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Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the “New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians”.
Section 1. The objectives and purposes of this Association shall be : A) to educate the New Jersey consumer regarding the profession of optometry and the importance of comprehensive care from optometric physicians; (B) to aid in the maintenance, preservation and advancement of the legal standards of qualifications for the practice of the profession and legislative issues of concern to the profession of optometry; (C) to promote research in the profession of optometry; (D) to establish and maintain ethical standards for its membership; (E) to encourage the advancement of optometric education; (F) to establish and maintain a closer professional bond among its members; (G) to maintain an affiliation with American Optometric Association and those local societies of optometric physicians with which this Association is affiliated; and (H) to maintain inter-professional relationships with other health care professions.
SECTION 1. There shall be eight (8) classifications of membership: (A) active members; (B) associate members; (C) student members; (D) honorary members; (E) life members; (F) privileged; (G) partial practice; and (H) faculty members. Admission to membership shall be according to provisions established by the Board of Directors. Members can unite in the formation of a special section upon the approval of the Board of Directors. The governing of each section shall be subject to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association.
SECTION 2. ACTIVE MEMBERS shall be those Optometric Physicians who have earned a Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE accredited college or school of optometry or its equivalent, and who are approved for Membership by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 3. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS shall be of three categories and may be admitted at the discretion of the Board of Directors. (A) Those holding recognized degrees in non-optometric disciplines. (B) Non-Optometrists having interests consistent with the objectives and purposes of this Association. (C) Military, civil service, research or other optometric physicians who are not primarily in active private practice in New Jersey, who are members of the American Optometric Association, and who wish to affiliate themselves with this Association.
SECTION 4. STUDENT MEMBERS shall be those persons enrolled as students in a school or college of optometry accredited by the Council on Optometric Education and recognized by the New Jersey State Board of Optometrists, and/or those non-practicing optometric physicians who are full-time students in an accredited institution of higher education and who profess an intention of entering or returning to the practice of optometry or to a faculty or administrative position with an accredited school or college of optometry.
SECTION 5. AN HONORARY MEMBERSHIP may be conferred on any person who has contributed distinguished valuable service to the conservation of vision, to the profession of optometry, or to this Association.
SECTION 6. LIFE MEMBERSHIP A Member who has been a member of this Association for 45 years shall be eligible to continue membership as a Life Member of this Association in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Directors. Members who provide medical certification of terminal or other serious debilitative illness may request that years of membership requirements be waived for life membership. All such requests for waiver must be made and approved through the member’s affiliate and approved by the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding the requirements set forth in this Paragraph, any member of this Association who is classified as a Life Member as of September 30, 2012, shall retain Life Member status. An affiliated local society shall submit a written nomination to the Board of Directors for approval.
SECTION 7. PRIVILEGED MEMBERS shall be those members, who through sickness, age or financial hardship, are unable to pay full dues. Such members may upon action by the Board of Directors, have their dues waived or reduced for any given year. The Board of Directors shall investigate the need for such a waiver or reduction of dues. This investigation shall include where necessary, an evaluation of the member’s total earnings in any given year, not just income from the practice of optometry. Privileged members, in any listing published by the Association, shall be listed in the same manner as all other members.
SECTION 8. PARTIAL PRACTICE MEMBERS shall be those members who work twenty (20) or fewer hours per week in compensated optometrically related activities and whose status as a partial practice member is approved annually by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 9. FACULTY MEMBERS shall be those members who hold a full time faculty or administrative position at an accredited school or college of optometry.
SECTION 1. ACTIVE MEMBERS. (A) The annual dues for active members, except as hereinafter stated in Article 4, Section 8, shall be in such amounts as prescribed by the membership at the Congress or General Membership Meeting, of Board of Directors and shall be payable at such time or times as may be established by the Board of Directors. (B) Any change in dues to be considered at the Congress or General Membership Meeting shall require notification to each member by mail at least thirty (30) days in advance of the meeting and shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting for passage. (C) The Board of Directors may adjust the dues for the cost of living, not to exceed 5%, on a yearly basis without needing full approval of the general membership. (D) Active members who fail to pay the required monthly dues in a timely manner may be charged a late fee at the discretion of the NJSOP Finance Committee.
SECTION 2. The annual dues of an associate or student member of this Association shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 3. The annual dues of a section member shall be recommended by that section’s membership and approved by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. Honorary members shall not be required to pay dues.
SECTION 5. Life members shall not be required to pay dues.
SECTION 6. Dues for privileged members may be waived or reduced for any given year by action of the Board of Directors. Such information shall be forwarded to the American Optometric Association for similar action. Privileged members may be reinstated as active members on payment of the current year’s dues.
SECTION 7. (A) Ascending Dues: The annual dues of a newly degreed member shall be waived for the calendar year in which such member becomes originally degreed. The dues for the following six years shall be on an ascending scale as established by the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians (NJSOP) provided that such member continues during the entire period to be a member in good standing of this Association and conforms to the Optometric Oath of the American Optometric Association and the Code of Ethics and Code of Practice of this Association. Thereafter, such member shall pay dues as specified in Article 4, Section 1.
(B) New Member Dues: Any optometric physician who has earned a Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE accredited college or school of optometry or its equivalent who has not been a member of this Association and who is accepted for membership for the first time shall be entitled to elect to pay dues on a graduated scale consisting of 50% of full annual dues for the first year of membership, 75% of annual dues for the second year of membership, and dues as specified in Article 4 Section 1, thereafter, except as hereinafter stated in Article 4, Section 8. In the case of an optometric physician who has been degreed less than four years and has not previously been a member of this Association, s/he may elect to pay dues in accordance with the scale set forth above for newly degreed members based on years of licensure.
SECTION 8. Partial practice members shall pay annual dues at the rate of thirty-five percent (35%) of full dues.
SECTION 9. Faculty members shall pay annual dues as required for Special Class Members as established by the American Optometric Association.
SECTION 10. Dues for members shall be as stated in Article 4, Section 1, 6 and 7 plus AOA dues as established by the American Optometric Association.
SECTION 1. Assessments may be levied upon members by two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast by those members present and voting at the Congress, General Membership Meeting or Special Meeting. Such assessments shall, when adopted, have the same liabilities for payment as annual dues, provided due notice of such proposed assessments shall have been mailed to each member at least thirty (30) days prior to that meeting.
SECTION 1. The fiscal year shall begin January 1 and end on December 31.
SECTION 1. There shall be three types of membership meetings: an annual convention, a General Membership Meeting and a Special Meeting.
SECTION 2. The annual convention shall be called a “Congress”. The time, date and location of the Congress shall be determined each year by the Board of Directors for the coming year. The Board of Directors may combine the Congress with the General Membership Meeting.
SECTION 3. The General Membership Meeting shall be held at a time, date and location to be determined by the Board of Directors, at which time a proposed budget for the ensuing year shall be presented to the membership for its approval and adoption.
SECTION 4. A Special Meeting shall be held upon call of the President; at the written request of thirty (30) active members in good standing; at the written request of three (3) or more affiliated local societies; or by a majority of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 5. Notice of all membership meetings shall be mailed to each member at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting and shall state time, place and purpose.
SECTION 6. The Board of Directors shall hold regular meetings at their discretion. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or by five (5) Directors upon at least two days’ notice to each Director and Officer, given by mail, telephone or electronic means.
SECTION 7. All the Powers and authority if this Association, as provided by law, except such as may specifically be delegated by the Constitution and Bylaws, shall be vested in the membership assembled in Congress, Special Meeting, or General Membership Meeting.
SECTION 1. At all membership meetings, thirty (30) of the members representing at least five (5) affiliated local societies shall constitute a quorum.
SECTION 2. Fifty percent (50%) of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum.
SECTION 1. The officers of this Association shall be President, President-Elect, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Immediate Past President; all of whom, except the Immediate Past President, shall be elected at the Congress or General Membership Meeting for a term of one year, with a maximum of two consecutive terms in any given office.
SECTION 2. The President going out of office shall become Immediate Past President.
SECTION 3. The resignation of an Officer shall be rendered in writing to the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the President –Elect shall serve as President for the remainder of the term in office. Such service shall not count towards the Maximum limitation of two terms in office.
SECTION 5. In the event of a vacancy occurring among the other officers, the President shall appoint an active member to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term in office. Such appointment shall be deemed effective upon majority vote of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 6. The Elections at the General Membership Meeting or the Congress for the officers shall be conducted in the order of President, President-Elect, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer, followed by the election of Directors.
SECTION 7. Officers-elect shall take office upon being administered the Oath of Office. Installation of officers need not occur in conjunction with their election. The time and place of installation shall be set by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 1. The Board of Directors shall be composed of seventeen (17) members, five (5) of whom shall be officers and not fewer than eight (8) who shall be elected as Directors-at-large. One director shall be assigned as liaison to each local society.
SECTION 2. Directors-at-large shall be elected at the Congress or General Membership Meeting, each for a three (3) year term. No person shall be eligible for election to more than two (2) successive three (3) year terms as a Director-at-Large nor to serve more than eight successive years as a Director-at-Large. The number of positions to be elected shall be determined by the Officers of the Association and reported to the Membership thirty (30) days prior to the election.
SECTION 3. In the event of a vacancy occurring among the Directors-at-Large, the President shall appoint an active member to become a Director-at-Large, to hold such position until the next election at a Congress or General Membership Meeting, at which time a director-at-large shall be elected for the remainder of the term. Such appointment shall be deemed effective upon majority vote of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. Elections at the General Membership Meeting or the Congress for a directorship having different terms shall be conducted separately in order of longest to shortest terms of office.
SECTION 5. Directors-elect shall take office upon being administered the Oath of Office. Installation of directors need not occur in conjunction with their election. The date, time and place of installation shall be set by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 6. The resignation of a Director-at-Large shall be rendered in writing to the Secretary-Treasurer.
SECTION 7. All past presidents, and currently appointed committee chairs who are not members of the Board, shall serve as ex-officio members of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 1. All meetings shall be governed by “Roberts Rules of Order—Revised” unless superseded by the Constitution or Bylaws.
SECTION 1. This Constitution and attached Bylaws may be altered or amended by two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast by those members present and voting at the Special Meeting, General Membership Meeting, or Congress, provided the proposed amendment has previously been duly validated for submission by an affiliated local society by a majority of its members and so certified in writing; or by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2. The proposed amendment shall be received by the Secretary-Treasurer not later than forty-five (45) days before the date of the Special Meeting, General Membership Meeting or Congress when the Amendment shall be considered.
SECTION 3. A copy of the proposed amendment shall be distributed to each member not later than thirty (30) days before the date of the Special Meeting, General Membership Meeting or Congress, together with a notice that the amendment will be adopted, amended or otherwise acted upon. At the discretion of the secretary-treasurer of this Association, delivery of the proposed amendments under this Article may be made by any written means, whether physical, electronic, or digital.
SECTION 1. The President shall preside at all membership and Board of Directors meetings; appoint all members to such committees as the need may require, designate the Chairpersons of each committee and certify, together with the Secretary-Treasurer, all official acts of the Association. The President shall call meetings as the need requires; shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and similar subordinate bodies and shall appoint all chairpersons and committee members, who shall serve on the committees as determined by the President. The President shall be responsible for the development of the agenda for all meetings at which s/he presides. The President shall not vote on motions before the Board of Directors except to break a tie vote.
SECTION 2. The President –Elect shall perform all executive functions and other duties as may be assigned by the President or the Board of Directors and shall be responsible for maintaining the Long Range Plan of this Association. In the event of the inability of the President to perform the duties of office, the President-Elect shall assume the duties of the President.
SECTION 3. The Vice-President shall perform all duties as may be assigned by the President or the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be responsible for full and accurate minutes of all membership and Board of Directors meetings; shall require proper registration and identification of all persons before their admission to any membership or Board of Directors meeting; and shall preserve all documents, records and transactions of this Association. The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep a complete accounting of all money received and disbursed in the manner prescribed by the Board of Directors; shall render a financial statement to the Board of Directors whenever requested to do so; and shall make a full report at the time of the Congress or General Membership Meeting, as may be directed by the President or Board of Directors. The Association’s financial records shall be reviewed annually by an accountant or certified public accountant who has been approved by the Board of Directors. The Secretary-Treasurer shall, at the expiration if his/her term of office, deliver to the successor, or to any person whom the Board of Directors may designate, all funds, books, records and property of the Association then in his/her custody or under his/her control. The President, Secretary-Treasurer and/or any member designated as his/her representative, and the Executive Director, shall be designated to sign all checks for this Association, any two (2) of the three (3) signatures being necessary.
SECTION 1. The Board of Directors shall supervise and manage the affairs, funds and property of the Association and carry out the objectives and purposes of the Constitution and Bylaws.
SECTION 2. When not inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws, the Board of Directors shall act as the supreme governing body during the interim between the Congress, General Membership Meeting or Special Meeting. Its acts and decisions shall have full force and effect unless modified or revised by the Membership at the next Congress, General Membership Meeting or Special Meeting.
SECTION 1. LEGISLATION. The Committee on Legislation shall consist of at least three (3) members. The committee shall meet periodically to review pending legislation and recommend positions and actions to the Board of Directors. The committee shall be responsible for coordinating all legislative activities of the Association and shall report its activities to the Board of Directors and to the Membership at the Congress, General Membership Meeting or Special Meeting.
SECTION 2. NOMINATIONS. The Committee on Nominations shall be appointed by the President three months prior to the Congress or General Membership Meeting and shall consist of at least one (1) member in good standing from each affiliated local society and three (3) Past Presidents, one of whom will be appointed chairperson. The committee shall make nominations for Officers, Directors, AOA delegates and State Board nominees, and shall report to the Board of Directors and to the Membership Assembled.
SECTION 3. FINANCE. (A) The Finance Committee shall consist of the Secretary-Treasurer and five additional persons appointed by the President in consultation with the Secretary-Treasurer. It shall be this committee’s responsibility thirty (30) days prior to the General Membership Meeting in December to prepare a tentative budget based on anticipated income and expenses for the ensuing year. (B) The Finance Committee shall exercise fiscal control over the adopted budget and shall act on all requests for supplemental appropriations prior to being submitted to the Board of Directors.
SECTION 1. At all meetings, votes shall be viva voce. The President may substitute voting by ballot.
SECTION 2. The Officers and Directors, State Board nominees and AOA delegates, except the Immediate Past President, shall be elected at either the Congress or General Membership Meeting, as determined by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 3. Members must have a record of at least two (2) years of continuous membership in this Association to be eligible for nomination and election as officers , directors, and AOA delegates.
Section 4. In all elections a simple majority of those present and voting shall be required and, when necessary, balloting shall continue until the candidate or candidates receive a majority.
SECTION 5. Additional names may be added to those proposed for election by the Committee on Nominations from the floor of the Congress or General Membership Meeting.
SECTION 1. The Membership Assembled at the Congress or General Membership Meeting shall vote on nominees to be recommended to the Governor for appointment to vacancies on the State Board of Optometrists.
SECTION 2. The three (3) names receiving the highest vote, providing they have a majority of the votes cast for each appointment, shall be sent to the Governor as the officially qualified nominees. Voting shall continue until three (3) candidates receive a majority.
SECTION 3. Members must have a record of at least five (5) years of continuous membership in this Association to be eligible for nomination.
SECTION 1. This Association shall be affiliated with the American Optometric Association.
SECTION 2. Local societies of optometric physicians covering one or more counties in New Jersey are eligible to request affiliation with this Association when their organization meets the requirements established by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 1. ACTIVE MEMBERS shall hold membership in the American Optometric Association; shall have the privilege of the floor; shall have the right to vote at any membership meeting; shall be eligible to hold office after two (2) years of active membership in this Association; shall be eligible for State Board Nomination after five (5) consecutive years of active membership in this Association; shall be included in any roster of membership; shall receive national and state official optometric publications; shall uphold the Optometric Oath of the American Optometric Association and the Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Practice and Code of Ethics of this Association; and shall enjoy the association of fellow members of their profession and all other benefits and privileges of active membership.
SECTION 3. STUDENT MEMBERS shall be accorded the privilege of the floor, but not the right to vote.
SECTION 4. HONORARY MEMBERS shall be accorded the privilege of the floor, but not the right to vote. Honorary Members are not privileged to attend meetings of the Board of Directors.
SETION 5. LIFE MEMBERS shall have all privileges of active membership except the right to vote.
SECTION 6. PRIVILEGED MEMBERS shall have all privileges of active membership.
SECTION 7. PARTIAL PRACTICE MEMBERS shall have all privileges of active membership.
SECTION 8. FACULTY MEMBERS shall have all privileges of active membership.
SECTION 1. Each officer and committee chairperson shall report in writing to the membership at the General Membership Meeting and/or the Congress, as directed by the President.
SETION 1. Any officer or Director may be recommended for removal from office for just cause by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes cast by those members present and voting at the Congress, General Membership Meeting or Special Meeting. In such cases, the Board shall send to such Officer or Director, by certified mail, return receipt requested, a statement of the charges, with fifteen (15) days after receipt thereof to respond to such charges by mailing response, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Secretary-Treasurer of this Association. The Board of Directors shall thereafter hold a hearing at which such Officer or Director shall be given reasonable opportunity to present evidence and to be heard in defense of the charges. The Officer or Director may be suspended or removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 1. A member who fails to maintain active membership in an affiliated local society or fails to pay dues or assessments to this Association shall be suspended or removed from membership. Removal from membership for reason of failure to pay dues or assessments shall not relieve that member from liability for any unpaid dues or assessments except by action of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2: A member may be suspended or removed from membership by the Board of Directors by reason of revocation of licensure to practice optometry or upon violation of any State rule or regulation relating to the practice of optometry, or the Code of Practice or Code of Ethics of this Association. In such cases, the Board shall send to such member, by certified mail, return receipt requested, a statement of the charges, with fifteen (15) days after receipt thereof to respond to such charges by mailing a response, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Secretary-Treasurer. The Board of Directors may thereafter hold a hearing at which such member shall be given reasonable opportunity to present evidence and to be heard in defense of the charges. The member may be suspended or removed from membership by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 1. Resignation from membership shall be presented in writing by the member to the Board of Directors for action.
SECTION 2. Acceptance of a member’s resignation by the Board of Directors shall not relieve that member from liability for any unpaid dues or assessments except by action of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 1. The Board of Directors shall engage the services if an Executive Director.
SECTION 2. The Board of Directors shall have the power and authority to enter into a contract with such person to act as Executive Director for a term not exceeding three years.
SECTION 3. The compensation of the Executive Director shall be determined by the Board of Directors within the approved budget.
SECTION 4. The functions and duties of the Executive Director shall be to administer the business and other affairs of the Association; to supervise the staff and operation of the Association; to employ and discharge; and to perform such duties as are ordinarily performed by persons in similar positions, together with such duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall be directly responsible to the President.
SECTION 1. All Officers, Directors, Chairpersons and members of committees or similar subordinate bodies, who may be required to be absent from their place of practice by order of the President or Board of Directors shall be reimbursed for transportation and other expenses as defined and authorized by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2. No person shall, on behalf of the Association, assume or incur any expenses or liability or enter into any contract or agreement involving the expenditure of money without permission obtained from the Board of Directors.
SECTION 3. The Association shall indemnify and hold harmless each director, officer, committee chairperson or employee, now or hereafter serving this Association, from and against any and all claims and liabilities to which the individual may be or become subject by reason of the individual’s alleged acts or omissions as an officer, director, committee chairperson or employee as aforesaid. The Association shall reimburse such individual for all legal and other expenses reasonably incurred by such individual in connection with defending against such claims or liabilities, provided, however, that no individual shall be indemnified against or be reimbursed for any expenses incurred in defending against any claim or liability arising out of that individual’s own negligence or misconduct. The foregoing right of officers, directors, committee chairpersons and employees shall not be exclusive of other rights to which they may be lawfully entitled.
SECTION 1. All resolutions to the Congress or General Membership Meeting, including proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws shall be typewritten and shall be delivered to the Secretary-Treasurer forty-five (45) days prior to the date set for the Congress or General Membership Meeting. These resolutions shall be distributed to the affiliated local societies and Board of Directors at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the Congress or General Membership Meeting.
Members shall consider Optometry as a full free and independent profession.
Members shall dutifully further the interests of the Association, not only by attendance at meetings and by payment of dues, but by actively supporting its projects.
Members shall treat members of this and other professions with becoming respect and shall not use an erroneous diagnosis on the part of a member of another profession as an opportunity for criticism or ridicule.
Members shall agree never to knowingly commit or be instrumental in having others do so for them, act or acts which directly or indirectly might jeopardize the profession of Optometry.
Members can best show loyalty by their personal conduct and the character of their professional endeavors.
Members shall uphold the Optometric Oath of the American Optometric Association.
Members shall do their utmost to keep abreast of the most efficient and effective methods and procedures and shall provide their office with the necessary equipment in order to render maximum visual service to the patient.
Member shall refer cases that indicate the need of other than optometric care to a qualified practitioner; the optometric physician and the practitioner cooperating for the best interests of the patient.
Members shall aid and consult with fellow practitioners whenever called upon to assist in difficult cases.
Members should be diligent in enlightening the public regarding visual welfare and optometric service.
Members shall endeavor to raise the general standard of competency in Optometry.
Members shall do their fair share in cooperating with social, welfare, and public health organizations.
Members holding an official position in any Optometric organization shall not use such position for advertising purposes or for self-aggrandizement and, further, no person other than this Association or its affiliated local societies shall use the duly registered name and/or logo of this Association in any public advertisement.
Members shall not hold themselves forth in such a way as to carry the slightest intimation of inferiority of another optometric physician.
Members using the title “Doctor” shall not qualify it In any other way than by the use of the word “Optometrist” or the phrase “Doctor of Optometry” or “Optometric Physician”. Members may however use after their name the “O.D.” designation, legally conferred degrees, or other recognized academic certifications or fellowships.
Members actively engaged in the practice of Optometry shall not in any manner onceivable advertise or hold forth themselves as an optician.
Members shall not willfully violate the Optometry Law of the State of New Jersey; the Constitution and Bylaws of this Association or the rulings of the New Jersey State Board of Optometrists.
Members shall not solicit increased practice in any conceivable manner while engaged in factory or other survey work.
Members shall not fail to call to the attention of the proper authority, illegal, corrupt, or dishonest conduct of any member of the health professions.
Members shall do nothing inconsistent with the standards of professional conduct and patient care of optometry and other health professions.
Individual company prices, price changes, price differentials, mark-ups, discounts, warranties, allowances, credit terms, costs, production levels, capacity, sales, etc.
Plans of individual companies concerning the design, production, distribution or marketing of particular products, including proposed territories or customers.
Division or limitation of sales to particular territories, customers or classes of customers.
Refusal to sell to or purchase from, or termination or modification of sales or purchase arrangements with representatives, distributors, or other third parties, or prices or terms of sale or resale by customers.
Industry pricing policies, price levels, price changes, differentials and/or changes in industry production, capacity or inventories.
Matters relating to actual or potential individual suppliers or customers that might exclude them from any market or of influencing the business conduct of firms toward such suppliers or customers.
Limiting or eliminating competition in any way, or efforts to create a monopoly.
Do not discuss or exchange information regarding the above matters during social gatherings incidental to NJSOP or Local Society sponsored meetings, even in jest.
Do not meet without Local Society leaders or counsel present.
Before meetings, prepare and have counsel review agendas of particular items to be discussed at meetings and adhere to the agenda unless additional matters for discussion have been approved in advance by NJSOP or Local Society leaders or counsel.
Ensure that draft meeting minutes are promptly prepared after each meeting, reviewed by counsel, and then circulated to members present at the meeting to determine that the minutes accurately reflect the proceedings.
Protest any discussions or meeting activities which appear to violate the antitrust laws or the NJSOP Antitrust Compliance Policy and Guidelines; disassociate yourself from any such discussions or activities and leave any meeting in which they continue. Be sure that NJSOP staff and counsel are made aware of any such activities.
Provide Local Society leaders and staff with a copy of this checklist and have a copy available for reference at all Local Society sponsored meetings.


