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Choosing, Transporting, & Caring For A Live Christmas Tree
There's something about the experience of cutting down your family's own Christmas tree that starts the holiday season. But did you know there's a lot to know about live trees? From choosing one to transporting it home and keeping it fresh through the holiday season, there's something we can all learn.
That's why we've called in an expert. Richard Palmer, the third-generation owner of Palmer Christmas Tree Farms in Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania, is an ERIE business insurance customer. The family began selling Christmas trees in 1939. Today, they grow trees on 60 acres of land.
Here are Richard's top tips for choosing, transporting, and caring for a live Christmas tree.
How to Choose a Live Christmas Tree
The first order of business is to decide which kind of tree you want. Richard grows six of the most popular varieties, which include:
- Douglas fir: Douglas firs have soft, blue-green needles. They also have high needle retention compared to other trees, making them a good choice if you're especially vacuum-averse.
- Fraser fir: Richard reports that the Fraser fir has become his most-sold Christmas tree in recent years. "They have a very good reputation for needle retention and being easy to handle," he says.
- Colorado blue spruce: This dense, cone-shaped tree derives its name from its unique bluish-gray color. "The blue spruce has sturdy branches and sharp needles," adds Richard.
- White pine: This tree has soft, flexible needles and is bluish-green in color. Just know they aren't the best pick if you have heavy ornaments or you want a tree with an aroma.
- Norway spruce: This northern European tree has shiny, dark green needles and dense branches. It does not retain needles very well, so buy it as close to Christmas as possible.
- Concolor fir: If you're looking for a tree with a beautiful scent, try a concolor fir. In addition to its pleasing citrus scent, this tree has a natural shape and good needle retention.
No matter which tree you choose, it's important to make sure it's healthy. "All Christmas trees will shed some needles, but it's not a good sign if lots of needles are falling off," says Richard. "It's also a bad sign if the tree feels light."
Related: Watch how quickly a dry Christmas tree can catch fire
Buy your tree as close to Christmas as possible. "I don't sell any trees until the day after Thanksgiving," says Richard. "A tree lasts about five weeks, so you shouldn't be buying one before Thanksgiving."
Live Potted Christmas Trees
Want to enjoy your tree after the holiday season has ended? Consider purchasing a living Christmas tree. Compared to a fresh-cut tree, living trees are either potted or have the root ball wrapped in a burlap sack.
You keep the tree alive by caring for it as you would a potted plant. Then, instead of throwing your Christmas tree out in January, you can plant the tree outside. Or, keep it in a pot and use it again next year.
Related: How to recycle a live Christmas tree
How to Transport a Live Christmas Tree
After you've picked out the perfect tree, the next step is getting it home. It's important you give this process the attention it deserves, because a tree that isn't properly secured can be dangerous for you, your car, and other drivers on the road.
- Before you leave, ask to get the tree netted. This will make it more manageable to transport. Then, place a tarp or blanket underneath the tree to prevent any scratches.
- If possible, transport the tree inside your vehicle. Generally speaking, it's safer and easier to do it that way. If you have a large van, truck, or SUV, clear out some room before you head to the lot.
- Use your roof rack. This equipment is specially designed to haul cargo. A rack with crossbars will protect your paint by keeping the tree off the roof, while providing secure mounting points where you can tie down the tree.
- Face the cut end forward. A common mistake is to face the cut end of the tree toward the back of the car. "That blows the branches back, which causes the tree to lose needles," says Richard. Instead, make the cut end face the front of your vehicle.
- Tie it down at multiple points. After your tree is oriented correctly on top of your vehicle, start tying it down. Nylon ratchet straps offer a quick and easy way to secure your tree, but rope will work fine, too.
- Check your work. Before driving off, give the tree a tug to ensure it's not going anywhere.
- Drive carefully! It's wise to drive a little slower than usual. This will protect your tree and reduce the likelihood of losing your precious Christmas cargo.
Caring for a Live Christmas Tree
First, water the tree by filling your tree stand with warm water. "It gets the tree's circulation going and helps it absorb water," says Richard. Afterward, you can use room-temperature water in your stand. "Just keep an eye on the water level and never let the water run out," adds Richard.
Another mistake is resting your tree over a heat vent before you put it in the stand. "Trees can get burn marks this way," says Richard. Place your tree in an area away from heating vents, fireplaces, and candles.
Related: The 10 Commandments of Candle Safety
To prevent fires, inspect your lights to make sure there are no frayed wires, weird kinks, or cracked sockets. Decorations should be non-flammable or flame-retardant.
A healthy tree will last about five weeks. One sure sign your tree is spent is when it starts dropping more needles than normal. By following these tips, you will be able to safely enjoy a beautiful and healthy Christmas tree during the holiday season.
Want more holiday tips? Check out these articles from the Erie Insurance blog:
- How to Prevent Holiday Break-Ins
- 10 Tips to Host a Party (Without Stressing Out)
- Top Tips for Holiday Pet Safety
- 17 Things to Do Before Leaving Home for the Holidays
The holidays are a perfect time for making memories with your family. At Erie Insurance, our pledge is to protect the beams and the boards, sure, but also the other things that make your house a home. Talk to your Erie agent for a customized quote or learn more about our homeowners insurance.
This story was originally published in 2014. It was updated with new information in 2019.
A better insurance experience starts with ERIE.
Haven't heard of us? Erie Insurance started with humble beginnings in 1925 with a mission to emphasize customer service above all else. Though we've grown to reach the Fortune 500 list, we still haven't lost the human touch.
Contact J.P. Wolfe Insurance today to experience the ERIE difference for yourself.


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Patsy Palm Leaf Jumpsuit - Green
Slip into this softly draping jumpsuit for a simple but stunning look. With a low V front and back , elasticated waist and side pockets.
S recommended for UK sizes 8 - 10
M recommended for UK sizes 12 -14
L recommended for UK sizes 16 - 18
Lucy is 5' 6'', UK size 10/12 and is wearing size M.
Asking yourself these questions?
What is your returns policy?
We offer free UK returns on all orders. Any item can be returned within 28 days of it arriving with you, no questions asked.
Simply use our returns portal.
What are your delivery times?
We offer two UK services with Royal Mail. You'll receive tracked updates on your orders progress with Standard & Express delivery.
Standard UK Delivery: 3 - 5 Working Days | £2 or Free on orders over £30
Express UK Delivery: 1 Working Day | £5.95 or Free on orders over £50
All of our online orders are processed in 24-48 working hours and dispatched from our premises in West Sussex.
How do I get in touch with you?
For any other enquiries please get in touch with our helpful customer service team here.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
"So pleased with my first purchase from Ollie & Nic. The bag is great size for all your essentials - wallet, phone, lip gloss, sunglasses etc etc, they all fit perfectly." - Helen M.
Still Thinking About it?
Due to high demand we often sell out and we don't want you to miss out! If you have any further questions, please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com
No one likes paying for delivery which is why we offer free UK delivery on orders over £30.

subset: commoncrawl


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Missouri couple wins $588 million Powerball prize
Published 12:00 am Friday, November 30, 2012
DEARBORN, Mo. (AP) — Cindy Hill, a laid-off office manager who lives in a small town in Missouri, called her husband Thursday with urgent news that would change everything: "We won the lottery."
"What?" he asked.
"We won the lottery," she repeated. But Mark Hill, a 52-year-old mechanic who works at a meat processing plant, is the kind of person who carefully checks the prices for everything he buys, and he needed proof. This is the "Show-Me State" after all.
He drove to his mother's house, where his wife was waiting with their quick-pick ticket, and confirmed for himself that the numbers matched those drawn for a record $588 million Powerball jackpot that they'll share with an unknown winner who bought a ticket in Arizona.
Missouri lottery officials officially introduced the Hills as winners Friday in front of reporters and townspeople gathered at the high school in Dearborn, which is about 40 miles north of Kansas City. The announcement was not a surprise. The Hills' name began circulating Thursday, soon after lottery officials said a winning ticket had been sold at a Trex Mart gas station and convenience store on the edge of town.
The Hills chose to take their winnings in a lump sum, not annual payments. Lottery officials estimated the cash payment at about $385 million, or about $192.5 million for each ticket.
The oversized novelty check handed to the Hills on Friday was written in the amount of $293,750,000, but Missouri Lottery spokeswoman Susan Goedde said that after taxes, they will receive about $136.5 million.
"We're still stunned by what's happened," said Cindy Hill, 51, who was laid off in June 2010. "It's surreal."
The couple have three grown sons and a 6-year-old daughter they adopted from China five years ago. They said they are now considering a second adoption with their winnings, and they plan to help other relatives, including their grandchildren and nieces and nephews, pay for college. They're planning vacations, and their daughter, Jaiden, wants a pony. Mark Hill has his eye on a red Camaro.
More immediately, they're preparing for "a pretty good Christmas" and anticipating an onslaught of requests for financial help.
"When it's that big of a Powerball, you're going to get people coming out of the woodwork, some of them might not be too sane," Cindy Hill said. "We have to protect our family and grandkids."
The jackpot was the second-largest in U.S. history and set off a nationwide buying frenzy, with tickets at one point selling at nearly 130,000 per minute. The other winning ticket was sold at 4 Sons Food Store in Fountain Hills near Phoenix. No one has come forward with it yet, lottery officials said.
Before Wednesday's drawing, the jackpot had rolled over 16 consecutive times without someone hitting the jackpot.
Myron Anderson, pastor of the Baptist Church in nearby Camden Point, said he heard Thursday that the Hills had won the huge prize. Anderson said he has known Mark Hill since they attended high school together.
"He's a really nice guy, and I know his wife, and they have this nice little adopted daughter that they went out of their way to adopt," Anderson said. Funeral services for Hill's father were at the Baptist church, but the family attends church elsewhere, he said.
"I hope it's good news for them," Anderson said. "I've heard awful horror stories about people who get all that money in their lap and how everybody treats them, and if you don't mind me saying, I mean just the fact that the press is going to be after them."
Kevin Bryan, a lifelong Dearborn resident, said the only other local lottery winner he could remember was a farmer who won about $100,000 in scratch-off game years ago "and bought himself a combine."
In a Mega Millions drawing in March, three ticket buyers shared a $656 million jackpot, the largest lottery payout of all time.


