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One thing I am surprised with some so-called social networkers – They don't do it in their own community. I don't know if they are ashamed of what they are doing, or think that no one else is doing it. Some might think that what they do would not apply to the local community. How wrong they can be. So I ask you: Do you network your community?
As a podcaster, I have a very scattered audience. At first, I thought that eventually it would all start coming together. But the more I pushed out to the world, the more my voice seemed to get lost in the cloud.
That is when I turned to my local community. I started to promote my shows to those who would listen. Those numbers started to change.
The reality is: If someone can put a face to a name, then they feel a little more connected. Talk with someone for a while and you might not only have made a new friend, but also an avid listener or reader. Even if you don't think they would listen to your show or read your blog, you may be in for a surprise.
Last month, MadisonSMC (Social Media Club) had their kickoff meeting. 140-150 attended the first one. The second meeting was a little more modest. Still, I met a variety of people. Some of them tech-savvy. Others – Well… not so much.
I did meet this one girl who worked as a Social media for her company. We got to talking and found that we both do totally different things in the same field. Yet somehow, I learned from her and hopefull,y she from me.
What was the coolest was when I talked to her at the next meeting, she mentioned that she had listened to my podcasts and learned a little about tech. I had to smile there. Not only because I picked up a new listener, but it was someone I didn't expect. Someone I just had idle chatter with and turned into a new listener. And of course, I go over to her writings so we can talk about that, too.
A strong community can mean a strong nation. This is very true in Social Networking. You never know what is going on only a few doors down from you. Have you ever wondered if your neighbors were also in Social media?
I used to live in an apartment complex on the far west side. The last two days I lived there, I found out only 4 doors down from me lived another guitar player who practiced all the time. If I would have went to the apartment picnics or volleyball games, I might have met this person earlier and we could have gotten together to jam a little. Instead, I finished moving and never saw them again.
It is important to spread your wings. Have a group of people across the world listening and reading. But let that local community work for you. Sometimes, you would be surprised. Someone that comes out of the woodwork and listens to what you have to say – reads what you write. And you wouldn't have met them if it wasn't for local networking…


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"The report indicates that, 'The USDA has shown that every dollar in federal food stamp expenditures generates $1.84 in economic activity. In addition to helping people put food on the table, food stamps exert a multiplier effect that stimulates the economy.' This begs the question: economic activity for whom? The Wal-marts and JP Morgan/Chase Banks of California will see an upshot in all of this, but farmers markets and food stores supplied by small farmers won't see much of the action."
Go figure that a government program might actually be corporately motivated and help benefit entrenched corporate interests more than it does its intended beneficiaries. Additionally, I felt obliged to leave a comment making the following economic point about food stamps:
The argument that food stamps stimulate economic activity is based on what Frederic Bastiat called "The broken window fallacy." If a child breaks a window, then you could argue the house owner's expenditure to fix it stimulates economic activity because he pays the "window guy" to repair it, who uses that money to pay his rent, and the landlord takes that money to buy food, and so on and so forth.
But what we don't and can't see is what the house owner's money would have gone to do if he didn't need to fix the broken window. It would have likely had another, more productive use. So if the CFPA would like, we can go around breaking windows to stimulate economic growth, but I think they'd see the problem with that. Food stamps do the same exact thing because that's money taken from the economy that could have been put to more productive use (not to mention the economic inefficiency of paying a bureaucracy to distribute that money instead of letting the people spend it whose hands it's already in).
The CFPA can point to how it "stimulates growth" but they can't and don't see the opportunity cost- what that money could have gone to do. To use one more analogy: does dipping a bucket in the deep end of a swimming pool and walking over to the shallow end and dumping it there raise the level of the pool? No. That's all food stamps do. And there's "spillage" in the process that actually lowers the level of the pool.

subset: commoncrawl


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I'm trying to create a 2D plot with a color map using pgfplots. I've managed to get the overall behaviour that I want, but I would like the color map to be logarithmic, rather than linear. The best I have managed is to use the meta expr key, but then the color bar shows 1-4 instead of 10^1 through 10^4. Below is my working example.
xlabel = create energy (keV),
ylabel = deposit energy (kev),
\pgfplotstableread{../endep_log_au_30_0_0.csv}\mytable %
\addplot+[scatter, only marks, scatter src=explicit, mark=square]
table[x=createEn,y=depEn,meta expr=ln(\thisrow{tot})/ln(10)] {\mytable};
Is there a way to modify how the labels appear on the colorbar or set it to be logarithmic? Is there a different way I should be approaching this problem?
(Unfortunately I cannot post an image as a new user)


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In the area below, please describe any additional information that might be important or helpful for DSI to understand to ensure an efficient and successful validation
(anticipated schedule, current vs desired state, any other potentially unique situations that will need to be taken into account, etc.)
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Search for Databases and Other Electronic Resources
‹‹ Return to the Electronic Resources search page - OR - Narrow Results
2 results found for resources beginning with 'N' sorted alphabetically.
Available from the Library of Congress.
Access Information Free resource - available to everyone on the Internet
Vendor Name Library of Congress
Special Usage Notes
Includes the immediate experiences of 1,325 women as revealed in approximately 150,000 pages of diaries and letters. Also includes biographies and an annotated bibliography of the sources in the database. Full-text searchable.
Access Information Resource is available on-campus or off-campus via EZProxy; Click the resource name to access it or here for off-campus instructions.
Vendor Name Alexander Street Press
Coverage Colonial period - 1950
Special Usage Notes
Research Guides English Literature & Language, Historic Preservation, History, U.S. History, Women's and Gender Studies
Narrow results by selecting a link below:
Library Information
HOURS for December 9, 2019
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- Design
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For Bookweek this year, my son went as the young boy from Journey to the Centre of the Earth. We copied the raglan top from the movie version, and it was a bit of a mission to find the right colours (because obviously it needed to be an exact replica or people just wouldn't know who he was, haha!) but eventually we got them! The pattern is the Boy's Raglan Shirt from Burdastyle 03/2013.
Overall Dress
watercolour Cactus
Another pair of shorts using the Burdastyle Kids Drawstring shorts 04/2017. This time I gathered up the sides and attached a tab for extra detail. The material is Rayon and especially comfortable - a new favourite for my daughter!
Rainbow checkers
Cotton shorts out of a rainbow check fabric. Bright and cheerful for Summer! The pattern is Burdastyle Kids Drawstring shorts 04/2017. I added the tie belt into the side seams.
Miss sporty
While other little girls are in the phase of party-like dresses, my daughter just wants to look like she's just come home from the gym!! Here are some sporty clothes I have made for her recently. The pants are from Burdastyle and the crop top is from Ottobre. I love the black mesh inserts on the calf of the multi-coloured pants. I don't know how long they'll hold up until a tear or ladder ruins them, but so far so good....
Pj Dress and Play Pants
Yes, I love everything Japanese, but I still wouldn't have normally bought Hello Kitty material...but it was such a beautiful feeling stretch jersey. So soft and thick with a nice stretch and I 'thought' the price was really cheap so why not. But then after they cut it and told me the price I realised I had mistaken the numbers and it was actually super expensive!! What can you do once they have cut you two meters except pay for it?! So here we have it, made into a nice pyjama dress!
When you want a quick and easy sewing project....make a tank top! I made this today after I had finished off the kids homework and before I started making dinner - and that also included the photoshoot. I didn't take the photo's however, I was behind the scenes holding the backdrop. My nine year old son loves photography and he took all the photo's and took charge in directing the 'model'.
diy pillow cases
The unicorn material, with sparkles of gold, was so lovely I had to buy it when I saw it! The design was too young to make clothing from, so I settled on a new pillowcase. I had to learn two new techniques when I put this together - the "burrito" method for hiding the cuff and embellishment seams and an internal flap to hide the actual pillow end. Youtube is great for that! It is so quick and easy to sew up a pillowcase and they look far more pretty than store bought cases!
here come the shorts
No dresses. No skirts. Just shorts are wanted. Boo. But I did pretty them up with a trim down the sides, elastic and drawstring casings to the waistband, a patch pocket to the back and colourfully cotton-wrapped ends to the drawstring cord. As always, the fit is beautiful with Burdastyle patterns. These shorts are the Kids Drawstring shorts 04/2017. I finished them on Saturday morning and they didn't come off all weekend. Winning!
cherry blossom dress
This dress is just so lovely. It is the Girls Ruffle Dress 07/2014 from Burdastyle magazine. It was so simple to sew up and looks beautiful on. Shame I don't have a picture of her in it to share. There is a house down the road that has a Cherry Blossom tree and my daughter and I always say that as soon as it flowers we will take a photo underneath! If it eventuates, I'll add the photo to this post!14
As much as I was totally in love with this outfit - sweater dress with lace leggings, Burdastyle magazine patterns - it hardly got worn...at all. Maybe twice and the third time it no longer fit and was handed down to her cousin....who may not wear it either because it isn't a tutu. As lovely as this outfit was, I've realised, unless it suits her seven year old sense of style, there is no point in making it. Shorts, shorts and more shorts will be all my sewing machine will see in the future!
The most comfy dress
One hundred percent inspired by the Groove Dress by Needle and Ted this jersey dress was from one of my Japanese Cucito magazines and she loves this dress! It just must be so comfy and roomy! Unfortunately this has meant it has become her pj's rather than a day dress because all she wants to do is snuggle in it. Atleast it is getting worn though, right?!
turtle neck sweater
I love this sweater. The pattern is the Kid's High Collar Sweater 08/2016 from Burdastyle magazine. It fits her beautifully and I rushed to make it for last years camping trip...and then forgot to pack it! I wasn't so happy about that!! (As you can see, I'm still trying to catch up on a lot of missed blog posts!)
Just a skirt
Not really "just a skirt", there are some nice elements, like the bright trim around the bottom hem and tie at the front. The skirt is just shy of a full circle which still gives a nice swinging shape, but not too over the top. It's nice and simple and from one of my Japanese Cucito sewing magazines that I love. Shame she never wears it though - just not practical enough for handstands and cartwheels!
A pair of trackies
There is always an element of guilt every time I make something for my daughter...but there is just not as many things I can make for my nine year old son that can still come off looking cool. These trackies came up alright though, perfect for lounging, and a nice amount of detail with the drawstring and elastic waistband, contrasting front pockets and back welt pocket. The pattern is from Burdastyle 10/2013 - Boy's sweatpants. I know that the instructions are sometime overwhelming as there are no pictures to guide you through the project, but every pattern I have made from my Burdastyle magazines for my kids or myself have fitted perfectly, so it has always been worth the extra concentration!
Merry Christmas 2017
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I made my little girl a new dress and my boy some shorts to celebrate the occassion.
Another raindrop and new pj's
She was all smile's this morning when she woke up with her very own raindrop pillow beside her head. My husband was out playing basketball last night and I had some of my own time on the couch watching the finale of The Bachelorette...so I had some time to hand embroider her own little raindrop with cute rosy cheeks.
sweater dress revival
I remember loving my sweater dress when I was a little girl. It was warm and comfy but still feminine. Mine was knitted with a yacht on the front....not as cool as this version! The pattern for the dress and pants are both from Burdastyle magazine.
Raindrop pillow
Such a sweet little face hand embroidered onto a raindrop shaped pillow. A gift for a brand new baby boy.


