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DBP:Atrial Fibrillation
PI: Rob MacLeod, University of Utah
Approximately 0.5% of patients have AF in the 50 to 59 year age group, and up to 9% have AF in the 80 to 89 year age group. Moreover, the prevalence is increasing [1]. AF is associated with increased morbidity (i.e., stroke) and mortality. AF also poses a significant burden on healthcare and is associated with an annual estimated cost of 7 billion US dollars [2]. Yet, despite its high incidence and financial impact, AF management remains unsatisfactory. Traditional treatments to restore and maintain normal heart rate, namely, electrical cardioversion followed by initiation and lifelong maintenance with antiarrhythmic drugs [3], fail in most patients [4-6]. Catheter ablation is a rapidly emerging alternative. This curative approach seeks to suppress the sources of electrical dysynchrony by converting the cells responsible for the arrhythmia to inactive scar tissue. Radiofrequency (RF) energy is applied through a specialized catheter introduced via the venous system into the left atrium (LA) of the heart (Figure 1). This approach offers a true cure, obviating the need for lifelong medication. The success rate, however, is low at only 40-80%. At least two major obstacles to this treatment approach have been identified: (1) inability to distinguish which patients will (or will not) benefit from the procedure, and (2) inability to rapidly identify the extent of lesion ablation immediately post-procedure, as well as subsequent to scarification. In this regard, MRI offers the most promising technology to overcome these obstacles. Rapid, automated image processing and analysis have been identified as the rate-limiting steps to the development of practical MRI-based therapies.
Specific Aims
1. Develop and validate image-based longitudinal diagnostic indices for AF. We will (1) apply emerging registration technologies that use image and shape-based priors to study longitudinal changes in atrial morphology; (2) develop nonlinear registration approaches that do not require identification of common landmarks between image sets or between different imaging modalities; and (3) implement new methods to achieve robust multimodal and pre-/post-imaging registration in the face of uncompensated image distortion from respiration and cardiac motion and in the presence of local intensity changes due to treatment.
2. Develop automatic segmentation methods for the atrium and adjacent structures. Segmentation is the essential step for image-based analysis of patients with AF because it provides a quantitative index of the abnormal tissue substrate. Current segmentation software is largely manual and slow, limiting its utility to guide the ablation procedure. It also is technically simplistic, as it is based on setting intensity thresholds to differentiate normal from abnormal regions. To achieve this aim, we will integrate and implement more efficient and sophisticated 3D approaches into our workflow; help develop suitable priors; and establish effective parameters. These methods then will be validated against manual segmentation by experts. We anticipate that pre-ablation assessment of fibrosis, peri-ablation evaluation of lesions, and post-ablation visualization of scar formation each will require a different approach. Success in this aim will improve the efficiency of our own studies and provide tools for dissemination to our partner labs, thus enabling the first multicenter trial of MRI for AF management.
3. Develop an AF scoring scheme to evaluate disease progression and recovery from therapy. The NA-MIC Kit and Slicer 3 will be used to integrate, test, and provide feedback for all of the components of a fully integrated software environment that can provide segmentation, registration, and quantitative shape analysis capabilities for MRI-based management of AF. This workflow will incorporate other non-image information necessary to establish the scoring scheme. Such schemes exist for other forms of heart disease and are invaluable in setting standards for care, determining the appropriate time for intervention, and for screening and preventative medicine. The availability of a non-invasive scheme for monitoring disease progression will revolutionize the management of AF. To implement this scheme, we will require efficient algorithms, developed within the technical cores of NA-MIC, and an intuitive customizable user interface that gives open access to a database of previous results and population information. The system described would be new to our field and would fill a critical need.
Tissue remodeling of the atrial wall is the hallmark of AF, a progressive disease that develops over time (months to years). Although AF may have a specific genetic component [7, 8], it is not a typical congenital disease. All hearts are capable of sustaining chronic AF in the presence of rapid stimulation. Hence, the expression "Atrial fibrillation begets atrial fibrillation" [9]. The mechanisms for this transformation are only partially known [9, 10]. However, the current focus on tissue remodeling and its putative role in AF makes the image-based approach ideal.
The Comprehensive Arrhythmia Research and MAnagement (CARMA) Center at the University of Utah is a world leader in the rapidly emerging field of MRI-managed evaluation and ablation of AF [11-15]. Other groups have begun to recognize the potential of this approach [16-18] and to investigate and validate some of our findings [19, 20]. Still others are developing new refinements of the MRI technique driven by the specific needs of this application domain [21-25].
Preliminary investigation by CARMA has identified image processing and analysis as the rate-limiting step to the development of MRI-based therapies. Novel forms of MRI can be used to evaluate new patients, predict success before ablation [12-14], analyze outcomes post-ablation, and guide repeat ablations [11]. While the results have been promising [16-18], MRI-based therapies urgently require advanced tools and software to support efficient workflows and accelerate the quantification and analysis of images. Processing each MR image set from a new patient requires extensive segmentation of organs and regions within organs.
This process currently takes 2-3 hours of manual labor per case by experienced technicians. Moreover, the results, while quantitative, display large variance because of the subjective nature of critical thresholds. To effectively deliver catheter ablation, the post-ablation analysis (i.e., rapid registration of pre- and post-ablation images, segmentation of the atria, identification of tissue changes from ablation, and interactive visualization of the heart and ablated regions) must be accomplished within 30 minutes, while the patient is still on the procedure table and available for adjustments. Current practice, even in advanced labs, is constrained by the labor-intensive image analysis process. The lack of adequate image processing techniques hinders the interpretation of post-ablation imaging, often necessitating a full repeat procedure for recurrent AF at a later date, which increases costs and patient discomfort. An integrated customized set of automated software tools for image processing and analysis, based on state-of-art 3D image processing, would dramatically improve all stages of patient management. The NA-MIC Kit, Slicer, and supporting algorithms form the basis for such development.
A survival curve showing the rate of continued normal sinus rhythm as a function of time after ablation for patients grouped according to the level of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on MRI images acquired before ablation therapy is depicted in Figure 2. This curve shows promising findings from CARMA patients and illustrates the need for improvements in image analysis. These results suggest that late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), which is thought to be a measure of tissue fibrosis, is predictive of outcome in ablation. Patients with very low levels of LGE enhancement (< 5%) have 100% maintenance of normal rhythm while those with extensive enhancement (> 35%) have only about 10% success after one year. Although these extremes are useful for differentiating ideal patients from those with little chance of success, these two groups account for less than 10% of AF patients. We need to define enhancement thresholds that can predict risk for intermediate levels of enhancement. Current methods are not sufficiently accurate or robust for performing segmentations or identifying enhancement.
Improved algorithms for image processing and analysis are needed before radiofrequency ablation can be evaluated in all patients irrespective of the level of their disease.
Achieving these specific aims will require close, bidirectional interactions with the Algorithms team, a task greatly facilitated by our close physical proximity at Utah and by the choice of a highly experienced postdoctoral fellow to carry out the technical steps. Members of the Algorithms team already have received briefings on existing practices, explanations of the nature of the clinical needs, and have access to many examples of clinical MRI data from over 800 separate scans currently in the CARMA database. These interactions have produced
promising preliminary findings, including landmark-free registration of atrial geometry and statistical shape analysis of left atrial morphology across patient groups and longitudinally for individual patients as they recover after ablation therapy. An example of some of our preliminary results is shown in Figure 3.
Clinicians in CARMA conduct over 20 ablations per week and see several times this number of patients in clinic, generating up to 50 separate MRI studies weekly, all of which require careful image processing and quantitative evaluation. All indicators suggest continued aggressive growth of this approach in our program and in many other clinics around the world, with CARMA at the center of a recently created multicenter clinical trial that will generate at least 50 additional scans per week. The urgent need to process and analyze such large volumes of real-world data in a timely manner will guarantee the widespread testing of tools developed within NA-MIC for this project.
The technical support for this DBP will be provided by Dr. Josh Cates, who recently received a PhD in Computer Science based on research in image processing and analysis. His mentor, Dr. Ross Whitaker, is PI of the Algorithms section of the Computer Science Core. Dr. Cates recently joined CARMA to assume leadership in the development, implementation, and validation of image analysis techniques and software. His expertise extends beyond algorithms to code development, as he was one of the original authors of ITK and is well acquainted with the software engineering practices and design ideas that also are shared within the NA-MIC Kit. Dr. Rob MacLeod, a senior researcher in cardiac electrophysiology and biophysics, co-founder of CARMA, and associate director of SCI, is uniquely positioned to coordinate and direct this DBP.
Connection to Cores and other DBPs
This DBP will rely heavily on the Computer Science Core to identify specifically appropriate technical approaches and provide support for implementation and testing of new methods and workflows. The development efforts on pre- and post-therapy image registration, efficient segmentation of anatomical objects, including longitudinal processing, and work towards a patient scoring system for improved decision-making, will be shared with similar efforts of the other DBPs.
Deliverable, Timeline, and Impact
|Year 1
|Year 2
|Year 3
|Aim 1
|Evaluate existing algorithms
|Integrate linear and nonlinear registration into prototype workflow
|Optimize tools, tests, and validation documentation
|Aim 2
|Evaluate existing and implement new tools for atrial wall segmentation and for tissue characterization
|Joint segmentation of pre- and post-treatment data, efficient implementations through software and hardware acceleration
|Refine segmentation tools, tests and validation, integrate post-treatment image segmentation into clinical workflow, documentation
|Aim 3
|Design of segmentation and registration workflow and application-specific GUI
|Prototype workflow system for integrated registration and segmentation, pre-/post-analysis and visualization. Tests on existing database.
|Tests on image data shared with other labs; establish database also with nonimage information for prototypical scoring system, training, and dissemination.
Utah investigators will interact directly with NA-MIC PIs to develop new and refine existing algorithms for MRI-based registration and segmentation techniques to treat and manage AF. DBP activities at Utah will occur in consultation with the Lead NA-MIC Technical Contacts for Algorithms (Whitaker, Tannenbaum) and Engineering (Miller). Once completed and rigorously validated, these workflows will (1) be applied to the AF patient data described above, (2) made available for open dissemination via the NA-MIC website, and (3) form the basis for training and educational materials for NA-MIC investigators and the AF community. Results will be featured in presentations at scientific conferences, organized training events and workshops as a way to disseminate tool capabilities. Where possible, tutorials on how to use the NA-MIC technology for other AF-related projects will be made available. Finally, the DBP-PI will attend each NA-MIC All-Hands-Meeting to discuss the DBP with NA-MIC PIs, and report on new developments and progress. NA-MIC will benefit from this DBP by exposure to a rapidly growing clinical community involved with diagnosis, treatment, and management of AF patients. Even beyond AF, this DBP collaboration and associated clinical procedures and research, reaches a much wider clinical community involved with personalized medicine, which, given novel image processing tools, could better integrate newly emerging imaging into the current clinical workflow.
- Benjamin EJ, Levy D, Vaziri SM, D'Agostino RB, Belanger AJ, Wolf PA. Independent risk factors for atrial fibrillation in a population-based cohort. The Framingham Heart Study. Jama. 1994;271(11):840-4. PMID: 8114238.
- Coyne KS, Paramore C, Grandy S, Mercader M, Reynolds M, Zimetbaum P. Assessing the direct costs of treating nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in the United States. Value Health. 2006;9(5):348-56. PMID: 16961553.
- Falk RH. Atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2001;344(14):1067-78. PMID: 11287978.
- Brodsky MA, Allen BJ, Walker CJ, 3rd, Casey TP, Luckett CR, Henry WL. Amiodarone for maintenance of sinus rhythm after conversion of atrial fibrillation in the setting of a dilated left atrium. Am J Cardiol. 1987;60(7):572-5. PMID: 3630939.
- Crijns HJ, Van Gelder IC, Van der Woude HJ, Grandjean JG, Tieleman RG, Brugemann J, et al. Efficacy of serial electrical cardioversion therapy in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation after valve replacement and implications for surgery to cure atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol. 1996;78(10):1140-4. PMID: 8914878.
- Van Gelder IC, Crijns HJ, Tieleman RG, Brugemann J, De Kam PJ, Gosselink AT, et al. Chronic atrial fibrillation. Success of serial cardioversion therapy and safety of oral anticoagulation. Arch Intern Med. 1996;156(22):2585-92. PMID: 8951302.
- Christophersen IE, Ravn LS, Budtz-Joergensen E, Skytthe A, Haunsoe S, Svendsen JH, et al. Familial aggregation of atrial fibrillation: a study in Danish twins. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2009;2(4):378-83.
- Watanabe H, Darbar D, Kaiser DW, Jiramongkolchai K, Chopra S, Donahue BS, et al. Mutations in sodium channel beta1- and beta2-subunits associated with atrial fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2009;2(3):268-75.
- Wijffels MC, Kirchhof CJ, Dorland R, Allessie MA. Atrial fibrillation begets atrial fibrillation. A study in awake chronically instrumented goats. Circulation. 1995;92(7):1954-68. PMID: 7671380.
- Allessie MA, Boyden PA, Camm AJ, Kleber AG, Lab MJ, Legato MJ, et al. Pathophysiology and prevention of atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2001;103(5):769-77. PMID: 11156892.
- McGann CJ, Kholmovski EG, Oakes RS, Blauer JJ, Daccarett M, Segerson N, et al. New magnetic resonance imaging-based method for defining the extent of left atrial wall injury after the ablation of atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;52(15):1263-71. PMID: 18926331.
- Badger TJ, Adjei-Poku YA, Marrouche NF. MRI in cardiac electrophysiology: the emerging role of delayed-enhancement MRI in atrial fibrillation ablation. Future Cardiol. 2009;5(1):63-70. PMID: 19371204.
- Badger TJ, Oakes RS, Daccarett M, Burgon NS, Akoum N, Fish EN, et al. Temporal left atrial lesion formation after ablation of atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2009;6(2):161-8.
- Oakes RS, Badger TJ, Kholmovski EG, Akoum N, Burgon NS, Fish EN, et al. Detection and quantification of left atrial structural remodeling with delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging in patients with atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2009;119(13):1758-67. PMID: 19307477.
- Akoum N, Marrouche NF. Real-time imaging in electrophysiology: from intra-cardiac echo to real-time magnetic resonance imaging. Europace. 2009;11(5):539-40. PMID: 19359332.
- Hauser TH, Peters DC, Wylie JV, Manning WJ. Evaluating the left atrium by magnetic resonance imaging. Europace. 2008;10 (Suppl 3):iii22-iii7.
- Kolandaivelu A, Lardo AC, Halperin HR. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance guided electrophysiology studies. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson. 2009;11(1):21. PMID: 19580654.
- Saremi F, Tafti M. The role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in ablation procedures for treatment of atrial fibrillation. Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2009;30(2):125-56. PMID: 19358443.
- Peters DC, Wylie JV, Hauser TH, Nezafat R, Han Y, Woo JJ, et al. Recurrence of atrial fibrillation correlates with the extent of post-procedural late gadolinium enhancement: a pilot study. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2009;2(3):308-16. PMID: 19356576.
- Wylie JV, Jr., Peters DC, Essebag V, Manning WJ, Josephson ME, Hauser TH. Left atrial function and scar after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2008;5(5):656-62. PMID: 18452866.
- Krishnam MS, Tomasian A, Malik S, Singhal A, Sassani A, Laub G, et al. Three-dimensional imaging of pulmonary veins by a novel steady-state free-precession magnetic resonance angiography technique without the use of intravenous contrast agent: initial experience. Invest Radiol. 2009;44(8):447-53. PMID: 19561516.
- Chyou JY, Biviano A, Magno P, Garan H, Einstein AJ. Applications of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in percutaneous ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2009;26(1):47-57. PMID: 19521756.
- Rossillo A, Indiani S, Bonso A, Themistoclakis S, Corrado A, Raviele A. Novel ICE-guided registration strategy for integration of electroanatomical mapping with three-dimensional CT/MR images to guide catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2009;20(4):374-8. PMID: 19017352.
- Tops LF, Schalij MJ, den Uijl DW, Abraham TP, Calkins H, Bax JJ. Image integration in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Europace. 2008;10 (Suppl 3):iii48-iii56.
- Sra J, Ratnakumar S. Cardiac image registration of the left atrium and pulmonary veins. Heart Rhythm. 2008;5(4):609-17. PMID: 18325847.