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Periodontal Disease And Older Adults
The proverbial way of referring to older people as being "long on the tooth" suggests that it is predetermined that as we get older our teeth get "longer" or "no longer." This is not true. Periodontal disease and loss of teeth is not an inevitable aspect of aging. Loss of attachment or bone support around a tooth is the result of a bacterial infection. What is true is that as we get older, we have more exposures to these infectious organisms, and more probability of being infected and developing periodontal disease. Half of the people over 55 have periodontal disease.
Risk factors that make older adults more susceptible to periodontal disease include:
Systemic diseases:
Certain systemic diseases such as diabetes may decrease the body's ability to fight infection and can result in more severe periodontal disease. Osteoporosis also can increase the amount and rate of bone loss around teeth. Systemic illnesses will affect periodontal disease if it is a pre-existing condition. To reduce the effects of systemic diseases on the oral cavity, maintain meticulous plaque control and visit your dental care provider routinely for examinations and professional cleanings.
Heart medications can have a direct effect on the gums by creating an exaggerated response to plaque and resulting in gum overgrowth. Antidepressants may create dry mouth and reduce the saliva's ability to neutralize plaque. Immunosuppressants and other disease-fighting medications may reduce the body's ability to combat infection, increasing the risk for periodontal disease. The dental care provider needs to be aware of any medications you may be taking and you need to maintain meticulous plaque control and visit your dental care provider routinely for examinations and professional cleanings.
Dry mouth:
Lack of saliva can result from the use of certain medications or as a result of illness. If there is not enough saliva available to neutralize plaque it can result in more cavities and periodontal disease. Also, dry mouth, or xerostomia, can make dentures more difficult to wear and may also complicate eating, speaking, or swallowing of food. Oral rinses or artificial saliva can be very helpful with these problems. Frequent sips of water or eating candy may be helpful as long as it doesn't contain sugar. Fluoride rinses and gels are helpful in reducing or preventing the cavities that can be caused by having a dry mouth.
Dexterity problems:
Physical disabilities can reduce dexterity and the ability to remove plaque on a daily basis. Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk for cavities and periodontal disease. Electric toothbrushes and floss holders are helpful in improving plaque control. Frequent professional cleanings combined with oral anti-microbial or fluoride rinses also may be helpful in reducing the incidence of cavities and periodontal disease.
Estrogen deficiency:
Older women may have some special concerns in relation to periodontal disease. Scientific studies have suggested that the estrogen deficiency that occurs after menopause may increase the risk for severe periodontal disease and tooth loss. Estrogen replacement therapy may reverse these effects.
It is important to keep teeth as we age because every tooth has an important function in chewing and speaking. They affect our appearance and self esteem. Having dentures or loose or missing teeth can restrict our diets, resulting in poor nutrition and systemic complications. With the advances in modern dentistry and with current prevention and treatment techniques, we must count on keeping our teeth for a lifetime - no matter how "long" that may be!
«« Back to Dental Information Center
Don't Forget to Floss!
Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay-causing bacteria can hide between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gum line.
Visit Our Office Regularly!
Take good care of your smile. Remember to visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
Mouthwash Is Important, Too!
Brushing and flossing may not be enough. The ADA now recommends using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis.


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The classification schema above genus level is limited in FishBase to classes, orders, families and subfamilies ranks (the latter not yet displayed). It has the advantage to keep it simple; it has the disadvantage to ignore some important clades in fish phylogeny like Chondrichthyes, Teleostei, Acanthomorpha, Percomorpha.
In general, it follows Nelson's Fishes of the World (2006) with the noticeable exception of Elasmobranchii and Holocephali being elevated to class rank But at family level, FishBase may follow Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes that is updated more frequently to integrate new stable groupings.
Number of taxa from Orders to Species are given for what they are, a useful tool for information and database management. The design of some analyses (so-called Biodiversity analyses) that uses these numbers must be carefully assessed before processing (see footnote on Classification List for some critical points).
Catalog of Fishes gives also number of species, including available names in the sense of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, which we don't have. Possible discrepancies between the species and genera numbers are explained in Bailly (2010). As Catalog of Fishes is updated ahead of FishBase, the numbers given there are in general more accurate.
Wiley and Johnson published a new classification for Teleostei (2010). They propose to stabilize several hypotheses published recently or some (long) time ago by listing the known evidences (synapomorphies). FishBase will follow this new arrangement as soon as the ichthyological community endorses it, e.g., as published in a next version of Fishes of the World. In the meantime, to avoid confusion for non-specialists, we hold on the current one. Note that the numbers of species given below does not take into account subspecies.


