funds throughout.
Other Important Tips to Consider
Purchase Direct Plans
Instead of giving a brokerage amount to an agent or broker, you could purchase funds directly. You can easily purchase any type of investment plan by visiting the Bajaj Allianz Life website too. There are many different online investment companies that offer you free advice and assistance if you wish to purchase a plan online.
Opt for SIP
Opting for Systematic Investment Plan or SIP is another best investment strategy that helps an investor to be disciplined when it comes to paying premiums. Because of the rupee-cost averaging that comes with SIP investment plans, you do not have to keep a track on market conditions. It also helps get better benefits through compounding too. You can even invest a small amount as Rs. 500 on a monthly basis, which makes SIP investment plans one of the most attractive ways for investors.
Age-wise Asset Class Investing
Try and make your investments in debt or equity funds as per your age. So, take your current age and minus it from 100 and then invest the same percentage in equity funds. If you do not mind taking a little more risk, you could increase your equity to a higher level.
ULIPs are excellent when it comes to investments. They offer you a number of investment strategies to help increase your returns over a long-term basis. There are also other types of investment strategies that can prove to be quite helpful. However, each type of strategy and plan would always depend on the investor’s financial capability and risk appetite. Although most plans offer you an advisor’s help and guidance, it’s also necessary to be proactive and keep a tab on your investments as well.
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About our Suella Braverman news
Latest news on Suella Braverman, a British politician and the twice former Secretary of State who was sacked by two different Prime Ministers. She first held the Cabinet role under Liz Truss in 2022. After less than a month in charge, she departed her position after she breached Ministerial Code by sharing classified documents via her personal email address.
Only six days after her departure, Braverman was reappointed as Home Secretary by the new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Her second stint in this role lasted for just over a year before she was sacked in a Cabinet reshuffle. Her dismissal came shortly after she had written an article in The Times where she criticised the Met Police, specifically for being too lenient towards pro-Palestinian protesters. She described the protesters as “pro-Palestinian mobs” and “hate marchers”. This criticism led to her sacking on 13 November 2023 as part of a cabinet reshuffle ahead of a general election expected the following year.
In the reshuffle triggered by Braverman's firing, Rishi Sunak appointed James Cleverly as the new Home Secretary. Cleverly had previously been serving as the Foreign Secretary.
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Northleaf Infrastructure Capital Partners III Holds Final Closing, Raising More Than US$1.4 Billion
NICP III fundraising exceeds US$1.25 billion target
More than 35% of capital already committed to well-developed portfolio of five infrastructure investments
Northleaf’s infrastructure fundraise attracted capital commitments from a broad range of institutional limited partners globally, including both new and existing investors, comprising public and private pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, endowments, consultants, financial institutions and family offices.
“This fundraise marks an important milestone for our infrastructure program and represents significant progress towards Northleaf’s international fundraising objectives, having attracted investors from North America, Europe and Asia," said Stuart Waugh, Managing Partner of Northleaf. “We would like to thank all of our investors - both existing and new - for their support and confidence in our team, track record and mid-market investment strategy.”
NICP III has already completed five investments, including the recently announced acquisition of UK-based Quickline Communications. “We are excited about several promising opportunities under development for NICP III and have strong momentum in our deal pipeline,” said Jamie Storrow, Managing Director and co-head of infrastructure at Northleaf. “Our established team continues to successfully source, execute and manage on-strategy investments, with the goal of delivering relative value to our investors.”
NICP III’s final closing builds on a strong year of continued growth across Northleaf’s global private markets platform. Northleaf recently announced the final closing of its second closed-end global private credit fund and a related separately managed account, raising more than US$900 million to invest in performing loans to global mid-market companies. With recent fundraising across its three core private markets strategies (infrastructure, private credit and private equity), Northleaf has now raised more than US$17 billion in capital commitments and serves more than 150 institutional investors globally. Northleaf is currently raising capital for the next generation of its global private equity funds and certain of its private credit funds.
About Northleaf Capital Partners
Northleaf Capital Partners is a global private markets investment firm with more than US$17 billion in private equity, private credit and infrastructure commitments under management on behalf of public, corporate and multi-employer pension plans, endowments, foundations, financial institutions and family offices. Northleaf’s 150-person team, located in Toronto, Chicago, London, Melbourne, Menlo Park, Montreal and New York, is focused exclusively on sourcing, evaluating and managing private markets investments globally. Northleaf’s portfolio includes more than 400 active investments in 40 countries, with a focus on mid-market companies and assets. For more information on Northleaf, please visit www.northleafcapital.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210720005390/en/
Northleaf Capital Partners
Investor and media inquiries
Infrastructure transaction related inquiries
This news is a press release provided by Northleaf Capital Partners.
Northleaf Capital Partners (“Northleaf”), a global private markets investment firm, announced today the opening of its new office in Seoul, Republic of Korea to support continued investor interest in the firm’s mid-market private markets platform. This marks Northleaf’s tenth global off...2024년 9월 25일 11:55
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Nextgen Biotech is the genuine APATIDE 60MG 60TAB suppliers in Chhindwara. Being one of the leading manufacturers, we keep up the top-of-the-line research and development to come up with continuous innovations and improvements in the product line. We are a company that is focused on the development of quality medicines that are attested and then only transported to our customers. We are focused on scientific advancement, ensuring our medicines incorporate the latest therapeutic developments. We are the on-time APATIDE 60MG 60TAB exporters in Chhindwara. We as a reliable manufacturer like us will ensure that the supply chain for the product to reach you is safe and efficient. Throughout our years in the domain, we have maintained transparency and traceability from sourcing to product delivery at each level to ensure the integrity and safety of a product. For decades, we have taken care of the quality and satisfaction of our customers, hence our reputation as a trusted manufacturer is all it takes to signal the customers about the genuineness and integrity. Consider us for all the needs of your APATIDE 60MG 60TAB wholesale suppliers in Chhindwara. We as the major healthcare professionals and patients trust our products to be both practical and reliable. We have attained ISO standards and regulatory approvals, among other such certifications, that testify to our commitment to manufacturing excellence and compliance with the regulatory environment.
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From the award-winning author of THE BUBBLE BOY comes a heart-warming and unforgettable story that follows one boy’s search for the perfect family, with surprising and unexpected results. Perfect for fans of Onjali Q. Rauf and Lisa Thompson.
‘Friendship, laughter, suspense and more!’ – Ross Welford, author of TIME TRAVELLING WITH A HAMSTER and THE 1000-YEAR-OLD BOY THINGS MY PERFECT PARENTS MUST HAVE: 1. A mega mansion like the ones footballers live in 2. A garage wall with a basketball hoop 3.
No gerbils 4. Holidays to Disneyland All Sam wants is a family of his own, a home instead of a ‘house’ and parents he knows will still be there when he wakes up. Because Sam has been in and out of foster care his whole life and he can’t imagine ever feeling like he truly belongs.
Then his best friend Leah suggests that rather than wait for a family to come to him, he should go out and find one. So begins The Perfect Parent Project … But Sam may just discover that family has a funny way of finding you.
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As the countdown to the eagerly anticipated fourth season of Big Brother Naija heats up, MultiChoice Nigeria will be treating fans of the popular reality TV show to an exclusive reunion show and special pop-up channel on DStv and GOtv starting in March. The BBNaija pop-up channel will open on Friday, 1 March at 10 am and will run till Sunday, 31 March at midnight on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 12 and feature highlights from the previous two seasons – See Gobbe and Double Wahala.
The excitement goes a notch higher with a special reunion show which will air from Monday, 18 March to Sunday, 31 March and features the stars of the BBNaija Double Wahala season.
The BBNaija pop-up channel is available to active customers on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family, Access and GOtv Max and Plus. This has been the most anticipated BBNaija season yet since the announcement of its return for a fourth season in January.
Auditions for the show recorded a massive turnout in eight locations across the country followed by an innovative online audition process which closed on the 27th of March. The pop-up channel will take fans and viewers alike on a trip down memory lane while whetting their appetites on the start of the new season.
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Kwon Jeong Hyun
A source from North Korea reported on the 23rd that the election of the 12nd representatives of the Supreme People’s Assembly will be carried out at the beginning of August.
The North Korean Supreme People’s Assembly officially announced on the 19th that it plans to execute the elections of provincial representatives of the city, village, and district People’s Assemblies on July 29th. In North Korea, elections for city, village, and district People’s Assembly representatives are carried out every four years and in August 2003, 26,650 provincial representatives were selected.
On one hand, the election for the Supreme People’s Assembly representatives, according to North Korean constitutional law, has been carried out every five years. Accordingly, the normal timetable should be August 2008 for the upcoming election. However, due to the Kim Il Sung’s death in ’94, the ’98 10th representative elections occurred in eight years and three months.
The current 11th representative elections were held at the same time as provincial representative elections in August 2003.
The source said, “The government, starting beginning of June, gathered civilians’ residential cards and entered into composing a roster for the Supreme People’s Assembly’s representative elections. The People’s Safety Agency is currently in the middle of a secret investigation into the deceased, missing people, and those who have not reported because they have moved.”
The making of the election roster is also carried out for provincial representative elections.
Detailed evidence for whether the Supreme People’s Assembly elections and the provincial representative elections will be carried out at the same time has not been discovered yet. The North Korean government, through the Chosun (North Korea) Central News Agency, formally announced, “The city, village, and district representative elections will be carried out on July 29th, but a reference has not been made regarding the Supreme People’s Assembly elections yet.”
However, it is difficult to completely exclude the possibility of the simultaneous execution of elections as long as one can expect change in North Korea’s foreign relations and the economic sacrifice problem.
If North Korea simultaneously carries out the provincial representative elections and the Supreme People’s Assembly representative elections at the same time, the possibility is high that it will terminate the process of searching for missing citizens’ whereabouts which has continued these last 10 years as well as the defector issue and will spur building the solidarity of the domestic system.
Kim Sung Hoon (pseudonym, Chongjin, North Hamkyung), who defected in December 2006, explained, “In North Korea, failure to participate in elections is considered as a ‘political reactionary activity’ and if one does not participate in elections without ‘report his or her death,’ the official documents of history are submitted to the National Security Agency and that person becomes, in essence, a ‘public criminal.'”
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Did you know that relationship managers are the most undisciplined, unfocused sales people on the planet? It’s true!
Before choosing to work exclusively with banks 17 years ago, I trained, coached and mentored sales teams in many different industries including insurance, financial planning, pharmaceutical, professional services, automotive, healthcare, start-ups, manufacturing just to name a few.
Granted, sales people in many industries, by their very nature tend to shoot-from-the-hip. I’ll give you that. I’ve seen it over and over again. Their focus is purely on “puttin’ up numbers.” Cold-calling, smiling and dialing, you name it but they’re always racing through their days, weeks and months looking for deals. The truth is, a high percentage of sales people are undisciplined and unfocused. No wonder only five out of ten sales people in this country hit their annual sales goals.
What Caused Bankers To Become Undisciplined Sales Professionals?
There are two fundamental reasons bankers have become undisciplined in their sales efforts:
- Abundance of Demand – The demand for all forms of real estate credit increased year over year for 15 years in a row. From 1993 to the depression in 2008, every year the demand for real estate credit increased. From 2002 to 2007, the demand exploded with 50% per year hyper-growth. When demand increases year over year for 15 years, then explodes for five years, a relationship manager doesn’t need focus, discipline, or a strategy to be successful. Portfolio growth was easy. You and your bank needed a good reputation and you had to be able to deliver what you promised while providing good service. But 15 years of an ever improving tailwind enabled a large percentage of lenders to be successful…without focus, strategy or discipline. However, we are in a very different market cycle and the business development and sales weaknesses of lenders and relationship managers is now highly exposed.
- Banks Have Invested Very Little In Training – The “Big Banks” used to be the universities of the industry 20 years ago. The big banks made massive investments in training and developing employees at all levels for decades. Leadership, management, supervisory, sales, customer service, team building and communication training in addition to all of the technical and job specific training were delivered annually to help bank employees become competent, worthy of promotions and to stay sharp. For decades, regional, business and community banks have reaped the benefits of employing relationship and branch managers trained by larger institutions. Can you imagine the ROI on that? The problem is the industry has reinvested very little of its profits back into creating smarter bankers and honing their sales skills…and it shows!
If you look at the trends impacting the banking industry, one can’t deny that the banker is quickly becoming an unnecessary component in the attainment of a commercial loan. Given the two points discussed above…combined with the growth of online lending platforms, the banker continues to be devalued in the sales process. If the only value a bank and its lenders can deliver to the market is the ability to underwrite and close a loan, technology can facilitate the same transaction at a fraction of the cost and in a fraction of the time. What is an industry supposed to do when faced with a declining value proposition?
For the past seventeen years, we have worked hard to rebuild the reputation of the industry one banker at a time. We have also bucked the many external and self-induced trends that have continued to devalue the role of the banker in the sales process. The only way to fight these trends that continue to commoditize banking is to increase the value of the banker in the sales transaction and hone their sales strategies and skills. Today’s banker has to become an authority in something other than banking, more well-rounded, more specialized, and better able to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
In short, today’s banker must become more focused, more disciplined and more strategic…about every aspect of the business development and sales processes. The same level of discipline banks strive for in their credit decisions must be similarly be applied to their sales efforts. The days of “winging-it” and being successful are long gone. Using the same tired, old strategies to find new business opportunities as have been used for the past three decades by every other banker is not a recipe for success going forward. We strongly believe in the future of banking and the role of the banker as an integral part of the sales process. But we believe that to survive, bankers are going to have to be open to learning fresh ideas and new ways of thinking about and conducting the business of banking.
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How the old system of the world shaped American society
"Chimerica" affected nearly every aspect of our lives.
Back in October I wrote a post about U.S.-China decoupling, rather melodramatically titled “The end of the system of the world”. It was a brief review of how the U.S. and Chinese economies became co-dependent in the 2000s and 2010s, and why both countries became dissatisfied with the status quo, and what drove the eventual rupture.
In the month since I wrote that post, signs of decoupling have slowly increased. The WSJ reports that Apple is accelerating its plans to move production out of China. And U.S. orders of Chinese manufactured goods have plunged, even as U.S.-Europe trade has surged:
U.S. manufacturing orders in China are down 40 percent, according to the latest CNBC Supply Chain Heat Map data. As a result of the decrease in orders, Worldwide Logistics tells CNBC it is expecting Chinese factories to shut down two weeks earlier than usual for the Chinese Lunar New Year…The global trading map is being rapidly redrawn, with EU-U.S. trade and investment in U.S. rising sharply…This year, the U.S. has imported more goods from Europe than China – a big shift from the 2010s[.]
And thanks to U.S. export controls, semiconductor companies are scrambling to build new factories outside of China.
We’re still a very, very long way from full decoupling. There will be a lot of political resistance to export controls among U.S. allies, who tend to care about profits more and geopolitics less. And China’s position as the world’s workshop in less strategic industries is more secure than in militarily sensitive high-tech sectors like chips. But slowly, the realization seems to be sinking in all over the world that the shape of globalization is headed for a change.
I’ll be writing a lot about decoupling in the months and years to come. Today’s post, however, is another retrospective, about some of the many ways that the “Chimerica” system reshaped U.S. society. Remember that the simplest statement of Chimerica was that China became the world’s workshop, while the U.S. became the world’s research park. That transformation changed where Americans live, what our careers and life paths look like, how we build wealth, and the whole class structure of our society.
Superstar cities, college towns, the rent crisis, and the geography of despair
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Too much of our education discourse focuses on a handful of tiny elite schools.
Good insights Noah! Educational elitism is common the world over. I like your approach of addressing the insider/outsider issue by investing in lower cost state schools. Elitism is hard to crush because we will just find something new to label “the best” and then gravitate to it.
I tried to convince my son to chase an Ivy League school because of the networking power that comes from it. He didn’t favor the common attitude of students that attend these schools and chose a state engineering school instead. His choice was Missouri S&T and they do offer some competition with Ivy Leagues. https://news.mst.edu/2023/03/new-york-times-tool-identifies-missouri-st-as-top-10-high-value-university/
I think upgrading STEM in State Schools is probably an easier place to compete. These jobs are needed and companies won’t be picky.
Your observation rings true regarding elite schools and the networking they may afford. I applaud your son’s choice! The truth is state university education (BA U of Florida, MA, PhD U of Minnesota) in many ways prepares one for the challenges of the real world. I have found those elite educated individuals lack a real world view of how most people think, live, work, and survive. Noah is quite right in focusing on state universities, and. It just for education and training, but how that complements the lived experience of those students who are not sheltered and who know and see the world for what it is, the good, bad, ugly. Many work their way through school (as I did) teaching them life lessons that will benefit them, their employers, or the companies they run for years to come.
There is a way to solve the issue Noah is talking about. I have the solution. Unfortunately, I can't share it here unless any Government pays.
Thank you for this piece! And as a UMICH alum (as well!), would love to see more great state systems leveraging regional campuses (UMICH-Dearborn, UMICH-Flint) to provide greater access and learning opportunities to more (ie) UVA, UNC, U of I, U of WI, so many great state systems. Thank you for sharing the rankings focused on social mobility, look forward to diving deeper in how these are measured but so very important! GO BLUE!
Spot on! We have the same problem of elitism in higher education here in the UK. We used to think it was an aristocratic hangover but that wouldn't explain why the US suffers from it as well. More likely it's a by-product of Anglo-Saxon culture's emphasis on the individual and the competitiveness and ranking mentality that it fosters. Another of our rather ambivalent gifts to the world! You're welcome!
What I think is missed here is the fact that though Ivy's might not decide your eventual wealth, they do seem to decide whether you get to be a Supreme Court justice and do quite a bit in deciding whether you get important judicial clerkships which eventually translate to being on the federal court. I'm not really sure why this is, but if there were one trend I'd reverse in appointments, it's this odd need to focus exclusively on Ivy graduates, as it skews the court hard toward the wealthy and the completely divorced from every day life.
Institutional pedigree is not driving Supreme Court nominations. It is the strong preference for academics and appellate judges (many of whom were academics). Clerkships do generally go to the most talented law students, at least among those who want to clerk for a judge before practicing or teaching.
Sorry, what? Institutional pedigree is obviously driving nominations. Or is it just a coincidence that only 1 of the 9 justices are from a school other than Harvard or Yale?
Yale attracts top students and Harvard is an enormous law school with top students. You are confusing correlation with causation, badly.
I’m really not. The Supreme Court is an old boys club. You get in by getting a clerkship (which you get by having a professor who knows the justice), which gets you a federal circuit court judgeship. Then the president is given a list of people to nominate from that federal circuit court and narrows it down to the least objectionable people, and ANYONE who comes from a non-Ivy gets winnowed out because it’s easier to object to a non-Ivy.
The fact ACB was nominated at all is a miracle
Brown vs. BOE was decided without a 8-Ivy League Law school supreme court. Even on this Supreme Court it's it's only 7 went to Ivy League undergrads
That's why I refer to it as a trend. Historically, it hasn't been all Ivy's. For whatever reason, that just seems to be the way it's going.
Right, but Harvard and Yale combined don’t graduate 88% of law students, which is the problem I’m pointing out
This is one of those things that makes me depressed whenever it comes up, to the extent that it ruins the rest of my motivation for the day.
Society shouldn't care that I went to a state school, but yet it clearly does according to the affirmative action plaintiffs. I've basically been defined as an academic failure at 17 for not doing the right extracurriculars and only getting a 1500 instead of a 1600. What's even the point of working hard when I've already been condemned to have a life that's guaranteed to be worse than any Stanford or MIT undergrad?
I don't understand what you mean? What makes you think that you are condemned to be worse off?
And FWIW, one of the defendants was UNC. This is about state schools too.
I don’t think anybody would be impressed by my resume, let’s just say that. It feels like a lot of hard work and effort for nothing. I’d wager all MIT and CMU students would consider me a cautionary tale for if they fail.
For the record nobody forced them to apply to UNC out of state. I got in in-state.
You have a weird and self-defeating definition of success if all paths to it have to pass through just a few schools. If you are unhappy, you should think about what you can do from your current position to improve your situation. If you can't come up with anything, then you're probably depressed.
It’s literally impossible to improve - I’ve been marked as a mediocrity for life. What’s the point?
Therapy just masks the problem of me having never accomplished anything, at least compared to the typical Yale or MIT admit
Get help dude, seriously.
What? Am I wrong? Can you tell me I’m not a failure objectively?
Skeptical that anything would help.
I recently read a book -- Confessions of a Cairo Bookseller. In it she writes that there are 2 Cairos. One where people like herself are educated at elite foreign schools where they learn English and French better than Arabic while most others go to poorly funded public schools; where people like herself have their shopping malls were they purchase goods using foreign currency while everyone else uses Egyptian pounds; and so on. I worry that America is going in that direction. The elite universities that Noah mentions are basically finishing schools for the elite and people who attend these often refer to other schools as "podunk U". That does not mean that Noah is correct that public universities can make huge strides in helping people move up the economic ladder.
But as someone who has attended both private, public and Catholic universities there is one big difference between them. At private universities there is a belief that all the students are capable of doing the work. When a student fails its seen as a failure of the admission process. Students at private Universities can not really know what they are doing and where they want to go and still be alright. This is not really true for public universities. At public universities faculty generally believe that there is a certain percent of students who have no business in being in college and that there is nothing that can be done for them. One can succeed both as a students in a public university but one needs to have a clear idea of goals and that is not always the case for an 18 year old, especially for one is the first one in the family to attend college. At Catholic Universities there is a built in paternalism where students are seen as part of the family which creates slightly different dynamics in both the student experience and in support provided to alumni. Its both touching and annoying.
I think that increasing the number of undergrads at elite schools would is terrible idea. Arguably it would be better tif they shut down their undergrad programs. Why? (1) As Raj Chetty has convincingly demonstrated they are laughably inefficient vehicles for reducing inequality (vs CUNY or Cal Poly, for example). (2) The competition for admission to these schools warps the participants, (3) They are unmatched in the world for their research and grad student training, (4) They suck resources from the next tier of schools. (5) A large proportion of the undergrad students in these elite school are there so they can fast track to Wall Street, not to learn.
That’s a great idea. Undergrad education is primarily a money grab to fund grad schools and their endowments. This whole lottery concept of Ivy League admissions is such an unnecessary exercise, that causes so much stress and disappointment for 99% of the people that go through it. It’s hard to tell your daughter who worked so hard through high school getting perfect grades and accumulating awards and extracurricular achievements that mommy and daddy could probably scrape up the money for tuition and room and board but probably cannot be counted on to contribute enough to the annual fundraising drive so your hard work doesn’t matter. That girl you beat at every competition has parents that do so she gets to go there. They went there, too, and so did her grandparents. Don’t worry, you’ll do great at that “safety school” and these schools will be begging to get you in four years so you can bing them NIH grants. That’s pretty much how it goes, or at least that’s how it did for my daughter. Why do we put them through this?
I wonder, though, what difference it makes trying to apply policy to an issue that may be more values-driven.
If a child, gifted in mathematics, is taught how to best use this skill, they will still have to make a personal decision where to apply it.
Whether this is at graduate level or at undergrad level.
If their value system, gained from wherever, prioritises using these skills in pursuits that don't add much value to society (e.g. in figuring out how to get people to click on ads, or on how to structure funds to make the most money move back and forth between people with the most money), this would not change even with a more diversified student body or at whatever level they gained more advanced skill, would it?
Great post. Yesterday I was at a cookout talking with a friend’s daughter about college applications (she’s starting her senior year at a competitive public high school in a posh DC suburb). One of her crew teammates was recruited by the University of Alabama and is going, with a full scholarship. She noted how unselective the school is (though their crew program is apparently great) and seemed bewildered that her friend would choose to go there (while also fretting about her AP test scores coming out today). I (UMich alum with a mid career CUNY master’s degree) observed that I know several UAlabama grads and they are smart people with good jobs, so her friend probably doesn’t have anything to worry about.
It makes me sad to see kids like her stress out so much about this. Her dad (my friend) is a widower who can barely afford to live in the posh burb on his government salary. He wants to provide for his kids, so he stays (and pays for stuff like crew, an expensive club sport). It seems like a horrible treadmill for everyone involved.
The sad fact is they think the rest of us are stupid if we didn't go to a top school. I think the best thing to do is confront them and interrogate their conceptions of the rest of us.\
1) Grade inflation in the ivies is a thing!
2) Our boardrooms, newsrooms, and courtrooms are disproportionately drawn from the Ivy and Ivy+ schools. To me, this is a big part of why they receive so much attention - especially in the media. How can we break Ivy grads’ stranglehold on the discussion of higher education so that more focus can go on the schools actually educating Americans?
I've been going on about this for a while. The reason for the attention is that so much of the elite (in this context, "elect" might be more appropriate) are graduates of these schools.
Hopefully the new supreme court actions will help dispose of this false superiority
The Ivies have an oversized influence on public policy, because they are massively over-represented in the highest decision making levels of the Government. Can you even get a high-level foreign policy job in a Democratic administration without a degree from Yale?
In my career I hired plenty of state school graduates that outperformed IVY grads. I chalked it up to a better work ethic. The plastic spoon crowd with a chip on their shoulder that a legacy probably kept them out of Cornell were out bread and butter. Plus they tended to stick around longer.
Above a basic level of academic competence almost all success is individual.
I don’t know about that (Cornell Birds is top notch in one of my biggest enthusiasms, and they don’t come loaded with attitude) — but the one friend I have who did go to Cornell has *all* the elitist qualities in spades, totally reversing what values we used to share when we were bright young things (I maintained and deepened the most important of those, namely environmentalism, philosophy, and certain amount of religious tolerance, while he jettisoned these completely because status signalling requires one to consider them as unimportant and serious impediments to social climbing). And to what Jeff says, I would have to agree that the one thing, the only thing, he does exceptionally well is job hop.
In terms of undergraduate class size, bear in mind that most of these entering classes are at least 50 percent larger than they were at the peak of the baby boom high school graduation years (1978-1979) which had about 3.1mm students (graduating HS senior population is about 15-20 pct higher now, but is expected to decline back to those baby boom levels within a decade). And this 50 percent increase applies to much of the private University tier immediately below the Ivies, Stanford and MIT.
There are actually many more spaces per capita for that top 5 percent of students than there were for the boomers. Schools have compensated for this by admitting foreign students paying full price (nearly 20 pct of Harvard’s class), and also more of the top 5 percent choose these top schools than they did in 1979 (when many top students, particularly in the Midwest, West and South) were happy to go to their state universities.
The top 5 percent are the top 5 percent, today or back in 1979, though the rigor of the coursework, homework expectations and grading at the university level has declined precipitously since then.
What has most changed since then is the second quartile of graduating HS students are mostly going to college whereas few of them did back then- this a huge population increase for the second and third tier schools and community colleges, and the former have overexpanded and overcharged as a result (using the notional price the top schools charge as a benchmark and aided by student loans). This is alarming given the performance on basic competency tests like the NAEP, where you’d think a person capable of doing university work would be able to earn at least a “proficient” rating at their HS grade level. Only about 35-40 percent of HS 12th grade students are rated proficient or higher in reading comprehension and 24 percent in math. For African-American students the numbers are closer to 15 percent.
What this says to me is that way too much money and focus is on college and not enough on basic education. Some combination of better primary and secondary education, fewer people attending 4 year colleges and more training and opportunities for non-college graduates would be beneficial. The top 5 percent are always going to go to good schools and there are plenty of spaces for them at good schools. The Affirmative Action ruling may be beneficial to the top 10-100 schools as many more talented minority students will be at these schools rather than the Ivies and corporate recruiters and grad schools will have to take more students from this tier. We’ll see.
I think the admissions rates falling are in part due to schools juicing their application numbers. The Common App is part of the reason, making it much easier to apply to multiple schools. Also, U Chicago, for example, is notorious for aggressively marketing in order to boost applications (and decrease the admissions rate), thus boosting their perceived selectivity.
That being said, competition is *also* getting fiercer, just as you say.
SAT scores can't be directly compared over time. They have been made easier more than once. When boomers were in high school, only a relative handful of kids in the entire country got 800s.
This is true, but SAT scores are also percentile scores in disguise - that 800 means that you did really good compared to other students, not that you met a fixed standard. Also, many more people take the SAT, so the absolute number of people scoring in the top 1% is bigger, too.
“Elite private schools are unlikely to change your destiny“. I’m sorry, but I disagree. They change all our destinies by being way, way over-represented at the highest policy making levels of Government, particularly when a Democrat is in the White House, and particularly in foreign policy.
Where'd this democrat go to undergrad again?
not everything is about you. Get off the internet and go render someone a service IRL.
You are aware I’m talking about Joe Biden, university of Delaware graduate, yes?
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My father is in town and now that he's retired he's a pretty serious movie-goer, and he wasn't a sloucher in the movie department before retirement, so that's saying something. Thus, it was no surprise to me that when Pooteewheet offered him the opportunity to drag me off to War of the Worlds on opening day, even at 9:50 p.m., he was all over it if I was game on a work night. My opinion being that I can always sleep later, I loaded up his diet Sprite in my pocket (he's on a special diet and they don't serve anything he can eat or drink at the theater, so I don't have any bad feelings about sneaking his food in - I still purchased my soda there) and we were off for the late show. Someone must have decided War of the Worlds was more exciting than it really ended up being, as there were almost twenty minutes of trailers, including King Kong, which I had spent an hour downloading over my dial up connection so Dad could watch it only hours earlier. The movie had been running for all of literally sixty seconds when the projector shut down and the thunder you expected to hear later in the movie, per the previews, was still audible. It was clear there was a serious thunderstorm afoot outside and the theater was in no way interested in letting their expensive piece of equipment run during a lightning storm.
A kind, somewhat-sixteen usher stepped in for a moment and, very quietly against the backdrop of rioting teenagers stated, "There's a wicked storm outside. Wicked. Lightning. Real wicked."