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Essential Information
There are no master's degree programs in medical coding, but students who are interested in entering the field may pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing and Coding. Medical billing professionals who wish to pursue a graduate degree and advance to managerial positions may consider earning a Master of Science in Healthcare Management. The associate's-level program covers the fundamentals of medical coding and terminology. Master's degree programs in healthcare management focus largely on business administration and records management principles. In both of these programs, students can expect to take lecture-based courses and get hands-on training in the field.
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing and Coding
Associate's degree programs in medical billing and coding provide students with a basic understanding of the healthcare industry, medical procedures and medical terminology. Students are expected to learn how to transform records of medical procedures into a kind of shorthand code that can be used for record-keeping and billing purposes. Some vocational schools and community colleges offer work experience credits or externships at hospital, healthcare centers, or insurance companies. Common courses include:
- Healthcare systems
- Medical terminology
- Basic coding systems
- Diagnosis codes
- Reimbursement techniques
- Law and ethics in healthcare
In addition to a high school diploma or GED, students interested in enrolling in an associate's degree program related to medical coding should have a strong command of the English language and basic computer and keyboarding skills.
Master of Science in Health Information Management
While there are no master's degree programs in medical billing and coding, students who are interested in pursuing careers in medical records and management might consider enrolling in a master's degree program in health information management. This program combines elements of healthcare management, business administration and information technology and teaches students how to develop and manage the collection and recording of healthcare data. Courses found within a master's degree program in health information management combine the technical aspects of healthcare with management skills. Some examples of such classes are listed below:
- Health informatics
- Electronic health records
- Records management
- Coding and classification systems
- Human resource management
- Management principles
In order to apply, students must have a baccalaureate degree in a field such as organizational management, business management, information technology or healthcare management. Some professional experience in management or medical record keeping and coding could also be required.
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2018 that there were 208,650 medical records and health information technicians working in the United States (www.bls.gov). The majority of these individuals were employed by hospitals, physicians' offices and nursing care facilities. The highest-paying industry for medical records technicians in 2018 was pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing. The BLS further reports that the median annual salary of these professionals was $40,350 in 2018.
Medical and health services managers held 372,670 jobs in the United States in 2018, according to the BLS. The BLS reports that these individuals earned a median salary of $99,730 per year in 2018. Employment of medical and health services managers is predicted to rise 18% from 2018-2028, which is higher than the average for all occupations.
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers certification for professional medical coders and billers. The credentials offered by this organization are purported to help medical records professionals gain employment or earn higher salaries in their current positions. Some available certifications include the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), the Certified Professional Coder - Outpatient Hospital (CPC-H) and the Certified Professional Coder - Payer (CPC-P).
In summary, if you are just starting a career in medical coding, you can pursue an associate's degree in the field. If you already have experience and want to advance your career, an MS in health information management is the most relevant graduate option.


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"An art gallery is a building or space for the exhibition of visual art".
The digital project STOLEN MOMENTS is a virtual art gallery who exhibit contemporary artwork and cultural imagery from our established photographers and image creators.
We represent the works of visual artists who daily creates the current culture and lifestyle scenery through limited edition artwork and collectible art objects.
We build site-specific installations that are designed to transform the perception of the spaces they are in so that the viewer takes away a one time experience.
Providing a curated and forward-thinking alternative to the traditional art gallery and lifestyle store with doing in-store and pop-up exhibitions together with international influencers and well known concept store around the world.
We partner with celebrated cultural institutions and international well-known concept stores on exclusive in-store exhibitions and pop-up installations to develop a unique live experience for all visitors.
Our art objects and prints is the product of a very labor intensive process and with correct care prints will last 100 years or more.
STOLEN MOMENTS also serves as a creative partner by offering creative consulting on exhibition and installation design with creative direction.
Only the curators at STOLEN MOMENTS will curate the artworks together with the photographers and artists to always ensure a undiscovered and unique portfolio.
All artwork are offered as limited edition and comes with a certificate of authenticity from STOLEN MOMENTS to guaranty our customer our quality when buying.


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Explore what's inside top companies, browse through jobs and meet the people
you might work with.
We help businesses acquire customers intelligently, retain them optimally and manage them profitably.
We believe that each one of us should be able to find our dream job, and we constantly strive hard to make that possible. Apply now!


