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1) Call Dianne Feinstein’s office and tell her that we support her plan to introduce a bill on the first day of Congress to ban assault weapons (415-393-0707).
2) Call/write Pres. Obama and tell him that prayers are not enough and that it’s time for him to make gun control a priority (202-456-1111).
3) Call the NRA and ask them how much is enough (1-800-672-3888). Ask why you can buy a gun at a gun show without a background check. Ask them why common citizens need assault weapons designed for warfare.
4) Pass this on to the people in your network.
We heard from Dr. Judy Willis, a neurologist turned classroom teacher, via video at our first How Kids Learn conference. Dr. Willis was also interviewed in a two-part blog and agreed to a videotaped interview for an upcoming DVD on the Learning in Afterschool & Summer (LIAS) principles. You can hear Dr. Willis in an upcoming, free webinar entitled "Ask Dr. Judy: The Essential Neuroscience of Learning" on December 11, 2012 from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST. You can register by clicking here.
Below, Dr. Willis joins us as a guest blogger.
I think I have met more of you in the past year than ever before through my presentations and workshops in 25 states and 10 countries in the past 12 months—or "remotely" through television, radio, and online interviews.
Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the How Kids Learn II conference due to prior commitments. However, I was able to contribute to an LIAS webinar and an upcoming video promoting the LIAS principles. I am impressed at your interest and your desire to build your knowledge base of the neuroscience of learning. You'll find a list of places where I'll be giving presentations at conferences and workshops at schools on my website. If you are able to attend one of these, please come by and say "hello"!
It seems that we all share the common challenge of TOO MUCH information students are required to memorize and not enough time to be creative and offer the authentic, project-based, inquiry and discovery learning experiences that are so critical if students are to develop their executive functions.
Executive functions is the neurological term for the highest levels of cognition designed for decision-making and goal achievement. These include judgment, critical analysis, prioritization, deduction, risk assessment, and transfer of knowledge to novel, innovative applications. In the United States, the Common Core Standards call for students to use these very executive functions that have been described by neurology for over 75 years as emblematic of prefrontal cortex neural processing.
As these neural networks undergo their greatest rate of change (maturation with pruning of unused networks and myelination to strengthen the most used networks) during the school years, educators are the caretakers of the development of our students' highest cognitive and emotional neural networks. Not only are these executive functions those delineated in the Common Core Standards, but they are also the qualities now sought by employers in response to globalization of communication, accelerated information dissemination, and technological breakthroughs.
The success of educators to help all children develop these critical 21st century skill sets will increasingly benefit from the continuing acceleration in the quality and quantity of neuroscience research relevant to how the brain learns best. It will be up to educators to "translate" the implications of the research into strategies for planning and teaching.
As I see your efforts to acquire the background knowledge in neuroscience to take on this task of developing applications of this research, I am confident that you will succeed. I look forward to the impact you will have as you continue to learn and collaborate to insure that students are engaged with meaningful, memorable learning experiences that their brains will construct into long-term, concept memory circuits.
Your students will be prepared with the transferable wisdom they will need to solve new problems that have yet to be revealed and expand on new information as they seize the opportunities for creative innovation in their 21st century.
Joseph Durlak and his team have produced some seminal studies that examine the impact of in-school and afterschool programs that promote social-emotional learning. Two of his most important studies offered a meta-analysis, examining high-quality evaluations of the programs and their many effects on youth outcomes. We urge the readers to review these studies when reflecting on the implementation of their own programs. Readers should also visit the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) website. Below we offer a brief interview with Dr. Durlak.
Q: In partnership with a number of your colleagues, you conducted two meta-analyses regarding the effectiveness in school and after school efforts to promote social-emotional learning. Can you briefly explain what is meant by social-emotional learning and competencies?
A: In brief, social and emotional learning (or SEL) focuses on the systematic development of a core set of five interrelated social, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral competencies that help children more effectively handle life challenges and thrive in both their learning and their social environments. These skills fall into five areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. Representative competencies in these areas include the abilities to recognize and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, appreciate the perspectives of others, establish and maintain positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and handle interpersonal situations constructively (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, 2013).
Q: In your research you were interested in whether youth gained social-emotional competencies and whether this had an impact on school behavior and academic success. What did you learn?
A: Overall, we found that the 213 programs that we evaluated were successful in improving students functioning in all six of the outcome areas we examined.
In perhaps the most important finding, programs were able to improve students’ academic performance (grades and test scores) to a degree that corresponds to an 11% percentile gain in academic performance. This type of gain corresponds to what many educational interventions have been able to do based on other evaluative research. SEL Programs also significantly improved students’ self-perceptions, their social and emotional skills, and their prosocial attitudes (e.g., toward school ) and significantly reduced levels of conduct problems and emotional distress (e.g., symptoms of anxiety and depression).
Q: In these studies, the effectiveness of these efforts were conditional on the quality of the implementation. You identified some key characteristics of implementation that were vital to the program’s success. Can you briefly describe these characteristics?
A: Extensive research on both children and adults suggests that skills training is most effective when certain principles are followed. Many of these principles are consistent with educational research on effective teaching practices.
We found that four characteristics representing four of these principles were associated with programs that were more effective than others. We constructed the acronym, SAFE, to capture these features. ‘S’ stands for Sequential, meaning that programs had a carefully sequenced plan that was designed to develop SEL skills. This was usually accomplished by a specific curriculum or protocol that built competencies in a coordinated, step-by-step fashion. ‘A’ stands for Active and means that active forms of learning involving practice and feedback were used to develop skills. Hands-on learning followed by constructive feedback leads to skills acquisition. ‘F’ stands for Focused, meaning that sufficient time was set aside exclusively for skill training, ‘E’ stands for Explicit and means that the skills targeted in each program were clearly explained to students so they knew what was expected of them.
Aside from these four program characteristics, we also found that programs that were associated with better implementation were more effective than those that experienced problems with implementation. Implementation involves several dimensions but basically refers to the extent to which intended programs are conducted as planned.
In other words, effective SEL programs are both well-designed from the start and well executed when they are put into action.
Q: There is growing discussion of the importance of non-cognitive skills. How are these non-cognitive skills related to the SEL skills that are promoted by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)?
A: In general, there is now growing evidence that success in school and later life is not dependent solely on one’s cognitive or intellectual abilities. The different domains of functioning are not independent. We have shown that fostering students’ personal and social development via SEL programs can also improve their academic development.
Q: The LIAS project is promoting 5 key principles that we should apply in our afterschool and summer programs: learning that is active, collaborative, meaningful, supports mastery, and expands horizons. Can you say a bit about the relevance of these principles and how they overlap, or not with social-emotional learning?
A: There is considerable overlap and sometimes only the terms are different. For example, learning that is active and that supports mastery relates to both the ‘A’ and ‘F’ of our acronym in that students need to practice new skill and we must devote sufficient time and attention to foster student mastery.
The LIAS principles of collaboration, meaningfulness, and expanded horizons are each consistent with the types of skills that compose SEL such as skills relating to managing one’s emotions, developing and maintaining satisfactory relationships with others, and enhancing self-awareness. In general, the LIAS principles and the five SEL domains allows flexibility and adaptations to occur for work with different types of youth at different developmental stages, and with different needs and interests.
Joseph Durlak is Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology at Loyola University, Chicago. He currently lives in Santa Fe. New Mexico, where he remains active writing, editing, consulting, and reviewing. His primary interests are in prevention programs for children and adolescents, meta-analysis, community psychology, and social and emotional learning programs. He has published major reviews on prevention programs for youth, after-school programs, program implementation, and school-based social and emotional learning programs. He is currently editing contributions for the Handbook of Social and Emotional Learning, to be published by Guilford in late 2013.
The How Kids Learn II conference in San Francisco is now sold out but interested parties can put their name on our waiting list. The conference will feature leading thinkers from the fields of education, youth development, and the new science of learning. Speakers include Pedro Noguera, Jane Quinn, Robert Granger, Nicole Yohalem, Jenny Nagaoka, Renate Caine, Jodi Grant, and a number of innovative, highly acclaimed program leaders from the Bay Area.
This one-day TED-like conference is being sponsored by the Learning in Afterschool & Summer Project and Temescal Associates. Co-sponsors include the WHH Foundation, the Packard Foundation, the John Gardner Center at Stanford University, Region 4 (Alameda County Office of Education), THINK Together, City Span, Partnership for Children and Youth, DCYF, Bay Area Community Resources, LA's BEST, Children Now, and Public Profit. The conference is being conducted at the Contemporary Jewish Museum on January 9, 2013. If you wish to be on the waiting list, sign-up today at www.howkidslearn.org.
Below is a blog submitted by guest blogger, Jennifer Peck, Executive Director for the Partnership for Children and Youth. This blog was originally posted in the Huffington Post.
Here, in California, there are two initiatives that will impact school funding and the length of the school year - Proposition 30 and Proposition 38. It is very important to note that Proposition 38 provides additional funding support for K-12 schools. Whereas Proposition 30 also includes additional funding support for our community colleges. Please make your decision carefully. Also, local ballots may include initiatives to provide additional funding for local schools.
When voters go to the polls next week, it's critical to know what's really at stake for our children's education.
Across the country, and here in California, if statewide and local school funding measures do not pass, it will result in shorter school years, longer summers, and even greater obstacles to learning for students.
A shorter school year, and longer summer, means that more students will struggle academically and teachers will be forced to spend more time on catch-up and remedial 911 once the new school year begins. Decades of research tells us that children excluded from meaningful summer learning opportunities experience "summer learning loss" -- the loss of critical academic skills and knowledge that sets students back when summer ends and the new school year begins.
Without access to summer camps, vacations, and private summer enrichment programs, children from low-income families are disproportionately at risk for summer learning loss. In addition, we know that students without summer learning opportunities are less likely to be physically active and eat well, increasing the conditions contributing to America's childhood obesity epidemic. A shorter school year isn't just about fewer days in class; it's also about what happens, or doesn't happen, for kids over a longer summer. The result will be more barriers to students' mental and physical development.
Fortunately, high quality summer learning programs have been proven to combat summer learning loss and improve students' health. Summer learning programs are a vital complement to the regular school year, and we need adequate resources for both in order to effectively educate all children.
So when you go to the polls this November, keep in mind what's at stake for our schools and communities. The school year matters, summer matters, and so does your vote. Of course simply protecting what we've got is not enough, but it's a critical step to rebuilding the educational system all our students deserve. Join me and vote "yes" on investing in our schools.


