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More than many communities, we depend on and are enhanced by non-members. We have pioneered mission after mission with the help of people who are not members. Many people have dreamed with us and cared and prayed and given. A non-member is not a less-committed person. He/she is often more deeply committed than our members.
The non-member is simply a person not called to membership in this particular community with its particular understandings and structures. If one is not inwardly called and does not welcome our particular understandings and our structures, their growth is enhanced by non-membership rather than by membership.
So I just want to express a profound gratitude for those in the past and now in the present who have never been members, but have been and are totally essential to our life Membership has nothing to do with being better or being more committed. It has everything to do with a special call to a particular community structured in a very unusual way and operating on assumptions often quite different from the normal assumptions of church life in America. Thus, in this kind of community there will be much coming and going. Coming and going will be normative. "Let me explore this," many will say. "Is it right for my spirit? No, this is not where I am now." The hope is that each of us, and the whole community, will be richer because of these explorations.
Gordon Cosby 2006


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Pratt & Whitney's Shanghai Engine Center Delivers Its 600th Overhauled Engine
AIR SHOW CHINA, ZHUHAI, Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Shanghai Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engine Maintenance Company Limited ("Pratt & Whitney Shanghai Engine Center" or "Shanghai Engine Center") recently delivered its 600th overhauled CFM56® engine to China Eastern Airlines, marking a significant milestone for the engine center. Shanghai Engine Center is a joint venture between Pratt & Whitney and China Eastern Airlines. Pratt & Whitney is a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
"The delivery of 600 overhauled engines represents a significant milestone for our engine center in Shanghai," said Kevin Kirkpatrick, executive director, Pratt & Whitney Aftermarket, Asia. "We are pleased that the Shanghai Engine Center has achieved a proven record of service excellence while rapidly expanding its customer base. This feat was made possible as a result of our customers' continued confidence in us. We will continue to leverage our quick turnaround time and quality focus to help our customers maintain operational efficiencies throughout the entire lifespan of their engines."
"The Shanghai Engine Center has achieved solid progress since its establishment in 2009," said Feng Liang, China Eastern Airlines deputy general manager and the Shanghai Engine Center's board chairman. "By combining OEM experience with airline operational knowledge, this strategic partnership between Pratt & Whitney and China Eastern Airlines provides customers with highly dependable services at competitive costs and enhanced efficiency. Customer feedback consistently recognizes the Shanghai Engine Center for its dependable and quality service, on-time delivery performance, effective cost management and professional technical support."
The facility combines Pratt & Whitney's more than 90 years of experience producing dependable engines with China Eastern Airlines' operational perspective.
"I am very proud of our team's dedication to safety, quality and customer satisfaction. We've been making relentless efforts to strengthen relationships with our customers. Our proven performance demonstrates our readiness to introduce a new overhaul line for V2500 engines in 2017. We're excited to move toward a great future for the Shanghai Engine Center," said Roger Retana, general manager, Shanghai Engine Center.
Operating out of a highly efficient 23,000-square-meter building with an 80,000-pound thrust test cell and in-house part repair capability, the Shanghai Engine Center was built for efficiency and designed with well-organized flow lines using Pratt & Whitney's innovative ACE lean operating system. It meets the Platinum standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.
Airworthiness approvals have been granted by the Federal Aviation Administration, European Aviation Safety Administration, Civil Aviation Authority of China and others.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit its website at www.utc.com, or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.
CFM56 is a registered trademark of CFM International, Inc.
V2500 is a registered trademark of IAE International Aero Engines AG.

subset: commoncrawl


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Core Value: Love: Loving my Neighbor; Luke 10:25-37
The Second greatest commandment in the bible is to love your neighbor as yourself. The attorney asked the wrong question. He watned to restrict this by asking "Who is my neighbor?"
TW Manson correctly observed the error of the attorney's question:
"The question is unanswerable, and ought not be asked. For love does not begin by defining its objects: it discovers them." T.W. Manson; Through Peasant Eyes, page 41
Let's look at this great parable and then see how it relates to us.
Luke 10:25-37 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 26 And He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?" 27 And he answered and said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." 28 And He said to him, "You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live." 29 But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
30 Jesus replied and said, "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went off leaving him half dead. 31 "And by chance a certain priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 "And likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 "But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him, and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 "And on the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return, I will repay you.' 36 "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?" 37 And he said, "The one who showed mercy toward him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same." NASB
17 mile descending road through the desert from Jerusalem to Jericho is a picture of your journey through life. It is at times, lonely, desolate, and dangerous.
How your respond to people you meet and see on this road reflects your love for God and others.
To answer the attorney's question, Jesus shares a story. We call it the story of the "Good Samaritan." However, there are things we often overlook in this story. Shocking things that we need to see!!
First, Jesus is the Good Samaritan!
Second, as the feet and hands of Jesus on earth, YOU are the Good Samaritan!
Third, being a Good Samaritan will cost you – A LOT!
Fourth, you are also the Priest and the Levite.
The story is open ended. There is no conclusion. However, we know the rest of the story. More on that later. Let's walk through this incredible parable.
Vs 30 Satan's goal is to rob you and kill you!
This man is has all his possessions taken, his clothes stripped (he is at a point of shame but he is helpless to do anything about it) and he is unconscious at the point of death.
Satan does that to people. He will take from you what is most important, shame you and leave you helpless.
He is unidentified but the Jewish listener would have seen him as Jewish.
Because of the varying diversity in the middle east, there were two common ways for someone to be identified. First, by their speech and second by the manner of dress.
The dialects of those who settled in Palestine were Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Samaritan, Phoenician, Arabic, Latin, Nabatean.
The PRIEST
Certainly riding. Among the upper classes of society.
The prominent thought of his day was that you did not help a sinner.
If the man had been dead, the priest would defile himself and then be disqualified from collecting, distributing and eating the tithes.
The law lists five sources of defilement – at the top of the list is touching a corpse. The oral law added 4 more-contact with a non-Jew was at the top of that list.
The priest has a struggle – he wants to be a good person but at the same time he must obey the law. No doubt he came from Jericho and had served in Jerusalem at the temple for a 2 week term and was on his way home. He had led in worship!
If he defiled himself but he would have to go back to the temple and endure the humiliating week long process of becoming clean. That process included public humiliation. All unclean people had to gather at the Eastern Gate in front of the Altar. Having led in worship for 2 weeks only to return to stand at the eastern gate to publicly show he had violated the law by becoming unclean would have been a burning shame for the priest.
The process was also financially costly. In order to become clean he would have to buy a red heifer and reduce it to ashes. That process took at least a week.
The oral law stated that he could get within 4 cubits of a corpse. Now the oral law had to be developed to cover the multitude of cases that people experienced.
The Mishnah and the oral law sought to cover every single incident. A person was totally dependent upon knowing all the rules. It was the ultimate form of legalism. It is rampant even among US. It is easier to follow a rule book than walk in dependence on the Holy Spirit. Rules create man-made boundaries – Love erases them.
The priest was simply following the rule book developed by man. The codified system of do's and do nots.
The LEVITE
Because of the inherent dangers on this desolate road, one made it their business to know who else was on the road. It could mean a difference of life and death. It was easy to see who was on the road as the contours provided a great deal of long range visibility.
The Levite knew the Priest was on the road ahead of him. He may have even served as the priest's assistant.
This put the Levite in a real pinch. While the Levite was not bound by as many regulations as the priest. He was required to observe ritual cleanliness but he could render aid to this man, even if he died or was dead, the consequences would not be as far reaching.That's why the Levite came close to see the man.
Why didn't he help the man if he didn't fear defilement? Probably because of the example of the higher ranking priest that had gone before him.
If he had stopped, he would have demeaned the priest! He would have challenged the priest's interpretation of the law. Who was he to call the profession into question? He would have carried the man into Jericho, where the priest lived, and that would have been problematic. How would he explain himself to the Priest? How could he avoid embarrassing the priest?
Now the natural order of the flow of the story would introduce next a Jewish layman. All three would have ministered at the Temple in some fashion. So to have someone other than a Jewish layman introduced is surprising but not as shocking as the fact that Jesus introduced the despised Samaritan.
About the SAMARITAN:
The Jewish people hated the Samaritans more than unbelievers. This hatred was centuries old.
The Mishnah stated "He that eats the bread of the Samaritans is like to one that eats the flesh of swine."
For Jesus to introduce a Samaritan is shocking but then for Jesus to make him the hero of the story is unbelievable and dangerous.
People hated the Samaritans.
Kenneth Bailey, the chairman of the Biblical Department at the Near Eastern School of Theology in Beirut writes: "Only one who has lived as a part of a community with a bitterly hated traditional enemy can understand fully the courage of Jesus in making the despised Samaritan appear as morally superior to the religious leadership of the audience." (Through Peasant Eyes)
"Compassion" best understood as "gut level reaction."
The Samaritan could have asked: "Why should I get involved?" Actually his involvement was very risky. Extremely dangerous!
People in Jericho would have quickly jumped to the conclusion that the Samaritan had something to do with the robbery! There would have been retaliation.
What did he do? The Samaritan pours wine and oil on the man. It is a strong picture of worship. See Hosea 6.
The Priest and Levite spent the previous two weeks leading in worship. Part of that included pouring out oil and wine on the altar before God as an act of worship. But real worship is demonstrated as we put ourselves on the altar (Romans 12:1-2)
The hated Samaritan pours out an offering to God on this man's wounds.
There is another huge symbolic act we can easily miss.
Luke 10:34 and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn,
He positions himself as a humble servant and puts the half-dead man in the place of honor – on the back of his mount. See Esther 6:7-11.
The Samaritan surrendered his rightful place of respect and honor to the wounded Jewish man. It is easy to see Jesus in this! The question we must ask ourselves is this: Is it easy to see myself in this?
The Samaritan pays for the man's room – two denarii would be sufficient for a week's stay. Then he went further and said, whatever else is owed, I'll pay it in full when I return!!
See what happened here
The thieves ROBBED HIM.
The religious NEGLECTED HIM.
The Samaritan LOVED him.
I'm going to finish the story of the Good Samaritan. He took the man in the Inn and spent the night taking care of him. The next morning there was a mob outside the Inn. They took the Samaritan and stripped him of his cloths, then they began to humiliate him by calling him names. They spat on him. They began to beat him unmercifully. They took pieces of wood and beat him to death.
That is exactly what happened to the Good Samaritan. But that is not the end of the story. The despised and rejected Samaritan, rose from the dead. One day he is returning to the Inn and he will bring the complete healing by restoring his kingdom.
What is this? It is the kind of love that God offers us through the Gospel. The Samaritan is Jesus. The Samaritan is to be YOU.


