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San Francisco Opera is to open its new season with Puccini's Turandot, which was based on the great Italian dramatist Carlo Gozzi's play, which also had source from Persian. Wikipedia stated that "Turandot is a Persian word and name meaning "the daughter of Turan", Turan being a region of Central Asia which used to be part of the Persian Empire." The location of the story moved from Central Asian to Mongol (a 1710 fable by French scholar François Pétis de La Croix) and finally China (Gozzi, 1762). Turandot was used as the name of the princess in Puccini's opera.
The story in Puccini's version was a deposed blind Tartar King Timur and slaved Liù came to China. Unknown to them, his son Calaf arrived in Peking as well. Princess Turandot, in the dark shadow of her female ancestor was brutally slain by a conquering prince, was determined not to be conquered by any male. She posed three riddles for prince suitors. Whoever could solve the riddles would win her and the throne, or lose his head if failed. Calaf entered the race and solved the riddles. In a moment of bravado, he gave Turandot another chance - if she could guess his name, he would be at her disposal. Turandot tortured Liù for answer. Liù, in love with Calaf killed herself and Turandot learned what love was through her sacrifice and Turandot and Calaf sang a love-duet over Liù's neglected body.
Fairy tale stuff.
I saw it once, several years ago, in the same David Hockney production, which was as fantastic as it was gaudy. The costumes and makeups, particularly that of Turandot, was heavily influenced by the stylized Beijing Opera, and made a very poor princess - she looked definitely more like a Beijing Opera singer than a ethereal princess of China. During imperial time, folk opera singers were no better than street beggars, social standing wise, therefore, it was quite ridiculous a sight of her to me. No self-respecting princess in China would allow herself to dress up as a Beijing Opera Singer. It just would not fly.
The male conquering a half-willing female with a great kiss was quite silly as well. I also had trouble to sympathize with another little woman of Puccini, Liù, who sacrificed herself for an obvious cad.
I didn't believe that I'd see it again in the same production. However, I had a new understanding of the opera and that made me eager to see it again.
Very recently, I realized that this is an allegory or prophecy about the history of China, written by foreigners.
Turandot can be seen as the embodiment of the Chinese people, who was keenly aware of the history of being invaded by barbaric - the Huns, the Mongols, the Manchus and the Japaneses and was determined to fend them off by all means, however cruel.
Seeing through lens of modern history, Calaf, the foreign prince suitor, can be seen as the seductive Communist ideas, personified by a Lenin, or better still a Stalin figure, who, not without struggle, conquered the half-reluctant, half-willing nation.
Or, seen through even more contemporary history, Calaf can be seen as a capitalist, say like Micheal Jackson, armed with Coca Cola, won the heart of the people of China and the feeble, aging emperor is the omnipresent portrait or bust of Mao Zedong. For people who enjoy anachronism, a Steve Jobs armed with an iPad to tame the daughter of China is not out of line at all.
I never knew that western prophet could have such keen insight of China, and its history and people. But I might only be dreaming. When the opera is presented on the stage of War Memorial Opera House, it would be again, that gaudy and bombastic chinoiserie.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Princess Turandot
Posted by Matthew Felix Sun at 8:27 PM
Labels: Opera, Puccini, San Francisco Opera, Turandot
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The SPACE matrix assesses a business along four dimensions to find an appropriate strategic thrust and in this article, we'll look at the SPACE factors for environmental stability.
Environmental Stability In SPACE
According to the creators of the Strategic Position and Action Evaluation Matrix, (Strategic Management – A Methodical Approach", Rowe, Mason, Dickel, Mann and Mockler. Published by Addison Wesley) the following items should be considered when assessing Environmental Stability:
- Technological changes
- Rate of inflation
- Demand variability
- Price range of competing products
- Barriers to entry into market
- Competitive pressure/rivalry
- Price elasticity of demand
- Pressure from substitutes
Assessment of Environment Stability
Environmental stability is offset by Financial Strength on the y-axis of the traditional SPACE matrix.
It is usually assessed as a negative, ranging from -1 (excellent, very stable) to -6 (very poor, very unstable).
The creators of SPACE recommend that each items is assessed individually before aggregating the score to form a composite measure. Special attention should be given to any extreme scores to make sure that there is substance behind the assessment.
My Thoughts On Using The SPACE Matrix In Practice
There is a danger of using the SPACE analysis system too literally.
What matters is tailoring the idea of SPACE to fit your own industry sector.
Looking at the list, you'll see that the factors the authors picked are a combination of PEST Analysis factors and Michael Porter's Five Forces. These two, well established models are an excellent starting point but for many businesses I'd want to factor in political issues like the uncertainty surrounding the Euro and the weak political response to the problems and economic issues like exchange rates.
As a general guide, if you feel the environmental instability is strong enough to require scenario planning because of some kind of fundamental uncertainty, then I think a poor score is appropriate.
What Does The Score On Environmental Stability Imply?
A strong score backed up with reasonable financial strength suggests that either an aggressive strategy or conservative strategy is appropriate.
A poor score without remarkable financial strength indicates that either a competitive strategy or defensive strategy is required.
Paul Simister is a business strategy coach who helps business owners to differentiate their businesses and develop winning strategies. Get your free copy of my ebook The Six Steps Profit Formula.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Slogans and phrases cannot be copyrighted in the same way that movies, music and computer software are copyrighted for protection. It is possible, however, to register a slogan or catchphrase as a trademark. Whereas copyright is intended to protect an original creation, trademarks are designed to protect a logo or phrase. Trademarks are used to single out a product from among competitors. Trademarks are handled by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, as opposed to the U.S. Copyright Office.
Learn about the system. Log onto the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website, which is linked in the Resources section, and follow its instructions. Access the Trademark Information Network (TIN) to find about how long the process will take. Instructional videos on how to file the application are also available; watching them in full is recommended.
Search the trademark records for a slogan or catchphrase that conflicts with yours. You can do this online with the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). You also can visit a trademark and patent library to search the records.
In the event that a slogan or catchphrase already registered conflicts with yours, check its status using the Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval database. If the trademark has not been renewed by the person who registered it, then you can proceed.
Write a description of the product or service that your catchphrase or slogan represents or will represent. Be specific; vague responses can jeopardize your application. Without a clear description of what your catchphrase or slogan represents, the application cannot go forward.
Complete the trademark application. This can be done online through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) or on paper through a patent office. Filing through TEAS is recommended because its applications are completed faster than paper-based applications. TIN provides step-by-step videos on how to complete the application form.
Send the application. An application fee needs to be paid to the Patent and Trademark Office. In 2010, the lowest fee was $275 for applications filed under the TEAS Plus system, but the fee could be $325 for a regular TEAS application or $375 for filling out a paper application.
The cost is per class of product. If you wish to file a trademark for use on two products, therefore, and you file a TEAS Plus application, the cost would be $550 (in 2010).
- The application process can take a long time. The standard time given by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is four months. If legal issues arise from the application, however, then the process may take longer.
Photo Credits
- attractive woman using computer image by Paul Hill from Fotolia.com


