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Your Chondroblastoma: What You Should Know
When you go to the doctor and get diagnosed with a benign tumor in the bone known as a chondroblastoma, you may find yourself quite confused and unsure of how this happened to you. Because this type of tumor isn't particularly common, you likely feel unsure and uneasy leaving the doctor's office. Before you allow yourself to become discouraged about the whole situation, get to know the facts about your chondroblastoma (also known as a Codman's tumor) and what treatment options are available to you. Then, you can get this tumor taken care of and continue on with your life, happy and healthy.
What Causes A Chondroblastoma?
When you are diagnosed with any medical condition, particularly a tumor, you wonder what caused it and what you possibly could have done to prevent it. However, in the case of your chondroblastoma, the causes are entirely unknown.
What doctors do believe is that these tumors originate in the cartilage in the joints. It may be due to the cartilage tissue being underdeveloped or immature. These cells, known as chondroblasts begin growing unchecked and uncontrollably and thus form a tumor.
The important thing to know is that a chondroblastoma does not form because of anything that you did wrong, and there are no known steps that you could have taken to prevent the development of this bone tumor.
What Are The Treatment Options Available For Your Chondroblastoma?
When you are diagnosed with a chondroblastoma, you will likely be referred to an orthopedist for a consultation. They will analyze your scans and take higher resolution scans to get a good look at the tumor.
The next step in treatment is almost always orthopaedic surgery. Surgery to remove the tumor will relieve the symptoms you experience such as pain and muscle deterioration, and is the best way to prevent the tumor from growing even larger causing further symptoms.
The most common orthopaedic surgery option for a chondroblastoma is known as curettage. In this case, the tumor is scraped away from the bone. This allows the surgeon to remove the tumor without having to remove the bone. Following the curettage, the surgeon will perform bone grafts to fill the hole that the tumor removal caused.
The other option aside from curettage is surgical resection. This means that a section of the bone is removed entirely. The bone is then reshaped or reconstructed to maintain proper function.
Radiation therapy can also be used to shrink chondroblastomas, particularly in very rare cases where it has expanded into other organs. However, the most effective means of treatment is surgical tumor removal.
Do Chondroblastomas Come Back?
Once you receive treatment for your chondroblastoma, you may wonder whether or not the tumor will ever grow back. While curettage usually completely removes all tumor cells from the body, it is possible that your chondroblastoma will recur.
Because of this fact, you should maintain contact with your orthopedist and go in for follow-up appointments to get the tumor checked. This will help you to find out if the tumor has grown back sooner rather than later.
Now that you know more about your chondroblastoma, you can proceed with confidence and knowledge in the treatment and recovery process. So, get in contact with an orthopedist right away and get down to the process of healing.


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Ahead of a rally in opposition to the Sexual Orientation Regulations (SORs) outside parliament tonight (9 January 2007), which protestors predict will attract several thousand participants, supporters of the equalities legislation 'Ä' from civil rights, religious and secular groups 'Ä' say that the regulations are being widely misrepresented.
A leading Evangelical has branded planned demonstrations by Christians against the Government's proposed Sexual Orientation Regulations (SORs) due to be discussed in the House of Lords tomorrow, as "virulent" and "aggressive".
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i t a l y
The Verona Arena (Arena di Verona) is a Roman amphitheatre in Piazza Bra in Verona, Italy built in 1st century. It is still in use today and is internationally famous for the large-scale opera performances given there. It is one of the best preserved ancient structures of its kind. In ancient times, nearly 30,000 people was the housing capacity of the Arena. Nowadays, for security reasons, the maximum attendance is 15,000 people. The Mole Antonelliana is a major landmark building in Turin, Italy. It is named after the architect who built it, Alessandro Antonelli. A mole in Italian is a building of monumental proportions. Construction began in 1863, soon after Italian unification, and was completed in 1889, after the architect's death. Originally conceived of as a synagogue, it now houses the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, and is the tallest museum in the world. The building was conceived and constructed as a synagogue. The Jewish community of Turin had enjoyed full civil rights since 1848, and at the time the construction of the synagogue began, Turin was the capital of the new Italian state, a position it held only from 1860 to 1864. The community, with a budget of 250,000 lire and the intention of having a building worthy of a capital city, hired Antonio Antonelli. Antonelli had recently added a 121-metre-high dome and spire to the seventeenth-century Basilica of San Gaudenzio in Novara and promised to build a synagogue for 280,000 lire.[1] The relationship between Antonelli and the Jewish community was not happy. He proposed a series of modifications which raised the final height to 167.5 meters, over 46 meters higher than the dome in the original design. Such changes, in addition to greater costs and construction time than were originally anticipated, did not please the Jewish community and construction was halted in 1869, with a provisional roof. With the removal of the Italian capital to Florence in 1864, the community shrank, but costs and Antonelli's ambition continued to rise. In 1876, the Jewish community, which had spent 692,000 lire for a building that was still far from finished, announced that it was withdrawing from the project. The people of Turin, who had watched the synagogue rise skyward, demanded that the city take over the project, which it did. An exchange was arranged between the Jewish community and the city of Turin for a piece of land on which a handsome Moorish Revival synagogue was quickly built.[2] The Mole was dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II. Antonelli again began construction, which took the height to 146, 153, and finally 167.5 meters (550 feet). From 1908 to 1938, the city used it to house its Museum of the Risorgimento, which was moved to the Palazzo Carignano in 1938. The Mole Antonelliana is the tallest unreinforced brick building in the world (built without a steel girder skeleton). Dolceacqua is small village and commune located in the Liguria region of Italy in the province of Imperia. The village is located close to the cities of Imperia and Genoa. Dolceacqua is located on the border with France. The village is spread over an area of 20 sq km and has a population of close to 2000. The village is mostly known for its ancient castle which is believed to date back to the 11th century. Like many other villages of this region, Dolceacqua was built as a fortified village with a main castle and ancient walls built around the main village to protect the village from invaders. The castle has been passed on through several hands over the centuries and has also been transformed and renovated many times. The Carnival of Venice (Italian: Carnevale di Venezia) is an annual festival held in Venice, Italy. The Carnival ends with the Christian celebration of Lent, forty days before Easter, on Shrove Tuesday (Martedi' Grasso or Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday. The festival is world-famed for its elaborate masks. It's said that the Carnival of Venice was started from a victory of the "Serenissima Repubblica" against the Patriarch of Aquileia, Ulrico di Treven in the year 1162. In the honour of this victory, the people started to dance and gather in San Marco Square. Apparently, this festival started on that period and became official in the Renaissance.[1] In the seventeenth century, the baroque carnival was a way to save the prestigious image of Venice in the world.[2] It was very famous during the eighteenth century.[3] It encouraged licence and pleasure, but it was also used to protect Venetians from present and future anguish.[4] However, under the rule of the King of Austria, the festival was outlawed entirely in 1797 and the use of masks became strictly forbidden. It reappeared gradually in the nineteenth century, but only for short periods and above all for private feasts, where it became an occasion for artistic creations.[5] After a long absence, the Carnival returned in 1979.[6] The Italian government decided to bring back the history and culture of Venice, and sought to use the traditional Carnival as the centerpiece of its efforts. The redevelopment of the masks began as the pursuit of some Venetian college students for the tourist trade. Today, approximately 3 million visitors come to Venice every year for the Carnival. One of the most important events is the contest for la maschera più bella ("the most beautiful mask") placed at the last weekend of the Carnival and judged by a panel of international costume and fashion designers. Here are the winners: 2015 : Le stelle dell'amore by Horst Raack, best costume for the official theme La regina della cucina veneziana by Tanja Schulz-Hess, most creative costume Monsieur Sofa et Madame Coco by Lorenzo Marconi 2014 : Una giornata in campagna by Horst Raack, and Radice Madre by Maria Roan di Villavera 2013 : Alla Ricerca del Tempo Perduto by Anna Marconi, most colourful costume Luna Park 2012 : Il servizio da thè del settecento (teatime) by Horst Raack, most creative costume Oceano by Jacqueline Spieweg 2011 : La famille Fabergé by Horst Raack, and Ommagio a Venezia by Paolo and Cinzia Pagliasso and Anna Rotonai, best costume for the official theme 19th century by Lea Luongsoredju and Roudi Verbaanderd 2010 : Pantegane from England 2009 : The voyagers of Marco Polo by Horst Raack and Tanja Schulz-Hess 2008 : Luna park by Tanja Schulz-Hess 2007 : La Montgolfiera by Tanja Schulz-Hess


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An autumnal chord of woods, earth and spices. Sharp spices are enveloped in rich warm woods and leather then relax into the deeper smokey resins and earth notes.
The autumnal harvest and cooling earth.
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Read the review by Tom Pease on Perfumesmellingthings.
"Mabon is spicy, smoky and sexy. It starts with a sprightly burst of warm spices that are quickly joined by woods and a delightful glove leather. It gets earthier as it develops and does a Lutens-like dance between cool and warm that I loved until I was swept off my feet by..."
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MeyGen to Combine Wind and Tidal Power Output
Atlantis has reached an agreement between its majority owned MeyGen project and a nearby wind farm development to facilitate access to the distribution grid for other renewable energy projects.
The first phase of the MeyGen project was recently connected to the 33kV Ness of Quoys distribution network and is on track to deliver first power in the second half of 2016.
The part of the distribution network to which MeyGen is now connected is constrained, such that there is no additional capacity for other generators until wider transmission upgrade works are completed over the next few years.
However, as a result of the predictable and cyclical nature of tidal generation, there is an opportunity for other energy projects to gain access to the grid at those times when the MeyGen project is not generating at maximum output, the company explained.
Lochend Wind Energy is developing a 4 turbine wind farm close to MeyGen's onshore site in Caithness, and Lochend has reached agreement with MeyGen to allow these wind turbines to deliver electricity to the grid whenever the MeyGen tidal project is not making full use of the available export capacity.
Tim Cornelius, CEO of Atlantis, said: "We believe this to be a world first, and to show that the predictability of generation from the tides can also benefit other forms of renewable energy by allowing those generators to accurately forecast and access spare grid capacity. Tidal power makes for more efficient grid use and management, and we are delighted to have been able to assist a local wind farm in getting connected."


