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Didn't know there was such a thing?
Yeah, me either, until this year anyway. In fact, prior to this year I was completely and blissfully unaware of pretty much anything to do with HG. Ignorance, as they say, is bliss.
While I certainly shared a lot here on the blog about infusion pumps, IVs, and doctors appointments I feel like I never really talked about HG. I know that sounds really contradictory, but I rarely touched on the emotions or described how sick I was, it was certainly implied but never explained. This was largely because acknowledging hell, while you are walking through it, is incredibly hard to do. I worked extremely hard at remaining positive, and admitting out loud how hard day to day survival was ... well, that made the reality, the depression, and the fear all that more real. It was easier to just focus on the mechanics of day to day living -- how to use a Reglan Pump, how to sleep with an IV hooked up to you -- rather than begin to touch the explosive iceberg of how it made me FEEL.
I think I will attempt to do that now. Because this condition is horrible, and the only way we will ever be rid of it is to build awareness and hopefully a cure someday ...
The hardest part of HG, emotionally, is the isolation. It is deeply, profoundly, cripplingly isolating.
|Showing off after my first IV. I had over 40, not including
the 24/7 infusions with the PICC line.
And no one gets it. I had a lot of loving people around me, but I was the only one vomiting bile several times a day. I wouldn't pretend to understand what it was like for those who love me to have to watch me deteriorate, either.
The time that is meant to be your happiest is also your most miserable. You are robbed of the joy that pregnancy brings. While no one is comfortable for ALL of their pregnancy, the very nature of it is physically a challenge for most women, there are still good days. Still things to look forward to. While the end result of an HG pregnancy is the same as that of a regular "fluffy" pregnancy -- you have a baby -- the joyful stuff is difficult, if not impossible, to just enjoy.
How much medication will I have to take to not puke on my guests at the baby shower? Will I even be able to sit up that long?
Every time the baby kicks you get more nauseated, its like motion sickness from the inside.
I don't marvel at my changing body, I weep as I see myself deteriorate.
While I get to see my baby a lot at all these ultrasounds, I hold my breath for the first 10 seconds until I see that flash of a heartbeat is still there...
|Small sample of medical supplies
At the end of that first trimester I was incredibly sick despite being on pills and my doctor panicked and began my home health care journey. Any hope I had that I would be "normal" again was foolish, but I wasn't at death's door anymore. Anti-nausea medication is poorly named because it does not, in fact, remove your nausea. It makes it so you throw up less, if you are lucky. Treatment for HG is more hope than science, the medications I was taking are not approved for use in pregnant women and are usually given to those undergoing chemotherapy.
While other pregnant women could look forward to things, I was surviving. While other pregnant women could indulge in cravings I was avoiding food at all costs or identifying my "safe" foods (the ones I magically could keep down or were less punishing for me to throw up). While other pregnant women were combing over baby name books, reveling in the exciting hope and plans that come with the addition of a new person to the world, I was vomiting thirty times a day. I was hurting, everywhere. I was dry heaving more times than I could count with such force I pulled muscles. I burst blood vessels in my eyes and capillaries on my face with the force of my throwing up. I didn't need to see or think about, or smell food to get sick, the way normal women with morning sickness do. Speaking, the simple act of opening my mouth, would make me throw up. I would whisper to my husband when he'd ask me something, because the vibration of my vocal chords would make me throw up. I had the constant taste of death in my mouth. I was so weak that moving at all, was just too much some days.
|Source: http://www.helpher.org/
My stomach was covered in bruises and welts from my infusion pump and my bad reactions to it. My arms were littered with puncture marks from IV sticks, at least half of them failures. My veins were so scared they were palpable to even my untrained hands because they were so hard. My lips were permanently chapped from the near constant state of dehydration. My gums would bleed because of how much I was puking and because I could barely brush my teeth because the toothbrush made me gag -- a sick irony if you ask me. I have scars from both of my PICC lines. Our house was taken over by medical supplies, boxes arrived each week and my husband moved furniture based on how easy it would be to drag an IV cart around.
I wanted desperately to not be pregnant, but was simultaneously terrified of my pregnancy ending. I was supremely guilty for thinking of myself. I wanted relief, and the only way I'd get it was to survive until my due date. I was terrified that I wouldn't get better, that we wouldn't make it, that there would be some horrible lasting impact on my baby from lack of nutrition or the countless medications I was taking. Some women with HG suffer from organ failure. Some women lose their baby. Some have even died themselves.
It was hell. And few people can begin to approach understanding it because we all have our own experiences ... and we all have our own challenges and crosses to bear.
|At three years old, the Beans drew me with an
IV and infusion pump because it
became normal
I read somewhere that women who's mothers battled HG have a higher risk of developing it themselves. This saddens me more than I can express. My daughter is already an HG survivor and if she chooses to become a mother she may have to face it in a different way.
This means I have to do my part in raising awareness over the next twenty some odd years.
This means we need to find a cure, or at least a reasonable means of treatment.
This means I have to do my part in raising awareness over the next twenty some odd years.
This means we need to find a cure, or at least a reasonable means of treatment.


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Property Location
Located in Peterborough, Super 8 Peterborough is close to Canadian Canoe Museum and Peterborough Memorial Centre. This hotel is within the vicinity of Art Gallery of Peterborough and Peterborough Lift Lock.
Make yourself at home in one of the 82 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and complimentary newspapers, as well as phones with free local calls.
Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and a fireplace in the lobby.
A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily.
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access, a computer station, and express check-in. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided at no charge.
Are you affiliated with Super 8 Peterborough? Apply to the Hotel WiFi Connect program to take control of your account, improve your hotel's confidence score and ranking.
© 2013-2016 Hotel WiFi Test Inc.

subset: commoncrawl


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Wildfires in Colorado, United States
Dozens of wildfires, fueled by hot temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity have been affecting parts of Colorado in what has been described as the worst fire season in the history of the state. Of particular concern is the Waldo Canyon Fire, which has doubled in size from 6,200 acres to over 15,000 acres within the last 24 hours. The blaze has spread into the city limits of Colorado Springs, the second-most populated city of Colorado. More than 32,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes. Authorities have been unable to assess the amount of homes damaged from the blaze due to the intensity of the flames, but stated that structures and residences in the northwest corner of Colorado Springs are burning. Colorado Springs Fire Chief, Rich Brown, stated that the fire is one of epic proportions and that the blaze is "not even remotely close to being contained." In northern Colorado, the High Park Fire has already consumed 257 homes and produced one fatality, however, the fire is reported as being nearly contained. A new wildfire near the city of Boulder is also causing concern. While there is no immediate danger to city residents, nearly 2,500 pre-evacuation notices have been sent to residences.
While fire crews are battling numerous blazes in Colorado, the most dangerous appears to be the Waldo Canyon Fire. The fire grew explosively on Tuesday due to high heat and wind gusts of about 65 mph (105 kmph), causing the fire to more than double in size since yesterday morning. The ferocity of the blaze stunned local fire crews, with incident commander Rich Harvey describing how at one point the fire managed to jump a half mile across a local reservoir. The blaze forced tens of thousands of residents to flee the area, including parts of the U.S. Air Force Academy just north of Colorado Springs. The community of Mountain Shadow, northwest of Colorado Springs, was reported as being enveloped in an orange glow Tuesday night. The American Red Cross has set up evacuation shelters to accommodate evacuees, and insurance companies have deployed catastrophe response teams to the evacuation facilities.
Hazard data illustrated in the CAT-i map was taken from i-aXs®, Guy Carpenter's web-based risk management platform. i-aXs users can view impacted areas on any map as well as see how their portfolios were affected. Please contact your broker or GC Analytics (SM) representative for assistance or go to www.i-axs.info for further information.
More than 1,000 firefighters are battling the Waldo Canyon Fire, which is only 5 percent contained. Although the fire is being reported as less intense than yesterday, the increase in temperature throughout the day is expected to worsen conditions. A forecast of thunderstorms in the area threatens to provide further challenges for fire crews battling to contain the blaze. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for portions of Colorado, including the Waldo Canyon Fire zone, as the potential for flash flooding exists for areas charred by the fire. Hot and dry weather is forecasted for the remainder of the week, providing favorable conditions for wildfires.
Nearly half of the nation's wildland firefighting fleet is in Colorado, as the state is experiencing one of the worst wildfire outbreaks in its history. The High Park Fire, which is now nearly contained, is the second largest fire in acreage and the most destructive wildfire in terms of homes destroyed in Colorado's history. The blaze, triggered by lightning, destroyed 87,250 acres and consumed 257 homes near Fort Collins, Colorado. Residents who fled the area should be able to return to their homes within the next 48 hours. Fire crews have been battling the blaze for two weeks, but as the fire appears to be mostly contained at 65 percent, any available resources are being sent to other parts of the state currently battling dangerous wildfires.
Lightning caused another wildfire to spark in an area west of the city of Boulder yesterday. The fire has consumed 228 acres and firefighters are currently battling the blaze to prevent it from entering the city. The fire, now within a mile and a half of the city, has prompted officials to provide more than 2,500 residents with pre-evacuation notices.
Guy Carpenter will continue to monitor the progress of the wildfires and will issue an update if any significant developments occur.
Sources: Reuters News, Associated Press, MSNBC, CNN, Denver Post, The Wall Street Journal
Click here to register for e-mail updates from GC Capital Ideas >>
Guy Carpenter publishes CAT-i reports for major natural catastrophes worldwide. These reports cover catastrophes including worldwide tropical cyclones, earthquakes, major UK and European floods and any other natural event that is likely to incur a significant loss to the (re)insurance industry. Please email email@example.com if you wish to be added to the free email distribution list.
Guy Carpenter compiles RISK-i reports for major technological or man-made events worldwide. These reports cover risks to property, transport and life including explosions, fires, crashes, engineering disasters and terrorist attacks that are likely to incur a significant loss to the (re)insurance industry. Please email email@example.com if you wish to be added to the free email distribution list.