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The Ditching of Pan Am Flight 6On October 16, 1956, Pan American Flight 6, which was a four-engine Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, took off from Honolulu and headed northeast towards San Francisco, at 8:26pm, HST.
After passing PET (the point of equal time), Flight 6 was cleared to climb to an altitude of 21,000 ft, MSL. Almost simultaneously with leveling of at that altitude, the number 1 engine began to overspeed, as climb power was reduced to cruise power.
The First Officer, who was flying the plane, immediately reduced airspeed by further reducing power and by extending the flaps. He then made an attempt to feather the number 1 propeller. But, the propeller would not feather and the engine continued to turn at excessive RPMs. The captain then decided to cut off the oil supply to the engine. Eventually, the RPMs declined and then the engine seized. However, the propeller continued to windmill in the air stream, causing excessive parasite drag, which significantly increased the fuel consumption.
As a result, the plane was forced to fly much slower----below 150 knots----while it began to lose altitude at the rate of 1,000 feet per minute. Climb power was then added to the remaining three engines, in an attempt to slow that rate of descent. That is when number 4 engine began to fail. It was able to produce only partial power, at full throttle. At 0245 number 4 engine began to backfire and power then began to drop off. The number 4 propeller was feathered normally.
The crew calculated that with the additional drag, they no longer had sufficient fuel remaining, to reach San Francisco, or return to Honolulu. That left no other option, than to ditch the plane in the ocean.
During that era, the United States Coast Guard maintained a ship at a general location known as Ocean Station November, between Hawaii and the California coast. PAA Flight 6 was flown to that USCGC Pontchartrain's location and then circled until daylight. That B-377 was finally able to level off at 2,000 feet MSL, with just the power of the two remaining engines. While waiting for daylight, fuel was burned off making the plane lighter, less flammable, and potentially more buoyant.
Captain Ogg had good reason to suspect that the Boeing 377's tail section would break off, when it impacted the water. He instructed the purser to relocate all the rear-most passengers to positions as far forward as possible. The plan was to land near the USCG ship in full sunlight, to improve the likelihood of rescuing passengers. But, as the ocean waves were beginning to rise and swell, Captain Ogg decided he could wait no longer.
At 0540, Captain Ogg notified Pontchartrain that he was preparing to ditch. The cutter laid out a foam path for a best ditch heading of 315 degrees, to aid the captain's vision of his actual height above the water. After a dry run, the plane touched down at 0615, with a minimal speed of 90 knots and full flaps, in sight of the Pontchartrain, at 30°01.5'N. 140°09'W.. The landing gear remained retracted,
One wing impacted a swell, causing the plane to rotate, inflicting damage to the nose section and breaking off the tail. Nevertheless, all 31 on board survived the ditching. Three life rafts were deployed by the crew and passengers that had been previously assigned to help. One life raft failed to fully inflate properly, but rescue boats from the cutter were able to promptly transfer the passengers from that raft. All were rescued by the Coast Guard before the last pieces of wreckage sank, at 0635.
There were only a few minor injuries, including an 18-month-old girl who was knocked unconscious, from a bump on her head. While some luggage and personal effects were picked up by the Coast Guard boats, it was not possible to save live dogs and birds, which were in the cargo holds.
Flight Crew
- Captain Richard N. Ogg, age 43.
- First Officer George L. Haaker, age 40.
- Navigator Richard L. Brown, age 31.
- Flight Engineer Frank Garcia Jr., age 30.
- Purser Patricia Reynolds, age 30.
- Stewardess Mary Ellen Daniel, age 24.
- Stewardess Katherine S. Araki, age 23.
February, 2009
Robert J. Boser
The Editor of this Web Page, now retired, was an airline pilot for 33 years and holds 6 specific Captain's type-ratings on Boeing Jet Airliners.
All Material © 1997-2019 All rights are reserved. No part of this web site may be reproduced in any way without expressed written consent


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This past Sunday was the feast of the Three Kings which used to land predictably on January 6th, not a day when everyone went to Church, but the 12th day of Christmas, marking the end of the Christmas celebration. As I listened to the readings, I felt a certain awe about the astronomy of it. Not but that all the stars of all nights belong to God, as I have already said, but because if it really is true that Jesus was born on September 11 of 3 BC, on which evening the Sun shone in the constellation Virgo with the crescent Moon gleaming by its feet, then I must acknowledge that God orders the universe in even more minute detail than I had ever imagined. I have read Revelations 12:1-3 hundreds of times; I know of various interpretations, and I know that truth always has many levels of contact and meaning. Certainly Mary is the Virgin clothed with the Sun, and our miraculous Image of Guadalupe is not the only one with the crescent Moon at her feet. But that is not all.
Wait; I am speaking in riddles. Let me explain.
The zodiac
The constellations are imaginary pictures drawn around the natural, but purely visual, groupings of the stars. As the year goes by, these constellations rise and set with the seasons, and at a given time of each year, the sun stands directly between us and one or another of these twelve. Astrologers, imagining that the stars are fixed in the sky and that the Sun moves through them as it goes round the earth, will say that the Sun sits within one of the constellations.
Not every constellation lies in the path of the sun, however, even its imaginary path. The Big Dipper, for example, is always so far in the northern sky that the path of the sun never passes near its stars. The constellations that lie "in the path of the Sun" are called the zodiac – and many of them are animals of the celestial zoo – a lion, a crab, and so forth, but also the twin boys Castor and Pollux, Virgo the virgin, and so forth.
So in September, the Sun passes through the constellation Virgo.
The Moon also crosses the sky in the same basic path as the Sun's because it orbits the earth in such a way as to pass through the zodiac; the Moon therefore appears from night to night with different parts of the zodiac in its background. In September, when the Sun is "in" Virgo, the Moon must also be in Virgo part of the time, for the New Moon is always "near" the Sun in the sky. All this is ordinary astronomy; nothing unusual.
Revelations 12:1-3
Now, Rev 12:1-3 says that "a great sign appeared in the heavens, a woman clothed with the sun and the Moon at her feet and on her head was a crown of 12 stars." This is John's vision. It never crossed my mind that it might be an astronomical reference to the sky on the night of the birth of Jesus. For one thing, I assumed that every culture had its own names for the constellations, and that Virgo would not be known to St. John anyway.
But Greek and Hebrew culture did intersect, and Virgo was a virgin constellation in both cultures. Therefore it could be that Rev 12:1-3 is actually a description of the starry sky on a particular date.
Indeed, on the 11th day of September in 3 BC, the Sun lay within Virgo, as if illumining the virgin from within, and at her feet, the crescent Moon shone briefly before setting. Furthermore, in 3 BC, September 11 was Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year's Day that celebrates the creation of the world and the recreation of life after the flood of Noah.
As we have already indicated, it lies within the scriptural time frame for the birth of Jesus, and, as a birthdate for Jesus, it provides an awesome glimpse into the detail and humor of God's handiwork. It is none of the dates so eagerly offered for his birth by merely superstitious astrologers, but it is its own date, chosen from the creation of the universe as the perfect moment for the birth of Jesus and symbolically recorded in the vision of St. John.
Each detail comes from the hand of God as if it were the main story – no by-products, no mere embellishments; each thing created in its own unexpected perfection. Such were my thoughts for this feast, leading to a deepened sense of providence.


