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BD+C: What are the prospects for the U.S. hotel industry and hotel construction?
Igor Krnajski: In the last couple of years we've had a pretty good downturn, of course, but the next five years are looking much better. The industry as a whole is forecasting gains in the 5-7% range. At Denihan, because we're New York-centric, we were up 11% last year, and we're forecasting 10% gains for this year. There have been a lot of conversations about how properties have been neglected, and that capital dollars need to be expended.
BD+C: How do you think that will break down between new hotel construction and reconstruction of existing properties?
IK: The initial surge will be in reconstruction, in the upkeep of your own portfolio. Then it will go into the expansion of portfolios, companies taking over existing properties and repositioning them. As for new construction, the financial markets are not fully ready to support new build. They're looking to minimize risk by investing in properties that have operating cash flow. It's all about managing risk, and if we as an industry show a couple of years of solid growth, investment in new construction will come back.
Any new hotel construction will be in areas that need an influx of new rooms, underserved areas like Dallas and Houston and Boston, and even Washington, although it is much more difficult to build new there.
BD+C: Any specific geographical growth areas for Denihan?
IK: We're looking to expand primarily within the U.S., such as in Dallas. We're very East Coast-centric right now, and we need a balance on the West Coast—places like Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco.
BD+C: Howard Wolff, an SVP at hotel designer WATG, has blogged that "bling has blung," that high-end guests are concerned about ostentation and the appearance of conspicuous consumption in their choice of hotels. Is this a trend?
IK: Our customers are looking for more of a residential environment, rather than just a hotel room. The desire to entertain within their hotel space is much greater, so they want office/living/entertainment within the same space.
It used to be you catered to business class—the fax machine, the big desk—but now it's a laptop and wi-fi, and a banquette with a table, so the guest can work there and also have dinner right there. And we have to provide solid technology: Internet, lighting and temperature controls, window treatments, AV, and other guest amenity services.
It's a matter of changing tastes, but "bling" will be back some day. There's always room in the market for luxury.
BD+C: What about green design and operations?
IK: "Environmentally thoughtful" is the term we're using. There's definitely a balance between comfort and environmental awareness that our guests are looking for. They're much more sophisticated these days. Guests want to feel that they're doing the "green" things that they may be doing at home, like recycling and saving energy, but in a hotel environment, they want the luxury of being a little bit naughty—taking a long shower, for example.
We're constantly doing light bulb audits, installing dual-flush toilets and showerheads with internal flow constrictors, and in-house recycling. We're looking at LEED aspects for our projects, but getting LEED accreditation for buildings in New York City is not easy. There's a fine line between conservation and the guest experience but I do think the industry is listening.
BD+C: Are you commissioning your properties?
IK: We do commissioning. We think it's better to be preemptive than to wait for equipment and systems to become a problem. As for metrics, in a hotel environment, it's a very difficult calculation, because it's affected by the use of the rooms, and it's very seasonal, but we know we have saved year over year as a result of commissioning.
BD+C: As SVP of Design and Construction for a luxury hotelier, what advice do you have for AEC firms that want to do business with firms like yours?
IK: Our biggest ongoing issue with AEC firms is that they're not always thinking in terms of the hotel operator's mindset. There are many operational aspects that are exclusive to hotel design. We're hiring them to give us good ideas, but if they understood our operations better, that would make the working relationship much smoother.
I've seen situations where the designers grossly underestimated the size of the staff, with the result that they followed code requirements but designed in only one shower for the male staff's locker room. We as owners and operators have an obligation to educate our design teams, but designers should know better than to make mistakes like that.
BD+C: What, in your professional role, keeps you up at night?
IK: Our guests are more social media-minded, and that is putting pressure on us to keep up with them. The feedback is plentiful and immediate, and expectations are higher than ever. Yet you can't be constantly changing things. How do we evaluate their input quickly, because by the time you get there, there's a new trend? How do you respond? How do we filter this fantastic information from our customers and implement it? You'll miss the boat if you don't.


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RDM Mobile 3.0 offers QNX developers the full functionality and flexibility needed for mobile applications.
SEATTLE/OSLO, April 19, 2004 - Today, Birdstep Technology (OSE: BIRD) announced the release of Birdstep RDM Mobile 3.0, a full featured, small footprint database ideally suited for mobile computing systems. With its data integrity, multi-user support, zero-administration, and support for the QNX® Neutrino® RTOS, RDM Mobile 3.0 offers the functionality and flexibility needed to meet the growing demands of mobile applications.
Mobile computing devices, including telematics, electronic notebooks, smart-phones, and aerospace systems, require a high-performance database, but have limited resources. RDM Mobile 3.0 has been streamlined to minimize size and costs, while maintaining superior reliability, speed, and transparency.
"RDM Mobile 3.0 is optimized for mobile computing applications. It is a small (less than 225k footprint), high-performance database that provides solutions mobile software developers require for data management. We support the QNX Neutrino RTOS because of its popularity in the mobile device market, particularly in automotive telematics," said Tom Clark, Birdstep Technology, Inc. CEO.
About Birdstep Technology
Birdstep Technology is traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE) under ticker 'BIRD'. The company has headquarters in Oslo and Seattle in addition to offices in Shanghai, London, Boston and San Francisco. Birdstep's small footprint, high performance database technologies combined with its wireless roaming and access software enable companies to build innovative solutions for embedded systems and the Mobile Internet. Birdstep makes your information accessible any time, anywhere, on any device, and on any infrastructure. Birdstep's global customers include 3Com (COMS), VERITAS (VRTS), Harman Becker Automotive Systems, HP (HPQ), Accenture (ACN), Telenor (TELN), PCTel (PCTI), Connect One, and the National Stock Exchange of India. For more information, visit http://www.birdstep.com/
Birdstep Safe Harbor
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those associated with unpredictability and volatility of the price of Birdstep Technology's Common Stock, the performance of and conditions in the Norwegian and world financial markets, the policies and actions of the Norwegian and other governments, and the general political, economic and business conditions in Norway and elsewhere. Actual results could differ materially, as a result of such factors, from those set forth in forward-looking statements.
Birdstep Contact
Laura Klebs
Public Relations/Marketing Coordinator
206 748 5214
QNX and Neutrino are registered trademarks of QNX Software Systems Ltd. in certain jurisdictions.

subset: commoncrawl


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Liz TomeoMA, LPC
I was born and raised in New Jersey where I was the youngest of 8 children. Following high school, I majored in Social Work at Albright College in Reading. After college, I moved to the Boston area before returning to Berks County and receiving my Masters of Art in Counseling from Alvernia College.
I hold accreditation as a Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Behavioral Specialist, and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Working in the field of social services for about 20 years, I have provided behavioral health services to individuals and families from age 5 years old and up. In addition to seeing clients at Emotional Wellness, I also work for a non-profit managed care agency serving primarily Berks County residents. Currently I am honored to serve on the board of the Pennsylvania Association of Licensed Professional Counselors and am a member of the American Counseling Association.
On the personal side, I am the mother of two children, a son who is a student at Temple University and daughter in high school. Additionally, I am the owner of 4 dogs, 2 cats, and a bearded dragon. In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, spending time with friends and family, and playing the guitar.
Session/Treatment Types:
Treatment Age Groups:
Ages 10 to 13 (tweens)
Ages 18 to 25 (young adults)
Ages 65+ (seniors)
Ages 14 to 17 (teens)
Ages 26 to 65 (adults)
Treatment Specialties:
Family conflict
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Sexual Abuse
Women's Issues
Treatment Preferences:
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Solution Focused Brief
Credentials and Trainings:
LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Nationally Certified Counselor awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors
LBS (Licensed Behavioral Specialist) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Albright College
Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Alvernia College
Certificate in Trauma Informed Care from Drexel University School of Medicine


