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According to a press release published today, Emerald Scientific awarded PerkinElmer five badges for The Emerald Test, a bi-annual Inter-Laboratory Comparison and Proficiency Test (ILC/PT) program. Awarding the badges for Perkin Elmer's instruments and testing methods affirms their ability to accurately detect pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, terpenes and potency in cannabis.
According to Greg Sears, vice president and general manager of Food, Chromatography & Mass Spectrometry, Discovery & Analytical Solutions at PerkinElmer, they are the only instrument manufacturer to receive all five accolades. "To date, PerkinElmer is the only solutions provider to successfully complete these five Emerald Scientific proficiency tests," says Sears. "The badges underscore our instruments' ability to help cannabis labs meet the highest standards available in the industry and effectively address their biggest pain point: Navigating diverse regulations without compromising turnaround time."
The instruments used were PerkinElmer's QSight 220 and 420 Triple Quad systems, which are originally designed for accurate and fast detection/identification of "pesticides, mycotoxins and emerging contaminants in complex food, cannabis and environmental samples," reads the press release. They also used their ICP-MS, GC/MS and HPLC systems for the badges.
PerkinElmer says they developed a single LC/MS/MS method using their QSight Triple Quad systems, which helps labs test for pesticides and mycotoxins under strict regulations in states like California and Oregon. They performed studies that also confirm their instruments can help meet Canada's testing requirements, which set action limits nearly 10 times lower than California, according to the press release.


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From the great Work and Play 12 Collection, available as a full CD or Download collection and individual digi stamp bundles.
A great collection of 10 characters, stacks and stacks of images, toppers, frames, sentiments and much more.
Themes on the collection include:
Male: Runner/keep fit/workout, Lollipop man/security/crossing patrol, Scientist/geek, Vet/Dog Groomer, Fast Food/waiter
Female: Runner/keep fit/workout/race for life, Lollipop lady/crossing patrol, scientist/geek, vet/cat groomer, barista/waitress/coffe and cake.
The collection is designed so the characters are as versatile as possible so the images can be used for any age/gender.
Make sure you check out the full collection - it's too cute not to!

subset: commoncrawl


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Making Abolitionist Worlds gathers key insights and interventions from today's international abolitionist movement to pose the question: what does an abolitionist world look like? The Abolition Collective investigates the core challenges to social justice and the liberatory potential of social movements today from a range of personal, political, and analytical points of view, underscoring the urgency of an abolitionist politics that places prisons at the center of its critique and actions.
In addition to centering and amplifying the continual struggles of incarcerated people who are actively working to transform prisons from the inside, Making Abolitionist Worlds animates the idea of abolitionist democracy and demands a radical re-imagining of the meaning and practice of democracy. Abolition Collective brings us to an Israeli prison for a Palestinian feminist reflection on incarceration within settler colonialism; to protest movements in Hong Kong and elsewhere, who use "abolition democracy" to advocate for the abolition of the police; to the growing culture in the United States of "aggrieved whiteness," which trucks in fear, anger, victimhood, and a need for vengeance to maintain white supremacy; to the punitive landscapes that extend from the incarceration of political prisoners to the mass deportations and detentions along the U.S. southern border.
Making Abolitionist Worlds shows us that the paths forged today for a world in formation are rooted in antiracism, decolonization, anticapitalism, abolitionist feminism, and queer liberation.
Book Details:
Editors: Abolition Collective
Publisher: Common Notions
Published: October 2020
Format: Paperback
Size: 6×9
Page Count: 272
Subjects: Abolition/Prisons/Movements


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The essence of traditional Japanese straw tatamis are the inspiration for these dhurries made with 50% New Zealand wool and 50% jute. Hand-loomed in India, the structure and shine of the jute blended with the softness of the wool create a mesmerising combination.
Jute + New Zealand wool
Elena Marquina, known as Nani Marquina, was born in Barcelona in 1952. After studying Industrial Design at the Massana school there, she started to work with the architects Sellés-Marquina in 1973. In 1984, she made her first carpets, and decided to devote herself to design and set up her company, Nanimarquina, two years later. In 1988, some of her creations were already being exported to Germany and Japan. A year later, one of her collections was selected for the shop at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Since 2006 Nani Marquina has been president of the ADP (Professional Designers' Association).


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Food leaders in Madison and around the country are helping underserved populations and short-handed restaurant kitchens.
Food leaders in Madison and around the country are helping underserved populations and short-handed restaurant kitchens.
February 6, 2018
Madison, Wisconsin-based Chef Jonny Hunter has a passion for hand-crafted, local food. The charcuterie produced by his company Underground Meats has won three Good Food Awards. His meat-centered restaurant, Forequarter, was nominated as one of the best new restaurants of 2013 by Bon Appétit, and he was nominated for "Best Chef: Midwest" Semifinals of 2017 by the James Beard Foundation.
With all this success, it's hard to believe that he can't find enough cooks to staff his kitchen.
"Casual fine-dining places have been opening with much more frequency," Hunter said. "After the industry started to grow, [our] labor supply dried up pretty quickly."
Amid historically low unemployment in Wisconsin and around the country, it's perhaps no surprise that finding kitchen help is a major challenge for restaurants. But widespread employment isn't evenly distributed—many minority populations still face chronic unemployment. To address that unemployment crisis, and to build a more diverse workforce, Hunter reached out to people who were systematically under-employed. In 2014, he joined with two other like-minded individuals, Matt Feifarek of Slow Food Madison and Chandra Miller Fienen of Starting Block Madison, to form FoodWorks Madison.
At the top of their agenda was to develop First Course, a job-training program tailored to produce cooks ready for a kitchen job in three weeks. Their first cohort graduated in May of 2017. "We really want to make it so that our student [can] apply for a job on a Tuesday and be useful on a busy Friday night shift," Feifarek said.
A Nationwide Cook Shortage
In addition to Madison, restaurants in Chicago, New York, San Francisco and other cities around the country are also struggling to fill their kitchens with cooks. The low wages and long hours the restaurant industry is known for make recruiting cooks difficult. Although some restaurants have increased wages and benefits, the need for cooks still outnumbers the supply.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for cooks is expected to steadily increase as new restaurants continue to open and people continue eating out. Although the overall demand for cooks in schools, hospitals and cafeterias is expected to grow by 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, the growth for restaurant cooks is expected to grow by 12 percent. That means the U.S. restaurant industry will need a total of 1,377,200 cooks in 2026 compared to 1,231,900 cooks employed in 2016.
To fill this need, leaders in the food industry are taking a more active approach to staffing their kitchens. Instead of waiting for the cooks to come to them, they are recruiting people to complete low-cost or free training programs with a job opportunity as the end result.
Culinary Training Programs Across the U.S.
Programs in Boston, Cincinnati, Maryland, and most recently Chicago are tapping into a long-ignored labor pool to fill the city's kitchens. Cincinnati COOKS! is a free culinary training program that has graduated more than 1,400 formerly under- and unemployed people, including recovering addicts, veterans, and chronically unemployed adults.
The curriculum, developed by the Freestone Food Bank, includes life skills training such as job interview techniques to help students succeed both in and out of the kitchen. War veteran and recovering addict Adam McKinney joined the program straight from rehab.
"The leadership that is around here, and the way they go about doing things, keeps all of us motivated," he said.
Within a year of completing the program, 80 percent of the graduates find jobs in the food industry or start a continuing-education program such as Cincinnati State's Culinary Management program.
The Maryland Food Bank runs FoodWorks, a 12-week culinary training program for low-income individuals in conjunction with the Community College of Baltimore County. Students learn basic culinary techniques, professionalism, and food safety while they prepare meals for their hungry neighbors.
And in October, celebrity chef and restaurateur Rick Bayless announced that he is launching a culinary training program for low-income students at a food-and-beverage incubator called The Hatchery on Chicago's West Side.
"I believe this program can help surmount two big challenges in the city—lack of cooks to fill our restaurants' kitchens and a lack of both solid preparation and career opportunities for the youth of Chicago's toughest neighborhoods," Bayless said in a statement.
At Bayless' program, high school- and college-age students will pay a minimal fee to learn basic culinary skills from Chicago chefs and then head to internships at Chicago's best restaurant groups.
In Madison, An Open-Source Journey
The FoodWorks Madison crew completed their first job-training program in 2017. Feifarek describes First Course as "not a cooking school or a culinary school—this is a get-a-job school." To develop the curriculum, FoodWorks worked with chefs and kitchen managers, community agencies, and an educator from the University of Wisconsin.
Supported in part by a $10,000 grant from the city of Madison, FoodWorks was able to rent a kitchen, hire teachers, buy ingredients, and give $1,000 to each graduate of the program. "It went awesome. We learned a lot in the process," Hunter said. "We were very pleasantly surprised to find out that our idea worked."
Feifarek said FoodWorks places heavy emphasis on job placement, inviting business owners and managers to come and talk to students. So far, the approach has proven successful: three of the four First Course students are working full-time at jobs that pay at least $14 an hour. "It's a nice move for employers because they can use us as references," Feifarek said. "We hope that one of the ways it will work is lowering hiring risk for a small business."
In June, FoodWorks raised $56,500 through Kickstarter to develop the program further. The plan is to increase the training to 10 sessions a year with 20 students in each course.
Once their program model is more finely tuned, FoodWorks will open-source First Course so other communities around the country can replicate and build on their success.
That way, restaurants looking for cooks and workers looking for jobs will have more opportunities to find each other. "I love it when you can use one problem to solve another," said Feifarek.
All photos courtesy of Matt Feifarek.
July 17, 2024
Breakthrough genetic research at a Massachusetts lab could save the world's vanishing kelp forests—and support American kelp farming, too.
June 27, 2024


