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Employees are an important part of any business. But in SMEs, a smaller team means that your people are even more vital to the overall success of your business. So when a team member is off work due to ill health, it can have a noticeable impact.
However, employees turning up to work despite being unwell could be having an even bigger impact on your business than sickness absence.
Sickness absence in small businesses
According to figures from the ONS, 131.2 million working days were lost due to sickness in 2017. Of these lost days, the biggest causes of absence were1:
- Minor illnesses (26%)
- Musculoskeletal problems (21%)
- Other (including accidents, poisonings, infectious diseases etc.) (15%)
- Stress, depression and anxiety (10%)
It's no surprise that staff sickness absence can have a negative effect on small businesses. However, the extent to which it may be costing them can often go undocumented. According to one study, over 70% of businesses admitted that absence has a direct effect on profitability although more than a third of these have no idea how much absentees have cost them2.
What is presenteeism?
While much attention is often paid to the rate of sickness absence within an organisation, presenteeism levels can often fall under the radar if it goes unnoticed.
Presenteeism occurs when employees attend work despite being unwell. This could be as a result of issues with their physical or mental health. Unlike with sickness absence, presenteeism can be hard for employers to spot amongst their team, as they may not notice any symptoms or indications that someone is unwell. However, presenteeism may be more common than some business leaders and managers may think. According to a CIPD report, 86% of over 1,000 respondents said they had observed presenteeism in their organisation over the last 12 months, compared with 72% in 2016 and 26% in 20103.


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Fentanyl (Into the mouth)
Fentanyl (FEN-ta-nil)
Treats pain that is not relieved by other pain medicines. This medicine is a narcotic pain reliever.
Brand Name(s):
Abstral, Actiq, Fentora, SubsysThere may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use this medicine if you had an allergic reaction to fentanyl or if you are not taking pain medicine for around-the-clock pain control.
How to Use This Medicine:
Thin Sheet, Lozenge, Spray, Tablet, Lollipop
- Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
- Use this medicine only when needed for breakthrough pain . Never use more than your doctor told you to use.
- Use only the brand of medicine your doctor prescribed. Other brands may not work the same way.
- Keep the medicine in the original blister or foil package. Open the package right before you need to use it.
- Abstral® tablets : Place the tablet under the tongue until it dissolves. Do not chew, suck, or swallow the tablet. Do not eat or drink anything until the tablet has dissolved. If your mouth is dry, use water to rinse your mouth before you place the tablet under your tongue.
- Actiq® lozenges : Place the lozenge in your mouth between the cheek and lower gum. Use the handle to move the lozenge from one side to the other every now and then. Suck the medicine for 15 minutes, and do not chew it.
- Fentora® tablets : Peel the blister back to remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the blister because this may damage the tablet. Place the tablet between your upper cheek and gum, above a back molar, until it dissolves. Do not chew, suck, or swallow the tablet. You may swallow the tablet with a glass of water if it does not dissolve completely after 30 minutes.
- Onsolis® film : Use your tongue to wet the side of your cheek, or rinse your mouth with water in the area where you will place the film. Do not cut or tear the film. Hold the film on a clean, dry finger with the pink side facing up. Press the film against your cheek and hold it there for 5 seconds. Leave the film in place until it dissolves, and do not touch or move the film. Do not chew or swallow the film. Place the second film on the other side of your mouth, if you must use more than one film. Do not eat any food until the film dissolves. You may drink water or other liquids after 5 minutes.
- Subsys® spray : Carefully spray the medicine under your tongue. Hold the medicine under your tongue for 30 to 60 seconds. Do not rinse your mouth and do not spit out any medicine.
- Drink plenty of liquids to help avoid constipation.
- This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Keep the medicine in the original blister or foil package. Do not use the medicine if the package has been damaged or opened.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days.
- Some foods and medicines can affect how fentanyl works. Tell your doctor if you are using St John's wort, aprepitant, cimetidine, diltiazem, modafinil, nefazodone, pioglitazone, rifabutin, rifampin, troglitazone, verapamil, a steroid medicine (such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone), medicine to treat an infection (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, telithromycin, troleandomycin), medicine for HIV or AIDS (such as amprenavir, efavirenz, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir), medicine for seizures (such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), or a phenothiazine medicine (such as prochlorperazine, promethazine).
- Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, lung or breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]), mucositis (sores in your mouth), seizures, or a slow heart rate. Tell your doctor if you have had a head injury or brain surgery, or if you have a history of drug addiction or alcohol abuse. Do not use this medicine for minor aches and pains, such as headaches, dental pain, or migraines, or after surgery or injuries.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Serious breathing problems
- Overdose
- This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
- This medicine can cause serious harm or death to a child . Always keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Carefully and properly dispose of both used units and medicine that has not been used.
- Actiq® contains 2 grams of sugar in each unit. Schedule regular dentist visits. Be careful if you need to keep track of your sugar intake.
- Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
- This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
- This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
- Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine you do not use.
- Actiq® lozenges : Place used handles in the temporary storage bottle from the Actiq® Child Safety Kit. Empty the bottle each day.
Subsys® spray
- Used spray units: Place the used spray unit into the small disposal bag that came with the medicine. Do this right after use. Seal the disposal bag and throw it into a secure trash container, out of the reach of children.
- Unopened or expired spray units: Hold the unused medicine units upside down, with the nozzle inside the disposal bottle. Spray the units inside the bottle until they are empty. Place all empty spray units into the small bags, and seal them. Shake the bottle from side to side. Place the disposal bottle into the large bag and seal it. Throw all disposal bags into a secure trash container, out of the reach of children.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Blue lips, fingernails, or skin
- Chest pain or tightness
- Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
- Extreme weakness, confusion, severe drowsiness, fainting, or dizziness
- Trouble breathing or change in breathing (such as sighing, decreased urge to breathe, or uneven, fast, slow, or shallow breathing)
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 1/27/2017