All that was left at that point was sitting there for almost an hour, me reading the book I was wise enough to bring with me, my father playing cellphone tetris and eating bootleg salted peanuts, while the four teenage boys behind us farted and blamed everyone around them. Yet at 10:50 the movie did start. And I didn't enjoy it. "It makes Independence Day look like The Muppet Movie." - my ass. Grittier than Independence Day, sure. But more interesting - really sort of a toss up - after all...
Caution - Serious Spoilers Ahead...
...in Independence Day the aliens die from a computer virus, in War of the Worlds from a biological virus. In Independence Day they have shields that sometimes aren't as effective as other times and that are finally disabled by a virus. In War of the Worlds...well...ditto. In Independence Day the aliens have vaguely mushroom heads. In War of the Worlds, the aliens have mushroom heads. Not that I think Independence Day was a great movie, by the way - and my friend Adam might tell you how emotional it was that he was moved to tears by President Bill Pullman's speech - but I don't think it tried to reach beyond itself to be anything other than just a Will Smith summer blockbuster.
And War of the Worlds actually lacks in several places all on its own. No one in Ray's family dies. Usually it's a given that old people die, especially if they're just your inlaws. At the very least your ex-wife's new husband dies so there's the illusion you might have learned something she's willing to take you back for. Children are less likely to die - but if they all run off in their own directions, you'd think at least one would meet an untimely end. Having everyone happily reunited at a Boston brownstone after a full-fledged alien invasion - that just doesn't seem realistic. At the very least it doesn't seem like the family you should really be basing the story upon unless you're trying to show something about family cohesiveness, and I'm not so sure that was the goal, or if it was, that it was communicated very well at all. Independence Day, by constrast, at least had the crazy uncle meet an untimely end. There's a crazy who meets his end in War of the Worlds, but you don't really have any pathos for him (though they go over the top in making sure you don't like him by putting him in a questionable situation with Ray's daughter).
It stuck very close to the original - almost too much at times. I think the only real concessions to anything new were things designed to make it feel more modern - CGI, survivalists, terrorist references, terraforming, and a more horrifying fate for the humans (just being touched by an alien doesn't carry the horror it did 40-50 years ago, skewering is scarier - though only isolated skewering - not everyone, there's simply not time to farm and skewer - aliens haven't figured out daylight savings. In that respect, it really resembled the harvesting robots from The Matrix more than anything else). Because of that, it was almost disappointing when the aliens died, as you just knew it was coming and that it would be doubly anticlimatic, both because of the way they die, and because it was obviously going to happen that way - like when you've seen Lord of the Flies for the fifth time - you just can't bring yourself to watch it anymore or read it anymore because you know the ending (and indeed the whole story/process) so well that it overshadows the prose and overshadows any new spin new directors might impart to an old story. War of the Worlds tried to add a battle scene where a tripod is taken down by direct fire in one case and internal explosions (resembling something from the second Star Wars movie) in another - but it really seemed like pandering just to give an exciting bump before the obvious end.
| 0.985495 | 1,160 |
Nonconceptuality is a method of inquiry into the nature of Reality and the Self. If it seems to you that something is amiss, something’s “not right”, and if that something seems to be getting progressively “more not right”, Nonconceptuality is an inquiry into what that something is, and even why it is. If you are seeking for answers; for THE answer, you should walk the path of Nonconceptuality for a while.
Just to let you know, this will not be easy. No concepts or belief systems are immune to the rigor of this investigation. Your level of resistance to the teaching will manifest in proportion to your level of attachment to those beliefs.
The Nonconceptual path is in polar-opposition to the path that the collective of human consciousness is travelling. Nearly all of humanity’s actions are an attempt to reinforce the illusion (ego/Maya/ignorance) and if you are doing the exact opposite, your life will dramatically change course. Many of the ego-based relationships of your old life will fall away and you will find freedom from karmic cycles that keep the ego, and suffering, prevalent.
The most important thing about Nonconceptuality is that it reveals a message from God (Self), reminding you that you are God. The purpose of life itself is to come to this remembering. The reasoning that leads to this conclusion is contained within the theory. Part of this reasoning is that the message has been discovered rather than created, and something fundamental is not created, but rather, recognized.
The other most important thing about Nonconceptuality is that you don’t have to accept or understand the message in order to engage in the practice, as the practice is the transcendence of thought itself. As the name implies, to practice Nonconceptuality is to transcend the very concepts that constitute the theory itself, which is the conclusion of the theory (and indeed all theories). In this way the theory cannot control you or change your thought patterns because it is clearing your consciousness of all systems of thought and beliefs, and not replacing them.
Essentially, a Nonconceptualist engages in the transcendence of thought. While this practice has been used by many a cult-leader as part of the programming formula, Nonconceptuality does not engage in any type of reprogramming; it’s all deprogramming. Nonconceptuality posits that thought itself is that which “is amiss”, and the way in which to test this theory is by witnessing the thought process itself. This investigation obviously cannot be done via the thought process. Thought should not be that which validates or refutes thought. Such a system is a positive feedback loop that instantly pulls consciousness into delusion. Pure, unbiased observation in conjunction with one’s own direct experience constitute the system (outside of thought) used by Nonconceptuality, to evaluate thought.
The theory holds that this “something that feels amiss” is the system of thought itself, and that the only way to test the validity of thought itself is by observing the process from outside of the process. Human consciousness has fallen into the routine of validating thought via further thought, and Nonconceptuality suggests that this very process is what has pulled human consciousness deeper into delusion and suffering.
The method of inquiry consists of theory and practice.
The theory always points to the experience. The practice (the “One-Step Path”) is the transmission of the theory into experience. The practice is the experiment that tests the theory. The testing ground upon which the theory is refuted or validated, is your direct experience. If following Nonconceptuality doesn’t decrease ignorance and suffering, as well as increase understanding and happiness, then it is incorrect for you and must be refuted and abandoned.
Given that the theory is always pointing to the experience, at any given time one can transcend the theory and engage directly in the practice.
In fact, you can transcend the rest of the theory altogether because I’m going to jump right to the final step. If you remember the following teaching and engage in the practice to the best of your ability, you will be taking the most direct route of the path; the path that is just one-step.
The One-Step path is:
BE AWARE OF THE SPACE BETWEEN THOUGHTS
Another way of wording it is:
When you become aware that you are focused on the voice in your head, pay equal attention to the time it’s not talking.
This simple practice is the highest of all Spiritual teaching. You have made it to the top of the mountain and only One-Step remains. There is but one practice; one step. Completion may be realized upon taking it once, or completion may be realized by taking it one million times, but for the Nonconceptualist, completion is inevitable.
The theory comprises primarily of three models: “The Fundamental Model Of Reality” model, the “Metasingularity” model, and the "Evolutionary Number System" model. The theory holds that the information contained within these models are messages implanted/programmed within the operational mechanism of creation, by the creator, to assist consciousness on its path of remembrance. Upon consciousness reaching certain levels of delusion a clue is revealed as to get one back onto the correct path. Human consciousness is on the path (thought) leading to increasing delusion, and these messages are thusly being triggered and are being revealed. The misinterpretation of these messages has led to the misuse of the information, which in turn is leading human consciousness even deeper into delusion.
The practice aspect of Nonconceptuality is called “The One-Step Path”. Essentially it is simply finding, and abiding in/as thought free Awareness.
The theory is always pointing to the practice. Theory that is not transcended into/as the practice is simply more Maya/ignorance.
Nonconceptuality is exactly what it implies. The practice will reveal what it does.
And yes, it will require first priority in your life, and it may take a relatively “long time” to completely realize True Self. But, as the theory suggests, this endeavor is the purpose of life, so is there really anything more important to do?
| 0.952867 | 1,301 |
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| 0.944375 | 213 |
Cufflinks Sky Northern Lights solid silver
A clean, classic design with simple lines leaves a lasting impression. These striking cuff links work great for any occasion; from a strict business environment to your best friend's wedding.
Color & Material
The cufflinks are in solid silver combined with the magic aurora borealis. The colored metal is made from anodized aluminum, a feather-light, sustainable metal. The color is infused into the metal, giving the piece an exceptional luster and durability. Soft green shades from light to dark with dark trees as the skyline. These colors match with everything.
The cufflink’s diameter is 18mm. The thickness of the cufflink is 3mm.
- The cufflinks come in an attractive gift box
- Free shipping over 300 SEK
- Shipped within 2 days
Designed and handmade by Eva Waitzfelder.
Shipping & Delivery
Choose between different freight options.
Standard freight is free for orders 300 SEK or more.
Traceable freight is free for orders 995 SEK or more.
Your order is shipped within 2 working days.
Would you like a giftwrap let me know and I will be delighted to do it.
Jewelry I make after your order in general 5-15 working days.
For 18 K gold please mail me for information.
Personalized items to be agreed.
You can always contact me for more information.
We follow the Swedish laws for e-commerce. You can return jewelry within 30 days.
VAT is deducted for deliveries outside EU.
If cost for customs or VAT in countries outside EU occur, the customer pay those.
This is a Swedish webb shop and we follow Swedish law.
| 0.907143 | 358 |
Necklace Art Egyptian with chain in silver
Shipping & Delivery
Choose between different freight options.
Standard freight is free for orders 300 SEK or more.
Traceable freight is free for orders 995 SEK or more.
Your order is shipped within 2 working days.
Would you like a giftwrap let me know and I will be delighted to do it.
Jewelry I make after your order in general 5-15 working days.
For 18 K gold please mail me for information.
Personalized items to be agreed.
You can always contact me for more information.
We follow the Swedish laws for e-commerce. You can return jewelry within 30 days.
VAT is deducted for deliveries outside EU.
If cost for customs or VAT in countries outside EU occur, the customer pay those.
This is a Swedish webb shop and we follow Swedish law.
| 0.925129 | 185 |
A few weeks ago I wrote about an Androgel testosterone case being tried in Illinois. We now have the verdict, and the result is, well, a mixed bag. Still, on balance, it must be viewed as a win for plaintiffs, and a major rebuke for companies like AbbVie, Inc. who aggressively market their prescription drugs for off-label uses. After all, at the end of trial the jury awarded the plaintiffs $150 million in punitive damages for fraudulent misrepresentation.
Just to recap, Androgel is a roll-on testosterone product. Jesse Mitchell began taking Androgel in 2007 after doctors ran blood tests and found that Mitchell’s testosterone levels were quite low. In 2012, at the age of 49, Jesse Mitchell had a massive heart attack. From what I’ve read, the heart attack almost killed him.
Mitchell and his wife sued AbbVie in 2014, claiming the company marketed and sold Androgel without properly warning men about the increased risk for heart attacks. During the trial an expert for the Mitchells testified that in his opinion there was a connection between Mitchell’s 2012 heart attack and his extended use of Androgel.
| 0.971424 | 245 |
Begin your path now to a career in occupational therapy
Feb 07, 2019
Before they even come to campus for fall semester, incoming first-year students can start on their career path in occupational therapy by securing their spot to North Central College’s master of occupational therapy (MOT) program in Illinois.
A new dual admission program allows undergraduates to avoid the stress of applying for master’s programs as they approach their college graduation. “This program is intended to provide a seamless and successful transition on the path to North Central’s master’s in occupational therapy degree,” said Wendy Pochocki, assistant dean for operations and admissions for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. “This ensures that four years from now, the students can be one of the 7,327 admitted MOT students from among the 42,000 who apply annually to programs across the country.”
Occupational therapy ranks among the best careers according to U.S. News & World Report and Glassdoor, with an average starting salary of more than $80,000.
After admission to North Central, incoming first-year students must submit an additional application to participate in the selection process, which includes an on-campus interview day on April 6, 2019. High school seniors interested in the program must meet certain eligibility requirements.
A minimum of five students will be selected for dual admission, which provides unique opportunities like membership in the Student Occupational Therapy Associate Club with current MOT students. “In addition, MOT faculty will play a key role working with each student, giving academic guidance as they progress during their undergraduate years,” said Pochocki.
As undergraduates, dual admission students can select any major as long as they complete the prerequisite courses required by MOT programs. Most commonly, students pursuing OT careers major in psychology, exercise science, health science, biology and neuroscience.
Learn more about dual admission and occupational therapy at North Central College by attending a special Visit Day session on campus Friday, March 1.
| 0.954603 | 414 |
God has provided us with a blessed Emmaus year so far. Many have served tirelessly and showed the love of Christ as we have welcomed new brothers and sisters into our community. As we approach the last of the 4 walk weekends, please pray for full walks and teams. The next walks are Men’s Walk #361, September 7-10, with LD Bunk Harpole and Ladies’ Walk #362, September 14-17 with LD Lynn McCafferty. The final walks will be in October with LDs Brandon Odom and Cristen Barnard. As the teams prepare for their weekends, please pray earnestly for them and the pilgrims they will be serving. I would like to be sure that everyone knows that 2 entities are involved in all Emmaus walks. The Christian Camp of North MS is in charge of the facilities, buildings, and grounds, and they employ Scott Coleman as Caretaker. To update Scott’s recovery after his accident, he is steadily improving and was able to get back on the tractor recently.
Answered prayers! The North MS Emmaus Community carries on the day-to-day activities for all Emmaus walks, and they employ Charlene Coleman. As far as our financial status, there has been a tremendous increase in all operating expenses, especially food. We are so thankful for the donations we have received since our last letter but still need more as we try to keep from having to increase pilgrims’ fees.
If any individual or community wants to contribute to the Christian camp, send contributions to:
Christian Camp of North Mississippi
Baird & Stallings, CPAs, P.A.
P. O. Box 651,
Indianola, MS 38751
If any individual or community wants to donate to the Emmaus walks, please send donations to:
Les Miles, Treasurer
North MS Emmaus
444A Hwy 12 W
Starkville, MS 39759 Our 2024
Lay Directors are already beginning the initial process of assembling their teams. They will have their weekend training session on October 27 & 28. Please add Hank Harrington, Tina Bethay, Tommy Reed, Melanie Sanders, Mike Jones, Lisa Sledge, Ginny Ables, Jennifer Williams, Stuart MacKenzie, and Phoebe Holland to your prayers. Also, remember LDs Bubba Deloach and Christy Sullivan as their walks are scheduled for March, 2025. Finally, please check to make sure that we have your current contact information. If you are not receiving community emails or possibly not receiving invitations to serve on future teams, we may have the wrong information or no information in our system if you have not submitted a new application. Peggy Yarbrough or any Board Member will be happy to help you check.
| 0.955926 | 561 |
No sooner has a new leader of the world taken his seat, than the losers this time are saying how bad he is, for all the same reasons as the losers time time. But neither the losers last time or the losers this time realise it.
Its like these large groups of people, act like an individual who is not aware of his own actions.
If this 'individual' were treated like a person by a psychiatrist, he would be sectioned immediately for bing a danger to himself and those around him.
These large groups of people constituting this virtual individual are all allowing themselves as a group to be programmed. Its not as if they're being forced to believe things against their will. They believe things anyway.
Thsi can be seen similarly in large corporations, where the corporate culture holds sway as one woudl expect in a cult. Cult-ture as it is.
This is an objective fact of the collective psyche. It is scientifically observed.
The worry is that htis programming is reaching new levels of intensity.
| 0.9863 | 213 |
How Will AI Impact Healthcare?
While it may feel like everyone has just started to talk about artificial intelligence — commonly referred to as AI — it’s been around since the 1950s. AI refers to any technique that aims to make a machine “smart.”
Movies such as The Terminator and The Matrix have made some people wary of AI becoming integrated into our daily lives. However, AI has the potential to significantly improve the quality of healthcare in the future. Whether you’re ready or not, the unknown future of AI rolls toward us.
What Is AI?
According to the United States (US) National Artificial Intelligence Act of 2020, “The term ‘artificial intelligence’ means a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments.”
Types of AI include:
- Machine learning — involves systems that can learn by themselves
- Deep learning — involves computer models that detect patterns with only minimal human involvement
- Natural language processing — focuses on teaching machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language
How Does AI Work?
AI is when machines or computers are designed to perform tasks that usually require a human. The first step of designing these smart machines is to input data from the environment. The type of data depends on the task but may include text, images, or numbers.
Next, the AI system will process the input data using an algorithm that tells the computer how to use and analyze the data. The AI system will then learn the different patterns and relationships present within the data. This is also known as machine learning.
Based on what the AI system learned, it can begin making decisions or predictions, such as recognizing patterns in large amounts of data, identifying an object in an image, or solving problems. Based on these decisions, the AI system can complete a given task or provide a recommendation. Some AI systems also incorporate a way to improve performance over time by updating the algorithms used based on the results.
How Is AI Used in Healthcare?
Researchers are discovering the ways that AI can assist in different healthcare challenges.
Personalized medicine is an individualized treatment approach where healthcare providers tailor a treatment plan based on your unique factors, including your:
- Lifestyle habits
- Biomarkers (measurements used to monitor your health)
Healthcare providers can use AI as a tool to analyze your health data to predict outcomes and recommend the optimal treatment plan for you. Researchers have also used AI to predict outcomes in several different medical conditions.
Researchers have used AI to help choose the right treatment for some medical conditions.
For example, healthcare providers can use AI to analyze the genetics of people with cancer to predict their response to chemotherapy. In a 2018 study, researchers found that machine learning AI algorithms could predict the response people have to chemotherapy with more than 80% accuracy.
Depression is another condition that can be difficult to treat. Some people need to try several different medications before they find an effective treatment for their depression. It can take weeks or months to find the right antidepressant for some people. AI may be able to increase the odds that the first antidepressant you try is the right one. Researchers in a 2023 study used AI to screen electronic health records to predict how someone will react to a certain antidepressant.
As research in AI continues, scientists will discover more ways to use AI to find the right treatment for the right person.
Healthcare providers can also use AI to choose the right medication dose while reducing the risk of side effects.
A 2021 study found that AI can help healthcare providers choose the right dose of warfarin, a drug used to treat and prevent drug clots. Accurate dosing of warfarin allows the drug to work more efficiently while preventing dangerous side effects, like bleeding.
Predicting Side Effects
AI-powered systems may be able to predict the side effects of certain medications by predicting which patients have a higher risk of drug side effects or drug interactions. Armed with this information, healthcare providers can avoid poor outcomes due to side effects.
Patient Education and Medical Advice
When you’re diagnosed with a new medical condition, your healthcare providers help you learn more about your condition so you can improve your health, understand your treatment, and prevent complications. Researchers are looking into ways that AI can help educate you about medical issues.
Research has shown that patients who have received education about their disease are more likely to stick to their treatment and have better health outcomes. AI-powered tools can help patients learn more about their health. For example, a prostate cancer communication assistant powered by AI helped to increase the participants’ understanding of prostate cancer.
In addition to helping people understand their disease, AI technology can help answer common medical questions that can free up healthcare providers to help more patients. Some companies have developed “AI doctors” to help diagnose common medical conditions by chatting directly with patients. Chatbots — computer programs that understand and simulate conversation with a human — can also be used to educate and coach patients with certain diseases. Early research has shown that the number of provider office visits and hospital visits is decreased in people who use chatbots for health coaching with certain diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
We are starting to see AI services being tested in the real world. The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom (UK) has tested a phone application powered by AI to answer non-emergency medical problems.
When you have certain health conditions, your healthcare provider may wish to monitor you at home. For example, if you wear a smartwatch that tracks your activity, heart rate, and other health data, AI can help to integrate your health information into your medical chart. Your healthcare provider can then use this information to spot signs of disease in the early stages.
If you have diabetes, your doctor will ask you to keep track of your blood sugar levels at home. AI can help providers track trends and prevent problems before they get worse. A 2021 study found that using AI technology can help people with diabetes avoid serious problems caused by incorrect use of medication.
Identifying a disease based on specific signs and symptoms continues to present a challenge for healthcare providers despite advances in medicine. AI systems show great promise in improving the accuracy of diagnosing certain conditions. Several studies have shown that AI can improve diagnosis.
Skin cancer is a common type of cancer that can be difficult for providers to spot. AI systems can be trained to spot skin cancer using images of skin cancer. Studies have shown that AI-powered algorithms can diagnose more cases of skin cancer than dermatologists (doctors who specialize in treating skin conditions).
A 2020 study in South Korea found that an AI-powered algorithm was better than radiologists (doctors who specialize in diagnosing medical conditions using imaging tests) at detecting early breast cancer.
Other studies have shown that AI may be better than humans in diagnosing diseases, including pneumonia, heart disease, eye disease, Parkinson’s disease, and several different types of cancer.
Using AI to assist in diagnosing medical conditions may help your healthcare provider diagnose your medical condition earlier so you can start treatment and improve your odds of a better outcome. You may also be able to avoid unnecessary tests, provider office visits, and hospital stays.
Disease Research and Drug Discovery
AI is good at recognizing patterns in large amounts of data. The field of medical research is filled with huge sets of data, such as your genes. Genomic medicine uses information about your genes to improve your health outcomes. This is an emerging field that has led to huge breakthroughs in disease research. AI-powered machines can easily analyze large amounts of information from a population of people or an individual to find patterns that help in the diagnosis and treatment of many different medical conditions.
AI can also be used to speed up the process of discovering new drugs. About 90% of potential new drugs don’t make it past clinical trials. AI-powered systems can help researchers select drugs that have a better chance of succeeding in clinical trials and improving health outcomes. Examples of how AI may be able to assist researchers include:
- Conducting background research
- Finding new drug targets
- Predicting how drugs will interact in your body
- Predicting the population of people most likely to benefit from the drug
What Are the Risks and Challenges of Using AI in Healthcare?
The challenges of using AI in healthcare include a low level of trust, a risk of bias, and privacy concerns.
According to a survey from the Pew Research Center conducted in December 2022, 60% of Americans don’t feel comfortable with their healthcare providers relying on AI for their own healthcare. At the time of the survey, Americans didn’t seem convinced that using AI in healthcare would improve their outcomes.
This survey also revealed concerns about using AI in regard to a worsening doctor–patient relationship. AI-powered chatbots may lead to less empathy and personalization in healthcare, especially in the field of mental health.
One area the participants in the Pew Research Center survey thought would improve with AI is racial and ethnic bias; 51% of participants thought that unfair treatment due to bias would improve with the use of AI. To ensure this outcome, AI developers must make sure the data used to train AI are also free of bias.
Factors such as gender and race are already used by healthcare providers to make clinical decisions. Researchers are evaluating how these biases may impact care. It’s still not clear how incorporating gender or race into an AI model will affect care. To ensure equitable and inclusive care for everyone, AI developers and regulators must understand the potential impact of any underlying bias before an AI tool is used to make decisions.
Privacy is another potential concern for using AI in healthcare. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (commonly referred to as HIPAA) is a federal law that protects your sensitive health information from being revealed without your consent. As AI continues to evolve, more laws and regulations will be necessary to protect your information.
What Is the Future of AI in Healthcare?
The use of AI in healthcare is continuously evolving and has the potential to transform healthcare. Continued research is needed to evaluate how the use of AI impacts health outcomes for specific diseases and treatments.
If AI is used wisely, it can be an invaluable tool that frees up more time for healthcare providers to spend with their patients and improve health outcomes. However, regulators should address the potential for bias and security problems while using AI.
The next generation of doctors is learning how to use AI in healthcare. A 2023 study found that almost all of the current medical students who participated in the survey were aware of how AI can be used in healthcare.
Only time will tell how AI impacts the field of healthcare. How do you feel about your healthcare providers using AI in your care?
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Interview with @PUNODOSTRES: Founder of ILOVECREATIVES
May 17, 20192 min read
We are excited to share our newest interview on the blog conducted by our creative director, Raheem Nelson. Raheem met Puno, while doing his amazing day job as a graphic recorder for ImageThink.
Puno (who founded @ilovecreatives) told us what inspires her, how she uses Instagram for her platforms and her favorite hotspots in Los Angeles.
Raheem: What was your first impression of Instagram compared to now?
Puno: I used to think that Instagram was just another app, but it wasn't until I talked about it to people IRL that I saw how much potential there was. Now, you have the ability to tap into 1 billion people. That's nuts! I also think it's a place for self-expression.
Raheem: Can you tell me about your brands and what you’re out to accomplish?
Puno: I'm the Founder of ilovecreatives.com, a digital creative community. My main goal is to help creatives get to the next step. Sometimes it's just giving a place for people to put themselves out there and sometimes it's helping them level up their skills. At the end of the day, if we've helped you feel like you can do it, then I'm pretty happy.
Raheem: During your talk you described Instagram as the biggest conference ever. What do you think could be accomplished if more creatives used the platform like that?
Puno: I think people wouldn't feel so alone. Connecting with other people gives you exposure to things you can't even think of.
Plus, when you think of Instagram like a conference vs. a place where you have to market yourself, you come across more genuine and curious.
Raheem: What are some tips you would give to someone looking to make a difference on Instagram with their engagement and following?
Puno: Please follow non-profits and organizations that you care about. Share their stories in your Instagram Stories. They typically have the hardest time marketing their services and that's where you can come in!
Raheem: Was there a one moment when you absolutely knew you wanted to have a creative career?
Puno: No, lol. Not really? I think my interests naturally just led me to what I thought would be fun (and those things change). What helped me a lot was relentlessly learning and getting those hard skills refined (eg, learning all the tools and creating solid spec work).
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In the seventies, after the school bus dropped us off, most of us kids had lots of unsupervised time before dinner. There were no organized sports or piano lessons or other activities for our parents to drive us to. Back then, you ran into the house to put your school stuff down, yelled a breathless "hello" to your mom, who yelled something back that sounded mostly like "Be back in time for dinner!"...and then you ran off to play or listen to the latest Donny Osmond album on a tiny record player in someone's room.
Occasionally, there were shenanigans. Okay, there were usually shenanigans. We were unsupervised, and kids are not known for well-thought out decision making.
We had just watched that movie at school. You know the movie I am referring to. THE movie that all the fifth graders watch. The one that talked about how a girl's(or boy's) body would mysteriously begin something called "flowering". Surprisingly, they did use an actual flower as an illustration in the film, though not a single one of us knew a thing about metaphors. The film discussed something called a "period", which, as it turned out, had NOTHING to do with punctuation. As we filed out of the film, Renee and I gave each other a look, which was confirmation that we would be discussing what we had seen.
"Those pads sound icky," Renee began talking as soon as we were alone in her room.
"And how do you get those belt things to work?" I voiced my concern. For the youngsters in the audience, before the 1970s, there was no adhesive used to hold a sanitary pad in place for those days when your Auntie Flo visited. Women used belts with clips to attach the pad so it would be able to do what it was designed to do. And those things looked complicated to me! I felt that it would be easier to just staple the pad to your underpants, and I said so to Renee. She looked skeptical.
"What about those other things?" she asked.
"Tampax?" We knew what they were because we'd seen the boxes in our own homes. Since Tampax was the only tampon made at the time, all tampons were called Tampax, in the same way all sodas were called Coke.
"Yeah. Why didn't they talk about those today?" The two of us stared at the ceiling, contemplating that omission. We decided that we needed a sample, but instead of seeking out said sample in the box that was usually kept under the bathroom sink, we decided to steal a box from the little PX in the hospital.
Did I mention that ten year olds are not good decision makers? Yeah.
We put on our coats and walked over to the PX, circled warily thought the store, found the right shelf. I hid a box of Tampax in my coat, and the two of us displayed our ultimate "smooth criminal" demeanor as we left the store. And by that, I meant that we ran faster than the speed of light all the way home.
In the history of the world, nobody has ever been arrested for shoplifting a horrifically stylish and inexpensive item such as tampons. Any cop is going to be laughing too hard to complete the arrest. Back then, we didn't know that. We were terrified of being arrested, and even circled our building to make sure that we were not followed. Once we got home and were safely ensconced in my room, we opened the box. Renee opened one of the packages, which contained a cardboard telescoping tube with a string hanging out of one end. Our puzzlement knew no end, until I found the directions.
There were indeed directions that went with the tampons. Directions with pictures as to where to put the tampons. Intricately explicit, DETAILED instructions. With PICTURES.
"I think I'm going to puke," Renee said, covering her mouth. My stomach was steady, but I agreed with her sentiment. The proposed remedy to sanitary napkins certainly did not appear comfortable. Compared to the inconvenience of pads, tampons looked positively torturous. No wonder our moms were in such awful moods during their periods! Who would do such things to themselves? We agreed that some mysteries of adulthood remained beyond us. I slipped the box of Tampax under the sink toward the back, so my mom would think that she had purchased them.
Our recent crime spree ended, Renee and I agreed to never mention the word "Tampax" ever again. Blogging about it, on the other hand, was never discussed. Besides, I am pretty sure that the statute of limitations has run out.
4.) Something you stole.
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About guardianship orders
A Guardianship Order is a legal document issued by the Guardianship Division of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) or the Supreme Court of NSW. The order outlines who the legal guardian is and the type of healthcare, lifestyle and medical decisions that a guardian is authorised to make on behalf of another person.
A person may need a guardian if they have trouble making healthcare, lifestyle and medical decisions on their own because of a decision-making disability and there are decisions that need to be made and:
- they do not have family, friends or a carer to support them in their decision-making
- their family, friends or carers disagree about a decision or what is best
- they are at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation because of their lifestyle or the actions of other people
- they are unable to give their own consent to medical treatment or to the use of a restrictive practice.
A person responsible (spouse, carer or family member) is also able to consent to medical treatment if a person is unable to do so themselves and does not have a guardian.
Generally, most people with disability do not need a guardian and may be able to make decisions on their own or with support from family, friends and carers through supported decision-making.
Learn more about supported decision-making and what it means to lack the capacity to make decisions.
Download our Helping people make decisions easy ready guide.
A guardian makes healthcare, lifestyle and medical decisions for a set period of time. Their primary role is to ensure the person has access to the same care, treatment and services as the rest of the community. The types of decisions they may need to make for the person can include:
- where they live
- what services they receive
- consenting to their medical and dental treatment.
A guardian is not able to make any decisions about money or other financial affairs unless they are also legally appointed to be the person’s attorney under the powers of an Enduring Power of Attorney or private financial manager.