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Take a Trip with the Oblivion Brothers!
Deuced is a fascinating snapshot of the lives of two young flatmates (the Oblivion Brothers) in modern day Los Angeles and explores their relationships with not only each other but with various other friends and family members. It shows you how, just when things seem to be ticking along nicely, the situation can suddenly deteriorate, without warning, beyond your control.
The story unfolds through the eyes of ‘Zip’, one of the Oblivion Brothers, who is laid-back, rather stoned and a nice guy. He shares an apartment with his Oblivion Brother and boyhood friend, Otto, who is to a certain extent in his shadow. Zip soon meets Irene, an amateur folk-singer visiting her auntie and uncle and they rapidly fall in love despite their different attitudes to drugs and religion. Before very much longer and in a mist of cannabis smoke, Zip’s relationships (through no fault of his own) seem to crumble before his eyes.
I read Deuced with a completely open mind and was very pleasantly surprised by the subject and by the way it was written. It is totally believable and you could almost imagine someone telling you this story about something they had actually experienced. The author obviously has the ability to keep the reader interested and I found it difficult to put down. Perry Crowe tackles many issues along the way without trying to pander to any particular train of thought, so the drug use and the religious scepticism are uncompromising and very realistically depicted. Due to this, I would think this novel is better suited to a British audience rather than an American one because of the subject matter, but I could be wrong!
In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone as a thoroughly good and absorbing read and would go so far as to say that it is one of the best books portraying real-life situations that I have read recently. With the right exposure this novel would do extremely well and I could imagine Deuced making a very good film. Read it and take a trip with the Oblivion Brothers!
Perry Crowe grew up in Mounds View, Minnesota, a northern suburb of Minneapolis. He received a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Iowa where he also participated in the Undergraduate Writers Workshop in Fiction. He now lives in Los Angeles.
Previous Entry 169. Alternative LINK: Unclaimed Lottery Money!

industry_corpus2: Literature & Emotions


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The Global Health Fund for Malaria and Tuberculosis in conjunction with the Catholic Relief Services and the National Malaria Elimination Programme are set to distribute over three million Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets, worth N3bn in Ogun State.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, made this known when he led a team on advocacy visit to the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun at his office in Abeokuta.
The minister, who was represented by the Director, Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Evelyn Ngige, said the programme would be between the months of March and May this year. He therefore, urged the State government to support the project by providing trained personnel, provision of storage facilities in all local governments across the State, and to ensure security for the programme.
The Minister also called for increased budgetary allocations for malaria control programmes and support funds for the purchase and distribution of malaria medicine, saying, these would go a long way at reducing the scourge in the State.
Responding, Senator Amosun said the State would take ownership of the programme by engaging in massive mobilisation and campaigns towards the success of the programme, adding that, traditional rulers, community leaders and relevant government agencies would be involved, as it was in the interest of the State government to support the initiative.

industry_corpus2: Health & Medicine


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The annual Manassas City Athletic Field Use meeting for team or league representatives will be held on Thursday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. at Manassas Museum, according to a news release from the city’s department of Parks, Culture and Recreation.
According to the news release announcing the meeting, participants are encouraged to ask questions about the upcoming sport season and application process, and to offer suggestions to improve the parks and athletic fields. Participants will also get a chance to network with other athletic representatives and share coaching stories.

industry_corpus2: Sports


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THE Laguna Cafe in Roslyn is a surprise for residents familiar with Heads and Tails, the casual pub formerly at this address, and for Long Islanders used to other Island Spanish restaurants that hedge their bets by augmenting Spanish choices with a roster of popular Mexican selections. Laguna is strictly Spanish with no enchilada interlopers.
A discreet wooden sign at the entrance reads ''quiet dining inside.'' This reassurance may be for those fearing another Heads and Tails or for those who peek through the window and see only the bar upfront. The dining room in the rear is spacious and sedate. Quiet dining indeed. Tables are graced with fresh flowers and candles. Walls hold a few pictures of San Sebastian (the chef's hometown in the Basque region of Spain), jewel-toned tapestries, lovely Spanish pottery and shelves with cascading green plants. Views of the Roslyn duck pond, for which the restaurant is named, compete with the decor for attention.
The staff is large, attentive and very friendly. Throughout the room, diners can be heard practicing their high school Spanish, much to their waiter's delight.
Paella is not the only good choice. The grilled red snapper anointed with olive oil, sauteed garlic slices, vinegar and parsley was perfect, as was the juicy grilled chicken breast set atop a crunchy nest of straw potatoes, accompanied by grilled eggplant and other vegetables.
Steaks, too, were striking. The flavorful sirloin arrived with sauteed pimientos and french fries. The filet mignon in Port wine was perfectly turned out, as were rosy baby lamb chops with cassis sauce and chestnut puree, and fork-tender veal medallions, each napped with a different sauce, which encircled a mound of cubed fried potatoes.
The menu's highest-priced entree, shrimp in a Champagne and mushroom cream sauce over fettuccine ($22.95), starred large, firm crustaceans but needed a dash of salt to bring it to life.
The wonderful soups here need no additional seasoning. The bursting-with-flavor bisque of fall vegetables and the creamy zucchini brew arrive in large bowls with a garnish of croutons. The Basque fish soup is a mahogany colored puree with token bits of seafood as a garnish.
Other openers to try are the earthenware casserole filled with spicy shrimp in garlic sauce, the lightly dressed green salad made with arugula and highlighted with black olives, and the tender grilled calamari perched upon a tasty black ink sauce. Two also-rans were the somewhat watery white asparagus presented with mayonnaise and a pimiento-dotted vinaigrette, and the pastry stuffed with crab meat. The latter, which resembled flat crepes, enclosed a nondescript filling that could have been anything.
Desserts are works of art, expensive ($6.75 to $8.50) and unusual. My favorite was the fried custard, creamy-centered with a crisp exterior, sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Also different was the mascarpone tart with blackberry sauce. This translated to a swirled mound of the creamy cheese punctuated with a shortbread cookie. Pastry stuffed with almond and vanilla custard was another crowd-pleaser. More familiar, and equally good, were the apple tart and the trio of sorbets. The latter included strawberry and chocolate-mandarin sorbets and vanilla ice cream. Each small scoop rested on a paper-thin slice of apple.
1362 Old Northern Boulevard, Roslyn, 625-7771.
Service -- Attentive and friendly.
Recommended dishes -- Paella, red snapper, chicken breast, veal medallions, baby lamb chops, sirloin steak, filet mignon, green salad, soups, grilled squid, shrimp in garlic sauce, all desserts.
Wine list -- Small list of mainly Spanish choices. Very few inexpensive picks.
Price range -- Lunch, entrees $4.75 to $13.95. Dinner, appetizers $4.50 to $9.95; entrees $16.50 to $22.95.
Credit cards -- All the majors.
Hours -- Lunch, noon to 3 P.M. Tuesday through Friday. Dinner, 5:30 to 10 P.M. Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday, till 11 P.M. Friday and Saturday.
Wheelchair accessibility -- One step to part of the dining room.

industry_corpus2: Hospitality & Catering


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It’s Cell Phone Courtesy Month!
I will be the first to admit that my digital etiquette could use some improving. My phone is my “everything”. It’s my calendar, camera, bank account, travel assistant, fitness tracker, design tool, communication platform and source of entertainment. I use it to increase efficiency, track results, and send selfies to my mom. I text my friends, communicate with family, and collaborate with committees using apps like Google Hangouts and Voxer. I can stream live video, take a class, evaluate my diet, plan my next room remodel, or read a book. Oh, and sometimes – but ONLY in the rarest of occasions, I use it as a phone.
Nearly two-thirds of Americans use a smart phone. 92% of those wish they had better etiquette. Since we use our phones as different devices, we also need to remember our manners in new ways.
Be in control of your phone, don’t let it control you!
Don’t make calls in a library, theater, church, or from your table in a restaurant.
Private info can be forwarded, so don’t text it.
How is the person I am connected to perceiving this interaction?
How are my actions affecting others and how am I perceived?
Am I in control of my device. or is my device in control of me??
Trouble sleeping? It’s a no brainer.
“As your brain revs up, its electrical activity increases and neurons start to race — the exact opposite of what should be happening before sleep. A second reason has to do with your body: The physical act of responding to a video game or even an email makes your body tense, explains Rosekind. As you get stressed, your body can go into a “fight or flight” response, and as a result, cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland, is released, creating a situation hardly conducive to sleep.
That “glow” from electronics is also at work against quality shuteye. The small amounts of light from these devices pass through the retina into a part of the hypothalamus (the area of the brain that controls several sleep activities) and delay the release of the sleep-inducing hormone, melatonin?
Also, check out this video of what actually happens to your brain and body while using your phone before bed. WOW!
Put your phones in the center of the table during dinner, or in a basket away from where you will be.
Be fully present. If it’s family time, make it FAMILY TIME.
Be consistent. Stop using your device at the same time each night and don’t go back to it.
Place your phone across the room and set your favorite song as the alarm.
Communicate with your family, set boundaries and goals together on technology. Here’s a great link to a family contract!
I love communication, being connected and knowing what’s going on just as much as the next guy – maybe even more. I adore being “the one” with the answer, the quick tip, or hilarious video. I’m also grateful I am surrounded by individuals who keep me in check.