subset: commoncrawl


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This week here on the Green Keratin blog, we are going to be discussing one of the handiest products to have in your evening skincare routine: the Frankincense One Layer Night Balm. Balms have become all the rage within the beauty world over the past year simply because they get the job done. Most people have heard of balms that remove makeup, but most don't realise that balms are also amazing moisturisers.
But what is the difference between a balm and a moisturiser?
Well, it all comes down to the thickness and consistency, but they all share the same end goal of keeping your skin beautifully moisturised and hydrated. A balm is usually free from any water content, with its base being constructed from oil or beeswax, making it perfectly suited for more dry and mature skin types. A balm is usually slightly thicker than your average moisturiser which is what makes it best for use as part of your night-time routine.
Organic Frankincense Oil
First we are going to look at the wonderful ingredient from which this balm gets its name. Frankincense oil is a fantastic toning ingredient, helping the skin to look lifted and revitalised. This makes Frankincense Oil perfect for when you are feeling like your skin is looking a bit dull and lifeless. And for me, during these winter months that is more often than not! Frankincense Oil also works to help regenerate cells, while also keeping current skin cells healthy, thus helping to reduce the appearance of any fine lines and wrinkles.
As with any oil, frankincense oil is also great for locking in the skins natural moisture by helping to create a protective barrier over the skin.
Macadamia, Cranberry and Kiwi Seed Oils
As this is an oil based product, we have made sure that it is completely packed with only the best oils in order to ensure that you are only nurturing your skin with the best ingredients possible. Which is precisely why we chose these three amazing oils.
Organic Macadamia Oil is famed for its moisturising properties as it is constantly working to help maintain the skin's moisture levels with palmitoleic acid.
Cranberry oil is absolutely full to the brim with essential fatty acids, these are essential for helping the skin to maintain a healthy balance of moisture. And, keeping your skin as hydrated as possible can help reduce signs of ageing, as the skin is nice and plump and therefore less likely to sag or wrinkle.
And finally, Kiwi Seed Oil is another oil we have included that is packed with nutrients, as well as being a great source of Vitamins C and E.
Natural Vitamin E
In fact, the Kiwi Seed Oil is not the only source of Vitamin E in the product, we have also included natural Vitamin E derived from sunflower. Vitamin E is great for the skin as it works as both an anti-oxidant and a skin conditioner. Anti-oxidants are absolutely essential for maintaining the skins health as they help to protect the delicate dermis from being damaged by free-radicals within the environment. Thus helping to protect the skin from environmental aggressors and reducing both visible and invisible signs of damage.
Tips from our Team
The best thing about this balm is the fact that it is so quick and easy to use! Oh, as well as the fact that is it 100% Vegan and Cruelty free!
We would suggest using this as part of your night-time routine after cleansing and toning the skin. Although this balm is lovely and sinks into the skin very easily, as it is very oil based, it is best to give your skin as much time as possible to soak up its amazing benefits.
Start by warming a small amount of the balm between your hands, be careful that you don't use too much, you want to use just enough to keep your skin looking healthy without clogging your pores. The same applies for all skincare products. All you have to do now is gently massage the balm into your face and neck and leave it to soak in overnight.


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Kickass travel photos with learning the basic elements of a photo and how to compose one. If you've been centering the main objects in each photo, STOP.
The rule of thirds is a basic guideline for composing any type of visual image, whether that's a photo, painting or even a movie. It says that an image is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically and that the most important element of the photo is placed along where these lines occur or intersect. This arguably creates a lot more "interest" in the subject of the photo, though it's not a hard and fast rule. However, it is not a horrible framework to start with if you're just getting into photography.
But hey! If you want the fast food version of that, photographer Jayne Whitelock also explains it all on video. Plus he's channeling so much Peter Jackson I just can't get over it.
Is there any chance he's in the Shire, do you think?
The rule of thirds is something that you'll often have to imagine in your own little head when shooting a photo—there's no nifty camera feature for that—but it's not hard to do. The other option is to do some post-editing for the rule of thirds in Photoshop but I like to do most of the legwork upfront so that I can spend very little time editing afterwards.
To illustrate how this affects the composition of a photo, I've grabbed this photo of a woman in Chennai from Vinod Velayudhan. The featured photo for this post showcases Vinod's original perspective. But below, we have a version of it where he ignores the rule of thirds and decides to center the photo:
However, once we decide to use the rule of thirds as a guideline, the composition changes entirely. Here's that same exact photo but edited to make sure it follows the rule.
I much prefer the second photo because it puts the subject front and center (not literally) and all of a sudden, I'm just so much more interested in her as a personal subject.
There's really no one standing over your shoulder making sure you implement good photography techniques on your trip if you want to rebel, but it's almost certainly never a bad idea to have a grasp of the basics to fallback on.