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"Alleluia! Christ, our Lord is risen!"
My beloved Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
Alleluia! Christ, our Lord is risen! In our celebration of Easter, we are reminded once again that through the Paschal mystery, His death and resurrection has given us a certain hope of new life.
The reality of the Resurrection reminds us of God's supreme reign over creation. Despair is overcome by hope; hatred is overcome by love; injustice by forgiveness and death by eternal life.
Indeed, the true meaning of Easter is revealed in light of the Paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ (CCC 1682). It is the death of our Lord Jesus Christ that has redeemed for us eternal life and salvation. Christ's resurrection is the basis of Christian hope and salvation (1 Cor 15:14).
This Easter, I would like to offer three points for reflection:
1. New Life in Christ
By virtue of our baptism and our life of faith in Christ, we are initiated into life in Christ. Death no longer has a hold over us. Let us consider the words of St Paul, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come" (2 Cor 5:17).
Through the resurrection of Christ, we are offered new life in Christ through the Holy Spirit. God's triumph at the cross erases sin and death once and for all (1 Cor 15:25) and gives us a new and living hope.
As children of hope, let us rid ourselves of anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language, and live as a new creation in Christ, and put on the new self which, in the likeness of God, has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth (Eph 4:24).
St Paul exhorts us, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (Col 3:1-4).
2. Personal Encounter with the Risen Lord
Easter beckons us to a personal encounter with the risen Lord. To see the Risen Lord requires faith that leads to a personal encounter with Him. Mary Magdalene and the disciples' encounter at the Tomb points us to ponder on our personal encounter with Him. Only when we have experienced the Lord in person, can we know the Father's love. "No one has ever seen God; it is only the Son, who is nearest to the Father's heart, who has made him known" (Jn 1:18).
So the condition of seeing God is that we must see the Father through Jesus. This is why Christian faith and Christian prayer must be Christocentric. This encounter must take the form of a personal experience that touches the heart and the mind.
Without a personal encounter and a relationship with the Lord that involves the heart, mind and body, this God, who has incarnated Himself in Christ, would remain a distant God. From this encounter with Christ the Risen Lord, we find strength to go through the trials and challenges of life.
I encourage every Catholic not to be contented with merely an intellectual grasp of the faith, but to seek a personal encounter with Christ through a deeper prayer life and meditation on the Word of God.
Catholics should avail themselves to do a personal retreat every year for a few days, either individually or join a corporate retreat. A personal encounter with the Lord gives us the conviction to join the Church in mission of the New Evangelisation as personal witnesses to the gospel.
3. Go forth with Joy
Our Gospel is one of Joy. The Gospel must be proclaimed with joy and with passion. It must be presented as something so beautiful that every human person is attracted to it.
This something is someone, whom we call Jesus the Risen Lord, who comes to give us life abundantly, a joy the world cannot give, and the truth that sets us free. For this reason, no evangelisation is possible unless we have been evangelised and set on fire by the love of the Lord, and the truth He has come to reveal to us.
Until we have fallen in love with Jesus and the gospel, are so inspired by the Good News proclaimed by the Lord, and find hope, meaning and purpose, the gospel cannot be proclaimed with joy and excitement as did the first disciples who encountered the Risen Lord.
Let us then be filled with the presence of the living Christ through the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist so that we may go forth and boldly proclaim the good news with great joy and zeal!
May our hearts burn like the disciples while on the road to Emmaus, always conscious that joy cannot be contained and that goodness always spreads. Every authentic experience of truth and goodness seeks by its nature to grow within us.
Let us heed the words of Jesus Himself and reach out to others to seek their good (EG, 9) and be missionaries bearing the Good News with joy, kindness, patience and love. May the Good News burn within our hearts as we seek to spread the goodness of the gospel to all whom we encounter!
To our newly baptised Brothers and Sisters in Christ, your saying "Yes" to Jesus this Easter is indicative of God having touched your lives. I welcome you to the family of God with great love and joy.
As you share in the sonship of Christ in baptism and become the adopted sons and daughters of God, and as you are incorporated into the body of Christ in the sacrament of the Eucharist, may you be filled with His graces so that you can be true witnesses of Christ's love in the world, giving hope and life to all of humanity.
To do this, you must find strength and support from the community of faith. We cannot be evangelising missionaries unless we remain as disciples of Christ in a loving Christian community. The mission of Christ cannot be accomplished unless we are in communion with fellow Catholics.
So it is important that every Catholic must belong to a faith support group, whether in a Catholic cell group or Neighbourhood group. Otherwise, left alone, your faith will not stand in times of temptation, trial and suffering.
God continually beckons us to new life in Him, through Christ our Lord. And we can be confident that we, who respond in faith to the Risen Lord and testify to the power of His Resurrection, will share in His glory. May the blessed Virgin guide us towards Him, individually and collectively as Church.
Go forth to spread the gospel of Joy! Christ is risen, He has risen indeed!
Yours in Christ,
Archbishop William Goh
201 April 2014


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When Jenny Edis completed the Tasmanian Leaders Program, she had just the seed of an idea. With colleague Mary Mulvaney by her side, she enlisted the support and expertise of Kim Seagram from Stillwater and Black Cow to help turn that idea into a reality. Fourteen months on and with over 40 stalls, Harvest Launceston is growing and growing, with the capable duo of Jenny and Mary at the helm.
Harvest Launceston Market
by Kathryn Heathcote
When you set out to buy fresh produce, it's nice to know the story of the business, and hear the banter between stall-holders. For that very reason, Harvest Launceston invited Think Tasmania on a behind-the-scenes tour to get the real picture.
My first stop was at Sandy's Sourdough. I can testify that Sandy makes moreish pastries as well as a whole range of different breads… all sourdough, of course. Once a policeman in Sydney, Sandy has also worked as a chef and is now studying nursing. I asked how he found the time to make the wonderful breads as well. Apparently, he works all through the night each Friday. Visitors to Harvest Launceston should be impressed by such dedication and passion.
I found the husband and wife team from Vix's Kitch as delicious to speak with as their dips are to taste. Having never eaten a fig (let alone in a dip) I was surprised at the depth of flavour. This duo have fun while making their fabulous relishes and marmalades. Working from a home kitchen, Vicky and Malcolm mix interesting ingredients to create very tasty products. I would so love to be a guest at their dinner party! Vix's Kitch offer samples to customers at Harvest Launceston.
Using only chemical-free, Tasmanian fruit, Patricia of Rocky Gardens has been at the Harvest Launceston market from the beginning, selling home-made jams and jellies. I was particularly interested in the Tayberry. The Tayberry is a cross between the American blackberry and the Scottish raspberry. The Tayberry grows well in Tasmania and gets its name from the river Tay in Scotland. Rocky Gardens sell a massive range of jams, chutneys, relishes, pickles and jellies; there are even seedless versions.
I have walked passed the Black Ridge Farm stall many times before. Predictably, they sell lamb, mutton, pork and beef. But after chatting with business owner Don, I discovered they also sell goat, the world's most-eaten meat. He advised cooking the goat in a curry or by slow roasting. Don has a degree in rural sociology, so he knows what he's talking about.
All Black Ridge Farm meat is from animals reared on their own land and includes Suffolk lamb, Wessex saddleback pigs and Boer goats, a breed from South Africa. The produce is available on a seasonal basis. On our tour, Kim used the phrase "from birth to barbecue" to describe the meat. Don has been selling at the Harvest Launceston market from day one, and customers will find his stall there every week.
Ben from 41 Degrees South Salmon and Ginseng Farm is quite a character. He explained how their salmon is grown under natural conditions, with their wetlands acting as a biological filter. Originally from Germany, Ben is now a full-time Tasmanian salmon farmer with his partner Sarah, and the pair have been at Harvest Launceston since its inception. Sarah gave me a sample of ginseng to taste. By Ben's account, ginseng is good for the immune system and as mine could use a boost, I gave it a go. My sample was delicious; it would be an incredible enhancement to many dishes.
Colin is new to Harvest Launceston. He sells his home grown Tamar Valley Tomatoes. I love tomatoes and can personally recommend these ones; they are so juicy and flavoursome. Everyone loves home-grown Tasmanian produce, but the growing season for most veggie patch tomatoes is nearly over. Not for Tasmanian vine tomatoes though; you can carry on buying, eating and enjoying them.
Hiding amongst his hydroponic lettuces, I found Graeme of Thirlstane Gardens. Surrounded by Oakleaf Velvet and butterhead lettuce; baby capsicums and chillies, Graeme not only knows his lettuces, he also knows about hot chillies. He told me about the "super hot" habanero, a chili only for the very brave. The habanero is good for use in chemoula, a Middle Eastern sauce commonly used on seafood, but also served with a multitude of other dishes.
Kim introduced me to Sally of Wanderlust. You cannot miss the chic, retro caravan parked at Harvest Launceston every week, where Sally serves unique and very popular vegetarian dishes. Sally worked at Fresh for ten years before starting her own business. She makes gluten-free vegetarian pies and home-made cordials.
This week Wanderlust dished up feta, walnut and beetroot pate, but there's something different on offer every week. Even if you're a die-hard meat-eater, go and see Sally. Just try one of her dishes… the queue of customers speaks volumes.
Music and Flowers
Harvest Launceston offers a well-rounded shopping experience; customers can browse the stalls, eat lunch and relax to the sounds of local musicians. Bands and musicians apply to play at the market, and different styles can be heard every time. The market offers other, non-culinary produce too. Tas Daffodils, for example, offer a wide range of wonderful flowers in addition to the namesake daffodil bulbs.
With a base of 40 stall-holders, it's obvious I have only just touched the surface. Consider this article an appetising introduction to the quality and variety of stalls available every Saturday morning in Cimitiere Street, Launceston.
Thanks to Harvest Launceston market manager Kieryn Deutrom for inviting Think Tasmania to visit. Thanks also to Kim Seagram for the guided, behind-the-scenes tour. Our contributor Kathryn combined with professional photographer Dan Fellow to make this article happen. Also see another article by Marji Irish of Blue Penguin Wines, who reviewed the recent event for Australian Wine Month at the market. For more information, follow Harvest Launceston on Facebook.
If you like this article about Tasmania, and you'd like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on social media via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram. If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the "share" options below. We'd love that!
Comments relevant to this article are always most welcome, just leave a reply below. But first… please confirm the date of this article. Have you found something current, or is this ancient information? Either way, thanks for your company and come back again soon.