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According to the ultra enthused marketing copy, the Selle Royal Respiro Sport saddle is literally blistering with supportive space age technology. Respiro means 'breathe' in Italian and that is precisely what the faux leather microtex cover is designed to do.
With no breaking in period, I've not been conscious of anything but chafe and numbness free, lightweight support.
I'll have to take their word that these pores breathe any more efficiently than a host of similarly sophisticated coverings, since it's aided and abetted by a cutaway, which wafts cooling air (and potentially water) to the crotch region. Sandwiched between this and the 143mm wide composite base sits their clever, consistently stable foam matrix that keeps its supportive shape.
Flipping it over reveals bonded and screwed construction; scuff bumpers and some nicely executed hollow magnesium alloy rails, chosen for their low weight and damping properties. Arguably titanium's better and won't corrode but the galvanised topcoat should keep this academic.
Talking of which, by Selle Royal scales the respiro comes in at 225g, mine consistently registered 269g - which won't worry the majority of roadies.
Bombing along the lanes for several hours in succession, those rails offer some discernable damping, especially paired with carbon posts, reducing low-level fatigue over traffic calming paint and worn tarmac.
I did find though that bereft of mudguards, I also had some water rushing up to cool my crotch.
I've found no obvious signs of wear and tear, and the subtle composite guards should keep it looking pristine for a very long time.
Bottom line (sorry) I'm suitably impressed, although seventy quid is my limit for magnesium.
Unusual but well made perch and for me at least, very comfortable.
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Selle Royal Respiro Sport saddle
Size tested: One size
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
"Leaving a bike in the sun or riding in hot weather can raise your saddle temperature to an uncomfortable level. To avoid unpleasant perspiration and discomfort, the Respiro line is designed with a ventilation channel and special materials to minimize saddle heat.".
Been a bit too chil to evaluate this particular claim but the wealth of technology employed does seem to translate into a very likeable saddle.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Hand Made
Ventilation Channel
Integrated Clip System
Foam Matrix
Size L281/W143mm
Weight 225g
269g by my scales.
Reflects the standards of craftsmanship but very much my upper limit for faux hides and magnesium rails.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Helped in no small part by ergonomically flattering dimensions, I have found the Respiro sport an extremely comfortable and intelligently made saddle ideally suited to trainers/audax duties. A very inclament test period has made it dificult to accurately evaluate some of the faux hides' climate controlling properties though.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Inteligent design with carefully selected materials-music to my posterior.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Did you enjoy using the product? .Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Quite possibly.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Well worth a closer look.
About the tester
Age: 38 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)


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Looking Forward
A few weeks later, we were having a house party. Rog and I hired two blokes to mind the door and deal with any trouble. Unfortunately, the party got a bit too enthusiastic and the bouncers left after only two hours. Rog and I tried to keep order.
The Bullyboys gate-crashed at around midnight. For fuck's sake, that was all we needed. Rog immediately started a fight. He was no innocent this time, but it was soon broken up. A stand-off ensued with them at the open front door, Rog halfway up the stairs and I was at the end of the downstairs hallway. One of them ran down the hall at me. It all happened so fast. As he head-butted me, I swung my head sharply to the right. He caught my left cheekbone with his forehead. The left side of my face stung, but it wasn't as bad as it could have been. His body glanced off my left shoulder and he fell on the kitchen floor. Adrenaline coursed through my body. I moved toward him, grabbed a handful of hair and dragged him back down the hallway.
He screamed and scurried on his hands and knees, trying to keep up. I hurled him through the open front door. The noise of the party spilled into the night as he hit the path and slumped. I stood in the doorway and rest of the Bullyboys peeled him off the ground. Moving forward, I faced them all and glowered. They hesitated, then turned and walked away.
More positively during this time, I enrolled on a two year part-time Higher National Certificate ('HNC') in Business and Finance at Teesside Polytechnic as continuing development for my job. I had misgivings about this, given my less than exemplary performance at Newcastle University. But I met another student on the course called Kaz, who was tall, thin and had an infectious sense of humour. We were about to have a good laugh.
The first year involved introductions to business theory and practice, as well as modules on statistics and accounting. I was never any good at maths, but I performed well enough. I completed the assignments and gave the set presentations, but one subject captured my imagination. It was law. I listened to the introduction to business law and also a smattering of criminal law, despite it not being on the syllabus. I hadn't really thought about the rules governing society before and I was fascinated. This was less vague than at Newcastle and I worked hard. I was actually enjoying studying and wondered if law might be for me. I averaged a high merit for my first year's efforts.
However, my life seemed to be a blend of the destructive and constructive. I sat down with Rog in the pub one evening and we discussed the boredom of our jobs and the trouble in our social lives. Things would have to change. The only good thing appeared to be college as we were both studying part-time. We made a pact to leave the North East of England with a firm handshake and smiles. I had to get my life on track, so I looked for business and law degree courses. But I wanted to stay away from traditional Universities as I felt scarred by my brush with snobbery at Newcastle University.
I applied for a business degree at Sheffield Polytechnic, which was not ideal because it didn't contain enough law. Within weeks, I received a call from the course leader at Sheffield Polytechnic who said he'd been looking for someone to do an intensive programme of study to receive the Bachelor of Arts degree in one year. It seemed an odd proposition and I wasn't sure anyone would ever believe it if I got a degree that quick. Anyway, I'd be back in the workplace far too soon. I was a bit bruised by my experiences at work and I wanted to enjoy myself at college, not study myself into the ground only to go straight back to work. I declined the offer.
Then I found a perfect fifty-fifty business and law split at Oxford Polytechnic and applied, requesting an exemption from the first year. I received a conditional offer to enter the second year of the degree, provided that I got two distinctions and three merits in my final year HNC subjects. This felt right.
I made a big effort during the next academic year, mainly in economics and law. Working to candlelight and incense sticks into the early hours several days a week, I received positive feedback and pushed myself harder to get high grades. The studying was interspersed with Kaz and I having great nights out. We sat in Teesside Polytechnic library one afternoon talking about my offer from Oxford Polytechnic. Kaz turned to me.
"Man, that will look amazing on your CV."
He grabbed a pen excitedly and scribbled on some paper. Turning it toward me, he nodded with a 'There's nothing more impressive than that' expression across his face. On the paper was "Ofxord." We were silent for a few seconds and burst out laughing until we cried. Dirty looks from some students in the library signalled our time to leave.


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Name: Marovany.
Type: Chordophones > Zithers > Box > Fretless.
Hornbostel-Sachs No#: 314.122.4
Country: Madagascar.
Region: East Africa & Indian Ocean.
Description: The marovany [formerly spelled marouvane] is a suitcase shaped, wooden, type of box zither from Madagascar, used in Malagasy music. It is strung on both sides with metal strings. The player plucks the strings with both hands, often with rapid alternation. This often creates complex rhythmic patterns, typical of Malagasy music. It is tuned in sequences of thirds. The instrument is commonly used in rituals and spiritual gatherings.