industry_corpus2: Computing & Telecommunications


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Do you need an expandable dining table? This design of teak wood wood furniture is best for as you entertain occasionally but normally don't need that much eating out space at your dinning desk. Want to know for sure? Measure the bedroom, and take those measurements with you. Anyone who is versed in selling teak wood furniture should be able to help you determine the right size dining table for your patio. You will discover standard measurements that will help. Every single place setting should have two feet of space. Being aware of this and the usual number of people you entertain, will go a considerable ways in helping determine the size of table that will be right for you. Another thing to consider is if you wish to decorate with teak wood pieces of furniture, is, what is the average scale your centerpieces? This will help decide the width of your table. These measurements are a surefire way for you to find the perfect piece for your application. On the other hand, if you have a large space and entertain frequently, you should buy according as to the best suits your needs, and that of the family, and/or company. There ought to be no need to have adults sitting down at the kids table when you comfortably fit them on the adult table. Your entire visitor parking area should have the luxury of sitting down at your new dining table, giving them a feeling of importance. Anyway, whom really wants to sit at the kid desk anyway?! Uncle Mike under no circumstances signed up for the designated referee position! Anyway, by choosing the right style, and size dining room table, you're sure of having an item in your home that will absolutely fit its purpose, rather than hinder family and friends from actually wanting to come over, and sign up for you for a delicious, cooked meal. Part of being a thoughtful host, or hostess, is making sure that you accommodate these potential customers with the comfort ability, superb dining, and friendly talking, that they all know you just for. This, as sure as it is, starts with the perfect choice of dining table!
Neillemons - Shop dining room & kitchen tables crate and barrel. Find a table for your dining space create a space you'll love to dine in and gather around with kitchen and dining room tables from crate and barrel. Crate & barrel furniture, home decor and wedding registry. Shop crate and barrel to find everything you need to outfit your home browse furniture, home decor, cookware, dinnerware, wedding registry and more. Crate and barrel dining tables cb2. Shop for crate and barrel dining tables at cb2 browse a variety of modern furniture, housewares and decor order online. Shop dining chairs & kitchen chairs crate and barrel. Enjoy flat fee unlimited furniture delivery or free in store pickup find crate & barrel dining and kitchen chairs in upholstered, wood and metal styles. 3d models: table chair crate & barrel dining room. Crate & barrel dining room basque desk 82 "wx38" dx29 5 "h tig chair "wx19 5" x31 "h tig counter chair seat "wx15 5" x5 "h hoyne 15 " chandelier 15" d hoyne 21 5 " chandelier 21 5" d hoyne 31 " chandelier 31" d and other crate and barrel accessories many procedural textures, executed by standard tools 3dsmax. Crate & barrel contemporary dining table fcg home, inc. Crate and barrel contemporary dining table with 1 leaf. Crate barrel dining table furniture. Crate barrel dining table: buy second hand crate barrel dining table on kaiyo used furniture store in great condition. Dining rooms crate and barrel table design ideas. A crate & barrel marble fruit bowl is placed atop an ikea docksta dining table paired with four ballard designs macau armchairs placed atop a bleached tiled wood like floor. Crate barrel dining table ebay. Find great deals on ebay for crate barrel dining table shop with confidence. Crate and barrel furniture ebay. Crate and barrel big sur 90 5" dining table and bench excellent condition condition is used local pickup only.

industry_corpus2: Real Estate & Construction


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Palming relaxes and refreshes the eyeball strength. It stimulates the flow of the aqueous wittiness, the fluid that runs between the cornea and the lens of the eye, aiding the alteration of faulty vision.
Indeed! Thanks for adding this info.
Movement of the body slowly this land will make your body become relaxed and relaxed. In addition, usually backsound or background noise when doing yoga is the sounds of nature, such as the flow of water or airflow that makes you very relaxed. Yama is also a yoga movement accompanied by music-slow music, which will make you become calm, relaxed and relaxed while doing yoga.


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LocationSmart is a LaaS-based company providing a gateway for mobile location data.
Locaid is the world’s largest LaaS (Location-as-a-Service) company. Locaid runs “location in the cloud” with the most robust, privacy-protected, Omni-Location™ platform available. Locaid can determine the physical location of your customers, employees or assets, anywhere, instantly. With a footprint that extends to over 5 billion connected devices across the globe, including network mobile location on over 360 million mobile devices, Locaid helps enterprises and developers be hyper-local, reduce fraud, increase productivity, gain consumer insight, comply with regulations, drive revenue and save lives. Locaid is the largest and preferred location gateway for the major carriers in the Americas including AT&T, Boost Mobile, Cricket, Rogers, Sprint, TELUS, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon and others. The world’s biggest brands, agencies, financial institutions, software companies, enterprise infrastructure providers, mobile app developers and M2M platforms get location from Locaid. Location Matters™. Locate us at http://www.loc-aid.com, @locaid and www.facebook.com/Locaid.


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Developing the best talents and being more innovative in the services and solution we offer, in the way we solve problems, and in the way we serve the needs of an increasingly global and diverse customer and partner base.
Offering cutting-edge technologies and products for our clients to greet the revolution of Smart City.
OPS Technology Ltd is a Citibank Purchasing Card Merchant (No.: 4019-742858-4985) that streamline your purchasing process. Welcome all government departments use Purchasing Card as a norm to procure goods and services, we accept and receive payment from the Bank within 7 days.

industry_corpus2: Technology & Research


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"This is a great way to barbecue salmon for gatherings. It adds some superficial flavor without hiding the salmons' own great taste."
Place the salmon on a large sheet of aluminum foil. Place the onion rings on top of the filet. Pepper to taste. Wrap the foil around the salmon, but don't seal the top.
Place the salmon (still in foil) onto a preheated grill and cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Oven broiled salmon fillets with sweet Dijon mustard sauce.
This was a very bland dish.There are many delicious and easy recipes for salmon on this website.
This is the first time I have truly enjoyed salmon. It was delicious! I definately recommend this very basic recipe.


text: We have you covered from A to Z — For more than 30 years, Anderson Zeigler has been providing exceptional legal representation to people and their businesses. We are a full service law firm with deep experience in the fields of Business and Employment law, Intellectual Property, Real Estate, Taxation, and Estate Planning & Trust Administration along with support by a Civil Litigation team. We offer responsive, coordinated and cost-effective legal services for clients.

industry_corpus2: Law & Justice


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Book your next event with us and give the gift of an unforgettable experience!
ONE OF CANADA’S BIGGEST NINJA COURSES!
Check out the variety of premium zones we have and the phenomenal activities you can do.
JUMP – Jump Zones for all abilities and challenges to mix things up.
CLIMB – Ditch the ropes – Bouldering Wall for ALL skill levels!
A 100% Canadian owned and operated company.
We designed and developed the ultimate active indoor entertainment experience for you, right here in beautiful Richmond, British Columbia.
Phase One opened in 2017 with a full trampoline Park, bubble soccer, trampoline parkour and a giant air bag (upgraded from the original foam pit). The Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course is now open and APEX will soon feature Parkour and Bouldering Areas. One ticket will get you access to a variety of zones to jump, climb, freerun, ninja and kick.
Whether you are an average Joe or a hardened pro, APEX Adventure plex is the place you’ve been dreaming of.
Looking for a new and exciting job? We are hiring for all positions at the park.

industry_corpus2: Travel & Geography


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Brevard Authors aspire to achieve the highest level of literary creativity and craftsmanship in writing poetry, prose, drama, comedy, fiction and non-fiction for the benefit of their fellow man. They serve as a force of encouraging and inspiring writers to promote writing as an art of skilled word weavers in the pursuit of recognition.
Brevard Authors Society was founded in the Spring of 2015 by a few volunteers as an online society of independent authors of Brevard County, Florida. It is purely a not for profit organization and it does not require any financial support. All services, presentations and seminars are provided free of charge by the volunteer writers, editors and graphic designers, whose skills are not promoted as professional and cannot be held responsible for the end results. Membership is also free and on informal basis, where each member can request to be listed in the Brevard Authors Registry mailing list and posted on the website: www.brevardauthors.weebly.com. A member can request at any time to be removed from the registry and from the website.
Brevard Authors Society is managed by the volunteer directors whose role is to maintain the fluidity of the online society of independent authors, to coordinate the writers forums, support fellow authors with reference information about editing, formatting and publishing, and to encourage new writers to create and publish their work.
Last Thursday, February 11th, our writing group, The Forum Five, had the privilege of being visited by a guest speaker, true crime writer, Anna Flowers. Anna is the bestselling author of Blind Fury, the story of serial killer Gerald Stano, and Bound to Die, the case of Bobby Joe Long, a Tampa Bay murderer. These books were selected as Doubleday True Crime and Mystery Guild Club selections. She has also authored Murder at Wayside Antiques, Vengeance at Meeting Street, and Wanton woman.
Mrs. Flowers has been a Director of Mystery writers of America, Florida Chapter, and is a member of Sisters in Crime, National League of American Penwomen, and the Space Coast Writers Guild.
During a two hour informal meeting, Anna answered questions from our members. She explained her extensive research preparation, how her tenacity has helped her get information from hesitant witnesses, how she became interested in true crime writing, etc.
Her wit, insight, and behind the scenes anecdotes captured our attention and provided an experience that we won’t soon forget.
Ruth Rogers, Brevard Local Author from Titusville, FL has a new novel, Patchwork, published by August Press. The story is set in the same rural area north Florida community as her first novel Reparation published by the Florida Historical Society Press in 2013. It deals with the topic of unwed pregnancy.


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,Fully furnished commercial office/space. Placed at vashi (Mumbai navi). 300 sq.Ft.(Builtup area) is the area of the property. Want to sell it for "thirty five lakh rupees". It is a under 9 years construction . Good design, Spacious 1 bathroom available.
Landmarks : Next to mathari bhavan.