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Grassroots efforts have the potential to save thousands of lives bringing awareness about HBOT on a larger scale at the level it takes to make the changes that need to happen.
Lee County, TX (PRWEB) February 26, 2014
Rainey Owen of Lexington, Texas first learned of the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) when his grandson Matt Smothermon, who had returned from Afghanistan with traumatic brain injury after three IED attacks and subsequently receiving a Purple Heart, was featured in an Oklahoma news report on the benefits of HBOT. Oklahoma lawmakers are being asked to make HBOT available to Oklahoma Veterans. In the news feature, Smothermon stated that he returned from Afghanistan as only a shell of his former self and was unable to concentrate in order to return to the legal studies he left behind to serve in Afghanistan.
At that point, Smothermon signed up for a study at Oklahoma State University on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for people with post-concussion symptoms from mild traumatic brain injury. Oklahoma State was one of a number of sites in the country participating in the National Brain Injury Rescue and Rehabilitation Project (N-BIRR). N-BIRR was organized by the International Hyperbaric Medical Foundation to test the hyperbaric protocol, HBOT 1.5, developed by Dr. Paul Harch (President of the IHMF), Dr. Neubauer, and their colleagues in New Orleans. Through the efforts of William Duncan, Ph.D., Dr. Paul Rock at the Center for Aerospace and Hyperbaric Medicine was recruited to oversee the HBOT 1.5 study at Oklahoma State University School of Medicine in Tulsa. The study is still ongoing, but with regard to the treatments, Smothermon remains convinced it works and stated, "It's given me my life back. It really has."
After witnessing the difference HBOT made in his grandson's life and doing his own research, Owen took action. He met with the governor's staff in Austin, Texas as well as representatives from the Department of Health & Human Services and wrote letters to members of the Armed Services Committee in Congress as well as celebrities and news anchors.
When he did not get a great deal of response and was met with concerns that treatment costs were too high, Owen decided to reach out on a local level. He went to bi-weekly commissioner court meetings near his home in Lee County and was successful in getting unanimous approval of a resolution that strongly urges Texas State Government to provide appropriate funding to provide results oriented, evidence based, proven treatment, including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), for returning Texas Veterans that suffer the residual, after-effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Judge who helped pass the resolution in Lee County made it possible for Owen to speak to Judges in other counties. Several of the Judges stated that they knew people with traumatic brain injuries similar to those suffered by Mr. Owen's grandson and were very supportive. Since the resolution passed in Lee County, similar resolutions have passed in six additional counties in Texas including Wilson, Matagorda, Fayette, Llano, Coryell, McCulloch, and several other Judges have indicated serious interest.
The work of Mr. Owen is proof that grassroots efforts can not only help to change laws, but they can help to change society's attitudes about health. Grassroots efforts have the potential to save thousands of lives bringing awareness about HBOT on a larger scale at the level it takes to make the changes that need to happen.
After completing the protocol of 80 HBOT treatments, his grandson Matt Smothermon is now a Captain and Company Commander in the Oklahoma National Guard and has returned to Oklahoma School of Law as a full time student. He is now able to deal with a multitude of issues at once including long hours and was even able to command the Oklahoma National Guard units called out during the Moore, Oklahoma tornadoes. Mr. Rainey Owen continues his efforts to date.


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Antigovernment protesters clash with police in Paris
Antigovernment protesters clashed with French police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Saturday, leaving the area cloaked in tear gas and smoke from fires on a fresh day of demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron.
Demonstrators wearing the yellow, high-visibility vests that symbolize their movement threw projectiles at police preventing them from moving along the famed shopping avenue, which was decked out in twinkling Christmas lights.
They also built barricades in some spots, and tore down traffic lights and street signs, creating riotous scenes reminiscent of France's 1968 civil unrest, or street insurrections in the mid-19th century immortalized in paintings and movies.
Police arrested 130 people, 42 of those in Paris, and 24 people were injured, five of them police officers including one who suffered burns to his groin, the city police department and Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said. (AFP)
See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Twitter and Tumblr.


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CO2 Laser for the Eyelids?
How do you decide if you are a good candidate for fractionated CO2 laser to tighten the eyelid skin and reduce wrinkles? Those who will benefit the most are usually between 40-60, have a mild to moderate amount of loose skin and do not have deep hollows under the eyes. The laser improves dark circles somewhat. Expect to get best results with 1-3 treatments depending on the amount of loose skin.
Learn more about other laser treatments:
Check out our Introductory Guide to Laser Treatments for more information.
Learn more about Tips for a Successful Laser Treatment.


text: Our old couch and love seat is in need of a good TLC. We have had both for about five years now so the foams are worn out. It is not just from regular wear and tear though, I am afraid the kids facilitated the event by doing everything to the poor pillows and cushions. The little man scatters the pillows on the floor on a daily basis then jumps on them. If he isn't jumping on the poor pillows he is lying on top of them or making a "fortress" of pillows. I told him not to do it but he seems to enjoy the activities and daddy said he is just being a boy. The little girl does it too. You can only imagine how beat-up the poor things are. The husband said we can have the couch and love seat upholstered instead of buying a new set because we both know how it is going to end up like. That is probably what we will do if we can find a store that does custom foam cushions at affordable price. If it is cheaper than buying a new set, I am all for it. The husband said we can probably do it on our own, buy some cheap foam then stuff the couch and love seat with it. I told him we will pay somebody to do it for us, when the need arise. For now, we will let the kids beat the furniture some more until they get tired of doing it. Seriously, I think the love seat and couch still has a couple of years in them. By that time, the kids should have mellowed down a bit and hopefully will leave them alone.


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Botanical Wallpaper
Wall Mural Wallpaper
Soft tones and musings of fields and meadows will adorn your walls with our collections of Botanical Wallpaper. Created by one of our handpicked designers, you know you are able to create a unique space no-one else will have to create the perfect space. All our Wallpapers are Made to Measure to the highest standards.
Andrea Haase
Carol Robinson
Di Brookes
Katy Clemmans
Yani Mengoni
Andrea Haase
32 products, show all andrea haase »
Carol Robinson
38 products, show all carol robinson »
Di Brookes
7 products, show all di brookes »
Katy Clemmans
8 products, show all katy clemmans »
Yani Mengoni
6 products, show all yani mengoni »


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Yonah and Bodaway chilling out in the snow.
Category Archives: wolves
2017 Wolf Calendars Available! Buy Now!
Buy Your 2016 Wolf Puppy Calendars Here!
Head to the Buy it Now Page!
Gray Wolf Activity Guide and Gray Wolf Info
Here are some good resources on wolves I have found.
livingwithwolves.org — the site about Jim and Jamie Dutcher, who are in the video below and lived with the Sawtooth wolf pack for 6 years.
The video documentary "Living with Wolves" (YouTube removed it, but you can buy the DVD on Amazon!
National Geographic's "Gray Wolf Family Activity Guide"


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Found 2 resultsAuthor Title [ Type] Year
Filters: Author is Krause, Elena [Clear All Filters]
08. Conference Presentations, Tracks and Workshops
Strategically influencing the multi-level dynamics of ambidexterity in academia – A longitudinal case study in a multi-campus university. 10th EURAM Early Career Colloquium EECC (February 27th – March 1st, 2019), Nuremberg, Germany..(2019).
The dynamics of organizational ambidexterity – An analysis about the role of organizational identity in strategic change. Doctoral Colloquium of the 18th EURAM Conference (June 18 – 19), Reykjavik, Iceland.(2018).