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Rick A. Lazio, a former Republican congressman trying to become New York's next governor, wants the state's attorney general to investigate the finances of a planned Islamic community center on Park Place, two blocks from the World Trade Center site.
It is probably no coincidence that the attorney general is Andrew M. Cuomo, the Democratic nominee for governor and the overwhelming favorite to win in November. In the polls, Mr. Lazio barely registers a pulse. His fund-raising makes anemia look robust. He may not even end up as his party's nominee, given the strong challenge he faces from Carl Paladino, a Buffalo developer with a mouth to match his big bank account.
Mr. Lazio needed a voter-rousing issue that conceivably might put Mr. Cuomo on the spot. He found it in the controversial Islamic center. Purely from a political vantage, it was not a bad choice. Fear, even if subtly hinted, almost never strikes out not in American politics, anyway.
The center, which could rise as many as 15 stories and has the blessing of local officials from the mayor on down, makes some people uneasy. The reasons are understandable, if not entirely admirable. Some opponents, mostly political conservatives, have exploited the discomfort with statements that are inflammatory or misleading, or both.
For now, there is no reason to assume that the imam behind the project, Feisal Abdul Rauf, has enough finances worth investigating. Mr. Cuomo has shown no interest. Still, it probably wouldn't be the worst idea ever if the imam were to open his books so everyone could see how the money will be raised for a building with a $100 million price tag.
Such an inquiry aside, we have already learned things in recent weeks.
For instance, we have learned that many people must have been out sick the day the teacher taught prepositions. The center is routinely referred to by some opponents as the "mosque at ground zero."
That it may even be called a mosque is debatable. It is designed as a multi-use complex with a space set aside for prayer no minarets, no muezzin calls to prayer blaring onto Park Place. It would seem to qualify as a mosque about as much as a chapel in a Roman Catholic hospital qualifies as a church.
But back to prepositions. There's that "at." For a two-letter word, it packs quite a wallop. It has been tossed around in a manner both cavalier and disingenuous, with an intention by some to inflame passions. Nobody, regardless of political leanings, would tolerate a mosque at ground zero. "Near" is not the same, as anyone who paid attention back in the fourth grade should know.
ANOTHER thing we have learned is that certain political principles can be as disposable as Kleenex. Mr. Paladino talks the Tea Party talk of getting government out of Americans' lives. But a few days ago he said that, if elected governor, he would seize the property on Park Place through eminent domain to keep it out of Muslim hands. So much for limiting government, especially in regard to religion and private ownership.
We have also learned how easily core American values can be degraded. Some critics insist that there be no Muslim site anywhere near ground zero as long as no church or synagogue may be built in Saudi Arabia and other countries where Islamic law prevails. Making Saudi Arabia our standard would seem to be setting the human-rights bar awfully low.
And we learned the other day that federal prisoner No. 84888-054, a k a Bernard B. Kerik, is also firmly opposed to this center. Mr. Kerik, the former police commissioner, said as much via Twitter from a medium-security prison in Cumberland, Md. A spokesman for the federal Bureau of Prisons speculated that a relative or friend may have transmitted the message; inmates are forbidden access to the Internet, Twitter included.
It was interesting to discover that Mr. Kerik considers it an outrage to have a Muslim center near ground zero. You may recall the disclosures about his post-9/11 trysts with his book publisher, Judith Regan. He had no qualms about taking her to an apartment overlooking the World Trade Center site that was supposed to be reserved for exhausted rescue workers. That, somehow, did not dishonor the dead.
It's a good thing we were paying attention back in grade school. Otherwise, we might feel it is O.K. to take Mr. Kerik to task for having had illicit sex at ground zero.


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Avoid unnecessary multis. "If your doctor prescribes vitamin B-complex, don't buy multivitamin capsules as many patients do," advises Dr Yatish Agarwal of New Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital. Plain B-complex pills are cheap, while multivitamins cost much more. Components other than the B vitamins loaded in multivitamin capsules are required only in special cases and may be useless for you.
Asthmatic? Get the economy pack. Asthma patients who use inhalers should know that Cipla now markets Asthalin inhalers in a pack that gives 200 puffs for Rs.77. There's also a 400-puff economy pack for Rs.96, which could save you about Rs.425 a year assuming you average eight puffs a day.
Find out about freebies. Pharmaceuticals regularly give away large amounts of drugs as "physician's samples," to doctors -- all meant to be distributed free among patients. So before going to the medical store, ask your doctor if part of the prescription can be had for free. » Continue reading
Read more on Health


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Two Awesome Takes on the Noah Movie
I'll get the disclosure out of the way: I haven't seen Darron Aronofsky's Gladiator meets Prometheus version of the Biblical account of Noah and the flood. I don't really intend to see it, at least while it's in the theaters.
But I have read Erick Erickson's review of the film, which is so good I'll probably end up catching Noah once it's at Redbox and I want to have a laugh. Having a bad day? Watch Noah! The days of the ancients and the foundations of our culture as a big-screen laugh-fest -- what an idea! Mel Brooks did it first, but whatever. Erickson sees Noah as a feel-good romping comedy with sci-fi touches. His review is certainly more entertaining than Kathleen Parker's dour take on evangelical reaction to it. But she's kind of a Beltway clown anyway. Adam and Eve as space aliens? Rock monsters? Magical snake skins? Unicorn genocide? Whatever. The Biblical account is strange enough. Did Hollywood really need to give the Ancient Aliens guys the biggest big-screen shout-out they've had since X-Files went away?
On the other hand, Sarah Rumpf sees something else in Noah. Not only is it nothing like Genesis, it's not even original. It's a crafty rehash of another recent successful film. Click over to her blog to see which one. She makes a pretty good case.
But here's a thought. The entertainment-industrial complex usually goes out of its way to offend and put off a huge market -- evangelicals, Catholics and other traditional believers (except Muslims -- mustn't lose our heads!). Apparently they don't really want our money that bad, perhaps we should stop giving it to them. Hollywood is now so far gone that even when they do get around to making something that might appeal to those audiences, they manage to mock those audiences anyway. When you believe in nothing, nothing is sacred, and the only group whose ox you won't gore is the one that credibly threatens to kill you if you do.
Ages ago, Bill Cosby did a riff on Noah that was hilarious while also being respectful. "What's an ark?!?" But then again, unlike most of today's entertainment titans, Cosby had talent that went beyond making explosions and tying everything to the latest political fads.


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Chapter: Glossary, DEPP, EG
Effective Date: 30th June 2016
Chapter: Glossary, MAR, LR, DTR, SUP, FEES, GEN, SYSC, REC, SERV, COBS, APER, BENCH, COCON
Effective Date: 28th April 2016
Chapter: Glossary, PRIN, SYSC, APER, TC, FEES, IPRU-INV, COBS, CASS, MAR, SUP, DISP, REC, LR, PERG, EG
Effective Date: 26th July 2012
Chapter: Glossary, COB, MAR, SUP, REC
Effective Date: 17th March 2005


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After the Jump: Live The Life You Want To Live (MP3)
This week I was thinking about what I wanted to tackle for this week's radio show. All of the logical choices (interviews, trend stories, etc.) didn't feel right, so I started thinking about what issues were the most relevant and prevalent in my life and the lives of people around me right now. More than anything, I have been blown away by how dedicated all of my friends (and many of my co-workers) have been to making their biggest dreams a reality. From buying homes and taking more time off to starting new businesses and learning new skills/trades, the people around me have been inspiring me to no end with their (successful!) attempts to balance work and life. Taking cues from their techniques- and including some of my own- I decided to dedicate this week's show to Living The Life You Want To Live: Big Steps and Small Changes to turn Dreams into Reality.
I was thrilled to be joined by my partner in crime/work/friendship, Amy Azzarito. Amy has always inspired me with her enthusiasm for trying new things, and I've seen first-hand just how much her dedication to a happy life has paid off both at home and at work. Together we shared our Top 4 Tips for Living The Life You Want To Live and our Top 4 Pitfalls to Avoid (and how to avoid them). I think we could have talked about this for hours (we got so into it I forgot to take a station break, whoops!) and it just goes to show that your happiness at home is just as important as the things you put inside it. I hope this will inspire or help anyone listening to devote time to life outside of work and put some practices into place to ensure that your dreams in life get as much attention as your dreams in the office. xo, grace
*Amy and I promised to share our vision boards on-air today, so here they are. We explain them- and their purpose- in the show. Also, here is the link to the Rejection Therapy story Amy references on-air.
LISTEN: You can download the podcast on iTunes here, or stream it here on Heritage Radio.


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LAVA Centre is dedicated to Iceland's riveting volcanic activity and its frequent earthquakes. The centre will feature an interactive educational exhibition revealing the science and aesthetics of Iceland's spectacular geological features. In the learning centre the LAVA Centre experts will excite and educate you with earth-shattering tales of "Iceland on the Move."
The Lava Centre is an interactive, high-tech educational exhibition depicting volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years. You will learn all about the incredible geology of Iceland in a fun and immersive way.
The interactive exhibition will display a collection of artifacts, films and graphics from various volcanic eruptions that have occurred in the past century. Examine the various volcanos—eruptions and lava flows, volcanic and rift systems, faults and glacial floods that make Iceland a showcase of volcanism.
The centre also introduces the Katla Geopark as well as Iceland's elaborate monitoring system for surveying volcanos and earthquake zones. Be prepared to be mesmerised by the power of mother nature in this incredible display. The twelve minute video can be added to the exhibition for the full experience. Incredible footage of Iceland's many volcanic eruptions occur on the giant screen at the LAVA Centre, with screenings every 20 minutes.
Purchase your tickets for just the exhibition, or with both the movie and exhibition below.
Opening hours: Daily from 9am – 7pm
Restaurant Hours: 9am-9pm
The LAVA Centre is located in Hvolsvöllur, which is located on the Number 1 Highway, approximately 105 kilometres south-east of Reykjavik, less than 1.5 hours drive. It is easily reached by car if you are self-driving around Iceland, a great stop if you are travelling to the famous sights on the south coast of Iceland.
GPS coordinates are 63.7546735, -20.2372402.
If you are not self driving around Iceland and want to experience this wonderful exhibition, then join our South Coast: Fire and Ice Tour where we always stop at the LAVA Centre. Book that tour here.
Exhibition only
Price, adults: 2,200 ISK
Price, children (12-18): 1,450 ISK
Price, children (0-11) with adult: No charge
Exhibition & Cinema
Price, adults: 2,900 ISK
Price, children 12-18 years old: 1,450 ISK
Price, children (0-11) with adult: No charge
This exhibition is operated by our friends at LAVA CENTRE.


