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SEATTLE -- University of Washington seismologists are closely monitoring another slow-moving tremor detected under the Olympic Peninsula.
So-called "tremor-and-slip" events have occurred about every 15 months since they were first detected in 2002. The latest was found early Sunday north of Olympia and west of Tacoma, and is expected to travel north under the peninsula toward Vancouver Island. UW scientists say it can't be felt at the surface, but over the course of several weeks can release as much energy as a magnitude 6 earthquake.
Researchers believe the tremors may be associated with stress building in the Cascadia subduction fault zone, about 50 miles off the Pacific coast. The zone ruptures in mega-earthquakes about every 500 years, with the last occurring in 1700.
"The big question is why do they unfold so slowly? With regular earthquakes we understand why they happen as they do," said John Vidale, director of UW-based Pacific Northwest Seismic Network and a UW professor of Earth and space sciences. "Here it takes weeks and things move miles per hour not miles per second. What's slowing them down?"
Crews with the seismic network are doubling the number of seismic recording stations placed along the northern part of the Olympic Peninsula to better document this three-week event.
The stations, from Port Angeles to Port Townsend, will help researchers more precisely measure the three-dimensional depth of the tremor source.
"We've been able with our seismic network to get an approximate epicenter (for past events) but the resolution for depth has been very poor," said Steve Malone, a UW Earth and space sciences professor.
Vidale said better understanding the changing slow-slip patterns may provide clues in advance of the next Cascadia mega-quake.
Temor-and-slip events have been associated with the Cascadia subduction fault zone that runs along the Northwest coast, as well as about a dozen other fault lines worldwide.
-- The Associated Press
Slow-moving tremor under Olympic Peninsula may mean stress is building in Cascadia fault zone
SEATTLE -- University of Washington seismologists are closely monitoring another slow-moving tremor detected under the Olympic Peninsula.


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This five-hundred year old live oak is the lone survivor of twelve trees once standing at what is now the corner of Fifth and Sixth Avenue in downtown Austin. The former grove—called the "Council Oaks"—once hosted various native tribes who struck their treaties and forged their bonds of peace in their shade. Once voted the "most perfect specimen of an oak tree in the United States," this remaining tree was poisoned in 1989 by a man who had reportedly been jilted by a lover. The tree has since been saved and repaired by Austinites, but is no longer the perfect specimen of old.
A hollow several yards up the tree's trunk has been walled in with bricks, giving the tree the mark of urbanity. The wall of bricks in the tree is a reminder that this oak has witnessed the history of a great American city, as well as native American times. All the stories seem sealed in the tree's heart.
Concrete Treaty Oak
Dallas, Texas
A concrete replica of the Austin Treaty Oak stands in the main atrium of the Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel in Dallas, surrounded by hotel room balconies and the smell of chlorinated pools. The vaulted glass and steel atrium of the hotel with its small-scale Alamo and replicated San Antonio River Walk lined with thousands of plastic flowers is a bawdy display of Texas largess and pride. Yet the concrete oak is impressive in its likeness and detail.
Oddly, the living Treaty Oak in Austin is so shrouded within the cone of its own hanging limbs and foliage, that you must enter the shady atrium of its own natural making to see the trunk and its little brick wall. Once inside the cool canopy, you see upward through the leaves to the glass high-rises and construction cranes of downtown Austin. The two trees—one real, one concrete—live in a similarly artificial world.

subset: commoncrawl


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ForexFBI is a blog dedicated to reviewing the latest forex robots and brokers, while allowing a public discussion for the community. It has become a huge resource for forex traders all around the world.
They offer 50+ active accounts running today's latest and greatest forex expert advisors ranging from Forex Flex EA, Forex Hacked, FAP Turbo, Mega Droid and many more. The results run as far back as 2012 and are updated every 5 minutes. Each EA has it's own blog post where the community discusses and dissects all aspects of the system.
Forex FBI also has an extensive list of reviews for forex brokers, where all user comments are carefully reviewed and moderated for fakeness.
Check them out today before you buy any EA or deposit any money to a forex broker.


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As many of you know, Angela and I are HUGE fans of Dave Ramsey and his 13 week class, Financial Peace University. Here is your chance to take a class from him for absolutely free!
At the class you will learn how to:
- Get out of debt
- Save for the future
- Build wealth
Go here to sign up! The classes are between April 5-12 all over the country and they keep adding more as they see the need.
Thanks Faithful Provisions!
My own personal testimony: How FPU changed my life
Four years ago my husband and I were drowning in debt in spite of us both working and earning a combined income of $70,000/year. I then found out I was pregnant with our first child and we knew something had to change as I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom.
I continued working until the day he was born (only because he was born a month early, that's another long and horrible story), and during my pregnancy my husband and I tried to cut back and pay down debt. We really had no idea though how to make a budget and more importantly, how to stay on budget, so we continued to barely keep our heads above water. It became glaringly obvious that if I was going to stay home then we would have to cut back expenses and pay down debt.
There was only one thing we could do that would accomplish those two things in a relatively short amount of time and that was to sell our house. So we did! And we've never regretted it. In fact, it was perfect timing as the housing bubble would burst only months after we sold our house. With the money we were able to pay off the house and all of our debt and put a large sum of money into savings for a future house.
Right around the time we were in the midst of closing the sell of our home, we signed up for Financial Peace University. The timing, once again, was perfect. During the 13 week course we learned Dave's Seven Baby Steps to financial peace. It was life changing, to say the least. Throughout the last four years we didn't follow the lessons we learned like we should have, so we ended up using a large chunk of our savings from our house on unexpected expenses like another baby, major car repairs, medical expenses for our accident prone first born and a couple vacations.
Towards the end of last year, however we made the commitment to start living by the principles we learned from Dave Ramsey. We did this by handing our debit cards over to some trusted friends thereby forcing us to stick with a cash only system (we don't use credit cards). These friends also created a budget on Excel which I then finally took the time to figure out how to use. Now we have been sticking to our budget, not using our savings and adding to it as well! The best part is, we are still completely DEBT FREE!
So take advantage of this free lesson being offered and see how you can change your future as well!
This post may contain affiliate links. See the disclosure policy for more information.


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Wait. What?
Hold on. We can explain.
Corn flout patty blabla on the inside bla on the outside. our favorite part? you can stuff it with almost anything. Yes that includes X, but no, we don't actually do that.
Think of a sandwich. Now replace the bread for fried plantain. Yep, it's insane. No, are not judging you if you haven't tried it.