Guardians are appointed by NCAT, which is independent of NSW Trustee and Guardian.
NCAT holds hearings for both guardianship and Financial Management Order applications to determine whether a person has capacity and to legally appoint a substitute-decision maker if a person is unable to make their own decisions.
A person who no longer has decision-making capacity, who did not appoint an Enduring Guardian and cannot be supported to make their own decisions can have a private guardian appointed by a court or tribunal.
This is usually a family member, close friend or unpaid carer over the age of 18.
The Public Guardian
A person who no longer has decision-making capacity, who did not appoint an Enduring Guardian and has no family member, close friend or unpaid carer available to be the private guardian, will have the NSW Public Guardian appointed by a court or tribunal to make healthcare, lifestyle and medical decisions on their behalf.
The Public Guardian may also be appointed jointly with a private guardian but with different decision-making areas of responsibility.
If you have a genuine concern for the wellbeing of another person, you can make separate applications to have a guardian or financial manager appointed on behalf of the person.
A guardianship or financial management order application is made to the Guardianship Division of NCAT, and should only be requested after exploring other decision-making support options, including supported decision-making. Find out more and apply to NCAT.
Like everyone, people with disability can benefit from support when making decisions.
Providing support or making reasonable adjustments to meet a person’s needs can help them to make their own decisions and have decision-making independence.
Supported decision-making allows you to help someone to make their own decisions and have control over the things that impact and are important to them.
What it means to lack capacity
Decision-making capacity is the ability to make your own life decisions by:
- understanding the situation, facts or information about a decision
- understanding the choices available
- understanding what will or could happen from making a decision
- using reason to weigh the risks and benefits of a decision
- being able to clearly communicate consistent decisions.
If you're unable to follow this process, you are said to ‘lack capacity’. Here are some answers to common questions about capacity:
If you are 18 years or over, you are presumed to have capacity to make your own decisions unless it can be legally shown that you:
- lack capacity due to disability, including an age-related condition, intellectual disability, brain injury or mental illness
- temporarily lack capacity, for example during a coma following an accident
- are able to make some decisions but not others.
Having a disability does not automatically mean that a person lacks capacity.
Many people with disability can make their own decisions with some guidance to:
- clarify issues and choices to aid decision-making
- help you make a specific type of decision.
A person’s lifestyle or a poor or controversial personal decision does not mean that they lack capacity.
You may not agree with their decision, but it’s important to determine if:
- the person is simply making a 'bad' decision
- they lack capacity to make decisions.
It’s important to help someone get all the support that they need to make their own decisions and to protect their rights if they are being assessed for capacity.
If there is disagreement, then an assessment can be requested from a clinical neuropsychologist, geriatrician or psychiatrist.
Do | Don't |
Tips to talk about supported decision-making
Here are some general tips to help with effective communication when supporting someone. It's best to find out how each person understands their world, how they express themselves and to be aware of anything that affects their ability to communicate. Our Easy Read resources can also help.
- Communication support will vary from person to person and should be tailored to meet individual need.
- Communication is two way and breakdown can occur on either side.
- We all have times when we have difficulty understanding what has been said or what is happening. Build trust by being honest with the person about this and seek out help from others.
- People who have communication difficulties frequently rely on non-verbal cues to help them understand what is being said or what is happening.
- Communicate in an environment free from distraction and at a time that suits the person’s ability to concentrate.
- Consider how much you can cover in one sitting; some people may only have the ability to pay attention for short periods of time.
- Physical and mental health can affect a persons ability to give or receive information.
- Cultural factors can impact on how a person provides or receives information.
- Communication is complex and expert input from a Speech Pathologist may be beneficial.
It's important to remember that stress, trauma and anxiety can affect a person’s comprehension or ability to understand information.
- Speak slowly using familiar terms and short simple sentences.
- Avoid using jargon or complex words.
- Simplify the discussion by giving one piece of information at a time.
- Stick to one topic of conversation.
- Give the person enough time to process what you have said.
- Keep discussion relevant and in the here and now.
- Where you have to talk about abstract issues such as time, support the discussion by relating to concrete events such as mealtimes or by using visual supports such as calendars.
- Visual supports such as pictures, objects and for some people accessible written information, may be useful to help support understanding, attention and memory.
- Regularly check that the person understands the conversation.
- Use clear non-verbal cues such as facial expression, body language, gestures and tone of voice.
- Be aware that sometimes people may:
- Say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to questions they have not really understood
- Frequently choose or repeat the last item presented to them without understanding the choice.
- Be mindful of the timing and the environment, to make sure the circumstances are best suited to the exchange.
- Give the person plenty of time to express themselves. Don’t finish sentences for them or make assumptions about what they are trying to say or communicate.
- Observe the person’s non-verbal communication such as body language and facial expression.
- What is it telling you about their understanding, will and preference?
- Pictures, objects and accessible written supports may be helpful to enable some people express their will and preference.
- If the person uses an electronic aid to communicate, ensure it is available and programmed for the discussion. For example, pictures or words relevant to the discussion may need to be added to the aid.
- An unsafe or restrictive environment can affect someone’s willingness to express themselves.
- Be aware that some people experience significant side effects from medications that can affect how they express themselves.
- Ask the person if they would like someone in particular to support them to express their views.
Request a review of a guardianship order
Guardians are appointed by the Guardianship Division of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a set amount of time – normally for up to 1 year (or up to 3 years in special circumstances).
Generally, NCAT will review guardianship orders before the end date of the order, unless they decide there is no need for a review. In this case, the order simply lapses at the end of the set time period.
You can request a review if:
- you have a genuine concern for the person with a guardianship order
- the order is not working in the best interest of the person
- circumstances have changed affecting the order
- there is no further need for a guardian.
A guardianship order is reviewed at a NCAT hearing. At the hearing, NCAT can:
- renew the order for 3 years (or 5 years in special circumstances)
- renew and vary the order (this means changing the guardian and/or their decision-making areas)
- allow the order to lapse.
Find out more about how to request a review.
Guardianship and the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides all Australians under the age of 65 who have a permanent and significant disability with support to improve their quality of life.
To find out more about who is eligible and how to apply for the NDIS, you can download these Easy Read resources from the NDIS:
Here are answers to some common questions about the NDIS and guardianship:
No. Most people with disability don't need a guardian because they can either make their own decisions or can be supported to make their own decisions.
The NDIS aims to build their capacity for self-determination, and decision-making support may be an area for inclusion in the NDIS plan.
Things that help support a person include:
- an approved NDIS plan
- services that meet the person's needs. These are services that promote the person's choice and control
- having confidence in their existing service providers to understand and meet their needs and preferences
- strong relationships with informal supporters who can help the person access and understand information and options for decision-making
- having contact with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to find support services
- having a support coordinator funded in their plan.
In making decisions for a person who we are the Public Guardian for, we will consent to the person becoming an NDIS participant and also to specific services to support them as outlined in their NDIS plan.
We will advocate to help them get reasonable and necessary support needs that they may require now and in the future that are built into their NDIS plans and help them if there are gaps in current support.
- Download the NSW Department of Communities and Justice Capacity Toolkit.
- ADACAS Advocacy - Your decision making toolkit
- National Disability Services offers a free Supported Decision Making e-learning module
- Supported decision making information for family and friends (PDF 189.38KB).
Making decisions for people under guardianship
Our guide answers common questions that family and friends of a person under guardianship and service providers often have about the appointment and the role of the NSW Public Guardian.
Easy Read resources
- How your guardian makes decisions fact sheet (PDF 543.69KB)
- Helping people make decisions fact sheet (PDF 704.42KB)
- What is an accommodation function? fact sheet (PDF 960.32KB)
- What is an access function? fact sheet (PDF 591.42KB)
- How to request a review of a decision fact sheet (PDF 456.58KB)
- How to make a complaint fact sheet (PDF 456.04KB)
- Person responsible fact sheet (PDF 398.44KB)
Contact NSW Trustee and Guardian
For general enquiries, call:
- 1300 109 290 within Australia
- +61 2 9240 0702 from overseas
More options to contact us.
Between September and November, some customers will receive a survey by email, phone or post about a recent experience with us. The survey feedback will help us improve our services. Read more about these surveys in our News Section
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Community Energy Ambassador Project
The Community Energy Ambassador Project, facilitated by the Desert Research Institute (DRI) EnergySmart Education Program, engaged high school students in creating and presenting locally relevant energy conservation projects. The program aimed to develop the next generation of stewards for a sustainable future by educating and empowering youth through curricula, school programs, and student-directed initiatives.
Participating learners became more comfortable and confident as they developed and spoke about their unique energy conservation projects, gaining a variety of portrait-aligned skills, such as time management, data collection and integration of results, effective communication, and adaptability.
What is the connection between this outreach project and the principles of the portrait?
Taking projects from the classroom to a community event provided learners with a tangible way for the learning to come to life
Presenting at diverse community events broadened and deepened learners’ perspectives on where they live
Students identified problems, then designed and communicated solutions
Learners became more comfortable and confident the more they spoke about their project, and gained a variety of skills such as time management, data collection and integration of results, effective communication, and adaptability
"Taking the projects from the classroom to a community event have provided the students with a tangible way for the learning to come to life. Once the students completed their projects and started to consider how they would communicate it with the public, they began to focus on communicate skills and how to best share their projects with others. It has been inspiring to hear from the teachers about their progress!"
- COMMUNITY PARTNER
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In today’s world it can be easy to rack up lots of high interest debt: credit card bills, student loans, auto loans, etc. If you are a homeowner, you may be able to consolidate all that debt and make it easier to afford with a refinance loan. Here’s how it works and why it might be a good choice for you:
What Is Debt Consolidation?
Debt consolidation means getting a new loan large enough to pay off all your other debt obligations. This gives you just one monthly payment to keep track of, hopefully helping you to more easily make timely payments, protecting your credit profile. Consolidation works best when the new loan has a lower interest rate than most of your existing debt.
How to Consolidate Your Debt with a Refinance Mortgage
As a homeowner, you can choose to replace your current mortgage with a new one. This is called a refinance loan. And there are refinance mortgages that allow you to pull out extra money from your home’s equity, giving you access to cash for whatever purpose you decide. The benefit of this plan is that mortgage interest rates are usually much lower than rates on other debt. For example, today’s mortgage rates range between 6%-7% while charges for carrying a monthly credit card balance can be as much as 25%. So not only do you trade several payments for just one, but you save yourself a ton in interest costs going forward.
Cash Out Refinance Requirements
To be able to pull money out of your home in a refinance, you’ll need more than 20% equity. For example, that means if your home is currently worth $300,000, you’ll need your mortgage balance to be below $240,000. That is because most lenders want you to leave at least 20% equity in your home to keep plenty of “skin in the game.” This lowers your risk of default and helps protect the lender’s investment. The more equity you have, the more you’ll be able to cash out. (The exception is VA refinance loans; if you qualify for a VA loan you may be able to pull out up to 100% of your equity.)
For a conventional cash-out refi, you’ll also need to have a minimum credit score of 620. The FHA’s cash-out refinance program can work with credit scores as low as 600. You can pull a free copy of your credit report from any of the three reporting agencies to find out your score before applying.
Combining all your debt into one low-interest rate mortgage can be a smart way to save money. With a debt consolidation loan, you should be able to lower your monthly debt payments and hopefully also reduce your monthly interest expense. Just be sure you understand the implications of consolidating your debt in a refinance loan.
If you're interested in a debt consolidation loan or you have any questions please give us a call today.
These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency and in some cases a refinance loan might result in higher finance charges over the life of the loan.
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The Garden Came First: Isabel Bannerman
Trematon Castle, Cornwall, UK
With a body of work that is dramatic, romantic, and grounded in classical tradition, Isabel and Julian Bannerman have been called “mavericks in the grand manner, touched by genius” and “the Bonnie and Clyde of garden design.” The Bannerman touch—evocative gestures with unexpected accents that enhance reality and inspire reverie—is perhaps best realized in their own gardens. Trematon, a Norman castle overlooking the sea in Cornwall, enjoys a unique setting, topography, architecture, and history. Against a backdrop of ancient keep and walls, cultivated borders overflowing with tangled roses, scented shrubs, and richly colored perennials bleed away into wilder meadows, mixed woodlands, and orchards.
Isabel Bannerman has been designing gardens with her partner, Julian, since 1983. Their work includes the British 9/11 Memorial Garden in NYC, as well as gardens for the Prince of Wales at Highgrove, the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk at Arundel Castle in Sussex, and John Paul Getty II in Buckinghamshire. They have won numerous awards, including an RHS Chelsea Gold, authored the book Landscape of Dreams, and most recently Isabel’s Scent Magic, a personal gardening memoir that’s also a compendium of aromatic plants.
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I was stationed there when I was in the Navy. Virginia Beach and Norfolk always caught alot of work, it was not uncommon to be on I-264 and see a column of smoke. You would have to ask VBCAPT when I lived there Virginia Beach, Hampton, and Suffolk had volunteers.
Va. Beach has over 400 career personnel and probably less than 8 volunteer firefighters. Suffolk & Hampton has volunteers however, I do not believe they have many left.
We also provide ALS non-transport service off the Engines & Ladders. All Engines & ladders are ALS equipped, we typically staff at least 10 of our apparatus with Fire/Medics on a daily basis. We do not provide routine transport service as of yet, we do comandere an ambulance now & then when it's busy or when the patient is critical and when we do not want to wait for an ambulance that's coming from a distance. Our Fire & EMS Departments are not merged however, it is inevitable.
Is it lack of available volunteers, or is the volunteer end slowly being phased out. I was always under the impression there was a large number of volunteers to supplement the career staff in those three cities, now tha ti think about it Chesaoeake had volunteers also, same story there???? I ask because I've given serious thought to moving back to Hampton Roads now that I have a family.
Probably a combination of the two along with the high training requirements. I believe Chesapeake does not have volunteers any longer.
Here in the Beach, the EMS system used to be all-volunteer. Currently, there's about 30-40 single role career Paramedics that work for the EMS Department. The EMS system remains predominantly volunteer however, things are slowly changing towards a more career type system. More often, the changes to the system are very subtle and unnoticeable by most of the members. A large portion of our members in the Fire Dept. are patiently waiting for the day we start staffing ambulances. Most of us have accepted that one day it will happen so, we welcome it.
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Fairy Package 2
Specification | Details |
Suitable For | Children |
Hannah Elizabeth Connelly
Couldnt recommend Oakleys Castles more! Brilliant super hero package for my sons birthday party. Set up well on time and took down after the party had finished.
Excellent service would definitely use again thank you!
I hired a hot tub for our birthday weekend! It was fantastic! They arrived right on time and set it up no problems, even delivering it the day before so it was hot in time for my birthday. It was also very streamlined when they collected it! Highly recommend.
Amazing service, friendly, on time,quick set up,stress free, great communication... I could go on. Fantastic superhero package ordered and the kids had the best time and I wouldn't go anywhere else now. Thank you Oakley's!
100% recommend! Thank you so much for providing us with the princess inflatable soft play and slide. The kids absolutely loved it. The best customer service and great communication! 5*
Great service, on time for drop off and pick up. Kids absolutely loved the bouncy castle with the music and disco light. Would definitely recommend and will be using again! Thanks so much!
Our Price: | From £160.00 |
This set up comes with:
Bouncy castle, slide and ballpool with soft play
Please note the soft play is disney princess not fairies
Something for all ages, our party packages are a huge hit
No food or drink
No face paint
Once you've booked and paid your deposit, the remaining balance can be paid in cash on delivery.
Drop off times between 7-12am and collection between 4-9pm
We need access to electricity within at least 25meters.
*Please note if you don't have access to electricity you'll need to hire a petrol blower or generator as well - contact us on Facebook @oakleyscastles2022 or 07479161601 for help and advice*
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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2021-06-07 Origin: Site
The 5 axis CNC horizontal milling machine and also uninteresting device appropriates for refining large and medium-sized parts as well as box-shaped components for rough and also great boring, milling and also other processes. The worktable is furnished with a 4x90 ◦ optical positioning device, which can satisfy the requirements of the U-turn handling of huge components. 5 axis CNC horizontal milling machine, as well as monotonous machine, appropriates for box-shaped component opening as well as aircraft machining with several processes, turning of outer round surface area, reducing of the annular groove in opening, tapping metric as well as inch strings, and so on. It also has the rectangular coordinate system and pole of CNC machine devices. Coordinate system and procedure function of shape handling. Due to the fact that the 5 axis CNC horizontal milling machine as well as the dull maker has high rigidity and also closed-loop discovery system, which can fulfill the requirements of harsh and fine machining, the CNC straight milling and also dull maker is a massive CNC high-efficiency, accuracy general-purpose machining equipment.
5 axis CNC horizontal milling machines have actually been used in several industries. These applications have a lot of credit scores in modern-day commercial production. However, we are not extremely accustomed to it in the process of application. This is because many people do not have it.
To understand its usage, let's introduce things to focus on when operating the devices:
1. When getting in the operating room, you need to put on well-fitting overalls, work caps, t-shirts must be tied under trousers, open sleeves must be secured, women trainees need to place long hair in caps; slippers, high heels, shoes, Wear skirts, shorts as well as a scarf to avoid burns.
2. Prior to running the straight milling and also monotonous maker, inspect whether the chuck wrench has actually been eliminated as well as whether the device speed adjustment takes care of remains in the correct position.
3. It is strictly forbidden to wear gloves during the procedure. Work garments, collars and also cuffs have to be fastened.
4. It is strictly restricted to touch the turning pin, workpiece or other relocating parts by hand or in differently.
5. When each mechanism of the maker device is running, the deal with cannot be changed. If you transform the setting of the deal with, you have to do it after vehicle parking.
6. The devices utilized for securing the work surface as well as readjusting the cutting tool are purely restricted to be placed on the equipment tool rail.
7. It is prohibited to mount as well as dismantle the tool when the pin of the straight milling as well as a dull maker is turning.
8. It is purely prohibited to open up the equipment security door during automatic processing.
9. It is purely forbidden to touch the idea of the knife as well as iron filings with your hands, as well as use brushes and hooks.
10. Throughout the procedure duration, it is restricted to make trouble in the office.
11. If two or even more people are needed to finish a certain task, they must work together well with each other, and also someone should be responsible for security, and make certain to say hello prior to driving to avoid accidents.
12. After the procedure of the straight milling and also uninteresting machine, detach the power supply and tidy the iron filings on the surface of the worktable and the hygiene of the site.
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21 Mar 2025
🐣🐣 🐣EASTER RAFFLE.🐣🐣🐣
We are holding an Easter Raffle to raise much needed funds to help ANIMALS in Co. Offaly. Tickets can be purchased at our office OR on this site www.offalyspca.ie/donate Tickets are €5 each or 3 tickets for €10.
(Pm your *name, *contact number & a *screen shot of your PayPal receipt & we’ll send you your ticket numbers) Thank you for your greatly appreciated support for OFFALY SPCA
28 Feb 2025
Importance of Trap - Neuter - Return
TNR is the process of trapping feral cats, having them neutered and vaccinated, and then returning them to the area they came from. They can live out their lives there and best of all no more kittens will be born. If you would to get cats TNR'ed in your area, please call into our office to borrow a trap (OFFALY area only), you will be asked for a fully refundable deposit. Our volunteers will give you a voucher for just €10 & we pay the rest of cost from our funds. Problem solved…..
28 Feb 2025
Did you know we send our members, friends and volunteers a quarterly newsletter?? The next edition will be emailed in late March / early April. Would you like a copy, if so, please send your email address to [email protected] and we will be add you to our circulation list. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose or disclosed to any third party.
9 Feb 2025
Donate tickets for a wonderful artist - The Kiffness!!!!
We have been gifted 7 tickets to see a wonderful artist "The Kiffness" in Dublin on the 20th February, from 7-10pm in the Button Factory. We would love to raise some much needed funds from the sale of these tickets. Also huge thanks to Ruairi for his long standing support. Contact our office at [email protected] if you would like to make a donation for a ticket or two! You can check this fabulous artist on their official website https://www.thekiffness.com/ ❤️❤️❤️
7 Feb 2025
Thank you Ladies!
We were delighted to get an unexpected visit from Annette and girls from the Tullamore Junior Parish Pastoral Council. The girls did a fundraiser for us over Christmas and had raised a massive €600!! ..well done girls; we really appreciate you thinking of us and donating much needed funds to help support the animals in our care.
3 Dec 2024
Please support our Annual Christmas Draw - every € supports animals in Offaly
Tickets cost €5 each or 3 for €10. These can be purchased in our office in Market Square, Tullamore, Co. Offaly or via PayPal online at [email protected]. Draw will take place on Friday 20th December 2024 at 2.00pm.
23 Nov 2024
OFFALY SPCA delighted to receive a CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
This was presented to our Chairperson by “Offaly Local Development Company” in recognition of the work being done by ALL Ospca volunteers. EVERY member of Ospca is a volunteer & this certificate is to recognise each & every one of us for all the work we do for the welfare of animals in Offaly.
We would like to express our thanks to Offaly Local Development Company & to Mucklagh Community Centre for a very pleasant & very enjoyable evening.
10 Oct 2024
Visit our charity shopping 'nook' today!
We have some lovely items in our shopping "nook" located in our office in Market Square. All items are kindly donated and help raise vital funds to enable us to carry out our life-saving work for all animals in Offaly. Please drop in and grab yourself a bargain today and remember every cent goes directly to help the animals.
| 0.94214 | 848 |
Enbridge wants its dangerous Line 5 oil pipelines to be a survivor even if it means putting our Great Lakes at risk. The Canadian company is fighting hard to keep oil flowing through the Straits of Mackinac while Michigan keeps taking all the risks of Line 5 with few benefits.
The Oil & Water Don't Mix coalition is asking the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce to end Enbridge's sponsorship of the May 29-June 1 Mackinac Policy Conference. This is the biggest island event of the year attended by the state's top political and business movers and shakers. It will host the first gubernatorial debate of 2018.
This sponsorship is a public relations coup for a giant Canadian company that has paid millions of dollars in fines, polluted Michigan's waters and meddled in Michigan's elections while continuing to operate dangerous, deteriorating Line 5 oil pipelines within eyesight of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
We'd like to let the Chamber know what kind of support Enbridge has, and send a clear message that Enbridge can’t outlast, outplay and outwit Michigan’s people.
| 0.947499 | 226 |
FARMERS from across Cumberland to Cornwall flocked to Westpoint Arena to trade, share ideas and compete in the prestigious livestock competitions at Agrifest today.
Watch as Deborah Cunstance-Baker, Event Chair explains the show and what it's all about.
Deborah Cunstance-Baker said: 'Agrifest is the winter prime stock show of the Devon County Show, so all our wonderful farmers from across the country come here to exhibit their animals and god it makes me proud to be British, to see the very high level of animals here today.
'We've got 170 cattle and 45 sheep, all looking in their prime. We've got farmers from Carlile, from Ireland, from the bottom end of Cornwall, all over the place, and they've all come up to support the show. It's really wonderful.
'As well as exhibiting, we've got the end product, we've got a steak, burger and sausage competition as well, so the taste of this produce is also really important.
'Then we've got a speakers corner as well, which has got various different topics, including Devon County Council on grant funding, also the future of farmland.'
Check back at the Mid-Devon Advertiser website for full coverage and local results.
| 0.968203 | 268 |
This five-day instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge and skills to design and develop Microsoft SQL Server databases, database objects, indexes and use product features and tools related to developing a database. It also deals with performance, transaction processing, error handling, special data types, including work with binary data.
(8:30 – 16:00)
In our classroom or online
This course is intended for end users, Database Administrators, Database Developers, and BI professionals.
Classrooms are equipped with high-performance computers with Internet access and the possibility of wireless connection.
All participants will get internal OKsystem student materials.
Prices do not include VAT. OKsystem a.s. reserves the right to change dates and prices of courses.
Take a look at some similar courses from our wide range.
What are the main advantages of our training centre?
We have been on the market for more than 35 years and have a wealth of experience in this field.
We are a training center with a rich history and tradition.
The basis of any quality education is good and experienced lecturers and this is something that we at OKškolení take particular pride in. Our top lecturers are waiting for you.
All classrooms are spacious, air-conditioned, barrier-free and equipped with high-standard computers, with Wi-Fi connection.
Protect your investments into education, loyalty program, advantageous offers, refreshments, grants...
Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.
| 0.917356 | 312 |
Mikado Hotel, Miyajima, c. 1910
“The apparition thanked [Taira no] Kiyomori for the repair of ‘our pagoda’ and urged him to attend next to ‘our shrine’ of Itsukushima in Japan’s Inland Sea. The Itsukushima Shrine, the apparition explained, was another place where the Great Sun Buddha manifested himself. If you rebuild the ruined shrine you ‘shall rise to high office. None will be able to keep abreast of you in your rise to glory.’ With this promise the apparition vanished, leaving behind only the fragrance of incense.
“In response Kiyomori rebuilt the magnificent (and now world-famous) ‘floating’ Itsukushima Shrine on the island Miyajima … From the moment of the Itsukushima oracle Kiyomori enjoyed one triumph after another. He made Itsukushima his family shrine and prayed there Benzaiten, asking that his daughter conceive a son whom he could declare emperor. This quickly came to pass. So godlike in power did Kiyomori become that some said he was the incarnation of the Buddha.”
– Sacred Koyasan: A Pilgrimage to the Mountain Temple of Saint Kobo Daishi and the Great Sun Buddha, Philip L. Nicoloff, 2008
“It may be thought that such great reverence for the Ise Shrines by the shrines Japanese and their worship of them amount to idolatry for it is only a mirror which is at the centre.
“Idolatry is accompanied, however, by the desire to get something substantial from an idol, believed to possess miraculous power. The reverence of the mirror by the Japanese has a different meaning.
“Some ignorant people may so idolize but the bulk of the nation worships the spirit of the Goddess Amaterasu through the Sacred Mirror, in tribute to the founding of this country by her, believing that her divinity still lives, protecting her Imperial posterity and her nation.
“They pray for her great mercy, and and not for any favour from the mirror itself. There is no difference from motive for worshipping at the Holy Mother’s portrait or images in Roman Catholicism, or carrying the cross in a similar Protestant rites.
“Shintoism originates in the belief that the divine spirits of Amaterasu and the other Gods and Goddesses protect the nation. This belief was produced because of Japan having been a united nation for the past two thousand years. It is ancestor worship, and such worship, kept up for two thousand years, cannot be experienced by any other nation but Japan, which has never been invaded by other peoples. Here is the pride of the Japanese nation.”
– “The Grand Shrines of Ise”, The Japan Magazine, June 1923
“Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima), best known for its ‘floating’ torii gate. The shrine has been destroyed many times, but the first shrine buildings were probably erected in the 6th century. The present shrine dates from the mid-16th century, and is believed to follow an earlier design from the 12th century.
“That design was established in 1168, when funds were provided by the warlord Taira no Kiyomori. The shrine was designed and built on pier-like structures over the bay so that it would appear to be floating on the water, separate from the sacred island, which could be approached at low-tide by the devout.
“The dramatic gate, or torii, of Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions, and the most recognizable and celebrated feature of the Itsukushima shrine, and the view of the gate in front of the island’s Mount Misen is classified as one of the ‘Three Views of Japan’ (along with the sand bar Amanohashidate, and Matsushima Bay). Although a gate has been in place since 1168, the current gate dates back only to 1875.
“The torii appears to be floating only at high tide. When the tide is low, it is approachable by foot from the island. Gathering shellfish near the gate is also popular at low tide. Many locals add the shellfish they gather to their miso soup.
“Retaining the purity of the shrine is so important that since 1878, no deaths or births have been permitted near it. To this day, pregnant women are supposed to retreat to the mainland as the day of delivery approaches, as are the terminally ill or the very elderly whose passing has become imminent. Burials on the island are forbidden.”
| 0.970493 | 1,016 |
CITY STAY: Enjoy a historic getaway with this 4 day stay in Greece's capital city. Take an extensive tour through the history of Athens, culminating with a visit to the Acropolis, before free time to explore on your own.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Download our Trip Notes
Yes - for included siteseeingGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 45Minimum age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
EasyA moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
MediumA balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn’t visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Yes - one transfer per bookingDeparture Transfer
Yes - one transfer per bookingMeals included
Breakfast: 3Welcome to Greece! Transfer to your hotel upon arrival at Athens airport, where you may spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Today you will embark on a coach tour of Greece's vibrant capital city, named after the goddess Athena and thought to be over 3000 years old. See various sites of interest including the Panathenaic Stadium (where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896), Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Syntagma Square, and enjoy a tour of the fascinating Acropolis Museum, recently voted one of the best museums in the world. The highlight of the morning is a visit to the Acropolis, the ancient hilltop sanctuary housing the architectural masterpieces of Classical Athens: the Parthenon, Propylaia, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in the old Plaka neighbourhood and perhaps shop for souvenirs on Ermou street.
Please note Itinerary Alterations:
All Tuesday & Friday departures in November, December & March: This Athens city tour will operate on day 3.
All Wednesday, Friday & Sunday departures in January & February: This Athens city tour will operate on day 3.
Departures on 19 April, 30 April, and 31 October 2025 this Athens city tour will operate on day 3.
Spend the day at leisure, continuing to explore Athens. Why not visit the Monastiraki market, ancient Kerameikos, or Pnyx hill? Alternatively, join any of the available optional excursions (depending on day of the week) to Delphi, Argolis, or Cape Sounion, or perhaps a day cruise to the gulf islands of Aegina, Poros, & Hydra.
Today marks the end of our Athens city break. A transfer to the airport for your departure flight is included after breakfast.
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Athens (From price)
Post-Tour Accommodation - Athens (From price)
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. This city stay departs daily from April to October. From November to March it departs daily excluding Fridays.