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Magrane Pet Medical Center is seeking a full-time Associate Veterinarian to join our team. Magrane Pet Medical Center is an established practice with a 100-year history located in a newly renovated facility. We are AAHA accredited, Certified Feline Friendly Gold, and a Veterinary Economics award winning hospital. We are family-friendly, and we believe in collaborative team leadership. We offer flexible doctor schedules and no after hour emergencies in a 6,000 sq. ft. plus central hospital with a satellite wellness clinic. We offer in house ultrasound, electrocardiograms, laparoscopic surgery, laser glaucoma surgery, CO2 laser, Class 4 therapeutic laser, acupuncture, massage, ERG, lab-work, allergy testing and desensitization, fluoroscopy, X-fixators, digital and dental digital radiography, root canals, puppy socialization classes (30 years) and 24 hour patient care. We participate in phase 2 clinical research trials. We have a strong base of local veterinarians referring complex medical and surgical cases to us. Education and mentoring of all team members is very important to us. If you have a special interest, we will support you!
The Mishawaka area provides you with affordable, convenient living with easy access to regional opportunities. Within an hours' drive you can be at the beach along the shores of Lake Michigan, or if you prefer the excitement of a larger city, you can take in the sites' and sounds of Chicago in just an hour and half drive. St. Joseph county area is home to five major universities including the University of Notre Dame. We are served by two major hospitals, and the South Bend Airport is the second busiest airport in the state of Indiana. The cost of living is remarkably low for the region and housing is a bargain. Come check us out!We offer an Incredible benefits package including: paid vacation, health, vision, dental, liability, 401k, pet care discounts and more!
If this sounds like the opportunity you have been searching for, Magrane Pet Medical Center, wants to meet you!
Apply Here PI115755071


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Carlyn Merritt
Carlyn is currently in an apprenticeship program to become a master cosmetologist. Growing up with a mother who is a hairstylist, she has always had a passion for hair, and it continues to grow daily. She loves learning new techniques to stay up to date on the latest hair trends by attending as many classes and shows as possible. She is excited to see where her career takes her!


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Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology Research
Mark R. Schleiss, MD
With respect to the research program of Dr. Schleiss, his basic science clinical work is broadly devoted to the study of human and animal cytomegaloviruses. Congenital infection with CMV is a major public health problem in the United States today, and is responsible for substantial morbidity in newborns. Dr. Schleiss has NIH and March of Dimes funding to pursue studies of the biology of CMV in three major areas: vaccines, immunopathogenesis, and placental infection. One grant focuses on testing hypotheses about vaccine-mediated protection against congenital CMV infection. Using a variety of vaccine expression strategies, including purified protein subunit and DNA vaccines, his lab is evaluating the extent of protection of the maternal-placental-fetal unit against CMV infection and disease, using animal models. These studies integrate molecular virology (cloning and gene expression) with immunological endpoints (humoral and cell-mediated immunity) to attempt to understand in greater detail the aspects of the maternal immune response that are critical in protection of the fetus. Major humoral immune targets include the viral envelope glycoproteins. The second area of research is to study viral immune modulation genes as they relate to the biology and pathogenesis of CMV infection in vivo. CMVs are remarkable in encoding a plethora of putative immune modulation genes, including homologs of cellular G-protein coupled receptor, chemokines, and cytokines. The role of these genes in the in vivo pathogenesis of infection is unclear. Using a molecular genetic approach, Dr. Schleiss, in collaboration with Dr. McGregor, has developed techniques, using viral genomes cloned as infectious bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) in E. coli, to perform targeted mutagenesis of viral genes. Systemic mutagenesis of viral immune modulation genes will allow assessment of their function in inflammation, transplacental transmission, and immune evasion. In the third area of research currently being conducted in Dr. Schleiss's lab, Dr. Schleiss is examining the patterns of transcriptional dysregulation induced following cytomegalovirus infection of placental trophoblasts. Microarray analysis is being performed to test the hypothesis that viral immune modulation genes are responsible for alterations in trophoblast genetic programming, which in turn may facilitate viral transmission to the fetus.
Patricia Ferrieri, MD
Dr. Ferrieri's research emphasis has been in the following areas: the pathogenesis of infections with group B streptococci (GBS) and host immunity to streptococcal antigens, specifically surface-localized proteins. Earlier research focused on the isolation, biochemical, and immunological characterization of GBS antigens and human and animal immune responses to these antigens and the role of antibodies in protection against infection, as studied in animal models of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. Other studies during this period have included novel approaches in the typing of nontypeable isolates of group B streptococci and molecular characterization of them with recent, additional polysaccharide biochemical characterization carried out in collaboration with the Channing Laboratory, Harvard Medical School. Molecular epidemiological work has continued with the application of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to nontypeable GBS as well as defined serotypes of established polysaccharide capsule. A new rapid PFGE method for group B Streptococcus isolates has been described from her laboratory, as well as improved methods to upregulate capsular polysaccharide of putative nontypeable GBS isolates from epidemiological studies. The studies of Dr. Ferrieri and others of the surface-localized proteins have particular translational value because of the consideration of conjugating these proteins to purified GBS polysaccharides for vaccine development.
Edward L. Kaplan, MD
Dr. Kaplan is Professor in the Divisions of Pediatric Infectious Disease and of Pediatric Cardiology, and is an internationally recognized authority in his field. As Head of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Streptococci, Dr. Kaplan is primarily interested in the study of group A streptococcal infections and their sequelae. Currently, the laboratory addresses the epidemiology, microbiology, immunology of group A streptococcal applied research. Laboratory opportunities have concentrated on understanding more comprehensively the shifting prevalence of group A streptococcal strains and their M serotypes (emm types when genotyped) by correlation of classical laboratory techniques for characterizing group A streptococci with newer molecular techniques, such as using DNA sequencing of the N terminus or variable region of the M protein. His laboratory is an active participant in an international network of reference laboratories focusing on group A streptococcal infections as well as their sequelae. Currently, active clinical laboratory collaborations between his laboratory and other countries include those in Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia, Egypt, North Africa, and South America. A program to further delineate possible genetic predisposition to development of rheumatic fever has been carried out in collaboration with the Post-graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research in India. With these major collaborations, his laboratory has received many post-graduate students for training in applied research and laboratory techniques. Some of our trainees who have studied in his laboratory have coordinated their research training with obtaining a Master's Degree in the School of Public Health. In collaboration with the University of Rochester, the lab focuses on tic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorders occurring in associated with streptococcal infection


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What do you do to protect the areas outside of the work area in our house?
We do everything we can to protect your home. We cover the floors with drop cloths, hang plastic to protect other rooms and sweep or vacuum any other areas that we come in contact with. The work area will be left in an orderly fashion each evening.
What time do you start and finish each day and do you work Saturdays?
We usually start each day between 7:30-8:00AM, depending upon our need to pick up stock on the way in. the day usually ends about 5:00PM. We only work Saturdays when there's a special need and would seek permission from you first. Some towns do not allow us to work weekends.
Who takes care of all the trash from the project?
We haul away all the trash from the project. If it's a large project, we may have a dumpster dropped off for the duration of the project.
You have other subcontractors coming into my home, do you know them well?
We have long standing relationships with our subcontractors, averaging from 6-10 years, we totally trust them and have no reservations having them in your home or ours.
How do we make arrangements for you to get into our house each morning?
We find that in most homes today, both spouses work so they give us a key to let ourselves in. we do not make duplicate keys to hand out.
Will you start the project even if we don't have the cabinets, appliances or fixtures yet?
Generally, we will start the project if the cabinets, lighting fixtures and plumbing fixtures are on site or have been ordered. This saves time and money if there is a delay in shipping or something arrives damaged. If we have to pack up and leave, it may be a while until we get back due to re-scheduling ourselves and the other trades.
Will you provide references?
We would be glad to provide as many references as you would like. However, we won't provide them until you're satisfied with our estimate and your leaning toward hiring us. This protects our clients from getting unnecessary phone calls from those just shopping. I'm sure you understand.
Do we need to obtain permits?
All towns require permits for most types of major remodeling or any type of structural work such as kitchen and bathroom remodeling, porches, decks, additions, roofing and siding. Small projects, repairs and handyman items usually do not need one.
Who applies for the permits?
We, as the General Contractor would apply for the building permit, our plumber and electrician would each apply for their own permits.
How much do the permits cost?
The cost building permits in each town and are usually based upon a percentage of the total cost for the project. This includes the material and labor. Plumbing and electrical permits are usually based either on total cost or a fixed price per fixture.
Do you have your own plumber, electrician, painter, etc…?
We have everyone we need to complete the project, in a timely, efficient and professional manner. We work as a team, I am like the coach, I make sure we're all on the same page to make the project go as smoothly as possible.
Will we be hit with a large bill for additional items at the end of the project?
We put a lot of time and effort into figuring your project to be as precise as possible. If something unexpected is found that could not be determined upon the initial walkthrough, such as termite damage, structural problems or asbestos, we would discuss this with you prior to continuing to come to a reasonable solution to the problem. Otherwise, unless you make changes to the layout, material or add additional work, the amount will be the same as quoted.
Will you give us a written estimate and how much is due up front?
A typed, detailed estimate is provided for each project and is e-mailed directly to you. If the original estimate fits your budget, and dependent upon the size and scope of the project, we may want to bring a couple of our subcontractors in to view the proposed work. We would type up a contract which would include the payment schedule. The number of payments would depend upon the size and scope of the project.
Dust: No matter how well we seal off the work area, some dust is going to get through. We pay an incredible amount of attention to the construction of containment barriers around the work area in order to avoid dust infiltration to areas that are not directly involved in the project. We do our best, but dust still manages to infiltrate adjacent areas. It is impossible to avoid.


