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Walmart Inc: Mega-Cap Dividend Stock Soaring to New Highs
WMT Stock Delivering Big Returns
"Investors wishing to pick up a solid dividend stock for a good price should take a serious look at Walmart Inc."
That's what I told readers of Income Investors back in June 2018. At that time, Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT) stock was having a pullback, so I explained why investors might want to consider this solid dividend payer on the cheap.
I hope you took advantage of that piece. Since the article was published, Walmart stock has surged more than 28%. At the same time, the company has also raised its dividend payment to shareholders.
That was quite a rally, especially considering that Walmart is a blue-chip company commanding more than $300.0 billion in market capitalization. In fact, as of this writing, the latest surge in WMT stock has sent it to a new all-time high.
Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT) Stock Chart
Chart courtesy of StockCharts.com
What I really saw in Walmart, and what I still see today, is the company's durable competitive advantage.
You see, in my opinion, Walmart has two main characteristics: it is really big, with more than 11,300 stores located in 27 countries around the world, and it is known for "Everyday Low Prices."
Having an expansive retail network gives Walmart bargaining power when it comes to negotiating deals with suppliers. Walmart's store network receives over 275 million customer visits every week; that's a network that most suppliers would want to reach. As a result, many of them are willing offer good deals to Walmart so they can put their stuff on Walmart's store shelves.
And by extracting the best possible deals from its suppliers, Walmart Inc can offer lower prices to its customers. As more customers shop at Walmart, the company's retail network gets strengthened, further boosting its bargaining power with suppliers. This virtuous cycle has been working for decades and equipped Walmart with a unique competitive advantage.
Of course, we live in an era where e-commerce is booming. And not all retailers are doing well. In fact, if you read the news, you'll see that media is now using the words "retail apocalypse" in the headlines.
Still, Walmart is doing more than fine. Just take a look at the latest quarterly report and you'll see what I mean: in the three-month period ended April 30, 2019, same-store sales at Walmart U.S. increased 3.4%. Notably, this marked the fourth consecutive quarter in which Walmart U.S. posted comparable sales growth of three percent or better. (Source: "Walmart U.S. Q1 comp sales1 grew 3.4% and Walmart U.S. eCommerce sales grew 37%, Company reports Q1 FY'20 GAAP EPS of $1.33; Adjusted EPS2 of $1.13, led by strength at Walmart U.S.," Walmart Inc, May 16, 2019.)
The company also managed to turn e-commerce into a catalyst. In the reporting quarter, e-commerce sales at Walmart U.S. grew 37%.
At the company level, Walmart's total revenue grew 2.5% year-over-year on a constant currency basis.
Still a Solid Dividend Growth Stock
So Walmart is retail behemoth that's still growing its business and WMT stock has been soaring. What does that mean for income investors?
Well, due to the inverse relationship between dividend yield and share price, a soaring Walmart stock means its yield has gotten lower. Priced at $110.32 per share, Walmart Inc offers an annual yield of 1.9%.
What could make WMT stock worth considering for income investors right now is its dividend growth. In February, the company's board of directors approved a quarterly dividend rate of $0.53 per share, representing a 1.9% increase from the prior dividend. With that announcement, Walmart Inc has increased its dividend every year for 46 consecutive years. (Source: "Walmart Raises Annual Dividend to $2.12 per Share, Marking 46th Consecutive Year of Dividend Increases," Walmart Inc, February 19, 2019.)
There's also plenty of room for future dividend increases. In the previous fiscal year, Walmart earned an adjusted profit of $4.91 per share while declaring $2.08 per share in total dividends, achieving a very conservative payout ratio of just 42.4%. For the current fiscal year, management expects the company's adjusted earnings per share to increase by low- to mid-single-digit. (Source: "Walmart U.S. Q4 comp sales1 grew 4.2% and Walmart U.S. eCommerce sales grew 43%, Q4 2019 GAAP EPS of $1.27; Adjusted EPS2 of $1.41, Fiscal year 2019 GAAP EPS of $2.26; Adjusted EPS2 of $4.91, Company reiterates fiscal 2020 guidance," Walmart Inc, February 19, 2019.)
After its recent surge, Walmart stock doesn't offer much in terms of current yield, but the dividend growth thesis remains intact.


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In a recent report, London-based venture capital firm MMC was unable to find any evidence of AI use in close to half of the "AI start-ups" in Europe. Among start-ups that did use AI, the majority preferred purchasing third-party AI solutions rather than building their own.
The report, sponsored by Barclays, has sparked debate over whether AI has simply become a fashionable term to attract publicity and funding, and also begs the question of whether these 'AI' companies are filling the pockets of big software firms at the expense of developing their own IP.
"AI" attracts up to 50% more funding
MMC's review looked at the "activities, focus, and funding" of 2,830 purported AI start-ups in 13 EU countries. In only 60% of these companies was there evidence of AI having a contribution to the firm's business processes.
"We looked at every company, their materials, their product, the website and product documents," David Kelnar, head of research for MMC, told Forbes, "In 40% of cases we could find no mention of evidence of AI." In such cases, he added, "companies that people assume and think are AI companies are probably not."
The report showed that AI-branded start-ups have attracted between 15 and 50 percent more funding than traditional software companies since 2015. This may explain why start-ups prefer branding themselves in this way. However, it's worth noting that not all of the companies were actively claiming to use AI; some were simply failing to correct misclassifications made by third-party sites.
Bespoke solutions and differentiation
The study reported that nearly half of the companies surveyed favoured buying AI solutions from third parties, while a third intended to build custom solutions. The remainder looked to outsource custom solution development to a third party or wait for AI to be embedded in their favoured software products.
Seeing as only a third of the surveyed companies chose to develop AI solutions in-house, it's important to highlight the reasons why this may be.
Key challenges for start-ups looking to develop AI solutions as identified by MMC:
- Recruiting AI talent
- Accessing good quality training data
- Developing production-ready AI that would work in the real world
Despite custom-built AI systems (e.g. Google's Deepmind) yielding potentially greater benefits and attracting more investment, some start-ups may view the ambition of producing bespoke solutions from scratch as a costly and unrealistic approach. One alternative to this is for start-ups to collect valuable data and use open-source machine learning libraries to achieve a similar goal. Although this approach may not result in the development of IP which is as valuable as that produced by pursuing an entirely bespoke solution, it carries a lower risk. If embarking on this approach, companies should be conscious of the obligations imposed by many of the common open-source libraries, concerning software reuse and contribution back to the open source community.
Spending on off-the-shelf AI products and spending on developing custom solutions in-house should not be seen as mutually exclusive. Investing in both could allow firms to create IP that enhances business value and is attractive to investors. Even if the concepts and applications developed are not capable of being patented, there are many other forms of IP protection available which can allow companies to protect their valuable efforts from misuse by third parties and demonstrate value to investors.

subset: commoncrawl


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Place the battery-operated submarine at the bottom of the tub using the suction cup and get ready for action. Make sure the water level covers the submarine windows.
Start the steady flow of water by squeezing the knobs on the diver shower handle, which are designed especially for easy grip and activation by small hands.
Aim the water flow at the whale to see it float and swim across the tub.
Direct the water flow into the whale's tail and watch it spraying water from its head.
Fill up the whale with water and suddenly it's a water-pouring funnel. When filling the whale through the mouth, you can pour the water out both from the front and a small hole in the back. What a fun sense of accomplishment!
Section 1
Mauris mauris ante, blandit et, ultrices a, suscipit eget, quam. Integer ut neque. Vivamus nisi metus, molestie vel, gravida in, condimentum sit amet, nunc. Nam a nibh. Donec suscipit eros. Nam mi. Proin viverra leo ut odio. Curabitur malesuada. Vestibulum a velit eu ante scelerisque vulputate.
Section 2
Sed non urna. Donec et ante. Phasellus eu ligula. Vestibulum sit amet purus. Vivamus hendrerit, dolor at aliquet laoreet, mauris turpis porttitor velit, faucibus interdum tellus libero ac justo. Vivamus non quam. In suscipit faucibus urna.
Section 3
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Section 4
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Suspendisse eu nisl. Nullam ut libero. Integer dignissim consequat lectus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos.
Good to Know
Safety first
The submarine and whale can travel in shallow waters, so a safe water level is enough. Also, since the submarine circulates water from the tub, water temperature remains constant.
No more running water! The Submarine Spray Whale caters to kids' love of running water by spraying bath water using its unique circulating water pump (CWP).
Like all Yookidoo motorized bath toys, our award-winning Submarines uphold the most stringent water safety standards and are the only IPX7 waterproof certified bath toys.
We love all of the Yookidoo bath toys, in fact, we have almost all of them. This one is especially fun as it allows our 16 month old to learn her hand-eye coordination, and she doesn't even know she is learning! We were really impressed with the quality and as always..." | Schaffe
Is it safe to use this battery-operated product under water?
Yes. The Submarine Spray Station upholds the most stringent safety standards (ASTM, EN71, ect') and is IPX7 waterproof certified, ensuring the utmost safety in using battery-operated products when immersed in water. Still, please follow these guidelines to ensure optimal safe use of the product:
1. Use 4 X AA batteries only.
2. WARNNING: don't use rechargeable batteries.
3. Use quality batteries of a known brand.
4. Make sure the battery compartment is tightly sealed after every time you change the batteries
Is this product BPA free?
Yes, this product is BPA free.
What age is this product for?
This product is recommended for children ages 2-6 years. No matter what their age, you should never leave a child unattended in the bathroom or bathtub.
How do I operate the submarine for the first time?
Before you can start enjoying your new Submarine Spray Whale, batteries must be inserted. We strongly recommend using new, good quality batteries to ensure optimal operation over time.
After inserting the batteries, close the battery compartment and attach the submarine to the bottom of the tub using the suction cup. Make sure the water level is at least 2 inches (5 cm) so the water covers the submarine windows.
What type of batteries are needed to operate the Submarine Spray Whale?
4 X AA batteries (not included) of good quality and a known brand are needed. WARNNING: don't use rechargeable batteries. Do not mix old or used and new batteries or different types of batteries.
How do I insert the batteries?
Before inserting batteries, ensure the product is dried thoroughly!
To insert batteries, unscrew the little screw near the battery compartment cover (located on the front side – "nose" of the submarine). Then using a coin unscrew the battery compartment cover and extract the battery compartment. Insert 4 X 1.5V AA (LR6) batteries, ensuring correct polarity. Close the compartment cover and screw firmly into position.
Attention! Before putting the submarine in the water, make sure the battery compartment is tightly sealed!
How do I start the water flow in the Submarine Spray Whale?
After attaching the submarine to the bottom of the tub using the suction cup base make sure the water level is at least 2 inches (5 cm) so the water covers the submarine windows. Then just squeeze the knobs on the diver shower handle to start the water flow.
What is the required water level to operate the submarine?
The submarine should be secured to the bottom of the bathtub, while water level must be at least 2 inches (5 cm).
What water effects are created when directing water into the whale?
Aiming the stream of water into the whale creates a fun and surprising spraying effect while directing the water flow towards the floating whale will make it swim.
What should I do if I notice mold has developed from the shower handle?
It is recommended to properly rinse, drain, and dry out the product after every use. Unless you do that, Yookidoo® bath toys will need a good cleaning every few weeks or so, in order to remain mold-free. When a thorough cleaning is required, fill up a bucket with water and add in some vinegar. Let the toy soak in the vinegar water for around 20 minutes, then turn it on and off a few times to circulate the water through the pump. repeat this step with clean water to wash the vinegar out. Rinse it off and dry using a paper or cloth towel.
How do I clean the filter?
Unscrew the filter (located on the bottom of the submarine under the suction cup) and pull it out. Wash with soap and water until the filter mesh is clean. Make sure the inner propeller is also clean and spins freely. Reposition the filter and screw firmly into place.
How often should I clean the filter?
The filter should be cleaned every time batteries are replaced.
The Submarine Spray Whale stopped working. What should I do?
The product may stop working when the propeller or filter are blocked by dirt, hair, or soap. In order to fix this, unscrew the filter and pull it out. Wash with soap and water, ensuring that the filter mesh is completely clean. Make sure propeller rotates freely. If it does not, try to release the clog with a screwdriver, until it rotates freely again. Reinsert filter and screw into place.
If you would like to watch a tutorial, click here.
If the water is still not running, change the batteries and make sure to tightly close the battery compartment lid (see instructions above).
The water stream from the diver showerhead is slow. What should I do?
1. Allow the pump to fill up with water – plug the water hole on the diver showerhead with your finger(s) for a minute.
2. Check to see if the shower head is blocked by dirt. If it is, clean it and blow air into it to clear the water exit.
3. Clean filter – clean mesh and make sure that the filter propeller spins freely.
4. Change batteries.
The showerhead doesn't work. What should I do?
1. Check to see if the shower head is blocked by dirt. If it is, clean it and blow air into it to clear the water exit.
2. Verify correct polarity of batteries.
3. Change batteries.
4. Still doesn't work? Contact us..
What is the date code and where can I find it on the product?
The Yookidoo date code helps us track the production date of the product. The date code of the Yookidoo Submarine Spray Whale is on the bottom of the submarine base. It is made up of 5-digits and ends with letters.