Explore more exciting tours in Greece to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
Our customers say
4.4 out of 5 based on 293 reviews
| 0.913749 | 805 |
OpenSesame, a global leader in high-quality online business training solutions, and Degreed, the world’s leading experience and skill development platform, are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership that will transform organizational learning and development. This collaboration introduces a direct integration of OpenSesame’s extensive course catalog with Degreed’s robust learning platform, simplifying the delivery and management of corporate training programs.
Through this partnership, OpenSesame and Degreed are setting a new standard for corporate learning systems. The integration empowers L&D professionals to easily send curated course lists or access the entire catalog directly in Degreed. This development promises to enhance the learning administration process by minimizing the time spent on course uploads, management, and updates.
“We’re very excited about our new partnership with Degreed,” says Rebeca Mesa, OpenSesame’s Vice President of Partnerships. “Everyone at OpenSesame is committed to helping organizations develop teams that are supremely talented, energized, and effective. By integrating OpenSesame content with Degreed, we’re removing a lot of friction for L&D professionals and giving them easy access to world-class content at the same time, so they can better help their learners grow in the areas that matter most to each individual.”
The direct integration not only streamlines the admin process but also empowers L&D professionals with advanced tools for tracking and reporting. Organizations can now access detailed analytics to monitor course completions, learner engagement, and course ratings. These insights enable HR teams and talent managers to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of their training initiatives, and make informed, data-driven decisions to optimize the learning experience.
“Degreed is thrilled to partner with OpenSesame,” says Debora Brewer, Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships and Alliances at Degreed. “OpenSesame’s wide array of content creates valuable learning experiences for Degreed users that directly contribute to skill-building and knowledge sharing.”
OpenSesame brings a catalog filled with tens of thousands of courses developed by top publishers worldwide. Degreed, meanwhile, offers a comprehensive technology suite that accelerates skill development and recognizes learning achievements across diverse environments. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the commitment of both OpenSesame and Degreed to enhance workforce capabilities and promote a culture of continuous growth and learning.
OpenSesame, a leader in online business training, is the go-to choice for L&D professionals wanting to drive learning initiatives forward with agility, innovation, and care. Knowing every organization has unique needs, since 2011 we’ve committed to understanding those nuances and helping craft skill-building paths tailored to your specific business goals. Not only does the OpenSesame marketplace contain tens of thousands of courses from world class publishers, through powerful AI tools and a team of expert curators, we work shoulder to shoulder with you to identify critical skill gaps and deliver effective training to close them.
Degreed is the enterprise learning company, offering the world’s leading experience platform to deliver skill-driven development. Degreed enables organizations to collect, understand, and build skills to develop a workforce that’s ready for anything. To learn more about Degreed, visit www.degreed.com.
| 0.921001 | 684 |
With so much change in the workplace, employees need the full support of your HR team to continue powering your company’s success. That’s where AI can help. Discover how your HR team can use AI to help create personalized career development paths for employees, find and advance top talent, and boost productivity.
Get an up-close look at Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications that can help you solve your organisation's top challenges.
CHROs are expected to deliver an engaged and productive workforce that powers business goals, even as those goals shift amid changing economic, social, and hiring conditions. Oracle connects HR to finance, operations, and the rest of the business, on one cloud platform, seamlessly integrating data for better-informed decision-making—quickly and with confidence. Discover what you can achieve with Oracle Cloud.
Connect every human resource process—and every person—across your organization, with the help of AI-powered insights, to gain a complete view of how employee success connects to business growth.
Operate the business and prepare for future changes across HR and finance with confidence, using consistent and accurate data that is easily shared.
Model and plan across finance, HR, supply chain, and sales to streamline the financial close process and drive informed workforce decisions.
Connect your HR, finance, and operations with the only cloud platform that delivers secure, complete cloud services around the world—across clouds or in your data center.
Use data-driven insights to provide exceptional customer experiences, delivered by highly engaged workers, to gain a better understanding of how to keep customers—and employees—from leaving for the competition.
Seamlessly exchange data, improve collaboration, and make more informed decisions. By unifying HR and supply chain, organizations can align their workforce and production needs, improve operations, and provide better customer service.
Talk to a team member about Oracle Cloud HCM.
| 0.933301 | 385 |
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Intuitively define your workspace
Discover all 25 pieces
Realising Relationship Buildings®
Orangebox Insight, Summer 2017
Workplace acoustics and spatial design are to an extent seen as ‘dark arts’. We speak to Ron Corbett, Acoustic Pod Manager at Orangebox, to gain an insight into office acoustics, and why getting them right is vital to a healthy and high-performing workplace.
Discover all 6 pieces
The Smartworking Company™
| 0.929078 | 188 |
CA Commercial Finance Litigation & Enforcement
"I have had the pleasure of having Harmony manage several of our legal files over the past year. During that time the communication was prompt and on point regarding the status of the filings as well as recommendations that might lead to a quick and acceptable outcome. These files were not easy files to get results but Harmony made sure that no stone was left unturned. I highly recommend Harmony."
- Michael Galan, Collections Manager, Alliance Funding Group
"Harmony Oswald, acting as our primary legal representative, provided great value for our legal dollars spent. As the lead negotiator in many of our defaulted transactions, she successfully negotiated a win-win settlement with the defendants saving us significant legal fees and time while preserving our invested capital and a reasonable return for our investors. We always felt comfortable with her leading our legal activities."
-Sean Duffy, Chief Financial Officer, Global Financial & Leasing Services, LLC
View testimonials HERE.
| 0.965406 | 197 |
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We are delighted to announce a partnership with Rachael Tibbs from Dynamic Golf in Leeds.
Rachael is a strength and conditioning coach, specialising in golfers, and focusses on developing strength, flexibility and mobility to ultimately help golfers reduce the risk of injury and improve their game
Rachael is a TPI Certified Level 2 professional and uses the TPI Body Swing Connection assessment to highlight any specific areas of movement that may be limiting your golf swing
What’s more exciting is that Rachael has recently opened a new facility at ‘The Bunker’ and offers a free phone call consultation for all golfers > click below to book yours now
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| 0.94099 | 147 |
Area Attractions & Regions
Emily City Parks
The City of Emily has two developed parks available for resident and visitor enjoyment. The City Park is located on South of East County Road 1. Features of this park include towering pines, new playground equipment, a basketball hoop, pavilion, picnic tables, bench seating and grills. Also enjoy a photo opportunity with "Willy the Walleye" and the historical skidder. This park is host to the Community's celebration of Emily Day as well.
The City's Ballpark area is located south of West County Road 1. Features of this park include two regulation and one little league ball field, a pavilion, fenced playground, basketball hoop, memorial seating, picnic tables, grills and tennis court.
| 0.959462 | 156 |
Specific figures on the global population of medical oxygen users and their travel habits remain elusive. The variability in numbers is influenced by diverse factors such as population demographics, respiratory condition prevalence, and healthcare accessibility.
Nevertheless, it’s vital to underscore the indispensable role of medical oxygen in treating various medical conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and asthma. Individuals requiring medical oxygen may either need it continuously or intermittently during specific activities or exacerbation periods.
When it comes to travel, careful planning is often imperative for those relying on medical oxygen. The need for Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) has significantly enhanced travel accessibility for some individuals. Engineered to be lightweight and portable, POCs enable users to travel by air, train or other means while maintaining the necessary oxygen therapy.
For the latest and most precise information regarding the global population of medical oxygen users and their travel dynamics, consulting recent studies, healthcare reports or official health agencies is recommended.
| 0.926154 | 201 |
Find suitable spare parts or accessories to your Ozito products.
This saw blade is a suitable replacement blade for the PXC 210mm mitre saw (PXCMSS-210). With 40 tungsten carbide teeth, it’s perfect for making fine cut-offs through chipboard, hardwood, softwood and various plastics.
This is a Bunnings Special Order Product; it can be purchased online or ordered in-store at Bunnings at the Special Orders desk.
Ozito does not ensure - with the exception of the "Verified Purchase" cases - that the published reviews come from such consumers who have actually used or purchased the products.
| 0.901388 | 140 |
On her fourth day in court, Taylor Swift has just taken the stand in what has become known as her "groping" trial.
Called by the attorney of Colorado, Swift was asked to go into great depth about the encounter with DJ David Mueller, who is suing Swift for defamation after he was fired from his radio station after the star alleged Mueller grabbed her "bare ass" at a meet-and-greet when she was 23.
"It was a definite grab. A very long grab," she told Mueller's lawyer, Gabriel McFarland.
McFarland then followed up, questioning Swift to detail the exact duration of the grab.
"I don't think it would be wise to estimate time in court, but I know it was long enough for me to be completely sure that it was intentional," Swift replied.
"It was a very shocking thing that I have never dealt with before," Swift continued. "He grabbed my ass underneath my skirt. It was underneath my skirt."
The singer clarified Mueller did not touch anywhere else on her body, and recounted the rest of the evening, telling McFarland she then thanked Mueller and his girlfriend for attending, and fulfilled her obligation to meet-and greet fans. McFarland then picked up that it was odd for her to continue on, suggesting the superstar could've taken a break. Swift replied: "and your client could have taken a normal photo with me."
Swift is only seeking $1 in damages from Mueller, whereas the disgraced DJ is suing the singer for $3 million, claiming she not only cost him his job, but also ruined his reputation.
[h/t E! Online]
Image via Getty
| 0.990567 | 348 |
About 12 years ago I went through a divorce, which was, as you can imagine, a really painful experience. In the aftermath, I started seeing a psychologist in order to help me through things, and to stabilize my mental health. During one particular sessions I explained to my doctor how it felt worse when I would spend time online (social media) and come across posts by people I deemed to be having it better than me.
My doctor told me, "It's all an illusion. You're only seeing what they let you see." This is something I've taken with me every day since, and something I've worked to instill in my kids as they deal with the online community more and more.
I came of age just as Myspace came into existence. I remember needing a college email address to sign up for Facebook. So far, I've witnessed every phase social media has been through, including the rise of the social media influencer.
I remember the time before it was a thing, before the branded posts, before the sponsored-content warnings, and before it felt like every picture and video I see was trying to see me something. It's a whole different ballgame now.
At the time I am writing this, while taking my lunch break, the algorithm pushed someone's post to me on this very subject. The person belongs to our industry, but whom I won't name, wrote a few paragraphs calling out the entire influencer culture. They criticized the whole facade that it tries to create, and while I agreed with a lot of what they had to say, on this one point I felt divergent.
While their intent was to place that influencer culture into contrast with "real success" I think there is something else worth examining, another way of looking at things.
Often time's we characterize the "real" work with words like sacrifice, humility, authenticity, long hours, extra-mile dedication, and personal investment, etc. We envision the struggling small business owner, working day-in- and day-out, not the person constantly bragging and showing off, right? The "fakeness" of the influencer/entrepreneur is often characterized by their unrealistic looking lifestyles, their hyper-curated feeds, podcast appearances, or inspirational LinkedIn posts.
To me, the two aren't that far apart, and the more insidious "influencer trap" is believing that they are.
Every social media account is curated. What you see is what the person wants you to see. It's an image they create and present to their followers, but it isn't real, whether they have spon-con. or not. In some cases, those accounts that stress their authenticity and their "realness" are no more that than the one going into debt on a vacation to make people think they have it all together. Their goals are essentially the same, although they take different routes to them.
As we gear up for the 2025 World of Asphalt and all the posts start hitting your social media timelines, keep in mind that those probably getting the most out of the show, are those too busy to take the time to show you.
| 0.98032 | 647 |
We custom design each bathroom to meet the needs of our clients. Whether you are looking to update your master suite to a relaxing retreat at home or create an ADA-compliant bathroom, Prendergast can help you every step of the way.
CLIENT BATHROOMSClient Projects
Modern luxury at its finest! From the large custom shower with rain shower feature to the gorgeous walnut cabinetry paired with marble counters — this master suit is our clients’ oasis at home. We enjoyed getting to design such a beautiful space!
White Oak Bathroom
The once, closed off and dated bathroom was transformed by relocating the shower making it a large, walk in shower with a textured glass panel to keep natural light in the shower while still having privacy. The oversized jacuzzi tub was replaced with a large soaking tub. Natural toned wood vanities bring color and warmth to the bathroom while keeping it a relaxing space to unwind.
We wanted to maintain the natural light in this bathroom while creating a walk-in shower, private water closet & additional storage for our client. We were able to maintain the natural light by installing a privacy window and keeping the shower open with glass doors, letting in the natural light into the space. Installing a frosted glass sliding door for the water closet was key to keeping the bathroom open while providing privacy.
| 0.937501 | 279 |
“If not perceived by acute listening, ears may hear and yet remain deaf”
Tiruvalluvar’s verses by Tirukural, Tamil Nadu, India
In 2001, I wrote about my personal experience of the conflict in Kashmir. I reflected on a conference I had facilitated, organised by the Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace in New Delhi. The conference brought together Kashmiri Pandit (Hindu) and Muslim women, and was an attempt to initiate an honest conversation between the two groups and foster dialogue. To bring two unwilling sides to sit and listen to each other was unthinkable, at a time when no such spaces existed. Pandit women had lived through a decade of exile; forced in 1990 from the Kashmir Valley to live as refugees in one room hell holes, deprived of their ancestral land. The Muslim women brought stories of a changing landsape, and of violence that had continued to wreak havoc on their lives. Both felt violated, humiliated and betrayed.
A year on from the conference, the group met again, this time in the Kashmir Valley - the epicentre of the conflict. The women named the group Athwaas (a Kashmiri word meaning ‘holding hands'). The diversity of Athwaas was representative of the wider conflict dynamics in Kashmir. It is perhaps then that the seed of peace leadership was sown. The Athwaas group later fragmented due to external pressure that created internal divisions. But, ten years later I would go on to set up the Yakjah Network, a leadership platform for young people, and an evolution of the work done by the Athwaas group.
Between 2000 and 2010, peace processes, agreements and ceasefires were failing due to weak policies and a lack of trust. The local political units, parties and groups were trying to outplay each other, and division was growing. Extremist ideologies, radicalisation of young people and violence were increasing, and the response from the state was more violence.
The Yakjah network
It was during these despairing times that I started reflecting deeply and began to recognise that an emerging generation of youth leadership had the potential for filling the peace and security void. Young people, I thought, had better chances of going beyond their fixed identities. That is when I founded the Yakjah Reconciliation and Development Network, to enhance youth leadership in peacebuilding, and promote diversity, justice, reconciliation, accountability and transparency. I drew from my learning at the women’s group in terms of what worked and what didn’t, and an initiative for transcending identities was born.
The Yakjah programme (which means ‘being together’) focuses on transcending politicised identities and supporting the social transformation of youth and their journey to peacebuilding. The network is based on awareness, meaning that individuals are at the centre of transformation and leadership. In a culture of division, confrontation and violence, it opens a space for non-partisan, unbiased, neutral approaches that unifies people through the values of compassion, cooperation and care.
For at least 20 years, peacebuilding has not been a popular approach to enact social change. It still hasn’t been able to capture the political imagination for strategic shifts. In Jammu and Kashmir, like many other places, the focus has been more on furthering military aims rather than finding political solutions and creating platforms for dialogue, transforming relationships, and fighting inequality and injustice.
Today in Jammu and Kashmir, after the Abrogation of Article 370, old structures have been dismantled, and the former state has been reorganised. New structures are being carved, and it's crucial that besides political strategies, policies, constitutional amendments and military interventions, a humanitarian approach for healing begins. We cannot build the new on the foundations of past mistakes. Leadership has to replace impunity and separatist narratives with compassion and dignity for all. The process of rebuilding for justice and peace has to involve everyone.
Over the years, I have been drawing upon various examples around the world to understand the phenomenon of leadership and develop tools related to it. In the remainder of the article, I explore four types of leadership I see as most critical for peace.
Some of the resources below are used at Yakjah for leadership workshops. They are not exhaustive, however they do give us insight into different kinds of leadership. One powerful resource is Invictus, a 2009 film about Nelson Mandela that explores how dignity in leadership has the potential to help people to reach their highest potential. It is a kind of leadership that paves the way for restorative justice and reconciliation, reimagining relationships for greater peace. As a mentor and facilitator, I often use clips from the film during peacebuilding workshops to demonstrate through a real-life example how to develop and cultivate leadership that unifies communities separated through hate, ‘othering’ and injustice.
Nelson Mandela’s leadership in the post-apartheid period emerged from a vision of unity between all races that had been segregated through a political system. When a political system perpetuates a culture of hate, segregation, division and inequality, a political vision is required that stems from courage and goodness, in order to right the wrongs. When regimes deny people their legitimacy as equal citizens, it demands leadership that uses creative imagination to reconcile and build partnership. Mandela’s personal belief and conviction for forgiving his ‘enemies’ was the guiding light that shaped his philosophy as an elected leader of the ‘new South Africa’. A dialogue in the film emphasises his philosophy: “Reconciliation starts from here. Forgiveness starts from here. Forgiveness liberates the soul, it removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon. Our enemy is not the Afrikaners. But they are our fellow South Africans. We have to surprise them with compassion and generosity. There is no time to celebrate petty revenge. We have to rebuild the nation''. It takes a generosity of spirit to lend dignity to processes of reconciliation, recovery and rebuilding, and that is what Mandela offered through his astute leadership. When people are attempting to survive a broken and abusive political system, visionary leadership plays an important role.
Transition periods in regions riddled with conflict and hostilities are the most challenging. This is the time when communities are emerging from an era of terror, violence, mistrust, polarisation and political instability. As they rebuild, there is the chance to create a new culture of transparency, accountability, healing and social transformation. Post-conflict periods therefore require leadership that is deft, able to comprehend political realities, transcend personal, painful experiences, and envision a new collective reality. It is critical to lead with policies that usher in equality and justice. All those affected by conflict are not yet ready or prepared to make the shift willingly and accept the new power dynamics. It requires political acumen and a compassionate leader to inspire people to reach their own greatness.
To inspire people in the midst of a raging conflict to support efforts to end the violence is a phenomenal task. It's during these times that effective leadership is able to steer people towards a common goal, whether it's about the idea of nation building as was the case in South Africa or as it was in the case of the Liberian conflict. In the latter case, the endless brutal violence, which spared neither Christian nor Muslim communities, had taken everything from the Liberian people.
It was then that a group of women from both communities, led by Leymah Roberta Gbowee, Nobel Laureate and Founder of the Liberia Women Initiative, and Vaiba Flomo, Founder of Christian Women Peace Initiative, and many other ordinary women: police officers, journalist and homemakers, played an instrumental role in building women's solidarity and interfaith harmony. They formed the Women in Peacebuilding Network and, by using strategies that have been successful in numerous ‘people power’ movements throughout the world, not only ended the ongoing violence but also negotiated women’s place in dialogue, in re-integrating their children back into the social mainstream and in monitoring the peace agreement. As mothers, sisters, and wives, they brought the authority of caretakers and the spirit of nurturers to their demonstrations. As observant Christians and Muslims, they represented the country’s major religions and showed a unity of purpose that transcended religious beliefs.
I first learnt about this Liberian women’s leadership in a women peacemakers colloquium hosted by Inclusive Security in 2007. They screened a riveting documentary film 'Pray the Devil Back to Hell’, on Liberian women’s remarkable role in mobilising women from all spheres of life to intervene in the ongoing civil war and end the violence. The film captures how ordinary women from Christian and Muslim communities took leadership roles in various capacities to influence clergy from both communities to become their allies in stopping the killings. I use it often as a resource for developing leadership perspectives within the Yakjah programme.
Personal experiences of pain, loss, injustice, abuse or humiliation tend to evoke responses that can trigger further cycles of revenge and hate. They can also break the cycle and pave the way for healing and transformation. Political leaders and vested interest groups exploit people’s feelings and use them for personal political gains, dividing people on the basis of their religious, ethnic, and caste identities. They use selective history, memory and experiences to polarise people and communities.
A powerful resource “My Land, My People”, the autobiography of the Dalai Lama, gives an insight into the mind of a leader, who in spite of great adversity in his life, gathered his ‘inner resources’ in order to lead. His shining leadership demonstrates how individuals can have the capacity to steer their own self and others towards reaching their higher self. As a stakeholder in today's Asian geo-politics, we find that the Dalai Lama’s compassionate leadership has enabled his people to evolve towards this vision for a democratic, equal and harmonising world order. He introduced timely reforms, built consensus and facilitated a unifying perspective for a greater good to emerge, beyond national boundaries.
Catastrophic events can change the course of history, and also see leadership grow in the space of potential disaster. An example that comes to mind of history changing course is mentioned in a book entitled, “Leading from the Emerging Future: From Ego - System to Eco-System Economies', by Otto Scharmer and Katrin Kaufer. I use it as reference for Yakjah’s healing and transformation workshops. The book mentions the Chernobyl crisis and President Mikhail Gorbache v’s response to it. The authors wrote, “Gorbachev realised that if the melted nuclear core had reached the groundwater beneath the reactor, Europe might have become an unthinkable wasteland”. Quoting Gorbachev they further write, “Chernobyl showed us the true nature of nuclear energy in human hands. We calculated that our most powerful missiles , the SS-18s, were as powerful as 100 Chernobyls and we had 2700 of them and they were intended for the Americans”. Chernobyl awakenedGorbachev to the reality of the horror they were sitting on. A year and half later he retired all of the Soviet Union’s nuclear warheads, which eventually led to the nuclear disarmament movement and turned the course of world history for a better and secure future.
When thinking of this example, it’s important to reflect on what brought about a shift from helplessness to a state of enactment, from chaos to clarity? What determines that individuals, institutions, societies, governments and systems operate from a space of wellness, wholesomeness and inclusion rather than lack, entitlement and retribution?
It begins when an individual forms a deep and sacred connection with one's higher self at a given moment of challenge or perplexity. That is when guidance and true leadership comes. It happened to Nelson Mandela when he first read the poem ‘Invictus’ in Robben Island prison. It happened to Leymah Gwobee when her child asked for a piece of doughnut, even when Liberia was exploding with violence. It happened to me when, a decade ago, I was facilitating a women’s dialogue in 2010. I asked myself, why did the group disintegrate, despite the fact that we had been listening to each other and working together for peace? The answer and the solution germinated from a space of deep listening, a state of stillness and mauna (a sanskrit word meaning contemplative silence) that guided my actions and helped me reflect on the challenges of the group. It is then that I reassembled my broken inner self, and recovered in order to establish Yakjah, a youth, peace and security leadership platform. It brings to the world of peacebuilding the powerful combination of cultivating compassion and consciousness for healing and transformation in societies ripped apart by violence, harmful rhetoric and hate.
The social field of peacebuilding is dynamic, evolutionary and complex. It involves a variety of actors, both adversarial and supportive. There are therefore no set guidebooks, blueprints, benchmarks or a linear trajectory for effective outcomes. Nevertheless, peacebuilding is strategic in nature and a political act aiming to bring balance in power and wider socio-political transformation from the individual to the systemic level. In today’s disruptive times, when the world is looking for solutions to climate change, ethnic conflict, violent extremism and disparities exacerbated by the pandemic, non-violent leadership is a crucial component for change. From the local to global level, what the world needs is leadership that demonstrates a compassionate heart and an open mind to honor everyone’s history, memory and story. This is how to build socio-political harmony and peace at all levels. What the world needs is inspiration that leads people from despair to hope.
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By Farida Ismail
Security Council Meets on Maintenance of International Peace and Security (Photo: UN Photo/Rick Bajornas)
Chapter eleven of the Global Study on the implementation of UNSCR 1325 examines the WPS and the United Nations Security Council, including its “conflict prevention toolbox.” It highlights that the Council has a conflict prevention role where the encouragement of women’s participation — both as a pillar and contributing factor — could significantly enhance conflict prevention. However, in practice the Security Council has rarely acted to proactively prevent conflict, and instead has focused largely on protection concerns, as reflected across its body of work.
The chapter argues that the Security Council's implementation of the WPS Agenda would be improved with dedicated high-level leadership on women, peace and security, as well as more consistent and accountable information flow from across the United Nations’ gender architecture. It is important to note that since the launch of the Global Study, the creation of the UNSCR 2242 Informal Expert Group (IEG 2242) has taken forward at least one key recommendation in this chapter.
Facts and Figures
Meetings with civil society, as well as Arria-formula meetings created to hear from women on specific country situations, remain ad hoc and too infrequent (Global Study 2015, 329);
While the Council has helped to set the WPS Agenda, implementation of that agenda has proven to be a wholly separate challenge, with the Council thus far being largely inconsistent in its oversight of how its decisions on women, peace and security have been translated into action (Global Study 2015, 330);
Of the currently 16 United Nations sanctions regimes, five have human rights and sexual violence related designation criteria. Out of more than 1,000 listings in these sanctions regimes, 15 individuals and four entities have been designated based on these criteria (Global Study 2015, 332);
Ultimately, any system of accountability that is institutionalised in the work of the Security Council and that can remain effective over time requires an approach that is resilient to the Council’s changing dynamics due to shifting geo-political realities, and to the annual turnover in Council membership of five elected members (Global Study 2015, 331).
Security Council should establish an informal expert group on women, peace and security in the Security Council to deal with both the protection and participation aspects of the agenda in country-specific situations (Global Study 2015, 339);
Security Council should invite regular civil society briefings, including women’s organisations in particular, not only on thematic but on country-specific deliberations (Global Study 2015, 342);
Security Council should increase the channels for flow of information from the Human Rights Council and related bodies, including from mandate holders with conflict relevant mandates, Commissions of Inquiry and other fact finding bodies, to provide important sources of information for Council deliberations and outcomes (Global Study 2015, 342);
Security Council should ensure greater and more effective capacity for gender analysis in conflict-affected countries (Global Study 2015, 342);
Security Council should ensure that Council members who are also members of the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee facilitate approval of resources required to implement gender components of Council mandates (Global Study 2015, 342).
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Genetic Connection Between Autism and Language Impairment, Also in Areas of Social Skills and Repetitive Behaviors
[Source: Medical News Today]
Lorenzo Miodus-Santini an 11-year-old sixth-grader from Princeton, who was classified as autistic at only 13 months old, was never a big talker. As an infant he didn’t babble or coo. When he was a toddler beginning to speak, he would learn one word but forget another.
His older brother, Christian, a 15-year-old high school sophomore, shared some similar characteristics – difficulty with reading, processing words and speaking clearly. Doctors said he had language impairments but was not autistic.
New research published online in the American Journal of Psychiatry, by scientists at Rutgers University and The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio, reveals that there is a genetic link connecting family members with autism like Lorenzo Miodus-Santini to those like his brother, Christian, who have specific language impairment characterized by speech and language difficulties that can’t be explained by cognitive or physical problems.
Read the Rest of this Article on Medical News Today
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Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you, and maintaining good oral health goes beyond just brushing and flossing. Cosmetic treatments not only enhance the appearance of your teeth but can also improve your oral health. Here are several cosmetic treatments that not only give you a dazzling smile but also contribute to your overall oral well-being.
Porcelain crowns, also known as dental caps, are custom tooth-shaped prosthetics that cover the entire visible surface of a damaged or compromised tooth. While often used for functional purposes to restore the shape, size, and strength of a tooth facing extensive decay, fracture, or a root canal treatment, porcelain crowns also offer cosmetic benefits by improving the appearance of the tooth.
By encasing the damaged tooth in a durable porcelain shell, crowns not only restore its functionality but also protect it from further damage and decay. Additionally, porcelain crowns blend seamlessly with the natural teeth, providing a lifelike appearance that enhances the overall aesthetics of your smile. By preserving the structural integrity of the tooth, porcelain crowns contribute to better oral health and longevity, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile for years to come.
Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored or white fillings, are a popular alternative to traditional amalgam fillings for repairing cavities and restoring damaged teeth. Made of a mixture of resin and fine glass particles, composite fillings can be precisely matched to the color of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing restoration.
In addition to their cosmetic benefits, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, requiring less removal of healthy tooth material compared to amalgam fillings. This preservation of tooth structure helps to maintain the strength and integrity of the tooth, reducing the risk of fractures and other complications in the future. Composite fillings are also mercury-free, making them a safer and more environmentally friendly option. By choosing composite fillings, you can both improve the appearance of your smile and contribute to your overall oral health and well-being.
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the surface of the teeth to repair chips, cracks, or gaps, and to improve the overall appearance of the smile. This treatment not only restores the aesthetics of your teeth but also reinforces their structure, providing additional support and protection against decay and damage. With proper care, bonded teeth can maintain their strength and integrity for many years.
Teeth whitening treatments are one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures, aimed at removing surface stains and discoloration to brighten your smile. While the main focus of this treatment is cosmetic, it offers long-reaching benefits for your oral health. A brighter smile not only boosts your confidence but also encourages better oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, to maintain the results.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Crooked or misaligned teeth not only affect the appearance of your smile but can also make oral hygiene more challenging, as crowded or overlapping teeth are harder to clean effectively. Invisalign clear aligners offer a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces, straightening teeth gradually without the need for metal wires or brackets. By aligning your teeth properly, clear trays facilitate better oral hygiene, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. They also ensure even bite pressure across your entire smile, reducing long-term wear on your teeth.
Boost Your Oral Health and Your Aesthetics
Your smile is a reflection of your overall health and personal hygiene, and cosmetic dental treatments offer more than just aesthetic improvements. From dental veneers and bonding to teeth whitening and clear aligners, these treatments not only give you the smile you’ve always wanted but also strengthen and protect your teeth against common oral health issues. Whether you’re looking to address specific concerns or simply enhance your smile, consider consulting with an experienced cosmetic dentist to explore the options available to you. Invest in your smile today for a healthier, brighter tomorrow.
Enhancing Oral Health Through Cosmetic Treatments first appeared on
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26 Nov Face the challenges of chain complexity Category: Car HireOil & Gas Marine Logistics Established in 2005, the group has grown to over 30 people and has completed 900 projects
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Divorces are undoubtedly one of life's most challenging and emotionally charged experiences. They often bring forth feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and even despair about the unknown future. While seasoned divorce attorneys are well-equipped to provide legal guidance, they may not always offer the emotional support required during this trying time. This is where a divorce coach steps in. A divorce coach's role is to empower individuals undergoing divorce, fostering confidence and optimism for their post-divorce life by addressing the emotional aspects of the journey.