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Newton's Now Hiring app provides employers with a social careers page
Small and medium-sized employers are always looking for new ways to get jobs in front of relevant communities of talent. Facebook is now the most visited place on the internet. As job seekers spend more time on the world's most popular social networking site, it makes sense that employers would use Facebook for recruitment purposes. Yet, some employers are still reluctant. If you're among the folks that believe Facebook is only for kids and cats, maybe it's time to reconsider.
Still reluctant about posting jobs on Facebook? Here are some stats that may make you reconsider.
-As of January 2015, Facebook has 1,393 billion monthly active users
–Forrester reports that 72% of online adults visit Facebook at least once a month.
–According to eMarketer, US Adults will spend an average of 21 minutes a day on Facebook.
Newton's Now Hiring app provides employers with a social careers page
Newton makes it easy to start using Facebook as a recruitment tool by providing employers with an app that creates a social careers page on Facebook. With Newton's Now Hiring App, you don't need to be General Motors or Walmart to take advantage of Facebook. Now Hiring by Newton is a "corporate" Facebook application that's designed to get an employer's Facebook efforts off the ground quickly. It's free for all Newton customers and it's completely with Newton's applicant tracking system.
Stand out as an employer of choice with simple, smart, safe, integrated social recruiting tools.
-Allow candidates to search, share, view and apply to open positions without leaving Facebook.
-Build a fully-branded and mobile-optimized social career presence that seamlessly integrates with the Newton applicant tracking system
-Easily share your jobs and recruiting updates on your employer's Facebook page.
-Manage your social sharing activity from a single, centralized dashboard
Listen, there's no silver bullet when it comes to recruiting. But, creating awareness by allowing people to easily find your jobs where relevant job seekers spend time online will be a great part of your overall online recruiting strategy and with Newton it's simple, smart, safe and free.


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Advanced Care in Northwest Houston
CHI St. Luke's Health–The Vintage Hospital
20171 Chasewood Park Drive
Houston, TX 77070
CHI St. Luke's Health–The Vintage Hospital provides high-quality, compassionate care for residents of the Willowbrook, Champions, and Tomball areas of Northwest Houston. With the resources of the CHI St. Luke's Health system, we are able to deliver the most advanced care available to our Northwest Houston community. The Vintage Hospital offers the latest in diagnostic and surgical expertise, including heart care, women's health, and orthopedics.
Associated Institutes
20171 Chasewood Park Drive, Houston, TX 77070
20171 Chasewood Park Drive, Houston, TX 77070


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Longtime X-Men Character Comes Out as Gay In New Comic Issue
The X-Men series has often been used as an analogy to the discrimination faced by black Americans in the past, and by the LGBT movement in the present. But now, the parallel is becoming more overt.
Bobby Drake, the longtime X-Men character known as Iceman, comes out as gay in All-New X-Men #40, which releases tomorrow, April 22nd.
According to the leaked pages for the issue, Bobby reveals his sexuality in a conversation with the telepathic Jean Grey. Although Bobby has dated women in the past, including fellow X-Men team member Kitty Pryde, he's apparently wrestled with his sexuality for years. He even theorizes that he could be bisexual, a notion which Jean rejects completely, noting that Bobby is "more…full gay." Poignantly, Bobby theorizes that he was unable to come to terms with his sexuality in the past because he was already ostracized for being a mutant without being gay as well. It speaks to a deeper fear of further rejection that Bobby endured in his youth — a fear that caused him to reject who he truly is. And all it took was a trip into the future (just roll with it) to help him realize that he was doing himself a disservice by rejecting his true self.
(Check out the full leaked pages of Bobby's revelation at Advocate.com)
Say what you will about the heavy-handedness of making the parallels between mutant oppression and LGBT marginalization less subtle, but I think this actually could come across as an inspiring tale to any young comic book fans who are similarly wrestling with their identity. As long as it's tackled with maturity, I think this could be a great storyline, particularly since the big takeaway here is that being gay doesn't define Iceman. He's more than just his sexuality, just as he's more than a mutant.
All-New X-Men #40, written by Brian Michael Bendis in his farewell run on the series, hits shops on Wednesday. It will also be available digitally through Marvel.com and comiXology.