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DISH Hopper® vs DIRECTV Genie HMC (Home Media Center)
Call (858) 947-7574
Both DISH and DIRECTV, the two giants of satellite television, have home media center receivers available with most satellite TV plans. With DISH you can get the Hopper Whole-Home HD DVR, and with DIRECTV you can get the Genie HD DVR.
These are the most sophisticated HD DVR home media centers available from each of these satellite TV providers. However, if you prefer a simpler home media center, each satellite TV provider has a range of receivers with different capabilities and features
Start your search for a new home media center receiver here. We will help you understand the differences between the different home media center receivers that you can get so that you can make the best possible selection.
The DISH Hopper
DISH Hopper Basic DVR Features
The DISH Hopper is DISH's answer to the whole-home media center. The Hopper has basic DVR features that allow you to pause and rewind live TV. It also allows you to record any TV show.
Many DVRs have some pretty tight limitations on how many TV shows you can record at once. With the DISH Hopper, you can record up to 6 shows at once, a pretty big improvement over a lot of the more basic DVRs. According to the DISH website, however, your 6 shows are limited to selections from your 4 included local channels and then any 2 additional satellite channels.
DISH Hopper Upgrade
DISH Hopper software has been upgraded to improve user experience. With the new software update, the Hopper DVR enables users to take part in a program in-progress so they can skip back to the start of the show they are watching. As long as content of the show is in DISH's VOD library, this is a possible task.
Binge watching is now possible in the DISH Hopper upgrade. Once a subscriber has finished watching a linear TV or VOD series episode, he or she will receive a pop-up window where they can easily transition to the next installment of the series, provided that the show exists in the catalog of DISH VOD or it has been recorded on their DVR.
The last added feature to the upgrade enables viewers to easily decipher hard to hear and inaudible dialog with the help of closed-captioning. This new feature enables users to simply press a green button on their remote to activate one time closed captioning usage.
DISH Hopper Prime Time Features
With the DISH Hopper, you can customize your prime time viewing experience. You can automatically program the Hopper to record your favorite prime time shows so that you don't have to remember to record them every week.
The DISH Hopper also has the unique PrimeTime Anytime feature that allows you to watch prime time shows as late as 8 days after their original airing date. You can select up to 3 hours of prime time content for later viewing. You can also permanently save some of your recorded content. The Primetime Anytime recordings do not count against your total DVR capacity.
Finally, on certain major networks you can skip commercials during prime time hours with a feature called AutoHop. These channels include ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. This is only for pre-recorded shows in the Primetime Anytime feature.
DISH Hopper Streaming Features
You can also use your DISH Hopper to stream On Demand shows through an Internet broadband connection.
In addition, you can instantly connect your other devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers to your Hopper so that you can use your smartphone to change the channel, or your tablet to record a show.
The DISH Hopper now comes with a built-in Slingbox which gives you the TV Everywhere service so you can watch satellite TV from any device and from any location as long as you have an Internet connection, so you can travel and move about without missing your favorite shows. DISH also upgraded their DISH Hopper recently to a new 1.3 GHz chip, so it runs much smoother. In addition, the built-in Slingbox is now deeply integrated with the DISH Hopper DVR, which makes usability simple, and also allows users to stream video to their iPad and tablet devices.
The Hopper and the Joey
Joeys are additional receivers that you would use to connect additional TVs to your Hopper. For example, if your main TV is in your family room, you can connect this TV to your Hopper. Each additional HD TV would need a Joey. So, if you have a TV in your bedroom, one in your child's bedroom, and one in the kitchen, you can connect each of these TVs to a Joey which will connect them to the Hopper.
With a Joey, you can watch and record separate TV shows in different rooms, or you can start watching a show in one room, pause it, and continue watching in a different room.
If you want to use the Hopper for your home media center, you will need a Joey for each additional HD TV.
Additional Features
The Hopper has 2 terabytes of data which equals about 2000 hours of recorded TV. This is an unprecedented amount of data storage for a home media center.
And in addition, The Hopper features SRS TruVolume technology, a service designed to modulate and control volume changes when channels switch from TV shows to commercials. You may have noticed that often times commercials air at much louder volumes than broadcast TV shows. SRS TruVolume prevents annoying interruptions from sudden volume changes.
The Hopper also allows you to track and find your remote in case it gets lost, much in the way you might dial your cellphone from your landline when you can't find it.
DISH Hopper Pricing
DISH currently offers a special promotion that includes a free Hopper upgrade. For example, at the time that this page was written, you could get a free Hopper with the America's Top 120™ plan which costs $29.99/month for the first year, and $59.99/month after that.
The Hopper is available for free with all plans except for DISH's cheapest plan, the Smart Pack for $19.99/month.
Without a plan with DISH, Hoppers can cost up to $249.
Certain customers are also eligible to get up to 3 included Joeys free with certain plans.
Alternative Receiver Solutions with DISH
DISH also sells the following simpler receivers that may be more appropriate for some customers:
- DuoDVR ViP 722k: This is an HD DVR that supports 2 TVs.
- SoloDVR ViP 612: This is an HD DVR that supports 1 TV.
- DuoDVR 625: This is an SD DVR that supports 2 TVs.
- SoloDVR 512: This is an SD DVR that supports 1 TV.
- Duo ViP 222k: This is an HD receiver that supports 2 TVs. This receiver is not a DVR.
- Solo ViP 211k: This is an HD receiver that supports 1 TV. This receiver is not a DVR.
- Duo 322: This is an SD receiver that supports 2 TVs. It is not a DVR.
- Solo 311: This is an SD receiver that supports 1 TV. It is not a DVR.
DIRECTV Home Media Center Genie
The DIRECTV Genie is DIRECTV's latest development in HD DVR technology.
DIRECTV Genie Basic DVR Features
The Genie includes all basic DVR features like pausing and rewinding during live TV.
Like the DISH Hopper, the DIRECTV Genie allows you to record more shows than a basic DVR would. With the DIRECTV Genie, you can record up to 5 shows at once, 1 less than the Hopper. However, you can record all 5 shows on any selection of HD channels at once. DISH is slightly more limited on the number of channels available for simultaneous recording.
DIRECTV Genie Storing and Viewing Features
With the DIRECTV Genie, you can store lots of recorded programming for as long as you want. The Genie has 1 terabyte of memory, so about half the memory capacity of the DISH Hopper. This means you should be able to store about 1000 hours of recorded TV.
You can also record a TV show in one room and watch the show on any other TV in the house. And as with the DISH Hopper, you can use the Genie to stream On Demand and pay-per-view shows instantly.
You can also check the DIRECTV directory for upcoming programming up to 2 weeks in advance. The Genie also allows you to watch newly aired programming up to 5 weeks later.
The DIRECTV Genie also allows you to watch 2 programs simultaneously with Picture-On-Picture viewing. You can either minimize a show in 1 screen and watch it on top of the other show, or you can watch the 2 shows on side-by-side screens.
And if you get home late and didn't set a particular show to record, you can restart a show from the beginning so you won't miss out on anything, or have to wait for a rerun.
DIRECTV Genie Recommendations Feature
The Genie is unique in that it will note your viewing preferences and then recommend similar programs that you might like. The Genie will even ask you if you want to record a single episode or a whole series of a similar show with the push of a button.
DIRECTV Genie and Mini Clients (C31 Clients)
Like the DISH Hopper, the DIRECTV Genie can serve up to 4 TVs. You can connect the Genie to your main TV in your family room, and then you can use a Mini Client to connect each additional TV in your house to the Genie in your family room. The Genie Mini Client is DIRECTV's equivalent to the DISH Joey.
As with the Joey, the Genie Mini Client allows you to watch and record separate shows from the main Genie system. And as with the Joeys, the Genie Mini Client cannot support some of the features available on the main Genie system. For example, the Picture-On-Picture viewing available on the main Genie system is not available on a Genie Mini Client.
DIRECTV Genie Pricing
At the time that this page was written, the Genie was available for free with any of the DIRECTV satellite plans starting with the cheapest plan, the Entertainment plan for $29.99/month for the first year and $54.99/month after that.
Without a satellite TV plan with DIRECTV, the Genie can cost $299, while each Mini Client can cost an additional $99.
You can get up to 3 Genie Mini Clients for free with each plan, but if you need more than 3, each additional Mini Client will cost $49.
Alternative Receiver Solutions with DIRECTV
DIRECTV also has a range of other receivers with different levels of options and features. Depending on your needs and TV viewing habits, you may be better served by a simpler receiver.
DIRECTV sells the following alternative receiver solutions:
- HD DVR: This is a whole-home HD DVR system that does not include all of the advanced features of the Genie HD DVR. Requires additional HD Receivers for whole-home functionality.
- TiVO HD DVR: This is an HD DVR receiver that does not allow whole-home service.
- DVR Receiver: This is a DVR receiver for SD TVs. It is not compatible with HD TVs. It does not support whole-home service.
- HD Receiver: This is a receiver for HD TVs that does not include DVR. It does not support whole-home service.
- Standard Receiver: This is a receiver for SD TVs. It does not include DVR and it cannot be used with HD TVs. It does not support whole-home service.
All of these receivers are available for free with any DIRECTV plan. However, if you need additional receivers after the first, you may have to pay extra.


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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
CJ's Off the Square WINTER Open House
If you are still looking for the perfect place for your ceremony, look no further than CJ's Off The Square in Franklin. Not only is the facility beautiful and picturesque, but CJ and Amy are awesome too! Click here to register for their open house being held on February 27th. Mark your calendars! Click here to view some photos I took at the last open house. It was a great time.
Posted by shannonjenkinsphotography at 12:00 PM 1 comment:
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There are a number of features of sunglasses that need to be taken into consideration while purchasing. Unless you have an inexhaustible budget, you might need to analyze the costs and benefits of each feature in order to select a pair of sunglasses that delivers the most for the least cost.
Polarization is one of those features of sunglasses that you might think are absolutely essential for eye safety. However, renowned opticians may want to differ. Here are the pros and cons of polarization that you need to keep in mind while selecting your pair of sunglasses.
Benefits of Polarization
Polarization is responsible for reducing glare. When sunlight falls on different objects, it may not be reflected off the surface in a uniform linear fashion. The "stray" light rays may prove to be extremely bothersome for your eyes, often restricting your capacity to see. By reducing the glare, polarized lenses block out the "stray" light rays. This improves visual clarity and contrast so you can experience the true colors of nature.
This aspect may prove to be exceptionally helpful while driving. Light rays that are reflected off pavements and other metal bodies can sting the eye. While driving, it is impossible to shield the eyes physically without compromising on road safety. Consequently, polarized sunglasses are a much better alternative to prevent eye strain.
Similar is the case with sports activities. While sporting, reflections can prove to be distracting if not outright lethal. Polarized eyewear is therefore preferred by most sports players.
Polarized sunglasses can improve your experiences of water activities and/or fishing. The glare from the surface of water poses immense difficulty in seeing under water. All you may be able to see is a blank silver patch that may seem opaque. By using polarized sunglasses, you can improve your vision and see beyond the reflection as glare is eliminated. Most water sports and activities indisputably involve the use of polarized glasses and/or goggles to enhance vision.
Disadvantages of Polarization
Contrary to popular belief, polarization may not necessarily equate with eye protection. Polarization is only responsible to reducing glare and not for blocking out harmful radiations. Therefore polarized sunglasses may not prove to be effective in UV protection unless specified otherwise.
Moreover, in certain situations, glare is important in order to distinguish between different objects. A common example for such a situation is while snowboarding. The "stray" light reflected from uneven snow surfaces actually makes it possible to see them. Polarized lenses will block out this glare, making it impossible to look through the snow. This increases the possibility of accidents.
The Bottom Line
The utility of polarized sunglasses can only be gauged once its use has been identified. If you need sunglasses for everyday wear, polarized sunglasses may actually be worth it. However, their utility may not be as pronounced when the weather becomes too extreme. It is therefore a good idea to take into consideration the environment in which you will be wearing the sunglasses!
Wait…get better informed on polarized sunglasses. Read these goodies before you totally make up your mind on buying polarized or non-polarized sunglasses:
– Polarized vs. Non Polarized Lenses
– Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses


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One of television's masterpieces will come to an end tomorrow night at 10.15pm New York time. British viewers will then have to wait until around 9am on Monday morning to view the final episode of Breaking Bad on the internet streaming site Netflix. It will mark the end of the story of Walter White, a high-school chemistry teacher who, faced with terminal lung cancer and no means of providing for his family's future, decides to use his scientific know-how to cook a pure form of the drug methamphetamine and sell it for quick money. The ensuing drama has sprawled across 62 episodes over more than five years, and has created a following so devoted that the show's final eight episodes have been treated almost as one extended finale, with every line, every frame fervently discussed. So… where have you been?
Actually, British viewers have a good excuse for never having seen Breaking Bad at all. It was broadcast on television here only briefly, first on the digital channel FX then later for two seasons on Channel 5, before disappearing altogether. All five seasons, and the concluding episodes, are now available on Netflix, but in the long hiatus Breaking Bad's growing reputation relied on word of mouth, the box set, the illegal download. Its success – crowned last week by an Emmy award for outstanding drama series – is absolute proof that in the internet age, you can't keep a good show down.
But it nearly never got made at all. Creator Vince Gilligan, a warm, avuncular 46-year-old Virginian with perfect formal manners, came up with the idea while mulling over his own prospects in the television industry as he reached his forties and The X-Files, the hit show for which he was a writer and executive producer, came to the end of its run. He and a friend joked about buying a camper van and cooking meth for a living, and a character started to form in his mind. "It's not that I came up with Breaking Bad as a show as much as I came up with Walter White as a character," he tells me over tea in hotel, "and realised that I could tell a story about him that would fill a TV series."
When he fleshed out that story – White would have a teenage son with cerebral palsy and a wife who was unexpectedly pregnant; he would have a brother-in-law who was a DEA agent; and he would respond to his own lack of knowledge of the drugs trade by entering into partnership with a hot-headed dropout who had once flunked his chemistry class – he knew immediately that its subject matter was so dark that no network would touch it. So he approached the American cable channels. Executives at TNT told him they would love to buy it, but that they would be fired if they did. His pitch to HBO, the channel that had made The Sopranos, was so poorly received that it didn't even bother to return his calls. The idea was bought by FX in 2005, but languished unmade on the shelf. The show was, in Gilligan's words, "deader than a hammer". Had his agent not mentioned the idea in 2006 to AMC, the network that was about to enter the quality drama market with Mad Men, and had FX not agreed to release the script, it might still be on that shelf.
Eventually, of course, Breaking Bad did get made, and in casting Bryan Cranston as Walt, Gilligan found an actor who could inhabit and humanise a character whose pride would lead him to do awful things. It is not fanciful to suggest that Cranston's three Emmy wins for outstanding lead actor could have been five. Gilligan, however, admits that his own sympathy for Walt has run thin over time.
"He is a really fascinating character and always will remain so for me, but I found him very sympathetic and very likeable in the pilot episode. I felt sorry for him being mistreated by his students, I knew he wanted his family to be protected, taken care of. But as the episodes have progressed, his constant lying to his family and to himself has worn down the sympathy that I feel towards the man.
"Interestingly that does not seem to be the case for a great many viewers, who still want to see him succeed, and I don't for a minute say that they are wrong. If I want people to watch it, I have to understand that people have to relate to this character and to what he does."
Walt's journey into darkness is lit by his belief that he is doing what he does for his family, but he also discovers in himself an alter ego who assumes a mythical status in drug circles: the inhumanly calculating Heisenberg, a criminal mastermind capable of many things, including murder. I wonder what, for Gilligan, represents Walt's most unforgivable act?
"Well he's had a great many of them," he says, laughing, "it's hard to pick just one. The ones that involve violence are easy to point out, but my answer is the moment in episode four of season one when Walt is offered free cancer treatment and a job in their multibillion-dollar corporation by his old friends Gretchen and Elliott Schwartz. He's offered a way out in which he will get all the money he needs for his family. He won't have to be a criminal, he won't have to cook meth, and he refuses. That I think was pretty much unforgivable and really turned the show on its head. It made it clear that this was a very complicated character."
It's often said that Breaking Bad is a very moral work. Bob Odenkirk, who plays crooked lawyer Saul Goodman, has said that "no bad deed goes unpunished" in the show. Does Gilligan agree?
"I prefer to find structure and morality when I can in my writing," says Gilligan, "So yes, there is a certain moral clockwork to Breaking Bad, partly born of the fact that I've watched a lot of TV in my life and very often in television actions don't have consequences. I've written TV shows, by the way, in which the main character shoots and kills someone in an episode and the next week it's just never mentioned again. That's not the nature of reality. Bob is right, we do often hew to the philosophy that no bad deed goes unpunished, although we also sometimes hew to the philosophy that no good deed goes unpunished as well. The actions everyone takes do have consequences."
The "we" that Gilligan speaks of is the team of six writers who, together with Gilligan, sit around a conference table testing every plot point and talking through all the possibilities in minute detail, while an assistant takes notes. Although there is no assigned individual who "understands" how Walt's wife Skyler thinks, or how Jesse would act, in Breaking Bad the expectation is that the story is forged by each character doing exactly what they really would do in the given circumstances. It grounds the series in an emotional reality even as its narrative daring keeps viewers constantly on the edge of surprise. The old rules of "telly" do not apply. Characters wear bruises for episodes at a time, wince at sore ribs, remain traumatised by the pain of emotional warfare. When Walt's DEA agent brother-in-law Hank receives a spinal injury in a confrontation with Mexican assassins in season three, his recovery is slow, painful, expensive and partial. Breaking Bad's writers simply would not have allowed Downton's Matthew Crawley to miraculously walk again after his war injuries. In Breaking Bad, a different standard of truth-telling is applied.
I ask Gilligan how he feels when he hears about real-life Walter Whites, who have been "inspired" by Walt's actions to embark on a life of crime. Does it bother him? "Actually it would affect me," he admits. "I'm pretty studious about staying away from news of Breaking Bad, although anecdotally I certainly hear a lot of things. I have heard, for instance, that there is real-life blue meth for sale in certain parts of America" – a product that mimics the signature colour of the crystal meth made by White in the series – "and on some level, there is some little twinge of 'Damn, people are actually watching my show' and there's some cockeyed satisfaction in that. But this stuff that we're portraying is real and it destroys people's lives and I don't want to contribute to that, so it's mostly a queasy feeling of recognition and of 'this is not how I set out to change the world'."
It's a surprise when you first meet Gilligan to realise that such a bizarre, violent, and blackly funny tale could have sprung from such a gentlemanlike individual. You expect him to be conspicuously cool. He's not. There's a fastidiousness to his appearance that flows into the seriousness and depth of his answers. It becomes clear that depicting Walter White's scientific attention to detail has probably not been a stretch.
As the final season has neared its climax, speculation about the ending has grown ever more feverish. The task of shutting down potential leaks, says Gilligan, has been a big operation. Those who have worked on the show and seen the ending (who may by now number in the hundreds) are, he says, very invested in keeping its secrets. But there have also been some "heavy-hitting security people" working behind the scenes.
Ensuring that the ending was dramatically satisfying, meanwhile, was a challenge on a different scale. Whereas Gilligan says he wrote the pilot in four to six weeks, with minimal revisions – "There were maybe three or four drafts at the most, just changing a few scenes, a few words here and there" – the pressure to get the ending right, he says, slowed the whole process down. "Every idea was on the table as we broke the final 16 episodes; I don't think that it made us more conservative. But when we were about to settle on an idea, we would ask, 'Is there a better idea out there?' Luckily we had enough lead time to work through it."
Everyone knows that however good the series has been up to this point, a masterpiece with a flawed ending is no longer a masterpiece. I wonder if he has felt the weight of that responsibility. "Oh yeah," he says, sighing. "It's weighed on me greatly. The fear of not getting the ending right has kept me awake a great many nights, but I feel good about the ending. It was hard fought. It took a long time and a lot of work to arrive at but I feel very good about it."
The final episode of Breaking Bad goes live on netflix.com on Monday about 9am. Every earlier episode is also available


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By Matthew Barsalou, guest blogger
A problem must be understood before it can be properly addressed. A thorough understanding of the problem is critical when performing a root cause analysis (RCA) and an RCA is necessary if an organization wants to implement corrective actions that truly address the root cause of the problem. An RCA may also be necessary for process improvement projects; it is necessary to understand the cause of the current level performance before attempts are made to improve the performance.
Many statistical tests related to problem-solving can be performed using Minitab Statistical Software. However, the actual test you select should be based upon the type of data you have and what needs to be understood. The figure below shows various statistical options structured in a cause-and-effect diagram with the main branches based on characteristics that describe what the tests and methods are used for.
The main branch labeled "differences" is split into two high-level sub-branches: hypothesis tests that have an assumption of normality, and non-parametric tests of medians. The hypothesis tests assume data is normally distributed and can be used to compare means, variances, or proportions to either a given value or to the value of a second sample. An ANOVA can be performed to compare the means of two or more samples.
The non-parametric tests listed in the cause-and-effect diagram are used to compare medians, either to a specified value, or two or more medians, depending upon which test is selected. The non-parametric tests provide an option when data is too skewed to use other options, such as a Z-test.
Time may also be of interest when exploring a problem. If your data are recorded in order of occurrence, a time series plot can be created to show each value at the time it was produced; this may give insights into potential changes in a process.
A trend analysis looks much like the time series plot; however, Minitab also tests for potential trends in the data such as increasing or decreasing values over time. Exponential smoothing options are available to assign exponentially decreasing weights to the values over time when attempting to predict future outcomes.
Relationships can be explored using various types of regression analysis to identify potential correlations in the data such as the relationship between the hardness of steel and the quenching time of the steel. This can be helpful when attempting to identify the factors that influence a process. Another option for understanding relationships is Design of Experiments (DoE), where experiments are planned specifically to economically explore the effects and interactions between multiple factors and a response variable.
Another main branch is for capability and stability assessments. There are two main sub-branches here; one is for measures of process capability and performance and the other is for Statistical Process Control (SPC), which can assess the stability of a process.
The measures of process performance and capability can be useful for establishing the baseline performance of a process; this can be helpful in determining of process improvement activities have actually improved the process. The SPC sub-branch is split into three lower-level sub-branches; these are control charts for attribute data such as number of defective units, control charts for continues data such as diameters, and time-weighted charts that don't give all values equal weights.
Control charts can be used for both assessing the current performance of a process such as by using an individual's chart to determine if the process is in a states of statistical control, or for monitoring the performance of a process such as after improvements have been implemented.
Exploratory data analysis (EDA) can be useful for gaining insights to the problem using graphical methods. The individual values plot is useful for simply observing the position of each value relative to the other values in a data set. For example, a box plot can be helpful when comparing the means, medians and spread of data from multiple processes. The purpose of EDA is not to form conclusions, but to gain insights that can be helpful in forming tentative hypotheses or in deciding which type of statistical test to perform.
The tests and methods presented here do not cover all available statistical tests and methods in Minitab; however, they do provide a large selection of basic options to choose from.
These tools and methods are helpful when exploring a problem, but their use should not be limited to problem exploration. They can also be helpful for planning and verifying improvements. For example, an individual value plot may indicate one process performs better than a comparable process, and this can then be confirmed using a two-sample t test. Or, the settings of the better process can be used to plan a DoE to identify the optimal settings for the two processes and the improvements can be monitored using an xBar and S chart for the two processes.
About the Guest Blogger
Matthew Barsalou is a statistical problem resolution Master Black Belt at BorgWarner Turbo Systems Engineering GmbH. He is a Smarter Solutions certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, ASQ-certified Six Sigma Black Belt, quality engineer, and quality technician, and a TÜV-certified quality manager, quality management representative, and auditor. He has a bachelor of science in industrial sciences, a master of liberal studies with emphasis in international business, and has a master of science in business administration and engineering from the Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule in Darmstadt, Germany. He is author of the books Root Cause Analysis: A Step-By-Step Guide to Using the Right Tool at the Right Time, Statistics for Six Sigma Black Belts and The ASQ Pocket Guide to Statistics for Six Sigma Black Belts.