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Roll On
Eau de Parfum
Intensity 75%
Product Reference # P136179
- IRRESISTIBLE GIVENCHY, a perfume that compels you to let go.
- The irresistible signature of the Eau de Parfum reveals itself in a new on-the-go format. This fragrance plays with contrasting luscious Rose and radiant Blond Wood. Its floral-woody-fruity scent is magnified by the Roll-On's sensorially addictive texture.
- This travel-friendly format leaves a radiant trail of jubilation on your skin throughout the day.
- A luscious and effervescent rose, in a sensual dance with enticing notes of luminous blond Wood. A sparkling touch of Pear and Ambrette gives the fragrance a subtle yet vivacious facet.
- A signature fragrance by Master Perfumers Fanny Bal, Dominique Ropion and Anne Flipo, this floral-woody-fruity juice jubilates with feminine charm.
Your IRRESISTIBLE routine
1) For gently perfumed, silky-smooth skin, start with the Hydrating Body Lotion.
2) Spray on your IRRESISTIBLE GIVENCHY perfume.
3) For a sublime scent that lasts all day, apply the Roll-On to all pulse points like the neck and wrists.
Our advisors are here to assist you with product and styling advice, and to answer any questions you may have.


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WorldRemit founder and CEO, Ismail Ahmed, has commented on the potential acquisition of MoneyGram by its largest competitor – Western Union. According to reports by Bloomberg and Reuters, Western Union is in talks to acquire its rival, MoneyGram.
According to Ahmed, the move would have profound consequences for competition in the remittance market.
In the statement Ahmed revealed that: "Western Union is reported to be in talks to acquire its largest competitor MoneyGram. If the deal is approved, it would create a monstrous monopoly that would impact the livelihoods of millions around the world."
Ahmed added that: "Separately, these two companies operate what former UN secretary general Kofi Annan calls a remittance "Super Racket". According to the Africa Progress Panel, the two companies are engaged in anti-competitive practices to maintain their market position. Their extortionate fees amount to an annual 'super-tax' costing Africa alone an estimated $1.8 billion every year. In many corridors, the merger would eliminate the limited competition that currently exists."
"Online services such as WorldRemit are drawing away their customers with greater convenience and honest pricing, but more than 95% of remittances are still sent offline, primarily through these two companies. We call on regulators to block this deal unconditionally – in the interests of migrants and expats around the world who rely on international money transfer services to support friends and family in their homelands," concluded Ahmed.
Darryl Linington


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How to choose the Perfect Bag!
SCORE! The Official Game Day Bag
Regular price
Set of three silver plated 16" necklaces each with a claw clasp & 3" extender. Each necklace features a different chain style and charm, to include gold and black beads, a golden and black enamel Purdue logo charm, and a silver plated stamped disc featuring the "Go Purdue" slogan.
This is an officially licensed product.


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The Antiquary (Dec 1909) - Proceedings of Archaeological Societies
On November 10 Dr. Villy lectured before the Bradford Historical and Antiquarian Society on "The Roman Occupation of the West Riding." In the course of his address the lecturer said that there were three roads passing through the North. The first started from Chester, and, going through Northwich, ultimately reached Manchester, and thence continued into the West Riding in the direction of Huddersfield. From that point the tracing was indefinite, but there was little doubt that it passed not far from Castleshaw, probably got to Tadcaster, across the Wharfe, and communicated with York. That road would be of great importance, setting up as it would communication between Chester and York. Dr. Villy dwelt on the fort at Castleshaw, and alluding to the finds made there, he said that the pottery discovered belonged to the first century. He also dealt with the fort at Slack, where had been found tile stamps of the 4th Cohort B.R.E., the nationality of which had never been definitely fixed. The auxiliaries of the Roman army, Dr. Villy in passing remarked, formed an interesting study. The legions, 6,000 strong, were nominally Italians, but the auxiliaries were recruited in the conquered countries. They had the Sarmatian Horse, and he thought they might not be far wrong in regarding them as the predecessors of the present Cossacks. At Ilkley they got the Lingones from France, at other places there were traces of Moors, so at that time they could imagine a very strange mixture of peoples in the North, what with the legions, the auxiliaries, the hangers-on, and the camp-followers. As to what had become of the original natives in these parts, nobody knew. It seemed exceedingly doubtful that they became civilized and assimilated like those in the South, for it was recorded that at times, in spite of the huge garrisons, the country was upset because of the people in the hilly country being ever ready to do an injury to the Romans whenever they could. From 150 to 200 a.d. the North of England was in an uproar, until the Emperor Severus took the matter properly in hand. It was a fairly well accepted fact, however, that the North of England as a whole, if conquered, was in a sullen state, and, so far from being friendly, was always ready to do the invaders an injury. The second road was from Manchester to Ilkley, and in dealing with this, the lecturer pointed out, it was not correct to assume that the Romans always made their road straight. In the plain, flat country that policy was as a rule carried out, but in hilly country the roads were laid out by landmarks, and he pointed out how in the neighbourhood of Denholme, Harden Moor, and Riddlesden, the straight lengths were of very short distance. The third road ran from Rib-Chester, past Elslack to Skipton, across Rumbolds Moor to Tadcaster and York, thus giving a complete line across the country from east to west. This road was kept on a low level, seldom reaching a height of 450 feet. In conclusion, the lecturer dealt with the excavations at Elslack, of which he showed a few photographs.


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- With a firm, circular motion, massage the web of skin between the base of your thumb and your forefinger. Continue massaging for several minutes.Acupressure experts call this fleshy area trigger point LIG4 and maintain that it is linked to areas of the brain where headaches originate.
- Soaking your feet in hot water will help your head to feel better. By drawing blood to your feet, the hot-water footbath will ease pressure on the blood vessels in your head.
- Have a cup of strong coffee. Caffeine reduces blood-vessel swelling, and thus can help to relieve a headache.
- Wring out two wet peppermint tea bags and place them on your closed eyelids or forehead for five minutes.
For more remides follow this link http://www.readersdigest.co.uk/health/97/33.html


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Hours closed
- Mon-Thu • 9a-9p
- Fri-Sat • 9a-6p
- Sun • Closed
Taylors, SC 29687
Branch ManagerBeth Atwood
The area between Greenville and Greer was just farmland, and farmland it would have remained had it not been for the mineral spring five miles east of Greenville near the Enoree River. Dr. Burwell Chick bought up the land and opened the Chick Springs Resort in 1840. It was soon teeming with summer visitors from the lowcountry and elsewhere, who did much to boost the local economy. When the Richmond and Atlanta Railway was built, local entrepreneur Alfred Taylor built the station on his property, and gradually the center of business for the area shifted to Taylor's Station.
In the twentieth century Taylors, as it was now known, received boosts from nearby Camp Sevier during World War I and the opening of Southern Bleachery in 1924. The widening of Wade Hampton Boulevard as the main thoroughfare between Greenville and Spartanburg also contributed to the burgeoning population. While some advocated incorporating Taylors in the 1960s, the move failed largely because the area residents felt already well served by the water and fire districts. Although only the springhouse of the original resort remains, Taylors has a well-preserved downtown area and many longtime residents who value its history and spirit.
The Taylors Branch of the Greenville County Library was founded on November 20, 1973. In the 1920s the Bookmobile had been begun stopping every other week in Taylors at the First Baptist Church, but eventually the growth of the community warranted its own branch. The location across from the fire station on Wade Hampton Boulevard served until January 25, 2005, when the spacious Burdette branch opened. The property on Main Street is especially noted for its beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The new building has four times as much space as the old storefront location.