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Eleven Madison Park's Daniel Humm may have won the Beard Award for Best NYC chef this week, but for tube-steak aficionados, his crowning achievement took place last November. That's when he concocted a hot dog for the East Village cocktail lounge PDT, joining luminaries like David Chang and Wylie Dufresne, whose names appear on the PDT menu followed by the word dog. The Humm dog, as it was called, dared to go where no bacon-wrapped deep-fried frankfurter had ever gone before: beneath a topping of celery relish and melted Gruyère and above a slathering of black-truffle-laced mayo. Needless to say, it gained a fervent following. But thanks to the prohibitive cost of fresh black truffles, PDT had to drop the Humm dog from the lineup.
The good news: Chef Humm has unleashed something on EMP's bar menu called the Petite Hot Dog. They come two to an order, and basically the only difference between a Humm dog and a Petite dog, as you might have guessed, is size (you can finish off a Petite in one bite) and price ($6 and $14, respectively). That, and the fact that Humm serves Petite dogs on fancy, oversize china instead of paper plates.


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Tin Hall (the building itself, anyway) is now back in the hands of pre-2014 owner Fred Stockton, report Shawn Arrajj and Emily Donaldson. The Tin Hall property was bought by Mark Martinez in 2014, who sold the land to MHI McGuyer Homebuilders later that year; Martinez was allowed time after the Hall's closing to relocate the structure, and made plans to move it down to a spot off Spring Cypress Rd. just east of Dry Creek — a process slowed down by issues with finding water for the venue and its planned nextdoor retail development.
The homebuilders reportedly got tired of waiting last month and gave rights to the building to next-on-the-waiting-list Stockton, who is now looking for a new place to set it up. Stockton and Cypress restaurateur Joe Duong will be reopening the structure wherever it lands, but the next iteration of the venue won't be a dance hall — "they are fun to talk about," Stockton tells Community Impact, "but no one goes to them."
- Tin Hall Changes Ownership Back to Fred Stockton, Joe Duong [Community Impact]
- Previously on Swamplot: Tin Hall To Reopen after Two-Stepping Down Spring Cypress Rd.; Cypress's Tin Hall To Be Boot-Scooted Up the Road or Into Oblivion
Photo of Tin Hall in original location at 14800 Tin Hall Rd.: Tin Hall


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It appears lately that Hayden has developed some curiosities with profane language! Unfortunately, this is not his first run-in with off-limit words but now that he is learning to read, the latest incidents are particularly amusing!
As we were going over his homework last week and Hayden was rattling off his site words he paused when we came to the word some. "Momma, that is a bad word" he told me plainly. "What do you mean some is a bad word, it is a site word, of course its not a bad word" I assured him. Hayden proceeded to inform me that it is, in fact a cuss word, "Some-A-Bitch". No son, that's not exactly it! (I could hear our middle daughter in her bedroom down the hall, rolling in the floor laughing)
Later on that week his sister and I were sitting on the couch with him watching television when he blurts out "Momma, is asshole a bad word?" After shooting Elle a threatening look, daring her not to laugh, at least out loud, I replied "Yes Hayden, that is a bad word, let's not say it again." He responded with "can I say ass?" "No Hayden, that is also a bad word, please do not say that again." I could tell this conversation was not over though because the little gears in his brain were clearly still turning. Finally, he looked me with a serious look, "Can I say hole?" "Yes son, hole is the only bad word you can say!"