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Seeking LCSWs and LMSWs to build a Mental Health and Wellness Program for For-Hire Vehicle Drivers
The Independent Drivers Guild (IDG) is a nonprofit affiliate of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) bringing together app-based drivers in New York City to win better pay, benefits, and dignity on the job. We believe in the power of collective action to win change. Since our launch in 2016, our campaigns have put millions of dollars in drivers pockets, first through a campaign that established the right to be able to accept tips through apps,and next through landmark regulations that will establish the first-ever pay floor in the industry.
We now seek to build on this foundation of economic gains with a new initiative to promote mental health and wellness amongst For-Hire Vehicle drivers in partnership with the Black Car Fund. Our Mental Health and Wellness Program will provide a lifeline for drivers who are in crisis, and support drivers with a suite of preventative measures including group therapy, counseling, guidance in accessing social services, as well as financial planning, ESL, and Know Your Rights classes.
We are seekingLCSWsandLMSWswho speak English, Spanish, Bengali, Urdu, Chinese, and other languages to join our teamfull-timeorpart-time. The right candidate will have a can-do attitude and a passion for helping immigrant workers gain power to transform reality through collective action.
Responsibilities are as follows:
- Provide therapeutic services to drivers;
- Provide support in accessing social safety net resources, resolving conflicts, and setting and achieving goals;
- Manage a caseload of about 10-20 drivers;
- Work as a team with part-time and full-time colleagues to develop programming
- Co-develop curriculum with the Education Director and coworkers around mental health and wellness;
- Offer trainings for drivers & leaders in the driving community around mental wellness and stress management
- Field calls from drivers who are in crisis;
- Develop relationships with religious and cultural leaders who drivers may reach out to when they are in crisis;
- Train leaders within and outside the organization on best practices when talking with a driver who is in crisis or needs counseling;
- Work closely with other members of the Mental Health and Wellness Team to track key metrics of program effectiveness;
- Think creatively and collaborate with staff to adapt program focus as-needed.
- PsyD, PhD in Psychology, or Master of Social Work
- Valid NY state licensure as Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Psychologist. Will consider MSW candidates.
- 2-5 years clinical experience
- Experience working with working class and marginalized populations
- Labor/community organizing experience preferred
- Experience creating and implementing curriculum
- Multilingual strongly preferred
- Passion for social justice
- Competitive pay and full benefits.
Please send a cover letter and CV or resume to Education Programs DirectorErik Forman (.)
Application closesNovember 12th.


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Louis Stokes, who as the first African-American congressman from Ohio helped focus federal attention on the nation's poor and led a special House investigation into the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., died on Tuesday at his home in a Cleveland suburb. He was 90.
The cause was lung and brain cancer, said his daughter Lori Stokes, who is a news anchor on WABC in New York.
Mr. Stokes, a Democrat, served in the House for 30 years starting in 1969, representing Ohio's 21st Congressional District. Encompassing the east side of Cleveland and several suburbs and comprising a predominantly African-American population, the district was created in 1967 in response to a Supreme Court ruling in a case in which Mr. Stokes, then a civil rights lawyer, played a major role.
One of Mr. Stokes's colleagues in that redistricting fight was his younger brother, Carl, who was the mayor of Cleveland from 1967 to 1971 and later became a television news anchor on WNBC in New York. He died in 1996.
Louis Stokes garnered national attention as the head of the House Select Committee on Assassinations, which after two years of investigations in the late 1970s concluded that the Kennedy and King killings may have involved conspiracies. But he thought that his most significant role was as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, which helps determine how federal dollars are spent.
"It's the only committee to be on," he once said. "All the rest is window dressing."
As a committee member, Mr. Stokes steered funds toward housing and urban development projects, job placement programs and health clinics. As the chairman of the subcommittee dealing with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and several other agencies, he oversaw allocations of more than $90 billion a year.
Inadequate health care for minorities was a major concern of his, and he was an early advocate of federal intervention in the AIDS crisis, which was ravaging black communities in the 1990s. Interviewed for this obituary in 2011, Mr. Stokes said he was particularly proud of sponsoring legislation that established the Office of Minority Health as a permanent federal agency. "That started the real work of that office," he said.
A balding, round-faced man, Mr. Stokes was known as a determined legislator with a congenial manner. That combination prompted the House speaker, Thomas P. O'Neill Jr., to choose him to lead the assassinations investigation in 1976.
Unlike the Warren Commission, which conducted the government's official review of Kennedy's assassination and concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald had acted alone, the House panel, formed a decade later, found that the president "was probably assassinated as a result of a conspiracy."
Similarly, in the King case, the committee found that while James Earl Ray was the gunman, there was probably a conspiracy. That assertion was based on allegations that perhaps 50 people had been offered money to kill Dr. King.
"We found that the F.B.I. was seriously misguided because they assumed that Ray was the lone assassin and never pursued the investigation from the viewpoint of a conspiracy," Mr. Stokes said in the interview.
The national spotlight shone on Mr. Stokes again in 1987 when, as a member of the House Select Committee to Investigate Covert Arms Transactions with Iran, he confronted Lt. Col. Oliver North about his central role in the Iran-contra affair. Colonel North, a Marine working at the National Security Council, was involved in the clandestine sale of weapons to Tehran and the diversion of proceeds from those sales to anti-Communist rebels in Nicaragua, known as the contras.
When Colonel North said he had acted out of patriotism, Mr. Stokes replied, "Others, too, love America just as much as you do."
Louis Stokes was born in Cleveland on Feb. 23, 1925, and grew up in a public housing project there. His father, Charles, died when Louis was 3. His mother, the former Louise Stone, supported Louis and Carl by working as a maid.
Louis Stokes served in the Army from 1943 to 1946 and said that the racial discrimination he faced had a crucial impact on him.
"I remember being moved from Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis to Camp Stewart, Ga., through Memphis," he said. "They stopped the train there to eat lunch. The first dining room was all white soldiers; the next dining room was for German P.O.W.s. A black curtain separated the black soldiers from the German P.O.W.s. It was one of the first times it really hit me."
For two years after the war, Mr. Stokes attended what is now Case Western Reserve University at night while working in the Cleveland office of the Veterans Administration. Because of his good grades, he was accepted into the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, from which he graduated in 1953. He and his brother, who earned his law degree from the same college in 1956, later opened a law firm and became involved in civil rights cases.
Working on behalf of the local branch of the N.A.A.C.P. in 1965, Mr. Stokes helped challenge the Ohio legislature's congressional redistricting, which had diluted black voting strength in Cleveland. With Charles Lucas, a black Republican, he wrote the brief that prompted a Supreme Court ruling leading to the creation of Ohio's first majority-black district, the 21st.
At his brother's behest, Mr. Stokes ran for that seat in 1968 and defeated Mr. Lucas, his ally in the redistricting fight, with 75 percent of the vote. He won 14 subsequent general elections by similarly lopsided margins. After his congressional career, he resumed his work as a lawyer.
In a statement, President Obama said that the hardships Mr. Stokes had faced while growing up in Cleveland imbued him with the belief that everyone should have the chance to succeed. "Lou leaves behind an indelible legacy in the countless generations of young leaders that he inspired," Mr. Obama said.
Mr. Stokes married Jay Francis, who survives him, in 1960. Besides her and their daughter, Lori, he is survived by a son, Chuck; two other daughters from an earlier marriage, which ended in divorce, Shelley Stokes-Hammond and Angela Stokes; and seven grandchildren. Lori Stokes did not specify the town in which her father lived.
Mr. Stokes remained convinced that lasting social and political change could be made best only inside the halls of power.
"I'm going to keep on denouncing inequities in the system, but I'm going to work within it," he once said. "To go outside the system would be to deny myself, to deny my own existence. I've beaten the system; I've proved it can be done. So have a lot of others."


text: Sterling also has perfected the process to make underwater camera windows. These windows need to be very strong to withstand the pressures while the also need to be flat and parallel. Sterling achieves this through a tempering and repolishing process that it has developed over the years. A typical window is made from NBK7 (Tempered) and is 4 inches in diameter with a thickness of 2 inches with one surface AR coated.


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Thailand Safe and Unsafe Zones
For many people around the world, an extended vacation to Thailand is a dream come true. Many American expats have fared well with long trips to the country where they can enjoy traveling from one hot tourist spot to another. For some, just a little relaxation off the beaten path in a quiet province where […]Read More


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Go Volunteer Africa offers short-term spring break, summer and all year round volunteer trips and programs all around Africa. We offer a number of short term inspiring volunteer projects in Africa for people looking at making a difference in the lives of those in need.
Go Volunteer Africa's 2 weeks special offers gives you an opportunity travel with a purpose and explore Africa to the fullest. We are very flexible on the start and end dates and this makes it incredibly easy to fit a volunteering trip into busy calendars. If you can only participate in our programs for just two weeks, your volunteer work in Africa will be part of ongoing long-term sustainable development projects.
Explore Africa with a meaningful internship or volunteer experience! Gain valuable real-world experience with an internship or volunteer position with Go Volunteer Africa. Choose from our diverse assortment of health, environment and socio-economic projects collaborating with local African partner organizations.


