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AFRICANGLOBE – The success of one nation depends on the success of its neighbours. It happened in Asia, now we are seeing this in the Eastern African region. The Eastern African region is a region with robust growth leading to a 'New Normal' for Africa.
Integration has provided stability. The region and the countries within it have a vision and are working towards it. Rwanda and Kenya for instance have set targets for 2020 and 2030 that have already led to much progress. Manufacturing is expanding, services sector is growing and oil and natural gas exploration have begun and the region is building a web of innovation which is a powerful tool to enhance competitiveness. Essentially it is becoming the going region in the world.
When thinking of Africa, one thinks resources. That is not unlinked to what is happening on the ground. From Mozambique, Tanzania to Kenya, new oil discoveries are being made. To have an idea of the magnitude of these new discoveries, the one made around the Lake Albert Basin into the Lake Turkana area is similar to the size of the North Sea Graben system. In Lake Kivu gas is being extracted, and exploration for oil is under consideration. Indeed resources are a major strength of the Eastern African region. Peace and stability within the region has reduced the risk associated with such investment. Vertical and horizontal linkages required for such exploration will quite likely create new industries, momentum and prospects.
Indeed regional integration has brought about new prospects of investment. The UK Private Equity (PE) backed and Nairobi listed Equity Bank Group, which was initially a Kenya focused financial group now has subsidiaries in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and Tanzania. The Equity Bank story is even more inspiring considering the fact that the bank had been declared technically insolvent in 1993. By 2012, Equity Bank had more than 8 million customers making it one of the largest customer base in Africa. From its Kenya home, the group has thrived across the EAC (East African Community) and stands to benefit handsomely from the increase trade arising between member countries.
This increase in trade is due to the enlargement of the market place. The middle class, the driver of market demand, has expanded by 7% since 2000 to reach around 325 Million people. When a company produces in Rwanda, it is not targeting only the 10 million in the Rwandan market, but instead has an outreach to hundreds of million in the diverse regional groupings. Africa alone has a USD 1.8 Trillion economy and 1 billion people. Hence there is much scope for manufacturing by the region for the region and beyond. New mills are being set up in Rwanda to reach the Congolese and Burundian markets. Biscuit made in Uganda and Kenya is in shops around the region. Cement manufactured in Tanzania is being delivered across the borders to Burundi or Zambia.
East Africa on the Right Path
A regional strategy creates gains not only from internal trade and investment but also from policy coordination to create mutual benefits to productivity in all countries through specialization and capturing externalities and spill over effects across borders. From the Customs Union, policies on elimination of non-tariff barriers, public private partnerships or special economic zones are being adopted. This momentum has created a powerful lever for speeding up the process of economic upgrading at the national level as well as a way to promote interest and investment in the region by the international community.
In the realm of Public Private Partnership (PPP), an exciting collaboration in the region is in the Railways sector. On average only 8% of goods is transported by rail compared to 92% by road, which considerably increases the cost of transport in the EAC. Existing rail systems are over a century old. The Rift Valley Railways (RVR), a 240 Million USD project to rehabilitate the existing rail network from Kenya to Uganda has the potential to significantly increase freight transport, with expanded capacity and faster trains. Freight carried is expected to double to 3.3 million tons per annum and marginal costs expected to drop by 30%. The Dar-es-Salaam- Isaka- Kigali railway, currently being studied, could be the next big thing in PPP. RVR is a transnational PPP with Egyptian PE investors. A Brazilian company is already taking care of the technical aspects and management. RVR is symbolic of the new trends in the region. Development is happening through non-traditional sources of funding and from many other developing and emerging nations.
Better regional transportation and logistics will consolidate the supply chain and empower farmers; allow their produce to reach the global markets; enable inputs to reach factories in the region at lower cost and more efficiently. The importance of good logistics can be illustrated through the example of the Kenyan company Export Trading Group (ETG). The company is backed by US Carlyle group and South African PE investors. It operates across the region, procures and distributes nearly 1.4 million metric tons of 25 different commodities including maize, pulses, wheat, rice, cashew nuts, soya, fertilizer, sugar, coffee and tea. Most of the produce is procured from smallholder farmers. Individually, these farmers have limited opportunity to even access neighbouring economies. ETG capitalizes on its regional footprint and access to international markets, to consolidate hundreds of thousands of farmers into a supply chain. Each improvement in the regional landscape of transport and logistics could only improve the endgame for these farm holders.
The facilitation of business is related to better financial settlement systems. The Regional Payment and Settlement System (REPPS) is a cross-border multilateral netting payment system for countries in eastern and southern Africa. In effect REPPS represents a huge saving for businesses. Fees are now a flat rate of 0.25 per cent compared to standard banking fees as high as 5 per cent and money are received at latest by the next day. The real innovation is that regional commercial banks can now deal directly with one another, without having to go through corresponding banks in Europe or the US.
This is quickly becoming the "New Normal" in Africa – be it for payment settlements, railway routes or for simply trading agricultural product. Tea from Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique and Zambia are sold through the Mombasa exchange in Kenya, rather than in Europe. As the exchange continues on the modernization process, new opportunities are arising. Various countries have well stocked securities exchange, but individually, they are too small to cater for the fast growth of companies in the region in need of greater liquidity. Currently, large local companies go outside Africa for raising funds. The London Stock Exchange has 98 Africa-focused companies listed, and African companies having raised over $5.7 Billion since 2008. Apart from Jo'burg, Lagos and Nairobi are providing alternative funding grounds. Liquidity unfortunately continues to be a sore issue despite spectacular growth in terms of performance. With average daily volumes of USD 77.8 million in Lagos, and USD 21.7 million in Nairobi, the new set of large pan-African champions will require building and merging into larger and more integrated African exchanges to ensure the creation of the "New Normal" in Africa at the Stock Exchange level.
Regional integration is a pivotal for building more Pan-African champions, especially in the thriving and youthful East African corridor. Large global sources of capital are eyeing Africa and will privilege companies and investment opportunities with depth and scale. PE investors are leading the charge at that level, and as they successfully attract larger pools of institutional funds (outside of the traditional Development Finance Institutions or DFIs), the priority is likely to be finding larger footprint and scalable businesses with outmoded business processes, or underperforming management.
Local policy framework favouring regional integration will only facilitate the rise and expansion of such candidates, and consequently the arrival of more Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). The nations at the forefront of attractive investment act reforms, multilateral agreements and business environment will capture the chance of being the preferred conduit for more FDIs destined to the region. In the end, in this era of global markets, a well-coordinated regional strategy in East Africa clearly benefits all neighbours. Michael Porter's work had spelled the theory…. it's now the turn of the East African region to fast track the practice in the Continent.
By; Manisha Dookhony and Ibrahin Sagna