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sq ft
Lot 0086 18260 W DALEY LN | New Homes for Sale in Surprise, AZ
Coming soon
0 floor
Sales Office Hours
Monday 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 06:00 PM
These deals are it.
Information coming soon!
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Get a feel for the neighborhood and find the right homesite for you.
Community Information
Tour Our Models Today!
North Copper Canyon offers exceptional new homes in Surprise, AZ from Century Communities. Explore a beautiful collection of single and two-story floor plans showcasing an array of modern included features, including the Century Home Connect® smart home package. You'll the love the contemporary open-concept layouts, designed with your lifestyle in mind. Part of the planned community of North Copper Canyon, The Vistas Collection offers an abundance of prime community amenities, including two state-of-the-art parks, walking trails, sports facilities, playgrounds, splash pads and more. If you are searching for new construction homes in Surprise, AZ, contact us today about The Vistas Collection at North Copper Canyon.
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Small canvas pouch - Texas State
Regular price$24.88
No reviews
New! This handy pouch is the perfect way to store your everyday essentials. Crafted in the USA of heavy cotton canvas, features brass zipper closure and is officially collegiate licensed in full color striped print pattern. Use it to keep all the things organized in your bag, or carry it as an adorable clutch!
- USA Made
- Size: 8"w x 6"h x 3"d
Most items ship within 48 hours, we ship USPS Priority. You will receive an order confirmation with more details after your purchase.


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VRP is an easy-to-use protectant that restores a deep black look, enhances shine, and protects vinyl, rubber, and plastic surfaces against harmful UV solar rays.
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Make trim shine like new
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Throughout The Dark Knight, the Joker licks his lips when in conversation.
Why does the Joker do this? Is this a psychological affect commonly observed in sociopaths or people with mental imbalances (or however you'd choose to describe the Joker)?
Or is this merely a product of Heath Ledger's portrayal? If this is the case, what was his motivation to do so?


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Niccolò Paganini (1782 - 1840)
Paganini was the greatest violinist of his age, exercising a strong influence on the developing technique of violin playing and, through his virtuosity on the instrument, on the ambitions of performers on other instruments. Born in Genoa in 1782, he studied there, at first with his father. He spent eight years from 1801 at Lucca, later as solo violinist to the court of Napoleon's sister, who was installed there as ruler by her brother. From 1810 he travelled as a virtuoso, at first in Italy and then, from 1828, abroad, causing a sensation wherever he went, his phenomenal technique giving rise to rumours of diabolical assistance. His career went into partial decline from 1834, followed by a significant deterioration in health. He died in Nice in 1840.
Music for Violin and Orchestra
Paganini wrote a number of works for violin and orchestra for his own concert use. These include five numbered concertos, the second of which, the Concerto in B minor, contains the movement 'La campanella', borrowed later by Liszt. Sets of variations for violin and orchestra include I palpiti, based on an operatic aria by Rossini, and Le streghe, based on a theme from an opera by Mozart's pupil Süssmayr.
Chamber Music
Music of another kind is provided in the works for violin and guitar written by Paganini, who also had a considerable interest in the second instrument. These compositions include groups of sonatas and a set of quartets for guitar and string trio.
Violin Solo
Paganini's 24 caprices for unaccompanied violin provide a compendium of violin technique and vehicles for dazzling virtuosic display. The last of the caprices was used by Brahms for two books of piano variations on the theme, and by Rachmaninov in his Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for piano and orchestra.


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By Gabriella Boston
The school year is underway, and many parents see no better way to prepare their children for a taxing day of learning than with a large glass of sunshine, also known as orange juice.
Not so fast, say nutritionists and obesity experts.
That glass of juice — even if it's 100 percent fruit juice — is loaded with unnecessary calories.
"Most parents give their kids fruit juice because of the perception that it's healthy," says Nazrat Mirza, pediatrician and co-director of the Obesity Institute at Children's National Medical Center. "I don't know where that perception came from," she says.
It's true that many juices — particularly orange juice — are fortified with calcium and have a healthful amount of Vitamin C. "But you are getting those vitamins at a high calorie cost," Mirza says.
In fact, if you ate an orange at 60 calories and drank an eight-ounce glass of water you'd be much better off than if you drank one eight-ounce glass of orange juice at about 120 calories, she says.
In addition to being a lower-calorie alternative, the whole fruit and glass of water also are a treat for your digestive system.
"With the whole fruit you are getting fiber and bulk, which makes you feel full — and it keeps things moving," says Kathy Glazer, a Washington area dietician. "Most people, including kids, don't get enough fiber. Whole fruit is packed with fiber."
So if you drink fruit juice or another high-calorie drink, you'll miss out on that feeling of fullness, or satiation, and start looking for something to eat. In other words, you are drinking juice in addition to your normal food intake — not instead of it.
"You register calories differently when you drink them rather than eat them," says Kristen Ciuba, a Washington nutritionist and health coach. "Many people get a third of their total daily calories from sweetened and caloric drinks."
So when she does nutrition consultations, it's one of the first things she suggests eliminating — all sweetened beverages — including 100 percent fruit juices.
But Sarah Ladden, dietician and nutrition communications manager for the Juice Products Association, says 100 percent fruit juice helps Americans get closer to their recommended amount of fruit and vegetable servings. And she says there is no scientific link between obesity and fruit juice consumption.
But in the patient population Mirza sees, overweight and obese children, it isn't unusual to see 800 to 1,200 excess calories a day coming from juices and other sweetened drinks.
Another issue with fruit juice is its impact on the dental health of children, Glazer says. "Definitely don't give children fruit juice in a bottle that they go to bed with," or you'll soon be dealing with cavities.
Juice, milk and soda
Another downside with fruit juices is they might displace something that children really need. Like milk. "You don't want to deprive them of what they need. Milk has protein and calcium, which are very important for growing children," Mirza says.
So, is fruit juice as bad as, say, soda?
Not quite, Mirza says.
"Fruit juice is better than a sweetened soda because you are getting some vitamins," Mirza says. "But the calorie content is about the same."
Actually, it can be less in a soda. In Coca-Cola, for example, eight ounces translates to 97 calories, compared with the 120 calories for the same amount of orange juice.
But sodas also often contain high-fructose corn syrup, which is more taxing for the body to process than naturally occurring sugars, Mirza says.
The bottom line
So, what is the message? Skip fruit juice completely?
"The best thing to do is to try to get kids used to drinking water," Ciuba says. "You can always slice up fruit or add berries to the water to get some flavor into it."
Mirza agrees, saying that parents have an important role in helping develop their children's taste buds.
"Once you have introduced sweet drinks, that is what children will want," she says.
But if you still feel strongly about giving your children fruit juice, the recommendation is to stick with four daily ounces for children ages 1 to 6 and eight daily ounces for children ages 7 and older.
And if you are going with 100 percent fruit juice, go for a calcium-fortified orange juice instead of apple juice, Glazer says.
Ciuba, who has a two children aged 7 and 4, says at home she serves water with a splash of cranberry juice. She just doesn't really see a case for 100 percent fruit juice — for anyone, adult or child.
"I would say eat your fruit, don't drink it, whenever possible."


