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Amy Acker
|Date Of Birth
|December 5, 1976
|46 years 11 months 26 days
|Day of Birth
|Place Of Birth
|Dallas, Texas, United States
|Zodiac Sign
|Actress , Model
|Birth Name
|Amy Louise Acker
|Personal Information
|Los Angeles, California, United States
|Christianity (Roman Catholic)
|Cuteness , Pointy nose , soft feminine voice
|Body Features & Measurements
5 Feet 8 Inches
|Eye color
|Hair color
112 lbs
|Shoe Size
|Dress Size
|Figure Measurements
|Figure Type
|Body Type
|Hair type
|Bra Size
|Family Information
|Robert Acker (Lawyer)
|Sandra Bruyere
|Jackson James Carpinello (born in 2005)
|Ava Grace Carpinello (born in 2006)
| Bolton Dubard Bruyere, Jr. (Maternal)
John Marshall Acker (Paternal)
| Jimmie Jeff Gilliland (Maternal)
Dorothy Jean Kennedy (Paternal)
|Father In-Law
|Anthony J. Carpinello (former Justice of the New York Supreme Court)
|Mother In-Law
|Sharon Carpinello (mental health official)
|Education Qualifications
|Education (Graduation)
|Bachelor's degree in theater , Bachelor of Fine Arts
|Education (High School)
|Lake Highlands High School
|Alma Mater
|Southern Methodist University
|Love, Romance, Marriage
|James Carpinello (Actor; married in 2003)
|Career Information
|Debut (Movie)
|The Accident (2001)
|Years Active
|Debut (TV)
|Favorites, Hobbies, Likes/ Dislikes
Going to activities with her children
|Favorite Food
|Favorite Singer
|James Bay
|Favorite Destination
|Favorite Song
|Let it go (James Bay)
Pin Bowling
Kolaches (Food)
Chicken coconut curry (Food)
Beignets (Food)
Treasure hunt games
Horse Riding
Everything Bagel quiche (Food)
Escape Games
Steak Salad (Food)
|Favorite Character
|Root (from her own roles; from Person of Interest)
|Favorite superhero
|Iron Man
|Favorite Restaurants
| Majordōmo
Sushi Note (She likes Saito San's food)
|Favorite plays
| The Crucible (by Arthur Miller)
Death of a salesman (by Arthur Miller)
|Favorite Movie genre
|Science fiction
|Favorite Festival
|Favorite Playwright
|Arthur Miller
|Social Networks, Web links
|Twitter Profile
|Amy Acker Twitter Profile
|Official Website
|Amy Acker Official Website
|Instagram Profile
|Amy Acker Instagram Profile
| Doreen Wilcox
Anonymous Content
Tony Lipp
|Talent Agent
|APA agency
|More Information
|Neil Patrick Harris
|Net worth
|$2 million
Amy Acker is an American actress known for playing Caitlin Strucker in "The Gifted", Root in "Person of Interest", Rachel Conroy in Happy Town(2010), Dr. Claire Saunders in "Dollhouse" Kelly Peyton in "Alias", Winifred Burkle in Angel, Lin in The Cabin in the Woods(2011), Miggy in Catch Me If You Can(2002) among others.
Amy Acker was born as Amy Louise Acker on December 5th 1976 in Dallas, Texas, United States to Robert Acker(father)- a Lawyer & Sandra Bruyere- a housewife.
She is the oldest of 4 children of her parents. She has 2 sisters and a brother
- Schooling: Amy went to "Lake Highlands High School (LHHS)", a secondary school in the Lake Highlands of Sallas, Texas
- Graduation. She went to Southern Methodist University(SMU), a private research university in Metropolitan Dallas. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Theatre.
Amy Acker & James Carpinello
Amy married actor James Carpinello [Gotham(series), The Punisher(2004), The Great Raid(2005), The Mob Doctor..] in California on April 25th of 2003.
Children- Son & Daughter
The couple have a son born in February of 2005 named- Jackson James Carpinello and a daughter born in September 2006 named- Ava Grace Carpinello.
Image: Amy Acker family- Son Jackson Carpinello, daughter Ava Carpinello, husband James Carpinello
James has made a guest appearance in two episodes of Person Of Interest as Joey Durban. Amy has a main role in the series
Video: Amy Acker Family House party
Facts & Trivia
- Ancestry: She is of English, French, German, Irish, Scottish and Welsh ancestry.
- Dancing classes: She took ballet & modern dance classes as a child, she continued it until 13.
- Knee surgery: When she was in the first grade, her neighborhood used to have Christmas pageants in the floodplains, she got bitten by a Brown recluse spider and was paralyzed neck down for 2 weeks during Christmas. When she was in High school she had to under go a surgery to get the lump of tissues from the old spider bite. She gave up dancing after that.
- Modeling career: She modeled for J.Crew while in college. She posed for a Japanese golf wear in the 90s.
- Stage acting: She started her acting career as a stage actress at the American Players Theatre at the Spring Green City of Wisconsin
- Debut TV: Amy made her TV debut in the Family Comedy series Wishbone.
- First Big hit: Amy's first big hit was as Winifred Burkle in the Fantasy Drama Angel. She also made a appearance as Illyria
- Saturn Award( 2003): She won Saturn award for best supporting actress on TV for her role in Angel as Winifred Burkle. She received a nomination again in 2004, but did not win.
- Voice acting: She voiced a cn animation character of huntress in Justice League Unlimited(2005). She has also voiced characters in Johnny Bravo, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated.
- Christmas celebrations: Christmas is a special time for Acker & Carpinello families. Both the families get together to celebrate. While growing up Amy's mother was very particular about having her own Christmas tree, they would have 2 Christmas tree.
- Birthday party: Amy's husband James likes to surprise Amy on her birthdays. He had brought her friends and family of about 50 people to their favorite sushi place in 2016. They were the only people there.
- Web series: She has acted in Who Cut the Cake?(2008), Husband(2013) & Con Man(2015)
- Instagram account: She has an official Instagram account, it is mostly used by her mother to post pics of Amy and her Children.
- Pets: She has two pet dogs in the family Buddy & Penny (Penelope). She previously had a giant named Wally which died in 2018.
- How does she deal with stress? : She likes to take her dog for a hiking.
- Cooking: She is a foodie, but she likes cooking even more, apart from trying recipes from popular sources she also takes cooking classes to better her skills.
- If she could carry one quality from this life to the next, she would choose- patience.
- Texan: She is from Texas, she can bring a natural Texan accent when needed. She loves to do a western someday where she can ride a horse and wear a large cap.
- Crafts: She likes playing with tools and crafts. She likes working with cloths, furniture, decorative.
- One super power she wishes to have: To have the ability to speak multiple languages
- Indie Series Awards(2014): She won best guest star in a comedy award for her role in Husbands
- She won Leon Rabin Awards in 1999 for her performance as a lead actress in the play Therese Raquin.
- Music video: She has appeared in the video 'Lost Cause' by Scapegoat Wax.
- FHM Cover: She has appeared on the cover of FHM in 2003
- Is Amy Acker Lesbian? : No, Amy Acker isn't a Lesbian. Her character Root/ Samantha Groves from 'Person Of Interest' was. (It was Sarah Shahi playing opposite her, that's quite an incentive)
Video: Amy Acker Livestream Q & A
- I wanted to be a ballerina desperately.
- I love to do a Western, I'm from Texas, That would be fun. But ultimately I gravitate towards science fiction because the roles allow you to change so much, I get to play multiple roles in one show, which I find exciting.
- I love to act in plays, theatre is my first love.
- I love stunt scenes, I'm really good at them, I sometimes even get hurt
- I want to be strong and a vampire slayer.


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Jun. 12, 2022
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Randolph, KS
Humans can only survive about three weeks without food. By developing a knowledge of wild edibles you can find food virtually anywhere. Plants can often provide the most readily available source of nutrition in the wilderness.
This entry level course will find students exploring our 352 acre site identifying, harvesting and sampling wild edibles. Processing and preparation will be covered and students will be encouraged to try the wild edibles they have harvested. Depending on the season, edibles such as Lamb's Quarters, Cattails, Leeks, Sting Nettle, Mushrooms, various nuts and berries and many, many more will be found.

subset: commoncrawl


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Recently I have been reading and researching gut health and wanted to put together a blog post of useful resources for anyone that wants to learn more.
A great place to start is with any of these blogs:
www.humanfoodproject.com – website of Jeff Leach
www.drbganimalpharm.blogspot.com and www.thegutinstitute.com – the two websites of Dr Grace Liu
www.freetheanimal.com – website of Richard Nikoley
www.vegetablepharm.blogspot.co.uk – website of Tim Steele aka Tatertot
www.mrheisenbug.wordpress.com – website of Shant Mesrobian
www.restoretheflora.com – website of Matt Pepin
Blog Posts
- 12 Signs Your Flora is F*cked
- Paleo versus Vegetarian – who eats more fiber?
- How To Cure SIBO, Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth: Dr. BG's 7-Steps Paleo* Gastro IQ SIBO Protocol
- 5 Tell Tale Signs You Need to Get Your Sh!t Together
- The Definitive Guide to Resistant Starch
- Resistant Starch: Your Questions Answered
- Elixa Probiotic – a new UK manufactured high-strength, short-course probiotic.
- Prescript Assist
- Equilbrium
- Primal Defense Ultra
- Primal Flora
- AOR Probiotic 3 – The enterobacteria contained in ProBiotic 3 act in symbiosis and promote a healthy intestinal flora. Lactic acid and butyric acid-producing probiotics inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria while promoting the growth of the beneficial Bifidobacterium strain.
- Symbioflor – contains the natural intestinal bacteria Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli, in inactive form. Grace Liu recommends this one.
Prebiotics – see blog post here
Videos to watch
- Grace Liu's talk at the Ancestral Health Symposium 2014
- Rob Knight's TED talk "How Our Microbes Make Us Who We Are". Rob Knight is the senior scientist on the American Gut Project.
The Gut Guardians podcast with Dr Grace Liu and Matt Pepin of www.restoretheflora.com
If you would like to do some testing on your gut microbiome (for fun, not for diagnostic purposes) – visit Ubiome, The American Gut Project (AmGut) www.americangut.org or The British Gut Project www.britishgut.org
Online Courses
Gut Check: Exploring Your Microbiome
- The Diet Myth by Professor Tim Spector (one of the scientists involved in the British Gut Project)
- Follow Your Gut: The Enormous Impact of Tiny Microbes by Rob Knight
- Bloom: Reconnecting With Your Primal Gut in a Modern World by Jeff Leach (forthcoming book by the folks at Human Food Project)
- The Gut Makeover by Jeannette Hyde
Gut Testing
- Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology from Biolab UK – www.biolab.co.uk
- FloraPrint £300 from Cambridge Nutritional Sciences – www.camnutri.com
- Candida Overgrowth £65 from Cambridge Nutritional Sciences – www.camnutri.com
- BH #401H – GI Pathogen Screen with H. pylori Antigen from Bio Health – www.biohealthlab.com
- Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology x3 from Doctors Data – www.doctorsdata.com
- Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis / Parasitology ™(CDSA/P) from Genova Diagnostics (formerly Metametrix) – www.gdx.net
- Comprehensive Stool Analysis from Great Plains Laboratory – www.greatplainslaboratory.com
- You can also get your gut bacteria sequenced from uBiome (but this cannot be reliably used as a diagnostic tool) – www.ubiome.com. Read my blog post on my uBiome experience
Looking to lose weight, improve your skin, increase energy levels or get rid of bloat or digestive problems? Sign up to our 30 Day Paleo Diet Weight Loss Plan:
Try the next generation of probiotics – Elixa Probiotic – a new UK manufactured, short-course probiotic with the highest strength on the market:


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Engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena have developed an advanced ventilator prototype to help patients during the COVID-19 crisis.
PASADENA, Calif. -- Engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena have developed a high-pressure ventilator prototype specifically tailored to help coronavirus patients, according to the agency.
It's called VITAL, or Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally. And after passing a critical test at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York earlier this week, NASA is hoping for fast-track approval of the ventilator in the coming days so it can be used to help coronavirus patients.
"We were very pleased with the results of the testing we performed in our high-fidelity human simulation lab," said Dr. Matthew Levin, director of innovation for the Human Simulation Lab and associate professor of anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine, and genetics and genomics sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine, in a statement.
"The NASA prototype performed as expected under a wide variety of simulated patient conditions. The team feels confident that the VITAL ventilator will be able to safely ventilate patients suffering from Covid-19 both here in the United States and throughout the world."
The prototype works like traditional ventilators, where sedated patients rely on an oxygen tube to help them breathe. But it's built to last three or four months unlike ventilators in hospitals that were designed to last for years and help patients with other medical issues. The engineers hope that more traditional ventilators can be freed up for patients with the most severe cases of coronavirus if VITAL is put into place.
The innovative ventilator was also designed to offer more oyxgen at higher pressures than typical models because Dr. Levin said some of the patients he's treating needed that capability.
"Intensive care units are seeing Covid-19 patients who require highly dynamic ventilators," said Dr. J.D. Polk, NASA's chief health and medical officer, in a statement. "The intention with VITAL is to decrease the likelihood patients will get to that advanced stage of the disease and require more advanced ventilator assistance."
Engineers at JPL developed the ventilator, which can be built quickly using fewer parts, most of which are available in current supply chains, the agency said. But it won't compete with the existing supply chain for ventilators.
It was also designed to be flexible with easy maintenance, meaning it can be used in the diverse settings hosting field hospitals, including hotels and convention centers.
"We specialize in spacecraft, not medical-device manufacturing," Michael Watkins, JPL director, said in a statement. "But excellent engineering, rigorous testing and rapid prototyping are some of our specialties. When people at JPL realized they might have what it takes to support the medical community and the broader community, they felt it was their duty to share their ingenuity, expertise and drive."
Rising to the challenge
Engineers like Stacey Boland stepped up, driven to do anything they could to help. The last 40 days have taken everything they had to make VITAL. The team worked long hours each day, which bled over into nonexistent weekends.
Boland is a project system engineer developing the MAIA instrument, the Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols that will characterize particulate matter in air pollution. The instrument could provide the data that helps medical professionals determine what types of pollution correlate with negative health outcomes.
On MAIA, Boland has worked with epidemiologists to determine the data they would need from the mission.
On VITAL, Boland acted as the operations lead to create a communication pathway between engineers, designers and visualization specialists with doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and intensivists (board-certified physicians providing special care for critically ill patients). Translating between the different professions to put everyone on the same page was a challenge, but one she enjoyed.
Operating during a pandemic meant that they were relying on calls, sending images and video conferencing to make a product in real time. Medical professionals called in on their lunch breaks, still in scrubs, describing what they were seeing in patients and what they would need VITAL to do.
A limited staff worked in person on the hardware, while the rest of the team video conferenced in. Boland was literally writing the instruction manual for how to operate VITAL as it was being built.
For Boland, it's personal. Her sister is a hospitalist nurse practitioner at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport in Mississippi. She would call her sister, send her pictures and ask questions as they worked on the device, and her sister would send feedback in real time.
Boland calls it the experience of a lifetime, working on a team that was able to find camaraderie through their singular desire to create something helpful during such a challenging time.
When they encountered obstacles while working on VITAL, there was no sleeping on decisions that needed to be made, Boland said. Normal coping mechanisms were tossed out the window, and they worked through issues in real time to overcome the next challenge.
It's been an adrenaline rush, working on a ventilator in such a short time, and the team wished it were under better circumstances. But the VITAL team was driven to help.
"I am not a medical device engineer, but when I hear someone on the front line needs something, I want them to have it," Boland said. "We want to be there for them. It's been a blessing and a privilege to have something so challenging and yet so relevant to be working on."
Leon Alkalai, a technical fellow at JPL, manages the office of strategic partnerships. In recent years, he's been leading a small effort to build relationships with the medical engineering community. He joined the VITAL team in a leadership role and helped establish communication between JPL and Mount Sinai, the FDA and the US Department of Homeland Security.
Alkalai said the FDA has been extremely supportive. And the doctors at Mount Sinai were interested in partnering together on VITAL after he reached out and shared the idea.
The collaboration between NASA and the FDA and medical professionals is an example of how institutions with different areas of expertise are coming together to create solutions for the pandemic.
"We're rocket scientists and engineers, we know how to land on the moon and Mars," Alkalai said. "But building a medical device is new. We were humbled by that challenge to do something we've never done before for a good cause. It goes against our culture to do something quickly in a domain where we're not experts. But it fits with the JPL mantra: 'Dare Mighty Things.'"
Currently, the California Institute of Technology, which manages JPL, is conducting outreach to find manufacturers for VITAL.
A helping hand
Additionally, NASA is trying to help fill the gaps due to shortages of other medical equipment in local communities, like Antelope Valley, California. One new device is the Aerospace Valley Positive Pressure Helmet, which can be used to help treat coronavirus patients with minor symptoms so they don't have to use a ventilator. It functions more like a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine, commonly used to treat sleep apnea, the agency said.
It has already been successfully tested and submitted to the FDA for emergency-use authorization. Meanwhile, 500 are currently in production.
The device is the result of a collaboration between NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California partnered with Antelope Valley Hospital, the City of Lancaster, Virgin Galactic and The Spaceship Company, Antelope Valley College and members of the Antelope Valley Task Force.
The prototype for VITAL and the helmet are the result of NASA's call to action issued on April 1 called the NASA@Work challenge. Within two weeks, NASA employees had submitted 250 ideas.
The NASA Glenn Research Center in Ohio previously partnered with Emergency Products and Research, an Ohio company, to work on small, portable devices that decontaminate ambulances quickly and much cheaper than current systems called AMBUStat. They're looking at the best way to apply this during the pandemic as well.
Indeed, "NASA's strength has always been our ability and passion -- collective and individual -- for solving problems," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in a statement. "All the work being done shows how NASA is uniquely equipped to aid in the federal response to coronavirus by leveraging the ingenuity of our workforce, mobilizing investments made in the U.S. space agency to combat this disease and working with public and private partnerships to maximize results."


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Big Rustic Lantern Outdoor Wall Sconce
Rustic lantern upgrades your house's artisticFree Shipping Tax-Free Delivery time: 3-5working days
Rustic lantern upgrades your house's artisticFree Shipping Tax-Free Delivery time: 3-5working days
Haven't received my order yet
quick delivery----looks great-----it's just a bit smaller than it looked in picture
Big Rustic Lantern Outdoor Wall Sconce
It exceeds everything I had hoped for. Awesome quality, beautifully crafted and looks even better in person!
What is in the package
Note: Check size picture to recognize the dimensions correctly
Warm Tip: Assembly requested, this fixture does need to be hard wired. Professional installation is recommended..
Reviews Tab Data here
1. How long will I receive my Item?
---We will usually take 1 day to handle your order and arrange the shipment. Normally you will receive your items in 3-5 business days.
2. What is your delivery area?
---US &CA, Free shipping all over the US and CA.
---Besides US&CA countries, we ship from CN or US, before placing an order, please check the executed shipping fee with GZBtech.
3. How will my items be shipped?
---Item ship from LA warehouse: We mostly choose FedEx and USPS as our carriers.
---Item shipped from China: The DHL is our logistics partner.
4. Are they free of shipping?
--- USA, CA all free shipping with no minimum order limit. Free shipping depends on we have local stock in the US and CA warehouses, if don't have local stock, we may need to collect the shipping fee.
---Other countries contact us GZBtech to confirm the shipping fee.
4. If I ordered several items, will they be delivered at the same time?
---We will try to make all your item in one package, but sometimes our items are not always sent together for different warehouse stock quantity reasons. Once your item starts to ship, we will send the shipment notification email.
5. What can I do if I need to change the shipping address after the item has been shipped out?
---Sorry, we cannot change the shipping address when the item is in transmit.
6. If what I received is not what I ordered and having a problem when using it, what should I do?
---Please feel no worries, please contact email@example.com for the right item shipping.
1.30-Day Money-Back Guarantee for retail order for no reasons
You can return the undamaged item within 30 days since the delivery date if you don't need the item anymore for a full refund. No restocking fee will be charged. Please check the detailed return process.
2. Return Process:
Min Fang-Annie
4097 Temple City Blvd,
El Monte, CA 91731 USA
Return conditions:
1. Unused
2. In original packaging
3. Included all components
Returns may be rejected if items don't meet the above requirements. Please note we will not accept any return or exchange after 30 days when there is no quality problem.
For the non-quality reason, GZBtech will not cover the shipping costs, the buyer is responsible for the shipping cost.
For Customization products, GZBtech rejects the refund once the production started.
1. Items received and inspected the status.
2. GZBtech will action and refund within 1 business day.
3. The refund will be applied to your credit card or the original way you paid at once or in about 3 days.
Quality-Related Issues (Damaged or Defective Items)
All the items will be inspected before shipping to ensure its function and appearance are under good condition. If the items arrived at your hand is broken or defective, please note the following:
1. Take pictures and videos to present the problem and then contact our customer support team via email email@example.com, or call us at +86 18597802766, within 7 days since the date you received it.
2. We will arrange the replacement shipping or refund immediately after we defined that the damage/defective is our items issue or quality problem. If replacement is sent, GZBtech will afford the replacement shipping cost; If a refund, GZBtech will refund all your costs.
3. GZBtech will provide a free replacement (Free shipping) or a refund. And If the defective item needs to be shipped back, GZBtech will take charge of all the shipping fee (Please kindly inform us of the estimated shipping fee, GZBtech will pay it to your Paypal before shipping).
4. If the damage is found to be caused by shipping or improper packing, there is no need to ship back the original one, and we will do the new replacement arrangement with free shipping.
1. If you prefer different color, size, or product model of your item, we will assist you with exchange for replacement. The process is similar with the return policy when you don't need our item and no restocking fee will be charged. Please make sure the item you would like to exchange is from us, since there are product code on our product package, please check it clearly before return.
2. GZBtech will not afford the shipping cost of the exchanged items from both ship back and reship unless the item received is damaged, defective, or incorrect.
3.If the item you're exchanging costs less than your original purchase, we'll refund you the difference of price. If the new item costs more, we'll charge you for the difference of price..


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Matcha buzz for millennials: Start-up launches naturally caffeinated energy drink
Matcha Works will launch its sparkling matcha energy drink on 1 March 2019. Targeting 18 to 30-year-olds with demanding urban lifestyles, the brand proposes 'every day energy' harnessed from natural matcha tea.
Matcha, a traditional Japanese drink, is made by crushing green tea leaves into a fine, bright green powder before being mixed in with hot or cold water. According to Matcha Works co-founder Harvey Hodd, this process leaves many of the nutrients untouched.
"The general idea with a normal green tea is that you have a leaf infused with water," Hodd told FoodNavigator.
"With matcha, it's a similar leaf, but it is ground down and dried out into a powder. You consume the whole thing, so it is full of natural caffeine and natural antioxydants. It's basically less 'infused water', more 'straight up leaf'."
RTD competition? 'The idea of energy and peak performance is dying'
This focus on natural caffeine, rather than on high-sugar energy, is just one of the ways the start-up sets itself apart from potential competitors, according to Hodd.
"We are trying to blur the lines between 'matcha' and 'energy'. There are other matcha offerings, but they [lack] the added functionality of ours. They're more a [simple] matcha offering, for someone that enjoys the taste."
In the ready to drink (RTD) energy drink market, UK supermarket shelves are dominated by well-known brands including Red Bull and Monster Energy. However, according to Hodd, Matcha Works is not trying to convert the classic energy drink consumer either.
"We feel that this idea of energy and peak performance is dying and think the war is now on consumers every day – so focus and fatigue, especially for an urban demographic."
"We class the Red Bull consumer as the 'doesn't care' consumer…They understand that Red Bull isn't that healthy for them, it comes with some sort of [energy] crash, but they don't care and will drink it many times over," he continued.
Instead, Matcha Works is targeting the health conscious consumer. "We're more 'everyday lifestyle', or 'commuting', or that 'run at lunchtime'," he continued. "We're going after the consumer that drinks coconut water or cold-pressed juice, [or might] turn to a cold brew coffee for an energy boost rather than an energy drink."
Expanding on a plant-based milk range
The sparkling matcha energy drinks, available in flavours lemon and lime; watermelon; and 'straight up' natural, join Matcha Works' existing line of matcha green tea 'm*ilks'.
The three varieties of plant-based milks – almond, oat, and coconut – have experienced growing success as the alternative milk market expands in the UK.
"The products have completely different taste profiles," explained Hodd. "We have [perhaps] seen better traction with our almond version, because we feel that consumers are…more familiar with it."
However, as the oat milk alternative sector grows, driven largely by the success of Swedish firm Oatly, so too are sales of Matcha Works' oat matcha drink.
"Two to three years ago, you didn't see oat-based milk in…the higher end cafes, even in London. Its rise has been pretty phenomenal," said Hodd.
The introduction of matcha products into big food and drink chains has also contributed to awareness, and as a result, sales, he continued.
"The likes of Pret a Manger and Starbucks incorporating [matcha] into their menu in the UK has been really great for us, especially with plant-based milks as well. Starbucks offers similar milks to us, and it allows consumers to try the product in a more mainstream setting before they are able to try one of ours."
Targeting the digitally native
Matcha Works has recently launched an ordering platform via the smartphone app WhatsApp, and according to Hodd, the start-up may well be the first fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company to do so.
"We want to speak to our consumers in a slightly different, more engaging way," Hodd explained. "Newsletters, slow email customer support, long checkouts on website all feels a bit tired. We wanted to make it seamless for our consumers to speak to us 24/7 in a more colloquial manger…and be able to order with one click for next day delivery."
Matcha Works' sparkling matcha energy drinks will be available in WholeFoods and via WhatsApp from March 1, at a RRP of £1.99 (€2.28).


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As I write this, Parliament is in lockdown due to an attack of some sort (assumed terrorist at the moment, until known for certain). This is not about that incident.
I tweeted this:
Pray for the perpetrator(s) as well as the victims. #westminster
— Undersea Monkey (@underseamonkey) March 22, 2017
Which, as you can imagine, elicited something of a response. The question was asked why I would suggest to pray for the perpetrators as well as the victims.
The perpetrators of any offence, terrorist or otherwise, are human beings. As a Christian, I believe that all human beings are made in the image of God. I also believe that that image is marred in all humans, that we are all in need of grace and mercy from Almighty God. I believe that that has been achieved through the cross of Christ and his resurrection.
I believe that when Paul tells his readers in Rome that, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3.23), he means it. I believe that compared to the way humanity is meant to be, none of us measure up. I believe that Jesus was and is the only truly human being, fully reflecting and displaying the image of God in the world.
And so, I know that I, a sinner, must pray for other sinners. I must hold my brothers and sisters before our Father in heaven. I must pray for people's hearts to be turned towards Christ and that their minds might be renewed. I must pray for transformation in all people.
Jesus died for them just as he did for me and, as Fanny Crosby wrote, "the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives."


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07 Apr Delta Phi Epsilon Leader Named to Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee Board
Philadelphia, PA – As reoccurring issues challenge the existence of fraternities and sororities on college campuses, the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC) plays a vital role in promoting the positive attributes of these organizations.
International Governing Board General Member Lynna Do, Alpha Iota Chapter at University of San Francisco was recently appointed to this influential board.
"This is where a lot of power is held. If we want to move forward and make a difference we need to be at the table where the decisions are made. This was an important development for both current and future members of the DPhiE community," says Do.
The FSPAC supports federal legislative candidates who advocate policies that improve the experiences organizations like DPhiE provide their members. The FSPAC also serves to educate legislators about issues important to the thousands of sorority and fraternity members across North America; including concerns for housing, equal access to education and other issues of equality.
Do said FSPAC plays a vital role in educating legislators and the public about the overwhelmingly positive contributions sororities and fraternities make for their members and surrounding communities.
"We do really well by our members and become stronger because of our sorority experience" Do said.
There are more than 60 FSPAC board members including current and former fraternity and sorority leaders, Panhellenic members and advocate professionals. The members work together to build a positive presence in Washington D.C. that essentially protects the fraternal experience Delta Phi Epsilon sisters have experienced for more than 100 years.
About Delta Phi Epsilon, Inc.
Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority was founded on March 17, 1917 at New York University Law School as a social organization for women. The mission is to provide a sisterhood experience rich with tradition, innovation and opportunities for growth. Learn more about Delta Phi Epsilon at www.dphie.org.


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I am Lars Gehlau, a freelance designer living in Hamburg. I'm fascinated by new technologies, complex systems and sustainability issues.
I'm creating design and communication solutions in various media – graphic and illustration, web, animation, exhibition and product design. Depending on the project I have suitable network partners at hand.
How can I help you?
Offshore wind parks are one of the most promising but also challenging new technologies. Especially the process of certification needs to be constantly revised within these complex projects.
After studying a huge amount of data tables, diagrams and texts I created two illustrations which visualise these abstract processes. It will help to improve the understanding and acceptance of these crucial certification regulations for all parties involved in the project. In addition I created further graphics for instruction seminars.
for Siemens
Electrical power and heat are being taken for granted in our modern life but we usually have no idea of the actual complex technological which ensures our comfort. Vattenfalls "Tiefstack" power plant plays an essential part in the power supply for Hamburg. Within the last 100 years it has been modernised several times, especially to answer environmental demands.
We created a lively exhibition room with various technical illustrations, short explanations, exhibits and experiment stations. Visitors can follow a timeline, explore technical details and get fascinated by this masterpiece of engineering.
for Vattenfall | with motum
"Smart Grid" is one of the keywords of nowadays green technologies. It is the complex cooperation of various energy producers, distributors and consumers. LINK (Local Smart Hub) is an innovative software and hardware concept, which is needed for communication and coordination between all integrated technologies.
We created a 5min movie that shows particularly animated load case scenarios. It will explain technology issues not only for investors but also for citizens that are confronted with local wind park projects, electromobility and smart home metering.
for WIND-projekt | with Auner Grafikatelier
Ever wondered what is inside that impressive huge wind mills along the highway and why they all look different? There are basically two different technologies competing for dominance: Geared vs. Direct Drive. Explaining and emphasizing advantages of that two different solutions means to take a deep look into the full system's component setup.
I designed a corporate icon set which represents crucial components of a wind mill. A grid system allows the flexible arrangement of the icons to build a full wind mill model. With this model the differences between the two systems may be shown.
for Siemens
Energy efficiency is a primary key of future energy supply. Modern power plants combine electrical energy and heat production to waste less fossil energies. There is a complex process of energy conversion between the power station and our home sockets and radiators.
I created an illustration that clarifies technological details and draw a connection to our everyday life. The graphic was brought to life by a smart electronical interface and hundreds of LEDs. Viewers will see animated energy flows by activating several given transformation/transportation scenarios.
for Vattenfall
The Friedrichs Dry Gin is produced in a very traditional distilling process. Explaining the various production steps emphasizes the high quality standard of this brand.
I created a retro engraving style with analog techniques. The final artwork was optimised for various print and social media use.
for Friedrichs Dry Gin
Recycling biowaste plays an important part in a sustainable power and heat production. A simple apple can be turned into biogas and compost by a complex process of energy transmission. Explaining the involved technologies will raise awareness for recycling and waste prevention.
I created an animation based on an illustration that shows the story of an apple that changes its energetic status while passing various stations. In the end it is visually coming back to our home and therefore represents an ongoing life cycle of energy transformation.
for Vattenfall
"Energiewende" is a keyword to establish sustainable technologies for our future energy supply. And it is crucial to explain it especially to young people as they will be the decision makers of tomorrow.
We developed a 3h workshop for teenagers with a varied program of teaching, discussion and experimenting sessions. I created graphics and animations to explain topics like climate change, renewable energies and hydrogen fuel cells. I also moderated several workshops and got real life insights on how to make pedagogic work.
for MIMS | with motum
I created various websites based on WordPress for small businesses and a non-profit organisation (animal shelter).
Using the waste heat from industrial processes or systems to generate additional energy is a smart way to increase overall efficiency of power systems and thus waste less fossil fuels. The EN3-Powerblock is an innovative engineering prototype currently beeing tested in real life scenario.
I created various concepts for a functional and aesthetic housing based on technical drawings.
for EN3
Efficiently introduce new employees to the internal structures and workflow of a company can be a challenge. We tried to find a playful and very visual approach suitable to this progressive, growing company.
I created a futuristic space station with all main topics/areas presented in various rooms. It also includes a little storytelling about the onboarding process.
for Integrity
Never without my sketchbook. No smartphone snapshots, no rush, but sitting down and enjoying the current scenery with all its details that we normally miss to see.
for myself


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The Skyfire browser is available now, in the 1.5 version and you have to know that this is the most advanced mobile browser for Windows Mobile and Symbian S60 devices. An Android version is also coming, specially thanks to the acquisition of Skyfire by Kolbysoft, the creators of the Steel Android browser.
Skyfire Mobile Browser 1.5 – Windows Mobile from Skyfirelabs on Vimeo.
Back to version 1.5, we learn that the browser works on the latest Nokia touchscreen handsets, running Symbian S60 5th Edition. The software supports high res screens (VGA/WVGA) and it comes with a finger-friendly UI and client/server upgrades for a faster browsing experience.
Among the features of Skyfire 1.5 there's smooth scrolling (kinetic scrolling; pan and flick), full screen mode, updated Flash and Silverlight (latest versions) and crisp texts, plus better video quality. You can get the new version of the browser from this address, if you want to try it out.


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Towards a Reverse Newman's Theorem in Interactive Information Complexity
Newman's theorem states that we can take any public-coin
communication protocol and convert it into one that uses only
private randomness with only a little increase in communication
complexity. We consider a reversed scenario in the context of
information complexity: can we take a protocol that uses private
randomness and convert it into one that only uses public randomness
while preserving the information revealed to each player?
We prove that the answer is yes, at least for protocols that use a
bounded number of rounds. As an application, we prove new direct sum
theorems through the compression of interactive communication in the
bounded-round setting. Furthermore, we show that if a Reverse
Newman's Theorem can be proven in full generality, then full
compression of interactive communication and fully-general
direct-sum theorems will result.


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The role of the planet Mercury concerning the Earth has been a very interesting one. For starters, this is a planet closest to the sun. It has also been blessed with a special force in the sense that the solar system starts at its behest. Mercury in astrology may have a lot of meanings, but before that, there is so much to know only about Mercury as a planet. Even though one would consider it to be the hottest planet because of its closeness to the sun, it is not the case. Science answers this oddity by pointing out the fact that Mercury revolves around the sun at too fast a pace to absorb heat.
Instead, Venus bears the brunt of heat absorption, going on to become the warmest planet of our solar system. This very speed of Mercury becomes its defining characteristic, letting it bestow all the related qualities to the people born under its influence in astrology. In ancient civilizations, Mercury was confusedly believed to be two stars instead of one, because of its high speed. So was the case that it could be seen in the morning, and then again in the evening by astrologers! As a fact check, Mercury spins around the sun in a third of the time the Earth takes.
Mercury in Astrology
Ancient astrologers believed Mercury to have a great role in being the messenger of gods. This role came into being because legends formed around the fact that it is the closest planet to the sun. This fact was believed to give mercury energy beyond measure so it could relay the messages of the gods to as far as Pluto in the solar system. Other than that, Mercury in astrology can also be believed to be responsible as the information carrier from one level of existence to another.
This is one of the few special instances where astrology clearly and openly admits to the existence of another species in space that may be relaying its knowledge (through Mercury) to the human race. Mercury is also known for causing a dual nature inside the human brain, often bringing it at a crossroads of choice and then leaving it there. It is the other planets and zodiac qualities that subsequently help take a person out of such situations in the end. If we were to ignore this trickster habit for a while, we could safely conclude that Mercury is indeed the planet that shapes up a human being's thinking process, enabling him to make a path to achieve his goals.
What does Mercury mean in Astrology?
Traditionally speaking, and in strict terms of astrology, Mercury rules the Virgo Zodiac Sign as well as the Gemini Zodiac Sign. These two signs help formulate a bridge between our physical and mental world. An easy way to perceive this for a layman is to think of a story. In any story, the protagonist faces a lot of troubles, a problem, that he needs to overcome. He ends up doing some tasks of bravery and valor to achieve his goal in the end.
In this story, the part that makes the protagonist realize how important it is to be brave, that it will be useless sitting with one's hands in his lap, is the role that Mercury plays in his life. Furthermore, the part where he plans for everything that will happen, taking care of everything that could go wrong, is also at the behest of planet Mercury. This is perhaps the reason that astrologers terms Mercury to be the planet of communication.
A general recap to traditional astrology
It would perhaps be useless to go on and explain Mercurial meaning without giving the reader any proper context or background knowledge. Astrologers believe in a simple principle, and it has helped them achieve so much knowledge from the planets it even surprises them sometimes. The principle is that of as above, so below. This directly translates to the fact that everything that happens in our lives is a direct representation of how the planets move up in the sky.
When we say planets, we mean everything from the dwarf planets, satellites, the sun, as well as the moon. These planets keep going into and moving out of zodiac signs, which give a person certain qualities if one is born at dates specific to them. September horoscope, for example, is dominated by planet Mercury, and so is the June horoscope. All of this then comes down to another very important figure in astrology. Enter the natal chart.
The Natal Chart
This will be short. But it is equally important for readers who don't know what a natal chart is to read about it before they move on. After all, what is knowledge if it is only understood partially? A natal chart is a graph that shows the positions of all the planets, or celestial bodies at any time given the location. This helps astrologers make accurate predictions of a certain event or how the personality of a particular person will be by seeing the ascendant and what sign each of the planets is in.
If a planet is in one of its signs, it always signifies a strong impact on a person. For example, a Mercurial personality will tend to be very strong regarding knowledge, information, and communication if one's natal chart shows Mercury in Gemini or Virgo at the time of their birth.
What is Mercury known for?
As we would expect it to be, astrology, with influence from its ancient roots, tends to be very considerate of one's personal life, especially the relations with family members. Any heightened Mercury signs mean very increased care for one's family members. A heightened sign in astrology means as we discussed before, a planet being in the position of a zodiac sign that it rules over.
In such cases, Mercury going through Gemini plays a particularly important part in the struggle for family members. This is because Gemini is one of those Mercury zodiac signs that invoke special love for a sibling and in particular a brother.
More Mercury Characteristics
As science has it, Mercury is the closest planet ever to the sun. This puts it in a position that many astrologers find pretty easy to explain. Astrology knowledge has a very simple notion that since the sun is in the center of everything, it knows everything. And with the great light it radiates to illuminate the entire solar system, it has thus an eye on everything that goes on, giving it a sort of an all-knowing demeanor.
With Mercury being a planet that is in constant view of something as full of knowledge as the sun, astrologers term it the gate that opens to knowledge. This comes about the fact that Mercury astrology has achieved full awareness, more than any other planet could and now has the responsibility of passing it on. In simpler words, Mercury is the manifestation of all the choices one makes in life because they are always in light of one's knowledge of a situation.
Mercury Symbolism
As an extension of what has been said before, it is very important for you to understand how Mercury plays a role in not just knowledge, but a person's perception of it. Mercury is the planet that truly embodies knowledge and information within a person. So much so, that when you try and form an opinion about a person from the way he dresses, walks, or talks, it is all down to how that person's Mercury has been working.
It is a pretty easy challenge when it comes to astrologers, but anyone who makes you feel like they are a very knowledgeable person, someone whose demeanor speaks of information and education, must have a very strong Mercury in their natal charts, which can be confirmed with any astrologer or online natal chart generator given that you have the necessary information.
More about Mercury Symbolism
Another very important characteristic of Mercury is that of its duality. We barely poked it earlier in our example that this planet likes to bring people on a crossroads in their quests of life, let us now explore that side in detail. This characteristic is not just unique, but also probably the most dominating one that Mercury has seen so far. In one's search for an answer regarding anything, be it as simple as a college thesis, or something as big and important as one's purpose in life, Mercury always tends to make one grapple for information in multiple directions.
While it may be true that going straight in one direction (even if without any luck) might prove to be a better option because of the chances that at some point one is going to realize whether this method is workable or not, and can shape up the future strategy accordingly. However, with Mercury's approach, astrologers see a pattern of variety and versatility of being able to handle two paths at one time.
Here's the catch to this dual thought process
But wait, not always is this dual nature working in favor of a Mercury personality. When it is set in the 7th house, Mercury will be all set and have a person convinced to find their life partner in two people at the same time. Now we all know the dangers of dating two people behind their backs, yet a person with strong Mercury would only probably see this as either a safety net in case one goes wrong, or they will be in great mental distress when they have to choose one in the end. This is only one example of how this can cause troubles for not just oneself but also any other people directly associated with a Mercury person.
However, there are strengths to counter disadvantages like that. For instance, Mercury brings about a great sense of responsibility for its expert organizational skills. In the office, as your boss would have mentioned so many times, productivity only comes with the organization and being able to multitask efficiently. Both of these skills occur naturally for a Mercury-ruled person.
Mercury in Philosophy
Some astrologers also call Mercury as a planet that owns movement. This is in relation to how fast it revolves around the sun. This fast revolution is one of the reasons science believes it does not heat up despite being so close to the sun. These facts greatly affect astrology too as a person goes on to take the same qualities.
People with strong mercury in their natal charts tend to be good at moving from one place to another at a pace faster than the normal person. It might even be so that such people find themselves serving the military as it is one of those jobs where you get to change your station every two years or so. However, this does not necessarily mean a life without any full stops. Mercury tends to be a very good settler too if the situation calls for it.
Before we go on finishing this article, it is important to understand that it is not Mercury alone that shapes up the astrological predictions on a natal chart. It only works in combination with various other forces and thus should be taken as such. Astrology is a branch of knowledge with still many doors unopened. And to open these, one needs to master each component separately, which is why astrologers put in so much effort with regards to each planet singlehandedly.


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Mumbai's high rentals are a sign of sickness, not health
— By | Nov 02, 2017 07:04 am
Ask most people about expensive cities. They will tell you that New York is an expensive place to stay in. Or London. Or even Tokyo.
In fact, if you look closely, both London, Tokyo and New York don't even figure in the 10 most expensive cities in the world (see chart). Their real estate rentals and their living costs are usually in sync with the lifestyles peculiar to those countries.
In fact, look a bit closer and you will find Mumbai ranking even higher than Beijing or Shanghai. It is one of the most expensive cities. That should actually make you sit up and wonder. Mumbai comes nowhere close to China when it comes to roads, or the quality of buildings, or the security and safety for common people.
So what is it that gives Mumbai the right to charge more even while offering less?
The answer is simple. It is the greed of politicians and the insensitivity of its administration.
Consider two factors. Nowhere in the world do you have a major city where only 30% of its households pay the market rate of property tax. Almost 50% of its population comprises slums (it was 41.3% according to Census 2011, but is believed to have swelled further to 50% since then). These slums have come up partly because of the draw of people from the hinterland in search for jobs and a better life. But they have also come up because political parties have backed them in order to create vote banks, so that they may win the next elections (http://www.asiaconverge.com/2015/11/is-the-government-acting-as-your-slumlord/). That is where the government and political parties play the role of slumlords.
Secondly, the remaining 30% of the households stay in what is known as cessed buildings. These are properties where –thanks to an anachronistic Rent Control Act – the rents are fixed by the government on the basis of historical (not market) costs. Thus such properties pay a rent which is often lower than one-twentieth of prevailing market rents. They are significantly lower than even property tax rates for such areas. As a result, just 20% of Mumbai's households pay market based property taxes.
What is worse, squatters on land (slums) have been promised free housing close to the places where the slums have been formed – often in the most valuable parts of the city. That sends out a wrong message – want a free house offered legitimately by the government? Go squat on government land in large numbers. Even the politicians will support you.
This is sought to be compounded by politically motivated demands that the newly developed properties (given free of cost to slum dwellers) should be exempted from paying any property tax in perpetuity.
This suits the powerful. They get a vote bank which they control. Moreover, the privileged continue to stay in houses which pay little or no property tax. Thus the tax-paying, law-abiding households in less privileged North Mumbai pay higher property taxes than those staying in the most posh areas of the city.
As a result, free commercial area is scarce. To develop these areas, the state charges exorbitant development charges. These high costs are then recovered by developers by way of high property charges. As a result, if rentals are high in Mumbai, it is because the government has sought to profiteer from this city.
Mumbai's misfortune is that gradually – thanks to the demographic tinkering caused by the promotion of slums – the core constituency of Mumbaikars has been shrinking. The city is now ruled by people who do not necessarily belong to it. Their primary concern is to make money from Mumbai and take it elsewhere. The absence of a charter which requires a fixed percentage (say 30%) of taxes generated by the city to be spent on the city itself has caused little investment upgradation within Mumbai. So, even though it contributes to a good chunk of tax revenues for the country, it gets little back in return. It has begun changing only recently with the emphasis on metro lines.
But despite such last-minute investments, Mumbai is already at breaking point. Its investments in infrastructure, its plans to make it a zero landfill city, and its dreams of becoming even more vibrant and liveable are great concepts. But if 70% of Mumbaikars are allowed to live here without paying the basic costs, this city's transformation will be limited.
Other cities will gradually gain prominence. They will offer youth the benefit of open spaces, clean air, better infrastructure and a vibrant nightlife that pseudo moralists and sham socialists have taken away from Mumbai. That will be when the cost of staying in Mumbai will decline. But that is also when the scavengers will leave Mumbai in search of other feeding grounds.
Mumbai's high costs are a symptom of sickness, not health.


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Dear editor
Wolf hounders are now allowed to train dogs to chase wolves, but are not allowed to let the dogs bite a wolf. Do hounders really think they will be able walk up to a wolf/dog conflict and put a leash on their dogs then walk away? What do you think will happen? I think there will be more dead dogs and wolves in the north woods. This will for sure lead to more poaching, because they won't report all the wolf and dog conflicts.
Sounds pretty unethical to me. No Better than training pit bulls to fight with live dogs and that is illegal. Is this what our ethical hunters want a "Blood bath" in the north woods? Just 2% of the population are In favor of this blood sport. Several of these 2% sit on the a Wolf Advisory Committee making up rules for this training season. I ask this question: should they be the ones to make the rules and terrorize our wildlife to such extreme measures?
This training policy is extermination not management of wolves. It is time to change the act 169. Ethical hunters need to speak up against this barbaric practice. How long before all of our wildlife is subject to these methods. Will deer be next? Time to speak up Wisconsin.
LuAnn O'Dell
"LuAnn has been advocating for wolves since 2011. She writes letters, emails, calls legislators and speaks out against wolf hounding in Wisconsin.
Photograph of LuAnn testifying before the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board opposing the wolf hunt quota on June 25, 2014. LuAnn has resided and worked in Wisconsin her whole life."


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We have concluded our first week of training camp in Yuzhny. Last year we came to the camp with 16-17 players. But this year we have 23 guys who were competing for 15 spots on the Ukraine National Team.
Since there are a lot of new faces we haven't seen before, we've done much more playing than teaching during our practices because we need to get a feel for these guys and see what they can do. We will have to make some cuts because we can't get as much accomplished in training camp with such a large group.
Our first friendly tournament will get underway this week. We face Romania on Tuesday, followed by Belarus on Wednesday and Israel on Thursday in the AeroSvit Cup 2012. Unfortunately five of our players will be out at the start of the tournament, including three starters.
Hopefully we will be competitive, but I'm not as concerned about winning as I am about determining who are in fact the best players to keep on the roster for the qualifying tournament in August. It will be good to compete against some new opponents in these exhibition games.
Photos courtesy of Anatolii Riabukha.


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Tim Cook has more faith in augmented reality than VR
"Less people will be interested in that," said the Apple CEO of virtual reality.
When Tim Cook is not busy showing off the newest iPhone to celebrities, he is doing interviews on morning shows and speculating on emerging technologies. During an interview with Good Morning America this morning, the Apple CEO told ABC News' Robin Roberts that he believed augmented reality to have a more promising future than virtual reality.
In response to Roberts' question on where Apple sees virtual reality, which she said is "all the rage" right now, Cook said, "There's virtual reality, and there's augmented reality. Both of these are incredibly interesting."
But to Cook, AR is the "larger of the two, probably by far." He explained that augmented reality allows people to be more present and share experiences with each other, which would eventually make the tech more commercially viable. VR, on the other hand, is more closed off, Cook said. Even though it immerses people in really cool experiences, "less people will be interested in that," he said, so it will likely inspire less commercial interest over time.
While this is far from a new AR product announcement from Apple, it does shed some light on why we might not have seen any moves in virtual reality from the iPhone maker. The company hired a virtual and augmented reality expert in January and bought an augmented reality company last year, but has not said anything on an AR/VR device.
Still, Cook's apparent interest in augmented reality could mean a difference in focus. Apple's biggest rivals, Samsung, Google and Facebook (which owns headset maker Oculus), have all developed virtual reality products, but few have made headway into AR. If the Cupertino company can produce something better than Google's Glass, it could beat the competition to that punch.


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|From: Benoit eyssette (eyssette.benoit at etu.unice.fr)
Date: Fri Mar 21 08:29:41 EDT 2008
I'm a beginner in Scheme and I'm trying to make something like Abuse(LISP) but I don't know how to do some graphic menu.More precisely, I want to put a button on a picture, like a game menu not just a simple button. I want also to change the image of a button with some pictures I draw.A button, a button highlight and a button clicked.How can I do. By avance, thanks for your anwers. Eyssette Benoit
|Posted on the users mailing list.


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10 February 2013
Family fun - Chinese New Year craft
22 comments
Love thisReplyDelete
- Nicola Lynch01/07/2013, 03:36
These look so lovely in the window :-)ReplyDelete
Can't wait to make some of these with my daughter :)ReplyDelete
I can remember making loads of these at school to decorate the sports hall for a party, and that wasn't yesterday lol :)ReplyDelete
we used to make these when i was a child, so good to be able to share them wt my kids too :)ReplyDelete
- Anonymous13/08/2013, 14:06
I used to make these as a child. I think it came from a Watch With Mother video :)ReplyDelete
I remember making these. Quite the easiest craft project!ReplyDelete
Ooh these look greatReplyDelete
I remember making these when i was little. Thanks for reminding me of a fun activityReplyDelete
Great idea - thanks for the post!ReplyDelete
Oh must get my little granddaughter on to making one of these for ChristmasReplyDelete
Memories, memories! Wonder if I still have the knack for making these?ReplyDelete
my little girl made one at school. she loved it xReplyDelete
love this idea and so simpleReplyDelete
- Anonymous29/01/2014, 19:06
Rachel Craig
think might have to do this with the kids at home .my son made one at school and he is well pleased with itReplyDelete
amazing idea so cool and simple perfect Chinese new yearReplyDelete
http://www.theminimesandme.com/2013/02/family-fun-chinese-new-year-craft.html?showComment=1392133816485#c4799472868979990821 I comment on this (Stacey hutchins)ReplyDelete
My granddaughter wanted to do a project this weekend and saw an advertisement on the tv for Chinese lanterns. I totally forgot about making these as a kids then I remembered reading about these on your website. Thanks again for the ideas you share.ReplyDelete
They look lovely! :)ReplyDelete
- Layla Thomas30/11/2015, 10:52
Very nice!ReplyDelete
- Layla Thomas30/11/2015, 10:53
I think we may try this with Christmas colours.ReplyDelete
Thanks for taking the time to stop by. We love to hear your thoughts - feel free to pop a comment in the box!


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Staying in France, Dior is a French designer of luxury goods. It seems like their focus is on each canvas bags and different types of leathers. They have a more fashionable and funky really feel to a lot of their purses but have a huge assortment of purses, pouches, clutches and more.
While they don't have a ton of options but, they do have fairly a number of styles and colours out there. Prada is an Italian designer brand that gears towards leather purses. They make baggage ranging from quite simple in design to some luggage that have a lot going on.
Their bags are principally made from leather-based and are available an abundance of unique kinds. The colours and kinds are tremendous cute and can make you stand out while sporting them. They even have a few bags that are within the form of different animals. Most of them come in softer colours, however nonetheless have many choices to select from.
Most of their bags are manufactured from leather, but they also produce bags made with different supplies. They have a large number of styles and colours within their bag lines. Chanel is a French designer brand that is targeted on Haute Couture, which is a type of high trend with hand-made workmanship.
Their handbags are extremely elegant and typically made from leather. Some are embossed and they also have a few bags that come in python leather-based. Givenchy has a smaller assortment of handbags than some of the different designers, but they're all very elegant. Alexander McQueen is a British fashion design model. The founder was truly the principle designer of the following brand, Givenchy, before starting his own designer brand.
JW Anderson is one other British trend design brand. They make a very limited number of bag styles but have many colour choices for each. With a really distinct look and shape to a few of their baggage, you'll positively stand out.
Phillip Lim is an American designer model that has its roots in Asian tradition. The founder's parents descended from Thailand through the Cambodian genocide. Their purses vary from very simple to extremely complicated, having baggage that nearly seem like origami. Most of the luggage are leather-based, but additionally produce other materials included. They even have a good assortment of colours available.


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plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989
How to paint aluminum
Q. We are evaluating the possibility of installing a new powder paint line for aluminum extrusions and are having some doubts about the proper pretreatment for paint. Can anyone help?Guillermo L [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Mexico City, Mexico
A. Proper pretreatment for aluminum castings and extrusions takes place in at least a 5 stage pretreatment system. The system would consist of the following stages:
- Stage 1: Alkaline cleaner (aluminum-safe, or mild etch)
- Stage 2: Fresh Water rinse
- Stage 3: Iron Phosphate solution containing fluoride
- Stage 4: Fresh Water Rinse (Recirc DI Optional)
- Stage 5: Fresh Water Rinse (Virgin DI optional)
Choice of cleaner depends on alloy and soils to be removed. The fluoride is the key. It etches the aluminum surface to provide for good paint adhesion. Reduce the stages and you reduce the chances for success.
Craig Burkart
- Naperville, Illinois
A. Guillermo, the suggestion Craig Burkart gave you is a very good one. Remember that aluminum does not accept a conversion coating. You must clean the metal and etch it for best adhesion. The D.I. water will help you to rinse any residual contamination from the substrate prior to the next step I.E. E-coat/wet spray/powdercoat, etc. By using a D.I. virginal rinse, the substrate is left in a slightly acidic state the powder just loves to stick to. You could also use reverse osmosis water if you like. The other area of interest to you may be in making sure the grade a casting/extrusion is compatible with the cleaning chemicals to prevent increase cleaning demands or multi chemicals to alleviate problems such as smutting. Bob
Bob Utech
Benson, Minnesota
! Bob, aluminum does accept chromate conversion coating. See MIL-C-5541 [affil link]. When chromating prior to painting the salt spray resistance will be far better.
I assume that there are some applications that phosphate will do instead of chromate.
Sara Michaeli
Tel-Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Sara, yes of course, aluminum accepts a chromate conversion coating. Thanks!
I'm confident that Craig's sequence is okay, but that there is a semantic issue: phosphoric acid forms iron phosphate on steel substrates but I don't think the phosphoric acid with or without fluoride can really form a conversion coating on aluminum (you can't form iron phosphate from aluminum plus phosphoric acid) -- and I think that is what Bob is saying. Aluminum can be zinc phosphated, but I think most people feel, like you, that it's generally not as good as chromate conversion coating.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
A. First and foremost: How much corrosion protection do you need?
If your requirements are minimal, then iron phosphate is fine. If your requirements are extensive, then here's what I do. It's not perfect, but it works.
- Alkaline Clean, inhibited and chelate free, 90 seconds.
- Recirculated rinse, with a fresh water make-up riser, 60 seconds.
- Chrome Phosphate, 30 seconds.
- Recirculated rinse, with a fresh water make-up riser, 60 seconds.
We apply the Chrome Phosphate to a coating weight of 50 - 125 milligrams/square foot.
The parts are then powder painted with a TGIC Polyester at 2 mils (50 microns).
We experience over 3000 hours of salt spray when tested with a stainless steel galvanic corrosion cell attached.
Some things that I would like to do if I could.
- DEOXIDIZER: Extrusions, I usually see 6061-T6, tend to have a heavy oxide film, that needs to be removed either chemically, acid deoxidizer, or blast clean.
- RINSE: I want lots of rinse tanks that back flow, thus significantly reducing water usage and providing cleaner rinses.
- NON-CHROME: This is emerging technology. Some testing I've done or seen results indicates that there is some really good stuff.
If you use chrome phosphate, or chromium chromate, ALWAYS install a heavy metal pretreatment system.Kelly Loch
captive finishing shop - Syracuse, New York
A. According to my understanding, the best pretreatment for aluminum prior to powder coating to ensure best adhesion and prevent filiform corrosion consists of:
- Alkaline degreasing
- Rinse
- Caustic etch
- Rinse
- Nitric acid desmut
- Rinse
- Yellow chromate
- Rinse
- Rinse in Deionized water
- Dry at max 70 °C
There are several Cr-free products approved by the European organization QUALICOAT to replace "yellow chromating" if wanted.
Aluminum has a natural oxide film on surface and depending the time between production process and surface finishing, this film may reach substantial thickness. The pretreatment above is advised to get the best results after powder coating.
You can follow the specs given by QUALICOAT of Europe for powder coating.Timur Ulucak
aluminum extrusions & finishing - Istanbul, Turkey
AAMA current specs are 2603, 2604, and 2605
A. We have several extrusion lines running a Chromium-free alternative equivalent to the extrusion industry standard Chromium phosphate. AAMA 603 and AAMA 605 call out most of the proper specs. for this industry.Shawn Dolan
Madison Heights, Michigan
A. Dear Guillermo L.
Pretreating and painting of aluminium extrusions can be a complex issue and you will find much, sometimes conflicting, advice around.
Installing a new plant, you have the opportunity to learn from others mistakes and take full advantage of new techniques and ideas.
I have been managing plants anodising, painting and powder coating aluminium extrusions for over 15 years, and currently manage 2 plants coating 3000 tons of extrusion a year.Ian Peart
general manager (Finishing) - U.K.
Q. What about the average Joe at home wanting to paint some aluminum? I don't have all the acids, rinses, etc. that are mentioned, so what do I do? I want to paint an aluminum ladder to go in a swimming pool. What is the preferred treatment, paint, etc. I've been told that epoxy is too brittle, and the flexing of the ladder would make it "spider". It looks like at this point that chlorinated rubber would be my best bet. Any suggestions? Thanks.Jack Hamlyn
Primer for Aluminum
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A. Hello Jack
The preferred paint for home use would probably be a zinc phosphate based paint or a primer made for aluminum. You should be able to find some in a marine store. I think you could then apply your rubber or other paint if you wish.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Q. What is the fastest and most economical way to remove a large quantity of latex (gag!) paint from aluminum? Someone recommended "aluminum aircraft paint stripper." Okay, Wal-mart doesn't carry this. Any idea who does? Thanks.Chad Krus
- Overland Park, Kansas
A. Hi Chad. You can get Aircraft Stripper on the net. But this is a methylene chloride based formulation, which demands real respect: rubber gloves [adv: item on eBay & Amazon], goggles [adv: item on eBay & Amazon], and excellent outdoor ventilation as the absolute minimum no matter how careful you think you are.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
A. First, let me qualify by saying that I'm an amateur in finishing. My work does involve painting steel and aluminum in the marine environment, but only peripherally - I don't spec that out. I have been vigorously researching aluminum finishing for amateurs, in conjunction with my interest in home-built airplanes.
The process I suggest for most amateurs runs like this:
- 1. Alkaline degrease
- 2. Rinse
- 3. Mechanically remove oxidation
- 4. Rinse
- 5. Self-etch primer, applied as soon as possible after the rinse.
- 6. Top Coat
The degreaser can be anything, well, alkaline and degreasing. Dawn brand dishwashing detergent is fine. Your local auto parts store has something.
Rinses should be hot, if at all possible.
Maroon Scotchbrite pads are the best way to remove oxidation, either the hand pads, or the drill motor mounted "Surface Conditioning" pads. Degreasing and oxide removal can be combined.
Self Etching Primer
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Most auto parts stores can at least order self-etching single part non-chromate primers in spray cans or quarts for brushing with a foam brush (problematic, holidays are badddd), roller-brushing (roll an even coat on and tip it with a foam brush, better) dipping or spraying. NAPA carries Martin Senour 7220. Marhyde makes another one .
These are one part alkyd systems that have very low health risks, a simple particle respirator is semi-adequate protection. It's crucial to apply the primer as soon as the surface is dry from the final rinse. A mild solvent wipe (alcohol) can be used to speed up drying.
Top coats with this simple system can be any single part paint, from latex to moisture cure epoxies. Acylics with strong solvents, and any two part polyurethane will lift this primer, and ruin the job. But amateurs should not be using polyurethanes, and especially not spraying them. The isocyanurates will kill them without a supplied air respirator.
This is a "good enough" system. It will NOT produce the same level of performance you'd get by using more toxic forms of degreasing (MEK anybody?), acid etching/deoxidizing, conversion coating, chromate containing primers, and more expensive, nastier paint systems. But it reduces, substantially, the health risks and the toxic/hazardous wastes that consumers DO NOT carefully dispose of.Aviation paint remover, the active ingredient is the same stuff, Methyl Chloride, as any useful (as opposed to useless) paint stripper. It's safe to use on aluminum.
I heartily welcome feedback on this system, as I plan on promoting it's use to homebuilt airplane folks. I see too many articles in the aviation hobbyist press advocating the use of "industry standard" practices of 40 years ago. The aircraft industry has done a tremendous job in the last 10 years of reducing it's hazards and it's waste stream, it's time the hobbyists did the same.Ryan R. Young
- Oakland, California
A. Ryan R. Young,
I agree with you in regards to researching the latest stripping technologies that provide more environmentally friendly alternatives for paint stripping aluminum. Rather than following 40 year old, out-of-date aluminum stripping processes that utilize methylene chloride in Aircraft Paint Removers.
I have been formulating Eco-Friendly, Non-Chlorinated, Non-HAP Paint Stripping Solutions over the past 30-years. I hold 2-US Patents on Eco-Friendly Paint Stripping Methods as well as focus our company exclusively on research and development of Methylene Chloride replacement coating removal technologies.
Kissimmee, Florida
Q. I have some brand new clean- bare square aluminum tubing, 3/4" and 1" sizes, and I would like to paint or color coat for appearance. It will used outdoors.
Does anyone know of any color coating that might be easily applied and might last a few years?
Thanks, JIM
developer - Tulsa, Oklahoma
Q. I want to repaint my store front window frame--it came painted smooth green. I am presuming it's anodized and need to know if I need to sand and prime it before painting it. Some paint has flaked off. Also, what it the best paint to use for this surface (I'm also painting a non-painted aluminum door) for this job. Can I find it at ACE? I was going to use a spray can for a smoother finish since this is will be exposed at eye level.
Thank you!
consumer - Chicago, Illinois
January 1, 2008
Q. I have an aluminum water tank that is dented and painted. I plan to have the tank sand blasted after I remove most of the dents. I need to finish smoothing the dents with a filler of some sort. What primer should I use? Should I fill the dents before I prime? I plan to use an automotive paint to finish the tank. Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thanks.Henry Gillotte
- Crystal River, Florida
March 10, 2008
Q. I have a decorative relief aluminum (beautifully designed) patio table, that has several layers of old paint, most of which I have removed, what KIND of paint do I need to use--especially since it is outdoors? I also want to enhance the depth of the relief with a darker color? Thanks to any input!Kim Brazill
hobbyist - Oakland, California
April 6, 2009
Q. I'm having trouble with the paint on my bi-folding aluminium doors its flaking off and bubbling up, the doors are bout 50 meters from the sea And this has been after about 18 months.
Could you advise on any paints that the powdercoaters could use to resolve this issue that are longer lasting?
many thanks, lee
employee - bedfordshire, U.K.
October 14, 2009
Q. I have an aluminum delta truck box that was painted black but now is starting to chip off in large areas. What would I need to do to, so I could have it nice and new looking again. (Strip, sandblast, etc.) and what is best to repaint it with ( rustoleum, etc;.) I don't want this to take place again, but want as little money invested as possible. Thanks for your suggestions.Jon Flinn
hobbyist - Kearney, Missouri
October 15, 2009
A. Hi, Jon. Methylene chloride based paint stripper, often called Aircraft Stripper, should remove the paint -- but it's really nasty stuff, so you can use it only outdoors with good ventilation, goggles, and rubber gloves [adv: item on eBay & Amazon], so you might heed Sam Miles advice there.
The ideal pretreatment for aluminum is chromate conversion coating, but you wouldn't do that yourself, so I'd select a primer made specifically for aluminum, that is, a primer that calls itself aluminum primer [adv: item on eBay & Amazon] on the label.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 31, 2010
Q. My situation is that I have lots of steel components in my engine bay (Chevrolet Vortec) that I have painted red (VHT 2,000 & Krylon 500 degree) & I am investigating an upgraded HEI distributor that has an aluminum cap... the problem is that this cap is sort of a "UCLA blue" color & I wish to paint it in high temperature color.
Could I go directly over this already painted item, or should I fully strip it? Additionally, without powder coating, can I utilize stock off the shelf high temp paints like the Krylon 500 degree?
Any added input is appreciated.
- Austin, Texas
January 28, 2012
Q. What paint is best to use on aluminum window mullions. They are about 20 years old on a 3 story building all in between glass and are black in color.Bob Simmons
- California
UV Additive for Epoxy
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A. Hi Bob.
Avoid epoxy when there is strong exposure to light as it doesn't have good UV resistance. Other than that, if you are painting paint rather than painting bare aluminum, any paint made for metal will probably be fine. If you are painting bare aluminum, see the previous responses. Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
July 26, 2012
Q. What are all the processes required to paint an aluminium Extrusion part? I've the aluminium extrusion part, I need to paint in black color with thin layer.
Please help me: what is the procedure to paint the Al extrusion part?
Primer for Aluminum
on eBay or
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A. Hi Baskaran. I think this whole thread is an attempt to answer your question. So it may be better to start with, "I understand what you are saying about ..., but I don't understand what you mean by ..."
Of course, hobbyists painting single aluminum parts don't necessarily need to follow the full protocols that an OEM would. You may find it satisfactory to simply apply a zinc phosphate primer [adv: item on eBay & Amazon] and follow it with black spray paint. Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 30, 2012
Q. I just had my gable windows wrapped w/ powder coated aluminum- now that the sun is out, it's not matching the existing trim on my house- what's the easiest way to prime and paint this new powder coated aluminum??marie MASON
- Matthews, North Carolina USA
A. Hi Marie.
You are not painting aluminum, you are painting fresh powder coating. I think it's probable that a quick light sanding, followed by any house paint of your choice will work.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
September 3, 2012
Painting Cast Aluminum Engine PartsJanuary 25, 2015
Q. Hello all,
I am starting up a business building custom motorcycles and need some help on determining a good process for finishing engine parts. I have selected a higher temp paint without ceramic (most of the engines that I am finishing are air cooled) but I have had some mixed results on getting the prime coat and paint to stick to the metal. My assumption is that either my preparation was not good enough or that I am just doing something wrong in the preparation. I have done some research but saw this forum and thought that maybe I would run some ideas out to some experts first to see if I am on the right track or way off. I was thinking about doing this:
1. Clean with an aluminum prep solution (picked a product called Alumiprep 33 [adv: item on eBay & Amazon])
2. Rinse with water or DI water
3. Apply Aluminum conversion coating (picked Alodine 1201 [adv: item on eBay & Amazon])
4. Rinse with water or DI water
5. Apply enamel primer coat.
6. Bake cure primer
7. Apply Enamel based paint.
8. Bake cure Enamel based paint.
The problem in the past has mostly been that the paint will flake off very easily (usually starts during assembly when tightening fasteners but other times will flake off with use over time). The biggest question that I have is on the conversion coating. Is it able to withstand heat (an engine will run between 100-150 °C at times). I have considered powdercoating but want to figure out a solution without having to purchase a bunch of new equipment.
I greatly appreciate any help that I could get on this.
Trevor LaJoye
Motorcycle/car Restorer - Lindstrom, Minnesota, United States
Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread


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About us
Company History
EBL-Global was established in 2000 to provide business support services to companies wishing to explore the benefits of outsourcing in China.
Founded by our CEO Gary McBlain who still runs the company as well as the other companies within the group specialising in training, business support and consultancy services.
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text:
10. Permahaus
In March 2014 I was invited by a local architects' practice to join a team to submit an entry in the Sunday Times British Homes Award. The brief called for a passivhaus, and the architects wanted to integrate permaculture ideas into their response.
Eric Parks was the principle architect, with Jonathan Lindh and Jim Wild from Leeds Environmental Design Associates providing design & graphics advice & support and Mechanical & Electrical engineering design respectively. I provided the permaculture & landscape design and the 3d artwork.
Design Report
Appendix A: Brief & FAQs
The following documents contain the brief as set out by the competition organisers.
Appendix B: Client's SIte Survey, Masterplan & Design statements
Appendix C: Design Submission
Below is the combined design submission, created from elements provided by me, Eric Parks, Jim Wild and Jonathan Lindh. Compiled by Jonathan.


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Boundary: Bleed area may not be visible.
Click and drag to re-position the image, if desired.
by Louis Dallara
Pillow Insert
Image Size
The image is near the edges of the product but doesn't cover the entire product. Some of the background color may appear around the outside edges of the image.
Background Color
Product Details
Our throw pillows are made from 100% spun polyester poplin fabric and add a stylish statement to any room. Pillows are available in sizes from 14" x 14" up to 26" x 26". Each pillow is printed on both sides (same image) and includes a concealed zipper and removable insert (if selected) for easy cleaning.
Design Details
Color photograph of a sunken boat on Chincoteague Island, VA
Ships Within
2 - 3 business days
Canvas Print
Framed Print
Art Print
Metal Print
Acrylic Print
Wood Print
Greeting Card
iPhone Case
Throw Pillow
Duvet Cover
Shower Curtain
Tote Bag
Round Beach Towel
Zip Pouch
Beach Towel
Weekender Tote Bag
Portable Battery Charger
Bath Towel
Coffee Mug
Spiral Notebook
Fleece Blanket
Paul Lindner
Another Sunken "Fish Tail".Well captured Louis. L/F.
Louis Dallara replied:
Many thanks for the visit and well needed laugh !
Color photograph of a sunken boat on Chincoteague Island, VA
Mount Laurel, NJ, formally from Medford, NJ, Cape May, NJ, Charleston, South Carolina and Sarasota FL. The award-winning fine art photographer Louis Dallara creates amazing images that are filled with energy and emotion with expression that he creates by combining his many skills with insight, and a unique connection with his subjects. Louis has created several websites. Please visit his Home site for more info about the photographer Louis Dallara Photography His Luminous Art Gallery site is also my Pixels AW page Fine Art Gallery The artistic merit of the images combined with the universal appeal of the subject makes an indelible impression on the viewer. "The process of creating artistic images is multifaceted, and always a...


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At Triland, we pride ourselves on being experts at what we do. We achieve this through ensuring that we employ high-calibre individuals with talent and potential that we can help to flourish.
If you are a recent graduate or are due to graduate next summer, in a business-related degree (e.g. economics, business studies, finance, mathematics), class 2:1 minimum, and are keen to make a career in the commodities market, we would like to hear from you.
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We offer a nine month programme that will get you involved from the very beginning. You will spend time in various back-, middle- and front-office functions, giving you the opportunity to really understand our business and what it takes to succeed in it. A high-profile element of the programme is the requirement to study for, and pass, the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment's Capital Markets Award, specialising in derivatives.
Apart from the investment we make in you through training and development, upon appointment to the permanent staff we offer a competitive salary, along with benefits including health care, a contributory money-purchase pension scheme, subsidised gym membership, life insurance, interest-free season ticket loan, and permanent health insurance. (Please note that some benefits have qualifying periods and conditions.)


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Sunday came up so fast with lots of expectations for Lola's birthday party. I wore a cool fitted suit, my best suit actually with a hat. While Nancy wore a dress Mirabel provided for her.
We arrived at the place before 4.pm and the place was wow! full of exotic cars, that was my first time of seeing a Lamborghini car and others. Music was booming the environment, I saw so many good looking and sophisticated persons in attendance. That was when I had a thought of pride that I'm rolling with bigger girls. Well, I didn't feel intimidated at all because, I got a nice ride and well dressed as well.
I met Mirabel's guards standing at the frontage of her lodge, I asked them if Mirabel was inside, they replied positive. Some guys and girls were seated in the parlor but Mirabel wasn't. I greeted them before asking after her and they said she went to the room to get dressed. I went straight to her room and knocked…
Mirabel: Who is it?
Me: Your boyfriend
Mirabel: Come in come in come in
I slowly opened the door and walked in, she was backing me
Mirabel: I've been waiting for you, Now tell me, how do i look? **Turning around to face me**
Me: Woah… you're a true definition of beauty, a virtue of grace, I'm incredibly graced by your grace, I'm highly favoured beyond imaginations, you have no idea how happy i am to have you, you're like a figment of my thoughts but thank God you're real, thank God for creating you, I'm extremely blessed. Oh my! what am i saying? Come give me a hug please baby…
We hugged each other for so many minutes, i also caressed her hair emotionally that I didn't know when a tear dropped off my left eye.
Me: I will always love you Mirabel, I will continue to love you no matter what… The love I have for you is irreplaceable.
Mirabel: I love you so much and you know it, I believe whatever you tell me, I trust the love we have for each other,,, I'm made to understand that, sometimes in life, the best doesn't come first but mostly comes last. Yes I was born with everything i need, but you stand as the best thing that has ever happen to me. With you in my life, I have everything I want and my love for you is unconditional.
**We were still hugging each other before someone opened the door**
Cynthia: Oops! sorry for intruding guys, didn't know uhmmm… excuse me, Mirabel everyone is waiting for you outside, they're about to start
Mirabel: Ok I'm coming out, just give me a minute. Is Lola out yet?
Cynthia: No, she's waiting for you
Mirabel: Ok, just a minute please
Cynthia: Alright hurry up. Hi Victor
Me: Hi **I just waved at her with a coy smile then she left**
Mirabel: Victor
Me: Yes?
Mirabel: Everyone will know today that you're my boyfriend
Me: I don't understand
Mirabel: As you know, this is a high class party and everyone you see out there are sons and daughters of dignitaries like Senators, Ministers, Governors, big business men children and all that. So,,, people like us are not expected to come here with any random person, we can only come with our date, friends or spouse
Me: Okay…
Mirabel: You and I will be together throughout the party, that is after I escort Lola to the Celebrant's seat then We'll seat together by her right side. And I will introduce you to anyone I meet as my boyfriend
Me: Its cool, no problem
Mirabel: Sure?
Me: Yea, sure, even if your Father gets to know I won't be bothered
Mirabel: Really…?
Me: Just kidding
Mirabel: He's not gonna do anything nasty I'm sure of that
Me: Well, he is your Father, you should trust him,,, He should only know about us when the time is right
Mirabel: Of course, that's what I'm waiting for. Put this in your mind that I'm taking you to my father in Aso rock two weeks after our final exams
Me: Aso rock?
Mirabel: Yea, why?
Me: But his tenure will expire months before we graduate
Mirabel: So? what happens to second term?
Me: Oh… I forgot
Mirabel: By the way, where is Nancy?
Me: Oh my God!
Mirabel: What is it?
Me: No, nothing, She's outside… let's go join them, they're waiting for you
Mirabel: Yea, let's go. What about Promise?
Me: I dunno, we haven't talked today. She didn't call me
Check www.pobsonline.com for more amazing stories
Mirabel: The securities will deny her access if she should come because we only invited her with our mouth as our close friend and not with invitation card and she doesn't even have a car. Let's call her quick,,,, where is that my phone
Me: Lemme call her **I brought my phone out from my pocket** my phone has been switched off all this while and i didn't know **I quickly switched it on**
Mirabel: Maybe she's been trying to call you, who knows? Woah… eleven missed calls from her
**She dialed Promise's number and she picked up at once, then Mirabel put on loud speaker**
Mirabel: Hello Promise
Promise: Hi I've been calling you but you didn't pick up and Victor's line is unreachable
Mirabel: I apologize, I've been busy. They refused to allow you come in?
Promise: Yeah at first, but I'm in now,,, thanks to Cynthia. Where are you guys by way?
Mirabel: In my room but we're coming out now
Promise: Please hurry up, I'm feeling awkward and nervous out here
Mirabel: Just meet us in my lodge
Promise: Ok, on my way
**Hangs up**
Mirabel: Lets go lets go
Me: After you my darling
We stepped out together, the guys and ladies we met in the parlor all stood up when we showed up in the parlor. She greeted them in a hurry while stepping out and they followed us or they followed her rather,,,, who know me? Lol.
The guards opened the entrance door and there stood Promise, glowing like a star, where did she hid her beauty all this while that i did not see? I was stunned by her beauty but refused to get carried away.
Mirabel: You're looking good Promise
Promise: Thanks, and you're looking gorgeous
Mirabel: Thanks,,, come on, let's go and escort Lola out to her seat, we're already late. Guys you may go have your seat (Referring to the ones with us) Victor please wait for me here, Promise lets go
They left for Lola/Cynthia's lodge to escort the celebrant out while I stood in front of her lodge as she told me to wait for her. I was looking around for my sister Nancy, I didn't know where she was.
Mirabel came out alone some few minutes later and went to grab a mic, she signaled them to pause the music. After which, she welcomed everyone in attendance and also said other things. Gosh! her voice sounded so good on the mic, God help me 'coz I so much love this girl.
She then announced the arrival of the celebrant, every one stood up clapping their hands while Lola and her escorts came out, my mind became cool when I saw Nancy with them. Mirabel however, handed over the mic to the MC after making a comment that…
"Lemme quickly go get my boyfriend before these beautiful ladies in the house do something nasty"
The guests cheered and applauded to that,,, while she left the stage and walk towards me smiling with confidence.
All eyes on me! I started feeling so nervous that I felt like I was gonna collapse even though I was standing upright.
I apologize for the late updates and short episodes….. the story will be ending soon, Thanks