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Thursday, 16 February 2012
A Quick Review Policy Post!
To find my review policy you can either...
1) The 'Labels' column, at the right hand side of the screen, has a little link that says 'Review Policy'. Click on that link ;o)
2) Simply click Here to be taken straight to the review policy.
Hope that helps!
3 comments:
- Xenophon said...
I understand that there is allot of crap out there to sort through in the realm of self-publishing, but occasionally you may find a gem...
It is really hard for authors who want to write something meaningful over profitable to get consideration by the big six publishing houses.(After all, they are in it to make money, not inspire an audience or change the way we think about the world.)
Though I am definitely not the best writer out there. I do try to infuse as much heart, soul, and creativity into my work as I am currently able. Attempting to make the worlds and characters I create come alive and inspire the reader, and perhaps, teach them a new way of looking at things along the journey.
There seems to be a huge bias and snobbery amongst bloggers and reviewers about looking at self-published or unpublished manuscripts. Yes they don't have the prettiest covers and some really should have found a better editor before releasing their creation to the masses, but to discredit them outright without any consideration is just narrow-minded.
So the next time one comes your way, at least give it the briefest of glances before tossing it in the recycling bin...
- 17 February 2012 at 15:48
- Graeme Flory said...
I can understand how you feel about this but you've got me wrong here, really.
A lot of self published material is offered to me in formats that I either can't read (as I don't have an e-reader) or I don't have time to read (i.e. on my computer monitor).
Hard copies? Well, if I can't guarantee that I'll read it then I won't ask you to send it to me. I receive a lot of books unsolicited (from the big six) and I offer no guarantees there either. If I can't offer that guarantee then it's unfair of me to expect you to pay for postage etc.
That's my thinking, no bias or snobbery involved.
- 17 February 2012 at 20:05
- Xenophon said...
Very understandable,and thanks for clairifying.Like the old Twilight Zone episode says "So many books, so little time...)
Unfortunately, you are in the minority amongst reviewers and the pervasive attitude biases self-published offerings. Though the tables are slowly turning as more and more mainstream authors are turning to self-publishing after getting established.
Happy reviewing!
- 17 February 2012 at 22:46


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I'm Gemma K. Murray, author of Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart, a paranormal romance set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
I've always been a writer. From poems to stories, I've covered it all. It started at the age of twelve when the onset of teenage angst began. The things I wrote just seemed to evolve as I grew older.
You may ask, "Why write a paranormal romance?" Well, let me tell you, that was never my intention. I love to read paranormal romance. I just never dreamed I had enough imagination to create these wonderful worlds filled with supernatural beings. Then, I had a dream. It began with a beautiful man who would shift into a golden dragon and a curvy woman who was the child of a witch and a puma shifter. It was a dream where I didn't want to wake up. In one night, I saw this entire story unfold. I chose to ignore the gift I had been given. That was my first mistake!
Anastasia (my heroine) began to scream at me (in my mind) day and night. Any dream I may have had when I closed my eyes never came. Instead, I heard her voice in my head. My husband suggested I sit down and write it out. "Who knows what will come of it?" he said. So, I sat at my computer and began the story. I tried to make Ana a wolf shifter (this was my second mistake) and it came to a screeching halt. Without sounding too crazy, I'll just say there were some horrible arguments between Ana and myself. I erased forty-five pages of work and started it all over again. This time, I made Ana exactly as she wanted to be. It was around this time that the second voice appeared…the voice of Bowie (my hero). With his voice, the story flowed across the keyboard. The research was relatively easy and I simply wrote what I was shown. I don't sound too crazy, right? *grin*
When it was finished, I really liked the story. I sent it out to a few publishers with no luck. There was one, however,who loved it and here I am. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is filled with so many interesting places and people. This village of shifters just seemed to fit here. I hadn't ever visited the U.P. when I had this dream. That was over a year ago. Before I began to write the story, my husband got a job in the Upper Peninsula and now I get to see this piece of heaven every single day. I fell in love with this place and the characters who first showed me what is possible.
Since the floodgate has been opened, there are three more Cedar River series books waiting (not so) patiently to be written with a spin-off series in the works as well. If you feel like taking a trip, come on up for a visit or you can always just pick up a copy of Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart.
If ever I'm starved for inspiration, I simply look out my windows. With Lake Michigan in the front and forest behind my cottage, I can find a story often hidden away somewhere beneath the water or under the cover of the trees.
Gemma is kindly offering 2 copies of her e-book, Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart, in either Kindle, Nook, or .PDF form (winners' choice). Contest ends @12am est April 6th.
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan seems like it is another country. The rawness and beauty of the land draws people from every walk of life. What most people don't realize is there is a little town nestled on the banks of Lake Superior that an entire group of supernatural beings call home. Shifters of every shape and size live there. They raise their families there. Tourists come from near and far to visit the quaint town of Cedar River, Michigan. The tourists never realize they are walking among some of the most unusual beings on earth.
Bowie Golden is a dragon shifter who is in charge of Cedar River's safety. Until now, the biggest threat to anyone's safety was Anastasia Plum, a witch/puma-shifter. She has been the town hellraiser since she was a teenager. Now someone has discovered the secret the residents of Cedar River keep for one another. These radicals are determined to eradicate the entire town. It's up to Bowie to keep them all safe.
Ana has always idolized Bowie. She may have stirred up trouble from time to time, but Bowie or one of his brothers would always get her out of the trouble she was in. One day, it happened. The unthinkable, the unimaginable occurred. Anastasia Plum fell for the "golden" boy. What an unlikely duo- the sheriff and the hellraiser!
Just as these two discover their passion for one another, a group of people is determined to keep them apart. It's up to Ana to prove that she is the only Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart.


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The Bureau of Labor Statistics added two questions about domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples to their National Compensation Survey, resulting in the first comprehensive count of domestic partner health care benefits by a federal government agency. The survey revealed that only one-third of workers in the U.S. have access to health care for same-sex partners.
Among all U.S. employers, 31% provide coverage for unmarried opposite-sex partners, whereas only 21% of U.S. employers provide coverage for same-sex partners, regardless of their marriage status. These discriminatory health care trends are not just evidenced in those states where gay marriage is illegal. Indeed, "even in Massachusetts, where same-sex marriage is legal, only 71% of employers reported offering benefits to same-sex spouses in 2009, as opposed to 93% who give them to opposite-sex spouses."
Because gay employees are less likely to receive health insurance for their partners than their counterparts in opposite-sex relationships, their families spend more on average for health insurance. M.V. Lee Badgett, the research director of the Williams Institute, a think tank at the UCLA School of Law told MSN that roughly 3 in 4 of those in same-sex partnerships obtain health care through purchasing additional health care for their partner from their employer. She noted that "some may choose not to sign up their partners because of the higher tax hit or due to a fear that they will encounter discrimination at work if they disclose having a same-sex partner." For those couples that do not purchase additional insurance through an employer, some obtain individual plans, though an unsettling number of partners in same-sex relationships cannot find any affordable coverage.
The fact that many in same-sex partnerships lack access to insurance likely leads to lower-quality health care. Even those in same-sex relationships who are lucky enough to be covered by an employer's insurance have increased health risks. If the partner whose employer provides health insurance loses that job, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (which allows individuals to continue their coverage for limited periods of time after the voluntary or involuntary loss of their jobs) does not extend to same-sex partners.
You can find out more about groups whose health is jeopardized as a result of discrimination here.