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People whom professional con artists prey upon, and who obtain a judgment, are in the smaller percentage of people who are ripped off. For a professional con artist, crime often does pay, and the bulk of the people they rip off never go through the trouble of obtaining a judgment. Just because you have obtained a judgment, doesn’t mean that it has to be paid, and fraudsters don’t generally come forward willingly to pay.
The chances of obtaining realization upon your judgment depends on your case. When you first walk into my office, I know nothing about you, and I know nothing about your debtor. You know far more than I at that point. We can determine the facts, but we can’t make them up. In this current political environment, that’s challenging for some people, but we can investigate. Depending upon the facts, we can ascertain where the debtor is, what the debtor has, and what the debtor claims he or she does not have but in fact controls. Then, together with you, we can assess a likelihood of recovery, and propose costs and timing. Every case is different for me. These are in essence custom crafted recovery efforts for you to realize upon the judgment you have had the diligence and tenacity to obtain already. If that doesn’t give you enough guidance in general, call my office or send me an email and we can start a discussion over your particular circumstances.
When we take any case, we always assume that during the course of a recovery effort to realize upon your judgment that the debtor will file for bankruptcy. We always do an assessment of your case from that context. A bankruptcy will sidetrack a recovery effort for up to 18 months. What we do in that circumstance is we want to know if we can file what’s called an adversary action, which is a separate lawsuit inside the bankruptcy. This asks the bankruptcy court to bar the debtor from either receiving a discharge of debt of any kind, or from discharging just your debt and letting them discharge everyone else. There are various reasons for doing one or the other, or both. We always make it very clear that a debtor may need to file for a bankruptcy.
There are times when we sit the debtor down, and tell them that they really do need to file for bankruptcy, but that they can’t afford to do it until they take care of us and then wait 90 days plus a day before filing bankruptcy. If they don’t do it that way, we are going to keep them from discharging any debt. There are other times when we say go ahead and file your bankruptcy, and we will file our adversary and bar them from discharging our debt. We’ll pick up the trail again in 18 months, and start learning what machinations and mischief they’ve been up to in the interim to gather assets from other people. We always make this assessment initially on the front end of the case. We always want to assess the quality of the facts of our case, with respect to the ability to prevail in that adversary action. If you just don’t have the necessary facts in your situation, the likelihood of our securing a recovery diminishes greatly, and we want you to know that on the front end. The other aspect of this is when we assess how long it’s been since the debtor filed his or her last bankruptcy, which the debtor can do once every seven years.
For more information on Chances Of Realizing A Judgment, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (303) 471-8560 today.