text:
Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
Hears all appeals on any variance to a ruling made by a city official or a variance to any local codes.
This board hears all appeals and renders decisions upon rulings and refusals of ruling by the building official when requests for a modification or a variation from the provisions of this division have been made.
The Elgin Economic Development Corporation administers the sales tax and owns and operates the Elgin Business Park.
The goal of Envision Elgin is to promote sustainable growth of Elgin, through coordinated and cooperative leadership in order to attract businesses, encourage lifelong learning, and maintain the shared belief in Elgin's core values.
The Historic Review Board meets to review applications for alterations to buildings including signs within the historic district in downtown Elgin.
The board makes suggestions to the City Manager and Council about the function the library plays in the community through policy, procedure and other issues.
The board promotes downtown revitalization through the Main Street Four Point Approach and hosts the Hogeye Festival.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviews and make recommendations for maintenance, operation, planning, development, enlargement, and use of park facilities and services.
The Planning and Zoning Commission addresses issues related to zoning, new development, and land use.
The board reviews public safety items related to police, fire, and emergency management services.
The Traffic Control & Safety Committee reviews requests from Elgin Residents for issues concerning street signage, traffic control measures, speeding, etc. The committee makes recommendations to City Council to implement changes as appropriate.


text:
As I mentioned, Tricks and I have a constant conversation going. Ideas fly by and gets stored somewhere in the back of the brain, but do they actually get executed?
So Tricks had the marvellous idea to start a category for this, for ideas and plans. 'Nuff said! I hereby declare the category "Ideas & Plans" open.
Another great idea she had to start things off (One thing you got to love about her! So many good ideas) was this:
That both of us, separately, makes something using the same stamp. Just so see what happens, just to see how different the outcome would be.
This is really brilliant. We did something similar a few weeks back when we were invited for dinner to one of our mutual friends. We made half a card each and then glued it together, only having our Sassafras "Oliver & Friends" stamp as a common element (a lucky strike, our friend had owl wallpaper in her new place).
The card was hysterical, two very different halves, and still nice as a whole. I wish we'd take a picture of it, it was like an epitome of Jen & Tricks! Hopefully, if we get our asses in gear, this idea of Tricks will give us the chance to do something like that again.


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Published on 10-24-2011 12:03 PM
Penny Auction Help is starting up a new contest to get rid of some of the free bids that are donated each month by our wonderful sponsors!
We have "hidden" images throughout the forum posts that contain email links to us. Simply find the image and shoot us the email letting us know that you found our hidden image. The image is always the same:
Simply go through the site and find as many as you can before Friday! We will be giving about 200 FREE BIDS away this week!
Make sure that you pay particular attention to out sponsor's forums, as they are the ones that make this whole thing possible! It also wouldn't hurt to throw a post in there thanking them for their support to show them that people visit their forums!
In total we have hidden 15 of these images throughout the forum. Lets see who can get them all! They are numbered 1 through 15 in the subject line of the email so you know how you're doing.
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Smokoo.com helps Penny Auction Help's football pick em get even bigger!
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has offered to add some excitement to the popular Penny Auction Help Pick EM! Each week we have been running VIP contests for our members using an NFL Football pick em. Posters with the most correct picks each week have been winning bids from our sponsor penny auction sites for their posts.
Smokoo.com contacted us last week and offered to help us up the ante! Smokoo.com is offering 100 bids towards the contest!! Penny Auction Help will continue to list the NFL pick em threads. For the next 3 weeks the posters picks will be totaled and the poster with the most correct picks over the next 3 weeks will get 100 FREE BIDS to Smokoo.com!!
This prize is in addition to the weekly winners!! What are you waiting for? Stop in the forum each week and make your picks, then root for your teams to win.
Don't forget to stop by the Smokoo.com forum if you have extra time and thank them for this generous donation to our Penny Auction Help Pick EM! ...
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Major League Baseball promotion happening at Ragingbid.com
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" This promotion will be ongoing throughout the playoffs. However the members cannot change their picks and the promotion bids will be only credited for games not yet played. Multipliers are based on the total bids purchased from the start of the promotion.
It?s Friday and the means that it?s the Night of the Matador! It?s also the start of the playoffs for major league baseball. So we have made an ongoing promotion just to ...
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VIP Free auctions return thanks to Our sponsors!
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Penny Auction Help is happy to announce that our fun filled VIP auctions have returned. These auctions are 100% free to our Penny Auction Help VIP's!
Becoming a VIP is as easy as stopping in the forum and posting "I wanna be a penny auction help VIP!" in the
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Penny Auction Help is always giving away bids to our sponsors all the time! More sponsors include:
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BidPigs.com is featured at Penny Auction Coupon
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Penny auction site Bidpigs.com is being featured today at PennyAuctionCoupon.com. For today only you can get 50 bids to this trusted penny auction site for only $8.00.
BidPigs.com offers many of your favorite gift cards and prides themselves in delivery fulfillment and customer satisfaction for almost two years in the penny auction industry. When you win at BidPigs.com you never need worry about getting your items!
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HogitUp.com is Baaaaack!
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The free bidding penny auction site
is returning to the penny auction scene. After about 2 months of hiatus, Rabideagle Enterprises has decided to go ahead and re-start auctions at HogitUp.com. We have re-worked many of the sites features and will be trying a new twist to the free penny auction theory.
HogitUp.com does not charge a per bid fee, ever. Instead members pay a low membership fee to access all auctions on the site. The new twist to the site is this:
Membership will be based weekly, priced for now at $7.00. Live auctions at HogitUp.com will only be scheduled on the week-ends. These auctions will be for items, usually Amazon cards or other popular gift cards with a total value equal to the "membership pool." The membership pool value will grow with every new member throughout the week.
Buying your membership gains you access to the week-end auctions, and unlimited bids! All of the Live auctions will start at $0.00 and will increase ...
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Ragingbid.com announces an EMMY promotion
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is keeping with their track record of coming up with fun contests for their users by announcing a unique and fun contest involving the up-coming Emmy Awards. Ragingbid wants users to guess who will win the Emmy's, among other things, to earn free bids! Visit the
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Here is the Ragingbid.com Press Release:
"As a special promotion RagingBid will be running a Night at The Emmys promotion starting on Saturday at 5:00 PM EST through 8:00 PM EST on Sunday (the start of the Emmys) We will have 19 of the most popular categories for our members to choose from. Each correct answer will earn them 25 bids and the person that has the most correct answers will win a $50.00 AMC or Regal Cinema Gift card. Here?s where you can rack up some big bids, if you buy a 50 bid pack we will multiply your correct answers X2, and if you buy a 75 bid pack we will multiply your correct answers
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Servcorp will open an entire new floor at one of Osaka's most prestigious location in Umeda –The Hilton Plaza West Office Tower.
From September 28, 2015, in addition to their existing floor on Level 19, Servcorp will be opening a spectacular new floor at Level 18 Umeda Hilton Plaza West Office Tower. Known to have one of the highest real-estate values in Osaka, the existing serviced offices on Level 19 have almost always been fully occupied by a variety of clients. In order to meet customers' demands, Servcorp has decided to open another floor right below. "We are very excited to open a new floor in The Hilton Plaza West Office Tower – Osaka is a bustling city where more and more businesses expand into. We now have the largest and most prestigious serviced office to offer Osaka's growing business community" says Olga Vlietstra, General Manager of Servcorp Japan.
Umeda's The Hilton Plaza West - Office Tower is full of luxury and has an impressive architecture. The building contains several prestigious designer brand stores and a range of cafés and top restaurants. The 20-story glass building is occupied by prestigious tenants and stores from designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chopard, Ferragamo, Bvlgari and Limowa. It is also directly linked to Herbis Plaza and is situated right in front of JR Osaka Station.
Don't miss the great opportunity to start or expand your business in Osaka!
Level 18 Umeda Hilton Plaza West Office Tower
2-2-2 Umeda Kita-ku
Osaka 530-0001 Japan
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Here at the clinic we help people manage a wide variety of dis-ease and disorders, It is important to point out that we employ the Hippocatic approach to disease management being to " treat the person an not the disease" .
We find that best results are achieved when we assess each person individually as not two diseases are alike . For example several people may have Diabetes however each patient has their own indivual expression and cause of the disease. With this understood patients can be given a management program uniquie to their own needs . NOT simply a one drug fits all approach .
With the above in mind one can understand that most conditions can benefit from Integrative and Naturopathic treatment , even with the simplest of changes according to the individual , wether it be a comprehensive program or a simple dietary change to support medical treatment.
Conditions commonly Managed in our clinic