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Cosmetic Dentistry: A Primer
- November 6, 2017
- 5 mins read
Cosmetic dentistry is a term for professional oral care that focuses in improving the appearance of your mouth, teeth, and smile. The procedures under this branch of dentistry are elective rather than essential, therefore, are not primarily focused on oral health. In some cases, it also provides restorative benefits such as making regular cleaning easier, reducing bruxism or teeth grinding, and improving your confidence through a whiter, brighter smile.
Dentists who practice cosmetic dentistry require specialized training in one or more areas of dental medicine, as well as in cosmetic procedures. Most cosmetic dentists are also orthodontists.
How it differs from general dentistry
Over time, your teeth can begin to yellow, move out of alignment, chip and crack, or have a thinner enamel. When any of these happen, you go to a cosmetic dentist to resolve the problem. They offer a variety of procedures available that can be tailored and combined for your specific needs.
Cosmetic dentistry typically involves the addition of dental materials to the teeth or gums to improve its overall appearance. This process involves the removal of tooth structure or gums for a more symmetrical look, straightening the teeth to improve the general appearance of the face. Superficial treatments are also utilized to whiten teeth or depigment gums. Cleaning, fillings, root canals, extractions, and other similar procedures that focus on your dental health all fall under general dentistry.
Unlike general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry is not recognized by the American Dental Association as a formal specialty area of dentistry.
The cost of cosmetic dentistry procedures depends on what needs improvement, the materials used, and of course, the severity of the case.
The following are the different functions of cosmetic dentistry:
1. To fix damaged teeth
Worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment, abnormal spacing, and chips and cracks in your teeth can be fixed by dental veneers made from a composite resin, a filling material that mimics the color of teeth or porcelain. These veneers are placed over the front of your teeth to recreate its natural look. There are two types of veneers — traditional porcelain ones, which can last 10 to 15 years with proper care; and composite veneers, which may last up to five to seven years. In some cases, teeth may have to be shaved down to make them look more symmetrical upon application of the veneers. These are also known as inlays and onlays, also used as indirect fillings for teeth with mild to moderate decay, or when there is not enough tooth structure to properly support a filling. If the tooth cusps are not damaged, the inlay is placed directly onto the tooth surface. When a greater portion of the tooth or the cusp is damaged, an onlay is used directly to cover the entire tooth's surface.
Aside from veneers, dental crowns are also used in cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of damaged teeth. They are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over your teeth that do not just improve their look; they also restore their shape, size, and strength.
2. To replace missing teeth
More than being a cosmetic concern, missing teeth are a general oral health problem. You may have problems chewing or suffer from speech impediments, depending on how many teeth you're missing or where in your mouth the gaps are located. Dentists may suggest either a dental implant or a dental bridge to replace missing molars and incisors.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Implants use an abutment, a connecter that is attached to it and supports the prosthetic tooth. Implants are usually indistinguishable from the natural teeth that surround them, and once the bone and the supporting tissue fuse to the implant, they are permanently secured into place. Diligent oral hygiene is required to clean plaque and food debris from the area.
Dental bridges, on the other hand, are used to bridge gaps between missing teeth. They are supported by the natural teeth around them or by implants.
3. To align crooked teeth
Teeth can be healthy and strong, but crooked teeth can make you self-conscious about smiling and may be the cause of jaw pain and headaches. When teeth don't line up well inside the mouth, the jaw will overcompensate by moving in strange directions and angles just to make chewing and talking more comfortable.
If you are looking to straighten your teeth, you may opt for braces or clear alignment trays to adjust your teeth's position. There are many types of braces available, depending on how severe your misalignment is.
4. To get a whiter, brighter smile
Teeth whitening is a quick and noninvasive way to make your teeth a shade or two lighter. You have three options: in-office whitening; professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits; or over-the-counter teeth whitening products.
An in-office whitening procedure requires your dentist to apply either protective gels or rubber shields to guard your gums while applying bleach to your teeth. A special light or laser might be used to enhance the effects of the whitening agent. They may be costly, but they are definitely more efficient with a higher concentration of whitening agent compared to over-the-counter options.
Both take-home whitening kits and over-the-counter teeth whitening products are do-it-yourself procedures. The kits are available either from the drugstore or your dental clinic. Make sure to discuss the steps with your dentist to ensure that you will be doing it right.
The Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
While most insurance providers do not cover the cost of cosmetic dentistry, considering all options for improving your smile by consulting your dentist. The best way to know if you can afford cosmetic dentistry or other dental practices is to get a complete estimate from your dentist and speak with the financing department about your options. Kyrene Family Dentistry frequently deals with these cases and will be able to provide a rundown of the financing options available to you. Call us today or fill out our online form.