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Patient Info
Total Hip Replacement
Normal Anatomy of the Hip Joint
How does the hip joint work?
Find out more in this web based movie.
Total Hip Replacement
- Introduction
- Arthritis
- Indications
- Benefits
- Pre-op
- Day of your surgery
- Surgical procedure
- Post-operative
- Special Precautions
- Risks and complications
- Summary
Hip replacement has become necessary for your arthritic hip: this is one of the most effective operations known and should give you many years of freedom from pain.
Once you have arthritis which has not responded to conservative treatment, you may well be a candidate fortotal hip replacement surgery.
Arthritis is a general term covering numerous conditions where the joint surface (cartilage) wears out. The joint surface is covered by a smooth articular surface that allows pain free movement in the joint. This surface can wear out for a number of reasons, often the definite cause is not known. When the articular cartilage wears out, the bone ends rub on one another and cause pain. There are numerous conditions that can cause arthritis and often the exact cause is never known. In general, but not always, it affects people as they get older (Osteoarthritis).
Other causes include
- Childhood disorders e.g., dislocated hip, Perthe's disease, slipped epiphysis etc.
- Growth abnormalities of the hip (such as a shallow socket) may lead to premature arthritis
- Trauma (fracture)
- Increased stress e.g., overuse, overweight, etc.
- Avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply)
- Infection
- Connective tissue disorders
- Inactive lifestyle- e.g., Obesity, as additional weight puts extra force through your joints which can lead to arthritis over a period of time
- Inflammation e.g., Rheumatoid arthritis
In an Arthritic Hip
- The cartilage lining is thinner than normal or completely absent
- The degree of cartilage damage and inflammation varies with the type and stage of arthritis
- The capsule of the arthritic hip is swollen
- The joint space is narrowed and irregular in outline; this can be seen in an X-ray image
- Bone spurs or excessive bone can also build up around the edges of the joint
- The combinations of these factors make the arthritic hip stiff and limit activities due to pain or fatigue
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is made on history, physical examination & X-rays. There is no blood test to diagnose Osteoarthritis (wear & tear arthritis)
THR is indicated for arthritis of the hip that has failed to respond to conservative (non-operative) treatment.
You should consider a THR when you have
- Arthritis confirmed on X-ray
- Pain not responding to analgesics or anti-inflammatories
- Limitations of activities of daily living including your leisure activities, sport or work
- Pain keeping you awake at night
- Stiffness in the hip making mobility difficult
Prior to surgery you will usually have tried some simple treatments such as simple analgesics, weight loss, anti-inflammatory medications, modification of your activities, walking sticks, physiotherapy.
The decision to proceed with THR surgery is a cooperative one between you, your surgeon, family and your local doctor. Benefits of surgery include
- Reduced hip pain
- Increased mobility and movement
- Correction of deformity
- Equalization of leg length (not guaranteed)
- Increased leg strength
- Improved quality of life, ability to return to normal activities
- Enables you to sleep without pain
Pre- Operation
- Your surgeon will send you for routine blood tests and any other investigations required prior to your surgery
- You will asked to undertake a general medical check-up with a physician
- You should have any other medical, surgical or dental problems attended to prior to your surgery
- Make arrangements around the house prior to surgery
- Cease aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications 10 days prior to surgery as they can cause bleeding
- Cease any naturopathic or herbal medications 10 days before surgery
- Stop smoking as long as possible prior to surgery
Day of your Surgery
- You will be admitted to hospital usually on the day of your surgery
- Further tests may be required on admission
- You will meet the nurses and answer some questions for the hospital records
- You will meet your anaesthetist, who will ask you a few questions
- You will be given hospital clothes to change into and have a shower prior to surgery
- The operation site will be shaved and cleaned
- Approximately 30 mins prior to surgery, you will be transferred to the operating theatre
Surgical Procedure
An incision is made over the hip to expose the hip joint
The acetabulum (socket) is prepared using a special instrument called a reamer. The acetabular component is then inserted into the socket. This is sometimes reinforced with screws or occasionally cemented. A liner which can be made of plastic, metal or ceramic material is then placed inside the acetabular component.
The femur (thigh bone) is then prepared. The femoral head which is arthritic is cut off and the bone prepared using special instruments, to exactly fit the new metal femoral component. The femoral component is then inserted into the femur. This may be press fit relying on bone to grow into it or cemented depending on a number of factors such as bone quality and surgeon's preference.
The real femoral head component is then placed on the femoral stem. This can be made of metal or ceramic.
The hip is then reduced again, for the last time.
The muscles and soft tissues are then closed carefully.
Post Operative
You will wake up in the recovery room with a number of monitors to record your vitals. (Blood pressure, Pulse, Oxygen saturation, temperature, etc.) You will have a dressing on your hip and drains coming out of your wound.
Post-operative X-rays will be performed in recovery.
Once you are stable and awake you will be taken back to the ward.
You will have one or two drips in your arm for fluid and pain relief. This will be explained to you by your anaesthetist.
On the day following surgery, your drains will usually be removed and you will be allowed to sit out of bed or walk depending on your surgeons preference. Pain is normal but if you are in a lot of pain, inform your nurse.
You will be able to put all your weight on your hip and your Physiotherapist will help you with the post-op hip exercises.
You will be discharged to go home or a rehabilitation hospital approximately 5-7 days depending on your pain and help at home.
Sutures are usually dissolvable but if not are removed at about 10 days.
A post-operative visit will be arranged prior o your discharge.
You will be advised about how to walk with crutches for two weeks following surgery and then using walking aids for another four to six weeks.
Special Precautions
Remember this is an artificial hip and must be treated with care.
AVOID THE COMBINED MOVEMENT OF BENDING YOUR HIP AND TURNING YOUR FOOT IN. This can cause DISLOCATION. Other precautions to avoid dislocation are
- You should sleep with a pillow between your legs for 6 weeks. Avoid crossing your legs and bending your hip past a right angle
- Avoid low chairs
- Avoid bending over to pick things up. Grabbers are helpful as are shoe horns or slip on shoes
- Elevated toilet seat helpful
- You can shower once the wound has healed
- You can apply Vitamin E or moisturizing cream into the wound once the wound has healed
- If you have increasing redness or swelling in the wound or temperatures over 100.5° you should call your doctor
- If you are having any procedures such as dental work or any other surgery you should take antibiotics before and after to prevent infection in your new prosthesis. Consult your surgeon for details
- Your hip replacement may go off in a metal detector at the airport
Risks and Complications
As with any major surgery, there are potential risks involved. The decision to proceed with the surgery is made because the advantages of surgery outweigh the potential disadvantages.
It is important that you are informed of these risks before the surgery takes place.
Complications can be medical (general) or specific to the hip
Medical Complications include those of the anesthetic and your general well being. Almost any medical condition can occur so this list is not complete.
Complications include
- Allergic reactions to medications
- Blood loss requiring transfusion with its low risk of disease transmission
- Heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, pneumonia, bladder infections
- Complications from nerve blocks such as infection or nerve damage
- Serious medical problems can lead to ongoing health concerns, prolonged hospitalization or rarely death
Specific complications include
Infection can occur with any operation. In the hip this can be superficial or deep. Infection rates are approximately 1%, if it occurs it can be treated with antibiotics but may require further surgery. Very rarely your hip may need to be removed to eradicate infection.
This means the hip comes out of its socket. Precautions need to be taken with your new hip forever. It a dislocation occurs it needs to be put back into place with an anaesthetic. Rarely this becomes a recurrent problem needing further surgery.
Blood clots (Deep Venous Thrombosis)
These can form in the calf muscles and can travel to the lung (Pulmonary embolism). These can occasionally be serious and even life threatening. If you get calf pain or shortness of breath at any stage, you should notify your surgeon.
Damage to nerves or blood vessels
Also rare but can lead to weakness and loss of sensation in part of the leg. Damage to blood vessels may require further surgery if bleeding is ongoing.
Wound irritation
Your scar can be sensitive or have a surrounding area of numbness. This normally decreases over time and does not lead to any problems with your new joint.
Leg length inequality
It is very difficult to make the leg exactly the same length as the other one. Occasionally the leg is deliberately lengthened to make the hip stable during surgery. There are some occasions when it is simply not possible to match the leg lengths. All leg length inequalities can be treated by a simple shoe raise on the shorter side.
All joints eventually wear out. The more active you are, the quicker this will occur. In general 80-90% of hip replacements survive 15-20 years.
Failure to relieve pain
Very rare but may occur especially if some pain is coming from other areas such as the spine.
Unsightly or thickened scar
Limp due to muscle weakness
Fractures (break) of the femur (thigh bone) or pelvis (hipbone)
This is also rare but can occur during or after surgery. This may prolong your recovery, or require further surgery. Discuss your concerns thoroughly with your orthopaedic surgeon prior to surgery.
Surgery is not a pleasant prospect for anyone, but for some people with arthritis, it could mean the difference between leading a normal life or putting up with a debilitating condition. Surgery can be regarded as part of your treatment plan- it may help to restore function to your damaged joints as well as relieve pain.


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OCG and OCG Originals have come together to bring the Women's I am Not Here To Win Races Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey so you can roll up to your next ride in style and feel the comfort of a female cut jersey.
We are proving an eye-catching, reliable jersey cut for the women's body shape that doesn't have to cost more than the bike you ride on.
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- Print: Full-sublimation heat transfer printing ensuring long-lasting designs
- Care: Machine wash 30C, do not dry clean or iron


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Software download for Zetasizer family software v6.32
Terms relating to software downloads
Use of software:
If you download software from this site, use of the software is subject to the license terms in the Software Licence Agreement. Downloading software assumes you understand and agree to the terms of the software licensing agreement.
The materials and services provided at this site are provided "as is" without any warranties of any kind. Malvern Panalytical does not warrant the accuracy and completeness of the materials or services at this site. Malvern Panalytical may make changes to the materials and services at this site at any time without notice. Malvern Panalytical makes no commitment to update the materials and services at this site. This site may refer to products, programs or services that are not available in your country. Consult your local Malvern Panalytical representative (select "About us-Contact us") for more information.
Limitation of liability:
In no event will Malvern Panalytical or its suppliers, or other 3rd parties mentioned at this site be liable for any damages whatsoever that may result from use of the products (including software downloads) and services mentioned at this site. If your use of the materials (including software downloads), information or services from this site results in the need for servicing, repair or correction of equipment or data, Malvern Panalytical bears no responsibility