industry_corpus2: Law & Justice


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Congratulations, you’re ready to commit. Perhaps you now share keys to the same front door or there’s a ring in your near future. Whatever commitment looks like to you, every time you think of your partner, you hear music. Your playlist has kicked up the beat, and the dance of partnership has begun.
This may not sound like a romantic serenade from the balcony, but it’s important to remember that money will now be a part of daily life between you and your partner. Starting a committed relationship is often the first time people share money and resources. It’s not easy.
For married couples, one study found that “arguments about money are by far the top predictor of divorce.”1 Furthermore, this was true regardless of the couple’s income level or net worth. So, it’s about how couples talk about money, rather than the amounts of money discussed. With this in mind, let’s walk through some specific topics to start your lifelong money conversation strong.
Our parents are our first role models for all aspects of our lives, including money. Whether they were sterling examples for saving, or not, their behaviors influence our own behavior with money. Ask your partner about the attitudes concerning money at home. Did their childhood feel financially secure? Or did they feel anxious because of money worries? What do they want to do differently from their parents? What family money behaviors would they like to continue?
Research has found that 79 percent of American workers feel “serious stress-based concerns about their lives—with finances being a major driver of stress.” The other 21 percent feel confident about their financial situation, and as a result, experience less stress in their lives.2 What side of the 80/20 split did your partner experience growing up? And keep in mind that, for millennials in particular, they are less confident about achieving their financial priorities across the board than any other generation.
Today college and graduate school alums carry an average of $39,400 in student debt.3 Does your partner have any debt? If so, how much? How are they currently paying it off or planning to start? Also, does he or she have any other debt, such as credit cards? When you each add up your assets versus liabilities, where do you stand? During this conversation, if the debt talk starts to feel overwhelming, remember that a professional can help you two put together a plan to pay it down before it weighs you down.
HOW WILL WE MANAGE OUR MONEY TOGETHER?
Here are a few questions to ask one another: do we plan to keep separate checking accounts or is it time to open a joint account? If we open a joint account, what will it be used for? What about savings?
As you start your money life together, consider taking this short quiz. Through ten easy questions, the quiz can help you assess your financial personality. For instance, are you a Day-to-Day Decision Maker, an Ambitious Spender, a Retirement Realist, or a Confident Planner?
In addition to the nuts and bolts of how you’ll manage your money together, how will you communicate about it? Will you sit down once a week or once a month and discuss all things financial? Or will you mention that you purchased an $800 grill for the backyard as you race out the door to work? (Note: not recommended.) If balancing the checkbook isn’t your idea of date night, there are apps that can do the talking for you and allow you to track a joint budget, joint accounts, and even credit scores.
Keep in mind, the money conversation shouldn’t feel like a job interview. (“Where do you see yourself in five years?”) Instead, set the intention to have the money conversation with love – and a vision for a happy future together. You can also speak to a financial professional who can serve as an experienced, and impartial, resource to guide you as a couple. Just think of the arguments it might prevent.
Sure, it may make you feel vulnerable. But good, honest conversations about your financial reality and goals will strengthen your relationship for the long-term. When you’re able to talk clearly and openly about money, you’re able to build your financial and emotional confidence together.