Understanding the Role of a Divorce Coach
What exactly is a divorce coach? Simply put, a divorce coach is a trained professional who offers invaluable guidance and emotional support to individuals in the midst of divorce. It's crucial to note that a divorce coach is not a substitute for legal counsel. They do not possess legal expertise but can work collaboratively with divorce lawyers and therapists to assist individuals in managing both the practical and emotional aspects of their unique divorce situations. Their primary aim is to help individuals set goals for their future and make informed decisions regarding their divorce proceedings.
The Duties of a Divorce Coach
Typically, a divorce coach engages in one-on-one sessions with their clients to facilitate future planning. These sessions involve active listening, thoughtful questioning, and constructive feedback. Through these conversations, clients can identify their priorities for life after divorce and explore the various options available to them. Together, the client and divorce coach craft a personalized plan that serves as a roadmap as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
In addition to emotional support and guidance, a divorce coach also provides practical assistance. This includes helping clients gather necessary financial documents, manage communication with their ex-spouse, and organize their often chaotic schedules. Importantly, divorce coaches offer this assistance without judgment, creating a safe space for clients to express their emotions and vent their frustrations.
Advantages of Engaging a Divorce Coach
Seeking guidance from a divorce coach is a wise decision, as it can significantly alleviate the burdens associated with divorce. When you choose to work with a divorce coach, you can expect them to:
- Provide Perspective and Clarity: Divorce coaches offer a fresh perspective and clarity during times of uncertainty, helping clients gain a better understanding of their situation.
- Be an Effective Partner: They become a partner in developing plans and achieving important life goals, ensuring that clients have a strong support system.
- Advise on Critical Decisions: Divorce coaches offer guidance on crucial decisions related to the divorce process and the future, ensuring that clients make informed choices.
- Minimize Conflict: Their expertise in managing high-conflict situations can be invaluable in reducing tensions during the divorce proceedings. Moreover, they equip clients with the emotional skills needed to navigate such situations in the future.
- Emotional Support: Divorce coaches provide emotional support throughout the divorce process, offering a steady hand to hold onto during this turbulent journey.
Who Can Benefit from a Divorce Coach?
While divorce coaches can be a valuable resource for nearly anyone going through a divorce, certain individuals may find their services particularly beneficial. If you anticipate a complex divorce involving high-conflict situations or a contentious individual, a divorce coach can help you navigate the emotional toll it may take. They offer a much-needed sense of stability and confidence throughout the process.
Furthermore, divorce coaches can be instrumental for individuals who lack emotional support in their personal lives. By hiring a divorce coach, individuals can combat feelings of isolation, as these professionals provide empathetic support during a challenging period.
Divorce is undeniably a tumultuous journey filled with emotional highs and lows. While divorce attorneys handle the legal aspects of the process, divorce coaches play an essential role in guiding individuals through the emotional terrain. Their ability to provide support, perspective, and practical assistance can make a world of difference during this challenging time. Whether you're facing a complicated divorce or simply seeking emotional stability, a divorce coach can be the partner you need to navigate the path to a brighter post-divorce future.
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Disclaimer:*Name trademarks and copyrights are properties of their respective manufacturers and/or designers. Scentsational Shoppe has no affiliation with the manufacturers/designers. Our interpretation of these fragrances was created through chemical analysis and reproduction, and the purpose of this description is to give the customer an idea of scent character, not to mislead or confuse the customer. It is not intended to infringe on the manufacturers/designer's name and valuable trademark.We do not represent our products to be original nor do we represent that they are exact copies; therefore they do not violate any copyright laws. Any references to brand names are made strictly for comparison. Also, let it be known, that this web site has no affiliation to, and is not associated or sponsored by any of these trademark owners. We simply ask the consumer to compare the price, style, and quality of the designer brand products to SCENTSATIONAL SHOPPE INC products. These are Perfume Oils® NOT original perfumes,colognes or scented products.
| 0.933616 | 212 |
Burka joins the blogosphere
Texas Monthly writer and editor Paul Burka has a new blog. You should check out his commentary on the political consequences of the recent Supreme Court opinion -- it's easily the best I've seen. [Side note: Perhaps it's only me, but am I the only one troubled by the fact that minority Congressmen are essentially protected by law if they are Democrats, but not if they are Republicans? Yes I know it's more complicated than that, but this seems like the nub of it to me.]
I'll let this one go:
I expressed some of these concerns in a column I wrote for our March 2005 issue, about the role of the bloggers in bringing down Dan Rather. It reads a bit too much like the work of an old dog confronted by a new trick, but one of my biggest gripes stands: the anonymity of many bloggers and the inability to hold them accountable.I'm still semi-anonymous...and heck, I admitted that Evan isn't even my real name!
Levity aside, Burka also has a post on whether Bill White will choose to run for the Senate against John Cornyn in '08 or against Kay Bailey Hutchison for guv in '10. There's little doubt at this point that White is the Democrats' best chance at winning statewide in the next few election cycles. White is a pretty savvy guy, who will probably (as Burka implies) run wherever he has the best chance of winning...so where will he run?
I think White passes on a race against Cornyn. If he runs against Cornyn, then he has to take on more controversial federal issues. That'll make it harder for White to run again statewide if he loses. Also in favor of waiting for '10: potentially there will be a rough, divisive GOP gubernatorial primary. Kay Bailey might make it out of the primary (you'd have to label her the favorite right now), but I don't think it's an absolutely done deal. Plus, if Kay Bailey wins (even if by beating Bill White), you'd have to think Bill White would have a decent chance against whoever Hutchison nominates to replace her in the Senate. If he ran well against Hutchison, he'd have the name ID.
Hence, I think it'd be smarter for White to pass on Cornyn and focus on being mayor instead. Since he knows this, I think White will stay mayor until 2009, when he is term-limited out of office.
One more thing, which I'll go ahead and quibble with Burka about. He implies that a Hutchison Senate departure might be a reason that Texas' political establishment would back replacing Cornyn:
Plus, if Hutchison, who has been superb at bringing home the bacon (most recently in getting funding for Hurricane Rita victims), does indeed quit the Senate to run for governor, community leaders all across Texas will be wondering whether Cornyn has enough clout and respect to attend to the state's needs.My initial take is the opposite: because Hutchison appears likely to leave the Senate, keeping Cornyn becomes more important.
A few reasons why: 1) seniority, 2) majority, and 3) reputation. First, seniority. Yes, Cornyn doesn't have much of it, but if Hutchison were to leave, would the state really want to have two brand new Senators? I think not. Cornyn serves on Armed Services, Judiciary, Budget, and Small Business. He already chairs two subcommittees; one each on Armed Services and Judiciary. So, Cornyn's advantage is small numerically, but there's a definite learning curve. Texas probably doesn't want two freshman senators at the same time, if it can possibly be avoided.
Perhaps even more importantly, it appears likely that the Senate will be held by Republicans for the next decade. While Republicans appear to lose 2-3 seats right now in the Senate** (Santorum, Chafee/Burns/Talent) I think it's probably more likely that the GOP will have the Senate majority for most of the next decade. It's pretty key to be in the majority (though more so in the House than the Senate).
Last, reputation. Cornyn had more influence early in his freshman term than is normal. Granted, much of that influence was due to close relations with the White House. Granted also that most of that influence was on national issues, not on Texas-specific issues. Yet Cornyn's reputation is more of a hard-working serious legislator than that of a political grandstander. Or, if you prefer the old political metaphor, work-horse instead of a show-horse.
So, all-in-all, I would think that the threat of losing Hutchison in the Senate would probably weigh in Cornyn's favor. But then again, Burka probably has a better sense of the political establishment than I do. So maybe I'm wrong.
** There's still plenty of time for this to change. I'm cautiously optimistic that it will and I think that Republicans actually have more potential sleeper candidates right now (yeah, sorry, I have a hard time taking folks like Jim Webb too seriously), despite the lackluster candidate recruitment by NRSC Chair Liddy Dole.
If White continues with his current priorities (as opposed to tackling crime and HPD's manpower shortage), it's going to be tough for him to win a statewide race. A white urban Democrat who can be portrayed as soft on crime is going to have a tough time of it against a credible Republican in Texas.
Burka doesn't seem to be big into approving comments. Not a single one has been approved yet. Maybe he'll get the hang of it. Or then again, it's Burka. He may be more interested in seeing his own words in print than any responses. :)
I agree with many of your substantive criticisms about Bill White's policies (eg not enough cops, counter-productive revenue earning red-light camera programs, unnecessary and regressive Safeclear). But it seems to me that the Chronicle will determine the conventional wisdom, and I think it's not too controversial to say that the Chronicle is Bill White's biggest supporter.
If so, it seems to me that White can only be attacked based on an increase in crime rates which White/Chronicle will (somewhat dubiously) spin as being because of Katrina.
So yeah, I don't think White has done a very good job on crime. But politically, I'm not sure he's been hurt.
Also, Burka has since approved plenty of comments, including ones I probably wouldn't approve. ;)
But it seems to me that the Chronicle will determine the conventional wisdom, and I think it's not too controversial to say that the Chronicle is Bill White's biggest supporter.
White's Republican opponent will be more of a player in determining statewide conventional wisdom than the Chronicle, which nobody outside of Houston reads. Assuming that opponent is funded -- and I don't know why anyone would assume otherwise -- White will be defined as what he is: indifferent to skyrocketing crime in Houston while pursuing pie-in-the-sky projects like muni wifi.
Our good friend Google is going to make that case WAY too easy to chronicle(no pun intended!) for some opposition research guy, who will probably charge his client way too much for the info. :)
No flames or impolite behavior. HTML will be stripped. URLs will be transformed into hyperlinks.
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My experience with Peskind Law Firm could not have been better. As a custodial parent, I was facing an uphill battle in seeking my ex-spouse’s approval to relocate from Illinois to Ohio. Unexpected circumstances arose which made an out of state move necessary, and a high-conflict relationship with an uncooperative ex-spouse made the situation even more challenging. Vaz K. and the whole Peskind team worked diligently to help me navigate the legal process, first pursuing out-of-Court options with my ex-spouse, then representing me in Court when no settlement could be achieved. Every individual on the Peskind team impressed me with their professionalism, expertise, and compassion during a very difficult process. From the outset, I received focused attention, sound advice, and expert guidance. Not only did the Peskind Law Firm win my Removal case, but they did so demonstrating the highest level of professional integrity and never resorted to slash-and-burn tactics. I would recommend this firm without reservation.
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When it comes to air conditioning systems, the choice of materials used can have a significant impact on the overall performance and efficiency of the system. One popular option for air conditioning systems is the use of pre-insulated copper pipes, specifically the 1/4″ x 3/8″ A/C pre-insulated copper pipe. This type of copper tubing is specifically designed for air conditioning applications and offers a range of benefits that make it a preferred choice for many HVAC professionals.
One of the key benefits of using 1/4″ x 3/8″ A/C pre-insulated copper pipe is its durability and longevity. Copper is known for its strength and resistance to corrosion, making it an ideal material for use in air conditioning systems. The pre-insulated design of these pipes also helps to protect the copper from external elements, further extending its lifespan and ensuring that the system operates efficiently for years to come.
In addition to its durability, 1/4″ x 3/8″ A/C pre-insulated copper pipe is also highly efficient in terms of heat transfer. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, which means that it can quickly and effectively transfer heat from the air conditioning unit to the desired space. This can help to improve the overall efficiency of the system, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility costs.
Another benefit of using pre-insulated copper pipes for air conditioning systems is their ease of installation. The pre-insulated design eliminates the need for additional insulation, saving time and labor costs during the installation process. The 1/4″ x 3/8″ size of these pipes is also a common size used in many air conditioning systems, making them a versatile option that can be easily integrated into existing systems or new installations.
Furthermore, the pre-insulated design of these copper pipes helps to prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the pipe. Condensation can lead to moisture buildup, which can cause damage to the system and reduce its efficiency. By using pre-insulated copper pipes, HVAC professionals can help to prevent condensation issues and ensure that the system operates smoothly and effectively.
Overall, the use of 1/4″ x 3/8″ A/C pre-insulated copper pipe for air conditioning systems offers a range of benefits that make it a preferred choice for many HVAC professionals. From its durability and efficiency to its ease of installation and ability to prevent condensation, these copper pipes provide a reliable and effective solution for air conditioning applications. Whether you are installing a new system or upgrading an existing one, consider using pre-insulated copper pipes to help improve the performance and efficiency of your air conditioning system.
Installation Tips for 1/4 x 3/8 A/C Pre Insulated Copper Pipe in Aircon Units
When it comes to installing air conditioning units, one of the most important components is the copper pipe that carries the refrigerant throughout the system. The 1/4″ x 3/8″ A/C pre insulated copper pipe is a popular choice for many aircon units due to its durability and efficiency. In this article, we will discuss some installation tips for this type of copper pipe to ensure a smooth and successful installation process.
First and foremost, it is crucial to properly measure and cut the copper pipe to the correct length before installation. Using a pipe cutter, carefully cut the copper pipe to the desired length, making sure to create clean and straight cuts. This will ensure a proper fit and prevent any leaks or inefficiencies in the system.
Once the copper pipe has been cut to size, it is important to deburr the edges to remove any sharp or rough edges that could potentially damage the insulation or cause leaks. Using a deburring tool, gently remove any burrs from the cut edges of the copper pipe to create a smooth and even surface.
Next, it is time to install the insulation on the copper pipe. The pre insulated copper pipe comes with insulation already attached, but it is important to check for any gaps or tears in the insulation before installation. If any gaps or tears are present, they should be Repaired or replaced to ensure proper insulation and prevent heat loss.
After the insulation has been checked and repaired, it is time to connect the copper pipe to the aircon unit. Using the appropriate fittings and connectors, carefully attach the copper pipe to the unit, making sure to secure it tightly to prevent any leaks. It is important to follow the manufacturer‘s instructions for proper installation to ensure a secure and efficient connection.
Once the copper pipe is securely connected to the aircon unit, it is important to check for any leaks or gaps in the system. Using a leak detection solution, carefully inspect the connections and joints for any signs of leaks. If any leaks are detected, they should be repaired immediately to prevent any loss of refrigerant and ensure the proper functioning of the system.
Finally, it is important to properly insulate the copper pipe to prevent heat loss and ensure the efficiency of the system. Using insulation tape or foam insulation, carefully wrap the copper pipe to provide additional insulation and protect it from external elements. This will help maintain the temperature of the refrigerant and prevent any energy loss in the system.
In conclusion, the installation of the 1/4″ x 3/8″ A/C pre insulated copper pipe in aircon units requires careful measurement, cutting, insulation, and connection to ensure a successful installation process. By following these installation tips and guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and efficient installation of the copper pipe in your air conditioning unit.
| 0.929274 | 1,137 |
An innovative AI-driven company specialised in software development and automating a bioinformatic analysis of bacteriophage characteristics and discovery. Our methodology dramatically accelerates the complex process of describing phages in silico from a dozen days to less than an hour.
Thanks to our company product – PhageAI platform – we are closing the accuracy gap for a new class of phage research tools.
What you can get?
The PhageAI platform is ready to be part of your phage research to work into the different areas of classification and discovery.
Led by Phage & AI Experts
An interdisciplinary team with extensive business and R&D experience and biotech production culture.
Chief Executive Officer
Bruno Maineult is the Chief Executive Officer of PhageAI SA and the Chief People & AI Officer of Proteon Pharmaceuticals SA. He has over 20 years of experience in management in Poland and Europe including his roles as Board Member of a German tech corporation controlled by Private Equity and Head of Financial Planning & Analysis of the Polish telecom incumbent.
Cross-cultural fluent and a Hi-tech enthusiast, Bruno has developed a solid experience in Biotech for the last 7 years now.
Beyond his work experience in companies of all sizes, he has built his entrepreneurial skills through participating in several innovative projects in education, multimedia and financial services as a Freelancer and as an Angel Investor in Poland.
Bruno is savvy about organization management and the impact of digitalization on individual and collective performance, including the strengthening of effective and synergetic cooperation between teams.
Arkadiusz Guziński is the AI Manager at PhageAI SA and the Leader of the Bioinformatics Team at Proteon Pharmaceuticals SA. With 7 years of experience, he specializes in developing pipelines that accelerate analysis, focusing on bacteriophage sequences from assembly to making them available in public databases. Arkadiusz has contributed to several publications and patents and played a key role in securing a grant of PLN 2 million for PhageAI to develop its platform. In his work, he strives for continuous development and improvement, aiming to create new solutions that advance science and simplify people's work.
Maria Urbanowicz is the AI Specialist at PhageAI SA. At PhageAI SA, her main responsibilities include optimizing, preparing, and deploying AI models related to bacteriophage biology, monitoring existing solutions, supporting the development of the PhageAI platform, creating new tools, performing bioinformatic and statistical analyses, supporting younger employees, and conducting literature reviews in microbial biology and AI.
She holds a Master's degree in biology from the University of Łódź, where she also completed a 2-year bioinformatics program called "Let's Bio IT" and postgraduate studies in "Big Data - Processing and Analysis of Large Data Sets" at the Warsaw University of Technology. With over 5 years of experience in bioinformatics and data science, including academic experience, Maria has successfully completed numerous R&D projects and shared her findings through publications and conference presentations. In her free time, Maria enjoys water and endurance sports and taking care of her two cats.
Michał Stępień is IT Specialist in PhageAI SA and also at Proteon Pharmaceuticals SA.
An experienced IT Administrator, he manages Office 365 platform and Azure environments. Besides, he configures and maintains virtual machines as well as on-premises Linux servers, and implements cloud-based solutions. He is responsible for the availability and performance of the overall IT infrastructure. As a a Developer, he focuses on Microsoft PowerApps and .NET technologies, creating custom solutions for unique business needs. Very versatile and problem solving oriented, Michał excels in the design of global solutions involving hardware, software and networks. He has studied advanced mechanics and robotics engineering at the University of Technology in Lodz.
Bioinformatics Machine Learning Specialist
Żaneta Szulc is a Bioinformatician at PhageAI SA with expertise in bioinformatic analysis of bacteriophages and the development of machine learning models. At PhageAI SA, Żaneta is responsible for developing machine learning models, Python/Bash scripts, and providing scientific support for projects.
As a member of the development team for the Life Cycle Classifier, Żaneta has assessed the life cycle of thousands of bacteriophages, prepared datasets, and co-developed prototypes of the classifier. Żaneta holds a Master's degree in medical biotechnology and has completed courses in machine learning and Python programming. She is a co-author of three scientific publications. Her passion lies in data processing and developing AI tools for Life Sciences. In her free time, she enjoys bicycle trips and culinary experiments.
Marlena Słoma is a Project Manager at PhageAI SA and Proteon Pharmaceuticals SA. With 8 years of experience, she supports R&D projects from administrative and financial perspectives at various stages of implementation, successfully accounting for ongoing projects. At PhageAI SA, she is also responsible for coordinating the proper functioning of all company departments.
Marlena has completed numerous training courses, including PRINCE2, "A Specialist in R&D Projects," "Eligibility of Costs and Project Settlement," and "Applying the Principle of Competitiveness in Project Expenditure."
Our Working Process
We are using state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to improve phage research.
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Read, get educated & gain knowledge about versatile AI and NLP technology in our daily phage research.
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We send news to the community about AI and Bioinformatics in phage research.
Follow PhageAI and stay informed!
| 0.936833 | 1,209 |
CORE Pathway: Health Work Environments
- This event has passed.
CORE Pathway: Healthy Work Environments (seats available)
April 10, 2019 (08:30AM – 12:30PM, Coquihalla Room, 2nd floor, 1190 Hornby St.)
This module is based on building positive workplace relationships and creating a safe and health organization through engagement of employees and stakeholders.
At the conclusion of HWE, participants will be able to:
- Apply the tools and techniques to build trust and to take people’s differences into account when creating a new team or rejuvenating an established team
- Use the necessary team processes and dynamics that must be in place to foster and sustain a respectful workplace, and demonstrate appropriate use
- Create an environment of safety for review of mistakes where learning is the norm
- Engage others in the creation of a healthy workplace
Registration is accessible online through the Learning Hub at: http://learninghub.phsa.ca/Learner/Home
More info: [email protected]
| 0.910722 | 224 |
In short, I am trying to find a way to create a new PO file from a new POT and an existing PO file - but I want to exclude any strings (and their translations) that are not in the POT file.
Every time we change the wording on our cakePHP site, we generate a new POT file that contains all the translatable strings in the site. But when we merge it with the existing PO file (using POEdit), the merge process only adds the POT entries to the PO file. It doesn't remove the translations we no longer need. We have over 12k unneeded translations in our PO files. This makes our translator very unhappy. She has taken to just looking at the site and sending me translations to add manually, which makes me very unhappy.
I've looked around for tools that do this destructive merge, but I haven't been successful finding one. Before I head off to write one...is there something I missed?
(Sorry if this belongs on a different exchange, I will move this post to a better exchange if anyone tells me which one).
What you describe as "destructive" merge is the standard, normal merge operation in gettext and what everybody wants — you'd have to go out of your way to accomplish non-destructive versions, and I'm not even sure how.
From this it's safe to conclude that (1) you must be doing some weird steps not described above, or (2) your POT file contains more than you think it does (e.g. because you append to it instead of replacing it), or (3) you or the tools you use misinterpret the resulting PO file.
To merge using GNU gettext command line tools:
msgmerge -U your_old_translation.po latest_strings.pot
To merge using Poedit (notice the spelling):
- Open PO file with the (now outdated) translations.
- Use Catalog → Update from POT file…
- Choose the newly regenerated POT file.
Notice that by default, outdated translations are kept in the PO file as backup. In Poedit, you can purge them (see Catalog → Purge deleted translations). However, these obsolete entries are stored in a different way in the PO file, as specially formatted comments, and are not visible or editable in Poedit or any conforming PO editing tool.
If I were to bet, I'd say (3) is the most likely cause (in which case, use a better editor like, ahem, Poedit), or perhaps (2) (should be easy to review by searching the POT for now-unused strings).
But merging really does the right thing that you expect it to do.
Answered By - Václav Slavík Answer Checked By - Katrina (PHPFixing Volunteer)
| 0.945998 | 592 |
Macaulay, Jessica; Cameron, Melainie; Vaughan, Brett
A systematic review of randomised, controlled trials was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of manual therapy for mechanical neck disorders in reducing pain and disability in adult populations. Articles were included if manual therapy was performed on one group within the trial, on participants with mechanical neck pain, including neck disorders with associated headache. Studies were excluded if the cause of neck pain was serious pathology, systemic disease, or trauma, or if neck pain was associated with radicular findings, or the headache was the primary disorder.Five trials involving 995 participants were included; four of the trials were of high methodological quality according to the validated Jadad criteria. Strong evidence demonstrated that manual therapy was not significantly superior to other interventions (exercise, physical therapy, medication, short wave diathermy) for relief of neck pain. Patients who received manual therapy reported being significantly more satisfied with their care than patients who received any other single therapy. A trend across three of the studies showed that manual therapy combined with exercise returned moderately larger improvements, although not statistically significant, improvements in pain, disability and patient-perceived recovery than manual therapy alone. Results in favour of combined therapies suggest multinodal care, including manual therapy and exercise, may be a potentially useful intervention in the treatment of mechanical neck disorders.
Physical Therapy Reviews, 2007, 12(3), 261-267
| 0.965104 | 284 |
MEEKER, COLO. (Jan. 14, 2019) – Pioneers Medical Center in Meeker, Colo., is one of the first hospitals on the Western Slope to offer Stryker’s robotic-arm assisted total knee, partial knee and total hip replacement application for use with its Mako System. This Mako System uses a 3D model, which allows surgeons to more accurately determine implant size, orientation and alignment based on each patient’s unique anatomy. The Mako System also enables surgeons to modify the surgical plan during the surgery, if needed, to ensure the best patient outcome.
Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Kevin Borchard, who has done more than 1,000 joint replacement surgeries, will be the first surgeon to use the Mako System at Pioneers Medical Center. He said, “The Mako System takes what are already very good surgeries and ensures precise implant placement while minimizing soft tissue damage. This is a very powerful tool that has the potential to further elevate our patients’ outcomes.”
Patients using the Mako System will benefit with:
• Smaller incision and less scarring
• Reduced risk of infection
• Minimal hospitalization
• More rapid recovery
• Less risk of implant dislocation, loosening and mechanical problems
• Reduced need for future revision surgery
Dr. Borchard was born and raised in Meeker and chose to return to his hometown after he served as an orthopedic surgeon for nine years in the United States Air Force and completed his Fellowship at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, one of the most sought-after programs in the nation, where he performed more than 900 joint replacement surgeries.
“I chose to return to Meeker to practice because the quality of hospitals and healthcare professionals is comparable to a big city. We have stats any large hospital would envy. And growing up here, I want my young family to experience Colorado the same way my wife and I did. I have the honor to work where I want to live and serve the people of this region.”
ABOUT PIONEERS MEDICAL CENTER
Pioneers Medical Center is a community-based healthcare facility based in Meeker, Colo., focused on building life-long partnerships with patients to empower them to achieve optimal health. Established in 1950, the hospital has a long-standing practice of providing Northwest Colorado’s residents, visitors and workforce with skilled and compassionate care. Learn more at pioneershospital.org.
| 0.944003 | 517 |
How long does it take to receive an order?
Normally it would take 3-5 days to ship your order to you however with COVID-19 regulations placed upon our warehouses, it's taking 7-10 business days to receive orders.
All orders are custom made and printed-on-demand. We do not have giant warehouses with thousands of items sitting on the shelves. Every single item in your order is hand made by us.
We understand the utmost importance of your order and are working around the clock to get them out as fast as possible. We have tripled machinery and the size of our staff since the virus came into the world. We thank you for ANY patience you're willing to give us during this time.
We will update this when our ship times go back to normal.
What is the status of my order?
After placing an order, you can view the order status 24 hours a day by simply clicking on the "My Account" link at the top right corner of every page of our website. You can also find a "My Account" link in the footer on mobile.
From there, you will be able to view information about your order. Please keep in mind, all orders are printed-on-demand and custom made. COVID-19 regulations have also slowed some ship times down so please be patient with us. Thank you!
You can also CLICK HERE to go to your account page.
How can I track my order?
You will receive an email upon creation of the shipping label, which means your order is getting ready to go out the door and be shipped to you.
How do Returns/Exchanges work?
Exchanges and Returns are easier than ever!
Simply go to http://returns.piperloucollection.com and it will walk you through the steps for any exchanges or returns.
➡ You will also receive a return label in an email for any items you need to ship back.
➡ Exchanges and returns must be processed by the 60th day from date of delivery.
➡ There are NO RETURNS for any of our Customized Items. They are final sale unless it is defective.
➡ Items for return must be in the same condition that you received it. If you have a damaged/defective item, please reach out to [email protected] with your order number and a picture of the damage and we are happy to replace your items free of cost.
➡ Refunds for returns will be processed upon delivery of your order to our warehouse to the original payment method.
Can I use a discount on VIP Specials?
Unfortunately no. VIP Specials are already discounted as low as we can discount them. Your code will work on any non-VIP Special items
(*excluding Monthly Box of Awesome)
How does the apparel fit?
If you have any questions on the fit of something....
Please email us at [email protected] or give us a call at (919) 444 2853
How can I get free replacement lids?
The size of our business has increased by 5x since the start of COVID-19. Please bare with us as we train new members of the team. If you have any issues, we promise we will make it right! We genuinely appreciate your business and are working diligently to improve our processes to make orders go out very quick, as they did pre-COVID-19 regulations.
Live Chat: Coming soon!
Are you an Accredited BBB Business?
We're excited to say we are an Accredited BBB Business! We believe that good service is key to every customers shopping experience - but why stop at good? We aim to make every experience the best! Should you ever have an issue our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is standing by 24/7 to make it right!
| 0.95732 | 804 |
Welcome to Pitcock Properties, a Realtor services provider in San Angelo, Texas. Pitcock Properties provides a number of San Angelo real estate services, whether you want to buy a home or sell a home in the Concho Valley. At Pitcock Properties, we understand the need to provide realtor services that exceed expectations. That is why we go above and beyond to offer excellent San Angelo real estate services for home buyers and sellers. The San Angelo real estate market is known for homes that offer outstanding amenities and we are at your service to assist you in buying or selling real estate.
PITCOCK PROPERTIES EXCLUSIVE RANCH LISTING We specialize in the marketing and valuation of all types of ranch properties; hunting ranches, cattle ranches, farms, recreational ranches, investment ranches of all sizes and values. |
OTHER AVAILABLE RANCHES We are members of multiple MLS service and have agents in various parts of the State. We pride our selves in helping buyers find the ranch that fits their needs. Give us a call if you have any questions on any of the following ranches. |
| 0.930563 | 233 |
Glyphosate Herbicide (Roundup)
by Malcolm Beck,
the Father of Organic Gardening in Texas and
the originator of Gardenville Products.
for more common-sense organics from Malcolm
I wrote a letter (Does Nature Approve) to HRM members and it
was printed in the Summer 2001 newsletter and Acres USA. However,
my student and partner in organic promotion, Howard Garrett,
does not agree with this approach.
Making the statement that," Nature could
approve of glyphosate if used properly in some conditions"
resulted from many years of studying. I grew up on a farm, worked
on many neighboring farms and owned two farms of my own that
were all overrun with Johnson grass. Years ago it was controlled
by hoeing behind the cultivators, I controlled it on my own
farm by hoeing. However, when the INS took my labor away I found
no one in this country that you could pay enough to hoe, or
even knew how. We cleared the first acreage I used for veining
type vegetables of Johnson grass with the hoe. In 1975 when
I wanted to expand ten more acres I tried to plow the Johnson
grass to death but all I did was plow the soil to death. The
Johnson grass is still there; the excess tilling destroyed the
soil and a lot of the soil life. All the organic matter I built
into the soil the previous seven years is now CO2 in the air
along with my engine exhaust. I never did expand my vegetable
Since that time I have done a lot of thinking,
I got a whole different look at organic and modern agriculture.