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11 4
The world is moving at a very fast pace and so is the technology. Gone are those days when we have to wait for a long time for computers to boot.
Nobody likes to wait in the world of current technology.
Once in a lifetime every one of us must have played games on computers. In earlier times, these games used to take a long time and test our patience while loading.
But the situation has completely changed now. With the entry of SSDs in the technology world, we can bid "Goodbye" to those slow loading days.
Click here for the video of comparison of gaming experience between SSD and HDD to give you another reason to buy an SSD.
Are you a regular or hardcore gamer? Are you looking for the best SSD to change your gaming experience?
If YES, we are here with the list and reviews of the 10 best SSDs on the market that can take your gaming experience to a whole new dimension.
Best SSD for Gaming 2018
Scroll the table right & left
|SSD Model
|HD (Max/Min)
|Read (Max)
|Write (Max)
|Hardware Platform
|Hard Drive Size
|Kingston HyperX Savage
|560 MB/s
|550 MB/s
|3.9 X 2.75 X 0.27 inches
|Samsung 850 PRO
|550 MB/s
|520 MB/s
|2.75 X 3.94 X 0.27 inches
|PC and Mac
|Crucial MX300
|530 MB/s
|510 MB/s
|0.5 x 3 x 2 inches
|PC and Mac
|Intel 730 SERIES
|565 MB/s
|470 MB/s
|4.6 x 5.8 x 1.9 inches
|PNY CS2211 960GB Pro Gaming SSD
|565 MB/s
|540 MB/s
|5.2 x 4.7 x 1.2 inches
|SanDisk Ultra II
|550 MB/s
|500 MB/s
|2.75 x 3.96 x 0.28 inches
|PC, Mac, Unix
|Samsung 850 Evo
|540 MB/s
|520 MB/s
|5.6 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
|PC, Mac, Linux
|Toshiba OCZ Vector 180
|476 MB/s
|454 MB/s
|3.9 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches
|PC, Mac, Linux, Unix
|Intel 750 Series
|2500 MB/s
|1200 MB/s
|2.76 x 3.98 x 0.59 inches
|Corsair Force LE SSD
|560 MB/s
|530 MB/s
|0.27 x 3.93 x 2.75 inches
|PC, Mac, Linux
1. Kingston HyperX Savage 480GB SSD - The fastest gaming SSD
There is more to amaze you.
The Kingston HyperX Savage SSD 480 GB is one of the best SSD available in the market. Kingston HyperX gives you up to 550MB/s write and 560MB/s read time.
The device also features an IOPS that peaks at 100K/89K, and runs on an 8-channel quad-core Phison S10 controller.
The quad-core Phison S10 controller allows great performance of the gadget regardless of whether the drive is near maximum capacity as it uses MLC NAND flash memory. Apart from its unique design that has represented a rebrand for gamers, the Kingston HyperX SSD was built from scratch for speed. This is great features that will appeal to every serious gamer who is looking for a quality SSD.
The Kingston HyperX SSD is a low profile and slim in design, as it is 7mm in height. This makes it ideal for you if your PC's space is at a premium because of large graphics that congest your motherboard or for those rigs that are built in smaller cases. Therefore, Kingston HyperX SSD fits in almost all desktops, notebooks and HTPC builds.
Sturdy in hand with all the Gaming colours
The device has an excellent casing that offers a unique look and diamond-cut design that allows being unique as it complements the latest PC hardware. This is because it is made of high-quality aluminium and red steel.
It doesn't stop here
Kingston HyperX SSD offers a three-year warranty, legendary reliability, free technical support and therefore, it has undergone a thorough factory testing. Besides, the gadget comes with a bundle kit that features all the accessories that are you required in installing the drive in your system. This includes a 2.5-3.5 inch adapter for the desktop mount, a 3.0 USB enclosure to transfer data from 2.5-inch hard drives, multi-bit screwdriver, Acronis data migration software and SATA data cable.
Technical Specifications
If you want an SSD that stands out in the market, Kingston HyperX SSD offers excellent performance.The SSD is limited by SATA bus as it is at greater queue depths just like most of its competitors in the market.
Improved Performance with an Amazing Combination
Kingston combines Phison controller with second-generation 19nm Toshiba Toggle-mode flash. This leads to improved performance even though it is a bit expensive as compared to the Micron flash that is used in Patriot's Ignite.
The controller can work with both compressible and incompressible data differently regardless of the type of flash that combines with the Phison's S10. This improves compressible information working as it leads to increased sequential read performance.
Pricing and Accessories
The HyperX SSD is available for shipping in four different capacities that range from 120 to 960GB. In total, two retail packages form eight Stock Keeping Units (SKUs).
Is this some regular SSD? The answer is "NO"
Regarding accessories, Kingston has designed a product that stands out as more than just a regular SSD. The fact is expressed by the Upgrade Bundle Kit, which includes a 3.0 USB cable, USB enclosure, a SATA cable, desktop adapter bracket, a 7mm to 9mm adapter, multi-tip screwdriver, Acronis True Image software, mounting screws and a sticker.
In most cases, the Upgrade Bundle Kit costs about $20 more as compared to the drive-only model. However, the drive-only model also ships in the premium package but lacks most of the accessories that come with the Upgraded Bundle kit. With everything being included, it is advisable to purchase the Upgrade Bundle Kit.
Kingston HyperX Savage 960GB SSD costs about $350 to $650 for a complete kit and usually ships in one to three weeks. The drive-only model cost less, while the price of the two is affected by the inclusion of the accessory package. This price tag shows how the quality the SSD is out of touch in the market.
If speed is your primary objective and you have a tight budget, Kingston HyperX will amaze you with its capabilities.
- Offers a premium accessory package
- Unique look
- Excellent performance with the HyperX Savage RAM
- Provides unmatched speed
- Perfect slim and low profile design
- Highly reliable as it fully factory tested
- Great storage space
- Compatible with most PCs
- Relatively high price
- Some few claims of issues with windows 10
Final Thoughts
The Kingston HyperX Savage 960 SSD offers high performance that combines with its storage and unmatched speed. This makes it the best SSD as it can also work with both compressible and incompressible data results.
2. Samsung 850 PRO - One of the Best SSDs for Professional Gamers
Samsung 850 PRO SSD is another top gadget that has scaled the quality of SSDs in the market.
First SSD using 3D vertical NAND
If you want excellent read/write performance and efficient power management, this device features an advanced storage as it comes with a first drive based 3D VNAND flash.
In terms of speed, Samsung PRO is slightly below Kingston HyperX as compared than any other SSD available in the market. However, its read/write speeds are below that of the Kingston as it is 550MB/S and 520MB/S and therefore it is slightly slower.
The Samsung PRO offers up to twice the speed, endurance and density of the standard flash. This makes it one of the best SSD for gaming that offers excellent energy efficiency, endurance and performance. Besides, Samsung PRO applies a flash memory that is designed with a unique 3D V-NAND architecture that is made by stacking 32 cells together.
Handle MORE Data with Ease on Daily Basis
This design leads to enhanced performance and greater density by utilizing a smaller breakthrough and a footprint in managing the density limits of the normal planar NAND. The endurance of the new model of the 850 PRO is two times that of the predecessor. Besides, the SSD uses the V-NAND technology is designed to handle at least 150 Terabytes in the entire life of the SSD, which means that its daily read/write is 40GB for a period of ten years.
Samsung PRO SSD is running on unique 3DV-NAND technology flash memory that offers great read and writes performance for random and sequential workloads. Moreover, the SSD comes with a ten-year limited warranty from the top-level industry.
With the efficient design of the Samsung PRO, you can work for long and productively. Additionally, 850 PRO prides of the most efficient power consumption as compared to others SSDs in the market when in full use. The gadget features Device Sleep mode for Ultra-book, which allows it to perform by consuming only two Mill warts of power it is operating in lower power mode.
Your Data is SECURE
Samsung PRO SSD enables you to protect your data without compromising on the performance. The gadget features 850 PRO Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) technology that helps in protecting your personal data and the PCs hardware. Moreover, the gadget comes with a full disk encryption engine, AES-256-bit that is hardware-based, which safeguards your data without affecting the performance. The Samsung PRO'S advanced security works perfectly with the Microsoft eDrive IEEE 1667 protocol and it fully meets the TCG Opal v 2.0 standards.
If you are worried about the device getting overheated, the 850 PRO features a Dynamic Thermal Guard Protection that offers protection against overheating without compromising performance.
The feature works by monitoring and maintaining the optimal operating temperature of the drive. This is by using the throttle that brings down the temperature of the SSD automatically as a way of offering protection to your data while maintaining the desired responsiveness.
Pricing and Accessories
Samsung PRO ships with the SSD and the mount bundle. This is at a cost of about $150 to $350, but with included installation and data transfer, you will have to pay more.
The premium package includes a 7mm SATA III (6GB/S) SSD, user manual and Mounts such as screws, cables and brackets. Next is Samsung Data Migration and Magician, which is a free download software that allows easy installation and management of the SSD. The Samsung Pro SSD works with Linux, Window 7/8/10/Vista SPI (32 or 64 bit).
- Great benchmark results
- High endurance levels
- Perfect power consumption efficiency
- Offers protection to your data and PC
- Great design
- Considerably fast
- Generous warranty
- Comes with downloadable software
- Includes no extras
- Relatively high price
- Downloadable software does not support drive imaging in Win 8 or 8.1
- Downloadable software is only compatible with Samsung devices only
Final Thoughts
Samsung 850 Pro SSD is a great gadget with excellent features that ensure that you can get a good value for your money. Besides, it comes with one of the highest storage capacities as well as a generous 10-year warranty. Therefore, you can never go wrong by choosing 850 Pro as your SSD for gaming.
3. Crucial MX300 - Great SSD for gaming as friendly price
If you are looking for an SSD that offers efficiency, durability, and speed to your system at an affordable cost, the Crucial MX300 SSD will be a great choice.
The MX300 SSD combines the latest 3D NAND flash technology that has proven to work with MX-series SSDs perfectly. This ensures a fast boot up and eases the access to even the most demanding applications.
More than Just a Storage Container
Besides, the storage device loads and saves everything that you use and do, enabling better user experience. It boosts almost every aspect of performance.
The MX300 features quality Micron flash storage that ensures a greater reliability. Micron is one of the leading flash storage makers in the world and therefore, the Crucial MX300 SSD is powered by most advanced memory and storage technologies. Moreover, the gadget has undergone several SSD qualification tests and hours of validation testing before releasing, and therefore, it has been thoroughly tried, tested and proven.
Instant Improvement
The Crucial MX300 manages a read speed of up to 530 MB/S as well as up to 510 MB/S writes speed on all file types. This allows you to an almost instant boot up, which reduces the load times as well as easily accelerating demanding applications. Besides, the device comes with the Dynamic Write Acceleration technology, which utilizes an adaptable single-level cell flash memory with a pool of high-speed to ensure a top-notch speed in the entire lifetime of the drive.
The gadget provides with more than 90 times energy efficiency than the standard drive. With excellent Energy Efficiency technology, the Crucial MX300 minimizes the consumption of power when the drive is active.
If you are looking to extend the battery life of your laptop, the Crucial MX300 utilises only 0.075W of power compared to consumption of 6.8W by the regular hard drive.
The drive offers enough safety against the loss of your files as it lasts longer. The Crucial MX300 is built with Micron 3D NAND that allows it to produce years of high performance, as it has a written endurance rating of up to 220TB bytes in total. This is because 3D NAND accommodates large NAND cells to improve the endurance and enhance the performance.
Purchasing the Crucial MX300 enables you to protect your data. The MX300 uses the AES 256-bit encryption that is hardware based, Exclusive Data Defense technology, Rain technology as well as the durability that comes with the design to ensure that your data is safe.
Does your System heats up very often?
Don't worry, the MX300 helps in ensuring that your system remains cool. With the Adaptive Thermal protection technology and lower active power usage, the gadget changes storage component activity dynamically. This minimizes the chances of it being damaged by overheating as it helps in keeping the system temperatures down.
Additionally, the gadget enables you to boost the performance of your drive by up to 10 times. The MX300 comes with Crucial Storage Executive, which is a downloadable tool that is easy to use and helps in monitoring as well as improving the performance of the SSD. Besides, the tool enables you to update the SSD to the latest firmware and allow the Momentum Cache feature in the downloadable tool to boosts the performance.
Pricing and Accessories
Crucial MX300 shipping includes the SSD and other accessories at the cost of about $150 to $ 350, but each can be shipped separately. However, you will end pay more if you include installation and data transfer.
One of the accessories is the Dual SSD Mounting Bracket that works with any form factor desktop computer case that has at least one standard 3.5 inches internal drive bay. Besides, the Mounting Bracket comes with a 3.5 inches internal drive bay adapter that is used with up to two SSDs of 2.5 inches. The mounting Bracket holds 7mm and 9.5mm height standards SSDs and has customizable for both symmetrical and asymmetrical dual SSD mounting.
The Dual SSD Mounting Bracket also offers enough clearance for connecting SATA cables without causing any strain on the SATA connector. It also comes with two sets of SSD mounting screws as well as one set of adapter mounting screws, which allows easy and clean installation.
- Relatively high speed
- Reliable
- Affordable
- Quiet
- Great downloadable tools
- Enough capacity
- High level of efficiency
- Relatively slow read speeds
- Not a direct rival to Samsung V-NAND
- Less generous warranty of 3 years
Final Thoughts
Crucial MX300 might not match the first two SSDs, but it is still a great device considering that it is just a mid-range consumer SSD. The gadget features a wide variety of capacities that appeal to many customers, with the underwhelming price per GB 3D TLC NAND. However, MX300 has to improve on its Micron's development to be able to compete with the best, but it is still cost efficient than similar capacities that apply the traditional NAND. This means that Crucial is ideal replacement of an old HDD with a high-capacity SSD at a friendly price
4. Intel 730 Series Solid State Drive 2.5 Inch 480 GB - The Best heavy use Reliability
Intel 730 comes from a reputable company that is well known as one of the best manufacturers SSDs in the world. In most cases, their products are not that cheap as compared to some of the competitors, but they are known to offer great value for the money.
Unmatched Performance in Your Hands
The Intel Solid-State Drive 730 Series optimizes the performance of your PC. With the SSD coming from a reputable data centre. It allows you to maximize your computing experience by using one of the fastest and reliable consumers Intel Solid-State Drive on the market. Moreover, the SSD is designed by integrating the data centre DNA with factory set components.
The Intel SSD features a 3rd generation Intel controller that is specially qualified to perform its functions. With the performance optimized firmware and the Intel NAND Flash 20nm Memory, the SSD boosts of about 50% controller speed increase and a 20% NAND bus speed increase. Besides, the optimized performance helps in accessing the most demanding applications easily such as extreme gaming and creation of digital content. The Intel SSD offers a low read speed of up to 86,000 IOPS random reads and sequential reads of up to 550 MB/S.
Having been born from the Intel Data Center DNA, Intel SSD offers up to 70GB writes per day for five years endurance.
Super Reliability and High Performance
If you are a person that requires reliable performance for the gaming rig or the workstation., this SSD enables you to have a piece of mind.
It also features advanced Intel firmware algorithms that deliver high performance continuously, which is ideal for both compressible and incompressible types of data. Therefore, endurance level is significant as compared to 20 GB, which is the typical tolerance degree in the industry with an efficient and dependable data centre.
If you are a PC enthusiast or an expert of digital content creation, the Intel Solid-State Drive is built with Intel Rapid Storage Technology.
You must be aware of the fact that RAID configurations offer the best storage performance.
This makes the gadget ideal for both as they all understand that By using two Intel Solid-State Drive 730 Series of 240GB storage capacity in RAID configurations delivers a storage capacity that is similar to 480GB drive. However, if you pair two 240GB in RAID configurations with the Intel platforms almost doubles the speed up to 1000 MB/S. Some of the Intel platforms that support Intel Storage Technology include H87, X79, Q87, and Z87.
Unique Feel of Unfinished Metallic Construction
This gadget has a unique feel and looks as compared to most of the SSDs available in the market today. Its body is made of an unfinished metallic construction that bears the Intel logo at the bottom of the corner. Besides, a sticker is one of the most interesting choices of the SSD build as it is made of stylized skull and covers the larger part of the left side, which brings out a realistic look.
On the other hand, the rear side consists of the Serial ATA connectors as well as the standard power. The SSD features a SATA3 (6GB), which is also working with SATA2 perfectly, but utilizing SATA2 leads to a faster capping of the bandwidth limitation as compared to HDD. Moreover, the back cover of the gadget consists of all the vital details about the product such as the model, form factor, and the capacity.
The Intel SSD is designed with four screw holes that enable you to mount the device entirely. Therefore, opening the SSD requires you to take out the four screws, which allows you to remove the cover. After removing the SSD lid, you will find a single circuit board that is attached to the metal case using plastic shims.
Power Consumption
According to the tests done, Intel SSD 730 Series idle power consumption is 1.18Win 5v mode and 1.44W in 12v mode. The power consumption of the SSD during sequential read and write activity is 2.46W and 4.76W in 12 modes respectively. Besides, it is important to understand that the SSD 730 Series turns to the 12v rails if both 5v and 12v are active on the connector. Therefore, the consumption of power by Intel SSD730 is than higher than most of the competitor Solid-State Drives.
Pricing and Accessories
The shipping of the Intel SSD 730 Series costs about $200 to $450, though the item does not ship to some countries on Amazon. The shipping package features the Intel SSD and other accessories such as mounting equipment and 2.5 inches slim form factors.
- Offers excellent drive engineering
- Ideal for gaming workloads
- Generous warranty of five years
- Great endurance
- Provided in only two capacities
- Relatively poor performance that does not live up the price premium
- Heavy power consumption
Final Thoughts
The Intel SSD 730 is a quality SSD that is designed to serve the class of PC gaming enthusiasts, as it is ideal for taking on applications and intensive workloads. Besides, the SSD fits SATA 6GB, uses a performance optimized firmware as well as the20nm NAND. The SSD is also built in a 3rd generation Intel PC29AS21CAO controller that made the Intel S3700 enterprise one of the best gaming SSD in the market. This makes it a proven quality that is worth trying if you are looking for the best SSD for gaming.