industry_corpus2: Finance & Economics


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Renters are responsible for replacing the fuel that they used during their trip. Before the renter’s trip, you should verify the fuel level, just as you do with the kilometers and fuel. See the ”Trip Checklist“.
If the renter does return the car with less fuel than they started with, notify the renter to see if there was any miscommunication and if you can solve it together.
When things can’t be resolved between the owner and the renter, please contact us on help@rentmyride.co.za and include the signed trip checklist and the receipt and we will assist with the problem.

industry_corpus2: Automobiles


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Leaders in Congress are questioning Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’s solicitation of funds from private businesses and charities to help pay for public outreach on Obamacare to get prospective enrollees signed up for health exchanges.
Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, ranking Republican on the Senate Health committee, told the New York Times he plans to ask the Government Accountability Office to check the legality of Sebelius’s actions, done after Congress denied the administration funds for public outreach in the 2014 budget. The Wall Street Journal also said that Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, top Republican on the Finance Committee, questioned the legality of the action.

industry_corpus2: Health & Medicine


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Bhavin Thakker Country Manager, Tenant Representation, Savills India answers queries from our readers on real estate investments.
GST and RERA have just kicked in.Should I wait to purchase my new office or should I buy it right away?
Developers are trying to ensure that they adhere to the new systems and taxes. If you are planning to purchase an office that is ready to move in, you should surely not wait because of GST and the Real Estate Regulatory Act (RERA). Ready to move in properties remain out of the GST and RERA ambit and hence should have no impact on the timing of your decision to purchase a new office. However, in case you are planning to purchase an office that is currently under construction, then there will be impact of GST and RERA. Yet, I feel that there may not be much benefit in waiting; as GST shall need to be paid even later (unless the Government decides not to charge it or if the property is fully completed and GST would not be applicable on it anymore). And even as far as RERA is concerned, delaying your decision to purchase may not really help as RERA is principally designed as an Act to help property buyers.
What is the future of co-working spaces or managed offices in the Indian scenario?
Co-working office spaces are taking the world by storm.Companies managing co-working spaces have leased millions of square feet across all prime cities of the world; and several millions are under construction. Co-working spaces are emerging as alternatives to `landlords' or large owners of office spaces across cities. In a certain sense, they are also like hotel operators who may or may not own the hotel property but they run, manage and control it completely. Co-working spaces help office occupiers with flexible and modern office working areas. How co-working spaces evolve in the next few years is yet to be seen, but it does seem like they are here to stay.
I have a leased office of about 6,000 sq ft and we need to relocate to expand our operations. What are the important aspects that I need to keep in mind?
Location and building quality are important factors which determine rents. Hence you need to be sure if you want both or if one factor is much more important than the other.It is also vital to understand the way landlords function in that location. Are they seeing more demand than supply or the other way around? Are they individual landlords or are they institutional? Knowing these facts will help you in your negotiations.

industry_corpus2: Real Estate & Construction


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Lutenist Paul O'Dette stopped by the Cleveland Classical Guitar Society Saturday with a program titled "Semper Dowland, Semper Dolens."
SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio -- One of the great lutenists of our time made a stop in Northeast Ohio Saturday night, to perform a concert devoted to the music of John Dowland at Plymouth Church in Shaker Heights, as part of the current season of the Cleveland Classical Guitar Society.
Paul O'Dette performed in Plymouth Church's resonant Herr Chapel to a capacity crowd, presenting a program titled "Semper Dowland, semper dolens," which O'Dette translated in remarks from the stage as "Always Dowland, always miserable," though perhaps "doleful" would have better captured the unique nature of Dowland's musical melancholy.
And a doleful fellow Mr. Dowland seems to have been, though some of it may have been more theatrical than emotionally felt -- melancholia was quite in musical fashion in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. His own life, however. certainly had enough conflict in it to justify a dark outlook, what with being a Catholic in Protestant England, and at one time seemingly involved in a treasonous action in Italy, for which he had to beg the Queen's forgiveness.
O'Dette was quick to point out that Dowland was in fact possessed of considerable wit and comparatively high spirits, as exemplified in the many jiggs, toyes, galliards, puffes and jumps that leavened the program, which was devised to celebrate Dowland's 450th birthday in 2013.
But serious things were first, with the contrapuntally complex and (for the performer) challenging "A Fancy," the fifth of Dowland's works with that title. It set out at once the distinctive elements of Dowland's style.
It also demonstrated O'Dette's mastery of Dowland's full-bodied writing, in which the suggestion of multi-stranded counterpoint is created by a compositional sleight of hand, a magician's secret that O'Dette revealed in his remarks.
O'Dette's impeccable technique and thorough understanding of the music made vibrantly direct the connection between composer and listener. Dowland's wit was on full display in the upbeat trio of "A Coye Toye," "Mrs. Vaux's Jigge" and "Mistris Winters Jump," which made one wonder about the ladies commemorated in these short dances.
Another famous woman to receive a musical tribute from Dowland was portrayed in "The most sacred Queene Elizabeth, her Galliard," a piece of surprising sauciness, which O'Dette played with panache and wit.
But it was from the darker, melancholic pieces that both Dowland and his interpreter mined the most sublime musical ore.
The long-lost "La Mia Barbara," a manuscript discovered in Germany in the 1970s, demonstrated the extent of Dowland's compositional innovation, with its unexpected turns and melodic shapes that pushed the limits of the musical gestures and compositional rhetoric of his day.
Likewise, "Farewell" found Dowland moving into chromatic realms that might be seen as avant-garde for their time. O'Dette traced the stepwise scales beautifully as they wove through the ranges of the lute, creating an emotionally anguished feeling within a framework of deep sadness.
The "Fantasie" with which O'Dette concluded his program was a magisterial work whose complexity and seriousness transcended the delicate sound of the instrument from which it emerged, creating an orchestral sense that only enhanced the dramatic quality of Dowland's masterful writing. O'Dette rose magnificently to the challenge.

industry_corpus2: Film & Entertainment


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If you use Outlook 2007 or newer, you can enable the spam filter to label unwanted email as spam. VIPRE uses a built-in anti-spam engine and allows you to add specific email addresses and domains that will also filter Spam. When an email is received from an unwanted source, VIPRE will prepend the Subject of the email with "[SPAM]."
Note: Spam filtering is available with Outlook only.
2. Once Email Protection is on, switch on Spam Filtering for Outlook.
3. Click Manage Filters to label specific domains or email addresses as Safe or Blocked.
5. Enter an email address or a domain. For example, sender@domain.com or domain.com.
6. Designate the sender as Safe or Blocked.
Safe: VIPRE's built-in engine will not label a Spam email as Spam. This is only necessary if you are receiving email that is labeled as Spam.
Blocked: VIPRE will prepend the Subject of this email with "[SPAM]."

industry_corpus2: Computing & Telecommunications


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THE PRESSURE to reach the play-offs as a tribute to stricken goalkeeper Jonanthan North is having a negative effect on Wealdstone.
That’s the view of Ashlee Jones, the man called on to step into the boots of the regular Stones No 1 following his double leg break at Canvey late last month.
Gordon Bartlett’s men have adorned ‘Play-offs for Northy’ tee-shirts in the warm-up for every game since in support of the former Watford and Welsh youth international.
And while Jones understands the sentiment of doing it for your team-mate he senses it is adding extra burden to Stones’ attempts to play catch up in a bid to make the end of season knockout lottery.
He said: “The feeling behind ‘Play-offs for Northy is very strong and there is a lot of belief in the team, but I think sometimes we put more pressure on ourselves than we need to.
The 24-year-old who once played a league game for Darlington admits North’s boots are big ones to fill, especially when you have spent the entire season warming the bench at Braintree waiting for a chance which never came.
There were a few fumbles against Harrow Borough last night (Wednesday) from which he was grateful to be bailed out and a few other communication breakdowns – a legacy he says not only of his lack of games, but also of a back four used to their own regular No 1.
He added: “It is hard coming into a team at the end of a season because the first few games they don’t know what I am like and I don’t know what they are like, so we are still learning about each other.
“I may do things Northy won’t do and vice versa so it is hard for the other players to adjust.
“When we came in at half-time I accepted it was my fault that Harrow got their tails up because of my few little mistakes.

industry_corpus2: Sports


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Last week I was in Chicago at the Associations of Presbyterian Church Educators (APCE) conference. It was a great conference and I picked up many ideas about what’s new in faith formation and how we can incorporate faith formation into our ministry at Faith Des Peres. As you know, one of our Vision 20/20 goals is to develop an Intergenerational Faith Formation program at Faith Des Peres that centers on bringing generations together in learning, caring, praying, celebrating, serving faithfully and inspiring the passion to make Christ known.
In this blog, you’ll read about a variety of opportunities we’re offering in Lent for faith formation. Some are on your own, some are with a group, and some are online. Others happen over the course of 5 weeks, and some are a one-time thing. I really encourage you to commit to one of them because we’re never too old or too smart to continue growing in our faith, and Lent (which means “spring”) is a great opportunity to do some “spring cleaning” of your soul. And speaking of, you shoud have received an email on Thursday with a survey about faith formation. Please complete the survey by February 10! If you didn’t get it, check your Spam box. We verified everyone’s email addresses before sending it.
This Sunday I’ll talk about courage. I want you to think about this question: Why do some people risk everything to do the right thing?
And last but not least, please let us know if you’re coming to the pancake supper and Ash Wednesday service. You can email Yolanda at adminasst@faithdesperes.org or sign-up in the Gathering Space. And, don’t forget the chocolate bar after church on February 14. It’s Valentine’s Day and the first Sunday of Lent.

industry_corpus2: Subject Education


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Thank you for contacting the Lean Enterprise Academy.
We will respond to your enquiry in due course. However, if your enquiry is urgent please do not hesitate to contact us by phone on +44(0)1600 890590.