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For the past few months, we have been hearing numerous reports about Apple working on a 4.0-inch iPhone, but there was some confusion over what the device will be called.
Some suggested it would be named iPhone 6c, while other rumours pointed out that it might be christened iPhone 7c.
Now, a new report has surfaced online with the supposed final moniker of the upcoming compact Apple phone with plausible proof.
Chinese media house cnBeta, citing sources inside Foxconn Apple's official supply partner, has revealed that the upcoming 4.0-inch smartphone will be christened iPhone 5e. It is believed that the company has used alphabet "e" to represent it as an "enhanced" version of the iPhone 5S, the last Apple device to feature 4.0-inch screen.
Tipsters also revealed the iPhone 5e will boast advanced audio technology VoLTE (Voice over LTE), NFC (Near Field Communications) and contact-less Apple Pay feature. Other features include 1GB RAM and Apple A8 processor.
Many reports have suggested that Apple iPhone 5e production has already commenced and if all things fall in place, it is expected to be unveiled in March with prices starting at ¥3288 (around $ 500/€462/Rs.33,374).
Besides iPhone 5e, Apple is also said to pull the wraps of the new Mac series and iPad Air 3.
As far as the 2016 flagship iPhone 7 series is concerned, the company is expected to stick to the annual September launch schedule.
The new phones are said to come in 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screen sizes, but will have completely new design language compared to the 2015 series. Apple has reportedly ditched 3.5mm audio jack and instead incorporated universal lighting port which will act both as audio connector as well as power charging port. The device is also expected to boast water-proof certification.
Also read: iPhone 7 may come with dual-camera zoom lens feature, hints Apple patent
Under-the-hood, they are expected to be packed with Apple's proprietary A10 CPU, 2GB RAM, 16GB/64GB/128GB/256GB (only in iPhone 7 Plus model) storage, bigger batteries, dual-camera zoom system and advanced Touch ID security feature.
Read more: iPhone 7 series Touch ID system may come with panic-mode security feature, hints Apple patent
Stay tuned for more updates.


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with JULIA LOGGINS
Heal your Gut, Clear your Head and
Find your Happy in 21 days -
and say goodbye to bloating,
cravings and fatigue forever!
Heal your Gut,
Clear your Head and
Find your Happy
in 21 days - and say goodbye to bloating, cravings and fatigue forever!
Do you struggle with bloat, brain fog and fatigue?
Have you tried a dozen diets and a hundred supplements, and nothing helps?
I've been there!
And I've helped thousands of people heal and live a passionate, pain-free life with step-by-step sustainable lifestyle changes that create huge shifts.
However, even the best TOOLS and INFORMATION is not enough!! Personal support, accountability and community is what makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE and why this program is different than ANY OTHER PROGRAM OUT THERE.
That's why the Happy Gut Makeover has live group weekly calls and a members-only Facebook group. It takes a village! If you're ready to HEAL YOUR BODY AND HAVE THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS, you will have an intimate community of like-minded men and women to help you achieve your goals!
In the Happy Gut Makeover, you will find 28 modules of in-depth video training, along with step-by-step lessons that will empower you to release the stress that's holding you hostage and build a healthy relationship with your body WITHOUT WHITE KNUCKLING IT, without starving and without feeling deprived.
The Happy Gut Makeover online course
with weekly coaching calls is the last cleanse you'll ever need.
After 21-days, you'll be able to:
The Happy Gut Makeover IS NOT like any
other online course you've taken!
The course, coaching calls, email support and private support group:
The course textbook, plus 3 of my supplements designed for ultra-senstive people:
My Story
Doctors told me I wouldn't live past 17. When I did, they told me I could never have children…
I saved my own life, and I've helped thousands of people heal.
Who could imagine I would turn into that lucky mama on the right, holding the hands of her beautiful daughter?!
I was born "allergic to the twentieth century." My body's reactions to environmental pollutants, toxic foods, and household chemicals spawned life-threatening asthma by the time I was just five years old. At the age of ten, I was living with rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, bleeding ulcers, colitis, and diverticulitis. While on steroids for twelve years, I survived three near-death situations due to anaphylactic shock. My family had given up hope for me to survive beyond my teens.
If you're struggling with autoimmune disease, tummy troubles, inflammation, severe allergies or infertility — I've been there. If I can heal, so can you.
Detox, cleansing and confronting the demons — from foods to environmental substances to the trauma that caused these illnesses was the journey…and the picture above, the arrival.
I found the keys out of hell.
But I didn't discover this overnight.
I studied for ten years with the pioneers of the natural health movement and the icons in mind-body psychology. The first population of clients I had were seriously ill people who had lost all hope and willpower. I discovered that willpower has nothing to do with why we self-sabotage! I learned that simple steps taken IN THE RIGHT ORDER create healing that lasts forever!
I've helped thousands of people heal their digestion, shed the bloat and the brain fog, and have the kind of energy they thought only belonged to top-level athletes.
The Happy Gut Makeover embraces the concept that CREATIVITY is what we're here for, whether it's to make a baby, a business or a blazing new art form…and I am committed to supporting you as you make your dreams come true.
Yes, you NEED a healthy body and mind to do that. First steps first. You can't change the world when you feel like crap and can't get out of bed.
I have found my life's work.
I want you to find yours.
And be healthy enough to enjoy it — and the rest of your life — for a long, long time!
– Julia
Questions for me?
Do you have a gassy, bloated belly?
Acid reflux, heartburn & belching?
Depressed…blah…no energy, no sparkle?
Well, so did all of these Happy Gut Makeover students.
See their testimonials of success!
The Happy Gut Makeover will take you step by step to
Cleanse, Release, Nourish, Re-Set, Re-Invent, Create and Sustain!
The 21-Day Cleanse to detoxify & eliminate sugar & carb cravings without feeling hungry or deprived!
Get lifetime access to the 28-module online course, weekly group coaching calls and the 3 cleansing supplements, course textbook 'It Takes Guts to Be Happy', ph strips, biofeedback stress card PLUS your bonus of All-Day Energy protein powder!


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I have been busy making hats whenever I get the chance. Everyone loves my hats. They tell me that they are the warmest hats ever. I knit them on my Kniffy Knitter Looms. I really do enjoy making them while I watch TV. I don't know why but if I just sit & watch without some project in my hands I always feel like I am wasting time. These hats are simple enough that I can keep up with the show without having to count rows or stitches.
I have been fairly busy in my store along with everything else going on. I was having trouble seeing & thought I needed glasses, so off to the Optometrist I went. It turned out to be bad news. I have Dry Macular Degeneration. It causes the vision to become more & more blurry, but not actually blind. On top of that I am diabetic so that is an another assault on my vision. My Mother lost her vision at 24. AMD is genetic. I will go back to the DR in a year to check & see how fast it is progressing. I can still see to read or write & of course knit & sew. I just couldn't read street signs etc. I am trying to stay positive & hope for the best.