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You blessed us more than you know. I am so thankful for you. It takes a very special person to be a comfort during these times. Thank you very much for your kindness. I know our sweet girl is playing with her sister up in Heaven and is thankful for your compassion....and your beef jerky!
Jessica McCollough
I am convinced that you were an answer to a prayer when you called the moment I had hung up so distraught with my veterinarian's office. I honestly did not know where to turn, but I know I did not want to wait in a busy waiting room with my ailing boy to be "fit in" when they had time to help us. As I had mentioned to you, this is what happened with my first dog at another vet and it wound up being a horrific experience I would never forget.
Right up until you arrived, I was tormented as to whether it was time for Addison, or if I was making an error in judgement. I cannot thank you enough for your patience in the consultation and the questions you asked so gently that allowed me to focus in on Addison's quality of life and what was best for him. You sat with him and observed him and how he was behaving, pointing out the signs I had been seeing, confirming that my initial instincts were correct. Addison was my shadow, my heart, and he loved us with everything he had. He was a majestic soul and you were right, it was only fitting that he be allowed to leave us with dignity and grace. And he did. And you made that possible.
I cannot begin to explain the presence he was in our lives, how smart and loyal and true he was. He is a loss that I know I will never get over and my life will not be the same without him. These past few days have been honestly awful and we are feeling his loss keenly. But I am so grateful to you for being here and for helping us give him that final gift of love, to pass peacefully with Tim and I at his side. Thank you for your quiet guidance, your attention, your compassion and the sincere love you showed my sweet boy in making the process one of honor and grace. We appreciate it more than you know.
With profound gratitude, Kelly and Tim Baker
We just had our dog Sandy put down by Dr. Doffermyre, and I just want to let you know that I cannot thank you enough for being there with us and doing it in such a graceful manner. Just know that you are valued because what you did for us today has no price tag to it; you can't imagine how we felt that Sandy had such a peaceful passing and with such grace. So thank you again for everything you did for us. Lisa Hansen
"Lord Chewbacca Grand Jedi Master Dog of the Earney Realm" (Chewy) died peacefully today. He gave us a great amount of love, joy, smiles, laughter, obedience, and pet stains in his 17 years. He was a good boy! He will be missed by us all, but especially by his primary care provider Papa Earney. He is preceded by his brother and co-conspirator in squirrel persecution and digging, "Buddy Miko" and his favorite Playmate, "Penny Lane Schenk".
Dr. D,
Words cannot describe how thankful Courtney and I are that you took the time be part of this delicate time in our lives. You have such a gift and were so peaceful and fluid that the experience was by far the most positive either of us have ever seen~and it happened to be our own love, Bell. I've repeated our loving experience to the staff at Wrightsville Beach Animal Hospital and Paws and Claws Animal Hospital, and we are all thankful for who you are and what you bring to those in need. You are appreciated and loved!
Love, Amy and Courtney
Veterinary Hospital Managers
Dr. Doffermyre,
My wife and I wish to thank you again for coming out last minute on Sunday morning. Please give our thanks to your husband as well. We appreciate you helping us bring a comfortable ending to Raj's beautiful life. It was important for us to have him be in his favorite bed and in the security of his own home. Thank you for making that a reality for not only us, but Raj as well. He was the most gentle and selfless animal we have ever met and we miss him so much.
We wanted to share with you something ironic and heartwarming from your visit on Sunday morning. Shortly after you had administered the second injection you grazed his head gently and referred to him as "Prince Raj." Little did you know, but this was actually a common nickname we had for him. At the risk of really letting the waterfalls loose in your company we held back any mention of it at that time.
We are more than convinced that you were the perfect person to help us say goodbye to our buddy. To echo what you had told me on the phone early Sunday morning, you were exactly where you were supposed to be that day...and we cannot thank you enough.
Best wishes,
Josh and Autumn
We lost Hooch, our 7 year old Chocolate Lab to cancer on 7/5/16. We knew early on his life was destined to be a Therapy dog. He shared his love with countless people at NHRMC Zimmer Cancer Center, Special Olympic and Autism Summer camps for children to name a few. His cancer took a sudden turn and we found ourselves in a desperate situation on a holiday weekend. Dr. D. and Art came to our aid with care and professionalism on the hardest day of our lives. We cannot thank them enough for their compassion in our time of need. Hooch passed peacefully in our arms in one of his favorite places.
Frank & Vee Ann Smith
Dr. Doffermyre,
Words cannot express our gratitude. This process is never easy but your services helped make the final moments we had with our sweet Josie peaceful and filled with love. God bless you for the work you do. I have attached a picture of our sweet Josie with her feathered friend.
Best, Jessica
Dearest Dr Lide and Art,
You will never know the impact that your compassion, respect, professionalism, and most of all the love that you showed to my beloved Lily, had on us. You were a shining light to us at a dark time as Lily's health declined. Lily was able to experience a much more peaceful and comfortable life because of you. She is now happy and with her brother, Ali, playing and running again. What more could we have asked for her.
It is evident that you have been given this gift because the tenderness and gentleness that you showed, it is not obtained unless it comes from above. It has been an honor and a pleasure to have you in Lily's and our lives. For this I am so very thankful.
My prayer for you and Art is for healing, emotionally and physically. It is amazing that in all you both have been through, your love and compassion was always there for our loved ones
Thank you so much for what you do to help these pets.
May you be richly blessed for what you do,
Betty, proud mom of Lily
Dear Dr. Doffermyre:
I honestly can't thank you enough for your gentleness, caring and professionalism in helping Bailey transition from life. Although you explained the procedure thoroughly over the phone your actual performance was more than I could ever ask for. There is absolutely nothing I would have wanted to be done differently. We were all very happy to see Bailey sleep so peacefully and, in 14 years, I had never heard her snore so that was a joyous sound for me to hear. Your focus was on Bailey as it should have been but your kindness to me and Bailey's "foster Dads" was much appreciated. I hope that we didn't crowd you and make your work more difficult but Bailey and I needed them here .Bailey was an exceptional dog and companion. I can still hear her nails on the door this morning. You are welcome to share this testimonial.
Warm Regards,
John Brunelle
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Hello Dr. Doffermyre,
Thank you for attending to Gizmo in her time of need. The level of care you provided and compassion you showed toward both her and I were exceptional. The sense of urgency you conveyed and speed at which you arrived after learning of Gizmo's seizure showed a great level of concern for Gizmo's well-being. The fact that Gizmo was able to leave this world in a familiar place and peaceful manner means a great deal to me. Thank you for providing me with that option, and for handling her final moments with me so professionally and with such care.
I hope that if the need ever arises, I may call on you again.
Justin Luttmer
I just wanted to thank you for helping us through this difficult time to free our sweet Bella yesterday. I was so relieved to be able to have her comfortable in her home, in her favorite spot on the couch, and with her family. You were so comforting to us, and I truly appreciate that and how you walked us through each step of the process. Her passing has been very difficult, but having the memory of her going through this gracefully and peacefully has made it much more comfortable and bearable. Mike and I are very happy and at peace with her last moments. I felt compelled to write you to let you know this. What you do is a truly amazing thing. Thank you again.
Dayna and Mike
Our dog Maverick was a true member of our family. When his time came, we did not want to let go. When Dr Doffermyre arrived she thoroughly examined him and the situation and re-assured us that we were doing the right thing. She came to our home, on a Sunday, to help us through this difficult transition. She was very kind, gentle and caring and truly empathized with what we were going through. There was no better way to let go of Maverick than at our home. Maverick was comfortable, in his own doggie pool, surrounded by people who loved him. He got to go while my husband was holding him in his arms telling him how great of a dog he was. There is no better way to do this very difficult thing that sometimes must be done. Pets at Peace truly lives up to their name and I know our dog passed in the most peaceful way possible. Thank you so much for making this difficult time a little bit easier for us.
Sincerely, Stephanie Smith
Dear Dr. Doffermyre,
I want to thank you for the exceptional service that you provided to Taz and myself in our time of need. First, a huge thank you for going beyond your normal area and answering my plea for help. Most importantly is from our initial contact is that you put the needs of Taz first. From the very start your obvious compassion you showed Taz, even before meeting him, in wanting to make sure I had done something to keep him out of the sun. The procedure and your explanation as to how it would proceed, and your words of "just love him" as the sedative was working, is what Taz and I both needed at this very difficult time. To feel Taz relax, and the pain to leave his body, with me beside him, talking to him and petting him, and for him to be comfortable and relaxed, when the final injection was given, and you touching my hand and saying "it's done", was exactly what we both needed at this time. Your caring didn't end there either, from wrapping him in his favorite doggie blanket, and all arrangements you made for his cremation and return of his remains was perfect. My Pet Passages also did a truly wonderful job, and the card you sent, to the words you said, in all of these things you helped make an incredibly hard decision so much better.
I also want to thank you for contacting Dr. Gensel who called to express his sympathy.
What you state on your card, bringing quality of life to end of life, is truly what you do. It has not been easy losing Taz, but your words and actions and true caring made a huge difference to me. I couldn't have hoped for anything better than what you provided.
God Bless You!
Nate Reid
Ever how Buddee Jane Koletar found her way to the Winding River community, near Shallotte, NC, we will never know. What we do know, is that Buddee Jane captured the hearts of many in the community. And rightly so. As Martha Koletar has written, "I watched Buddee Jane standing in the drenching rain, the bitterly cold sleet, the howling wind, and the hot, blazing sun. I even saw her walking in the last Hurricane! My heart absolutely raced to my throat each time I saw her. She was all alone and scared. I just knew I had to do something for her, ANYTHING to save this brave dog!" The Koletar's did indeed save brave Buddee Jane, enticing this feral dog into their garage, then their home and ultimately into their hearts. When Buddee Jane's time had come, the Koletar's bravely assisted her on her final journey. Mr. Koletar wrote, "A difficult task was done very well. Professional all the way." Mrs. Koletar also took the time to write: "Dr Doffermyre's gift of compassion, sensitivity, caring, professionalism, kindness and love of animals will never be forgotten." Buddee Jane was a sweet, old dog. There is no doubt that the Koletar's were Buddee Jane's personal angels who saved her life. Ask the Koletars, and you will likely hear that Buddee Jane, was in fact, their personal angel too.
Dear Dr Lide and Alicia,
We want to reach out to you both to say how much your special visit to our home meant to us.
We had been dreading the final act of love for our dog, Jake ('Fur-Baby' as Netty calls him), but your grace, comfort and professionalism left us with a beautiful end of life experience for him. The wonderful caring demeanor and gentle touch you have has left us with healing and comforting memories that we will long carry in our hearts. The time you spent with us as we spoke of shared experiences with you both, and the sincere grace of your words, gave us a strong foundation to heal from. For that we will be forever grateful.
Jake was a good dog and a faithful companion to us for sixteen years. He was a quiet dog but the silence now is deafening. We find ourselves listening for the sound of his nails on the wooden floors and the contented sigh as he would lay at our feet. The only time he seemed to bark was at the backyard squirrels because they wouldn't play with him.
His one job, and he never missed a day until the ravages of age got to him, was to pick-up and bring in the newspaper from the driveway every morning. He was very good at it and he knew it. Once we had our paper and were sipping our coffee, he accepted his biscuit and took the rest of the day off.
But of course his real job was to bring joy to the entire Domenic family. He excelled at that.
I could ramble on and on about the joys of a pet, but you already know them.
The service you provide at Pets at Peace is considerate, respectful and you both are very good at it.
We received a floral tribute for Jake from his veterinarian at Needham Animal Hospital on the same day and your touching letter of condolence arrived a day later.
Our heartfelt thanks to you.
Sincerest regards,
Dave and Netty Domenic
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Dear Dr.Doffermyre, You are a true blessing and thank you so much for your help with Sasha. Sasha was our 18 yr old shepherd chow mix. We found her as a puppy and from that day to now 18 yrs later she was always with us. We never took vacations. She was our puppy child. Sasha was a beautiful dog all the way until 18. She never looked her age. She fill our lives with unconditional love and happiness. When she had a seizure on Saturday it was short and mild. I made an appointment with her vet. But my high hopes turned to the reality in front of me. Sasha girl is not doing so well. Her seizures started coming more frequently. I knew she was not able to take a car ride to the vet. I found Dr. D's Web site and called her at 8 pm and left a message. Within 15 mins she called me. Dr. Doffermyre is so compassionate and understanding to what u and your pet is going thru. She, Dr.D, had to drive for over an hour in bad weather but she was at my house first thing the next morning. Sasha was able to pass in her favorite place in our home. My husband and I were able to hold and sing to her as she drifted off to sleep. She passed so peacefully without pain or fear. She had her family with her the whole time. Dr.D is so professional and compassionate! She is a true angel! The crematorium did a beautiful job with her ashes and paw print. It truly honored our four legged family member Sasha. For the 18 yrs of love Sasha gave us this was best gift I could give her at the end. Thank you Dr. Doffermyre:)
Tara Barnes
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First let me start by saying Dr.Doffermyre was a God send to our little Rudy. Rudy was our 17 year old Chihuahua that I had had since he was only weeks old. We rushed him to the vet's office when he was having trouble breathing and coughing really bad. They told us he had fluid around his heart; they gave him lasix, and when he didn't respond, they thought we should put him down. My husband got very upset and said we need to take Rudy outside for a walk.We got outside and my husband said to Rudy, What do you want to do Rudy? Rudy walked over to the car and looked up at the door and back at us and my husband said well Rudy wants to go home so that's what we will do. He immediately said call Dr.Doffermyre!
Dr.Doffermyre arrived about an hour later. Rudy was not a very nice to other people kinda dog. She came in slowly and sat down and didn't acknowledge him for several minutes, The whole time I was nervous because I didn't want him to bite her because he had never met her. Next thing I know she has a stethoscope on his lil heart and he just sat there letting her do her exam. Now Rudy his whole life had to be muzzled at the vets just to clip his nails and have his exam. Sometimes they would even have to sedate him. I want you to have a sense of his personality. He was our alpha! So we were shocked that she even got to listen to his lil heart. She looks at us and says there's no fluid there, the Lasix must have done its job. She decided we would start giving him Lasix every day and he also was taking Enacard for his heart. Basically there were no promises but let's see how he does on this. Rudy responded very well to this and we kept everything low key at home to keep him calm. Rudy lived 364 good days after that day. He died one day short of a year from the day when the vet told us to put him down.
Thank God my husband chose to listen to Rudy first and Praise God for Dr.Doffermyre for taking the time with Rudy and taking a chance to try the Lasix in low doses to see if it would work. Thank you to Rudy for giving us the greatest 364 extra days. I would not trade anything for them. Rudy was 17 years old and died on April 12, 2010.We miss him every day.
Dr.Doffermyre has such a gift with animals and they trust her and know she's there to help them. Rudy trusted her and she helped him to feel better. I truly believe God has given Dr.Doffermyre a gift to communicate with animals and to help in whatever way is best for them.They trust her not to let them suffer. I'm so thankful she had a chance to meet Rudy and to also help give him the greatest days a senior dog can have. She also helped us with two of our other babies, Taylor and Jed. They trusted her to end their suffering, and she was so professional and loving and so compassionate. We lost all three of our babies in one year and Dr.Doffermyre helped us and our babies so much. Thank you so much Dr.Doffermyre, I truly believe you were put on this earth to do what you are doing and helping these precious animals.
The Newton's
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I just want to thank you again for your help and compassion. You have gone above and beyond to make this an easier experience for our family. We miss Sadie very much but take comfort in knowing she was in good hands, calm and in her own environment. Many of my friends and colleagues have offered condolences and asked how we are doing. I always start with "It was very hard....but....we met a great veterinarian.
Thank you so much and have a nice holiday with your family.
Lauren Francis, DDS
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Your service is more than we could have ever hoped for. The vet, Dr Doffermyre, sat with us and let us tell her about our 17 years with our cat, didn't rush us-genuinely cared. I feel so blessed to have had this service available. Thank you so much,
Cathy Hargett