I have spent a lot of time researching and talking to big farmers.
Modern agriculture methods have got Planet Earth headed down
a self-destructive path. We don't have time to change all agriculture
to organic. But, agriculture has to change NOW to a more sustainable
method. We have to teach everyone how Nature operates. And what
Nature does and doesn't approve of. At times we may have to
choose the lesser of two evils. I don't think Howard has worked
on a farm enough to understand all farm problems. But, Howard
is good at what he does and I hope he keeps doing it. However,
there is a big gulf between the organic promoters and land grant
universities that teach conventional agriculture. Someone, somehow,
has to build a bridge.
Even the organic farmers that apply compost, manure
or any organic material to their land are not gaining all they
could if they keep plowing, cultivating and disturbing the soil.
They waste the carbon right back to the air and pollute the
The National Organic standards has thousands pages
of telling the farmers what they can't do, little of what they
should do, however nothing has yet been done, it has been almost
10 years in the making and still not completed. I doubt if it
has converted a single farmer. The books Howard and I wrote
have accomplished way more, with much less expense, in a lot
I am dead against any type of GMO's at any time.
GMO's have made it easier to use herbicides. But there are plenty
no-till farmers that don't use GMO seed. If herbicides were
used properly. no-till could mean using less and eventually
none. Lavoid Laurie, the organic cotton farmer west of Lubbock
operates his farm no-till, however before he became organic
he used Treflan (a herbicide more toxic than glyphosate) to
clean up the weeds.
Dr. Joe Bradford a USDA no-till researcher tells
me that no-till farmers can see a ninety percent decrease in
weeds by the fourth year after going no-till. This shows that
if farmers wanted to they could cut the use of herbicides with
no-till methods because they are not plowing new seeds under
or old seeds up each year.
Before Roundup Ready corn and cotton farmers were already using
plenty of herbicide. No-till doesn't mean you have to use more.
I have a friend with a large peanut farm in Georgia that operates
no-till. He tells me since he went no-till his production is
up and expenses are down. The lake his farmland drains into
is no longer muddy and his herbicides needs are way down. The
low organic content, un-mulched and lifeless soil of most conventional
tillage farms allows the herbicides to stay in the soil much
longer; the soil life isn't there to degrade it. It soon leached
deep into the soil or runs off with the first big rain to pollute
streams and lakes.
No-till farming keeps the above ground portion
of all plants on the soil surface where Nature intended. It
protects the soil from the drying sun and wind. Stops the small
crop plants from being sand blasted that many times requires
re planting. The mulch keeps the soil a more even temperature,
and prevents water runoff. The mulch creates a composting activity
at the soil contact point where the microbial activity is high
and can de-grade toxic chemicals.
I had a $3,000 test done at Trinity University
by Dr. Rex Moyer to see if our compost had anything harmful
to man, plant or animal. Moyer's test found nothing harmful.
Instead, Moyer found 18 percent of the microbes he isolated
to be well known microbes that are used by industry to degrade
toxic materials. Another 28 percent of the isolated he found
were microbes that control troublesome insects.
There are some major problems facing mankind today.
Soil erosion, water shortages, too much CO2 in the atmosphere
and nitrate pollution in ground water, rivers and lakes. Over
6,000 sq. miles of the Gulf is dead because of fertilizers washing
No-till farming could help solve all of these
problems. Dr. Bradford is seeing the farmland under no-till
go up in organic matter near 1 tenth of 1 percent each year.
Conventional tillage has destroyed the prairie. Most all our
farmland is down to 20 percent or less of the organic matter
it could be. Constantly disturbing the soil oxidizes the soil
carbon and it dissipates to the air as carbon dioxide.
I believe there is a lot of land that should not
be farmed at all or farmed differently. For example, I visited
some big farmers up in the panhandle of Texas that admitted
to pumping the Ogallala aquifer dry to grow corn that has no
market but, they survive and make a living off government support
while growing GMO corn.
Our problems are with government policies and
lack of someone educating farmers on how to work with Nature.
The government should be teaching and paying farmers to build
soil organic content, which is the prerequisite of getting free
from chemical dependence. Our problems are not with using products
but not understanding why they have become necessary.
I do not promote glyphosate. I dislike it as much
as any man made chemical. But I do promote no-till. So far I
have found no way to get farmers to give up the plow without
using some herbicide at least for a while until he can eliminate
perennial and rhizome type weeds. We have to stop plowing the
soil to death. The soil gives birth to all life. The quality
of the soil determines the quality of our air, our water and
our food. Nature never plows. Plowing destroys soil life and
soil quality. As the quality of the soil goes the life it supports
Farmers have to have some method of weed control.
Hoeing would be perfect, look at all the good exercise, fresh
air and closeness with nature but, you will no longer get people
in this country to hoe at any wage. Hoeing could be a great
job for all the people in our many prisons. But that would probably
be considered in humane.
Glyphosate is the least toxic of the herbicides
mentioned in the Adobe file. Dr. Elaine Ingham tells me, "there
is a bacteria in the soil that loves it and eats it up."
No-Till creates conditions and furnishes the energy and environment
for those bacteria to flourish.
Dr. Don Marks, world wide known expert on Mycorrhizae,
said the plow destroys the host weed and the mycorrhizal fungi
before it gets a chance to spore, with herbicide the host plant
stops sending carbohydrates before it dies signaling the fungi
to quickly spore. The plow is a bigger enemy to the mycorrhizae
Drifts can be prevented if used with the no drift
products on the market and correct atmospheric conditions, such
as, in the evening when the air is cooling. Also, if farmers
would add one ounce of feed molasses to his herbicide mix it
would stick better, help stop drifting and furnish the microbes
a good energy source so they can quicker detoxify the product.
I stick with my statement," Nature could
approve of glyphosate if used properly in some conditions."
| 0.9687 | 1,972 |
AD wheel dryersAEC’s new wheel dryers have throughputs from 50 to 400 pounds per hour, with larger models available by request. They feature drying temperatures of up to 356 degrees Fahrenheit, with a constant and adjustable dew point as low as minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit.A 7-inch high-resolutiontouchscreen provides precision control and easy tracking of relevant data, such as drying temperature, dew point, material throughput and total energy consumption.
What’s new? The AD series, which is available in three styles — the ADP, ADW and ADC. The series serves as a direct replacement for AEC’s earlier NGX- and RDX-series dryers.
Benefits Precise, high-performance moisture removal and energy savings. The Smart Mode technology available on all AD-series dryers monitors the temperatures of both the process and return air, automatically reducing airflow once the temperatures are consistent and the material is completely dry, protecting against over-drying and resin degradation, as well as providing energy savings of 40 percent or more. Options include a weekly timer, integrated or external dew-point sensor, integration with Industry 4.0 equipment and a biomaterial version for drying temperatures below 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The dryers require no compressed air or cooling water.
Associate Editor David Tillett writes and edits for Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing, Plastics Recycling and The Journal of Blow Molding. He covers new products, industry news, patents and consumer and business equipment. He has more than 20 years of experience in daily newspaper, online and magazine journalism.
| 0.909976 | 330 |
Embracing the Eco-Friendly Revolution with Compostable Straws
In a world where environmental consciousness is becoming increasingly important, every small change we make can contribute to a sustainable future. One such change involves rethinking our everyday habits, starting with the seemingly insignificant act of sipping through a straw. Enter compostable straws – the eco-friendly alternative that's making waves in the fight against plastic pollution. Let's delve into the world of compostable straws and explore why they are a game-changer for both individuals and the planet.
Understanding the Problem:
Plastic pollution poses a severe threat to our oceans and ecosystems. Traditional plastic straws are a significant contributor to this crisis, taking centuries to decompose and causing harm to marine life. Compostable straws, on the other hand, provide a solution by breaking down naturally into organic matter, leaving behind no harmful residues.
The Rise of Compostable Straws:
As the call for sustainability grows louder, businesses and individuals alike are seeking alternatives to single-use plastics. Compostable straws, typically made from plant-based materials such as cornstarch or PLA (polylactic acid), are emerging as a viable option. These straws offer the same convenience as their plastic counterparts but with the added benefit of being biodegradable.
Benefits of Compostable Straws:
Aside from their positive environmental impact, compostable straws boast several benefits. They are non-toxic, leaving no harmful chemicals in your drink. Additionally, these straws have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional plastic straws, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Breaking Down the Composting Process:
Compostable straws are designed to decompose efficiently in composting facilities, where they turn into nutrient-rich compost. It's essential to educate consumers about the proper disposal methods to maximize the environmental benefits. Home composting is also an option, providing individuals with the opportunity to actively participate in reducing waste.
While compostable straws present a promising solution, challenges such as cost and widespread availability still exist. However, as demand increases and technology advances, these challenges are likely to diminish, making compostable straws a more accessible and affordable choice for everyone.
As we strive for a more sustainable future, small changes like opting for compostable straws can collectively make a significant impact. By choosing eco-friendly alternatives, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come. So, let's sip with purpose and embrace the compostable straw revolution – a simple yet powerful step towards a greener tomorrow.
Switch to sustainable options and be part of the circular economy
| 0.926336 | 555 |
Special Features | Brand new 4k transfer from film negative. |
Format | Bluray |
Label | Mondo Macabro |
Queens of Evil (Blu-ray) Mondo Macabro
In this dark, gothic fairy tale for adults Ray Lovelock plays David, a lone hippie motorcyclist, cruising the highways, in search of a better world. One night on a lonely mountain road he stops to help out the owner of a Rolls Royce with a flat tyre. The middle aged driver of the car gives David a lecture about responsibility and, unknown to David, punctures the front tyre of his motorbike before driving off. Furious, David gives chase. There is an accident and the car crashes, killing the driver.
Fearing trouble from the police, David heads off down a side road into a dark forest and spends the night in a deserted barn. He is awakened the next morning by three beautiful young women who live in a luxurious villa nearby. These three women appear to be toying with David, playing an elaborate and sinister game, involving perplexing rituals and night-time vigils. The climax of their game takes place at a party in a nearby castle where David appears to be the guest of honour…but for what purpose?
1 in stock
| 0.924229 | 267 |
The Harry Potter brand has been a mainstay in pop culture for decades, and is showing no signs of slowing down. On the big screen, the Harry Potter movies have been expanded thanks to David Yates’ Fantastic Beasts franchise. Actor Mads Mikkelsen recently shared his honest take on how he ended up as Grindelwald after Johnny Depp’s high profile exit.
Shortly after photography for Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore began, actor Johnny Depp was asked to step down from his role as antagonist Grindelwald. Actor Mads Mikkelsen was brought in to replace him (resulting in some pushback), and put his own spin on the magical villain. With the threequel just days away from its release, the Rogue One actor explained to GQ what it was like jumping into the role. As he put it,
Honestly, that makes a great deal of sense. The road to Fantastic Beasts 3’s release has been a bumpy one, with the movie delayed over a year as a result of the COVID-19. So when principal photography was finally beginning, losing the movie’s villain had the potential to shut the movie down. Luckily Warner Bros. was able to find a replacement in the form of one Mads Mikkelsen. And critics seem to have responded to his take on Grindelwald.
Johnny Depp was fired so suddenly from the Fantastic Beasts franchise after he lost his libel case against the U.K. publication The Sun. Depp was suing after a story referred to him as a “wife beater”, and his loss in court immediately resulted in Warner Bros. asking him to step down as Grindelwald.
Later in that same interview, Mads Mikkelseon explained how he approached the role of Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts 3. Rather than trying to do an impression of Johnny Depp, the 56 year-old actor instead put his own spin on the magical villain. As Mikkelson explained,
Funny enough, Mads Mikkelson is technically the third actor to play Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. At the end of the first movie it was revealed that Colin Farrel’s Percival Graves was actually Grindelwald in disguise the whole time. Johnny Depp appeared only briefly, before having an expanded role in Fantastic Beasts 2. But Grindelwald 3.0 will appear in The Secret of Dumbledore, with Mikkelsen wielding the Elder Wand.
Luckily for Harry Potter fans, the extended wait for Fantastic Beasts 3 is nearly over. We’re just days away from the movie’s release, and the debut of Mads Mikkelsen’s version of Grindelwald. With two more movies originally planned for the franchise, hopefully we’ll see the actor really dig his heels into the role moving forward.
| 0.969429 | 586 |
I have tried to use the Read_Applog and Write_USB blocks although these are limited to a length of ARRAYU8 (125 Characters) for each line of the Applog, anything greater and the Applog line is truncated on conversion.
My Applog line are longer than 125 characters and I would like to rename the Applog csv file to a custom STRING/TL that the operator inputs from the Display (DM1200T), I have attempted to use the 'manual' blocks Read Array from Application Log & Write Array to File but have been unsuccessfully.
The blocks will accept greater than 125 characters but I cannot get the Write Array to File block to write more than 1, sometimes 2 lines of the Applog.
I seem to be missing the connection that tells the Write Array to File block to start another line in the csv file.
Does anyone have a working example of the Read Array from Application Log & Write Array to File that is writing more than 1 Applog line to csv.
| 0.949369 | 210 |
Did you know that it takes companies an average of 204 days to identify a data breach and 73 days to contain it? It’s a staggering statistic—and one that begs the question: How would your business hold up?
Today’s businesses collect and store a wealth of information — from financial records to customer details and everything in between. While this data is critical for smooth operations and growth, it also carries significant risks. A single data breach can shatter customer trust, damage your reputation, and lead to costly financial repercussions.
So, what can you do to protect your data and avoid becoming a statistic? Here are five tips every small business leader should know.
Before you can protect your business, you need to know what you’re up against. Data security threats come in many forms—phishing attacks, ransomware, malware, and even insider threats. Each of these poses a unique risk to your business.
Take the time to educate yourself on these threats and how they can target your business. Stay informed about the latest tactics used by cybercriminals, and regularly review your security protocols to ensure they are up to date.
Your employees are your first line of defense—and potentially your biggest vulnerability. Human error is a leading cause of data breaches. This means that even the most robust security measures can be compromised if your team is not properly trained.
Make sure to provide regular training and education for all employees, regardless of their role or level. This should cover topics such as password security, avoiding phishing scams, and how to handle sensitive data. Reinforce these practices with regular reminders and updates to stay on top of the latest threats.
Not everyone in your organization needs access to all data. As such, access to sensitive information should be based on roles and responsibilities. Use the principle of least privilege (PoLP), which ensures employees have only the access necessary to perform their jobs. Doing so can help prevent insider threats and limit the potential impact if a breach does occur.
Additionally, consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts and systems. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide more than one form of identification, such as a password and a code sent to their phone.
Data backups are a crucial safety net for your business. Regularly backing up your data ensures that even if you fall victim to a cyberattack or hardware failure, your critical information can be restored.
Set up automatic backups for your systems and store them securely in multiple locations. This includes off-site or cloud-based solutions that are protected by encryption and access controls. Additionally, test your backups periodically to confirm they are working correctly and can be restored in an emergency.
Outdated software is a hacker’s playground. Cybercriminals often exploit known software vulnerabilities that haven’t been updated or patched. To protect your business, make sure all software—including operating systems, applications, and antivirus programs—is updated regularly.
Consider enabling automatic updates wherever possible to minimize the chances of missing critical patches. For business-critical systems, establish a routine for manually checking and applying updates if automation isn’t feasible.
Even with the best preventative measures, breaches can still occur. A solid incident response plan can help minimize the impact and get your business back on track quickly. Your plan should outline the steps to take in the event of a breach, including identifying the source of the issue, containing the damage, and notifying affected parties.
Make sure all employees understand their roles in the response plan. Conduct regular drills to ensure everyone knows what to do and can act swiftly if the worst happens.
As a small business owner, you may not have the time or expertise to handle every aspect of data security on your own. Partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) can provide the support and expertise you need to safeguard your business.
A trusted IT partner can help with everything from monitoring your systems for suspicious activity to implementing advanced security measures. They can also keep you informed about emerging threats and best practices, ensuring your business stays ahead of the curve.
Data security isn’t a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing commitment. By understanding the risks, educating your team, and investing in the right tools and strategies, you can safeguard your company’s future.
Need help getting started? Consider enlisting the help of a Managed Service Provider (MSP) who specializes in data security for small businesses. They can assist with risk assessments, developing a tailored security plan, and implementing necessary tools and protocols to keep your company’s data safe.
| 0.938379 | 944 |
Pendulum Treasure – #DAMA-EN068
Add 1 Pendulum Monster from your Deck to your Extra Deck face-up. You can only activate 1 “Pendulum Treasure” per turn.
Date Reviewed: September 7th, 2021
Ratings are based on a 1 to 5 scale. 1 is awful. 3 is average. 5 is excellent.
Hello Pojo Fans,
Pendulum Treasure is some more Pendulum support that is pretty straight-forward.
Add a Pendulum Monster from your Deck to your Extra Deck face-up…that’s it. Hard once-per-turn because that’s standard stuff these days (and for good reason). This is another Duelist Alliance-like card for Pendulums. Get whatever Pendulum Monster you want from your deck and set it up to be added from your Extra Deck to your hand or be Pendulum Summoned. Your opponent knows what’s coming, but that never stopped people from playing RoTA or any other search card that added something to the hand. It hinges on you being able to Pendulum Summon or add this to your hand straight-away, otherwise it is just chillin out in your Extra Deck.
Okay search card, but is a final piece to a setup.
Until Next Time
From the mechanic that’s likely the weakest to the mechanic Konami of America might like to pretend doesn’t exist, we now look at Pendulum Treasure.
Pendulum Treasure is a Normal Spell that takes any Pendulum Monster in your Deck and places it to the Extra Deck face-up. A minus 1 at first, the ability to get any Pendulum to the Extra Deck to potentially add back to your hand or Pendulum Summon sounds nice. No limitation as to what Pendulum you can cycle to the Extra Deck as well. This is basically a generic Pendulum card, and having “Pendulum” in the name does give it searchability with Duelist Alliance (the card of course). Hard once per turn on this, cause otherwise we might have future issues. The card isn’t complicated at all, it’s pretty interesting. Nothing to really abuse it right now, especially with no Electrumite in the game. That could always change and this card becomes better. Right now it doesn’t have much of a use, which hurts the score, but there’s something here to figure out I’m sure.
Advanced Rating: 2.5/5
Art: 2.5/5 Poor Dragong.
Pendulum Treasure, much like yesterday’s card, is good, in a complicated manner. Adding a Pendulum of your choice from your Deck to your Extra Deck isn’t a bad thing. Quite the contrary. The troubling part here is the fact its added face-up to your Extra Deck. Now this can be good or bad. The good would be in the fact if you get to immediately use or bring that card to your Field/Pendulum Zone after playing this card. The bad would be in the fact that if you DON’T, your opponent gets to see what’s coming and has at least a Turn, likely more, to strategize and prepare for it. So this is more dependent on what you can do in the Turn, in the now, as opposed to High Ritual Art. Just the same, you can only activate one of these per Turn as well. Well I don’t see this quite as good or useful as yesterday (the Pendulums still could rise one day) but for now, I think this is mostly just a card with potential.
Art: 2/5 This I find rather lacking. I think a clearer picture perhaps of excavation as well as finding a treasure (of sorts) would’ve made more sense.
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| 0.942955 | 891 |
The dolphin symbolises intelligence, playfulness, and harmony.
Renowned for their remarkable cognitive abilities and complex social structures, dolphins represent wisdom and the joy of living.
Their playful nature and graceful movements in the water highlight themes of freedom, creativity, and the importance of balancing work with enjoyment.
Dolphins are also seen as symbols of communication and connection, reflecting their sophisticated methods of interacting with one another and their environment.
In many cultures, dolphins are viewed as protectors and guides, embodying the ideals of empathy, cooperation, and the seamless integration of mind, body, and spirit.
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I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair review. While not an apocalyptic, dystopian, or post-apocalyptic novel, I believe it is right up the alley of our survivalists and preppers out there!
A novel as heartbreaking as it is immersive, Immortal North is a visceral, raw story that will sit with you for a long time.
This book blew me away. It’s perfect if you love survivalism stories, novels set in Northern Canada, and the show Alone (check out my reviews of Season 9 every Monday).
He’s known as the trapper and his family has a long history in these isolated woods. Now it’s just him and the boy, and he’ll raise him in the world he knows, the forest, where threats take recognizable forms: harsh weather, peak predators, the encroachment of civilization at odds with their lifestyle. But for those lands and minds with an unsettled past, other dangers may lurk the woods where father and son hunt the timber. One fateful day their woodland life is violently broken—shouldn’t those guilty of such injustice be held to account? Though at times gritty even violent, there is raw grace in these pages like veins of gold running through black quartz.
A tale told in captivating prose of wild living, where human skin is no boundary for
either the beauty or cruelty of nature. A book studded with reflective wonder, wholly a story of the profound bonds of human love. The big woods of the Far North in all its naked majesty become an arena for the dueling forces of life: joy and suffering, good and evil, compassion and vengeance. Though the forest is isolated, this may be a story of the wilderness existing within us all. A story that won’t easily be forgotten as there is something enduring here. Immortal North.
This book is achingly beautiful. I will go so far as to compare it to Hemingway and Cormac McCarthy, not just in the highly descriptive style that both keeps you both at a distance and brings you deep into the character’s psyches, but the harshness of the situation. While not a book that is gory or even that violent, it’s a book fraught with tension from the opening lines. You read the entire thing with your heart in your throat. Even though you can guess what is going to happen, this doesn’t make it any less of a shock. In fact, the ominous tone of the novel is so pervasive the tension is as tight as a bowstring (hunting joke).
I rarely cry while reading books, but I cried twice in this novel. Not just a sniffle, but I had tears running down my cheeks. It’s such a raw novel that forces you to feel the emotions of the characters keenly.
It also has so many intricate and realistic details about surviving off the grid. The trapper and the boy (they don’t have names, which reminded me a lot of The Road—it also shares the same bleakness of tone) spend the first three-quarters of the novel living their usual life in the wilderness. This is interspersed with memories the trapper has of his deceased wife and his experiences growing up. As such, it falls into a semi-stream of consciousness style while also remaining firmly rooted in the wilderness. You intimately understand what their life is like—both the challenges and the rewards.
The novel is full of descriptions of the beauty of nature, of hunting, of animals being field dressed, and shows the positive aspects of ethical hunting. It also breaches the topic of toxic masculinity in hunting (which I thought was excellent).
The novel, for lack of a better word, is deep. It’s honestly the closest thing I’ve read to Hemingway in a modern novel. I absolutely loved it. It’s an amazing piece of literature and I can’t thank the publisher/author enough for the gratis copy. That ending … whew!
I highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in survivalism, enjoys stories of isolation, likes to have their heart shattered into a million pieces, and those who have love in their heart for the outdoors and the North.
Tired of reading book reviews? Check out our reviews in video form on our Youtube Channel!
| 0.96384 | 900 |
Parents and players alike were very impressed with all the trophies Premiers Awards supplied. Thanks very much for the great job you all do.
Thank you VERY much for the awards - for getting them here in plenty of time and they look amazing! To say I am happy is an understatement. Please pass on my thanks to your team.
Just to let you know I have received the trophy and it looks great! Thank you so much for your help.
Just wanted to say a big thank you for making the plate happen so quickly!
Bessemer Cookware has been dealing with Premier Awards since the 1980’s. They are accurate and reliable, well priced, and have a large selection of exciting designs. Most importantly my people love receiving their awards. I’d recommend them without hesitation.
Wow that was quick. Good work guys.
The team at Premier Awards have consistently been on the forefront of designing new sailing awards, both in their creative designs through to production and delivery, meeting the high expectations of an ever developing sport. Be it one hundred awards or a one off custom perpetual trophy, Premier Awards always impress
Thank you so much for the amazing work you both contributed to the production of our absolutely beautiful perpetual Jason Award. The finished product is much admired by the whole staff and we look forward to worthy names being added as the years go on. Yours sincerely in gratitude,
| 0.976783 | 283 |
America is once again called to lead the world against a new generation of threats. When we call on our warfighters, we must make certain they have the tools equal to the task. From the terror attacks in San Bernardino and Paris and the carnage in Iraq, Syria, and Libya, to the invasion and occupation of Ukraine, to the growing Taliban and ISIS threat to Afghanistan's fragile stability, to aggression in vital waterways like the South China Sea and the Persian Gulf, the tenuous peace we have worked so hard to secure around the world is slipping into chaos.
The peaceful international order America helped create at the end World War II, which endured despite Cold War tensions, was built on the foundation of a powerful American military, strong enough that no country dared test it.
Today, in the wake of President Obama's devastating defense cuts, that military is atrophying. Longer deployments, equipment in disrepair, and too many missions done with too few resources are symptoms of an Armed Forces that needs a healthy injection of support. Our military needs more funding — no one can deny that — but we cannot and must not simply throw money at the problem.
The Pentagon has grown thick with inefficiency and waste. The number of managers and administrators skyrocketed, even as the number of uniformed military personnel dropped. The time needed to design and field a new airplane has gone from a few months during World War II, to a few years during the Cold War, to several decades today.
Large weapons programs have frequently been canceled, many of them "5 yards from the goal line." After billions were spent in research and development costs, programs like the Comanche Helicopter, the Army Future Combat Systems, and the Joint Tactical Radio System were deemed too costly without ever having been deployed.
This is partly due to an unfettered passion for adding new military requirements. A "requirement" is a list of something that a new weapon must be able to do. Requirements for a new jet, for example, would list performance criteria like "fly at Mach 2" or "carry 20,000 lbs of ordnance." The lists were once simple. Today, as part of an unhealthy habit called "gold plating," they have grown out of control. A request for a new service pistol, for example, recently came in at 350 pages. If the requirements for something as simple as a handgun clock in at longer than a Tom Clancy novel, imagine the list for a new nuclear missile submarine.
Further, the way that the Pentagon allocates money is irrational. A study found that the Defense Department's logistics agency over-purchased equipment to the astounding tune of $7 billion dollars. One former Air Force officer told me that his squadron leadership would go on annual shopping sprees ahead of each fiscal year. Annual unit budgets were based on the prior year's spending, so the onus was on commanders to spend the same or more money each year. Otherwise, they'd face a budget cut. Flat screen TVs, this officer told me, were an easy way to get squadron spending up. Brand new televisions would often replace sets purchased just 11 months earlier.
The Pentagon is long overdue for reform, and we have a moral obligation to fix it. That's because the loser here isn't just the taxpayer. It's the soldiers with rifles in their hands and sand under their boots. Money needs to be spent intelligently and directed to our troops, who should never find themselves in desperate need of equipment that never made it to the front lines.
Last month, I introduced my plan to reform the Pentagon and its wayward spending practices. It calls for fewer civilian bureaucrats to free up resources for more uniformed military personnel — including 40,000 new soldiers and 4,000 new Marines. It mandates reductions in overhead and administrative costs. It requires greater competition for new programs, because competition is a proven tool that keeps costs down.
The plan would change the way we purchase equipment. It mandates a reduction in requirements for new equipment. Buying and flying a new jet, for example, shouldn't take more than 5-6 years. Upgrades can and should be made, but these can come after new equipment is already in service.
Senator John McCain and Congressman Mac Thornberry, chairmen of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, have devoted serious study to these problems and should be commended for their work. That, perhaps, is the most important part of my plan. Recognizing the expertise and role of Congress, and working closely with leaders there, is the only way a new president can fix this mess. Come January 2017, I intend to do precisely that.
Jeb Bush, Jeb Bush Campaign Press Release - Jeb: America Must Lead Against New Generation of Threats Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/312910
| 0.97015 | 998 |
Ross County midfielder Jamie Lindsay is preparing for the most important game of his career when the bottom-of-the-table Staggies host Partick Thistle tonight.
County are three points adrift of tonight’s opponents ahead of the Victoria Park encounter, with the opportunity to move above the Jags on goal difference with a victory.
A defeat would leave the Dingwall outfit trailing in their bid to avoid relegation to the Championship however and on-loan Celtic midfielder Lindsay, who spent last season with Morton, is well aware of what is at stake.
Lindsay said: “It’s massive – probably the biggest game I’ve played in.
“I played a Betfred Cup semi-final against Aberdeen and in the play-offs last season at Morton but, for what we want to do, this will probably decide where we’re going to be.
“If we win, we go ahead of them and it brings others back into it as well. Then we have Hibs and the last five games in our own hands.
“If we can get the win, it is the confidence and belief instilled in the group that carries us on.
“It is a big game for Partick as well, but we’ll be ready. Hopefully we can get the three points.
“It is mad thinking about the importance. If we think too much, we could get caught up in it. We just need to forget about that and be ready to perform.”
Lindsay returns to the fold for the Staggies tonight, having been forced to sit out Saturday’s 3-0 defeat against his parent club at Parkhead.
The 22-year-old has not played since the 2-2 draw against Hamilton Accies on March 17, when he made a goalscoring return from a two-month knee injury lay-off.
Lindsay insists it has been a frustrating period but he reflects fondly on his time with the Staggies so far, despite the Highlanders’ whirlwind season.
He added: “Even before sitting out Celtic, I was injured. Ever since Christmas time it has been a bit of a nightmare in terms of my own involvement.
“I’ve enjoyed it here though, it has been really good.
“Obviously, it has been a mad season. If somebody said to me, before I came, you would have three sets of managers in a season, I’d have said ‘I don’t think so’.
“For me it is all part of learning. I just need to deal with it. The stop-start aspect hasn’t been great, but overall I’ve really enjoyed it. It has been good living up here and the boys are brilliant.
“Ross County is a great club. The hardships can only help me for the future. I’m still young and it’s experience.
“There are boys in the dressing room have played for 10 or 15 years and never experienced anything like it, with three different management teams.