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Tangalooma Wrecks Guided Snorkel from Brisbane
- Duración: 270 Minutos (aproximadamente)
- Ubicación: Hamilton, Queensland
- Código de producto: TWSB
Set sail across Moreton Bay from Brisbane in under an hour for a slice of heaven. Discover the hidden underwater paradise and snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks with River to Bay. You'll have the opportunity to swim alongside local marine life, whilst also learning about the wrecks, Moreton Island, Moreton Bay and their importance to the locals and the region.
Dive down and explore Tangalooma Wrecks' thriving underwater paradise as you snorkel the iconic wrecks.
Home to over 200 species of fish, 130 species of coral, and a myriad of marine life, this world class snorkelling site is guaranteed to take your breath away.


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Plan Features
4+ Bedrooms
3+ Bathrooms
2 Garage stalls
2,334 fin. sq. ft. (approx.)
Floor Plans
Disclaimer: Prices, floor plans, home elevations, options, upgrades, specifications, incentives, promotions and availability are subject to change without notice. Finished square footage and dimensions are approximate and subject to change without notice. Photos and/or illustrations may not depict actual home plan configuration and/or details and may show available options, neighborhood architectural guidelines and upgrades not included in the current base price of the home plan. Community improvements and amenities described are based upon current development plans and information furnished by others and are subject to change without notice. Community assessments and covenants, conditions and restrictions may apply. Promotions and incentives may require the use of a certain lender which is an affiliate of Fieldstone Family Homes, Inc. Floor plans and home elevations are used by permission by Fieldstone Family Homes, Inc and are protected by U.S. copyright laws. Please consult a Fieldstone Family Homes, Inc. New Home Sales Agent for complete and current information.
Request Information
Interested in more information about this plan? Use the form to the right to learn more about how we can customize this plan and tell us about your project.
(952) 469-8800


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All Seeing Eye Occult Face Mask
All Seeing Eye Occult Face Mask
* Comes with two PM2.5 Filters
We're all trying to go the extra mile right now to stay safe and sanitary in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Part of that is covering our faces in public. Our microtwill. face coverings are silky soft against your skin and printed with permanent reactive inks so they won't fade even after endless washes. They feature a stainless steel nose piece to ensure a tight fit, and soft fabric elastic that can be adjusted to fit your head shape. They have an internal filter pocket which acts as the double layer of fabric while also allowing you to insert an additional filter suited to your needs. While we don't have a choice to change our lifestyles to suit the world, we do get to choose the artwork that we wear! Cover up with custom printed face coverings and stay safe and stylish!
It's important that your face covering fits as snug as possible to your face. Take some time to do the following measurements before you order. Don't assume that your face size is similar to your clothing size! Face shapes can vary significantly from person to person.
Available in 3 youth and 4 adult sizes to suit a variety of face shapes
Please see our Size chart in the product photos to find the perfect fit for you.
Important Information on Cloth Face Coverings:
It's important to have realistic expectations of cloth face coverings. Please refer to current resources from government and health organizations to understand the implication of wearing and not wearing cloth face coverings.
These masks feature licensed original artwork by comic book artist, Nat Jones.
Our face masks are made to order. They will ship to you directly from our print shop in Montreal. Because of the nature of the product, we can not accept returns, so please make certain to measure yourself for the perfect fit before ordering. Thanks so much!


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Product Description
Celebrate your California Splashes fandom with these Speed Vent performance shorts! These shorts come in team colors and feature a printed California Splashes graphic on the front of the left leg. Two ventilated panels on the back legs along with ON Field technology make these shorts the perfect way to stay cool and comfortable while boasting your California Splashes pride.


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Tuesday 12 September 2017
NEW - L'Oreal Paradise Mascara in the UK!
I intended to post about this mascara a while back as I got my hands on it as soon as it landed in the UK. But life got a bit in the way and I could only get to it now. But here it is a review of the latest HOT release from the drugstore.
Thursday 13 July 2017
Mini Drugstore Haul & First Impressions - Including New Releases!
My husband decided to go look for a book and I followed him to our local shopping area. While he was busy doing his thing, I decided to go kill some time in Superdrug. Needless to say that, as a typical woman, I wasn't strong enough to walk out empty handed. lol So here's a list of the few items I picked up and a mini review / first impressions of each one.
Friday 7 July 2017
REVLON ColorStay - Best Drugstore Creme Eye Shadows?
Hi everyone!
Some of you may have noticed I took a little break from blogging but I'm very happy to say I'm back! And what better way to restart than with one of my favourite types of beauty products?
Friday 14 October 2016
Kat Von D has finally landed in the UK!
I'm sure if you're into the beauty world you're already aware that the ever so popular makeup brand Kat Von D has finally arrived in the UK, available exclusively at Debenhams! I was incredibly lucky to receive a box set* with some of her best sellers and I thought I'd share my thoughts on the brand and all the products with you. :)
Friday 22 July 2016
The Ultimate Clarins Gift With Purchase at Debenhams!
Happy Friday!
I'm so glad it's finally the weekend. Do you guys have any exciting plans? Well, in case you're looking for a good excuse to do some cheeky shopping, I've got an excellent one right here. Debenhams is once again offering an incredible CLARINS GIFT WITH PURCHASE when you buy 2 or more Clarins products, one to be skincare.
Thursday 30 June 2016
Get Summer Ready with Avene Hydrance Optimale
Seems like summer in England is as much of a myth as Santa, the fact is the season is finally here and what better to talk about than new face products targeted to glorious sunny days?
I love natural looking skin during the warmer months so tinted moisturisers are my go to products. And with the sun shinning upon us a bit more often than usual, SPF is a must. These are just some of many reasons why I've been really enjoying the new Avene Hydrance Optimale*.
Tuesday 7 June 2016
Discovering Trilogy Products & Celebrating World Oceans Day!
I'm a huge fan of natural products so looking after my skin whilst also being environmentally friendly is something I enjoy more and more each day and take seriously. Trilogy's mantra is 'maximum effect on your skin, minimum effect on our environment'. So no need to say I was honoured when they approached me to take part on the World Oceans Day campaign, which is celebrated tomorrow (8th June).
Monday 23 May 2016
Beauty Haul | High End & Drugstore
Hi everyone! Life has been a bit busier than usual lately but of course I still manage to find some spare time for a bit of shopping! haha I don't want to babble too much, so will jump straight to describing everything I've picked up in the past month, with a little "first impressions" on each product.
Speaking Beauty UK
| All rights reserved.


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Bain's Global Private Equity Report 2016 offers a comprehensive view of the challenges that private equity investors face following a decade of volatility and change, as well as what it will take to succeed in 2016.
In 2015, private equity turned in another surprisingly solid year against the backdrop of a global economic slowdown, increased volatility in public equity markets and feverish competition that drove investment multiples to new highs. While private equity saw the best environment for fund-raising since the precrash boom, deal count and values were up only modestly from what they had been several years ago.
As PE enters 2016, the shadow of interest-rate increases in some markets and the risk of recession loom as tricky hurdles that investors need to anticipate and include in their deal-making calculus. More than ever, PE firms with finely tuned strategies and repeatable value-creation models will prosper.
Bain's Global Private Equity Report 2016 outlines key takeaways from the past year and examines what investors can do to create value across their portfolios throughout 2016.


text:
Janis Joplin Image by David Gahr Featured in USPS USA Forever stamp series: Music Icons: Beloved musicians whose blend of sound and way of life broke boundaries.
Read more here »
David Gahr's 1970 Janis Joplin Image for USPS from Linn's Stamp News
http://linns.com/ »
Website/Images ©2024 Estate of David Gahr. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use strictly prohibited. | Site by KPFdigital | (*) | Log in


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Farmington's Leading Garage Door Company
At Excellent Garage Door, we believe in providing an unsurpassed garage door repair service. We do this by ensuring that each one of our professionals is certified, experienced and has a proven track record of repairing all types of garage doors. Plus, we take a couple of extra steps to ensure that the quality of our repairs is perfect across all cities, homes, and businesses.
There are many other reasons to choose us over the many other services you may encounter; we'll cover a few of those reasons below.
We Provide Fast and Friendly Garage Door Spring Repair
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When you hire a garage door service price should be the least of your worries. A low-priced service may help you save money, but then you'll end up paying twice as much in the long-term. That's why hiring a leading service is essential. But how do you know that the service you're engaging or considering is good? Well for one their services will be backed by a warranty!
At Excellent Garage Door we back all our repair, installation and maintenance services with a workmanship warranty. The warranty assures home, and business owners that the work we do will be of the highest quality and the same goes for the aftermarket parts we use. That's why we continue to be the service of choice for both home and business owners who want a quality service they can trust but don't want to overpay for it.
We Make Garage Door Replacement & Installation Look Easy
Many homes or business owners may finally decide that they need a new garage door. If the existing door needs to be removed then our replacement service can help, the same goes if the garage door needs to be installed from scratch. We can install a new garage door in a brand new home or where there wasn't one. However, the reason to choose us over others is that we take every step to ensure that the garage door is installed correctly. Correct and proper installation leads to long service, and the opposite is true for poor installation.
Our team uses the latest tools and methods ensuring a perfect installation. We guarantee that your garage door's warranty will not be voided in any way and there will be no damage to the door. That said our people and business as a whole is fully insured. So, there is nothing for you to worry about when choosing us.
Garage Door Maintenance & Safety that You can Trust for Results
Professional garage door maintenance like the type we provide goes beyond just general lubrication. We thoroughly inspect the garage door. We then fix, lubricate and tighten to ensure longevity. Plus, if certain parts appear to be failing, we will replace those too but only if the home or business owner permits us. If anything the steps we take helps to extend the service life of your garage door.
If you need a professional garage door service that's trusted, reputed and affordable then call us today.