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rec. God's Love Lutheran Church, Pennsylvania, 11-14 Sept 2013.
I was all set to challenge Affetto's claim that this disc presented first recordings. Not so quick. Andrew Kirkman, in the booklet points out that the First Sonata, as recorded on Naxos (review ~ review), is of the version Scott revised in 1956 - a year when he was much engaged by the violin and piano duo. Andrew Kirkman and Clipper Erickson, courtesy of Affetto, let us hear the original 1910 version of the First Sonata. This valuable and luxuriously enjoyable addition to the catalogue is about as third as long again as its late re-casting.
Scott's early flowering years produced generously proportioned works and this is clear in the sumptuous dimensions of the First Sonata. The first movement - an Allegro moderato - is in a state of constant efflorescence with a good sense of forward motion. The tropical undergrowth is dense and curvaceous - a little like the Austrian Marx and Scott’s British colleague, Arnold Bax at least in his early works like the String Quintet, the unnumbered symphony and Spring Fire. The movement's successor is a deeply affecting Andante with some really distinguished and memorable ideas. It's rather Debussian and the piano writing recalls for me another rare British composer of that era, William Baines. The diminutive Allegro molto scherzando [4:15] is a jaunty light blend of Dvořákian 'Dumky' and genre salon-charmer. The expansive finale [12:47] is a lofty Allegro maestoso with that noble-ecstatic air heard in the first movement. It evinces a sustained indulgence in gorgeous soliloquy rather than oxygen-rich dynamism. It is not that there is no dramatic energy [9:25] but the predominance is one borne of a sultry hothouse. Lovers of the Delius violin sonatas and violin concerto will find much to reward them here.
The First Sonata contrasts with the Fourth, which runs to just over a quarter of an hour. It was written long after the world had, by and large, turned away from Scott as it had from his contemporary Bantock. Bantock died in 1946 while Scott lived on to the fine age of 91 but these were cruel years where the musical establishment remained obdurate against the merits of Scott's music. While his pupil Rubbra hymned his praises on radio it would be the late 1970s before anything approaching revival would spark.
The Fourth Sonata is in three tersely concentrated movements. There is still the same flow of song in constant motion but the language is a degree cooler and can be chill at times. This is still the luxurious Scott of old (I: 3:02) but dark clouds shade the waters of Lotus Land, previously the home of Rainbow Trout, Paradise Birds and Water Wagtails. There are some gaunt pages among the trilling delights but the delights are there. These include a noble finale which breathes conviction and new life into Scott's early grandeur.
Clipper Erickson is no newcomer to Scott having recorded for DTR a mix of Scott and Quilter piano pieces. He has always been an adventurous pianist and the latest evidence of this is a 2-CD set of the complete solo piano music of African-American R. Nathaniel Dett (1882-1943) on Navona. Dett's magnificent oratorio The Ordering of Moses has recently been issued by Bridge. Erickson is nicely complemented by Kirkman who can search out and bear on high a lush lyricism with the very best. The apposite and straight-talking notes are by Andrew Kirkman and Desmond Scott.
The style-apt playing and warm, up-close recording are very satisfying indeed. I hope that Kirkman and Erickson will look at other rare violin sonatas including those by Coke, Isaacs and Gaze Cooper. That said there is still much to be done for Scott. Let's hear an intégrale of the four string quartets and - more expensive yet - the major choral-orchestral work, Hymn of Unity.


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While we know a great deal about the various forms of Dwemer animunculi, many of the larger Dwemer marvels remain a mystery. Legends of Dwemer orreries and fabrication chambers abound, but direct, first-hand scholarship remains scant. I have spent my life in search of these Dwarven mega-structures. While I've met with considerable success, there is one mechanism in particular that I am keen to find: the Dwemer Tonal Resonator.
At the height of their power, the Dwemer exhibited near total mastery of tonal forces. Even now, countless centuries later, they remain peerless in this respect. Sound, not magic, facilitated their rise to power. I am continually astounded by tonal forces' wide range of uses. The Dwemer used sound in mining, medicine, architecture - even psychology. It's the latter use that I find most intriguing. According to ancient Chimeri scholarship, the Dwemer could employ tonal forces to bend weaker minds to their will - a form of complex aural hypnosis. Luckily, the Dwarves never managed to mobilize this technology on the battlefield against our august ancestors. The scale and complexity of the devices likely made transportation nearly impossible. But they still managed to employ it on a limited scale using massive devices called Tonal Resonators.
If the legends are true, these resonators were incredibly complex architectural wonders. They stood taller than the most imposing giants, and filled cavernous chambers with pipes, dials, and pistons. When enabled, the resonators released a series of powerful tones that could alter the brainwaves of lesser mer and men - inducing deep calm and profound pleasure, or even paranoia and terror. The uses for such a device are virtually limitless. Alas, I fear that I will never see one with my own eyes. If such a power could be replicated and perfected, the children of the Tribunal could very well reign supreme in Tamriel and continents beyond.

industry_corpus2: Literature & Emotions


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Plumbing | Sweeney's Mechanical Inc.
Need a plumbing repair? Call Sweeney’s. We have the plumbing experts you need.
No matter what your plumbing needs may be, you can count on the professionals at Sweeney’s for quality service and expertise.
Our staff consists of certified master plumbers. Don’t let plumbing problems disrupt your day, call us and get back to your life.


text: The Sunday Series brings the same features you’ve come to love with mettle gloves. Made from the best cabretta leather we could find. The Gimme features lycra on the top of the hand as well as between the fingers to provide better venting and flexibility. This Glove is extremely comfortable! Don’t forget when your done playing, it also provides a great grip on any beverage!!

industry_corpus2: Others


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(Free Press Release) Aarkstore announce a new report Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc-Therapeutic Competitors through its vast collection of market research report.
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc-Therapeutic Competitors includes a business summary, tabular representation of the number and percentage of products in each therapeutic indication, all company products listed with indication and stage of development, and competitors by therapeutic indication. The report also includes recent company news updates.

industry_corpus2: Biopharmaceuticals


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The ecosystem of the Grand Canyon, much like the geology, is incredibly comprehensive and samples biomes found throughout the world in its own micro-environment. Within the 1.2 million acres of the park there are 1,500 plant species, 26 fish species, 6 species of amphibians, 35 types of reptiles, 76 mammals, 305 types of birds and a virtually uncountable number of bugs. Elevations vary greatly - the highest being 9,200 feet above sea level and the lowest being 1,200 feet. Just between the rims there is 1,000’ difference, an average 10 degree difference, and a difference of 10 inches in precipitation yearly. This does not even take into account the difference between the rims and the inner canyon, or the dynamics that change the canyon floor due to the steep mile high walls surrounding it.
The canyon is a bottom-up ecosystem, meaning the physical aspects structure the biological world. Mainly, the soil composition determines what can grow by its ability to hold moisture. The weather follows a two-season pattern with precipitation being nearly split 50/50 between summer and winter. Summer rains are more abrupt and intense, coming from the south while winter rains are steader and come from the north and west.
Life changes in a gradient in the canyon. Biotic communities begin to blend in to one another. Even the timberline varies depending on the slope direction because of the differing amounts of sun different areas receive. Microclimates exist along the rim because of the meeting of warm rising air with the cooler air of the rim. One can find Boreal forests and mountain meadows on the north rim which are heavily laden with massive trees and receive up to 10’ of snow a year. Just a mile down, there are desert scrub areas with few immediately noticeable signs of life intermingling with the riparian communities of the Colorado river and its tributaries. Ponderosa forests line both rims and pinyon-juniper woodland moves down the slopes. The diversity of the area is astounding.
The canyon blends wildlife but also separates it. An obvious example is the difference between the Kaibab and Abert squirrels. The Kaibab squirrel is only found on the north rim of the Grand Canyon, specifically the Kaibab Plateau, and is instantly recognizable by its grey body, tufted ears, and solid white tail. The Abert squirrel, within the park boundaries, can only be found on the south rim. This squirrel has a rust colored stripe on its back, a grey body, and tufted ears. Though both are derived from the same species, one day they could evolve past being able to interbreed because of the canyon divide. Rock squirrels are found throughout the park but have been trained to beg for food… and bite back if refused.
Elk are largest animals of the park. Overhunting at one time drove the Merriam elk to extinction in the 1900s. In 1913, Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain elk were crossbred and introduced to the park with 300 being relocated by 1928. They thrive mainly on the south rim. The grass in Grand Canyon village eventually had to be replaced because it was attracting so many elk! Turkey vultures and ravens are also common in the park. Lizards make frequent appearances. Mountain lions are also found. They are solitary and highly territorial hunters, their numbers remaining around 30-120 on the northern side of the canyon.

industry_corpus2: Travel & Geography


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The TRANSLOG Connect Congress 2011 we will be the largest and only regional cross industrial logistics, transportation and supply chain management congress for Central and Eastern Europe in 2011 and offers the perfect setting for solution providers in the Supply Chain, Logistics and Transportation sector to present their products and services directly to key decision makers of target client population throughout Central & Eastern Europe.
The quality of the Congress is a direct result of its exclusivity. The Programme Advisory Committee assures the highest relevance of the conference programme, which will include the most up-to-date market insights into Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Transportation and Warehouse Management related topics.
The event will be bringing together around 500 senior decision makers from Europe’s leading automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage and FMCG manufacturers and the major food and non-food retailers, giving them the opportunity to share their knowledge and discuss their key priorities.
The Congress also provides an opportunity to visit one of the major logistics and distribution centers in the region, limited to 100 delegates only and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Several weeks in advance of the Congress the TEG Meeting Scheduler is made available to every solution-provider and delegate attending. Participants receive personalised passwords to access the website where they are able to select key presentations, pre-schedule one-to-one meetings and confirm their presence at several additional networking activities. Through the Meeting Scheduler participants have the opportunity to create their own itinerary prior to the Congress taking place.
Do not miss this opportunity to network and establish connections, exchange ideas and gain knowledge!

industry_corpus2: Transportation


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Simon Bridges and Todd Muller at McLeod Cranes as part of a local visit.
National Party leader Simon Bridges’ visit to Tauranga this week exposed the growth in the Papamoa area.
Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller invited his colleague to the region on Thursday.
“I live in Tauranga, but it is very exciting to have Todd show me the growth out Papamoa east which I haven’t looked at for some time,” says Simon.
Despite the growth of the area being positive, Simon expressed his concerns around infrastructure and projects slowing down.
Simon and Todd say their aim is to have the influx of residents and projects around infrastructure progressing at the same time.
“I’m really concerned about the infrastructure around Papamoa. It’s good that Te Okuroa Drive is opening up, but things like that have taken a bit longer than they should have.
“We need to continue to push to see that the local schools, the population, and roading and water get the investment they need, and the concern is that it may not be happening at the moment.
Simon’s visit to McLeod Cranes gave managing director Scott McLeod and general manager Phil Hutchinson a chance to express their concerns, particularly around a lack of money going into new infrastructure, slowing down their work.
Simon says it’s important to get out into the community and talk to local businesses to build valuable relationships.
Todd and Simon spent the day vising Papamoa Sands, Golden Sands Primary School, Compac, the Excelsa development, as well as a business event.
Simon says he’s pleased to see the progress and development of the Tauranga region.


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At the Synergise PCB Inc. we claim to give the best quality products. This can’t be achieved by using the old machinery. That is why we are equipped with the most latest and modernized machines to manufacture the PCB Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
This machine is used to un roll the material which comes into the rolled form. At a certain stage the machine can measure the required length and then that length is cut off from the material stack.
We have the controllers’ controlled automatic device on board. The purpose of this machine is to print the certain graphics or layouts on the substrate with the help of mesh containing the ink.
We have this device which can handle the low magnification to convert it in to the high magnification power. We use this machine in order to maintain our promised quality standard.
This machine is typically applied to check the close tolerances and surface finish measurements. Moreover; it has the facility to check other metro-logical parameters with the help of its multiple automated probes.
Our products are accurate and precise with the given dimensions. For this purpose to be achieved, we have the latest machines to check or verify the coating thickness on a printed circuit board design software for ferrous or non-ferrous substrate.
We do not use the conventional drill presses. Instead, we have the Computer Numeric Control Drill machines having the ability to precise drill holes at a faster rate.
This machine is used to inspect the final quality of the product.
We make sure to provide the best of the quality. This machine can fulfill what we promised. Automated probes can deeply inspect your desired Printed Circuit Boards.

industry_corpus2: Manufacturing


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Re: How do I remove Recaptcha box on website?
How do I remove Recaptcha box on website?
How do I unsubscribe from this thread? So I no longer get email notifications about it?
Thank you for reaching out to the Community. That's a great question! If you click your profile icon at the top right, there will be an option that says "My Subscriptions." After choosing this option, you will see that you can check mark the particular thread and you can delete it. After you have deleted the thread, you will no longer receive notifications.
In the meantime, if you have any further questions please feel free to reach out to us here. We are always happy to assist you in any way we can!
I would also like the recaptcha box to be able to be removed for our signup form as well. It doesn't work well on our website when on a mobile! Very annoying box.
Thank you for reaching out to the Community! I apologize for any inconvenience that may be cause by the reCaptcha in your sign-up form. I have submitted your feedback and tracked this feature request in your account.
and copied and pasted the code.
It works like a charm! Awesome, thank you so much.
I have added your feedback to the already in place feature request. Please feel free to reach out with any other feedback you have, we are always happy to hear it!
Thank you for choosing Constant Contact. Have an awesome weekend!
Thanks so much! Other codes in the forums on here didn't work, but this one does!!
Thanks for letting us know this code has worked for you. We're always happy to help and here to answer any future questions you may have!
Please come up with a solution Constant Contact. One that is not terrible please, it is awful on mobile, blocking content and navigation and just unacceptable.
I'm sorry to hear that these forms do not work for you. We appreciate your feedback and this is definitely something that will be submitted to our development team as a suggestion. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you.


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Hello, I need a little help.
I've recently acquired liquid soy lecithin with the intention of creating a water holding system in my whipped butters and skin oils.
My challenge is getting the lecithin to fully dissolve, hold the water and not separate. There isn't much information out there on this.I tried dissolving lecithin in oil first but it didn't hold as much as 10% water.
I tried adding lecithin to water phase but I ended up with chunks.
Is there a more suitable technique to prevent separation or do I need to re-eveluate my percentages for a more stable (actual )emulsion(I know lecithin isn't an emulsifyer) . I have beeswax, and polysorbate 80 but I want to avoid using tween 80. Thanks.
Soy lecithin IS an emulsifier, it has an HLBV of about 4. Your oil phase is so high that this can be described as a W/O emulsion. I have no experience making these, but I understand that the lecithin should be added to the oil phase in a W/O emulsion. Someone else can provide help with the % use, I hope.
Still no replies. I haven't found much information on w/o emulsions using soy lecithin. I'll just have to conduct more experiments.
are you heating the batch, and if so, to what temperature?
also, how are you mixing the two phases together?
Add lecithin to oil phase and slowly add water phase to oil with mixing.
Thanks everyone,at first I was adding lecithin to the oil heat phase then when it cooled down I added the room temperature water phase ( avoided heating considering one of the water soluble additive is heat sensitive).
And I wasn't using a blender or mixer. I was using a spatula. I guess a mixer would have enhanced physical emulsion. Just to be sure, Is my water percentage(10%) too high for the binding capacity of 5% lecithin? In a formula with 85% emolients/oils.
You should at last use a mortar. Lanolin should work better.
I know this is an old discussion, but I would love to chat about liquid lecithin and w/o creams. I have no clue why w/o isn't very popular? Also 10% isn't high at all, I use nearly 50% Aloe Gel. I may experiment and use a 10%. After using a blender, did you love the results? I a new to this and I have made a personal cream that I use very often and decided to use an emulsifier and a preservative. My salve, turned into a lotion by adding lecithin and I couldn't be more happy. Well I was actually going for a heavy cream. I am wondering if adding xanthan gum will help the viscosity thicken? Thanks in advance!
@coastallabs i think that gum can help for increasing viscosity.

industry_corpus2: Agriculture & Fisheries


text:
Many of us have a mistaken idea of what is within the compass or scope of our religious traditions. People know that lighting Chanukah candles is something you talk about with a rabbi, observance of the Shabbat, the laws of Kashrut, etc., but many people have an attitude that if I don’t tell the rabbi how to run his business, the rabbi shouldn’t tell me how to run mine. Very often, we live fragmented dichotomized lives where what we do in the office from 9 to 5 (or if you’re a workaholic from 8 to 7), is our own private affair and then at home we observe the holidays, or the rituals of Judaism, on the weekends, or three-days-a-year, or whatever.
Advertising goods or services as being available at a special “sale” price is a tempting way of attracting additional custom. What are the Jewish ethical issues that have to be reflected in advertising a sale?
Q. I agreed to use a certain service provider and even signed an agreement, but the agreement is not valid until I obtain some authorizations from the authorities, so I am technically able to withdraw. In the meantime I came across a better deal. Can I renege on the original agreement?
A. Jewish law, based on commandment and personal commitment, includes many obligations that are not enforceable. This is true even in business regulation. So even when an agreement is not enforceable, there may be an obligation to uphold it.
Judaism, which relies on the Torah for its written law, has had a great impact on marketing and business. The Torah is replete with precepts dealing with business, and the Talmud, the source of Jewish oral law, elaborates and expands Torah law. The process is ongoing and rabbinical authorities today build on the decisions of their predecessors to apply Jewish law to modern problems. Some of the issues examined in this paper include: honesty in the marketplace, fair pricing, employer-employee relations, and environmental issues. Jewish law is not only concerned with practical legal advice but in encouraging individuals to go beyond the requirements of the law and practice the “way of the pious.” Judaism does not have a negative attitude towards business and wealth — indeed, most of the Talmudic sages had occupations and some were quite wealthy — but riches must be acquired honestly and used to help the poor, the needy, and the stranger.
Abbreviated from Insight Israel 3:1 (October 2002), published by The Schechter Institute of Jewish Studiesin Jerusalem. Some bibliographic references that have been eliminated here, and a bibliography on Jewish business ethics, can be found in the original version of this article, available on-line. The opinions expressed here are the author’s own and in no way reflect an official policy of the Schechter Institute.
We are admonished in the Book of Leviticus (19:35-36): “You shall not falsify measures of length, weight, or capacity. You shall have an honest balance, an honest weight, an honest ephah [dry measure], and an honest hin [liquid measure]“.


text:
American Windows of Central Florida is a Locally Owned Company, Licensed and Insured . Our Company takes pride in providing the highest quality replacement windows and doors at the best possible price. With our low price guarantee we have itemized pricing so there are no hidden cost. Our products are nationally rated with a lifetime transferable warranty.
All of our custom made windows are fully welded both the sash and frames and built to the exact size down to 1/16” of an inch. We offer many options such as Argon gas, Low E2, Grids Tempered glass, and many more. The windows are subjected through rigerious structural peroramce standards of the American Articual Manufactures Association.


text:
Welcome to the tunisian crochet basic lessons of Lanas y Ovillos!
What is de difference between a tunisian crochet and a normal crochet?
I have my needle, How can I start?
I know how the basic technique How can I practise it?
And to make more elaborated things, how can I increase and decrease stitches?


text: Great Quality Human Hair Weave Bundles, Very Clean, Silky, Soft, Smooth ,No Tangle & Shedding, Free Shipping. We Are a Online Website, After You Purchase The Hair, We Will Send It To You By Usps Or Dhl. It’s The Best Way To Choose a Human Hair Bundles Near Me, Just In Your Home, You Can Get Everything.


text:
Crystal Palace are closing on a season-long loan deal for Chelsea striker Loic Remy, Sky sources understand.
New Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke admits he was delighted to play 90 minutes for the first time since May on Saturday.
The striker, who last week became the club's record signing when arriving for £32million from Liverpool, showed promise throughout Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Bournemouth.
Christian Benteke is pleased with completing a full 90 minutes for the first time since May in his Premier League debut for Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew praised the response from Wilfried Zaha to a tumultuous week, in which he was the subject of a bid from Tottenham .
Alan Pardew admits he left Wilfried Zaha out of his Crystal Palace side after Tottenham made an approach to sign him.


text:
Need help managing your local SEO? Try the local search tools available over at Bright Little Light.
Welcome to the Viclistings.com business directory. If you would like your business featured here, please submit it. If you see something amiss, please contact us, the maintainers.


text:
Chapter 298: Fight to the Death!
"Mr. Huangfu Ming, I wonder why you have come to our Heartless Sect." Master of Heartless Sect spoke in a low voice.
"Master of Heartless Sect?" Huangfu Ming cast a glance at the Master of Heartless Sect, then coldly said, "None of your business. Just stand aside. If you dare to step in, there is no need for your Heartless Sect to exist."
"Huangfu Ming." The expression of the Master of Heartless Sect changed.
Huangfu Ming, who was unwilling to talk with the Master of Heartless Sect, looked downward with his cold eyes.
In a courtyard, Jian Wushuang, who had just returned, squinted and looked up at the sky. The moment he moved his body and appeared in the air, he saw Huangfu Ming and the black-clothed elder.
"Just as I expect, they are from Skywave Prefecture."
Jian Wushuang did not feel surprised and knew why they came.
"They don't dare to make trouble for Leng Rushuang, so they came to piss me off. Hum, the Lord of Skywave Prefecture is quite narrow-minded." Jian Wushuang sneered.
"Are you Swordsman?" Huangfu Ming looked towards Jian Wushuang.
"Huangfu Ming." Jian Wushuang also recognized the challenger.
Huangfu Ming was the Half-saint expert that ranked 41st on the Bloodmoon List.
All the experts within the top 27 had reached the Saint Realm, except the Lord of Skywave Prefecture. As the only Half-saint expert, he also had battle strength in the Saint Realm.
Huangfu Ming could rank 44th, indicating that he was one of the strongest among the Half-saint experts.
"Huangfu Ming is much stronger than Xue Ying and Liu Ye." Jian Wushuang thought.
"Swordsman, you must know why I'm here. You offended our Mansion Master. I've been ordered to take your head," Huangfu Ming said coldly.
"There're many people who want my head. Who is he?" Jian Wushuang gave a contemptuous smile.
He was not afraid of Holy Emperor Palace. How was it possible to put a Lord of Skywave Prefecture in his eyes?
"You are courting death!" Huangfu Ming shouted.
He moved his wrist and a double-edged giant axe appeared in his hand. He took a sudden step in the air, causing invisible waves to spread out.
He immediately lifted up his giant axe and hacked at Jian Wushuang.
The slash was extremely powerful, seemingly strong enough to cut through a mountain.
Jian Wushuang stared at it coldly, with a cyan Long Sword in his hand. The ordinary sword only looked sharp. However, a roaring power erupted as Jian Wushuang's spiritual power surged.
"Selfless Sword Technique, fifth move!
His World Origin suddenly erupted, shaking the surroundings, as if the whole world in front of him was being suppressed.
They launched frontal attacks, without any tricks.
Jian Wushuang halted and was instantly repulsed. After retreating back almost 100 meters, he regained his stance.
"I performed Blood Rupturing Movement with all my strength, but I was still overpowered by him?" Jian Wushuang thought in surprise.
"Hum, the famous Swordsman is just so-so," Huangfu Ming said with a cold smile.
"I underestimated you at first. Then, try my sixth move," Jian Wushuang said indifferently.
"The sixth move, you still can't overpower me."
Huangfu Ming lifted his double-edged giant axe, with a rush of battle intent in his eyes. His body became larger at this moment, and a scary aura began gushing out.
The Giant Axe suddenly lashed out.
"Selfless Sword Technique, sixth move!"
While remaining composed, Jian Wushuang swung his long sword again.
This time, Jian Wushuang and Huangfu Ming retreated at the same time. Both of them were repelled more than 1,000 meters. Huangfu Ming even retreated to the edge of Heartless City.
This time, the result was a draw.
"Good, you live up to the position of a top expert who ranks 41st on the Bloodmoon List. Since I matched you with the sixth move, accept my seventh move," Jian Wushuang said, with a casual smile on his face, while lifting his sword.
"The seventh move?" Huangfu Ming's face changed.
He had performed his best move with that attack, which was barely enough against the sixth move Jian Wushuang displayed. Now, what would happen if Jian Wushuang performed the seventh move?
Jian Wushuang's cold voice resounded through the area as his Long Sword violently lashed out.
Suddenly, the world fell into darkness.
In the darkness, only a brilliant steak of sword light remained, lighting up the world.
Huangfu Ming began to panic and performed his best move again.
The moment his stroke collided with the streak of sword light, his Giant Axe was knocked away. Then the sword light, still at full power, slashed through Huangfu Ming's body.
Huangfu Ming widened his eyes, but his body was already split in two.
All the onlookers were shocked.
An eerie silence fell upon all of Heartless City.
Countless eyes were fixed on Jian Wushuang. Jian Wushuang slowly withdrew his sword and could not help but shake his head while watching Huangfu Ming's body fall down.
"He really is strong. If I fought with him a year ago, I would not have killed him so easily. But now, he was not even qualified to see the eighth move." Jian Wushuang spoke frankly.
On hearing this, everyone was petrified.
"He could perform the eighth move?"
"He, he did not use all of his strength?"
Huangfu Ming, who ranked 41the on the Bloodmoon List, was considered a top Half-saint expert. However, Jian Wushuang killed him without using his full strength. What did it mean?
Their First Protector might not be far off from the strength of a real Saint Realm warrior.
In fact, after a year of cultivation, Jian Wushuang's strength improved greatly. He could kill a Half-saint expert a year ago, so there was no doubt that he was extremely powerful now.
People haven't noticed it because he rarely displayed his moves.
"Skywave Prefecture... I originally thought I would go there after a period of practice. Now that the Lord of Skywave Prefecture has come to find me first, I'll take the next step forward." Jian Wushuang thought and looked toward the black-clothed elder.
"Listen, go back to tell your Lord that I will fight to the death with him outside of Heartless City in three days."


text:
The 15 Minute Fix is Live!
I am thrilled to announce that the first four books in The 15 Minute Fix series are now on sale at Amazon. VISION, FACE, SENSES, and SCALP are all currently available as Kindle eBooks with print versions to be available shortly.
To celebrate (and of course to peak your interest...), I have created a free sample version of The 15 Minute Fix: VISION. It contains five of the exercises from the book, tips on how to get the most out of the exercises, and a few extras. This mini-book includes examples of relaxation and stress relief exercises, flexibility exercises, near vision exercises, distance vision exercises, binocular vision and depth perception exercises, peripheral vision exercises, and tracking and sports training exercises. Give it a try!
Curious? Submit your email to download the 5 free exercises from The 15 Minute Fix: VISION.


text:
ÅF AB (publ) has refinanced its existing credit facilities dated November 2012 with a new SEK 1,000 million Multi-Currency Revolving Credit Facility. The facility will be used for general corporate purposes and has a tenor of 3 years with possible extension options.
The facility was provided with equal shares by Mandated Lead Arrangers and Lenders Handelsbanken and SEB.
The ÅF Group is a leader in engineering and consulting, with expertise founded on more than a century of experience. We offer highly qualified services and solutions for industrial processes, infrastructure projects and the development of products and IT systems. The ÅF Group has currently 7,250 employees. Our base is in Europe, but our business and our clients are found all over the world.


text:
Neurology involves the study of the functions and disorders of the nervous system of the human body. Your nervous system is composed of two parts: the central nervous system comprising your brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system which consists of nerves, nerve cell tissues, nerve endings that respond to sensory stimuli and all other neural elements. A neurological condition refers to any disease, injury or disorder of the brain, spinal cord or any other part of your nervous system that may often cause serious disabilities.
Neurological conditions affect various parts of the nervous system.
The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord. Diseases of the central nervous system have an effect on physical movement and may lead to paralysis or mental incapacitation, and speech and language disorders such as stuttering. In some cases, the brain may be infected with a disease such as Toxoplasmosis, which is caused by the one-celled protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis can cause blindness and brain damage.
The peripheral nervous system consists of the nerves and all other parts of the nervous system, except the brain and spinal cord. Neurological conditions that affect the nerves include rabies which is an acute viral disease transmitted through saliva coming from the bite of an infected animal and polio which is an infectious viral disease that affects the muscles of the lower limbs.
Since the peripheral nervous system is associated with our senses, conditions affecting it may also involve the decrease or increase of sensitivity to sensory stimuli as in the case of hyperesthesia that is characterised by excessive sensitivity and neuralgia which is presented with intense burning, stabbing or throbbing pain sensations.
Neuralgia is caused by the irritation of or damage to a nerve. On the other hand, neuritis is the inflammation of a nerve or group of nerves resulting in pain, loss of reflexes, and atrophy of the affected muscles.
The nervous system also regulates involuntary action such as digestion, sweating, and heart rate. This aspect of the nervous system may also be affected by neurological conditions such as dysautonomia which is characterised by the fall in blood pressure during standing, heart problems, and trouble with breathing and swallowing, or erectile dysfunction in men. Dysautonomia may occur alone or in association with another disease such as Parkinson’s disease, or caused by diabetes or alcoholism.
A neurologist is one who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions. Medical treatment may also be complemented with natural therapies to boost the effects of the treatment plan as well as to minimise or neutralise unpleasant side effects of pharmaceutical drugs.


text: Get ready for something truly special. This 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu has the classic Super Sport appearance on the outside, but beneath the skin is a unique A/C interior, performance suspension, and a powerful crate V8 with thundering cutouts. This coupe was a four-year project for a father and son. So it was a labor of love that had the time to get the classic details right while also adding plenty of personal custom touches. You can...instantly see this passion in the straightness of the sheet metal (most of it has been expertly replaced during restoration.) It keeps the iconic lines of the '70 Chevelle so crisp. It is highlighted further by the clear coat shine of the glossy red paint. On a car that looks this good, only the best bright work will do on the form-fitting bumpers and complete trim package. Of course, this one is more than just bright and straight Ã¢â‚¬â€œ it's also intimidating, too. The full SS stripe package, cowl induction hood, hood pins, and correct mag-style SS wheels remind us why this is the king of the streets. Black interiors look great on a muscle car, especially when it also coordinates with the exterior stripes. The full restoration made sure to retain some nice classic elements like the three-spoke sports steering wheel and insignia trim door panels. But really, you can instantly see this is a full custom presentation. The front bench seat has a fold-sown armrest that expertly integrates the AM/FM/CD changer controls. This is your gateway to a full speaker system powered by a Visonik 800-watt amplifier. And because there is plenty of R-Blox insulation, the radio is stays crisp and clear. Of course, the custom auxiliary gauge panel and custom tach also lets you know that your favorite soundtrack might really be the dual exhaust. No matter what you're listening to, this is the perfect machine to roll down all the windows and go out cruising. That's why there's air conditioning blowing cold with modern R134a. The engine bay looks terrific with detailed paint, polished components, and plenty of the right hardware. It looks like it's radiating power, and that's for a good reason. You're looking at a 350 cubic-inch HO Deluxe GM Performance Parts crate motor. It's been professionally enhanced and fortified with a Comp Cams camshaft, four-barrel carburetor, performance intake, four-core radiator w/electric fans, Melling oil pump, and much more. The full package has been dyno'd at 342 hp and 410 lb-ft. The Hedmen Hedders feed Flowmaster 50 series mufflers for a terrific rumbling soundtrack. But if you really want to bring the thunder, just flip the switch on the dash for the electrically operated exhaust cut outs. Don't just look at this exhaust setup; follow its path in the undercarriage photos. There you'll spot a ton more upgrades. It includes a TCI Streetfighter TH350 three-speed automatic transmission with a Saturday Night Special torque converter. That feeds a Moser Engineering 12-bolt rear that includes 3.73 gears and Detroit Locker Trutrac limited slip. The front suspension features new bushings, a rebuilt power steering box, a thick sway bar, and disc brakes. The rear is UMI Performance tubular control arms with new coil springs. Oh yes, all the right stuff is already in place! Complete with owner's manual, this is custom, powerful, and an all-around stunner. Don't let this passion project go to someone else. Call now!


text:
It’s great to see Ed Balls putting his – or rather mobile phone companies’ – money where his mouth is on housing but his speech still begs some big questions.
It’s good news too see housing finally making the headlines at the start of a Labour party conference rather than becoming a footnote before they sing The Red Flag at the end.
Media briefing ahead of the speech by the shadow chancellor was all about housing and his call for the £3-4 billion proceeds of the sale of 4G mobile phone licenses to be spent on 100,000 affordable homes and a new stamp duty holiday for first-time buyers. The idea seemed to go down pretty well with delegates judging from the applause in the hall.


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The space shuttle Discovery and its seven member crew lifted off at 10:39 a.m. today, successfully returning NASA to flight after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. The launch follows a 13-day delay after a faulty fuel sensor halted the first launch attempt during countdown.
Space shuttle Discovery launches from Kenedy Space Center, Fla. Image courtesy of NASA/KSC.
Since the scrapped launch July 13 of STS-114, as the mission is called, engineers worked around the clock to prepare Discovery for one of the few remaining launch windows that extended until the end of this month. NASA selected launch windows based on an approximate 5-minute interval around the "in-plane time," defined as the time when the plane of the International Space Station (ISS) orbits directly over the launch pad at Kenedy Space Center. Also considered are daylight hours and weather conditions, which cooperated for Discovery today.
Today's launch is the first shuttle mission since the Feb. 1, 2003, Columbia disaster. In that time, Discovery has undergone renovations to improve safety conditions during launch, orbit and reentry. While docked at the ISS, the crew of mission STS-114 will have 13 days to test improvements to the shuttle, which was first launched 21 years ago.
"As the families of Apollo 1 and Challenger before us, we grieve deeply but know the exploration of space must go on," Columbia families wrote in a statement about NASA's Return to Flight mission. "We hope we have learned, and will continue to learn, from each of these accidents, so that we will be as safe as we can be in this high risk endeavor."
Specific improvements include a redesigned external fuel tank  the "backbone" of the shuttle that is jettisoned after its propellants are exhausted. It was the insulating foam on this tank that fell off and damaged Columbia. But officials say that changes in how the thermal protection is applied, in addition to new and redesigned hardware, have been central in return to flight preparations. "This will be the safest, most reliable tank NASA has ever produced," said Sandy Coleman, manager of the External Tank Project, in a Dec. 31, 2004, NASA press release.
A second modification, called the Wing Leading Edge Impact Detection System, consists of 66 impact sensors and 22 temperature sensors on each of Discovery's wings. NASA aerospace technicians designed the new system to send temperature and impact data to the crew and then back to Earth to be monitored for problems. A third change, a camera and laser attached to Discovery's existing robotic arm, will also allow the crew to remotely check for external damage such as a cracked or missing tile.
Two crew members, Steve Robinson and Soichi Noguchi, have trained extensively for three spacewalks during the return to flight mission. The purpose of the first venture outside is for practice repairing the shuttle's protective tiles. Next, they are scheduled to replace a failed gyroscope needed to keep the ISS positioned correctly, followed by the installation of a shelf to hold spare parts while working on the station.
The STS-114 crew includes (from left) astronauts Steve Robinson, Jim Kelly, Andy Thomas, Wendy Lawrence, Charlie Camarda, Eileen Collins and Soichi Noguchi. Image courtesy of NASA.
Completing the ISS will be the focus of subsequent shuttle missions. In preparation for such work, Discovery mission STS-114 will deliver a module to the ISS that also contains equipment, food, water and research supplies.
"Mission STS-114 signifies the beginning of a new era in human exploration," according to a NASA mission and crew briefing issued on July 6. "Safely returning space shuttles to flight to complete the International Space Station are the first steps in the Vision for Space Exploration."
NASA's "vision" includes retiring the space shuttle in exchange for a new vehicle, and a return to the moon as soon as 2015. In the long term, the agency plans to use the moon as a stepping stone to "Mars and beyond," as part of President Bush's call to arms last year (see Geotimes Web Extra, June 17, 2004). In the meantime, NASA scheduled for 2008 the launch of a laser device called "LOLA" that will create detailed maps of the moon's surface and facilitate a return to Earth's closest neighbor. "Astronauts will be able to use it like a USGS [U.S. Geological Survey] hiking map," NASA officials said.
"The past two years have challenged all of us to look closely at the work we do and ask 'How can I do this better?'" said STS-114 commander Eileen Collins in a March 22 message to the NASA family. "I believe we are all stronger for having met these challenges, and that collective strength is allowing us to return to flight safely, complete the International Space Station, and move forward with the Vision for Space Exploration."

industry_corpus2: Aerospace