subset: commoncrawl


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USD 495 calendar
Thursday — Toga Day; Baseball meeting, Seminar Gym; Beginnings to Country Place Living/Welcome Inn; LHS Fr.-So. Basketball at Ellsworth.
Friday — Orange and Black Day; Pep Assembly Schedule; Winter Royalty; FCA, 7:30 a.m.
LHS Regional Wrestling at Abilene; Pep Assembly at LMS, 2:46 p.m.; Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Dinner, LMS, 5 p.m.;
LHS Basketball vs. Ellsworth; Crowning of Winter Royalty, 8 p.m.; Cheerleaders perform halftime; FCA free throw contest and dessert raffle.
Winter Royalty Dance following the game in the Cafeteria, 11:30 p.m.
Saturday — Regional Wrestling at Abilene; Larned High School JV Boys Tournament at Lyons.
Fort Larned to help with bird counting
LARNED — Birding is for everyone!
Fort Larned National Historic Site is supporting the 2012 Great Backyard Bird Count by offering a nature program and birding hike from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at the fort.
The 15th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count is sponsored by Audubon, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada.
Individuals and groups can submit their findings on-line. The official count dates are Friday, Feb. 17 through Monday, Feb. 20, 2012.
Meet a park ranger in the Visitor Center for a presentation on Birds of the Fort, followed by a bird count on the parade ground and sur
rounding areas including the fort's Nature Trail.
Plan to dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring binoculars.
Bone up on your bird ID skills by participating in this fun winter activity!
For those not able to attend the program at the fort but are interested in the count visit: www.birdcount.org.
You can watch your backyard feeders and keep a list of what you see.
For more information call 620-285-6911.
Fort Larned National Historic Site is six miles west of Larned on K-156. Information on visiting is on the internet at www.nps.gov/fols, or by calling 620-285-6911, or email to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Find Sections and Features
Introduction to the New Testament Journeys
introducing The Landscapes of Palestine, The Rulers of Palestine, The Climate of Palestine, Major Jewish Religious Festivals, Who wrote the Gospels? and English Translations of the New Testament.
The Birth of Christianity
with features on En Kerem, The Judaean Desert, The River Jordan, John's Baptism and Christian Baptism, Who was the Messiah? Bethany beyond the Jordan, Herod's Palaces and Was John the new Elijah?
with features on Nazareth, The Roman Census, Bethlehem, Beit Sahur, Herod's Jerusalem, The Star of Bethlehem, Egypt in 5BC and Sepphoris.
with features on The Temptations, Cana, Samaria, Bethsaida, Capernaum, The Mount of Beatitudes, The Dead Sea, Homes in Jesus's day, The Decapolis, The Parable of the Sower, The Parable of the Growing Seed, The Parable of the Mustard Seed, The Jesus Boat at Magdala, Gerasa and Korazin.
with features on The Lord's Prayer, Loaves and Fishes, Tyre, Caesarea Philippi, The Transfiguration, The Temple Tax, Burqin, The Pool of Siloam, Wadi Qilt and Bethany.
with features on Jericho, Jesus's entry into Jerusalem, The Temple in 30AD, Tombs in the Kidron Valley, The Upper Room, Vineyards, The Passover Supper, The Mount of Olives, The Praetorium, The Valley of Hinnom, Jesus's Death, The Tomb of Jesus, When was Jesus crucified? Emmaus, Tiberias, The Ascension and Josephus.
The Early Christian Church
with features on Who were Jesus's followers? Sebaste, Gaza, Joppa and Antioch in Syria.
with features on Tarsus and Damascus.
with features on Salamis, Paphos, Perga, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Attalia and The Council of Jerusalem.
with features on Troas, Neapolis and Samothrace, Philippi, Amphipolis and Apollonia, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens and Corinth.
with features on Ephesus, Assos, Miletus and Ptolemais.
with features on Caesarea, Myra, Malta and Rome.
Letters taken to the New Churches
with features on Paul's letters, Galatians, The Argument over Circumcision, Slavery in Paul's day, 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians.
with features on 1 Corinthians, The Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Worship in the Early Church, 2 Corinthians, Paul's sufferings, Romans, Justification by Grace through Faith and Aquila and Priscilla and other friends of Paul.
with features on Ephesians, The Body of Christ, The Armour of God, Colossians, New Life in Christ, Philemon and Philippians.
with features on Paul's pastoral letters, Paul's Fourth Missionary Journey, 1 Timothy, Church Leaders, Titus, Nicopolis, 2 Timothy and Paul's Final Days.
with features on Hebrews, Jesus – the High Priest, The New Covenant, The Gallery of the Faithful and Practical Advice for Christian living.
with features on James, Jude, 1 Peter, Simon Peter, Living Stones, Babylon, 2 Peter and Peter and Paul.
with features on John, 1 John, The 'logos' of God, The Last Days, 2 John and 3 John.
with features on Revelation, Patmos, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea and Hierapolis, The Four Living Creatures, Megiddo and The New Jerusalem.
Background to the New Testament Journeys
with additional background information on Roman Emperors in the New Testament, Jewish Religious Leaders, New Testament Languages, Jewish and Greek Names, Jewish and Roman Currency, Jewish Nationalists, The Romano-Jewish War, Constantine and the Helena Churches and Ecumenical Church Councils.
Introduction to the Old Testament Journeys
22. The World of the Old Testament Journeys
introducing Palestine - A Land Bridge, Routes across Palestine, The River Jordan, Ancient Israel, The Message of the Old Testament, Who wrote the Old Testament? and Dating events in the Old Testament.
Creation, Destruction and Nomadic Wanderings
23. The Journeys of Adam, Enoch, Noah and Abraham
with features on The Biblical account of Creation, The Garden of Eden, The Rivers of Eden, Trees in the Garden of Eden, Cities in Mesopotamia, The Flood, Mount Ararat, The Tower of Babel, Ur, Haran, Schechem, Sodom and Gomorrah,The Dead Sea, Abraham's Sacrifice, The Hittites and Hebron.
24. The Journeys of Isaac, Jacab and Joseph
with features on Beersheba, Bethel, Mahanaim, Peniel, Rachel's Tomb, The Twelve Sons of Jacob, On / Heliopolis, Joseph's Egypt in c.1660BC and The Nile Floods.
25. The Israelites' Journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai
with features on Avaris / Piramesse, Midian, Mount Sinai, The Ten Plagues, The Passover Festival, Crossing the Sea of Reeds, Dating the Exodus from Egypt, The Ten Commandments, Jewish Religious Festivals, The Ark of the Covenant and The First Census.
26. The Journey continues from Sinai to Moab
with features on The Spies in Canaan, Kadesh Barnea, Mount Hor, Arad, Moab, The Moabites, The Seven Fruits and Mount Nebo.
27. The Israelites move into Canaan
with features on Gilgal, Jericho, Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, Gibeon, The Conquest of Canaan, Hazor, The Division of Canaan and The Cities of Refuge.
28. The Israelites face continuing opposition
with features on The Judges, Mount Tabor, The Vale of Jezreel, Abimeleck - the first Israelite king, The Philistines, Ashkelon, Gaza, Dan and Gibeah.
The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah
29. The Journeys of Ruth and Samuel
with features on Bethlehem, Shiloh, Aphek, Ashdod, Ekron, Kiriath Jearim and Ramah.
30. Israel becomes a kingdom under Saul and David
with features on Michmash and Geba, Goliath of Gath, En Gedi, Samuel's Tomb / Mizpah, Beth Shean, The City of David, David's victories, Rabbath Ammon, Absalom's Rebellion and the Battle of Ephraim and Land for the Temple.
31. The Golden Age of Israel under King Solomon
with features on Solomon's Egyptian Queen, Tyre, Solomon's Temple, King Solomon's Mines, The Glory of the Lord, Gezer, Ships of Tarshish, The Queen of Sheba, Megiddo, Ashtoreth, Molech & Chemosh and The Treaty of Kadesh.
32. The Divided Kingdom & Journey into Exile
with features on Pharaoh Shishak, Tirzah, Samaria, Mount Carmel & Elijah's flight to Beersheba, Damascus, Jezreel, Elijah's Hill and The Assyrians.
33. Judah after the Fall of Israel
with features on The Samaritans, Hezekiah's Jerusalem, Lachish, Josiah's Reforms, The Battles of Megiddo and Carchemish, The Babylonians and The Fall of Jerusalem.
34. Judah in exile in Babylonia
with features on Babylon, The Persians, The Downfall of the Persian Empire and The Abomination of Desolation.
35. The Exiles return to Judah
with features on The Second Temple, Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem, The Renewal of the Law, The Dedication of Jerusalem's City Walls and Susa.
Poetry and the Prophets
36. Songs, Prayers & Memorable Sayings
with features on Psalm 23, Pilgrim Psalms, Psalm 90, Honesty in the Market Place and The Ways of the LORD.
37. The Philosopher, the Lover & the Mourner
with features on A Time for Everything, The Song of Songs and The Book of Lamentations.
38. Amos, Hosea & Micah pan Israel & Judah
with features on The World of the Old Testament Prophets, Amos, Hosea and Micah.
39. Isaiah predicts the fall of Israel and Judah
with features on Isaiah, The Vineyard, Immanuel, The New Israel and The Six Woes.
40. Isaiah offers comfort to those in exile
with features on Words of Comfort, The Suffering Servant and The Restoration of Jerusalem.
41. Jonah goes to Nineveh & Nahum condemns it
with features on Jonah, Nineveh and Nahum.
42. Jeremiah warns of the destruction of Jerusalem
with features on Jeremiah, The historical context of Jeremiah's prophesies, The Valley of Hinnom, The Fall of Jerusalem and The Lost Ark of the Covenant.
43. Zephaniah & Habakkuk foretell Judah's fall
with features on Zephaniah and Habakkuk.
44. Ezekiel warns of the conquest of Jerusalem
with features on Ezekiel, The Parables of Ezekiel, Gog and Magog and Ezekiel's Vision of the New Jerusalem.
45. Obadiah foretells the punishment of Edom
with features on Obadiah and Edom.
46. Haggai & Zechariah encourage re-building
with features on Haggai and Zechariah.
47. Malachi & Joel await the Day of the LORD
with features on Malachi, The Day of the LORD and Joel.
Background to the Old Testament Journeys
48. The Jewish World of the Old Testament
with additional background information on The Names of the God of Israel, Foreign Gods, Pharaohs of the Old Testament, The Old Testament and the Jewish Tanakh, Sources of the History of Israel and Judah, The Dead Sea Scrolls and Between the Old and the New Testaments.
49. Judaism and Christianity compared
with information on The Old Covenant and the New Covenant, Who is my neighbour?, Seeking revenge or Offering forgiveness?, The Commandments - impossible to keep? and Was Jesus the Jewish Messiah?
| Printable Version


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Deadline Thriller/Suspense Film and Writing Festival
Read Today's THRILLER/SUSPENSE Loglines and Movie Pitches:
CLICK the link and read the loglines
WHAT LIES BENEATH, by Titus Robinson
THE SECRET OF GODS, by Jiwo Lesmono
THE WORLD OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, by Divij Kak
THE GARDENERS SON, by Owino Sang-Iewa
STARGAZE, by Martin Robles-Avila
Free logline submissions. The Writing Festival network averages over 95,000 unique visitors a day.
Great way to get your story out: http://www.wildsound.ca/logline.html
Deadlines to Submit your Screenplay, Novel, Story, or Poem to the festival:http://www.wildsound.ca
Watch recent Writing Festival Videos. At least 15 winning videos a month:http://www.wildsoundfestival.com


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Maybe I should have called my book: "Joy in Every Moment: Except for that Moment When You Look at The Departure Status for Your Flight and See the Word…Delayed."
Joy in (Almost) Every Moment
When I told family and friends that the publisher for my newest book, Joy in Every Moment, was sending me on a book tour, they congratulated me and told me how lucky I am.
But here's the thing: A book tour means travel, airports, flying, and rental cars. In this case we're talking 3 cities and 6 flights in 5 days! And I may have written a book about Joy, but I am not a joyful traveller. In fact, a more honest title for my book would have been: "Joy in Every Moment: Except for that Moment when You Look at The Departure Status for your Flight and See the word…Delayed."
Forget the present moment. When I travel, I'm calculating time, adding and subtracting minutes, trying to make "Good Time," and rueing every obstacle that comes between me and an on-time arrival: Traffic, lines of passengers with over-stuffed luggage that won't fit into overhead compartments, maintenance alerts that keep airplanes grounded on the tarmac, tailwinds…you name it.
But since I was traveling to promote my book about finding joy in every moment, I couldn't turn into Anxious Nasty Travel Lady muttering at rental car agents who are checking my car in too slowly, or cursing airline agents who deliver the bad news about a missed connecting flight–then admit that I'm on the road to promote a book on finding happiness in the present moment!
So, I texted a friend for advice. She replied: "Read your book!"
Yes, I took my own medicine. Before I left home at 4:30 a.m. to catch my first of six flights in five days I asked myself: "What does mindfulness mean to me today? How will I connect with Joy in airport terminals and on cramped, crowded and/or delayed flights?
Here's what I came up with:
The Travel To-Do List
I took out my Travel Checklist, and along with to-do items such as "Pack phone charger," "E-mail hosts," "Check seat assignments," I added the imperative to: "Enjoy the Journey."
Count smiles
Everywhere I went I looked for smiles, and I found them: The whistling airport shuttle driver who brought me from the parking lot to the terminal, the woman cooing to her baby on the check-in line, the baby being coo-ed at, and the man in the business suit laughing as he spoke into his bluetooth as he stepped out of his designer shoes in the security line… each one had a radiant smile. And it's true. Those grins are contagious.
Only connect
I gave myself a little job for my journey. My self-imposed assignment was to make three meaningful connections with people in the airport. This ended up being the best part of my travels. I made it a point to pause and talk to three people I met along the way. I asked the woman who sold me my souvenir postcards in an airport gift shop where her beautiful accent was from, and she shared a story about growing up in Ethiopia. I asked the TSA agent who checked my license and boarding pass how he was doing, and he told me it had been a tough few days for him. The line was short, so when I asked him why, he told me. Then I got into a conversation with a woman behind me on the security line who turned out to be on her way to a family funeral. The line was long and slow, so I even had time to learn about her work teaching autistic children, and all the little things she does to help them and their parents feel happier. We enjoyed our conversation so much that we barely noticed the line's glacial movement forward, and by the time we piled our shoes, belts, and 3 ounce bottles of liquids into plastic bins we felt like close friends.
Laughing all the way
The bottom line is this: I have never had such fun traveling–in spite of the fact that on Day 2 of my tour, the battery in my rental car died just as I was about to head to the airport for my next flight, I encountered several flight delays including one on the tarmac (my least favorite kind) while the plane's wings were de-iced, and countless other (potential) irritations.
Oh, and by the way, the book readings and signings were wonderful, too. More on that some other time. Meanwhile, I've got to sign off now, so I can book my next trip.
And now for a word from our sponsor:
Bring more JOY into your life wherever you go. My new book helps lead the way!