text:
Updated at 4:30 p.m. ET
More than 100 people were waiting to be rescued from homes and vehicles Friday morning in New Bern, N.C., after Hurricane Florence brought severe flooding to the area. Officials say more than 100 people have already been rescued in the area overnight.
Six swift water rescue teams have been working since Thursday afternoon to evacuate individuals and families, in some cases, from the roofs of their homes, the New Bern Public Information Officer Colleen Roberts said Friday afternoon.
"Just dozens of calls just saying, 'the water is coming in the house, the water is now over the hood of my car. I'm in chest deep water, I need help, I need you to rescue me," she says. "Because we had gotten to a point where the weather was so bad, we were having to stack and strategize on those calls. We were forced to have conversations with these people and say hey, do you by chance live in a two-story home? Can you go up a level? It may be a while before we can get to you."
On Friday afternoon, Bern Mayor Dana Outlaw explained to NPR's All Things Considered that people stayed in their homes, despite evacuation orders, because storms that were predicted to be terrible in the past, just didn't happen.
"This time it did," he said. "Unfortunately, this is kind of a wake-up call that these things do happen. We see it happen in New Orleans and other areas. You have somewhat of a culture that it won't happen in New Bern and it has happened in New Bern."
Rescuers are assisted by the Cajun Navy volunteer rescue group, Gene Hodges, assistant county manager with Craven County government, told NPR's Brakkton Booker.
"We're working as hard as we can," Hodges says.
"Help is on the way," said Mayor Outlaw. "As expeditiously as we can with the weather conditions, the wind conditions, we've gotten water-rescue teams together to go out and rescue residents."
Craven County Emergency Services has reported impassible roads due to flooding; downed power lines; and trees on cars.
New Bern, a city of about 30,000 residents, has been under a mandatory evacuation order since Tuesday.
Update: Pics of flooding downtown while looking for citizens who may need assistance. @CityofNewBern #HurricaneFlorence2018 pic.twitter.com/Ebgfh1hlt5
— New Bern PD (@NewBernPD) September 14, 2018
Sarah Risty-Davis, who was born and raised in New Bern, told NPR's Morning Edition that she saw high floodwaters until the early morning but that the water has mostly receded in her neighborhood. She plans to continue to ride out the storm. If the water starts to rise again, she says, she'll head upstairs and wait for it to recede again.
Gov. Cooper told Morning Edition that he expects flooding could get worse as more rain falls and that the state's No. 1 mission right now is "working very hard to save lives."
Also from Cooper: So far no storm related fatalities … "We have learned a lot from previous storms that have hit NC. The planning and strategy in place is helping us right now. I know long-term recovery is an arduous process, with lots of bureaucracy and red tape." #florenceNC
— Jeff Tiberii (@j_tibs) September 14, 2018
Officials are advising people who are stranded to move up to their attics or other high ground if possible.
Currently ~150 awaiting rescue in New Bern. We have 2 out-of-state FEMA teams here for swift water rescue. More are on the way to help us. WE ARE COMING TO GET YOU. You may need to move up to the second story, or to your attic, but WE ARE COMING TO GET YOU. #FlorenceNC
— City of New Bern (@CityofNewBern) September 14, 2018
Craven County public information officer Amber Parker says the storm surge has caused flooding in some downtown New Bern businesses, and Union Park is underwater.
Water also rushed into the county's emergency operations center. "We have an old jail building, and there was a sally port where vehicles could drive down into it," she says. "And it's basically a big hole and water did go into that hole, but we are safe in this facility."
The area is also experiencing some power outages. "You never know where there are active downed power lines that could cause an electric situation," Parker says. "We just want people to be very careful."
Parker says water levels in some areas of Craven County are already higher than levels from Hurricane Irene.
Hodges expects the rescue operation will be "going on for quite a while."
Roberts says they're hearing from New Bern residents who were evacuated to an emergency shelter in Sandford earlier this week.
"They're already calling and asking when they can come back. We need to get some order in place around here. The streets are a disaster. "
Copyright 2018 PRE News & Ideas


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Once every three years, you can offset the cost of purchasing a bicycle for yourself or a battery for your own electric bike through the Terms of Employment Individual Choices Model. .
Offsetting purchase, insurance and maintenance of bicycle
- Log on to Remote Workplace
- Choose SAP Self Service
- Fill in the "Bicycle or battery" application form via the Selection Model tab
- Add your digital proof of payment
More information about applying, please read this Knowledge Item.
What is the maximum sum that you can offset?
Once every three years
- Once every three years you can offset the cost of purchasing a bicycle against your gross salary, end-of-year-bonus or holiday allowance. The maximum deductible amount for a bicycle is € 1,500. If your bike is more expensive, the difference in price will not be included in the allowance.
- You can also offset a three-year theft or all-risk insurance policy once every three years.
Alternatively, you can choose to:
- Offset the purchase cost of a battery for your electric bike up to a maximum of € 750 against your gross salary, end-of-year bonus or holiday allowance.
Every year
You can also offset a fixed sum of maximum € 82 for bicycle maintenance, repairs and accessories every year. This amount is offset against your gross income.
Example of fiscal advantage
Say you wish to offset the purchase price of your bike against one of your income sources, for instance your holiday allowance. Your bike costs€ 1,300. You offset this € 1,300 against your holiday allowance. You therefore do not pay tax over this € 1,300. You pay (for instance) 37.10% tax over the remainder of your holiday allowance. So, in this case your fiscal advantage amounts to € 482.30 (37.10% * € 1,300).
The percentage of tax depends on which tax band applies to you.
What is the application deadline?
- If you wish to offset the purchase of your bike or battery against your holiday allowance, you must submit your application by 30 April.
- If you wish to offset the purchase against your end-of-year bonus, you must submit your application by 31 Ocotber.
- If you wish to offset the purchase against your gross salary, you must submit your application by 30 November.
What do you need?
Include with your application digital proof of purchase of your bicycle and/or its maintenance or of a battery for your electric bike.