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Make a Reservation: Book Now or call 800-641-0011
Best Friends Welcome Here!
It's a vacation for the whole family when you bring your furry friend along! The Fenwick Inn makes it easy. Upon check-in, we'll provide you with contact information for local veterinarians, animal hospitals, and pet supply stores, as well as a list of our favorite pet-friendly restaurants and directions to the Ocean City Dog Playground on 94th Street.
Pet Policy:
75lb weight limit
3 breed restrictions
Max 2 pets per room
$30 fee for first pet per night
$20 fee for second pet per night
Limited availability
Pampered Pooch Package
Bring Fido along!
Package includes two locally-made dog treats, a roll of pet pick-up bags with dispenser, Unleashed (a dog magazine) and our nightly pet fee.


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Nito Beverage Dispenser Base
- Only at Williams Sonoma
- Exclusive
Easy, hassle-free returns online and in-store for eligible items.Learn More
Earn 5% Back in rewards4 plus free standard shipping3every day when you shop with your Williams Sonoma credit card at Williams Sonoma.Apply Now Learn More
- Summary
Perfectly sized to pair with our cork lidded beverage dispenser, this handwoven stand perches the spigot higher for easy pouring into taller glasses. The dispenser nestles firmly into the curved top, while the flared base ensures stability on a buffet table or counter. Philippine village artisans hand weave the base from strands of local nito vines, a traditional craft that makes the most of the vines' golden-brown color and natural strength.
- Designed for use with our cork lidded beverage dispenser.
- Hand woven from natural, sustainable nito vine.
- Top-coated with clear lacquer to protect against moisture.
- Natural color variations make each piece unique.
- Color will become deeper and richer over time.
- Dimensions & More Info
- 7 1/2" top diam. inside rim, 8-1/4" diam. top including rim; 7" high.
- Made in the Philippines.
- Use & Care
- Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth.
- Shipping
Shipping Information
UPS can deliver most in-stock items within 3–5 business days. UPS is unable to deliver to P.O. boxes.
Shipping Rates
The shipping rate varies depending on your order total and shipping destination. View Shipping Options and Charges.
Next Day Delivery
For an additional charge of $26 per address, we can expedite delivery to most destinations. This service is not available for some oversize items, items shipped directly from the supplier (including perishable and custom-manufactured items), out-of-stock items and items to be shipped outside the contiguous 48 states.
Orders received by 9:00 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday will arrive the next business day; orders placed Friday through Sunday will arrive on the following Tuesday.
Return Policy
At Williams Sonoma, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction are our priority. Upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage; we will arrange for a prompt replacement.
If within 30 days, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value. An original receipt or gift receipt is required for all returns and exchanges. Returns with a gift receipt will be refunded in the form of a Merchandise Credit for the amount indicated on the gift receipt. Returns with original receipt will be refunded in the original form of payment, cash and check refunds over $100 will be issued as a company check (may take 14 business days from time of request).
For all cutlery returns (knife sets, single knives, cutting boards, knife sharpeners and knife storage), please contact us at 888.922.4108 to initiate the return.
We cannot accept returns on monogrammed, personalized, special-order items, custom upholstery, food, items shipped direct from the vendor or on items damaged through normal wear and tear. Final sale items ending in .97 or .99 cannot be returned.
Made to Order and Final Sale Furniture items are non-returnable and cannot be cancelled once the order is placed.
For returns of items purchased from your Williams Sonoma Gift Registry, we will gladly provide a refund or exchange for the merchandise within 90 days of your event or within 90 days of purchase, whichever date is later. View Full Returns Policy.
Pairs Well With
Nito Coasters, Set of 6
Coasters, Set of 6
- Exclusive
Customers Who Viewed This Item Also Viewed
Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought
Rated 5 out of 5 by mariimel from Beautiful item! Even though the review I read said it was wobbly and uneven, I am so glad I took a chance and ordered this beverage holder base!! Mine is perfect! There is no wiggle when I put the beverage holder on and it looks so pretty ! It deserves 5 stars!Date published: 2019-09-18Rated 3 out of 5 by Anna from Great Color I gave this dispenser stand a 3 rating because it did not sit right. It was wobbly and not even. Beautiful color though and looked beautiful. I would recommend if it others made were made so they weren't an uneven stand. Will be returning.Date published: 2019-04-23


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What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Alternatives to Cialis
Cialis, also known by its generic name, tadalafil, is an oral drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction 14. It belongs to the class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase, or PDE, 5 inhibitors and works by relaxing the muscles, which allows blood to flow to the penis causing an erection. It may be taken once daily or on an as-needed basis. Cialis is not suitable for all men including those with uncontrolled hypertension, stroke or heart failure. There are a number of alternatives to Cialis.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Viagra, also known as sidenafil, belongs to the same class of drugs as Cialis and works in a similar way 2. According to Drugs.com, Viagra is an oral drug and is usually taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before sex 2. The effects of Viagra last about four hours. It should not be taken more than once a day. Like Cialis, Viagra is not suitable for certain men including those with heart problems and men taking nitrates for chest pain. Common side effects may include an upset stomach, headache and memory problems. Men who experience sudden vision loss, an irregular heartbeat or chest pain should immediately discontinue use and contact a doctor.
Levitra, known also by its generic name, vardenafil, is another PDE5 inhibitor for the treatment of impotence 3. It is an oral drug usually taken one hour before sexual activity, and its effects last about five hours. Like Viagra, it should only be taken once per day. It is contraindicated for men using nitrates for chest pain and men with heart problems. Side effects may include flu-like symptoms, headache, a stuffy nose and heartburn. Like Viagra, men who experience vision problems, chest pain or breathing problems should discontinue use and contact a doctor.
A vasodilator drug known as alprostadil can be injected into the penis or taken as a penis suppository. The alprostadil injection is self-administered and usually triggers an erection in 5 to 20 minutes. The needle is very fine, so does not usually cause pain, but minor bleeding may occur. The erection should last for no longer than one hour. The alprostadil suppository is inserted via a specially designed applicator which delivers the drug two inches into the penis. This method of administration can be painful and may cause bleeding of the urethra, notes Mayoclinic.com.
Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicines may be used for erectile dysfunction, but Mayoclinic.com notes that their safety and efficacy are not fully known 4. Examples of alternative medicines that may help include Korean red ginseng, yohimbine, ginkgo biloba and dehydroepiandrosterone. Since these may interact with conventional erectile dysfunction treatments, patients considering using them should speak to a doctor first 4.
- man image by nutech21 from Fotolia.com


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Green Finance: Making the Transition to a Climate-Resilient Future
How the bond market is leading the way
Green finance is the financing of investments that provide environmental benefits in the broader context of environmentally sustainable development. It includes all forms of investment, both debt and equity, which protect the environment, conserve natural resources and help mitigate or adapt to a changing climate. It is used in the implementation of 'green' infrastructure plans which aid in delivering energy security and other productivity increasing measures such as improved human health.
The main green finance instrument is a green bond. A green bond is a fixed-income instrument where the capital raised or revenue stream connected to the bond must be for projects that benefit the environment.
Climate-aligned bonds, bonds used to finance - or re-finance - projects needed to address climate change, can be labelled or unlabelled. Unlabelled climate-aligned bonds are estimated at $674bn. Only a small portion of climate-aligned bonds, approximately $221bn2, are labelled as green bonds.