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in Wordsley/England,
Mark discovered his passion for plucked string instruments while
listening to Led Zeppelin. His lute studies with Nigel North at the
Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London have been
complemented by master classes with amongst others Jakob Lindberg
& Julian Bream.
extensive research
into the
repertoire and playing techniques of the renaissance cittern has earned
him a reputation as one of the worlds leading experts on this unduly
neglected instrument.


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pregnancy, birth & lactation services… at home
Yesterday, the Journal of Midwifery &Women's Health published "Outcomes of Care for 16,924 Planned Home Births in the United States: The Midwives Alliance of North America, Statistics Project, 2004 to 2009" by Cheyney, et. al.
The breakdown of the findings is as follows:
✦ This study reports maternal and neonatal outcomes for women planning to give birth at home under midwife-led care, as recorded in the Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project dataset (version 2.0, birth years 2004-2009).
✦ Among 16,924 women planning a home birth at the onset of labor, 94% had a vaginal birth, and fewer than 5% required oxytocin augmentation or epidural analgesia.
✦ Eleven percent of women who went into labor intending to give birth at home transferred to the hospital during labor; failure to progress was the primary reason for intrapartum transfer.
✦ Nearly 1100 women attempted a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) in this sample, with a total VBAC success rate of 87%.
✦ Rates of cesarean, low 5-minute Apgar score ( 7), intact perineum, breastfeeding, and intrapartum and early neonatal mortality for this sample are all consistent with reported outcomes from the best available population-based, observational studies of planned home births.
The conclusions of the study shared that "Low-risk women in this sample experienced high rates of normal physiologic birth and very low rates of operative birth and interventions, with no concomitant increase in adverse events." Simply put: home birth with a low-risk, healthy woman pregnant with one, head-down baby is as safe here in the U.S. as it is elsewhere in the world where midwifery care is the standard obstetric care model.
This is all awesome news for women who choose home birth- we now have data that supports the stories of a majority of women who choose to deliver at home under the care of a midwife. But, of course, we're also hearing the protests of 'the usual suspects'.
People have tremendously strong feelings about where women choose to deliver- women who support home birth can, at times, spit venom toward OBs and hospitals as if every doctor out there is ready to get a court order to line his pocket with all that sweet, sweet cesarean money. Those who do not support home birth act as if midwives paint themselves in cow dung and witch-doctor feathers before hypnotizing poor, simple 'woo drunk' birth junkies into their death clutches.
This doesn't do anyone justice.
Home birth critics are concerned about the lives of women and babies. I get it. I hope that they now have some good data to see what actually IS happening and to make some thoughtful, sane suggestions about how home birth can improve (because we all have room for improvement). Hospital critics are concerned about the dehumanization of women in the birthing room, the usurpation of women's autonomy in their medical decisions. This is basic human rights.
Let's look at the big picture. What do we ALL want to see happen? Safe, respectful, women-centered care wherever women choose to have their children.
So can I make a radical suggestion? Let's focus on improving maternal-child health overall in this country. Let's put our weight behind amazing organizations like Improving Birth which is working to create safer, more respectful, more evidenced-based care within the hospital setting. No matter which side of the birthing bed you fall on, how women are treated in the hospital really matters for us all. And if you are concerned about home birth safety, why not work with and/or for your local midwifery association? Ask hard questions with an open heart. How about supporting legislation in your state for safe, reasonable midwifery care?
Let's actually work to improve the system overall- and then maybe women will be able to make the decision that's right for them without having to worry about how safe or how evidenced-based or how respectful their care will be. They'll be able to choose safe, appropriate care- wherever they wish to birth their children.
Content below this line is not Hearthside generated. Please disregard.


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Many know the name "Wolf of Wall Street" thanks to the 2013 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Others know the name because they heard about the Wall Street Ponzi scheme Jordan Belfort (the guy the Wolf of Wall Street movie was based on) pulled off in the 90's. Either way, this car packs some serious celebrity punch.
The seller, Monegasque Classics, characterizes the 1991 Ferrari Testarossa the most famous Ferrari ever made thanks to its appearance in Miami Vice. However, this specific Testarossa is famous because it was owned by none other than Belfort, the original "Wolf". The car was hand delivered to Belfort from New York Ferrari Dealership Kessler Motors by Steven Kessler himself.
The Testarossa only has 8,000 miles and can be sold in either the American or EU market thanks to being tax paid in the US and registered in the EU.
The company also touts the vehicle as one of the most collectible examples available, thanks to a resurgence of interest in modern collectibles and the fact that this particular Testarossa is in perfect condition thanks to its being owned by a collector nearly its entire life.
Someone has a serious chance at owning a piece of American (recent) history here. Check out the images of the famed Ferrari below.
Ferrari Testarossas For Sale
[soliloquy id="97641″]


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Over here we have really gotten into reading as part of our daily routine. Most of the time it's books at the end of the day as part of our bedtime routine, but because we are trying to work on Cameron's word count and speech, we have been incorporating reading as often as we can when she's at home.
Here are the books that we have been favoring this past month. A theme I was trying to represent for her books at bedtime was "goodnight, and bedtime is nice" because I wanted her to understand when we were reading these books it was time to settle down and settle in, that nighttime was not scary, and bedtime is fun. All our favorites this month sort of rotate around that theme. Now that we've been reading at bedtime for a while now, I feel comfortable rotating in and out books so we get a bigger variety. When I first started reading to her at bedtime, it was more to establish a routine so that she understood that when we read, it meant it was time for bed, so I was trying to give her those same constant stories to she would put two and two together. Now I think she does understand that regardless of what books we read, once she gets into bed and mommy or daddy read her those stories, whichever ones we choose, that after that it's lights out and bedtime.
Most of the books I read to her, were either gifts, or bought at a second hand store, but I'm sure you can find most on Amazon or at Target.
The Goodnight Train by June Sobel– This is a cute book about a train that takes passengers on a journey as they get ready for bed. You get the train ready by cleaning it up, then the passengers board, and it travels off to dreamland, then you get dropped back off at home and get ready for bed. I like the book because it has some great pictures, it's the right length for a toddler, and it rhymes. All great points in my book.
Goodnight, I Love You by Caroline Jayne Church- Another cute and short book to hold your toddler's attention. This book describes your bedtime routine, and to wash up, brush teeth, get ready for bed, and all tucked it. This book also rhymes so it's fun to be able to put emphasis on different words and make the story exciting.
I Love you Through and Through by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak- This book has easily become one of our favorites. It talk about all the things you love about the person, and when I read it I try to act out different words, and go through motions, so that Cameron is also learning body parts and such. Because we have read it every night for some time, she now has parts of it memorized, so she does the action before I even get to the part in the book. Great story too.
I'll See you in the Morning by Mike Jolley- I wanted a book that sort of described that although it's bedtime and you need to go to sleep, that we would still be here in the morning. This book did that perfectly. It sets the tone to not be afraid of the dark, and reassures that we are here if you need us, and we will see you in the morning. With all the negative in the world, I just wanted something that would help ease any of those scared feelings. I don't know if Cameron will be scared of the dark, or of monsters in her closet as she gets older, but I like how this book tries to explain that all is going to be alright.
I'm excited to see what books become our favorite in the month of March. I have found that we like books of the medium length, and I personally enjoy reading books that rhyme but still tell a story. Although we may change it up and do one or two longer stories rather than four or more medium to short stories. It all depends on how she reacts as we begin the books.