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Human impact on water resources and the aquatic life it supports really hits home as many of us head to lakes, rivers and beaches for vacation this summer. The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department invites teens and kids to halt the tide by participating in any of three summer litter programs.
Did You Know? Eighty percent of litter found in our oceans traveled from locations on land via our creeks, bayous and rivers! Micro-litter and cigarette butts may seem insignificant but become a big problem concentrated in our waterways.
Participate in a Scavenger Hunt!
A summer scavenger hunt – Look Out for Litter – is a free, fun, outdoor family activity any three weeks between June 15 and August 15. For kids 18 and under. To register or print a litter log, visit The Woodlands Township website or call 281-210-3927.
- Simply pledge to pick-up 3 pieces of litter per day for 3 weeks.
- Complete a daily log of the items.
- Submit the log to Environmental Service to receive a t-shirt (while supplies last) and be entered into a drawing for additional prizes!
Join the Cigarette Butt Brigade!
- Fill plastic bags with cigarette butts you find in the community.
- Bring your bags to Environmental Services Office (8203 Millennium Forest Drive) to receive a free t-shirt (while supplies last) and be entered into a drawing for additional prizes!
- The Township has an ongoing partnership with Terracycle, who recycles and composts the cigarette butts and records the quantity we send. See how cigarette butts are being recycled into park benches or to make better, cleaner bricks.
Clean the Planet by Going Social!
Discover how to "use technology to clean a planet" – a social media campaign that can help us start gathering data about our community's litter profile by taking photos of individual pieces of litter on Instagram (@#litterati). Get inspired at www.litterati.org.


text: Paperback: 448 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.99 x 9.22 x 6.20 Publisher: Oxford University Press; 2nd edition (February 1, 2004) =====================================================================IntroductionA. From Darwin to the Modern SynthesisSection Introduction1. Darwin, C. (1858) Extract from an unpublished work on species2. Darwin, C. (1858) Abstract of a letter from C. Darwin, Esq., to Prof. Asa Gray, Boston, U.S.A.3. Maynard Smith, J. (1987) Weismann and modern biology4. Fisher, R. A. (1930) The nature of inheritance5. Wright, S. (1932) The roles of mutation, inbreeding, crossbreeding, and selection in evolution6. Haldane, J. B. S. (1949) Disease and evolutionB. Natural selection and random drift in populationsSection Introduction7. Kettlewell, H. B. D. (1958) A résumé of investigations of the evolution of melanism in the Lepidoptera8. Cook, L. M.; Dennis, R. L. H.; & G. S. Mani (1999). Melanic morph frequency in the peppered moth in the Manchester area9. Karn, M. N. & Penrose, L. S. (1951) Birth weight and gestation time in relation to infant survival10. Ulizzi, L. & Terrenato, L. (1992) Natural selection associated with birth weight. VI. Towards the end of the stabilizing component11. Gibbs, H. L & Grant, P. R. (1987) Oscillating selection on Darwin's finches12. Lewontin, R. C. The paradox of variation13. Kimura, M. Recent developments of the neutral theoryC. AdaptationSection introduction14. Fisher, R. A. (1930). The nature of adaptation15. Williams, G. C. (1966). Adaptation and natural selection16. Grafen, A. (1986). Adaptation versus selection in progress17. Reeve, H. K. & Sherman, P. W. (1991). An operational, nonhistorical definition of adaptation18. Orr, H. A. & Coyne, J. The genetics of adaptation: a reassessment19. Cain, A. J. (1964). The perfection of animals20. Gould, S. J. & Lewontin, R. C. (1979). The spandrels of San Marco and the Panglossian paradigm: a critique of the adaptationist programmeD. Speciation and biodiversitySection introduction22. Mayr, E. Typological v population thinking23. Mayr, E. Species concepts and their application24. Darwin, C. (1859) The sterility of hybrids25. Dobzhansky, T. (1970). Reproductive isolation as a product of genetic divergence and natural selection26. Rice, W. R. & Hostert, E. E. Laboratory experiments on speciation: what have we learned in 40 years?27. Coyne, J. H. & Orr, H. A. (2000). The evolutionary genetics of speciation28. Schluter, D. (2000) Ecological basis of postmating isolation29. Grant, V. Hybrid speciationE. MacroevolutionSection introduction30. Erwin, D. H. & Anstey, R. L. (1995) Speciation in the fossil record31. De Beer, G. R. (1971). Homology: an unsolved problem32. Dawkins, R. (1996). The ey gene33. Dickinson, W. J. (1995) Molecules and morphology: where's the homology?34. Haeckel, E. (1905) The fundamental law of organic evolution35. Garstang, W. (1951) Three poemsF. Evolutionary genomicsSection introduction36. Ochman, H.; Lawrence, J. G.; & Groisman, E. A. (2000). Lateral gene transfer and the nature of bacterial innovation37. Vision, T. J.; Brown, D. G.; & Tanksley, S. D. (2000). The origins of genomic duplications in Arabidopsis38. Humans, M. Ridley39. Raff, R. A. (1996). Co-option of eye structures and genes40. Benner, S. A.; Caraco, M. D.; Thomson, J. M.; & Gaucher, E. A. (2002). Planetary biology - paleontological, geological, and molecular histories of lifeG. The history of lifeSection introduction41 42. Schopf, J. W. (1994). Disparate rates, differing fates: tempo and mode of evolution changed from the Precambrian to the Phanerozoic43. Cooper, A. & Fortey, R. (1998). Evolutionary explosions and the phylogenetic fuse44. Dilcher, D. (2000). Major evolutionary trends in the angiosperm fossil recordH. Case studiesSection introduction45. Medawar, P. B. (1951) An unsolved problem in biology46. Crick , F. H. C. (1968). The origin of the genetic code47. Maynard Smith, J. (1971) The origin and maintenance of sex48. Janzen, D. H. (1983) A caricature of seed dispersal by animal guts49. Nilsson, D-E. & Pelger, S. (1994). A pessimistic estimate of the time required for an eye to evolve50. Sniegowski, P. D.; Gerrish, P. J.; Johnson, T.. & Shaver, A. (2000). The evolution of mutation ratesJ. Human evolution.Section introduction51. Sarich, V. & Wilson, A. C. (1967) Immunological time scale for hominid evolution52. King, M-C. & Wilson, A. C. (1975). Evolution at two levels in humans and chimpanzees53. Britton, R. J. (2002). Divergence between samples of chimpanzee and human DNA sequences is 5%, counting indels54. Muller, H. J. (1950). Our load of mutations55. Livingstone. F. B. (1962). On the non-existence of human races56. Krogman, W. M. (1951). The scars of human evolution57. Pinker, S. (1994). The big bangK. Evolution and human affairsSection introduction58. Antolin, M. F. & Herbers, J. M. (2001). Evolution's struggle for existence in America's public schools59. Dobzhansky, T. (1973). Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution60. Hume, D. The argument from design61. Monod, J. (1974). On the molecular theory of evolution62. Huxley, T. H. (1893). Evolution and ethics63. Palumbi, S. (2001) Humans as the world's greatest evolutionary forceBiographical notesSelect bibliographyAcknowledgementsIndex


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Mind Over Matter . . . Matters!
We all know that exercising the body is beneficial. But what exercising the mind? Or combining the two? Since the brain actually tells the muscles what to do and controls all bodily functions and organs, brain health is directly related to body health. That's why The Garlands of Barrington's Inspirational Wellness Advisor, Dr. Sandra Sieber, encourages clients… Continue Reading Mind Over Matter . . . Matters!


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Rustic Live Edge Bathroom Shelf
Steph was gifted a beautiful piece of live edge wood which she used to construct a simple, but functional bathroom shelf. The metal brackets are from the hardware store shelving department.
The four pieces of wood on the wall are wood fence pickets with the pointed part cut off. They are about $2.00 each. She was able to get two wall pieces from each picket.
8/23/2017 04:36:02 pm
I have just learned of your site (mother daughter) and I am enjoying all of your lovely projects. You are a wonderful team. Making memories together. Very special!!!!! Sandy
8/24/2017 07:12:56 pm
Thanks so much Sandy! We really enjoy working together :)
Leave a Reply.


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Calls for Papers
Limina Annual Conference – 'Fear and Loathing' (Reminder)
The Ninth Annual Conference of Limina: A Journal of Historical and Cultural Studies
Friday 20 June 2014
University of Western Australia
The Limina Editorial Collective is calling for conference submissions from postgraduate and early career researchers in the Humanities and Social Sciences which engage with the theme of 'Fear and Loathing'. Abstracts of no more than 250 words should be submitted before Thursday 1 May 2014. For more information, see the Limina website.
Public Lecture
The Piranesi effect: architecture, imagination and consequences
5 April 2014
The University of Melbourne
More information available here.
Public Lecture
Playing to the Crowd: Street Singers, War Reporting and the Manipulation of Emotions in Early Modern Italy – Dr Massimo Rospocher
Monday, 7 April 2014, 6.15 pm
Video Conference Room 231, Old Arts
The University of Melbourne
More information available here.
St John Passion (J.S. Bach)
Saturday, 12 April 2014, 7.30-9.30 pm
St Paul's Cathedral, Cnr Flinders and Swanston Sts
Trinity College
More information available here.
Italian Masterpieces from Spain's Royal Court
16 May – 31 August 2014
National Gallery of Victoria
More information available here.
Languages of Emotion: Translations & Transformations Collaboratory
10-12 June 2014
The University of Western Australia
More information available here.