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Platinum DA333F8 Steam Shower
Authorized Dealer
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Our aim is to provide you with a hassle-free and streamlined ordering process. We understand that shipping and delivery are critical components of your purchasing experience. Therefore, we have designed this policy to provide you with comprehensive information on what you should expect when placing an order with us.
We only provide shipping within the United States.
Time for transit, handling, and order cutoff in the United States:
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Our team processes orders Monday through Friday, and it typically takes 1-3 business days to process and fulfill your order. However, in some cases, it may take longer to fill your order due to factors such as high demand, peak manufacturing periods, special colors, and chain supply.
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Upon placing your order, you will receive an order confirmation email.
We offer free standard ground shipping through our shipping partners. This allows us to provide the quickest turnaround time for processing and shipping your order.
Some larger items may require freight transportation and the shipping company will contact you to schedule a delivery time. Therefore, it is crucial to provide a relevant phone number during checkout. Our standard freight option includes free curbside delivery and liftgate service. The delivery driver will remove the item from the truck, but it is your responsibility to bring it onto your property. You must be present at the delivery address during the delivery window to receive and sign for the item. The delivery time may differ depending on the freight company. Please ensure that the phone number you enter at checkout is valid and that you do not screen calls until your item has been delivered. The item will be placed in your driveway or curbside, and you should keep all packing materials, including the pallet, in case you decide to return the item.
It is essential to inspect the packaging of your items when they arrive. If there are any damages present upon arrival, you must annotate them when accepting the delivery and contact us as soon as possible.
If an item requires an adjustment or alteration to the shipping address, contact us immediately.
We do not ship outside the USA at this time.
If you do not receive your order, you can contact us with your order and tracking number at email@example.com
Customer Support
Email: email@example.com
Phone: 205-462-7290
ET Angel Investments LLC
DBA Top Decor Club
Effective Date: 06/30/2023
At Top Decor Club, we want to ensure our customers have a satisfying shopping experience. We are committed to providing high-quality products and services. We value your satisfaction and strive to provide you with high-quality products and exceptional customer service, including our range of infrared saunas. We understand that sometimes situations arise that may require a refund or return. Please take a moment to review our unique refund policy for infrared saunas:
30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee: We proudly offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on all our infrared saunas. If, for any reason, you are not fully satisfied with your purchase, you can request a return within 30 days from the date of delivery. We are committed to ensuring your complete contentment with our products.
1. Eligibility for Returns and Refunds
1.1. To be eligible for a return and refund, the following conditions must be met:
- The product was purchased directly from our company top decor club
- The request for return and refund is made within 30 days of the delivery date.
1.2. Items that are not eligible for return and refund include:
- Gift cards.
- Personalized or customized items unless there is a defect or error in the customization process.
- Products that are damaged due to customer misuse or negligence.
2. Reasons for Return and Refund
2.1. Damaged or Defective Products:
- If the product is received in a damaged condition or is defective, customers are eligible for a full refund or replacement without any return fees or charges.
- Customers must notify us within 48 hours of delivery with clear images showing the damage or defect.
2.2. Wrong Item Shipped:
- In the rare event that a wrong item is shipped, customers can request a full refund or exchange for the correct item.
- Customers must contact us within 7 days of receiving the order to report the issue.
2.3. Change of Mind or Buyer's remorse:
- If customers change their mind about a purchase, they can request a return and refund within 30 days of delivery.
- The product must be unused, in its original packaging, and in a resellable condition.
- Customers will be responsible for return shipping costs depending on size and weight. Shipping will be calculated by freight carrier and invoice will be supplied.
3. Return & Refund Process
3.1. To initiate a return and refund request, customers must follow these steps:
- Contact our Customer Support team through email@example.com or phone at 205-462-7290 within the eligibility period.
- Provide the order number, the reason for return, and any relevant supporting documents (e.g., images of damaged items).
- Our Customer Support team will guide customers through the return process and provide a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number if applicable.
3.2. Customers must ensure that the product is securely packaged to prevent any damage during return transit.
3.3. Upon receiving the returned item, we will inspect its condition. If the return meets the eligibility criteria, we will process the refund or replacement within 5 business days.
4. Refund Process
4.1. For eligible refunds, customers will receive the refund in the same payment method used for the original purchase.
Refunds will be credited to the original payment method and can take up to 3-7 business days to reflect on your statement. Return restocking fees are not refundable.
4.2. Refunds will include the full product purchase price but will not include any shipping or handling charges unless the return is due to our error, damaged or defective.
5. Cancellation Policy
5.1. Order cancellations can be made within 24 hours of placing the order, and a full refund will be issued.
6. Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns regarding our Return and Refund Policy, please contact our Customer Support team at:
- Email: email@example.com
To initiate a refund contact us via email with your order number and request at firstname.lastname@example.com
Include your order number in the subject form.
If you wish to cancel or return an order please take the following steps:
Send an email to email@example.com
Include your order number from your confirmation email
Ask for a cancellation of the order
Customer support will review your request and reply within 24 hours.
Orders are processed from our warehouse the moment they are received. The shipping team preps the products and tracking numbers which is the reason for this fee.
Cancellations of Custom Orders and Made-to-order Products
Custom or made-to-order products cannot be canceled or refunded as these products are put into production specifically for your order. Refer to the table above for brands with custom or made-to-order products.
These units are custom-made to your specification or created once your order. Once you place your order we will start building your unit. Your warranty will guarantee you a fully functional and operational product. If it is not clear whether your order is custom or made to order, please message or call us.
All sales are final for Custom made and Made-to-order products.
Shipped Product(s):
Once an order ships it is subject to a restocking fee.
If the order is canceled once shipped, or the delivery is refused or turned around due to the customer not making a delivery appointment, the order will be returned to the warehouse automatically treated as a return.
Refusing a shipment due to damage will not be treated as a return and will be subject to our damaged products policy.
Any product(s) that have been modified
Any product(s) that are not in a resalable condition
Any product(s) that is not accompanied by an order number
Any product(s) that is not in the original box with sufficient packaging materials
Any product that is regarded as a sample
If you receive a damaged product, please follow these easy-to-follow steps:
If the box has clear damage upon delivery, take clear photos of the damaged box, refuse the package, and note the damages with the delivery driver on the Bill of Lading or Freight Bill.
No damages to the box? Inspect your package immediately when you receive the order from the freight carrier. If there are damages to the product, take pictures and send them to our customer support right away.
Email our customer support team at:firstname.lastname@example.com with your order number, issue, and clear photos or videos.
Customer support will assist you within 24 hours and send a replacement unit to your shipping address.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All damages must be reported within 24 hours of delivery. If damage is reported after the 24-hour mark, the claim will be denied.
General Rules for Exchanges
Must be reported within 30 Days of Delivery. We cannot accept any Exchange Requests after this mark.
A minimum of 15% restocking fee will be applied to any Exchanges. Refer to the restocking fees by brand above.
Only uninstalled, unused Products in the original packaging with the box and/or palate are subject to this Exchange Policy. If a Product has been used or installed, it cannot be exchanged.
How We Process Exchanges
Arrange to have the returned product(s) picked up
The warehouse team receives the product and checks that the product is in new condition
A customer receives a refund, less the Restocking Fee.
The customer processes a new order for the exchange item.
You can access our full shipping policy here.
We promise to do our best to get your order to you as soon as possible. We provide estimated shipping times on the product pages based on information from freight companies, and those estimated shipping times may change or vary without notice (Due to supply chain issues, the steel mills are behind on making metal, the manufacturers delayed because of the mills, the overwhelming demand on shipping, factory/warehouse, and dock workers and so on).
Order delays have proven to be unavoidable and outside of our control. While this might be frustrating, we ask you to please be patient and understanding with us in these tough times. We thank you for your business and appreciate your patience.
Our team of agents is here to assist you and resolve any issues. We have purposefully made our policies as fair as possible, and we believe they are the top in the industry. We are on your team. We are immediately responsive and will do all that we can to help you out and provide the best resolution.
Given this, any customer that files a fraudulent chargeback will be held criminally liable for theft. If you have not received a product, or have an issue with a product that you did receive, please contact us, and we will help you resolve your issue. Please do not file chargebacks for issues that we can resolve together. Thank you for shopping with us!
Customer Support
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: 205-462-7290
ET Angel Investments LLC
DBA Top Decor Club


text:
This is a logger for player kills in Shartak, a browser-based MMORPG. Enter a player's ID to see all of their logged kills and deaths.
You may log a kill by entering the victim's ID. (This will only work for the last time they were killed.)
There's a Greasemonkey script that makes this page easier to use. It's optional but recommended.
To log a kill, this page visits a player's profile and copies the information about their last death into a database. Users may view deaths and kills by appending "?id=___" to the URL of this page or log kills with "?log=___" instead (where "___" is the ID of the player or victim).


text:
12 July 2012 |
http://www.denverpost.com/recommended/ci_22139059 | ||
The Golden Spike Co. is attempting to create a turnkey model for a "reliable and affordable" lunar-transport system. The company expects to serve nations or individuals with interests ranging from scientific research and resource mining to national or personal prestige. Local planetary-scientist legend Alan Stern will serve as Golden Spike's president and chief executive. "We realize this is the stuff of science fiction, but we intend to make it science fact," Stern said during a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington. "This is the secret: We are not reinventing the wheel. We are starting from what we've already developed in technology and systems." The announcement coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 17 launch, the last human flight to the moon � or any human destination outside of low Earth orbit. Stern, who lives north of Boulder, has a long list of space credentials. He served as executive director at Southwest Research Institute and is currently associate vice president. He was named NASA's science chief in 2007-08, where he was responsible for the organization's $4.4 billion budget that directed 93 flight missions. In 2007, he was listed among Time magazine's Top 100 most influential people. Gerry Griffin, former Apollo flight director and NASA Johnson Space Center director, will serve as the Golden Spike's chairman. The company's business model has a heavy reliance on existing space-equipment design and technology. It also lists a product price tag of $1.5 billion for a two-person expedition to the moon. At that price, Stern said, the company could recoup all of its development costs, which he estimates to be $7 billion to $8 billion for the project. "We realize that our plans may generate some skepticism. I think that's only natural, and probably healthy," Stern said. "But you've seen these notions shattered again and again. We believe in the price points that we're talking about. We wouldn't have gone public if we didn't." Jeffrey Forrest, chairman of the aviation and aerospace-science department at Metropolitan State University of Denver, is a published author on space commerce and has developed curriculum on space entrepreneurship. "This is a long-term thing," Forrest said. "This isn't like market penetration, you know, put up a couple of marketing signs, build it, and they will come." Forrest doesn't believe there is a huge market for lunar missions right now but notes there is an economic advantage in being the first. "We know that there are near-Earth objects that are mineral-rich, but we don't currently have the technology to make that economically possible," Forrest said. "If they can get the capital to do this with the moon, then they've got the experience and knowledge base to be primed for going to these other targets." As for supporters and investors, Golden Spike has an advisory board packed with credentials in space, technology, journalism, film and politics, including Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the House and candidate for U.S. president. The company's name is a reference to the final spike that joined the east rails to the west rails of the First Transcontinental Railroad in the U.S. in 1869. Kristen Leigh Painter: 303-954-1638, [email protected] or
twitter.com/kristenpainter |