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Date of Birth: November 30, 2004
Favorite Subject: English
Least Favorite Subjects: Math
What do you think about for your future? I would like to be a doctor.
What makes a good leader? Someone who helps the people, supporting kids who are not already in school and helping those not having a good place to live.
What do you like about living in this village? The security--I feel safe in the village.
What do you not like about living in this village? I don't like people getting drunk and fighting.


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Revamp your daily routine with these tips for a more active and well-nourished lifestyle.
When it comes to creating and maintaining healthy habits, all the admonishments to "stop this" and "don't do that" can be overwhelming. While there are some things you do need to cut back on, finding a better balance is the true key to better heart health. You may be surprised by the things you should actually do more of in your pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.
With these tips from the Dutch company DSM Nutritional Products, you can put your health back on track.
Increase your stress-busting activity
Whether you favour exercise, yoga or meditation, finding effective ways to channel your stress can help support the health of your heart. It's no secret that stress makes your blood pressure rise, and that puts extra strain on your heart. Soothing your nerves keeps your stress levels in check and moderates your blood pressure. Remember that managing your stress doesn't even have to consists of a formal activity; you may find relief from simply relaxing with a book or a cup of tea or enjoying some down time with loved ones. Whatever strategy works for you, try to make a stress-reducing effort part of your everyday routine.
Balance your calorie intake
Instead of viewing weight management in terms of what you can't have or have to do, consider thinking of your diet as a teeter-totter that you need to keep in balance. Overeating and indulging in nutrient-poor foods makes one side drop but physical activity and regular exercise brings the other side down. Strive for a balance so you're burning the calories you're taking in. Consume fewer calories and exercise more to help support a balanced weight. When it comes to the calories you consume, be sure they're from nutrient-rich sources so your body reaps maximum benefits from their fuel.
Check your Omega-3 levels
Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of polyunsaturated fats, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), that numerous studies have shown to have heart-health benefits.
More specifically, supportive but inconclusive research shows Omega-3s EPA and DHA may help to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease – the leading cause of death among both men and women, according to the US Food and Drug Administration and the American Heart Association. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, anchovies and sardines, as well as vegetarian sources like algae. If you don't eat fish on a regular basis, you can find high-quality supplements containing Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil or algal oil.
Be sure to consult your health care provider before starting any supplement programme, and ask your health care practitioner to check your Omega-3 levels to make sure you are getting enough heart-healthy fats in your diet. Learn more at knowyouro.com.
* Family Features


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Vox Contrives A Stirring Hypothetical About Ferguson
Just a few weeks after Ezra Klein's bro-splainer site wondered, for no apparent reason, how the "spontaneous reunification" of Pangaea would affect the Ebola epidemic, Vox is now entering the realm of media criticism and asking: "How would we cover Ferguson if it were happening in another country?"
As Vox's Max Fisher, man of dull opinions, explains the piece: "Here, to borrow a great idea from Slate's Joshua Keating, is a satirical take on the story you might be reading if Ferguson were in, say, Iraq or Pakistan." What a way to launch into a bit of humor! Are you ready?
FERGUSON — Chinese and Russian officials are warning of a potential humanitarian crisis in the restive American province of Missouri, where ancient communal tensions have boiled over into full-blown violence.
"We must use all means at our disposal to end the violence and restore calm to the region," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in comments to an emergency United Nations Security Council session on the America crisis.
The crisis began a week ago in Ferguson, a remote Missouri village that has been a hotbed of sectarian tension. State security forces shot and killed an unarmed man, which regional analysts say has angered the local population by surfacing deep-seated sectarian grievances. Regime security forces cracked down brutally on largely peaceful protests, worsening the crisis.
Well, problem No. 1 is that for a satire this is unfunny as shit. Problem No. 2 is that for a news story parody it's not even a good fake-serious news story.
But worse than any of the rest is the smugness. During a crisis of police brutality and criminal justice there are better points to make than "the U.S. media is out of touch with the rest of the world," and better qualities to demonstrate than self-satisfied cosmopolitanism.
Vox, you are not ready for media criticism. Stick to explainers, like this one: "Have the protests in Ferguson, Mo. been peaceful?"


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This technology is a mobile app of the National Registry of Exonerations that provides notifications when a new exoneration has been added. Last year, there were nearly 150 exonerations, and as of March 2016 there were over 1750 exonerations documented within the registry. The mission of the National Registry of Exonerations is to provide comprehensive information on exonerations of innocent criminal defendants in order to prevent future false convictions by learning from past errors. This technology provides a well-curated database of these exonerations for interested parties.
Mobile access to exonerations
The National Registry of Exonerations is curated by a team of specialists in the University of Michigan Law School. The registry is of interest to litigators, employers, several organizations, persons charged with crimes and their loved ones. While there are lists of specific types of exonerations, such as the [DNA Exonerations List] (http://www.innocenceproject.org/free-innocent/improve-the-law/fact-sheets/dna-exonerations-nationwide), and more broad collections, such as publicly-edited lists of wrongful conviction, this list is unmatched in specificity and quality. Additionally, this mobile app would provide update notifications, allowing users to become immediately aware of new exonerations anywhere in the nation.
- Faster notifications for those interested in exonerations.
- Quality curation guarantee
- Instant notification of interested parties


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In trading on Thursday, shares of Qiagen N.V. (QGEN - Get Report) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $19.25, changing hands as low as $18.83 per share. Qiagen N.V. shares are currently trading off about 2.6% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of QGEN shares, versus its 200 day moving average:
Click here to find out which 9 other stocks recently crossed below their 200 day moving average »


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Men love ties. For some, it is a necessary accessory in the attire they wear to the office or any corporate or social function. It is also a part of many work uniforms.
However, a new study by researchers in Germany has warned that ties could hamper men's work performance as it compresses veins that are important for the flow of blood to the brain.
The research scanned the brains of 30 young men, 15 of whom wore ties. They found a significant drop in brain function among men who wore neckties during the MRI scan, as well as instant 7.5 percent drop in blood flow to the brain after the men put on ties.
The researcher Robin Lüddecke at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein in the study published in the journal Stringer, recruited 30 young men, 15 of whom were told to put on a tie and 15 of whom did not wear a tie.
"He scanned the brains of each. Those who put on ties were told to tie it into a Full Windsor – one more twist than a simple tie formation – and to pull it tight. The research team saw an immediate drop in cerebral blood flow," said MailOnline.
A smooth and steady flow of blood to the brain is crucial for all our neurons and cells to continue ticking along, transmitting messages and making it possible to respond instantly to an issue, conundrum or threat.
Research also shows that relaxation and exercise are crucial for improved blood flow to the brain.
Experts warn that while the decrease in blood flow would not trigger obvious symptoms, it is enough to impact cognitive functioning.
Other researchers before this new study had found evidence that a necktie increases pressure in a wearer's eyes.