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In this episode of the Twisted Pop Podcast, we interview Bryan King. Bryan is a writer – graphic novels, comic books, novels. I actually don’t think I have a good sense of all that Bryan does, but it’s a lot.
Bryan founded Bull Frog comics in 2001 in Albuquerque, NM. He produced a number of titles – some with our own Troy Winscott. Bull Frog eventually merged with Across the Pond and they kept producing comic books together. But that doesn’t seem to stop Bryan from putting together a whole lot of side projects. He’s currently working on a book series and a whole lot more.
And sometimes we do video and sometimes we don’t. I am working on a skype video capture, but that will have to wait until next time. Check out the episode. Bryan was fun to talk to.

industry_corpus2: Film & Entertainment


text: If you’re looking for tiles in Doncaster, look no further than the Yorkshire Tile Company. We have one of the biggest tile showrooms in Doncaster, with a wide range of tiles and bathroom suites on display. Our recently refurbished showroom exhibits a wide range of our current and best selling products in large settings, so you can view the tiles and bathroom suites in situ. This will help you get a real feel for what the products could look like in your home. Please note our late night opening on Wednesdays until 7pm!


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Hunan-XZL-International Travel Service(Lisence No:L-HUN-08010), locating in Zhangjiajie city, is authorized by China National Tourism Administration carrying out international tour operations.Hunan-XZL-International Travel Service is a leading travel agency and tour operator with more than 20 years of professional travel service. Our company has established friendly and cooperative relations with Most Overseas International Travel Company.Our services also won their affirmation.
Our good organization of tour itinerary,our thoughtful service, our well-qualified multilingual guide service, our well-chosen hotel partners and good transport service build your dream trip in Zhangjiajie as well as across China.
Our company is Zhangjiajie official website designated reception unit,We look forward to your visiting, and surely make your holiday wonderful with our dedication, commitment and integrity.
Zhangjiajie Express Conferences & Exhibition Co., Ltd(License:91430800772259370K). It was established in September 28, 2003,The best one of conference services company. Over the years, it successfully held in Hunan Province, many international and domestic conferences.Also, We set up a special meeting of tourist reception (travel-Hunan-XZL-International Conference Travel Service). We warmly welcome you, holding various forms of business, conference in Zhangjiajie. we will serve you sincerely.We promise: If we have a cooperation, then we will be friends forever. Welcome to Zhangjiajie World Natural Heritage!
Avatar tailor team specialize in Zhangjiajie tourism,Also we will do all to make you an easy trip in our city,Welcome to Zhangjiajie!


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This month ACTEX is traveling to Thailand for our Actuaries Around the World series. Tommy Pichet, FSA, FIA, FSAT, FRM, MBA, MScFE (Dist.), B.Eng (Hons), is a qualified actuary with nearly 20 years of experience across Asian insurance, finance and employee benefit valuation and management. He has worked in the valuation of insurance and retirement benefits, product pricing and development, actuarial modeling and financial risk management, and M&A activities. He is president of The Society of Actuaries of Thailand (SOAT), and Chairman of the Actuarial committee of Thai Life Association Assurance (TLAA). He was awarded the Association of South East Nations (ASEAN) Young Manager Award (YAMA) in 2012 from the ASEAN insurance industry and the National Statistician Award in 2016 from the Thai Statistical Association. He holds two master’s degrees from City University of Hong Kong in Financial Engineering and Business Administration. He is currently Managing Director and Founding Owner of Actuarial Business Solution Co., Ltd and is an honor lecturer at NIDA University.
(AL): What is the word for actuary in Thai?
(TP): In Thai script it is, นักคณิตศาสตร์ประกันภัย or แอคชัวรี (transliteration of actuary). In Roman script it is Nạk Khṇitṣ̄ās̄tr̒ prakạnp̣hạy.
(TP): Being creative in engineering and evaluating financial products using statistics and financial mathematics.
(TP): I once decided to quit being an actuary in my life due to hardships in the exam journey. However, I persevered down this path because I really like applying actuarial knowledge to the business world.
(TP): Find what you like to do and do it to the best of your ability. With passion, it will bring you to a prosperous journey in this career.
(TP): In the future, an actuary will not be a professional who only works in the insurance industry. There will be half of actuaries working in other areas.
(TP): IT and language skills.
(AL): What is your favorite Excel function and why?
(TP): Vlookup function – basic and simple but very useful.
(TP): No, actuarially related activities are my hobby.
(TP): The association (Society of Actuaries of Thailand) currently has 266 members.
(TP): There are many universities in Thailand providing actuarial science majors, minors, or concentrations.
(TP): Some but not all.
(AL): Is there anything else you would like to add?
(TP): You will be the most fortunate person if your work and your hobby are the same. Love it, do it, and make it happen.

industry_corpus2: Finance & Economics


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You can trust in Mold Treatment Guys to provide the best quality products and services regarding Mold Treatment in Middletown, RI. We have got a team of competent experts and the most resourceful technology in the market to offer just what you might need. We will use professional quality supplies and budget friendly strategies to make sure that you have the most impressive products and services for the best value. We're going to assist you to make decisions for the work, address the questions you have, and schedule an appointment with our experts when you give us a call at 800-569-5380.
At Mold Treatment Guys, we realize that you want to keep in budget and save cash everywhere you can. Still you want professional quality results for Mold Treatment in Middletown, RI, and you're able to have confidence in our staff to help you save money while continually providing the very best quality results. You can expect the best quality even while helping you save money. Our plan is to ensure that you receive the highest quality supplies and a job that holds up as time passes. For instance, we are mindful to keep clear of costly mistakes, work efficiently to help save hours, and be sure you get the top prices on materials and labor. Save time and resources by simply getting in touch with Mold Treatment Guys right now. You will reach our business at 800-569-5380 to start.
When you're thinking of Mold Treatment in Middletown, RI, you should be kept informed to make the best choices. You shouldn't go in without understanding it, and you want to be aware of what to anticipate. You will not face any kind of unexpected surprises when you do business with Mold Treatment Guys. Start by calling 800-569-5380 to talk about your project. We will answer your questions and arrange your initial appointment. Our team will show up at the arranged time with all the necessary equipment, and will work with you all through the job.
Lots of good reasons can be found to consider Mold Treatment Guys regarding Mold Treatment in Middletown, RI. We will be the most suitable choice when you need the best money saving options, the finest equipment, and the best rank of customer satisfaction. We're ready to serve you with the greatest expertise and experience in the industry. Call 800-569-5380 to reach Mold Treatment Guys and examine all your expectations about Mold Treatment in Middletown.

industry_corpus2: Manufacturing


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Inspiring Creative Patio Design Ideas under Patio Design post category is one of our popular topics related with Patio Design.
If you are looking for home design and decoration ideas especially those related to Patio Design or inspiring creative patio design ideas, bellow we have some best selected photo pictures of inspiring creative patio design ideas. You can use one or some of these pictures as your references to designing or decorating your home.
The Garden Awakening: Designs to Nurture Our Land and Ourselves The Garden Awakening: Designs to Nurture Our Land and Ourselves is a book by Mary Reynolds (UIT Cambridge Ltd, 272pgs) released 2016-10-01.
Microshelters: 59 Creative Cabins, Tiny Houses, Tree Houses, and Other Small Structures Book by Derek "Deek" Diedricksen (Storey Publishing, LLC, 256pgs) released 2015-08-25.
The Art of Gardening: Design Inspiration and Innovative Planting Techniques from Chanticleer Book by R. William Thomas (Timber Press, 340pgs) released 2015-09-23.
Groundbreaking Food Gardens: 73 Plans That Will Change the Way You Grow Your Garden Book by Niki Jabbour (Storey Publishing, LLC, 272pgs) released 2014-03-25.
The Edible Front Yard: The Mow-Less, Grow-More Plan for a Beautiful, Bountiful Garden Book by Ivette Soler (Timber Press, 216pgs) released 2011-02-23.
Container Theme Gardens: 42 Combinations, Each Using 5 Perfectly Matched Plants Book by Nancy J. Ondra (Storey Publishing, LLC, 272pgs) released 2016-01-26.
Potted: Make Your Own Stylish Garden Containers Book by Annette Goliti Gutierrez and Mary Gray (Timber Press, 228pgs) released 2017-06-14.
A Woman's Shed: Spaces for women to create, write, make, grow, think, and escape Book by Gill Heriz (imusti, 208pgs) released 2014-04-10.
How to Window Box: Small-Space Plants to Grow Indoors or Out (How To Series) Book by Chantal Aida Gordon and Ryan Benoit (Clarkson Potter, 176pgs) released 2018-02-27.
Ambesonne Dream Place Mats Set of 4, Don't Call It a Dream Call It a Plan Inspiring Creative Quote Floral Branches, Washable Fabric Placemats for Dining Room Kitchen Table Decor, Black and White Home product from Ambesonne.


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Clara got up again and left. Lex and Bruce just stared at each other for a while before they both started grinning.
Clara said, “NEVER! I never want anyone worshiping me or knowing I had anything to do with any of this!” Clara looked very upset.
Clara said, “I am so relieved that you didn’t do it for me!” Clara leaned over and kissed Lex on the cheek. She whispered, “Thanks. That was just a modest portion of what you can expect from me later.” She smiled brightly, turned and headed for the door.