text:
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Assorted Creams and Ices - Pink Saturday
I've a bit of housekeeping to share with you as well. I've added a print feature to the blog that allows printing of all or portions of each post. I've temporarily placed it at the top of each entry where it can be better seen. I'll move it to a less conspicuous area once folks are aware the function has been added.
Peppermint Ice Cream
Cranberry Chambord Sorbet
Pink Grapefruit Sorbet
Sour Cherry Gelato
Pink Lemonade Granita
This post is being linked to:
Pink Saturday, sponsored by Beverly at How Sweet the Sound.
40 comments :
- Eileen said...
The peppermint ice cream is on my list for the holidays. :)
- October 1, 2010 at 11:57 PM
- Megan H Carroll said...
Kinda cute... my daughter would love an all pink all ices Saturday.
- October 2, 2010 at 12:29 AM
- Ginny Hartzler said...
Oh, these are just beautiful! Perfect for our little four year old girls!! Will this print feature do just the first recipe, or what? How will it work?
- October 2, 2010 at 12:45 AM
- Unknown said...
The print option is really helpful...The pink sweet treats are really beautiful and I am gonna try them one by one...
- October 2, 2010 at 12:46 AM
- faith said...
Pink lemonade granita?! YES PLEASE!!! I dont know about you, but I am ready for it to get cooler here! :)(but not rain!!)
- October 2, 2010 at 1:24 AM
- Sushma Mallya said...
That looks so yum esp the peppermint icecream...
- October 2, 2010 at 2:34 AM
- Cool Chic Style Fashion said...
Una bellissima carrellata di colori rosi e diversi sapori :) ciao
- October 2, 2010 at 2:47 AM
- giorno26 ¸¸.•*¨*•. said...
Wow yum !
Il mio " Ice cream " preferito è al peppermint !!!!
Very goog !
Myriam - October 2, 2010 at 3:18 AM
- My Little Space said...
It's Pink Saturday Cookbook! They look stunning & yummilicious. ~slurp~ Hope you're enjoying your weekend, Mary. As always love your pnk saturday!
Kristy - October 2, 2010 at 3:38 AM
- Red Nomad OZ said...
As you're heading towards fall, we're heading towards summer here down under in Australia so your ices are most welcome!
Happy travels!! - October 2, 2010 at 4:12 AM
- healy said...
sour cherry gellato is the best. . .Oh god! can't wait to grab it after work. . .
- October 2, 2010 at 4:42 AM
- Diane said...
I can't make up my mind, they all look delicious. Diane
- October 2, 2010 at 5:26 AM
- Cooking Gallery said...
Lovely colours, Mary! I am very into pink at the moment (it was never my favourite colour, but I guess I am getting girlier the older I am ;)!)
- October 2, 2010 at 6:41 AM
- Jayanthy Kumaran said...
Yummy pink delights..so droolworthy n tempting...
Tasty Appetite - October 2, 2010 at 7:02 AM
- Allie and Pattie said...
Well, Allie is going to have a field day with this post Mary. I'm saving it to show her later this morning!
Have a wonderful weekend
xoxo Pattie - October 2, 2010 at 7:17 AM
- Jamie said...
Mary, these are so beautiful! An amazing array of flavors to be eaten all year round in my opinion. And one for every occasion. Beautiful!
- October 2, 2010 at 7:44 AM
- Martha said...
The creams and ices look yummy but we're shivering on the prairie this morning!
- October 2, 2010 at 7:56 AM
- Julie said...
Beautiful pinks!!! My husband loves peppermint ice cream. I will be giving this a try soon. Happy Pink Saturday!
- October 2, 2010 at 7:58 AM
- chriesi said...
Mmm i would love to have any of these! They are all absolutely mouthwatering!
- October 2, 2010 at 9:03 AM
- bj said...
Lovely ice creams.
Please pray for the cure!
xo bj - October 2, 2010 at 9:49 AM
- Maggie said...
Mary, that peppermint ice cream is going to be delicious on my mom's Texas chocolate sheet cake!
Happy PS!
In Shoes We trust,
Maggie Mae @
"Do these shoes match this purse?" - October 2, 2010 at 10:01 AM
- Pushpa said...
Yummy! they all look so cute.
- October 2, 2010 at 10:03 AM
- kitchen flavours said...
All of them looks fabulous! My daughter would love these. Will be bookmarking these. Thank you!
- October 2, 2010 at 10:05 AM
- black eyed susans kitchen said...
Beautiful shades of pink...I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite...maybe peppermint.
♥, Susan - October 2, 2010 at 10:26 AM
- Anonymous said...
Mary, they all look gorgeous! I want to try them all. Pink is one of my favourite colours so I love this post! :o)
- October 2, 2010 at 10:49 AM
- That shabby Pink Girl said...
I'm so happy you have the print feature, I've always loved your recipes, your Post is yummy Pink today! thank you for sharing.
marian elizabeth - October 2, 2010 at 11:56 AM
- Country Wings in Phoenix said...
Good Morning Mary Sweetie...
Oh my goodness these all look so awesome. I have to admit though that the Pink Lemonade is certainly calling my name. I love pink lemonade everything.
What a beautiful pink post today. I love it when you share. Yours are always the BEST, and edible too.
Have a beautiful Pink Saturday. Many hugs and so much love, Sherry - October 2, 2010 at 11:59 AM
- Pondside said...
So pretty to look at and certainly refreshing to taste!
- October 2, 2010 at 1:34 PM
- La Bella Cooks said...
OOh, peppermint would definitely be at the top of my list. How wonderful that would be for the holidays!
- October 2, 2010 at 2:57 PM
- Carol said...
Who could choose? They all look delicious, but I would love a scoop of peppermint and a scoop of the chambord!
- October 2, 2010 at 3:46 PM
- aipi said...
Whoo..they all look wonderful!!
US Masala - October 2, 2010 at 4:24 PM
- Unknown said...
I love them all! I'll definitely be doing the peppermint one for the holidays!
- October 2, 2010 at 5:11 PM
- Hayley said...
wow..pink ice creams...looks yummy..daughter would love this ..
- October 2, 2010 at 5:41 PM
- Nanette said...
First time visitor..very nice. Love your profile, so welcoming. If Pattie Meegan is commenting on your blog, you gotta be doing something right ;)Print button is one of the best buttons to have on a recipe site...but I couldn't print the Chambord recipe, got a page error...boohoo. N
cucinananette.blogspot.com - October 2, 2010 at 7:50 PM
- T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...
Such wonderful shades of pink! I have a passion for peppermint ice cream!
- October 2, 2010 at 11:36 PM
- theUngourmet said...
I would love to try the sour cherry! It sure has been a warm autumn so far. Have a lovely week!
- October 2, 2010 at 11:54 PM
- Angie's Recipes said...
All the pinky ices! They look delish.
- October 3, 2010 at 12:54 AM
- Lucie said...
The peppermint ice cream reminds me of the one we used to buy from President's Choice brand when I was a child--it was a favorite of mine! I can't wait to try this next time I get my hands on an ice cream maker.
- October 3, 2010 at 11:29 AM
- Adelina said...
these are superb! Love pink, especially when it comes as sweet!
- October 3, 2010 at 11:18 PM
- Marly said...
Those sorbets look delicious!
- October 4, 2010 at 11:13 AM


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Out of State MOVE - Syracuse, NY
"The movers that tuned up looked like professional body builders, they were huge! But with all that muscle they were the sweetest dudes. They were gentle in getting stuff shifted and they were lifting items with ease. They told me it's like a work out for them, but a very long work out. Thanks guys."


text:
SRD:Standard Actions
From D&D Wiki
This material is published under the OGL 1.0a. |
Standard Actions
Making an attack is a standard action.
Melee Attacks
With a normal melee weapon, you can strike any opponent within 5 feet. (Opponents within 5 feet are considered adjacent to you.) Some melee weapons have reach, as indicated in their descriptions. With a typical reach weapon, you can strike opponents 10 feet away, but you can't strike adjacent foes (those within 5 feet).
Unarmed Attacks
Striking for damage with punches, kicks, and head butts is much like attacking with a melee weapon, except for the following:
Attacks of Opportunity
Attacking unarmed provokes an attack of opportunity from the character you attack, provided she is armed. The attack of opportunity comes before your attack. An unarmed attack does not provoke attacks of opportunity from other foes nor does it provoke an attack of opportunity from an unarmed foe.
An unarmed character can't take attacks of opportunity (but see "Armed" Unarmed Attacks, below).
"Armed" Unarmed Attacks
Sometimes a character's or creature's unarmed attack counts as an armed attack. A monk, a character with the Improved Unarmed Strike feat, a spellcaster delivering a touch attack spell, and a creature with natural physical weapons all count as being armed.
Note that being armed counts for both offense and defense (the character can make attacks of opportunity)
Unarmed Strike Damage
An unarmed strike from a Medium character deals 1d3 points of damage (plus your Strength modifier, as normal). A Small character's unarmed strike deals 1d2 points of damage, while a Large character's unarmed strike deals 1d4 points of damage. All damage from unarmed strikes is nonlethal damage. Unarmed strikes count as light weapons (for purposes of two-weapon attack penalties and so on).
Dealing Lethal Damage
You can specify that your unarmed strike will deal lethal damage before you make your attack roll, but you take a –4 penalty on your attack roll. If you have the Improved Unarmed Strike feat, you can deal lethal damage with an unarmed strike without taking a penalty on the attack roll.
Ranged Attacks
With a ranged weapon, you can shoot or throw at any target that is within the weapon's maximum range and in line of sight. The maximum range for a thrown weapon is five range increments. For projectile weapons, it is ten range increments. Some ranged weapons have shorter maximum ranges, as specified in their descriptions.
Attack Rolls
An attack roll represents your attempts to strike your opponent.
Your attack roll is 1d20 + your attack bonus with the weapon you're using. If the result is at least as high as the target's AC, you hit and deal damage.
Automatic Misses and Hits
A natural 1 (the d20 comes up 1) on the attack roll is always a miss. A natural 20 (the d20 comes up 20) is always a hit. A natural 20 is also a threat—a possible critical hit.
Damage Rolls
If the attack roll result equals or exceeds the target's AC, the attack hits and you deal damage. Roll the appropriate damage for your weapon. Damage is deducted from the target's current hit points.
Multiple Attacks
A character who can make more than one attack per round must use the full attack action (see Full-Round Actions, below) in order to get more than one attack.
Shooting or Throwing into a Melee
If you shoot or throw a ranged weapon at a target engaged in melee with a friendly character, you take a –4 penalty on your attack roll. Two characters are engaged in melee if they are enemies of each other and either threatens the other. (An unconscious or otherwise immobilized character is not considered engaged unless he is actually being attacked.)
If your target (or the part of your target you're aiming at, if it's a big target) is at least 10 feet away from the nearest friendly character, you can avoid the –4 penalty, even if the creature you're aiming at is engaged in melee with a friendly character.
Precise Shot
If you have the Precise Shot feat you don't take this penalty.
Fighting Defensively as a Standard Action
You can choose to fight defensively when attacking. If you do so, you take a –4 penalty on all attacks in a round to gain a +2 dodge bonus to AC for the same round.
Critical Hits
When you make an attack roll and get a natural 20 (the d20 shows 20), you hit regardless of your target's Armor Class, and you have scored a threat. The hit might be a critical hit (or "crit"). To find out if it's a critical hit, you immediately make a critical roll—another attack roll with all the same modifiers as the attack roll you just made. If the critical roll also results in a hit against the target's AC, your original hit is a critical hit. (The critical roll just needs to hit to give you a crit. It doesn't need to come up 20 again.) If the critical roll is a miss, then your hit is just a regular hit.
A critical hit means that you roll your damage more than once, with all your usual bonuses, and add the rolls together. Unless otherwise specified, the threat range for a critical hit on an attack roll is 20, and the multiplier is ×2.
Exception: Extra damage over and above a weapon's normal damage is not multiplied when you score a critical hit.
Increased Threat Range
Sometimes your threat range is greater than 20. That is, you can score a threat on a lower number. In such cases, a roll of lower than 20 is not an automatic hit. Any attack roll that doesn't result in a hit is not a threat.
Increased Critical Multiplier
Some weapons deal better than double damage on a critical hit.
Spells and Critical Hits
A spell that requires an attack roll can score a critical hit. A spell attack that requires no attack roll cannot score a critical hit.
Cast a Spell
Most spells require 1 standard action to cast. You can cast such a spell either before or after you take a move action.
Note: You retain your Dexterity bonus to AC while casting.
Spell Components
To cast a spell with a verbal (V) component, your character must speak in a firm voice. If you're gagged or in the area of a silence spell, you can't cast such a spell. A spellcaster who has been deafened has a 20% chance to spoil any spell he tries to cast if that spell has a verbal component.
To cast a spell with a somatic (S) component, you must gesture freely with at least one hand. You can't cast a spell of this type while bound, grappling, or with both your hands full or occupied.
To cast a spell with a material (M), focus (F), or divine focus (DF) component, you have to have the proper materials, as described by the spell. Unless these materials are elaborate preparing these materials is a free action. For material components and focuses whose costs are not listed, you can assume that you have them if you have your spell component pouch.
Some spells have an experience point (XP) component and entail an experience point cost to you. No spell can restore the lost XP. You cannot spend so much XP that you lose a level, so you cannot cast the spell unless you have enough XP to spare. However, you may, on gaining enough XP to achieve a new level, immediately spend the XP on casting the spell rather than keeping it to advance a level. The XP are expended when you cast the spell, whether or not the casting succeeds.
You must concentrate to cast a spell. If you can't concentrate you can't cast a spell. If you start casting a spell but something interferes with your concentration you must make a Concentration check or lose the spell. The check's DC depends on what is threatening your concentration (see the Concentration skill). If you fail, the spell fizzles with no effect. If you prepare spells, it is lost from preparation. If you cast at will, it counts against your daily limit of spells even though you did not cast it successfully.
Concentrating to Maintain a Spell
Some spells require continued concentration to keep them going. Concentrating to maintain a spell is a standard action that doesn't provoke an attack of opportunity. Anything that could break your concentration when casting a spell can keep you from concentrating to maintain a spell. If your concentration breaks, the spell ends.
Casting Time
Most spells have a casting time of 1 standard action. A spell cast in this manner immediately takes effect.
Attacks of Opportunity
Generally, if you cast a spell, you provoke attacks of opportunity from threatening enemies. If you take damage from an attack of opportunity, you must make a Concentration check (DC 10 + points of damage taken + spell level) or lose the spell. Spells that require only a free action to cast don't provoke attacks of opportunity.
Casting on the Defensive
Casting a spell while on the defensive does not provoke an attack of opportunity. It does, however, require a Concentration check (DC 15 + spell level) to pull off. Failure means that you lose the spell.
Touch Spells in Combat
Many spells have a range of touch. To use these spells, you cast the spell and then touch the subject, either in the same round or any time later. In the same round that you cast the spell, you may also touch (or attempt to touch) the target. You may take your move before casting the spell, after touching the target, or between casting the spell and touching the target. You can automatically touch one friend or use the spell on yourself, but to touch an opponent, you must succeed on an attack roll.
Touch Attacks
Touching an opponent with a touch spell is considered to be an armed attack and therefore does not provoke attacks of opportunity. However, the act of casting a spell does provoke an attack of opportunity. Touch attacks come in two types: melee touch attacks and ranged touch attacks. You can score critical hits with either type of attack. Your opponent's AC against a touch attack does not include any armor bonus, shield bonus, or natural armor bonus. His size modifier, Dexterity modifier, and deflection bonus (if any) all apply normally.
Holding the Charge
If you don't discharge the spell in the round when you cast the spell, you can hold the discharge of the spell (hold the charge) indefinitely. You can continue to make touch attacks round after round. You can touch one friend as a standard action or up to six friends as a full-round action. If you touch anything or anyone while holding a charge, even unintentionally, the spell discharges. If you cast another spell, the touch spell dissipates. Alternatively, you may make a normal unarmed attack (or an attack with a natural weapon) while holding a charge. In this case, you aren't considered armed and you provoke attacks of opportunity as normal for the attack. (If your unarmed attack or natural weapon attack doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity, neither does this attack.) If the attack hits, you deal normal damage for your unarmed attack or natural weapon and the spell discharges. If the attack misses, you are still holding the charge.
Dismiss a Spell
Dismissing an active spell is a standard action that doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity.
Activate Magic Item
Many magic items don't need to be activated. However, certain magic items need to be activated, especially potions, scrolls, wands, rods, and staffs. Activating a magic item is a standard action (unless the item description indicates otherwise).
Spell Completion Items
Activating a spell completion item is the equivalent of casting a spell. It requires concentration and provokes attacks of opportunity. You lose the spell if your concentration is broken, and you can attempt to activate the item while on the defensive, as with casting a spell.
Spell Trigger, Command Word, or Use-Activated Items
Activating any of these kinds of items does not require concentration and does not provoke attacks of opportunity.
Use Special Ability
Using a special ability is usually a standard action, but whether it is a standard action, a full-round action, or not an action at all is defined by the ability.
Spell-Like Abilities
Using a spell-like ability works like casting a spell in that it requires concentration and provokes attacks of opportunity. Spell-like abilities can be disrupted. If your concentration is broken, the attempt to use the ability fails, but the attempt counts as if you had used the ability. The casting time of a spell-like ability is 1 standard action, unless the ability description notes otherwise.
Using a Spell-Like Ability on the Defensive
You may attempt to use a spell-like ability on the defensive, just as with casting a spell. If the Concentration check (DC 15 + spell level) fails, you can't use the ability, but the attempt counts as if you had used the ability.
Supernatural Abilities
Using a supernatural ability is usually a standard action (unless defined otherwise by the ability's description). Its use cannot be disrupted, does not require concentration, and does not provoke attacks of opportunity.
Extraordinary Abilities
Using an extraordinary ability is usually not an action because most extraordinary abilities automatically happen in a reactive fashion. Those extraordinary abilities that are actions are usually standard action that cannot be disrupted, do not require concentration, and do not provoke attacks of opportunity.
Total Defense
You can defend yourself as a standard action. You get a +4 dodge bonus to your AC for 1 round. Your AC improves at the start of this action. You can't combine total defense with fighting defensively or with the benefit of the Combat Expertise feat (since both of those require you to declare an attack or full attack). You can't make attacks of opportunity while using total defense.
Start/Complete Full-Round Action
The "start full-round action" standard action lets you start undertaking a full-round action, which you can complete in the following round by using another standard action. You can't use this action to start or complete a full attack, charge, run, or withdraw.
Back to Main Page → 3.5e Open Game Content → System Reference Document → Combat


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Blog written and sourced by Keeping Current Matters.
There's been a lot of focus on higher mortgage rates and how they're creating affordability challenges for today's homebuyers. It's true that rates climbed dramatically since the record-low we saw during the pandemic. But home affordability is based on more than just mortgage rates – it's determined by a combination of mortgage rates, home prices, and wages.
Considering how each one of these factors is changing gives you the full picture of home affordability today. Here's the latest.
1. Mortgage Rates While mortgage rates are higher than they were a year ago, they've hovered primarily between 6% and 7% for nearly eight months now (see graph below)
As the graph shows, mortgage rates have experienced some volatility during that time. And even a small change in mortgage rates impacts your purchasing power. That's why it's so important to lean on your team of real estate professionals for expert advice to stay up to date on what's happening in the market. While it's hard to project where mortgage rates will go from here, many experts agree they'll likely continue to remain around 6%-7% in the immediate future.
2. Home Prices Over the past few years, home prices appreciated rapidly as the record-low mortgage rates we saw during the pandemic led to a surge in buyer demand. The heightened buyer demand happened while the supply of homes for sale was at record lows, and that imbalance put upward pressure on home prices. However, today's higher mortgage rates have slowed down price appreciation.
And, the truth is, home price appreciation varies by market. Some areas are seeing slight declines while others have prices that are climbing. As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains:
"The divergence in home price changes across the U.S. reflects a tale of two housing markets. Declines in the West are due to the tech industry slowdown and a severe lack of affordability after decades of undersupply. The consistent gains in the Southeast and South reflect strong job markets, in-migration patterns and relative affordability due to new home construction."
To find out what's happening with prices in your local market, reach out to a trusted real estate agent.
3. Wages The most positive factor in affordability right now is rising income. The graph below uses data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to show how wages have grown over time:
Higher wages improve affordability because they reduce the percentage of your income it takes to pay your mortgage since you don't have to put as much of your paycheck toward your monthly housing cost.
Home affordability comes down to a combination of rates, prices, and wages. If you have questions or want to learn more, reach out to a real estate professional who can explain what's happening locally and how these factors work together.
Bottom Line
If you're planning to buy a home, knowing the key factors that impact affordability is important so you can make an informed decision. To stay up to date on the latest on each, connect with our team today.


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KNTK Stock Earnings: Kinetik Holdings Misses EPS, Beats Revenue for Q1 2024
InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips
Kinetik Holdings (NASDAQ:KNTK) just reported results for the first quarter of 2024.
- Kinetik Holdings reported earnings per share of 12 cents. This was below the analyst estimate for EPS of 43 cents.
- The company reported revenue of $341.39 million.
- This was 13.65% better than the analyst estimate for revenue of $300.40 million.
InvestorPlace Earnings is a project that leverages data from TradeSmith to automate coverage of quarterly earnings reports. InvestorPlace Earnings distills key takeaways including earnings per share and revenue, as well as how a company stacks up to analyst estimates. These articles are published without human intervention, allowing us to inform our readers of the latest figures as quickly as possible. To report any concerns or inaccuracies, please contact us at email@example.com.
More From InvestorPlace
- The #1 AI Investment Might Be This Company You've Never Heard Of
- Musk's "Project Omega" May Be Set to Mint New Millionaires. Here's How to Get In.
- It doesn't matter if you have $500 or $5 million. Do this now.
The post KNTK Stock Earnings: Kinetik Holdings Misses EPS, Beats Revenue for Q1 2024 appeared first on InvestorPlace.


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If you're a fan of technology, chances are you've retired a few gadgets over the years and they're sitting in a box in your closet. Today's the day to dig out your leftovers and start thinking about what you can do to let them live and breathe again. Here are ten of our favorite ideas to get you started.
10. Repurpose Your Old Computer in Many, Many Ways
Repurposing an old computer is awesome but it's obvious, so let's get this one out of the way first. There is so much you can do. Laptops can become tablets, desktops can become powerful storage devices, and much more. Old computers are just slow computers with an outdated selection of ports, less storage and RAM, and generally paltry graphics cards. All you need is something else that has those minimal requirements and there's plenty you can do. Web servers, media centers, retro arcades, a kitchen computer that can get a little messy because it's old and you don't care,
9. Create Audio-Visual Mixes for Parties with a Digital Photo/Media Frame
The digital photo frame is something we've all gotten as a gift or bought with hopes that it was going to take us into the future of photo displaying. In the end, I think most of us feel like we were sold storage box filler. If you actually use a digital picture frame, you get the added bonus of paying more money for it for the rest of time. These things draw a reasonably large amount of power for something nobody is looking at most of the time, especially considering their analog predecessors—you know, normal picture frames—don't have that downside and can still display whatever photo you want. I could go on complaining about the downsides of spending tens of dollars on one of these basically pointless devices, but let's not and focus on the positive instead.
You don't want to be running your digital picture frame 24/7 (unless you love paying for wasted energy), so your best bet is to start looking at the thing as a device for specific events. Instead of loading it up with photos, stock your frame's internal storage (or SD card) with art that you like. If it can play video, put music videos on it or just find some awesome motion graphics on Vimeo (that's what I did). Hook it up during a party and you've got something cool to display (instead of photos of your tame vacation to Southern Florida). If it handles audio, too, hook up some speakers and you'll essentially have an audio-visual party mix.
8. Make a Clock, Smartphone Stand, or Laser Show with a Dead Hard Drive
What can you do with a dead hard drive? A lot, apparently. For example, you can turn it into a laser light show projector, make a steampunk clock, or turn it into a smartphone stand. Hard drives, even when dead, always seem like such a substantial thing to throw away. Instead, just make something cool and let it's spirit live on against the wall, on your desk, and in your heart.
7. Lose an Old Laptop, Gain a Second Monitor
Yeah, yeah, we've technically looked at things you can do with an old computer but those were all things that didn't involve taking them apart and actually turning them into new things. If you've got an old laptop that you never use but wouldn't mind having a second display for your desktop computer (or newer laptop), you're in luck! This Instructables post will teach you how to take your laptop apart and make the display usable with another computer. You could even use the bottom half of your laptop to do any of the old computer uses we mentioned earlier. It's a win-win.
6. Create the Best Keychain Ever with Old Cables
While old cables are nice to have around in case you need them someday, there isn't much you can do to repurpose them into something better. Nonetheless, there is one really awesome option: the Ethernet cable keychain. (See the photo to the right if you're not sure why this is so awesome). Technically you could do this with other types of cables, but Ethernet has the distinct advantage of being both thick and locking into its port. Other cables might not hold the weight of your keys or stay in quite as well.
5. Turn Your Nintendo Entertainment System, Controllers, and Games into Several Awesome New Gadgets
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) will live on forever as so many different items. You can turn it into a DVD player, make a game cartridge a wireless router, repurpose a controller as an MP3 player or remote control. If you're not ready to part with your NES, you can also just give it an upgrade and, therefore, a bit more life. Just don't let it go to waste.
4. Use Those Unused Ports on Your TV to Charge Your Phone, Set up a Security Camera, and More!
The ports on the back of your TV are often under-appreciated. Most of us plug in an HDMI box or two and call it a day, but the old school ports (and even some newer ones) let you do all sorts of neat things. The service USB port on most flatscreens is one of the most fun, allowing you to power all sorts of USB devices. This means you can plug in backlighting, or charge your smartphone or game controller. Video out ports can output what's on your television to another monitor or device so you can view from multiple locations or record what you're watching. A port or two on your television can probably host live video input from a camera you own, which can work as a makeshift security monitor or even a fun display at a party. For a whole bunch of ideas, and a primer on all the ports you've got, check out this post.
3. Turn Your Router into a Wireless Radio
Although I've been with the same router for four years now (aww), before I decided to settle down with my DD-WRT-ed LinkSys 310N I went through routers like toilet paper. If I hadn't given them all new homes before learning I could turn one of them into a wireless radio, I'd have done that in a heartbeat. Although this is one of the more complex DIY projects you can take on, it's also one of the coolest. Just check out the video to the left to learn how it's done. It's definitely a weekend project, but when you're done you'll have a wireless radio for the price of a router you weren't even using.
(Pssst! If that's not your style, try this bonus option: turn your router into a home automation server.
2. Use a Mobile Device as a Dedicated VOIP Phone
iPod touches make great iPhones when you add Skype, or any other VOIP service, to their array of apps, but any old device will do. Even if you've got a tablet you're not using anymore it can make a great phone (if you add a headset). Just keep it around the house and you've got a great makeshift home phone line (especially when you get Google Voice involved). Tablets also make great video conferencing devices (assuming they're sporting cameras). If you'd rather not sell yours because it isn't worth much anymore, use it solely for communication. It's remarkably helpful if you don't get great (or any) cellular service in your home.
1. Upgrade Your Crappy Headphones
When you're spending under $50 on headphones you're generally not going to get the greatest pair, but there is a lot you can do to make them worth far more than their price tag. Replacing the drivers yourself can net you audiophile-level sound on the cheap. You can also splice them with a headset to give them a few extra superpowers or even turn them into a noise-isolating headset (in some cases). If you've got a crappy pair and some time, these upgrades will give you a better sound and features without the associated cost.