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Paramount Farms Almonds Salmonella Outbreak Lawsuits - California, Nationwide (2004)
On May 12, 2004, the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory identified a cluster of five patients infected with a genetically indistinguishable strain of Salmonella Enteritidis through pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) testing. The five patients were from four Oregon counties and had onsets of illness ranging from February-April, 2004.
After the discovery of the matching strain through PFGE, the five Oregon patients were interviewed. All reported consuming Kirkland Signature brand raw almonds, purchased at Costco stores, and produced and distributed by Paramount Farms, before becoming ill. A case-control study was conducted, and Oregon health officials concluded that Paramount Farms almonds were the definitive source of the outbreak.
Further investigation by Oregon health officials, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other state public health agencies resulted in the documentation of at least 29 patients in 12 states and Canada with matching Salmonella Enteritidis isolates dating as far back as September, 2003. As a result, Paramount Farms recalled roughly 18 million pounds of raw almonds.
In addition to epidemiologic evidence that confirmed almonds as the source of the outbreak, an environmental investigation revealed Salmonella to be present on two-huller-shellers used to shell almonds during the period the contaminated almonds were produced.
Marler Clark represented 17 individuals who became ill with Salmonella infections after eating raw almonds in claims against Paramount Farms. The claims were resolved in early 2006.
Read more about the Paramount Farms almonds Salmonella outbreak in the News Archives.
Additional Case News
- More lawsuits could be on way against Paramount over almonds
- Kennewick family sues almond producer
- Recall takes bite out of almond industry
- Tainted raw almonds sicken four in state
- Salmonella scare prompts almond recall
- Tainted almonds prompt lawsuit
- Almond recall grows; nut processor is sued
- Family sues over recalled almonds
- US FDA extends almond salmonella warning
- Almond recall; food-poisoning reports


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Colonial Buckingham: Tillotson Parish
It is notable that the Buckingham County's only parish carried neither a saint's name nor a place name, which was typical in Virginia. The parish was named for Rev. John Tillotson (1630-1694), who served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1691-1694. A posthumous, 18th-century collection of his work," The Works of the Most Reverend Dr. John Tillotson, Late Lord Archbishop of Canterbury: Containing Fifty Four Sermons and Discourses, On Several Occasions," became very popular in Virginia, spreading Tillotson's influence. Known for his pragmatic, non-dogmatic, tolerant approach to theology and preaching, Tillotson was a sort of New World ideal.
In the autumn of 1767, six years after Buckingham County was created, Churchwardens John Ferne (a.k.a. Fearn) and Joseph Cabell were granted land on which to build a church. Royal Governor Francis Fauquier signed the land grant. It read in part, "We have given granted and confirmed and by these presents for us our Heirs & Successors Do give grant and confirm unto John Ferne and Joseph Cabell Churchwardens of Tillotson Parish in the County of Buckingham and to their successors for building thereon a Chapel. . . one acre and an half."
Coming next: Buckingham County's first Anglican churches
6 CommentsLeave a Comment
Steven / Feb 2 2013 7:23 pm
Where was this 1 1/2 acre parcel? Does the church still exist?
Patt / Feb 2 2013 7:04 pm
Where in Buckingham Co. was this?