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There are no Monday blues 'round here because Crispy Falafel Sliders are in town.
The sun was shining all weekend long, so I really can't complain. Actually, if I'm being honest with you, I'm trying really hard not to complain. You know that saying, "chaos precedes great change"? Well, I'm currently in the chaos phase of it. I'm telling myself for now a great change is a comin', anyway.
For starters, thank you for dealing with the lack of recipe update emails. There's a whole lot of coding mess that I have no idea how to fix and hope to have a web developer fix this week. Can't I just create recipes and taking pictures and have all the tech stuff magically work/fix itself?!? UGH.
Then, my car gives me an error: "Transmission Malfunction. Service now." Which of course I read as "YOU'RE SCREWED."
So yeah, it's been a week of things breaking. Fingers crossed this "great change" happens soon. And thank you for listening and being patient as I was semi-MIA. ONTO THESE CRISPY FALAFEL SLIDERS.
I love falafel. I love falafel in a pita. I love falafel in a bowl. I love falafel on a salad. I love falafel in a slider.
How do you like your falafel? If you haven't had slider form yet – get ready for a summer filled with these mini-sammies loaded with flavor. As a mostly vegetarian, summertime grill parties can have their pitfalls. Well-intended friends buy packaged, bland, rock-hard veggie burgers, or dinner becomes just a bunch of chips and wine (I'm totally a snacker so this works for me most of the time). But nothing replaces the feeling of a bun in hand, a drink in the other, and the sun shining down.
So, my fellow vegetarian friends (and meat-eating falafel loving friends!) no more being left of out the slider club. And you know what, even those meat-eaters out there will be reaching for a Crispy Falafel Slider in the end, because they're so dang tasty!
The falafel patty has all the falafel flavors…
To get their crispy exterior, the patties are coated in panko and fried in a bit of oil. Trust me on this – you don't want to skimp this part.
AND THE SAUCE! HERB-Y, LEMONY MAYO. SO EASY. Doesn't sauce just make everything extra, extra tastier?! Such a simple, flavorful combination of mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and parsley.
And wait for it… homemade pickles AND pickled onions garnish off the Crispy Falafel Slider for additional brininess and a kick of spice. Such a winning partnership, if I do say so myself. I know you'll agree… so get out there and get to whipping up some sliders!Print
Crispy Falafel Sliders
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
A crispy falafel slider topped with an herb mayo, pickles, and pickled onions! A flavorful vegetarian dinner.
- 1 15-oz. can chickpeas (429g), drained and rinsed
- 1/3 heaping cup shallots, roughly chopped (~1 medium bulb)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- 1/2 cup parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander
- Pinch of black pepper
- 4–6 Tablespoons flour
- 1 cup panko
- Oil for frying
- Slider Buns
- Lettuce, for garnish
- Homemade pickles and onions, for garnish
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pinch of black pepper
- In a food processor, add chickpeas, shallot, garlic, cilantro, parsley, salt, cumin, coriander, and black pepper . Pulse until a coarse pea-sized mixture forms. Add 4 Tablespoons flour, and continue pulsing until combined. If the mixture is really sticky, add an additional 1-2 Tablespoons until mixture is uniform and fairly smooth.
- Take approximately 2 Tablespoons of mixture and form into a ball, continuing until you have 8. Roll in panko and place in the fridge for 15 minutes to "set up".
- Meanwhile, begin heating a flavorless oil in a skillet over medium heat. Oil should be approximately 1 inch high in the pan. Add falafel balls in the hot oil, evenly spacing them and not crowding the pan. Using a spatula, gently press down on the ball to form a patty. Cook for 2-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from oil and place on a paper towel or cooling rack. Continue frying the remaining falafel (I usually do 2 batches).
- Assemble sliders with falafel, lettuce, pickles and onions, herb mayo, and any additional toppings you want!
- Whisk together all ingredients. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern


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Here is my coverage of the March 9 Partial Solar Eclipse as seen from Project 6, Quezon City, Philippines. I setup my Sky-Watcher Explorer 150PL with my Baader solar filter for imaging and my Celestron Travelscope 70 with black polymer filter for visual observation. The initial forecast in the morning suggested partly cloudy skies but was fortunate to get good conditions except for the end of the eclipse.
The umbral shadow will pass through the waters of Indonesia giving us only a partial view. Originally the plan was for me and my friends from the International School for Young Astronomers to meet back at Indonesia for the eclipse but we weren't able to do so. Instead I took a leave today from work to cover the eclipse. As the eclipse progressed I tried to share the observations to the general public via Facebook.
The rest of the astronomical community are dispersed in different areas to cover the eclipse. In the coming days I hope I can feature the different solar eclipse activities here.


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Why Cutty Strength?
We are dedicated to bring you information and straightforward advice on how to achieve your goals. No matter if your goal is strength or muscle building, general fitness, diet and nutrition, or mindset help we have you covered.
Strength and Muscle Building
No articles here will BS you and try to sell you anything that isn't proven to work. Any information presented will be backed by experience, or information will be formed from advice of other athletes and coaches. You won't see any "get ripped quick" schemes on this site.
General Fitness
Some people don't want to be so big that people are afraid of them or pick up all of the weight in a gym and that's okay. For people who are interested in general fitness or "getting in shape," we will provide you information to help you make good healthy decisions and help you achieve your goals. There might be some attempts to pull you into strength building but that's all fun and games :-).
Diet and Nutrition
We are going to provide you with information about diet and nutrition that will help you achieve your goals and inform you to make your own decisions. If you want to grow some huge muscles and be shredded, you don't have to micromanage your diet and eat boiled chicken and broccoli. We will give it to you straight.
Your mindset has a lot to do with the amount of success you will have at anything in life. From motivational pictures and quotes, to tips on making the most out of every day, we will have articles that will help empower you to take control of your life and live it to the fullest.
All of the information presented is simply advice. If for some reason you get hurt attempting volume squats or a new workout you've never done, CuttyStrength.com takes no responsibility. Please be safe and know your limits.
Are you a fitness or nutrition writer and have a passion for this industry? Click here for information about article submissions. If your article is accepted, we will feature links back to your website and other appropriate credits.
Sign Up for Site Updates
Cutty Strength promises to keep your e-mail safe. Signing up for site updates means you get notification as soon as a new article is released. You will not receive any spam emails or unwanted emails other than new articles being submitted, so be sure to keep up to date on our articles!
Be Social!
Be sure to spread the word about the website by posting links on your own website, blog, or social media networks.
Thank You
Cutty Strength is dedicated to helping everyone achieve their goals and gives you tips and advice that work. It's my mission to inform and help everyone so they can live the life they want to live.


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Authors : Carol Ann Borchert, Charlene N. Simser, Wendy C. Robertson
In recent years, many libraries have forayed into the world of open access (OA) publishing. While it marks a major shift in the mission of libraries to move from providing access to content to generating and creating content ourselves, it still involves the same basic values regarding access to information.
The environment has changed, and libraries are adapting with new approaches and new staff skills to promote these fundamental values. The authors selected nineteen libraries and conducted phone interviews with a specific list of questions, encouraging discussion about how each library approached being a publisher.
This chapter examines the politics and issues involved, and makes recommendations for defining our roles in this new territory.
The authors highlight the approaches various libraries have taken—and the challenges faced—in selecting a platform, writing a business plan, planning for preservation, educating researchers about OA publishing, working with a university press, marketing, and navigating staff training issues.
The chapter concludes with recommendations for areas of focus and future research.


text: Those who qualify can receive a FREE subscription to Car & Driver magazine for a limited time. Car and Driver contains road tests and features on performance, sports, international coverage of road race, stock and championship car events, technical reports, personalities and products. Road & Track's features in-depth road tests, car comparisons, performance data, future car news, technical reports and racing features.


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|The bus at its berth.
|A typical view of the neighborhood.
|A shopping plaza.
|Weird place for a bus to end...
Ridership: This one gets 58 people per weekday and 44 per Saturday. So...yeah, it's pretty bad, too.
Pros: The 1 actually serves stuff that other routes don't serve, unlike the 9. I like how the two routes interline to provide every hour service..
Cons: The route's ridership is still really bad. Unlike the 9, though, there's no easy way of fixing the problem. The 1 should still run, of course, but there's no denying that very few people use this thing.
Nearby and Noteworthy: All there really is is Hannaford, and the suburban businesses around it. There was also this interesting place near the end of the route. Their website is...strange.
Final Verdict: 4/10
The route does its job and serves what it needs to serve, but it's not great. I don't think there are any good ways of increasing its ridership, so it might as well just go back and forth on its route and do its thing. Oh well.
Latest MBTA News: Service Updates


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News Corp's Tamara Pannett Joins The Urban List As Head Of Sales
Australian and New Zealand local lifestyle guide The Urban List has poached a second News Corp employee in as many weeks, appointing Tamara Pannett (pictured above) to lead its sales team.
In a 12-year career in the advertising industry, Pannett has held roles as group sales manager and national sales operations manager at News Corp, and as Victorian sales director at Kidspot.
Pannett's appointment follows comes after former News Corp marketer Damien Rossi joined The Urban List last week in the newly-created role of general manager.
Susannah George, founder and CEO of The Urban List, said: "With the addition of Tamara to our executive team, along with Damien Rossi as GM last week, we are setting up for long-term growth – really investing in the team and the products our customers need to succeed.
"Having built the trust of the largest Millennial audience of any local lifestyle guide, we're now focused on bolstering our offerings – both on and offline – providing industry-leading, collaborative solutions for brands seeking aspiration, access and action."
Commenting on her new role, Pannet said: "I couldn't be more excited to join The Urban List, particularly at such a transformative time in the Australian media industry.