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Watch Young Scooter Feat. Future "Caught Up In The Streets" VideoYoung Scooter, who is currently locked up and awaiting his court date on October 22nd, drops a new video with Future "Caught Up In The Streets." Scooter says we'll be getting "Street Lottery 2" as soon as he's out, and we can expect a new single featuring Cam'ron next week.
Get a load of Young Scooter Feat. Future "Caught Up In The Streets" Video, a new visual from Young Scooter that saw the light of day on Thursday, October 17th, 2013. Young Scooter's movement grows stronger with each new release, and Young Scooter Feat. Future "Caught Up In The Streets" Video has further strengthened that fact. It's a solid addition to the commendable body of work Young Scooter has been creating since stepping foot in the rap game, and we're definitely looking forward to what Young Scooter has on deck.
Did you enjoy Future's contributions to this video?
Are y'all feeling this one?
Check out the latest video from Young Scooter, Young Scooter's "Street Lottery 2" (Mixtape Trailer).
Hit up Young Scooter's profile page for the latest info, news, songs, and mixtapes. Remember to follow Young Scooter on Facebook and Twitter.


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Close up with Mich Dulce
 Depending on what part of the world you are from you might know Mich for a variety of reasons, artist, musician, actress, milliner. I know Mich as we share a love for Vivienne Westwood clothing and a ton of mutual friends, we first met over shoe admiration and have been buddies ever since. There are a lot of things I like about Mich, one is her combination of technical skill and creativity in her millinery designs, the other is that her fashion house is sustainable. All her hats are made from a banana fiber called T'nalak which is a traditional Filipino fibre which is hand woven by women who are part of a poverty alleviation community. The women receive training so they can learn skills and help support themselves. If you ever needed an excuse to invest in a new hat, I can see no better reason. I adore Mich's designs from caps with kitten ears, huge bows and draped veils there is something from the most traditional of tastes to the more avant guarde. www.MichDulce.com
Style it, Be it
    This is what Somerset House was basically reduced to over most of Friday and Saturday, not the best weather to be stood out in a queue nor snapping street style. Everyone trooped on though and made the most of it. Extra thanks to the lovelies who braved a brolly free minute for me to shoot them. Things I picked up on were accent pops of colour, be it a fab manicure, statement clutch or ring these little highlights can brighten up any outfit. A great way to introduce colour to a conservative working wardrobe too. These personal little styling touches are what really make an outfit your own and move it away from just a trend.
If  huge dollops of colour are more your thing then why not take some tips from these guys, matching hats and scarves, clashing pinks and reds, a smatter of leopard print and white with cobalt blue, all utterly lush.
As for me you saw this outfit yesterday as I sulked in the rain! I have to say I've not dared look at how the satin leopard courts held up 🙁
I have to say I utterly adore this coat from TK Maxx though, bonkers but brilliant. The huge bag is from there too, both part of the new season Gold Label collection. If you haven't heard of the Gold Label collection it is a carefully edited range of high end designer clothes and accessories which included runway pieces – but at high street prices!! I dare you to go check it out (lists of stores with the collection are available on their website) and not be amazed.
Share your favorite LFW and personal style looks with us using the tag #StyleItBeIt we'd love to see!
Fashion Pearls of Wisdom hearts TK Maxx for London Fashion Week


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The Admiralty
For more information regarding availability and prices please call020 7930 0066
Alternatively, simply fill in your name, email address and phone number in the form below and we will call you back to confirm.
Whatever the occasion, whether you're hosting a celebration, organising a business meeting or just looking for a well overdue get-together, look no further than The Admiralty, officially London's most central pub.
A traditional pub with a story to tell, The Admiralty is a step back in time to the decks of HMS Victory and the Battle of Trafalgar, looking out to Nelson's Column.
An enviable number of great bookable spaces await. The Gun Deck includes a live music license allowing you to organise the perfect soundtrack your special event while the Admirals cabin comes complete with a large screen, audio and Wi-Fi for all your business-meeting needs.
An expansive food and drink selection is on offer too displaying the best of British pub food from canapés and finger food buffets to indulgent sit-down meals (feel free to bring a birthday cake as well).
In short, whatever you need to –plan the perfect event, we'll do our very best to make it happen. To host your next event with us, just contact the Events Team who will be more than happy to assist you with your booking.


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Kate Aspen's Acrylic Tumbler with Personalized Insert allows you to gifts for your bridesmaids in five Bridesmaid insert designs! Choose between Hearts, Floral Bridesmaid, Gold Bridesmaid, Pink Watercolor Bridesmaid, and a Flowers design to show names, messages, or event dates, on the insert between the double walls of the tumbler cup. Sip in style together with the fitted lid and plastic straw!
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up to 15 years
How to file an application for lease with an option to purchase
To receive EDS at the Public Service Center
Install/update to the latest version the JAVA software, providing an opportunity to work with EDS
Come to the site www.dom.fnsk.kz, register in the system
To file an application within the dates, announced by the Real Estate Fund
To calculate the leased housing
|Full name
|Choice of a Residential Complex
|Choice of a type of housing
|Cost of the housing acquisition
|{[ cost ]} тг
|The down payment amount (if available, and no more than 50% of the housing acquisition cost)
|The effective period of the Agreement for lease with an option to purchase
|Number of family members of the Applicant, which shall dwell with the Applicant (including the Applicant, wife (husband) and underage family members)
|Number of co-applicants (the family member, which is a co-applicant, and whose income is accounted for in MRPA should be indicated only in line "Number of co-applicants", rather than in line "Number of family members")
|Monthly aggregate income (KZT) less the taxes and compulsory deductions
The Applicant's income *
Documented additional income of the Applicant
Income of the Co-Applicant {[ $index + 1 ]}
Documented additional income of the Co-Applicant {[ $index + 1 ]}
|Whether the Applicant/Co-Applicant has financial obligations (taxes on vehicle, property, loans, alimony, insurance)
|An aggregate amount for loan disbursement per month, Applicant/Co-Applicant
|An aggregate amount of tax obligations (taxes on vehicle, land, property) per month, Applicant/Co-Applicant
|An aggregate amount of alimony payment per month, Applicant/Co-Applicant
|An aggregate amount of expenses for compulsory insurance per month, Applicant/Co-Applicant
|- The fields, marked with an asterisk* are mandatory.
|- You will be provided with an accurate calculation and MRPA certificate upon addressing the authorized banks' departments. You may familiarize yourself with the list here


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Practical with an air of sophisticated charm, this roomy chair is a comfortable choice when you want your guests to linger. Equally appropriate for a sitting room or desk, this handsome chair can be fine tuned with your choice of finishes.
Shown in Honey finish with a fabric back and leather seat and arm rest, this chair can be ordered in several standard, premium, and custom options. Side chairs are available.
3 yards of fabric are needed for the upholstered back and seat.
Armchair: 24W x 23D x 43H (shown)
Side Chair: 21.5W x 20.75"D x 42.5H
Finishes: This chair is available in standard, premium, or custom finishes. (See alternate view and list below)
Standard Finishes: Pearwood, Wax Pine, Acorn, English Walnut, Rustic Alder, Pecan, Honey, and Mahogany
Premium Finishes: Sage, Evergreen, Hunter Green, Charcoal, Wheat, Black Cherry, Butterscotch, White Birch, Harvest Moon, Barn Red, Brick Red, Stonewash Blue, and New Yankee Blue
Distressing: Choose from heavy, medium, light, or no distressing.
Price reflects the standard armchair size with a standard finish. Price may vary with your choice of size and finish.
We will personally contact you to discuss your options when you order.
Our custom furniture is handcrafted for you. Normal delivery is 12-16 weeks. When you place your order, a 50% deposit will be charged to your credit card and the balance upon delivery. We will personally contact you with details when you place your order.
Shipping charges are not included with our furniture deliveries. Please read our Shipping and Delivery Policies.


