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(Click image to enlarge to much bigger and more readable full size).
As I mentioned before, I'm super excited about PatternReview.com's Spring Mini-Wardrobe contest.
Considering that the one-month contest has already begun and I have not a muslin to show for it... and that I start childbirth classes tomorrow... and that I am taking two of PR's online sewing classes starting this Friday (on facings and underlinings, both with Sarah Veblen)... and that I've never made any of the above patterns, never mind altered them for third-trimester maternity... I'm surprisingly hopeful I can pull this off. Yes, I'm reckless! Just RECKLESS!
There's just one problem. I started planning this last week and bought most of the fabrics online, but now that they have arrived, I find myself worrying the whole thing is just too darn monochromatic, even with punchy colored shoes and/or necklaces (or maybe a scarf?) And that's just not me. I have nothing against gray in moderation, but I seldom reach for it--all my favorite jackets and cardigans are pink, or orange, or green, or red, or plum, or chartreuse...
So I'm thinking this would be a BIG improvement:
(Click image to enlarge to much bigger and more readable full size).
...If I can find the right fabric. I went to Paron's and their Annex today and they had many lovely rayon blend double knits, but they were all various shades of pink, purple or orange. (FYI, wool or pure poly double knit would be way too hot & sticky for pregnant me in spring). And what I'm really craving is chartreuse. Fabric.com has some of the same fabric I got in gray from them already, but the digital swatch doesn't LOOK chartreuse to me--more like mustard:
So I ordered a bunch of swatches of their different double knits--the one above and also ones in turquoise and various shades of green from lime to emerald. And I'll keep poking around the Garment District. I just don't want to look like a boring pregnant plum & gray grape, it's just not me!
Oh, and a note about the patterns--I'm a little bummed that my top pattern is just a plain Jalie T-shirt (which I will redraft to a scoop neck), but I sketched a variety of more interesting tops (twist, surplice, etc) on my digital croquis and they all just competed too much with the lines of the Parfait dress. At least it's in polka dot!
Update: Forgot to mention--as you can see in the top image, I thought maybe I could punch up the plain gray jacket (if that's what I'm stuck with) with some trim, as in this RTW example:


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An Active Lifestyle Can Help You Protect Your Eyes
Staying active helps you maintain your weight, keeps your heart healthy, strengthens your bones, and may even help you lower your risk of several serious eye diseases. No matter what your age, increasing your activity level offers a simple way to safeguard your eye health.
The Eye-Health Benefits of an Active Lifestyle
Couch potatoes are at increased risk for many health problems, including conditions that can damage vision. The more you move, the less likely you'll develop glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy.
Reducing Your Risk of Glaucoma with Exercise
Glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside your eyes increases. If the pressure remains high, your optic nerve may be damaged. The optic nerve provides a crucial pathway between the eyes and the brain. Damage to the nerves prevents electrical impulses from the eyes from reaching the brain, causing loss of vision.
Aerobic exercise offers a natural way to lower the pressure inside your eyes and improve blood flow to the optic nerves and retinas. Walking, running, biking, swimming, dancing, and other types of exercise that raise your heart rate qualify as aerobic exercise. You don't need to schedule long workouts to enjoy the benefits of exercise. Walking briskly for 20 minutes at least four times a week can help protect your eyes, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation.
Worried About Macular Degeneration? Increasing Our Activity Level Can Help
The same types of exercise that lower your glaucoma risk can also reduce your risk of developing the wet form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Wet AMD occurs when new, abnormal blood vessels begin to grow in the macula, the center part of the retina. The retina is a layer of light-sensing cells at the back of your eye. These vessels can leak fluids or blood and cause blurred vision or blind spots in the central part of your vision.
Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine discovered that regular exercise reduced the overgrowth of blood vessels by up to 45% in mice. Staying active could have the same effect on people too.
Moving More May Also Help You Avoid Retinopathy
Retinopathy also happens due to blood vessel changes in the retina, although, unlike macular degeneration, the changes can affect the entire retina. High blood sugar levels caused by diabetes cause blood vessels in the retina to leak and may also encourage the growth of abnormal vessels. High blood pressure can also cause retinopathy.
Exercising often, in addition to eating a healthy diet, helps you maintain a healthy weight and reduces your risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure.
No matter how busy your life is, you can probably spare 15 to 20 minutes every day or two to get a little aerobic exercise. If you're exhausted by the time you return home at the end of the day, exercise before you go to work, or put on your sneakers and go for a short walk during your lunch break.
Keep This Warning in Mind if You Have Glaucoma
If you already have glaucoma and are hoping to decrease the pressure inside your eyes with exercise, it may be a good idea to avoid exercises that require you to drop your head. Lowering your head while you exercise may cause pressure inside your eyes to rise.
If you practice yoga, avoid the downward-facing dog, forward bend, plow, and the legs-up-the-wall poses. These poses increased eye pressure in people with and without glaucoma, according to a research study published in PLOS One. For safety's sake, check with your eye doctor before you start a new exercise plan and continue to use the medication prescribed to treat your condition.
Embracing a healthy lifestyle, in addition to visiting your optometrist for annual eye exams, can help you protect your vision. If it's time for your next checkup, get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment.
Glaucoma Research Foundation: Can Exercise Lower Eye Pressure?
University of Virginia: Exercise Can Slow or Prevent Vision Loss, UVA Study Suggests, 6/30/20

subset: commoncrawl


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Portrait of pretty blonde model sitting on table.
Through a wide variety of mobile applications, we've developed a unique visual system and strategy that can be applied across the spectrum of available applications.
So, just like identifying stocks with growth potential, pinpointing toxic stocks and offloading them at the right time is crucial to guard one's portfolio from big losses or make profits by short selling them.
Heska Corporation HSKA, Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. TNDM, Credit Suisse Group CS,Zalando SE ZLNDY and Las Vegas Sands LVS are a few such toxic stocks.Screening Criteria


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My Heart grieves at what I must do. I alone am Creator, yet man has meddled in things he knows not of. The consequences of tampering with what I alone have the authority and sovereignty to create will be dire for it will bring eternal death to all who have played God.
I will use the very things that men have manipulated and genetically engineered to cause great destruction as all idols will be brought to ruin. Your weather patterns will continue to become more erratic and devastating, and because you have played the harlot and blatantly mocked Me, those who were bound (under the earth, the Nephilim) will now be used to meter out judgment upon you. All that was not created in My image will now be used as punishment against you as I reveal Myself to be Supreme.
To My people who are of Me, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of knowing Me for who I am. I am My Word and the very essence and manifestation of this, My Word. So when you engrave these words on your hearts, you enthrone Me there. You must know Me intimately or you will be swept away by the great deception which is upon you.
Darkness and evil and wickedness are being presented as light, and unless you have sought Me with all you have, you will not know the difference. The enemy comes in various ways, always disguised as light, but his is a superficial light that is temporary, for in him, there is found no truth or light.
I AM the only way, the truth, and the life. Humble yourselves before Me and implore Me to teach you light from the darkness and truth from lies. A humble, repentant and contrite heart I will always receive.
You are on the threshold of a new day, but first I will purify. Be counted amongst those who choose love and truth and life and I will carry you through the tempests. You must choose now, for all that is written commences.
Recreating DNA article today:
Weather manipulation:
Isaiah 45:7King James Version (KJV)
7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.
Genesis 6:4
4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
Hebrews 10:16
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
Isaiah 5:20
20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isaiah 14:12-15
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
John 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Psalm 34:18
18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Isaiah 43:2
2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.