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Whether you are at home, in the office or always moving, new technology gadgets can help you save a lot of time and also make your life a lot easier. In fact, if you want to fit in today's world, you must embrace the new technology. Here are this year's hottest new techs
1. iPhone 7
If you are looking for a new iPhone, then this is the best phone to buy. If Apple could have launched it in place of the iPhone 6 last year, then it could have been the best phone. It comes with a slightly longer battery life, fast innards, a better camera and protection against water. Due to its water resistance chassis, it can survive plunges in water. In addition, its screen has changed in brightness and color. Overall, it's double the internal capacity, it's water resistant and has a good low light camera thereby making Saving money on the hottest new tech a lot easier.
2. Google Nexus 6P
As one of the first two Android phones, Google's Nexus has a solid camera, an accurate fingerprint reader, high resolution screen, loud speakers and works well with every major carrier. As compared to the Motorola 6 inches, the Nexus is a smaller and a narrower phone. Since it has a unibody it means you will not access the battery. This phone also comes in three colors namely graphite, white, and silver. Due to its audio quality, you can comfortably enjoy music from YouTube. Also, it has one of the best cameras and image quality. Its back camera is 12.3 megapixel while its front camera is 8-megapixel. Overall, it's a good phone worth trying.
3. Apple MacBook
With some boost to performance and battery life while keeping the same light slim body, Apple has come up with one of the best laptops. Its responsive trackpad and high res display is still the gold trackpad. If you like a bit of personalization, you can enjoy its color options. It has a new set of updates such as new rose gold color options, new processors for quicker performance and a good battery life. According to reviews, it's actually the thinnest laptop that has ever been made. Although its screen is small it's sharp. Above all, it's an excellent laptop.
4. HP Elite Folio G1
With a Core M processing power and 4K touch screen, the HP Elite has one of the best designs. This amazing laptop is not only thin but also light. It comes with so many configuration options including a 4K touch screen. HP has come up with something that looks like the Apple MacBook but build for the professional users. However, it's still stylish enough that anyone can enjoy using it. As compared to the MacBook, its keyboard is miles above. Although it has the best consumer appeal it's marketed as a professional machine. Even without the extras you still enjoy it.
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro
With a 12 inch AMOLED display, this Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro has one of the best deals. Its battery life is excellent, has keyboard cover and its display is much better than the more expensive designs. This laptop sets up to resemble the best parts while also correcting the problems. Since this is the second generation, it means it has a better performance and a good battery life. Overall, Samsung has built a lot of value into this Tab Pro. Although saving money on the hottest new tech can be hard, here are the 4 ways to get these gadgets cheaper
· Buy them using promo codes and coupons
· Sell your old stuff or trade in your old phone for credit
· Researching in the online stores
· Buy them through auctions and friends
If you want to buy Apple MacBook, you can visit: Best Buy where you will save a lot of money by using coupons and promo codes.
You also can visit NewEgg to purchase HP Elite Folio G1 and save on promo codes and coupons.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/mobile-phone-samsung-edge-samsung-galaxy-s6-edge-plus-50614/ free stock image.


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It's summer, and summer means ice cream, plain and simple. If you disagree, I'm inclined to believe that you've never experienced a sweltering summer, or perhaps even joy, and I'd recommend you reevaluate your principles and get a King Cone, stat.
Of course, I love the classics as much as anyone else, and you can bet I have an emergency stash of Haagen Dazs in my freezer. But I, like many others, had fallen into the trap of believing that the dessert is simply one of the things that one buys, rather than makes, like pasta or cheese.
It was just last summer that I discovered the magic of making your own ice cream. Sure, you can pick up a giant tub of chocolate chip cookie dough for a party, get a scoop of mint chocolate chip on a hot summer's day, or eat an entire pint of Phish Food in bed on a Friday night, but making ice cream is gratifying in a way that buying it is not. It's chemistry in action. You can bypass the traditional flavors in favor of something that's totally your own. You can mix in everything you like and leave out all the stuff you don't. It's hard to screw up, and you don't even need any special equipment (though an ice cream maker is nice). And perhaps best of all, you can pull it out of the freezer during the waning hours of a dinner party and casually announce that why yes, I did make this ice cream the other day.
I'm still on the search for my perfect ice cream formula, but this one (minus the sesame seeds – the plain recipe seems not to exist online) from Lady Grey Ice Cream, featured in Sweet Paul magazine two summers ago, has been my go-to lately. I started this ice cream season with some subtle flavors – I used the sugar I've been keeping in a jar with used vanilla pods (you could just as easily add a teaspoon of vanilla extract), mixed in a shy two teaspoons of cardamom, and layered the churned ice cream with broken up shortbread cookies because my love for this shortbread recipe knows no bounds. And – spoiler alert – the shortbread is just as crumbly and buttery tucked into ice cream as it is straight from the baking sheet. It's my new favorite thing.
So go out an get a carton of heavy cream, some milk and eggs and get wild. Caramel and olive oil? Sure. Chocolate truffle? Sign me up! Roasted strawberry and maple? Yes! The world is your oyster! Go forth and conquer, ice cream warrior! The summer's not getting any cooler.


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Every animal on the planet, down to the most microscopic creature you can imagine, can be classified according to Linnaeus's system. In chapter 28 we covered what it involves and how to ensure you name them correctly. Test how well you understood it by taking the quiz below. All the best!
It belongs to the genus Heraclides.
It belongs to the species cresphontes.
The specific epithet is cresphontes.
All of the above are correct.
Explain the variations among fossils from rock strata.
Explain why there are similarities and differences among modern living groups.
Reflect patterns of shared and unique sections of DNA among groups of animals.
Help predict where unresearched features will be in common, such as how widely a medicine will be effective among animals.
All of the above are correct.
Primitive character
Character trait
Derived character
Analogous structure
Any two organisms with the same trait.
Two organisms sharing the same trait because they have a common ancestor with that trait.
Two lineages acquiring the same trait independently without the trait being present in a common ancestor.
Possession of homologous structures.
All of the above are part of parallel evolution.
Depends on nucleic acid changes being neutral and not tied to adaptation.
Nucleic acid changes occurring at a fairly constant rate.
Still needs to be calibrated with the fossil record.
All of the above are correct.
The arm of a human and the wing of a bat
The arm of a human and the leg of a human
The wing of a butterfly and the wing of a bee
The wing of a bat and the wing of a butterfly
Monera to Protists to Plants, from Plants separately to both Animals and Fungi
Monera to Fungi to Protists to Plants to Animals
Monera to Protists, from Protists separately to Fungi, Plants and Animals
Protists to Monera to Fungi, from Fungi separately to Plants and Animals
Monera to Protists, separately to Animals and Plants with Fungi a loss of plant photosynthesis
Here's an interesting quiz for you.