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Todd Tesen 10h Yoga Workshop 08-09/10/2016
Join Todd Tesen as he leads you in this dynamic experience of asana & prana, breath to body, you to your world. Twice on Saturday and twice on Sunday, he will instruct you, guide your practice and together, we will examine the potencies and potentials of yoga.
Todd Tesen has been a student of yoga and meditation for his entire adult life. He began his contemplative practices while still at University with daily meditation where it became the cornerstone of his undergraduate experience. Yoga āsana came to him, post graduation. From Hatha Yoga to Sivananda Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, he explored the possibilities of practice. In 2001, Todd stumbled upon the fledgling school of Anusara Yoga. He recognized the clear sophistication and efficacy of its practice and methodology and immediately commenced studying the school's system and instruction. His evolving practice led him to the most important introduction of his journey; meeting his teacher and friend, world renowned tantric scholar, Dr. Douglas Brooks with whom he continues regular study today. Combining Anusara Yoga's āsana technology and the revolutionary philosophic teachings of Brooks' Rajanaka Yoga, Todd discovered the potency of scientific sophistication paired with artistic expression. Body, breath, mind and spirit blended perfectly to uncover their synergetic evolutionary relationship. Currently based back in the United States, Todd is a Licensed E-RYT500 Certified Yoga Instructor, who continues to practice daily and teach throughout the U.S, Mexico and South America as well as internationally crisscrossing Europe including France, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Greece, Turkey and Bali. Additionally, he teaches online at www.yogauni.com Known for his sense of humor, steadiness and the easy manner of his teaching style, Todd is also respected as the teacher who will challenge the student to linger in the depths and edges of each posture while guiding them to cultivated ever subtle refinements. His favorite question, "Now, what are you prepared to do?" rings out regularly, embodying serious support with detailed instruction while being invited to the underlying philosophy and science that is Yoga.
Saturday 11:00-13:00 This all level practice begins our journey into the practice with an emphasis on breath to body relationship.
Saturday 16:00-18:30 Cook up your practice with this spirited Backbend class. Learn the necessary techniques to not only live through the depths of these poses, but to thrive there.
Sunday 11:00-13:30 Draw into the cave of the heart. The power to stay on point when the practice turns contemplative and receptive is one of the greatest challenges for the modern day yogin. Engage in your covert power precisely.
Sunday 16:30-19:30 The culminating practice of our weekend together, we will examine and practice all that was shared and instructed on in previous classes. All levels welcome.
Seminar cost: 100€ / 4 workshops 30€ / 1 worskshop


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Paul.cocker needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 61 designs submitted by 16 freelance designers.
True Capital
We are a fund management business. We make venture capital, private equity and public equity investments
We need a logo and business card design please. We also have a subdivision called True Capital's big idea, known as The Big Idea which we would like ideas for.
Please email if you have any questions on email@example.com
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Drivers are needed to enable the connection between the scanner and computer. Here you will find the driver applies to the product as well as an explanation of the compatibility of the products you use with each operating system.


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Personalising care for patients with bladder cancer
Christine Talboys was shortlisted in the Cancer Nursing category at the RCNi Nurse Awards 2016
'Respectfully, after having seven cystoscopies, I have never been able to sit down and discuss with a doctor the position with my cancer.'
It was this patient experience, captured by the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2013, that spurred Christine Talboys on to review and improve the way patients received information about their diagnosis of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
'I had also been directly involved in dealing with verbal complaints from patients who had not received their diagnosis,' explains the urology advanced nurse specialist at Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 'This was unacceptable. These patients were sometimes not receiving the same high standard of care that other cancer patients in our service were experiencing.'
Her retrospective audit of patient notes found there was no standard process for informing patients of their histology results – 13 were told at an outpatient appointment, ten by letter and two by telephone. One had to attend his GP for the results and there was no documented communication from the hospital in two cases.
The timescale for informing patients of results was also haphazard owing to the lack of standardisation, taking up to 50 days for some patients.
Contacting diagnosed patients
So Ms Talboys posted a questionnaire to 38 diagnosed patients asking how they would have preferred to have been informed and their knowledge level about their condition. She received 21 completed questionnaires, a 55% response rate.
Only 33% of patients were able to recall the grade of their cancer and 72% were aware of the stage.
Ms Talboys says: 'I wanted to ensure that every patient receives the same level of personalised information about their cancer, as well as the opportunity to ask questions in a timely manner.
'I am particularly proud of the personalised care plan that we developed as it is focused specifically for patients with NMIBC. It gives them a detailed, yet understandable, explanation of transitional cell carcinoma and NMIBC stages and grades, as well as health promotion advice on smoking risks. It also details the follow up that patients can expect to receive.'
Importantly, a bespoke diagram for patients only encompasses the non-muscle-invasive tumour stages.
'All other diagrams that depict bladder cancer show all of the stages which can be very frightening to someone with a "superficial" tumour,' says Ms Talboys.
Focus group challenge
After the multidisciplinary team (MDT) agreed the care plan, she sought feedback from a patient focus group. She says: 'I saw the focus group as a challenge as I had never done this before, so I liaised with the patient engagement manager who agreed to facilitate the group on my behalf.'
The clinical nurse specialist (CNS) team now book newly diagnosed patients directly into a nurse-led results outpatient clinic as soon as they have been discussed by the MDT. At the clinic patients are informed of their diagnosis and given a copy of the personalised care plan to keep.
The MDT has seen the benefits of Ms Talboys' approach.
Nurse-led clinic
Consultant urological surgeon at Royal Bournemouth Hospital Kevin Turner says: 'Christine and her team have worked hard to ensure that patients with a new diagnosis are informed of it without delay. With the consultant clinics constantly under pressure, the nurse-led clinic allows for these patients to be seen in a timely manner.
'This has undoubtedly led to better patient satisfaction, and the feedback has been very complimentary. We are often told by our patients that waiting for results is the hardest part, and this project has cut the waiting times considerably.'
He adds that the care plan has been a useful tool that has allowed patients to take home a written record of their diagnosis.
'Having the follow-up schedule documented in the care plan, and the contact details of the nursing team readily available, has meant patients feel supported throughout their cancer journey,' says Mr Turner.
Plans for the future
Other trusts have already shown interest in the plan, but Ms Talboys wants to take her project further. While 86% of patients preferred face-to-face contact, 14% would have preferred a letter detailing their diagnosis. 'Our next step is to find a method of capturing patient choice at some point in the pathway in order to tailor the follow up,' she says.
'We do not have a fully formalised process yet, but we are piloting the nurse practitioners, who do the post-operative ward rounds, asking patients their preference and then passing these details on to the CNS team. It seems to be working reasonably well, but needs to be more robust as it is not capturing all of the patients currently.'
The project saw Ms Talboys shortlisted in the Cancer Nursing category at the RCNi Nurse Awards 2016.
She is proud of the difference her project is already making to patients.
'It allows them an opportunity to ask questions about their pathway and future care, and enhances their overall experience. The CNS team are ideally placed to coordinate this initiative and are able to offer patients continuity of care throughout their difficult cancer journey.'
Results have been 'very encouraging'
Christine Talboys improved communication with patients as part of the Mary Seacole leadership development programme at the NHS Leadership Academy.
The programme requires participants to identify an area of work needing improvement that would directly benefit patients.
'I was passionate about making these changes and the programme helped to keep me focused and the momentum going,' Ms Talboys says.
'I used plan-do-study-act cycles, which allow for small changes to be made and evaluated, and are manageable alongside a busy workload.'
Patient satisfaction with the new process was captured at the time of the nurse-led results clinic appointments by asking patients to complete an evaluation form.
The results have been 'very encouraging', says Ms Talboys. Before the initiative, only 33% of patients were able to recall the grade of their cancer and 72% were aware of the stage. Since introducing the personalised care plan, 100% of patients know their grade and 94% can recall the stage of their tumour.
There has also been a cut in the time it takes for patients to receive their histology results from 17 to 13 days. 'We are striving to improve this further,' she adds.
The care plan was also well received and gained complimentary feedback. Comments received during the evaluation include: 'was nice to be told in person exactly what has/is going to happen/happened' and 'very well explained, great bedside manner!'
Cancer Nursing Practice would like to thank Macmillan Cancer Support for sponsoring the Cancer Nursing award at the RCNi Nurse Awards 2016
Christine Talboys is urology advanced nurse specialist at Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


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Like any beautiful woman, the city of Hartford has heard it all. She always has new suitors, each armed with their respective promises, plans or pleas. The charming and the rich have tried to change her, attempting to reinvent her within the confines of their expectations. It is obvious Hartford is tired of the games as she endures ignorant bullying any time she tries to be happy.
Nevertheless, Hartford remains hopeful. Her motto "after the clouds, the sun" is a hardened stance born from too many heartbreaks and shattered promises, but true to self, Hartford is always the hopeless romantic.
While Hartford has continued to heal from past relationships, someone has quietly surprised her. A new generation, a Young Hartford, is at her doorstep with a bouquet of new ideas and a fresh start.
We have arrived with our strong will, our endearing persistence, and our understanding that strong relationships are nurtured over time and hard work. We are bold and determined in relentless pursuit of our passions, but are also patient in earning her trust. We are listening with an honest, open heart, moving forward with confidence as we learn the little things about her, walking her streets with the understanding the best ones are always two-way.
Hartford is beginning to see we are different. Now that we have her attention, we must prove our worth. We must make ourselves valuable, our absence must be noticeable, and in the end, unbearable.
Young Hartford must be brave, champion what is important to us, and take responsibility for our dreams. Our positivity and persistence will be a source of strength and security for Hartford. She will find joy in our youth and energy, but we must also learn and respect Hartford's past if we want to be a meaningful part of her future.
Hartford must know we do not simply want to be present in conversations — we want our personal passions realized, the opportunity to give our individual gifts to her. We want a deeper connection with our community, and while we are built on the laurels of our predecessors, we have our own ideas, too. Hartford will only change when she sees all of the possibilities in a life with us.
Hartford is a beautiful, intelligent city that has matured to no longer have interest in superficial relationships. She wants real appreciation, real commitment, real love. She is independent and complex. She does not owe us anything and she will not wait for anyone. Hartford isn't easy, and that's why she's worth it.
TJ Clynch is the founder of Civic Mind, Downtown Yoga, and the Hartford HodgePodge. He lives in south downtown.