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This is what it really looks like. So sad……
Thank you Bill Jordan Wildlife Defense Fund
This entry was posted on January 16, 2010 at 2:09 pm and is filed under Africa: Rhinos, Uncategorized with tags Africa, Animal Trafficking, Animals, Announcements, calf, Community, Conservation, Culture, Current Events, Economics, Education, elephant, Elephants, Endangered Species, Environment, Ethics, Extinction, Illegal Animal Trade, illegal hunting, Ivory, killed, killing, mother, murder, Nature, Poached Elephants, poaching, stop, stop poaching. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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😦 So Sad…..
i feel very sick to my stomach, Elephant mom shot with her family.
I pray to God All Mighty and to all forces of nature to punish the one who shot the elephant mom, and those who profit and support this heartless acts. Whoever or where ever they are.
Natural disasters have been increasing in frequency and intensity this past few months. Haiti earthquake so far is top of the list.
Is this the way nature reacts to the Sins of Mankind against Natures beautiful creatures who we are supposed to share our planet?
If thats the case . . . So Be It !
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The standings of the Republican White House hopefuls has shifted, according to a new CNN poll.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson has skidded into sixth place in a new CNN/WMUR poll of likely Republican voters in New Hampshire, edged out by ex-Libertarian and anti-war congressman Ron Paul and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney topped the poll, widening a lead he has held for months in neighboring New Hampshire, while Arizona Sen. John McCain and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani were running close in the second and third spots.
The CNN/WMUR poll was conducted by the University of New Hampshire between Wednesday and Sunday. Pollsters surveyed 404 Republican voters for the survey, which had a sampling error of 5 percentage points.
Thompson came into the GOP race late with the hope of winning over social conservatives unsatisfied with the rest of the party's field, and racked up a key endorsement from the National Right to Life Committee last week. But the former star of the television drama "Law and Order" has trailed the GOP front-runners in early voting states since entering the race in August, and his support in New Hampshire dropped from 13 percent in a September poll to 4 percent in November's survey.
By contrast, Romney's support grew from 25 percent to 33 percent over the same period; McCain held steady at 18 percent; and Giuliani dipped from 24 to 16 percent.
Meanwhile, the percentage of support for Paul grew from 4 percent to 8 percent, putting him fourth among the GOP contenders in the Granite State.
The Texas congressman, who once ran for president on the Libertarian Party ticket, has gained notice as the sole advocate of a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq among the GOP field - and he raised eyebrows in Washington earlier this month when supporters claimed to have raised $4.3 million in a single day of online fund-raising. The figure can't be independently confirmed until Federal Election Commission reports are filed at the end of the year.
Among other contenders, Huckabee - seen gaining ground ahead of the Iowa caucuses - claimed 5 percent support in the new poll. Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo, who has made opposition to illegal immigration the centerpiece of his campaign, drew 1 percent; and California Rep. Duncan Hunter, the former chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, had the support of fewer than half of 1 percent.
Thompson's negatives have grown sharply since he entered the race. In July, a CNN/WMUR poll of New Hampshire Republicans found 30 percent would not support him "under any circumstances" - but in the new poll, that figure grew to 50 percent.
McCain's rating on the same question declined from 38 percent to 29 over the same period; Romney's showed a slight increase, from 17 percent to 19; and the number of people who said they could not support Giuliani on any terms grew from 22 percent to 28.
The war in Iraq remains GOP primary voters' top concern, though its importance has dropped since summer. The issue is a major strength for McCain, a leading advocate of the 10-month-old U.S. campaign to pacify Baghdad and its surrounding provinces: Those polled rated him most capable of managing the 4-year-old war by about a 3-1 margin when compared with Romney and Giuliani.
But the issue has faded since July, while likely voters' concerns about terrorism and illegal immigration have grown. Those who ranked immigration the country's most important problem grew from 11 percent in July to 16 percent in November, while terrorism grew from 11 percent to 15 percent.
Giuliani's management of the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center has become a central selling point of his campaign, and GOP voters ranked him best-equipped to handle terrorism. Meanwhile, former businessman and 2002 Winter Olympics organizer Romney beat the other top contenders by better than 3-to-1 when it came to managing the economy, taxes and immigration.
But the poll suggests the GOP race remains fluid with about two months left before the New Hampshire primary, the official date of which remains unsettled. Only 14 percent of those surveyed said they had definitely decided on a candidate, while 29 percent said they were leaning toward one - and 56
percent were still trying to decide.
Despite all this "Rawn Pawl" spam we have here.. I think Romney has New Hampshire.
I do not understand Americans who want to vote for a man who will not pledge allegience to the flag, and whose Muslim background was emphasized when he was sworn into his office as a US Senator with his hand on the Koran. Where would a man who is not a patriot lead us in this treacherous world?
Dear America
Your news coverage is so one sided and bias, it's like watching the suppressed Russian people back in the 1980's. You really dont see all the information, campaigns and the false information which is spoon fed to you. I am so glad to see so many of you waking up and finding out whats really going on.
The American image overseas is terrible, Iv'e even met Americans who pretend they are Canadians rather than get into a debate about how there country is seen as an invading war mongering, money grabbing nation of the elite and the blind.
Do yourselves a huge favour, become friends with the world again and get someone who tells it as it is, not some apple pie story told with fake sparkle teeth.
Your counrty used to be great, please make it great again. If you want to see who will look after you just look at who is being funded and by what means. Dont vote for anybody which takes money from business, go for the guy who is funded by the people.
Ron Paul
As an 18 year old Australian I am a firm ally of the United States! If I were American I would without any doubt vote for Ron Paul! Ron Paul's history alone is superior to any other candidate from both the Republican and Democratic Party.
Mike Huckabee is a joke! Mike Huckabee generates superficial political propaganda like:
• Mike Huckabee signed a bill but never followed through with signing an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to secure training for state police officers-thus not being to enforce federal immigration law! So if you desire a President to be all talk but no action then vote for Mike Huckabee!
• "This is a policy difference, but the facts are the facts — under Governor Huckabee's administration, there was never even any effort to begin negotiating with Homeland Security," said former state Rep. Jeremy Hutchinson, the Republican who sponsored the 2005 law.
• In 1999 Mike Huckabee, despite numerous critical warnings, directly pushed for the release of Wayne Dumond, an evil perverted serial rapist, 25 years early! Many women and victims of the rapist wrote to Huckabee in protest, including one woman that was raped with a knife to her throat while her 3 year old daughter lay in bed next to her. Despite these letters, the Arkansas Governor refused to admit there were any letters sent to his office from the rape victims. Soon after Dumond's release in 1999, he moved to Smithville, Missouri, where he went on to rape and kill Carol Sue Shields, a 39 year old woman. Dumond went on to kill Sara Andrasek, 23 year old from Platte County, Missouri, a day before his arrest in 2001. So if your desire a President who is pitifully weak against disgusting parasites like serial rapists let alone the increasing threat of radical terrorism then vote for Mike Huckabee!
• Ernie Dumas writes: "Mike Huckabee raised more taxes in 10 years in office than Bill Clinton did in his 12 years." This has to be the best quote yet. It sums up Mike Huckabee to a tee. Please research his voting record and tax hikes.
• Mike Huckabee claims to make the U.S energy indeed within 10 years. Now, you tell me how that's going to happen, because Mike certainly hasn't said how it'll work.
• Mike Huckabee suggests a sales tax on everything, which may mean a tax of up to 30% on all purchases. He also proposes rebate checks to people who need them. Try to imagine the bureaucracy created by figuring out who gets a monthly check.
• Mike Huckabee stance on foreign Relations… I believe he's waiting for some Divine Intervention on Iraq, Iran and Pakistan.
• In Mike Huckabee's first campaign for Senate, as reported by Salon, Mike used campaign funds to pay his media consultant. But do you know the name of Mike Huckabee's media consultant..? It was Mike Huckabee. Yes, the generous and gracious Mike Huckabee exploited vital campaign money from his supporters to increase personal profit!
• This is only a minute portrayal to the reality of Mike Huckabee! If you want to believe in the lies and deception of the corporate media propaganda then vote for Mike Huckabee! It's your right! But then again it's your future!
I respect Mitt Romney deeply but this man is extremely deceitful and alters his policies on various key issues quite regularly! You do not want a President of such character!
I feel sad that I waste my time discussing Rudy Giuliani but am unbelievably pleased to see that faithful Americans are not fooled by his fake artificial façade as the 'protector' of the American people from radical 'terrorists!' Rudy Giuliani FAILED the innocent people of New York on 9/11 and he is directly responsible for the murder of the firefighters who painfully perished in the Twin Towers! Rudy is a fascist individual who will continue the corrupt neo-conservative rape and exploitation of innocent American citizens! Rudy will continue the corporate military imperialism of the Middle-East and neglect vital homeland issues like the current invasion of the U.S by illegal immigrates!
John McCain has a highly perverted perception of American patriotism and honor! John McCain is a dishonest individual who directly supports Bush's support for the continuation of the U.S illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq! John McCain generates lies and deception that those within the military support him the most-LIE-Ron Paul takes that honor! If you want a President that will gracefully lead to the internal destruction of the U.S, the continued economic decline of the U.S dollar, the continued rape of civil liberties, continued imperialism of the Middle-East to further the profit of the minority of elite wealthy American's, and finally the continued demolition of the U.S constitution, then please vote for John McCain! It's your nation, it's your vote, and it's your future! A vote for McCain is not only a risk for you but the future safety and security of your children!
Ron Paul is a true Republican conservative and American patriot whose allegiance isn't with the increase profit and expansion multi-national corporations or global imperialism, but with the U.S constitution and its citizens!
Many of Obama's votes are more anti-Clinton votes than being for Obama. The more people see of this hollow soul the less they like her...........
I WILL NOT vote for a president, who WILL NOT, & CANNOT pledge to the US Flag. How Obama is even running for president is still blowing my mind.
It will be detrimental to our country if a Republican is elected president. Mike Huckabee thinks he's the next messiah. Mitt Romey is a a Flip- Flopper and comes off as a big fake. John McCaine and Fred Thompson both look like Death warmed over. I'm afraid that they'll keel over and die any minute. Rudy Giulianni just doesn't have the ability to lead a nation. Ron Paul rambles incoherently and thinks that the cause of every problem is the devaluation of the dollar.
Once again the media has been hyping up John Mccain as if the republican party is 100% behind him!Not true at all, he won states where independence and democrats can vote for him,but just wait and see when he comes to states like Florida,and only republicans can vote, there will be such a republican revolt that once again it will show how bias and wrong they really are.Wake up America! Do you really think conservitives and true republicans have forgotten about Mccain/Kennedy,Mccain/Feingold,the gang of '14',voted against bush tax cuts twice,voted against english being the official language and said hatefull things tourds christians on and on.......Stright talk friends a liberal like that and the liberal media who hypes him up, cannot be trusted,and we cant wait till Jan 29 starting in Florida,when the real candidate is the true frontrunner!!!!!!!!
John Mccain for president?GOD HELP US!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Mitt!! beat old jonny boy,he is such a jerk! But then again there are 12 to 20 million illegal immigrants that are praying that he wins!!!!! If that happens,Goodbye USA hellow the new MEXICO!!! Now think about that before you vote for this ASSHO.. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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What Is a Date Down Endorsement?
A date down endorsement is a change of the effective date of a title insurance policy to a later coverage date. Title insurance protects the owner from any harm or loss from elements not indicated in the property's title up to the date of closing.
Date down endorsements are used, in most cases, when mortgage loans are being modified or assigned to a third party. For example, a mortgage loan may be modified where the lendee is requesting a change of mortgage payments and a date down endorsement is requested and granted. This then changes the coverage period of the title insurance policy to a later date, such as, on or near the acceptance date of the new mortgage payments. This means that the title owner is not held liable for losses or damages occurring before the new effective date.


text:
I'm a very new programmer and was reffered to Ruby from a friend.
I followed this great tutorial http://pine.fm/LearnToProgram/?Chapter=00
and got up to chapter 3. Something stoped working when trying to
"gets" and know i get the following error messege for everything.
ruby is not recgonized as an internal or external command, operable
program or batch file.
i got the same problem when trying to learn java.