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Your first visit to Cancer Care Center, PC involves a few special steps so that we can get to know you. To understand what to expect, please read through this page. You'll find all the practical information you need, such as a map and directions to our office(s), practice hours , payment policies and more. We also describe our first visit procedures. You can even save some time by printing out and completing the new patient forms in advance of your appointment .
Mission Statement
Our practice is working together to realize a shared vision of uncompromising excellence in medical care.
To fulfill this mission, we are committed to:
- Listening to those we are privileged to serve.
- Earn the trust and respect of patients, profession and community.
- Exceed your expectations.
- Ensure a creative, challenging and compassionate professional environment.
- Strive for continuous improvement at all levels.
Patient Forms
If you're a new patient, please complete the following forms and bring them to your first appointment.
If you would like our team to coordinate care with another physician practice please complete the form below to authorize release of your medical record, or the authorization for another physician practice to disclose information to us:
In order to view or print these forms you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Click here to download it.
What to Expect
Being well-prepared for your appointment will ensure that the doctor has all of the needed information to provide the best possible care for you. It also will help relieve any unnecessary anxiety you may be feeling. Educate yourself on your symptoms by reviewing the content on this Web site. Also, take some time to review our staff page and familarize yourself with the doctors. We look forward to your first visit.
Driving Directions


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I have already been accepted 5 agents who represent almost all cruise lines going somewhere.
Good for me. But it's not good enough for me.
I am still working. The Special Interest Topic I cover evolves almost daily.
Social Media and the Social Networks.
Today I was given early access as a LinkedIn publisher? LinkedIn didn't tell me what it takes but they accepted me to do it.
My first article is: The New Definition of Search Engine Optimization
This has nothing to do speaking on cruises but everything to do with why I have been asked to speak on cruises.
Related: 2 Big Steps to Getting a Cruise Ship Speaking Gig
I have mojo, moxie, cred. I don't say that to brag. I say that to be an encouragement to you, future cruise ship speaker.
Be good at what you do. Show the cruise lines what you can do. Do it well.
And next thing you know you will be on a cruise ship telling a captive audience how you came to do it.
Want to speak on a cruise ship? Who doesn't?
Reach out to us and we'll tell you how to do it.
You know you want to.
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Staff Report
The formidable representation by the Aledo contingent on the District 7-4A All-District baseball squad is marked by more than sheer numbers. Of the 13 players named to the roster, all but three are underclassmen, boding well for the district champs to remain at the top of the heap for years to come.
2013 All-District Baseball Team
District 7-4A
Most Valuable Player
Brady Cox Arlington Heights 12
Pitcher of the Year
Nathan Hickey Granbury 11
Offensive Player of the Year
Matt Wagnor Western Hills 12
Newcomer of the Year
Dylan McBain Arlington Heights 10
Defensive Player of the Year
Zayne Willems Aledo 11
Coaching Staff of the Year
Aledo — Head Coach Chad Barry
First Team
Pitchers: Chris Reed Aledo 11
Connor Krippel Arlington Heights 11
Miles Wagner Granbury 12
Catchers: Emilio Martinez Trimble Tech 11
Landon Gray Granbury 9
First Base: Michael Ochoa Western Hills 12
Second Base: Ivan Rios Arlington Heights 12
Payton Rhodes Granbury 10
Shortstop: Daniel Arnett Granbury 11
Luke Glover Aledo 11
Third Base: Chris Riojas Southwest 11
Outfield: Doak Dozier Arlington Heights 10
Connor Duer Aledo 10
Pasqual Mendoza Arlington Heights 12
David Dermott Southwest 12
Utility: Jordan Pruitt South Hills 11
DH: Caleb Bendewald Granbury 12
Second Team
Pitchers: Pedro Cuellar Trimble Tech 9
Colton Clanton Aledo 11
Armando Delgadillo South Hills 11
Robin Elkins Southwest 12
Catcher: Irving Coronado Southwest 11
First Base: Ridge Cook Aledo 12
Second Base: Tyson Mauser Aledo 11
Robert Rivera Trimble Tech 11
Shortstop: Adrian Rodriguez Arl. Heights 12
Jordan Johnson Southwest 12
Third Base: Ray Builtron South Hills 11
Taco Anderson Aledo 11
Outfield: Tyler Titus Granbury 12
Johnny Guerrero Trimble Tech 11
Caleb Frysinger Aledo 12
Todd Kirkwood Western Hills 12
Utility: Dalton Brown Arl. Heights 10
Aden Slay Western Hills 11
DH: Baker Roberson Aledo 12
Honorable Mention
Pitchers: Carter Cammack Aledo 11
Mark Swift Aledo 10
Outfield: Zane Scott Aledo 11