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So many aquariums: 4 ways to decide if they're worth your time (and our faves)
We're big on aquariums in our house. We have a local one that's free and open only 4 days a week…and we go EVERY week. Seattle has one that's a boat ride away and we've been pass holders. Tacoma has one that is paired with a zoo and that's just a quick drive away. And we travel. Did you know that land-locked cities have aquariums too? Who knew?! Basically, we can confidently say that we know our aquariums and feel comfortable shouting out our opinions about them.
If you ask our oldest if he wants to go to an aquarium, he'll always say yes. Do you or your family always need to go? Probably not. Does it ever hit a point where it's not worth the time or money? Here are our thoughts on worthwhile water-worlds and whether to hit them or not, as well as our list of future visits.
When was the last time you went to one? – If your last vacation or weekend trip included an aquarium, maybe it's not worth your time and money to do another one so soon. Aquariums aren't cheap. A family of four can easily spend over $100 USD just for entry, and then once you're inside there are more costs. If you recently swam with the dolphins in Clearwater, FL, you may not need to fork out a gazillion more bucks to do it again in Cabo. If you just went to a small local aquarium, such as the Undersea Gardens in Newport, OR, you may not think it's worth your time to stop in to do the touch tanks at the Poulsbo Marine Science Center on that same road trip up the west coast. Don't beat a dead horse, that's all I'm saying.
Tip: Hit one aquarium per year. Kids' interests change and who knows what will catch their attention next time.
Is there something super special about this aquarium? – If they can't tout something like petting skates and rays, or don't have a special seahorse exhibit that you're dying to see, maybe it doesn't need to be on your agenda. We learned that there needs to be something new to see to keep the attention and momentum during an aqua-visit. Seattle's aquarium is on the water. Literally. And it has great outdoor space. The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga has the most amazing tropical atrium with birds and skates and butterflies and snakes and…
Tip: Aquariums are great at tailoring their online presence. Read visitor reviews to be sure that the "amazing jellyfish" exhibit, for example, really is so so very captivating and that you're not just viewing one more circular moon jelly display.
Are there other things you'd rather do? Do you have time to kill? – If you're visiting a city that is epically awesome and great for kids without adding an indoor experience, take advantage of that. If you have an infinite list of things to do or see where you're visiting, pass on the aquarium. You'll get to visit another one during another adventure. If you have the time and there's nothing else you REALLY want to do, drop in to see the fishies.
Tip: If you're visiting San Francisco and you've already toured the city and seen the sights, you can still jaunt across the Golden Gate to see the redwoods, or you can spend the day in Golden Gate Park instead of getting sucked into the wharf/Pier 39 area where the Aquarium of the Bay is located. **see recommendations below
Is the cost gonna cramp your day? – Like I said, the cost of a day with the sea can be greater than you expect. We're always watching for deals for the cities we visit but it's rare that we see aquarium offers. Do you know what's cool though? CityPASS. Each one is a bit different, but they tend to include your key attractions. Not all cities have this option, but the ones that do are worth taking advantage of.
Tip: subscribe to Amazon Local or Groupon for an area you're going to be visiting. You may be able to score tickets on the cheap in advance. Also, local activity books may have deals you could take advantage of upon arrival.
Our Favorite Aquariums to Visit
- Seattle,WA – Seattle Aquarium: on the water, great outdoor space, lots of otters. Very cool, very enormous tank upon entry with divers in it.
- Tacoma, WA – Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium: great winter festival call Zoolights, summer isn't too crowed. Small though.
- Poulsbo, WA – Marine Science Center: it's free with limited hours. It is very local down to the octopus that they borrow from the Puget Sound for short visits.
- San Francisco – Aquarium of the Bay: it's neat and is very informational regarding the local waters, but there are better SF activities to do. CaliforniaAcademy of Sciences: it's in Golden Gate Park, has an aquarium, rainforest and planetarium. It's close to the Conservatory too, so this one gets our vote.
- Long Beach – Aquarium of the Pacific: So cool. If you're in Long Beach and not actually heading to a local beach to play, it's worth checking out. It's close to the Queen Mary if you're into that.
- Seward, AK – Alaska Sealife Center: it has a diving puffin wall. It's so cool and totally worth the time if you've already trekked to Seward. **Better experience is going on the Kenai Fjords tour. Done it many times and seen countless orcas, humpback, grey whales, puffins, otters….
- Baltimore, MD – National Aquarium: I love the shark exhibits here. If you're in Baltimore for some reason, this is a great use of your time. Also, the dolphin show is very informational around science and training. **I mention this due to the Georgia Aquarium's show.
- Atlanta, GA – Georgia Aquarium: I love the layout. It's crazy crowded, but worth wading through the crowds. Each exhibit is well done and beautiful. WHALE SHARKS. **The dolphin show is not worth the time you wait for it. It's a weird musical and there is nothing about dolphins except in the fictional context. It's uber-lame. Sad face.
- Chattanooga, TN – Tennessee Aquarium: it's split into two sections, the river and the ocean. It's spacious, not crowded, well kempt, so interesting, such a variety of animals. Its atrium level has rainforest creatures, a butterfly garden and touch tanks where you can pet rays and skates. The seahorse exhibits are exceptional. This is my favorite aquarium in the US.
- Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Aquarium: located in Stanley Park, it's pretty cool. It's not huge, but it's well done. I love the ancient fish exhibits. Also close by is a beautiful collection of totem poles that cannot be missed.
Our Future Visits
- Monterrey, CA – Monterrey Bay Aquarium
- Valencia, Spain – L'Oceanografic
- Chicago, IL – Shedd Aquarium
- Perth, Australia – Aquarium of Western Australia
There are more aquariums all over the world, but these are the ones that strike us as awesome and must-do sites.
Rob Taylor is the founder of 2TravelDads, the original LGBT Family Travel blog. Focusing on ecotourism and education, 2TravelDads inspires LGBT families (and traditional families also) to go beyond their usual getaways and use travel to learn about and be part of a bigger world. "Traveling the globe and giving the kids a broad worldview."
MicheleJuly 16, 2016
Thanks for this! My kiddos are older (8 & 11), but they still love aquariums. We went to Gatlinburg in December and did the Ripley's Aquarium. Because I've done my fair share of Ripleys attractions, I wasn't expecting much from this aquarium. But it was so great! The ray touch tank is enormous, and we did the "pet the penguin" experience, which was completely worth it! Based on your recommendations, I will definitely be trying the one in Georgia! Thank you!


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One of the most amazing and wonderful things about Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is the wildlife. The rich diversity of creatures to be found in the air, on land and in the sea is mind blowing. One of my favorite air critters is the Blue-Footed Booby (Piquero de Patas Azules).
Some interesting facts about Blue-Footed Boobies:
- Blue-footed boobies are normally found on arid, tropical, and subtropical islands off the Pacific coast of South America (especially in the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador).
- The Sulidae family includes ten species of long-winged seabirds including the genus Sula, which comprises six species of boobies. Scientific name: Sula nebouxii
- Subsisting on a diet of fish, these large seabirds can live for around 17 years.
- They have a wingspan of nearly five feet in length. They weigh 1.5kg.
- The blue of the webbed feet comes from carotenoid pigments obtained from the diet.
- Blue-footed boobies use their vibrant blue feet in a showy mating dance ritual.
- Habitat loss and egg collecting currently threaten the species.
- Blue-footed boobies have a large, but little known, colony on Mompiche Point.
The mating ritual of the Blue-Footed Booby is a spectacle to behold indeed. The synchronized movements of both birds and the male's high-stepping strut to show off his blue feet to attract the female is comical and highly entertaining. The bluer the feet, the better. The smaller male birds kiss and peck and clack beaks and whistle, kicking up their feet to show the prospective partner how beautiful and fabulously blue they are. Flaunting his blue feet and spreading his wings, presenting his mate with building materials for the family home, ensures he won't be left out in the cold.
Blue-Footed Boobies also use their large webbed feet to protect their young and keep them warm. Eggs are laid in nests on the ground. After the brood of one to three chicks hatches, both parents feed and care for their babies. Breeding pairs usually only stay together for about one year then, unable to resist the urge to go dancing once again with their bright blue-suede shoes, they go off and find a different mate. Galapagos is home to about half of the world's breeding pairs.
Exceptional divers, Blue-Footed Boobies wrap their long wings around their streamlined bodies and plunge into the water like spears from as high as 80 feet (24 meters) to catch small fish. They also dive from sitting positions on the surface of the water. A large flock of diving boobies is an impressive sight as they circle and dive over large schools of anchovies and other small fish, popping up like corks to swallow the catch.
People travel from all over the world to come and see Blue-Footed Boobies in Ecuador – especially visiting Galapagos to find flocks of Sula nebouxii, and observe their weird and wonderful mating ritual. They can also be found on Isla de la Plata, and here in Mompiche.
Would you like to see a colony of Blue-Footed Boobies? Ask Footprints how.
Footprints Ecuador
- Footprints Ecuador: Galapagos Tours / Coastal Tours
Footprints Ecuador helps you custom design and plan your trip to Ecuador, inc. Galapagos Cruises, Island Hopping, Scuba Diving, and also travel on the mainland inc. Otavalo, Cotopaxi, Mindo, Quito, Cuenca & more. See the Boobies in Ecuador!
- "LIKE" Footprints on Facebook
Footprints offers personal one-on-one consultation to help you plan the trip of a lifetime to Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands with no-fuss itineraries making the most of your time and budget, catering to your specific interests and requirements.