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If your business is going through a period of growth and change, John Flett's business coaching techniques will help get you from where you are, to where you want to be. He will be your trusted advisor and mentor as your business grows. Recruitment and staffing, systems improvements, identifying opportunities and hindrances are some of the many things he will discuss and uncover when working with you.
For startups and those in the first couple of years of business, you need to get up and running quickly. Heather Wentworth's business guidance services provide the fresh start, accountability and action plan you need to propel business forward.
There are many reasons why people start a new business and it can be at any stage of life. Often, it's a result of feeling stuck in a rut or the desire to make a career change.
Get the guidance and support you need to move forward.
How do you interact with staff and clients? Is this serving you well or is there a better way? The Fresh Start package will look at how you are operating as a business owner by taking a look at your personality profile. Heather Wentworth will collaboratively assess at your business foundations. Where are they strongest? Where are the vulnerable areas?
At the completion of your 2 x 1-hour sessions together you will have identified your personal and business strengths and areas to maximise.
How many times do we complete training courses or get advice and with no one but ourselves to hold us accountable, so we fail to put it into action?
Following the completion of the Fresh Start program, Heather is there to hold you accountable for your progress.
10 x 30-minute one-to-one sessions delivered weekly or fortnightly.


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Government officials have been learning about the sheep and beef sector from the paddock up in a Speak Meat initiative jointly organised by the MIA and Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ).
The two organisations operate the Speak Meat programme, designed to provide government officials who are involved in trade negotiations and market access discussions with overseas regulators with a deeper understanding of the sheep and beef sector.
The programme involves a visit to a working farm and a meat processing plant as a way of highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing the sector through the supply chain.
The most recent Speak Meat event was held in the Waikato in early December. Following a briefing from MIA and B+LNZ, the group of 11 officials from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry for Primary Industries headed off to visit the beef farm of Graham Smith at Waerenga north of Hamilton, explains MIA trade and economic manager Sirma Karapeeva.
Smith provided an overview of his role as one of the Red Meat Profit Partnership Farm Assurance Programme pilot farms. He also discussed some of the current issues facing sheep and beef farmers, including environmental expectations and commercial relationships.
The following day the group visited Greenlea Premier Meats in Hamilton. The visit included a tour of the plant operations and a discussion with Greenlea chief executive Tony Egan and Affco director Rowan Ogg about the opportunities and challenges that meat processors and exporters face, particularly in the area of non-tariff barriers.
The final stop on the programme was a visit to AgResearch to get an overview of the research and development work its scientists undertake on both sides of the farm-gate.
Karapeeva says the programme is a valuable way for officials gain a better appreciation of the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
"The programme also provides a valuable opportunity for officials to get first-hand experience of how the sector operates and to meet the people responsible for producing and exporting New Zealand red meat."


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Alumni Spotlight: Jake McKim
Alumni Spotlight: Jake McKim
We are proud of our boys, even after they grow up and leave the choir. Alumnus Jake McKim is the owner of Birch Street Music, LLC, specializing in A&R, Artist Development, and Digital Marketing Services. He shares about his experience with HBC and how it has impacted his life today.
Q: What years were you in Houston Boychoir?
Q: Describe your most memorable moment in the choir.
A: Performing Mephistopheles with the Houston Grand Opera. I still remember the chills I had on stage.
Q. What did being a Houston Boychoir member mean to you?
A: It meant learning discipline, teamwork, the beauty of music, learning to tie a tie, and eat with proper manners – still lessons I live by today.
Q: How did your experience affect your choices/pursuits in life?
A: It meant everything. Without the Boychoir, I would never have gone on to Johnston Middle School, High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and gotten into the music business. I owe my entire career to Ms. Ashley for recommending the Boychoir, my mom for shuttling me to rehearsals, and my directors in the Boychoir for guiding me down that path. I've spent my career working with artists as big as Beyonce, Solange, Maddie & Tae, Chloe & Halle, etc. and I doubt I would have had that opportunity without the Boychoir.
Q: What is the most meaningful advice that you received in life that you would pass on to the boys of today?
A: Enjoy every moment. It goes by fast and you will miss it some day. While you're in Boychoir, decide if you think music is in your future and start studying everything you can about the history of it, how it's created, and if you see yourself as a performer, a teacher, or a behind the scenes guy. Determining that early will give you an advantage over everyone else who is still trying to figure it out. Then pursue it with passion!
We're glad Jake (third from the left) finally learned to eat with proper table manners (his words, not ours) after this formal dinner on tour in 1992. Thanks for sharing, Jake!


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Need some pasta night inspiration? Want to try zucchini noodles but not sure that your family will like it? Here are 3 ways to serve up this healthier take on pasta…
Zucchini Noodle Pasta
Zucchini noodle pasta. I'm a little late when it comes to this trend as I only started making it this past year. I held off for a while because I wondered: 1 – how could zucchini noodles be as satisfying as real noodles? And, 2 – how would I find the time to spiralize zucchini into noodles on a busy weeknight? And, of course, 3 – would my kids like it?
- Well, the answer to question one is, as long as you include adequate healthy protein and fat in the dish, zucchini noodle pasta is super satisfying! That said, I like my carbs! So sometimes I mix in some regular pasta and other times I serve sourdough whole wheat bread or crisp rye bread (such as WASA) on the side.
- As for finding time to spiralize noodles? Yes, it does add an extra 5 minutes to spiralize the noodles, but that is seriously all it takes! Of course, these days you can also buy pre-spiralized zucchini at the grocery store. I think digging out the spiralizer from my cabinet is the hardest part of this step!
- Finally, as for number 3, let me start by saying that my kids don't like zucchini (unless it's in a muffin studded with chocolate chips!). Thus, the honest answer is that my younger son has yet to actually taste the zucchini noodles. And my older son thinks they are ok, but prefers classic pasta. Guess I just have to keep trying.
So, why not just stick to classic pasta if the kids are not yet thrilled about zucchini noodles? Because that would be boring and we need to mix it up! Not to mention, aside from carbo loading athletes, most of us could stand to do with fewer carbs in our pasta. With repeated exposure, I hope my kid will learn to love this new version of one of their favorite meals.
Hälsa Kids
Tips on Getting Your Kids to Eat Zucchini Noodles
- Have your kids help spiralize the veggies! This will make them more likely to try it. My boys both love to do this, even if they still prefer regular pasta to zucchini noodles. Baby steps. Exposure. Etc.
- Mix the zucchini noodles with half regular spaghetti. This is also great for those of us who don't want a completely low carb dinner, just a lightened up version of our beloved pasta. For 4 people, cook up half a box of spaghetti and toss with zucchini noodles made from 2-4 zucchini.
- Mix in protein-packed family favorites, such as Italian Chicken Sausage, Shrimp, and Swedish Meatballs.
- Serve it with favorite sauces, whether marinara, pesto, or good old butter and sea salt!
- Go ahead and call the noodles "zoodles" if it brings a smile to your little one's faces. (I admit, the name has kind of grown on me.)
Here is my recipe for basic zucchini noodles with mix-ins:
- 4 medium zucchini
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- Mix in's (e.g., fresh spinach, fresh basil, cooked meatballs, cooked sliced Italian chicken sausage, cooked shrimp)
- Sauce (marinara, basil, butter)
- Spiralize zucchini
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and saute for 30 - 60 seconds.
- Add spiralized zucchini and saute for 3-5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add mix-in's, such as fresh spinach, fresh basil, cooked spaghetti, cooked meatballs, cooked shrimp, or cooked chicken sausage. Use tongs to combine over medium heat.
- Serve with your favorite sauce and parmesan cheese if desired.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes
Chopped fresh basil


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Embalming is temporary, invasive formaldehyde-based chemical procedure designed to inhibit decomposition. According to the World Health Organization, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.
- In the State of California, embalming IS NOT required by law.
- Refrigeration IS required by law in California. Refrigeration is a temporary preservation without invasive chemical treatment.
Held in churches prior to services and in chapels offered by various cemeteries in Colma, viewing is important to many family and friends.
Viewing Without Embalming
For many years, Colma Cremation has provided viewing without embalming for services and visitations in churches or cemetery chapels. Without embalming, your loved one will have a natural appearance. Our licensed embalmer, Joseph Stinson (with over 40 years of experience), provides gentle care and expertise when providing this natural alternative.
If you would like to discuss the many options for Funeral Service Planning with a viewing, please ask our staff for more information.