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Home > All About Maine > State Symbols > State Herb - Wintergreen
State Herb - Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
Adopted by the legislature of 1999 as the state herb. Wintergreen grows in wooded areas and in some clearings from Canada to Georgia. The low growing, glossy leafed herb provides an attractive ground cover; in particular from fall to winter when red berries adorn the plants. In July, the plants bloom, producing white bell shaped flowers.
Traditionally wintergreen has been used for its soothing qualities providing relief from a variety of ailments. Native Americans crushed the leaves and applied them in order to relieve strained muscles and inflammations. Additionally, teas made from wintergreen relieve internal discomforts like sore throats and upset stomachs. Some early colonists even substituted wintergreen for their regular tea, which was heavily taxed during the American Revolution. Today wintergreen is used to flavor gum, candy, and toothpaste.
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In just milliseconds, a voltage surge can destroy valuable equipment or even bring an entire facility down; thus, protection against transient voltage spikes is important. Hard-wired transient protection devices are covered by either Art. 280 (above 1kV) or Art. 285 (1kV or less). Art. 280 refers to them as surge arresters, while Art. 285 refers to them as surge-protective devices (SPDs).
Most Art. 285 surge arresters operate by "clipping off" the highest level of voltage and diverting it away from the load. In this manner, the voltage on the conductor is limited to a predetermined level. The spark gap arrester is a simple device and an example of a surge arrester. Although it's an Art. 280 device, describing its operation helps us understand the operation of the surge arresters covered by Art. 285.
One lead of the spark gap arrester is on the protected conductor; the other is on the conductor of an alternate path. At the arrester, an "air gap" (actually, it's not air but some inert gas) separates these leads. The gas normally provides such a high impedance that current flow is nearly zero (per Kirchhoff's Law, some current will flow through the gas). But when voltage hits a certain level, current jumps through the gas. Subsequently, the gas acts as a short circuit. The gas will continue to shunt current until voltage drops to a level closer to normal.
Article 285 surge-protective devices don't use a gas and don't have the short-circuit effect. Instead, a solid state device, such as a metal oxide varistor (MOV) or silicon avalanche suppression diode (SASD), "switches on" at a certain voltage. Unlike the spark gap arrester, these devices conduct only the overvoltage portion of the electricity. The effect is called "voltage clamping," and they have to clamp within a limited range of voltage.
That's where transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSSs) come in. A basic TVSS cascades a series of MOVs to render the spike progressively smaller until it's no longer a threat. Thus, you can install one device that will handle the entire voltage range of the spike at a given location. However, a TVSS may do more than that, because the diversion technique isn't the only method of dealing with power spikes.
Although it's true that diversion devices tend to dissipate much of the transient energy as heat, they do not eliminate transient power spikes. They primarily reduce the voltage levels and incidentally reduce the energy levels, which isn't always sufficient protection. It may also be necessary to add filtering to the protection scheme. Filtering devices do not divert the transients, but use inductive and capacitive elements to absorb them. Filtering devices may be incorporated into a TVSS, which is subsequently covered by Art. 285.
Hardware. When planning an SPD installation, look at your hardware options. For example, you must decide which performance specifications you need for each device at a given point of protection. It's tough to sort through all this and come up with a well-engineered solution. But it's even tougher to go back and do it over if you didn't comply with the following SPD requirements at the outset:
1) Where used, the SPD must be connected to each ungrounded conductor of the circuit [285.4].
2) SPDs must be listed [285.5] for the intended use. UL 1449, "Standard for SPDs," clearly states that these units "limit the maximum amplitude of transient voltage surges to specified values."
3) Each SPD must be marked with its short-circuit current rating, and a hazardous condition is present if the SPD short-circuit current rating is less than the available fault current.
Installation. SPDs aren't essential to the prevention of fires, so the NEC doesn't require anyone to install them. However, incorrect installation poses a hazard. Therefore, if you install SPDs, you must install them per Art. 285. Don't install SPDs in any of the following applications [285.3]:
• Circuits that exceed 1kV.
• Ungrounded systems, impedance grounded systems, or corner-grounded delta systems, unless listed specifically for use on these systems.
• Where the voltage rating of the SPD is less than the maximum continuous phase-to-ground voltage available at the point of connection.
Avoid unnecessary bends in SPD conductors [285.12], and don't make the conductors any longer than necessary. You can connect only one conductor to a terminal, unless the terminal is identified for multiple conductors [110.14(A)] (Fig. 1).
Three ratings. From highest energy level to lowest, SPDs may be rated Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 [285.1, FPNs 1 and 2]. The energy level is a device safety rating based on several characteristics. SPD Type is not a performance rating. The NEC is concerned only with the safety aspects; therefore, it provides limitations on where you can install an SPD based on its Type.
Type 1 SPD — You can install Type 1 SPDs [285.23] on the supply side of service equipment [230.82(4)] (Fig. 2). It's also common to install them on the load side of service equipment per 285.24, based on the energy levels encountered there. You must connect them to one of the following:
(1) Service neutral conductor.
(2) Grounding electrode conductor.
(3) Grounding electrode for the service.
(4) Equipment grounding terminal in the service equipment.
Type 2 SPD — You can install Type 2 SPDs [285.24] on the:
• Load side of service equipment per 285.24 (Fig. 3).
•The load side of the building/structure overcurrent device.
• The premises wiring of the separately derived system.
Type 3 SPD — You can install Type 3 SPDs [285.25] on the load side of a branch-circuit overcurrent device up to the equipment served. But only if the connection is a minimum 30 ft of conductor distance from the service or separately derived system disconnect.
Conductors. Conductors for SPDs must be at least 14 AWG copper or 12 AWG aluminum. You can connect an SPD between any two circuit conductors and all grounding connections must conform to Art. 250, except as noted in Art. 285.
Permanent transient protection. A good transient protection system that includes a properly specified SPD scheme installed per Art. 285 can easily pay for itself with one power event. The economics for installing such a system are compelling for almost any facility. That doesn't mean you can just install it and forget about it. By the nature of what they are called upon to do, SPDs tend to lead fairly short lives compared to other electrical equipment.
While you can easily tell when a transformer blows or a motor fails, an SPD failure doesn't announce itself by shutting down production. An SPD doesn't operate under normal conditions; it operates under abnormal conditions. For this reason, a failure goes unnoticed when everything is going well (unless you have SPD instrumentation to make it noticed).
The NEC doesn't require you to conduct preventive maintenance, monitoring, or testing on your SPDs. Nor does it require you to test them after a storm or after a known power event.
From an operational viewpoint, however, these measures allow you to ensure your SPDs will provide the protection that justified their installation in the first place. "Testing by transient" is not a cost-effective way to maintain SPDs.


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A number of recent posts presented the Royal Tribes of Wales [I-V] as recorded in Burke 1840 edition. The following table presents the "Royal" and "Noble" tribes as they are geographically distributed among the lands of Wales. It also list the individual who is given as the founder of each tribe.
This table was completed from my research accomplished before 1992, and published in "The Jones Genealogist" a family newsletter started in 1989. These tribes and their geographic location would be a foundation to the genetic haplotypes found among the mountains.


text:
I returned to Karlskrona a few days ago after having spent most of the summer in Denmark (apart from five days in Berlin). It has been a great summer and I guess I wish it had lasted a bit longer.
Anyway, I'm back at work now and that is fun too. Yesterday, I was asked to do a seminar about my research at HUMlab as well as a workshop on building and designing in Second Life at Umeå University in November. It will be great to see everyone there again and it is always interesting to travel that far north.
I'm only scheduled to do a little bit of teaching in the autumn, which means that I can focus a lot on my dissertation. I have drafted an outline over the summer and will hopefully finish at least one of the chapters in the upcoming months.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Ok.. I get it. It's autumn.
Posted by Mia at 3:42 pm
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text:
Organic products have become my lifesaver since getting pregnant! I've always been pretty good at incorporating as many natural items into my skincare routine as possible, but now that my actions directly affect our baby girl, I'm not putting anything on my skin unless I know it's made from organic ingredients and approved for pregnant women!
Although there are several organic brands you can purchase at your local store, it's hard to know if these products work effectively. A product can get advertised as much as it wants, but I'm not buying unless it's been recommended to me by a legitimate source. Hey, I'm not taking any chances!
So, for anyone who is pregnant, health-conscious, or simply enjoys using the best products on the market, here are details on how I use 6 of my favorite organic products that are not only approved by the baby, but they have also been given the thumbs up from me, as well!
[show_boutique_widget id="381796″]
1. Mama Mio Tummy Rub Oil: Apply on midsection twice daily.
2. Coconut Oil: Rub all over body after showering. Some people aren't a fan of the sticky feeling, but I don't mind it:) I'll also use it on my hair and as a mouthwash. It is rumored to whiten your teeth and get rid of toxins!
3. Nicole by OPI Nail Polish: Use as-needed. All the fun of getting a manicure, but it is free of harsh chemicals!
4. Jouve Dark Spot Corrector and Brightening Cream: Apply daily to reduce appearance of dark spots.
5. Beauty Facial Extreme Anti-Aging Resurfacing Peel Pads: Use weekly for a soft skin!
6. Shea Moisture Anti-Breakage Masque: Treat hair once or twice a week, as needed.
7. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen: SPF is a daily must!
8. Jane Iredale 'Glow Time' BB Cream: Apply when a full face of makeup seems too daunting, but you still want coverage.