5. PNY CS2211 960GB Pro Gaming 2.5" SATA III MLC Internal SSD - The Best SSD for High Energy Efficiency
If are looking for transferring large files and gaming, the PNY CS2211 960GB is one of the best gaming SSD that delivers great performance.
The SSD is the next generation gadget as it was designed to be an ultimate replacement of the HDD making it ideal for gamers as well as enthusiasts, who need great system performance.
Therefore, upgrading your PC with a PNY SSD allows you to experience excellent gaming performance that is 20 times faster than the traditional HDD. The PNY SSD is designed without any moving parts but helps in rapidly completing random functions. This makes your PC perform like new one as it ensures faster boot up time, greater general computing experience as well as a quick application launch.
The PNY SSD passes through some of the most strict validation and durability testing in the world of SSDs. Besides, the SSD undergoes several qualification tests and thousands of validation testing hours. Just like other top SSDs, PNY can even meet most demanding applications requirements.
Unleashed After Rigorous Quality Testing
Each SSD also undergoes a quality assurance test, which involves sub-system and comprehensive component testing. The SSD is able to withstand these rigorous tests as it utilizes advanced NAND technology from one of the best vendors for better SSD performance. Besides, all the PNY SSDs are designed to perform well in all environments and across all applications. This ensures that they are able to meet the match the required quality, durability, performance and reliability.
The PNY SSDs comes with great energy efficiency as they feature low function and wattage with a lower-power mode that is well advanced. The SSD consumes 30% less power as compared to the HDDs on average. This makes it one of the best gaming SSD for you if your aim is to build a silent and environment-friendly PC.
The SSD produces less heat than HDD and operates quietly. This means that it maximizing your PC's life ultimately. Moreover, the PNY SSD reduces the operating temperature, which helps in minimizing the risks of defects that are caused by overheating. The PNY SSD delivers great performance making it 30 times more vigorous as compared to HDDs. This is because the SSD is designed to deliver excellent performance even in extreme environments with either high or low temperature. Besides, the gadget features a system that utilizes non-volatile NAND, which allows the SSD to retain its memory even if your PC falls accidentally.
Finally, the PNY comes with a competitive four-year warranty and offers a technical support team that is based in the US to address your questions. This serves as an assurance that the SSD is of the highest quality and that it has undergone all the required tests. However, its warranty falls short of what most of the competitive SSDs offer, as many average five years.
Pricing and Accessories
The PNY CS2211 960GB costs around $250 to $400 and comes in a 7mm 2.5 inches form factor. Besides, the SSD ships with a license for Acronis True image that makes the process of upgrading to an SSD easily.
The PNY SSD comes in a nice premium packaging that bears important information on the front and the back. Finally, the package includes mounting accessories such as adapter and screws.
- Offers great endurance
- Improved responsiveness as well as optimal performance
- Durable
- Relatively affordable
- Great energy efficiency
- Offers no provision for encryption
- Some claims of it being hard for PC to be detect
- Claims of the SSD failing to work as required after some time
- Does not offer any free downloadable tool
Final Thoughts
The PNY CS2211 is a quality SSD that meets all the standards of the best gaming SSDs as it is relatively fast, durable and reliable. This makes it a good gaming gadget that you should consider while looking for the best gaming SSD.
6. San Disk Ultra II 2.5 inch 7mm Height SSD SATA III 960GB - The Best SSD for the Buck
Are you Looking For a Better Endurance and Speed?
We have the right choice for you.
SanDisk Ultra 960GB is another top quality gaming SSD that comes as the next Frontier Airlines of SSDs. The device is coming from a reputable brand, and it allows you, to get boosted performance. The SanDisk Ultra II is designed with a ncache technology from SanDisk that allows the device to provide better endurance and improved speed with a sequential write speed of up to 500 MB/S as well as up to 550 MB/S sequential read speed. Besides, the delivers faster application load times, instant boot up as well as better data transfers.
The SSD offers quieter, efficient and cooler computing as the drive comes with vibration and shock resistance that protects the storage device. Moreover, San Disk is the company that invented the SSD technology, therefore SanDisk Ultra II has that takes to boosts your performance levels.
Additionally, SanDisk products undergo strict testing, which means that they are built to meet the highest standards in the market. This assures you of their unmatched quality, reliability and performance of the SanDisk SSDs. The ncache 2.0 technology provides optimal performance as it writes everything before it is transferred to the flash memory. This advanced technology allows for faster burst speeds.
Don't worry about the drops and falls
The SanDisk II is built with an elaborate Solid State Design that is durable, which helps in resisting vibration and shock. This ensures that your data remains safe even if you happen to drop your computer accidentally. The SanDisk SSD comes with an easy set-up and provides the realistic status of the drive. A Real-time Drive allows you to monitor how your SSD is performing. Moreover, it also comes with software that helps you in setting the new drive for firmware update alerts and disk analysis tools.
Finally, the SanDisk enables to prolong the life of your desktop or laptop PC. The SSD enables you to upgrade your desktop or laptop as it makes them fast and therefore feels as new machines with faster shutdowns, application response times and boot-ups.
Pricing and Accessories
The shipping of the SanDisk Ultra costs around $200 to $400 and ships with other accessories. The SSD is frequently bought with a 3.5 inches Corsair Dual SSD Mounting Brackets and SATA III Hard Drive Adapter cable.
- Accelerated performance
- Easy to control as it features the SanDisk Dashboard
- Relatively affordable, especially for higher capacities
- Records everything efficiently
- Average speed
- Considerably shorter warranty as it gives a 3-year warranty
7. Samsung 850 EVO - The Most Popular SSD for Gaming
Samsung 850 EVO is a quality SSD that offers the best alternative to the Samsung 850 Pro because it comes with almost similar features as the other one.
Do You want to experience Unimaginable Speed?
The Samsung EVO has redefined the endurance and speed levels of the Solid State Drives and taken them to an unimaginable level. It also comes with much-improved power consumption as compared to other quality SSDs in the market today.
The 850 EVO applies advanced Magician Samsung software that functions efficiently but only on windows. This major undoing thing has made it unpopular with some potential customers who use another operating system.
Additionally, the SSD is made entirely of Samsung components, which makes it complement other Samsung SSDs perfectly. This is because the experts can design all the parts together to produce a better performing device.
Designed to ideally work with a variety of computers
This is because the drive comes with a SATA based M.2 and a 2.5 inch for ultra-slim computing applications as well as a 2.5-inch adapter for both laptops and desktop PCs. Besides, the great endurance of up to 75TB on the 120 GB and 250 GB capacities, 15TB on the 500GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities.
Finally, Samsung EVO may not match Pro in terms of quality, but it still serves as a pacesetter. The drive comes in various capacities that include 120GB, 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB as well as 4TB, which makes it stand out in the market. The 850 EVO comes with a five-year warranty, which gives an assurance that the device can use 40 GB daily while working efficiently for this period.
- Delivers consistent performance
- Great speed with above average consistency
- Considerably generous warranty of five years
- Performs better as compared to other SSDs of the same price
- Reliable and has better endurance
- Low speed as compared Samsung 850 Pro
- Apples the Samsung Magician Software that is only compatible with windows
Final Thoughts
The Samsung 850 EVO comes with great features makes it ideal for gamers that need the best SSD for gaming. Therefore, the 850 EVO is one of the drives that you should consider if you are looking for better endurance, speed, price and great performance.
8. Toshiba OCZ Vector 180 480 GB 2.5-Inch 7mm SATA III - The Best SSD for Data Protection
Toshiba OCZ Toshiba is one of the best SSD for gaming, as it has a better endurance and it is relatively fast. Besides, it comes with different capacities that include 120GB, 240GB, 480GB as well as 960GB.
Is Data Protection your Concern?
The Toshiba OCZ Vector comes with Power Failure Management Plus (PFM+), which is a unique feature that helps in protecting your data when the drive is at rest. This ensures that all the data that is written on the NAND is saved in before a power loss, which makes it superior to other SDDs that only protects data that is fully written only.
The Toshiba OCZ Vector offers better endurance as it can get up to 320TB, but for 120 GB you will get an endurance of up to 90TB. Besides, the Toshiba OCZ comes with a five-year warranty, which is covered by ShieldPlus that requires you to give your serial number once you have a problem with your drive. This allows you to get another drive shipped to you in case they find the first one defective.
Even the Best has some Downsides. Don't You Agree?
The major downside of Toshiba OCZ is that it applies AES 256-bit encryption, which is limited encryption as it is not compatible with IEEE-1667 and TCG Opal 2.0 standards. Besides, the OCZ Toolbox is not user-friendly but SSD GURU, which is their new management tool, is great. The SSD GURU features health monitoring, maintenance, firmware updating as well as SSD and OS tuning.
Pricing and Accessories
The Toshiba OCZ Vector ships with the SSD and a bundle kit for about $200 to $400. The bundled package consists of Acronis True Image cloning software that allows easier data transfer from your SSD or old drive. Besides, it also comes with a 3.5-inch adapter for desktop mounting.
- Great design and construction
- Better performance
- Incredible support
- Safeguards data in case of power loss
- Excellent Management tool, SSD GURU
- Relatively weak security
- Considerably reduced speed
Final Thoughts
Toshiba OCZ Vector is a reliable drive, but it offers average results in every aspect that you might want to consider for the best SSD for gaming. However, the device has enough quality to stand the best gaming drives.
9. Intel 750 Series 400GB Single Pack Solid State Drive PCIe - Most Durable and Super-Fast SSD
The Intel 750 Series is one of the few drives that have pushed the SSD technology to the next level. The Intel drive was the first consumer SSD to apply the new super-fast non-volatile memory that allows an extreme SSD performance.
The drive is available in two forms, one that includes a 3.0X4 standard PCI Express add-in card. The standard add-in card is compatible with any motherboard that has a free PCI Express slot. On the other hand, we have the 2.5-inch drive that is designed for Small Form Factor (SFF) connector. The two are however similar as they apply the same PCIe interface.
Excellent Speed But No improvement in Booting
Additionally, Intel 750 Series offers excellent performance, but it may not improve the booting speed of your computer, as you would want it to do. The 750 Series runs on the Samsung M.2 Solid-State drive that is responsible for its impressive speed. Consequently, the drive records a sequential write speed of about 900 MB/S to 120 MB/S, which can even get better.
Finally, Intel 750 Series is available in three capacities that include 400GB, 800GB as well as 1.2TB. Moreover, the drive has a high endurance of up to a 127TB maximum for the 400GB. The Intel 750 Series comes with a five-year warranty, which considering the tolerance means that the device can perform at the same level for five years while using 70GB per day.
Pricing and Accessories
The shipping package of the Intel 750 Series consists of the SSD as well as other accessories and goes for about $450 to $600. These accessories include SFF 8643 connector and PCIe cable.
- Considerably better performance
- Great consistency
- Super-fast
- Reliable and durable, making it ideal for gamers
- Relatively expensive
- Reduced booting speed for an SSD of its price
- Short warranty, considering its cost
Final Thoughts
The Intel 750 Series is indeed a workstation gaming SSD due to its durability and the ability to take on demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. This is because it offers the required speed and boosts the performance to enable your PC to perform these tasks.
10. Corsair Force LE SSD, 480GB SATA 6Gbps - The Best SSD for Entry level Gamers
The Corsair Force LE is a relatively new SSD in the market that is performing better than anticipated. It is designed with Triple Level Cell (TLC) memories, which allows it to cut down on the production cost to enable them to sell the drive at a friendly price.
If you want to experience better performance and dependability at an affordable price, the drive applies the Phison Controller that is used by other top SSDs of some of the best models.
The Corsair Device offers great speed as all capacities offer a similar, but good speed. This drive gives you a sequential read speed of up to 560 MB/S as well as a write speed of 530 MB/S. Besides, the Corsair Force LE comes with great features that include shock absorption, SmartRefresh as well as S.M.A.RT that helps in ensuring that your drive is dependable and remains intact. The drive is available in different capacities that include 120GB, 240GB, 480GB as well as 960GB and a three-year warranty.
Finally, the drive delivers better endurance that improves as the capacity increases. The 240GB drive has an endurance of up to 60TB, the 480 drive offers 120TB endurance and for 960GB, the value rises to 240TB.
- Reliable
- Built with great features
- Better performance
- Great value, considering its price
- Warranty Below Average
Final Thoughts
The most appealing thing about this top device is that great overall performance at a very friendly price as compared to other drives in the list of the best SSD for gaming.
The Best Gaming SSD Buyer's Guide
What is a gaming SSD?
A gaming SSD (Solid State Drive) is a hard drive designed with a non-volatile NAND flash memory that is used for gaming and transferring files in PCs. The type of the flash memory is different from the volatile NAND flash memory that is used by RAM, VRAM and DRAM. Non-volatile memory is designed for permanent data storage and therefore, retains data even when unpowered, unlike the volatile memory.
The SSDs are being preferred the standard Hard Disks Drives (HDDs) where speed is required in both recreational and professional settings. The SSDs offer10 times read and write speeds as compared to conventional HDDs.
Why should you buy an SSD for gaming?
Purchasing SSDs comes with many benefits that make them ideal for gaming as compared to HDDs. First, SDDs offers high speeds consistently, lower power consumption as well as better dependability. This is because the advanced technology that is used to design SSDs allows them to provide high speed consistently.
Secondly, SSDs storage relies on the controller and solid-state flash memory, while a small in built processor takes the place of the read/write. On the other hand, HDDs stores information by applies platters and the real read/write head. Therefore, SSDs performs consistently at high speed as there are no moving parts involved as the controller is digital. The HDDs, however, have to spin while searching and retrieving data. Therefore, they tend to slow down after some time.
Finally, the SSDs are more reliable as they do not have any moving parts. This reduces the chances of the SSD failing to work as well as making them more energy efficient as compared to HDDs.
What do gamers and regular users consider when looking for SSDs?
There are several SSDs available in the markets that are branded as "gaming SSDs", but there are some key specifications that you should check as a gamer to ensure that you get a reliable gadget. The best gaming SSDs should have high endurance level, incredible read/write speeds as well as be reliable. By checking this information and researching on the best models, you can avoid some con manufacturers that brand their standard SSDs as gaming drives. However, most of the SSDs are ideal for gaming, though some are better as compared to others.
If you are looking to boost the performance of your computer beyond the limits, then you should consider the best gaming SSDs in the market. Higher end SSDs offer great value for your money as their read/write speeds exceeds 500 MB/S and a 90,000 – 100,000 IOPS. However, if you want extreme speed, then you will be required to get an SSD that performs above the metrics. You should not mind so much about the price, as there are many affordable SSDs that are relatively fast, for example, Crucial MX300, which one of the top SSDs on the reviews above.
Does the SSD manufacturer matter?
When looking for the best gaming SSDs, it is important to understand that manufacturers are not the same. Therefore, some are better as compared to others as some may be new in the industry, while others are known leading in SSDs manufacturing. Some of the leading SSDs manufacturers include Kingston, PNY, Samsung, Seagate, Intel and others.
It is, however, advisable to avoid cheap SSDs as what you pay determines the quality of the SSD you get. Besides, by purchasing a cheap generic SSD online, you risk being conned or getting an inferior product. The storage drive is the most component of the computer as all the data is kept there. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a reputable manufacturer.
In conclusion, the SSDs offer great value today. Therefore, there is no valid excuse as to why you should not buy one. It is important to state that although we have given a list of the best gaming SSDs, no drive perfectly meets all the gaming needs. However, the drives that we have included here have a proven ability to give you a better user experience as a gamer as compared to other SSDs in the market.
It is also important to note that SSDs, which are more expensive mainly, offer better performance than the cheap ones. However, it does not mean that all the most expensive drives are always the best as some relatively inexpensive SSDs perform better as compared to some of the higher priced devices.
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My name is Francisco Vázquez Gallego. My family and friends call me Paco, a spanish nickname of Francisco.
I was born in the 70's in the city of Barcelona.
I received my B.Sc. in Electronics Engineering (1995), M.Sc. (2000) and Ph.D. (2016) degrees in Telecommunication Engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC).
I have got more than 15 years of experience in R&D, working in multidisciplinary projects for space and industrial applications.
In my early years in research, I had the pleasure of participating in the development and manufacturing of prototypes and flight equipment for the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.
Since January 2010, I work at the M2M department of CTTC as Senior Researcher and collaborate in several industrial and public funded research projects.
I have a broad and proven experience in the design and implementation of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) networks, embedded systems, and instrumentation.
I am IEEE Senior Member since 2011 and work as reviewer for numerous international conferences and scientific journals.
My main research interests are focused on wireless communications and include the design, theoretical analysis, modeling and implementation of energy-efficient protocols for wireless networks, MAC protocols, Distributed Queuing (DQ) access, M2M networks, and baseband digital signal processing algorithms (physical layer) in FPGA.