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Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.
Indications :: Be gone Dry Eyes relieves the feeling of itchy, scratchy and dry eyes which can be the result of seasonal or allergic reactions.
Directions: Adults 2 pills every 3 hours for 2 days. Then 2 pills morning and night for 2 weeks. Children: 1 pill. Repeat as necessary.
Ingredients :: Pulsatilla 6c (dry eyes), Silicea 6c (scratchy eyes), Sulphur 6c (itchy eyes); Inactive Ingredient: sucrose pill
300 Pills

subset: commoncrawl


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Proper posture for piano performance is challenging to develop – and even more difficult to learn if you have already developed bad habits! However, it is crucial for developing good technique and for keeping your body healthy and happy as your pour hours of time into practice.
What is good posture? What is the "correct" and proper way to play a piano? Here are ten things to keep in mind:
1) Keep your fingers curved and relaxed. Strain and tension will tire your fingers quickly and make it challenging to play.
2) Keep thumbs straight but relaxed.
3) Align head, shoulders, and hips for balance. This is key for maintaining proper posture. Don't slouch!
4) Rest your feed on the floor or a footstool.
5) Keep fingers curved out during performance, and never concaved.
6) Use the weight of your arm to press the keys. The most important thing to remember in all of these tips is that the way you play should not fatigue you. You should be building up endurance to be able to play longer and more demanding pieces.
7) Keep your wrist flexible to reduce tension.
8) Align pinky finger, wrist, and elbow.
9) When reaching for notes, lean side to side rather than scooting on the bench. There's no need to waste energy scooting around. You'll also develop a "home base" this way and avoid the need to reposition yourself.
10) Play pinky finger near the tip. Don't press the whole pinky flat on the keys.
Did we miss anything? Have you developed any bad habits that you need to break? Let us know!


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Joel S. Whetstone
Joel S. Whetstone graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in History. He received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and was subsequently admitted to the Michigan State Bar.
Joel practiced with the Legal Aid and Defender Association of Grand Rapids for five years, and has maintained his own sole practitioner law firm since.
Early in his private practice Joel began to specialize in alcohol/substance abuse criminal cases and drivers license restorations. Several times per year for over twenty years he has participated in continuing legal education courses and seminars in these areas of the law. Additionally he has participated in similar activities on a national level offered around the country by various state bar associations and the National College for D.U.I. Defense.
Joel's practice has extended outside the Grand Rapids area primarily to Newaygo, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Ionia and Montcalm counties. He has successfully represented more clients in all Western Michigan than any other law office.
Areas of Practice
- OWI/UBAL/OWVI (Drunk Driving) and other Criminal Law
Litigation Percentage
- 75% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
- U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan
- U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit
- The University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Honors: Dean's List
- Major: History
Past Employment Positions
- Legal Aid and Defender Association of Grand Rapids, Assistant Director and Practicing Litigation Attorney
- Delta Tau Delta