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A number of clean fuel options are available to fleets and consumers that can help decrease exhaust pollution from vehicles. These fuels may also reduce petroleum consumption by either enhancing energy efficiency or diversifying energy supplies. Numerous federal incentives are available to encourage use and production of many of these fuel options.
Some of the clean fuel options available include:
Alternative Fuels
Many different fuel options exist which can help displace petroleum consumption and reduce emissions. These fuels are defined in the Energy Policy Act, which also seeks to increase the use of alternative fuels in an effort to reduce dependence upon foreign energy supplies and promote energy diversity. Alternative fuels may include both renewable and non-renewable fuels, and interest in their use is expanding among the general public as well as large fleets. Although availability of different fuels has sometimes been a challenge in the past, refueling infrastructure is expanding in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to meet the growing demand. NCTCOG maintains a map [PDF] of alternative fuel stations in the 16-county NCTCOG service area; available fuels include biodiesel, ethanol, natural gas, and propane. Several federal incentives exist for the use of alternative fuels and the construction of refueling infrastructure.
For more information on alternative fuels, or to find a refueling station, please visit these Web sites:
Biofuels are one category of alternative fuels that are fully renewable and are made from organic matter that is sourced from plants or animals. A wide variety of feedstocks, or raw organic materials, can be used to make biofuels. This is often referred to as biomass and includes both plant products that are grown specifically to be converted into fuels and waste materials from the production of other plant or animal products. Several incentives are available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the production of biofuels in rural areas.
More information on biofuels is available through the following links:
Clean Diesel
Diesel fuel has changed dramatically in recent years due to newer federal regulations that have resulted in diesel formulations that burn much more cleanly than in the past, while maintaining high energy efficiency. Clean diesel refers to diesel products that reduce pollutants such as sulfur or nitrogen oxides (NOx). The sulfur content of standard No. 2 Diesel (common highway diesel fuel) was reduced significantly in 2006 through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Highway Diesel Rule, which mandated the production and use of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). ULSD has a sulfur content of 15 parts per million (ppm); prior to the ULSD mandate diesel fuel had a sulfur content of 500 ppm. The lower sulfur content not only reduces the "black clouds" of smoke seen coming from diesel vehicles but also allows vehicles to be fitted with retrofit devices that reduce exhaust emissions even further. In fact, new diesel engines must be fueled with ULSD in order to work properly because the advanced technologies of modern engines cannot tolerate high sulfur levels. The federal ULSD standard was effective nationwide in June 2006 for all on-road diesel vehicles, and will go into effect in June 2010 for off-road diesel vehicles.
In addition to federally-mandated ULSD, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is requiring the use of Texas Low Emission Diesel (TxLED) in certain areas in Texas. TxLED is a low emission diesel fuel that is designed to further reduce emissions of NOx and other pollutants. TxLED requirements are effective in 110 Texas counties to the east of Interstate 35, including the Dallas-Fort Worth ozone nonattainment area.
For more information on clean diesel, visit the following links:
Emerging Fuels
Fuels which are not yet fully commercialized, but show promise for increasing energy efficiency, reducing emissions, or providing an alternative energy source, are referred to by the Department of Energy as Emerging Fuels. Many of these fuels are derived from biomass, which can provide a wide variety of raw materials for fuel production.
For more information, please visit the Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center.
Fuel Additives
Fuel additives can be used to boost a fuel's octane quality, enhance combustion, and reduce exhaust emissions. In addition, some fuel additive blends have been approved by the TCEQ as compliant with TxLED program requirements.
To learn more about fuel additives, visit the following web sites:
Fuel Blends
Blended fuels offer emission and energy saving benefits by mixing two different fuels together into a new fuel. Often these fuel blends consist of an alternative fuel with either gasoline or diesel. The fuel blend is often named by abbreviating the alternative fuel and identifying the percent of alternative fuel blended. For example, a blend of 10 percent ethanol with gasoline would be labeled E10. By mixing small quantities
of an alternative fuel with conventional fuel, such as a five percent blend of biodiesel with 95 percent petroleum diesel (B5), exhaust emissions may be significantly impacted. In addition, these fuel blends represent an important option for reducing dependence on finite petroleum products. The alternative fuel content of fuel blends ranges widely, from a two percent biodiesel blend (B2) to the well-recognized 85 percent ethanol blend (E85). Fuel blends may also consist of two different alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and natural gas (HCNG).
More information on fuel blends is available through the Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center.