“Hopefully, at the end of it, we can keep the club up and it will be a good end to the season.”
Lindsay says County must not dwell on their defeat to Celtic, and feels they can take belief from their showing in their last home outing against Accies, adding: “Obviously the Celtic game is hard and nobody expected us to win. It would have been brilliant to take something but they’re beating everybody.
“Even though we didn’t get three points against Hamilton, it was encouraging. The first half was probably one of the most enjoyable of the season, in terms of how we played and the chances we created.
“The main thing after the game was everybody recognised we could definitely do it – we have the players and squad. It gave us a wee bit more belief.”
| 0.985927 | 832 |
Join us at the opening reception at the Portland Public Library, Friday Feb. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. Click here to register.
To see all our previous photo galleries, click here.
Jeanie Cannell and her stepdaughter Margaret Belanger gather their work clothes in the morning before heading inside the I-95 turnpike service plaza building in Kennebunk to change on July 21. Cannell, her husband, Roger Cannell, and Belanger have been homeless since they had to move out of an Old Orchard Beach winter rental three months ago. For the first month they lived in the van at a campground, but after summertime rates went into effect they could no longer afford it and moved the van to the service plaza. The women both work full-time at Cabela’s and have been looking for an apartment since long before they left Old Orchard Beach.
Roger Cannell sits at a picnic table at the turnpike service plaza while his wife and daughter sleep in the van on July 26. He is often unable to sleep because of near-constant pain from a devastating fall that ended his 29-year career as a dump truck driver. Cannell also has bladder cancer and goes to chemotherapy once a week.
Jeanie Cannell talks to a mechanic about a car repair at Seacoast Auto in Saco. The family brought their SUV to Seacoast because they could buy and bring in the parts themselves, meaning the shop will only charge for labor. The Cannells have no choice but to spend money to fix the car – it is their lifeline, allowing them to get to and from work, buy food and get to doctor appointments that they can’t miss.
The family sleeps inside the van near the electric car chargers at the service plaza on July 20. They always leave their van at the plaza and drive their car to work and appointments. Jeanie said that is because they can’t afford having anything happen to the van on the road.
Margaret Belanger gives her father, Roger Cannell, one of his multiple daily pills after waking up in the morning on July 21. Roger needs the women’s help to do many things, but they leave him alone at the service plaza when they go to work. If he has doctor’s appointments, he will take the car, or sit outside Cabela’s and wait for their shifts to end.
Jeanie and Roger Cannell wait to be called to see the doctor at a medical appointment for Roger’s doctor appointment on Aug. 2. Roger was prescribed more medicine to manage his near constant pain from injuries sustained in a fall.
Belanger helps her father, Roger Cannell, slowly and safely cross the railroad tracks as two girls go around them after the couple ate dinner in Old Orchard Beach on July 22. The family has to eat meals out because they have no kitchen or refrigerator.
A woman who also was living at the turnpike plaza and preferred not to be identified, was helping the Cannells search for affordable housing. She comforts Roger Cannell as he slumps over and begins to cry from his chronic pain as the sun rises above the service plaza on July 21. Roger said the pain is worst in the morning after getting out of the cramped van. His pain medication has not been working and he hoped to go back to his doctor and try something new.
Jeanie Cannell wipes husband Roger Cannell’s face outside the hotel they spent the night in on July 25. The family stayed at the Kennebunk hotel the night before, paid for by a person who read their story in the Portland Press Herald, and the owner said he would put them up in a room for one more night. The three each got their own bed and Roger said he felt like he was finally able to get some sleep.
Jeanie Cannell brings her husband a piece of peanut butter toast after making his lunch in the RV. The RV was loaned to them for about a month by a couple who read their story in the Portland Press Herald.
Jeanie Cannell, her husband, Roger Cannell, and daughter Margaret Belanger drive by homes in Old Orchard Beach while running errands. Roger commented on the house saying, “I bet a house like that now costs $300,000.”
Jeanie Cannell stands outside the hotel room in Kennebunk where she and her husband were living on Nov. 13. The couple moved into the hotel from an RV park in mid-October. They stopped applying for rental properties because they were trying to secure a loan for a mortgage to buy a trailer and were told they should not have their credit score checked with apartment applications during that time. The couple felt that buying their own place, rather than renting, may prevent them from ever ending up in this situation again.
Jeanie Cannell checks on Roger as he watches television inside their room on Nov. 13. Jeanie said they knew they could live at the motel until spring if they needed too, but after April the summer rates would kick in and they wouldn’t be able to afford it. Roger’s daughter Margaret had left two months earlier to be with family in another state.
Jeanie Cannell is comforted by her daughter-in-law as she cries outside the hotel they have been living in since the beginning of October. “I just want to live a normal life,” Cannell said through tears. The couple was ultimately denied a loan for a trailer a few weeks later.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
| 0.984633 | 1,159 |
Follow on Google News News By Tag Industry News News By Location Country(s) Industry News
Follow on Google News | Proposal to Regulate PFAS in Products in the US State of MaineA proposed rule has been released by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to implement its law regulating PFAS in products.
By: SGS The law aims to protect human, animal and environmental health from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), so-called 'forever chemicals'. It was originally enacted in July 2021 and revised in April 2024. Various sales prohibitions for products containing PFAS and reporting requirements in cases of currently unavoidable use (CCU) have been included. The proposed new rule, 38 MRSA §1614, filed under Chapter 90: Products Containing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances' was announced in December 2024 and is open for comments until January 28, 2025. Among the important provisions that the proposed rule would implement are: - Additional definitions, such as 'consumer products', 'electronics' and 'resilient floor covering' - Additional explanations to definitions given in the law, such as 'cookware product' and 'cosmetic product' - Further details for reporting requirements for products subjected to a CUU determination SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to inform stakeholders about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 007.25 includes useful information about proposals for CUU determinations and additional reporting requirements. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 007.25 for more details. SGS chemical testing SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing (https://www.sgs.com/ SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Maine Proposes Rule to Regulate PFAS in Products (https://www.sgs.com/ Subscribe today (http://www.sgs.com/ For further information contact: Melanie Tamayo Senior Technical Manager, North America Tel: +1 (312) 414-9394 Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: (+852) 2774 7420 Website: www.sgs.com/ LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products (https://www.linkedin.com/ About SGS SGS is the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We operate a network of over 2,700 laboratories and business facilities across 119 countries, supported by a team of 99,250 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance. ContactBen Christie
| 0.931671 | 595 |
The Republican Party is selecting a presidential candidate:
article we are going to answer these questions:
*Who is Donald Trump?
his pending lawsuits?
chance does he have of winning the US presidency?
election as president in 2016, Trump has held a prominent position in the
Republican Party. But in the 2020 election, Democrat Biden defeated him.
Republican primary elections must be held in order to choose a new candidate
for the 2024 presidential run-off. It seems unlikely that another Democrat will
really challenge Biden.
a businessman and real estate developer who owned, operated, or had his name
licensed to hotels, casinos, golf courses, resorts, and residential complexes
in the New York City region and abroad.
(Fred) Christ Trump, a successful real estate entrepreneur, and Mary MacLeod
had five children together, with Trump being the fourth. Maryanne Trump Barry,
Donald's oldest sister, eventually worked as a federal district court judge
(1983–1999) and, after that, as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
Third Circuit until she retired in 2011. Frederick, Jr. (Freddy), his older
brother, began working for his father's company in the 1950s before going on to
become an airline pilot in the 1960s. Freddy passed away prematurely in 1981 at
the age of 43 as a result of his alcoholism.
boarding school New York Military Academy served as Donald Trump's first
educational institution from 1959 to 1964. He then attended Fordham University
in the Bronx from 1964 to 1966 and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton
School of Finance and Commerce from 1966 to 1968, where he earned a bachelor's
degree in economics. He received a diagnosis of bone spurs during the Vietnam
War in 1968, which made him eligible for a medical discharge from the service.
declared his intention to run for president of the United States in 2016 in
June 2015. Trump campaigned on the promise to "make America great
again," a slogan heavily promoted on the red hats he and his
supporters wore at his rallies. Although Trump's opponents despised them, the
red hats were one of the best examples of color branding in marketing history.
He also pledged to create millions of new jobs, punish American businesses that
export jobs abroad, repeal Obama's signature legislation, and more.
Affordable Care Act (ACA); to revive the U.S. coal industry; to significantly
lessen lobbyist influence in Washington, D.C. ("drain the swamp"); to
withdraw the United States from the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change; to
impose tariffs on nations that are allegedly engaged in unfair trade practices;
to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to prevent illegal immigration
from Latin America; and to ban immigration by Muslims. In Crippled America: How
to Make America Great Again (2015), Trump brooded over these concerns as well
his current and pending legal cases?
18 other defendants were accused in Atlanta in a complex RICO case for
attempting to void Georgia's election results. In response to his election
challenges, the Justice Department filed a separate lawsuit against him in
Washington, DC. The Justice Department filed 37 counts against him in Florida
for handling sensitive information after he left the White House. And he is
facing 34 criminal counts of falsifying business records in New York.
meantime, E. Jean Carroll, the magazine writer who triumphed in a civil trial
against Trump for sexual assault and defamation this past May, is preparing to
bring a second defamation case against him.
Trump received the first federal indictment of a former president, a year after
the FBI discovered hundreds of sensitive documents at Mar-a-Lago. He was
accused with 37 offenses, including conspiracy to impede justice and deliberate
retention of national defense secrets. Then, in July, prosecutors released a
superseding indictment against Trump in which they added three more allegations
and claimed that he conspired with two workers to delete evidence-gathering
security camera footage. By the time Trump's trial starts in the spring of
2019, the Republican primary will probably be completed and the general
election against Joe Biden will have started.
became the first former president to be charged with a crime after a grand jury
decided to indict him on March 30. In order to keep Stormy Daniels from
disclosing her account of an alleged prior affair with Trump during his 2016
campaign, Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, paid her $130,000. According
to Cohen, Trump ordered him to make the transaction, paid him back over time
for the expense, then falsified the Trump Organization's financial records to
hide it. As a result of how the payments to Cohen were reported by the Trump
Organization, 34 felony counts of first-degree business record falsification
were brought against Trump after his surrender in Manhattan. The restrictions
set forth by Judge Juan Merchan prevent Trump from retaining evidence.
chance does he have of winning the US presidency?
There is a very real possibility that
Trump will be elected again.
By “Harry Enten” CNN
Trump Actually Has a Good Chance of
Regaining the Presidency
Yes, he can prevail.
By “Rich Lowry” Politico
Yes, Donald Trump is eligible to run
for office again in 2024.
| 0.978227 | 1,125 |
A key economic question over the next few years is whether the rise in inflation across developed countries represents a temporary blip or the new normal. If temporary, then central bankers can look through it and keep monetary policy easy, buoying equity markets and allowing bond yields to remain low. But if sustained, central banks would have to hike interest rates.
This could not only cause an equity market correction but also generate “stagflation”—a combination of high inflation and low growth—against which central banks have no good tools. The scenario is unlikely even in the US, where fiscal stimulus more plausibly threatens to drive prices higher. But it is dramatic enough that it should be on investors’ radars.
An acceleration of inflation as the global economy opened back up was both predictable and predicted. As lockdowns were eased and demand surged, supply struggled to keep up. But there are reasons to believe that price rises will not be sustained. It is nearly impossible to have a true price spiral without a wage spiral, and despite anecdotes in the US about signing bonuses and new perks for employees, these are temporary boosts; wage hikes have been far less common. According to the small business survey NFIB, far more firms anticipate raising prices than wages over the next three months. The expectations index published by Conference Board, the business researchers, reveals that while the proportion of consumers anticipating incomes to rise over the next six months has risen moderately, it remains well below historical averages.
Consumer- and market-based inflation expectations are elevated in the short term but they remain well-anchored in the medium term. Some of the major drivers of the recent rise in prices—such as industrial metals, lumber and copper—have flattened out. Moreover, many structural downward pressures on wages and prices, such as digitisation, automation and online retail have accelerated during the pandemic.
So far, major central banks have stayed sanguine. At the last meeting of the Federal Reserve’s rate-setting committee in July, the chairman Jerome Powell once again suggested that recent inflation is transitory. In August the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee predicted an acceleration to 4 per cent—well above its 2 per cent target—but suggested inflation would converge with its target next year. This has been validated by recent figures, with consumer price inflation decelerating to 2 per cent year-on-year in July.
If inflation does indeed settle back down, rates can stay low, which should support financial markets. If it is sustained, policy will have to change and there will soon be attempts to engineer a soft landing. This is something that the Fed and other developed central banks have a terrible track record of doing.
With the Delta variant and the risk of new vaccine-resistant strains potentially impairing growth in the second half of 2021 and beyond, there is some risk of stagflation. This is not the base scenario, but it could impact earnings expectations, sparking a correction in equity markets. Moreover, it could affect relative performance. Low inflation and low rates saw “growth stocks” such as technology outperform “value stocks” such as utilities. Sustained inflation and higher rates would likely reverse this trend.
| 0.957579 | 652 |
I didn't attempt to learn to ski until I was in my forties. And after getting over being terrified at a 3 degree hill, I worked my way up to gaining confidence on any catwalk they threw at me at Beaver Creek Colorado. For those non-skiers, a catwalk is a road, the easiest non-threatening way down for beginners.
I remember well the idea that I could be happy the rest of my skiing days on those catwalks. I was having fun, I felt confident, I had accomplished something. But over time I got bored. Others were zooming around me with bigger smiles than I had. And so the saga moves forward until I was able to ski even the hardest they had to offer.
I see this same stepping stone progression in high end audio as well. Some start out happy on their earbuds and iPods. Like me learning to ski, they are having fun and enjoying the music without ever wishing for more. Until then they get a taste of something better. Perhaps in their cars, or a friend's house and they realize there's more pleasure buried in their music than they ever imagined. Then they take the next step.
Their horizons lift as if a fog had pulled up exposing a hint of sunshine.
From the newest iPod listener to the craziest obsessive Audiophile I have ever met, our endless ability to continue reaching higher levels of musical enjoyment never ceases to amaze me.
It's one of the reasons I am rarely surprised when the next tweak or change gets me to a place I thought I'd never reach.
Each stone we step on isn't one closer to an end, but a door to the next stone.
| 0.979091 | 346 |
The Sound of Temperature: What Information do Pouring Sounds Convey Concerning the Temperature of a Beverage
Velasco C., Spence C., Jones R., King S.
We report a series of three experiments designed to assess the extent to which people can infer the temperature of water on the basis of the sound that can be heard when it is poured from one vessel into another. Experiment 1 demonstrates that people can tell whether water is hot or cold solely on the basis of the sound that it makes when poured into a receptacle made from one of four different materials (glass, porcelain, paper and plastic). Experiment 2 reveals the existence of an implicit association between the pouring sounds and the notion of a particular temperature (hot or cold). Finally, experiment 3 demonstrates that the perception of temperature can be changed by artificially modifying the sonic properties of the sound that hot and cold water makes when poured into a receptacle. Potential applications for these results in terms of sensory marketing and modernist dining are discussed. Practical Applications: The idea that temperature is a multisensory construct could be of particular interest to contexts such as food and drink perception, media (e.g., radio, television and digital environments), electronic drinks dispensers and household appliances, where the apparent temperature of a beverage could potentially be modified in order to create (or modify) particular consumption experiences. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
| 0.919318 | 284 |
One of the most renowned educational boards in India is the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). It offers a clear assessment system and an organised curriculum. Although there are many educational boards in India, CBSE offers special features that support the balanced skill and knowledge development of students. This article highlights seven distinctive features of CBSE-affiliated schools in Delhi NCR. Each element helps students become better learners by furthering their overall development. A holistic and uniform educational system is provided by CBSE schools. They are different from other boards due to their focus on skill development, continuous assessment, and application-based learning. Their emphasis on bilingual education and national exam preparation further adds to their appeal. In addition, state-of-the-art infrastructure and resources give students the tools to succeed. Although state boards offer advantages, parents and students who want a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the future choose CBSE because of its distinctive features.
| 0.970565 | 191 |
Considering launching an Advantage+ campaign? These are the things you need to know first...
Picture this…it's 2022, you go to set up a manual sales campaign and the following prompt pops up on your screen:
Fast forward 2 years, and Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns are still the talk of the town when it comes to meta advertising. If you’re new here and haven’t the faintest clue what we’re talking about, allow us to explain. As Meta’s primary AI product offering, Advantage+ Shopping leverages the power of machine learning to help advertisers reach ideal customers more efficiently.
Sounds like a no brainer right? BUT there’s a catch. You see, not all Advantage+ campaigns are created equal. So before you go turning off all your manual sales campaigns and dedicating your entire budget to Advantage+, let’s delve into some things you need to consider before putting all your eggs into the Advantage+ basket.
This first point is arguably the most important, so listen up. One way to determine whether your Meta Ad account will benefit from an Advantage+ campaign is to consider the overall health of the Meta pixel. Think of your pixel like a fine wine - the older it is, the better. Why? Because the longer it sits on your website gathering dust, the more time it’s had to collect data on your website visitors. What this does is gives the meta AI a feel for who your customer is, so by the time you decide to send the meta AI minions off to find your ideal customer, they’re not going in completely blind. Rather, they’re using that information on your ideal customer and using it as a blueprint to find more.
So, if you’re dealing with a brand new ad account and an unseasoned pixel, best to train the pixel up through interest-based targeting before you trust it to seek out your ideal customer itself.
Another misconception surrounding Advantage+ is that you need to bombard it with as much creative as possible. While it’s true you’re going to want a significant number of ads in your campaign, you want to be sure that the creative you're submitting has been previously tested and proven to be a guaranteed money-maker. The only way to do this is to dedicate time and money to testing multiple variations of the same ad first, and finding a winner before scaling it in your Advantage+.
Lastly, in what will come as a surprise to no-one, the more daily budget you put into your Advantage+ campaign, the more you’re going to get out of it. The bigger the audience, the more budget required, and given you’re casting the net far and wide with Advantage+, you’re going to need a significant sum to reap the benefits.
How do we know this? Because we experienced it first-hand with one of our clients! When viral Aussie cleaning brand Clean Like a Pro first joined the Pulp community, they had never advertised on Meta before. This meant we were dealing with a new Pixel AND a ad account. Immediately, we knew it wasn’t quite time for Advantage+. So, for the first 3 months of advertising we worked on nurturing the pixel by directing interest-based audiences to the website. After 3 months of successful advertising and an increase in monthly spend, we opted into Advantage+ alongside our manual sales campaigns. Let’s just say the results speak for themselves….
In a nutshell, if you’ve got a seasoned pixel, winning creatives and a significant budget to play, you’ve got all the ingredients to create a deliciously successful Advantage+ campaign. If, on the other hand, you're dealing with a fresh account and pixel, you’re better off investing your precious pennies in interest-based targeting before jumping into the deep end.
Attribution is the marketing phenomenon that has marketers/business owners in a chokehold. Let's discuss.
Make sure you're checking these 5 columns when assessing your ad performance...
| 0.945372 | 834 |
A gigantic mural tribute to the Canadian punk hero will be unveiled in Edmonton, Canada, on July 16 – the first anniversary of his death.
Starting in mid-June, muralists Lacey Jane and Layla Folkmann will set paint to brick in a piece they’re calling Larger Than Life, filling the entire east side of The Buckingham at 10439 82 Ave in Edmonton, Canada.
Its main image will be based on a photo of the late SNFU frontman by Edmonton photographer Jerry Cordiero and crowd-sourced shots of Mr. Chi Pig (born Ken Chinn) with cartoon images he would often draw and gift to people to be remembered.
“We’re going to have it intertwined and weaved with his drawings as a continuous compositional element,” explains Folkmann. “And bright colours, like something loud. We just want to make it punk rock,” she told the Edmonton Journal.
Lacey Jane describes first seeing the singer-showman in action. “I was 16, an all-ages show at Red’s. It was a little frightening, but also really awesome — wearing this crazy pig head, just flying across the stage, spitting on everybody,” she laughs.
When the two muralists ran an initial GoFundMe campaign for their mural, they had a lot of feedback from fans and friends. “It was really important for some people to see him in his youth.” Jane said
Jane notes, countless fans have already connected with them. “These amazing stories have come out about him skateboarding around Edmonton as a teenager. There’s so many facets to his life — really positive and prolific and musically-inclined and artistically-inclined.
The two artists recently also finished a smaller wall mural of the Chi Pig in his trademark dollar-store pig hat on the wall of the Cambie in Vancouver in November.
“Everybody knew him in that neighbourhood,” says Folkmann. “We were really blown away with the amount of people that came up to us to thank us and to pay their respects. He was a pillar of that area.”
Both agree it’s an honour, and feel the weight of responsibility for getting it right.
“We don’t want to minimize the fact that he was also a complete weirdo. He had such an audacity that it’s going be meaningful for people that are fans of Chi,” Jane told the Canadian newspaper.
“But for younger generations,” she says, “or generations outside of the punk rock communities, we still want them to be able to see this and go, ‘Who is that?’”
Main Chi Pig Photo by Jerry Cordiero
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Punktuation Magazine For All Your Daily Punk News, Features, Interviews, Lifestyle and more!
| 0.963204 | 789 |
These Dresses Look Amazing and Keep You Stylish Always
Are you looking for some best and stylish dresses to update your collection of dresses? If yes, then it will be wise for you to spend on something that will last for long and the design will never become outdated. You can go for statement sleeves; versatile designs pop of colours, edgy silhouettes and more that will never fail to keep you funky, stylish and fresh. Now, let’s have a look at some best dresses that you can buy this season.
- Pleated maxi dresses
Looking for a perfect dress for your formal event? Well, there is no need to think about this that much as you can go for a pleated maxi dress for this. They come in different patterns and design. You can choose a dress with oversized sleeves, or you can go for the sleeveless option. Such dresses are perfect for a wedding party and office. For a trendy look, go for a pair of beautiful ankle booties.
- Try out the layered maxi dress
When it comes to buying a stylish as well as a feminine dress, you can always go for ruffled layered maxi dresses. These are trendy and timeless and will never fail to offer you a stunning supper look. No matter what is the occasion, they will be your perfect companion. From garden party to brunch, wear this anytime you want.
- Midi dress
This is a type of dress that comes between a mini and a maxi dress. When you don’t have any idea about what to wear for an event, this dress will come to your rescue. Such a dress may have a neckline or may come with sleeve length. No matter what is the shape of your body, such dresses will take your beauty to the next level. For an ideal winter look, combine ankles and tights. Try it out now.
- Sequin mini dresses
It’s time to show off your style and brighten the whole word with mini sequin dresses, especially the multi-coloured options. Such dresses are perfect for any semi-formal events. During the day time, you may prefer to go for the sleeveless option and when the temperature drops, choose the turtleneck dress. When you have such a dress, you will look great with minimal accessories.
- Puff sleeve dress
Funky and stylish, the puff dresses are getting popular among women. The oversized appearance will effectively cinch your waist, and you can wear it throughout the day without any discomfort. A simple pair of earnings and neckless will be enough to make you look amazing. Just try it out now, and you will find yourself looking cute and stylish. Go for it now.
| 0.942824 | 560 |
Are you looking forward to purchasing some good kratom stains?
Do you want to use it because you want to avail the several benefits it has got to offer to you?
Are you not sure which manufacturer is the best one and who would be the ideal for buying the best kratom?
If so, then here we are to tell you that Kratom For Sale in Toronto is easily available and can be used with care to get the benefits that it promises.
But choosing the appropriate manufacturer is also something very important because the world is full of scams and it is not easy to find a good manufacturer without doing some homework.
To help you out on the task, here we are with a few tips that will help you recognize, whether you want to trust the source for kratom or not. Take a look at these tips and know for yourself.
Get to know the business well
When you want to buy kratom from some online source, make sure that you have a good feel for their business. For this, you can take a good look at their website and find out what they have got and what they offer. The About Us section is the one where you can take a look at the various aspects of their business.
Check for lab-tested products
The next thing to do is to check whether the products of the company are lab-tested or not. If some third party has tested the kratom products in their lab, then you need not trust them for their services. Rather you should check the products for the contaminants yourself.
Check quality control
Another way to make sure whether you are getting kratom from the right place or not is to check their practices for quality control and what measures they are taking to ensure quality. The better the quality control practices are, the better your chances of getting the best kratom and its products.
Once you have fulfilled all these steps, you will be able to enjoy several perks of the best quality products of kratom. Once you have got the best kind of kratom, you can now use it for treating a good number of medical and psychological issues.
| 0.970267 | 429 |
The Steak ‘n Shake Company (NYSE: SNS) and its auditors have concluded that the accounting for leases arising from build-to-suit and sale and leaseback transactions should be changed to more fully reflect the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 98, “Accounting for Leases” (SFAS No. 98).
Because the leases provide for the purchase or substitution of properties at the end of lease terms (including extensions), the company is considered to have continued involvement and must consider them financing leases. As a result, the new accounting calls for cash proceeds from these transactions to be accounted for as a “finance obligation”, reflected as a liability and amortized over the life of the related lease and the related assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. This accounting requires that the lease payments be recorded as interest expense and debt repayment as opposed to rent expense.
Diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2001 were restated as $0.72 rather than the $0.76 originally reported. Diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2002 were restated as $0.83 rather than the $0.86 originally reported.
Steak ‘n Shake says it intends to renegotiate and amend these leases to remove the two provisions which triggered the technical interpretation of these leases as financing leases.
| 0.971488 | 276 |
The University of Aberdeen hosted the launch of the Subsurface Task Force (STF) at an event that took place at the Science Teaching Hub this week.
The independent advisory group aims to promote the responsible use of storage and energy resources to ensure energy security, reduce emissions and deliver societal and economic value.
Professor John Underhill, Director of the University’s Centre for Energy Transition and STF member, said:
“It was a privilege to host the Subsurface Task Force, which is focused on tackling the challenges of energy security, equity, environmental sustainability and climate compatibility.
“The STF’s priorities include geological storage, decarbonising the oil and gas industry and the skills and training needs to deliver the energy transition.”
The Subsurface Task Force’s (STF) purpose is to promote responsible use of storage and energy
resources to ensure the UK’s energy security, reduce emissions and deliver societal and economic value.
It was relaunched at an event hosted by the University of Aberdeen yesterday (15th May), ahead of a major conference being held in the city, the Energy Geoscience Conference.
The body has been established as a natural evolution of the Exploration Task Force which was established in 2015 with the aim of maintaining exploration and appraisal activity, producing insightful policy papers recommending continued investment in the UK upstream sector.
While the STF continues to support lower-emissions oil and gas exploration and production activity in the North Sea, it increasingly focuses on carbon capture and storage (CCS) and gas storage projects. Last year, it collaborated on a report containing proposals to support the growth of CCS to help the UK meet emissions reduction targets.
The STF’s three priority areas are geological storage, domestic oil and gas, and subsurface skills, with a primary focus on early-stage activities. These include screening, exploration and appraisal of storage and hydrocarbon resources, and spatial planning to ensure efficient use of offshore acreage.
The group will also play an important role in identifying future opportunities, for example, hydrogen storage, as well as geothermal energy production. In addition, it will soon publish a report into the expected demand for geoscience skills as the energy transition gathers pace, along with several recommendations for meeting those requirements.
Members are drawn from a range of stakeholders, including exploration and production and CCS companies, trade associations, regulators, technology developers, supply chain companies and academia.
The STF has broadened its membership by attracting additional CCS industry representatives and other users of the seabed.
Visit www.subsurfacetaskforce.org.uk/ for more information.
Notes for Editors
Notes for Editors | Taken from the University of Aberdeen, School of Geosciences website. The University of Aberdeen published this article here on 17 May 2023. |
Reference | https://www.abdn.ac.uk/geosciences/news/17022/ |
Published | Wednesday May 17th, 2023 |
| 0.944231 | 623 |
College Catalog: 2015-2016
School of Social Science and Human Services (SSHS)
- Environmental Studies (B.A.)
- Law and Society (B.A.)
- Psychology (B.A.)
- Social Science (B.A.)
Concentrations: - Social Work (B.S.W.)
- Sociology (B.A.)
- Environmental Studies
- Food Studies
- Substance Abuse
- Women’s and Gender Studies
Other programs offered by the Center for Innovative and Professional Learning (CIPL):
The School of Social Science and Human Services (SSHS) offers a rich and varied curriculum with well-prepared courses and plenty of opportunities for fieldwork and experiential learning. Our educational philosophy is based on the following set of core values about education and life.
To understand the complex worlds of people, at the level of individuals, small groups or whole societies or civilizations, it is imperative to have a sound historical grounding. History informs us how things came to be and, by implication, what constraints we face in trying to effect social change. Among the requirements for a Social Science and Human Services degree are introductory and upper level courses designed to mold historically and socially informed graduates.
Social awareness and insight is enhanced, and manifested, in our willingness to give back to our respective communities, as students, as educators, as human beings. Positive societal transformation occurs to the extent that an informed citizenry cares, and gets actively involved. The School of Social Science and Human Services tries to foster such convictions through, among other things, fieldwork, co-op, service learning and volunteer opportunities as well as first-rate classroom preparation.
Learning does not merely take place in the classroom. At least as important as listening to professors lecturing, are the direct “life experiences” each one of us has in our respective communities, provided these are accompanied by proper guidance and reflection. Again, this is the object of guided fieldwork, service learning, co-op and independent study experiences, all of which are essential elements in the overall education offered in our school.
As we envision the 21st century, technology is bringing the people of the world increasingly closer to each other. More than ever in human history this century will force us to tackle issues of cultural and experiential diversity, as well as the ecological interdependency that these developments bring. This will require ever greater sensitivity to and understanding of the varieties of human sensibility and experience, within as well as outside our own culture. Students affiliated with the School of Social Sciences and Human Services will be exposed to insightful analyses of prevailing societal patterns which affect cultural relations and insight, such as divisions based on race, gender, disability, social class, national origin and differing cultural backgrounds. They will learn to critically read and incisively evaluate the great number of social science facts and information provided by the major media, through courses in social issues and scientific methodology as well as through practical experiences that foster social, psychological, statistical and ecological literacy.