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Gears of War 3: Raam's Shadow
It seems to me that creating prequels is one of the hardest things. In the best of worlds, a good story – or series of stories – is probably the standalone kind. That's not to say good work hasn't been done in series; plenty has. What it means is the best stories are confident and self-contained enough to have the right structure.
What separates exemplary stories like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly from other prequels, for example, is that it doesn't even matter much if it's connected to A Fistful of Dollars and For A Few Dollars More. That a videogame might benefit from such an open-ended approach to storytelling without losing out on the necessity of authorial control seems reasonable. What matters as much – if not more – is that they remain interactive and make the most of the medium.
And that's where Gears of War has always found the best success. The action excuses the pulpy sci-fi novella plot. You're there for the weighted third-person action and that sense of power and control it enables, the feeling of momentum and a rooted connection to the world. That Raam's Shadow is a bite-sized prequel story doesn't get in the way of feeling like a badass much but it doesn't add a whole lot of new value either.
The appeal comes in the experience of a known story; seeing out the events of Emergence Day. Gameplay carries the entirety of the burden because it's a regressive story. It opens well enough, in the sunny locale of Ilima. A boy is handed a Thrashball and is told to stay hopeful and it's not all bad. Then he's killed.
This initiates the action. The Locusts are bringing on a full-scale military assault all across Sera and it's your job to go on a rescue mission because of it. It feels good jumping straight in as the newly reprised Zeta squad, formed around second-fiddle characters from the first couple games and comic books and one new character. They're no Delta Squad and the half-hearted banter that bookends combat scenarios often devolves into dense commentary. But it doesn't really matter. While the Zeta squad is featured for most of the content, we're also allowed control over the Locusts for the first time in a series campaign.
These parts are exceedingly fun and present the main draw for the download. Given control of General Ramm, the hulking leader of the Locust Horde, lends itself well to the way Gears approaches third-person combat. He plays a little differently than the humans, employing a stream of flesh-eating bats which follow his commands and can be launched in rapid succession. He's also able to hack through enemies at close range and has a brutal melee attack in which he lifts a downed opponent up by the skull and slices off their head. These mechanics are a bit limited and while they feel great in spurts, the campaign quickly reverts to human control in a mostly elegant way, showing both sides of the battle without either wearing out their welcome. And while neither feels as developed as the series main characters, it's generally all workable.
The pacing's problematic sometimes. Never before has Gears felt so easily broken down into a sequence of such transparent parts. It feels like the sections are forced into that structure regardless of its effect on pacing and I don't know how they're ordered exactly but the component fragments fit together in such a forced way. There will be some fairly lively battles followed by bits of exposition then a bit with a machine then a boss battle, etc. Rinse and remix those parts, interspersed with Raam segments, and that's about the full scope of the campaign.
What's most redeeming about Raam's Shadow is the return to a nightmarish kind of aesthetic that hasn't been fully embraced since the first iteration. As the story takes us back, the architecture and gloomy, dark atmosphere returns. The atmosphere once again feels fit for some Gary Jules song in a way it no longer did after the first one. That said, there's also a colorful touch applied and one of the great things is simply watching the landscapes slowly deteriorate and the sky fill out with ink as you continue.
Ultimately Raam's Shadow provides all the things the series has been about from the beginning, mixing the most up-to-date mechanics with a known origins story that's simultaneously disposable and perhaps crucial for the hardcore fans. What it doesn't provide, however, is anything that'll change your mind either way. Perhaps the biggest problem's that the slice of content is completely overshadowed by the Gears of War 3 campaign without adding much new value on the experience. However, because the story's just a prequel, we can only expect what's already been established by series canon. That seems to be both the biggest sticking point and the best basis for recommending the content.


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Subscribed 2015
By Denis Pombriant on June 4, 2015
There is no better company to look at to get a sense of the future of technology in business and society than Zuora. This might surprise many people because companies like Oracle, Microsoft, and Salesforce might come to mind more readily. To one degree or another those companies feature their products and services, which are […]
Posted in Business, Featured Posts | Tagged #Subscribed15, #Subscribed2015, CRM, RBM, Relationship Business Management, Subscribed, subscription economy, Tien Tzuo, Z-Insights, Zuora


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Noble Yarns, Noble Ways
Every Tengri experience helps to protect wildlife, remote landscapes and indigenous communities. Our fairly traded, 100% transparent supply chain ensures the integrity of our fabrics, which are sourced and created ethically and sustainably.
Tengri Wear
Classic statement pieces with a modern and relaxed aesthetic. Tengri fabrics are made from "Noble Yarns" – naturally rare and sustainable fibres, hand-combed once a year from Khangai yaks in the remote mountains of western Mongolia.
Tengri Home
Combining our modern design aesthetic and rare fabrics in refined, effortless style. Made in the UK and Mongolia, demonstrating meticulous craftsmanship and creative freedom, these pieces are exquisitely soft and add a luxurious touch to any room.
Tengri Travel
Sourcing sustainable rare fibres for Tengri clothing and home products takes us to some of the most remote parts of Mongolia. Join us on one-of-a-kind journeys across the stunning landscapes of the Khangai Mountains of western Mongolia.


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Living with a progressive respiratory disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diesease (COPD), you know how much of an impact the disease has on your overall health. COPD leaves your body succeptible to disease worsening viral and bacterial infections due to the weakend state of your immune system. Viruses such as influenza further increase your risk of a symptom worsening exacerbation (flare-up), and bacterial infections like pneumonia can further hamper your lungs ability to function properly. Leading to a heightened impact of breathlessness. So you may be asking, what can I do to further protect myself from infections and flare-ups besides just avoiding my regular lung irritants? Well that brings us to today's topic, 8 exceptionally beneficial super nutrients that boost your health with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Health Boosting Super Nutrients For COPD Patients
Before packing these tasty health boosters into your diet, be sure to first speak with your doctor.
1) Freshly Harvested Fruits and Bright Colored Vegetables
We can all relate to hearing our parents always telling us to eat our fruits and vegetables at the dinner table, but since you now have COPD eating those is no longer a choice they're a necessity. A great rule of thumb to abide by is the half your plate concept. Essentially what this means is that for every snack or meal you have, you fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. These high fiber fruits and veggies will also nourish your body with vital nutrients, such as vitamins, including vitamin A (linked to improved COPD symptoms), minerals and inflammation fighting antioxidients.Fruits to Load Your Plate with:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Peaches
- Pears
- Fresh Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
COPD Friendly Vegetables:
- Carrots
- Corn
- Celery
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Squash
- Spinach
2) Potassium
To help normalize their body fluids many COPD patients take diuretic medication. But by taking diuretic medication it may cause their body to lose its potassium supply. Potassium is vital for muscle function (contractions), including the heart, and a deficiency of it can lead to tiredness, irregularities in heartbeat, muscle cramps and overall whole body weakness. To protect yourself from potassium deficiency eat foods including squash, yogurt, broccoli, banana, salmon, pistachios or tuna. Before packing your diet with potassium talk with your doctor to see if it would negatively impact any medications you are currently taking.
3) Indulge in 21-38 Grams of Fiber Daily
If you are a female you should be consuming 21-25 grams of fiber daily and males should be consuming 30-38 grams. Consuming this recommended amount will help to boost the functionality of your digestive system. When it comes to fiber you must first know there are two types, soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber breaks down in water and is mainly found in fruits, vegetables, wheats and oats. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and typically exits the body unchanged, which is found in nuts, seeds, wheat bran and celery. Consuming insoluble fiber helps to speed the passage of food through the stomach and intestine.
Making it a priority to consume both types of fiber in your daily diet is imperative to your health. Fiber has been shown to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease and the slow absorption of glucose into the bloodstream to reduce spikes and dips in blood sugar in diabetics.
In addition, fiber has also been shown to help COPD patients maintain a healthy weight due to its ability to slow the delivery of foods and providing a feeling of fullness. By maintaining a healthy body weight you will reduce exacerbating your COPD symptoms, while also enjoying a boost of energy that would otherwise be used supporting extra body weight.
Additional fiber packed foods include:
- Brown Rice
- Oatmeal
- Berries
- Apples
- Pears
- Mangoes
- Flax and Chia Seeds
- Almonds
4) Substitute the Salt
Consuming a diet high in sodium will not only severely increase your blood pressure and leave you susceptible to further health complications, but it will also directly impact your COPD symptoms. Specifically being your breathing. Sodium causes your body to retain water, medically known as fluid retention. The occurrence of fluid retention makes it increasingly harder for you to breathe. Consuming too much sodium can also result in edema, which is swelling caused by a fluid buildup in tissue. Edema may also cause your blood pressure to increase.
When it comes to sodium you should look at every food label and only select the ones with 140 mg of sodium or less per serving. Instead of adding salt to your meal, try substituting herbs and no salt spices; especially if you have high blood pressure. Using these can actually make your food taste exceptionally better with more flavor.
Before substituting any herbs or spices, talk with your doctor to make sure the ingredients aren't just as if not worse for you than salt.
Packaged Foods with a High Content of Sodium:
- Canned Vegetables, Soups and Vegetable Juices
- Regular Frozen Meals
- Salted Snacks (Pretzels, Crackers, Chips)
- Pickles
- Olives
- Feta Cheese
- Regular Processed Cheeses
- Ham
- Salami
- Soy Sauce
- Barbecue Sauce
Salt Substitutes:
- Fresh Garlic or Garlic Powder
- Lemon Juice
- Flavored Vinegar
- Cumin
- Nutmeg
- Fresh Ground Pepper
- Oregano
5) Indulge in a Protein Packed Diet
To further boost your health with COPD you should be sure to consume protein at least twice a day to help maintain strong respiratory muscles. Protein also produces antibodies to help your lungs fight off infections and prevent muscle atrophy. The most effective sources of protein are milk, eggs, cheese, lean meats, fish, poultry, nuts, dried beans or peas. A general rule of thumb is for each 2.2 pounds of body weight you should be eating 1.5 g of protein (60-75 grams per day). Approximately 20% of your daily caloric intake.
6) Calcium & Vitamin D
Bone health is especially important with a COPD diagnosis, as you are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Which is the occurrence of significant bone loss that increases the risk of fractures and breaks. Both men and women have an increased risk of osteoperosis with COPD. A male in his 60's with COPD has the same risk of developing osteoporosis as a postmenopausal women. Even if you currently lack proper calcium and vitamin D, adding foods fortified with those nutrients into your diet will boost bone strength. When it comes to calcium you should consume three and a half 8 ounce glasses of low-fat milk daily.
Salmon, tuna, and herring contain high amounts of vitamin D, which is vital in helping your body absorb calcium. Other sources that are loaded with both vitamin D and calcium are foods made from milk (cheese, milk and yogurt). These products are also loaded with protein, which will help to strengthen your muscles and boost your physical capabilities.
7) Work in the Mighty Power of Whole Grains
Including whole grains in your daily diet will improve your health in a variety of ways. One area of improvement will be your cholesterol levels. Whole grains not only help prevent your body from absorbing cholesterol but they also help to lower it, reducing your chances of heart disease. Combined with reducing sodium intake and eating whole grains, your blood pressure level will drop to a healthier level. Choosing whole grain foods instead of refined carbs will greatly reduce the workload of your lungs. Eating a high carb diet may lead to an increase of carbon dioxide production, and since your lungs are tasked with removing carbon dioxide, the more carbs you eat the harder your lungs have to work.
Nourishing your body with whole grain foods such as bulgur, millet and quinoa will provide it with a higher amount of nutrients and fiber than white rice. The additional fiber will help to smoothly push things through the digestive tract while providing you with a feeling of fullness sooner to reduce over eating. Helping you maintain a healthy weight. For patients that are also diagnosed with diabetes, whole grains will benefit your health even further. Whole grains will keep your blood levels from spiking which can cause headaches, blurry vision or sleepiness.
More Whole Grain Foods:
- Wild Rice
- Barely
- Whole-Wheat Pasta
- Bran Cereal
- Flaxseed
- Whole Wheat
8) Muscle Fueling Magnesium
Magnesium is an extremely important mineral that is in charge of various functions throughout the body. Including blood clotting, muscle contraction and protein production. Magnesium is the chemical fuel that makes your muscles function properly. Another benefit is it works with calcium to regulate bronchial activity, performing an antihistamine like effect. For men older than 31 the recommended daily intake of magnesium is 420 mg and 320 mg for women of the same age. When it comes to selecting foods that are high in magnesium look for dark green colored vegetables. Magnesium is part of chlorophyll or the dark green pigments in plants, meaning that dark green colored vegetables are an outstanding natural source of magnesium.
Magnesium Fueled Foods:
- Dark Green Vegetables
- Whole Grains
- Peas
- Beans
- Tofu
- Raw Spinach
- Fish (Pollock, Tuna, Turbot)
- Avocados
Eating healthy with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may seem difficult at first, but with dedication and an open mind you will find yourself eating healthier, and enjoying it more than you ever have. Ensuring that you have a regular intake of the 8 previous super nutrients is one progressive step in effectively managing your COPD. Start minimizing the occurrence of symptom worsening flare-ups, viruses, and bacterial infections by incorporating these 8 super nutrients into your regular diet. What foods do you find most beneficial to your COPD health? Let us know by leaving a comment below!