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Royal Hunt - André Andersen
How can you make yourself stand out in the business today and what is the best way to stay on everyone's radar? ROYAL HUNT's musical mastermind André Andersen has his view, staying in the old school while exploring new grounds to reach out to new and old fans the best way possible. With brand new "Cast In Stone" and with an extensive pre-order campaign was launched (value for money) must be mentioned. Apart from the goods, the actual CD and other gems offered, everyone joining the campaign got access to tons of material through the pre-order forum, videos, photos and articles long forgotten. This is also applicable for the re-issue of debut album "Land Of Broken Hearts", released through Night Of The Vinyl Dead during December 2017.
André talks long and extensively about his music and the business today, the writing process and why they choose to release the new record on their own NorthPoint Productions label and all the challenges the business bring today.
Hi André and welcome to METAL KAOZ!
Thank you very much!
ROYAL HUNT is about to release "Cast In Stone" in February, your 14th album. Can you tell a little about it? What's unique about it?
Well, you know. After 25 years it seems like it's getting harder and harder to come up with something unique. I wish someone had told this to AC/DC (laughs). The thing is, for every album you have that special frame of mind. And on this one the main idea was to try to find the essence of what ROYAL HUNT is. I mean, after 25 years the journalists have written what they could about the band, they wrote about the sound of the band, the style you know, the combination of classical music and classic rock with some progressive elements in it. It's been mentioned so many times. On this album, the main idea was to concentrate on those things, so it's still the very essence of ROYAL HUNT. We were very fortunate this time as we didn't have any specific deadline. So, we've been recording, or working on the album for almost a year and a half. I started writing something in the summer, well, not this summer, the summer of 2016 and in the process I had so many breaks. Working on the album, then we go on tour and then I'll come back continue to work on it. We also did two live albums ("Cargo" and "2016" CD+DVD) and a DVD on the second tour. So it was actually very healthy and very practical because from time to time I can concentrate on something else and then come back and work on the album again and rewrite some of the stuff. So, I'm sure this album is pretty strong and it has all those elements ROYAL HUNT is known for. The only difference is we've had a little more time to spend on the album. So we'll see. But of course, if you ask me personally, as I have to say, it's the best album we ever did and bla, bla, bla... It's up to the fans to decide if it is the best or if it's not. But it has a very good production and I think we have a strong set of songs. So, I'm very excited to hear what the fans will say about that.
If you would pick a few songs for one or another reason from the album and talk a little bit about those. Your favourites or some that was a challenge in the studio or something like that. Which would you pick?
If we would talk about some specific songs from the album I have to say I probably have... I won't say favourites because you know, in the next three months they will be changing almost daily. So one day you prefer this song and then you listen to the album and probably that one is better. The key is not to listen to it (laughs), that's what I do. Because after working so long to the album you feel so close to it you can't distinguish which songs you prefer you know. So all of a sudden you like the sound of the guitar on this thing so you're not objective.
But as of today I probably have three favourites. One of them is "Fistful Of Misery", it's the first song of the album. It wasn't supposed to be, the original plan was that this song should be the third or fourth song of the album. But the more we worked on it, it became so obvious that this one has all the elements, every single element of ROYAL HUNT today. And it kind of sums up the album in a way. So it became a great representation of who we are and what we do so it became the first song of the album.
The second one I like, I prefer is "A Million Ways to Die" it explores the more epic side of the band. It's a slower song, it's heavier and it's very large sounding. It has a good message in the lyrics so I the second one.
And the third one "A Wishing Well" it's kind of up-tempo rocker but... It's a combination of an up-tempo Hard Rocking tune and with this progressive, instrumental part which we also cherish from time to time. We obviously not trying to be another DREAM THEATER or RUSH, we've always had that. We always had these odd time signature key changes and odd song structures and this one, "A Wishing Well" is a very good example of that. So, those three I'll have to say, as of today, as I said earlier.
Indeed a good selection, all three are very good songs. For me, ROYAL HUNT have been very consistent throughout the whole career. There have been very small variations from record to record. But what I find fascinating is, even if the style is the same it differs and nothing is really repeated. How do you work to ensure to keep the style and still the variation?
I think I understand what you're talking about and it's been an issue, it's been discussed for the last 25 years. The thing is, it's pretty hard when you start working with a band, you develop a style and it become recognizable on some scale. And how could you progress and at the same time you keep the frame of the original design. It's tricky sometimes. So every time we start working on a new album, the idea was "ok, let's entertain ourselves". It sounds childish but that's a fact. Let's entertain ourselves, what can we do to make it exciting again? Because, you know, you're recording your first album and it's extremely exciting, it's the first time you work in a studio you know the result of it won't be another demo. It will be an album that will be presented to the world with all the consequences it holds. So how can you repeat that feeling? How can you be as excited when you record the second, third album and so on.
So, we're trying to change the formula. If we're talking about the technical side of it, we're not going back to exactly the same amplifier and using exactly the same microphone on it, our guitar player is not trying to recreate the sound he had on the previous album. So we're starting fresh every time and change it on purpose, changing the structure of the recording. And it helps. So that's why musically we're staying in the same park arrangement wise and songwriting wise but at the same time the album sound different. We didn't start with the same kind of sound or way we arrange things. We're changing them around and it makes it, first of all, interesting for ourselves and the fans notice that. That's a great thing. You feel privileged when a fan is writing and say it's recognizable yes, so definitely it's ROYAL HUNT but there's something new. It doesn't sound like the previous one. And then they start comparing and the whole debate start. It's cool because people are actually paying attention to it.
Yes, that is very cool! And that's why I like the band so much also; it's always a progress or something new still within the ROYAL HUNT sound but the records doesn't repeat themselves.
It's the same but different. And of course you will always have like a core fanbase who always want you to sound like a specific album, obviously their own favourite. And it happens with of the more popular albums, like "Paradox" from 1997. A lot of people are saying, it doesn't sound like "Paradox". And then somebody likes another one, a later album or an earlier one and you know, it's always a competition between albums for being a favourite for this specific person. And that's cool too.
Somebody asked me, I was doing an interview last year or something, and a guy asked me, he said, because the popularity of the "Paradox" album; "Don't you feel sad a little bit, you know, people are talking about your old album from 97 and still comparing your new work to that and saying they love the old ones?" And I remember a conversation I had with Roger Glover from DEEP PURPLE, we were playing this show supporting them and after the show I asked him; Don't you ever getting tired of playing "Smoke On The Water"? Seriously? And, don't you feel kind of weird when like in 2015 or whenever it was people are still talking about "Machine Head" which came out in 1972 because it's still their most popular album and he thought for a second and said; "You know, at least we had one!" At least we had one! I think that's a golden rule for everybody, for every band. So when people start to talk about it, what about this "Paradox" album it's like, You know, at least we had one! (laughs) I stole this line and I'm using it all the time.
It's a good one, really good one!
Yeah, it's on the point. It's great because there are so many bands that are releasing a bunch of albums, it doesn't matter if it is three or 35 and didn't achieve that status, they didn't release an album which is everybody's favourite. Even though the albums are great, it doesn't matter. You know, so we're pretty fortunate there. At least we have one that kind of catch everybody's attention or, a lot of people, not everybody obviously. Otherwise we would be like METALLICA today. But anyway... Still, it doesn't stop me progressing as a musician and for every album try to add something, find new source of inspiration and change things around. I think it's healthy for any band. As I said, except for AC/DC because it works as it works, don't change a thing. (laughs)
You mentioned that you've been recording the album for quite some time on and off. Can you share any studio stories? Anything spectacular that happened or things just didn't turn out the way you expected it to?
It never does; when you start working on new material, you always have some kind of sound in your head or an imaginary album I'd say. It never fails, whatever you've finished and sitting in the Mastering studio and listen to the finished result, to the whole thing and now it's done. You listen to it and immediately you start to think that probably I should have done this and that and bla bla bla... It's a normal thing and I appreciate this feeling you know, it's never discouraging in any way. Because if you can listen to your to your newest work which you just finished, just this hour and you already can find some flosses and you already have some ideas of improvement it's a good sign. So obviously, every time you start working on the next album you think about these things. So you'll improve it and say, now you know how to make things better. So it's a great thing and having a year and a half to work on the album is very rewarding because as I said, you can go back and rework some parts which you thought worked 1-2 months ago but when listening to it with fresh ears and naah, this is probably not exciting enough, we can do better and change then things around.
So yeah, the with the end result it's always the same when you listen to the finished album you go naah, I should have... Ok, next time I will! (laughs) Make a little mark, next time I'll do this and that. That's great, it's a potential for doing another album anyway.
You're releasing "Cast In Stone" on the Northpoint Productions in Europe and via King Records in Japan. For the last few years, you've been working with Frontiers Records, why the change of company?
At the moment, NorthPoint, our own company, is in charge of everything except for Japan, we have King Records there. Because in Japan the market is healthy, it's still working fine so there's no need to change that. But in Europe and North America we are slowly but surely taking over some of the functions which typically lies in the hands of the record company. So, NorthPoint have been taking over some of these parts during the last years. And right now, with this release we feel pretty confident that we can handle it by ourselves with our own company. We have a few very enthusiastic people working for us and they feel confident to take charge of the whole thing. Then we might use some distribution companies for some aspects of promotion and distribution, we'll use some of the already existing record labels.
But we're free of any contractual obligations and we're in charge of this album 100%. And I think, for a band like us at this moment it's pretty important. The pre-ordering campaign, which is a standard procedure nowadays is for core fans. I mean, people who are really interested in the band and they want to support the band first of all and the second thing, they're getting extras, they're getting back-stage footage, they're getting bonus-discs, bonus material. It's not for everybody, because it's a little bit more expensive because we're a little company, little operation so we're not printing tens of thousands of CD's obviously. So this pre-order campaign started a couple of weeks ago and it's running great.
And then in time, in February, I'm not sure about the exact date. I know in Japan the album comes out on the 07th of February. So the North American and European release will probably be in the middle of February, maybe by the end (release set to April 21st). There's always a couple of weeks of delay. It will come out in a regular CD version so we're just working on the distribution of it and promotion for it.
I actually checked the pre-order campaign and ordered myself a long-sleeve shirt together with the CD. But there were a lot of cool things to choose from, the whiskey stones in particular...
Oh, I love those! (laughs) I can tell you that!
How do you come up with these bundles? How do you decide what you should offer?
I'm an imbecile in those things, I have absolutely no idea. You just mentioned Whiskey Stones, that thing I like, the rest of it I have absolutely no idea. I have no idea what people like to have. Yeah of course, we have the instrumental version of the album that will be included in the deluxe version of the CD and obviously we have a bunch of videos and stuff that everybody in the campaign would be able to see, that I understand but what's selling... I'm still old school, the only thing I see when people are talking about merchandise and stuff is a CD and a t-Shirt, that's it. You know, but we have younger people working at NorthPoint and they understand it better. And then one thing which is very important is the constant dialogue with fans, for obvious reasons. I'm not capable of keeping up but those who work with us is in a constant dialogue with the fans and that's the best way to promote your work and to attract customers. Because you hear what they want and there are always some outrageous things from time to time. Some of them will become a reality, some not. When I'm hearing about it you know, it sounds so weird. But yet again, there's a bunch of people who think it's cool so that's why I'm grateful for the few who's working for NorthPoint. I mean, they're coming up with all these ideas and they're not scared of that. If you ask me I'll keep it like a CD and a t-Shirt, that's it because that's what I grew up with. We didn't have those options you know and all this communications with the fans I can't even imagine. If back in, I don't know, 78 or 83 or something, me having internet chats with one of my heroes from back in the days, Richie Blackmoore or Rick Wakeman or something... It was impossible. The only way you could get some news was waiting on a news-stand until the new whatever magazine came out and you read the interview which at that point was already 2 or 3 months old, that was it. So, today everything is so immediate, you push a button and you get it. So, it's a brand new world and to some degree I like it.
It sure makes things easier and quicker to get things out!
Yeah, I wish I was seventeen today (laughs) because everything is so easy.
What's the weirdest request you've had from a fan for things they wanted you to print, or for merchandise?
I'm probably the wrong person to ask but as I've said I've heard about almost everything including underwear. I mean, please... But again, I never interrupt, I might express my, I don't know, my insecurity about producing underwear. But you know, I never interrupt and the guys, yeah, there's a demand and people are asking for it and I said sure, whatever you know so go for it. I'm trying to get the stuff away from me in a way. I have my job, I'm producing this album and the rest of it, I'm not pretending to be an expert in every field of this, let's call it the music business, I'm not so I'm concentrating on stuff I know and the rest, I might consult with someone or share my opinion. But most of the time I try to stay away a little from it.
The instrumental, or actually listed as Karaoke versions of the songs. How come you decided to do that for a bonus-disc for the deluxe package?
That's one thing I've been hearing about for a bunch of years. So it's not a new thing. We've had quite a few requests actually. For some reason, every time we were getting close, and I've suggested it to various record companies we were working with in the past to put it out, every time for some reason they didn't pick it up. They always keep talking about this bonus tracks you know. And bonus tracks are old things for most bands. Nobody sits down and write a specific song to become a bonus track. Most of the time it's some kind of an out-take, the song didn't make it to the main album for some reason or old song which for some reason wasn't completed or something like that. Or a live version of one of the songs recorded somewhere. Now it's called like "Official Bootleg".