text:
- One of the more interesting aspects of last weeks decline is that the dollar did not catch a flight to safety bid. Fresh lows in the dollar could add to inflationary pressures.
- Speaking of inflationary pressures, have you seen a chart of the CRB Index recently?
- Is anybody unaware that the market must go up tomorrow on the first of the month?
- Even though I fancy myself a contrarian I am not stepping in front of that train. Seasonality has worked too well.
- When is the last time the market started the day well into the green and ended lower? I literally cannot even recall.
- If the market sells off through the end of this week I will look to get long for a bounce next week. If the market sells off through late March I will look to get long for the seasonally strong month of April.
Random Thoughts
Posted by Tsachy Mishal at 2/28/2011 02:00:00 PM
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Impact Producer / ˈimˈpakt pro·duc·er /Someone who puts together a talented crew, turns "ideas" into impact, and is responsible for all aspects of a creative production.
*Collaborative in the areas of ethnographic action research.
Impact Producer concept is in alignment with Inwithforward Organization efforts."
Follow only the BIGGEST ideas!
It's time to shift our social safety nets into trampolines, and enable people to bounce up and forwards. For that to happen, we need to do more than improve our present-day research into the "dynamics of regeneration;" follow the biggest ideas that is sustainable and transformative within your networks. We need to re-imagine what services and policies are for at the accessible level. Our aim is to build permanent infrastructure for co-developing what the future looks and feels like. We think it's time to move beyond pilots and projects to sustained experimental culture & practice... ACTION RESEARCH.
Action research means... creating a collective of other organizations with the same ambitions and mutualizing efforts via sharing creative economics and transparent knowledge sharing to solve issues (S|D Framework) . We call this collective 'Grounded Space.' Grounded Space uses a values-led design methodology, which combines philosophy, anthropology, social psychology, service design, and organizational change. Frameworks to bring to life a new kind of social contract.
Grounded Space 5 principles. Can you commit to these?
Focusing on flourishing lives, not just better services.
Letting thick data drive insights, and insights drive solutions.
Deeply scaling values and practices.
Sharing power and learning.
Holding space for failure, letting go and CELEBRATIONS!
In co-creating as Impact Producers, we will:
Relentlessly hold the space for inquiry and experimentation, balancing the tension between achieving best and going after next practice. This requires appreciating current contexts all the while challenging us to move beyond present day thinking. "Expansion of the box first before getting out of the box."
Coordinate the experience of the team, choreographing day-to-day operations, logistics, and communications. Keep things moving & energy up by establishing team routines & celebrations, and by getting into a rhythm of learning by doing.
Strongly promote a user-led perspective that roots new ideas in the experiences, values, and aspirations of older newcomers and newcomers living with disabilities.
Support team members to dive deepinto research and design by creating an environment rich in encouragement, hosting frank conversations, and offering direction & supervision.
Invite key stakeholders inside and outside of the organization to the table at the right times; embracing different perspectives and voices.
Predict tension points and address barriers between organizations and stakeholder groups. You'll keep everyone up-to-date and open to shifts in strategy.
Map and understand the broader organizational & community landscape – and along the way, build relationships to allow new things to sprout and grow.
Make room for thoughtful reflection & developmental evaluation, surfacing and quickly acting on emerging lessons.
Produce compelling storytelling materials to bring people along for the journey. Translate findings to stakeholder groups, the settlement sector and the broader community in a range of formats – blogs, photo stories, podcasts, interactive events, webinars.
Model lifelong learning, insatiable curiosity, and lateral thinking – that quirky capacity to connect dots, find fresh reference points, and go outside of your comfort zone.
Knowledge Exchange and Action Research INFO:
Keynote Speech from Dr. Timothy Chan at 8th Annual International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research
Video Commentary: WOW is interested with this knowledge exchange and how our framework can be applied as pillars for assessing research impact beyond academia and into the development of social enterprises for sustainable development. With the desperate needs in conservation and preservation of the environmental resources and the demands for regenerative development that WOW"s regenerative framework can be offered as a baseline in creating such such values in creating and evaluating our "Impact Producers."
ALSO WOW Bali is in alignment with Inwithforward Organization efforts of developing "Impact Producers." For more information please visit their website.


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Girl Power is back and, since mid-December, has taken over London's Piccadilly Theatre, as the musical Viva Forever! brings the Spice Girls hits to the West End. A pair of DiGiCo mixing consoles makes sure the audience gets the sound it really, really wants.
The show's sound designer is Bobby Aitken, who is no stranger to musical theatre, having produced sound designs for some of the world's most successful shows, including We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia! and, most recently, the opening and closing ceremonies for London's Olympic and Paralympic games.
For some years his console of choice has been from British manufacturer DiGiCo. This production is no different, with an SD7T at Front of House and an SD8 handling the monitor mix's for the show's live musicians. Both consoles, along with the rest of Bobby's equipment requirements, are supplied by Autograph Sound.
The SD7T's suitability stems from a number of reasons, not least the production's high channel count.
"We have an A/B audio system – effectively two complete systems – to avoid unwanted audio issues from the actors' microphones, which include 24 Sennheiser SK5212s and seven SKM5200s," says Viva Forever! head of sound Ben Evans. "This set up means double the amount of outputs and double the amount of processing required within the desk, so the SD7T was the best choice."
Bobby explained, "Because we mic the performers with onmi capsules, it's very common to hear a destructive phasing sound when we open multiple mics. Its very noticeable during duets when the performers get close to each other. The only way to get round it is never to mix the two mics together. So, they route to separate busses on the mixer, through separate amplifiers, separate reverbs and effects, separate processors and, ultimately, separate loudspeaker systems. The signal for the mics never meet each other till they are in air. This technique was developed by Martin Levan in the late 80's but, because of the high demand on mix busses, was always very difficult to fully implement. The high buss count on the DiGiCo products makes it possible."
"Needing 'two lots of everything' made the SD7T the ideal console for the show. Also, it has been specifically designed for theatre audio and that makes a real difference," says Ben. "There are a lot of little functions that have been developed within the T software that help us do things more quickly and efficiently.
"On this show we use around 150 Snapshots as the console is firing sound effects and changing control groups to maintain the A/B integrity. If there are multiple cues within a song, you can ask the desk not to change the faders during that song, so you can step through the cues, changing your allocations for the control groups and firing sound effects without upsetting the mix of the band – it's little things like that that make it a lot easier for us to do what we want to do.
"DiGiCo has also made huge steps forward with the software," he continues. "Over the past few years they have adopted suggestions made by operators which have made our lives at lot easier. It has made the creative stuff that the designer wants achievable with a lot more ease. There's a lot of time pressure in technical rehearsals, being able to do everything quickly and never hear the stage manager say 'We're waiting for sound' is great."
A function that has proven very useful is being able to share audio over the SD7T and SD8 and output it at different stages. This allows the SD8 to handle audio for the band monitoring completely independently of the main console, but its cues are controlled from the SD7T via MIDI and alleviates the need for a dedicated engineer to operate the SD8. To ensure maximum flexibility, the multi-channel mixes sent to each musician can then be fine-tuned on personal, 16 channel mixers.
The audio system is undoubtedly one of the stars of this show, with both Bobby and Ben enthusiastic about how the DiGiCo consoles are performing.
"All the SD products I've used have been very reliable," says Bobby. "The SD7T is doing a lot of work on this show – as well as the main mix it's firing sound effects, stopping sound effects, sending timecode to other people and other tasks. It's functioning as much more of a production hub than just an audio mixer and both consoles are doing their duties flawlessly."
info: www.digico.biz


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Anglo-Iranian Oil Co. (United Kingdom v. Iran)
See other cases involving
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Iran, Islamic Republic of
See other cases involving
Provisional measures
Preliminary objections
Overview of the case
In 1933 an oil concession agreement was concluded between the Government of Iran and the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. In 1951, laws were passed in Iran for the nationalization of the oil industry. These laws resulted in a dispute between Iran and the company. The United Kingdom took up the company's case and instituted proceedings before the Court. Iran disputed the Court's jurisdiction. In its Judgment of 22 July 1952, the Court decided that it had no jurisdiction to deal with the dispute. Its jurisdiction depended on the declarations by Iran and the United Kingdom accepting the Court's compulsory jurisdiction under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Court's Statute. The Court held that the declaration by Iran, which was ratified in 1932, covered only disputes based on treaties concluded by Iran after that date, whereas the claim of the United Kingdom was directly or indirectly based on treaties concluded prior to 1932. The Court also rejected the view that the agreement of 1933 was both a concessionary contract between Iran and the company and an international treaty between Iran and the United Kingdom, since the United Kingdom was not a party to the contract. The position was not altered by the fact that the concessionary contract was negotiated through the good offices of the Council of the League of Nations. By an Order of 5 July 1951, the Court had indicated interim measures of protection, that is, provisional measures for protecting the rights alleged by either party, in proceedings already instituted, until a final judgment was given. In its Judgment, the Court declared that the Order had ceased to be operative.
This overview is provided for information only and in no way involves the responsibility of the Court.
Institution of proceedings
Application instituting proceedings
26 May 1951
Available in:
Written proceedings
Request for the Indication of Interim Measures of Protection
22 June 1951
Provisional measures
Available in:
Procedure(s): Provisional measures
Memorial submitted by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
10 October 1951
Available in:
Preliminary Observations: Refusal by the Imperial Government of Iran to accept the jurisdiction of the Court
(French version only)
4 February 1952
Preliminary objections
Available in:
(French version only)