text:
QVC Holiday Preview
30 comments
- Lilli said...
Ah, a bit of Christmas in summer, how cool, cant wait to holidays now lol! It must have been very fun and the decorations are so adorable, I see lots of great stuff too. U were very lovely Rowena, I like ur outfit! xo
- August 24, 2016 at 4:11 AM
I just can't think about Christmas in the middle of summer, sorry, haha :-) I love how they set everything up though, very nice.
- August 24, 2016 at 4:35 AM
- Paola Lauretano said...
Very cool!!! I love the se pics, there are a lot of intersting details and the mozzarella burgers look delicious!!!
Kisses, Paola.
My Facebook
My Instagram - August 24, 2016 at 4:52 AM
- Jackie Harrison said...
I love QVC you get so many deals and plenty for your money love the images and event awesome products they sell. The display is like a country rustic feel cabin its perfect.
- August 24, 2016 at 6:40 AM
- Elle Sees said...
Fabulous preview and I spy you in one of the shots!!
- August 24, 2016 at 8:05 AM
- Emmylou said...
I want that clawfoot bathtub....just lovely. And everything about that kitchen setup....I want that for our house for sure. Oh....and everything on that vanity table....hehe....so I like everything pretty much:D
It always amazes me how early companies do all these holiday previews. - August 24, 2016 at 8:52 AM
- Shireen L. Platt said...
Everything looks great but noooo, way too early for the C word or even holiday. LOL!
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity - August 24, 2016 at 9:58 AM
- little luxury list said...
You had me at red velvet whoopee pies and mozzarella burgers. This had such a fun vibe and definitely reminds me it's never too early to go shopping for the holidays!
- August 24, 2016 at 10:00 AM
- Unknown said...
Gorgeous pictures but I am still not ready to think about Christmas! xo
Emma | http://www.fluffandfripperies.com - August 24, 2016 at 11:07 AM
- A Very Sweet Blog said...
Rowena, I spy a cute outfit...ON YOU! You look so good! Love the top & skirt your wore. What a fabulous event! I love looking at previews of upcoming things :D So glad you went and are showing us. That's the fabulous thing about NY! I love Philosophy bath products. Those tassel necklaces are so cute. I love those lace up shoes. Especially the wine burgundy ones. Lots to look forward to! I can't wait for the holidays.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/ - August 24, 2016 at 11:44 AM
- Kasztanowy Domek said...
All is wonderful!!! Kisses:))
xxBasia - August 24, 2016 at 3:44 PM
- ALLIE NYC said...
Oh wow, what a fun event! I will have to look in this next time, and love your photos so gorge!
Allie of
www.allienyc.com - August 24, 2016 at 6:15 PM
- Mica said...
Oh it looks beautiful - although a little early to start thinking about Christmas I guess you can never be too prepared! :)
Away From The Blue Blog - August 24, 2016 at 7:48 PM
- Midnight Cowgirl said...
I know it's early, but I'm ready to start thinking about Christmas. I love that bathtub, and the red velvet whoopie pies sound yummy :)
- August 24, 2016 at 9:00 PM
- FASHION TALES said...
This sounds like it must have been an interesting event to attend in summer, even though I am not even close to wanting to think about Christmas holiday just yet. :) I do adore Christmas so much, especially decorating. It looks like you have a lovely outfit on as well judging from the sneak peek above.
- August 24, 2016 at 11:06 PM
- Unknown said...
Everything looks so beautiful. I love the vanity table and mirror.
Beautetude - August 24, 2016 at 11:13 PM
- Stanislava E. said...
I was a bit shocked to see the Christmas tree at first, but yeah, these events are taking place several months earlier. What can I say? Everything is decorated so nice. Did you have the chance to try any of these products? I like the shoes and the bags the most. Congrats on attending such an event, Rowena! You definitely deserve it!
- August 25, 2016 at 10:08 AM
- Kelsey&Kenecha said...
What beautiful photos! I am always thinking about Christmas, I am super excited for the holidays to arrive :)
Florals&Smiles - August 25, 2016 at 11:19 AM
- Beauty Unearthly said...
Really interesting post...thx for sharing! xx
- August 25, 2016 at 12:03 PM
Generally not a Christmas fan but seeing these pics in summer kind of make me long for the festive season!
LUXESSED - August 25, 2016 at 1:08 PM
- Coco said...
Wow Rowena, the perfect stylish Holidays scenario! Baci, Valeria - Coco et La vie en rose NEW OUTFIT POST
- August 25, 2016 at 1:35 PM
- Lenya said...
I spy stripes, on YOU Rowena. Would love to see the complete outfit. I can't think about the holiday in this heat, lol. Beautiful pics, Rowena.
- August 25, 2016 at 2:33 PM
- Margaret Dallospedale said...
Oh so nice pictures Rowena.
I love Christmas :)
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog - August 25, 2016 at 5:18 PM
- Fashionably Idu said...
It sure would have been too early to post this in June. Waiting to share now was very smart. I've been toying with the idea of having a christmas party so I found this exciting. I'm enthused! Pinned that dinner table to my secret board on Pinterest, LOL. Great event Rowena, must have been fun.
http://fashionablyidu.com/ - August 25, 2016 at 9:23 PM
- Rebeca Muñoz López said...
Oh! This reminds me of how close it is Christmas again, I like that mirror, toilet rustic touch and lovely flats, thanks for so much inspiration Rowena, have a good weekend dear!
www.urbanikamoda.blogspot.com - August 25, 2016 at 11:54 PM
- Ivana Split said...
I don't think it is too early to start planning our holidays. You can never be too prepared for spending time with loved ones. I would love to visit this event! I see so many lovely things...and some amazing Christmas decor.
I must be honest I'm not a fan of stores brining in their Christmas items and embellishments too early ( some do it as early as October!!!) because by the time the Christmas actually arrives it can be tiring, but this kind of event actually sounds like a perfect way to give us some inspiration for holiday shopping and help us plan ahead! - August 26, 2016 at 10:26 AM
- ann-marie said...
Ok, I cannot wrap my head around Christmas when it's still summer but everything looks great. Thanks for the preview!
Face to Curls | http://facetocurls.com - August 27, 2016 at 2:10 PM
- Kelly said...
I was there too! Did you make a flower crown?
xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
- August 27, 2016 at 3:08 PM
- Jane said...
is that a dog bed in the first pic? that's literally the first thing my eye went to! :)
- August 29, 2016 at 1:40 PM
- j said...
The mozzarella burgers look hilarious and delicious. :)
- September 5, 2016 at 10:41 AM


text: Rihanna Rogue Perfume by Rihanna, Rogue for women by rihanna is designed for the daring woman who is in touch with her bold and flirtatious side. This fragrance, introduced in 2013, is defined by sensual notes of suede and lemon blossom for a scent that is mellow, light, and enticing. The perfume's base notes, which include amber and patchouli, are sure to linger on your skin long into the night.


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Free forum : A site to talk about Twilight and off the wall topics!
Dedicated To New Music In Falkirk. The Falkirk Wall Music Forum
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The Kingdom of Rynial has flourished for 500 years, all in thanks to the Lianial Wall. However, signs show that the wall has begun to weaken and a Life Mage, which could save the kingdom, hasn't been seen in some 300 years. Fear slowly stirs and whis
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text: Manchester Chiropractic Newsletter for September 2015 Beneficial Chiropractic Spinal ManipulationResearchers did a randomized, placebo-controlled study of 136 new-to-chiropractic low back pain patients. All of these patients are older veterans. Spinal manipulation therapy showed a statistically significant reduction in disability scores for these low back pain veterans. Pain was reduced in both groups. (1) Not bad for three months of care! Make your visits to Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries and see what can be done in 3 months! Epidural Steroid Injections – Effective? Not so much. In 30 placebo-controlled trials of epidural steroid injections for radiculopathy (leg pain), there were mixed results: immediate reduction in pain and function, benefits were small and not continued, and long-term surgery risk was unaffected. In 8 other studies of the effectiveness of epidurdal steroid injections for spinal stenosis, researchers report no clear effectiveness of these injections. (2) Have you tried these? Discuss your results at your next Manchester chiropractic visit. CLIMB for Back Pain Relief Does exercise not excite you? Researchers have found that chronic low back pain sufferers (18-45 years old) improved more when they climbed than when they exercised. Disc protrusion sizes reduced. Pain reduced. Daily life activities and even posture improved. No climbing experience is necessary. Plus, climbing is not expensive, and it's more likely to keep your attention! (3) Want to try climbing? Mention it to your Manchester chiropractic physician at your next visit. We can make a plan together! Do You Think Imaging is Necessary?50% of patients with low back pain think imaging is a necessary step to get the best care possible for their back pain. (4) Might this lead to an overuse of imaging for low back pain examination? Yes! The clinical examination is the gold standard with imaging as support. You'll find that imaging may not be recommended for you immediately if at all. Ask to see the latest recommendations for when to order imaging tests. No one wants unnecessary tests, and Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries certainly doesn't want to order them for you! Osteoporosis Risks In a study of older US women who get a lot of B vitamins in their diets and via supplements, osteoporosis risk appears higher for those who have elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) and elevated methylmelonic acid (MMA). (5) So what does all this mean? It means that each person needs an optimal amount of nutrients like vitamin B-12, but that "optimal" varies for each person. Let's chat about checking your nutrient levels and addressing any lows or highs we find to prevent such diseases as osteoporosis at your next Manchester chiropractic visit. Contact Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries to discuss any spine or health issues you may be having! "This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."


text:
Pyramid Café Table
HAYSuitable for use in a wide variety of restaurants and cafés, this table is the perfect gathering point for two or three people. Like the rest of Wim Rietveld's Pyramid family of tables, it features the same namesake angled sheet steel legs that create a pyramid-shaped base for its wood tabletop. Available in a variety of finishes and colors.
- Learn more at hermanmiller.com
- Interested in a Quote?