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61-34 188th Street, Suite 201
Fresh Meadows, NY 11365
Fresh Meadows area restorative dentistry at Alan L. Rosenberg, D.D.S can produce natural-looking results. If you have a damaged or missing tooth, we can help.
Our highly skilled team will assess your need for a crown, bridge, implant or other procedure to restore or improve your smile. Our goal is to provide quality dental care for your life-long oral health.
If you're looking for denture repair in the Fresh Meadows area, our team at Alan L. Rosenberg, D.D.S offers friendly service. Dr. Rosenberg understands the importance of reliable dentures that fit properly.
We'll get your repairs done professionally and quickly. You'll be able to eat and smile again with confidence as soon as possible.
If you're looking for dentures that look great and last, look no further than Alan L. Rosenberg, D.D.S located in the Fresh Meadows, NY area. Alan Rosenberg, D.D.S. will assess your needs and fit you with durable, comfortable, natural-looking dentures - at a price you can afford.
Fresh Meadows area teeth whitening dentist Alan Rosenberg, D.D.S. loves to help brides, grooms and wedding party members look their very best for that special day. We offer a Wedding Day Special for tooth whitening that will provide you with the dramatic results you desire.
You'll have a beautiful, dazzling smile to celebrate your wedding day. And your wedding pictures will show off your sparkling white teeth for years to come!
Dental bonding in the Fresh Meadows area is available from experienced dentist Alan Rosenberg, D.D.S.. If your teeth have unsightly cracks or discoloration, dental bonding can help.
It's a quick and non-invasive procedure that corrects minor cosmetic flaws and restores your natural smile. You'll feel great being able to show your natural again.
100 N. Centre Ave. Suite 402
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Rockville Centre area dentist Dr. Michael Rechter offers dental payment plans so you can afford the treatment you need. Just talk with our friendly team about your needs.
We'll be happy to work with you to find the solution that fits your situation. We're committed to making your oral health a reality.
Rockville Centre area cosmetic dentistry at Long Island Dental Excellence can produce amazingly natural-looking results! You can have a bright, healthy new smile after just one or two sessions with Michael Rechter, D.D.S.. It's faster and more affordable than you may think.
Long Island Dental Excellence welcomes emergency appointments. We know that dental emergencies can occur at any time. Our 24-hour voice mail alerts Rockville Centre area dentist Dr. Michael Rechter to your need. We are here to help you at any time.
New and safe sedation dentistry with Rockville Centre area sedation dentist Dr. Michael Rechter means you can have years of dental treatments done quickly while you're lightly sedated, with little or no discomfort. If you've been putting up with discomfort, hiding your smile, or delaying scheduling dental work because you're too busy, your life is about to change. Make a sedation dentistry consultation appointment today with Dr. Rechter.
Safe, anxiety-free dentistry with Rockville Centre area dentist Dr. Michael Rechter means you can have dental treatments done quickly while you're lightly sedated, with little or no discomfort.
You no longer have to tolerate feeling uncomfortable, hiding your smile, or putting off dental work because of a busy schedule. You'll feel relaxed during your dental appointment, and relieved that your oral health is in good hands.
16-26 Bell Boulevard
Bayside, NY 11360
Bayside area restorative dentistry at Unique Dental Care can produce natural-looking results. If you have a damaged or missing tooth, we can help.
Our highly skilled team will assess your need for a crown, bridge, implant or other procedure to restore or improve your smile. Our goal is to provide quality dental care for your life-long oral health.
Don't let untreated dental problems get you down. Rebuild your confidence with a beautiful new smile. From simple treatments that make a big difference, to more extensive work, unveiling the smile you were meant to have can have profound life-changing effects. Serving the Bayside, NY area and offering cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Gold can help you develop an affordable treatment plan you'll feel good about.
A negative self image can be detrimental to many facets of your life. Bayside area dentist Dr. Alan Gold understands the positive life-changing power that a healthy and beautiful smile can bring to you. Here at Unique Dental Care, we don't want you to be embarrassed any longer. Why not take your smile - and even your life - to a new level of self-confidence and beauty?
A beautiful smile can brighten your life! If you are continuously hiding your chipped, stained, or cracked teeth from others, it's time for a change! Alan Gold, D.D.S., a trusted Bayside area dentist, can fix chips, cracks, and stains to reveal a great new smile - and a new you. You'll look so good you'll wonder why you waited so long!
Bayside area cosmetic dentist Alan Gold, D.D.S. has extensive experience creating beautiful smiles. They're one of the first things people notice about you.
Our professional team will be happy to discuss your aesthetic dentistry options. The attractive results you'll get from Unique Dental Care can change your life!
Corbin Family Dental Arts
20417 35th Ave
Flushing, NY, 11361-1243
Chassen, Stuart E D.D.S.
3443 213th St
Flushing, NY, 11361-1554
Teran Dental Office
4004 Junction Blvd
Flushing, NY, 11368-2124
Yuancong, Wang D.D.S.
4373 Union St # Cb
Flushing, NY, 11355-3019
Throughout history, dentists have tried to recreate the function and beauty of natural teeth when tooth structure has been lost. Restoring function used to be the main goal of a dentist because prior to the 1970's, dentistry lacked the proper technology to achieve fine esthetics as well as function. Dentists could only predictably offer patients a restoration that would simply "fill" the empty space. Today, dentistry has more advanced dental materials and newly developed techniques that allow dentists to offer artistically-recreated, natural-looking crowns and modern tooth bonding that would fool even the most critical eye.
Before you can understand how crowns and tooth bonding can mimic teeth you must understand why natural teeth appear as they do.
It is a common mistake for patients to think that their teeth are all one color. Your teeth are never just one color. They are a series of superimposed translucent layers of varying shades. Teeth also have different surface textures that reflect light in ways that affect the color of your teeth.
Your teeth are made up of three layers: pulp, dentin, and enamel. Each layer has a specific thickness, composition and structure. Additionally, the way light reflects off of or transluces through the layers gives you the color of your teeth. Using knowledge about the three layers of teeth allow dentists and dental technicians to recreate natural-looking dental crowns and tooth bonding.
Dental crown technicians are the true artisans in dentistry. Dentists begin the crown-making process by reducing the size of the tooth, making an impression of the reduced tooth, and selecting the proper shades of the tooth. This information is then transferred to the dental technician so a crown can be made.
Dental technicians blend science with artistic knowledge to recreate natural-looking teeth. Artistically, they use frame and reference, proportion and idealism, perspective and illusion as well as symmetry to mimic nature. Understanding the language of colors and using new dental materials and techniques has allowed the dentist to not only "fill" missing spaces but create cosmetic dentistry artwork from crowns and tooth bonding as well.
By Benjamin O. Watkins, III, DDS
Cosmetic dentistry is everywhere these days.
With new materials, especially dental "superglues," we're reshaping teeth, filling gaps between teeth, restoring broken teeth, replacing missing teeth, placing lighter braces. The technique is called dental bonding, and the aesthetic result is wonderful.
But it's not forever.
The American Dental Association puts the life of tooth bonding materials at about five years. This may be a conservative estimate, but there will come a time when a bond needs attention.
In general, if you treat a bonded tooth like your other teeth, you'll keep your dental restoration intact longer. Lax home care habits or the wrong foods can hasten wear and tear.
So go easy. If your tooth restoration is brand new, or years old and still flawless, keep smiling. With care, we've seen dental bonding last a long, long time.
Here are some reminders to help lengthen the life of your dental restoration.


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Developing a custom ASIC offers many compelling advantages. For some it is adding smarts to make a device more compelling; for others, it's integrating a CPU and discretes onto a chip to reduce bill-of-material cost, footprint, and improve performance or protect IP. The custom ASIC process has become a much less costly and risky proposition over the last two decades. "Easy access" and "cost-effective" tools, services and IP enable development of a custom ASIC more easily and with a much lower risk.
Arm, imec.IC-link and Mentor are world leaders in the ASIC ecosystem and have joined forces to deliver a seminar for designers, engineering directors & managers and product managers to understand the latest options to deliver a product based on a custom ASIC.
The seminar will demystify the risks, explain options and explore supply chain partnership.
Who Should Attend
- CTO's, system architects, engineering & product directors, managers, and engineers who are
- investigating custom ASIC to replace off-the-shelf ICs and FPGA's, or
- choosing embedded processors, or
- exploring technology node and supply chain management options
- wanting to investigate access to silicon foundries
- Analog and mixed signal PCB and IC designers
- Physical layout IC designers
What you will learn
- Business, technical and cost factors influencing more companies to adopt custom ASIC to improve their product's competitiveness and profitability
- A detailed exploration of design process flow and cost-effective tools for ASIC development: design, simulation, physical layout & verification for manufacturability, full system verification
- Key features of Arm's Cortex-M0 and Cortex-M3 processors, subsystems, system IP and important physical IP
- Arm's DesignStart program which has a $0 upfront license fee and a new success based royalty model
- Manufacturing process node choices and IP selection
- Accessing Multi Project Wafers for low cost, prototype production
- Considerations selecting design services, assembly (IC packaging) and test offering, and complete ASIC supply chain management.
Registration & breakfast is from 8.30am and the seminar formally starts at 9.30am.
A complimentary lunch is provided and the day is expected to close by 4pm.
Upgrade to Custom ASIC - Seminar
Wednesday the 15th of November 2017
Leuven, Belgium
08.30 am - 4.00 pm
You are invited to attend the free FloEFD and FloTHERM presentations and demonstrations where you will have a change to see the latest CFD software innovations that work with your CAD systems to deliver those fast, accurate results.Upgrade to Custom ASIC
Arm, imec.IC-link and Mentor are world leaders in the ASIC ecosystem and have joined forces to deliver a seminar for designers, engineering directors & managers and product managers to understand the latest options to deliver a product based on a custom ASIC.