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Model: TL-WN881ND
Model: TL-WN881ND
All our orders are to be picked up from our Launceston store. Payments are to be made in store, when placing an online order with us we will give you a quick call to confirm order and to arrange which store you would like to pick up from.
Like the look of a different case? Want extra Hard Drive space, more memory or another graphics card? Alternatives or upgrades can be added to all of our builds. Simply let us know what component(s) you would like replacing and we can build the ultimate machine that's right for you.
Upgrades are available – speak to one of our friendly technicians for more information
All online orders are to be picked up from our Launceston store. Dismiss


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There are two positive economic signals to pass along this morning:
-- The Census Bureau says orders for durable goods rose 0.7 percent in November from October. That follows a 1.1 percent rise in October from September and is the sixth increase in the past seven months.
Durable goods are such things as machinery that are supposed to last for three years or longer. Bloomberg News says this morning's report is a sign that "U.S. companies are planning to expand next year as they look beyond the tax increases and spending cuts slated to take effect."
-- Consumer spending rose 0.4 percent in November from October, the Bureau of Economic Analysis says, and Americans' personal incomes rose 0.6 percent. The Associated Press notes that spending rebounded after being pulled down 0.1 percent in October. That dip was mostly attributed to the disruptions caused by Superstorm Sandy across New Jersey, downstate New York and surrounding regions.
The spending figure is "seasonally adjusted," meaning that it should account for the expected increase due to holiday shopping.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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Modo 4555
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Here at 2020 Vision Care we are delighted to carry Modo. This 4555 men frame made from plastic comes in tortoise-to-brown. If you have any questions about Modo eyewear, please get in touch and our expert team will be available to assist.
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Model: | 4555 |
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Material: | Plastic |
Gender: | Men |
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The delivery of items which are in stock take approximately 3 working days, while items that are not in stock take 7-10 working days.
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A full refund is offered (excluding delivery charges) with any product that you wish to return. Items are only eligible for a refund if they have not been opened or used, and if they are in original condition. See Refunds & Returns


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It's simple. It's short. Yet it's incredibly powerful. Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of the most familiar passages in the Bible–with good reason. It sets forth a life-changing truth that is worthy of our attention. Spend three minutes reading this article, and see if you agree.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Trust in the Lord.
It starts with trust. Any real relationship has to start with some level of trust. It's the only way a friendship will endure. It's the only way a marriage will work out. It's the simple reason why an employer hires workers, or why the workers stay employed. It's all about trust. Trust in the Lord, however, takes on an entirely new dimension. This is our trust in an eternal, all-powerful, all-wise, all-loving God. He is worthy of our trust. The trust is important, not just because of who God is, but because of the way in which we must trust him: with all your heart. It involves every fiber of your being. That's the kind of trust we can have in God–a complete, unshakable, deep, abiding trust.
Read part 2, Don't Lean On Your Understanding


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This is MORNING EDITION, frpm NPR News. I'm Lynn Neary.
And I'm Steve Inskeep, good morning.
The Secret Service scandal has now cost three men their jobs. The government says they were involved in misconduct in South America, and they are leaving the agency. Agents, as well as military personnel, allegedly hired prostitutes in advance of President Obama's recent trip to Colombia.
NPR justice correspondent Carrie Johnson has been following this story. She's in our studios. Good morning.
CARRIE JOHNSON, BYLINE: Good morning, Steve.
INSKEEP: OK, so who are the three men who lost their jobs?
JOHNSON: So, here's what we know. The service issued a statement late last night, saying two of these people are very high-level supervisors at the agency. They've been there over 20 years, and they may have been the highest-ranking supervisors on the ground in Colombia. One has been allowed to retire. A second is being forced to resign, although he has a right to a lawyer under civil service rules, and may sue the agency now. A third is a much younger agent who's being allowed to just resign.
INSKEEP: Now, you said three. There's a total of 11 people who were allegedly involved here? What are the details that you know about what actually happened on the ground?
JOHNSON: Sure. What appears to have happened is that members of this team arrived in Cartagena; went out to dinner for a night of what congressional investigators have been told was a night of heavy drinking, and some sort of carousing. They ran into women. Prostitution is legal in parts of Colombia, and some of those women wound up back at the agents' hotel.
INSKEEP: The following morning, there was a payment dispute between one of the women and one of the agents, in which the woman said in English, broken English: baby, my cash money - to the agent. They got in a big fight over how much money she was supposed to be paid. And eventually, local police in the hotel were consulted, and that's how all of this came to light.
The woman's complaint that's come to light because of the New York Times, is that right?
JOHNSON: Exactly. The New York Times interviewed a 24-year-old, single mother they say is the escort at the center of this scandal.
INSKEEP: So do I understand this correctly - if there had not been a payment dispute, we would never heard about any of this?
JOHNSON: It's quite likely and in fact, Steve, that's on the mind of a lot of lawmakers on Capitol Hill. They want to know if this was a single episode of debauchery, or a pattern of behavior that represents something bad about the Secret Service culture.
INSKEEP: OK. So American investigators have gone down to Colombia, to try to learn more. They're looking for more of the women who are involved here, is that right?
JOHNSON: They're looking for the women. They've already interviewed maids at the hotel, and other workers at the hotel. They're also trying to interview all the agents involved, but they believe some of those agents may not be telling the full truth.
INSKEEP: Now, I seem to recall that as this came to light, people were emphasizing, oh, this happened before the president was there. The president's security was never compromised. But, of course, you're asking that again and again and again. Was the president's security compromised?
JOHNSON: It's true that the president did not arrive until the following day. That said, some new details are emerging out of Capitol Hill. Both a Republican and a Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform panel sent a letter to the Secret Service yesterday, saying they believe some kind of sensitive security information was available to these women.
We don't know exactly what that is. It may have been something like a presidential schedule in one of these hotel rooms.
INSKEEP: Or just somebody's laptop being present or something like that, we just don't know?
JOHNSON: They're looking.
INSKEEP: So you said that there is a question about whether this incident indicates a larger problem. What evidence is available there, as of this morning?
JOHNSON: Lawmakers are asking the Secret Service to go back and look at the disciplinary records for the last five years, of all the agents involved in this episode, as well as to look back at recent overseas trips by agents. Clearly, back in the Kennedy administration and to some extent, in the Clinton administration, there were one off allegations of bad behavior by agents. But people are wondering whether this speaks to a larger breakdown in culture.
INSKEEP: Allegations - I mean, in some presidencies, bad behavior by the chief executive himself, here and there. But you're saying that the question here is with the Secret Service, in particular.
JOHNSON: That's exactly right.
INSKEEP: OK. Carrie, thanks very much.
JOHNSON: Thank you.
INSKEEP: That's NPR's Carrie Johnson with the latest on the Secret Service scandal. Three Secret Service agents have lost their jobs. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.