text:
Computer Desks or workstations are dedicated work solutions for the home office or workplace. We offer a range of durable hard wearing desks designed to withstand the daily usage of industrial or office environments. Our computer desks support computers and accessories with plenty of space for storage all of which can be locked securely.
How do they work?
Computer desks vary from model to model but most have a similar function in that they protect your office equipment, PC or laptop and peripherals from the outside environment.
What are they made from?
Our range of computer desks are made from various materials such as galvanised steel, metal, steel and plastic.
Do they come with wheels?
Our computer desks primarily are fixed location desks, however we do have desks with wheels for easy portability.
Are they lockable?
We recognise some computer desks require a level of security, in our range there are options for lockable cupboards with cable routing apertures, lockable slide out keyboard tray and lockable ventilated monitor housings.
What are they also known as?
Computer desks are also known as computer workstations which are made up of many components i.e. a shelf to support printers and a shelf for keyboards plus cupboards and cabinets. The terminology can vary also from computer tables, computer cupboards, computer cabinets and computer desktop.
Where might I use one?
Computer desks are the perfect office furniture for laboratories, suitable for the home, office and ideal for warehouses and factory environments


text:
About us
- Details
- Category: UNEB
- Published: Wednesday, 19 August 2015 20:58
- Written by Super User
- Hits: 20344
Entebbe Junior school is a private modern, Day and boarding school, founded in the year 2000, We offer both the UNEB and Cambridge curriculum respectively. Our Cambridge examination registration number is UG018. Our mission is to be a centre for quality and affordable International Education that enhances skills, discipline, Integrity and professionalism to all stakeholders.
We stay true to this by setting very high education and moral standards for our students and staff, the proof of this lies in our continuous excellence in the Cambridge checkpoint exam that the students have sat for over the years, we have aspired to aim high in all the spheres of educating a child to make them dynamic, independent and creative thinkers.
The Management
The managing directors Captain Darlington Omamateker and Mrs. Rose Omamteker are the owners of the school, the need to provide quality and affordable international education drove them to start the section.
The international section is competently run by Ms. Michelle Omamateker who is the director of the section.


text:
Hard News: We interrupt this broadcast ...
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whether it's an overthought attempt to appear un-slick
That probably the most generous interpretation possible, and really appearing un-slick requires the kind of Jedi master artifice that's near impossible to pull off.
I confess, now, I can't wait to see how crazy Act's campaign address is. I shall be rather put out if it isn't.
Screw it, that's taking masochism as good citizenship too far. Think I'll go see Errol Morris' Tabloid again tonight – more insightful, entertaining and unnervingly pertinent than ever. It's also a good time to track down a copy of Morris' Believing Is Seeing (Observations on the Mysteries of Photography) which, as the kids say, is what it says on the box and much else beside. A wonderful mental self-defense course.
Please forgive the auto-plug: For more on the Greens, and the TVNZ debate Monday night, watch The Green Room at greens.org.nz live, 7pm.
Finlay MacDonald interviews Russel Norman and Metiria Turei. Panelists Mr Slack, Irene Pink, Nandor Tanczos. Special guests Michelle A'Court, Bernard Hickey, Peter Simpson, and more.
Oops, just saw PA banner ad. *blushes*
I wonder how much focus leading Labour people are giving to the election that matters (to them) - the leadership election in December?
Interesting you regard the Labour address flagged everytime PG was featured. He speaks ponderously and accurately I know, but I would trust him long before his opponent.
As someone put it on Twitter last night: Labour won the haka.
<that someone bows/>
National's effort was just bizarre. It was like high school production levels. And, like you say, surely National have to be careful not to balance their entire campaign on Key's personality. It was like they forgot what you can actually do with television as a medium. Modern audiences get bored hearing one person talk for five minutes, let alone twenty.
Like someone on twitter said, maybe their strategy was to bore the audience into switching channels so they'd miss Labour's broadcast.
It's just a shame that for the most part these opening broadcasts will go unnoticed by the apathetic electorate. Will be interesting to see the ratings.
This could have worked had it been compellingly produced, but it's bleakly lit, horribly edited …
Yes, this was mainly what struck me about it. I didn't expect to agree with the content of National's ad, but I thought it would be slickly, or at least competently, produced.
The lighting and editing were distracting, and made it look amateurish. It could be, as you suggest, that they didn't want to look too slick, but there are classy ways of doing that, and this was not classy.
Craig Ranapia, in reply to
He speaks ponderously and accurately I know, but I would trust him long before his opponent.
Goff's problem isn't a so-called "charisma deficit" - God knows Helen Clark wasn't exactly Bill Clinton. But she was remarkably consistent when it came to opening her mouth without inserting Imelda Marcos' whole shoe collection. I don't think being kind of dull is necessarily the crippling disability the media-political complex would have us believe.
I just am minded, with this campaign but really with all of National's work to date, of another time in our history. A more miserable time. An unhappy time. A poor time. The rhetoric sounds the same. And the politicians look the same. I like Labour's approach very much, and I think the Greens' approach is entirely reasonable. I doubt, however, that election campaigns are how a large portion of the nation makes up their minds on who to vote for. Which is more the pity.
Craig Ranapia, in reply to
And everything was flowers and puppies with a Labour Government? Not quite true, but never mind...
Jackie Clark, in reply to
Of course, not, my love. But things were better. They really were. This government reminds me of Muldoon's era. It really does. But that's just me, I am sure.
I doubt, however, that election campaigns are how a large portion of the nation makes up their minds on who to vote for
Family tradition is quite a lot of it, especially for Labour and National voters.
really appearing un-slick requires the kind of Jedi master artifice that's near impossible to pull off.
... only if you're faking it.
these broadcasts, like the respective party hoardings, suggest that Labour's campaign creative is a cut above its rivals'
I reckon the Greens' billboards are better than Labour's. But the Green clip felt like conventional political comms - and all that walking got exhausting to watch.
Jackie Clark, in reply to
Of course. Although, I must say, that as per usual, my upbringing does deviate from the norm. My father always voted National - except for once, because he hated Muldoon so much (I believe they may have had dealings) - and my mother, and older siblings, were all Labour voters. Political discussions, or shouting as we used to call it, were a large part of my growing up. Maybe that's why I shy away from them these days?
Haven't watched them yet, but whoah, the screen-grabs alone are eloquent.
Labour and Greens in a warm summery palette and natural, everyday surroundings, looking the viewers cheerfully in the eye -- vs. a clammy, stricken-looking Key on an empty dark set lit by a chilly blue TV-screen glow, gazing anxiously offstage...
Do we know who the art director was on that one??
Sacha, in reply to
someone's nephew?
Craig Ranapia, in reply to
Of course, not, my love. But things were better. They really were. This government reminds me of Muldoon's era. It really does. But that's just me, I am sure.
When "just me" is so lovely, I don't mind a bit. But in various ways, for three quarters of an I felt like I was in an episode of Fringe watching television transmissions from some alternate universe I didn't recognise.
Someone asked me on Twitter how I rated National and Labour on "sincerity". Tempted to say something glib about how when you can fake sincerity you've got it made, but I just felt disturbed on another level. Because I think both parties are perfectly sincere in their belief voters cannot, must never, and just don't deserve to be treated like rational adults.
As Simon Pound has said elsewhere, if running a country was about production values then the choice would be clear. But it isn't. Is it?
Jolisa, in reply to
John Morrison, in reply to
And me as well Jackie. I have never forgiven National for Muldoon. While fostering his populism, he dismantled Kirk's compulsory super scheme and then bankrupted the country. I am afraid the same is happening now.
Russell Brown, in reply to
I reckon the Greens' billboards are better than Labour's.
I disagree, but they are doing different jobs. The pitch gets lost on the Green hoardings, where the Labour ones are quite nicely and consistently designed. There's been some talk about why the tops of all the Labour candidates' heads are cut off, but that's a device to make the face seem closer by having it more than fill the frame.
It's more appealing than having crappy little clear-cut heads like National's do. I saw NZ First and United Future ones in Epsom this morning, and they're even worse than Act's. I'm wondering if this will be the election of bad graphic design.
But the Green clip felt like conventional political comms – and all that walking got exhausting to watch.
Yeah, surprisingly conventional, but it did its job.
Key defends his naff video, twists and turns like a twisty turny thing.
Key told Fairfax this morning National's aim was "to have a conversation with New Zealanders".
"We have those town hall meetings around New Zealand n a fairly regular basis. Actually they're quite well-attended and you get a range of questions," he said.
"But obviously it's a fraction of the number of people you can reach through television and so we decided that was a good way of replicating what genuine New Zealanders ask us, he said.
"It wasn't scripted in so much as they are the answers I give to those questions and I get them everywhere. Quite frankly they will be the same answers I give on Monday and in the debates."
But Key said he knew the questions they were going to ask him.
Something about all the focus on JK as a "great leader" is giving me flashbacks to McPhail and Gadsby's Muldoon-lampooning mash-up of the Good Night Kiwi & the closing scene of The Waltons: "Night, Leader!"
Alas, I can't find any video online. But now I'm dreaming of a third-degree mash-up...
Sacha, in reply to
The pitch gets lost on the Green hoardings
I assumed it's largely visual branding like their last campaign was.
I'm wondering if this will be the election of bad graphic design.
Even Labour has those slightly fuzzy degraded fonts. Perhaps it's conventional design wisdom in a recession?
Post your response…
This topic is closed.