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As part of Apple's presentation this morning, the new Apple TV 4K was announced with a few key announcements.
The company confirmed that iTunes will include 4K HDR (HDR10 & Dolby Vision standards) movies to both purchase and rent for the exact same price as HD films.
On top of that, if you have previously purchased HD movies – they will be upgraded to 4K for free. Logos from all the major studios, with the notable exception of Disney, were displayed during the announcement.
Apple has been behind the curve on rivals Roku, Google ChromeCast and Amazon Fire who have offered 4K HDR since late last year on boxes that are half the price, but services like Vudu have charged a higher premium for 4K films.
In terms of U.S. market share, Apple TV is easily behind its main rivals. International figures are unknown though, which is key as Apple holds more dominance in many global markets where the likes of Roku have little to no presence and others, like Fire, have not taken off sales wise.
Live Sports and Live News will also be coming to the box which hits stores on September 22nd.


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From the moment Republicans took majority control of local, state, and federal governments, decades of progress started being reversed. Since then, Americans' have seen reductions in job protections, health insurance, education, civil liberties, safety-net programs, opportunity assistance, and environmental safeguards.
If ever there was a time to become politically aware and active, now is most critical.
Speaking out works. It worked when countless concerned people emailed, called, and visited their federal representatives to stop harmful legislation. It worked as thousands of activist groups sprung up and more than 500 peaceful protests took place per month.
Perhaps most dramatic has been peoples' increased participation in government. They influenced Democratic Party and local government decisions. Scores of people ran for office in 2017, and droves of volunteers helped deliver victories.
Dare County Democrats encourage you to get involved and make a difference. Your voice matters, your presence is wanted, and your work can turn the tide toward a better future for everyone.