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Well wow has it been a while since my last beauty related post. Like umm, since March 2018. Just a bit of a while x
To be completely honest, I don't expand out into buying new beauty products that much – especially skincare. I used to spend so much money on fancy makeup and a lil bit of skincare when I had my old department store retail job because makeup was my personal fave thing of choice to get spenny with and most brands I wanted to buy were in our store anyway so that staff discount helped. Miss you 20% off, only get that at duty free now x
Anyway, the point is that it's been so long since I last mentioned any skincare that I've actually tried out some new stuff since then, so I finally have something to talk to you about that's been worth trying.
tropic skincare discovery kit*
One of my friends Katie is a Tropic ambassador and sells their products, and was lovely enough to let me try out some of their bestsellers in their cute lil skincare discovery kit. This came at the perfect time for me because 1. it arrived when I was going to Switzerland so I could just take these minis away for the weekend instead of faffing with big, full bottles of a v long skincare routine and 2. I've had different bits of my usual skincare running out since this arrived so I haven't even had to replace them yet because I still have a bit of these all left.
The kit comes with a cleanser, toner, moisturiser, a cute little serum/oil bottle – I got the super greens one with mine – and there's a bamboo face cloth in there to use with the cleanser, which if you've been following me since I was like 14 you'll know I love a good hot cloth cleanser. My two faves are the super greens oil and the vitamin toner because I'm one of those people who loves those little bottles of potions of oils and acids and serums that you use after cleansing but before moisturising. The more the better, even if they become unnecessary x. As much as I love these extra post-cleansing steps, I don't think I actually had an actual toner until I got this kit, and this one is even better because it comes in a spray form so it's so much quicker and easier to apply, a lazy gal dream, and probably more hygienic? The Super Greens feels incredible on my skin, it leaves it feeling a bit more plump and glowy after but a lil pre warning, you will need to adjust to the smell when you start using it. It has so many natural ingredients that you're gonna smell those ingredients basically. I use these two faves every morning and feel like my face looks super bright and glowy for the day afterwards.
The cleanser is a dream just because it's a hot cloth one, as mentioned. It absolutely came to my rescue when my usual hot cloth cleanser ran out a few weeks ago and I didn't need to repurchase that one until I'd used up this mini one because it was such a good replacement, and the skin feast moisturiser passed the test purely because it worked on my dry, half cracked lizard skin. Anything that gets rid of those dry face patches and hydrates them is a winner for me. So cute I know x
I'd definitely recommend this little skincare kit as a good way to try out some new products, or something to buy before you go on holiday so you've got everything you need for a full skincare routine all in mini, travel-friendly sizes – and they come in a cute little pouch too! Give Katie's Tropic skincare instagram account a follow if you wanna know more and place an order!
the ordinary hydration oils
I've used a couple of The Ordinary oils for over a year now (one of them has I think just been discontinued though ?) and it's one of those brands I really trust when it comes to skincare. Always super simple and doing exactly what they say on the tin. No fuss with super fancy packaging and names, just super reliable, high quality products that tell you straight what they contain and what they're gonna do for you. As someone with skin as dry as a lizard as mentioned above, I sometimes get dry patches on my face, sometimes even full blown eczema all over my face. Whilst in London earlier this summer for Queen's Tennis I decided to pop into the Deciem store in Covent Garden before it closed to actually show someone my skin and ask what they recommended for it, and I took away these two products which have done wonders for bringing hydration back to my skin and banishing those grim dry patches.
The first thing recommended to me was the Amino Acids + B5 which I now use twice a day, morning and night, after cleansing. I think this one is my favourite of the two because it's lighter and not as rich. I'd deffo recommend trying this one out first for that reason and then resort to the next option if you're still feeling dry, but this one feels the nicest on this skin and I've had no issue with it feeling like it was burning or stinging so I wouldn't say it's too strong. As soon as you've rubbed it in, it doesn't feel rich or greasy or anything at all, you just feel nice and hydrated with no residue.
The 100% Plant-Derived Squalane was sold to me on a bit of a weird one, because I could use it inside my head. Without getting a bit too grim on here, one of the places I get my eczema worst is on my head. Like, literally in my scalp beneath my hair. And they told me I could use it there to hydrate the area which is what I'd been needing forever. You can also use it on your actual hair apparently, for more normal people without my disgusting issue. I feel like this one has done wonders for my skin in the four months I've been using it though, it's really rich but I think that's what I needed to hydrate my skin long term – the info on their website says it can prevent ongoing loss of hydration and I think that's absolutely what it's done for me. My skin has changed so much since using this every night for four months and I'm never going back. It's done so much for me to the point where I skip it every so often in the eve where I feel like I don't need that much hydration anymore. Dry skin gals, get on it x
Hope you enjoyed my first beauty post in over a year and you can find yourself some good bits to try out. Christmas is in two months (and my bday x) so get these on your wishlist for Santa x


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Can I Pinterest?
Many businesses rely on social marketing channels such as Facebook and Twitter, but there is another social marketing opportunity that many businesses don't even take advantage of. Pinterest is more than just posting recipes and ideas for weddings and baby showers, it can drive interest into your business and help you build a larger audience.
Pinterest is quite simple to understand. It is a social media platform that acts as a virtual bulletin board. Users simply "pin" items of interest to them to their virtual board. These items can then be shared across the masses. Businesses who are savvy enough have hopped on the Pinterest bandwagon and use this social media channel to solicit new ideas for content, give new content a trial run, build brand loyalty, and find new followers who will eventually turn into loyal customers.
Once you've started your business Pinterest account, you need to be careful not to treat it like a sales catalog. Pinterest contains a lot of splashy eye-catching photographs, but they always have value and that is what you need to contribute as well. Make sure that you produce value-added content. Take for example, a grocery business. They could pin recipes that would coincide with the week's specials. Not only are they giving you a delicious recipe, but they are enticing you to their store to buy the ingredients. Good marketing strategy!
When posting content, ask yourself what direction you want to go. Is the goal to get people to visit your website? Share your content? Raise awareness about your brand? Guess what? You can do all of these things by following a few simple steps to create a great pin.
- Have a clear call to action on your image or description. A great call to action can be as simple as asking for comments and re-pins.
- Include a link to your website in the description with a call to action to visit
- Have your logo embedded within the image itself
These steps are great ways to promote your business, just be careful not to overload your viewers with excess information. Pinterest may seem unconventional and not worth your time, but trust us, it is! When you pin a great image or some interesting content, it's easy to get your followers interested and coming back for more. And what's even better, they will help you do your marketing for you by re-pinning your content and getting even more people interested in your business. It's a win-win situation.


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I Know You're Out There: Delurker Day 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
We can all see how many people are stopping by. For me, it's frustrating sometimes not to have comments at least somewhat closely match the visitors. But then I think of my issues and wonder if the people who read me feel the same way.
So, in honor of Delurker Day, I want you all to know I have no expectations whatsoever when it comes to your comments, other than just leave one. I appreciate everyone who stops by my little square of the web. Thanks for sharing part of your day with me. You keep me going in more ways than one.
15 comments:
I rarely comment - but you inspired me so...there you have it!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 14, 2010 at 12:22 PM
i have the same issues with commenting!ReplyDelete
I'm rarely a lurker and certainly not on National Delurking Day!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 14, 2010 at 1:33 PM
I feel the same way. In fact I have been a lurker (?) for years and just decided this year was the year I would create a blog and did! Keep up what your doing-I Love It!ReplyDelete
I come by often. Sometimes, I comment. Sometimes, I don't. But, I with you.ReplyDelete
Heeeey! How you doooiiing? (in my best Wendy Williams voice)
Sometimes when I don't know what to say, I type the above!
How you doooiiing?
Just sayin' Hi!!!
I have the same issues that you do on commenting. So just saying Hi - and I am reading everyday!!ReplyDelete
I wish I could get 20% of my visitors to comment, but then I guess I should set by example? I am trying, starting now.ReplyDelete
Well I missed the Delurk Day yesterday but I'm here now, officially Delurking! For me its time, with 3 kids I have just enough time to read the blogs and so rarely the time to think of something anyone might find remotely interesting to read!ReplyDelete
Will look forward to reading more on your blog. Great work Mel.
I love comments, and I like to see how many people stopped by to peek on any given day.ReplyDelete
I wish there was a button to click, that would leave the message, "I stopped by." That would be easier fon the visitor, and they wouldn't have to think of something crafty to say. And we would overflow with comments.
Totally with ya on the commenting. Funny that we were talking about this last night, I didn't realize you had posted this. I always try to comment but do worry sometimes about how it comes across. But nevertheless, here I am. Reading and loving it! xoxoReplyDelete
So technically, I'm not a lurker since this is my first visit to your blog (from a link on Bakerella). But had you not shamed me (hehe) by posting about Delurker Day, I may not have commented!ReplyDelete
Your blog looks great! I look forward to following it :-) I've recently started blogging too, about a lot of similar topics: motherhood, books, food. Check mine out if you have a chance!
Have a wonderful week!
Stopping by to say hello!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 19, 2010 at 7:20 AM
A little late, but hello anyway!ReplyDelete


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Based on the Emmy-nominated National Geographic Channel TV series, Brain Games, this game will take you through a series of challenges that will put both your mind and body to the test! Go head-to-head with other players to test your logic, vision, language skills and physical coordination. It's a great party game and perfect for family game nights! Brain Games unlocks the science behind the mysteries of why we say, see, feel, and act the way we do! Whether you're playing against another player or playing solo, you will discover loopholes in your perception of reality.
- The game based on the Emmy-Nominated TV series!
- For ages 14+
- 3-6 players
- Made in the USA
Be the first player to successfully complete challenges in 4 categories - Vision, Language, Mind & Body, and Logic - to win!
- 192 Game Cards (that form 4 categories of cards)
- 40 Game Tiles (8 per category, 4 Lose-a-Turn, 4 Wild)
- 6 Pawns
- 6 Scorecards
- 1 Game Board (in 4 puzzle pieces)
- 1 Game Die
Recyclable Box made with 100% recycled paperboard, with 90% post-consumer content.
- Type:
- Board Games
- Mood:
- Make me think
- Age:
- 14+
- Age:
- Adults


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If you set up 2-Step Verification, you can use the Google Authenticator app to receive codes. You can still receive codes without internet connection or mobile service. Learn more about 2-Step Verification.
App requirements
To use Google Authenticator on your Android device, you need:
- Android version 4.4 and up
- To turn on 2-Step Verification
Download Google Authenticator
Set up Google Authenticator
- On your device, go to your Google Account.
- At the top, in the navigation panel, tap Security.
- Under "Signing in to Google," tap 2-Step Verification. You might need to sign in.
- In the "Add more second steps to verify it's you" section, under "Authenticator app," tap Set up.
- Follow the on-screen steps.
Get codes on a new phone
Transfer Google Authenticator codes to a new phoneChange which phone Authenticator codes are sent to
You need:
- Your old Android phone with Google Authenticator codes
- The latest version of the Google Authenticator app installed on your old phone
- Your new phone
- On your new phone, install the Google Authenticator app.
- In the app, tap Get Started.
- At the bottom, tap Import existing accounts?.
- On your old phone, create a QR code:
- In the Authenticator app, tap More Transfer accounts Export accounts.
- Select which accounts you want to transfer to your new phone, and then tap Next.
- If you transfer multiple accounts, your old phone may create more than one QR code.
- On your new phone, tap Scan QR code.
- After you scan your QR codes, you get a confirmation that your Google Authenticator accounts have been transferred.
Tip: If your camera can't scan the QR code, it may be that there's too much info. Try to export again with fewer accounts.
- On your device, go to your Google Account.
- At the top, in the navigation panel, select Security.
- Under "Signing in to Google," tap 2-Step Verification. You might need to sign in.
- Under "Available second steps," find "Authenticator app" and tap Change Phone.
- Follow the on-screen steps.
Common issuesFix an incorrect code
If your code is incorrect, confirm:
- You entered the code before it expired.
- The time on your device is correct for your local time zone.
If your code is still incorrect, sync your Android device:
- On your Android device, open the Google Authenticator app .
- In the top right, select More Time correction for codes Sync now.
- On the next screen, the app confirms the time is synced. You can use your verification codes to sign in.
- The sync only affects the internal time of your Google Authenticator app. Your device's Date & Time settings won't change.
Use Google Authenticator with multiple accounts or devices
Set up 2-Step Verification for multiple accounts
Set up Google Authenticator on multiple devices
Google Authenticator can issue codes for multiple accounts from the same mobile device. Each Google Account needs a different secret key.
To set up extra accounts:
- Turn on 2-Step Verification for each account. Learn more about 2-Step Verification.
- Use the same Google Authenticator app.
To generate verification codes from more than one device:
- On the devices you want to use, verify Google Authenticator is installed.
- In your Google Account, go to the 2-Step Verification section.
- If you already set up Google Authenticator for your account, remove that account from Authenticator.
- Before you remove that account from Authenticator, make sure you have a backup. Learn more about backup codes.
- To set up 2-Step Verification for the Authenticator app, follow the steps on screen. Use the same QR code or secret key on each of your devices. Learn more about 2-Step Verification.
- To make sure it works correctly, confirm the verification codes on each device are the same.


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The Detroit Red Wings called up 11 players from the Grand Rapids Griffins Monday to join the team for the remainder of the playoffs, according to Peter Wallner of MLive.com.
The players will practice with the team and, although eligible to play, they likely will just absorb the playoff experience... They trail the series 2-1. The Griffins' regular-season ended Sunday without a playoff berth.
The 11 players are Tom McCollum, Travis Ehrhardt, Garnet Exelby, Doug Janik, Brian Lashoff and Brendan Smith, Joakim Andersson, Louis-Marc Aubry, Fabian Brunnstrom, Francis Pare and Tomas Tatar.
The Red Wings host the Nashville Predators in game four of the Western Conference quarterfinals at 7:30 p.m. EST Tuesday. Detroit lost on its home ice, 3-2, in the game three.
For more on the Detroit Red Wings, check out Winging It In Motown. You can check out more hockey news from around the league at SB Nation's NHL page.


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Grading Each Chicago Cubs Position Player Entering June
June 4, 2014 by Jason S. Parini
One quarter of the way into the MLB season, the Chicago Cubs have already settled into the 5-slot of the National League Central, standing at a 21-34 record. While some problems haven't corrected themselves, other players have stepped up and answered the call to improve.
Some Cubs have struggled through the first quarter of the season, while other Cubs such as Emilio Bonifacio and Starlin Castro have shown consistency on the field.
Here we grade each 2014 Cubs position player entering June.
Read Complete Article at Bleacher Report - Chicago Cubs
Article is property of BleacherReport.com


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My Web Site's Banner
I have not worked on a banner for my web site until just recently. If you are a regular or long time visitor of my site, you know that my site is over 2 years old now. I never EVER thought that other web masters would want to have a banner of my site until this past year. I'm not a graphical artist by any means either. But recently, I think I received the final e-mail that broke the camels back for me. So I decided to SIT DOWN AND COME UP WITH SOMETHING!!!!
Seriously, I am EXTREMELY FLATTERED that other web masters write me asking for my site's banner to display on their site. So I guess I'm finally taking advantage of the opportunity. It really means a lot to me that other web masters or surfers write to me. That is what keeps me going on this project that has literally cost me thousands of hours and dollars to create.
ANYWAY, below is the graphic that I have created for other web masters to use on their sites to link to my site. If you put my banner on your site, YOU ARE GUARANTEED that I will put a link to your site from mine. It's only fair.
For your information (if you don't already know), the correct URL for this site is http://www.texaschainsawmassacre.net. So please use that address as the link for the banner. And of course, the name of this site is "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Visit to the Film Locations". And if you have not noticed, I turned off the Java script for this page so that people can right-click on this image to save it and use it to their descretion.


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February 22, 2018
A teacher's social media content can impact a school's reputation, and many cases exist of a teacher being fired for posting provocative content. Unless sharing an opinion on union activity or working conditions, the First Amendment does not protect teachers. Protections exist within the classroom, but online platforms have proven vulnerable.
Of course, some punitive measures are no-brainers, as with cases where content is sexual in nature. And it is generally accepted that teachers can't publically denigrate their administration, fellow teachers or students online.
But what about the many ambiguous situations that don't have precedent, such as a recent incident in the Chicago communities Oak Park and River Forest?
Meet Anthony Clark
Anthony Clark's inbox contained a startling image that originated on Snapchat of a young Caucasian male in blackface with the words, "Vote me for BLU president. For those who don't know BLU is Black Leaders Union." The picture was of a 17-year-old Oak Park River Forest High School (OPRFHS) senior covered in an exfoliating mask.
35-year-old Clark is a nine-year teaching veteran who has been working as an educator at OPRFHS for five years. He spends a great deal of his free time as a community organizer, where he leads the group the Suburban Unity Alliance. Clark is also running for a seat in Congress against longtime representative Danny Davis.
Clark said he did not recognize the young man because of the mask. He reposted the blackface image on the Suburban Unity Alliance Facebook page along with a message, encouraging the public to not turn hostile.
The image had gone viral by the time the student deleted the post and issued an online apology. Controversy and uproar ensued as the story reached local news outlets.
Eventually, Clark learned he knew the young man — he had worked with him on his political campaign. He took the picture and initial message down. The student, afraid of serious repercussions, requested a meeting with Clark. That evening, they discussed the issue at length at Clark's home.
In describing the interaction, Clark said, "We just engaged in restorative justice practices. Breaking it down. Holding him accountable. Figuring out how can we empower those that were the victims in the situation."
The student was receiving online death threats and he was scared for his life. Clark posted another message on the Suburban Alliance Page explaining their meeting, asking the public to view the incident as a teachable moment.
"As a black leader in the community, stepping out in front and attaching my name would give some credence to those calling for violence to take a step back," Clark said.
The school's administration requested that Clark remove the message. He refused. The next day, he was suspended with pay. A week later, after supporters marched in the rain as a show of solidarity, Clark was reinstated.
Social Media Codes of Conduct
OPRFHS has a social media code of conduct within the teacher contract. One part reads: "Social media may not be used to share, publish or transmit information about or images of students and/or district employees without proper approval. For District employees, proper approval may include implied consent under the circumstances."
So, was Clark's post a breach of his contract? He posted on his not-for-profit page, not his personal page. He posted an image of a student, but, even though the post directly related to an OPRFHS organization, he says he didn't know it contained a student. His message was not intended to be incendiary, but one seeking education and restorative justice. Social media tends to create these grey areas, leaving the ultimate decision for punitive measures up to the schools.
The district released a statement explaining the suspension that reads in part, "The current level of discourse is negatively affecting the school learning environment as well as posing safety concerns for our students. We are taking measures to reduce the harm while we investigate this incident."
The school may have wanted to diffuse the situation, or they may have been angry that Clark didn't follow their orders and take down the message. Either way, Clark would likely not have legal recourse for being suspended, as he posted a picture of a student without permission. Though many teachers break this rule, when complaints and controversy arise, teachers generally have little recourse.
A Life Outside the Educational System
Clark is a respected member of the community, so shouldn't he be allowed to weigh in on the issue, on a platform that would be available to the public? Can he not speak on issues that relate to teenagers, a subset that he interacts with daily?
I'm a 17-year teaching veteran, and I've found it essential to utilize the language of social media in my lessons. But, like most teachers, I've modified my social media use out of fear of crossing a line. I know I need to address social media use in my class, but I hope to avoid contact with my students on social media.
I spoke on the phone with Clark about his suspension and our respective feelings on teachers' use of social media.
"Institutions benefit from keeping things in-house," Clark said. "And my actions clearly did not keep the issue in-house. The use of social media spread the issue and the community became aware of it, and I feel like the school responded according to that."
Clark "friends" past and present students on Facebook, allowing them to observe and comment on his family life and social activism. When he sees a student post something foolish or harmful, he calls them out on it, for example, telling them to take down a video that shows a fight.
He does draw clear lines in how he interacts with students on social media. "[Students] can look at me like a big brother, like a father figure, like a mentor, but you're never going to look at me like a peer," he said.
"I don't think you should have a wall up with your students," Clark said. "I think it's important to be extremely transparent and open… I post pictures of things I do with students, whether through the non-profit or the hip-hop club that I run. It's a vital tool."
Part of me felt embarrassed upon hearing this. I used to be "friends" with my students post-graduation, but I chose to respect my private life, and I didn't want to bear witness to their drama after they left my classroom.
We lecture young people on social media use, but who is modeling positive behavior for the next generation? Without responsible supervision, we often have a "Lord of the Flies" situation, where anything goes. This can lead to cyber bullying, rampant rumors and conspiracies, public shaming and even suicide.
Do we really want to disparage an adult that spends portions of his limited free time attempting to model and mentor proper decorum on a playground with no supervisor?
As scary as social media might seem for teachers in the present climate, I see more teachers using it with impunity. Many find it a valuable tool to communicate with students, to keep in touch after graduation and to serve as a positive role model.
Teachers should always use social media with the best interest of their students in mind. Because the rules are often ambiguous and frequently broken, teachers must be prepared for consequences when addressing issues related to their school. For teachers who want to extend their lessons to social media, they very well might find a unique platform for mentorship, but they also should be prepared to sacrifice their jobs and reputation if a scandal breaks out.
Clark realizes that not every teacher will want to adopt his mentorship approach, and he's fine with that. But he does feel that every teacher has the responsibility to at least be aware of and up to date on the newest trends in social media.
"Schools would benefit from allowing and encouraging and providing some level of [social media] training for teachers that find it valuable to build relationships," Clark said. "We shouldn't be afraid of it because we can't control it."
Sure, teachers might sometimes overreach and place themselves in controversies without knowing all the facts. But many times, teachers have a unique understanding of the issues surrounding young people. They might have the solution in their back pocket. The only way to contribute to the discussion in many situations is social media. We should respect the voice of teachers and allow them the freedom to speak on the issues that are central to future generations.


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I have gone round and round on the moral merry-go-round on Michael Vick.
When I first learned about what he had done in 2007—participated in acts of torture that were gleefully sadistic—I was sickened. I could just imagine Vick and his posse yukking it up as another dog went into spasmodic jerks of electrocution, or yelped in harrowing screams as another one was being hung. But these boys liked their deaths slow and showy.
When the Philadelphia Eagles signed Vick as a backup quarterback in August 2009, I was shocked. Michael Vick was an inhumane bastard; the animal part really didn't matter. Michael Vick deserved no second chance, and it was equally appalling that meek mousy Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, who prided himself on fielding teams clean of scandal, sanctioned it.
Before the current season, when Vick was at a birthday party in his honor in Virginia Beach that he should never have attended, given the guest list, and a former co-defendant got shot, I went on local radio and said the Eagles should be ashamed and he should be cut.
I was wrong.
Which in the minds of many, since I live in Philadelphia and have watched without a doubt the most exciting performance of a player in years, makes me a duplicitous turncoat. But I was still wrong.
He needs to be forgiven.
The truth of sports is that performance always trumps character. The truth of sports is that performance always excuses character.
I have to come to believe that Michael Vick has reversed himself. I believe the words of contrition he expresses are true. I believe that the trips he makes to schools to talk about animal cruelty are not some public-relations plot, at least not completely. I believe this knowing full well that trying to get inside the head of another person is basically fruitless. I can't fathom my own head. But Vick did pay for what he did. He went to prison for 21 months. He filed for bankruptcy and lost tens of millions of dollars.
Still, at the beginning of the season, that did not excuse him in my eyes. And yes, if the Eagles were draggling along with a 6-8 record, instead of 10-4 atop the NFC East, he would still be just another sports thug to all of us.
The truth of sports is that performance always trumps character. The truth of sports is that performance always excuses character.
It isn't just how Vick has played this season. It is the way he has played, showing a football maturity never witnessed before. When he was with the Atlanta Falcons before the off-season torture sessions started, he was an out-of-control freelancer. He clearly did not listen to his coaches. He used wildness and inconsistency as his own art form; random bucket spills of paint on the canvas into a worthless mess.
This season he has done something at quarterback he has never remotely approached, which is stay in the pocket. This season he is hitting receivers 60 yards downfield on a dime, instead of pre-torture when he ran all over the place because he liked to showboat his elusiveness and speed, then flung the ball 70 yards only to miss a receiver by a good 10 yards because they had broken their patterns and had no idea where the hell to go. This season he is running when he should.
For the rocking-chair print sportswriters, who do virtually no reporting anymore and write on autopilot cliché and wonder why their product is slipping into confetti, Vick is of course the effortless American tale—from the heights to the depths to the heights. Everybody has wanted to interview him, and he has granted most of them. What generally happens in such cases is the death knell of increased expectations. Most athletes, with the exception of a Tom Brady or an Albert Pujols or a Derek Jeter (up until he needed a motorized wheelchair to get back any range at shortstop), do their best under the radar. The key is to lower expectations, and Vick was only raising them. He was talking too much and when he said he would like to have a dog someday, the collapse was almost in view.
I knew it would come to a halt in last week's game against the New York Giants. Quarterback Eli Manning, shaking off his usual Gomer Pylian look of cluelessness, played well, and the Giants defense clearly figured out Vick by applying constant pressure. I smiled with the Cheshire Cat of satisfaction—he had finally imploded. But then came the fourth quarter when the Eagles scored 28 points in seven minutes and 28 seconds, so much of it engineered by Vick's intuitive passing and running.
Whether you're an Eagles or Giants sycophant, you had to be dazzled, as the only black mark was receiver DeSean Jackson's touchdown punt return with no time left in which he straddled the end zone like an amphetamined drum major punk who will one day get knocked out of football by a kamikaze defensive back all too happy to use the helmet.
Vick's performance after the game was admittedly drenched in the NFL patois of I-Couldn't-Have-Done-It without my teammates and coaches and God and those serving in Afghanistan. But there was also a poise to Vick, as well as the scent of confidence that he has become the person, and the player, he never could have been before the exposure of his sadism.
It is really matter of serendipity that Michael Vick has changed, and the over-under on bamboozlement is still 50 percent. Like any great athlete, the skills are recognized before the diapers come off. Vick went into the steel bubble of coddling, ass-kissing by pathetic grown men crawling on hands and knees to kiss his feet with even more apparent fervor than New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan (see YouTube), and thousands cheering. His only true religion was the attitude of impregnability all pro athletes possess, the belief that they have a lifetime license to do no wrong no matter the obvious evil. Somebody will always bail them out because they always are.
Our prison-obsessed society is rooted in punishment, but prison can occasionally change a man. Particularly a man who is granted the mercy of a second act beyond maybe getting hired as a tattoo artist. When he signed with the Eagles, Vick knew this was his final moment. Most people blow it because of denial or self-pity or anger or a surprising propensity for fuck-upism.
It remains to be seen what Michael Vick does when adversity hits, because it will hit. But I root for him now, on the field of course because I am a sports whore, but also as a man who maybe, long after his career is over, will be held up as an example of what can happen when the athletic bubble pops and the days of narcissism and obscene immaturity end. If he is blessed by anything, it is the fact that the bubble did explode. And maybe that is the enduring lesson of Michael Vick.
Every other pro athlete should be so lucky.
Buzz Bissinger, a sports columnist for The Daily Beast, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and the author of Friday Night Lights and Three Nights in August . He is a contributing editor at Vanity Fair.


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Dandelions and Sunsets at the Park | Dallas Child Portraits
Dallas Child Portraits
One evening, the children and I rushed out the door with 15 minutes before sunset. I had in mind a quaint little park a couple of miles down the road. We pulled in just in time to capture some beautiful light. The children instantly rushed to a field of dandelions. They were in complete bliss making one wish to another as they plucked each dandelion. This provided a great opportunity for candid photography while also including the gorgeous surroundings, mainly the sky. Many of the images are angled looking up at the child to enhance the beauty of the sky. If I was not below the child, then I made to sure to be at eye level. In addition, I pulled back to capture the landscape. It was really a quick little session that turned into one of my favorites.


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Phenomenex and LCGC teamed up to discuss current trends in chiral separation and dig deep into the development and use of chiral stationary phases and separation modes.
LCGC conducted a Q & A with Phenomenex's Global Product Manager for Chiral and Preparative Chromatography, Marc Jacob, PhD. Read the introduction below and click the link below to read the full article.
To continue reading the rest of the Q & A session, click on the link below:
"Current Trends in Chiral Separations" Q & A with LCGC
Article Name
Current Trends in Chiral Separation: Q&A with LCGC
LCGC conducted a Q & A with Phenomenex's Marc Jacob, PhD to discuss current trends in chiral separation, as well as development and separation modes.