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HEIDEVOLK "BATAVI" – RELEASE DATE: 02 Mar 2012 / 06 Mar 2012 (US)
Few could have envisioned the bright future that the Norns had in store for HEIDEVOLK back in 2002. Since its inception in Arnhem (The Netherlands) a decade ago, HEIDEVOLK came, saw, and conquered stages throughout Europe with their very own brand of folk metal. The instantly recognizable dual clean male vocals and irresistibly catchy songs have ignited the pagan fire in the souls of many on the continent. They deliver their songs on divine matters and profane pleasures with equal integrity, fueled by a folkloric fire and pagan pride.
With a repertoire ranging from epic to raging, captivating live shows, and an undying desire to perform, HEIDEVOLK has become a familiar face in Europe. HEIDEVOLK stands for an uncompromising attitude, intense shows, and the transcendence of barriers between performer and audience… Even if your Dutch sucks!
In 2003, HEIDEVOLK released its first CD, "De strijdlust is geboren", followed by the "Wodan Heerst" EP in 2005. Both releases were re-released on one CD by Napalm Records in 2008.
The sophomore full-length CD "Walhalla Wacht" (Napalm Records) also saw its worldwide release in 2008. With their third full-length, "Uit oude grond" (2010), HEIDEVOLK combined its folk roots and raw energy with more mature songwriting. The album was their most varied release to date, and opened many doors to tours and festivals. It also set the bar high for its successor. Yet HEIDEVOLK now deliver their heaviest, most aggressive and powerful album ever: "Batavi"
The band travels 2,000 years back in time to an era in which numerous Germanic tribes struggled for dominance against the Roman Empire in Northwest Europe, along the shores of the river Rhine. Caught in the middle of it all were the Batavians: the protagonists and namesakes of HEIDEVOLK's latest album.
"Batavi" is a concept album that deals with the early history of the Batavian tribe: from its beginnings to its daring revolt against one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. Set against the backdrop of war, alliances, intrigue, and betrayal, the nine songs relate the struggle of a people needing to redefine themselves in order to survive this turbulent time.
While HEIDEVOLK's musical path continues to explore traditional pagan metal, it proves to be much more resolute and aggressive than ever before. The characteristic clean sound of both Heidevolk vocalists recounts the stories comprising "Batavi", while heavy guitars, thundering drums, and folk melodies build the foundation of each track: at times sweeping and at others melancholic. Peter Tägtgren's mix has masterfully defined the band's sound on this 2012 release. "Batavi" catapults the listener directly onto the northwestern European battlefields of the Roman Empire.
Heidevolk is:
Joost den Vellenknotscher – Drums
Joris den Boghtdrincker – Vocals
Mark Splintervuyscht – Vocals
Reamon Bomenbreker – Guitars
Rowan Roodbaert – Bass
Official Web Site: http://www.heidevolk.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/officialheidevolk


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Board of Directors
Benjamin Redmond, Board President – Ben works tirelessly behind the scenes, soliciting some of the largest brand names in the industry for support. He also assists with the Conclave, Film Tour and other FFIM events. He is a native Mainer who grew up in New Gloucester before leaving to serve in the United States Marine Corps for six years. Ben has been fly fishing since he was in grade school, having learned the sport from his grandfather. When he is not chasing down funds for FFIM projects, he can be found fly fishing the remote ponds and rivers near Moosehead Lake, or wandering the miles of Maine's coastline after midnight in search of giant stripers. Ben is also a Registered Maine Guide.
Dan Tarkinson, Board Vice President – Dan founded FFIM in 1995, initially as a college project, and for the lack of being able to find any information about fly fishing in his home state of Maine on the emerging "World Wide Web". Initially a limited set of static pages, FFIM has grown into a dynamic community of thounsands of anglers from across the globe, and a 501(c)(3) non-profit orgainzation that has raised tens of thousands of dollars to benefit Maine's fisheries through education and conservation. Dan has been fly fishing in Maine for over 20 years, and routinely spends time chasing both trout and salmon across the state in rivers and streams, as well as stripers and blues among the estuaries and flats closer to home in Casco Bay.
Courtney Nickerson, Board Secretary – Courtney is a native Mainer growing up fishing ponds, small brooks and streams, eventually discovering fly fishing shortly after high school, That discovery has led to a lifetime of debt. He enjoys talking with those in the flyfishing community and is dedicated to seeing it grow. Courtney ties flies for fly shops in Maine and can be found at the tying desk with several good beers close at hand, or not so easily found exploring the small streams of Maine discovering what is around the next bend.He has been guiding for FFIMs Casting for Recovery day camp for several years and enjoys the many friendships he has made along the way. Courtney is a Registered Maine Guide and is always quick to seize the opportunity for a smart remark or a quick laugh, and has a long standing record of never wading a river without tripping on a boulder or bruising a shin.
Maura Halkiotis, Board Treasurer – A 17-year survivor of breast cancer, Maura (a.k.a. Biscotticatcher), was introduced to fly fishing through Casting for Recovery and FFIM. Her love of standing in a river in her waders supercedes her love of actually catching fish (which she rarely does). Her favorite place to fish is a secret (naturally) and her favorite fly is anything with pink in it although she has been known to use biscotti in a pinch. Maura's love of the outdoors extends to hiking, camping, cycling and snowshoeing. In her spare time she runs a CPA practice in Yarmouth.
Brian Foley, Board Environmental Steward – Brian spent his childhood fishing the brooks and ponds of Downeast Maine – ever since then his passion has been exploring remote streams, chasing wild, native Brook Trout and trying to protect the places they are found. He has been fly fishing for 44 years and is a Registered Maine Guide. At the moment, the corners of his fishing world are Newfoundland, Alaska, New Zealand and Venezuela. He currently lives and works in Orono. Brian's duties at FFIM will include event support and spearheading the Spring Cleanup and Grassroots Grant Program.


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David, in a softer market I would throw any older formulas out the window. If it is a good tenant signing a longer term lease, with decent rental -- do the best you can do and get done.
I think you need to be careful what LL should pay for. soft market doesn't mean LL should pay anything for tenants improvements. I would only pay for some improvements that are related to the structure and have a value to the property once the tenant may leave. A tenant looking for LL to pay for the start up of their business is not a good tenant to begin with. Does not show a very good sign of commitment to the space by tenant. Not professional for landlord to pay for tenants improvements unless related to real improvements to LL property. You will just attract a poor tenant in my opinion. The market is not so bad, unless your location or property is real bad.
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Movies and twisting by the pool for half the price
Imagine the life, have a swim in the morning in your own indoor pool, relax afterwards in the sauna and then have a refreshing dip in the Jacuzzi, or relax by your own pool bar sipping cocktails, shaken, but not stirred. Then in the evening invite some friends around to enjoy a movie or watch the footie in your own private cinema.
That relaxing lifestyle might have seemed a thing of the past but it's still available at nearly half what it cost during the boom.
A detached house on its own grounds, at 37 Abbotts Hill, Malahide, Co Dublin, was offered for sale in 2008 for €6.5m and now it's available for €3.6m – that's a €2.9m price cut.
In addition, the five-bedroom house also offers other leisure facilities such as shooting some pool in the games room or lounging on the roof-top garden, while taking in the view of the Irish Sea
It's a perfect home for entertaining,. Even the pool room can set a fun tone for less formal night time occasions with its painting of a belly dancer as well as its pool bar providing an unusual setting for drinks before dinner. The pool itself is an easy 11 metre stretch.
The cinema (7.32x4.42m) is located in the basement and is equipped with sound-proofed walls and built-in recliner chairs.
Sitting on a three-acre site, the floor area of the house extends to 740sqm.
It was built in 2007 in a development of 40 upmarket houses, and enjoys views of Malahide beach, The Island Golf Club and Lambay Island. No expense was spared in designing the house to what the original owner envisaged as a five-star plus lifestyle.
As much as €100,000 alone was spent on the white, hand-painted Mark Wilkinson kitchen with its electric Aga cooker, American-style fridge and an island unit with excellent quality granite worktops.
Belle Cheminee marble fireplaces grace the drawing room, dining room, and family room, while Villeroy and Boch sanitary ware features throughout the house.
In addition an integrated sound system can convey music to the main rooms and even the garden.
The entrance hall hosts a solid marble staircase and leads to a balustraded landing where double doors open onto a front balcony.
Upstairs the master bedroom has an en suite bathroom and has a walk-in dressing room.
A second bedroom has an en suite shower and walk-in dressing room. The other three double bedrooms are also en suite.
For comfort in the winter it is also equipped with underfloor heating.
The roof-top terrace, with its outdoor speakers, decking and built-in seating, offers panoramic views over Lambay Island.
Approached through electric gates, its security features include camera intercom and CCTV. The cobblelock driveway can fit eight cars, plus there is a double garage. Its rear garden is south facing and landscaped.
Living by the sea is a big plus. Five minutes down the road you're at the sea and can enjoy a refreshing walk along the seafront from Malahide to Portmarnock.
Then there are the other attractions of Malahide with its marina, gourmet restaurants, famous castle, specialist shops and boutiques. As well as the convenience of a Dart station it is also within easy access from the M50, M1 and Dublin Airport.
For further information contact Morrisons 01 2937100
Indo Property


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Here's the best way to study on a chilly night:
Just when I thought the instructor couldn't get any
Edited: I checked my grades this morning and found out I got a 94% on the quiz. Woo Hoo!
Went to one of the antique malls in town. It's always such fun to look in those places, you never know what you might find. A friend spotted a box in a corner with a bag of floss in it, so I went to check it out. The entire box was filled with stitchy goodness!
In addition to the supplies, this beautifully stitched piece was in the box:
Designer: Karen Avery (Dimensions Kit 3617)
Fabric: 18ct White Aida
Floss: Unknown
Size: 12x6"
Finished: 1992
The floss I needed for JG came last week, so I did work on it for about an hour. I think I figured out the specialty stitches. No pic because it doesn't look like I got much done.
Did you notice froggy in the above pics? He made his presence for a bit while I removed erroneous stitches on Blossom. There are two dark star symbols... one is slightly larger than the other. Why do designers do that?? Luckily, I only had to frog about 10 stitches and re-do them. And they were on the edge of the kimono, so a relatively easy fix. I finished Pg 2, and am onto Pg 3. I also decided to start some of the backstitching. It gives the piece some great dimension. Here's the progress so far:
Until next time,


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Resource: Ankle Sprains – Management and Treatment
Lateral Ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries. Rolling our ankle outwards tend to strain the ligaments on the outside. And how often, than not, we end up going to a traditional masseur or our TCM practitioner for treatment. Ask ourselves, how often following the first sprain, do we re-sprain the injured ankle in the past 6 months? Chances are, we would have at least sprained it about another one time, if not twice.