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Irma Clean-upUpdated Thursday September 14, 2017 by Citrus Park Sports Association.
THANK YOU to all the volunteers that showed up to help clean-up our park! CPSA is very proud to be a part of this community!
CPSA experienced some strong winds and gusts. We have little to no damage to buildings. We do have branches and debris all over the property. As you can imagine we have a massive clean-up operation of our park underway. We are a 100% volunteer run park. The County will NOT be sending clean up crews for this. It's up to all of us to keep the park in working order for our players. If you are able to come and help us in our clean-up efforts, we would greatly appreciate it!
We will TRY to get this done in time for teams to practice tonight, however, the clean-up will be ongoing throughout the day and this evening. If we get the fields cleaned up enough to have practice, If you can help clean up the common areas while your child is practicing tonight, we would greatly appreciate it!
I'm sure many of you are dealing with the aftermath of Irma and the effects of the storm on your home. This of course takes precedence. We are grateful for any help you can provide.
Thank you,
Citrus Park Sports Association Board of Directors


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Owning your own business can be the path to financial independence, but it can also be the path to higher taxation. Business owners often face higher levels of taxation than employees, especially if they report their business income on their personal returns. But business owners are also entitled to a number of tax breaks, and taking advantage of those tax breaks can lower that tax burden substantially.
Home Office
If you use a part of your home as a dedicated home office, you can take a deduction for some of the expenses associated with running your business. The IRS has specific rules in place about what qualifies as a home office, and you must use that space specifically for your business. If you plan to take the home-office deduction, it's a good idea to speak to a CPA or tax expert first to ensure you meet all the qualifications.
Retirement Plan
As a small-business owner, you are responsible for saving for your own retirement. When you set up a retirement plan for your small business, you can deduct those contributions from your taxable income and reduce your current tax liability. You can choose from several different plans designed for small business owners and the self-employed, including individual 401k plans, SEP-IRA accounts and SIMPLE-IRAs. Each plan has its own specific advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to discuss your needs with a financial expert before making a decision. Some plans are best suited to sole proprietors, while others are better for businesses with outside employees.
Health-Insurance Expenses
If you are self-employed, you may be able to take a deduction for the health-insurance premiums you pay. If you do not have access to a group health plan through an employer or a spouse, you can take a deduction for the health insurance premiums you pay. You can only take the deduction in months that neither you nor your spouse had access to a group plan. If you do become eligible for group coverage, you can no longer take that tax deduction. In addition to those deductions, you can also open a health savings account and deduct the amount you put into that account.
Automotive Expenses
If you use your car for business purposes, you can write off the mileage when you do your taxes. If you plan to take an automotive deduction, you need to carefully document your mileage for business trips. Keeping a mileage log in your glove box is a good start, but it's also a good idea to record the miles you drive in a spreadsheet or small-business accounting software program.
Bad Debts
As a business owner, you may occasionally encounter a client who simply cannot, or will not, pay a bill. If you make all reasonable collection efforts and still fail to get paid, you may be able to write that bad debt off when you file your tax returns. Keep careful records of all your clients and their payment histories, as well as documentation of the collection attempts you make for each bad debt you claim.
References (3)
Photo Credits
- Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images


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"Phuket experienced a strong recovery in its Russian tourism market in 2016, with total passengers arriving via international flights to the island up by 51% year-on-year. This is substantially higher than the growth of the total market of travellers from Russia to Thailand, which rose by 23% in the same period," writes Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks.
According to Mr Barnett, Russian tourism market to the island valued B30 billion in 2016 thanks to a row of positive factors including zero competition from Egypt, flights to which were banned by the Russian government in 2015, and strengthening of the ruble due to rising oil prices.
In 2016, Phuket International Airport hosted a total of 524,073 passengers flying directly from Russia on international flights, mostly charter (non-scheduled routes accounting for approximately 75% of total inbound flights). Over 50% of all flights to Phuket arrived from Moscow, Russia's main aviation hub hosting three developed international airports.
As reported by C9 Hotelworks, inbound flights from Russia rose 42% in 2016 versus the previous year and reached 1,767 flights. The growth is based on strong uplift in charter traffic, while the number of regular flights from Russia remained barely unchanged at the level of slightly over 400 aircraft arriving annually.
Mr Barnett highlights three key trends characterising the Russian tourism market in Phuket in 2016. First, traditional brick-and-mortar travel agencies are still the most influential players in the field, accounting for approximately 80% of all Russian tourists.
Second, Russians enjoy Phuket with their family members and kids. Families make up 65% of total visitors followed by couples, friends and solo travellers. These segments favour four-star hotels and increasingly use non-traditional accommodation.
Last, but by no means least, Russians are a "payable quality" audience. As noted in the report, Russian tourists typically spend B5,520 per person per day, which is higher than the Thailand-wide average by 11%.
Also, Russians enjoy their Thai vacations for more than a week, with an average length of stay (ALOS) of 10.5 days per trip.
Thus an average Russian on an average holiday spends B57,960, with 34% spent on accommodation, 23% on retail, 22% on food and beverage, and 10% and 11% respectively on Spa and Excursions.
Mr Barnett's forward outlook is positive.
"We foresee the momentum continuing throughout this year, as the demand pressure in 2016 allowed the island to tap into the Russian tourism market. This will broaden demand for Phuket and will help to diversify the source market profile of international visitors", he writes, stating that even when tour operators resume flights to Egypt, "Phuket will continue to attract Russian tourists as it is an affordable holiday destination with favourable brand sentiment".
Among other trends of the year, C9 Hotelworks predicts growth in the FIT (Frequent Individual Traveler) segment, as younger tourists from Russia are more focused on value for money and personalised trips.
As for organized tours, C9 emphasises that wholesale agents report a trend towards basic packaged tours, which only consist of flight and accommodation components.
For the full "Russian Phuket Arrivals – March 2017" report by C9 Hotelworks, click here.
The Russian tourism rebound has been a long time coming, as reported by The Phuket News and Novosti Phuketa. See also:
Russian tourist arrivals rebound in Phuket, as Chinese arrivals stutter (click here)
Russians on the rise 1.15mn tourists from Russia forecast for 2016, up 31% (click here)
Cabinet approves increase in flights from Russia (click here)
Russian arrivals to Thailand spike by 42% in August (click here)
Russia, China drive tourist arrivals up 12% in January-July (click here)
Russian arrivals ripe to rebound, says TAT (click here)


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Chicken, Bacon, & Kale Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (Paleo, Whole30, AIP)
Around here, I'm all about quick and easy meals, namely lunches. The Hubs comes home four out of five days every week for lunch; plus, he's home all day on the weekends. I love having leftovers for lunch since all I have to do is re-heat and serve, but sometimes I run out of leftovers by the end of the week. Especially on the weekends, I want a healthy meal I can throw together quickly so that I can spend the hubby's days off with him instead of in the kitchen.
This chicken, bacon, and kale stuffed sweet potato recipe is one of those meals that I love having up my sleeve. Every, single ingredient is nutrient-dense, so this simple meal is also very filling.
Here's what you'll need for 4 servings:
- 4 medium-size sweet potatoes or yams
- 5-6 slices nitrate-free bacon, chopped (no sugars added for Whole30)
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 cups cooked, shredded chicken*
- 1 bunch kale, torn off stems and into pieces
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- juice of 1/2 a lemon
- salt and pepper to taste (no pepper for AIP)
- butter, ghee, or coconut oil
*Plan ahead by cooking a whole chicken or several chicken breasts in your Crock Pot and then shredding and storing for use throughout the week in recipes just like this one. In a pinch, you could also pick up a rotisserie chicken from the store and shred that meat.
Here's how to do it:
Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, prick potatoes with a fork, and bake 1 to 1.5 hours, until fork tender and soft. When potatoes are finished, turn off the oven, but leave them in until ready to plate and serve.
Add chopped bacon to a large, hot skillet and cook until almost crisp. Remove from skillet to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
For the love of all that's holy and good, keep the bacon grease in the skillet!
Add the diced onion and saute over medium heat until translucent. Then add the shredded chicken, kale, rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and, if using, pepper. Stir together and cover, allowing the kale to soften and wilt. Add the bacon back to the mixture and combine.
Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven — they should still be hot inside. Cut a slit in each potato, fluff up the insides with a fork, and add a bit of butter, ghee, or coconut oil. Then generously top each potato with the chicken, bacon, and kale mix.
If desired, add a dollop of creme fraiche, sour cream, or plain yogurt.
How do you top your sweet potatoes?
7 dinners, 2 desserts, prep steps, & printable shopping list...
All Real Food, all in your Instant Pot!
3 Leave a Reply
Sounds delicious! Gonna try it!
I made something very similar to this in January while I was on The Daniel Fast. SOO delicious!! And you're right–full of good stuff and easy! I'm putting this one on the menu for sure. 😉
Quick question for you: how do you cook your chicken breasts in the crock pot where they aren't bland? Do you use stock? Broth? I just don't want them to be all dry and tasteless (even though I would likely be adding something or another when I used them later).
Thanks, darling! And miss your sweet face!!!
Hey girl! I just put plain chicken breasts in the Crock Pot with a little bit of stock on low for 3-4 hours max. I don't season them or anything because I'll season later when I use them in different dishes. Then I shred and store. For chicken tacos, I'll mix with a little bit of red or green salsa and taco seasoning. For this dish, the chicken takes on the flavor of the bacon fat, rosemary, and lemon. Just how ever you want to use the chicken later, add it to a skillet with some fat and your seasonings… Read more »