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27th March 2017
looking out for you - extra image
i went for a walk in holland park after work and stopped at a fence where i saw this peacock. i locked eyes with him for about a minute before he spread out his plume and all his eyespots stared back. it was a nice moment.
here's the original
here's the original
i've posted 157 photos taken with my nikon d5300 - here are the last few i posted - view the rest here
i've posted 112 photos taken with a shutter speed of 1/250 sec - here are the last few i posted - view the rest here
these are all the countries of which i've posted photos
these are all photos i've posted


text:
Canton IL Real Estate & Homes for Sale
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The median home value in Canton, IL is $74,600. This is higher than the county median home value of $74,000. The national median home value is $185,800. The average price of homes sold in Canton, IL is $74,600. Approximately 57.28% of Canton homes are owned, compared to 33.33% rented, while 9.39% are vacant. Canton real estate listings include condos, townhomes, and single family homes for sale. Commercial properties are also available. If you see a property you're interested in, contact a Canton real estate agent to arrange a tour today! Learn more about Canton Real Estate.
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21 May 2019
Are you tired of sleepless nights? Join us on May 21 to find out more about how we can help you.
We welcome your views on our website and invite you to take part in a brief survey when you've finished your visit.
Your response will help us improve the site and the experience we offer to visitors.
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
BM, Bsc(Hons), DRCOphth, FRCOphth
Some of the principal treatments carried out by Miss Sonia Mall at Spire include:Back to top
I am a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon based at Watford General Hospital and St Albans City Hospital. I have acquired over nine years of experience in cataract surgery and over five years of experience in Medical Retina. I am the Lead Consultant in Age-related Macular Degeneration at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust.
I specialise in the management of Age-related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Eye disease and Retinal Vein Occlusions. I have expertise in the Management of both Retinal and Macula disease with Laser and Intravitreal therapies. In addition to this I also provides services in Glaucoma and General Ophthalmology.
To date I have performed over 2,000 cataract operations, over 3,000 intravitreal injections including Ozurdex and Illuvein, and over 1,000 retinal lasers.
I am involved in teaching and training both at an undergraduate and postgraduate level.
In addition to my clinical work I have also been on the advisory board for Bayer.
I am committed to compassionate and thoughtful consultation whilst taking into account an individualised and evidence based approach to treatment.
I have presented at conferences at a national and international level, and has also been a sub-investigator for clinical trials investigating the use of intravitreal treatment, for AMD and Vitreomacular traction. I also regularly teach at study days for local General Practitioners and Optometrists.
Cataract surgery
Diabetic eye disease
Macular degeneration
Retinal disease
Glaucoma treatment
Utilisation of Orthoptists to give intravitreal injections- a multidisciplinary approach; Mall SP, North L, Menon G, Moorman CM & Downes SM
Diabetic Retinopathy – An Update on Pathophysiology, Classification, Investigation and Treatment; Tah V, Mall S, Myerscough J, Saha K, Emsley E, Swampillai A, Ramsamy G, Daren Hanumunthadu D & Bindra M
Current Ophthalmic Management of Retinal Vein Occlusion; Mall SP, Kiire C, Chong NV
Does Video Enhance Student Learning Experience? Mall SP, Dulku S, Manna A, Darrad M, Dean F
Floppy Iris Syndrome Hull Hooks (F.I.S.H): A New Technique for Coping with IFIS in Trabeculectomy Surgery; Norris J H, Mall S, Burnett C.A.M
BSc / University of Southampton / 2004
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
BM / University of Southampton / 2005
Bachelor of Medicine
DRCOphth / Royal College of Ophthalmologists / 2012
Diploma of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
This is an award achieved after examination which assesses core skills and competencies of ophthalmologists prior to completion of the Ophthalmic Specialist Training programme.
FRCOphth / Royal College of Ophthalmologists / 2012
Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
This is a qualification achieved after completion of Ophthalmology specialist exams. This is a requirement prior to obtaining independent practice as a consultant.
General Medical Council
Royal College of Ophthalmologists
European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
I am the clinical lead for the Age-related Macular Degeneration(AMD) service at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS trust and have led changes in the implementation of the one-stop Age-related Macular Degeneration service and initiation of the 'treat and extend' pathway.
West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS TrustBack to top
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21 May 2019
Are you tired of sleepless nights? Join us on May 21 to find out more about how we can help you.
20 May 2019
Read our latest Q and A with Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Mohammad Ghazavi on skin rejuvenation.


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Today's top headline – HUCCI has released their first Maitreya fitmesh outfit!! You can see me rockin' it in the picture above, and it comes in soooo many colour options you should go check it out! While you're there look at your butt, I don't know about you but I looooove how these pants wrap around my Maitreya bubble butt!
In other news, it's time for me to write my next tutorial – what's it going to be about? So far we've had Mesh Bodies 101 (Intro to Mesh Bodies) and Mesh Bodies 102 (Clothing and Saving Outfits for Maitreya)…..
What's Mesh Bodies 103 going to be? What do we want to know? Leave a comment with your suggestion, or if you can't because WordPress is a weirdo, hit me up on Bookface or in world (lildaria resident).
Mwah! <3 Daria
I'm feeling so bootylicious in:
Skin – Belle by AIMI Skins
Shape – Emily shape by Symmetry
Hair – Kayla Hair by LeLutka
Top – Waana Tank by HUCCI
Pants – Yiggi Leggings by HUCCI
Shoes – Valdez Pumps by HUCCI
Glasses – Sunglasses [PU2001] by Glamistry
Tattoo – Babygirl Tattoo by .K-Otic.


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Dear Roommate,
Hey man, sorry I peed on your stuff. I came back to the room kinda drunk last night and had to pee, and I just didn't really want to walk to the bathroom. Instead, I felt your bedsheets, pillows, shorts, and chair were a more suitable place to deposit my urine. It's nothing personal, it's just that" I don't like you. You're not a bad person or anything, you just suck. Hard.
This has been a long way coming, and we'd be lying if we both said otherwise. It all started when you emailed me over the summer instead of the much more personal and scary phone call. You said that you listen to foreign metal bands, enjoy hiking, and don't drink, while I pondered what I had done to God to deserve this. Still, I gave you the benefit of the doubt because you might have had some cool stuff, or, as my friends told me, been yanking my chain.
Then came that awkward first day when, instead of coming to watch the football game in a friend's room, you decided to play computer games. Damn, I thought to myself, I'm totally gonna pee on this kid's stuff.
And it only went downhill from there. Your 8 o'clock classes every day of the week were made worse only by your airhorn-like alarm clock. You nearly made me shit myself, but in the end, it was your bed that was on the receiving end of my waste products, not mine.
Sure you provided me with a lot of entertainment, albeit at your expense, like on your birthday when you did a keg stand followed by the world's slowest beer bong. I've honestly never seen anyone be booed after a beer bong before. Or that time one of my friends threw a book at your face when you were sleeping. Oh man, you should've seen that one. It ruled. In the end though, I felt that pissing on your stuff was the best course of action.
For your sake, being socially awkward and introverted paid off for a while because you would always already be in bed when I came back to the room. But then came that fateful weekend when you went camping or something. To my surprise, you were not in your bed at 6 in the morning when I returned, so I felt it my duty, nay, my privilege to piss on your stuff. Your pillows bore the brunt of it, but I also got some in your clothes drawers, under your desk chair, and on the ground next to your bed. Sure the room smelled like piss, but I was too overcome with joy to care.
Please accept this letter as acknowledgment of a deed that I am not particularly proud of, but will probably tell all of my friends in a few months, once enough time has passed, so as not to gain an embarrassing nickname. So again, sorry I peed on your stuff. But hey, at least I didn't take a dump.
Dear Roommate,


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VISA Information
VISA Information
Conference participants arriving from countries not on the VISA Waiver Program (see below) will be required to obtain a B1 Visitor VISA before entering the United States. The B1 VISA allows holders to attend scientific conferences.
Applicants for visitor visas should generally apply at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where they live. It is important to apply for a visa well in advance of the travel departure date.
To request an invitation letter for your visa application, please email your name, affiliation and address to firstname.lastname@example.com.
The first step in the VISA application process it to complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160 that can be found at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. After you have submitted Form DS-160, print the confirmation page and bring it to your interview. You can learn how to schedule an appointment for an interview, pay the application processing fee, review embassy-specific instructions, and much more by visiting the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be applying at https://www.usembassy.gov.
The list of countries designated on the VISA Waiver Program (VWP) and eligibility requirements can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/visit/visa-waiver-program.html
In order to travel without a visa on the VWP, you must have authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a U.S. bound air or sea carrier. ESTA is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) automated web-based system to determine eligibility to travel without a visa to the United States for tourism or business. Visit the ESTA webpage https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta for more information.
How to get to the Asilomar Conference Center
How to get to the Asilomar Conference Center
There are three airports that service the Asilomar Center. Visitors are encouraged to check the costs to fly into each as they service different airlines.
The likely option for many international visitors will be the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) about 180 km from the conference center. This is the largest airport, has the most flights, and services most international airlines.
Alternatively, the Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is about 130 km from the conference center. This is a smaller airport but does have several international carriers. This might be the appropriate choice for either flights of international or national origins.
The third airport is the Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). This is a small airport about 13 km from the conference center. There are limited flights to MRY but is the closest airport if your airline flies there.
There are two good choices for transport from the SFO and SJC airports to the Asilomar Center. The first is the Monterey Airbus Shuttle. This shared ride minibus leaving about every 90 minutes.
Book your shuttle reservation at Montereyairbus.com. Enter the airport you are arriving to, the date, time and dropoff location. The Dropoff location "Asilomar Conference Grounds Pacific Grove is under the Hotel link on their site. The round trip cost for the Monterey Airbus is $120 from the San Francisco Airport and $100 from the San Jose Airport.
The second option for those that want to tour the area either before or after the conference is to rent a car at the airport. This might be the more cost effective approach if you are coming to the conference with multiple colleagues.


