text:
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Leaf \Leaf\ (l[=e]f), n.; pl. Leaves (l[=e]vz). [OE. leef, lef, leaf, AS. le['a]f; akin to S. l[=o]f, OFries. laf, D. loof foliage, G. laub, OHG. loub leaf, foliage, Icel. lauf, Sw. l["o]f, Dan. l["o]v, Goth. laufs; cf. Lith. lapas. Cf. Lodge.] 1. (Bot.) A colored, usually green, expansion growing from the side of a stem or rootstock, in which the sap for the use of the plant is elaborated under the influence of light; one of the parts of a plant which collectively constitute its foliage. [1913 Webster] Note: Such leaves usually consist of a blade, or lamina, supported upon a leafstalk or petiole, which, continued through the blade as the midrib, gives off woody ribs and veins that support the cellular texture. The petiole has usually some sort of an appendage on each side of its base, which is called the stipule. The green parenchyma of the leaf is covered with a thin epiderm pierced with closable microscopic openings, known as stomata. [1913 Webster] 2. (Bot.) A special organ of vegetation in the form of a lateral outgrowth from the stem, whether appearing as a part of the foliage, or as a cotyledon, a scale, a bract, a spine, or a tendril. [1913 Webster] Note: In this view every part of a plant, except the root and the stem, is either a leaf, or is composed of leaves more or less modified and transformed. [1913 Webster] 3. Something which is like a leaf in being wide and thin and having a flat surface, or in being attached to a larger body by one edge or end; as: (a) A part of a book or folded sheet containing two pages upon its opposite sides. (b) A side, division, or part, that slides or is hinged, as of window shutters, folding doors, etc. (c) The movable side of a table. (d) A very thin plate; as, gold leaf. (e) A portion of fat lying in a separate fold or layer. (f) One of the teeth of a pinion, especially when small. [1913 Webster] Leaf beetle (Zool.), any beetle which feeds upon leaves; esp., any species of the family Chrysomelid[ae], as the potato beetle and helmet beetle. Leaf bridge, a draw-bridge having a platform or leaf which swings vertically on hinges. Leaf bud (Bot.), a bud which develops into leaves or a leafy branch. Leaf butterfly (Zool.), any butterfly which, in the form and colors of its wings, resembles the leaves of plants upon which it rests; esp., butterflies of the genus Kallima, found in Southern Asia and the East Indies. Leaf crumpler (Zool.), a small moth (Phycis indigenella), the larva of which feeds upon leaves of the apple tree, and forms its nest by crumpling and fastening leaves together in clusters. Leaf fat, the fat which lies in leaves or layers within the body of an animal. Leaf flea (Zool.), a jumping plant louse of the family Psyllid[ae]. Leaf frog (Zool.), any tree frog of the genus Phyllomedusa. Leaf green.(Bot.) See Chlorophyll. Leaf hopper (Zool.), any small jumping hemipterous insect of the genus Tettigonia, and allied genera. They live upon the leaves and twigs of plants. See Live hopper. Leaf insect (Zool.), any one of several genera and species of orthopterous insects, esp. of the genus Phyllium, in which the wings, and sometimes the legs, resemble leaves in color and form. They are common in Southern Asia and the East Indies. Leaf lard, lard from leaf fat. See under Lard. Leaf louse (Zool.), an aphid. Leaf metal, metal in thin leaves, as gold, silver, or tin. Leaf miner (Zool.), any one of various small lepidopterous and dipterous insects, which, in the larval stages, burrow in and eat the parenchyma of leaves; as, the pear-tree leaf miner (Lithocolletis geminatella). Leaf notcher (Zool.), a pale bluish green beetle (Artipus Floridanus), which, in Florida, eats the edges of the leaves of orange trees. Leaf roller (Zool.), See leaf roller in the vocabulary. Leaf scar (Bot.), the cicatrix on a stem whence a leaf has fallen. Leaf sewer (Zool.), a tortricid moth, whose caterpillar makes a nest by rolling up a leaf and fastening the edges together with silk, as if sewn; esp., Phoxopteris nubeculana, which feeds upon the apple tree. Leaf sight, a hinged sight on a firearm, which can be raised or folded down. Leaf trace (Bot.), one or more fibrovascular bundles, which may be traced down an endogenous stem from the base of a leaf. Leaf tier (Zool.), a tortricid moth whose larva makes a nest by fastening the edges of a leaf together with silk; esp., Teras cinderella, found on the apple tree. Leaf valve, a valve which moves on a hinge. Leaf wasp (Zool.), a sawfly. To turn over a new leaf, to make a radical change for the better in one's way of living or doing. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster] They were both determined to turn over a new leaf. --Richardson. [1913 Webster] Leaf


text:
VA Home Loans: The Path to Achieving Homeownership Dreams
For many, the dream of owning a home stands as a pinnacle achievement, a symbol of stability, security, and a place to call one's own. Yet, for our nation's veterans, transitioning from service to civilian life and stepping into homeownership might seem daunting. Enter the VA Home Loan, a powerful tool designed to transform these dreams into reality and honor the service of our veterans.
A Legacy of Support
Established in 1944 through the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, more commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights, VA home loans were created to support veterans returning from war by offering them a chance at homeownership. Since then, this initiative has evolved, becoming a beacon of hope for millions of veterans and active-duty service members.
Benefits Beyond Compare
One of the standout features of VA loans is their unparalleled advantages. Offering no down payment options, competitive interest rates, and the elimination of private mortgage insurance, these loans significantly lower the financial barriers to owning a home. This opens doors for veterans who might face challenges saving for a down payment or struggle to meet stringent credit requirements.
Accessibility and Flexibility
What makes VA loans even more appealing is their flexibility. They cater to a diverse array of homebuyers, from first-time purchasers to those seeking to refinance or upgrade. Moreover, veterans aren't limited by stringent location-based constraints or overly strict credit score prerequisites, making homeownership attainable in various regions and circumstances.
Protection and Assistance
VA loans also provide safeguards for borrowers. The program ensures that veterans aren't burdened with excessively high-interest rates and fees, and it provides foreclosure avoidance measures and financial counseling services if hardships arise.
Honoring Service Through Support
Ultimately, VA home loans stand as a testament to the nation's commitment to honoring and supporting its veterans. These loans serve as a tangible expression of gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members and their families. They offer a tangible way to give back and support those who've dedicated their lives to serving the country.
Opening Doors
For countless veterans, the VA home loan program represents much more than a financial assistance program—it's a gateway to stability, security, and the realization of long-held dreams. It's a means to create a foundation, establish roots, and build futures. It's a symbol of gratitude from a nation that recognizes and values the dedication and sacrifices made by its brave men and women in uniform.
In essence, VA home loans stand as a beacon of hope, guiding veterans toward a brighter future and making the dream of homeownership an achievable reality.
* Specific loan program availability and requirements may vary. Please get in touch with your mortgage advisor for more information.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
1.1 This document was created using a template from SEQ Legal
No advice
2.1 Our website contains general medical information.
2.2 The medical information is not advice and should not be treated as
2.3 All purchases are made on an invitation to treat, not an invitation to
purchase basis
2.4 All purchases may be decline at the discretion of the pharmacy or the
medical practitioners
2.5 All purchasers must ensure they abide by their local laws, customs and
drug enforcement agencies when purchasing
No warranties
3.1 The medical information on our website is provided without any
representations or warranties, express or implied.
3.2 Without limiting the scope of Section 3.1, we do not warrant or
represent that the medical information on this website:
(a) will be constantly available, or available at all; or
(b) is true, accurate, complete, current or non-misleading.
Medical assistance
4.1 You must not rely on the information on our website as an alternative
to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare
4.2 If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.
4.3 If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you
should seek immediate medical attention.
4.4 You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice
or discontinue medical treatment because of information on our website.
Website Communications
5.1 Our website includes features that allow users to communicate with us.
5.2 You acknowledge that, because of the limited nature of communication
through our website's features, any assistance you may receive using any
such features is likely to be incomplete and may even be misleading.
5.3 Any assistance you may receive using any our website's features does
not constitute specific advice and accordingly should not be relied upon
without further independent confirmation.
Limits upon exclusions of liability
6.1 Nothing in this disclaimer will:
(a) limit or exclude any liability for death or personal injury resulting
from negligence;
(b) limit or exclude any liability for fraud or fraudulent
(c) limit any liabilities in any way that is not permitted under applicable
law; or
(d) exclude any liabilities that may not be excluded under applicable law.


text:
More reasons to get started? Take the tour and find out why QuestionPro is the leader in online surveys.
The leader in online surveys
Not ready yet? Take the tour
We're one of America's fastest growing private companies!
We are placed 172nd with 1390% growth.
We help thousands of happy customers
Creating a survey with QuestionPro is optimized for use on larger screens -
Though you're welcome to continue on your mobile screen, we'd suggest a desktop or notebook experience for optimal results.