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Large risk schizophrenia marker revealed
A group of scientists has identified a genetic variant that substantially increases the risk for developing schizophrenia in Ashkenazi Jewish and other populations. The study, published by Cell Press on August 5th in the American Journal of Human Genetics, associates a deletion on chromosome 3 with increased incidence of schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric illness that affects ~1% of the world population. Characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking, it is a devastating disorder.
A group of researchers led by Stephen Warren, Ph.D., from Emory University studied the genetics of schizophrenia by analyzing the prevalence of copy number variants (CNVs) in schizophrenic patients. CNVs are changes in the number of copies of DNA segments throughout the human genome. The researchers began by looking at Ashkenazi Jewish subjects already under study by collaborating scientist Ann E. Pulver, Sc.D. and her team at Johns Hopkins University. The Emory group found an excess of large, rare CNVs in these schizophrenic cases compared to controls.
Combining their analysis with those of previous CNV studies of schizophrenic patients, Warren and his colleagues identify a CNV, specifically, a deletion at 3q29, that associates with schizophrenia with an odds ratio (a measure of effect size) of 16.98. "This odds ratio rivals that of any genome-wide association study of schizophrenia and suggests that the 3q29 deletion confers a significant risk for this severe psychiatric phenotype," explains Warren. An odds ratio of 17 means someone with this deletion is 17 times more likely to develop schizophrenia than someone without the deletion.
This research also highlights candidate genes contained within the deletion that may also be associated with schizophrenia. "Two genes, PAK2 and DLG1, are of particular note as paralogs of these genes are known to be associated with intellectual disability" states Jennifer Mulle, Ph.D., a member of the Emory team. Research is finding that the same or similar variants are associated with related complex disorders and traits. "These exciting results imply the interval at chromosome 3q29 may harbor additional genetic mutations that contribute to schizophrenia susceptibility," continues Dr. Mulle.
If this study is any indication of what lies ahead, a great deal of the missing heritability of complex disorders may be revealed by studying CNVs. "Such rare deletions may be the single most fruitful approach to begin to unravel the mechanism of schizophrenia (and other disorders) as they illuminate genes that provide the substrate for further study," concludes Warren.


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My on-line friend Colin Wee, 6th Dan TKD, has proposed an Anti-Bullying Blogging Carnival. As I used to be bullied a lot back in far distant school days, I thought this was a good idea, so this is my contribution to the Carnival.
The obvious answer the title question is of course, YES, traditional martial arts can help somebody who is being bullied; but there are some limitations that need to be taken into consideration.
For somebody just starting their training, traditional martial arts can take quite a while to learn up to a proficient standard. Something like Kickboxing is simpler and can be learnt to a proficient level considerably quicker. Confidence is quickly gained when hitting an actual target (like focus mitts or punchbag). Traditional martial arts may have more depth and include a much greater range of techniques and capabilities (grappling, pressure points, grab releases, etc); but the emphasis on perfecting technique makes them more difficult and slower to learn.
For somebody who is being physically bullied NOW, taking up traditional martial arts alone may be a bit slow to produce results.
Another factor which is much more important however is the pre-fight build up and the emotional response to the threat of violence, which is often overlooked in traditional martial arts. A fight can be won or lost before the first punch/kick is even thrown by one person intimidating the other and undermining their confidence. Bullies routinely use this tactic as part of their build up; be it name calling, threatening, minor pushing around; all testing the response and intimidating their victim into a feeling of helplessness and fear. This loss of confidence and fear leads to hesitations and even freezing at a critical moment making it even easier for the bully to dominate in a physical conflict as the victim can become too scared to even fight back.
Simplistically put, the bully psyches them-self up, whilst the victim is psyched down.
Some instructors who have been in a number of altercations in their younger days assume that the pre-fight stage is a matter of common sense once you know how to fight. It may be common sense to somebody who has actually had experience at real fighting. But it is not common sense to somebody who has not been in that position before and hasn't had that experience. It certainly is not common sense to somebody who has been routinely bullied and has developed an ingrained behaviour pattern of backing down and acting passively when threatened, they just don't know anything else. When under this type of pressure, blood goes to the limbs (for fight or flight) and away from the brain. Therefore the brain does not think very clearly and relies on instincts and experience. If the last experience when being bullied was to act passively, then the chances are that they will act passively again. Not always, sometimes they snap and go for it, but in most cases they will do more or less the same as before.
Many years ago, whilst rising up through the coloured belts in my Karate, I trained hard, was naturally flexible and had good technique for my grade. However, when sparring or entering in a competition I would often not do very well, even when I was faster, sharper and had better technique than the person that I was facing. I realised later that it was because I was not very aggressive and had a passive nature. Yes, I was bullied a lot at school and no, I didn't really stick up for myself.
So if I was not doing well in the relative safety of sparring and competition, what would have happened if I'd been involved in a street fight?
Many traditional martial arts give little consideration to the pre-fight stages of the conflict and how to deal with it emotionally or psychologically. Many systems do include pre-arranged sparring routines which can be used to work this area and include emotional intensity/pressure. When you face somebody who is going to come in at you fast and strong and if you don't block, side step or evade, they'll take your head off; then you do get used to dealing with the adrenaline and fear but it can take a long time.
Shortly after passing my black belt I was sparring with my Sensei. Whilst he obviously got the better of me, I stood my ground quite well and made it work for it. He said to me afterwards with a little smile, "what happened to that green belt that I used to be able to kick all around the dojo"?
Traditional martial arts training had made a big difference to me mentally and emotionally and by the time I had obtained my black belt I had overcome much of my limitations caused by my passive nature. However, it had taken me nearly 4 years to get there. For somebody who is being bullied NOW, that is a long time.
This is why I am in favour of reality based training which uses scenarios to de-sensitize people to the threats, abuse and taunts, and teaches them to function even under the effects of adrenaline and fear. Humans always learn much more quickly when in an emotional state, which is why reality based training gets very quick results and change that freeze reaction to an active response. As mentioned above, when under pressure the brain losses blood and relies on experience. If you can simulate a realistic experience where the victim takes action (be it assertive verbal behaviour to dissuade an attacker, or actual physical fighting back), then that becomes the default experience the next time that person is in that situation.
One of the first times I did this kind on training there was a young lady who was a reasonably high grade in Taekwondo. When the trainer (as part of the training scenario) venomously called her a "f***ing bitch", she started to cry. She had obviously been through some abusive experiences in the past, but her traditional martial arts training had not prepared her to emotionally deal with this simple abuse and she went straight into the old ingrained behaviour pattern. However, she continued the exercise and learnt a new response to take away with her, so I applaud her courage for sticking with it. She took a bigger step forward that day than the rest of us.
I would warn however, that although learning under heightened emotional pressure produces quick results, it also hard-wires the response. So if you overcome the "freeze" response but swing wildly, then the wild swinging could become your hard wired (and not very effective) response. This is why I believe that scenario based training (reality based training) is very beneficial, but it should be used sparingly and should NOT become the default training method. Traditional martial arts are the best way to obtain the best long term results, but if you don't have the time, then you need a little extra.


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Nepal Mission-Green & Confetti Ribbons
Our gorgeous Nepal glass beaded bracelets are meticulously handmade by women artisans who pay close attention to the design, color and overall quality of each bracelet. Look for our signature red bead!
- Glass beads
- Fits wrists 6"-7.5"
- Measures 8"
- One size fits most
Made in Nepal.


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Approximately 5,000 feet Above Sea Level Wind Map
The earth project is a visualization of global weather conditions forecast by supercomputers updated every three hours. You can click anywhere on the map to see point values or drag the map around to see different parts of the world.
More information on the earth project can be found at earth Project


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We (java developers) have accepted over the years java.io.ObjectInputStream & java.io.ObjectOutputStream being slow when dealing with writeObject operations.
We then started using Externalizable objects as a faster approach for serialization, but even that way was slow when using writeObject operations inside externalizable classes.
Recently we discovered that most of the problems in JavaSerialization are related to static synchronized caching, what causes CPU spikes and also diminishes scaling capabilities.
With JBossSerialization we have done internal benchmarks and we have realized at least 2 times faster serialization with this library. These benchmarks are commited into our CVS repository (as testcases) and they are publicly available.
The main feature in JBossSerialization besides performance, is Smart Cloning.
Smart cloning is the capability of the reuse of final fields among different class loaders doing exactly what serialization does, without the need of convert every field into a byteArray.
This approach is at least 10 times faster than using serialization over a byte array.
Using JBossSerialization is very simple:
Instead of instantiating ObjectOutputStream and ObjectInputStream, you would instantiate JBossObjectInputStream and JBossObjectOutputStream (org.jboss.serial.io). You will also have to add jboss-serialization.jar to your classpath.
Everything from the specification is then respected.
The only exceptions are:
- We are using a different protocol as we are focusing in performance (e.g. Smart Cloning ), so that requires the object being serialized and deserialized with JBossSerialization classes.
- You can serialize classes that are not implementing Serializable, although that's a feature as you can enable that checking.
It works on Java 1.4 and beyond.
JBossSerialization is distributed under LGPL and the source code is available at JBoss SVN.