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The Public Relations Committee put together a video in August teaching viewers how to make Thit Kho, also known as Simmer Pork Ribs. Our special guest and cook in the video is Khai Nguyen, who was a former judge at Loyola University's Iron Chef event! So be sure to check out the video!Read More
Author Archives: Tong Nguyen
Effiel Society: Pay It Forward
For one night only on September 3rd, 2014, Effiel Society will sponsor UVSA Gulf Coast in a fundraising event where they donate 20% of the bar sales to the organization. With the help of Effiel Society, UVSA Gulf Coast will have more funds to support more of the VSA's in the Gulf Coast Region. We will have special performances by various members from many of the schools.Read More
AASIA Camp Delta 2014
AASIA, Asian American Inter-Collegiate Association, held their 7th annual leadership camp, Camp Delta, this past month. AASIA is the umbrella organization of the six VSA's in Louisiana. AASIA extended their invitation to the other VSA's in the region so that more people from the Gulf Coast region were able to experience camp. This year, Camp Delta's director was Karsen Krauss and Harry Potter was the theme. With 63 attendees who are leaders from all over the region, and over 100 people in attendance as either staff or a veteran, Camp Delta has changed many peoples lives.Read More
Check out these videos from UNAVSA-11
Did you miss out on the keynotes, dancers, or speakers? Well, thanks to the videographers who posted theese videos on YouTube, you can relive some of the UNAVSA-11 Experience!Read More
Gulf Coast at UNAVSA-11
The Gulf Coast Region went to Dallas for the UNAVSA-11 conference with over 45 attendees hailing from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Taking place in Dallas, Texas, at the Hilton Anatole, this marks the first time that UNAVSA has been in Texas. With the work of the UVSA South Organization and the UNAVSA Committee, the conference was a runaway success. The attendees from the Gulf Coast Region learned from various workshops, watched a cultural show, voted on the next Collective Philanthropy Project, and selected the new UNAVSA Executive Board of the 2014-2016 term.Read More


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Innovation and technology in the built environment is changing the face of the construction industry from design all the way through to operation.
Industry experts now more than ever are looking for ways to become more efficient, collaborative, connected, profitable, and sustainable. Your products and solutions can help them do that and they will be coming to DCW to find out how. DCW provides a platform for you to engage with the wider industry and help show them what can be achieved with your innovative solutions and technology.
Engage, Educate & Network with Industry Professionals
Hs2, Crossrail, Thames Tideway, Local Authorities, Highways Agency, AECOM, Arup, BAM, Kier, MACE, Atkins, Bouygues, Cullinan Studio, Foster & Partners, HLM, Costain, British Land, Morgan Sindall, Wates, McLaren, Hochtief, Balfour Beatty, Willmott Dixon, VINCI, Carillion, Network Rail, Prologis, Greater London Authority, Interserve, Amey, Skanska, Imtech, Lend Lease, Brookfield Multiplex, Severn Partnership, Thames Water, Barratt Homes, Taylor Wimpey and many, many more...
If you have any questions please email email@example.com or fill out the enquiry form below.


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At 11 a.m. for the last four months, Andrew Lypko and Melissa Chin have rolled aside their desk chairs and raised the computer screens and keyboards on their standing workstations. It takes only seconds to transform the station and then it's back to work as usual – except they will be standing for the next four hours.
Andrew, an analyst in Corporate Planning, and Melissa, a Senior Corporate Planner, stand each day from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
"It started when Andrew and I read an article online that equated sitting for long periods of time with smoking," says Melissa. "We started thinking that it would be good to incorporate standing into our day because we work at computers and it's very easy to spend the majority of the day sitting."
A new study out of Toronto Rehab is solidifying Melissa and Andrew's decision.
The study – published in the Annals of Internal Medicine – found the amount of time a person sits during the day is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and death, regardless of regular exercise.
"More than one half of an average person's day is spent being sedentary—sitting, watching television, or working at a computer," says Dr. David Alter, Senior Scientist, Toronto Rehab, University Health Network (UHN), and Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences.
"Our study finds that despite the health-enhancing benefits of physical activity, this alone may not be enough to reduce the risk for disease."
Reducing sedentary behaviour
The meta-analysis study reviewed studies focused on sedentary behaviour. The lead author is Avi Biswas, PhD candidate, Toronto Rehab, UHN and the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, and the senior author is Dr. Alter, who is also Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto.
The researchers also found that the negative health effects of prolonged sitting are more obvious among those who do little or no exercise than those who do more exercise.
Future research will help determine what people can do, in addition to physical activity, to combat the health risks of sedentary time.
"Avoiding sedentary time and getting regular exercise are both important for improving your health and survival," says Dr. Alter.
"It is not good enough to exercise for 30 minutes a day and be sedentary for 23 and half hours."
Dr. Alter says people should aim to decrease sedentary time by two to three hours in a 12-hour day.
Andrew and Melissa say they have noticed a positive difference since reducing the amount of time they spend sitting.
"I've found that it feels like I have more energy, especially after lunch and I think it helps me focus," Andrew says. "I also like that I have someone doing this with me because it keeps me accountable."
How to get started
Dr. Alter has a few steps people can take to reduce sitting time:
Melissa and Andrew say they would encourage other UHN employees to try standing throughout the day.
"It gives you a lot more energy throughout the day and knowing there's definite health benefits is a great encouragement to keep it up," says Melissa.


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A Guide to making your Home Smell Amazing
The scent of a space is arguably just as important as the visual decor. It helps bring together the multiple design elements in the room to create an overall, sensual experience.
Our brains process smells similarly to the way in which they process emotion, which explains why every smell we can recall is directly associated with a memory or specific feeling. Scented spaces therefore can have one of two effects; they can either conjure up old memories from the past if it is a familiar smell, or if it's a new one, can create a new memory or intrigue.
Finding a signature scent for your home
Choosing a scent that you love and that you feel would suit your home is the first step for making your home smell amazing. Dawn and Samantha Goldworm scent art fairs, runways and hotels, and they have a suggestion for finding your home's signature scent; 'When you smell, try visualizing the scent in your mind and focusing on your feeling about the scent. This will help lead your nose until you find your signature.'
Ultimately, the scent your choose should compliment the existing smells in the house, rather than contrast them which can be overwhelming and even unpleasant. Also think about how you want your home to feel, whether it's relaxing, energizing, stimulating, cosy…etc. That way, you can start to look at scent palettes to achieve this atmosphere. For example, if you want it to be cosy and inviting, scents like vanilla and cinnamon are great. If you prefer something brighter, fresher and more energizing, opt for citrus fruits, cut grass, fresh linen or bright fruits.
Preparing your home for your new scent
Now you've chosen your scent, you'll no doubt want to be able to experience it as much as possible in your home. You may need to take a couple of steps beforehand to get the ultimate effect. This may be especially important if you have children or pets, for example.
Firstly, giving your home a good clean and airing it out will provide the perfect foundation. Eliminating clutter as well as dirt can be a great way to avoid those more unpleasant smells from lingering, and a good clean will give your home that freshly clean smell which is the ideal starting point to build on. Opening windows and doors to let in fresh air is a good idea too, especially for bathroom odours.
The cleaning products you use (and continue to use) should also be taken into consideration. Look at more organic alternatives which are often much more natural in terms of scents as well as ingredients.
Incorporating your chosen scent into your home
Incorporating your scent into your home doesn't have to be a mammoth task, and you can opt for different levels of strength, too. Here are some great ways to help your house smell incredible.
- Using scented candles. Scented candles are really popular and can be a really nice way to give your home a nice new smell as well as creating a cosy atmosphere and providing a gentle light source. You could even give making your own candles a go if you're particularly creative.
- Oil and candle burners. You can select your favourite essential oil and burn it in a burner which will give off a surprisingly strong and pretty scent.
- Reed diffusers. Diffusers are rapidly growing in popularity and they now come in a lot of different styles and scents. They're perfect for changing the smell of smaller spaces, so are ideal if you'd like different scents in different rooms. They don't require flames either which may be ideal if you have children or pets, too.
- The boiling water method. This is really simple and really effective, and you can do it with things you may already have in your home. Boil a small pot of water on your hob and keep on a low heat. Then add your favourite scented items, such as cinnamon sticks, vanilla pots, cloves, coffee beans or orange peels.
Other tricks to make your house smell great
As well as your incorporating your favourite scent into your home, there are other things you can do to improve the fragrance of your house.
- Baking. There's arguably no better smell than that of freshly baked bread, cakes or cookies, so take to the kitchen and get baking for a scent that will gently waft through your home.
- Fresh coffee. Fresh coffee is always a welcoming and inviting smell, but take it up a notch with this trick. Fill a small mug with coffee beans, then make a small dip in the beans and place a vanilla scented tea light in it. When you light the tea light, it will smell like infused coffee and vanilla which will be amazing.
- Freshly cut flowers. The ultimate fresh smell is fresh flowers, so choose your favourites and display them in each room.


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Today's post will cover the second of the 4R's of the 4R Marketing System: Reach. This system is really crucial to building any business because if no one knows you are there, they can't buy your stuff. But let me define reach in a little more professional fashion. But before we do that, here's the pyramid to remind you of each of the 4R's:
Reach, the second "R" in the 4R Marketing System is all about making sure people can find you online. This week's webinar focuses on two excellent ways to improve your reach or your online visibility; one is by advertising on Facebook and the other is through mobile searching. Both are very powerful but I want to use this post to take a 10,000 foot view, to help you put Facebook and mobile in perspective.
There are billions of searches every month just in the US. What ever you sell, product or service, chances are your ideal customers are searching for it online. Some are searching to buy online and some are using the internet to compare prices before they buy in person. If people can't find your business online when they are doing their research or they are ready to buy, the they will buy from your competitors.
Are you willing to give your competitors that advantage? Or are you ready to take control of your online presence and make sure that when people search online for personal trainer in Austin TX, they are going to find you and not the other guy with less experience and less integrity?
Reach is such an important component of the 4R Marketing System it should almost be the bottom of the pyramid but the truth is, you could have the best on-site SEO, the most backlinks and the highest page rank but if what they find is bad reviews, then you are not going to get any traffic, your competitors will.
So reputation is critical as is reach, they work together. Yes, you need a presence on Facebook and if you have a website, you need a mobile version. You need to be listed in business directories and you need to have reviews on those directories so people know that you are a legitimate business and you need those listings to boost your search engine optimization so people can find you online. I did a whole week's worth of blog posts on search engine optimization so please take some time to read through those posts to get the concepts behind SEO and how to get started with your optimization.
So that's the 10,000 foot view of reach, it's all about being visible online. If people can find you and see that your customers love you, your business will grow, I promise you. Tomorrow we move to the third "R" of the 4R Marketing System: Resell. This is the easiest and fastest way to grow your business so I'm excited to give you a little more insight into this system and how you can automate it to keep your business growing regularly.


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Committed to creating and sustaining a multiculturally competent student body, faculty, and staff.
Connecting the classroom to the real world through experiential learning.
Our faculty are committed to the highest standards of teaching, research and service.
From kindergarten to high school, here is how we encourage students to pursue STEM.
We engage in fundamental research and pioneer new technologies that address big challenges faced by society.


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Time-Lapse of Snow Hammering Away Makes Me Long for Summer [Video]
The snow just keeps coming and coming in Michigan this winter, but not as fast as it is in this video.
Check out this time-lapse video of a backyard getting slammed with a foot of snow in less than a minute. It's time for summer!


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NEW ORLEANS — Japanese children who had seizures during a "Pokemon" cartoon in 1997 have generally not had another one unless they already had epilepsy, researchers say.
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Rates of women who are opting for preventive mastectomies, such as Angeline Jolie, have increased by an estimated 50 percent in recent years, experts say. But many doctors are puzzled because the operation doesn't carry a 100 percent guarantee, it's major surgery -- and women have other options, from a once-a-day pill to careful monitoring.
- Larry Page's damaged vocal cords: Treatment comes with trade-offs
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- What stresses moms most? Themselves, survey says
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The TV show sent at least 685 Japanese viewers, mostly children, to emergency rooms with symptoms ranging from nausea and hyperventilation to convulsions. They were apparently made sick by a scene with extremely rapid flashes of red and blue.
To find out whether the incident had any lasting effects, Dr. Akihisa Okumura and colleagues in Nagoya sent questionnaires to doctors who had treated 103 "Pokemon" patients in the prefecture, or state, of Aichi. They got back results for 91 patients.
Twenty-five had had at least one more convulsion in the five years since the "Pokemon" episode. They were divided almost evenly between those diagnosed with epilepsy and those who weren't. However, electroencephalograms revealed that 10 of the 13 who had not been diagnosed with epilepsy did, in fact, have the disease.
His findings were published as a letter to the editor in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine.
"That's very much what I would have expected," said Dr. Donald M. Olson, director of pediatric epilepsy at Stanford University's Lucille Packard Children's Hospital.
"A lot of us may have a genetic predisposition to epilepsy but never have a seizure in their lives," he said. "This is just one of those unusual occurrences where a specific trigger — this kind of flashing screen — provoked seizures in people who might not otherwise have had them."
Olson said the risk of TVs, video games and computers triggering a seizure is extremely low for children who have not already had seizures.
The incident in Japan was by far the largest in which seizures have been traced to a TV broadcast.
© 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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How inflammation can lead to cancer
Ohio State University Medical Center and Science Daily offered up a few years back this study:
"A new study shows how inflammation can help cause cancer. The study found that inflammation stimulates a rise in levels of a molecule called microRNA-155 (miR-155). This increase, in turn, causes a drop in levels of proteins involved in DNA repair, resulting in a higher rate of spontaneous gene mutations, which can contribute to cancer development. The findings suggest that drugs designed to reduce miR-155 levels might improve the treatment of inflammation-related cancers."
Also stated: "It is believed that cancer is caused by an accumulation of mutations in cells of the body," says principal investigator Dr. Carlo M. Croce, professor and chair of molecular virology, immunology and medical genetics, and director of the Human Cancer Genetics program the OSUCCC — James. "Our study suggests that miR-155, which is associated with inflammation, increases the mutation rate and might be a key player in inflammation-induced cancers generally. This could make it an important therapeutic target."
As a cancer survivor myself, now in remission from stage 3 high grade ovarian cancer, a day does not go by that I do not take my Omega 3s because inflammation is no joke. It is a very serious condition that we all need to be proactive about.
Doesn't it stand to reason that taking anti-inflammatory organic supplements might be a very good thing for us all to do?
For me the answer is yes and it is one of the major reasons that I searched for over 20 years in my career as a nutritionist, author, speaker and Ph.D in nutrition for a supplement that could trust enough to take myself, share with my family on both two legs and 4.
My writing partner Jean Hofve, DVM and I share our findings about a particular supplement called MOXXOR that we both take and have for many years in our both of our books for animals, PALEO DOG and The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care. We were both delighted to find something we and our animals could take every day..what a joy to not have to buy something for the companion animals and something else for ourselves that offered the same benefits and thus it was MOXXOR for us and has been ever since!
What is Moxxor?
Our wonderful MOXXOR is a unique array of all-natural omega-3's and antioxidants exclusively from the pristine environment of New Zealand.
We are often told about the benefits of plant sourced omega-3 oils which include:
Linseed oil
Hemp seed oil
Sesame oil
Sunflower oil
Evening primrose oil
Soy bean oil
There are also marine omega-3 sources which include:
Cod liver oil
Fish oils such as salmon oil
Marine algae
Krill oil
Greenlip Mussel oil
The BIG news about the New Zealand green lipped mussels are they are the only source of omega-3s that contain all 18 known omega-3s.
Green lipped mussel oil is the source of the omega-3 oil found in MOXXOR. And it my choice..here I am below with my bottle of MOXXOR!
Since mid-2010 which is when I began taking MOXXOR twice daily, this product has had only three organic and cold extracted ingredients: green-lipped mussel oil, grape seed extract, and kiwifruit seed oil and all are from New Zealand which is an all organic island.
Once I learned of the purity and integrity of this product it has been my daily choice, for so many reasons such as there are no additives. No artificial preservatives. No fillers.
Studies have shown that New Zealand green lipped mussels have anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers, doctors, and nutritionists have all recognized the importance of omega-3 oils for overall well-being, heart health, brain function development, joint strength and health, and a healthy immune system. And that's just a small part of the list of health benefits that occur from reducing inflammation.
Diets rich in omega-3 have been shown to help reduce pain.
There are many sources of omega-3 oils, but only New Zealand green lipped mussels such as the one listed above, you can learn more about each one of them at my blog here: https://celestialmusingsblog.com/2012/06/18/what-on-earth-is-a-greenlip-mussel/ However you will learn with just a bit of research, as I share in my blog at the above link that none of these other sources have all 18 known omega-3 oils, including ETA (eichosatetranoic acid). ETA plays a vital role in modulating the inflammation cascade on a cellular level. And New Zealand green lipped mussels are the only measurable source of omega-3s that have this unique form.
The makers of MOXXOR have added to this potent omega-3 marine lipid, two powerful organic antioxidants: grape seed oil extracted from the Sauvignon Blanc grape seed, found only in the Marlborough Sounds region on the South Island of New Zealand, and kiwifruit seed oil, which contains the immune-system-enhancing complete form of vitamin E. To my knowledge only Kiwi and avocado oils have this full spectrum.
These antioxidants have been shown in research to combat free radicals, aging, and possibly help improve health of those dealing with cancer, like myself. MOXXOR has been constant in my life as my most important "must take" daily supplement in my holistic cancer protocol, which you can read about here at my blog: http://theartofwellnesscollection.com/2016/02/17/holistic-cancer-care/
Why take Moxxor?
I take it every day because my own personal research on the formula proved to me to be THE formula of natural omega-3 marine lipid oils and antioxidant grape seed and kiwifruit seed extracts that supports a healthy immune systems response to inflammation, and it does so without the gastrotoxic effects the way NSAIDs do which are also very constipating thus defeating and detox program. MOXXOR for me is also a great alternative to pain pills for those suffering from painful inflammatory conditions such as I do with severe arthritis in both hips..something we dancers and high impact aerobic enthusiasts along with weekend warriors get hit with as we join the ranks of the aging baby boomer population.
From the results of research, we see that it seems that these oils affect the body on a cellular level and therefore bring about positive changes in many areas of one's health.
A simple google search will show that:
Omega-3 oils have been shown to be critical to joint, respiratory, and cardiovascular health, as well as helpful in normalizing cholesterol, HDL, and triglyceride levels.
On the other hand the pro-inflammatory oils which are the Omega-6 oils that we get so much of in our diets and other so called modern but harmful vegetable oils/fats in our diets affect cell membranes negatively, leaving them with elevated quantities of the precursors associated with inflammatory processes that may in all likelihood lead to asthma, depression, learning difficulties, arthritis, heart disease, and psoriasis.
The body uses the pro-inlammatory omega-6 oils to start inflammatory processes, a necessary function of our immune systems. However, Omega-3 oils are used to turn the inflammation off.
It's like the yin/yang of essential fatty acids. With our modern diets today, the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 is totally imbalanced (too many omega-6 oils and not enough omega-3 oils are big problem and one vegans and vegetarians really need to concern themselves with because they are not getting fish in their diets and thus no omega 3 marine lipids), so without a good source of omega-3s from marine lipids, the body has no way to turn inflammation off.
Research suggests that we should reduce omega-6s and increase
Green-lipped Mussel Oil Has an Amazingly High Anti-inflammatory Value. MOXXOR is what I take instead of reaching for NSAID because studies show that green lipped mussel oil has an anti-inflammatory value of 79.0. This refers to a scale that researchers use to rate and compare pharmaceuticals, as well as natural components, as to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Fish oil has a potency of 0.50 on the scale, and salmon oil has a potency of 0.32. The vegetable oils commonly used for their anti-inflammatory properties rank even lower: evening primrose oil is at 0.25 and flax seed oil at 0.20.
As you can see, green lipped mussel oil is far superior to these other natural sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3. MOXXOR is said to be actually 158 times more effective than fish oil and 247 times more effective than salmon oil.
This means that you would have to take 158 capsules of fish oil to equal one serving of Moxxor (which is two small capsules not the huge capsules we find with fish oils which are so big because they use filler oils to make it look like you are getting more than what you are actually getting).
There is no fishy smell nor do you get that common fish burp either after taking these tiny capsules, and they're so small that even children have no trouble swallowing them.
Many people even chew these capsules. Did you know that fishy burp according to my research means that the product is rancid or perhaps there is an underlying gallbladder issue that should be checked out with this symptom.
Grape seed extract from Sauvignon Blanc grape seeds which is used in MOXXOR as its natural preservative and antioxidant has greater levels of antioxidant oligomeric procyanidin compounds (OPC) than any other fruit or berry. (This seems to be a result of the unique atmospheric conditions in the Marlborough Sounds region on the South Island of New Zealand, which is directly below a large hole in the ozone layer.) The grape seeds are also free from genetically modified material (GMOs), heavy metals, arsenic, toxins, and pesticides. That means there is no mercury, lead, PCBs, GMOs or other contaminants in MOXXOR. New Zealand is the last true organic country in the world!
To compare the relative strength of antioxidants, scientists use a standard known as oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC). After testing a particular substance, they assign it an ORAC value, which can then be used to compare one antioxidant with another.
Sauvignon Blanc grape seed extract has an ORAC value of 12,000 units/gram, which is 3 times greater than acai berry, which has a value of 3,800 units/gram. Grape seed extract is 4 times more effective than mangosteen and 47 times more effective than goji berry, the three berries we read about most in nutrition news.
What MOXXOR doesn't contain is just as important as what it does contain!
MOXXOR contains NONE of these harmful ingredients!
no mercury
no fillers
no additives
no colors
no excipients
no chemical solvents
no preservatives
Due to the extremely effective extraction process used, there aren't any animal protein molecules in MOXXOR, which is important to some of my Vegan clients who know they need this powerful source of Omega 3 in their bodies. Because of this, the company asserts that this great source of omega-3 can be used by even those allergic to shellfish.
Just to be safe, if you do decide to try this product, talk with your health care provider first if you have a history of fish or shellfish allergies. They will probably tell you not to take this oil, but you can read for yourself the FAQ from the company here.
Who Shouldn't Take MOXXOR?
Since MOXXOR contains green lip mussel oil, vegans may prefer to not use it. Then again, if you're a vegan you may decide that the benefits outweigh the arguments against eating anything that comes from animals. It's a choice that is up to the individual. I am providing information here to help you make an informed decision.
If you are a vegan, you might want to consider making an exception on this one, because the benefits are many, and they are outstanding. There is a lot of research regarding the superior benefits of marine omega-3 oils, especially those found in MOOXOR. But of course the choice is up to you.
Who Might Benefit from Taking MOXXOR?
Anyone suffering from a disease that has an inflammatory component should consider using MOXXOR. Reducing inflammation, especially chronic inflammation, can have a tremendously powerful impact on overall health and well-being.
A little research will prove that it is clear that inflammation plays a large part in many of the diseases that afflict our modern world today. Inflammation is the precursor to dozens of serious diseases and conditions, just google inflammation and you will find that these diseases include, but are not limited to:
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and Crohn's disease
Type-II diabetes
Type-I diabetes
Heart disease, atherosclerosis, and clogged arteries
Arthritis and joint pain
Alzheimer's disease
It is necessary to clarify here that food and supplements do not cure diseases, only our amazing bodies can do that. We merely take and used the tools to help our bodies to heal themselves. Omega 3s support the body´s immune system in achieving health. Keep in mind that many of the diseases in the list above begin with inflammation, which eventually becomes chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can lead to more serious degenerative conditions.
Eliminating the inflammation in a natural, gentle way can often relieve symptoms and allow the body to heal itself and recover its health. This is, of course, a much better outcome than simply suppressing symptoms with pharmaceuticals, which bring their own problems.
Although none of these statements have been approved by the FDA, nor are these statements intended to diagnose, heal, cure, or treat any disease, it is worth noting that there is a lot of scientific research out there pointing in the direction of natural healing.
Mike Adams from Natural News Network mentions in his blog that the benefits of MOXXOR go beyond the anti-inflammatory effect and suggests that there are others who might benefit from using it, such as:
Children and teens with ADD or ADHD
Athletes and other active individuals
Elderly people currently experiencing inflammation
Adults wishing to enhance their omega-3 nutrition
Expectant mothers looking for a mercury-free source of omega-3's
Individuals wishing to support their heart health
Anyone suffering from signs of omega-3 deficiency
What about allergies and/or adverse reactions?
Research from the last 30 years has shown that there are no known adverse effects of green-lipped mussel extract. (The only exception was people who were allergic to shellfish. At the time of these studies, the extraction process was not able to totally remove all proteins and carbohydrates. But with the special extraction process mentioned earlier that MOXXOR uses, this is no longer a problem.)
Say YES to MOXXOR!
There's a 60-day money-back guarantee policy that the company fully respects, so if you decide you don't like the product, they will refund your money, no questions asked. All you have to do is return the empty bottles, and they will refund the money with a smile.
You can purchase MOXXOR as a retail customer, or you can opt for preferred customer Autoship, and receive up to a 20% discount on each purchase, that means you basically pay the same price that I pay as a distributor. I refuse to be without it..I think you will too!
Just visit http://www.MoxxArt.com to set started on your daily MOXXOR as a retail or preferred/auto ship customer where you save on each bottle!


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Welcome to Kuthaba Bush Lodge
Kuthaba Bush Lodge is a private game reserve situated near Modimolle, in the Limpopo Province and forms part of the serene Waterberg Mountain Range, renowned for its exquisite scenery.
A comfortable 90 minute drive from Pretoria, this malaria free reserve boasts a diverse landscape; including dramatic cliff faces and an ancient Wild Fig Tree (said to be one of the oldest & largest of its kind). Natural springs and streams combined with open savannahs as well as dense woodlands are home to 15 species of game and over 200 species of birds. The reserve is teeming with secluded spots where one can soak in the splendour of the African Bushveld and observe nature as it was intended.
The Main Lodge, as well as the accommodation has been built at the base of a cliff, ideally nestled amongst an array of indigenous trees which provide privacy. Both the architecture and finishes meld seamlessly into the surrounds to create a unique blend of comfort and authenticity.
The venue can host up to 120 guests, accommodating 80 overnight guests (excluding campsites) and facilitates both catered as well as self-catered options; making it an ideal venue for both group functions and getaways. The Main Lodge area also boasts 2 swimming pools, thatched lapa, braai bomas, fully equipped guest kitchen, function venue and a licenced bar facility. A variety of accommodation is available to suit individual preferences and price ranges.
The Kuthaba Bush Lodge team takes pride in offering a personalised service; transforming this versatile venue to suit the requirements of each guest/group's needs.
We look forward to hosting you!


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So Martha and I are "like this". At least in my head… Seriously, she is SO AMAZING. I aspire to be her. And, for a brief period in my life (mid to late twenties), I TOTALLY was her. My girlfriends actually nicknamed me Martha! This period was short lived. Things started to go south when I got pregnant (wait till I tell you THAT story) and it has progressed from there. I used to think that everyone that used their kids as an excuse was a total cop-out. I mean, come on, having kids couldn't really be the root cause for tardiness, could it? Those folks must just be of the variety that run late, right? Also- I was the best Back Seat Parent ever. Every kid that was loud in a restaurant was treated to an icy glare and a whispered promise that my children would never, EVER, behave that poorly. My fictional children were also always exceptionally well behaved in grocery store checkout lines, at fast food lines, and in the Toy Department at Target….
To every parent out there, I am officially sorry. You were right. Good Lord what a handful (and to be more fair, I am not using my 'vocally gifted' daughter as the measuring stick. I have to assume that some kids aren't as loud?)… even leaving the house is such a tenuously coordinated event it might make the Joint Chief cry… I wonder why that position isn't filled by a mom. Perhaps all the moms are too busy packing diaper bags and going through airport security with a stroller… (You cannot imagine. Unless you have lived it, you would swear I was making it all up.)
Anyway, here is my Martha Moment of the weekend. So Martha might not shop the after Christmas Clearance Sales for bargains on home décor. She might not get a little competitive with the other patrons in the store for the coveted glitter twigs. Whatever. Her loss. I do, and it is with great pride that I share with you my beautiful new wreath! (Michaels 80% off of all Christmas merchandise is genius! And just because it says Christmas doesn't mean it isn't acceptable 11 other months out of the year because #1 it is sparkly (love me some glitter!) and #2 it is 80% off!) And really, Martha is nothing if not creative!
Hope you love it! (Either way, I love it.)