The twelve credit program of Core courses, required of all students who graduate from the School of Social Science and Human Services, reflect the above goals.
Required Core Courses
History of Social Thought
Consistent with the school’s mission and its expression in the core, students affiliated with the School of Social Science and Human Services are offered a rich selection of choices among majors, minors and concentrations which reflect the diversity of human endeavor. Leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree there are majors in Africana Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Law and Society, and Environmental Studies. In consultation with a sponsoring faculty member a student can design a personalized “Contract Major” in Social Science, with a Concentration defined by a course of study fitted to the student’s specific needs. Reflecting the emphasis on practice, the School offers a rigorous major in Social Work (for the BSW degree), as well as a rapidly growing Certification program in Teacher Education for students who want to become Secondary or Elementary school teachers. Minors are offered in Women’s Studies, Africana Studies, Latin-American Studies and Gerontology, as well as in most of the majors listed above.
| 0.944212 | 860 |
The Visual Arts Major offers a multidisciplinary education in the arts with advanced study in one specialization. Students may choose courses in art history, game design and interactivity, 3-D modeling and animation, drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and video. At the upper level, students specialize Kresge and Pascal Galleries in a chosen concentration. Their senior year culminates with a thesis exhibition in the Ramapo College Galleries.
The major begins with the core program of four courses: art and technology, sculpture, photography, and either drawing or painting. Students then take art history courses and a range of studio courses leading to study in their area of specialization. After 20 credits of advanced, specialized study, students take Senior Thesis Exhibition and Art History concentrations take Advanced Research Projects. Visual Arts students also enjoy many opportunities to earn college credit as interns, working with artists or art organizations. In addition, courses with field work components provide opportunities for experiential learning in specific areas of student interest. Ramapo students have consistently developed competitive portfolios which have enabled them to advance their studies in graduate school, enter the professional art world, and work in art-related fields such as Art Therapy. We offer a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts joint program with the Master of Counseling with a Mental Health Counseling/Art Therapy Specialization at Caldwell University.
Many of our students successfully participate in the teacher education certification program and find employment in elementary and secondary schools.
The Visual Arts are taught within a liberal arts context that makes the study and practice of art relevant to non-majors as well as majors. The study of art not only improves creative problem-solving, self-confidence in expression and enhances aesthetic satisfaction, but also reveals the social, political and ideological concerns of the culture that produces it. The art history curriculum in particular, develops this understanding, allowing the student to make essential connections among the world, the work of art, the artist, and the viewer. In addition, The College Galleries, directed by Sydney Jenkins, are an important teaching component of the major, bringing nationally recognized artists and curators to the college.
Members of the Visual Arts faculty are all nationally or internationally recognized active professionals who bring the understanding and immediacy of such experience to students. Ramapo attracts art students who want to challenge themselves within a supportive community of dedicated professionals. Students enjoy an intensively creative atmosphere and have greater opportunities for close mentoring from faculty than is usually the case in schools with large art departments.
Students with academic and career interests outside the designated areas of specialization may elect to design a Contemporary Arts contract major to help fulfill their goals. Visual Arts faculty can provide information regarding offerings in the areas of Arts Management, and related art activities contained within the Arts in Community contract major.
Students completing this program receive a B.A. degree.
The Visual Arts Teaching Certification program, certifying students to teach art in grades K through 12, involves a combined course of study in Teacher Certification together with the Fine Arts/Visual Arts Major. Students should refer to the guidelines for the Teacher Certification Program description in this Catalog and seek faculty advisement. Students can also elect to obtain certification in Elementary Education through the Fine Arts Visual Arts major.
The Visual Arts program is located in the Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts in the Sculpture Studio. The Berrie Center houses spacious, well-equipped art studios where students can study both traditional and contemporary approaches to painting, drawing, and photography, as well as 3D printing, intro game design, video, and animation. The sculpture studio, built as a separate structure, provides facilities for metal casting, welding, traditional fabrication and digital fabrication, as well as space for modeling and carving. The Ramapo College Art Galleries emphasize exhibitions of contemporary art in all media and provide opportunities for student learning in gallery and museum practice.
Ramapo College and Caldwell University have partnered to create a joint degree program whereby students who meet specified admissions requirements will be admitted to Ramapo College’s Visual Arts program with a concentration in either Drawing and Painting with Art Therapy or Sculpture with Art Therapy and provisionally admitted to Caldwell University’s Masters of Counseling with a Mental Health Counseling/Art Therapy Specialization. Admitted students will receive specific advisement and will be monitored at prescribed benchmarks so they are on track to meet all the criteria of Caldwell’s graduate program. Once students meet all these requirements, they will be fully admitted to the graduate program.
| 0.949084 | 916 |
The Rise of High Ticket Sales
Unveiling the High Ticket Sales Landscape
High ticket sales have revolutionized the way businesses operate. Gone are the days of focusing solely on mass sales; instead, companies are now setting their sights on high ticket items. This shift in strategy allows businesses to maximize their profits by targeting a select group of high-value clients.
The Role of High Ticket Closers
At the heart of high ticket sales success lies the High Ticket Closer. These professionals possess the unique ability to turn hesitant prospects into enthusiastic buyers. Their finesse in communication, persuasion, and negotiation makes them indispensable assets to any business looking to thrive in the competitive world of high ticket sales.
The Art of Hiring a Closer
Why Hiring a Closer Matters
In today’s market, hiring a closer can make or break your sales efforts. These individuals are experts in sealing the deal, ensuring that your potential clients don’t slip through the cracks. They are the final piece of the puzzle, turning leads into revenue.
The Search for Closers: Closers for Hire
When you need a closer to join your team, the market offers a wide array of professionals ready to step into the role. “Closers for hire” services have become increasingly popular, allowing businesses to access top talent without the need for a lengthy hiring process. This cost-effective and efficient solution ensures that you have a skilled closer in your corner when you need one.
Mastering the Art of High Ticket Closing
High Ticket Closing: A Strategic Approach
High ticket closing is not about pushing products or services onto potential clients. It’s about building relationships, understanding needs, and crafting tailored solutions. The high ticket closer excels at showcasing the unique value of your offerings and guiding clients towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
High Ticket Remote Closing Sales
In a world that has embraced remote work, high ticket sales have adapted accordingly. High ticket remote closing sales have become a game-changer. With the right technology and a skilled remote closer, businesses can close high-value deals regardless of geographical boundaries.
The Irreplaceable Role of Sales Closers
Sales Closers: Your Revenue Boosters
Sales closers are the driving force behind your revenue growth. They possess the expertise to navigate complex sales processes, handle objections with finesse, and secure commitments. Whether you’re selling products, services, or solutions, having a talented sales closer on your team is a strategic advantage.
The Power of Persuasion
Sales closers are masters of persuasion. They employ a variety of techniques and approaches to influence potential clients positively. Their ability to connect on a personal level and address concerns head-on ensures a higher conversion rate and a more satisfied client base.
In conclusion, the world of high ticket sales and closers is a dynamic and transformative one. Adam Cerra Reviews has explored the vital components of this ecosystem, from high ticket sales strategies to the crucial role of closers. By harnessing the power of high ticket closers and remote sales, businesses can thrive in the modern marketplace and secure their position as industry leaders.
| 0.919945 | 646 |
Greg Norman had a great sporting career. Anyone making a list of the best Australian golfers might conclude that only Peter Thomson, who won The Open five times but never triumphed in America, rivals him for the top place.
Now aged sixty-seven, he is making a sad spectacle of himself. As the organizer, or at least figurehead, of the Saudi breakaway tour, he is clearly a man out of his depth or, to put it mildly, a bloody fool.
There are questions that anyone promoting a sports enterprise financed by Saudi Arabia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund shouldn’t ignore and, in any case, can’t dodge: the murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, for instance.
A United Nations rapporteur and the CIA have claimed that the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, ordered, or at least gave his approval, to the killing. The Crown Prince is also chairman of the Sovereign Wealth Fund, which is paying Norman to front the new tour. So what was his response?
“Everybody has owned up to it, right? It has been spoken about, from what I’ve read, going on what you guys have reported. Take ownership, no matter what it is. Look, we’ve all made mistakes and you just want to learn from these mistakes and how you can correct them going forward..”
Undoubtedly, Khashoggi made a big mistake entering that consulate, but there’s no way the poor guy can learn from it. Conversely, it may well be that the Crown Prince has indeed learned from it, to the extent at least of trying to improve his image by engaging in what we have come to call “sportswashing”, with Norman as its Persil-clean face.
You might think that he might have been better prepared for questions about the murder, for surely the $255 million LIV GolfI Invitation Series can afford to hire some PR person who is smarter than the great golfer and capable of supplying him with a better line rather than leaving him to sink.
Apparently not, however. Evidence of intelligent PR was conspicuous only by its absence in the car-crash press conference, for when he was then asked, as might have been expected, how he felt about the execution of 81 men in Saudi Arabia last month, he was, if not lost for words, provided with no convincing reply.
“I got a lot of messages but quite honestly I look forward. I don’t look back. I don’t look into the politics of things. I’m not going to get into the quagmire of whatever else happens in someone else’s world. I heard about it and just keep moving on.”
Then he got on to what was clearly for him happier ground, explaining how the new tour would protect golfers who signed up for it if they were refused release by the PGA and European tours and subsequently banned.
Well, it seems that several respected players, among them Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, and others, perhaps not so respected, Phil Mickelson, for instance, are ready to signup. Why? They can’t surely be in dire need of the Saudi money.
A depressing business, but that’s sport or at least sportswashing for you. We’re back with the Emperor Vespasian and his tax on public urinals which his son and heir Titus objected to on the ground that it stank. So the old emperor held up a coin and said, “non olet” — this doesn’t stink. Quite so.
Consider Newcastle United. There was disapproval, even anger when the struggling club was bought with Saudi money. Some fans even protested. But a capable new manager, Eddie Howe, was appointed. Matches were won. The danger and fear of relegation were avoided.
Fans were relieved and delighted. Who now cared where the rescue money came from? What mattered was that the club’s Premiership status was saved — for another year anyway.
You may find this depressing, but that’s how the world works. It’s what will happen with Greg Norman and his money-rich tour for ageing stars and young hopefuls alike.
Few in sports today care where the money comes from. What matters is that it buys success. Sport washes the stink from the dirtiest coin. Just keep moving on, as Greg Norman says.
Sure, there are embarrassing aspects to a deal. But really, who cares? Don’t look into the politics of things, and life is that bit easier. Keep out of the quagmire of what happens in someone else’s world. Look ahead.
It reminds me of the day when an American firm took over an electronics business in my home town, and the American PR man told the workers that the future was so bright they would need sunglasses to look at it. The business was closed a couple of years later, but that’s beside the point. Keep moving on, follow the money.
Khashoggi was just an unlucky guy. None of our business. And isn’t St James’s Park in Newcastle a much happier place than it was a few months ago?
| 0.979904 | 1,104 |
One of the consequences of the death of Queen Elizabeth II last month is that over 800 individuals and companies who at the time of her death held a Royal Warrant for providing goods or services to senior members of the Royal Household need to re-apply for the warrant. Many may lose their warrant if King Charles III (and any other member of the royal family whom he appoints as a grantor) does not share the Queen’s tastes or needs. In addition, the warrant is not granted for the lifetime of the royal who grants the honour, every warrant holder needs to re-apply every five years to ensure that the Royal Household still uses the product or service.
When a royal warrant is cancelled or expires, the ex-warrant holder must remove the royal insignia from their labels, letter-heads and anywhere else they display the arms and the message “By appointment to Her Majesty the Queen” or “By appointment to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales” – declarations which must now be updated. (For more information on this, see the Royal Warrants page of the Royal Family website or the FAQs page on the Royal Warrant Holders Association website.)
The Royal Warrant is, of course, highly prized and not easily obtained. Continue reading
| 0.941987 | 259 |
The Last Holiday Concert is a heartwarming holiday tale by Andrew Clements. Like his other books, this is a school story, and the focus is on that yearly tradition well known to so many families with elementary school kids: the holiday concert. Mr. Meinert, the music teacher at Palmer Intermediate School has lost his job due to budget cuts. His students, including popular sixth grader, Hart Evans, aren't aware that they'll be losing their choral director, however, so for them it's business as usual. They don't take chorus - or their upcoming holiday concert - seriously at all. Hart even goes so far as to amuse himself during rehearsal by shooting a rubber band at the ceiling. When he hits Mr. Meinert, however, things take a surprising turn. Next thing he knows, Hart is in charge of the holiday concert, and it's up to him whether the sixth grade chorus will sink or swim in front of its audience.
Before this year, the only Andrew Clements book I had read was Frindle. This year, I added No Talking, Troublemaker, The Landry News, and About Average to my list, and it has been a real pleasure getting to know an author who writes such wonderful realistic school stories. The Last Holiday Concert combines a lot of the signature elements I have come to associate with Clements's work. The story provides the point of view of the main child character as well as of some of the key adults in his life. Family scenes appear now and then, when necessary to the plot, but most of the action takes place within the school setting and focuses on Hart's relationship with Mr. Meinert. Though putting a student completely in charge of a holiday concert seems like an unlikely thing for a teacher to do, Clements makes it really plausible by putting so much realism into the book. Hart and his classmates behave as real kids do, and Mr. Meinert's thoughts and actions humanize him as something more than just that strict chorus teacher the kids don't really like. As in his other books, Clements promotes change in his main character by taking him out of his comfort zone and presenting him with a true challenge.
The ending of the story is definitely heartfelt, and the way Clements describes the kids' concert is dramatic enough to bring a few tears to the eyes of the reader, especially if that reader is an adult who works with kids. This is a bit of a spoiler, only in the sense that I'm telling you something that doesn't happen, but I was pleased to see that the story's happy ending didn't tie up every loose end. Mr. Meinert never gets his job back. Hart makes a difference, for himself, and for Mr. Meinert, but Clements keeps us grounded in reality by avoiding that It's a Wonderful Life - esque ending, and the book is stronger for it.
The Last Holiday Concert is not just a Christmas story, and the events of the story closely mirror holiday celebrations at many public elementary schools, so this would be a good non-denominational read-aloud for diverse elementary school classes. Those who have also read Clements's The Landry News will note some parallels between Hart's experiences with Mr. Meinert and Cara's with Mr. Larson - it might be interesting to compare and contrast the two relationships to understand better how Clements builds his stories. Whatever the time of year, and whatever the subject matter, you truly can't wrong with a novel by Andrew Clements.
| 0.981768 | 722 |
Transition Your Workout Routine for the Fall
Don't let the weather stop you
A drop in temperature, a change in scenery, and a prelude to the most wonderful time of the year: fall allows us to make great memories while maintaining our health to enjoy ourselves to the fullest. Every season nudges us to adapt to the changing climate . Yeah, not just in our wardrobe but changes in what we eat and drink, how we work, and the getting rest our bodies need. Fall is the segue to the holiday season that can influence our moods and make our health take a backseat if we are not conscious of it. So, as the leaves change colors, let's slip together into workout adaptation mode. Read on for tips, tricks and how to earn cash back on all your fall workout purchases.
Challenges of workouts in the fall
The onset of fall causes several changes to our mood and motivation, influencing our initiative to change our workout and nutrition to match it. Here are some factors to consider as you transition into your new fall workout routine:
Shorter days : As the sun moves towards the Southern Horizon, the days turn shorter and nights longer. Less daylight reduces your time to work out outdoors at your favorite times.
Erratic weather conditions: Being notorious, the fall weather can bring cheerful skies on days and even pouring rains down on other days. This could affect your planned outdoor workouts.
Temperature inconsistencies: Strong winds, rainstorms, and a hint of snowfall can play spoilsport to a consistent workout routine.
Risky surfaces: Rains could make roads slippery or muckier, adding a bit of risk for brisk walks, jogs, and runs.
When to opt for indoor workouts and ideas to incorporate the new routine
Because of the changing weather conditions, allocating time for indoor workouts helps you keep going. It may be challenging to start indoors if you're an outdoor person. The trick is not to aim to conquer the world in a day but to take small steps . Since you can't control the weather outside or when it turns unfavorable, slowly getting used to home workouts prevents breaking the streak.
Mini-workouts at home are a great way to stay in shape and the health loop. Increase your reps or minutes when you see a gloomy day outside the window or if it's a rainy forecast. Virtual workouts or recorded routines to follow along are an excellent choice for transitioning to indoor workout modes.
Top benefits of indoor workouts during fall
Controlled climate : Nothing beats a homely feeling with a stable climate indoors to keep your body under the best care . Get cash back on v itamin supplements from well-known brands like Puritan's Pride , to support your health and workouts.
Utilizing home workout equipment: If spending too much on setting up an elaborate gym at your home puts you off, you could start with the bare minimum. Shop some weights, kettlebells, smaller dumbbells from Kohl's and get cash back while you do.
Flexibility : Stay motivated by making time for shorter workouts on busy days without the need for the gym by using a yoga or workout app.
All-access without waiting: Working out in your home's comfort reduces distractions and ensures zero waiting, unlike gyms with shared equipment.
Opting for outdoor workouts
Although there is fluctuating weather, fall is still a pleasant time to spend outdoors, with greenery turning to bright reds and oranges. Consider the weather, and wear the right running or walking gear to enjoy the breezy outdoors and boost your health. If you want to start working on your health, consider a daily walk. It helps to stretch your upper body; the twists and small jumps make a good workout.
Hiking : Hiking is one of the best ways to boost your senses and body, and there can be no better season than fall. The beauty of the stunning landscape and the changed hues of nature make a beautiful outdoor workout. Check out the right shoes with discount coupons for your hiking trips.
Group workouts: Fall is a great excuse to gather your pack and begin morning workouts. Drier terrains and fewer mud challenges before the rains pick up make a good workout routine for groups. Having a group motivates you to keep going in on those cozy mornings that make you too lazy to leave bed.
Finding the right gear for your outdoor workout in the fall
As you transition towards a cooler fall, set yourself up for beating the weather while keeping yourself warm and comfortable. Cover your hands and ears in your workouts. Shop Prana and stockup on lightweight and moisture-wicking gloves, reflective gear on your clothing, or other accessories so low -light activities don't pose any danger. Other things to have handy on trails and hikes are flashlights, water in insulated flasks, and GPS navigation.
Incorporating nutrition-rich foods in your diet for fall
Fall also coincides with harvesting many seasonal fruits and vegetables, including pumpkins, apples, pears, beets, zucchini, eggplant, squash, and turnips. If you workout regularly, you can consider adding multivitamins from brands including iHerb in your diet. Check out iHerb deals and iHerb Cash Back offers to add some savings. Here are foods and fruits to place as part of your diet for vitamins, minerals, and other supplements as you transition to fall:
Apples : Synonymous with the fall season, apple picking must lead to adding this fiber and Vitamin C-rich to your diet. The benefits of apples include helping lower the risk for heart-related disease and type 2 diabetes.
Fresh cranberries : A nutritious choice, cranberries help to reduce oxidative stress and improve cholesterol and blood pressure.
Sweet potatoes: Good all year long but best during the fall season, sweet potatoes give you lots of fiber, vitamins A and C.
Pumpkins : An antioxidant and packed with fiber, pumpkin protects against heart disease and asthma.
Creating a schedule to incorporate fall workouts
If this is your first time starting a workout routine for the fall season, it's okay if there are some stop-starts. Set realistic goals and target different muscle groups. Considering the changing weather, set up a basic home gym for your continued workouts. When setting up your health goals, a little savings can go a long way. Leaders in nutrition for over 85 years, GNC offers GNC deals with GNC cash back via popular cashback sites. Allocate a few hours daily or during the week to improve your strength, endurance, or flexibility. Remember, consistency is the key. Early morning or late afternoon workouts outdoors are best if you're looking for natural light. Whatever your schedule for training and exercises, staying hydrated in this climate must top all priorities. Of course, rest cycles following your workouts help you recover, rejuvenate, and reset for another day of progress.
Fall brings coziness and coolness as we welcome the most incredible time of the year. As you stock up on all your fall gear, don't forget to shop RebatesMe for the bests deals and discounts and maximize your savings and earn Cash Back.
Continue focusing on health and spend a fantastic time with family and friends.
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| 0.925162 | 1,633 |
The Prospects of the Body Camera Industry in 2024
The body camera industry is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. Market valuation projected will reach USD 1,164.97 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.49%.
A key factor driving this growth is the rising popularity of wearable technology, which seamlessly integrates electronic devices into everyday life, with internet connectivity and data exchange being pivotal. Body-worn cameras (BWCs), already well-established in law enforcement, are expected to extend their applications across various sectors, including security at airports, correctional facilities, and private institutions.
As depicted in Figure 1, the market shows a strong upward trajectory, with year-over-year growth projected at 17.41% in 2024. The accelerating momentum highlights the expanding need for body cameras, particularly as organizations seek to improve transparency and trust, especially in law enforcement.
Decline in Number of Manufacturers
Figure 2 presents a notable shift in the industry, particularly the decline in the number of body camera manufacturers. The reason behind this trend lies in the increasing technological demands of the 4G . Companies that lack proprietary core technologies or strong research and development (R&D) capabilities are struggling to compete. In an environment driven by rapid innovation and data integration, only those firms with advanced R&D and patented technologies will thrive. The market is becoming more competitive, and smaller manufacturers without sufficient innovation will face higher barriers to entry and potential exit from the market.
Outlook and Industry Changes
As the body camera market continues to grow, it is not only law enforcement that will benefit. The future holds promising prospects for security organizations, retail, and adventure-related industries.
The demand for high-quality video and real-time data exchange, driven by 4G and future 5G technologies, will reinforce the market's expansion. The reduction in the number of manufacturers also points to a market consolidation trend, where only companies with cutting-edge technology and scalable production capabilities will remain competitive.
In conclusion, the body camera industry is undergoing a phase of rapid growth, fueled by technological advances and rising global demand. However, this growth is accompanied by a weeding out of weaker competitors, creating a market that rewards innovation and robust R&D capabilities.
Why does RECODA believe we will continue to perform increasingly well?
The fact is, RECODA is a professional manufacturer and developer of Body camera with more than 15 years' experience.
We have our own R&D team, own software. We can solve customers' technical needs in the shortest possible time.
We can make sure our customer, partnering with us is a decision you won't regret!
| 0.94164 | 549 |
Should a church celebrate the Lords Supper every week? That's the question Blacknall Memorial Pres-hyterian Church (PCUSA) in Durham, North Caivlina, struggled with in the late 80s and early 90s. What follows is an account of their attempt to introduce weekly communion—with the hope that their experiences may be of value to others who are considering this change.
Blacknall Presbyterian Church is in many ways a typical southern Presbyterian urban congregation. It originated in the nineteenth century as a congregation of small-town, blue- collar, religiously conservative people, but by the late twentieth century it has evolved into a congregation made up largely of upper-income urban professionals of mixed ecclesiastical backgrounds. This new blending of religious traditions and social backgrounds has had a natural effect of bringing into question practices and beliefs that have been deeply ensconced in the church.
One practice that came in for review and challenge as the congregation diversified in the 1960s was the quarterly celebration of Holy Communion. In the 1970s Blacknall began to celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month, and by the 1980s they added a second celebration as part of a "healing service" on the third Sunday evening of each month. By most southern Presbyterian standards, Blacknall had become quite "progressive" in its celebration of communion.
Yet some members questioned whether the progress had gone far enough. One of the key factors fueling their dissatisfaction was religious background: Some of Black-nail's newer members had been reared in traditions that celebrated communion weekly, and they found the absence of the weekly celebration more than an innocuous omission. The Presbyterian church requires that the Word be preached whenever the sacrament is celebrated, though the sacrament is not required whenever the Word is preached. For those who objected to a less-than-weekly celebration, the most persistent issue that kept arising was theological: If the sacrament "seals" the Word, as per Reformed doctrine, how is it defensible to separate Word from sacrament?
This theological question was raised in Blacknall's worship committee with fresh urgency in 1987, provoking a not-too-enthusiastic response from some of its long-time members. But the issue would not go away. By 1989 the worship committee had studied the issue and learned that weekly celebration of communion was not only the ancient church's normal practice but also the approach favored by John Calvin. The strong linkage of sacraments to the Word as "signs and seals" further cemented the argument of individuals who wished to move toward weekly communion. And the new Directory for Worship published by the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1989 brought a fresh sense of direction: Communion was explicitly acknowledged as being "integral" to the service of the Lord's Day.
A Summer Experiment
The worship committee recommended to the session that, as an experiment, Blacknall celebrate the Lord's Supper each week during the summer of 1991. It also presented the session with various reasons for this recommendation, the primary one being that weekly celebration of communion would better convey the sacrament's integral relationship with the preached Word.
As part of this recommendation the committee presented answers to various objections often raised in regard to weekly communion. These objections— that our monthly celebration of the sacrament is already more frequent than what is customary in many Presbyterian churches, that weekly communion diminishes its significance, and that weekly celebration would make the service too long—played an important role throughout our experiment with weekly communion.
Prior to the session's decision in April of 1991 in favor of trying weekly communion during the summer, the worship committee dealt with logistical concerns (such as serving methods) and with ways of informing the congregation of the upcoming change. The two pastors and the director of worship wrote a letter to the congregation offering the theological and practical reasons for the move to weekly communion. The letter emphasized the integral nature of the Word and sacrament and explained that the sacrament "seals" the preached Word, citing the Presbyterian Book of Order and Calvin's Institutes.
The concern about the length of the service was addressed by having the people come forward to receive communion (by intinction; that is, by dipping the bread in the wine) instead of being served in the pews, thus shortening the service by five to ten minutes. However, we retained our customary serving method for the first Sunday of each month, and we continued the third-Sunday-evening service of healing and communion.
The committee also prepared a brochure regarding more frequent communion, which dealt with such questions as why Blacknall should try weekly communion, what intinction was, and how those who are unable to come forward would be served.
A Step Back?
Our experiment with weekly communion lasted from June through August. In early August the worship committee included a questionnaire in the Sunday bulletin that posed some of the following questions:
■ Has weekly communion deepened or lessened your appreciation of the sacrament?
■ Was the move to weekly communion adequately explained?
■ Was intinction a meaningful approach to the sacrament for you?
One hundred and twenty people responded to the questionnaire, 65 percent of whom were in favor of weekly communion, 25 percent opposed, and 10 percent ambivalent.
The committee also held a special Sunday evening meeting to give people the opportunity to voice their opinions about the summer's experiment. Some of the favorable comments voiced there included a deeper appreciation of the sacrament and of the communal sense fostered by the practice of having everyone move forward to receive the elements. On the negative side, some people noted that celebrating communion every week diminished its significance, that the addition of the sacrament made the worship service too long, and that coming forward was hard for some people to manage.
In mid-August the worship committee reported the results of the survey and questionnaire to the session and presented the following three options:
■ to continue weekly communion
■ to return to our traditional first Sunday morning and third Sunday evening celebrations with the goal of starting weekly communion in January or June of 1992
■ to have weekly communion during Advent and Lent.
In its August meeting, the session was unable to decide between the various options proposed by the worship committee and instead requested that the committee draw up a plan to celebrate communion according to a liturgical calendar. The committee drew up a calendar that scheduled the Lord's Supper nineteen times a year, coinciding with major church days. At this point a consensus within the committee regarding the frequency of communion broke down.
Since Blacknall did not fully follow the liturgical calendar, introducing it for communion also meant changing other aspects of the services, such as our custom of preaching at length through a book of the Bible. Moreover, the senior pastor wrote a letter to the worship committee describing his reservations about continuing with weekly communion. He was concerned that the committee did not have a clear direction from the Lord, as shown by our lack of consensus. He also felt that the preaching of the Word was not left "unsealed" if the sacrament was not celebrated each week, that there was not strong scriptural support for weekly communion, and that the congregation's appreciation of the Lord's Supper would be heightened if the sacrament was not held weekly. He recommended that Blacknall continue its traditional method of celebrating the Supper.
In light of the senior pastor's views and the worship committee's lack of consensus, the committee recommended to the session that for the time being we continue our traditional frequency and method of communion. But the session appointed a subcommittee to continue studying the matter. In the spring of 1992, the subject resurfaced. Should we repeat the previous year's experiment and celebrate the Lord's Supper each week during the summer? The subcommittee on communion recommended against it.
Now, over a year later, the subcommittee on communion no longer meets to discuss the sacrament, and the worship committee has not returned to the topic. It appears that for the time being we will continue to celebrate communion at Blacknall on the first Sunday morning and third Sunday evening of each month.
ARE YOU CONSIDERING WEEKLY COMMUNION
If you decide to by weekly communion, you may want to keep several aspects of Blacknall's experiment in mind:
1. Make sure you have sound theological reasons for moving to weekly communion. Our worship committee did find a strong basis for weekly communion in the Reformed tradition and the Directory for Worship. Yet, as is evident from the senior pastors concerns, we did not discover a strong direction from Scripture, nor did we ever come to a real understanding of what is meant by the sacrament "sealing" the Word.
2. Recognize that the logistical problems created by such a change will be more extensive than you imagine. Although we tried intinction to shorten the length of the service (an important concern for those with children), our sanctuary is not really set up to make this feasible.
3. To prepare the congregation for the change, urge the pastor(s) to teach the congregation about the sacrament from the pulpit. Although we informed the congregation in writing of the reasons for adopting weekly communion, without teaching from the pulpit to back it up, the importance of the experiment never sunk in for many people.
4. Make sure the pastor and session or council are firmly behind the decision before you proceed. A significant amount of time passed between the end of our experiment and the session's decision about how to proceed. During this time the worship committee became entangled in discussions over the liturgical calendar, and its consensus in favor of weekly communion broke down. The senior pastor's letter was really the deciding factor in the ultimate decision to return to our previous practice.
| 0.968405 | 1,966 |
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