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Reaping the Benefits of Geofencing as a Healthcare Organization
Consumers are getting savvier about minimizing their healthcare costs — which is good for them, but eats into the profits of healthcare providers. But with rising hospital and emergency room bills alongside tiered insurance reimbursement, consumers are being driven to alternatives, often in the form of outpatient clinics, to avoid the heavy price tag associated with emergency rooms.
In the U.S., the alternatives are trending toward increased outpatient care. For example, according to MEDPAC, Medicare spending on outpatient services rose 107 percent from 2006 to 2016, reaching an estimated $58 billion. Drugstores and grocery chains are opening walk-in urgent care clinics to meet the increased demand. Additionally, consumers are shopping around for labs that provide routine blood work and other tests, taking into consideration factors such as location, hours of operation, and of course, cost. And for those healthcare providers that want to capture a share of the outpatient clinic market, there are significant benefits to geofencing technology.
Numerous retailers already use geofencing to attract prospects, and understand it may be the key to reaching more patients. Put simply, a geofence is a virtual fence around a physical location, such as a clinic or a competitor's clinic (a practice known as geoconquesting). Geofencing leverages GPS signals to identify where an individual is located, so when a patient with a smartphone enters the fenced area and uses their device, an ad will pop up tailored to the location. Since smartphone proliferation is high, it's a way to reach consumers through the technology they're already using. Best practices suggest using both geofencing and geoconquesting to locate patient prospects.
The Benefits of Geofencing in Healthcare
According to Search Engine Journal, 80 percent of "near me" searches originate from mobile devices, indicating that geofencing has real potential as a marketing trend. It's an ideal opportunity to reach consumers who are in your neighborhood — and push an ad to them as they near your location.
For healthcare providers, most potential clientele are local, increasing the need for innovative messaging that reaches prospective patients. But this technology can also prove effective with out-of-town prospects looking for a clinic to treat an unexpected illness or minor injuries while on vacation.
Yet another benefit of geofencing for healthcare organizations is the ability to personalize and improve patient satisfaction. Through geofencing APIs, you can receive demographic information that'll enable adds to be most targeted and effective, explains WWD. For example, you might be able to use data gathered from other clinic visits to gauge the reason for a patient's visit. A walk-in clinic may note an uptick in visits shortly before the first day of school, and push ads for sports physicals to the right demographic, such as parents in their 30s and 40s. In other cases, using data from searches can help target the right patients — someone diagnosed with a condition may conduct research on her phone, and providers can push information about the specific condition to her device.
Other Geofencing Uses
Geofencing doesn't have to be limited to patient prospects in the immediate area or near a competitor. Healthcare providers can also use geofencing to target specific locations. For instance, a chiropractor's office may create a geofence around a gym, advertising the benefits of regular chiropractic care to stay healthy. A walk-in clinic might target prospects visiting a farmer's market — or, perhaps, a fast-food restaurant, according to PM360 — to extol the benefits of regular checkups, a healthy diet, or getting back in shape. But despite the benefits of this outreach, these efforts may be seen as intrusive. Any healthcare organization using geofencing to target prospects that aren't near their location may want to tread lightly and selectively with ads.
Geofencing for Patient Follow-up
Healthcare providers can go one step further and encourage return visits by using geofencing for location-based follow-up. When the patient returns home, the provider can send a text message requesting feedback or reminding the patient to schedule a follow-up visit. This can increase patient satisfaction and encourage them to visit a clinic again, whether it's for another urgent need, a follow-up visit, or general care.
When done carefully, the benefits of geofencing can improve a healthcare provider's patient acquisition considerably. As the popularity of outpatient services increases and consumers search for ways to save money on healthcare, it's critical to discover new ways to reach them and inform them of your services and expertise. With a combination of geofences around your location, competitor locations, and even related businesses, you'll reach prospective patients who are looking for exactly what you have to offer.


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Machine-learning tool predicts code's speed on computer chips
MIT researchers have invented a machine-learning tool called Ithemal, which predicts how fast computer chips will execute code from various applications.
MIT researchers have invented a machine-learning tool that predicts how fast computer chips will execute code from various applications.
To get code to run as fast as possible, developers and compilers — programs that translate programming language into machine-readable code — typically use performance models that run the code through a simulation of given chip architectures.
Compilers use that information to automatically optimize code, and developers use it to tackle performance bottlenecks on the microprocessors that will run it. But performance models for machine code are handwritten by a relatively small group of experts and are not properly validated. As a consequence, the simulated performance measurements often deviate from real-life results.
The researchers described a machine-learning pipeline that automates this process, making it easier, faster, and more accurate. Ithemal, a neural-network model that trains on labeled data in the form of "basic blocks" — fundamental snippets of computing instructions — to automatically predict how long it takes a given chip to execute previously unseen basic blocks. Results suggest Ithemal performs far more accurately than traditional hand-tuned models.
The researchers also presented a benchmark suite of basic blocks from a variety of domains, including machine learning, compilers, cryptography, and graphics that can be used to validate performance models. They pooled more than 300,000 of the profiled blocks into an open-source dataset called BHive. During their evaluations, Ithemal predicted how fast Intel chips would run code even better than a performance model built by Intel itself.
Ultimately, developers and compilers can use the tool to generate code that runs faster and more efficiently on an ever-growing number of diverse and "black box" chip designs. "Modern computer processors are opaque, horrendously complicated, and difficult to understand. It is also incredibly challenging to write computer code that executes as fast as possible for these processors," said co-author Michael Carbin, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and a researcher in the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). "This tool is a big step forward toward fully modeling the performance of these chips for improved efficiency."
The team also proposed a new technique to automatically generate compiler optimizations. Specifically, they automatically generate an algorithm, called Vemal, that converts certain code into vectors, which can be used for parallel computing. Vemal outperforms hand-crafted vectorization algorithms used in the LLVM compiler.
Learning from data
Designing performance models by hand can be "a black art," Carbin said. Intel provides extensive documentation of more than 3,000 pages describing its chips' architectures. But there currently exists only a small group of experts who will build performance models that simulate the execution of code on those architectures.
"Intel's documents are neither error-free nor complete, and Intel will omit certain things, because it's proprietary," Mendis said. "However, when you use data, you don't need to know the documentation. If there's something hidden you can learn it directly from the data."
To do so, the researchers clocked the average number of cycles a given microprocessor takes to compute basic block instructions — basically, the sequence of boot-up, execute, and shut down — without human intervention. Automating the process enables rapid profiling of hundreds of thousands or millions of blocks.
Domain-specific architectures
In training, the Ithemal model analyzes millions of automatically profiled basic blocks to learn exactly how different chip architectures will execute computation. Importantly, Ithemal takes raw text as input and does not require manually adding features to the input data. In testing, Ithemal can be fed previously unseen basic blocks and a given chip, and will generate a single number indicating how fast the chip will execute that code.
The researchers found Ithemal cut error rates in accuracy — meaning the difference between the predicted speed versus real-world speed — by 50% over traditional hand-crafted models. Further, in their next paper, they showed that Ithemal's error rate was 10%, while the Intel performance-prediction model's error rate was 20 percent on a variety of basic blocks across multiple different domains.
The tool now makes it easier to quickly learn performance speeds for any new chip architectures, Mendis said. For instance, domain-specific architectures, such as Google's new Tensor Processing Unit used specifically for neural networks, are now being built but aren't widely understood.
"If you want to train a model on some new architecture, you just collect more data from that architecture, run it through our profiler, use that information to train Ithemal, and now you have a model that predicts performance," Mendis said.
Next, the researchers are studying methods to make models interpretable. Much of machine learning is a black box, so it's not really clear why a particular model made its predictions.
"Our model is saying it takes a processor, say, 10 cycles to execute a basic block. Now, we're trying to figure out why," Carbin said. "That's a fine level of granularity that would be amazing for these types of tools."
They also hope to use Ithemal to enhance the performance of Vemal even further and achieve better performance automatically.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Music tech | MIT – Massachusetts Institute of Technology
– Edited by Chris Vavra, associate editor, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology, email@example.com. See more Control Engineering industrial PC stories.
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Conservative Texas school board members are attempting to rewrite textbooks with a slant toward "conservative values"—evolution as just another theory, Joseph McCarthy as a stand-up dude, and civil rights as having been handed to minorities by whites. This is the money quote:
In late 2007, the English language arts writing teams, made up mostly of teachers and curriculum planners, turned in the drafts they had been laboring over for more than two years. The ultraconservatives argued that they were too light on basics like grammar and too heavy on reading comprehension and critical thinking. "This critical-thinking stuff is gobbledygook," grumbled David Bradley, an insurance salesman with no college degree, who often acts as the faction's enforcer.
As you can see, there's quite a bit of editorializing going on in this article, which is bad, but what's worse is that it's not even necessary. David Bradley and the others don't need any sort of reporting slant to appear ridiculous. What also sucks is that pieces like this make people from other states think that everyone in Texas is like this. We're not, I swear! Except that some of us are.
Silver lining: A person who is of the opinion that critical thinking is gobbledygook is bound to slip up sometime, right? Right?
H&M slashes big holes in the clothes they can't sell and throws them out instead of giving them to someone who could use them. ARGH waste! ARGH consumerism! ARGH first-world bullshit! I'm not innocent of shopping for mass-produced clothing at big chain stores sometimes (though I'm trying to avoid it), but Jesus, that's ridiculous.
Silver lining: One of my goals for this year is to make more of my own clothing. I've put myself on a shopping embargo* until at least April, so I'll have to sew any article of clothing I want between now and then. I'm a pretty good seamstress, so I think I'll be able to do almost anything. And then, unless fabric manufacturers start slashing and trashing their unsold products, I'll stop being part of the problem.
Food, Inc. All of it. The whole thing made me angry**. And sad. And grossed out. A couple of times I had to close my eyes and wait for Brendan to tell me that some particular gross scene was over. There wasn't a lot in the film that I didn't already know (a few months ago I subjected Brendan to a lengthy rant about THE TRUE AND TERRIBLE COST of fast-food dollar menus), but seeing the actual conditions to which cows and pigs and chickens are subjected was a whole different thing.
I'll admit that one of the reasons I've sort of stopped eating meat*** is Maude. I can't think about how poorly factory-farmed animals are treated without picturing my little dog's face instead of theirs. Maude's been the best thing for my depression besides therapy and medical treatment, and imagining her at a factory farm makes me feel a little sick. It's not too hard to imagine, either, since she was rescued from factory-farming's pet equivalent, the puppy mill.
Look, I know that it's not accurate to compare dogs to chickens and cows. And I don't even think eating meat in general is wrong. I just think that whether it's eaten afterwards or not, I don't want any animal to have such a shitty life.
Silver lining: Two years ago, I wouldn't have been able to watch Food, Inc. without having a panic attack. While watching it the other night, I was able to remain calm. Progress!
*Except for books. Books don't count. Especially sewing books.
**Except that it was beautifully shot. That didn't make me angry.
***On a normal day, I don't eat any meat besides seafood, and then not terribly often. On special occasions—a fancy restaurant for a birthday, when I'm a guest at the home of someone who's cooked meat, etc.—I'll eat beef or poultry or whatever. But after watching Food, Inc., I might change parts of this policy. The non-sushi parts, anyway.