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Stumbling and Mumbling: Job insecurity: who's to blame?
Job insecurity: who's to blame?
Who's to blame for the insecurity faced by American workers? Two recent papers undermine the popular view.
First is this paper (pdf) by Devashish Mitra and Priya Ranjan. They show that, in a general equilibrium model, offshoring can increase wages and reduce unemployment simply (and here I do violence to the sophistication of their model) because it cuts costs and so raises demand.
These two papers by Mary Amiti and Shang-Jin Wei sugest that there's some empirical evidence for this, or at least against the popular view that offshoring destroys jobs.
Greg Mankiw, it seems, was right.
But if offshoring is not to blame for the weak position of American workers, what is?
The growing incorporation of women into market work during the 1982-97 period contributed to the decline in the aggregate wage share.
The authors estimate that the supply of cheap female labour explains around one-third of the fall in the wage share.
This raises the question. Why are American men so quick to blame offshoring and foreigners for their (perceived) trouble, but not women or exploitative capitalists?
Yeah, but it not "American men so quick to blame offshoring" it's two-a-penny sound-bite spewing protectionist and interventionist politicians (and probably trade union leaders as well).
I have never heard any real live person in the pub or round the dinner table say anything bad (or good for that matter) about off-shoring.
"Why are American men so quick to blame offshoring and foreigners for their (perceived) trouble, but not women or exploitative capitalists?"
Tabloids seem to prefer blaming foreigners over totty and the elite.
Run that past me again? Employing extra people overseas on low wages is good for jobs market, but employing extra women on low wages is bad for it?

industry_corpus2: Others


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cannot upload games…any suggestions..spin to win works fine…??.
tori225, sorry to see you’re having some trouble with the HSN Arcade. Are you using your phone or a computer to access the arcade?

industry_corpus2: Gaming


text: Abstract: Ideas since the time of Lyell (1830) on distances of movement of matter during regional metamorphism are reviewed, and it is concluded that the problem and its implications remain not fully resolved. An attempt at systematic investigation is then made by the micro-analysis of minerals and mineral groupings that appear to be particularly suitable for the purpose. The electron-microprobe analyzer is applied to determine variations in the incidence of major and trace elements in populations of like mineral grains constituting well-preserved contiguous fine beds and foliae in nine samples of metasedimentary materials from exhalative ore environments that have undergone high-grade (sillimanite) regional metamorphism. In all cases, chemical equilibrium has not been attained over distances down to small fractions of a millimeter. Given the high grades of metamorphism involved and the long times available for equilibration, it is concluded that movement of matter required to establish such equilibrium during metamorphism has been restricted to such distances, and hence to those no greater than present grain-size. It follows from this that each grain of a metamorphic mineral occupying a given domain now must have arisen from material that occupied that domain prior to metamorphism, i.e., in these cases, regional metamorphism has been isochemical. Further, evidence is presented indicating that this has not occurred through reactions among the components of ultrafine mixtures occupying such domains, but through transformation of a single material in each case. From this it is proposed that, rather than reflecting similar processes operating in different parts of a temperature–pressure spectrum, contact and regional metamorphism are dominated by two distinctly different processes of metamorphic mineral formation: chemical reaction (as long recognized) the dominant process of contact metamorphic–metasomatic mineral formation, solid–solid transformation the dominant process in regional metamorphism. On this basis, it is suggested that some present problems in regional metamorphic petrology stem from the current assumption that the dominant processes of regional metamorphism are analogous to those of contact metamorphism, where in fact they are substantially different. Clearly, extrapolation from nine samples to generality invites and requires extensive testing. It is therefore further proposed that studies of finely bedded exhalative metasediments (with their commonly sharp between-bed compositional contrasts), of the extensive mineral assemblages of many regionally metamorphosed exhalative ore deposits (especially VMS deposits and their environments), and of the exhalative metasedimentary milieu generally, may well constitute an important field for future investigation in regional metamorphic petrology.

industry_corpus2: Mining


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Kiley Group Presents Latest Polling Results Gauging Voter Sentiment for the Next Mayor of Mount Vernon By HEZI ARIS - Yonkers Tribune.
MOUNT VERNON, NY — April 4, 2019 — Veteran Democratic Pollster Tom Kiley continues to delve into voter sentiment in Mount Vernon. The most recent polls revealed herein were tabulated from among 847 Democrats, from March 18th to April 2nd, 2019. The results are recognized to be plus or minus between 3 and 4 percent. Note as well that Mount Vernon is a city of predominately Democrat registered voters, so much so that one barely hears of a Republican, Conservative, Independents, or what-have-you. Any party members other than registered Democrats are superfluous to the outcome of choosing the next Mount Vernon Mayor. In fact Mount Vernon is unique, perhaps even recognized as an aberration among municipalities because it is a one-party city.
While all municipalities in New York State began their signature gather process on the same day or two, only Mount Vernon has an ace under its sleeve. It is not a slight of hand or illegal in any way. Only Mount Vernon Democrat registered voters will decide the outcome of the campaign effort. The person who wins the Mount Vernon Primary Election, held on June 25, 2019, will not need to worry about the General Election results that everyone else will be anticipating in November.
Most people unaware of the voter registration of Mount Vernonites can’t fathom how Mount Vernonites will know who their next mayor will be when the June 25, 2019 results are in. Are Mount Vernonites clairvoyant? Perhaps. But no one need be clairvoyant since there is no way for another candidate from any other party or even a write-in candidate that can eclipse the number of voters who will cast their vote for a Democrat.
What a shame that Mt Vernon is still in the state of political shambles.
When companies, developers or investors look to invest in this City they are besieged with negative news all to do with the dysfunctional & uncooperative City Hall. Very sad….

industry_corpus2: Politics & Administration


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To help you assess the knowledge and/or attitude of participants in a training course.
Encourage participants to think of a topic from a different perspective than they normally would.
Helps participants to gain a deeper understanding of the subject they are explaining.
You can download a set of instructions for the free energiser, ‘Can You Explain’ for free from the link below.
The Can You Explain Cards (Available in the download below).
1. Look through the ‘Can You Explain’ cards included in the download. You can edit these and change the characters if required.
2. Print the ‘Can You Explain’ cards on thin card and cut them into individual cards.
3. Ask each participant to draw one card each. If you prefer, they can work in pairs or small groups.
4. Now give them a topic to explain to the person or group of people they have drawn. The topic needs to be related to the subject matter of your training. Allow a few minutes for them to prepare before they explain the subject as if they are explaining it to the person/people on the card.
5. You can give all people the same topic to explain or each of them different topics.
6. Make sure every person or group has an attempt at the activity but allow them the option to swap their card if necessary.
7. Provide feedback to all answers they give making sure that you keep this positive and supportive.
This energiser is a good method of testing the learning of participants in a fun and interesting way.

industry_corpus2: Subject Education


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Please discuss the Motorcycle.com article 2012 Piaggio X10 350 Review in our Motorcycle Forums below. Use the reply button to let others know your comments or feedback on the article. Constructive criticism is always appreciated, along with your thoughts and personal opinions on the bikes and products we have tested.
It would be better if you could test the new Piaggio BV350 scoot.
Same engine as the x10 350, but 60lbs lighter and available RIGHT NOW! at CA/USA dealerships.
It's a beautiful scoot. I just took a look at the BV 350. I think I'm gonna get me one. After pondering these bigger scoots for quite some time now, I finally realized that a 350 is probably the way to go. It just seems right to me, whereas a 500 or larger seems like overkill for a scoot.
I thought I read that they were not going to offer ABS or ASR on U.S. models - is that right? If so, it bears mentioning in the article IMHO.
You're thinking of the BV350 (Beverly 350 in Europe) which won't have either ABS or traction control on U.S. models. Piaggio hasn't announced U.S. availability for the X10.
Which is why I think they should test the BV350 here in the US, which is available now.
Instead of getting a contributor's take on a bike that is not available.
The BV would be much more fun to ride with the same engine and much less weight.
There is one downside to scooters that would make me reluctant to buy one. They are impossible to bump start.
Bump start shmump start!! This is a modern day highly refined piece of kit.......Never mind, I just remembered it's Italian.
Isn't that true of almost every bike these days? With fuel injection, you have to have fuel pressure. To get fuel pressure, you have to run a fuel pump. To run a fuel pump, you have to have electricity. To have electricity...well, you get the idea. I guess if everything but the starter motor was working you could bump a bike off, but usually you're doing that 'cause the battery is dead.
I hope someday in the US scooters will overcome their "gay" stigma. I'm willing to be a lot of guys here won't buy one because they're concerned about being perceived as "light in the loafers."

industry_corpus2: Automobiles


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Good music for me is one that invites and actually engages the listener to build a connection, and eventually makes him a part of the experience. It transports him from the physical to the magical and back, somehow transformed, rendering him unable to separate the music from the lyrics; or creating it from the sounds of silence. A music maker able to do this, I believe, is a true artist and a genius at that.
The same can be said for movies. Almost always, a good movie soundtrack gives the motion pictures that sense of immortality. Classic movies are unforgettably attached to its song selection. Thus, I dedicate a section of this webpage for movie and music madness in appreciation of pieces that mirror life and touch every human sentiment. Likewise in celebration of artists who speak the language of the soul, and whose works are truly remarkably timeless.


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Harvard College Student Blog · Spring Has Sprung!
Was reading your blog about Yardfest, how does an artist get involved with performing at it . Im trying to get my group this year over there . Who can i talk to about some sort of submission ? Thank you.


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Discussion in 'Rugby World Cup 2007' started by mimic, Sep 27, 2007.
like the other thread ill go with smith... hes more solid than ice.
i havent seen anything from smith to say hes gonna drop an easy ball or throw a stpuid pass... which unfortunately ice still does abit of.
smith will be at centre in the 1/4's... as ripper was implying.. if mills was really seen as our first choice centre than he would have seen some rugby there over the season.
im almost positive smith has already been penciled in... Ice was paired with mauger last night which for me shows hes not going to be in the top side. they would have paired him with luke if they wanted him to play in the 1/4.
I think it's still up in the air and neither smith or toeava really put their hand up for the 13 jumper. I think it wil be a 50/50 between them to see who gets the start in the quarter final. mils is not the first choice centre and only really played there because there was no one else and we needed a centre. mils ability at fullback is unquestioned and was why they only took him as the specialist fullback on the end of year tour a few years bacl.
the performance against romania was defintely sloppy in places at the lineout and on the kickoffs. there were though some nice tries scored with good passing and excellent support play.
"Either Mils Muliaina or Conrad Smith will wear the 13 jersey with Leon MacDonald slotting into a back three of Doug Howlett, Sivivatu or Rokocoko."
"Toeava is also a contender - though perhaps only an outside one - at centre"
I'd have to agree. I will be surprised to see Icy there and disappointed (but not surprised) to see Conman there.