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Artificial Ficus Tree is manufactured with our silk Ficus Benjamina foliage. The trunk is had sculpted and hand-painted to show if it's a unique look. An artificial Japanese Bonsai tree is manufactured with a beautiful hand sculpted trunk and silk Japanese Pine foliage. Our collection of artificial bonsai trees are custom made, using a variety of natural or sculpted bonsai trunks and premium foliages.
Ideal for display in a range of commercial spaces including amusement parks, exotic display rooms, exhibitions, office or corporate buildings, government buildings, retail stores, entertainment facilities, healthcare and hospitality spaces, senior living facilities, casinos, theme parks, airports, colleges and other commercial spaces, our Artificial silk trees will be an interesting focal point in your space.
Headquarters & Showroom
9901 West 74th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55344, USA
Toll Free: 800-241-2718
Main: 952-934-7666
Fax: 952-934-3807
[email protected]


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This next installment in our Design Philosophy is going to sound a little counter-intuitive. At Newton, we think that the people who use our software the most aren't necessarily the people that are critical to its success. Our "Critical User" is the person that uses Newton intermittently, every now and then, once a day, once a week, or maybe even less.
Up to this point, companies have designed business software almost entirely for what we might call a "Power User", i.e. people that are going to use it day in and day out. If you have ever trained a new hire on one of your company's programs, you may have noticed this before. Your new co-worker is impressed, perhaps even amazed, at your vast software knowledge because you are able to navigate complexity with relative ease.
For a business process like recruiting where 90% of the users don't hire all of the time and therefore don't use recruiting software day in and day out, this design focus leads to 10% user adoption. Casual users don't have the time or usage frequencies that foster retention of complex features.
This is why at Newton we put a great deal of emphasis on casual users. In fact, we build our application in direct contradiction to the software design zeitgeist: our software design starts with casual users, and then trickles up to power users.
Our goal has always been that when a client deploys Newton to their team the person buying the software is proud of their decision because everyone likes it. We want their co-workers to say, "Wow, this is really simple and easy. Thanks for making my day better." We think this happens with Newton because we care a great deal about all of the people using the software, not just the power users.
And this leads us to the next installment of our Design Philosophy…enjoy.
Ignore power users when designing features.
I.E. Keep it simple.
Keep in mind that software applications aren't bicycles. You don't learn them once and remember them forever.
One axis of the learning curve is time. The majority of the people using Newton to hire have other job responsibilities and don't have time to learn our software, and they'll forget a lot of what they've learned between logins. They are going to get an opening, use Newton for a few weeks, fill the job and then not use Newton until they are hiring again. Here's what the learning curve might look like for our users:
So be very careful when you design a feature or a page. If someone other than a power user is going to need to use it, it better be really simple. Simply put, features for non-power users must almost always be one click and done. Every page should have an obvious intention. If something requires training or explanation people will become frustrated and won't use it. As below:
How to Test Your Designs
Always test your design by mocking it up, and then afterward ask someone that knows absolutely nothing about Newton to take a look at it. Your only question should be, "What do you need to do here?" If the answer is predicated by "Hmmm…," you should probably go back to the drawing board. If your page or your feature can stand by itself without explanation, you've done a good job and have avoided the Ugh zone.
In summary,


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As the ETF industry continues to develop, many investors have begun to move away from the more "traditional" funds in favor of ETFs that employ unique methodologies that are aimed at delivering potentially higher returns. Of the most noteworthy and popular innovations has been the development of alternative weighting strategies, specifically the RAFI methodology [see 101 ETF Lessons Every Advisor Should Learn].
Several years ago, Research Affiliates, a global lead in innovative investing and asset allocation strategies, developed the fundamentally-weighted indexes that utilize the RAFI methodology. Now there are nearly 20 different exchange-traded products that are linked to RAFI-weighted indexes. But before taking a look at the performance of these popular funds, a fundamental understanding of the unique methodology is essential.
Understanding RAFI
The RAFI weighting methodology is relatively straightforward. While traditional cap-weighted indexes determine allocations based on market capitalization, RAFI funds take into account several fundamental factors to determine the weighting of an individual holding. These factors include cash flow, book value, sales and dividends [see also RAFI ETFdb Portfolio].
The primary criticism of market capitalization weighted indexes is that there is a direct relationship between stock price and the weighting assigned. The RAFI methodology's goal is to effectively break the link between share price and weight within an index. And while cap-weighting features a number of potential advantages–such as low cost and maintenance–their noteworthy drawbacks warrant investors to perhaps take a look alternative strategies, such as RAFI. For example, cap-weighted methodologies tend to overweight overvalued stocks and underweight undervalued ones, which can obviously create a potential drag on returns.
A look at the performance of these fundamentally-weighted ETFs in comparison to their cap-weighted counterparts highlights the impact of weighting methodologies on bottom line returns [see the best performing ETFs in 2012].
How Do RAFI ETFs Stack Up YTD?
|Russell 1000 Index
|FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S.
|MSCI EAFE Index
|FTSE RAFI Asia Pacific ex-Japan
|MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex-Japan
|FTSE RAFI Emerging Markets
|MSCI Emerging Markets
|FTSE RAFI Developed ex-U.S. Small-Mid
|MSCI EAFE Small Cap
|FTSE RAFI U.S. 1500 Small-Mid
|Russell 2000
|*Year-to-date returns as of 10/22/2012
Out of six Powershares RAFI ETFs, only two funds have outperformed their corresponding cap-weighted indexes; the FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. (PXF) and FTSE RAFI Asia Pacific ex-Japan (PAF) ETFs. The underperforming RAFI ETFs do not, however, trail far behind their cap-weighted competitors. But for those cost-conscious investors, the high price tag on these ETFs, which average around 0.75% to 0.8%, may not be worth it since only a few have proven that the RAFI methodology trumps traditionally-weighted indexes.
|Fundamental Pure Large Value Portfolio (PXLV)
|Fundamental Pure Large Core Portfolio (PXLC)
|Fundamental Pure Large Growth Portfolio (PXLG)
|Fundamental Pure Mid Value Portfolio (PXMV)
|Fundamental Pure Mid Core Portfolio (PXMC)
|Fundamental Pure Mid Growth Portfolio (PXMG)
|Fundamental Pure Small Value Portfolio (PXSV)
|Fundamental Pure Small Core Portfolio (PXSC)
|Fundamental Pure Small Growth Portfolio (PXSG)
|*Year-to-date returns as of 10/22/2012
PowerShares' lineup of value, core and growth "Fundamental Pure" ETFs have certainly raised the bar in 2012, delivering double digit year-to-date returns. Of the lot, the large-cap focused funds have all outperformed their mid and small-cap counterparts across all three investment styles. Thus far in 2012, the biggest winner has been the RAFI Fundamental Pure Large Growth Portfolio (PXLG) with its whopping 18.05% year-to-date return [see Free Report: How To Pick The Right ETF Every Time].
|Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond Portfolio
|Fundamental Investment Grade Corporate Bond Portfolio
|*Year-to-date returns as of 10/22/2012
For those looking for fixed income exposure, perhaps the RAFI methodology is not the best option, as year-to-date returns are significantly lagging in comparison to other funds in PHB's and PFIG's respective categories.
While the fundamentally-weighted PHB does offer a relatively handsome 8.92% return, the comparable SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond ETF (JNK, A) has logged in gains of 11.02% thus far in 2012. And in regards to PFIG, the ultra popular iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond Fund (LQD, A+) has delivered year-to-date returns of 10.95%, nearly double that of PFIG's [see also 5 High Yielding Real Estate ETFs].
Follow me on Twitter @DPylypczak
[For more ETF analysis, make sure to sign up for our free ETF newsletter or try a free seven day trial to ETFdb Pro]
Disclosure: No positions at time of writing.
Click here to read the original article on ETFdb.com.
Related Posts:
- PowerShares Launches Nine RAFI Style ETFs
- June ETF Roundup: Launches, Filings, and Closures
- ETF Insider: A Dead Cat Bounce?
- PowerShares Plans RAFI ETF Push
- RAFI ETF Turns Five, Celebrates Results


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Saturday, September 20, 2014
Girls' night out inspiration
Vanessa Das Neves 9/20/2014 Fashion , 0 Comments
By Vanessa Das Neves às 9/20/2014
Marcadores: Fashion
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I'm twenty something years old girl from Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe. Inspired by fashion, cook, people and music, shopping and write. Expressing myself through fashion, outfits and daily lifestyle, beauty, and cooking. I love everything that involves female universe. Hope you enjoy!