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Here we are in a month named after the Roman god Janus, an appropriate personification of the start of the new year. This particular Roman god had two faces so that he could look ahead toward the future and back at the past at the same time. As we get rid of an old year and look forward to a new one, we all try to be a little like Janus. We know through experience what we did wrong and what we did right, and hope to do better this year. Some people make ambitious new year's resolutions; others just take a deep breath and hope for the best…
I have but one New Years Resolution. Listen to my Heart.
A slide show of the past year…Enjoy.
Recipe for a Happy New Year
Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time. Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.
Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don't do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.
Be Well. Jess
I leave you with a prayer and ((HUG)) Lord, let this year be filled with the things that are truly good—with the comfort of warmth in our relationships, with the strength to help those who need our help and the humility and openness to accept help from others.
As we make our resolutions for the year ahead, let us go forward with great hope that all things can be possible—with Your help and guidance.


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Attic and Barn began life in 2010 to satisfy the desires of a modern woman wanting to enhance her outfit with refined garments with character.
Colours and prints are always in synergy, creating sophisticated and original contrasts.
Attic and Barn has evolved season after season. It is now distributed in Europe and appears in a number of international shop windows.
Attic and Barn, besides the Milan and Paris Showroom, also have a close partnership with a network of Italian agents and international distributors. Attic and Barn is developed and distributed on the international market from the company NYKY.


text: Photo of the angel of Sleepy Hollow Cemetary'Ms. Hayden, On Your Selection of Our Next Poet Laureate' and Other Poetry by Joe Tessitore The Society December 1, 2018 Beauty, Culture, Poetry 16 Comments Ms. Hayden, On Your Selection of Our Next Poet Laureate: For poetry to rise again Seek one who has applied the pen To that which all can understand, To verse which is sublime and grand. Choose one who writes for all to read, Who is from all pretension freed, Who can be subtle and be bold, Whose message speaks to young and old. Seek one whose words can cross the aisle And turn a scowl into a smile; Whose elegance is pure and plain And can be heard in each refrain. Turn not away from poetry That can uplift and set us free! Mercy's Song The cry of vengeance __shrill and strong, but from the most __egregious wrong comes Mercy's most __exquisite song, so raise your voice __and sing along! The Angel of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery* Ye guardian of souls untold! Whence comes this garland that you hold? From bowers of celestial blooms, you decorate mere mortals' tombs? Not all, say I, only the just who in Our Master placed their trust. Breathtaking beauty not to waste on such as thee, by sin dis-graced. The hourglass yet did not drain. Scant few the grains that still remain. But time enough, from His hand sent, to mend thy ways and to repent. For every one, 'tis not too late to walk in bliss thru Heaven's Gate. * the resting place of Washington Irving. A Grain of Sand Like sand running thru an hourglass, the days of our lives so quickly pass. Tumbling grains—all the joys and pains— till finally only one remains. Weigh well my words and don't misconstrue; be grateful for the sand in your shoe. Joe Tessitore is a retired New York City resident and poet. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or comments. CODEC News:Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) 16 Responses E. V. December 1, 2018 Good morning! Thank you for the great poetry, Joe. It would be great if SCP mailed Ms. Hayden a collection of SCP's poems advocating this position. All 4 poems are all very good. Mercy's Song and The Angel of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery are powerful. I can't wait to read future poems from you (and other SCP contributors) while drinking tea from my new Society of Classical Poets mug! Reply Joseph Tessitore December 1, 2018 Thanks Beth! (and snuggled in my new SCP hoodie!) Reply Mark Stone December 1, 2018 Joe, Hello. 1. First poem. Flawless and wonderful, in my opinion. 2. Second poem. The first two lines seem to be missing a verb. Perhaps an "is" before "shrill" could be added. 3. Third poem. This is also a really strong poem. I would change "dis-graced" to "disgraced" and "every one" to "everyone" and "thru" to "through." And I love this line: "Scant few the grains that still remain." 4. Fourth poem. It took me a while to figure out the meter. Lines 1 and 2 are: iamb-anapest-iamb-iamb. And lines 5 and 6 are: iamb-iamb-anapest-iamb. I can't reach a definite conclusion about the meter of lines 3 and 4; it depends on if you pronounce "tumbling" with two syllables or three syllables. Also, I would change "thru" to "through." Finally, I would say that this poem is very good advice. Thank you for sharing these poems. Reply Joseph Tessitore December 1, 2018 Mark, Thanks so much for your comments and criticisms! There should have been a comma after "vengeance" in the second poem; "shrill and strong" should have been sectioned off and the poem itself should have been but one sentence. Dashes may have worked to accomplish this as well. In the third poem I wanted the angel to sound both different and archaic, and so my use of "dis-graced" (which struck me powerfully when I thought of it), and "every one". I'm glad you liked them, and I appreciate your taking the time to comment on them. Reply C.B. Anderson December 1, 2018 Joe, The first poem is very much on point, but unfortunately, here, at this venue, you are simply preaching to the choir. Why not write a letter directly to the Librarian — it's not as if formalist poets have never been appointed Poet Laureate. Reply Joseph Tessitore December 1, 2018 C.B., This poem came from a previous posting – an open letter to the same Librarian. It was a poem of some sixty lines in length, and I questioned the practicality of sending something that long. Evan challenged me to write something shorter, and so this poem (which, by the way, is also the first sonnet I've ever written). Dr. Salemi suggested that letters, regardless of their length, will probably have nothing at all to do with the Librarian's selection. I agree with him. I like this poem because I think it's a pretty comprehensive summary of what I believe poetry should be. I hope all is well. Joe Reply Rajendra Singh Baisthakur December 1, 2018 I like to the first poem "Ms Hayden ….." for its use of simple words to convey a profound thought. Yeah there is need for more good poetry and truly it is a powerful means to better the world. Reply Joseph Tessitore December 2, 2018 Thank you very much, Rajendra. I try my best to write that way and am grateful that you appreciate it. Reply David Watt December 2, 2018 I really enjoyed your poems Joe, particularly the first. This poem made me think of the Australian situation in regard to the position of Poet Laureate. In 1818 and 1819, the Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie, granted convicted felon Michael Massey Robinson two cows for his services as poet laureate. Since then, the post of Australian poet laureate has remained unfilled. I imagine that if the position was reinstated, we may require a formal dairy farmer. Reply Joseph Tessitore December 2, 2018 A truly remarkable story, David. Leave it to our politicians! Reply Alexander Ream December 2, 2018 I have much despair as to present establishment corridors naming a poet laureate who is an actual poet. Sewanee, Oxford American, and The Southern Review, I believe, are indicators of the prevailing poetry malaise. I actually think we'd need an apocalypse and several hundred years to recover a quality civilization. Reply Alexander Ream December 2, 2018 having said that: fine poem Joe PS – when I was 8, half of my family split from mainline Presbyterianism into a conservative denomination. Though checkered and imperfect, the experience taught me that better quality is obtained either on the margin or by referencing persistent classics from previous eras. My perspective could be truncated, though. I hope your poem and it's wish is successful. Reply David Paul Behrens December 2, 2018 Nice rhyming, Joe. And good poems all around. Reply Amy Foreman December 3, 2018 Enjoyable poetry, as per usual, Joe! Thanks for sharing it! Reply Dusty Grein January 1, 2019 Awesome stuff as always Joe. Like you, I think that a shorter poem will probably have a better chance of being read, but a diversity of forms is always a pleasure, and maybe we will be lucky enough to find that the Hon. Ms. Hayden will be intrigued enough by the responses to read the in depth. 🙂 Reply Dusty Grein January 1, 2019 ** them all … fingers out-typed my brain, lol Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