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Community Training Workshops Best Handling Practices 2017
Over the course of the multi-day workshops, which were provided free to aquarium fish collectors who are part of the local trade association/cooperative, ORNAPESCA, Project Piaba Brazil's group of local experts covered topics such as basic water quality management,...
2017 Expedition Report
FFSG 2017 Newsletter Summarizing the Project Piaba 2017 Expedition and plans for 2018
Scott Dowd, 2018 Indianapolis Prize Nominee
Indianapolis prize, environment, ecosystem services, socio-economic benefits, 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, home aquarium fisheries as a solution.
New Book Now Available
Amazon Adventure: How Tiny Fish Are Saving the World's Largest Rainforest Use this link to buy it: "Montgomery thoroughly mines the social and economic effects the piabas have on locals alongside an in-depth exploration of the Amazon river and its ecosystems. The...
Best Handling Practices – Community Workshops
The newly trained Brazilian team has conducted their first training. Over the summer, the team worked to develop curriculum.
IUCN Meeting Sustainability and Livelihoods in the Home Aquarium Trade
Drs. Sneider and Mileham of the IUCN lead this important session at the IUCN World Conservation Congress on September 2 in Hawaii. Click Here for More: https://portals.iucn.org/congress/session/9797 Aquarium fisheries can be a solution to many of our problems Ten...
Train the Trainers Best Handling Practices Workshop
The goal of the week long program is to reinforce and improve proper collection and handling practices that contribute to a sustainable Rio Negro fishery. The program is being attended by Rio Negro fisherfolk (piabeiros and piabeiras), exporters, Brazilian government...
Segrest Farms Supports the Rio Negro Fishery
Segrest has remained committed to our goals of conservation outcomes and socio-economic benefits to local communities derived through the home aquarium trade. Segrest Farms, one the world's largest wholesale ornamental fish distributors, has a commitment to not only...
Zoo and Aquarium Visitors
Click here to view a Project Piaba Video about the fishery. Project Piaba Video about the Fishery Click here to read more about the Fishery. Tell us about you and let us know if you'd like to receive updates from us! [gravityform id="1" title="true"...
Alex Tropicals Second Year of Access and Benefit Sharing
Alex Tropicals, an aquarium fish producer in the Czech Republic returned some benefits from production of cardinal tetras to the fishing communities of Barcelos. Learn more about Alex Tropicals: http://alextropicals.com/


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By Sissi Macchetto
The Story of Richard Avedon's Fable
Settings: The New Yorker, Nov 6, 1995
Leading Actors: Richard Avedon, Nadja Aumermann and a skeleton
Plot: Back in November 1995, The New Yorker featured Avedon's beautiful fable of decadence and death, beautifully staged by model Nadja Auermann dressed in lavish designer clothes clashing with a shabby background environment. The characters involved, Mr. & Mrs. Comfort, are represented as a caricature of the high society rich couple Avedon was surrounded by: "they are a violent caricature of a world of thin women and rich men who are — at the end of the day — dust like the rest of us mortals" (Anne of Carversville). Many believed that this reflected Avedon's disillusionment with contemporary fashion, his farewell to the world of vanity and vacuity that made him a top-tier celebrity.
Photos via My Modern Met


text: HTC has just released a new One smartphone, so it stands to reason that the company would give the One Mini a similar upgrade, wouldnt it? Sure enough, theres now a hint that such an update might be in the cards. Swedroid has spotted an M8 mini lurking in Swedish carrier Telias list of HD Voice-capable phones.


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In this final part I am going to show you how I built 3 businesses in the past decade.
And a system for you to do the same.
….the definition of insanity is doing to same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
If you want something different you have to DO something different. We have all heard of these cliches and we know what to do but we don't do what we know!!
I thought about writing out how I integrate my time management with my goals and long term dreams, to give me certainty that I am working on the right things that will take me along the right path. However, in the end, I thought it would be much better to simply show you what I do.
In the video below you will get sneak preview of my own personal daily activity and how I know it works.
This is what somebody said after watching the video today.
For me the demo was brilliant. I saw how your plan can work for someone like me and that is exciting because I currently don't have plans to own my own business but I can see how I might use this to improve my way of life. I also now understand better what you are all about with this business venture. Again, brilliant.
Press the play button to get live insight into my daily activity to find out how I built 3 businesses as a single parent. I used all the systems under the sun from Filofax to Covey Planners, to Tony Robbins RPM and various apps and reminders, but nothing worked for me as a woman with multiple priorities. Get some insight into my proprietary system that has worked for me and thousands of others by clicking below.
You will avoid guilt and overwhelm if you follow this system. Guaranteed or your money back!
Last chance this week to snap up this unbelievable offer at a 30% discount with live mentoring thrown in for FREE!!
I will never be making this offer again. This is a once in a life time, genuine offer, to use an infallible system with my support for the price of two cappuccinos a month!
Click the image above, to see another little message from me.
People who routinely set and track goals earn 9 times more than those who don't! People who take control of their lives and achieve their dreams are more fulfilled than those who don't !
Take advantage of this proven system at this never to be repeated price!
if you would like to talk to us about editing and tailoring My Best Year Ever for your business, coaching practice or team then please visit our main website by clicking the image below.
Here's what some of our customers have said about this system.
'Hi Tracey,
Just to say what a pleasure it was going through the questions and setting up my IFPC platform.
Simple and rewarding.
Loved the certificate and how it pulled out the points giving impact. Well structured and credit to you.
I have to say even though I was on board from the start you don't get the real value until you go through the process.' Anthony Tilley, CEO Bespoke
'Just completed My Plan and the system is absolutely fantastic. Thank you!' Erika Brodnock, CEO and Founder Karizma Kidz
'Whenever I log into Dump Chunk Do in My Best Year Ever it takes the world off my shoulders. The coaching workshop helped and supported me in setting my goals and now in Track My Plan I am tracking my goals on a regular basis. Keeping a record of my activity and what I have achieved and also dumping all my task lists from paper and Outlook and social media into one place is so powerful ..it literally gives me peace of mind' Peter Coleman, Lloyds
With this system, I am able to consolidate all of my lists, monthly, quarterly and yearly goals in one place. For someone who needs to or wants to manage their time, it's invaluable. I don't forget anything as I can record my thoughts and "to do" tasks as they come to mind and am able to stay on track with all of my objectives, because the information I need is at my finger tips. Ask anyone who is successful in business what one of their top attributes is and they will all say the same, 100% laser focus. This is what MBYE gives me. I would highly recommend this software to anyone who wants to get organised, stay organised and remain on track to achieve their Best Year Ever. Mandy Collins, Entrepreneur
Cloud based, digital, personalised and interactive coaching, goal setting and time management. Manage everything all in one place and use on the go to eliminate paper lists forever and regain control of your time.
£97 (early bird discount of £47) and full money back guarantee.