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Inside the Wieboldt's distribution center was as close to hell as I ever care to get.
William A. Wieboldt owned and operated a general retail store in Chicago in the late 1880s. By the time I took my job during the summer of 1969, between my junior and senior years of high school, the German immigrant who survived the Great Fire was long dead but there were 15 stores in the Chicago area still bearing his name. Wieboldt's slogan was "Where You Buy With Confidence!" In a way it was a precursor to Walmart, where you buy at your own peril.
The building was gigantic; dimly lit, noisy, poorly ventilated and churned with activity. A small army of worker ants, of which I was just one insect, waited to load or unload the hot-as-an-oven trucks. We filed into the truck; grabbed a box, humped it out, deposited it onto a conveyor belt that whisked it away into the bowels of the building and then got back in line.
During loading, the process was reversed but with more urgency. A siren would sound and a light flash, to announce the delivery of a shipment by the same conveyor system, now pushing boxes to us rather than taking away. Workers scrambled to unload and stack the regurgitated goods lest a backup occurred, bringing the wrath of supervisors who paced up and down with clipboards and scowls. Adding an extra element of danger, forklifts zipped up and down the dock– pallets stacked high with large or special orders.
Outside, semi-trailers baked in a near-endless line in the summer sun for a turn at one of the 30-odd loading docks to drop off items from distant manufacturers or to pick up shipments to restock the inventories of the satellite stores.
Wage was minimum and perks non-existent. You punched in at 8 a.m. or your pay was docked. You were allowed two 10-minute breaks– take 11 and your pay was docked. Get caught slacking and... Bathroom breaks were not allowed– that's what the breaks were for. Get hurt and you were fired.
Worker turnover was high and more help was in constant demand. The company was so desperate for more worker ants, they sent a bus every morning into the skid row area of the city and lured day workers from the collection of bums and winos casting about. Hung over and unwashed, these workers typically roamed the dock like extras from a zombie movie.
Needless to say the pointer on the morale meter, a gauge of how strongly workers felt obligated to do their best for the company, was permanently pinned on the negative extreme.
Creative ways were found to slack off. My favorite was the building of a false wall in a truck. Ten workers would enter the truck but only eight came out, the missing workers sitting joking and smoking in the secret chamber. You had to be careful, however, stay too long and the other workers might be forced to seal you in and ship you to who knows where.
Sabotage was also common. Boxes marked with this end up where stacked with that end down. Boxes marked fragile were accidentally dropped over and over. Once a disgruntled forklift operator winked at me and said, "watch this," before ramming the metal forks of his vehicle through a pallet containing boxes of gallon cans of paint. "Oops," he said as the blood of Sherman Williams oozed onto the floor.
Thievery was also rampant, despite extensive efforts to thwart it. Cameras swept every area, and workers were routinely patted down as they left the building. Nevertheless one enterprising worker ant I knew beat the system by leaving the building every day throughout the hot summer with the most expensive winter jacket he could find that day. He'd show up in a t-shirt and leave in a leather bomber jacket. He never got caught. I suspect because the guy doing the patting down was as disgruntled as everyone else.
The Wielboldt's empire went bankrupt in the 1980s, as national chain stores like Kmart rose to prominence. I've always wondered, could Wieboldt's have survived if its business model included paying a fair wage and treating employees with respect?
I've always been a dreamer.


text:
by Clint Pecenka, Umesh Parashar, Jacqueline E. Tate et al.
6 pp. 681 kB
Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of child mortality globally, and rotavirus is responsible for more than a third of those deaths. Despite substantial decreases, the number of rotavirus deaths in children under five was 215,000 per year in 2013. Of these deaths, approximately 41% occurred in Asia and 3% of those in Bangladesh. While Bangladesh has yet to introduce rotavirus vaccination, the country applied for Gavi support and plans to introduce it in 2018. This analysis evaluates the impact and cost-effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination in Bangladesh and provides estimates of the costs of the vaccination program to help inform decision-makers and international partners.


text:
Here you will find all the available downloads of your degree programme on one page.
Programme Rules
- Regulations (Studienordnung)
Official version in German language.
- iCE Catalogs
Official version from Servicezentrum. Please notice that the catalogs can change, so check with the program coordination office or the Servicezentrum for the most updated information.
- Study plan
Create your individual study plan for approval:
- Module handbook
In the Module handbook all lectures of the ICE study are listed. You may find information about the content, the instructor, the credit points,....
- Internship
English translation of the official rules for the mandatory internship.
Special rules
Additional oral exam
For Bachelor and Master students it is allowed to perform once in your study an oral amendment exam in addition to your third written exam. That means: students, who fail a written exam three times, can improve one subject at a grade "ausreichend" (4,0) by doing an oral exam.
This oral amendment is possible only once in your study. You have to apply for it in the examination office latest four weeks after the grade has been published .
Withdrawing from an exam
Please inform yourself about the rules and how to hand in a medical certificate: Withdrawing exams


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GoodbyeJanuary 26th, 2004
Bob Keeshan died on Saturday. Like many others, I adored Captain Kangaroo when I was young. Keeshan was an avid child advocate, who felt strongly about children's programming and child welfare. I miss him already.
You are currently browsing the Breaching The Web blog archives for January, 2004.
Bob Keeshan died on Saturday. Like many others, I adored Captain Kangaroo when I was young. Keeshan was an avid child advocate, who felt strongly about children's programming and child welfare. I miss him already.
More on the avian flu in Vietnam: a fifth person has died of the deadly avian flu, called H5N1. The World Health Organization has confirmed that a 5-year old girl who died in Hanoi on Saturday died from H5N1. So far, all the known cases of this flu strain have been transmitted directly from birds to humans, but WHO is investigating known cases closely to identify any cases of human-to-human transmission — which would be required for H5N1 to become an epidemic. To fight this possibility, Vietnam has ordered the slaughter of all fowl in the 12 regions hardest hit with the bird flu.
In related news, Thailand denies having the avian flu but EU officials are dubious. The EU imports thousands and thousands of Thai chickens every year — if the flu is present in Thailand, this could be a major vector for it to spread to Europe.
I know my obsession with the flu makes me sound like a germ freak, but that is a spurious correlation. I'm really an epidemiology freak. I sometimes think that somewhere along the line I missed my calling by not becoming a medical epidemiologist.
Spring movies are rarely noteworthy, but there are a few coming out in the next couple of months I'd like to see, including Starsky and Hutch, Spartan, Hellboy, Kill Bill Vol. 2, and The Punisher That last one is on the list only because I can't imagine how Frank Castle can be translated to screen — I think he is one of the least sympathetic superheroes ever created. Don't get me wrong — I think that's a good thing, I just don't see it going over well with movie audiences.
The San Fransisco Chronicle has a spring movie sneak peek to help you get up to speed.
I am afraid of needles. Not just your ordinary "oh I don't want to be pricked" kind of afraid, but the irrational, terrifying "get that thing away from me or I will kick you and run away" kind of afraid. I can't even be in the same room with my cats at the vet when they get shots, or I have a massive panic attack complete with shakes, sweats and tears.
As a result, I usually avoid getting shots of any kind if I can possibly manage it. I don't get any shot that I convince myself is optional. I have, for example, never had a flu shot. I've even had influenza before, and that has not been enough to convince me to get the shot, in spite of how sick I was.
However, this year's flu outbreak, and ominous indications from Asia & the Netherlands about next year's flu have convinced me that next year I must get the flu vaccine. I think it will be increasingly important to get vaccinated next year, and over the next few years, as epidemiologists of all stripes are saying that conditions are ripe for another flu pandemic.
If I can do it, anyone can do it. If you have doubts about how bad a flu pandemic would be, do a little reading about the 1918 epidemic of Spanish flu, and remember — the flu is a virus, which means that antibiotics can't help you if you get it. There are no wonder drugs to treat the flu — only wonder vaccines to prevent it.
Some interesting stuff in this nuts and bolts article about how the flu vaccine is developed, and the limitations of this year's vaccine.
It's not yet clear if the high number of flu cases this year is related to a failure of the vaccine, or if only people who didn't get the shot are getting sick. However, it's a good reminder of why getting a flu shot is so important.
This has been an eventful weekend. Friday night, we went to the E Street Theater in DC to see Bubba Ho Tep — afterwards, Bruce Campbell answered questions about the movie. It was great. Campbell was very funny and honest (though he would not disclose who he supports for president for 2004), and the movie itself was great fun — I believe Campbell was born to play The King. The movie theater is brand new — Friday was the first night it was open. It was quite nice.
Also, I bought a new digital camera as a late Christmas gift for myself. It's a Canon Powershot A70. I came home from store to find this outside my apartment building:
I think it was pretty cool that the first picture I got to take with my new camera was of a firetruck.
And since I have a new camera, here is an obligatory picture of one of my cats, Oscar:
He has a nice profile, doesn't he? Other than that, it was a quiet, uneventful but fun weekend. Just what I needed!
The mad cow saga in the Northwest continues: 129 more cows are to be killed as potential herdmates of the original infected cow. This problem isn't going away — as long as we continue to treat meat as a staple of our diet, mad cow or diseases like it will make their way into the food supply. Even if every offsping and herdmate of the originally infected cow were found and killed, the conditions of our nation's meat industry (and the policies that foster those conditions) make diseases like mad cow a real threat.
I have a soft spot for guerrilla art — it is sometimes wacky, sometimes compelling, and always real. A guerrilla installation has turned up in a park in Seattle, for the second time in 3 years.
One of the things I like about this type of art is that there is no one who can be questioned about its meaning — it just is, and viewers have to figure it out for themselves.
Here's where I'll be tonight. I already have my tickets (thank you moviefone!). C'mon, admit it — you know you're jealous!
I just had to buy new tires for my car — the old ones were in bad shape, even though they had a scant 40,000 miles on them. They were seriously cupping (bulging out on the inside edge) and were slipping on dry pavement*. I was beginning to worry about driving on them. I had to replace all four of them, but at least I hit a sale at Sears so the price wasn't too steep.
So here's a little information about how to take care of your tires:
Causes of tire wear from the Car Care Council (an industry organization)
Tire care tips from Canadian Driver
TLC for tires from Parts America
* And (for anyone who cares) my struts are fine. The problem resulted from faulty alignment, and unbalanced crappy tires.