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Interocclusal appliances, or more commonly termed as bite splints, have been advocated for the control and treatment of conditions such as bruxism (bruxomania), trauma from occlusion and temporomandibular joint disorders. Many different types of splint designs have been advocated, each aimed at eliminating a specific etiologic factor. The selection of the appliance design should be based on sound therapeutic goals. A well designed interocclusal appliance may help reduce nocturnal bruxism, clenching and decrease the pain in orofacial region via a physical action or a placebo effect.
This article describes the fabrication of an occlusal splint for a 60 year old female patient with a history of bruxism and clenching that resulted in much loss of tooth structure through attrition, a reduced masticatory efficiency and associated pain in the orofacial region.


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Central City's S.T.A.R. Labs might want to beef up their security.
The Unit alum Demore Barnes has been cast in The Flash's second season as Henry Hewitt, familiar to Firestorm comic fans as the villain Tokamak.
According to ComicBook.com, which first reported the news, Henry is a charming but cocky scientist who was affected by the same particle accelerator explosion that created The Flash. When Caitlin Snow recruits him to join the S.T.A.R. Labs team, Henry begins to fulfill his destiny as a powerful meta-human.
The Flash returns Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 8/7c.
Ready for more of today's newsy nuggets? Well…
* Ahead of Empire's Sept. 23 return, FX will air a marathon of all 12 Season 1 episodes on Monday, Sept. 7, from noon to midnight.
* Greg Malins, showrunner of Fox's upcoming comedy The Grinder, has parted ways with the series for creative reasons, per The Hollywood Reporter. His replacement has not yet been announced.
* Rob Huebel (Childrens Hospital) will guest-star on the Sept. 24 episode of Married, playing Jacob, the charming yet cunning ex-husband of Abby (Sarah Burns), per EW.com.
* Oscar-nominated actress Debra Winger (Terms of Endearment) will co-star in The Ranch, Netflix's upcoming comedy series starring That '70s Show's Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson. In the series — about a semi-professional football star (Kutcher) who returns home to help his brother (Masterson) run their family's Colorado ranch — Winger will play the boys' mother, according to Deadline.


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Harlem duo Cannibal Ox will release their new album Blade of the Ronin on March 3 via IGC/iHipHop. It's Vast Aire and Vordul Mega's first album in fourteen years, following 2001's The Cold Vein. DOOM, U-God, Elzhi, and Artifacts guest. Listen to the full album below.
On March 2, Cannibal Ox will play a release show at New York City's Webster Hall with GZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Freeway, and G-Jet.
Read our interview with Cannibal Ox.