I've never been a fan of bonus tracks. Because for me an album is almost like a book, at least how I see it. And I'm planning the album, I'm planning the intro and then I'm planning the outtro. It's the same as a book, you have the introduction and a few words and bla bla bla and you have the plot and in the end, yeah, there's the ending. And that's it. And it's so weird when you have the ending and then a few seconds later, all of a sudden a song comes up. And most of the time it has nothing to do with the album. It's just from a completely different era. Even, it can be from last year but still it doesn't fit. So I never been a fan of bonus tracks but I do understand the necessity of it. You know, with Japanese companies, their CD's are more expensive than in Europe so they have to have something extra to generate interest from fans. I do understand that but I still don't like it. But instrumental versions is something different you know because it's still current with the same thing and if it's fun for people, for some musicians it might be cooler because they can pick up some of the songs, for some it may be... You know, it's why we call it karaoke versions and somebody will sing to it and some will just enjoy the music. I mean, there are various reasons... I would love to have some of the older RUSH albums without the singing, just to have it (laughs). So why not? So this time, when we decided to go independently and to not go with any of the record companies we've been working with previously I said let's do it because we've talking for a bunch of years and never realized it. And right now, here we go, it's a possibility. So we'll see, if people will have fun and say it's fine with it we'll do it again, else that's enough and we will never do that again.
It makes sense, I'm sure looking forward to hearing it because sometimes you miss details with the vocals on the music. It's going be a very interesting listening!
Of course! And then you have both. Sometimes especially, when I'm reading or something I'm listening to instrumental music, a bit classical a bit rock or whatever. In the background, you can have some sort of music which fills the mood. So that could be a great thing for that!
Speaking about extras and bonus tracks and so on. "Land Of Broken Hearts" is being released on vinyl through Night Of The Vinyl Dead, finally. And it's mentioned there, first of all you have the "Bad Luck" Japanese bonus track and it also lists another, previously unreleased song, is that correct?
Yes, it's true. And actually it's a great and very funny and very unusual story connected to that particular song But unfortunately I'm not in liberty to tell you the details at the moment because people will pay for that (as details have been posted, the title of this track is "Day In Day Out") as a part of the pre-order campaign. There's a whole punch line but I'll go as far as it's very unorthodox and very unexpected tune this track so it's not exactly like your typical situation when you go back and find a song which for some reason wasn't released and you just put it on. This song was a little bit different, it started like that. Yes, I was encouraged by the guys to go back and check out old recordings we have on analogue tape. I still have every single tape we ever did in the past and I stumbled over a bunch of songs which we never finished for some reason. Or, some were more finished than others. And then, the whole situation just turned into something very interesting and fun so in a very short period of time, a few days/weeks we'll let you know. But it's fun this one.
Yeah cool, I'm looking forward to that one as well!
And then again it's all these little stories and anecdotes from the life of the band and they will all be available under this pre-order campaign and whoever joining will be able to see it. We're looking for old videos and old recordings which will be up there. So you can watch and you can listen to it. We have quite a lot of stuff this time, quite a lot of stuff. Because I've been digging a long, long, long time in, let's call it archives and found some fun stuff which I actually forgot I ever had so I found some gems. I think it will be fun!
This one, "Land Of Broken Heart", is now released on vinyl and you also had a few others released on vinyl through Night Of The Vinyl Dead which normally just is in addition to the real release and a very limited number of copies. Why have you never released anything on vinyl it's only CD?
What we did with Night Of The Vinyl Dead... They suggested to release our back catalogue as those limited editions and as of today they've released probably half of the catalogue. They've released all the newer albums since, yeah the last three I think they've released and then they went back and released "The Mission", "Paradox" and "Moving Target". Now they went all the way back and they're and releases "Land Of Broken Hearts" and I guess, probably the next will be "Clown In The Mirror" or maybe "Fear". I have no idea! We'll see how it will works out because they know the business, they know which albums could be interesting at this moment. And yes, it's very limited and that makes it an interesting thing for fans so I don't believe a band like us can sell vinyl albums like back in the days. You know, like tens of thousands, that's impossible. But for real fans, especially fans of vinyl it's a cool thing. So I'm grateful to Night Of The Vinyl Dead because they're very dedicated people. And they're asking for a re-mastering of every single album they've released. So I do that because some of the pre-masters I have is still on analogue tape. And now, with the newer ones, I know they will put it out so I do a mastering for CD and in parallel I make a mastering for vinyl which dynamically is quite a bit different from the CD. So it got me engaged in those things also because vinyl's have been forgotten for almost like 20 years and now it has a revival in a way so it's cool but it's still very limited and that's why people are asking me all the time; where can I buy "The Mission" which was released a couple of years ago? I mean, obviously because it was limited, it's gone so probably eBay or something. I've been asked to do the whole thing over again, I mean, take all the albums again and release them on vinyl but at the moment it's a little bit too early. We will keep releasing the back catalogue on vinyl like once a year or one a hear and a half or so. Then at some point I might revisit the whole thing and release it in larger quantities if there will be a demand for it, we'll see. But so far I'm so happy to have this vinyl because I'm collecting vinyl myself so have my own stuff on vinyl is great, really great. (laughs)
Yeah, I'm a vinyl-freak too... But, there are other ways to push your music, like digital platforms and I've been checking around a bit and Spotify for example which is one of the biggest. But there are not many ROYAL HUNT records available there either, it's basically the latest ones and collections and live albums...
I have very mixed feelings about the streaming services. And yeah, the newer albums are on because the record company at the time felt it was beneficial and it's a good outlet. So I'm still very indecisive on this whole field, with this free streaming, whatever it is you know, I'm not an expert. From some perspective yeah, it's a good vehicle but at the same time it's not gaining the bands in that many ways. I mean, I've never heard of a band getting bigger, or came up a notch or two because of Spotify or one of the services. I never heard about that. Maybe it exist, maybe it exist in pop-world whilst for Rock bands, not really. So I'm still very indecisive about this whole thing with Spotify, if it's good, if it's bad. I know there's a lot of court cases running at the moment with Spotify because they're not paying enough, or they're not paying at all. But as I said, I'm not an expert in that. So I don't know, I'm still not 100% sure it's a good thing or a bad thing.
To be honest, I like to say, because I'm old school you know. Today you can go on youtube and put up your stuff, whatever you feel like putting up. And I have the same feeling about the services, let the band decide which songs they want to put out and in which form. And especially now when we're doing our own releases, maybe we'll decide in the end of the day that Spotify will be a good thing, there are people who understand that better than I do and they'll make a decision on it. Personally I'm not using Spotify.
Yeah, I always buy the records I want also. But that brings me to the next problem because most of your albums are out of print, it's sold out since long. It's quite hard to get it. How should people do when they want to dig into your back catalogue?
Yes, that part is understandable, it's harder. But when we talking about record companies earlier, on one hand yes. We actually did re-master and re-release all of our albums, from the first to the last a few years ago. They did it in Japan and some other places, I think it has been released in Europe as well. I mean, they took all of the albums and re-released them but obviously the amount of copies they ordered was minimal and of course the sales was minimal. So on one hand I do understand the fans say ok, I can get your old albums nowhere it's a pity but then again to run and print another 1000 of them is pretty costly and you have no guarantee you'll sell it so it's always like in between. We'll see what we can do in that sense, Spotify would be great if you can put up your old albums on it. Yeah, as you can hear I'm not sure, I don't know on which foot to stand. So right now we're releasing the debut album on vinyl. We have a bunch of people asking for it because vinyl is getting popular, they're asking for vinyls all the time. Now they got something and maybe next step will be to re-release something else on CD or whatever compilation. It's hard to tell because we did this 20-years anniversary thing, 5-6 years ago. It's kind of a best of and we have 3 CD's there and, 2 with the best of material and then new stuff recorded so it's kind of the same thing you know. Not exactly of course, not every single album, but the best tracks so we're kind of looking into that and doing what we can.
Do you have anything musically that you still need to do before you call it quits? Of course you still have a long career to go but do you have any projects you really want to do?
Yeah, I'll say so! First of all for calling it quits, I'm calling it quits about once a month in average (laughs). Every time you have a problem you don't feel like dealing with you go, aaah I think I'll quit (laughs). And I've been saying that for 25 years... But yes, there are a few projects. Previously I've been very much into music for films and television and things like that. I was always fascinated by it. Now I can fulfill it to a point, because every time I have downtime for ROYAL HUNT I can write music for a documentary or something, nothing big, nothing major in that sense but I like it, it's an outlet.
And, I have this great idea, as I thought, about doing a Rock Musical but I'm very cautious about this thing. I mean, because there's been so many so called Rock Operas and Musicals and whatever you call it coming out at the moment. At some point Sammet became so popular so I kind of shied away from it. You have so many projects called a Metal Opera or Hard Rock Opera, so I kind of shied away a little but I do have a bunch of ideas so I'll probably wait for a passing moment when it will be more interesting for people to dig in because this market is oversaturated. Some things are good, some not that good you know so I'm kind of, keep working on it, it's like my hobby. I'm working a little bit on this, I have this piece of music and that piece of music and when I feel the moment is right I might start working on it seriously as a project because it will involve a bunch of people. It's not regular rock band album you know. So I have it in the back of my mind, some day it will see the light of day.
Alright, cool! You've posted 2 live-dates for Japan. Are there more dates coming?
Yeah, because Japan is in April and because Japan is always way ahead. They're booking dates half a year sometimes even further ahead because of the working permits and stuff like that and that's the way Japan works. But we'll be touring there, we'll be touring in April / May. And at the moment unfortunately, I'm not exactly sure where we're going, which dates it will be, we only have confirmed dates for Japan but of course, the tour will be around those dates and yes, we will play in Europe as we always do and we'll go to territories we usually go to, we go to Russia, Eastern Europe, so it will be a regular tour as every year, or every time we go on tour. It's like every second year or so and the only thing I know right now is that I booked April and May for that but as soon as we get more confirmed dates they'll be posted everywhere, they'll be on the website, Facebook and every other place. So if somebody's interested it's very easy to find.
Do you think there will be anything in Sweden this time? It's been a while...
I hope so, I mean, half the band is sitting in Sweden so we're kind of obligated to do that. So I really hope so.
I thought I knew a lot about ROYAL HUNT prior to this interview but reading up about you I realized I've missed out on a lot. It's rather quiet on this side of the bridge but I found really impressive stories with massive tours, extensive record sales but at least up in the north where I come from originally it's been very quiet about ROYAL HUNT while in Europe you seem to be very big. Do you think there's a competition between Denmark and Sweden...
There is absolutely no competition between Denmark and Sweden because Sweden will win every single time (laughs). I mean, it's impossible, you're putting something in the water, there's so many bands coming out of there it's unbelievable and good ones. Denmark has never been in the same league as Sweden, especially when we're talking about Rock music. Of course we have the bigger bands like D-A-D, PRETTY MAIDS, KING DIAMOND and MERCIFUL FATE. And VOLBEAT is pretty big at the moment, sure, there's a bunch of bands out there but it's nothing compared to Sweden. I think Sweden probably have a new Hard Rock release every hour.
I think the scene in Denmark is much more alive, you have some really good clubs and a lot of smaller pub/club-shows for underground bands and that's completely dead in Sweden so bands have nowhere to play here, and that I think is very important...
Yeah, I'm hearing about this problem as well. To have all these big bands coming out of your country you need to make sure they have places to go, places to play. It's very important and it's different from country to country but as I said, Sweden is unbelievable. When the guys are coming over for recording and we're going on tour they keep talking about this album coming out, they're experts and they're telling me about all these releases and new bands coming out and I'm like Jesus, how many bands do you have? Does everyone in Sweden have a guitar or what?
So, what happens next now? You have the album, a few dates. Do you have a promotional tour or anything like that planned?
Yeah, so the general plan is, we're running this pre-ordering campaign until the release-date, until Japan at least, until the 07th of February. On February 07th the album is released in Japan, South East Asia, Korea, Indonesia and all these countries. Then we'll see. And then, probably the middle of February, the end of February the European and North American release will come up. Until that date and until April there will do nothing but promotion, we'll do interviews, reviews and stuff like that. We're planning to cut a couple of videos, we're in the process of talking to different directors because it's been a while since we did a video so I think it's about time. So we're working on that as well. And then we'll hit April and then we'll go on tour and April / May is reserved for that, so we'll go where ever we can go for those two months. And after that, I don't know, we'll go home and see what will be our next move. Maybe we'll go to some Festivals if it will be possible with the time or we will start working on a new release, nobody knows. Hard to tell, but I mean until May or June we're already kind of booked with all these activities so whoever is interested, following the band to see what happens we have the website, we're pretty much present on twitter, Facebook and all the social media so we're easy to find.
Super! I definitely hope that I'll manage to see you live soon again, it's been way too long since I last saw you play...
Oh yeah, well it's been almost like 2 years so you're very very welcome and if you go to the shows, please, don't be shy come by and say hello.
I will definitely do that. Do have anything more to add? Something more to tell? Else I say thank you very much for taking your time to talk to METAL KAOZ.
Well, I think we've been around every single corner we have now you know (laughs)... So, as I said, until June we have the new album, the release of the vinyl and there's so much stuff going on, so keep checking the website and the social media pages as there will be updated daily almost so you know, if you're interested, check it out and thank you too!
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Written by Erika Wallberg Saturday, 17 February 2018 08:35