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Published at Saturday, December 15th, 2018 - 03:06:50 AM. Club Chair. By Lydia LeMahieu.
Excerpt from Club Chair And Ottoman - Makes Them So Great :
Ottoman furniture has a ton of use, beside being a stool or a footrest you can likewise make an ottoman into an end table or a side table. In the event that you purchase an ottoman couch for your front room, you don't just inspire an agreeable furniture to sit on yet you additionally have a decent dozing bed which you can utilize on the off chance that you have guests who might want to go through the night in your home. A ton of contemporary homes these days utilize ottoman as a major aspect of their lounge installation. This household item is picking up its fame today on account of its adaptability and rich when combined with greater parlor furniture, ottoman influences a decent and agreeable additional chair in the event that you to have coming over. Ottoman comes in different shapes and sizes giving you a great deal of alternatives for a pleasant bit of this furniture to use in your home. Textures that are utilized for this sort of furniture likewise change.
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March 9, 2018
TORONTO- School bus drivers at First Student Canada in Southwestern Ontario ratified a new collective agreement that increases earning and better reflects the scope of the important work that they perform.
The union representing members of the bargaining units from Owen Sound/Wiarton and Port Elgin/Kincardine says that the gains in this collective agreement go a long way towards ensuring that school bus drivers have decent work, but more needs to be done across the province.
"School bus drivers are caring individuals who make a positive impact in children's lives and educational experience. I am proud of the work of the bargaining committee in securing this contract through a difficult round of negotiations," said Naureen Rizvi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director. "Ensuring a living wage and a fair contract shouldn't be a fight, but far too often, provincial funding shortfalls curtail negotiations before we reach the bargaining table."
The recently ratified collective agreement ensures all home to school drivers will have a minimum of four hours pay and 4 insurable hours daily, with a base rate of $70 per day paid out hourly at $17.50. This will better reflect the time taken to drive most routes.
All members also gain access to a women's advocate, a union member specially trained to assist people facing sexual or gender-based violence, as well as enhanced union representation and an increase in MTO medical payments. Additionally, all the MTO fees associated with a driver renewing their "B" license will be paid by the company
"We hope the increased guarantee of paid insurable hours drivers will translate into EI qualifications during shut down periods. This will help to make driving a school bus a truly viable profession," said Debbie Montgomery, President of Unifor Local 4268. "Students and parents need full time, committed and experienced drivers and we believe the gains made in this collective agreement will help for recruitment and retention."
88 per cent of members in Owen Sound/Wiarton voted to approve their agreement while 82 per cent of members in Port Elgin/Kincardine also voted in favour.
For more information, please contact Unifor Communications Representative Kathleen O'Keefe at email@example.com or 416-896-3303 (cell).


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If you love all about movies, one spot you can't miss in Amsterdam is the EYE Film Museum. Located in the north of the city, the place not only works as a movie theatre with alternative/cult movies, both modern and old, but it is also home of a permanent exhibition about how the cinema started and time by time you can find different exhibitions about people who made their names on the seventh art. Until September 3, the chosen one is Martin Scorsese. Although Amsterdam North is not so touristy, the access is easy and you can find a couple of cool things to do. To cross the IJ river and arrive there you only need to take a free ferry right behind the Central Station. The EYE side is approachable with the line 901 Buiksloterweg and the trip lasts less than five minutes.
Already in the north, it's easy to find the EYE Film Museum: from the ferry final stop, look to your left, the big modern construction. It's there. In your way, don't forget to enjoy the beauty of the IJ River and spot how is Amsterdam Central Station from the other side.
Once in the museum, you'll need tickets. For exhibitions, the price is €13 (if you're under 18, it's €5). And for movies, it's €10 (you can check their calendar here). You can also combine exhibition + film and pay the special price of €19,50 and believe me: you'll spend a whole day immersed on cinema. The exhibition ticket gives you access both the permanent and the limited one, so it's a fair price for what you get. Shall we start?
Martin Scorsese Exhibition
Any fan of the director would go crazy with the selection of memorabilia found in this exhibition. Made with the support from Scorsese himself, it even counts with a curated programme of his favourite movies and biggest influences on his career. Walking through the rooms, you discover everything that turned a regular Sicilian-American in the most nominated filmmaker in Oscar history. From his family relations to his perception of the Mafia – a reality on his neighbourhood Little Italy, New York -, every experience had an essential role in Scorsese's work. Along his career, he found great partners (on screen, you'll probably think about Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio) and was able to translate his own universe to movies, documentaries, tv series and even music videos. If you like Martin Scorsese, this exhibition is a must see.
The EYE Film Museum – Panorama
The permanent exhibition is a bit small but really fun! To begin, you can discover how the cinema was developed with devices used on the early days. Magic lanterns, mutoscopes and old and historic cameras, like a Mitchell, are in the collection. You also can manually run and understand how a projector works while seeing images from another era.
The presentation also features a big room with 360° projections, where you choose to watch movie clips based on curiosities presented to you on small stations. Then, you're ready to play! On the Green Screen, you make your own movie using a selection of many backgrounds. You can also keep a memory of your day producing a Flipbook using a short film made by you. When you're ready to chill, you can enjoy capsules with a mini cinema up to three people. The catalogue has short and long movies with a big range of styles and ages. As well as a movie quiz, where you can test your film knowledge. Some questions are about Dutch movies, but you have fun anyway, mainly if you're playing against somebody.
The EYE Film Museum opens every day from 10 am. The exhibitions can be visited until 7 pm, but you can stay afterwards for the movie theatre or the restaurant. Click here to consult the opening hours.


text: The UN has said that tens of thousands of civilians are trapped in the "no fire" zone [AFP] 'Dozens dying' The UN believes that dozens of people are dying there every day. Focus: Sri Lanka Q&A: Sri Lanka's civil war The history of the Tamil Tigers Timeline: Conflict in Sri Lanka 'High cost' of victory over Tigers Caught in the middle However, the government said that more than 23,000 people fled the region last month and between 30,000 and 40,000 civilians remained there. The military said that it had taken the village of Puthukkudiviruppu in the northwest, the last territory held by the LTTE apart from the "no fire" zone, where they recovered 250 LTTE bodies. The LTTE has not made any comment on the government claims which cannot be independently verified because journalists are prevented from entering the conflict area. The "no fire" zone was established by the government to provide a place of refuge to civilians caught up in fighting. Sophie Romanens, from the International Committee of the Red Cross, told Al Jazeera that civilians had fled to the "no fire" costal area to escape fighting and to find food and medicine over the past few weeks. "Our concern now is that the area has been regularly affected by fighting. And now ... we have growing concern for their [the civilians] safety and wellbeing," Romanens said. "It is an area which is now full of people - one shelter next to the other. And the fighting is very close." "These people are completely dependent on aid from the outside." The Tamil Tigers have been fighting for an independent Tamil homeland in the north of the island nation for more than 25 years. More than 70,000 people have died in the civil war. SOURCE: Al Jazeera and agencies


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I've seen lots of posts about the 300 kettle bell swing challenge. But not everyone is there yet. Even broken up into smaller increments throughout the day, 300 is way too many for some people. If this sounds like you- this challenge may be a better fit. This will allow you to work up to 400 swings in one day! Follow me on Facebook for daily reminders and check-ins!
Pick a weight that is comfortable but challenging. You can always go up or down as the month progresses. You want a weight that feels rather light for the first few swings, then starts to feel heavy as you get higher in your counts. If it's heavy after 3-4 swings, go lighter. If you find that you've done 50 swings and it doesn't feel heavy- go heavier. If you've followed my page over the past few months, you know that I'm also a fan of the Russian kettle bell swing over the American. HERE'S WHY.
Starts with day 1 (yes, I know it has already passed! But feel free to jump in on whatever day you want!)
Day 1: 100 kettle bell swings.
Day 2: 120 swings.
Day 3: 130 swings.
Day 4: 140 swings.
Day 9: 190 swings
Day 10: 200 swings
Day 11: 210 swings
Day 12: 220 swings
Day 19: 290 swings
Day 20: 300 swings
Day 21: 310 swings
Day 22: 320 swings
Day 29: 390 swings
Day 30: 400 swings
Let us know how you're doing with this challenge by visiting our Facebook page!


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Branding is a process that should be handled by branding agencies. A branding design agency is basically a business that is run by communication experts who develop a company's brand. This includes the company name, identity and message. Branding agencies sometimes also handle promotion and advertising of a company. The main job that a branding agency does is to define who a company is to the public while differentiating it completely from the competition. This is done by attaching a unique value to the company they work for. Branding is essential for product success. It is important to note that a branding agency is very different from a marketing agency.
When starting a business, you will need a logo, a letterhead and business cards. This in essence is branding but a lot more goes into the process. According to Business dictionary, Branding is defined as "the process of creating a unique image and name for a product in the mind of a consumer through advertising campaigns. It also aims to establish a presence in the market while attracting new and retaining old customers". This basically defines what a branding design agency does but for those who are just learning about brands, it probably raises more questions.
Design is a crucial factor in branding. Just because you have designed a logo or some stationery does not mean you have created a brand. A brand is more than something visual, but rather something that has a "life" of its own. Brands can be products or services and these cannot be created by a branding design agency; the company hiring the agency will determine how successful their branding will be. What about their product is unique and what values does the company instill in its employees? Does the company give back to the community? Do its products elicit a positive emotion? A branding design agency is brought in to help enhance the company image and spread it to the world, but the image has to be spotless to begin with.
The perfect example of branding that works is Apple, which is ranked high among the world's best and biggest technology companies. Their brand is easily recognizable all over the world and their efforts can be seen in a number of ways; the naming of their products, the speeches at the launch of each new product, the simple functional and clean website, and even their packaging is done in a certain way. This is all branding and Apple has expanded it to everything that they do. Branding should be a part of every company's marketing strategy and well thought out branding is a hallmark of every successful company. As opposed to expenditure, hiring branding design agency Sydney should be thought of as an investment in the image of the company.


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Although Louisiana's new electoral system for Congressional races was adopted to avoid the disadvantages resulting from December elections, we still ended up with December elections in two of Louisiana's Congressional races.
Republicans won in each of them. Joseph Cao beat incumbent William Jefferson in the Second District and John Fleming won in the Fourth District.
I'm surprised by the results in the Second District. I figured Jefferson would pull through. I'm very curious to see how high black voter turnout was for that election. I was actually hoping that Jefferson would win, so that he would be removed from office after he's convicted. Then, there could be a new election with a Jefferson-free field of candidates. (By the way, Louisiana's new Congressional delegation will have no black members for the first time in 18 years. However, Cao will become the first Vietnamese-American member of Congress. Just last year Louisiana elected the country's first Indian-American governor. Who would have thought that Louisiana would be such fertile ground for Asian-American politicians?)
Cao, Fleming, and Bill Cassidy (who was elected in the Sixth District last month) all won their elections with less than half of the votes cast. This is significant because that would not have been possible in Louisiana prior to this year.
Cao, Fleming, and Cassidy are all going to Congress to represent Louisiana even though a majority of those casting ballots in their respective districts voted against them.
The outcomes of the Second and the Sixth District races are especially bothersome because it seems likely that Cassidy would have lost to Don Cazayoux in a runoff and it's possible (though probably not likely) that Cao would have lost to Jefferson in a runoff.
Michael Jackson and Malik Rahim may have drawn enough black support from the Democratic nominees to swing their elections to the Republicans. (I certainly don't blame Jackson and Rahim for this. They each had the right to run and their campaigns added much of value. The new election system is just very, very flawed.)
If Louisiana had adopted instant runoff voting, we could have:
- avoided the expense of a three-stage election,
- avoided a December election, and
- elected Representatives by majority vote rather than by plurality vote.


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Hotel & Travel
Primary Conference Hotel
The meeting sessions, exhibits, meals, and more will be located within the JW Marriott Austin, 110 E 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701. A block of rooms has been set aside at the JW Marriot Austin at special AAUP rate: $219 a night (plus tax and $1 daily internet fee)
Make your reservation at the JW Marriot Austin here >
The last day to make a reservation at the discounted rate is Thursday, May 18, 2017, but book early, as this block of rooms tends to go quickly.
Update May 4: The Association's room block for night of June 10 is sold out at both the JW Marriott and the Courtyard Marriott. Rooms are currently sold out at the JW Marriott for the nights of June 11 and June 12 at the JW. Check back for cancellations. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Overflow Hotel
Additional rooms have been secured at the Courtyard by Marriott Austin Downtown Convention Center.
The Courtyard Marriott is less than a 10 minute walk to the JW Marriott.
A block of rooms has been set aside at a rate of $219 a night (plus tax, including gratis internet). Make a reservation by Friday, May 19, 2017, to secure the group rate (the block may fill early).
Make your reservation at the OVERFLOW HOTEL here >
Additional overflow:
Additional rooms for June 11 and 12 are available at the Residence Inn side of the Courtyard Marriott at $219 (plus tax, including gratis internet). Make a reservation by Friday, May 19, 2017, to secure the group rate (the block may fill early).
Make your reservation at the Residence Inn OVERFLOW HOTEL here >
Please note: AAUP has not authorized and will not authorize any third party housing company to contact attendees. Please disregard any such phone calls or emails should anyone try to contact you.
Travel Information
Travel by Air
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is served by most major airlines. The airport is approximately 11 miles from the JW Marriot Austin, a 25-minute drive.
AAUP has set up a travel discount with United and Alaska Airlines:
United Airlines Travel Discounts: AAUP attendees traveling by air to Austin may be eligible for up to 10% off United fares for travel between 6/8/2017–6/16/2017. Click here for more information >
Alaska Airlines Travel Discounts: AAUP attendees traveling by air to Austin may be eligible for up to 5% off Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air US, Canadian, Mexican or Costa Rican city fares for travel between June 7, 2017–June 21, 2017. Click here for more information >
Ground Transportation
The following options are available for airport transportation to and from downtown Austin:
- SuperShuttle
- ABC Limousines of Austin (also car service): 512-656-7161
- Austin Cab: 512-478-2222
- Lone Star Cab: 512-836-4900
- Yellow Cab: 512-452-9999
Travel by Car
The JW Marriot Austin address is 110 E 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701
Click here (and scroll down) for driving directions to the JW Marriot Austin >
Parking at the Hotel
Valet Parking
- 0–3 hours: $20 plus tax
- 3–6 hours: $30 plus tax
- 3-plus hours: $43 plus tax
Self Parking
- $32.47 per 24 period including tax
- AAUP 2017 attendees are eligible for a 20% discount on self parking
Austin Info
There is much to see, hear, and eat in Austin. We'll have a list of places to visit prior to the meeting. In the meantime, sample some of what Austin has to offer:
- "36 Hours in Austin" — The New York Times
- Austin Convention & Visitos Bureau
Traveling Around Austin
Please check out the following list of car service apps in Austin:
Uber and Lyft
- Uber and Lyft are back as of May 29th, 2017 and fully operating in Austin
- Payment is automatic through the app
- Fares are evaluated based on local demand
- Request rides up to seven days in advance
- Request preferred drivers
- No surge pricing.
Ride FARE
- The app can be downloaded on the Apple App Store and Google Play
- No surge pricing
- Rides can be scheduled in advance
- Visit this link to sign up and download the app: http://www.ztrip.com/Default.aspx
- Riders can choose between black car service or taxi
- A non-profit ride sharing company built in Austin
- Visit http://www.rideaustin.com/ to download the iPhone or Android app
- Visit https://fasten.com/ to download the app


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Got the blimp control board up and running heres some pics
The new blimp runs a Arduino, Bluetooth HC-05 and TB6612FNG H bridge, servo not pictured
Things that are missing from the test circuit, IC sockets (2), battery socket. All major components plug into IC sockets for module design.
Bluetooth Phone APP, using MIT app inventor 2
Coming soon!
PCB files


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I enjoyed watching some great swimming from the FINA World Championships. But, I still struggle with what I think about the whole thing. I marvel at how big, powerful, and well-trained are most of these world-class swimmers, but I must confess, I'm not convinced there isn't a lot of PED use that's been going on. And, I'm appalled that some have been caught and let back into the sport.
I'm equally (or maybe more) appalled that FINA and the IOC let Cameron van der Burg compete. He should have been banned for life and made to forfeit his Olympic Gold Medal after, not only admitting, but bragging that he cheated in the Olympic Final. It seems to me there are rules in place for sanctioning those who bring so much disrepute to the sport. In fact, the Code of Conduct in the FINA Bylaws exists in part, "to sanction incidents, which damage the image of FINA activities or bing them into disrepute." These sanctions can include suspension or expulsion.
Which holds FINA up to ridicule and brings greater disrepute to FINA activities: bragging about winning Olympic Gold by intentionally cheating (supposedly because others were likely to cheat) or FINA doing nothing about it?