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Product Summary
Locks from dormakaba convince with their high quality and durable functional security. Nearly all technical requirements can be satisfied with these high-quality materials, the careful manufacturing and comprehensive quality management.
- Easy installation based on uniform dimensions
- Durable functional security
- Intelligent equipment details
- National and international certifications
Product Details
Welcome to the safe side
dormakaba locks offer compelling benefits thanks to assured high quality and functional integrity combining with long service lifetimes.
With high-grade materials, careful manufacturing and a comprehensive quality management system, these products are able to satisfy virtually all the technical requirements likely to arise. Conforming to DIN 18251 and EN 12209, dormakaba locks offer unbeatable performance, convenience, safety and security.
Reliability and engineering excellence
Whichever solution you opt for, you can be sure that absolute reliability and engineering excellence will be included as standard.
Benefits for the trade/distributor
- The package contains the mortise lock with screws and strike plate
- Non-handed lock version to reduce stocking requirements
- Identical fixing screws for lock and strike plate simplify material management
- Having been assigned category of use grade 2 and 3 per EN 12209, the locks can also be reliably installed in buildings subject to heavy pedestrian traffic frequencies
- Single-source dormakaba supply for optimized handling
NB: Not approved for fire-rated doors in Germany
Benefits for the installer/fabricator
- dormakaba locks offer precision combined with simple installation in standard door sections
- dormakaba locks exhibit consistently uniform sizes and are interchangeable both within and across each series
- Latch handing can be reversed without the need for a tool, making dormakaba locks universally applicable
- With their robust, maintenance-free lock mechanism,dormakaba locks offer a long service life, even under tough operating conditions
- dormakaba locks can be commonly used with standard fittings, e.g. standard lever handles, profile cylinders, roses / escutcheons / backplates etc.
- dormakaba locks are subject to strict quality requirements and are tested and certified according to EN 12209; for applications with increased security requirements, the locks are tested and certified in accordance with national and international standards
Benefits for the architect/specifier
- The high-quality satin stainless steel surface finish satisfies very high demands with respect to the appearance of the door furniture
Can't find what you're looking for?
Contact us


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Curvature of the spine, even slight, can cause pain and postural problems. When the curve is more than 10 degrees, it is considered to be scoliosis.
The primary symptom of scoliosis is a significant curvature of the spine and is the majority of cases the cause is not known. Even mild cases can cause pain and a decrease in mobility.
In more advanced cases the effects of the condition are more pronounced. Chiropractic has been a regular course of therapy for many scoliosis patients and recent studies provide even more evidence that it is highly effective and that there are many benefits to using it as a treatment.
Detection of Scoliosis in Early Stages
Typically, slight curvatures in the spine are ignored in traditional medicine. Many times scoliosis is not diagnosed until the curvature presents significant distortion, pain, or indications of structural destruction.
Chiropractic treatment enables early detection by identifying minor degrees of curvature or distortion. This essentially has the probability of detecting scoliosis at an early enough stage to halt progression of the condition or treat it before the symptoms negatively impact the patient's mobility or quality of life.
Relieve Pain and Mobility Caused by Scoliosis
Pain and mobility can be debilitating for the scoliosis patient. While there is no solid evidence at this time that supports chiropractic as a cure for significant scoliosis but it also has not been shown to worsen the curvatures either. However, adjustments of the spine through chiropractic treatment, both pain and mobility have been shone to improve.
Studies are currently being conducted and some recent research suggests that chiropractic can significantly improve the pain and mobility caused by scoliosis, as well as help with other symptoms the patient may have.
Improvement in Cobb Angle
Cobb angle is a term used to describe the degree of spinal deformities a patient experiences. It is broadly used to describe spinal damage due to injury or disease, but it is also commonly used to describe the curvature of a scoliosis patient's spine. This measurement is used to track progression of the condition and determine what therapies or treatments are required.
In a study published in September 2011, 28 patients were evaluated and monitored in two clinics in Michigan. All patients, ranging from age 18 to 54, had been diagnosed with scoliosis. The study involved exposing the subjects to regular, consistent multimodal chiropractic rehabilitation treatment over a period of time. Once their treatment cycle was complete, the patients were monitored or a period of 24 months.
At the conclusion of the study, the patients reported improvement in pain and mobility. Additionally, the Cobb angle of each patient as well as the level of disability improved during the treatments and at the conclusion of the treatment cycle. What was most remarkable, though, was that in the subsequent follow ups, even at the end of the study 24 months later, the patients were still reporting these improvements.
Current Studies
Charles A Lantz, D.C., Ph.D. of the Life Chiropractic College West in San Lorenzo, California, where he is the Director of Research, is currently involved in a research project studying the effectiveness of chiropractic for scoliosis in children. The subjects range from 9 years old to 15 years old and have been diagnosed with scoliosis at a mild to moderate level (curve is less than 25).
Lantz embarked on this project to answer a need for more research on the topic. Currently, there are few formal research endeavors regarding scoliosis and chiropractic as an effective treatment. In 1994, Lantz published an article in the October issue of Chiropractic: The Journal of Chiropractic: Research and Clinical Investigation, Volume 9, Number 4. The article, titled Conservative Management of Scoliosis, stressed Lantz's observation that more clinical trials are needed to be conducted for adults as well as adolescents with scoliosis to study and measure how chiropractic benefits scoliosis.
This article is copyrighted by Blogging Chiros LLC for its Doctor of Chiropractic members and may not be copied or duplicated in any manner including printed or electronic media, regardless of whether for a fee or gratis without the prior written permission of Blogging Chiros, LLC.


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Your Family Eye Doctor Cares About Your Health
Each of us inherits a wealth of traits from our parents, grandparents and previous generations. But sometimes, there are some less desirable characteristics in one's genetic code and family history that we inherit along with the good.
Genetics play a vital role in eye health, so knowing what conditions and diseases are found in your family tree can clue in your eye doctor to your personal risk factors and overall health.
Genetics and Eye Disease
Most eye diseases have multiple causes, but more than 350 eye diseases and conditions have a clear genetic component. Below, we outline the most common eye conditions that can develop primarily, or in part, due to your genes.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness around the world and results from both genetic and environmental factors. Glaucoma causes permanent damage to your optic nerve, impacting the visual signals sent from the eye to the brain, resulting in 'Tunnel Vision.' Having a family member who's been diagnosed with glaucoma increases your chances of developing the disease by 4 to 9 times. Family history is also valuable in predicting one's chances of becoming blind from glaucoma and the rate of its progression.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is another sight-threatening eye disease that tends to run in families. AMD causes significant loss of vision due to damage to your central vision. In fact, about 1 in 5 patients with AMD will also have an affected sibling or parent. Having a close relative with AMD also makes a person about 4 times more likely to develop the late, more serious stage of the condition.
Genetics are also partially responsible for the development of cataracts, the clouding of your natural lens, inside the eye. Research published in IOVS (July 2001) found that up to 58% of age-related cataracts are due to genetics, while the rest of the cases are due to environmental factors and eye injuries.
Diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects the retinal health of diabetics, is another example of an eye disease that one can inherit. A study published in Current Genomics estimates that a person's genes account for 20-25% of their risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, as well as how quickly it progresses.
Less common eye conditions are also linked to genetics. About 4 out of 10 people with strabismus (crossed eyes) have a relative with the same condition. Amblyopia (lazy eye), myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism and hyperopia (farsightedness) also tend to run in families.
Regular Eye Exams are Crucial For Eye Health
The good news is that even if you have a family history of eye disease, it doesn't guarantee you'll have the same diagnosis. As a matter of fact, lifestyle can play a massive role in maintaining your visual health.
Consuming an eye-healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy body weight, refraining from smoking and getting enough sleep have all been shown to mitigate the risk of certain eye diseases. But the best thing you can do for your eyes is to schedule yearly eye exams with your optometrist to help catch eye disease early in its tracks before significant vision loss develops. This is especially relevant for those having family members with any sort of eye disease or condition.
At Professional Eye Care of West Orange, we work together with our patients to preserve and protect their eyesight and eye health for a lifetime.
To schedule your comprehensive eye exam, call Professional Eye Care of West Orange in West Orange today!
Q: Do I need to have my eyes checked if I don't have any visual problems or a family history of eye disease?
- A: Yes. Many serious eye diseases like glaucoma and AMD typically begin without any warning signs or symptoms. The only way to detect the onset of such diseases is by having a thorough and comprehensive eye evaluation. Many eye conditions can start at any age, making yearly eye exams important for all.
Q: Which lifestyle factors contribute to the onset and progression of eye diseases and conditions?
- A: Each disease has its own set of environmental risk factors, but there are a few common denominators. Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and severe nutrient deficiencies can all harm eye health. Risk factors for nearsightedness include excessive near work (reading, looking at a digital screen) and not enough time spent outdoors. Speak with your optometrist about how your lifestyle may be impacting your eyes.
Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Professional Eye Care of West Orange for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.


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King James Version
Psalm 145
1 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.
6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.
7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
10 All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.
11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;
12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.
16 Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.


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Media Options
- Piero Gleijesesprofessor of American foreign policy at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University and author of the book, Visions of Freedom: Havana, Washington, Pretoria, and the Struggle for Southern Africa, 1976-1991.
As the world focuses on Tuesday's historic handshake between President Obama and Cuban President Raúl Castro, we look back at the pivotal role Cuba played in ending apartheid and why Castro was one of only five world leaders invited to speak at Nelson Mandela's memorial. In the words of Mandela, the Cubans 'destroyed the myth of the invincibility of the white oppressor … [and] inspired the fighting masses of South Africa.' Historian Piero Gleijeses argues that it was Cuba's victory in Angola in 1988 that forced Pretoria to set Namibia free and helped break the back of apartheid South Africa. We speak to Gleijeses about his new book, "Visions of Freedom: Havana, Washington, Pretoria, and the Struggle for Southern Africa, 1976-1991," and play archival footage of Mandela meeting Fidel Castro in Cuba.
NERMEEN SHAIKH: We turn now to the historic moment Tuesday when President Barack Obama shook hands with Cuban President Raúl Castro as both men participated in the memorial service for anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela in South Africa. The White House said the handshake was unscripted. It marked the first time a U.S. president has shaken hands with a Cuban leader since 2000. In Washington, Republicans expressed outrage over the exchange. During a hearing in the House, Republican Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida sparred with Secretary of State John Kerry, who said it did not represent any change in U.S. policy toward Cuba.
REP. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN: Mr. Secretary, sometimes a handshake is just a handshake. But when the leader of the free world shakes the bloody hand of a ruthless dictator like Raúl Castro, it becomes a propaganda coup for the tyrant. Raúl Castro uses that hand to sign the orders to repress and jail democracy advocates. In fact, right now, as we speak, Cuban opposition leaders are being detained, and they're being beaten while trying to commemorate today, which is International Human Rights Day. They will feel disheartened when they see these photos. Could you please tell the Cuban people living under that repressive regime that a handshake nonwithstanding, the U.S. policy toward the cruel and sadistic Cuban dictatorship has not weakened? Thank you.
SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY: Ladies and gentlemen, today is about honoring Nelson Mandela. And the president is at an international funeral with leaders from all over the world. He didn't choose who's there. They're there to honor Mandela. And we appreciate that people from all over the world and from all different beliefs and walks of life who appreciated Nelson Mandela and/or were friends of his came to honor him. And I think, as the president said—I urge you to go read his speech, or if you didn't see it or haven't read it, because the president said in his speech today honoring Nelson Mandela, he said, "We urge leaders to honor Mandela's struggle for freedom by upholding the basic human rights of their people"—
REP. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN: And would you say Raúl Castro is upholding their basic human rights?
SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY: No, absolutely not.
AMY GOODMAN: The uproar over President Obama's handshake with President Raúl Castro has drawn attention to the close relationship between the South African anti-apartheid movement and Cuba. In 1991, Nelson Mandela visited Cuba with then-President Fidel Castro. This is a clip when they first met.
NELSON MANDELA: Before we say anything, you must tell me when you are coming to South Africa. You see—no, just a moment, just a moment, just a moment.
PRESIDENT FIDEL CASTRO: [translated] The sooner the better.
NELSON MANDELA: And we have had a visit from a wide variety of people. And our friend, Cuba, which had helped us in training our people, gave us resources to keep current with our struggle, trained our people as doctors, and SWAPO, you have not come to our country. When are you coming?
PRESIDENT FIDEL CASTRO: [translated] I haven't visited my South African homeland yet. I want it, I love it as a homeland. I love it as a homeland as I love you and the South African people.
AMY GOODMAN: Well, for more on Cuba's key role in the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa, we're joined now in Washington, D.C., by Piero Gleijeses, professor of American foreign policy at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. He uses archival sources from the United States, South Africa and Cuba to provide an unprecedented look at the history in his latest book, Visions of Freedom: Havana, Washington, Pretoria, and the Struggle for Southern Africa, 1976-1991_. You can read the book's prologuepretoria on our website at democracynow.org.
Professor Gleijeses, welcome to Democracy Now! Talk about this key relationship, why Cuba was so seminal to the anti-apartheid movement.
PIERO GLEIJESES: Cuba is the only country in the world that sent its soldiers to confront the army of apartheid and defeated the army of apartheid, the South African army, twice—in 1975, 1976, and in 1988. And in Havana, when he visited Havana in July 1991—I won't to be able to repeat exactly the words of Nelson Mandela, but Nelson Mandela said, "The Cuban victory," referring to the Cuban victory over the South Africans in Angola in 1988, "destroyed the myth of the invincibility of the white oppressor and inspired the fighting masses of South Africa. Cuito Cuanavale," which is a victory of the Cubans in Angola, "is the turning point in the liberation of our continent and of my people from the scourge of apartheid." So, in—
AMY GOODMAN: For a country that knows very little, Professor Gleijeses, about the Cuban experience, its military intervention in Angola, can you step back for a moment and explain what President Castro—what Fidel Castro and these Cuban soldiers did?
PIERO GLEIJESES: Sure. In 1975, you have the decolonization of Angola, Portuguese colony slated to become independent on November 11, 1975. There is a civil war between three movements: one supported by the Cubans, the Cubans that supported over the years in its struggle against the Portuguese; the other two supported by South Africa and the United States. And the movement supported by the Cubans, the MPLA, which is in power in Angola today, having won free election, was on the verge of winning the civil war. And it was on the verge of winning the civil war—a paraphrase from what the CIA station chief in Angola at the time told me—because it was the most committed movement with the best leaders, the best program. And in order to prevent their victory, the victory of the MPLA, in October 1975, urged by Washington, South Africa invaded. And the South African troops advanced on Luanda, and they would have taken Luanda and crushed the MPLA if Fidel Castro had not decided to intervene. And between November 1975 and April 1976, 3,6000 Cuban soldiers poured into Angola and pushed the South Africans back into Namibia, which South Africa ruled at the time.
And this had an immense psychological impact—talking of South Africa—in South Africa, both among whites and among blacks. And the major black South African newspaper, The World, wrote in an editorial in February 1976, at a moment in which the South African troops were still in Angola, but the Cubans were pushing them back—they had evacuated central Angola. They were in southern Angola. The writing was on the wall. And this newspaper, The World, wrote, "Black Africa is riding the crest of a wave generated by the Cuban victory in Angola. Black Africa is tasting the heady wine of the possibility of achieving total liberation." And Mandela wrote that he was in jail in 1975 when he learned about the arrival of the Cuban troops in Angola, and it was the first time then a country had come from another continent not to take something away, but to help Africans to achieve their freedom.
This was the first real contribution of Cuba to the liberation of South Africa. It was the first time in living memory that the White Giants, the army of apartheid, had been forced to retreat. And they had retreated because of a non-white army. And in a situation of internal colonialism, this is extremely important. And after that, the Cubans remained in Angola to protect Angola from the South African army. Even the CIA acknowledged that the Cubans were the guarantee for the independence of Angola. And in Angola, they trained the ANC, the African National Congress, of Mandela. And very close relations developed between the two. I don't know if you want me to go on and talk about the next moment, or you want to interrupt me with some questions.
NERMEEN SHAIKH: Yes, Professor Piero Gleijeses, if you could speak specifically about the role of Che Guevara in Africa?
PIERO GLEIJESES: Yeah, Che Guevara had nothing to do with South Africa. The role—
NERMEEN SHAIKH: In Africa, though, in the Congo and Angola.
PIERO GLEIJESES: Yes, I understand. The role of Che Guevara in 1964, 1965—in late 1964, Che Guevara was sent by Fidel Castro as Fidel Castro's top representative to Sub-Saharan Africa—it was the first visit by a top Cuban leader to Sub-Saharan Africa—because the Cubans believed that there was a revolutionary situation in central Africa, and they wanted to help. And Che Guevara established relations with a number of revolutionary movements. One of them, the MPLA, the Movement for the Liberation of Angola, that was based in Congo-Brazzaville. And in 1965, the first Cubans fought in Angolan territory together with the MPLA. But the major role played by Che Guevara is that he led a group of Cubans into Congo, the former Belgian Congo, where there was a revolt by the followers of the late Lumumba against the central government enforced by the United States. And the United States had created an army of white mercenaries, the White Giants, mainly South African and Rhodesians and then Europeans, to crush this revolt. And the Cubans went at the request of the rebels, at the request of the government of Egypt, Algeria and Tanzania to help the rebels.
AMY GOODMAN: Uh—
PIERO GLEIJESES: And—yes?
AMY GOODMAN: Professor, I wanted to go back to Angola—
PIERO GLEIJESES: Yes.
AMY GOODMAN: —and this time bring in former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. This is Kissinger explaining why the U.S. was concerned about the Cuban troops that Fidel Castro had sent to fight in Angola. After Kissinger, you'll hear Fidel Castro himself.
SECRETARY OF STATE HENRY KISSINGER: We thought, with respect to Angola, that if the Soviet Union could intervene at such distances, from areas that were far from the traditional Russian security concerns, and when Cuban forces could be introduced into distant trouble spots, and if the West could not find a counter to that, that then the whole international system could be destabilized.
PRESIDENT FIDEL CASTRO: [translated] It was a question of globalizing our struggle vis-à-vis the globalized pressures and harassment of the U.S. In this respect, it did not coincide with the Soviet viewpoint. We acted, but without their cooperation. Quite the opposite.
AMY GOODMAN: That was President Fidel Castro and, before that, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger from the film CIA & Angolan Revolution. Professor Gleijeses?
PIERO GLEIJESES: OK, two points. One, Kissinger didn't mention that the Cubans intervened in response to the South African invasion and that the United States had connived with the South Africans and urged the South Africans to invade. So here, there is a rather important issue of chronology.
The second point is that in the last volume of his memoirs, Kissinger, who in general is a very arrogant person, acknowledges that he made a mistake. And the mistake he made was in saying that the Cubans had intervened as proxies of the Soviet Union. And he writes in his memoirs that actually it had been a Cuban decision and that the Cubans had intervened and confronted the Soviets with a fait accompli. And then he asks a question in his memoirs: Why did Castro take this decision? And Kissinger's answer is that Fidel Castro was probably—I'm quoting—"was probably the most genuine revolutionary leader then in power." So, there are two Kissingers, if you want, and there is the Kissinger of his memoirs, where he says a few things that actually are true.
AMY GOODMAN: Piero Gleijeses, what do you make of the furor right now? You just heard Congressmember Lehtinen from Florida attacking John Kerry, you know, the significance of the handshake between President Obama and President Raúl Castro right there at the Soweto stadium at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela.
PIERO GLEIJESES: I think it's pathetic and reflects the ethics of the United States and the policy of the United States. Obama, President Obama, was received with applause in South Africa when he spoke, etc., because he is the first black president of the United States. But the role of the United States as a country, as a government, past governments, in the struggle for liberation of South Africa is a shameful role. In general, we were on the side of the apartheid government. And the role of Cuba is a splendid role in favor of the liberation. This handshake—going beyond this particular issue, the handshake was long overdue. The embargo is absurd, is immoral. And we have here a president who bowed to the king of South Africa—of Saudi Arabia, I'm sorry, which certainly is no democracy. I mean, even Obama should know it. So it's an absurd situation. The problem with Obama is that his speeches are good, his gestures are good, but there is no follow-up. So, unfortunately, it is just a gesture, a long-overdue gesture that does not change a shameful U.S. policy.
NERMEEN SHAIKH: Professor Piero Gleijeses, before we conclude, let's turn to Fidel Castro speaking in South Africa on his visit in 1998.
PRESIDENT FIDEL CASTRO: [translated] Let South Africa be a model of a more just and more humane future. If you can do it, we will all be able to do it.
NERMEEN SHAIKH: That was Fidel Castro speaking in 1998 in South Africa, with former president, who just passed away, Nelson Mandela applauding him. Piero Gleijeses, we just have a minute. Could you talk about what most surprised you in your research in the Cuban archives about this history?
PIERO GLEIJESES: Well, there are a lot of things. One is the independence of Cuban policy vis-à-vis the Soviet Union. There are clashes between Fidel Castro and Gorbachev. There are clashes between the leaders of the Cuban military mission in Angola and the Soviet leaders, which I quote actually in my book and which make really fascinating reading. This is one thing.
But another thing that impressed me very much is the respect with which the Cubans treated the Angolan government. This is very important, because the Angolan government really depended on Cuba for its survival, the presence of the Cuban troops as a shield against South African invasion, which was a constant threat, and the very large and generous technical assistance that Cuba was providing to Angola. And the tendency would be to treat a government that's so dependent with some kind of superiority. And this is something I've never found in international relations, this kind of respect with which Cuba treated what, by all objective counts, should have been a client government. And it's particularly striking for someone who studies the United States and lives in the United States, because seriously the United States government does not treat government that depends on Washington with much respect.
AMY GOODMAN: Piero Gleijeses, thank you so much for being with us.
PIERO GLEIJESES: My pleasure.
AMY GOODMAN: Professor of American foreign policy at SAIS, the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. We will post the prologue of your book on our website. The book is just out; it's called Visions of Freedom: Havana, Washington, Pretoria, and the Struggle for Southern Africa, 1976-1991, just published by University of North Carolina Press. Go to democracynow.org to read that prologue. When we come back, we'll talk about Russia and gay and lesbian policy. Stay with us.


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Gavin Fletcher of Bonython got quite a surprise when the "ball of rope rolling around" on a walking track turned out to be two of Australia's most venomous snakes locked in a deadly duel.
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It was a warm evening last week and he had taken his seven-year-old son, Jack, fishing at Stranger Pond when they stumbled upon a brown snake eating a red-bellied black snake.
"It was just on the track, we'd been fishing down there for 15 or 20 minutes and we decided to change spots … when we turned around he was right behind us," he said.
"I didn't realise it was snakes, it was Jack who said 'is that a snake over there' … he's got a bit of a fascination with snakes – we both do – so he's always on the lookout."
They watched on as the brown snake, which Mr Fletcher estimated to be about five-feet long, overpowered then ate the much smaller red-bellied black snake.
"The red-bellied black was obviously trying to get out and get away, but I think once the venom took hold he stopped wriggling and that was it for him – it was just a matter of time before he got eaten.
Antony Pezzella, owner of the Gold Creek Canberra Reptile Zoo, said a snake eating another snake was not all that uncommon, despite reptiles' usual preference for mammals.
"Most of the Australian snakes are known to eat reptiles if they get the opportunity," he said.
"The red bellies are more likely to be eating the browns; the red bellies normally eat frogs as a specialty, and so the majority of the time you would find the red belly would eat the brown snake but … if the brown is a good deal bigger than the red-belly, there's a good chance he'll try and eat him."
Canberra Nature Park North District senior ranger Nina Bruns said on warm days snakes tended to seek shade and water like any animal, which can spell trouble for Canberrans heading to water holes or natural pools.
"People need to be very vigilant in the summer months regarding snakes, in particular the bush capital of Canberra," she said.
Ms Bruns urged ACT residents heading to outdoor swimming spots in the territory to watch out for overgrown areas and make sure they can see around themselves.
"Snakes might bask in the sun but on really, really hot days they seek shelter like everyone else so they might be in the grassy areas and they might go for a swim themselves," she said.
Adam Samios of Bruce found that out the hard way; he was hospitalised overnight after being bitten by a snake while fishing at Lake Ginninderra.
"I stepped back and felt a scratch on my leg. I looked down and there was red belly black snake. I took myself back to hospital and I spent the rest of the day and the next day there.
Ms Bruns warned snakes can be found throughout the suburbs of Canberra, particularly near houses with bushy native gardens or frog ponds, but she said there was still only a slim chance that Canberrans would actually encounter a snake.
"They're very shy animals. People just need to be aware that they could be around," she said.
"Don't provoke snakes, don't try and interfere with them in any way because that's usually when people are bitten; when they're trying to kill them or move them along. They just need to leave them well alone."
In the unlikely event that you or someone you know is bitten by a snake, Ms Bruns said the most important thing is that you remain still.
"The nearest person to them should call an ambulance and they should find a cool place to lay down and stay still. Staying still is of the utmost importance," she said. "There's no need to identify the snake either. Don't wash the wound."


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Mary Queen of Scots: Early Life
Early Life
Born at Linlithgow in Dec., 1542, Mary became queen of Scotland on the death of her father only 6 days later. Mary of Guise betrothed her daughter to the French dauphin (later Francis II) and sent the girl to France in 1548 to be brought up by her powerful relatives the Guise family. In 1558, Mary and Francis were married under an agreement that would unite the crowns of Scotland and France if the union produced male issue. At the same time Mary signed a secret contract that bequeathed Scotland to France should she die without issue. The young couple was crowned in 1559, but Francis died the following year. The accession of Charles IX in France led to the fall of Mary's Guise uncles. This situation, together with the recent death of her own mother, prompted Mary to return to Scotland in 1561.
As a Frenchwoman and a Catholic, Mary faced a nation of hostile subjects, but her charm and beauty quickly won over many lords and commoners. She took as her principal counselors her illegitimate half-brother James Stuart (later earl of Murray) and William Maitland, both friends of England, thus dispelling fears of a return of French interference in Scottish affairs. She also accepted the establishment of the Presbyterian Church and, under pressure from John Knox and his associates, consented to certain laws against Catholics. She refused, however, to abandon the Mass in her own chapel or to approve a law for compulsory attendance at Protestant services.
Sections in this article:
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: British and Irish History: Biographies


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UPS Buyer's Guide
This UPS buyer's guide was developed to answer some of the basic questions organizations have about UPS systems.
What is a UPS?
A UPS, or uninterruptible power supply, is a device which provides emergency power to IT equipment when the primary power source is interrupted or fails.
A UPS is a limited duration power source which enables you to:
- Ride through a short power outage
- Provide time for a generator to kick in
- Allow for orderly shutdown of IT equipment
- Additionally, many UPS systems offer complete power conditioning to protect the connected equipment from power anomalies
Whether your IT equipment is in an IDF room or a large data center, a UPS is an important part of your availability, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans.
Why Does My IT Infrastructure Need a UPS?
The impact from technology failure and downtime can be significant and far reaching: customers can't place orders online, employees can't work, airplanes can't fly, and the reliability of your brand is at stake.
Without a UPS, power failures can cause significant business interruption:
- System failure
- Equipment damage
- Data loss
- And, for healthcare entities, potential HIPAA violations
Common Features of UPS Systems
Energy Storage Systems
Providing backup power to critical loads requires a UPS and an energy storage solution like batteries or flywheels.
Considerations of energy storage include:
- Runtime
- Power denisity
- Footprint
- Weight
- Reliability
- Cost
- Operating temperature
Energy storage solutions Include:
- VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid) batteries are sometimes called sealed lead-acid (SLA), gel cell, or maintenance free battery. VRLA batteries are rechargeable and are considered low-maintenance, but still require regular cleaning and testing.
- Lithium Ion Batteries are a viable alternative to VRLA technologies. Lithium-ion batteries have a significantly longer life span, require less maintenance and service, and have a much smaller footprint – allowing floor space to be dedicated cooling requirements, resulting in lower operating costs.
- Flywheels are a battery-less solution. They deploy kinetic energy (created by an internal rotating mass), which can be utilized to provide power. Flywheels can be connected in parallel to increase power and runtime. For those who wish to lessen their dependency on batteries, and who do not require longer runtimes, flywheels may be a better option.
Power Protection
Electricity flowing through power lines can cause irregularities such as swells, sags, spikes, and other power anomalies. In environments with voltage issues, frequently switching to battery can drain reserve power and ultimately shortens UPS battery life. Some line interactive UPS systems can detect power issues and correct them without using battery power.
Additionally, most UPS devices shield sensitive equipment from damaging power surges which may damage equipment, and cause data loss.
Monitoring Solutions
Battery Monitoring Systems
Battery monitoring systems fit inside or on top of your UPS cabinet and identify potential problems such as cell voltage, overall string voltage, current, and temperature.
If the batteries exceed set thresholds, IT managers can take the proactive action of replacing the bad battery before it affects the others in the string, or before it causes complete string failure.
Monitoring Software
Monitoring software like Trellis or SiteScan helps identify battery problems before they impact operations.
You can rely on up-to-date, comprehensive data about devices and equipment locations, current capacities and power usage to confidently implement installs and changes without compromising availability.
Power Supply
Selecting an appropriate UPS power-distribution system is essential to ensure availability of critical applications. UPS systems are categorized into two power distribution types:
- Supplies ample power for most smaller customers, including small, non-industrial businesses, or small IT sites
- Adequate for running motors up to about 5 horsepower; a single-phase motor draws significantly more current than the equivalent 3-phase motor
- Common in large businesses, as well as industries which require high-density and power
- Allows for smaller, less expensive wiring and lower voltages, making it safer and less expensive to run
UPS Topology
The types of uninterruptible power supply systems are defined by how power moves through the unit:
Standby or Off-Line System
The AC input is filtered through the unit and past the transfer switch at the output point.
When an input power failure happens, the battery and the inverter (converts the battery's DC power to AC) are activated and power the output.
Standby uninterruptible power supply systems are relatively low-cost and efficient, work best in applications under 2kVA, and are frequently used for personal computers and workstations.
Line-Interactive System
The inverter becomes part of the output and is always on. The inverter can operate in reverse to charge the battery while AC input is normal, and switch to battery power when input fails, which provides filtering and voltage regulation.
The line-interactive UPS is a highly reliable and efficient system, and is well-suited for small business, web, and departmental servers, though it becomes impractical in applications over 5kVA.
On-Line Double Conversion
For higher voltage applications, the inverter is the primary power path instead of the AC input. Used with above 10kVA, the AC input is converted to DC power to charge the battery, and then flows through the inverter, which converts it back to AC for output.
This eliminates any spikes or dips from the input, but lowers efficiency and increases heat generation as well as wear on components.
Small to large data centers, critical systems that require UPS support for entire facilities.
UPS Applications
UPS models come in a variety of specifications to provide the right fit for applications from desktop workstations to enterprise data centers. To understand the basic categories of UPS equipment, let's look at some common server and desktop UPS models.
Desktop UPS
Desktop UPS models supply power to the computer and monitor in the event of a power outage. Many models are rated on the length of time they will provide battery power. Most desktop UPSs provide enough time to save work and properly shut down the CPU. Power output for desktop UPS equipment ranges from 250 VA – 3000 VA.
Type: Single Phase
Topology: Double conversion
Power Capacity: 350-850VA
Input Voltage: 120V
Output Voltage: 120V
Form Design: Desktop
Backup: Flexible backup options
Ideal for: Professional workstations, small routers and bridges, point-of-sale terminals, other sensitive electronics
Server UPS
Server UPS equipment is designed not only with backup time requirements, but also sophisticated power specifications. Some common server UPS specifications include:
- Power output (watts)
- Voltage
- Number of receptacles
- Sine wave power
- Hot-swappable
- Energy savings
- Data line protection
Because server UPS models vary greatly, we've sub-categorized them below.
Rackmount UPS
A rackmount UPS model is designed to fit a standard 19" rack mount. Mounting your UPS in a server rack is a great way to organize your hardware and manage cables. Power output for rackmount UPS equipment ranges from 500 VA – 20 kVA.
Type: Three Phase
Topology: Double conversion
Power Capacity: 800-5,000VA
Input Voltage: 120V
Output Voltage: 120V
Form Design: Rackmount or tower
Backup: Flexible backup options
Ideal for: Professional workstations, small routers and bridges, point-of-sale terminals, other sensitive electronics
Type: Three Phase
Topology: Double conversion
Power Capacity: 8-10kVA
Input Voltage: 208V
Output Voltage: 208V
Form Design: Rackmount or tower
Backup: Flexible backup options
Ideal for: Professional workstations, small routers and bridges, point-of-sale terminals, other sensitive electronics
Type: Single Phase
Topology: On-Line, double conversion
Power Capacity: 500-3000VA
Input Voltage: 60-150V
Output Voltage: 110-125VAC
Form Design: Rack or tower configuration
Backup: Flexible backup options
Ideal for: PCs, Network Stations and Closets, VoIP
Mid-Range UPS
Mid-range UPS equipment is best used in applications like a small business data center, critical systems operation, or any environment which requires UPS support for the entire facility. These UPSs are large enough to require a stand-alone cabinet and include features like touch screen controls and system status at a glance. Power output for mid-range UPS equipment ranges from 10 kVA – 250 kVA.
Type: Three Phase
Topology: Online, Double Conversion
Power Capacity: 10 kVA – 250 KVA
Input Voltage: 208V-480V
Output Voltage: 208V-480V
Form Design: Transformer Free
Backup: Flexible Backup Options
Ideal for: Edge of the network operations, emergency lighting, small to mid-sized IT applications
Enterprise UPS
Enterprise UPS equipment is top of the line offering the most power output, flexibility, and management control. This type of UPS is best with large data centers and critical information environments, like financial and healthcare industries. Models are stand-alone cabinets and range in size depending on capacity and features. Power output for Enterprise UPS equipment ranges from 225 kVA – 1200 kVA.
Type: Three Phase
Topology: Double Conversion, Dynamic Online, ECO Mode
Power Capacity: 625-1200kVA
Input Voltage: 480V
Output Voltage: 480V
Form Design: Transformer Free
Backup: Flexible Backup Options
Ideal for: Large data and mission critical environments like healthcare and financial institutions
How to Choose a UPS
The UPS is an essential element of your power protection strategy, so choosing the right UPS, capable of supplying enough power to meet your goals, is key. Consider these factors:
Understanding the capabilities and limitations of your installation environment is a vital part of power system design and planning process. UPS systems come in different forms.
For example, tower models are compact and typically fit on desks to protect computers whereas rack-mount models are typically used in IDF rooms. Some UPS Models have a rack-tower design which adapts to all types of installations.
Power Requirements
Determine the amount of power needed for critical applications in your infrastructure. The UPS must handle the total electric load of equipment connected to it.
- Any device plugged into your UPS system constitutes a load, and all connected devices are part of the total load. Calculating the total load is important because the UPS system must be powerful enough to handle the wattage. Make sure capacity is sufficient for current load and growth.
- Adding batteries to an existing UPS system can be an efficient approach to backup power. With external battery cabinets, UPS systems can be configured with an hour or more of runtime, providing continuity through all but the most extreme outages.
Battery Runtime
Battery runtime calculates the number of minutes that the UPS can provide battery backup power to connected equipment when an outage occurs. As power capacity increases, runtime decreases.
- UPS systems that rely on the battery to condition power (line interactive) will drain their battery more frequently than UPS systems that condition power through the double-conversion process.
- Consider a UPS system that can work in conjunction with an external battery pack to extend the runtime during a power outage.
- Make sure the UPS has enough battery-protected outlets for your equipment.
Power Protection
For data centers and mission-critical facilities, having a UPS solution with the right power protection is essential for availability.
Some UPS systems have a transient voltage surge suppression (TVSS) circuitry inside which provides protection for the connected equipment from incoming spikes, surges, and other power anomalies present on the incoming utility power source.
Other UPS systems feature a redundant design like a double-conversion, which also helps ensure power is available and running even through power disruptions, fluctuations, and outages.
Uptime Requirements
To ensure continuous availability, consider the Uptime's Institute's Tier Classification System, which helps data center, IT, and facility managers understand the issues related to uptime, and ways to achieve a level of uptime performance appropriate to their business goals.
To determine an appropriate Uptime Tier Level, consider not only how much downtime you can afford, but critical data center functions including: Power, Cooling, Monitoring, Security, and Serviceability.
Products & UPS Features Comparison
When choosing a UPS product, consider these features:
Need Help Selecting the Right UPS?
UPS selection is challenging because there are often competing goals for availability, energy consumption, and cost control.
In today's complex technology environment, the right partner is more important than ever. Our team has years of experience and can help you select the UPS that meets your goals.
Contact us today to learn more about our data center solutions to avoid downtime and increase availability.


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Chin Up, Right To The Ceiling
So, thanks again for the thoughtful words of encouragement. So kind. They really do mean a lot.
My parents seem to have already turned their attentions toward "normal" and are asking about Christmas, getting eager to have yours truly home and to finally meet this boy that I've tricked into liking me. So I'll follow their lead and focus on some happy things on the horizon.
I'm ready to have less showers, too, mainly because our bathroom is truly, truly gross.
A few weeks ago (or maybe a month ago?) we informed our landlord, Charmaine (whom Patrick has dubbed "The Charmaniac"), that the hot water tap in our shower wasn't shutting off properly and that the knob was kind of loose. Well, the knob is now completely useless and we now have to turn the hot water on and off with a pair of pliers. It's like we're this hillbilly couple that considers faucets too "fancy" to be bothered with.
The pliers, however, are only somewhat effective. Try as we might, there is still a little stream of hot water that runs day and night in our shower. This small amount of water manages to heat and steam up the bathroom, making it feel like Humid August Day In Toronto In A Box. It's our own tropical oasis in the winter - complete with - wait for it - vegetation.
Yes kids, I'm referring to the psychedelic ceiling of mold we now enjoy. All the colourful rings paired with whatever poison mold leaches is handing out some heavy tripping potential. Maybe it explains why Patrick enjoys snacking so much. He's, like, the slowest pooper ever which means that he spends way more time in that toxic place than I do. I guess he's just bound to get the munchies.
The Charmaniac has yet to get on with our request. I'm hoping the insane water bill that's coming her way will get her attention.


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Movies come to us, so why go to the movies? Never has this idea loomed larger than in the last few months. And, yet, there is no doubt in the mind of any film maker, of any film industry insider or of any film lover that, when this is all over, people will want to […]
Why Movies Still Need Cinemas
- Post author By Ada Pîrvu
- Post date June 10, 2020
- 1 Comment on Why Movies Still Need Cinemas
- Tags A River Runs Through It, Akiko Stehrenberger, Alessandro De Rosa, Beyond the Hills, Bohemian Rhapsody, Cinema, Crash, Dana Paparuz, Dogtooth, Drive, Ellen Freund, Ennio Morricone: In His Own Words, Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, Funny Games, Her, In the Valley of Elah, interviews, José Luis Rebordinos, Laurence Bennett, Lemonade, Maialen Beloki, Merie Weismiller Wallace, Mystic River, Nebraska, Newton Thomas Sigel, Nocturnal Animals, San Sebastián Film Festival, Sandra Lipski, self-isolation, streaming, The Artist, The Favourite, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, The Lobster, The Tree of Life, The Usual Suspects, The Whistlers, theatre, Vanilla Sky, Vasilis Marmatakis


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Round Gem Ring
- Regular Price
- $ 359.00
- Sale Price
- $ 359.00
- Regular Price
- Unit Price
- per
Gift Packaging & Personalized Note
- Weight: 13 grams
- Setting measures: approximately .75" diameter
- Adjustable band: Etched .25" thick
- Size: Available in sizes 5-9"
- Materials: Organic Gemstone & SwarovskiTM crystals
- Precious base Metal: .925 Sterling Silver
Sterling Finish:
- Gold: 24K Gold dipped
- Dark: Oxidized and/or Black Rhodium dipped
Enjoy Complimentary Shipping on all domestic orders within the Continental USA via USPS Priority (2-6 days) or UPS Ground (1-6 days).
In-Stock Orders: Orders received before 2pm will ship within 1-2 business days. Orders received after 2pm will ship within 2-3 business days.
Out of Stock & Special Orders: We will email you an estimated delivery date. Since each piece is handcrafted by fine jewelers in Europe, please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
No fuss … if the jewelry does not meet your expectations, for whatever reason, please return the merchandise in its original, tagged, and unused condition within 1 week of receipt for a store credit or exchange for a different item.
Wear often and keep free from perfume, hairspray, lotion, water*, and perspiration.
Stones and crystals are breakable thus, strikes and falls should be avoided.
Store in La Costa signature box, pouch, or air-tight container, to keep away from humidity and moisture.
* Water should only be used during the recommended jewelry cleaning process, for less than 40 seconds, and quickly pat dry.


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Coming out of the Middle Ages, Christianity was again in a state of transformation. Christian teachings had taken hold throughout Europe, but the church hierarchy had become political and corrupt. Reformers like Wycliffe, Hus, and Luther sought to return Jesus's teachings to the people. In this last set of talks, Lenny outlines the seeds of the Protestant Reformation, the motivations of the reformers, and the five key points that mark modern Protestant faiths today.
About the Hidden Riches of Christian History Series
The Hidden Riches of Christian History lecture series takes you on a journey of exploration from the Resurrection to the Reformation. Along the way, we will hear remarkable stories and discover incredible insights into some of the most significant people and events that helped shape our faith into the world-transforming force it is today.Part 4 of 6


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Mac/iOS: The next version of virtualization software Parallels, which lets you run Windows software on your Mac, is coming September 6, but current users can upgrade now to get support for Lion features like full screen viewing, simultaneous webcams usage, and more.
Parallels' upgrade page presents a bunch of enhancements and new features that might make the $49.99 upgrade price tag worth it if you need some new features like using iSight and FaceTime cameras in both Windows and Mac apps or want Lion as the guest OS.
According to the company, the new version also boasts speed enhancements (up to 60% faster for launching Windows apps) and more video memory (up to 1GB) for better video quality.
A revamped (since last September) Parallels Mobile app for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad is coming soon too.
New Parallels users can pick up Parallels Desktop 7 for $79.99 starting next week or you can buy PD6 and get the free upgrade today if you just can't wait.
Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac | Parallels via CNET
You can follow or contact Melanie Pinola, the author of this post, on Twitter.


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Our society is fascinated by entertainers, sports heroes, and lawbreakers. Glance at the most-read list on most any online news site and you'll find it overwhelmingly populated with articles that are variations on those themes. This isn't a new trend. But what does it say about the stories we value, or to what we give our precious attention?
"People become the stories they hear and the stories they tell," writes author and activist Elie Wiesel. I and others agree. Since most children don't grow up to be entertainers or sports heroes, we're telegraphing to them a dangerous message: fame — and even infamy — is what matters. No wonder, then, as we continue to click on reports of celebrity or crime, money-strapped news organizations continue to feed us an endless supply of those stories. In short, it seems, we get what we click, upholding the axiom that whatever we give our attention gets bigger.
In this election year we're also frequently reminded about our political and social divides. Yes, there are important issues and real divisions, but that's an old story, and it's demoralizing. Rather than spurring us to action, our continual political stalemates deflate us into non-action, isolation, and cynicism.
As current and former media professionals in the Puget Sound area, with many years of experience in online, broadcast, and print journalism, a group of us have come together in a belief that our community can do better. We see everyday celebrities all around us, people whose stories, if told, can bridge divided communities, generate ideas to improve our collective lives, and inspire others to meaningful action. Such stories can make a difference for a neighbor, a neighborhood, a city or a state. We believe most people are looking for inspiration and solutions from their everyday world, the one to which they belong, where they have a chance to make a positive impact. They are looking for stories that at their heart involve compassion.
So how do we get there? We've come up with an idea for a starting point, and it kicks off shortly. "Stories of Compassion" is a storytelling competition for everyone in the greater Seattle region: student and professional journalists, bloggers, nonprofit groups who provide basic needs, businesses engaged in their communities, education projects, interfaith and faith-related outreach, poets, photographers, and videographers. The contest is about strengthening our greater community through the stories we tell about the lives we lead.
Stories of Compassion is part of an umbrella effort called "Compassion Games: Survival of the Kindest," and it begins Sept. 21. The Compassion Games are sponsored by Compassionate Seattle, United Way of King County, the City of Seattle, and King County. The games are intended as both a fun and serious way to renew regional dialogue about the value of compassionate action in our personal lives and in our communities. Opening day coincides with United Way of King County's Day of Caring, one of the great compassion efforts our community participates in every year. Contest entries will be posted online at the Compassion Games site, a gallery for all to read, see and share. Winners will be announced later this fall. But it won't end there.
Stories of Compassion and Compassion Games are meant to continue and expand a regional conversation about ways to foster compassionate action. Four years ago, the Dalai Lama and South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu visited Seattle to talk about the need for a more compassionate world, and tens of thousands of people pledged to identify, uphold and actively cultivate compassion in their communities. Inspired by their message against a backdrop of deeply partisan political and economic division, local organizations Compassionate Seattle and Compassionate Action Network International gelled around the message that compassion can bridge differences, create understanding and foster peace.
In 2010, Seattle became the first city in the world to affirm the Charter for Compassion, a document supporting compassion as the central tenet, the Golden Rule, among the world's peoples, a necessary undertaking to encourage peace, nonviolence and understanding.
Other cities have followed Seattle's lead, including Louisville, Kentucky. Recently, Louisville proudly counted more than 90,000 compassionate acts in one week. Now, they've thrown the challenge our way, and the Compassion Games is Seattle's response. There are many ways to take part, and Stories of Compassion is but one.
To be clear, we are not arguing that stories about compassion aren't being told. They are, every day, across varied mediums both local and national. But they are drowned in the daily tidal wave of violence and name-calling that too often is packaged as the day's news. We'd like to see more stories that point us toward solutions to problems that plague our communities, and to make those stories easier for anyone to find. We intend to maintain a web presence that continues to collect these stories, an easy way to locate and share them well beyond the competition.
We envision a future when such stories dominate the "most read" list on news sites.
If we can give some attention to stories that matter, stories that bridge the divides between us and show us everyday solutions and pathways to alleviating suffering in our own community, then we can strengthen our communities. We encourage you to contribute your stories of compassion, for we cannot learn what we haven't shared.
Note: Stories of Compassion editors' group includes Anne Stadler, former KING/NBC public affairs veteran; Rita Hibbard, executive director of Compassionate Action Network International and former Seattle Post-Intelligencer editor and founder of InvestigateWest, an investigative online journalism nonprofit; Brook Stanford, three-decade KOMO/ABC reporter; Chris Tugwell, YMCA regional director of education, employment and technology programs, and editor of the community youth blog Puget SoundOff; Andrew Himes, author and editor, president of Voices Education Project; and Marilyn Turkovich, director of Voices Education Project.


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Catholic Art Prints
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We feature classic devotional imagery, such as the Sacred Heart of Jesus or the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Some images contain prayers, to help you focus on what's really important as you live out your day at home or at work.


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Always be a Cindy Lou
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McWhorter casually dismisses the less-intelligence theory and its blogger-advocate Steve Sailer, with whom I tangled yesterday. Why? Because McWhorter is confident that his alternative theory, based on language, can explain racial gaps in test scores. In his commentary on the New Haven case, McWhorter lays out the theory: Working-class blacks and whites communicate orally rather than in writing, and they're unfamiliar with the art of answering direct questions. I'm sure there's truth in this theory. But McWhorter offers no quantitative evidence for it. Nor does it address some of the most difficult evidence presented by proponents of the genetic theory: whites outscoring blacks even when the class factor skews the other way. In his rebuttal to my original article on the NAEP data, for instance, Sailer notes:Here's the 2007 8th grade Reading scores broken down by race and income. White kids whose parents are so poor that they are eligible for the National School Lunch Program outscore affluent black kids by four points and affluent Hispanic kids by one point. The gap between poor whites and poor blacks is 19 points, and the gap among not poor whites and not poor blacks is 21 points. That's what you normally get—sizable racial gaps anyway you slice it.
Is Sailer a nice guy? No. Does he display an unhealthy interest in categorizing people by race or ethnicity? Yes. But the problem here isn't Sailer, James Watson, Charles Murray, or anybody else you feel like dismissing as a racist. [Whew! I dodged a bullet there. For a moment I thought he was going to lump me in with not only Charles Murray and James D. Watson, but also with Francis Crick, Arthur Jensen, William D. Hamilton, Ronald A. Fisher, Francis Galton, and Charles Darwin. Please don't throw me in that briar patch!] The problem is the evidence these people quote. Condemnation won't make it go away.
Don't get me wrong. Genetic and environmental explanations aren't mutually exclusive. In the case of IQ, everybody accepts environmental factors, and there's plenty of evidence and argument against the hereditarian view. But that's just one battle in a larger war. Beyond the march of test scores, there's the onslaught of genetic research. We've already identified genes that correlate with traits and vary in prevalence between ethnic groups. Are you confident that intelligence will turn out to be exempt from this list? Confident enough to leave no backup plan, no understanding of equality that can withstand a partial role for heredity? Confident enough to keep tallying and reporting test scores by race? And if intelligence turns out not to vary genetically between groups, do you imagine that we'll get just as lucky with every other significant mental trait?
If you want to know why I keep writing about this subject, Mr. McWhorter, there's your answer. No, I don't care about the merit badge. I'm staring over your shoulder at an oncoming train. It starts with genomic differentiation of populations around the world, and that's just the locomotive. If you turn around and look, you'll see that the first few cars are already in view: genes that affect mental traits, genes that affect abilities, and variations between populations in the prevalence of these genes. No genetically distinguishable population will be spared. We're sitting in the path of this train, tied to the tracks by a literalist conception of equality that can't accept hereditary differences between group averages. I suggest we free ourselves.
Under these circumstances, do I think gaps between average white and black test scores should "shed less than positive light on black people"? No, I don't. Each of us should be judged by his own performance, not by a stereotype. Genetic variation between averages doesn't alter that moral truth. Nor does it give anyone an excuse.
Okay, but that's not how Barack Obama thinks, nor is it how the federal government think. For decades, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has enforced the Four-Fifths Rule:
"A selection rate for any race, sex, or ethnic group which is less than four-fifths (4/5) (or eighty percent) of the rate for the group with the highest rate will generally be regarded by the Federal enforcement agencies as evidence of adverse impact, while a greater than four-fifths rate will generally not be regarded by Federal enforcement agencies as evidence of adverse impact."
In other words, if 50 percent of whites pass the test, 40 percent or more of each minority group must pass the test, or the burden of proof is on the employer to vindicate the selection process. This can be so expensive and uncertain that many employers just impose hiring and promotion quotas upon themselves.
The four-fifths rule is as the heart of the Ricci fireman's case.
My published articles are archived at iSteve.com -- Steve Sailer