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Chapter 25
25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
This part of the Olivet discourse goes beyond the "sign" questions of the disciples Matthew 24:3 and presents our Lord's return in three aspects:
(1) As testing profession, Matthew 25:1-13
(2) as testing service, Matthew 25:14-30;
(3) as testing the Gentile nations, Matthew 25:31-46.
The kingdom of heaven here is the sphere of profession, as in Mat 13. All alike have lamps, but two facts fix the real status of the foolish virgins: They "took no oil," and the Lord said, "I know you not." Oil is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, and "If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his" Romans 8:9
Nor could the Lord say to any believer, however unspiritual, "I know you not."
(See Scofield "Matthew 3:2")
25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
Son of man
Also Matthew 24:31. (See Scofield "Matthew 8:20") .
25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
the kingdom of heaven is
Omit the italicised words, "the kingdom of heaven is".
25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Well done
The Lord's commendation may be earned by the weakest of His servants; it is given for faithful service.
25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
Well done
The same commendation is gained by the servant with two talents as by him with five; he was equally faithful though his gift was less.
25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Son of man (See Scofield "Matthew 8:20") .
angels (See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4")
25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
And before him
This judgment is to be distinguished from the judgment of the great white throne. Here there is no resurrection; the persons judged are living nations; no books are opened; three classes are present, sheep, goats, and brethren; the time is at the return of Christ (Matthew 25:31); and the scene is on the earth. All these particulars are in contrast with Revelation 20:11-15.
The test in this judgment is the treatment accorded by the nations to those whom Christ here call "my brethren." These "brethren" are the Jewish Remnant who will have preached the Gospel of the kingdom to all nations during the tribulation. See "Remnant" Isaiah 1:9; Romans 11:5.
The test in Revelation 20:11-15 is the possession of eternal life. See, for the other six judgments: (See Scofield "John 12:31") 1 Corinthians 11:31" See Scofield "2 Corinthians 5:10" See Scofield "Ezekiel 20:37" See Scofield "Jude 1:6" See Scofield "Revelation 20:12"
25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
(See Scofield "Matthew 3:2") .
25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
(See Scofield "Romans 10:10")
25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4")
into everlasting
Judgments (the seven). Luke 14:14; 2 Samuel 7:14; Revelation 20:12. "Eternal" and "everlasting" are the same word.
Copyright Statement
These files are considered public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that is available in the Online Bible Software Library.
Bibliography Information