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For as long as their have been humans, there has been swimming. If you engage with aquatic evolutionary theory, you could say that we were swimming even before we were human. And it's true that we were all kind of swimming before we were born. But why is swimming in water, particularly cool, open water, so good for us?
I've just come back from a holiday. Holidays are a total luxury; but, as they are afforded by the kind of life choices that send you slowly mental, they are a total necessity. Anxiety was scrunching me up, making me jumpy and edgy, causing me to withdraw, ironically, from the very things that sort me out: swimming, exercising, socialising, relaxing. Instead, I was hunching, pulling inwards, flicking obsessively from app to app on my phone, searching for something but never knowing what. Working hard, and trying to work harder. Spending too much time staring at screens, obsessing with doing more, being better. But anxious energy gets jobs done, and in this state of flux, I remortgaged, sold my car and researched and bought a new one, organised builders' quotes and PTA events on top of working and sorting out my family's needs. I also organised a holiday.
Swimming has always been the centre point of my holidays. The criteria for my parents' holiday plans was to find a beach or lake or river and then choose the campsite or rental nearby. So ingrained is this particular method of searching for holiday accommodation that I barely noticed how my planning focused on proximity to the nearest body of water.
Our first swim was on the journey itself. The Plymouth to Santander ferry takes 20 hours, and among the entertainment on board is a small pool cut deep into the deck so the water doesn't slosh out. Lately, stress and anxiety has taken its greatest physical toll on my jaw. Somewhere across the Bay of Biscay that night brought a terrible wave of temporomandibular joint pain that jolted me awake and kept me there, even after scrabbling around our sleepy cabin in search of drugs. So the next morning I thought a swim might wake me up.
For an open water swimmer, a swimming pool is poor cousin to the vast, ever-changing waters of the ocean, lake, river, tarn, loch or stream. This one was small and over-chlorinated, but it was water and it was deliciously cold. It woke me up all right. But more than that; I was amazed by the sense of calm that washed over me with that cold water the moment I submerged. I smiled, I felt the knots in my muscles loosen a little, the stuffy headache recede, the tetchiness fade.
What an idiot to have forgotten. The stream next to where we pitched our tent in the breathtakingly beautiful Spanish-Basque mountains, the crashing Atlantic waves on the west coast of France, the turquoise-clear lake near our campsite in France, even the open-air pool on the campsite, undid the painful knots of anxiety in my body and washed them away. Star floating and watching wisps of cloud cross the blue sky as the waves lifted and dropped me, jumping off a rock into a deep pool in the mountain stream, diving through the surf, I was struck by how the water always changed, not just in colour and temperature, but in viscosity, opacity and taste. Being in it, on it, under it is an experience for all the senses, and somehow, unlike any other activity, it always cures.
Another of my holiday pleasures is reading. I took with me two books. Leap In by Alexandra Heminsley, which I had started at home, and The Outrun by Amy Liptrot. Both these women swim the year round, both have had huge emotional health issues with which to deal, both very different from one another, and different again to me, but to whom I could relate in many ways, mainly in their love of being in cold water and the salvation it gives them.
All this; these women's accounts, my own anxiety being undone by water, made me wonder why swimming outdoors is so powerful a healer. I've known for a long time the benefits of swimming, releasing endorphins, well-being from exercise, better sleep patterns, better health and fitness, relaxing through breathing steadily. But can you not get all that from running, cycling and yoga?
There are plenty of theories about cold water swimming, as explained in this article. Connection with nature, release of adrenaline, training your body's 'fight or flight' response so you cope better with stress, anti-inflammatory properties of cold water, and improved immunity. But science is still at a bit of a loss as to exactly why and how plunging into cold water seems to sooth anxiety, cure depression, wash away grief, loss, bereavement, emotional pain.
There's no shortage of accounts showing that open water swimming does change lives. For Amy Liptrot, it helped her deal with enforced sobriety; for Alexandra Heminsley, cope with infertility. For me, a lot of my anxiety has been tied up with poor body image, but open water swimming seems to have transformed me into someone who's if not achingly body positive, at least at peace with how I look. Like Heminsley, it's helped me take pride in a body that I'd always felt wasn't good quite enough, to find strength and power where I've previously seen cellulite and flab. My sister, a photographer, and a person who knows me better than most, photographed me as part of a project in the pool (main photo and below), and she was amazed by the change in my demeanour, my confidence and self-assurance as I entered the water.
It also helps me switch off my whirring mind. When I'm in the water, I don't think about much more than the sensations, the colour of water, its opacity, whether its sharp and biting, or smooth and velvety. Whether it has a saltiness that buoys me up and stings every nick and scratch on my body, or a freshwater, mineral taste that envelopes me. As I swim, I think about the pull, catch, kick, breathe. I watch the Hockney-like patterns on the sea bed, the pebbles and reeds, or simply my hands pushing away in turn with a steady rhythm. I stop, I look towards the horizon, the sky. Birds and fish come close by. I feel strong, happy, peaceful, and that feeling will often stay with me for more than a day.
I'm a science person, rather than one of faith or religion. But from time to time, even those of us who put faith in science needs to accept that some phenomena is beyond rational explanation. There is perhaps something in the fact that we are ourselves made of water, that we grew in it, that we evolved in it. Just as we are likely affected by the lunar cycles, maybe we are somehow connected to this life-giving element. Perhaps, sinking into a warm bath stirs some kind of pre-birth memory of comfort and safety. Perhaps wading into cold water awakens a genetic memory from our ancestors, living on the shoreline and wading into the cold seas and rivers to find small crustaceans and shellfish for dinner – read The Descent of Woman by Elaine Morgan for more on this fascinating evolutionary theory.
Proof that swimming in cold, natural water heals all manner of emotional and mental health issues is anecdotal, and overwhelming. The manner in which it heals varies from person to person, but the resulting rosy glow and sense of peace and well-being seems to be universal. For me, it's at once meditative and soothing, and a perfect, attainable high, giving me a pure buzz with a healthy afterglow. Maybe there are no fathomable reasons why, and it doesn't even matter.
Good reads
Leap In Alexandra Heminsley
The Outrun Amy Liptrot
The Descent of Woman Elaine Morgan


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TOMS Wedges For Your Wedding
If you're not already familiar with TOMS shoes…TOMS is the One for One company that gives a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair you purchase. TOMS is launching a brand new line of espadrille wedges. The shoes are comprised of lightweight fabrics in various colors and prints. These wedges would be great for the beach bride, the philanthropic bride or a bride who'd like to forgo heels for more comfortable wedges. Or of course, get a pair or two for your honeymoon. You can check the wedges out here. TOMS also has a wedding styles line as well as a vegan line.
Did you like this? If so, you can easily bookmark it, RSS feed.


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Ancient Thyatira
Thyatira (modern Ahisar) was located about thirty-five miles inland, between Pergamon and Sardis in northern Lydia, or Mysia.
Lydia of Thyatira, who lived in Philippi, was Paul's first Christian convert in Europe (Acts 16:14–15, 40) and sold purple goods as a trade she had probably learned in Thyatira, which was particularly known for its dyeing process and had a strong guild of dyers. The purple dye which was made from the madder root is famous all over the empire. Dyers uses a lot of water so they usually sited their businesses near the river. Lydia would have been a wealthy business woman.
One of the significant characteristics of Thyatira was the prominence of various trade guilds, including associations of clothiers, bakers, tanners, potters, linen workers, wool merchants, slave traders, shoemakers, dyers, and copper smiths
The major problem for the church was posed by the many trade guilds in the city. This was unusual, in that Roman administration discouraged such; but it is thought that Thyatira was useful to the Romans as a supplier for their garrison in nearby Pergamum, so they could overlook the guilds. The Christians, however, could not. Guilds had a patron god; the local god of Thyatira, a representation of Apollo, probably served that purpose. The feasts of the guilds were held in a temple and were viewed as religious occasions; the meat was offered to the god, so that participators shared it with him, and the occasions not infrequently ended in debauchery. How could Christians participate in such meetings? That woman Jezebel had an answer
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Labels: Bible lands, Revelation