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Born in Aliceville, Alabama in 1939, Wendell Brooks has been a Professor of Art at The College of New Jersey since 1971. Brooks received his MFA in Printmaking and a BS in Art Education from Indiana University. He has received numerous fellowships, scholarship and grants, including a Grant Award from the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Art. In addition, various colleges, museums, and private collections hold Brooks' work. His work has been displayed both nationally and internationally, and for five years, he served on several committees of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Wendell Brooks' work is inspired by explorations in self-discovery, as well as cultural diversity, and is often inspired by African masks and the African culture. His work has been featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions including Free Within Ourselves - American Artists in the Collection of the National Museum of African Art, and the Smithsonian Institution: National Collection of Fine Art in Washington, D.C. His work is also in many permanent collections including the Library of Congress, and the Macedonian Center of Contemporary Art in Greece. Brooks has also been featured in the African American Fine Arts Collection, published by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.
© Copyright 2019 ArtPride New Jersey Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
432 High Street, First Floor | Burlington, NJ 08016


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Research Interests
Algorithms, Future of Work/Gig Economy, Contemporary careers, Financial well-being, Lower-skilled work, Field research
The Rise of Algorithmic Work: Implications for Managerial Control and Career Pathways
Drawing on a twenty-six month ethnography of the ridehailing service industry, the largest sector of the on-demand economy, this dissertation examines how the shift from human to algorithmic managers effect the nature of control and the experience of work. In Chapter 1, I begin by defining and conceptualizing algorithmic work – a set of job-related activities that are structured by algorithms. In my context, I find that algorithms manage by structuring choice via nudges and drivers respond with a corresponding set of work tactics either acquiescing, deviating, or exiting work altogether. While these tactics appear at odds drivers employ tactics to build a continuous stream of work from a discontinuous set of rides enabling active navigation of the algorithmic work environment. In Chapter 2, I draw on three-year longitudinal interviews (n=117) to explore how drivers feel about being managed by algorithms (exploited, empowered, neutral) and how it affects work and social class trajectories. Collectively, this work lays the foundation for algorithmic work and extends theory on managerial control and worker autonomy.
Committee: Jerry Davis (Chair), Jane Dutton, Seth Carnahan (Strategy), Tawanna Dillahunt (Information Science), Beth Bechky (NYU, Stern)
- Hafenbrack, A.* Cameron, L.*, Spreitzer, G., Noval, L., Zhang, C. & Shaffakat, S.. "Helping Others by Being in the Present Moment: Mindfulness and Prosocial Behavior at Work" Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes
- *Shared First authorship
- Cameron, L., Garrett, L.E, Spreitzer, G.M. (2019) Contingent, Contract, and Alternative Work Arrangements. Oxford Bibliographies in Management.
- Kamaswaren, V., Cameron, L., Dillahunt, T. (2018) Support for Social and Cultural Capital Development in Real-time Ridesharing Services. Computer-Human Interactions. CHI 2018: ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. [Acceptance Rate 25%]
- Spreitzer, G.M., Cameron, L., & Garrett, L.E. (2017). Alternative Work Arrangements: Two Images of the New World of Work. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 4: 473-499.
Manuscripts Under Review and Working Papers
- Nurmohamed, S, McCluney, C., Cameron, L., Mayer, D. (Working Paper) "Show me the money?: The Business vs. Ethical Case for Diversity in Corporations."
- Cameron, L. (Working Paper). "Choice without Freedom: Control, and Autonomy in the Algorithmic Workplace. Target: Administrative Science Quarterly
- Cameron, L. (Working Paper). "The Sound, Smells, and Tastes that Bind Us: Materiality in the Process of Organizational Identification in Diverse Communities" Target: Organization Science
Research in Progress
- Cameron, L. (Dissertation, Writing). Allies or Adversaries?: Meaning-Making of the 'New' Gig Employment Relationship
- Cameron, L. & Rahm, H.* (Writing). "Resistance in the Age of Algorithms: A Comparative Ethnography of Workers' Resistance in Two Online Labor Markets".
- *Shared First Authorship
- Cameron, L. & Meuris, J.* (Data Collection/Analysis). "Within-Person Income Precarity and Well-Being".
- *Shared First Authorship
- Meuris, J. & Cameron, L. * (Idea Generation) "Making Sense of Troubled Waters: Unpacking Contextual Variance in the Changing World of Work." \
- *Shared First Authorship
- Zhang, C., Wu, B., Cameron, L., Lee, J. (Idea Generation/Data Collection) "Work and Time Pressure Demands in On-Demand Work: A Field Experiment."
Other Work
- I have short essays under review at literary magazines and am featured in two books, Young Women of Achievement: A Resource for Girls in Math, Science, and Technology (by Frances Karnes and Kristen Stephens) and Chatter: The Conversations We Have With Ourselves, Why They Matter, and How to Control Them (by Ethan Kross).


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On Thursday night, as Lucky Whitehead got to work trying to prove to the Dallas Cowboys that he has what it takes to replace Dwayne Harris, he got a word of encouragement from a fairly unlikely source--Harris himself.
The undrafted receiver/return specialist out of Florida Atlantic fumbled a punt return in the second quarter, a devastating mistake for a rookie looking for a job like Whitehead is. Harris, whose new team, the New York Giants, don't play until Friday night, was apparently watching at home and tweeted to Whitehead to "shake it off" and "keep going," because there was "a lot of game left."
Indeed there was and Whitehead took his next return chance, a kick return, back 38 yards to get the Cowboys to the 41. It was the only kick he returned on the night, but a nice showing after the miscue.
"It was definitely fun," Whitehead said of his first taste of NFL game action, per the Dallas Morning News. "I was a little nervous. I'm going to watch film and get better, and I just can't make the same mistakes. I think I'll be fine."


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The 8 Best Rhine River ExperiencesRest of Europe
Flowing through six glorious countries—Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Lichtenstein and the Netherlands—the illustrious Rhine River ...READ MORE
Imagine stepping into a historic newsreel and witnessing Checkpoint Charlie and the footprint of the Wall. Imagine crossing countryside so iconic you'll feel like bursting into song. Imagine following paths through villages and vineyards, feasting visually on Baroque architecture. Now toss in grand opera, lush forests, fantastic meals and wines. Shall we go on?
All of our small group trips can be booked as private trips (your dates, your group).
The right number of like-minded travellers to make new friends.
Your dates. Your group. Our expertly-designed itinerary.
Tailored to your interests, a bespoke travel experience.
"I can't say I really 'work out,' but I'm in good shape and am relatively active."
"I enjoy a good walk or ride, and feel comfortable while on the move."
"I get moving at least once a week, and don't mind a little sweat."
"I get moving a few times per week and enjoy some exertion."
"I want to feel invigorated each day and going hard is how I like to do that."
We use premium hotels that are unique expressions of the region. Often they've had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case they offer an exceptionally comfortable stay.
These are stylish 4-star properties that offer a casual and comfortable stay. Often without a 24-hour concierge or room service, they tend to be smaller family-run hotels that are perfect for the region.
We craft extraordinary experiences, tailor made to meet your every need,
with every stitch of every day crafted just the way you want it.
Mark's thirst for adventure began with family vacations, and evolved into backpacking with friends around Europe. An accomplished composer, his music has been performed across Canada, giving him the perfect excuse to traverse the country. His current quest is to find the best ice cream recipe in the world (suggestions welcome). Call Mark at 1-800-678-1147 x 217.
Travelling with B&R is an over-the-top experience. It seems that every moment from biking in the breathtaking countryside to the luxury hotels, the food, the wine, the other travellers, and the excellent guides—all are the most memorable. The hardest part of the trip is the return to reality!
Flowing through six glorious countries—Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Lichtenstein and the Netherlands—the illustrious Rhine River ...READ MORE
As you walk through Berlin, the entirety of the city itself is a living museum. Once divided by the infamous Wall, you'll see golden place markers ...READ MORE
Flowing through six countries, the mighty Rhine River winds its way from its origins in the Swiss Alps, Austria, France, Germany, tiny Lichtenstein ...READ MORE
If you're considering a river cruise, what can you expect when you embark on this new journey? Riverside riding, exploring multiple countries ...READ MORE
These are the best books about Germany that capture the fascinating, harrowing, and at times tragic, history of the country. The best book to start with ...READ MORE
A trip down the River Rhine makes for a near-perfect active journey. All the ingredients are there: top-notch accommodations and cuisine; a blend ...READ MORE
In recent years, Berlin has exploded with a multitude of artisanal, 'third wave' coffee shops, whose mission it is to elevate the status ...READ MORE
Thanks to an old proverb, ask a German where God lives and you'll likely hear "in France." But at the risk of bucking ancient wisdom, I would like to hazard the theory that God, in fact, has a second home in the Mosel ...READ MORE
The capital of Bavaria is rich in history, culture and – true to form – beer. These cultural touchstones constitute a few of my favourite things to do in Munich, and not just because beer is available at many of them. ...READ MORE
The former capital of Saxony, Dresden truly came into its own during the Baroque period—and as a result, remains one of Europe's most stunning architectural treasures. (Sorry, ...READ MORE
If you love art, architecture, and history—you're in for an amazing experience. Ever-changing and evolving, there are plenty of things to do in Berlin for everyone. ...READ MORE
Many years ago – about 50 of them, in fact – the bicycling world of Butterfield & Robinson began in Starnberg, Germany, in postcard-perfect Bavaria. ...READ MORE
Wrapped in B&R's unparalleled hospitality, this journey combines urban explorations with easygoing rides that take you into the stunning countryside of Swiss Saxony, the Elbe River Valley, and the magnificent grounds of ...READ MORE
Explore for yourself
This trip has been wunderbar! Using a bicycle as transport is nothing short of genius. We've discovered the German countryside in the least touristy-way possible while fully immersing ourselves in the culture. And, key for me, it burns calories!!READ THE STORY
Fill out the form below and one of our Germany Experts will be in touch shortly.