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How to Get Back to "Normal"
Whether you're a reservist or full-time military person, your return from deployment means the embrace of family and friends, and resuming everyday life. Even before the rejoicing over your safe return subsides, you 'll be trying to find your way back to what's "normal" again.
Here are some tips to help you through this time of transition:
- Realize the reunion is more than just coming home. It's a major event for the people in your life -- maybe even bigger than the separation. In fact, research shows that reunion can cause more stress in people's lives than deployment. That's not to say that returning service members and their family and friends aren't happy about the homecoming. They're usually ecstatic. The stress comes from the changes that have taken place and concern for what life will now be like.
- Spend time with family and friends. For months, the people who are closest to you have been living with the fear of something happening to you. Make a special effort to spend time with them or, if they are far away, call often to support and reassure them.
- View stress as normal. Returning to your everyday life is a major change, and change always creates stress. If accepted and handled constructively, stress can be turned into a source of excitement and enthusiasm about new beginnings with family and friends.
- Go slowly. Take time to ease back into your routine. Make a list of those things that must be done -- such as banking, making living arrangements, contacting friends and relatives -- and take them one by one. Trying to do too much too soon will only add to your stress level. Consider putting off major decisions until you've had plenty of time to readjust.
- Communicate with others. Talking with others about your experiences and what you're feeling can help relieve stress. It's not a sign of weakness. Talk with a trusted relative, friend, faith leader or family services staffer. Military chaplains can be helpful, as most receive training in pastoral counseling and crisis.
- Take care of your physical health. Get plenty of rest and exercise, eat properly, and avoid drugs and excessive drinking.
- Do things you find relaxing. Go fishing, attend a concert, or take a long soak in the tub. Be kind to yourself.
- Watch what you spend. Now that you're back, the urge to spend will be strong. Don't spend more than you can afford.
- Start the rebuilding process together. Do it as a family. Make the decision that this time will serve to make you and your family even stronger. Get involved in positive activities that encourage togetherness and reassurance.
- Expect something of a letdown. Most, if not all, service members experience it. It simply means that you're no longer running on pure adrenalin and that things are beginning to settle down. Or, it may mean that the homecoming hasn't solved all the problems that existed before the mobilization. Possibly, your reunion didn't go the way you thought it would. Whatever the reason, it's perfectly normal to feel this way. However, if this feeling doesn't go away, it could be a sign of something more serious. Read about this in the Mental Health America Fact Sheet, "When the Letdown Doesn't Let Up."
- If you feel overwhelmed by your homecoming, seek help. It's not a sign of weakness. Nearly every military installation has a family service center, family support center or Army community service center where you can access information, referral, counseling, and crisis intervention services. In addition, all military families, including National Guard members and Reservists who are activated for more than 30 days, are eligible for medical and mental health care either at a military medical treatment facility or at a civilian facility through TRICARE, the administrator of health services for the armed services. TRICARE provides information about mental health benefits programs for the military on their Web site, www.tricare.osd.mil. Or contact them at 888-363-2273. Also, Military OneSource provides 24-hour access to information and help. Contact them at 800-342-9647 or www.militaryonesource.com.


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On Friday, April 13, Yan Huang, Assistant Professor of Advertising in TAI at SMU, shared her research titled "Persuasion and Counter Persuasion: The Impact of Narratives in Health Promotion," at the TAI Research Brown Bag.
Professor Huang's research examines the effects and mechanisms of strategic media messages and technologies in shaping consumer psychology, especially as they relate to health and socially responsible advertising. Through her studies, she addresses a series of questions including,
- Is attitude induced by narratives able to resist the influence of competing messages?
- What are the psychological mechanisms underlying narratives' influence on resistance?
- Can narratives effectively persuade individuals when used for counter persuasion?
- How do we use storytelling to help the public make better decisions?
Health public service advertising (PSA) is not processed in a vacuum. An effective health PSA must not only produce an immediate persuasive impact but also compete with counter messages from different interest groups. Prior literature supports narrative benefits in eliciting immediate health attitude change. However, its influence in a competitive scenario has yet to be tested.
When individuals are exposed to a campaign message, they think about it, but they don't typically engage in actions immediately. There is a time lag, in which individuals can encounter other information, which may contradict with what they were previously exposed to – these are competing messages. Professor Yan Huang performed a series of studies in which attitudes were assessed after exposure to pro- and anti-radiotherapy messages, in both the conventional rhetoric and storytelling formats. Immediate reactions and the responses after counter persuasion were assessed and analyzed.
Major findings of Professor Huang's studies include,
- Campaign messages in story formats can lead to better retention of information, which could enhance audience resistance to counter persuasion.
- The experiential processes associated with narrative exposure, such as identification with story characters and the feeling of "being transported" into the story world, can increase counter-arguing with competing messages.
- Narrative messages are much more effective than rhetorical messages in communicating counter-attitudinal information.
After sharing her research Professor Huang discussed various theoretical and practical implications including,
- Narrative persuasion research may benefit from focusing attention beyond the change in attitude intensity to other properties of attitude strength.
- The mechanisms underlying the carryover effect of narratives in the face of a competing message are both cognitive and experiential.
- The applicability of narrative persuasion theories in a competitive situation.
- The strong potential of narrative campaign messages in altering attitude.
Temerlin Advertising Institute was honored to have Yan Huang for a lecture on her research. TAI is passionate about staying informed on all current topics in the advertising industry, hosting speakers periodically throughout the year.