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Wendi Knibbs from Maple Court and her son Lewis are raising funds for the Foundation and local partner Rhythmix as part of an ongoing fundraiser which will culminate in mother and son joining a 5 day trek in the foothills of the Himalayas, from Dharamsala through the Daula Dhar Mountain Range.
Wendi and Lewis will be raising £3,000 to support young people, and have been working hard to reach this fantastic goal. To date, they have raised a magnificent £1,536, with one month to go before their trip.
In order to raise these much-needed funds, they have held a number of events throughout the year. Lewis turned 18 this summer, and as well as generously donating his birthday money to his fundraising pot, he also held a fundraising party on 7 August which raised over £850.
Wendi and Lewis are hoping to fund a programme which will offer a group of young people from all walks of life the opportunity to learn, practice and perform music as a group. As a brand-new skill, it instils young people with confidence to stand up and perform and is often a totally unique experience for the young people. It has a lasting impact on their self-esteem and ability to deal with new situations, as well as offering a chance to build new friendships and build mutual understanding and respect.
You can support Wendi and Lewis reach their goal by visiting their fundraising page here.


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First Profession in Angola
On January 24, 2015 Sisters Ana, Magarida and Deogracia made First Profession in Kikolo, Luanda. After the singing of the "Suscipe" the Sisters received a candle as a symbol to bring the light of Christ to the world. Congratulations Sisters! God Bless you and your journey as a Missionary Benedictine Sister!
Have a problem or question? How can we help or pray for you? Our Sisters are waiting to talk or hear from you! Please call (402)371-3438, email email@example.com or use the chat button on our website.


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Best national dishes from around the world that you should try
In some countries, there is that one specific dish that strongly represents that nation's identity. Of these national dishes, some are very tasty and flavourful while others are a little more unusual. So at Hotels-Fairy.com we decided to write about the top 10 national dishes in the world in order to give you the heads up before you choose your travel destination.
No matter how weird these dishes may be, they are definitely worth trying at least once. After all, eating these traditional foods is often the best way to experience different cultures. During your travels, don't hesitate to try something different, just know your limits, because the last thing you want to experience is a holiday illness.
1. Lutefisk, Norway
One of the more strange national dishes is this Norwegian one made up of air-dried or salted white fish and lye. Although very pungent in odor, this gelatinous cured fish is widely consumed. In many Nordic countries, the high season for lutefisk is during November and December.
2. Kenke, Ghana
Another food with a strong odor is kenke a type of fermented and partially cooked dough. It is commonly eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is can be served with fried fish or a stew of crushed tomatoes and pepper.
3. Capybara, Brazil
Much like their South American counterparts, some Brazilians consume rodents. Capybara, an extremely large rodent, is not the official national dish, it certainly is one of the strangest that is consumed throughout the country.
4. Ceviche, Peru
In Peru, guinea pig or cuy is popular, however, the most celebrated dish is ceviche, a raw fish marinated or "cooked" in citrus juice. The slightly chewy, but delicious fish is typically flavored with red onion and aji pepper. Because of its acidity, many Peruvians only consume the dish at lunchtime.
5. Saltfish and Ackee, Jamaica
Originally, saltfish and ackee was a dish that only slaves ate, but now, it has become one of the most popular dishes. It is made by boiling the ackee fruit and then sautéing it with salt-cured cod and seasonings. When served for breakfast, it can be paired with bacon and fresh tomatoes, and for dinner it is commonly served with fried plantains or hard dough bread.
6. Bulgogi, Korea
This dish, often referred to as "fire meat," is considered one of the tastiest dishes in the world. It consists of thinly sliced cuts of prime meat that are marinated in sesame oil, garlic, ginger, sugar, wine and soy sauce. It is then grilled and served with lettuce or spinach leaves and sometimes alongside kimchi, another national dish made of fermented vegetables.
7. Moussaka, Greece
Another rich and flavorful national dish is Moussaka, the Greek version of lasagna. This dish is made with eggplant and meat – usually veal or lamb – that is seasoned in cinnamon, pimento and white wine. Our favourite dish among the top 10 national dishes guide.
8. Goulash, Hungary
Goulash or Gulyás is a hearty beef and vegetable stew "herdsmen" in Magyar. For years, herdsmen ate this dish because it was so filling. Its strong flavors come from the paprika and slow-cooked beef shin, shoulder or shank. Not only is the term goulash used to refer to the dish, but it's also a national symbol of the country.
9. Kibbeh bil sanieh, Syria
This beloved dish is made of bulgur and finely ground, fresh meat that is spiced to perfection. It is served a variety of ways, such as fried, roasted and grilled, but is often considered the tastiest when eaten raw.
10. Airag, Mongolia
Although not a dish, this popular Mongolain beverage is considered the national drink. Airag, a carbonated and slightly alcoholic drink, is made from fermented mare's milk. According to tradition, it should be stirred at least 1,000 times to achieve the right consistency.


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Search the Community
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Found 274 results
Have you run into a door or wall before?
Techite Sparkle posted a topic in General DiscussionI have done it quite a few times... mostly from being distracted. It doesn't feel to good either. So how about everybody else here? Storys? Did it happen to you alot or does it still happen? Yeah xD ^-^
What has been the most (physically) painful experience of your life?
Once there was a pony... (story game)
Muffinnz posted a topic in Forum GamesOnce there was a pony... continue the story! Rules : Only comment one event per comment You may comment again only if the previous comment is not yours, in other words don't comment twice in a row keep the story consistent if someone else adds to the story it is now part of the story HAVE FUN!!!
Stone Cold Steve Tuna posted a blog entry in We Talk, We WriteSometimes less is more. A proper description in the right spot can help make a story. Too much description, however, can cost you. Oddly enough, it can really cost you in a horror story. The trap beginners fall into is the idea that gore = fear. That's not necessarily true. The right amount of blood, the right amount of description, and the right amount of direct action can make a horror story. The wrong amount can leave you with something like Jeff the Killer. Why does less tend to be more in a horror story? Well, the reason boils down to the psyche of the person. Meaning derived is meaning described. For the average person, the things the mind comes up with tend to be scarier than whatever you actively describe. Consider, for instance, the famous shower scene of Psycho. Each shot is deliberately cut such that we rarely, if at all, see the victim being stabbed: Additionally, there's far less blood here. This has the effect of keeping us in the dark as to the extent of the injuries. Less blood can bring us more alarm. Too much blood and too much gore, however, has the opposite effect. Take a story like Jeff the Killer. You get more a feel of something written by an edgy 12-year old. The story becomes satire and loses its horror element. It becomes something that you may fear or take seriously as a child but does not age. As a writer, you're constantly striving for what you can't quite achieve: ageless. In many cases, the less blood and gore you use, the better off you're going to be. The exception tends to be satire. Generally speaking, using less blood is better enjoyed because blood has become almost a cliche these days. This by no means is to say you should never use a drop of the stuff. But toe the line. It will help you greatly. Lay the ground work, but let your reader's mind do the rest.
Stone Cold Steve Tuna posted a blog entry in We Talk, We WriteGrammar is mad important and u need 2 tak it srsly cuz no1 wants 2 reed a story when it looks like dis. We've talked about plot lines, we've talked about characterization, and we have talked about Writers Block. Now we should talk about the thing everyone loves to make fun of, and that's grammar. You could have a great idea for a plot, but it means nothing if you can not convey it properly. If the plot is the life of everything you're doing, the grammar is the frame work. It should not hurt my eyes to read what you're writing. That means no walls of text (like above), proper spelling and punctuation, and the knowledge of how to write dialogue. That seems to be a main issue for a lot of new writers. It takes some getting used to but it is fairly straightforward. So let's go over examples of how NOT to write dialogue: SCRIPTWRITING FORMAT A story is a story. A script is a script. There is no middle ground. Bob: I relli luv tis blog Bill: I h8 it it sux nd so duz the guy writing it Bob shoves Bill, Bill shoves Bob, and tempers rise. This is an excerpt from the story How To Lose A Reader In Three Lines. You will not get far with this format. It's not the correct way to write dialogue and were you to use it in school or a major publication you would fail or be embarrassed. This is not even the correct scriptwriting format either, poor grammar aside. SENTENCE FRAGMENTS AND RUN-ONS "I really love apples" said ted "That nice but we should see other people" said teds friend apples We're getting closer now. We see some quotation marks which is a good sign, but we are still missing a few fairly important punctuation marks. As is we have run on sentences galore. These become confusing and annoying. Sooner or later your reader may throw in the towel here, but you will probably get a few pointers from some critics which will be good. "I did not hit her. It's not true. It's bulls%#@! I did not hit her! I did not! Oh, hi Mark." said Johnny. "Oh hey Johnny, what's happening?" asked Mark. We almost have it. Here we see much better grammar for the most part but we still have a few mistakes. First of all, you don't censor or bleep out a curse word in a story. It's not reality tv. Just write out the fucking thing you're trying to say. Second is one of the most common errors I see in dialogue: the period ending a character's spoken words. "Oh hi Mark." said Johnny. Here we have two incomplete thoughts thanks to the period in the middle: 'Oh hi Mark' and 'said Johnny'. To fix this is simple: replace the period with a comma: "Oh hi Mark," said Johnny. The comma tells us to pause a moment but not for a full stop like a period. Therefore we have a complete thought. But what about Mark's response? He got it right. There's nothing wrong there. The question mark is excused because we need it to help understand that the statement is really a question. THE WRITE WAY "Oh my God!" exclaimed Malory. "What shade is that?" "You have metal shards in your hand and you're gushing arterial blood. I'm the only guy here who can save your hand, and probably your life," said Michael. "I like you just the way you are." "Did you know that the foam remembers me?" asked Tobias. "That's why they call it 'memory foam!'" If you're not sure of how to proceed, look at a book you may have lying around. Otherwise, these will usually get you through what you're trying to write. A well polished story always looks nicer than a story that forsakes grammar and spelling.
Writers Block is Serious And You Don't Have It
Stone Cold Steve Tuna posted a blog entry in We Talk, We WriteWho could ever forget writers block? It's the unseen phantom that plagues us as writers and drains us of our ability to progress our stories because we can't think of how to proceed. It's a real story killer that has ended more than a few really promising works of fiction. It's just too bad writers block does not exist. What do I mean by that? Well, is there really a faceless phantom out there actively hunting down writers and keeping them from proceeding with a story? No, of course not! It's a state of mind. It's self defeat. It's boredom and disinterest all rolled into one. Writers block is procrastination. That's all it ever was and all it ever will be. The problem is, most people do not like to admit that they procrastinate. We are all guilty of it from time to time. Writers especially tend not to like admitting they are procrastinating because it adds pressure. They begin to jump down their own throats by telling themselves those who read their work are waiting and they wind up tapping themselves out. So they say they're having trouble coming up with more to write. This turns into a hiatus more often than not. Usually this type of hiatus is followed with the writer promising he or she will not let the story go unfinished. "I will come back to it. I promise. I will not let this story go until I complete it!" When I see a promising writer go on hiatus and/or see a message like that, I don't believe that the writer will come back. I am right almost every time, if you'll pardon my cynical boasting. 8 times out of 10 they don't return and the story remains unfinished. This is because procrastination gets harder to escape the longer you let it go on. 1 time out of 10 you WILL hear from the hiatus writer again in the form of an update. This update is usually just an apology message and a formal cancellation of said story. Every so often in lieu of a notification, the writer quietly deletes the story. Very rarely do people who go on these hiatuses return to complete the work. Those that do are the disciplined ones who recognize that there really was nothing stopping them from continuing their work. So is there a way to prevent procrastination? Well, yes and no. You can make things become part of a routine. If you make a goal for yourself, the story as a whole becomes less looming. Outline the plot of your story first so you know what to do in which chapter. Maybe make yourself a goal based on word count: 1000 words per day, 500 words per day... even 100 if you're really struggling and then just build up over time. If you outline your story and set goals for yourself "Writers block" is no excuse. Does every hiatus mean procrastination? Of course not. Your life comes first and you never know what will happen. Be it an illness or death, vacation or celebration, some things pull you away from the keyboard or paper longer than you would like. In those cases make sure you outlined the story so you can get back in as soon as you're able. Finally, the cure for writers block. I've found it, you guys. I had to go through a jungle, over the sea, through a swamp and I had to ride through a desert on a horse with no name but six warrants in three different countries. But damn it I found the cure! All you have to do is take a glass of cold water, and drink it. Then, go sit down and write. Force it if you have to. It doesn't sound much fun does it? Well, when you're writing through procrastination it isn't fun. You're going to keep looking back and you will want to redo what you have written. Nothing will be good enough. Fortunately that's why you re read your draft three times before you do anything with it. Don't get into your own head. Just let the words flow and when it's time to reread you can make corrections along the way. The only way to beat "writers block" is to just write. Everyone procrastinates every now and again, but it does not have to define you. Work through it and don't let your work fall into the graveyard of unfinished stories.
Words Divided
CameoShadowness posted a blog entry in Letters Between Charles and KendrothDear Professor Charles Xia Xavior, That is horrid to know but explains too much. I assure you now he is jailed now. If he starts with any of his shenanigans, I will deal with him swiftly. I will be honest, there isn't much I have done. I am afraid No poni really wants to talk to me. They have many and I mean MANY prejudice against dragons. Worst of all I ate some ham I purchased from a griffon and the ponies around me gave me nasty looks. There was no away to escape them. No matter where I went, the store, the library- truely a horror. They even had a few unchoicely words for me and for no particular reason. If any thing pops ups, I'll let you know.
Dear Kendroth- What?
CameoShadowness posted a blog entry in Letters Between Charles and KendrothDear Kendroth, What?! That poni you confronted was a poni by the name of St. John Allerdyce. He is a nasty poni who have been giving my students and I a hard time for years! Ithought he was in jail but I thought wrong. I am sorry for my ignorance and should have known. Did you really have a speak prepared? How long was he out and how long did it take you to make and memorize it? Most likely not long, but still, an hour or two is still something that could have been used for much else. I am still glad you were able to deal with him but still sorry you had to. The Business Poni you got that IOU from is a poni by the name of Filthy Rich. He is one of the biggest and best known in our town. The reason you don't know him is because you have been with me until recent and I have yet to do business with him. I don't know what you can use that IOU for but it can be handy in the future. IOUs are used to signify someone wanting to pay you back for something kind you did. It isn't rare but isn't extremely common either. Just don't be surprized when someone give you one and don't expect it from everyone. I hope that helps, please write back soon. Charles XiaXavior
First Letter: A Burning Anger
CameoShadowness posted a blog entry in Letters Between Charles and KendrothDear Professor Charles Xia Xavior, Today is 12/10/2018 and at the start of writing this, it is 18:12. Today was a very strange day. I knew something was off the moment I left the X Mansion, I just couldn't tell why- that was until later! It was horrible! There is this pyrokentic poni, I believe his name was Pyro- so unoriginal BUT point is, he went around burning things! Such an hooligan! I had to put him i his place. I confronted him a 12:30 sharp with a whole lecture ready and he goes head and burns it! Luckily I had it memorized, the only reason I had it written out was so he can take the copy home and evaluate it when ever he felt necessary or felt when he was going to slip, clearly he didn't care for the written work but soon I realized he didn't care at all! As I go on about my lecture he began mocking me. I tried to go on but he was laughing so hard on some points that I had to repeat myself a few times. After he settled down, I finally finished and I thought that was the end of that BUT HE TRIED TO BURN MY FACE! When I appropriately freaked out, he laughed some more and went off. I may not have gotten burned but heavens forbid I did! He would have to have lived with that! I went after, I let no fool cross my path and NOT learn their lesson after all and I caught him threatening a business poni! I could not believe it but I saw it with my own two eyes! I huffed over there and noticed even the business poni couldn't talk sense into him. I got in Pyro's face and he had the nerve to say I was no threat. I felt a boiling fire but I kept my cool and took his gadgets! He maybe able to control fight but he can't make it. I was stern but he got physical. I will not lie, this was a terrifying first but I got physical with him in the public square! I wanted to call forth a talliman but he didn't give me a chance. For a solid five minutes he got really nasty to me, even said words only the jailed would say. Honestly, I got sick of him and like Icemon, I ended our battle with a swift hit to the Breast plate to knock his air out. The business poni thanked me and gave me a specialized "IOU" card. Said I can redeem it any time. I tried to give it back and explain but he insited that I keep it.
Glewed to the Hip (Charles's Perspective)
CameoShadowness posted a blog entry in Letters Between Charles and KendrothIt has been two whole years since I've found Kendroth. I know he has been a pain but he has a good heart, better than expected given how I found him. You'd think if he is such a traditionalist, he would burn down villages and eat ponies off the bat but he is far from that dipiction. Made everyone realize those stories were either exaggerations, purely fiction or the exceptions to dragon culture. No one is truly sure. Kendroth is the only dragon we have seen and I am hoping I can talk to Thor or, if it comes to it, Loki, to see what they know. After all the good Kndroth has done for me these past two years, I have to send him away. Not as a punishment, despite what SOME of my students ignorantly believe, but as a way to teach him about friendship. You can only do oh so much when you're tied to the hip to a paralyzed stallion. I won't leave him blind sided, he will have access to my accounts to be able to buy food and such, I'll even keep contact with him via connected Grimoires and I do plan to visit him- no matter where- every now and again. I hope he understands and will some day appreciate it.
Bit of story for Magic Potion and Wild Bellflower (OCs)
Catpone Cerberus posted a blog entry in Cerberus's OC stuff.(repost due moving from blog to another) Now, just so you know, I'm not a writer, so don't expect a masterpiece, only thing I do related to writing is RPs, thus next story is written almost like a roleplay. Is there mistakes, grammar or otherwise? probably, will I fix them? probably not, I made this mostly for myself. Story about Magic Potion and his sister meeting for the first time. Characters: Magic Potion "Dialogue" Thinking. Wild Bellflower "Dialogue" "Also dialogue" 'She' "Dialogue" It was calm evening in Everfree forest, Potion was just finishing up his notes for a day when he heard sound of magic and single grunt of frustration from outside. He immediately left his notes and looked out from the only window his house had, and saw a mare who looked oddly similar to him, in fact, she looked just like Potion, light blue coat, blonde short mane, and blue eyes, a perfect clone, except for being a mare. She's stuck outside the barrier, that's not a good sign. Potion had created a magical barrier around his home to keep out a certain pain in a flank, a ghost that had swore to haunt the stallions of his family until end of time, something about his ancestor from little over 300 years ago poisoning her, that aside, said barrier also kept any other magical threat outside it, meaning that this lookalike had something in her she didn't let to show outside. Potion was just going to ignore the mare but then she called for him "Hey, you in the window!" "Do you happen to know somepony called Magic Potion around here?!" and potion froze, that voice, it sounded just like his mother's, he shook his head, impossible, he had to be just imagining it, but the mare continued "I have been searching for a week now, and your house is only house around here!" and only sounded more and more familiar by every word. Potion grunted as he walked to the door, he had to see what this mare had to say, if nothing else, he wanted to know why she looked like him and sounded like his mother. He opened the door and walked face to face with the mare, still staying inside the protective barrier just in case. Now that he had a closer look, Potion noticed few odd details about this mare, first was her broken horn, she seemed to be missing a piece from tip of her horn, not big enough to interfere with her magic usage, but still noticeable chunk. But what quickly took his attention, were the several marks on the mares body, from which one was red and rest were blue, they looked almost like open wounds, but they were shut and like said, blue. "So, what do you want?" Potion's voice was cold, he wasn't known for being the kindest pony around, not that there was too many ponies in the Everfree forest. The mare looked almost stunned when she realized that Potion was who she had been looking for, her voice was now careful but excited "Potion?!" she reached her hoof slowly towards Potion, but it was stopped by the barrier, which made her visibly sad. "Who are you, and what do you want?" the mare pulled her hoof away and spoke with lot less excitement "My name is Wild Bellflower, and I'm your twin sister..." she sighed "...and I assume our parents never talked about me." Potion was shocked, a twin sister? 'She' had mentioned something about a sister, but he had figured it was just one of its usual lies, he didn't want to believe Bellflower, not that he was against the idea of having a sister, but this mare, there was something wrong with her, this could easily be a trap, Potion had quite a list of enemies after all. "No, they haven't, though somepony else has mentioned that being a possibility." he looked Bellflower in the eye "But why would I believe you're her?" "Why would my sister be stopped by a barrier made specially to block threat's?" "What are you hiding?" Bellflower looked heartbroken at Potion's words "T-threat..." "What do you mean?" she was tearing up, but before she could continue, another voice echoed around her.... "It's simple really..." fog started building around Bellflower, only area clear from fog being inside the barrier where Potion was "....Potion has made a barrier to stop me from bothering him by stopping any creatures of powerful magic entering without his permission..." a light blue mare formed from the fog and walked next to Bellflower, pulling her head with her ice cold hooves towards herself until their snouts touched, causing Bellflower to try pull herself away from the mare, unsuccessfully, as her tears froze solid on her cheek from the cold ".....And you....the unwanted failure of the Potion family tree....there's something you're not showing."Bellflower was terrified, and she tried to push the painfully-cold mare away, but her hooves only went through her foggy body and she could feel the frostbites forming as they passed the most outer layer of the mare. "Aright, that's enough." Potion's voice came through and the mare let Bellflower go, who collapsed sitting, holding her painfully-cold snout with her hooves "So you suddenly care about your sister?" Bellflower too looked towards potion with mixture of hearthbroke and fear "So you're saying she is my sister?" the fog had started forming tighter around Bellflower, and it started forming hooves that wrapped their ice-cold form around the blue mare, she tried to get away but this time the barrier blocked her only escape route,"Answer me!" Bellflower pleaded Potion to let her through, she would have cried, but her tears froze before they could formed "Please Potion, I beg you, please..." she went silent for a bit, then new voice came out of her mouth "Get off me!" and wave of magic was sent around her, it caused the ghostly mare and her fog to disappear completely, and it was strong enough to visibly crack the magical barrier around Potion, and to throw him off balance. It took few seconds for Potion to clear regain his balance and thoughts after the blast, he got up and turned towards the direction where Bellflower had been when the wave of magic happened, and to his shock, it was totally different mare who was standing there, in place of Potion's lookalike, there was purple-gray pony with red flaming mane and white glowing eyes, her broken horn was in red flames and her hooves and and body were surrounded by blue flames, and finally, there were the wings, wings of blue flame. She was just standing there, staring at him with blank expression on her face, there was something too familiar about that expression, it was the soulless expression of his father. The magic flames were coming from the wound like marks. Suddenly, Bellflower slammed her hooves against the barrier "Why you do this to me!?" Potion had to back up few steps, he could feel the power from the slam, but that wasn't the only reason, her voice also made Potion feel tightening in his heart , it sounded just like his mother, but with great amount of feeling betrayed mixed in "I have been searching for you since I first heard you existed, and you cast me out?!" "Leave me to sadistic ghost to play with?!" she slammed again, the cracks grew bigger "Is this how you treat family?" "Who am I kidding, Of course it is! That's how father taught you! That's why we were separated in the first place!" she slammed the barrier again, this time with her whole body, it caused the ground next to it to crack, her hostile tone got hint of sadness mixed in "Is it too much to ask to have a family!?" next slam, this time she came through and started walking towards Potion, her horn getting lit with magic, Potion backed up until his house came in the way, he closed his eyes, he found it funny, he had more enemies he could count, yet he would meet his doom in hoofs of his sister, only because he didn't want to listen what she had to say....such a fitting fate..... Suddenly Bellflower let out a scream and Potion opened his eyes, she was back to normal, though she was full on tears "No...that's not me..." she looked Potion into his eyes, and he saw his mother's eyes pleading to him "Please Potion.....help me." The end.
So...played this gem of a song from the Pixar classic "Toy Story". It was a very fun piece to play yet emotional at the same time. Hope you all enjoy!
Ponified version of your life events
Luna's Admirer posted a topic in Forum GamesSo this is the an idea just came to me now. You've to make a ponified version of any special event in your life. For example ponified version of my early childhood. "My names is Phonix Feather. I live in a small town named Ponyville. My mother is an Earth Pony, and my father is a Unicorn only not with very strong magic. I have two more brothers, my younger brother is a unicorn just like my father. But most different of all is my baby brother. He was born as a pegasus. And to be true, I was always a little jealous to him. He didn't like to spend time with his brothers, instead he liked to spend time with pegasus like himself. My younger brother remains always by my side whenever I need him." You got the idea. Let's see if that works.
General Favorite genre of stories
Luna's Admirer posted a topic in Media DiscussionWhat's your favorite story genre? I like stories with Romantic fantasies, action, and adventure etc. I would like to know your favorite kind of stories.
I almost didn't post this thread but I feel I've written enough of my epic fantasy series to post a promo about it. "Swords and Roses" is a medieval-napoleonic fantasy series about what would happen if napoleonic soldiers invaded a fantasy world. It's got love, torture, revenge, etc. I posted it on Tapas and Wattpad if you wanna check it out: https://tapas.io/series/Swords-and-Roses https://www.wattpad.com/myworks/149058583-swords-and-roses Updates will be sporadic due to my job situation but there will eventually be 16 books in total. Happy reading! :-)
The Wacky Story game {SO MUCH RANDOMNESS}
Ezzy posted a topic in Forum GamesOkay so the rules and ways to play this game are SUPER simple... I post the beginning of a story, and you add on. You can add anything as long as it follows the terms and conditions of mlp forums! There is no real plot, just be random, you can add pretty much anything you want. Anyway here I go! Make it as silly as possible! One time in sugarcube corner, Pinkie was super busy handling the store while Mr and Mrs Cake was away. She worked hard all day and began to get tired. She headed to her bedroom after turning all the ovens off, all orders made ready to go for the next day. She lays on her bed and closes her eyes, slowly sinking into a dream state. Luna only knows what she'd dream about tonight. *Your turn!*
HiE and Lyra fanclub
Luna's Admirer posted a topic in Fan ClubsNote: If you don't like human related stories, please turn back now or only share your opinion without ranting about this. I hope you understand. I saw that there wasn't a single fan-club for this group which doesn't feel right to me, because it has been a well-known genre and despite all the hate this genre get, there are some excellent stories out there. Anyways this fanclub is for people who enjoy reading/writing well-made HiE (either ponified humans or not) stories or fan of this genre at all. I add Lyra to the topic because she's usually shown having an obsession with humans (obviously). As for me I love a well-written HiE story. I'd like to know your opinion. I will share some of my most favorite (SFW) stories here. https://www.fimfiction.net/story/4656/anthropology https://www.fimfiction.net/story/5170/project-sunflower https://www.fimfiction.net/story/212359/a-new-beginning-in-a-new-land https://www.fimfiction.net/story/57231/my-new-life-in-equestria Here is a beautiful fanart. These are only a few of those I has read. You can also share your own favorite (SFW) stories and fanart. Believe me: Only because a story has a human or humans in it, it doesn't mean that it has to be the worst. Rule regarding NSFW material applies here as well. Most important of all: Respect every other fanclub and members. Feel free to share your opinion on the topic.
enjoy my pony script! MLP FIM THE ELEMENTS OF DARKNESS PONY SCRIPT PART 1 TO 4.doc
One Word Story
Moonlit_Night posted a topic in Forum GamesThe rules are simple: You post a single word and eventually i will type all the words together into a story. ive seen some pretty funny ones on a different forums. You may add punctuation. You may use a multi-word name (names only) lets start: Once
Derp Souls ((Interactive comic))
The-Warpony posted a topic in Visual Fan ArtPrepare to Derp Welcome to Derp Souls. An Interactive comic where the audiance must guide our grey mare through the dangerous halls of old Canterlot. Actions from comments will be taken due to majority, or randomly chosen when even. Actions will then be rolled to see if she succeeds or utterly fail. Be aware, that the challenges ahead of her are dire and in this interactive forum, Derpy may fall. If that happens, this Forum will cease to ever continue. ((The intro along with further details will be posted soon.))
game Continue the Story with 1 sentence
Diamond Dynamite??? posted a topic in Forum GamesSimple. I start a completely nonsensical story with a sentence and everyone else adds on to this story which never ends! After finishing my work, I got off my chair, only to create a hole in the floor, and I HAD to fall in.
Visual Art Mouse - My kid's book character
PuddingPonyPal posted a topic in Non-Pony ArtworkI am in the middle of writing a children's book called Mouse in the Coffee Cup. I might collab with someone to help illustrate it. Depends if i find anyone interested. Story Mouse is a very tired and lonely character. He doesn't act anything like his siblings who are active and social. One day, Mouse discovers a substance to change his behavior; coffee. Mouse starts to use coffee more and more often eventually changing him... and not in a good way. Mouse learns the dark journey of addiction.
Romance Once more into the fray...
Rocco posted a topic in Written Fan WorksWell... Taking a stab at romance writing. Figured it was high time I threw myself to the wolves. Feel free to take a bite. Seriously though. I am posting this due to the sudden nature of this story becoming one of my favorite that I have worked on. I have another story, but it is slated to cap out at 800k, this one is a one chapter a day write based on OC's who are brought together, seemingly by fate, to help comfort one another throughout their lives. It is my first real crack at a love story and has so far been getting pretty good feedback in my dm's. But you know what they say, the more crit you get, the better you get over time! https://www.fimfiction.net/story/395523/feathers-of-fate ^^^Link to da sauce!^^^
If you got the chance to be a villain in the pony world, how would you take over Equestria? This is how I would: I clone myself millions of times....... ATTACK!!!!!!! Millions and millions of SkyStorms throw pies in the faces of ponies all over equestria. With every pony shocked and blinded for a couple of seconds, the sky storm lifts them up and puts them in a giant hole in the ground with a net over the stop to stop Pegasus. sky storms guard at the top with guns to stop unicorns from using magic (hole was previously made using explosive) A small army takes over the alicorns and locks them in the room where the elements of harmony are kept (since only an alicorns magic from the outside can open it, they are trapped) the elements are taken and used against the ponies. The whole world has successfully been taken over. Every single Skystorm sits down and eats pizza laughing at the helpless ponies trapped in holes.
Check out my Yakut OC Group
SkyPie posted a topic in Sugarcube CornerIf you don't know, Yakut ponies are a rare breed of horse that live in arctic environments. So that got me thinking, what if I made Yakut ponies in the MLP world? So here's their story: In the beginning, the Yakut didn't have wings or horns. They were just Earth ponies that acted like real horses in that they ate plants from the ground and slept outside. But eventually they evolved to have their own language but still lived wild. A large amount of ponies from Equestria decided to get on a boat and explore the world, which is how they discovered the wintry country of Yakutia. Intrigued by this species like them but not, the ponies went out of their way to teach the Yakut their language and some ponies and Yakuts grew close to each other, which is how Yakut unicorns and pegasai came to be. Breeding with ponies also provided a larger variety of coat colors, since pure Yakuts had only very light blue, silver, and white coats to match their environment. Now they have pink, purple, green etc. But they are only very icy and light colors. Some Yakuts have evolved into a less bulky and heavy body so it'd be possible for them to fly as pegasai. One particular silver Yakut earth pony discovered a sparkling icicle deep down in a cave and once she made contact with it, transformed her into an Alicorn. The Equestrian ponies explained that Alicorns in their land become the rulers so that is how this Yakut Alicorn became princess of her land. The ponies left soon after, since the cold was not for them, promising to tell their people about this incredible country. They crashed into a glacier and never made it, which is why no one in Equestria knows of the Yakut or their Alicorn. Things I forgot to mention: Those with wings have extra thick feathers to keep them warm. And the Yakut are basically short, thick coated Equestrian ponies. The ponies taught them how to build their own homes and cook food (though they have refused to do so since they prefer their plants right from the ground. They have tried cooked and it always too hot in their stomachs. Though they do prepare it to make different meals, like a salad. They also have a secure greenhouse to plant seeds that the Equestrians gave them so they can have something besides grass, leaves, and flowers to eat.) If you don't feel like looking a Yakut pony up, here is an image:


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Back To Heroes
An early Class A racing champion, Jim Davis was one of the few who won titles under the banner of the predecessors to the American Motorcyclist Association, the Federation of American Motorcyclists (FAM) and the Motorcycle and Allied Trades Association (M&ATA). He excelled in board-track racing and on dirt ovals. Davis also won the very first national race sanctioned by the AMA, the 25-mile AMA National Championship held on a one-mile dirt oval in Toledo, Ohio, on July 26, 1924.
Davis rode for both the Harley-Davidson and Indian factory racing teams. In addition to being a great racing champion, Davis went on to become an AMA official, serving in various capacities including deputy chairman of competition. His most visible job with the AMA was as chief referee and starter. Davis earned 21 AMA national championships and a reported 50-plus pre-AMA national titles under the auspices of the FAM and M&ATA.
Davis was born in Columbus, Ohio, on March 23, 1896. His father was a bicycle racer and, as a boy, Jim also enjoyed bicycling. He started riding a Yale motorcycle when he was in fifth grade.
"There were five or six other kids in my neighborhood with motorcycles, which still had pedals on them, and we were always racing each other," remembers Davis. "I won the first official race I entered and won a pair of rubber goggles and a quart of oil. I was on top of the world."
In 1915, Davis happened to be at his neighborhood Indian dealership when Frank Weschler, head of sales for Indian, came to visit. The owner of the dealership introduced Davis and told Weschler of the 19-year-old's racing exploits. The dealer asked Weschler if he might send Davis a factory Indian racing machine. Davis never expected anything to come of the casual meeting, but a few weeks later the dealer called Davis into the dealership. Davis was thrilled to find a brand-new eight-valve closed-port Indian factory racer with his name on it.
By 1916, Davis was well known in the area of Columbus, but he had never been out of the state of Ohio and rarely even outside his hometown. The Columbus Indian dealer took Davis to Detroit to race in the FAM 100-Mile National. Racing for the first time against unfamiliar competition, Davis, who weighed all of 120 pounds, looked at the group of grizzled veteran racers lined up for the Detroit final and considered them a pretty rough-looking bunch. Starting from the outside of the front row, Davis put his Indian first into turn one and was never headed for the entire 100 miles.
"After the race, a guy came up to me and asked how much money I won," Davis recalls. "I didn't know anything about it. When I went up to the podium they gave me a gold medal and $100. I couldn't believe my eyes! A hundred dollars was a lot of money in those days. I felt like the richest man in the world."
After Detroit, Davis took a train up to Saratoga, New York, to race another national, and again he won. Davis was somewhat taken aback by his sudden success. "I didn't know whether I was that good or everyone else was that bad."
After winning his first two nationals, Davis' life changed dramatically. Suddenly, this homebody from Ohio was traveling all across the country racing. Indian put him on the company payroll paying him $25 per week plus expenses. It all happened so fast that the young Davis didn't quite know how to cope. After one race victory, a proud Weschler told Davis he was sending him to California to compete in more national races. By this time, Davis had been away from home for several weeks for the first time in his life. When he was told of the California trip, instead of a look of excitement, Davis had a bewildered look. Weschler could tell something was wrong. He asked Davis if he was homesick, and Davis admitted he was, so instead of California, Weschler allowed Davis to go back home for a few weeks.
With the U.S. entering World War I in 1917, racing slowed to a crawl. Davis was drafted into the Army. When he got off the train at the Army base in Chillicothe, Ohio, Davis was recognized by a commander and he assigned him motorcycle escort duty. He served out the war stateside, transporting and escorting important military and government officials in a sidecar rig.
In 1918, Davis married his wife, Louise, through a Justice of the Peace in Springfield, Illinois, on the spur of the moment after fellow racer Gene Walker needled him for not being married. Davis said that after Walker found out he and Louise were married, he told Davis that he convinced all the other riders to let Davis win the race that weekend. Davis was fastest in qualifying and went on to win the event easily.
"To this day, I don't know whether I won that race fair and square or the boys let me win," Davis admits.
During the war, Davis also enrolled at Ohio State University to study civil engineering. He later earned his degree from the University of Southern California when he moved west to race the Southern California board-track circuit.
Davis' employment as a factory Indian rider came to an abrupt end in 1920. Davis went to a race in Phoenix, only to find that it was an invitational and that only two riders of each motorcycle brand would be allowed to ride. Two Indian riders were already invited to race. Not one to be easily deterred, Davis got the referee to agree to let him race if he got a wire from M&ATA president A.B. Coffman. Davis went to the Western Union office down the street and through the persuasion of a big box of chocolates, convinced a young lady working there that he was merely wanting to pull a gag on a friend and got her to fake a telegram that simply read: "Permit Davis to Ride." Signed A.B. Coffman. Davis then paid a young boy a quarter to ride his bike to the track and give the telegram to the referee. Davis watched as the ref opened the telegram and then waved Davis over and permitted him to race. The following week Davis paid dearly for his shenanigans when he was suspended for a year by one A.B. Coffman. To add insult to injury, Davis was also fired from Indian for the incident. In less than 24 hours after being fired by Indian, Harley-Davidson quickly hired Davis, took care of his suspension, and he continued to race the rest of the season.
For the kid who had rarely been out of his hometown while growing up, motorcycle racing carried him across the country and even overseas. Davis won numerous races in Australia on a variety of machines, mostly British.
Davis raced for Harley-Davidson until 1925. Indian re-hired him for the 1926 season and he immediately rewarded the company by winning three national titles that year on both board tracks and dirt ovals. Davis' biggest season was in 1928 when he won six national titles and was named the overall AMA national champion, a feat he repeated in 1929. Davis won his final AMA national at Syracuse, New York, in 1930. He continued to be one of the top competitors for the next five years.
After his retirement from racing, Davis was instrumental in forming the motorcycle division of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He worked for the Highway Patrol for 14 years. Afterward, he went to work for his family-owned architectural business. He also became an official for the AMA.
Davis recalled two moments as the most memorable events of his years as a starter. One was the time he flagged the only dead heat in AMA history when Bobby Hill and Billy Huber crossed the finish line simultaneously in Atlanta on August 8, 1948. Another was at Daytona in 1948 when he was hit by Don Evans' crashing bike, just as Evans was receiving the checkered flag. That incident sidelined Davis for a year. Ironically it was his only serious injury from racing.
Davis was awarded the AMA's Dudley Perkins Award, the highest honor given by the association, for his life-long contributions to the sport of motorcycling.
Davis became a celebrity in the latter years of his life. He frequently spoke at gatherings of motorcyclists, entertaining crowds with humorous tales of his life and times in racing. Davis remained sharp even beyond his 100th birthday and was always happy to grant interviews to writers and reporters.
Davis died on February 5, 2000, in Daytona Beach, Fla. He was 103.


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Set of Bilstein B8 5100 series front struts and rear shocks for the 2014+ Dodge Ram 1500, including Ecodiesel models.
The Biletein B8 5100 adjustable ride height shock is the choice option for Ram 1500 owners looking to improve handling and bring the front end of the truck up. Stock front-rear rake can be up to 3.5 inches, giving the truck a nose-dive look. The B8 5100 shocks can raise the front up to 2.75 inches, bringing the truck near level.
The B8 shock itself is stiffer than the OE shock and much preferred for those who use travel off-road often.
4wd only. Will not fit 2wd models.
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I believe that we are incapable of "self control" and in order to eat properly we need to make sure those temptations aren't available to us. I have found the easiest way is to simply not buy the food you shouldn't eat and only buy foods that you can eat as much as you want of and not feel guilty. If your fridge is filled with vegetables and fruits, you will eat vegetables and fruits. If your freezer is filled with frozen fruit you will make smoothies, if it is filled with ice cream, you will eat ice cream. Simple enough.
To ensure you have the right food you have to start from scratch, so don't feel bad throwing out the bad food! Don't make excuses like, "it was expensive, I can't waste" and "I will start once I finish what's there first". Because as soon as you make one excuse you find room to make another and another.
So I'm giving you permission to waste all that bad food that is hurting your body.
Stop buying packaged foods and avoid any food that has a long expiration date or that doesn't expire. That should worry you!
Try to eat food that has ONE ingredient.
So once you have emptied out your fridge and pantry do a little research. Find recipes from health food blogs, fitness magazines, health food cookbooks. Be wary of cookbooks too because just because it's in a cookbook doesn't mean you should be eating it! This isn't about dieting and losing a few pounds, this is about your long term health.
Ignore that lie that as long as you workout you can eat whatever you want. There are tons of "skinny" people out there who are killing their bodies by what they eat. It's not just about the weight. It's more about the parts that you can't see that matter. Start from the inside and work your way out and you will not only get a better result but a permanent one!
Also start making yourself aware of food. That guilt that you feel and try to ignore is there for a reason, don't ignore it! Your body is telling you that you shouldn't have it! I encourage that feeling in my own life because I know that when I look at that second brownie I want it to be able to be easy to say no because the first one made me feel guilty enough. Sure it's ok to cheat every now and then but make sure you are feeling guilty about it, that way you don't take advantage of that excuse!
Make sure you are menu planning every week and if you can grocery shop once a week. I do my big shopping for my meats and misc house stuff on the 15% days but my fruits and veggies I buy weekly so I make sure I am buying just enough for that week and I'm not wasting any. If you know what you are going eat everyday then you are less likely to get off track. I have a list of easy lunches and breakfasts right in my kitchen and I just pick which ever one I feel like that day and make it. If you are menu planning you are not only eating healthier but you will save tons of money at the grocery store.
When you are grocery shopping make sure you only buy what's on you list! Stick to the perimeter of the store and start your shopping on the opposite end of the entrance.
Don't buy chips, cookies, packaged snacks, pop, donuts, ice cream etc. because once you have them at home you won't have the "self control" to not eat them. Don't fool yourself, no one does. It's so simple, if you don't buy it, you won't eat it.
If you need to buy salad dressing make sure you are buying it in the refrigerated section. They expire faster and they usually have way less sodium and sugar that the dressings in the dry isle. The dressings in the dry isle usually last at least a year and that is the kind of thing we want to avoid.
I love my brown minute rice! It's so easy and quick to make and I never have an excuse to order in pizza when I can throw a chicken breast on top of this!
Load up on salt free spices and herbs! You can never have too much! I love the mrs. dash line. You can use as much as you want and your food will never be bland.
I love this soup. If you need a super quick option for lunch or dinner this is a great source of protein and they are really good.
Always have your whey protein. We usually never get enough protein in our diets especially when we are working out. Some people have the illusion that this is a weight gain suppliment and is only for body builders but that is wrong. I have a protein shake even when I'm not working out. It's also very important to get protein in your body within 30 minutes of waking up in the morning and this is a great way to do that in a smoothie or I've even put it in my coffee. Whether you work out or not you should have this!
Throw out the butter! Butter is full of terrible fats that are harmful to your heart. Substitute it with salt free, heart healthy margarine but make sure you are using your olive oil when you can because thats where you are getting your healthy fats that protect your heart!
Buy lots of fruit and put them on the shelf at eye level in the fridge! When you are bored and reach into the fridge for a snack, having your fruits right there will ensure you grab them first. I even chop of a few apples and portion them into little bags with a little lemon juice to prevent browning and then they are even easier to eat.
Natural peanut butter and almond butter are a staple in our home! Make sure when you buy them the only ingredient you should see is peanuts or almonds. They are a great source of protein and you can make a simple pb&j on your way out the door so you aren't tempted to drive through a fast food restaurant. I also read that it's great to make a sandwich before you go on a flight so you don't buy any unhealthy, expensive food in the airport or on the plane. You can't bring liquid but you can bring snacks!
Spice it up! Eating hot sauces and salsas is a great way to not only add flavor to any food but easy spicy foods is also said to speed up the metabolism!
Individually portions salmon and chicken. This way they are easy to grab if you want to throw one in a pan for lunch or take a few out quick from dinner. Always cut your chicken breasts in half through the middle. It tricks your body into thinking it's eating more than it is and you aren't eating a whole chicken breast. You don't need that much meat at one time and it will also save you money.
I was so happy when I found these! I use them in the morning as toast, at lunch time instead of bread for a sandwich, or at dinner with a burger.
Invest in some natural lean turkey burgers. These are just over 100 calories and they are so quick and easy and delicious! Such a simple and filling lunch option.
Chop up some veggies for the week and put them on the top shelf. Having them ready to eat will make it easy to eat! You are sure to grab a handful whenever you open the fridge. They don't last long so just cut enough for 5 days or so at a time but make sure you keep refilling those containers! You will be amazed at how much more you are eating and I say you can never eat too much vegetables! Also when you are filling up on vegetables you will stay fuller way longer than when you are eating those simple carbs like breads and crackers.
Last but not least eat what comes from the ground! Avoid foods that are processed and sent through factories. If you are eating what we were originally designed to eat you will live a fuller, happier, and long life!


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Salesforce celebrates 15 years of CRM market disruption
In Salesforce's tenure in the CRM market, the company has made its mark on cloud and mobility but also on redefining relationships with customers.
Salesforce.com is celebrating 15 years in the CRM market. During that time, it has remade an industry and changed the expectations of businesses and consumers about what software can do. It was far from easy, though.
Salesforce entered a CRM market dominated by established software houses with lots of marketing cash, but it made enterprise software hip and sexy in unprecedented ways. In the process, it established its own dominant position. But can it continue this run or is it likely to revert to the mean, as many companies do after they reach dominance?
Here is a short list of the company's innovations and accomplishments and a forecast for what's next.
It wasn't the first company to offer its products as a service, but Salesforce has been a tireless promoter of the subscription model. Literally thousands of other companies -- not just in technology -- have adopted subscriptions and changed the business climate as a result. Today, even companies that don't offer subscriptions have to deal with customers that understand the model and demand similar responsiveness and service.
Cloud computing
It's been called a lot of things -- hosted, on-demand, SaaS and now, cloud computing. Whatever, it represents using the Internet as a ubiquitous provider of storage and compute power, and it is part of the mobile revolution. Before Salesforce, using the Internet this way was expensive because you needed a data center and a virtual private network, or VPN, and had to absorb the costs associated with them. It was also scary to think about where your data lived and whether someone else could access it. Most of those fears have subsided, and the cloud is one of the fastest areas of the technology market today.
Today, even companies that don't offer subscriptions have to deal with customers that understand the model.
Early on, Salesforce saw the potential of social media when embedded in business applications, and it rebuilt itself as a social company. It embedded not only social tools in its products, but also features like workflow to enable automated business processes that could respond at the speed of the social world.
The company has long championed incorporating mobile devices into its business processes, and as the networks and devices have gained power and sophistication, it has kept up. Today it offers development and deployment technologies that enable its apps to run on conventional computers as well as handheld devices and tablets, and this has resulted in a business model that bases more decisions on data and that enables anywhere, anytime computing.
Salesforce Chatter was the first collaboration software from a major provider that embedded collaboration into standard business practices. This has enabled accelerated business processes and better customer service because it fosters decision making based on data and information rather than guesswork.
Recognizing the need for more intricate business systems that can handle automated workflow, collaboration, analytics and mobility to support end-to-end business processes, Salesforce opened its platform to third-party developers.
The result has been a huge amount of innovation around the core application set and the deployment of hundreds of specialized applications that plug and play. This has completely transformed the idea of integration that the industry was saddled with at the turn of the century.
For more on SaaS and the CRM market:
CRM, ERP head up mobile applications offered by SaaS
On-premises vs. SaaS: Making the choice
Why cloud-based CRM systems make sense
A community of vendors whose products and services revolve around Salesforce the ecosystem provides solutions that enhance core CRM while delivering specialized applications and new value to well over 100,000 companies that use Salesforce.
The cost curve
When Salesforce started, companies could easily spend two to three times the cost of a software license for customization and integration, and licenses were typically in the million-dollar range. The Salesforce business model reduced costs for all of these things and no longer required an up-front investment. Instead, periodic payments became the norm, and many more businesses found they could afford to use the same software that their larger competitors could access.
The future
Salesforce is not without competition, and it is in a race with a group of vendors that rapidly improvise on the company's innovations. The industry has always been about data-driven transactional applications, but the future CRM market looks as if it will require more process-driven business models. Salesforce's innovations to date all support a shift from data-oriented transactional systems to those that deal with customers on a long-term basis through excellence in applying best-practice business processes. It would make sense for the company to concentrate its efforts in this new area if it expects to maintain its lead in rankings like the Gartner Magic Quadrant.


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Moose Lake native in helicopter crash
Three crew members injured when a North Memorial Health Care ambulance helicopter crashed about 2:07 a.m. Saturday, September 17, north of the Alexandria Municpal Airport near the edge of Lake Winona have been identified.
Among the crew members is Moose Lake native Miles Weske, 34, a flight paramedic; pilot Joshua Jones, 47; and flight nurse Scott Scepaniak, 44. All remain hospitalized at North Memorial Hospital, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
No patients were on board at the time of the crash.
The crash is under investigation.