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We have featured Ratatouille previously on How Hollywood Sees Us, but it never gets old. In this scene, Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt) is compelled to fix the mistakes being made by his human friend, Linguini (voiced by Ray Romano). In so doing, he expresses the joy that cooking can deliver to those responsible for it. Watching Remy's emotional connection to the soup he is making should feel very familiar to those of us that toil in kitchen's daily.
It's no surprise that Thomas Keller was a technical consultant on this film when you watch this scene. From the subtlety of reducing the flame to adding herbs, stock, and garlic to build the basis for flavor in the soup, the scene's authenticity and energy reflect the best of what our kitchens can offer. It's fun to watch as affirmation that what we do is good by nature.


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First and foremost, #AshevilleDoesNotExist so don't even worry about finding any of these runs for your own personal pleasures.
Although this region cannot be found by mere mortals, those lucky enough to call them selves resident locals have been able to discover some world class downhill skateboarding runs. Thankfully for all of us stuck outside the designated shred zones, the Asheville Pastry Boys have strapped up with the latest video capturing technology to bring us a glimpse into their day to day activities. What follows is a motion picture style presentation that delivers an in depth look at what its like to have access to some of the worlds primo downhill skateboarding locations. Enjoy the visuals and then go find your own tastey treat in your neck of the woods to get outside and go Skateboarding on!


text: Let's create wellbeing and productivity together. Our spatial design process optimizes work and learning environments to meet the real needs of users. Our special expertise is to design environments that support learning and innovation. Growing Season® Co-Design process improves customer's productivity and engagement of users. Don't hesitate to ask more about co-designing flexible spatial solutions and services!


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PETRON RALLY OF CHAMPIONS – PRICELESS! (Conclusion)
By Mike Potenciano
April 15, 2018
With the new and old racing enthusiasts all agreeing that our Petron Rally of Champions Presented by KIA's series has one of the best formats ever, we are happy to report that the 3 races in 1 event were tightly fought during the 2 days of competiton. We pick it up with the successful Arrive and Drive Sunday edition.
Arrive And Drive Race 2
The biggest winner of AAD Race 2 was stock Toyota Altis driver Raffy Dizon with a total of only 1 demerit in his 2 runs! He was able to do a perfect run with no demerit and the final run with only 0.1 second off. The run is more stunning because no gadgets, communication or outside help are allowed to get your perfect time. That is the way to win this AAD race-very consistent driving and not being too fast or slow!
Second place went to MP Turbo's 16yo Jerald Valdez who made another great run of 2 demerits! Jerald got only a total of 0.2 second off his target driving the nimble and swift Kia Picanto. Subic's own Jeff Soberon came in third with another great run with 9 demerits in his own FWD Mitsubishi Lancer this time.
Jeff also won the highest bracket called Group A and overall winner Raffy's brother Ryan Dizon came in 2nd. Group B was taken by Gelo Sison with 23 demerits, Raffy Dizon got Group C with that fantastic 1 demerit run and our 15yo daughter of team owner Mark Young, Romina took Group D with 18 demerits. Her run was good for 4th overall and beating out the time of a lot veterans including her dad!
The fastest cars with the fastest drivers gave a great show for the crowd in Subic on Saturday! This was led by the 13 year old, racing sensation Iñigo Anton who posted the best time 1:56.61 in the premiere Open Forza class. His dad Carlos Anton did a better time of 1:56.30 but was done in the Open FWD class. which was not the top class. The battle of the father and son duo in Mark Young's Honda Civic EF was the highlight of the day!
The Open RWD class was all about the drift kings doing their best to control their powerful machines and avoid sliding them too much in the tight kart track. Pampanga's best Audel Sison took the overall win even though he used his stock Nissan Skyline after his race car blew a turbo with a time of 2:08.62. His protégé John Boban had to keep his powerful Skyline under check with a time of 2:13.55. Boban had some problems early on when his turbo pipe blew and that affected his accumulated overall time. Subic's Soberon maximized his Friend's Toyota GT 86 and took 3rd place with 2:23.22.
The pinnacle race of the Petron Rally of Champions Presented by KIA is the same as the title, the Petron Rally of Champions or ROC for short. The Present, Future, Past and Masters champions of the country came over to support the event, including AAP's Motorsport Chairman and International Rally Champion Mandy Eduque.
Mandy gave some words of encouragement to our MP Turbo group that he hopes we pursue this series as it is truly unique and exciting to see the veterans back in the sport. The ROC follows the Asian Gymkhana format where our Filipino team of Carlos Anton and Milo Rivera were victorious in the inaugural race in 2016. The champions had no practice on the track, used the same KIA cars of their category and the track and cars were changed every run. This made for a very good equalizer for all participants!
Olongapo Mayor Rolen Paulino also graced the occasion and even won his special VIP class! Mayor Rolen, Mandy and the other members of the ROC Masters category all did one lap in the KIA Picanto. Rolen's karting background and homecourt advantage gave him a fast time of 1:06.38 that no one could beat!
The 1st race of the ROC was held on Saturday and Carlos Anton continued his dominance in the Present Champions' category. After winning in Super Battle, Carlos led Audel Sison with a fast time of 2:17:05 against Audel's 2:25.22. John Boban came in 3rd with about 1.5 seconds off Sison's time.
The Past Champions saw come backing driver Alvin Santos take a superb 2:24.25 leading yours truly with 2:25.79 after a slow first run. Baguio driver Alfie Concepcion made it to 3rd place with 2:26.31 and edged out rally driver Art Guevarra who was leading until the night runs.
The Future champions was easily won by junior champion Iñigo Anton over slalom driver Allen Santiago. Anton even took the fastest time in the Kia Picanto, besting all champions that drove the mighty, miniscule 1000cc car! The Masters class was won by slalom champion Roy Santiago ahead of retired Judge and MP Turbo rally driver Banny Vargas.
With the confliciting schedules of the champions, Sunday's ROC became Race 2 of the event. Here, I saw my skills got polished the day before and got a good rest to take the Top Champions' Shootout where all the champions of the 4 categories battled it out for the fastest accumulated time.
With a record 1st lap and a minor mistake in the 2nd lap, my 1;01.81 was enough to win 1st place overall and the Past Champions category. Fil Am driver and Future Champs winner Gene Agatep, who was a very accomplished driver in the US, took 2nd oevrall with 1:03.04. 3rd place went to Masters Champion Tom Pastor 1:03.28 and his son, Present Champion Don Pastor got 4th. Don knocked a cone early on and gave him a 2 second penalty.
The Past Champions category had rally driver Art Guevarra in 2nd and 3rd went to Subic karter Alex Layson. In Masters, retired rally drivers Raul Tuason got 2nd and Boy Eusebio in 3rd. Future Champs saw 18yo slalom sensation Adriel Pacis take 2nd and Gelo Sison in 3rd.
Next rounds will be a back to back event of the Petron ROC with 28th having the Time Speed Distance rally and on the 29th, the Autocross discipline. This will again be in Subic's Pier One parking lot along Waterfront road. Hope to see you all during the long weekend! Godspeed!


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No matter what time of year, there is always a reason to give a gift! I thought about making something really nice, a bit different from the norm, and decided to team up with local business Herbology, and have special pamper gift baskets made to go along with my gift vouchers! How cool is that?
When you decide to gift a session for Mother's Day, a birthday, new baby or Christmas, you can also choose to gift a special, all natural gift basket.
There are two kinds to choose from: Pampered Mum, and Pampered Baby. They each cost £25, plus the cost of the voucher.
Please, contact me if you would like a beautiful basket, and tell me how much you want your voucher to be for, and we can go from there. This is a unique, wonderful gift, perfect for any occasion!


text: The continuous decline of mangroves in the Philippines are evidence of over exploitation of coastal dwellers and conversion to aquaculture ponds and other agricultural activities. Mangrove is known to be important in carbon sequestration. To help in restoring mangroves please join the campaign for the protection and reforestation of mangroves. For inquiries, please call ADCL office at (+63)(045)-8884363.


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So I have decided to finally try and enter to climbing community world beyond my little circle of friends. I noticed on Wednesday that Metrorock is going to be hosting the National Adult and Junior Difficulty and Speed climbing competitions over the July 4th weekend. Apparently, the winners will be going to Beijing in August for the World Cup of Climbing competition. Anyway, the sign stated that they were looking for volunteers to work the event either as a judge, belayer or as a roving "miscellaneous" volunteer. I thought to myself, "this sound pretty darn cool," and offered my services to help that weekend.
When I offered, the guy who was helping to set up this weekend's regional competition asked if I had ever judged before. When I told him that I had not he recommended that I come by Saturday to learn how to judge and help belay. That is precisely what I did and really had a good time doing it.
This competition was for all ages up to age 19 and the 14-15 year-olds dominated the routes. I was surprised to learn that the easiest route, the first of three with the second two being leads, began at least at 5.10c or above. That killed any ambition I have for competing. But to watch these kids flash these routes (all were onsited) was simply amazing. I was thoroughly impressed.
I was really surprised, however, by the fact that I felt I was at a Little League game. I mean, except for a few of us, most of the volunteers were the parents of the competitors. I don't know why this surprised me, but I guess it was because the image I have always had in my mind of the climbing community was not one that represented supportive parents. Climbing to me has always seemed to be a bit of a loner sport, where you are really challenging yourself even if you are working with a team or partner. I guess maybe that was so early on in climbing history, though I am sure that many kids become involved through their parents' introduction of the sport, and even those who were not introduced probably had some support. But with the growth of climbing gyms, the safety of climbing and access has allowed for the sport to become more family oriented. I don't think it is unfair to say that there are now "climber" moms out there driving their minivans to and from the gym during the middle of the week. The whole idea is truly bizarre considering the dangerous nature of climbing and the subculture that exists within it (a subculture, by the way, that dominates the image of climbing, at least in my opinion).
Anyway, I had a pretty fun time and met some people that I would like to see and talk to again. I enjoyed this aspect of the climbing community and will likely continue to volunteer at such events. God love life's little surprises.