text:
Emerald Moon Necklace
Our signature Galaxia collection features a wide spectrum of styles designed to intrigue anyone feigning interest in the Cosmos. Embellished with black and white diamonds, pearls and moonstones, this collection uses many of Earth's stunning materials to reflect the galaxy surrounding us. As vast as the universe may be, all of us must remember that we are amongst the stars.
- 18K Yellow Gold
- Set with .40 ctw white diamonds
- Set with .40 ctw emerald
- Measurements 1.8 cm diameter
- 16" Chain Length


text:
Course Overview
The CITB SMSTS course is designed to give delegates a comprehensive guide to site safety from the perspective of a site manager. The course is suitable for people who currently or about to be responsible for the Management of Construction Sites. It can also be a good progression step for site supervisors.
This course aims For the operative to develop and understand their responsibilities and accountability for the management of site health, safety and welfare. To understand that a safe site is economical, efficient and productive. It allows them to manage health and safety by current legislation within their role.
This course is available either in a 5 day block or on a day release basis which usually consists of 1 day per week for 5 weeks.
Course Content
•Health and safety statistics.
•Reasons for accident within the industry.
•How to report incidents, including RIDDOR & First Aid.
•Health and Safety systems, HSE Guidelines, codes of practice and in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
•Duties, responsibilities, systems of work, policies and enforcement.
•Management of Health and Safety at Work 1999.
•The regulations for Plant and equipment, maintenance, inspections certification and competent operatives.
•Construction regulations (CDM Construction Design Management).
•The appropriate measures, permits and emergency plans for confined spaces.
•Electricity at work and fire precautions.
•Working at height regulation 2005.
•CDM Regulations part 4 including excavations, site transport and welfare.
•Manual Handling.
•Control of Substance Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
•Lead procedures and health surveillance.
•Asbestos types, notifications, procedures and choosing approved contractors.
•Instruction, information and appropriate training.
•Hazards to health.
•Selecting appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
•Monitoring, systems, standards, behaviour, equipment, environment and safety audits.
CITB SMSTS Site Managers Safety Training Scheme
22nd Jul 24
Only 6 places left!
Add To Cart
Add To Cart
Add To Cart
Add To Cart


text:
Lindsey Buckingham Sells His Publishing Rights
Lindsey Buckingham has become the latest classic rocker to offload his publishing rights to Hipgnosis Songs Fund.
According to Music Business Worldwide, Merck Mercuriadis' London-based company bought 100 percent of Buckingham's rights to 161 songs he has written for Fleetwood Mac and his solo career, as well as 50 percent of unreleased material. Hipgnosis had previously owned 25 percent through their acquisition of Kobalt in September.
The price was not disclosed.
"Prior to arriving at an agreement with Hipgnosis, I had wonderful long conversations with Merck Mercuriadis," Buckingham said. "I was pleased to find a kindred spirit, someone who's a big fan of my work in Fleetwood Mac and an even bigger fan of my solo efforts. I look forward to working with Merck and the whole Hipgnosis team going into the future and am confident that my body of work will be curated with great heart and insight."
Mercuriadis added: "Lindsey Buckingham is one of the greatest guitarists, songwriters and producers of all time yet is still so underrated. His work with Fleetwood Mac has brought the world unparalleled joy over the last 45 years, and he belongs in any discussion featuring Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney. It's wonderful to welcome him and his iconic songs, both as a solo artist and with Fleetwood Mac, to the Hipgnosis family".
Buckingham's former Fleetwood Mac bandmate Stevie Nicks recently sold an 80 percent stake in her catalog to Primary Wave for an estimated $100 million. It's part of a growing trend of musicians taking lump-sum payments in exchange for their publishing rights, believed to be the most lucrative asset in the music industry. Mercuriadis has been the biggest player in the game, with Hipgnosis' portfolio containing more than 60,000 songs, including those by Journey, Nikki Sixx and Chrissie Hynde.


text:
Art-a-licious '11
In 2011, the art world continued to quake in fear at the effects of economic climate change, leading to extended show runs and shuttered gallery doors. Charlottesville, however, experienced several thrills of a different variety.
Feast of the apocalypse: Second Street Gallery set the art bar high with its first show of the year: Josephine Taylor's "Bomb Landscape + Monster Face." Featuring oversized fantasies depicting a raw and horrific future, it was impossible not to stare with appreciation into the belly of Taylor's exquisitely rendered beast.
Return of the living image: After taking a year's hiatus, Look3: Charlottesville Festival of the Photograph once again brought "three days of peace, love, and photography" to the Downtown Mall in June. Shutterbugs and photo-philes lapped up the interviews and images of this year's "Legacy" photographers, Antonin Kratochvil, Nan Goldin (interviewed by photo legend Sally Mann), and Massimo Vitali, and then talked about them over beer beneath George Steinmetz's stunning aerial photographs hanging in the Mall's trees. SurpriseLook3 highlight? Mary Ellen Mark and Martin Bell's poignant and hilarious film, Prom.
Mural madness: While ArtinPlace.com continued to provide drive-by sculptures around town, several new efforts brought two-dimensional works to public spaces. Kluge-Ruhe guest artist Reko Rennie (whose large pink kangaroos hopped up in unexpected places in February) collaborated with Pittsburgh-based Frank Buffalo Hyde to create a new mural on the side of The Bridge. In addition, The Bridge was the force behind the new Charlottesville Mural Project, which sponsored Avery Lawrence's recently completed composition at the Ix. And Brazilian-turned-Charlottesvillian Chico Lorenzo brought his vibrant art to the walls within Venable Elementary School.
Masters of anxiety; Not content simply to kowtow to their teachers, moving-and-shaking UVA art history grad students Michael Maizels and Brittany Strupp curated the early-September Ruffin Gallery show, "Untitled: A Mid-Atlantic MFA Exhibition," featuring cutting-edge work by their studio-art counterparts at universities in Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. Maizels and Strupp also enlisted their art history peers to write essays about the show's conflict-laden pieces for an exhibition catalog.
Dean Dass conquers the world: Well, at least he conquered Second Street Gallery and Les Yeux du Monde, which honored the long-time UVA printmaking prof and artist of all media with a veritable "Dass Fest" during November and December. SSG offered a 25-year Dass retrospective, "Studies for a project that cannot be realized 1986-2011," while LYdM displayed more recent fare in "Dean Dass: Heaven and Earth, New Prints and Paintings."
Firefish Gallery opened in the space left by newly defunct Skylight Studios, and Piedmont Council for the Arts relocated from the McGuffey Art Center to CitySpace this past year. Meanwhile, Isolated Article gallery decided to call it quits.
Finally, 2011 marks the end of my eight-year tenure as The Hook's art editor. Even though I won't be here to provide the nudge, please continue to go out and look!
1 comment
I have enjoyed reading your art reviews and clever side bars for the past eight years. It was one of the things that made cville a special and unique town. I will miss it immensely. I know things change, but this is one change that disappoints. However, I look forward to your next endeavors. I'm sure they will be as inspiring as your previous ones. Your column will be sorely missed.


text:
Do you have what it takes to be the driver of firetruck? Drive carefully your truck to the destination point, without hitting any obstacles. It's all about speed and precision!
IMPORTANT: This game requires Unity3D plugin installed. Install it when your browser prompts you, or download and install the Unity3D player directly from this official Unity3D download page. For better gaming experience, enter the Fullscreen Mode (right click on the game screen and choose the "Go Fulscreen").
Game Controls: Arrow Keys – Control the Truck


text:
Winter King Hawthorn
Crataegus viridis 'Winter King'
Height: 25 feet
Spread: 25 feet
Hardiness Zone: 4a
The new "in vogue" accent tree for home use, and with good reason; snowy white flowers in spring, an abundance of showy red fruit in fall, excellent fall color and a simply amazing criss-crossing branching habit; disease resistant, but very thorny
Ornamental Features
Winter King Hawthorn is blanketed in stunning clusters of white flowers held atop the branches in mid spring. The fruits are showy tomato-orange pomes carried in abundance from early fall to late winter. It has green deciduous foliage. The glossy pointy leaves turn an outstanding burgundy in the fall. The peeling silver bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.
Landscape Attributes
Winter King Hawthorn is a dense deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Spiny
Winter King Hawthorn is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Hedges/Screening
Planting & Growing
Winter King Hawthorn will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.
This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.


text:
Santa Clara Marijuana Evacuation: County Deputies Clear Out Growing Operations
The Marijuana Eradication Team and others cleared four tons of material from pot fields
The Marijuana Eradication Team and others cleared four tons of material from pot fields
SOURCE: San Jose Mercury News AUTHOR: Eric Kurhi Dangling on ropes suspended from a helicopter, sheriff's deputies were dropped into eight rough and remote Santa Clara County locations last week to dismantle clandestine marijuana operations and haul out environmentally unfriendly gear. That included miles of black plastic irrigation tubing, propane tanks, car batteries, camping supplies and gardening equipment, along with food wrappers and other trash. Deputies found a Honda muffler on an isolated mountainside that they believe was used to cut down noise produced by a generator. All told, the efforts by the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Marijuana Eradication Team and several state Department of Fish and Game wardens cleared four tons of material from marijuana fields off Pacheco Pass Highway, Croy Road, Casa Loma Road, Gilroy Hot Springs Road and areas inside Henry W. Coe State Park. No arrests were made, but officials hope it will deter future fields from springing up as well as prevent pollutants from entering creeks and tributaries. "It's amazing just how much damage the unlawful marijuana cultivators cause to the environment, and the amount of trash they bring to these pristine locations in our county," stated Detective Jeff Puente, a full-time member of the sheriff's Marijuana Eradication Team, in a news release. "As an avid outdoorsman it saddens me to think of the amount of time it will take for these areas to fully recover." The crews are taken to the sites --which would likely be a four- or five-hour hike -- via "short hauling," or hanging from 100-foot lines dangling from a helicopter. Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Jose Cardoza said the operations are found in various ways -- sometimes from a tip, other times by authorities seeking them out, including from the air. According to the release, it is "a common method used which allows for less time hiking into the site and easier removal of the garbage," which would otherwise take days to pull out. In 2012, the Marijuana Eradication Team removed more than 91,000 plants and 500 pounds of marijuana at various grow operations, 22 of them outdoors and seven indoors. They made 21 arrests and confiscated nine guns. The sheriff's office receives grant money from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency to fund eradication and environmental cleanup operations. (c)2013 the San Jose Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.) Visit the San Jose Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.) at www.mercurynews.com Distributed by MCT Information Services
Soft Secrets


text:
In the CIF-SS Inland Division playoff bracket, the tier of teams behind No. 1 seed Vista Murrieta and No. 2 seed Corona Centennial isn't separated by much. This game is proof seeing as both Chino Hills (7-2-1) and Redlands (7-3) were one league victory from earning the top playoff seeds in the Sierra and Citrus Belt Leagues, respectively.
Nearly No. 1: After a league-opening 41-13 loss to Inland Division No. 4 seed Covina Charter Oak, Chino Hills finished second in the Sierra League. Had Redlands not lost the regular season finale, 14-7, to Eisenhower, the Terriers would have been the league's top seed instead of its No. 3 seed.
Continue reading "Marquee prep football matchup: Redlands at Chino Hills, Inland Division" »


text:
February 10, 2009 The Foiljet MR1 is a new personal watercraft concept that takes the best features of a motocross bike and jetski, throws in two hydrofoils plus a silent, energy efficient electric motor to create what would have to be a surefire recipe for outrageous fun. The design looks something like a motocross bike, but instead of wheels there are beams with small hydrofoil wings mounted at the ends that can be raised or lowered. The concept would use a 15 kW (20 hp) electric motor housed at the end of the rear beam with its instant electric torque lifting the craft out of the water to become "foil borne".
To cope with shallow water the beams can be raised at the flick of a switch. The electric motor runs off a 48V battery that should see three hours of full load running with the possibility of a theoretical 10 min recharge time.
While still at the purely concept stage Matt De Bellefeuille & Robert Vandenham have come up with an original design that most definitely deserves to reach the prototype stage.
The designers have selected a T-shaped fully submerged foil system which, while not affected by surface waves is not self stabilizing, so it needs constant adjustment of the angle of attack of the front foil to keep the craft level with the surface. Front foil angle adjustment on the Foiljet MR1 is made manually by what would conventionally be the clutch lever on a motorcycle. In larger applications this sea-keeping function is automated with a computer system that measure either surface height or pitch and roll to make constant fine adjustments to the front foil.
Hydrofoils produce relatively no wake and electric propulsion is near silent, so if the Foiljet MR1 makes it into production it may allow current laws against jetski's on inland water ways to be relaxed around residential areas.
Paul Evans
Via Debelle Design.


text:
in Scala and we saw how we can combine it with other orthogonal concerns without polluting the core abstraction. We could do this because Scala offers a host of capabilities to compose smaller abstractions and build larger wholes out of them. A language is orthogonal when it allows such capabilities of composition without overlaps in functionalities between the composing featuresets.The design of Scala offers many orthogonal features - I showed some of them in my earlier post. The power of mixins for adding orthogonal features ..
val a = new Address(..) with LabelMaker {
override def toLabel = {
and the power of Scala views with implicits ..
object Address {
implicit def AddressToLabelMaker(addr: Address) = new LabelMaker {
def toLabel =
and LabelMaker
are completely unrelated and offers truly orthogonal capabilities when mixed in. However there can be some cases where the mixins themselves are not completely orthogonal to the core abstractions, but really optional extensions to them. In fact the mixins implement some functionalities that may depend on the core abstraction as well. Let's see yet another feature of the Scala type system that makes this modeling wholesome.Consider the following abstraction for a security trade that takes place in a stock exchange ..
// details ellided for clarity
case class Trade(refNo: String, account: String,
instrument: String, quantity: Int,
unitPrice: Int) {
// principal value of the trade
def principal = quantity * unitPrice
For every trade executed on the exchange we need to have a set of tax and fees associated with it. The exact set of tax and fees depend on a number of factors like type of trade, instruments traded, the exchange where it takes place etc. Let's have a couple of tax/fee traits that model this behavior ..
trait Tax {
def calculateTax = //..
trait Commission {
def calculateCommission = //..
In the above definitions both methods
and calculateCommission
depends on the trade being executed. One option is to keep them abstract in the above trait and provide their implementations after mixing in with Trade
..val t = new Trade(..) with Tax with Commission {
// implementations
def calculateTax = principal * 0.2
def calculateCommission = principal * 0.15
I did it at the instance level. You can very well use this idiom at the class level and define ..
class RichTrade extends Trade with Tax with Commission {
However the above composition does not clearly bring out the fact that the domain rules mandate that the abstractions
and Commission
should be constrained to be used with the Trade
abstraction only.Scala offers one way of making this knowledge explicit at the type level .. using self-type annotations ..
trait Tax { this: Trade =>
// refers to principal of trade
def calculateTax = principal * 0.2
trait Commission { this: Trade =>
// refers to principal of trade
def calculateCommission = principal * 0.15
The traits are still decoupled. But using Scala's self type annotations you make it explicit that
and Commission
are meant to be used *only* by mixing them with Trade.val t = new Trade(..) with Tax with Commission
Can I call this constraining the orthogonality of abstractions ?
and Commission
provide orthogonal attributes to Trade
optionally and publish their constraints explicitly in their definitions. It's not much of a difference from the earlier implementations. But I prefer to use this style to make abstractions closer to what the domain speaks.


text:
Ohio Lawmakers To Vote On Dog Breeder Crackdown
< < Back toAn Ohio legislative committee has recessed without voting on a bill that would crack down on high-volume dog breeding operations, dubbed puppy mills.
An aide to the bill's sponsor said it was unclear whether further action would come Tuesday night.
The bill would beef up regulations on the care and treatment of animals housed in large-scale establishments and distinguish the facilities from traditional dog kennels. It also requires those considered "dog retailers" to be licensed.
The Humane Society of the United States is among groups supporting puppy mill limits. The organization included restrictions on the facilities among policy priorities it wanted in exchange for keeping an anti-animal cruelty measure off the 2010 statewide ballot.
That measure would have affected care standards for Ohio livestock.


text:
Video 1: The Greatest Relationship Ever
Knowing Jesus personally as your Savior is the basis for experiencing God's love and forgiveness.
After watching video, scroll down to see related videos.
Video 2: Light Bulb Illustration
The Bible describes Natural, Spiritual and Carnal people. (watch and read)
Video 3: Receive God's Forgiveness
By faith you can confess your sins, repent, and accept God's forgiveness. (watch and read)
Video 4: A Spiritual Formula
A simple, four-step process will help you experience God's forgiveness. (watch and read)


text:
Academic Reading # 67 - Educating Psyche
- Details
- Last Updated: Monday, 01 August 2022 15:24
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 124337
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27- 40, which are based on the Reading Passage below.
Educating Psyche by Bernie Neville is a book which looks at radical new approaches to learning, describing the effects of emotion, imagination and the unconscious on learning. One the theory discussed in the book is that proposed by George Lozanov, which focuses on the power of suggestion.
Lozanov's instructional technique is based on the evidence that the connections made in the brain through unconscious processing (which he calls non-specific mental reactivity) are more durable than those mad through conscious processing. Besides the laboratory evidence for this, we know from our experience that we often remember what we have perceived peripherally, long after we have forgotten what we set out to learn if we think of a book we studied months or years ago, we will find it easier to recall peripheral details. The colour, the binding, the typeface, the table at the library where we sat while studying it than the content on which were concentrating If we think of a lecture we listened to with great concentration, we will recall the lecturer's appearance and mannerisms, our place in the auditorium, the failure of the air-conditioning, much more easily than the ideas we went to learn. Even if these peripheral details are a bit elusive, they come back readily in hypnosis or when we relive the event imaginatively, as in psychodrama. The details of the content of the lecture, on the other hand, seem to have gone forever.
This phenomenon can be partly attributed to the common counterproductive approach to study (making extreme efforts to memorize, tensing muscles, inducing fatigue), but it also simply reflects the way the brain functions. Lozanov, therefore, made indirect instruction (suggestion) central to his teaching system. In suggestopedia, as he called his method, consciousness is shifted away from the curriculum to focus on something peripheral. The curriculum then becomes peripheral and is delta with by the reserve capacity of the brain.
The suggestopedic approach to foreign language learning provides a good illustration. In its most recent variant (1980), it consists of the reading of vocabulary and text while the class is listening to music. The first session is in two parts. In the first part, the music is classical (Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms) and the teacher reads the text slowly and solemnly, with attention to the dynamics of the music. The students follow the text in their books. This is followed by several minutes of silence. In the second part, they listen to baroque music (Bach, Corelli, Handel) while the teacher reads the text in a normal speaking voice During this time they have their books closed During the whole of this session, their attention is passive;.. they listen to the music but make no attempt to learn the material.
Beforehand, the students have been carefully prepared for the language learning experience. Through meeting with the staff and satisfied students they develop an expectation that learning will be easy and pleasant and that they will successfully learn several hundred words of the foreign language during the class. In a preliminary talk, the teacher introduces them to the material to be covered but does not 'teach' it. Likewise, the students are instructed not to try to learn it during this introduction.
Some hours after the two-part session, there is a follow-up class at which the students are stimulated to recall the material presented. Once again the approach is indirect. The students do not focus their attention on trying to remember the vocabulary but focus on using the language to communicate (e.g. through games or improvised dramatizations). Such methods are not unusual in language teaching. What is distinctive in the suggestopedic method is that they are devoted entirely to assisting recall. The 'learning' of the material is assumed to be automatic and effortless, accomplished while listening to music. The teacher's task is to assist the students to apply what they have learned paraconsciously, and in doing so to make it easily accessible to consciousness. Another difference from conventional teaching is the evidence that students can regularly learn 1000 new words of foreign language during a suggestopedic session, as well as grammar and idiom.
Lozanov experimented with teaching by direct suggestion during sleep, hpynossis and trance stages, but found such procedure unnecessary. Hypnosis, Yoga, Silva mind-control, religious ceremonies and faith healing are all associated with successful suggestion, but none of their techniques seems to be essential to it. Such rituals may be seen as placebos. Lozanov acknowledges that the ritual surrounding suggestion in his own system is also a placebo, but maintains that with such a placebo people are unable to or afraid to tap the reserve capacity of their brains. Like any placebo, it must be dispensed with authority to be effective. Just as a doctor calls on the full power of autocratic suggestion by insisting that patient takes precisely this white capsule precisely three times a day before meals, Lozanov is categoric in insisting that suggestopedic session be conducted exactly in that manner designated, by trained and accredited suggestopedic teachers.
White suggestopedia has gained some notoriety through success in the teaching of modern languages, few teachers are able to emulate the spectacular results of Lozanov and his associates. We can, perhaps, attribute mediocre results to and inadequate placebo effect. The students have not developed the appropriate mindset. They are often not motivated to learn through this method. They do not have enough 'faith'. They do not see it as 'real teaching', especially as it does not seem to involve the 'work' they have learned to believe is essential to learning.
Questions 27-30
Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
Write the correct letter in boxes 27-30 on your answer sheet.
27. The book Educating Psyche is mainly concerned with
A. the power of suggestion in learninng
B. a particular technique for leaning based on emotions.
C. the effects of emotion on the imagination and the unconscious.
D. ways of learning which are not traditional.
28. Lozanov's theory claims that then we try to remember things,
A. unimportant details are the easiest to recall.
B. concentrating hard produces the best results.
C. the most significant facts are most easily recalled.
D. peripheral vision is not important.
29. In this passage, the author uses the examples of a book and a lecture to illustrate that
A. both these are important for developing concentration.
B. his theory about methods of learning is valid.
C. reading is a better technique for learning than listening.
D. we can remember things more easily under hypnosis.
30. Lozanov claims that teachers should train students to
A. memorise details of the curriculum.
B. develop their own sets of indirect instructions.
C. think about something other than the curriculum content.
D. avoid overloading the capacity of the brain.
Questions 31-36
Do the following statement agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 31-36 on your answer sheet, write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
31. In the example of suggestopedic teaching in the fourth paragraph, the only variable that changes is the music.
32. Prior to the suggestopedia class, students are made aware that the language experience will be demanding.
33. In the follow-up class, the teaching activities are similar to those used in conventional classes.
34. As an indirect benefit, students notice improvements in their memory.
35. Teachers say they prefer suggestopedia to traditional approaches to language teaching.
36. Students in a suggestopedia class retain more new vocabulary than those in ordinary classes.
Questions 37-40
Complete the summary using the list of words, A - K, below.
Write the correct letter A -K in boxes 37-40 on your answer sheet.
Sugestopedia uses a less direct method of suggestion than other techniques such as hypnosis. However, Lozanov admits that a certain amount of 37 .................. is necessary in order to convince students, even if this is just a 38 ......................... Furthermore, if the method is to succeed, teachers must follow a set procedure. Although Lozanov's method has become quite 39 ..................., the result of most other teachers using this method have been 40 ........................
A spectacular
B teaching
C lesson
D authoritarian
E unpopular
F ritual
G unspectacular
H placebo
I involved
J appropriate
K well known
Answer: Click the button to Show/ Hide Answers
I have similar confusions as you have.


text:
NVIDIA Announces GeForce RTX 3080 Ti & 3070 Ti: Upgraded Ampere Cards Coming in June
by Ryan Smith on June 1, 2021 3:30 AM EST- Posted in
- GPUs
- GeForce
- GeForce RTX
- Ampere
- RTX 3080 Ti
- RTX 3070 Ti
The second major keynote of the day for Computex comes from NVIDIA, who has taken to the virtual showfloor to discuss new products for both gamers and the enterprise market. On the gaming side of matters, the company is officially announcing its GeForce RTX 3080 Ti and RTX 3070 Ti cards. The refreshed GeForce cards will land in early June, further expanding the high-end of NVIDIA's video card lineup.
The latest members of the GeForce family are arriving at a bit of an odd time. NVIDIA's current lineup of high-end cards launched not even 9 months ago, so they're not by typical metrics due for a mid-generation kicker, such as what we saw with 2019's RTX 20 Super series. Nor is NVIDIA having any problem selling the cards they have – thanks to high demand they're selling everything they make, and are making a nice profit margin while doing so. None the less, NVIDIA is using Computex to further expand the GeForce family lineup with two more cards, the RTX 3080 Ti and RTX 3070 Ti.
Both cards are based on existing GPUs and technologies, so with no intention of downplaying both cards, there's nothing novel here. Instead, these cards give NVIDIA and its board partners a few more options to play with. And for the NVIDIA ecosystem, it allows NVIDIA to have some additional cards to position against AMD's Radeon RX 6000 lineup.
NVIDIA GeForce Specification Comparison | |||||||
RTX 3090 | RTX 3080 Ti | RTX 3080 | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 3070 | |||
CUDA Cores | 10496 | 10240 | 8704 | 6144 | 5888 | ||
ROPs | 112 | 112 | 96 | 96 | 96 | ||
Boost Clock | 1.7GHz | 1.67GHz | 1.71GHz | 1.77GHz | 1.725GHz | ||
Memory Clock | 19.5Gbps GDDR6X | 19Gbps GDDR6X | 19Gbps GDDR6X | 19Gbps GDDR6X | 14Gbps GDDR6 | ||
Memory Bus Width | 384-bit | 384-bit | 320-bit | 256-bit | 256-bit | ||
Single Precision Perf. | 35.7 TFLOPS | 34.1 TFLOPS | 29.8 TFLOPS | 21.7 TFLOPS | 20.3 TFLOPS | ||
Tensor Perf. (FP16) | 143 TFLOPS | 136 TFLOPS | 119 TFLOPS | 87 TFLOPS | 81 TFLOS | ||
Tensor Perf. (FP16-Sparse) | 285 TFLOPS | 273 TFLOPS | 238 TFLOPS | 174 TFLOPS | 163 TFLOPS | ||
Transistor Count | 28B | 28B | 28B | 17.4B | 17.4B | ||
Architecture | Ampere | Ampere | Ampere | Ampere | Ampere | ||
Manufacturing Process | Samsung 8nm | Samsung 8nm | Samsung 8nm | Samsung 8nm | Samsung 8nm | ||
Launch Date | 09/24/2020 | 06/03/2021 | 09/17/2020 | 06/10/2021 | 10/29/2020 | ||
Launch Price | MSRP: $1499 | MSRP: $1199 | MSRP: $699 | MSRP: $599 | MSRP: $499 |
GeForce RTX 3080 Ti: The New Gaming Flagship
Starting things off, we have the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti. NVIDIA is dubbing this card "the new gaming flagship," and on the whole is treating it like a traditional xx80 Ti card, flagship status and all. That said, unlike the 2080 Ti and 1080 Ti, this is actually a slightly cut-down version of a better NVIDIA GeForce card that's already on the market, the GeForce RTX 3090. So the whole matter is a bit awkward, and it comes with the impression that some part of NVIDIA would like to retroactively make the RTX 3090 a Titan card rather than a GeForce card.
But weird product positioning aside, what isn't up for debate is RTX 3080 Ti's hardware credentials. For all practical purposes this is a cheaper RTX 3090 with half of the VRAM, will will make it a very potent video card for 4K gaming. NVIDIA is using the same GA102 GPU used in RTX 3090, disabling a couple more SMs, dialing down the clockspeeds a hair, and sending it out the door. The resulting card has 80 SMs enabled (10240 CUDA cores) and is clocked at 1.67GHz. On paper this gives it 96% of the RTX 3090's compute/shader throughput and 98% of its pixel (ROP) throughput, which is virtually a rounding error in terms of GPU specifications.
It's on the memory side that we see a bigger difference, and this comes down to memory capacity. Whereas the RTX 3090 was a 24GB card, using 24 GDDR6X chips in a clamshell configuration, RTX 3080 Ti brings this down to 12 chips, and thus 12GB of VRAM. The memory clockspeed has also been turned down just a bit, bringing it down to 19Gbps. The net result is that RTX 3080 Ti has half the memory and 97% of the memory bandwidth of RTX 3090.
Finally, it also comes with RTX 3090's TDP: 350 Watts. Though system builders and others with slightly more cramped systems will be happy to hear that, at least for the NVIDIA Founders Edition cards, they are using the same dual slot cooler as on the RTX 3080, and not the enormous cooler that came with the RTX 3090.
As far as performance is concerned, given that the RTX 3090 frequently only beats the RTX 3080 by 10-15%, the margin for the RTX 3080 Ti will almost certainly be the same, if not slimmer. So like the RTX 3090 before it, gamers are going to be paying top dollar for the last 10% or so that NVIDIA's high-end hardware before it.
Meanwhile, within NVIDIA's product lineup, they are pitching the RTX 3080 Ti as the successor to the RTX 2080 Ti and GTX 1080 Ti. Which is certainly more than fair in terms of performance and price. At this point I'm not sure how much the card really changes the consumer calculus there; the $1199 price tag is a lot more in line with the 2080 Ti than the RTX 3090's $1499 price tag was. On the other hand, I can't see too many RTX 20 series owners upgrading to the 30 series, which is why NVIDIA typically pitches these cards as upgrades for owners of cards that are two generations old.
At the very least, for consumers who've been wanting an RTX 3090 and balking at the price tag, this in theory should be a much more affordable option. So long as you don't exceed the 12GB VRAM pool, then I expect the performance of the RTX 3080 Ti to all but match that of a video card $300 more expensive.
GeForce RTX 3070 Ti: GA104 At Its Best
The second – and arguably more interesting – card that NVIDIA is announcing today is the GeForce RTX 3070 Ti. Unlike the RTX 3080 Ti, this card doesn't have quite such a close sibling within NVIDIA's current product stack. The supercharged RTX 3070 card, which is once again based on the GA104 GPU, essentially gets all the performance NVIDIA left in the tank at launch. This means enabling all 48 SMs, and upgrading the VRAM from GDDR6 to GDDR6X, giving GA104 access to its fullest performance and memory bandwidth capabilities.
With a boost clockspeed of 1.77Ghz, On paper the RTX 3070 Ti offers 7% more compute/shader and 3% more pixel throughput than the original RTX 3070. This is slightly larger than the 3090-3080Ti gap, but not by too much.
Instead, what's more likely to drive a performance wedge between the RTX 3070 Ti and original RTX 3070 is the change to memory bandwidth. By switching to GDDR6X, RTX 3070 Ti gets another 5 Gbps on its memory clock, making for a total memory bandwidth of 608GB/sec, 36% more than the original RTX 3070. With the caveat that GPU performance rarely scales on a 1-to-1 basis with memory bandwidth, the more powerful RAM is enough to cover the faster GPU in the RTX 3070 Ti and then some, which bodes well for any scenarios where GA104 was memory bandwidth-bound in the RTX 3070. Consequently, while the two cards aren't entirely identical in terms of other specifications, this is going to be our best example to date of the performance benefits of GDDR6X versus GDDR6.
This extra performance does come at a cost however: power requirements. Whereas the RTX 3070 was a 220W TDP card, RTX 3070 Ti adds to this significantly, bringing the TDP to 290W, and only 30W less than the RTX 3080. This sizable jump in power requirements comes despite a relatively modest increase in the SM count and clockspeeds, which raises the question of where exactly the power is going. The most likely culprit would seem to be GDDR6X, as its modest power savings over GDDR6 tend to get wiped out by its much higher clockspeeds. Though I'm also curious if NVIDIA binning isn't also playing a part, and that they're either hitting the steep part of GA104's voltage/frequency curve, or if they've just loosening binning entirely to allow leakier chips to qualify for RTX 3070 Ti (and perhaps save more good chips for laptops).
With regards to performance, it's hard to say at this point how the RTX 3070 Ti will compare to either the RTX 3070 or RTX 3080. xx70 cards are normally aimed at 1440p gaming, and NVIDIA doesn't seem to be changing this approach for the RTX 3070 Ti. Meanwihle the $599 MSRP card is in theory 20% more expensive than the RTX 3070, so it really needs to deliver at least that much of a performance boost to fully justify itself. Then again, when the next card above that is the $699 MSRP RTX 3080, the RTX 3070 Ti offers a slightly more reasonable option when it comes to nominal pricing.
Otherwise, on a generational basis, NVIDIA is pitching the card as the successor to the RTX 2070 Super an GTX 1070 Ti. Again, I don't really expect RTX 20 series owners to pay it much attention, but GTX 1070 owners may find the card slightly more to their liking than the original RTX 3070, thanks in big part to its GDDR6X memory.
Ceding Memory Capacity To AMD
One consequence of the launch of the new RTX 30 series cards – and particularly NVIDIA positioning the RTX 3080 Ti as their new gaming flagship – is that NVIDIA is effectively ceding the matter of memory capacity to AMD. The red team offers 16GB of VRAM on all of their Radeon 6800/6900 cards, giving all of them a capacity advantage over NVIDIA's new flagship card. Thus far we haven't seen 16GB of VRAM make of break things versus NVIDIA's bigger 10GB+ cards, but as we're still well less than half-way through the current video card generation – and just at the start of the new console generation – there's plenty of time for that to change.
Meanwhile things definitely become murkier with the 16GB versus 8GB comparison, as 8GB cards are all that much closer to running out of VRAM. At this point NVIDIA seems to be making a very calculated bet that 8GB of VRAM will be enough for even a $600 video card for a while yet to come. And that customers don't especially mind that VRAM capacity has essentially remained paused for NVIDIA for the past 5 years.
Speaking of competitive positioning, these new cards also give NVIDIA a more closely positioned answer to AMD's high-end video card lineup. Whereas previously the next step above the $579 RX 6800 vanilla was the $699 RTX 3080, now there is the $599 RTX 3070 Ti. Similarly, the RX 6900 XT is now boxed in at the top by the $1199 RTX 3080 Ti, and not the $1499 RTX 3090. Given the wild state of the video card market, without internal sales numbers it's pretty much impossible to determine if the lack of more similarly-priced cards has had any meaningful impact on NVIDIA's sales. But given the cards that make up today's release, it certainly seems like price/positioning was a factor.
Partner Cards & Pricing
It also bears mentioning that NVIDIA's prices will be "starting at" prices. The company's board partners, who are already very familiar with the GPUs, TDPs, and memories involved, are all producing their own custom cards to fill retail and etail channels. So expect to see the usual significant variety of cards, with AIB partners opting for higher margin, factory overclocked cards when possible.
Of course, all of this is at nominal, MSRP pricing. In reality for the last half a year now we have been dealing with a market run amok due to high consumer demand being compounded by even more demand from cryptocurrency miners. These new GeForce cards are going to have the same 50% Ethereum hash limiter as the LHR RTX 3080/3070 cards, so they won't be quite as lucrative to miners as the pre-LHR cards. Still, it's far from guaranteed that this will be enough to entirely deter miners, at least as long as the payout from Ethereum mining remains decent. This is especially the case for the RTX 3070 Ti, as it's now the cheapest card that NVIDIA offers with GDDR6X memory.
In any case, the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti will be launching on Thursday, June 3rd with a nominal price of $1199. Meanwhile the RTX 3070 Ti will launch a week later on Thursday, June 10th, with a nominal price of $699.
Q2 2021 GPU Product Lineups (Theoretical MSRPs, Please Check eBay For Actual Availabiltiy) |
AMD | Price | NVIDIA | |||
$1499 | GeForce RTX 3090 | ||||
$1199 | GeForce RTX 3080 Ti | ||||
Radeon RX 6900 XT | $999 | ||||
Radeon RX 6800 XT | $649/$699 | GeForce RTX 3080 | |||
Radeon RX 6800 | $579/$599 | GeForce RTX 3070 Ti | |||
Radeon RX 6700 XT | $479/$499 | GeForce RTX 3070 | |||
$399 | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | ||||
$329 | GeForce RTX 3060 |
50 Comments
View All Comments
lemurbutton - Tuesday, June 1, 2021 - link
Why does the 3080 Ti cost 71% more than the 3080? Seems like a huge step up in price.
If both cards are available, you'd have to be a little mental to buy the 3080 Ti. -
lemurbutton - Tuesday, June 1, 2021 - link
I should add that Nvidia can charge $2000 for the 3080 Ti and it'd still be sold out for months in this market.
Not blaming Nvidia. -
yeeeeman - Tuesday, June 1, 2021 - link
it might have to do with the yields, since the ga102 is a big die and samsung is not that experienced compared to tsmc. the 3090 was way expensive for such a small improvement over 3080 and now seems like 3080ti follows a similar trend. -
evilpaul666 - Tuesday, June 1, 2021 - link
These new cards are simply an excuse to raise MSRPs. They could have just continued to sell out of 3070s and 3080s, blue they have these that they're going to sell for a lot more. -
Oxford Guy - Thursday, June 3, 2021 - link
'These new cards are simply an excuse to raise MSRPs.'
MSI and others already did that. But, I agree that there is nothing of value for consumers to see here — just more of the same symptoms of lack of adequate competition in multiple areas of tech, compounded by unnecessary extra competition due to the 'console' scam. -
Qasar - Sunday, June 6, 2021 - link
ahh there another mention of that console scam BS.
could to post a link where you get this BS garbage from ? -
alefsin - Tuesday, June 1, 2021 - link
The article compares the 3080 Ti and 3090, but the table misses the specs of 3090. Maybe it would nice to include it as well. -
jmke - Tuesday, June 1, 2021 - link
that price table is such a lie. Bought a 3070 last month from a legit webshop in Europe and had to pay €1400. MSRP €499, don't let me laugh. Today that same webshop has 3070 available starting at €1540. 3080 is above €2000...
this unheard of... never experienced this, ever... -
Gigaplex - Tuesday, June 1, 2021 - link
I don't think you understand what MSRP means. It's a suggested price, retailers can charge more. Supply/demand is so out of balance right now, retailers are putting massive markups on them as they sell immediately. -
Oxford Guy - Thursday, June 3, 2021 - link
So, the grand insight is that MSRP is as worthless as Intel TDP?


text:
Real Estate Blog for Buyers & Sellers
... I'm With You Every Step Of The Way!
What To Look For When Buying Your First Home
September 20, 2018 | Posted by:
Becoming a first time homebuyer is an exciting time in an individual's life. You may already have a family that needs more than simply being a good structure to protect against them against the elements. In addition, making sure your first home is a good investment can also secure your financial position in the future. Home seekers should consider a number of important points when looking for their first home:
A Fairly Priced Home
Finding the right home at the right price is every homebuyer's dream. You may have to do a significant amount of searching to find that perfect residence. Knowing how much you can afford and how big a mortgage is available to you at a good rate is an important part of this process. Many homebuyers find that pre-qualification for a loan can help to refine their search criteria. Ask your rental agent about how pre-qualification can help you.
Enough Room For Growth
Experts note that people are staying in their first home longer than they did in previous eras. This trend is a result of less mobility for jobs and higher home prices. When house hunting, you should choose a home that can serve your family for 10 years. If you plan to expand your family, take your need for extra space into account, so that you are not forced to move into a bigger home at a bad time in the real estate market.
Updates in Key Areas
A home that has been updated in key areas is a good option for buyers. These homes will not require updating, which will increase your costs significantly in coming years. Bathrooms, kitchens and family areas should reflect today's trends, with easy-care materials and convenient storage space.
Roof and Gutters in Good Condition
New roofing can be a considerable expense for a new homeowner. You should ensure that the roof and gutters on your chosen property are in good condition. Find out how old they are and whether they have been recently repaired. Take a look at the gutter system to see if it has been maintained properly. Visual inspection can often tell you whether the current owner has kept up the property or let it fall into disrepair. A home inspector can examine the roof and other major systems of the residence to alert you to possible problems.
Features That Are Inexpensive To Maintain
A home may look beautiful but be expensive to maintain to keep that high level of desirability. Features such as a swimming pool, may be intriguing, but will require regular and seasonal maintenance. A glass-enclosed room may have impact, but it will require ongoing care to keep it looking clean and clear. Similarly, landscaping that is impressive may require expensive monthly upkeep. Keep these additional costs in mind when assessing the property.
Close To Good Schools
If you already have children, you are likely to look for a home in an area that has a reputation for good schools. Even if you don't have children, these areas offer considerable benefit when you are ready to resell the home. These areas tend to remain stable, regardless of real estate market trends. Homebuyers can choose from a number of areas known for academic excellence that will ensure that the property holds its resale value in the future.
Close To Convenient Transportation Routes
A residence that is in a good location, close to popular transportation routes, can maintain its value over time. It will be a desirable property to a new owner when you are ready to resell.
An updated home that is in good repair, easy to maintain and fairly priced, as well as close to good schools and convenient transportation routes, can ensure that your first home purchase suits your needs and advances your financial goals. Paying attention to these features will also give your home greater resale value.


text: "The second album from UK hardcore engine The Lowest Form, Personal Space sees the band cutting through a comedown fug of feedback, sharp butterflyknife guitars flashing deadly over a wasteground rubble of noise. Songs drawn up from discord, songs of marshalled cacophony, coils of scritching guitars break apart and reform, coalescing around insistent basslines and heavy drumbeats, before splintering again. It's hardcore constructed from textured noise as much as from breakdowns and riffs, rumbling infectious chants emerging from the wavering clamor, the vile keening of consciousness's half-known edges, noise in the grain of it all, noise as bedrock, an abrasive acid bath of fuzz, susurration and machinewhirr. "SMASH MY FUCKIN' HEAD AGAINST THE WALL" is the line that opens it up, rising out of Interplanetary Bad Boy's hissing swell. Driven through the album are anguished explorations of interior/exterior limits, whirling around viciously in the grubby borders of your skull, spinning hopelessly in the cosmic of the aether, untethered, higher than the sky but way down in the muck. From Gak Attack's claustrophobic pogo or Last Smash's drawling thump to Star Slammers manic tumble and Dread Future's rolling barrage, The Lowest Form have brought together another LP of murdered-out panicattack punk, lithe and unleashed, born of bad vibes and background radiation, an album at once uncomfortably close and fully heavy." -Joe Briggs


text:
Refund Policy
Any claims for misprinted/damaged/defective items must be submitted within 4 weeks after the product has been received at firstname.lastname@example.com
For packages lost in transit, all claims must be submitted no later than 4 weeks after the estimated delivery date. Claims deemed an error on our part are covered at our expense.
The return address is set by default to the third-party facility. When we receive a returned shipment, an automated email notification will be sent to you. Unclaimed returns get donated to charity after 4 weeks. If the third-party facility isn't used as the return address, you would become liable for any returned shipments you receive.
Wrong Address - If you provide an address that is considered insufficient by the courier, the shipment will be returned to our facility. You will be liable for reshipment costs once we have confirmed an updated address with you (if and as applicable).
Unclaimed - Shipments that go unclaimed are returned to our facility and you will be liable for the cost of a reshipment to yourself (if and as applicable).
Notification for EU consumers: According to Article 16(c) and (e) of the Directive 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on consumer rights, the right of withdrawal may not be provided for:
1. the supply of goods that are made to the consumer's specifications or are clearly personalized;
2. sealed goods that were unsealed after delivery and thus aren't suitable for return due to health protection or hygiene reasons,
This Policy shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the English language, regardless of any translations made for any purpose whatsoever.
For more info on returns, please contact us by email at email@example.com


text:
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
Screenplay by: David Loughery
Story by: William Shatner & Harve Bennett & David Loughery
Produced by: Harve Bennett
Directed by: William Shatner
Release date: June 9, 1989
Stardate: 8454.1
Mission Summary
Shore leave at Yosemite Park is cut short by a hostage situation on the planet Nimbus III, where a Vulcan named Sybok has taken three ambassadors hostage. The Enterprise is dispatched to resolve the situation, and they find that Sybok is Spock's fully Vulcan half-brother. He has a unique ability to purge a person's pain, a neat trick that both Spock and McCoy take him up on (Kirk refuses, saying his pain makes him human). Unfortunately, Sybok also happens to be a raving cultist in search of god at the planet Sha Ka Ree in the center of the universe. Meanwhile, a Klingon named Klaa is in pursuit of Kirk, for personal glory and because the movie needed explosions.
Read the rest of this entry »


text:
Systematic review of long term effects of advice to reduce dietary salt in adults
BMJ 2002; 325 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.325.7365.628 (Published 21 September 2002) Cite this as: BMJ 2002;325:628- Lee Hooper (lee.hooper{at}man.ac.uk), research fellow in evidence based care and systematic reviewa,
- Christopher Bartlett, research associate in health services researchb,
- George Davey Smith, professor of clinical epidemiologyb,
- Shah Ebrahim, professor in epidemiology of ageingb
- a MANDEC, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, Manchester M15 6FH
- b Department of Social Medicine, MRC Health Services Research Collaboration, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PR
- Correspondence to: L Hooper
- Accepted 15 May 2002
Objective: To assess the long term effects of advice to restrict dietary sodium in adults with and without hypertension.
Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Data sources: Cochrane library, Medline, Embase, and bibliographies.
Study selection: Unconfounded randomised trials that aimed to reduce sodium intake in healthy adults over at least 6 months. Inclusion decisions, validity and data extraction were duplicated. Random effects meta-analysis, subgrouping, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression were performed.
Outcomes: Mortality, cardiovascular events, blood pressure, urinary sodium excretion, quality of life, and use of antihypertensive drugs.
Results: Three trials in normotensive people (n=2326), five trials in those with untreated hypertension (n=387), and three trials in people being treated for hypertension (n=801) were included, with follow up from six months to seven years. The large high quality (and therefore most informative) studies used intensive behavioural interventions. Deaths and cardiovascular events were inconsistently defined and reported. There were 17 deaths, equally distributed between intervention and control groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were reduced (systolic by 1.1 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval 1.8 to 0.4 mm Hg; diastolic by 0.6 mm Hg, 1.5 to 0.3 mm Hg) at 13 to 60 months, as was urinary 24 hour sodium excretion (by 35.5 mmol/24 hours, 47.2 to 23.9). Degree of reduction in sodium intake and change in blood pressure were not related.
Conclusions: Intensive interventions, unsuited to primary care or population prevention programmes, provide only small reductions in blood pressure and sodium excretion, and effects on deaths and cardiovascular events are unclear. Advice to reduce sodium intake may help people on antihypertensive drugs to stop their medication while maintaining good blood pressure control.
What is already known on this topic
Restricting sodium intake in people with hypertension reduces blood pressure
Long term effects (on blood pressure, mortality, and morbidity) of reduced salt intake in people with and without hypertension are unclear
What this study adds
Few deaths and cardiovascular events have been reported in salt reduction trials
Meta-analysis shows that blood pressure was reduced (systolic by 1.1 mm Hg, diastolic by 0.6 mm Hg) at 13 to 60 months, with a reduction in sodium excretion of almost a quarter (35.5 mmol/24 hours)
The interventions used were highly intensive and unsuited to primary care or population prevention programmes
Lower salt intake may help people on antihypertensive drugs to stop their medication while maintaining good control of blood pressure, but there are doubts about effects of sodium reduction on overall health
Several systematic reviews have reported that restricting sodium intake in people with hypertension reduces their blood pressure.1–5 However, most of the trials in these systematic reviews were short term and did not allow for complete adjustment of blood pressure to altered sodium intake or reduced motivation for following dietary restrictions over time. Also, some trials increased sodium intake in one arm and compared this with a reduced sodium intake in the other arm and so did not estimate likely effects of cutting down on sodium in a normal diet. 6 7 No review on long term outcomes has been carried out since 1998,7 although large relevant trials have been published.
The value of lowering blood pressure depends on its effects on cardiovascular events and deaths. The published systematic reviews on the effect of salt restriction on blood pressure and other risk factors have disagreed about the size of blood pressure changes8 and the effects on cardiovascular events and deaths. We assessed, in people with and without hypertension, the efficacy of advice to reduce dietary sodium intake over at least six months on mortality, cardiovascular events, blood pressure, urinary sodium excretion, quality of life, and use of antihypertensive medications.
A previous large scale search for dietary trials and cardiovascular disease covered the Cochrane library, Medline, Embase, CAB abstracts, CVRCT registry, and SIGLE to May 1998 plus bibliographies of collected papers and reviews.9 We carried out a further search, seeking trials on sodium restriction and blood pressure in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library (to July 2000). We checked bibliographies of systematic reviews and included trials; the searches were not limited by language.
We included trials in which randomisation was adequate, there was a usual or control diet group, the intervention aimed to reduce sodium intake, the intervention was not multifactorial, the participants were not children, acutely ill, pregnant, or institutionalised, follow up was at least 26 weeks, and data on any of the review outcomes were available.
For this review our primary outcomes were mortality and cardiovascular events, blood pressure, and urinary sodium excretion. We also collected data on quality of life and use of antihypertensive medication.
Two authors (LH and CB) assessed inclusion and validity and carried out data extraction independently in duplicate. Any differences were resolved by discussion and, when necessary, by a third reviewer (SE). For assessment of quality we collected data on randomisation procedure, allocation concealment, blinding of participants, providers of care, outcome assessors, and losses to follow up.10
For urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure we collected data on mean (SD) change from baseline for intervention and control groups at intermediate (latest data point from 6 to 12 months), late (13 to 60 months), and very late (after 60 months) follow up. Four trials provided baseline and follow up values, with SD or SE, but no SD for the change from baseline.11–14 We used three studies in which data were provided at baseline and follow up and mean differences given15–17 to calculate values for the correlations between baseline and follow up (for the control and experimental groups for systolic and diastolic blood pressure values but not for urinary sodium excretion).18 We used a conservative estimate (lowest correlation) to compute the SD of mean changes for four studies without this data. Correlations varied from −5.79 to 0.56.
In factorial trials of calorie and sodium reduction we used only data from the sodium reduction and control groups because, of three such factorial trials, 17 19 20 two showed definite17 or probable19 interaction effects. In one trial data on urinary sodium excretion were not available for sodium reduction groups alone but event and medication data were available and were used in analyses.20 Calorie reduction and calories plus sodium reduction arms were included in a sensitivity analysis.
We attempted to contact authors of all included trials for further information on trial characteristics, quality, and outcomes (including number and type of cardiovascular events, deaths, quality of life assessments, urinary sodium excretion, intake of other nutrients, blood pressure, and weight) as well as information on further published or unpublished trials.
Two trials were cluster randomised. In one small trial 19 general practitioners were randomised to deliver simple advice on low salt diets or no such advice to 77 patients.13 Patient numbers in the intervention and control groups were reduced to an effective sample size as described by Hauck,21 assuming the intraclass correlation (appropriate for nonfamilial clusters such as randomised practice units) to be 0.5.22 The other cluster randomised trial individually randomised "index" men and women and then included members of their families in the trial.23 We used only the "index" participants in our meta-analysis.
We checked the meta-analyses (weighted mean differences, random effects model, on Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager 4.1 software) for heterogeneity by visual inspection and by Cochran's test. We used sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the results to exclusion of the data with estimated SDs, or use of the largest correlations to estimate these SDs, exclusion of trials with unknown or inadequate allocation concealment, and addition of weight reduction arms. 10 24 We used the STATA metareg command25 for random effects meta-regression.26 We did not use funnel plots to investigate the presence of publication bias because the number of trials in each group was too small.
We used subgrouping of trials and meta-regression to examine the effects on blood pressure of length of follow up on sodium excretion and blood pressure, initial systolic blood pressure, presence or absence of hypertension, age, and change in sodium excretion.
Study characteristics
Figure 1 shows details of exclusion and inclusion of studies. Table 1 shows the characteristics of the 11 trials included.
We included three trials in people without hypertension (n=2326), 16 17 19 five in people with untreated hypertension (n=387), 11 13 15 23 27 and three in people with treated hypertension (n=801), 12 14 20 with follow up from six months to seven years. The people without hypertension were healthy (predominantly white men, mean age 40 years) with high normal blood pressure. The people with untreated hypertension were aged 16 to 64 years, while those with treated hypertension were aged 55 to 67 years. In trials on people with hypertension, sex and ethnic characteristics were generally poorly documented. All the trials in people without hypertension, but only one trial in people with treated hypertension,20 used a comprehensive behavioural change programme, whereas the others used varying types of advice or leaflets.
The quality of the trials, as judged by concealment of allocation, seemed higher in the trials in people without hypertension. Other aspects of quality that we assessed included blinding of outcome assessment and losses to follow up (table 1). There were different methods of dealing with missing data associated with losses to follow up. Most trials attempted to blind outcome assessors.
Mortality and cardiovascular events
Mortality and cardiovascular events were inconsistently reported. No differences in periods of admission to hospital were seen between intervention groups in the hypertension prevention trial (no further data were provided).19 Morgan et al reported that three participants in the control group and two participants on low sodium diets were treated for cardiac failure, with four cardiovascular deaths in the low sodium group and two in the control group. 15 28 The trial of non-pharmacological interventions in elderly people recorded a wide range of cardiovascular events: 57 in control participants and 44 in those on low sodium diets (relative risk 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.41 to 1.14). 20 29 However, only nine of these events were due to stroke or myocardial infarction. Overall, the trials reported few deaths: nine in control groups and eight in low sodium groups.
Blood pressure
Table 2 shows changes in blood pressure and urinary sodium excretion for each trial, and table 3 shows pooled changes at intermediate and late assessments (fig 2). Reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were apparent at both intermediate (2.5 mm Hg, 3.8 to 1.2; 1.2 mm Hg, 1.8 to 0.7, respectively) and late follow up (1.1 mm Hg, 1.8 to 0.4; 0.6 mm Hg, 1.5 to 0.3). When we carried out sensitivity analyses excluding low quality trials, which included all trials on people with untreated hypertension, the statistical heterogeneity that had been apparent for systolic blood pressure at intermediate follow up and diastolic blood pressure at late follow up was no longer apparent. As these trials were small the effect on pooled estimates of change in blood pressure was minor. Sensitivity analyses including all arms of the factorial trials, 17 19 suggest that inclusion of weight reduction arms reduces the effect on blood pressure. Meta-regression of change in blood pressure up to 12 months that used all trials with relevant data showed no relation with change in urinary sodium excretion, baseline systolic blood pressure, or age (table 4).
Urinary sodium excretion
We found reductions in urinary 24 hour sodium excretion at both intermediate (48.9 mmol/24 hours, 65.4 to 32.5) and late follow up (35.5 mmol/24 hours, 47.2 to 23.9) (fig 3). We identified significant heterogeneity in both analyses that was not explained by trial quality. One trial in people without hypertension found that at seven years sodium excretion in a small subset of the original sample was similar in intervention and control groups.30
Quality of life
Information on quality of life was patchy, with no common outcome measures. The hypertension prevention trial asked participants whether they were having problems with their diets.31 Of those in the low sodium group, 69% reported problems such as inconvenience and difficulty with adherence when eating out at some time during the three years of the trial, and problems were reported at 42% of clinic visits.
The trials of hypertension prevention, phase I (TOHP I), reported psychological wellbeing scores, which improved significantly in participants in the low sodium groups at 18 months compared with the non-intervention control group.32 Thaler et al reported that participants did not find it difficult to stop adding salt at table, but many found cutting down on salt in cooking harder.23 Most found their low salt bread (salt cut from 2.1% to 1.0% dry weight) and salt-free butter acceptable. Only 13% of participants reported their salt restricted diet as unpleasant or worse. Overall dropout rates, a possible marker of quality of life on trial, were similar (relative risk 1.04; 0.86 to 1.25) in low sodium and control groups.
Antihypertensive medications used
Low salt diets seemed to allow people with hypertension to stop taking medication. In one small trial that compared 10 men in each group, six on low sodium diets had not restarted antihypertensive drugs at six months compared with only one in the control group (relative risk 0.44; 0.20 to 0.98).14 In a larger study of 975 participants, primary end points (a combination of high blood pressure at any visit, restarting antihypertensive medication, or any clinical cardiovascular disease) were less common in the low sodium group (relative risk 0.83, 0.75 to 0.92).20
Eleven long term randomised controlled trials of dietary salt reduction (including 3491 participants) provided few data on mortality (17 deaths in total), cardiovascular events, or quality of life but did show significant falls in systolic blood pressure (1.1 mm Hg, 1.8 to 0.4) and urinary sodium excretion (35.5 mmol/24 hours, 47.2 to 23.9) at 13 to 60 months after initial advice. Falls in diastolic blood pressure were smaller and were consistent with no effect (0.6 mm Hg, 1.5 to 0.3). A low salt diet may help people on antihypertensive drugs to stop their medication without loss of blood pressure control.
Limitations and strengths of review
Health promotion interventions involve several stages before any health outcome is seen. Firstly, the advice must result in changed behaviour (cutting down on salt in food) and, secondly, that behaviour must result in an improved health outcome (reduced cardiovascular illness, increased life expectancy). A major limitation of this review is that we were not able to assess the overall effect of advice to reduce dietary sodium on mortality or morbidity as too few events occurred. Instead we assessed several intermediate outcomes including urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure.
The observed sodium reduction of about a quarter of usual intake in US and UK populations may be an overestimate.33 Almost half the participants in one trial ate differently on food record days, eating less food and substituting simpler foods and also eating less salt.34 The completeness of urine samples is not known and it has been suggested that less salty foods were eaten on collection days in the trial of Thaler et al23 (O Simpson, personal communication, 2001).
While both urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure fell, the salt reduction may not have caused the fall in blood pressure. Alterations in diet aimed at reducing salt intake may systematically affect other dietary components (such as alcohol, potassium, or energy intake) that themselves alter blood pressure. This might explain why we found no relation between the degree of reduction in sodium excretion and change in blood pressure. However, the number of trials is small and relating a mean change in blood pressure to a mean change in urinary sodium is statistically weak. In previous meta-analyses an association was seen in some cases but not others (table 5). Data on individual participants are required to take this issue further.
Despite the importance of answering the question of the long term effects of dietary salt restriction, most of the many randomised controlled trials published have been of short duration and can show only that salt restriction is capable of reducing blood pressure but provide no useful information for primary care practice. As randomised controlled trials are available, we have not included population surveys, cohorts, or animal trials that are unable to estimate the unconfounded effects of salt restriction in human populations and are difficult to interpret.35
Is it realistic to ask people to alter their salt intake long term? Advice to reduce dietary salt is common in primary care and is a central part of the guidelines produced by the British Hypertension Society.36 Despite a great deal of ongoing encouragement and support used in the trials included in this review, it seems that salt reduction attenuates over time. In routine primary care the intervention is likely to be less intense and therefore of more limited impact.
Comparison with previous studies
It is unclear what effects a low sodium diet has on cardiovascular events and mortality. Lowering sodium intake may have adverse effects on vascular endothelium through stimulation of the renin-angiotensin system37 and on serum total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.4 In cohort studies, lower salt intake in people with hypertension has been associated with higher levels of cardiovascular disease38 and in general populations with greater all cause mortality. 39 40 However, among obese people lower salt intake may be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events. 41 42 These apparently contradictory findings may be explained by confounding or by differential sensitivity to salt intake but make it less clear that salt restriction is without hazards.
We expected that short duration trials would achieve larger reductions in blood pressure that would attenuate over time. As shown in table 5, short term trials of median length of eight days showed a greater reduction in urinary sodium excretion but a similar fall in systolic blood pressure to the findings from long term trials of median length 36 months in this review. The recent dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) trial showed that over a 30 day period with intensive measures, which included provision of all food, systolic blood pressure can fall substantially (by 6.7 mm Hg, 5.4 to 8.0 mm Hg),43 but this finding is of little relevance to the issue of achieving long term reductions in blood pressure by practical means in primary care.
Long term maintenance of low sodium intake is difficult, even with a great deal of support, advice, and encouragement. A policy of reduction in salt intake for the entire population through cutting salt concentrations in processed foods,44 as recently announced by the UK chief medical officer,45 can achieve small reductions in blood pressure across the whole population for sustained periods of time. Individual reduction of risk would be small, but across a whole population the effects may be substantial. 46 47
However, raised blood pressure is only one risk factor for cardiovascular disease and overall clinical benefits (or harms) of a low sodium diet are unclear. Revisiting all participants of the large trials in people without hypertension some years later to assess long term effects of low sodium dietary advice on mortality and cardiovascular morbidity would be a cost effective and relatively rapid way to assess the clinical effectiveness of advice to reduce sodium intake. There is strong justification for a large scale, long term randomised controlled trial to explore the cost effectiveness of such advice if it is to remain a part of the strategy for prevention and treatment of hypertension.
On present evidence intensive interventions, unsuited to primary care or population prevention programmes, produce uncertain effects on mortality and cardiovascular events and only small reductions in blood pressure. However, advice to reduce sodium intake in the diet may help some people on antihypertensive drugs to stop their medication while maintaining good control of blood pressure.
This study was conducted as a Cochrane systematic review under the auspices of the Cochrane Hypertension and Heart Groups, whose assistance is gratefully acknowledged. We thank all the trialists and experts who kindly provided unpublished information, including Bruce Arroll (University of Auckland), Olaf Simpson (Dunedin), Susan Tonascia (Johns Hopkins University), Trefor Morgan (University of Melbourne), and Alexander Logan (Toronto), as well as Paul Durrington and Helen Worthington (PhD supervisors for LH).
Contributors: All authors were actively involved in the design of the review, checking the data, and critical revisions to the manuscript, which was drafted by LH. LH and CB independently searched, decided on trial inclusion or exclusion, extracted data, and assessed study quality. LH, CB, and SE performed and duplicated the statistical analyses. SE and GDS were primary advisers, guiding and interpreting the review. LH is the guarantor.
Funding North West Research and Development Training Fellowship (LH).
Competing interests LH owns 285 shares in West Indies Rum Distillery, Barbados.