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Despite the term “fusion cuisine’” being quite new, the concept of fusion food has been around for many centuries. It is defined as “the blending of culinary worlds to create new, hybrid dishes”. As cultures have overlapped, naturally new dishes are created. In essence, it is the marriage or two or more cooking traditions, techniques or disciplines in order to form a completely new dish or food style.
Fusion today is a popular trend among foodies of all types. Its creative flare for mixing flavours creates new and exciting dishes and brings food to life. A large part of its excitement is due the fact that it allows chefs to create unique dishes and inject an identity into their restaurants cuisine.
The stir frying process of most Chinese cuisine dishes is an extremely popular cooking technique for fusion food. Mixing Thai cuisine, Chinese cuisine and most other Asian cuisine flavours, styles, traditional ingredients and cooking techniques has become extremely popular. It has also produced some incredibly delicious and unique dishes, and has inspired many restaurants to take up the trend and produce ‘chef creations’ unique to their Chinese restaurant.
Exotic Wok and Grill’s Gold Coast Chinese Restaurant is one of the many who have taken hold of this trend and adapted their dishes to create unique and mouth-watering creations all their own. Our Asian dining experience offers a creative menu that spans from Hakka Chinese to Cantonese style Chinese food. The result is a sophisticated dining experience featuring fresh, gourmet food.


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Ready to buy a new home in Newport Pagnell? Failing to check that a lawyer is on your lender’s list of approved solicitors can put your Newport Pagnell transaction at risk of delay or failure.
Only LenderPanel.com provides a subset of authorised Newport Pagnell conveyancers for over 130 lenders.
I am in a contract race with another prospective purchaser for a property in Newport Pagnell. What can be done to quicken up the conveyancing process?
In a situation where the seller is applying a tight deadline to complete it is highly recommended that your conveyancer is familiar with the area as they will have local contacts and know-how. It is possible that they could have handled previoushomes in the same street. You would be best advised to use a Newport Pagnell conveyancing firm. Second, be sure that the conveyancing firm is on the lender panel. It is claimed that 18% of Newport Pagnell conveyancing deals are frustrated or derailed after finding out that a purchaser’s conveyancer was not on their banks member panel. In many cases this discovery resulted in the legal transfer of property being delayed by almost 21 days. It is claimed that this issue impacts in the region of 100,000 home sales every year. Almost all Newport Pagnell conveyancing firms can not represent certain mortgage companies so do check as early as possible.
My mortgage company has recommended solicitors on their panel based in Newport Pagnell but I would rather choose a conveyancing lawyer in Newport Pagnell or nearer to where I live. Are you able to help?
The minority of Newport Pagnell conveyancing practitioners are on all banks conveyancing panel. Use the above search tool to choose a Newport Pagnell conveyancing conveyancer on the on the bank panel.
A relative pointed out to me me that in buying a property in Newport Pagnell there could be various restrictions preventing external changes to a property. Is this right?
There are a number of properties in Newport Pagnell which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to execute external alterations. Part of the conveyancing in Newport Pagnell should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.
Can I be sure that the Newport Pagnell conveyancing solicitor on the Nationwide panel is any good?
When it comes to conveyancing in Newport Pagnell getting recommendations is a sensible starting point. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one advertising the lowest fees. We would always suggest that you speak with the solicitor conducting your transaction.
I have paid off my mortgage with Lloyds. I assume I don't need a Newport Pagnell property lawyer on the Lloyds panel to discharge the mortgage at the Land Registry. Please confirm.
I decided to have a survey done on a house in Newport Pagnell before retaining solicitors. I have been told that there is a flying freehold element to the house. Our surveyor advised that some banks will refuse to grant a loan on such a property.
It varies from the lender to lender. Bank of Scotland has different instructions from Birmingham Midshires. If you call us we can look into this further via the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Newport Pagnell. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Newport Pagnell to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.
In surfing the internet for the phrase conveyancing in Newport Pagnell it shows results of many solicitorslocally. With so much choice what is the best way to find the right solicitor for me?
The best method of choosing a suitable conveyancer is through a personal testimonial, so ask colleagues and those you trust who have acquired a property in Newport Pagnell or the local estate agent or financial adviser. Fees for conveyancing in Newport Pagnell differ, so it's advisable to obtain at least four estimates from different conveyancers. Dont forget to clarify what costs in the quote includes.