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Health Com Heart Healthy Life
We believe in healthy dwelling and teaching you methods to live it. Our complimentary fitness activities , personalized menus and spa treatments are all a part of your Wholesome Life Journey at Lansdowne Resort and Spa, making it the right destination for a wellness retreat in Virginia. All well being content material on is offered for basic info only, and shouldn't be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own physician or every other well being care skilled. When you've got any concerns about your basic well being, it is best to contact your local well being care provider. See our web site terms and situations for extra information.
The very first thing I wish to say is how tragic I discover it that this is an issue, that self defense is a particular a part of keeping a woman healthy and alive. This can be … Read More


text: LAS VEGAS -- Kyle Busch notched the biggest win of his young career Sunday by driving from the back of the field to win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his hometown track. Although there are far more hallowed tracks in NASCAR, this 1.5-mile oval in the desert was where "The Wild Thing" most wanted to win. He came prepared at the start of the weekend, beating big brother Kurt for the pole to put brothers on the front row for the first time since 2000. But an engine change in his motor meant he had to drop to the back of the field at the start of the race, and Busch had to power his way through the field. He took the lead with 57 laps to go, then lost it during a late round of pit stops. Busch was third on a restart with 22 laps to go, then chased down Jeff Burton and leader Clint Bowyer to move out front again. "Say goodnight, Gracie," spotter Jeff Dickerson radioed. Busch had to hold off the competition over two final restarts for his first victory of the season, and first win at Las Vegas in six career Cup Series starts. He celebrated with thick burnouts through the grass, then apparently blew his engine again. Enveloped in thick white plumes of smoke, he emerged from the clouds to make his trademark bow to the crowd. He then collected the checkered flag from NASCAR, and kneeled to kiss the finish line on the track. "I tell you what, this is pretty cool," Busch said. "I didn't know exactly what it would mean, but coming to the checkered flag, there were knots in my stomach. It's bigger than winning the Daytona 500. I said it wasn't going to be, but it is." Bowyer finished second and Burton was third, bouncing back from a horrible run last week at California. David Reutimann, one of the five Toyota drivers who had to change a motor this weekend, finished fourth and was followed by Bobby Labonte and Jeff Gordon, who missed pit road late in the race and blew his tire on the subsequent trip around the track. Greg Biffle was seventh and Brian Vickers, another Toyota driver with an engine change, was eighth. Jamie McMurray and Dale Earnhardt Jr. rounded out the top 10. Jimmie Johnson, strong all afternoon, wrecked with six laps to go to finish 24th. Carl Edwards' motor blew with two laps to go while he was running fourth. He finished 17th. Matt Kenseth, trying to become the first driver in NASCAR history to win the first three races of the season, lost his engine six laps into the race and finished last. In all, Roush Fenway Racing lost three of five motors.


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Thor: The Dark World (film review)
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Walt Disney Pictures
1 hr. 51 mins.
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgard, Idris Elba, Ray Stevenson, Christopher Eccleston and Kat Dennings
Directed by: Alan Taylor
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre: Science Fiction/Comic Book Fantasy/Action & Adventure
Critic's Rating: ** stars (out of 4 stars)
Well, Marvel Comics' favorite hammer-wielding Norse god is back and assumes the spotlight while his other mighty crime-fighting cohorts take a break, most likely prepping up for their next super-charged sequels. Director Alan Taylor's comic book epic 'Thor: The Dark World' bursts onto the big screen (in the wake of filmmaker Kenneth Branagh's modest successful 'Thor' from 2011) looking to continue the wave of popular bombastic super-hero sagas that have been carrying on the cinematic Marvel brand with frivolous flair.
Although 'Thor: The Dark World' strives for the familiar sentiment of grandiose sci-fi kitsch and redemption that its contemporaries (read: 'Iron Man', 'The Avengers', 'Spider-Man', 'The X-Men', 'Hulk', etc.) have effectively benefited from an entertainment standpoint, Taylor's Game Of Thrones-esque mythological landscape feels bloated and derivative, 'The Dark World' does possess a more crisp and imaginative spark than its predecessor but that is not saying much for this generic noise-making narrative that shamelessly resembles every known sophisticated popcorn pleaser from 'The Lord Of The Rings' franchise to cheesy mythic god movies from another cinematic era.
Thor: The Dark World… putting the smack into London.
'Thor: The Dark World' pretty much follows the standard credo of a resourceful powerful source (folks…that would be Thor and not your overbearing mother-in-law) putting his neck on the line to save the Earth from skillful undesirables. Naturally, the blond-haired Thor suffers from his inner struggles with his familial issues — a notable revelation among the revolving angst-ridden static that can hinder a resilient superhero during his line of duties. Stern and garrulous eye-patched patriarch Odin (Anthony Hopkins reprising his role from the original movie) is on board to render some high-minded Shakespearean oration. Thor's impish and insidious sibling Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is figured into the mix. How can the God of Thunder overcome such distraction?
Apparently, the hammer-holding Norseman has bigger fish to fry. When the Nine Realms is jeopardised (the weapon Aether is unleashed — not a good sign according to Norse mythology. Go figure!) this allows the opportunity for the dastardly Malekith (Christopher Eccoleston) and his villainous Dark Elves to penetrate the universe through convenient portals that will prove costly for mankind. With Malekith and his mangy minions on the prowl, Thor must prevent these ancient baddies from manipulating the planet at all costs.
As convoluted as this premise sounds even for a comicbook caper such as 'The Dark World', the attempt to instil some off-kilter humour with some techno-blather about ritualistic philosophies, exotic creatures, Vanaheim armies and a dash of romanticism (yes, Thor gets to reunite with his long lost love in scientist Jane (Natalie Portman) Foster, who's instrumental in discovering one of the supernatural portals in London) seems all too cluttered and chaotic.
Of course, the arbitrary questions pile on top of another: can Thor defeat the vicious Malekith and the Dark Elves before Earth is turned into their personalized perverted playground? Will Jane's injected poisonous body cause further concern for the hunky hammer holder as she may possibly leave him once again? Can the shifty Loki be trusted to battle on with his brother Thor as they take on the sinister agenda of their calculating foes?
'Thor: The Dark World' seems to be overflowing with stock characters to help along the tedious tempo of the heavy-handed storyline. Among the cast of characters include eccentric astrophysicist Dr. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard), Heimdall the Gatekeeper (Idris Elba), Thor's warrior-blooded female partner Sif (Jaimie Alexander) and Jane's hanger-on pal Darcy (Kat Dennings from TV's 'Two Broke Girls').
Regrettably clunky and pedestrian, 'Thor: The Dark World' chugs along with uneven energy. At times, this CGI-potent popcorn pleaser hits its mark with the occasional sight gag or off-kilter reference. Still, the movie bogs itself down in overstuffed sci-fi static that it forgets to accentuate its breeziness as a super-hero escapist flick. As Thor, Hemsworth has the ideal physicality for the noble Norseman but somehow exudes a stiffness thus cramping whatever charisma his thunderous hero was supposed to maintain. Portman's Jane is simply as plain as her name. Only Eccleston's madcap Malekith resonates with any off-the-cuff deceptive excitement. Kudos can also be given to Skarsgard's brainy Selvig for parading around without pants because hey…it allows him the freedom to think creatively. Whatever floats your boat, right?
When the dust clears, 'Thor: The Dark World' ends up being another brash entertainment spectacle that showcases its special effects flourishes and waxes its big-budgeted whimsy but leaves out the core element of simply tooting its humble horn as a compelling down-to-earth Marvel Comics sideshow. Just think that somewhere in the Marvel Universe, Thor's fellow heroic handlers are not losing any sleep to the strained adventures that exist in this disposable spry presentation.
NOTE: Focus of New York film critic Frank Ochieng is a member of:
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Harvest Kitchen And Lounge - Solon Ohio
While we do write a lot about real estate, on occasion we always like to share local hot spots with our readers.
A few nights ago we went to Solon's newest restaurant, Harvest Kitchen and Lounge, and were thoroughly impressed. While we are certainly not food critics, we have been to most of Cleveland's finest restaurants over the years and like to think we have very good taste. We had a very positive experience at Harvest, will definitely go back, and would highly recommend it to others.
Now, I'm not going to get into the particulars of what we all ate, but everything was fantastic. The appetizers, main course, and dessert ( the bread pudding is the greatest thing ever! ) were all top notch and made to perfection. There was something on the menu for everyone, including the 2 vegetarians at our table.
In addition to the food, the atmosphere was great as well. Located on Bainbridge Road in the heart of Solon, it certainly seemed like the place to be by all the movers and shakers in town. There were many large parties, several couples having an intimate meal together, and others just hanging at the bar.
Overall, we are thrilled to have fine dining available here in Solon at Harvest Kitchen and Lounge and wish them great success.