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Sri Lanka lacking reconciliation, say global leaders
Former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari has said he is sad that post-war Sri Lanka has not improved "to the extent that one would have hoped".
In an interview with BBC Sinhala, he said there should be more transparency and a climate which allowed "proper media reporting".
He was speaking just before the launch of a report on Sri Lanka by The Elders, an influential group of global leaders.
The report says there has been little progress on post-war reconciliation.
The report by The Elders - a group of leaders brought together by Nelson Mandela in 2007 to address major causes of human suffering - is sharply critical of the Sri Lankan government.
It says that the government's "clampdown on domestic critics and its disdain for human rights deserves a far tougher response".
"Meaningful progress on reconciliation in Sri Lanka is still desperately needed," it says.
It said there was a "deafening global silence" to Sri Lanka's "worrying approach to human rights, good governance and accountability", which may encourage other states to act in a similar way.
The report said that the government's persecution of its critics was "terrifying".
An MP from the governing coalition, Rajiva Wijesinha, said that retired elders were "simplifying and preaching" instead of making recommendations to build on the positive change.
He said there was no lack of dissent and criticism - and this was seen daily in newspapers and the parliament.
Mr Ahtisaari said the announcement by the government that it was setting up a Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission to look into alleged human rights abuses at the end of the war in May 2009 - rather than work with a UN panel looking into the same issues - was not satisfactory.
"If you look at previous examples of special commissions in Sri Lanka, one has to be sceptical," he said.
"Over the last 30 years the reports of other commissions similar to this have not even been made public. So this effort leaves much to be desired."
The Elders group is chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and has former Irish President Mary Robinson, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, former Algerian Foreign Minister Lakhdar Brahimi and former US President Jimmy Carter among its members, in addition to Mr Ahtisaari.
They have contacted the government of Sri Lanka and officials around the world to express their concerns about "alleged violations of international humanitarian law and the need for actions that promote sustainable peace and reconciliation in the country".
The government argues that Tamil Tiger remnants, both at home and abroad, still pose a threat to national security.


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I love entertaining during the summer months and can just about always find some excuse to invite people over to eat; my husband does his thing on the grill while I typically handle everything else. Since I don't want to be stuck in a hot kitchen with a fiery oven, I look for recipes that are light and fresh and simple to make. At the moment, I'm loving the idea of serving a spread of easy yet impressive appetizers to replace the standard summer BBQ fare. Here are several app recipes I think would be perfect for a summer gathering.
Best Appetizers for a Summer Get Together
June 18, 2015
Labels: Entertaining, Food and Drink
4 comments:
- Nikki Ace18/6/15 8:02 AM
I lile the addition of pepperoni on the caprese bites. That is one of my favorite appetizers. So light and fresh and the vinaigrette is to die for. I would love to try those blackberry Brie bites. Now those look tasty! Btw...is the Brie melted inside ?ReplyDeleteReplies
I agree, caprese salads or appetizers are delish! Yeah, the brie is melted and gooey inside. It's definitely one of my favorite cheeses.Delete
This post is making me drool - I want some of those pepperoni caprese bites NOW!ReplyDeleteReplies
I know, right? I say go for it!Delete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Home > Articles > Liqueur Making
Liqueur is the generic term for alcoholic beverages with high sugar content and a variety of flavourings consisting of fruits, herbs, berries, spices, nuts, peels, seeds, beans, pods, pits, etc.
According to Danish legislation a commercially produced liqueur must have a sugar content of at least 100 grams per liter.
But many well known liqueurs have a much higher sugar content - usually 300-400 grams per liter.
Traditionally, liqueurs - also known as cordials - are thicker and more smooth than other alcoholic beverages.
Very old and famous liqueurs are Grand Marnier, Benedictine, Chartreuse and Drambuie. Usually served as after-dinner drink, poured over ice cream, or used in desserts.
Liqueur making based on the schnapps recipes here on my site is easy.
Just add a simple sugar syrup to your schnapps - or schnapps blend - and store it for a while.
How to make the sugar syrup...
Combine equal parts white, granulated sugar and water in a saucepan.
Cover it and slowly heat over medium heat.
Stir occasionally.
Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Do NOT boil.
Add a little lemon juice to prevent crystallization.
Let the sugar syrup cool to room temperature.
Combine equal parts sugar syrup and schnapps.
Blend it well. Shake it, don't use whisk or blender.
Leave your liqueur for a couple of days to settle - in a dark place at room temperature, 18-20°C (64-68°F).
Taste it again, it might need some more.
Most liqueurs are sweetened with white sugar, which does not impart a distinctive taste of its own.
However, you can substitute white sugar for other sweeteners such as fruit sugars, brown sugar, cane sugar, a mix of different sugars, corn syrup, or honey.
These substitutes are interesting alternatives, if you wish to experiment. Just remember that the kind and amount of sweetener you choose will affect the taste and flavour of your liqueur.
Another option is glucose syrup. It's not as sweet as the simple sugar syrup.
Never use artificial sweeteners - NEVER! You'll ruin the taste of your liqueur completely.
How to add body and smoothness
Traditionally, liqueurs are thicker and more smooth than other alcoholic beverages.
And even though sweeteners add some body and "mouthfeel", they cannot always create the full-bodied texture that's associated with liqueurs.
So, to give additional body and smoothness to thinner liqueurs you can add pure glycerine. Add it little by little until you have achieved the desired thickness and "mouthfeel".
Pure glycerine does not affect the colours or flavours of your liqueur. You can get it at online or local liqueur and wine making shops.
Most liqueurs will last for a long time and improve with age if you keep them in a dark place at room temperature before and between servings - tightly closed to prevent oxidation.


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Minnesota Vikings Chat previews the 2011 Week 6 matchup of the Minnesota Vikings against the Chicago Bears.
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Is it just me or is Adrian Peterson's constant proclaiming his greatness getting a little…childish?