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Solomon Says: A great Game for Christian Parents | Episode # 70
Solomon Says is a great game to play with your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews. Pretty much anyone under 12 that you want to help learn the Proverbs and apply them to their lives. Simply read a proverb correctly for a "True" proverb or misplace a key word with an opposite different word for a "False" Solomon Says.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.


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Sensors & Transducers e-Digest, Vol. 103, Issue 4, April 2009: Product News
Submit an Article or Press Release
10 Top Sensors Products of 2008
Sensors & Transducers Journal 2008
2000-2002 S&T e-Digest Contents
New MEMS-Based Inclinometer
Elmhurst, IL (March 25, 2009) - ASM introduces a new, innovative inclinometer series, PTAM2, with ranges from ±5° to ±180° for single axis and from ±5° to ±60° for dual axes in a robust, IP67/IP69K rated all-metal housing. This industrial grade sensor provides a high resolution, linear output signal that is proportional to the inclination angle. The PTAM2 series has been tested to withstand harsh conditions which makes it suited for a wide range of applications such as factory automation machines and robotics, mobile cranes, draw bridges, adjustable platforms and off-highway construction equipment.
The PTAM2 series is the latest addition to the POSITILT® family and is available with four different absolute analog outputs: 0.5-10 V, 4-20 mA, voltage sine(x) and CANopen with a typical resolution of 0.05°. Limit switch outputs are also available. The output signal response time is available from 0.1 – 2.0 seconds, in 0.1 second increments. The measurement ranges are available from ±5° to ±180° in 5° increments. The compact 36 mm (1.4 inch) diameter housing with servo flange mounting allows for quick and easy installation.
Since the PTAM2 is based upon contact-fee and wear-free, MEMS position sensor technology, it offers significantly increased reliability in extreme environments, especially under high mechanical shock conditions.
ASM Sensors, Inc. is a leading company in the development, manufacturing and marketing of linear and rotary position sensors as well as tilt sensors for use in industrial and commercial applications. With 30 years of experience in serving all sectors of industry, ASM sensors has set industry standards in position measurement by providing innovative products to help automate processes and to increase safety in the workplace.
ASM Sensors, Inc. has its global headquarters in Moosinning, Germany near Munich which is ISO 9001:2000 certified and is where both standard products and customized solutions are manufactured. ASM products are sold worldwide through subsidiaries, sales offices and a network of representatives.
Nicole Manz
Marketing Manager ASM Sensors, Inc.
650W. Grand Ave., Unit 205
Elmhurst, IL 60126, USA
Tel.: 1-(630)-832 3202
Fax: 1-(630)-832 3204
E-mail: email@example.com
Read more about Inclinometers
1999 - 2009 Copyright ©, International Frequency Sensor Association (IFSA). All Rights Reserved.


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Hanna Ali-Melkkilä
gsm +358 40 562 1882
Hanna is particularly interested in measuring and understanding customer experience part of the development of business operations.
"Customer information is not yet utilized enough, since information is not spread horizontally."
Hanna is one of the founders of the company.
Hanna Niemelä
gsm +358 50 596 4244
Hanna creates added value results to our clients. She is able to manage even a large project from start to finish. She is expert in summarising the most essential topics into clear messages.
Versatile communication methods and channels are important to her and she is active in learning new things and skills.
Jarkko Kuusinen
gsm +358 40 505 0081
Jarkko has wide experience in managing business operations, entrepreneurship, management consulting as well as 10 years of working abroad.
"Customer's goal and challenges are always the primary starting point for a project."
Jarkko is one of the founders of Fountain Park.
Jari Latvalahti
gsm +358 50 312 0298
For the past thirteen years Jari has worked within the public sector as a Management Consultant. Knowledge Management, Health Care and Welfare, International Benchmarking, Information Society – these are few keywords describing Jari's competence and knowhow.
"World is full of information and examples of best practises. Challenge is what to make of it and when."
Teppo Nieminen
gsm +358 50 544 1623
Teppo has experience in supporting clients both in Finland and internationally. His primary focus areas are strategy work and change management. His wide-ranged interest in social phenomena makes it easy for him to fit things in a wider context. You might even be interested in receiving a Christmas present from Fountain Park as Teppo selects every year very interesting and reading to our clients.
Petri Nuppunen
gsm +358 40 759 2960
Petri works both in project implementation and sales support. He brings a fresh perspective to projects. New solutions and high customer satisfaction are important priorities for him, sustained by continuous self-development and new learning.
Lea Remes
gsm +358 50 410 9063
Lea works as a visual designer in Fountain Park. She always strives for best in everything she makes to customers. She has the ability to adapt quickly to new situations and to prioritize things. Lea is a reliable and creative person with an eye for detail.
Roland Steenblock
gsm +49 0 214 690 590 00
Roland is the representative of Fountain Park and Executive Consulting in Germany. He is an experienced manager in complex, entrepreneurial environments. He also has general management expertise in various demanding international, engineering plastics markets.
Linnea Pitkänen
gsm +358 50 3060 818
Linnea's responsibilities involve different operations in marketing and sales, and time to time she supports the project management. She is very interested in the working life phenomena and likes to challenge herself in different ways. Linnea enjoys teamwork and helping others.