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A Hand Up
Interviews, advice, and resources for mentors and aspiring young scientists everywhere.
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Advisor, Teacher, Role Model, Friend: On Being a Mentor to Students in Science and Engineering
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Source: The National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine
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A useful guidebook to train science mentors at all levels. A guide for educators, libraries, and research institutions.
Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
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The AAAS Project on Science, Technology and Disability career resources for students with disabilities, including the publication.
How to Mentor Graduate Students: A Guide for Faculty in a Diverse University
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How to get the Mentoring You Want: A Guide for graduate Students at a Diverse University
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Collection of practical advice, experiences, and opinions from seasoned biomedical investigators.
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Mentoring for Academic Careers in Engineering: Proceedings of the 2005 PAESMEM/Stanford School of Engineering Workshop
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Mentoring Websites
Just Garcia Hill: A Virtual Community for Minorities in Science
MentorNet: Email-based mentoring in engineering, science and mathematics for women and other underrepresented groups
Science and Everyday Experiences (SEE): Radio interviews with African Americans in Science
Science Buddies: How to Find a Mentor for Your Science Fair Project
Sciencecareers.org: Career Development
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science: Biography Project


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text: Jimy Hettes (Esther Lin, MMA Fighting)Jimy Hettes Out of UFC Fight Night 81 Bout Against Charles Rosa in Boston José Youngs January 10, 2016 News, Spotlight, UFC On Sunday afternoon it was revealed UFC featherweight Jimy Hettes had pulled out of his scheduled UFC Fight Night 81 fight against Charles Rosa next weekend. Niall McGrath was the first to report the news. For Hettes (11-3), this marks the fourth time he's pulled out of a scheduled UFC bout since making his Octagon debut in 2011. Against Rosa "The Kid' was looking to snap his career worst two fight losing streak. In his most recent contest, the 28-year-old suffered a first round TKO to Diego Brandao after the cageside referee determinedHettes was unfit to continue fighting after his cauliflower ear exploded from an elbow strike. Rosa (10-2) , an American Top Team product, is also looking to get back into the win column after dropping a split decision to Yair Rodriguez in their Fight of the Night at UFC 180. Prior to this setback, the Massachusetts native earned an impressive third round submission win over Sean Soriano at UFC Fight Night 59, which marked the UFC's last visit to the Bay State. There is currently no word on who Rosa's new opponent will be. Charles Rosa UFC Fight Night 81 Weekly Blog: Episode 1 Charles Rosa UFC Fight Night 81 Weekly Blog: Episode 2 Pingback: Jimy Hettes Out of UFC Fight Night 81 Bout Against Charles Rosa in Boston() Pingback: UFC Fight Night 81: Who's on the Hot Seat?() Pingback: UFC FN 81: Augusto Mendes to Meet Charles Rosa On Short Notice() Pingback: UFC Fight Changes and Cancellations in 2016 - MMASucka.com()


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In 1970, the Honorable Gaylord Nelson, a United States Senator and passionate advocate for protecting the environment, helped establish April 22nd as Earth Day, the national day for the environment. His ambitious endeavor compelled the World Federation of Buddhist Youth (WFBY) to examine methods to keep the most important human resource – our mind – pristine and to safeguard it from thought, speech or action that will cause others distress and ultimately bind us to the endless cycle of suffering. Hence, WFBY petitioned for April 22nd to be known as "Dhamma Earth Day" under the motto, "Clean the World, Clean the Mind."
If one stirs water filled with dirt, the water turns brown; but if one leaves it still, it becomes clear, as dirt is isolated. The same can be said about the mind; for if it remains still, greed, anger, and desire will be separated, and the mind itself will become purer.
This special occasion reminds us to think more about our responsibilities as residents of the earth. It is a great opportunity for us to review all of our activities that may affect the conditions of the earth in other words, the environment and any actions that we can do to improve the current conditions of the earth.
The conditions of the planet earth are changing daily due to two main factors: Natural phenomena and human activities.
The natural phenomena such as flood, wild fire, and storms are part of nature itself. They are the factors that help shape the earth. The earth we live in today is a work of nature. These events that affect earth conditions are difficult to control and may not be desirable to control.
Human activities such as deforestation, nuclear testing, air and water pollution, and overconsumption of natural resources, on the other hand, are the factors that deteriorate the earths condition and may be controlled. Since human beings are the main cause of environmental problems, it is necessary to change people's attitudes and behaviors towards the earth.
Human beings consist of two main parts : body and mind.
The mind controls the body to act as the mind wishes. As the Buddha says, "The mind controls everything. Everything can be achieved by the power of the mind. A person with an evil mind can do any kind of evil thing. A person with a purified mind can do endless good deeds that benefit the society."
Therefore, the best way to change human actions is to change the way people think . that is, to train the mind to be able to see things the way as they actually are. People with clear and purified minds can act more reasonably than those with confused minds. Although it may take some time to train people's minds, the results will be invaluable.
According to Buddhism, the attitudes that help keep the world in order are
(1) Hiri (disgust/shame about bad things) When we are disgusted by something, we will avoid being near to or doing that thing. By developing this kind of feeling towards bad behavior, we will not do that type of action. For example, if we have an aversion towards stealing, we will never steal from anybody, even though no one would know we had done it.
(2) Ottappa (fear of the result of committing bad actions) When we are afraid of the consequence of something, we will not initiate any kind of action to cause it to happen. Committing bad actions may result in the suffering of others or our own selves.
People who possess the qualities of Hiri and Ottappa will not hurt or cause any disturbance to others. They will not destroy the environment or deteriorate the conditions of the earth since they hate such actions and are afraid of bad consequences.
In order to develop a high level of Hiri and Ottappa, we have to have a strong determination, which can be achieved through the practice of meditation. Meditation is the best way to train our mind to be strong, firm, and calm at the same time. It helps the mind to calm down, be able to focus on the important issues and see things the way as they actually are. Especially when one attains Dhammakaya through meditation, one will feel spiritually happy and want others and the world to be at peace. People with a confused and agitated state of mind may have wrong perceptions of the things they see.
Recognizing the importance of meditation in helping people to develop a better cognition of the things surrounding us, the Dhammakaya Foundation has proposed to the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth that meditation practice should be included as one of the activities to commemorate Earth day.
The slogan "Clean the world. Clean the mind." was also proposed. The committees of the association agreed with the proposal and support such activity. In order to propagate the practice of meditation as a way to develop people's mind, the Dhammakaya Foundation, under the initiation of Phrarajabhavanavisudh, has been constructing the Dhammakaya Cetiya to be a meditation and gathering center at Wat Phra Dhammakaya since 1994.
The Cetiya will be a place for people to meditate in order to purify their minds so that the feeling of Hiri and Otappa reside within them. Having purified minds, people can think clearly before doing things. As a result, it helps reduce the number of people whose activities deteriorate the conditions of the earth
Earth Day is an annual event organized at Wat Phra Dhammakaya as affirmation that true peace and harmony in the world begins with inner peace. The activities throughout the day are based on the Buddha's Teachings on purifying one's mind through generosity (Dana), moral discipline (Sila) and the practice of meditation (Bhavana). The morning session begins at 9.30 am with a meditation session, followed by the offering of midday meal as Sanghadana to the monastic community and the presentation of grants to the teachers in the four southern provinces of Thailand as a show of support for their unwavering commitment.
In the afternoon, there is a meditation session and chanting of the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta by the venerable monks. The principle Dhamma of the chanting pertains to the elimination of suffering through the practice of the Middle Way. This will be followed by the offerings ceremony to the monastic community comprises 30,000 temples throughout Thailand, including monks from 300 temples in the four southern provinces. The evening culminates with a circumambulation of the Great Dhammakaya Cetiya as demonstration of our utmost respect and homage to the Lord Buddha.