text:
Sleeping is a fundamental manner for our frame. If we need to have a productive and lively life, we want to have an amazing night's sleep every time our day ends, warding off sleeplessness or stopping insomnia.
It takes place that those individuals who fail to thoroughly reconcile a good night time's relaxation, are affected their brain capabilities in a very negative manner. Even his health gives considerable put on.
Despite the super pride and the giant want we've regarding the hours of sleep, we are able to now not be capable of spend in our bed as long as we please. People want to go out to paintings or take a look at and carry out at some stage in the day.
Those who've no longer slept sufficient and have fatigue for the duration of the day can experience pain within the frame, terrible temper or fitness trouble due to loss of power. So from time to time, the body seeks to make a brand new sleep cycle and you end up drowsing to your table or on the bus.
It happens that after a good rest, you wake up and feel that the area where your head rested, has drool. Many believe that this must be a taboo since on several occasions they have come to mock someone for this action. However, you must feel lucky to belong to a certain group of people.
The action of drooling when sleeping is a sign that the dream was quite positive and that the body is resting very well. There are several phases of sleep, however, it is known as REM or rapid eye movement to the phase that allows you a restful and deep sleep.
When you drool, it means that the REM phase is being uninterrupted, so you do not have any sleep problems, you do not have interruptions or disturbances of it. In this way, you can sleep and rest your body as very few do.
If on the other hand, you do not drool, it can be a sign that your sleep habits are affected throughout the night and rest is insufficient. Remember that for a good personal and professional development is essential to rest. If you have a sleep disorder, do not hesitate to see a trusted doctor.


text:
A shocking incident took place not so long ago in Russia's Tver region. A 44-year-old man, named only as Alexander K. attempted to have sex with a raccoon. The predator bit a big piece of the man's most cherished organ off
When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I take her someplace expensive.... So, I took her to a gas station.....And then the fight started
It is an open secret that some men try on lacy underwear, bras, suspender belts and other sexy lingerie of their girlfriends and wives. Such men, if they can be referred to as 'men' in this case, do not have to hide their secret desires nowadays
A man prepares to file a lawsuit against his female friend, whom he asked to look after his dog for the time of his absence from the city. The woman brutally raped the dog and fractured his penis
A tattoo artist tattooed a Don Sphinx cat. The cat's owner asked the artist to make an Egyptian pharaoh tattoo on the chest of the pet. The 30-year-old owner of the cat named as Mickey can now hardly take his eyes off his tattooed treasure
The singer has been dating Kournikova for six years already. The sweet couple decided to share one roof about six months ago. The dream went up in smoke very quickly: the willful Russian girl showed Iglesias the door
A woman, who became a widow as she attempted to teach a lesson to her lazy husband, was convicted at a St. Petersburg court. The woman literally killed the man with a divan
A political scandal is gathering pace in Poland. Officials of the Polish administration are accused of releasing racist statements against US President-elect Barack Obama. "Why does Barack Obama have Polish roots? Because his grandfather ate a Polish missionary." This is the joke that Polish foreign minister tells his colleagues
The incident on the state-run television of Turkmenistan, a republic of the former Soviet Union, took place in the beginning of February. A group of employees working on the TV channel was fired; about 30 others were strictly reprimanded
A 73-year-old man residing in Las Vegas caused a funny stir in the media this week, when he announced that he had found an ultra-rare nude photograph of Marilyn Monroe
A ban on dying in the Houses of Parliament has been voted Britain's most ridiculous law.It beat off strong competition from the law making it an act of treason to place a postage stamp bearing the monarch's head upside down on an envelope.
'Nano toilet' won the Most Bizarre prize at The 49th International Conference on Electron, Ion and Photon Beam Technology and Nanofabrication Bizarre/Beautiful Micrograph Contest.
A miniature dachshund out for a walk on a beach found a bone which turned out to be part of a woolly mammoth's leg. Daisy spotted the fossilised remains sticking out of a beach near the low tide mark
George Bush's battle to pronounce complicated words has been laid bare after White House officials mistakenly released an unedited copy of his UN speech, complete with phonetic spellings.
Designers from a Philippine Ad agency created quite a dubious series of ad posters advertising an antifungal agent. They compared feet fungus with trainers made of faeces, flip-flops made of dead fish and slippers made of dead rats.
The police were in hot pursuit involving gunfire and sports cars on the federal highway Moscow – Saint Petersburg on Wednesday. The perpetrators were speeding away toward Moscow. They managed to get away from the police who chased them down the road for nearly two hours.
The world's first treatment centre for nail biters is to open in the Netherlands next month. Director of the new centre in Venlo, Alain-Raymond van Abbe of the Institute for Pathological Onychophagy (IPO) says he and his team have invented an aid to make nail-biting impossible.
Mikhail S. Gorbachev, the last president of the Soviet Union is to appear in coming September magazines advertising Louis Vuitton bags. A decade ago, Mr. Gorbachev's appearance in a Pizza Hut commercial was generally greeted as a low point in his career.
To read more funny news click on fun calendar


text:
Around this time last year, our blog highlighted some great ideas for fall/winter garden color in the Northeast. Now that our evenings once again have a chill in the air, we thought it the perfect time to update that information.
The previous blog included a fairly comprehensive list of what would "lift winter doldrums with outdoor color and texture" — information that we put together with the help of Sandra Vultaggio, Horticulture Consultant at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Riverhead, NY.
Red Twig Dogwood
Working with her again, we're updating the list by highlighting different species of shrubs and have even included a new beauty not on last year's list at all — the glorious Red Twig Dogwood.
"The Red Twig Dogwood boasts bright red branches that make a very attractive landscape shrub in winter," says Vultaggio. "You can cut twigs from the bush to add décor in the home — creating centerpieces and wreathes, etc."
Another gorgeous shrub that was actually on last year's list under "Berries and Seedheads," but not highlighted with a photo and further info, is the stunning Chokeberry. We also think that it deserves to appear under the list's heading "Late Season Foliage" because of its lovely red fall foliage.
Plus, during spring, the Chokeberry offers up delightful light pink flowers. Of course, we're really highlighting it because in winter it provides dramatic color through its berries.
"Chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa is native to the northeast," adds Vultaggio, "so it is a great choice for gardeners looking to plant natives. It also is a host plant to the Coral Hairstreak butterfly, in addition to it's winter berries providing food for wildlife."
Winterberry Holly
Another beauty we are highlighting this year is Winterberry Holly, Ilex verticillata, which happens to be one of Vultaggio's favorites.
"Also a native, its bright red fruit is eaten by more than 48 species of birds. It is also a good choice for a shaded site," she says.
Making our list for the first time, this bush has a reputation for attracting bluebirds along with other birds and butterflies. It grows as both a perennial and as an ornamental, and will be most enjoyable after about 3 years. Note that it likes partial sun and lots of water so it's great around water gardens — something Deck and Patio specializes in (ahem), so, naturally, it's a favorite of ours.
The beautiful chokeberry requires only medium moisture with full sun to partial shade. And don't forget its stunning fall foliage.
This dramatic and colorful bush is from a species of the deciduous holly family and is native to the Northeast. A slow grower, it loses its leaves each autumn. And, birds love the berries…what more need be said.
In last year's blog we highlighted the beautiful purple berries of the Callicarpa. They begin in fall and last through winter. Photo: Missouri Botanical Garden
As we wrote last year, "these evergreen shrubs sport bright green leaves and, in spring, bring vibrant white flowers; in fall, they offer up crimson red fruits (berries) that last all through winter and are especially fine in December," says Vultaggio. "They make great Christmas, holiday, or Thanksgiving hostess gifts "as they are slow growers that are ideal starting out in pots and containers." Photo Credit: Musical Linguist at the English language Wikipedia


text:
Learn more about TMJ (TMD)
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) refers to a painful dysfunction of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Responsible for opening and closing your jaw, the TMJ consists of the upper temporal bone connected to your skull and the mandible, or lower jawbone.
Symptoms of TMD
- Pain/inflammation around the temporomandibular joint
- Headaches
- Limited range of motion or locking of the jaw
- Stiffness of the jaw muscles
- Pain that radiates into the face and neck
- Popping or clicking noise when opening or closing mouth
Causes of TMJ Pain
The exact cause of temporomandibular pain is often unknown. However, several contributing factors could include:
- Occlusal abnormalities (upper and lower teeth touching)
- Orthodontic treatments
- Poor health and nutrition
- Inflammation, arthritis, trauma to the joint
- Joint laxity
- Muscle tightness or trigger points
- Cervical or thoracic pain
- Psychosocial factors such as chronic stress, anxiety, depression or pain
How We Treat TMD
A physical therapist will complete a comprehensive evaluation and will create a customized program to address your needs. Treatment may include:
- Flexibility and postural strengthening
- Relaxation and self-management techniques
- Skilled mobilization
- Therapeutic use of ice/heat, ultrasound, iontophoresis and electrical stimulation
*Services are not available at all locations. Call or click the location page near you for that center's services.
What to Expect
Every patient has a unique health history, diagnosis and personal goals. When you come for your first appointment, we will create a personalized treatment plan for you.
We work with most major insurance providers and do our best to help keep the paperwork pain-free. If you'd like to confirm your insurance coverage, please let us know and we can verify when you schedule. If your insurance provider requires a co-pay, we will ask for this payment at each visit. We accept payments by cash, check or credit card.
When to Arrive
On average, a patient's first visit lasts about an hour. We typically ask patients to arrive 15 minutes early to sign-in, complete paperwork and/or change clothes.
What to Bring
On your first visit, you'll need to bring your physician referral or prescription (if needed), your insurance card, your primary registration forms, your ID or driver's license and your co-payment (as applicable). If desired, you may bring a change of clothing.
How it Works
During your first visit, your physical therapist will do an initial evaluation and discuss your plan of care. The therapist uses this information to set goals for your continued treatment. Physical therapy goals may include improved movement, strength, endurance and flexibility, as well as decreased pain. Your subsequent visits will focus on treatment that is based on your diagnosis and individualized goals.