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Any organisation that is faced with the need to change things wrestles with the questions
of what to change and how to sustain that change.
What to change will obviously vary from company to company and industry to industry. Often, the answer to this question is presented to us by external forces. For example, changes in products will typically be dictated by customers. Changes in processes may also be customer-dictated, especially if they are based upon the need to increase quality or reduce product costs.
Also, changes in service are often customer-dictated, but they could be brought about by competition, as well. A competitor that changes a warranty period or a policy on installation or delivery charges may force other companies to follow suit in order to stay competitive.
Once we understand what to change, the focus shifts to how to sustain the change.
The foundry floor at Dycer Engineering and Foundry
One of the products that Dycer Engineering and Foundry manufactures is a mincer that is cast, machined and welded at the company before being tin coated
Dycer Engineering and Foundry's Managing Member John Gawler was very unhappy with the performance of his business and as he says: "I needed to change what we do and how we approach things. I am now focussing on transforming the business. But before I could do that I needed to understand and learn what changes could be made so that the business performs and has a future."
"The need for talent in manufacturing is a challenge extending beyond just machining, fabrication and casting – services that Dycer Engineering and Foundry primarily offers. Manufacturers in all sectors are constantly trying to find solutions that will endorse their thinking of increased productivity and reduced costs. Different manufacturers serving different industries certainly have their own unique goals and needs. However, stepping back to look at the broader picture often reveals more similarities among disparate operations than one might think."
"If you're curious about putting this kind of knowledge in context and staying abreast of the broader economic forces driving the industry that you are in you should have a bird's-eye view of the industry. In an industry that is continuously changing and always becoming more sophisticated, it's critical to stay abreast of the latest technology and processes. Although no one can precisely predict the future of manufacturing, new manufacturing trends and technologies are becoming commonplace and proving to be effective and efficient within manufacturing facilities around the globe, which helps manufacturers foresee what processes and technologies are here to stay, at least in the near future."
One of the more intricate castings that Dycer Engineering and Foundry produces and then machines is an alloy wheel over carrier
Dycer Engineering and Foundry's Managing Member John Gawler
"The transition in all industries over the last decade has been overwhelming in some respects but, also challenging and rewarding. To keep up-to-date with these changes you either have to take a hands-on approach yourself or employ a workforce that has the kind of wisdom and energy to embrace these changes, or do both."
"When it comes to our company, we look to our people to make a difference. We follow a few simple steps to ensure we are creating a working environment that they can flourish in. However, we are always interested in hearing about how individuals are trained and educated for careers in manufacturing."
"At the same time we are keen on giving graduates an experience in manufacturing before joining the workforce or continuing their search for jobs. We have a close cooperation with the University of Pretoria, where I have just attained my Master of Science: Engineering Management, and will have students working as interns. This helps to bridge manufacturing and education as well as opening a door to community involvement that could be useful for other shops and OEMs in our industry."
"I graduated last year at a somewhat late stage in life, when I was 61, and it only took me two years to complete, the required time. I specifically chose this degree because I wanted to enhance my understanding of running a business even though I had already done that for 25 years. The Engineering Management degree covers most of the areas required to run an engineering manufacturing, processing and fabrication business."
Patterns on the foundry floor
The sand mixing and moulding department
"The subjects we covered included systems engineering and management, production and operations management, technology management, people management, financial management, strategic management, engineering asset management and maintenance management."
"The programme is offered on a part-time, modular basis over two years. Participants are typically professionals, entrepreneurs, project managers, technical managers and scientists who are currently fully active in their careers. The time available for class attendance is hence limited. Student/lecturer contact is considered to be crucial. In view of the above, candidates are expected to free themselves completely from other duties during class contact block weeks."
"I found the contact with other participants very enlightening. The course deals with all aspects that a modern engineer/manager will have to deal with in the work environment. It offers a perfect balance of management and engineering combined and has opened my thoughts to new ideas on how to run my business, which is exactly why I decided to become a student again."
About Dycer Engineering and Foundry
The core business of Dycer Engineering and Foundry is the supply of quality spare parts and the design, manufacture and refurbishing of a wide range of components and parts, which involve machining, cutting, bending, welding and assembling in our machining and fabrication shop and making patterns and casting parts in the foundry.
Foundry Production Manager Johan van der Linde
A recent project at Dycer Engineering and Foundry was to reengineer and cast a pinion rack
The company was established in 1992, operating from a garage in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, supplying parts to a bus company that was located in the same town.
"Very early on we could see there was a need for local manufacture of parts and components to replace very expensive parts that we were sourcing from agents, as well as manufacturing parts and components that were difficult to find for older model vehicles. Initially these were made by other engineering companies but eventually we took the step of moving the business to Johannesburg and started our own engineering company with an emphasis on machining. The business was later moved to Pretoria where it is now situated and we have subsequently added fabrication and the foundry operation to our engineering capabilities," explained Gawler.
"Although initially the emphasis of the company was the distribution of automotive and industrial components, we have subsequently manufactured and supplied product to a broad spectrum of other industries including food, mining, defence and general engineering."
CNC machining
"Manufacturing began in 1998 when we acquired a few conventional machines. We now run a CNC machine shop that has nine CNC machines – both lathes and machining centers up to and including fourth axis – and manual lathe and milling machines. Of the CNC machines on the floor there are five Victor Fortune machines."
Moulds being prepared
The core area at Dycer Engineering and Foundry
"Both our machine shop and fabrication facility are located in the industrial area of Watloo, Pretoria. Fabrication includes press brake bending and MIG, TIG and spot welding of a wide range of materials."
"This facility also houses assembly and sub-assembly operations."
"Quality is verified through the manufacture of our own fixtures and jigging, which ensures precision and repeatability of component manufacture as well as a department that includes CMM and other measuring equipment."
"We cannot offer all the manufacturing services that we would like to. Instead we have a reliable and extensive network of subcontractors that work closely with us to supply specialised services such as surface finishing, specialised coatings, grinding, gear cutting, laser and water jet cutting, polyurethane, rubber moulding, laboratory services and specialised machining."
"Our design department utilises one of the world's leading 3D design packages, which enables us to take a product from concept to completion. SolidWorks is the design software we use, Mastercam is our CAM package and JobShop is the management software we have invested in. These packages ensure that designs and processes are optimised to ensure reduced design times and ultimately, reduced costs for the customer."
The foundry operation
"We offer a complete casting service from patternmaking, casting and machining, right up to final assembled product if required."
"The foundry started as a need from our own machine shop to avoid the ongoing disputes that are typical in this industry when all processes are subcontracted to different suppliers, the pattern goes to one, the casting to another, and the machining to yet another, and if something goes wrong no-one is accountable. Customers can order fully machined and assembled castings should they require them so they only have to deal with one supplier."
Recently produced castings
The patternmaking and pattern storage area at Dycer Engineering and Foundry
"We are able to cast the following materials: SG irons – mostly SG 42 but with the capability to do up to SG 80 and austempered ductile irons (ADI), irons – alloyed irons such as nihard and chrome irons, steels – commonly A2 but alloy steels as well, aluminium, brass and bronze alloys, stainless steels and zinc."
"We can cast up to approximately 450kgs in SG irons, cast irons, brass and bronze alloys, up to approximately 400kgs in all steels and up to approximately 200kgs in aluminium. SG and cast iron make up about 70% of the material cast every month."
"The services of specialised heat treatment companies are used and larger castings can be outsourced to other foundries that we work closely with. We also use an independent laboratory for verification purposes and analytical work to identify materials. However, we have our own spectrometer that we use for internal control."
Although initially the emphasis of the company was the distribution of automotive and industrial components, Dycer Engineering and Foundry have subsequently manufactured and supplied product to a broad spectrum of other industries including food, mining, defence and general engineering
Fettling of castings
"We have our own internal patternshop but make use of outside contractors should demand require so. Patterns and core boxes are generally made from wood or resin, and we do utilise our own machine facilities for specialised patterns."
"The melting platform includes a 350kg and a 600kg induction furnace and a resistant coil furnace for the aluminium. These furnaces are relatively new and we replaced the old oil-fired furnace that we first started with. We cast up to 25 tons gross in material on average every month."
"Our investment in the foundry demonstrates that we are continuing to live up to our commitment to the customer – to be a reliable supplier of a wide range of engineered components on an ISO 9001:2008 platform. At the moment 16 staff are employed in the foundry."
"With my close relationship with the University of Pretoria we are jointly looking at improving processes in the foundry and these result in research projects for students."
The core business of Dycer Engineering and Foundry is the supply of quality spare parts and the design, manufacture and refurbishing of a wide range of components and parts, which involve machining, cutting, bending, welding and assembling in the machining and fabrication shop and making patterns and casting parts in the foundry. The company has nine CNC machines – both lathes and machining centers up to and including fourth axis – and manual lathe and milling machines. Of the CNC machines on the floor there are five Victor Fortune machines
"Quality is verified through the manufacture of our own fixtures and jigging, which ensures precision and repeatability of component manufacture as well as a department that includes CMM and various other measuring equipment."
"The latest investigation is a research project that will lead to improvements in casting scrap rates in a jobbing foundry casting ferrous and non-ferrous materials and using a chemically bonded sand system, which is our foundry. As we all know the processes are basic however, the variables are numerous, and the control of them where possible is essential. It will entail the student gaining a full understanding of all the processes involved in a foundry so that an understanding of causes of scrap castings can be accurately determined."
3D printing services
"Another relatively new service that we offer is 3D printing. We are not in the business of selling the equipment used in the process but rather we sell our services as a bureau. Prototyping, additive manufacturing, 3D scanning and reverse engineering are other services we offer."
"We are proud to be a small but highly focused team of professionals who provide you with engineering solutions for a wide range of industry sectors."
"We are slowly implementing change but as we know, change is not easy, and maintaining change can be even harder. However, now that I am a 'learned student' change will be more manageable and ultimately more successful."
For further details contact Dycer Engineering and Foundry on TEL: 012 804 2331 or visit www.dycer.co.za


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Trust me, we have all been there – you look around your house one day and realize that every single corner is dirty and full of clutter and you now feel overwhelmed by the amount of work ahead of you. There are jackets, bags, shoes, mud and a few sets of keys laying by the front door. The kitchen counters are covered with crumbs and jam while the sink is full of 3 days worth of dishes. The laundry has piled up, the bathroom needs cleaning, and you can no longer see the coffee table. Where do you even begin?
This does happen to me from time to time, but most of the time I can avoid it by doing small tasks each and every day. I know some people prefer letting everything go until they have to spend a whole day putting it all back together, but not me – it requires too much time and effort to clean it all up then! So what I do is set aside a little time to do certain things. On the day that I vacuum the house, for example, I probably would not be found doing laundry. When it's time to clean up my home office, I seriously doubt you would find me also going in to clean up the bathroom too. By doing these things as I come across them, and not trying to fit everything into a single day, it allows me time to breathe and not worry so much about all of it at once.
Dishes are the one thing I try my best to stay on top of every day, only because I don't like to look at the dirty dishes piled up. Because my house has an open floor plan, you can see the kitchen sink from the living room, dining room, and the front door – not a pretty site to have to look at all the time. But as for everything else, well, I try to spread out all my "tasks" throughout the week to both pace myself and to not overwhelm myself with having too much to do. Because I work from home and make my own hours, I am in charge of "keeping house", and completing tasks as I see them helps them get done much more than if I left them all until I couldn't take the guilt anymore of ignoring them. So if you have trouble keeping up with what needs to be done around your house, you might be letting things pile up so it feels overwhelming. Try doing 1 or 2 things you know needs to be done every day and see if it helps to take off the pressure!