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For brick-and-mortar bookstores, the writing was on the wall.
It was November 19, 2007, and Amazon had just released the Kindle. The world's first e-reader sold out in five-and-a-half hours, and shell-shocked industry watchers and members of the reading population predicted that physical books — those archaic construct of bindings, glue and printed pages — were on the way out, and that neighborhood bookstores were soon to be as extinct as the trilobite and the passenger pigeon. In the intervening 11 years it became easy to believe these dire predictions, as bookstores closed and publishers released fewer and fewer new books.
"At one point in Charlotte we had three intimate bookshops," Sally Brewster remembers. Brewster, the owner and manager of Park Road Books, notes that Horizon Books, Brandywine Books and Poplar Street Books have all closed their doors.
Lee Rathers points out that her father, Richard Rathers, who owns Book Buyers in Plaza Midwood, learned the bookseller trade at Appleton's, another vanished retailer.
Just last June, family-owned business The Last Word filed for bankruptcy, joining a roll call of shuttered Charlotte bookshops including The Bookmark, Joseph Beth Booksellers and RealEyes Bookstore. Even big-box behemoth Borders bit the dust, filing for bankruptcy in 2011.
Despite this daunting retail body count, predictions of mass bookstore extinction have been greatly exaggerated, says Jeanne Dowd, owner and manger of The Book Rack in south Charlotte.
"The year Kindles became popular, that was the first time our sales fell instead of growing," Dowd remembers. However, she points out that the e-book sales have since plateaued at about 20 percent of the market, and that new physical books continue being published. After a few rocky years, the Book Rack's sales have been steadily increasing.
Other book retailers have weathered the digital revolution and are now reporting a similar uptick in business. In Charlotte at least, people still love their physical books and local booksellers. They apparently ascribe to Ernest Hemingway's observation that, "There is no friend as loyal as a book," and to Roman statesman Cicero's credo: "A room without books is like a body without a soul."
Launched in the Park Road Shopping Center in 1977, Park Road Books is Charlotte's oldest extant bookstore. Current owner and manager Sally Brewster was a sales representative for Random House publishers when she first called on then-owner John Barringer in the late 1990s. It was Christmastime and Brewster knew that no one wanted to talk to a sales rep during the height of the holiday season, so she cut a deal with Barringer: She offered to work for the bookseller every Christmas. As a result, Brewster became familiar with the store and its product. In July 1999 Barringer hired Brewster as store manager. Four years later, he asked her if she wanted to buy the business from him.
"I told him, 'Anybody who would buy a book store now is insane,'" Brewster remembers with a laugh. "And I just happened to be that insane person."
Crazy or not, it was natural fit for Brewster who says she's been selling books her entire adult life. Today, the store occupies a long and narrow 46,000-square-foot space stocked with over 30,000 tiles, Brewster says. Most hardcovers are $26. Mass-market paperbacks, what Brewster calls "the rack-sized jobbers," are $7.99 to $9.99. Trade paperbacks, the oversized volumes that use better glue and paper, run around $16.
The store's staff ranges from 13 to 16 people. Brewster has a handful of criteria for hiring, and the most important qualification for employees is that they must love reading. "We look for people that read authors that are alive," Brewster continues. "If you don't read anybody published after 1945, that's not going to help because most of our books are current."
Brewster also stresses that Park Road Books' staff must posses a certain je ne sais quoi, a combination of customer service skills and personality. "[Employees] have to engage the customer. People are looking to delve into the book and talk about them here." Perhaps the most friendly and dedicated employee is the bookstore dog, Yola. She's spent nine and a half of her 10 years at the shop, Brewster points out, adding that Yola is sleeping behind the counter as we speak.
For many readers, used books possess a particular allure. They come with a history, a connection to previous owners and an oft-musty smell that fantasist Ray Bradbury likened to the tombs of ancient Egypt. Author Virginia Woolf wrote, "Second-hand books are wild books, homeless books; they have come together in vast flocks of variegated feather, and have a charm which the domesticated volumes of the library lack."
Richard got the idea to launch a used bookstore in Plaza Midwood because he loved books, Lee says. He also thought that running a bookstore would be a good way to spend his retirement. It makes sense that the elder Rathers would choose a hectic activity like launching a business as a way to relax, Lee continues laughing. With an employment history that includes the Air Force, coal mining and teaching, Richard boasts a varied and busy background. In 1998 Lee's father started working part time at Appleton's to learn the book trade's ropes, while still teaching full time at Harding University High School.
"He started building bookcases, and going to yard sales, just amassing boxes and boxes of books, until he got to the point where he said it's time to open up the shop," Lee remembers.
In 1999, with the help of Virginia O'Riley, the Rathers moved their collection of used books into a 1,000-square-foot space at the then nearly empty Midwood Corners Shopping center at the intersection of The Plaza and Central Avenue.
"We were driving around Plaza Midwood and my father just had a good feeling about the [location]," Lee says. A year later, the store moved into a larger space in the strip mall, and a few years after that, it relocated once again (still the same building) into its current 35,000-square-foot space. Lee estimates that Book Buyers stocks close to 50,000 books, all priced, shelved, curated and sold by a lean staff made up of just O'Riley and the Rathers. Paperbacks run half the cover price, while hardcovers range from $6 to $10, with most falling in the lower end of that range. Book Buyers vets the used books that customers bring in, and offers store trade-in credit.
In many ways, The Book Rack represents a hybrid of Park Road Books and Book Buyers, offering a selection of new and used books. Dowd says she wanted to own a bookstore ever since she was a little girl. She got into the book trade soon after graduating from Wellesley College, when she went to work for Kroch's and Brentano's, then the largest privately owned bookstore chain in America. She moved from Massachusetts to Charlotte to manage the location here that opened in Carolina Place Mall in 1991.
"We did nicely for a few years but then Barnes & Noble opened up right across the street," Dowd remembers. With a much bigger selection and more attractive discounts, Barnes & Noble was rapidly pushing Brentano's out of business. Dowd cast around for her next move and decided she could compete in the bookselling market with The Book Rack's business model. "The Book Rack is a franchise, but a very loose franchise, " Dowd explains. She had too many bad memories of being micromanaged by district managers during her days at Kroch's and Brentano's. "I had had managers come in and say, 'You know what would be fun? Let's switch the entire store around. We'll move everything from the back into the front and everything from the front into the back.' Then I had to deal with all the angry customers."
In contrast, The Book Rack provided a bit of training, some books to start out, and few group-buying opportunities, Dowd continues. "Other than that they let you do what you want," she says. "[The Book Rack] gave me freedom with a little bit of support."
Dowd launched her store in 1995, moving from a 2,000-square-foot space to their current 5,000-square-foot space on Johnston Road in 2010. She currently employs six people who work the front desk, two employees who handle shelving and one woman who comes in part time to do the store's shipping.
Dowd estimates that she currently has 50,000 used books and 8,000 new books in stock. Prices range from $4 to $6 for used books. New books, both hardcovers and paperbacks, are discounted 20 percent off the publisher's price.
The mid-to-late 1990s was a stressful time for book retail, Brewster remembers.
"It was brutal," she says. "We were dealing with Borders, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Media Play." To compete, Brewster expanded the store's scope and outreach in the community. She brought in more books, bolstered the shop's selection, strengthened existing relationships with publishers and started catering to book clubs. "Anybody that needed somebody to talk about books, I was more than willing to talk for free," she maintains. In-store events and author visits became a key part of Brewster's business model. She recalls Barringer telling her about a young writer coming into the store eager to talk about his self-published book. That young scribe turned out to be Pat Conroy, best-selling author of The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini and other blockbusters.
"That's why we have author events," Brewster concludes. "We want to help the writer meet the reader. Sometimes only a couple of people show up. Sometimes we have hundreds. But they're all important because the writer is trying to make contact, and people are interested."
Upcoming in-store author visits this fall include former Creative Loafing contributor Frye Gaillard (A Hard Rain) and Ellen Hilderbrand (Winter in Paradise). Brewster recalls Anne Rice stopping in and Conroy returning multiple times. She reckons the most memorable event was an appearance by Diary of a Wimpy Kid series author Jeff Kinney. "We had him for Cabin Fever, and they brought in 2,000 pounds of ice and made it into snow," Brewster remembers. The stars from the Wimpy Kid movie made a surprise visit to the store, and the line wound all the way down to Suarez Bakery at the far end of the shopping center, she continues.
In contrast, Dowd took on the big-box competitors with The Book Rack's discounted prices. The Book Rack, like most bookstores gets its new product through wholesalers like Baker & Taylor and Ingram Book Company.
"Wholesalers buy from publishers and sell to bookstores," she explains. Ingram Book Company is a quick source for titles and they also offer lower minimums than publishers in exchange for free shipping, Dowd continues. "With Ingram you can order from a whole variety of publishers from one source." Efficiency and cost-cutting results in saving, which is passed down to Dowd's clientele. "We take a lower margin on our new books than other new bookstores do which, is why we can offer the discount on them."
Also unlike new bookstores, The Book Rack can offset their lower margin on new books with a slightly higher margin on used books. "New bookstores have to make all of their money off new books so they can't afford to discount as much as we do," she explains.
Book Buyers has managed to cut itself loose from the big box pack with diversity. While many stores offer gift cards and bookmarks in addition to books, Book Buyers is the only bookstore where you can also pick up vegan products or adopt a kitten. The cat adoptions started in 2002, when O'Riley discovered an abandoned kitten in an alley behind the store, Lee says.
"Virginia scooped up the cat, who became our bookstore cat, Page," Lee continues. Soon O'Riley started rescuing other kittens and cats and bringing them into the store. A large cage at the back of the store currently houses the animals until O'Riley finds permanent homes for them. Prospective book buyers can now find themselves captivated by cute kittens, and they could wind up leaving the shop with a brand new pet as well as a used copy of Danielle Steel's latest opus.
As is often the case, it's easier to adopt out kittens than grown cats, so O'Riley moved some of the adult cats she rescued from her home into the store, where they currently reside in the back room. By the spring of 2017, Page had her own bookstore cat Facebook page with 6,063 followers, but she grew weary of the attention she drew from store patrons. Deciding it was time for Page to retire, O'Riley brought the literary veteran home and swapped her out with Book Buyers' current bookstore cat, Deena.
In much the way that O'Riley started rescuing and adopting out animals from the goodness of her heart, Lee followed her passion to launch her vegan store, The Greener Apple, which is housed inside Book Buyers. The shop, which offers vegan food, cleaning products, toys and more, began life in the front of the bookstore as Ecolicious, a locally sourced gift and food store that Rathers launched with a former business partner. When Ecolicious moved to Commonwealth Avenue, Lee decided to continue her business with an accentuated vegan bent.
"I started the Greener Apple because there wasn't anything around that just sold vegan," Lee explains. "You had to go to Whole Foods and look up all the ingredients."
Currently, Greener Apple carries everything from vegan cookbooks to 23-pound bags of vegan dog food. It's a one-stop shop where you can find products that you previously could only find in vegan magazines, Lee says. People come in specifically looking for vegan products, she continues, but sometimes people come in for books and leave with vegan health and beauty products.
"It's cool and eco-friendly stuff," Lee concludes. "It's sustainable, conscious of the earth and an alternative to our disposable culture." The Greener Apple had gotten so popular by last spring that Lee and her father considered giving over most of the bookstore's space to vegan products — but then book sales started to explode. Lee credits the population boom in Plaza Midwood for the uptick in book business. It seems that Richard's good feeling about the location at the intersection of the Plaza and Central Avenue has paid off. Lee notes that the shop's foot traffic has increased dramatically.
"We get people walking into our store who have never been here before," she says. "And there are people who have just moved here that are looking for a cool place. We remind them of bookstores that are like what they had where they used to live."
Brewster has also noticed an increase in Park Road Books' business.
"For the past seven years we've had an uptick almost every year," she says. "For us, the real slam was the recession." Park Road Books suffered with the big-box stores, and then suffered a little more when the market went digital, she continues. "But that peaked about five or six years ago," Brewster maintains. "A lot of people say they still read electronically but they also like to have a physical copy in their hands."
Dowd sees a similar trend.
"The number of physical books published every year is down, but The Book Rack's sales, after a bit rockiness in 2011 have gone back to growing." This growing customer base is shopping for best-selling fiction and action/adventure and suspense novels, Dowd says. Romance typically makes up 40 percent of the paperbacks sold in this country, she continues. "Our history and science fiction/fantasy sections get scoured on a regular basis.
Fiction titles are the most popular at Park Road Books, Brewster says. The store sells a lot of histories, biographies and young adult fiction, she continues.
"[Young adult fiction] is a category that expanded after J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter books came out. We keep increasing our selections on that category."
For Book Buyers, the titles that people bring in for trade-in do much to dictate the categories. It may be the only bookstore where you will see categories like Marxism right down the aisle from Paranormal Romance.
"At one point we had a hypnosis category," Lee says. "If we get in enough books on a subject to fill a shelf, we make up a brand new category." One category that's easy to spot is Book Buyers' Aviation section. That's because the books are shelved just beneath an actual airplane, a 1940s Piper J-3 Cub. "My dad got his private pilot's license in the 1980s. He loved to fly. So one day he decided to build an airplane." Suspended from the ceiling without its canvas covering, the Piper Cub is just a frame and an engine. It looks too fragile to fly through the air.
"It's definitely a conversation piece," Lee says. "Some kids see it and say, 'Wow, an airplane!' It's a good way to bring the little ones into the store." With more children and adults coming in to Book Buyers, Lee attributes the surge in business to the tactile and nostalgic nature of physical books. "[People] like the feel and the smell of a book," she says. "They remember it and they miss it."
"A lot of people like holding a book in their hands," Dowd agrees. "We have people come in saying they look at a screen at work all day. The last thing they want to do is come home and look at a screen again." Dowd cites multiple studies that show the blue light emanating from e-reader screens is not conducive to inducing sleep. "So if you're reading yourself to sleep with a tablet, you're doing it the wrong way."
Brewster thinks our attachment to reading physical books goes even deeper into our psyches.
"There's something psychological about it," she says. "It hones into our being. I think our eyes and our brains react deeper and better with paper." Even with all the digital devices and entertainment options to choose from there is nothing like a book to fall into, Brewster continues. "There is so much depth to a book. I'm not going to lie. I do watch a little TV, but the experience of reading a book is so much broader and richer."