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Health Issues In The Community (HIIC)
What is Health Issues in the Community (HIIC)?
Health and social inclusion policy developments have resulted in an increase in initiatives that target health inequalities and community involvement in health (e.g. community health projects and healthy living centres).
Health Issues in the Community, otherwise known as HIIC is a training programme aimed at increasing community capacity, increasing community participation, and establishing/ consolidating community development approaches to tackling inequalities in health.


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Gary Bettman Would Like to Thank 'Geno' For Helping Grow Hockey in Washington DC
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was in Washington DC yesterday. While he was in town, he took in the Caps-Pens rivalry game from the owner's box at Verizon Center. Bettman also held court with the local media.
When asked about the growth of hockey in the DC Area over the last decade, Bettman marveled at the job both Alex Ovechkin and Ted Leonsis have done. Seconded.
"It's the Ovechkin era and there's an era that's a little bit longer than that one and I would call that the [Ted] Leonsis era," Bettman said beaming. "I think Ted's ownership of this franchise has been nothing short of phenomenal in terms of how the community has been engaged and in terms of how fans have connected with and interacted with this franchise; the stability of ownership and management has been very important."
Then it got weird. Bettman credited (I think) definitely-not-Washington Capital Evgeni Malkin.
By 5 years ago


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Most people have heard of Quebec, but not so many have heard of Charlevoix, a region inside the province. Famous for food, scenery, and sports, the area is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Foodies should take the designated "flavour route" to explore the region's famous slow-food gastronomy movement. Dine on local food, explore small farms, and sample a number of wines. Work it all off on Charlevoix's famous ski slopes, Le Massif and Mont Grand-Fonds. Skiiers and boarders will appreciate the deep snow and lack of ice. In the summer, there's cycling, fishing, horseback riding, and kayaking to enjoy.
Where is it? In Quebec, Canada. Fly to Jean Lesage International Airport (check prices).
Where to stay? The four Diamond Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu offers both sea and mountain views, plus skiing, tennis, and gambling. Need company on a walk? Take the hotel's canine ambassador, Jordy, along!
What else should I know? Winter can stretch out for months in this region, with May snowstorms.
Who's it for? Foodies, skiiers, Francophiles.
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Whole Wheat Marble Pancakes with Homemade Chocolate Sauce
I'm in that zone where I may not be craving it but I'm definitely clawing at chocolate flavoured things the way a zombie would paw at your pretty little brain. Sans the sound effect, obviously.
I've been asked every now and then to develop an eggless and whole wheat pancake recipe. And I did. Except, that, I went a step ahead and turned it into a marble one. And, for the uninitiated, cakes and pancakes etc., with this design are called marble. Marble cakes, pancakes, cookies, ice cream. Possibilities are endless.
Anyway, here's how I went about it.
For the pancakes: (makes: 6-7, medium sized)
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (atta)
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- For sweetening: 2 teaspoons of sugar / any substitute / 2 tablets of sugarfree
- Oil/butter for cooking
For the chocolate sauce:
- 1/2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2-3 tablespoon milk
- For sweetening: 1 teaspoon sugar / 1 sachet of sugarfree / a couple of pieces of chocolate of your choice
- Combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Add the 3/4 cup milk and sweetener. Mix till everything is well incorporated.
- In a separate and smaller bowl, pour out a third of the batter. Add cocoa 1/2 tablespoon cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon milk. Stir.
- Take the vanilla bowl and try to collect/push the batter to one side. And on the emptied side, pour the chocolate batter.
- Give everything just TWO slow stirs, maximum.
- Heat a pan, preferably a non-stick (I used a not so non stick hehe) and add a few drops of oil or grease it with a bit of butter.
- Take a tablespoon of the batter (avoid stirring the batter) and place one on the pan. I make them like 3″ in diameter so being medium sized, 3 fit on one pan, and it makes my work easier anyway.
- Let them cook on each side for at least a minute of low-medium heat before taking them out.
Chocolate Sauce:
If using a microwave:
- Microwave the milk for 10 seconds on the reheat mode. Add cocoa powder and sweetener (if using). Stir till there are no lumps. Add the chocolate (if using).
- Microwave for another 10 seconds. It'll boil and bubble. Take it out and stir again. Done.
If using a stove:
- Heat the milk till it's hot but not boiling. Turn off the heat. Add cocoa powder. Stir. And the sugar/chocolate (whichever you're using). Stir.
- Heat it again, and turn off the heat the moment it begins to boil. Done.
You can follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more updates and recipes.


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Haggis Basher's Ball and Burns Supper
January 25, 2020 will be the 20th anniversary of the Anchorage Robert Burns Supper in honor of Scotland's greatest poet, Robert Burns.
This gala event, which has become one of the
most popular evenings of the Anchorage social calendar, will
include a fabulous four-course meal, Highland Pipers, entertaining speeches, and dancing!
VENUE: Sheraton Anchorage
DATE: January 25th, 2020
Drinks will be served beginning at 6:00pm.
Festivities will begin at 6:55pm SHARP.
"ADDRESS TO THE HAGGIS": 7:30pm
ATTIRE: Kilt, Black Tie, or Business Suit
Use our Online Reservations Form to reserve your seat or table.
The Anchorage Robert Burns Appreciation Society (TARBAS) is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity.