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ISSN (on-line): 1806-3756 | ISSN (printed): 1806-3713
Publication continuous and bimonthly
Compliance with maintenance treatment of asthma (ADERE study)
Adesão ao tratamento de manutenção em asma (estudo ADERE)
José Miguel Chatkin; Daniela Cavalet-Blanco; Nóris Coimbra Scaglia; Roberto Guidotti Tonietto; Mário B. Wagner; Carlos Cezar Fritscher
AbstractObjective: To determine the rate of compliance with preventive treatment of moderate and severe persistent asthma. Methods: Physicians at various medical centers across the country were invited to nominate patients for participation in the study. Inclusion criteria were being over the age of 12 and presenting moderate or severe persistent asthma. Participating patients received salmeterol/fluticasone 50/250 µg by dry powder inhaler for 90 days and were instructed to return the empty packages at the end of the study as a means of determining the total quantity used. In order to evaluate compliance, a member of the research team contacted each patient via telephone at the study outset and again at the end of the 90-day study period. Asthma patients were considered compliant with the treatment if they used at least 85% of the prescribed dose. The following variables were studied: gender, age, race, marital status, years of schooling, smoking habits, other atopic conditions, comorbidities, asthma severity, use of other medication and number of hospital admissions for asthma. Results: A total of 131 patients from fifteen states were included. The overall rate of compliance was found to be 51.9%. There was a significant difference in compliance in relation to asthma severity: compliance was greater among patients with severe persistent asthma than among those with moderate persistent asthma (p = 0.02). There were no statistically significant differences among any of the other variables. Conclusion: The overall rate of compliance with maintenance treatment of asthma was low.
ResumoObjetivo: Avaliar a adesão ao tratamento preventivo de asma persistente moderada e grave. Métodos: Médicos de vários Estados do país foram contactados para selecionar asmáticos persistentes moderados ou graves, maiores de doze anos. Os pacientes receberam salmeterol/fluticasona 50/250 µg diskus durante 90 dias (sendo orientados a retornarem as embalagens ao final do estudo para conferência da dosagem total utilizada). Receberam telefonemas da equipe do estudo no início e ao final de 90 dias para que fosse avaliada a adesão. Foi considerado como aderente ao tratamento o asmático que utilizou no mínimo 85% das doses prescritas. As variáveis estudadas foram sexo, idade, cor, estado civil, escolaridade, tabagismo atual, outras atopias, co-morbidades, gravidade da asma, uso de outras medicações e número de hospitalizações por asma. Resultados: Foram incluídos 131 pacientes oriundos de quinze estados, com taxa geral de adesão de 51,9%. Houve diferença significativa na adesão quanto à gravidade da asma (maior adesão nos casos graves; p = 0,02). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nas demais variáveis. Conclusão: A taxa geral de adesão ao tratamento de manutenção da asma foi baixa.
Keywords: Asthma/drug therapy; Asthma/prevention & control; Patient compliance; Patient education; Physician-patient relations
Palavras-chave: Asma/quimioterapia; Asma/prevenção & controle; Cooperação do paciente; Educação do paciente;
Asthma is a chronic condition that can be controlled through a series of measures that typically include the use of medications to reduce airway inflammation and alleviate the symptoms resulting from the airway obstruction.(1) In this context of a need for prolonged treatment, asthma can serve as a paradigm and as the object of studies comparing it with other chronic conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, hypertension, and smoking.(2) The use of controller and relief medications, as well as the observance of certain items (medical advice, treatment strategy, etc.), can significantly increase patient quality of life.(3)
Compliance with treatment is fundamental to achieving the above-mentioned improvement in quality of life. In patients with chronic diseases, low rates of compliance with therapeutic regimens have been well documented. Only approximately 50% of the patients act strictly according to the instructions given by the team of health professionals, whether related to prevention or to treatment.(4) In asthma, studies show that, each year, approximately half of the medical prescriptions worldwide are not followed.(5-6) This percentage can range from 20% to 72% according to gender, age, socioeconomic conditions, disease severity, and other factors.(7-8) These findings regarding low compliance with the asthma treatment are replicated in many countries, such as the USA, Australia,
Canada, and the United Kingdom.(9) Low compliance with treatment is probably one of the causes of the high asthma-related morbidity rates.(2,10) In the USA, approximately 40% of the patients with moderate or severe asthma experience nighttime awakenings, whereas, 28% of the asthma patients in Europe experience at least one night per week of poor quality sleep caused by uncontrolled asthma, possibly due to inadequate compliance with preventive regimens.(11) Some authors(6) have demonstrated that compliance with inhaled corticosteroid regimens is significantly and inversely associated with the number of visits to the emergency room and the use of oral corticosteroids.
In Brazil, there have been few comprehensive studies on this subject, although there is unequivocal evidence that asthma is a significant contributor to the rates of morbidity and mortality in the Brazilian population.(12-16)
The present study aimed to evaluate, through the inclusion of patients from various medical centers across the country, the rate of compliance with maintenance preventive treatment dispensed by professionals among patients with moderate or severe persistent asthma.
A prospective study design was used to evaluate patients classified as having moderate or severe persistent asthma according to the criteria established by the III Brazilian Consensus on Asthma Management.(3)
Attending physicians from fifteen Brazilian states were invited to participate in the study. A description of the protocol, highlighting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, was sent to each physician, together with written informed consent forms and three dry powder inhalers (containing salmeterol/fluticasone 50/250 µg) to be distributed to the patients, free of charge, for three months, as well as general guidelines to be provided to the patients regarding asthma and the use of the devices.
After having given written informed consent and having been registered by the attending physician, each patient was contacted via telephone by a specifically trained professional (co-author) of the central team headquartered in the Pulmonology Department of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul Hospital São Lucas in the city of Porto Alegre, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The first telephone contact was made in order to collect demographic and clinical data, and the final contact (at the end of the three-month study period) was made in order to evaluate treatment compliance. On that occasion, patients were instructed to return the empty packages (three dry powder inhalers), at no cost to the participant, to the central team, who made the final calculation of the total quantity used.
The inclusion criteria were as follows: having been diagnosed with moderate or severe persistent asthma; being twelve years of age or older; having been diagnosed at least three months prior; having enough schooling to complete the forms; having a residential telephone; having no other disease that might interfere with the study; and not being addicted to alcohol or any other drugs.
Exclusion criteria were mild persistent asthma, pregnancy, puerperium/breastfeeding, comorbidities, the use of other medications that might interfere with the study, and any chance that the attending physician would be changed in the near future. The exclusion of patients who declined to participate or who did not cooperate with the data collection, at any point of the study, was also anticipated.
The primary outcome measure, compliance, was determined by dividing the total quantity of medication used by the quantity prescribed for the period studied (three months). Subanalysis of the compliance per package of medication was not carried out. Asthma patients who used more than 85% of the prescribed dose of medication were considered compliant with the treatment.
The following variables were studied: age; gender; race; marital status (defined here as having a steady partner or not); years of schooling (elementary/junior high school, high school or higher education); smoking habits (being a smoker, being a former smoker or never having smoked); asthma severity (stage, frequency of use of relief medication and number of nighttime awakenings); number of visits to the emergency room and number of hospital admissions for asthma; other atopic conditions and comorbidities; and the chronic use of other medications (not for the treatment of asthma).
This study was designated the Adere Study in order to facilitate communication among the researchers. The present study was approved by the Ethics in Research Committee of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, pursuant to the National Health Council Resolution 345/05. The collaborating physicians were selected because they were considered compliant with the Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice.(17-18) All patients gave written informed consent prior to enrolling in the study. The content of the consent form, as well as the process of obtaining consent, were in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements.
The sample size was calculated based on a margin of error set at a maximum of 10% and an estimated rate of compliance of 50%. Therefore, we determined that at least 100 patients were necessary for the study to have a statistical power of 80% and to make a= 0.05.
Data relating to quantitative variables are expressed as means and standard deviations, whereas those relating to categorical variables are expressed as frequencies and percentages. In cases of asymmetry of the quantitative variables, medians and interquartile ranges were used. The levels of significance were determined using the Student's t-test (for quantitative data), the chi-square test (for categorical data), and the Mann-Whitney U test (for quantitative data that were asymmetric). The strength of the correlations among the variables studied was determined using odds ratios (ORs) and the respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The multiple logistic regression model was used to adjust for the effects of potential confounding factors. The level of significance was set at a= 0.05. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program was used to process and analyze the data.
A total of 135 patients were initially included. In 4 of those cases, the initial telephone contact was not possible. Therefore, we analyzed data related to 131 patients, whose demographic characteristics are described in Table 1. The overall mean age was 44.4 ± 16.6 years. In the group of patients that were compliant with treatment, the mean age was 44.9 ± 16.2 years, compared with 43.6 ± 17.2 years in the group of patients that were noncompliant (p = 0.70).
Copyright 2019 - Brazilian Thoracic Association


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I took this picture that is located close to Hollis Garden and Lake Mirror outside a restaurant called, The Garden Bistro. They have several different varieties of roses that are gorgeous. This one is perfect for Summer! I hope you enjoy and thanks so much for stopping by!
August 29, 2012 | Categories: Authentic, D90, Flowers, Nature, Photography, Photooftheday | Tags: authentic, beautiful, Beauty, D90, delicate, flower, flower bush, flowers, garden, Hollis Garden, lakeland fl, Nature, Nikon, photography, photooftheday, plants, restaurants, rose, varieties of roses | 1 Comment
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subset: commoncrawl


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and a closer look at the girl to the left of Margarita (and thanking the Museo del Prado for the image):
So amazing. Describing his work are words such as "mastery of expression, penetration into character and rendering the life of his sitter to the quick."
Here is a photo of an earlier work of his, El Aquador. He hasn't mastered all his technique at this point and this is just so wondrous...red, yellow and brown. The detail is stunning but this is not abject realism but perfection of realism blended with a painterly painting. Check out the detailed photos after. And I will go to sleep tonight and dream of being even 1/16th as good at any art I create....ever.
...talk about painting what you see and not just what you think you see...
'Til tomorrow.


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Tupperware is so much more than just plastic bowls to me. It's about friendships, my team, growing in confidence, and learning. I'm sure if I asked other people in other companies they would say the same.
4 things I never expected to get out of joining Tupperware:
1. I get to use my creativity. I am making my business reflect my lifestyle and creating something that is very me. I'm blogging more, I love taking pictures, creating recipes, and sharing with others. I love writing and Tupperware is a great excuse to stretch that creativity muscle.
2. I'm having fun! Tupperware is not only a job for me, its my social outlet.
3. It's something just for me. As a mom, I pour in to my family, and especially Holtan, most all the time. It's nice to have a few evenings out a month where it's something that is just mine. I get to meet new friends, get dressed in real clothes and be social. It's something I NEED right now in my season of life.
4. I am growing in confidence as a woman and business owner. I am learning so much about sales and business and it is pouring over in to my other small business, Natural Plus Nursery. I am also realizing the things I am passionate about: connecting with other women, talking about money and finances, and teaching/speaking in front of others.
I am so fortunate that I took the leap to join Tupperware. I never dreamed it would be this much for me and my family.
Are you on the fence about starting your own direct sales business??
I encourage you to take the leap. What's the worst that could happen?
You just never know where it could take you!


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Ancient Documents
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Greece
Ancient Israel
Ancient Near East
Ancient Other
Ancient Rome
Bible History
Biblical Archaeology
Childrens Resources
Illustrated History
Images & Art
Maps & Geography
Messianic Prophecies
Mythology & Beliefs
People in History
Study Tools
Timelines & Charts
Map of Old Testament Israel - Jattir
C-16 on the Map
Jattir Kh. Attir. in hill country of Judah, Josh. 15. 48; Levitical city, Josh. 21. 14; 1 Sam. 30. 27
Joshua 15:48 -
And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,
Joshua 21:14 - And Jattir with her suburbs, and Eshtemoa with her suburbs,
1 Samuel 30:27 - To [them] which [were] in Bethel, and to [them] which [were] in south Ramoth, and to [them] which [were] in Jattir,
Maps are essential for any serious Bible study, they help students of the Scriptures understand the geographical locations and historical backgrounds of the places mentioned in the Bible.
Map of New Testament Israel | Map of Old Testament Israel
Map of the Roman Empire | Bible History Online


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These 100% cotton oven gloves by Manita have anti-slip silicone patches to one side and a magnetic dot to conveniently attach the glove to your cooker or microwave.
Available as a single oven glove only and in Brown or Cream, these oven gloves measure approximately 13"/33cm (Length) x 6"/15cm (Width at the base of glove).
These gloves are machine washable on a cold wash only and should not be tumble dried or ironed.
These simple and neutral oven gloves would suit any kitchen decor and are available at an affordable price!
Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and all measurements are approximate.
Please note that these oven gloves have silicone patches on one side only and are designed to be used on the right hand.
An oven glove and oven cloth set is available to purchase on a separate listing.


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At ABODO, we're committed to helping you find the perfect apartment. But we also care about what happens once you've moved in. We started Dear ABODO to help you navigate the renter life, from rental agreements to roommates. Each week, we'll answer a new user-submitted question.
Got one? Email us at email@example.com.
This week's question comes from a renter in Columbus, OH.
Dear ABODO,
I've been renting my new place for about six months. It's great: affordable, in a neighborhood I like, with a nice landlord. But there's one problem: my neighbor. She's so nosy! Our building has a shared entryway where the mailboxes are, along with a building bulletin board. My neighbor lingers there waiting for people to come in, and then talks their ears off. She asks me about my mail — who sent me letters, what's in my packages, etc. Then she follows me back up the stairs to our shared floor, asking me questions about myself as I'm unlocking the door to my apartment.
Her questions are pretty innocuous: where I'm from, if I have siblings, what I do for work. But recently she's started asking me about my personal life. Do I live alone? Do I have a boyfriend? Do I want kids? I don't ask her questions like this in return, but she doesn't get the hint, and she always remembers what I tell her. I'm started to get weirded out by how much she knows about me, and I can't shake the feeling that she lives with her ear pressed to our shared wall to hear what I'm up to.
It's creepy, and I want her to back off. But I also have to live next to this person, and I don't want to make it awkward. What should I do?
Neighbors Ought to Stay Yonder
Dear NOSY,
Your neighbor sounds lonely. If she's hanging out around common areas in your building, you're probably not the only person she's following around. You don't mention her circumstances — is she older? Does she live alone? Does she not get out much? At any rate, she seems starved for human contact, and you're doing the right thing — the neighborly thing — by engaging with her.
But that doesn't mean that you have to become friends, or that you have to reveal anything about your personal life to her. If she asks questions that you don't want to answer, feel free to be evasive. If she pushes you, all you have to do is pleasantly tell her "I'd prefer not to talk about my private life." Hints don't seem to work on this person, so being polite and direct might be the way to go.
Obviously, it would be hard to prove that your neighbor is listening in on your apartment activities. If you do happen to catch your neighbor with her ear to your door, that might be a matter for your landlord or management company to look into. Otherwise, hearing — and being heard by — other tenants is just a fact of communal living. As is, for that matter, a chatty neighbor. Do your best to be cordial, and don't let one nosy neighbor ruin your life.
–Claire @ ABODO


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Anyway I got these cute arm jewellery to make up for the anger that is instilled within me. These days im just angry at everything and everyone. It's not a nice place to be.
Have a good evening guys
MW x
Loool don't we all hate that..I also bought that cuff from primark. lovely!ReplyDelete
Great buys! And oh sorry, I would miss painting my nails.. haha xxReplyDelete
Hey! Just letting you know I've featured you on my blog recommendation page here http://yolandaas.blogspot.com/p/great-blogs.html
Take Care x
Great buys!
Loving ur blog&following x


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Koh Tonsay, Cambodia
A cold beer on one hand, my camera on the other, and a gorgeous golden Sun setting right in front of me, slowly and beautifully disappearing into the sea. The perfect ending for another day of doing nothing but swimming, reading and having ocasional naps. Pure hedonism.
That is Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island), a small island off the coast of Kep I was lucky enough to visit a few times during the almost two years I spent in Cambodia.
The island has electricity only from 7-10pm, there are no roads, no motorized vehicles, and there are only a few residents; fishermen and families running the handful restaurants and bungalows that can be found there.
Koh Tonsay is a place to rest - body, mind and soul - and forget all the difficulties one might be going through...it quickly became one of my favorite spots in Cambodia. It is also a very popular destinations for Cambodians, as it is easily and cheaply accessible for those living around Kep/Kampot areas.
This tranquility might be soon gone, though, as investors are looking to build two luxurious resorts on the island. When I left the country in the beginning of 2016, news were already saying that locals had already been evicted from their lands and sent to Kep (land evictions are one of the most prominent form of human rights abuse in Cambodia these days).
If this development project does go ahead, I hope they will at least include and benefit the local community. They will, however, change completely the profile of the island, so these pictures here may very well - sadly, I would say - become some of the last images of a more pristine, democratic and accessible tourism destination.


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It's FISH FRIDAY! And have I got an interesting one for you! And is for all those women looking for a man to do more of the child rearing in their house? Take a look at this one.
This interesting little guy is the male jawfish. And yes those are eggs in his mouth, but no he's not eating them. He's actually playing babysitter! And this is so common for this fish, they're called mouth breeders or mouth brooders! Of course, when I first read this I couldn't help but think of Sue Sylvester in Glee shouting at the "mouth BREATHERS", but still. 🙂
While there are many different fish that are considered mouth-brooders, in this particular species it's the male that does the brooding. After the male fertilizes the eggs, he'll collect them in his mouth and holds onto them until they hatch. Some say he never lets the eggs go, not even to eat. But others say he hides them carefully in his burrow, and then goes out to eat, before piling them back in. But either way he'll aerate them (that's why we can see them in the picture.), but otherwise he keeps his lips zipped until they hatch. Which probably makes his mate extremely happy that he can't demand the burrow cleaned and food on the table all the time. ; )
So…a few weeks ago, I was all blabbering on twitter about some awesome news I couldn't share yet. But I can now! It's not my news, but that doesn't make it any less awesome, especially when the good news is for my bestest bestie and fabulous crit. partner, Liz Czukas.
What is this most awesome news? Her debut YA novel, ASK AGAIN LATER, sold to Harper Collins! It will be out in the very beginning of 2014! Her new editor is the same editor for the fabulous authors Kiersten White, Kiera Cass, and Aprilynne Pike! And let me tell you, I've read this awesome book and I'm not surprised Erica loved it so much. I ADORED this book. It's probably one of the best books I've read this year.
I'm SO, so, so excited for her. I couldn't be more excited for her if I tried. To show it, I'm asking everyone to go tell her how awesome she is, fan her FB page, and follow her on her twitter.
PS: Don't forget to enter my contest to win ARCs of RENEGADE.
Today's post is filled with the wonderful scent of new book smell! There are a TON of awesome new releases that I can't wait to share with you! So instead of blathering on I'll just wish a Happy Book Birthday to the following sweet authors and their books:
Camden Pike has been grief-stricken since his girlfriend, Viv, died. Viv was the last good thing in his life: helping him rebuild his identity after a career-ending football injury, picking up the pieces when his home life shattered, and healing his pain long after the meds wore off. And now, he'd give anything for one more glimpse of her. But when Cam makes a visit to the site of Viv's deadly car accident, he sees some kind of apparition. And it isn't Viv.
The apparition's name is Nina, and she's not a ghost. She's a girl from a parallel world, and in this world, Viv is still alive. Cam can't believe his wildest dreams have come true. All he can focus on is getting his girlfriend back, no matter the cost. But things are different in this other world: Viv and Cam have both made very different choices, things between them have changed in unexpected ways, and Viv isn't the same girl he remembers. Nina is keeping some dangerous secrets, too, and the window between the worlds is shrinking every day. As Cam comes to terms with who this Viv has become and the part Nina played in his parallel story, he's forced to choose—stay with Viv or let her go—before the window closes between them once and for all.
Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has a secret. She's a Telepath—someone who hears the thoughts of everyone around her. It's a talent she's never known how to explain.
Everything changes the day she meets Fitz, a mysterious boy who appears out of nowhere and also reads minds. She discovers there's a place she does belong, and that staying with her family will place her in grave danger. In the blink of an eye, Sophie is forced to leave behind everything and start a new life in a place that is vastly different from anything she has ever known.
Sophie has new rules to learn and new skills to master, and not everyone is thrilled that she has come "home." There are secrets buried deep in Sophie's memory—secrets about who she really is and why she was hidden among humans—that other people desperately want. Would even kill for.
In this page-turning debut, Shannon Messenger creates a riveting story where one girl must figure out why she is the key to her brand-new world, before the wrong person finds the answer first.
Ricki's dad has never been there for her. He's a bounty hunter who spends his time chasing parole evaders—also known as "skips"—all over the country. But now since Ricki's mom ran off, Ricki finds herself an unwilling passenger in a front-row seat to her father's dangerous lifestyle.
Ricki's feelings get even more confused when her dad starts chasing seventeen-year-old Ian Burnham. She finds herself unavoidably attracted to the dark-eyed felon who seems eager to get acquainted. But Ricki thinks she's ever in control—the perfect manipulator. Little does she know that Ian isn't playing their game by her rules.
Mia is always looking for signs. A sign that she should get serious with her soccer-captain boyfriend. A sign that she'll get the grades to make it into an Ivy-league school. One sign she didn't expect to look for was: "Will I survive cancer?" It's a question her friends would never understand, prompting Mia to keep her illness a secret. The only one who knows is her lifelong best friend, Gyver, who is poised to be so much more. Mia is determined to survive, but when you have so much going your way, there is so much more to lose. From debut author Tiffany Schmidt comes a heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting story of one girl's search for signs of life in the face of death.
Jane Eliot wears an iron mask.
It's the only way to contain the fey curse that scars her cheek. The Great War is five years gone, but its scattered victims remain—the ironskin.
When a carefully worded listing appears for a governess to assist with a "delicate situation"—a child born during the Great War—Jane is certain the child is fey-cursed, and that she can help.
Teaching the unruly Dorie to suppress her curse is hard enough; she certainly didn't expect to fall for the girl's father, the enigmatic artist Edward Rochart. But her blossoming crush is stifled by her own scars, and by his parade of women. Ugly women, who enter his closed studio…and come out as beautiful as the fey.
Jane knows Rochart cannot love her, just as she knows that she must wear iron for the rest of her life. But what if neither of these things is true? Step by step Jane unlocks the secrets of her new life—and discovers just how far she will go to become whole again.
Well, today is the day! It's October 1st, which means 2 things. It's exactly 42 days until RENEGADE launches and, more importantly at the moment, it's the day my new website goes live! I'm so excited for you to see it. It's been designed by the wonderful, fantabulous Tessa Elwood of ipopcolor. She's truly fantastic and I'm so glad I've been able to work with her.
I LOVE my new website. I love the purple and the creepy, elegant shadows on the side. Not to mention the blood splatter. But I think my absolute favorite is the splash page. I love how the lightning is streaking out of the door like something from a mad scientist's laboratory. I don't think I could have asked for a more perfect site.
Because I have a new website, I also have a new blog. I'll still be cross-posting blog posts for the next few weeks, but soon it'll go away and new blog posts will only be here, so you'll want to sign up for the RSS feed. It's up there in the left corner above the Renegade countdown widget. 🙂
Also, you may have noticed on my news page, I have some appearances listed. This is by far not all of them. There are still a ton still in the works, especially for my launch. I'll update the list when I have confirmations. Also, I'm going to have a newsletter! If you want to sign-up for that, you can do so by going to my contact page. And, I'll be starting sign-ups for my street team soon! I'm still sorting details, but I'm really excited about it. More details soon!
I'm sure there's going to be a few bugs to work out with the site(there always is, especially when it comes to me. I'm hopelessly lost when it comes to computer stuff–which is insane considering I'm a science fiction author. LOL.), so if you see something that isn't working right or whatever, let me know!
Anyway, to celebrate this awesome occasion, I'll be giving away 5 ARCs of RENEGADE. And all you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter widget below. The contest will run for 2 weeks until October 15th. Then I'll choose 5 winners at random. This contest is US/Canada only do to postage issues, but I'll have more international contests soon.
P.S.: Don't forget you can enter the goodreads giveaway, too.
|Photo courtesy of Kristin Nador and WANA commons
Hi everyone! Can you believe it? Renegade's US release is in approximately 2 months! I can't believe it. I'm so excited I can hardly sit still. *wiggles*
That being said I'm setting up my launch and signings in Florida (if you're not if Florida–I have a plan for you, too. Just kee
p reading. :]), but I've come across a little hitch. I don't know how many people want to attend a signing by poor little me. Thus, I have no idea how much SWAG to order or how many books to request the bookstores to order!
So, in all my ingeniousness (;]) I've decide to put a poll together. Now this is where I need your help. Please fill out the google form below. If you even think it's possible you'll attend a signing at a location on the poll, please check it off. You may check off more than one if you think you may attend more than one, but I'd like to keep it as close to accurate as possible.
Of course, there is no obligation to attend once you click a location. In fact, I'm not even taking names or email addresses. In a few days, I'll set up a different form for my newsletter that you can sign up if you want to. IF you want me to send you an official invitation to the booksigning closest to you, you may fill out the comment box at the bottom of this google form (and I'll use that to send you the invitation), but there's no obligation. When I have the dates and times confirmed I'll make sure to post them on my website and here on the blog. 🙂
Also, all of the cities on the form are in Florida. HOWEVER, if you are in another state and want me to come to your city, please fill out the form and click of other and use the comment form at the bottom to tell me what city. If there's enough votes for your city, I'll do everything in my power to visit you!
All that being said, if you are a teacher/librarian and are interested in me speaking at your location, email me. I LOVE doing talks and presentations.


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Tim Platt
Tim Platt has been working as a professional photographer for over 20 years. He runs his own studio in central London shooting stills and motion for advertising and design clients. His work has featured on numerous occasions in the Design & Art Direction annual and was selected for the AOP Open awards this year. His commercial work is often people orientated, from babies to old-timers, working for diverse international clients such as Samsung, Mcdonalds, Britvic and GSK. He also shoots beauty, and has photographed more than his fair share of shapely legs for many of the top UK and international hosiery brands. Lately he has been working on iconic studio portraits of birds and animals. These often feature minimal abstract backgrounds to emphasise the myriad levels of detail and beauty in Nature's grand design. Recent animal photography commissions include packaging and ATL for a global pet food brand, studio shots of white horses for Troy Asset Management and a black panther for LG Electronics.


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By: carservicedc01 | March 10, 2018
Maybe you and yours have been considering getting a custom wedding website but as not sure if it worth having done. Perhaps you would rather put the money towards DC Car Service, or wedding décor? Most couples have agreed that their wedding website, also known as a "wedsite," was tremendously helpful.
Category: TRAVEL
Tags: DC Sedan Service, DC Car Service, Car Services in DC, DC Car Service Near me
By: carservicedc01 | January 05, 2018
While using the internet has made any task a lot easier and faster, it is not always simple to separate the good from the bad. Searching online for DC Car Service Near me is a good start, but you should know what you are looking for as well. More so, if you are planning a wedding and do not want to take any chances. You want a reliable company that has been in the business for a long time. Going with a newbie car service is a shot in the dark; you never know what the outcome might be.
Category: TRAVEL
Tags: DC Sedan Service, Car Services in DC, DC Car Service Near me
By: carservicedc01 | November 10, 2017
If you're afraid that professional wedding transportation is out of the question financially, reconsider this notion. Car service in DC has improved in terms of both practicality and affordability recently while maintaining the glamour and elegance that make it special. Let us show you how great your wedding day transportation can be without costing too much in terms of energy, concern, or funds.
Category: TRAVEL
Tags: DC Sedan Service, DC Car Service, DC Luxury Sedan, Car Service in DC
By: carservicedc01 | September 11, 2017
While traveling to make wedding related decisions, you'll need to manage time well and have the presence of mind to focus on making the best selections. Our company provides car service DC that will lessen the burden of the experience, maximize the efficient use of time, and facilitate good choices. Choose to book, however, with a company that has appropriate machines, drivers, and customer service in order to provide superior transportation arrangements.
By: carservicedc01 | August 18, 2017
Your wedding is important, and you'll likely spend a great deal of time preparing for it. However, your honeymoon may matter even more considering it is the beginning phase of your marriage. Prepare for it with a similar level of detail, and begin by booking car service DC. You'll keep the world at bay as you head out on a romantic trip with your new spouse.


text: Well it has come to the end of My Stitching Album - all 8 chapters. Wow what a great journey in stitch. I enjoyed sharing my fun in stitches with you. It is on my list of to do's to post some progress pictures. Coming soon, I will have an alphabet to post for you - for you to be able to write the stitch word in the space where the initials are, in case you wanted to do it that way.We have shipped Herringbone the last 3 days so depending on where you live you will either get it sooner or later! Enjoy! I have to tell you that I had a truly wonderful time both in Buffalo and Virginia Beach. Thank you guild members of the Buffalo Chapter for such a great weekend of sharing and learning. I loved being able to share the stitching through power point as the piece we did had so many stitch diagrams it made it so much easier for me and I hope nicer for you. The team at Dyeing to Stitch gave us a truly delightful weekend, full of fun and memories. The weather cooperated so we got to fully enjoy the waterfront between classes and events. Thank you stitchers for your welcoming faces and making me feel immediately at home. Remember 'Take time for Friends!'


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People earn money from gambling online all around the world. This risky, exciting activity has been going on for centuries. New players must check to see if they are abiding by their local, state and federal laws when it comes to gambling online. The Gambling industry earned "an estimated $335 billion in 2009." (wikipedia.org). Some players have a thrill for gambling and turn it into a hobby. Since the world has gone digital, many players are able to make money gambling in the comfort of their own home. Skilled gamblers that are new to the online world will fall in love with the convenience to bet from their phone or on their laptop. Players are able to make money gambling online from many ways. There are legit online gambling sites that allow players to bet with real money. Many online casino sites have user-friendly websites and take less than five minutes to create an online profile. They offer safe and secure money deposit and withdrawal processes.
Online gambling is very common in the United Kingdom. Players will find many American gambling sites as well. Players who want to bet with real money can choose to bet using live virtual games. For example, players can see and talk to the dealer in real time. Live Blackjack table games are very popular online. Many online casinos offer great promotions to attract players to their sites. The first goal is to check to see if they are registered and licensed with companies such as Malta Gaming Authorities. Next, players can search for sites with their favorite games. Most online gambling sites offer live betting games such as Blackjack, Russian Roulette, Slot machine, Sports Betting and more.
How to Gamble Online
It is an easy process to start earning money with online casinos. Check to see what kind of deposit promotions the casino offer. For example, some may offer a matching deposit with free spins. Search around for different bonuses and promotions. Before a player is ready to start gambling with real money, they should check to see what forms of payments the site accepts. One site may accept Visa and Mastercards. Another site may offer Skrill as a form of payment. Information regarding the process time for a deposit will be found in the help section on most sites. Set up a profile with a site that offers phone, email and live-chat support, e.g. judi bola. That ensures players can have a pleasant online experience.
Gambling Control
Gambling can become addictive if players do not organize their time and money. Top online gambling sites understand the importance of balance so they offer gambling support sites on their site. Most of the time players can find support sites towards the bottom, along with payment information. If a player does not control how they gamble, it could interfere with family, finances, and their life. For example, someone could be so addicted to gambling, they spend their rent money. The goal is to earn money gambling online in a responsible manner.


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A decade from AIDS to life and living
9 hours ago
Ok this headlong trip into nostalgia and narcissism will soon stop, I promise. This is Weetabix at 17. I was going for that sulky-male-model look. I kinda overdid it, abi?
PMSL @ the last photo...you know, the pouty one!! I think i get what you were trying to do...lol
Hilarious!!! What was the pout supposed to suggest? Bibi please do something, otherwise he is going to end up as my next screen saver.
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click & collect
Collect your order in-store R15 or FREE for orders over R250
Safeway Airbrush 400W
Detailed Description:
For over 30 years, Safeway has been providing South African homes with an extensive range of quality electrical appliances. Exclusive to Clicks and trusted by our customers, Safeway products are designed to be reliable and offer exceptional value. Did you know? Safeway has a broad range of products suited for your home consisting not only of household appliances but also audio and digital products, scales, plugs, adaptors, batteries, fans and heaters. We also offer an extensive range of personal grooming products including hairdryers, hair straighteners, men's shavers, hair clippers, body groomers and massage products. Recyclable: Paperboard carton. Talk to us... 0860 254 257. www.clicks.co.za. Guarantee: 12-month guarantee. Clicks promise: All electrical merchandise is covered by a 12-month guarantee from date of purchase excluding defects that occur due to normal wear and tear.
Pack size:
1 Airbrush
Quantity in pack:
Marketing description:
Safeway. Airbrush. 400W appliance power. Complete with 2-prong plug. 12 month guarantee.
Package type:
Safety precautions: Safety precaution and directions for use are included in owner's manual. Exercise caution. Product may remain hot for a period of time after use.


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A Descriptive Review of the Methodologies Used in Household Surveys on Medicine Utilization
Bertoldi, Andréa D
Barros, Aluísio JD
Hallal, Pedro C
Published Versionhttps://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-8-222
MetadataShow full item record
CitationBertoldi, Andréa D., Aluísio J.D. Barros, Anita Wagner, Dennis Ross-Degnan, and Pedro C. Hallal. 2008. A descriptive review of the methodologies used in household surveys on medicine utilization. BMC Health Services Research 8:222.
AbstractBackground: Studies carried out in the community enable researchers to understand access to medicines, affordability, and barriers to use from the consumer's point of view, and may stimulate the development of adequate medicines policies. The aim of the present article was to describe methodological and analytical aspects of quantitative studies on medicine utilization carried out at the household level. Methods: Systematic review of original papers with data collected in studies in which the household was a sampling unit, published between 1995 and 2008. The electronic review was carried out in Medline/Pubmed, Scielo and Lilacs. The reference lists of the papers identified were examined, as well as other publications by their authors. Studies on the utilization of specific pharmacological groups, or those including only respondents with a given disease were excluded. Results: Out of 4852 papers initially identified in the literature search, 61 fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Most studies were carried out in Europe and North America and used a cross-sectional approach. More than 80% used face-to-face interviews for data collection, and the most frequently used recall period for assessing medicine utilization was 14–15 days. In 59% of the studies, interviewers were trained to request the packaging of the medicines reported by the subjects; medical prescriptions were requested less frequently (15% of the studies). Conclusion: These data will be useful for updating researchers on what methods their peers are currently using. Such information may help overcome challenges in the planning and analyses of future studies. Moreover, this publication may contribute to the improvement of the quality of medicine use data obtained in household surveys.
Other Sourceshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2584639/pdf/
Terms of UseThis article is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Other Posted Material, as set forth at http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of-use#LAA
Citable link to this pagehttp://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:10246873
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Get the Facts About the Importance of Second Opinions
Just as the term suggests, a second opinion is another medical review in addition to the evaluation of the doctor who initially examined you. Patients have the right to seek as many additional medical opinions as they choose. There are many reasons why you might make a second appointment for an evaluation. After seeing a primary care doctor, for example, you might decide that your sports injury warrants attention from a specialist such as an orthopaedic doctor.
Confirming the Diagnosis
An orthopaedic doctor has extensive experience diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions and diseases. Getting a second opinion regarding the diagnosis may be particularly important when it involves a complex sports injury or other condition. Even if the orthopaedic doctor confirms the diagnosis of the initial medical provider, seeing a specialist is advantageous .
Understanding Your Condition and Options
Orthopaedic doctors tend to place an emphasis on patient education. By getting a second opinion from a specialist, you can receive in-depth answers to your questions about your condition. A specialist can help you understand what may have caused your problem and how you can prevent further problems in the future. You can also receive personalized treatment recommendations. An orthopaedic specialist may be able to treat complex conditions that primary care providers cannot. Seeing an orthopaedic doctor does not automatically mean that you will require surgery, however. Specialists in orthopaedics provide both conservative and surgical treatment options.
Increasing Your Comfort with Your Care
Patients with complex or severe musculoskeletal problems often find themselves more comfortable with care provided by an orthopaedic specialist. When you see a specialist, you can feel confident that your health is in good hands. The extensive experience of an orthopaedic doctor is an invaluable asset during the treatment planning process and the treatment itself.
If you would like to get a second opinion for your sports injury, you can contact MK Orthopaedics at (815) 741-6900. Our sports medicine specialists practice at locations in Joliet, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, New Lenox, and Shorewood. We are a full-service orthopaedic practice that offers comprehensive non-surgical and surgical care.
Four Reasons to Get a Second Medical Opinion
As the term suggests, a second medical opinion refers to additional medical advice following the initial diagnosis. For example, after receiving a diagnosis from the first doctor you visit, you may wish to get a second medical opinion from an orthopaedic surgeon. Getting a second medical opinion is particularly important if your condition is serious and may require invasive treatment, such as orthopaedic surgery. Another reason to consult a second doctor is to confirm the initial diagnosis or find out if there are additional diagnostic tests, or a different interpretations of the previous tests. The second doctor may help you explore alternative treatments. Your insurance may require a second or even third medical opinion so make sure you read and understand your insurance coverage before accepting your initial diagnosis and treatment plan. Lastly, getting a second medical opinion helps you become more familiar with your condition and treatment options, which can allow you to make informed decisions and feel more confident and in control of your health.
If you're looking for a second medical opinion , you can contact MK Orthopaedics to schedule an appointment with Dr. Komanduri, Dr. Rebecca Kuo, Dr. Aaron Kim, Dr. Joe George or Dr. Ryan Pizinger in Joliet or Shorewood. Call (815) 741-6900 or visit our website to learn more about our sports medicine services, including hip treatment, podiatric treatment and knee treatment.
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Dry Hands
Dry Hands - 29,5ml
Dry hands is a performance enhancing solution that alleviates grip problems caused by perspiration - so effective it actually repels water. It's not sticky or greasy and since it leaves no powdery mess you won't even realise it's on! Best of all it's long lasting and economical so you can concentrate on getting up that pole!
Apply a small amount into the palm and spread evenly across the surface. Allow to air dry for approximately 15 seconds.


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2018 - Year of the Dog
Happy Chinese New Year! To celebrate my recent birthday and upcoming Chinese New Year, I had my BaZi read by the amazing Feng Shui Master Jen Stone. Let me tell you, it was not what I expected - forget everything you think you know about 'feng shui' - a BaZi reading with Jen is the real deal and is rooted in classical Chinese philosophy and cosmology. Jen graciously agreed to be this week's guest blogger, and share her insights on Chinese New Year and what this upcoming Year of the Dog has in store for you!
According to the Chinese Hsia Calendar, February 4th marks the first day of Spring and is the official arrival of the new Animal year. New Year's celebrations, with their emphasis on romance and indulgence, might seem totally secular. But underneath all that glitter and sparkle is an ancient holiday with deep spiritual roots. For centuries, people have been observing the end of one year and the beginning of another.
That's why the New Year is usually marked as a signal for renewal and rebirth, and a time when we get to reflect back on the previous year and take stock of both theblessings—and lessons—that came into our lives.
One way the Chinese prepare for the upcoming year is by learning and understanding what the coming-year's energy means and how it will impact them specifically. It surely is a wonderful and intentional way to align your actions, feelings, and major decisions with the new cycle. I believe that no matter how the energy will transpire for you, this awareness helps you navigate the year with ease, perspective, and success!
The Elements for the Year 2018 is called Yang Earth Dog 戊戌. Because an Earth Element "sits on top" of the Dog (and the Dog is also an Earth Element), this combination can sometimes be referred to as "Dog Going into Mountain." The relationship—and them—of these Elements is particularly complicated and ominous. But the overall sentiment can be summarized like this:
The year encourages the desire for independence and self-reliance. However, this does not necessarily mean there is any less generosity or thoughtfulness from others. The energy simply helps to open up the space for nurturing and cultivating intuition and foresight.
RELATED READING: Buddha Bowl Bliss
To be in alignment with the Earth Dog Year, I invite you to return to the essence of Mama Earth and all that she represents and symbolizes, including:
- Taking care of your overall immune system, especially your belly health.
- Evaluating your existing relationships and asking yourself whether or not they are sustainable, unifying, and nourishing.
- Being more open to exploring spirituality and unconventional knowledge.
- Spending more time with nature and connecting with the soil, such as gardening and planting.
Cheers to a fantastic start to the Year of the Dog and may it be filled with good health, good luck, and prosperity!
Jen Stone
Accredited Feng Shui Master, International Feng Shui Association The First and Only Professional to be Accredited in North America
USA Representative to Grand Master Raymond Lo


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|Dan Jimenez, VP Leni Robredo and Sister Patricia Fox
Sister Fox left the country for good
Just like what the opposition and Liberal Party believes on, Fox expressed disagreement on the drug war that is currently happening in the country. For her, such act is an abuse to the human rights. Having the second highest position in the government, Vice-President Leni Robredo let out her grief on Fox' being kicked out of the country.
More Filipino than many of us
Dan Jimenez, a Philippine Military Academy graduate and an ex-military personnel launched his resentment to Robredo's statement,
|Dan Jimenez, photo from his FB
Jimenez painstakingly gives a more accurate rebut to VP Leni following the latter 's statement. Taking the other way around, Jimenez believes that Robredo is actually pointing out herself through her words. After all the shaming she has done for the country right in front of the international media, delivering lies. Added to that, her acts of undermining the government projects and washing away the faith to the government she actually belongs to. Her, now being the critic not of the president alone but the whole government which people have seen through her great efforts to belie the administration in every talk with media people.
Not only that is elaborated by Dan but the incompetence and cluelessness of Leni to everything despite holding the VP position. And by that, the PMA graduate believes that the Australian nun, Fox is more Filipino than Robredo alone.
Patricia Fox was ordered for deportation way back July when the news broke out that the nun is joining rallies against the government. She left the country last Saturday and was welcomed by a crowd of friends in the Melbourne Airport. The nun is happy to be back in her motherland but at the same time saddened by the fact that she no longer allowed to go back to the Philippines until Duterte's reign.
Read full post below:
Robredo: Sister Fox 'more Filipino than many of us'
Wow! Is she talking about herself? Her shaming of the country through lies and insinuations in the world stage? Her supposed scavenging of dorm furniture in the US for her daughter? Her undermining almost all of the government's programs just because she is against the President? Her incompetence, uselessness and cluelessness even if she holds the second highest position of the land?
She may be right. No correct that. She is absolutely right. Fox is more Filipino than her!
Source: Dan Jimenez


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1Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical faculty, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran - 2Emergency medicine resident, Medical faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran - 3Medical Student, Medical faculty, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
Background and objectives: Given the importance of nosocomial infections, especially urinary tract infections, on mortality, morbidity and disability of patients and unfortunately increasing antibiotic resistance that makes up the most important part of treatment of the affected patients, the present study evaluated the pattern of antibiotic resistance and the prevalence of bacterial pathogen of nosocomial urinary infections in the intensive care unit of Mostafa Khomeini hospital during the 2012 to 2016.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 194 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit with positive urine cultures. Information on age, sex, length of hospital stay, underlying diseases, cause of hospitalization and duration of urinary catheter use were recorded for each patient in a check list. After identifying the nature of the bacteria, antibiogram was performed by disk diffusion method and the results were compared with standard tables to record the results as sensitive, moderately sensitive and resistant.
Results: Gram-negative bacilli are responsible for urinary tract infections, including strains of E. coli, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiellaspp and Proteus spp., with a frequency of 77.3% and gram positive cocci, including Enterococcus and Staphylococcusspecies with a frequency of 22.7%. The least antibiotic-resistant against gram-positive pathogens was related to ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime and against gram-negative bacilli was related to nitrofurantoin and ciprofloxacin.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the resistance antibiotic pattern changes over time; thus, performing urine culture and antibiogram test is essential before beginning treatment and choosing the appropriate antibiotic, in order to pre- vent antibiotic resistance.
nosocomial infections, urinary tract infections, antibiotic resistance, intensive care unit


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Wednesday, January 23, 2008
American Idol irritation.
The "bad" people are SO TOTALLY plants. I mean, some of them might be *that* weird, but seriously, most of them are fake. They just want to be on TV, and it's annoying. Plus, they keep letting people who are WAY TOO OLD on, just because they are bizarre.
Did anyone see the guy with the fingernails??? EW!
They never show the good people. It's not nearly as entertaining after 7 years of it.
And some of the people they DO show that they say are "good" absolutely stink.
PLUS! Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard AND Katherine McPhee all got dropped from their record labels. So, why exactly is the point of "America" voting, if "America" doesn't buy the records of the people that "America" likes?
Sigh. I. can't. stop. watching.
4 comments:
- EM said...
Darling sister-if it is that bad, why is it that you continue to torture yourself?
- January 24, 2008 at 6:26 AM
- Kara said...
I had no idea those 3 were dropped from their record labels. That's crazy to me. Well, not that I listened to any of them. I honestly can't watch that show any more because it drives me CRAZY that they just show these awful people that totally can't sing or are crazy, just like you said.
- January 24, 2008 at 2:17 PM
- Alisa said...
This was the first season i decided to not watch the try outs. I think i will go straight to the real show. And why can't the judges just do the voting?The fingernail guy was gross. I couldn't even look at the TV.
- January 24, 2008 at 3:04 PM
- Chels said...
Katherine, Rueben and Taylor's seasons were rigged. That's why. Well, Katherine's MIGHT not have been, but she's absolutely ridiculously stupid and if I were a record company I wouldn't want to work with her either.
- January 25, 2008 at 1:50 PM


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All Songs of Lost Kings in 2019 - 6 Songs
1 1 Total
Lost Kings Most Popular Songs
Views: 497
Lost Kings Recent Songs
Updated: Jan 05
Updated: Jan 05
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1 1 Total
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by: Lost Kings
Featured Songs of Lost Kings / Lost Kings Songs Covers
Updated: Jun 10, 2017
Download Latest Lost Kings Songs mp3
Are you searching for the Latest Lost Kings Songs to Download? Search no further, We have picked the current top trending songs of Lost Kings you can download, stream and play online. Download the Audios, Share and Enjoy
Lost Kings Songs rating: 5 out of 5 with 6 ratings


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A 2 year Kid has started to make 2-3 words sentences and notice things like shape and color. It is also about time we start introducing numbers to these young inquisitive champs.
Best educational toys for 2 years old kid, are ones which not only aid the learning process of the child, but also assuage the "terrible twos".
Also, every learning toy should help a child herself learn new things, develop her imagination, and discover her own ways to have fun.
At Ira, we understand this!
So, our team of Experts from different Preschools, have designed an Educational Toy Set which takes care of language development, learning numbers, shapes & colours as well as fine tune the motor skills using our colouring & line worksheets.
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2018. All rights reserved. iraparenting.com.


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Good news for women this week is coming out of the Harvard Business Review. Perhaps unsurprising to many of our readers, the site shared research this week that shows that women respond better to competitive pressure than men do.
The study, which analyzed 8,200 games from Grand Slam tennis matches, showed that male players' performance suffered in high-stakes games. Comparatively, female players' performance stayed the same in higher-stakes matches.
"Women choked less than men in situations that mattered," according to the study's author, Alex Krumer, of the University of St. Gallen.
To be sure, tennis matches only account for a small portion of performance in the world at large. But measuring tennis matches makes it easy to measure competition and the stakes of a situation, Krumer said in an interview with the HBR.
"If you look at the literature on cortisol, the stress hormone, you'll find that levels of it increase more rapidly in men than in women — in scenarios from golf rounds to public speaking — and that those spikes can hurt performance," Krumer noted.
Translation: Men and women may actually have different chemicals that affect the ways we react to high-pressure situations.
This affects our lives outside of tennis, from the boardroom to our relationships.
"Think about other roles in which you'd want people who stay calm under pressure — CEO positions at large companies, for example," Krumer told HBR. "You don't generally see average Joes or Janes filling them. You see a different type of elite, experienced performer. And still, only about 4% of Fortune 500 chief executives are women."
- Alicia McElhaney / She Spends Issue #28


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You are hereHome >
Democracy Wins on the Maryland Ballot
On Tuesday, voters approved 3 ballot questions backed by Maryland PIRG, each playing an important roll in strengthening our democracy.
Question 2, on the statewide ballot, is an Amendment to the Maryland Constitution to enable Election Day Registation. Once finalized by the Maryland General Assembly eligible voters will be able to register to vote or update their registration and vote on Election Day. We have supported Election Day registration as an important tool to ensure all eligible voters can participate in our elections. It is particularly important to help 1st time voters, young voters, and folks who move a lot exercise their right to vote. It also helps clean up our voter polls, and reduce provisional ballots and administration. Cheers to Marylanders for supporting this measure! We look forward to working with Delegate Kirill Reznik, Senator Paul Pinsky, all of our legislators in Annapolis, and the Everyone Votes Maryland campaign to finalize the program.
Question H, in Baltimore City, is an Amendment to the City Charter to create the Fair Election Fund and Commission, laying the groundwork for small donor public financing for Baltimore City elections for Mayor, City Council, and City Comptroller. Under a Fair Elections Program candidates who reject all large and corporate contributions can qualify for limited matching funds for small donations from Baltimore residents. This expands opportunity to run for office, encourages more small donor participation, and provides a much needed counterweight to the rise of corporate and large donor funding in City elections. We look forward to working with the Baltimore Fair Elections campaign, City Councilman Kristerfer Burnett, Mayor Pugh, and the entire City Council to finalize the program.
Question F, in Baltimore City, is an Amendment to the City Charter to strengthen and expand the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to increase accountability and good governance. This Amendment will strengthen the powers of the Office of the Inspector General by giving the office subpeona power to investigage cases. The Amendment will also make the office independent from the Executive branch so the OIG can fulfill their job without fear of being fired. Cheers to City Councilman Ryan Dorsey for spearheading this effor and the the Baltimore Coalition for Accountability and Transparency for their hard work on the campaign!
These victories have been hard fought. We've worked in the city and state legislatures to move them forward, including lobby days, phonebanks, public education events, public hearings, email actions and press events. We spent 9 long days at Early Voting and Election Day polling sites talking to voters. We stood in the rain, the heat, and the cold. And we're so glad we did. Thanks to our members, student leaders, interns, staff, coalition partners and elected officials for standing with us along the way!
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Zoo Med Plastic Plants (9 Varieties)
Product Code:ZMP
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We offer three different sizes of 9 varieties of Zoo Med Plastic Plant. Adding different sizes and types of leaf creates a more realistic feel and look. Enlarge the picture to see all varieties.
Available in three sizes:
- Small
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Available in 9 varieties:
- Amazonian Phyllo
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The majority of our equipment, dry goods and livefood can be shipped for £5.99 (2-3 day shipping)
We apologise but if you are interested in having a wooden vivarium delivered you should call us on 02920 190291 to see if we can accomodate you. We can offer wooden vivariums delivered with our livestock with animal courier is selected at no extra charge.
For guaranteed next day courier on livefood and frozen please select Next Day Courier for £9.99
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Animal or Vivarium Delivery Delivery within 150 miles of CF5 1JG - £60
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Animal or Vivarium Delivery within 5 miles of CF51JG - FREE
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Nossaman advised the Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority regarding environmental compliance for $1.5 billion, seven-mile, light rail transit project connecting Los Angeles with Santa Monica, California. Nossaman was counsel to the agency in successful defense of Project in litigation under NEPA and California Environmental Quality Act. The federal District Court dismissed the NEPA claims and California Supreme Court affirmed lower court judgment upholding project approvals. Neighborhood for Smart Rail v. Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority, 42 Cal.4th 439 (2013). Issues included: (1) Segmentation of Project; (2) Methodology for evaluation of impacts on air quality, traffic and greenhouse gas emissions; (3) evaluation of cumulative and growth-inducing impacts; and (4) evaluation of Project alternatives. The Court's decision allows construction of the project to continue on schedule and to provide desperately needed traffic relief to the residents of Los Angeles County.
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Trade Sales Account Manager
- Recruiter
- Alter London Ltd
- Location
- London (West), London (Greater)
- Salary
- Base salary £27,000-£35,000. OTE (£60,000+)
- Posted
- 08 Apr 2019
- Closes
- 06 May 2019
- Contract Types
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full Time
- Design Disciplines
- Retail
- Job Functions
- Account Management, Business Development / Sales, Strategy
Sales Account Manager
London W3, United Kingdom
Alter London is one of the UK's leading producers of bespoke furniture. Working closely with renowned interior designers and architects worldwide, we provide extensive in-house manufacturing services, specialising in high quality upholstery and luxury furniture for high end residential, luxury hotels and hospitality projects.
We require an exceptional individual to join us who has a genuine passion for furniture and the luxury interiors sector. The successful candidate must be an experienced driven sales professional, already delivering proven results from their own portfolio of interior design and trade professional accounts.
The Role
- Generate and deliver new trade sales and develop key trade relationships with high-end residential stakeholders, Architects & Designers, Specifiers in luxury interiors marketplace.
- Proactively manage existing clients delivering new sales and business development.
- Achieve personal sales targets and produce reports on business conversion.
- Identify and conduct weekly sales call opportunities, assisting clients on furniture specification and project details.
- Present proposals, written orders, communicating lead times and all relative information to client; handle objections.
- Be able to make outbound calls
- High Standard of English - written and verbal
- Highly efficient, able to work at a fast pace
- Able to manage their workload of 50 accounts at any one time
Essential skills and experience:
- Previous experience of making sales within luxury market, preferably trade
- Confident working to monthly targets, reporting and strong professional sales approach.
- Organised and professional, capable of working on multiple projects simultaneously without compromising accuracy. Confident in face to face client presentations, able to secure and retain new business.
- Personable with excellent client relation skills, Excellent negotiation and closing skills.
- IT literate with profound experience using Microsoft Office and CRM/SAP systems.
- Self-starter and highly-motivated with ability to work individually under pressure.
We offer an attractive industry leading salary package and a generous commission scheme, of which will be dependent on experience.
Starting Salary: £27,000 - £35,000 + benefits + quarterly bonus (OTE £60,000)
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Our sweet senior lady Shih Poo Harriette has just been diagnosed with Cushings Disease. If you are not familiar with this affliction, know that it's a particularly challenging one.
Here's a good synopsis from Kate Connick's blog post:
Cushing's Disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is a common condition in older dogs, often mistaken for the aging process itself. Dogs gain weight, lose hair, urinate in the house, and make owners begin to prematurely consider euthanasia. Yet Cushing's disease is treatable and that treatment can result in a longer, more comfortable life for the dog and its owner. [link to full article here]
Harriette Fund to Ensure Quality of Life
Though its treatable, the treatment is costly. At the recommendation of her vet, Dr. Paul Francis of Komoka-Kilworth Animal Clinic in Komoka Ontario, Harriette's first line of treatment will include Ketaconazole (Nizoral). This drug is given daily, and it can be prohibitively expensive to use, even with Dr. Francis' generous donation of 100 tabs.
That's why Beaver Creek Farm Sanctuary has set up our Harriette Fund to help meet Harriette's needs and keep her comfortable and happy.
We are most grateful for Harriette's foster family and BCFS volunteers Raye and Paul for their support, kindness and love. Raye and Paul have committed to long term care for Harriette, whether an adoptive family comes forward or to the end of her days.
If you'd like to make a donation to help Harriette you can do so from the link below; from our Donation Page here; or via PayPal, email transfer or snail mail. Our address is Beaver Creek Farm Sanctuary, 2930 Bowen Road Stevensville, ON L0S 1S0.


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Find us:
dark green, greenery color, grey, hoarfrost color, light green, mustard, olive, shades of green, winter color palette, winter color solution, winter shades.
black, color match, color match for design, color solution for home, dark green, greenery color, grey, hoarfrost color, light green, olive, shades of green, White Color Palettes.
autumn color, beige, bright orange, burgundy, color match, color solution for home, colors of autumn, grey, hoarfrost color, orange color, shades of orange, white color.
color match for home, dark green, grey, hoarfrost color, leaves color, olive, shades of green, shades of grey, silver, wedding color solution, winter color palette, winter color solution.
blue and brown, blue and light blue, Blue Color Palettes, brown, color match, color solution for home, grey, light blue, Orange Color Palettes, silver, warm brown, warm shades of brown.
asparagus color, color match, color palettes for decor, color solution, colors for decor, grass color, green pine, green sea, grey, lime, lime color, pastel green, shades of green.
beige, chocolate, chocolate shades, coffee, coffee beans, coffee with milk, color combination, color match, dark brown, grey, light grey, warm shades of beige, warm shades of brown, White Color Palettes.
Blue Color Palettes, color matching, dark-violet, grey, hot blue, lavender, lavender and its shades, lavender color, light violet, pale violet, shades of lavender color, shades of violet.


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Should We Add Patrick Watson
Chromatics have been voted into our playlist. Thanks to everyone who voted and this week we have a brand new artist for your comments to what we play.
This song comes from the Canadian artist Patrick Watson. The song is called "Into Giants" and comes from his fourth LP – Adventures In Your Own Backyard. Listen and let us know if you want to hear more from Patrick Watson on the Point 91.
Should We Add: Rules
1. Each song gets a whole week up on the site and Facebook to acquire as many votes for or against as possible.
2. If the song for the last week does not reach either 5 votes adds or 5 votes don't add, the song will stay on the site until either of the required allotment of votes is attained.
3. If the required votes is not reached within two weeks then the song will not be added.
4. If a song gets both 5 votes add and 5 votes don't add then we will go by which ever vote count is greater.
Listen and vote to the right or after the break!


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I feel like I haven't written on here in soooo long! I've been a little busy with my classes, and I was feeling not-so-inspired the first half of last week. Those feelings happen. It's rough when you don't feel creative, but I know from experience that you often have to get through those hard days to grow creatively. Inspiration is always around the corner...hence this new little collection I've been working on!
I'm still drawn to florals (don't worry...I'm working on something now that isn't 100% tied to florals) so this is a very flowery collection. I also created some fun bedroom mockups to bring these designs to life. Hopefully this week will prove to be very inspirational, and I'll feel a burst of creativity!


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How deep-seated are the problems in the Middle East? Consider: A 17-year-old Yazidi girl in northern Iraq was brutally stoned to death recently for being in love with a boy from a Muslim sect.
It's an "honor" killing that goes on in some cultures today without the appropriate worldwide revulsion. This case was different. It was caught on a cell phone video.
21st century, meet the Stone Age.
If supposed human rights organizations such as Amnesty International could get off their chronic anti-American kick for just a bit, they might gain some credibility and help turn the world's attention to the maltreatment and even barbaric acts toward the world's women.
And where is the United Nations? What good is a world diplomatic body if it doesn't stand toe to toe against the killers and abusers of innocent women and girls, and hand in hand with the victims?


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Dikt 2: Where were you?
Where were you when I were traped in my darkest fears?
Where were you when I were crying blood insteed of tears?
Where were you when my life was in a dark shadow of Horror?
Where were you when I were eaten by a terrible hollow?
I did trust you, belived that you were there for me.
I did belive in you, trusted that you would set me free.
I waited and waited in days and nights.
But you left me, left me with no rights.
Persons who said they belived in freedom and that they were my friends,
are now sold to money, and aint here by my side now when my life ends.
I am so tierd of being killed, like over and over again by you.
All the words you told me, not a single one of them were true?
I belived in you, and needed you to save me from myself.
But you left me, just caring for your own health.
Were I a too complex girl for you to love?
Were I too diffrend from the world, like a crow and a dove?
I am like a crow, dark and without a voice.
I am like a dove, beautiful, but not allowed to make any noise.
Now I am alone, with wounds that wont ever heal.
Wounds who hurts more than you will ever feel.
To you I were nothing but a tool and a toy.
I am the girl, which heart isnt respected by any boy.
What did I do to deserv this cold ending, without anyone by my side?
Where there noone that were perfect to me, in a world so wide?
You might think I am dumb, and that am going insane.
But I am not, becuse I know I am seeing my own bane.
But how much I ever hate you, I want to say good bye.
Good bye my friend, its time for me to die.


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PAC members raise questions about PC on UPA's 80:20 gold scheme
New Delhi: BJP Members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Thursday zeroed in on former Finance Minister P Chidambaram under whose tenure the government's 80:20 gold import scheme was launched, alleging it was misused by jewellers including fugitive Mehul Choksi for money laundering, sources said.
The Revenue secretary and top officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Excise and Customs
(CBEC) appeared before the PAC's sub-committee headed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Thursday.
In August 2013, the then UPA government had introduced the 80:20 rule, which said traders would be allowed to import gold only after they had exported 20 per cent of gold from their previous import. The rule was scrapped in November 2014 after the NDA came to power.
The members discussed a CAG report of 2016 which, they said, pointed out that the scheme resulted in a loss of over Rs 1 lakh crore to the exchequer, a source who was present at the meeting said on the condition of anonymity.
They also raised questions about then Finance Minister P Chidambaram, under whose tenure the scheme was launched, and said even the CAG report had said to support the earning of one US dollar (around Rs 60 then) for jewellers, the government had to bear the expenditure in the form of duty foregone of Rs 221.75.
The members also demanded that the Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India share all notings and details related to this gold import scheme with the panel.
The report of the Comptroller and Auditor General clearly indicated that the scheme was used by jewellers including Choksi for "round tripping of black money and money laundering", Dubey said at the meeting, claiming that it seemed P Chidambaram was aware of this.
Through the process known as round tripping, black money that goes out of the country returns as white money.
Members asked the ED director, CBDT and CBEC chairmen and Revenue secretary to share all file notings with them and also probe the possible linkages between the scheme and the PNB fraud.
The CBI has alleged that Choksi and his jeweller nephew Nirav Modi defrauded the Punjab National Bank of around Rs 12,636 crore. Both left the country in January.
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Optimus Prime is waiting to greet you at Universal Studios Orlando. (Photo: Handout/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images )
Universal Studios Orlando is not just about the movies -- it is three theme parks rolled into one. After exploring the movie lot, refresh yourself at Wet 'n Wild Waterpark, get in touch with your inner wizard while exploring Harry Potter's world on the Islands of Adventure, and be transformed by the Transformers Ride-3D. After all that excitement, you and the family may be glad that you picked a hotel close to the action, especially when you get to relax in your in-room hot tub.
Bring the family to a two-bedroom villa at Westgate Palace, a little more than a mile from Universal Orlando. Set up like an apartment, the villas have both living and dining areas, and each bedroom has a TV and a jetted tub. Kids and pets are welcome at Villas of Grand Cypress. The roomy two-bedroom villas have large Roman jetted or soaking tubs. After a morning swim or workout, round up the family and hop on the free shuttle to Universal. If you prefer to walk, Wet 'n Wild is only five minutes away and you can come back to your hotel to throw your wet clothes in the in-room washer and dryer.
It doesn't get more romantic than Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and you can't get much closer than a property that is part of Universal Orlando. The hotel mimics the Italian Riviera village of Portofino, so you can stroll along the cobblestone streets, sip vino at a sidewalk café and watch the colorful fishing boats floating in an artificial bay. Many spa tubs are clustered around the swimming pools but only the high-dollar suites come with a whirlpool tub. As a hotel guest, you will enjoy complimentary park transportation, "skip the lines" ride access, early park admissions and a chance to dine with with theme park characters. Imagine the bragging rights you'll have after dining with SpongeBob.
Hilton Grand Vacations Suites on International Drive, 9 miles from Universal Orlando, offers suites with large whirlpool tubs. Dine at one of the property's Italian restaurants or grab a bite at the poolside snack bar. The hotel is accessible, including a pool hoist, and service animals are welcome. Book a studio room at Westgate Lakes Resort and take a soak in the separate jetted tub. If you don't fancy dining in the hotel steakhouse, whip up your own meals in your kitchenette.
The budget-minded traveler can find a king room with a spa tub at Red Roof Inn Orlando South. Six miles from Universal, this chain hotel offers free Wi-Fi, refrigerator, microwave and an outdoor pool. Save some money by booking the Comfort Inn and Suites Winter Park Village, located 15 minutes from Universal Orlando. Some rooms have hot tubs and all guests can enjoy a free hot breakfast, complimentary newspaper, outdoor pool and exercise room.
Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.


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LED functional and ambient lighting for automotive interiors and exteriors continues to increase as an important branding tool for new vehicle designs. The innovative use of LEDs, coupled with new materials and advanced optic designs, is enabling stunning new design themes for automotive.
Sigma International's extensive lighting experience centers on innovation. Our LED ambient lighting provides improved driving comfort, and our expressive sill plates and puddle lamps enhance an OEMs brand through illumination.
We manufacture sill plates, interior accent lighting - illuminated cupholders, in-door illumination, seat back lighting - exterior puddle lamps, CHMSL lighting, and backlit laser-etched trim. We utilize a variety of technology from OLEDs, light guides and wave guides, to printed LEDs.
Let us help you navigate the increased federal safety and OEM LED decorative lighting standards on your next project, and be sure to ask us about our patented backlit lighting technology used on everything from emblems to knobs and buttons.


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BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KFSM) — The Exit 86 ramps on Interstate 49 will close for three months as crews work to improve the Arkansas 102/U.S. 62 interchange, according to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT).
Weather permitting, crews will close the northbound on-ramp and southbound off-ramp Friday (Feb. 15) after 9 p.m. The ramps could be closed until late May.
The northbound off-ramp to U.S. 62/Arkansas 102 and southbound on-ramp to I-49 will remain open.
Exit 86 allows access to both Bentonville and Rogers via Arkansas 102/Southeast 14th Street and U.S. 62/Hudson Road, respectively.
The main campus for Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) sits just east of the exit and traffic is often heavy in both directions.