industry_corpus2: Literature & Emotions


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If you have owned a vehicle or known vehicle owners in Huntington Beach for a while, you might have heard the phrase “my water pump went out”. But what is a water pump?
Your engine’s water pump is a container made out of aluminum or iron which contains an impeller, a part which looks like a fan, that circulates water and coolant throughout your engine’s cooling system to keep it from overheating. The water pump is located in the engine department, and driven by either the engine’s drive belt or timing belt/chain. If the water pump fails, it will not circulate coolant through your cooling system, which will cause the engine to overheat and suffer severe damage.
Leaking coolant and low coolant levels.
Your temperature gauge is starting to read higher than normal.
Water pumps are a major part of your engine’s cooling system, which is slightly less well known and requires a little less maintenance, but arguably just as important, as regular oil changes. While there have been cars which featured air-cooled engines, including such popular and iconic models as the Volkswagen Beetle, Porsche 911, and Chevrolet Corvair, air-cooled engines have been completely phased out today due, in essence, to efficiency and the amount of more toxic chemicals they emit through their exhaust, air-cooled engines have been all but phased out.
Your car’s engine generates so much heat that it can cause serious damage to itself if it is not properly cooled. The water pump is an important part of your vehicle’s cooling system, which is important for making sure that your engine does not overheat. When your water pump is not functioning properly, the cooling system has no way to send coolant into the engine, and the engine will quickly overheat and suffer severe damage. For this reason, it is extremely important that you do not drive a car with a failing water pump, and get it replaced as soon as possible. If you do have to drive with a malfunctioning water pump, try not to drive for too long, and keep your eye on the temperature gauge to make sure that your engine doesn’t overheat.
There are a few different ways that a water pump can fail. One way is that the bearings the impeller is mounted on can wear down and start to grind against each other, impeding the movement of the impeller. This means that it will not spin as fast as it should and pump fresh coolant into the engine, so the engine will start to overheat. Another way is that the seals sealing it within the cooling system can wear, and begin to leak, causing coolant levels to drop and the cooling system not to be able to work properly. Either way, water pump failure is a serious issue and should be diagnosed and replaced as soon as possible.
When the water pump is replaced, the drive belts and timing belt/chain may also need to be replaced.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a failing water pump, call our team of trained mechanics to make an appointment today! ExperTec Automotive of Huntigton Beach can fix any of your water pump problems, guaranteed.


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My, what big eyes you have! An adult Squalus clarkae found in the waters off Belize.
Say hello to Squalus clarkae, otherwise known as Genie’s dogfish. This newly identified species of deepwater shark was named in honor of Eugenie Clark, a scientific pioneer who influenced an entire generation of marine biologists.
Eugenie Clark takes measurements of a shark on the dock at Cape Haze Marine Lab.
Known as the “shark lady,” she founded the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, and was an early member of the American Elasmobranch Society. Among her many scientific achievements, Clark discovered several new species of fish, and learned that some species of shark don’t need to swim in order to breathe. She also conducted some of the earliest research into shark behavior, showing they’re more than just mindless killing machines. Over the course of her career, Clark received numerous awards and honors, including a 1996 Emmy Award for her underwater films.
And now, fittingly, a newly discovered species of shark has been named in her honor, the details of which were published this week in the science journal Zootaxa.
(A) Photo of an ddult female Squalus clarkae from the Gulf of Mexico, (B) sketch of an adult female S. clarkae.
Thanks to the pioneering efforts of Eugenie Clark, who devoted her life to changing our conceptions of sharks, many people now recognize the importance of this preservation effort.
Correction: An earlier version of this post mistakenly referred to Toby Daly-Engel as the lead author; that distinction belongs to Mariah Pfleger.

industry_corpus2: Water Resources & Marine


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Casey Jones is a space-hungry, sativa-dominant hybrid with the hallmarks of a heavy indica. Dense, oversized nugs with a mix of spices and old-school Kush aromas would fool even the most discerning connoisseur. But make no mistake, the uplifting sativa effects are locked inside those big buds waiting to be released upon combustion, with a rich, earthy flavor.
Casey Jones is large and branchy; plants will fill out vertical and lateral grow space during the bloom cycle. As a cannabis cocktail of Trainwreck, Sour Diesel, and Thai genetics, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. A short vegetative cycle and early training are highly recommended to control stretching. Unlike most sativas, she will be ready for harvest in just 8-9 weeks of flowering.
Very light canabis and very good to take the edge of a moody day and face life in joy again!

industry_corpus2: Agriculture & Fisheries


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It has been another typical European negotiation process. Months ago, with plenty of time to prepare the June EU summit, there were still many diverging views, ranging from European dreams to simply saying “nein” to everything. Since the start of this week, all of a sudden a compromise on further Eurozone reforms seemed to be in the making. It started off with an agreement between France and Germany with credible proposals for the future of the Eurozone. Last night’s Eurogroup meeting, however, shows that next week’s European Summit of government leaders still has lots of unfinished work to do.
In fact, reading between the lines, there seems to be very little committed agreement on anything. The only tangible decision taken was to make the ESM a financial backstop for bank resolutions. For the rest, there still seems to diverging views on how to further strengthen the ESM, the word European Monetary Fund has disappeared completely, or on a Eurozone budget. Phrases like “going forward, in terms of deliverables, the Eurogroup will prepare by the end of the year an outline of the key features of a strengthened ESM covering all the issues” do not bode well for the ears of Eurozone veterans.
Where do we stand on the most important issues?
The French-German proposal suggests a more technocrat approach to countries’ emergency funding and an increased role in terms of monitoring. The idea here is to morph the ESM into an EMF. Both governments also put more emphasis on debt sustainability analysis for support to countries with upfront (automatic) debt restructuring. While other core Eurozone countries have shown support for these ideas, southern economies have been more opposed. Particularly Italy is less enthusiastic about the German proposals of reforming the ESM into an EMF and creating debt restructuring procedures. It considers the ESM to work well and is worried about the stability on financial markets in case private write downs were to automatically be part of a debt restructuring process.
Our verdict: a stronger analytical role for the ESM looks feasible, upfront or even automatic debt restructuring still lacks broad support.
The French-German proposal for a Eurozone budget is similar to that of the European Commission for the 2020 budget. It is not a new stand-alone budget but a budget line dedicated to the Eurozone as part of the multi-annual budget of the entire EU. One leg of the budget would be devoted to investments that are related to the structural improvement of the economy, specifically innovation and human capital. The other would be a macroeconomic stabilization function that would not involve transfers. A financial transaction tax could be an important driver of the revenues related to the budget.
The question really is how large this budget will become. Here the differences between France and Germany remain quite large. Macron has said that he would love this to be a budget of several percentage points of GDP, which would be in the hundreds of billions of euros, while Merkel has indicated that she would like this to be in the “low double digit billions”.
Also interesting is the proposal for the European Unemployment Stabilization Fund, which Germany has recently shown signs to warming to. While stopping short of a common unemployment insurance scheme, this proposal would allow national social-security systems to borrow during a crisis. This money would have to be paid back during the upturn following the crisis.
Last night’s comment that “it is clear that our discussions are less advanced on possible fiscal instruments for convergence and stabilisation in the EMU” shows that the French-German ideas received very little support. Particularily the governments of the Netherlands and the Nordics are strongly opposed to new budget lines to stabilize economies, stating that sound fiscal policies would be sufficient to provide stabilization during times of crisis.
Here, the most important additional proposal to the already agreed upon measures by the French and German governments is that the ESM should be the backstop to the Single Resolution Fund. With last night’s decision there is now a deal. This should take the form of a credit line and would not be bigger than the current size of the SRF, which is now around 55 billion euro.
In terms of a European deposit insurance scheme (EDIS), the French-German proposal already showed that the ambition level has been lowered. Last night’s meeting did not bring any change. A statement that “after the European Council in June, the work on a roadmap for beginning political discussions on EDIS could start” is not really promising.
Our verdict: Making the ESM a financial backstop for bank resolution is a done deal. EDIS is clearly on a backburner.
All of this means that European leaders will still have lots of unfinished work when they meet next week. On a positive note, at least there is some progress. On a more negative note, however, there still seems to be more disagreement than agreement and the rest of the Eurozone countries have clearly shown the limits of the French-German axis.


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The first of the pair went off without a hitch. The second was going along very nicely….. until I realized I had FIVE extra stitches. It took me the better part of an hour to tink my way back to the mistake, where I had forgot a section of decreases. I’m now back on track and have finished the old shale section of the second sock.
I think I need to get some sock blockers. Although the girl child was more than happy to model my sock and point out how nicely it fit her foot.
I am going out with my girl friend tonight. I won’t get much knitting done.


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Now I am willing to bet that when you think of Greece the town of Monemvasia is not one that instantly springs to mind. My thoughts exactly so I had to do some research to find out where it is located and why our cruise would stop there. So here we go in a nutshell – founded in 583 by Greeks fleeing the mainland from the Slavic invasion – a walled town with a formidable fortress which withstood the Arab and the Norman invasions – nicknamed the Gibraltar of the East – today restored with loving care and a draw for travellers seeking a unique and historic destination.
We were lucky being the only ship visiting there and took the tender ashore not really seeing the town at all but just the church and fort at the top of the hill. However a short walk around the hill drew gasps of astonishment from just about everybody. There sat this beautiful walled city with the original narrow winding streets nestled into the side of the mountain and set against the blue of the sea. Every corner we turned was a delightful surprise of tiny little shops full of hand crafted pottery or paintings, small restaurants with verandas jutting out over the sea and small boutique hotels. No cars or bikes were allowed past the main town gateway and all the luggage for the hotels was delivered by hand-cart. All that exercise and a Mediterranean diet to boot – no wonder these people live so long! Heavier deliveries were made by way of donkeys carrying two panniers – no easy task going either steeply uphill or downhill on cobblestones polished to a shine by years of wear.
Here the beach is the typically pebbly type found so often in the Med but we noticed several little restaurants set up right on the beach with tables and chairs. I had a sudden urge to do a Shirley Valentine and sit at a table on the beach in Greece with a glass of wine. So I did just that. What a satisfying moment. I didn’t suddenly change my life or stay and get a job there as a waitress ….. but I might have. It was touch and go.
Hey Shirley - come on over!