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About 3 years ago, we made our first grown-up purchase: our couch.
We loved that couch! It was more money than we'd ever spent on any piece of furniture, but we truly believe that some things in your home, especially items that will be used everyday, should be an investment and be able to stand the test of time. We've never been big fans of "in the meantime" purchases. For us it just seems like a waste of money, we would rather save our pennies and be able to afford things that we really love and can see ourselves continuing to use in the long run, than buying things just for now. (I'm looking at you, 5-year-empty-spots where there should be dining room chairs!) You may have noticed the past tense in the previous sentence. We loved that couch… We had spent years saving up to get our Dunham couch, and we would even occasionally go into West Elm just to sit on that couch and pretend it was ours. However, what we weren't told and didn't realize until the couch was sitting in our living room was that the fabric we chose (brushed heathered cotton) was not suitable for cleaning with water-based products and the covers weren't removable, either. Not ideal for a family with 3 small children and a cat. Honestly, I spent so much time telling the kids not to put their feet on the couch, or having a mini-heart attack if they would get up from the table before I could wipe their hands. Finally, I told Michael I couldn't live like that anymore. I wanted to be able to relax, to have a people over, and not have to worry about what might get spilled on the couch.
Enter Lovesac. We first heard about Lovesac when we saw the sign for the store as we were going to dinner one night. I mean, it's certainly an attention grabbing name. Michael and I were all like, "Lovesac? What's that?" We walked by the window, and realized it was a furniture store. Well, alright then. Still intrigued, I looked them up online when we got home. Initially known for their giant, unbelievably comfortable bean bag like sacs (hence, the name), they've also gotten in on the sectional / modular furniture market. I can tell you, I was immediately smitten by their Sactionals. It was as if someone hit the play button on the Hallelujah Chorus. A couch that has covers that can be thrown in the washing machine? Yes! The covers on the sides and backs can be removed and washed, too? Yes!! You can change the look of your couch anytime just by buying new covers, and you can rearrange the couch to make it bigger, smaller, or whatever to fit your ever-changing life? Take my money!!!
So, we sold the couch we thought we loved, for our one true love, our Sacational:
Yes, it does look pretty similar to our other couch. What can I say? We have a type. But this couch is all separate pieces, that can be rearranged to everything from a loveseat to a queen guest bed! Did I mention the covers come off and can be thrown in the washing machine? All the covers. Including the bottoms and sides. Eeep! As if that weren't enough, Lovesac also offers FREE shipping whether you buy the item in store or online. The day our Sactional came in was beautiful chaos.
Boxes! Boxes as far as the eye can see! And Louie, our resident supervisor, of course. I don't remember how many boxes there were exactly – what's pictured was probably only half of them – but for reference, we order the 5 sides + 4 seats combo. I can tell you, however, that Lovesac's packing skills could give Ikea a run for their money! An entire couch fit into those skinny boxes! The seat cushions were packed into the bases and the hardware was packed under the seats.
This is what the bases look like without the covers:
Those slits that you see there are where the steel clamps (included in the hardware) fit to secure all the pieces together. Also included in the hardware is: wooden bases called shoes, 4 legs for each base that fit into the shoes (packaged already sitting in the shoe in the photo below), and adhesive felt pads to keep the shoes from scuffing up your floor.
After everything was unboxed (and the kids were in bed), we started putting the covers on the sides and bases. The seats and pillow covers have zippers, while the sides and bases covers are secured with the strongest Velcro that I have ever encountered.
The covers, especially the ones for the sides, fit pretty snugly, but that's the dream, friends. I'm so happy that they fit snugly, and that it took both Michael and I to fit the seat cushions in the covers, because I wouldn't want them to start looking all baggy and loose like 1998. We actually got the Sactional back in October (we've been testing it out so that we could write a thorough review) and I can tell you, the covers still look great! I even took one seat cover off and washed it after Eleanor decided to get all artsy on it with a marker. Not only did the marker come out, but it went back on the cushion just as tight and crisp as the day we got it!
Now the downside, if you can even call it that, is that the back pillows are a little bulky. And that is really only an issue because the back of the couch is straight, there is no recline to it. Obviously this is great for the long run, because it means the cushions will stay plush longer, but for the sake of comfort at the moment, we've thrown the pillows on the floor and told the kids to jump on them. They think it's the greatest thing in the world, I think it depletes some of their energy (wishful thinking, I know) and I don't have to worry about the cushions getting dirty, because I can just wash the covers! Or Heaven forbid, something awful happens that can't be washed out, we can just replace the one cushion rather than the entire couch! I've heard a few people say, "Oh, yeh. Couch from XYZ has removable covers that can be changed." Sure. But can XYZ couch be made bigger or smaller when you move into a new home with a different sized living space? Or turned into 4 separate chairs for game night? Or a queen bed for overnight guests?
Can your couch do this?
Seriously, the thing is like Legos: The Furniture Addition. You can find out more information on Lovesac's Sactionals by clicking here, or visiting your local store. And FYI, they currently have a lot of promotions going on, so if you're thinking of taking the plunge, do it while they still have things like 48 months no interest financing going on!


text:
There's a book called Growing kids with Character that explores the four main personality types as prescribed by the DISC profile. This book has become a lifeline for many anxious parents in South Africa on how to raise the mongrels some of them gave birth too. What's interesting about the theory is that it relates each personality type to a different kind of tree. The reason for this is unclear, but most probably so fathers can understand it as well. (By the way, remove that thrown from your face, you'll get wrinkles.) I'm just telling it like it is.
The DISC-profile identifies four main types of personalities, and seeing that this is not a psychology blog, I'm not gonna bore you with theory, you can do that all on your own, over at www.discinsights.com. General consensus lets us believe that most people are a combination of these main types, which are Dominance, Influential, Steady and Conscientious. General consensus states that you're never just one or the other. General consensus doesn't know what he's talking about. Enter me. Waaaa-waaaa.
I'm an Influential type. An I. And that's about it. I is Me. Here's how I know this:
The I Personality Style is not afraid to be the centre of attention. They are enthusiastic, optimistic, talkative, persuasive, impulsive and emotional. This Personality Type will trust others naturally, truly enjoys being around others, and functions best when around people and working in teams.
as per https://www.discinsights.com/personality-style-I
There you have it, my whole personality summarised in two, somewhat sloppy, sentences. And if you want to dissect the rest of my brain, just hop over to the linked page and we can become great friends. Or not.
Getting back to the theory of trees, for I'm environmentally conscious. The trees used as analogies for the four personality types are:
a Rose-bush for Dominance, cause Rose bushes are all thorns and condescending and shit,
a Pine tree for Steady, cause their roots extend all the way to Middle Earth,
a Lemon tree for Conscientious, cause I have know idea why,
If we consider a palm tree to be all wavy and party and beachy and fun and centre-of-attention-like, then I suppose there is some resemblance. Can you see it?
Moving on…
Princess christened me as the King palm, which only enforce the notion that I'm nothing more than an enthusiastic, optimistic, talkative, persuasive, impulsive and emotional person. One who fears rejection more than death. Someone who cannot function properly without people around him.
But here's where it gets interesting…
Weekends we braai. It's not a question of "if", it's a question of "when". It's those special moments that gives me an excuse to indulge in my love of red. Meat and wine, that is. Our house has resembled an airport the last couple of weeks, if only for hectic schedules, and not so much boeings landing in our drive way. We were in desperate need for a time-out, a quiet, relaxing weekend, our own voluntary isolation, becoming hermits scattering away from human contact.
As Saturday leisurely migrated from dawn to dusk, Princess and Son became aware that no-one was joining us for our weekend braai. They were speculating, hovering around us like hungry hyenas. Eventually they couldn't take it anymore, and Son was assigned as spokesperson.
"Dad, who's joining us this afternoon?" There was a tangible expectation in his voice.
"No-one," I replied solemnly. Son looked like I gave him a birthday present, that contained nothing but an empty box. He was positively distraught.
"Why do you look so shocked Son?" I tried. Princess jumped in.
"Dad, you're a King palm. You need people around you. Your leaves will wither without interaction with people. You have to invite someone."
"Well, I have Mom and you two. Last time I checked, you're considered people too. I'll be fine, I promise."
"But Dad, you need a lot of people. You need to be able to wave your branches in the wind and invite birds to come and nest. You must grow and enjoy the sun and…"
I interrupted her, for that's what Father's do when their kids get carried away.
"Do you guys want someone to join us?"
"Yes Dad." They said in unison.
Son continued: "That would be awesome. And it's really going to be weird if no-one comes. There's always someone here. Phone Grandpa."
Another thing about I-type people is that they are instinctive communicators who are able to both influence and inspire others. They are spontaneous and agreeable. Which made me realise in that moment that we have a problem.
Our house already has a King Palm, who requires heaps of love and attention. But now there's two new Palm trees growing at the speed of something really fast, potentially dethroning the big one. And the King palm has some appreciation of how wonderful and animated the chaos and disorder will be, living in a house full of Palm trees.
I almost feel sorry for our darling Mother Pine tree. I did say almost. Now let's party!


text:
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