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Last year, I celebrated Emmy Noether, perhaps the greatest mathematician of the 20th century. This year (largely because I'm swamped with other work), I'm stealing a great idea from Ed Yong, and celebrating living writers who are my friends, colleagues, and influences. This list is in no particular order, isn't anywhere close to complete, and has some overlap with Ed's list. My main criteria are that these are writers I read regularly, so their interests mix with mine to some degree. (Writers marked with an asterisk* are people I have met in Real Life, whatever that signifies.) Leave your own favorites and influences in the comments! [Read more….]
a list of many of the best science writers I know:For Ada Lovelace Day, I compiled


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What is Methadone?
Methadone is a synthetic opioid from the narcotic family with potent analgesic effects. It is comparative with morphine.
How Methadone evolved?
Used medically as an analgesic and anti-addictive, it was developed in Germany in 1937. It arrived in the United States in 1947.
What is Methadone maintenance?
Methadone is a synthetic opiate, or opioid, manufactured by Mallinckrodt, Inc. for replacement therapy in the treatment of opiate dependence. Methadone maintenance is a form a therapy in which an individual ingests methadone on a daily basis to overcome the illicit use of opiate drugs.
What Methadone does?
Treats common pain, especially in the back. Methadone also reduces withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to heroin or other narcotic drugs without causing the "high" associated with the drug addiction.
How long does it last?
Taken orally once a day, methadone suppresses narcotic withdrawal for between 24 and 36 hours.
Why is Methadone so addictive?
Although chemically unlike morphine or heroin, methadone also acts on the opioid receptors and thus produces many of the same effects. Many former heroin users have claimed that the horrors of heroin withdrawal were far less painful and stressful than withdrawal from methadone.
What are some disadvantages of methadone treatment?
If methadone is not taken on a daily basis as prescribed, a withdrawal syndrome similar to opiate withdrawal syndrome occurs. Too much methadone may cause over-sedation, and too little will be ineffective in controlling opiate withdrawal. Combining methadone with other drugs – including prescription drugs – can cause serious health problems. Patients are therefore required to cooperate in coordinating treatment with their other healthcare providers and to participate in random drug testing.
Methadone Withdrawal
Unfortunately for many patients, this can then lead to having to cope with methadone withdrawal. For many patients, it can end up trading one nasty addiction for another.
Doctors and rehabilitation centers have brought methadone use to epidemic levels seemingly not taking into consideration the problems that can come with long-term use of it. In many cases, the symptoms of methadone withdrawal can be as severe as the withdrawal symptoms of the drug that the rehabilitation clinic is trying to wean the patient off of. Often this results in people having a tough time stopping their dependence on methadone and becoming addicted to it.
Some of the symptoms associated with methadone withdrawal are nutritional depletion, hypersensitivity to discomfort along with cramping, aches, insomnia and overall feelings of nervousness. It can also cause aches and pains that many people mistake for the pain and stress that resulted from previous accidents. In fact is can often take up to 4 times longer for a person to completely withdraw from methadone after an extended period of abuse than heroin.
Because methadone and the anxiety brought on by withdrawal tend to damage the lining of the stomach it can cause a lot of stomach pains that lead to irritability. The best way to deal with this is with nutrition; methadone use can cause the body to suffer from severe nutritional deficiency so the person who is coping with withdrawal should eat foods like yogurt that is high in probiotics and large quantities of glutathione which as an antioxidant will help with the detoxification process.
Because methadone is very toxic to the body it makes it very hard for the organs to detoxify your system, this is one of the reasons that heroin users develop the dark circles under their eyes, methadone can cause the same effect. The best way to cope with this and help your body to recover is to stick to very healthy and nutritious diet.
For many people, it is possible to complete methadone withdrawal by themselves and cope with their symptoms however detoxifying your body after a prolonged substance abuse is more than merely stopping the drug use. Since your body has become used to having the drug, it will try to repair itself once the substance is out of your body. To do this, it needs nutrients that it will take from every cell in your body. To make sure that there are no side effects such as damage to your nervous system or organs you must significantly increase your healthy dietary intake.
Methadone Treatment
When it comes to getting off of methadone, it is vital to know it will take time. It does not happen overnight. This is tough because of the way our world is now, and we want everything right away. We want a quick fix if at all possible.
Many people want a quick fix when it comes to getting off methadone. They may think that trying to quit cold turkey is the best way to go. It is not suggested. It is important to come off of it slowly, especially if you have been using methadone for a long time or large dosages. Getting the right help will make the process a lot easier. During the process, the body needs to detox off the drug itself. Detox is having the body come down off the medication. It is not putting any more of the drug in your body. Rehab can take awhile depending on how long the drug has been used and how much has been used.
Going to an inpatient treatment center is one of the best options. This option is great because they have support and medical personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This allows the person is going through the treatment to have support and help anytime they need it. Having medical personnel all the time also allows them to watch the people who are detoxing and making sure that nothing out of the ordinary happens and is there to help when trying times come up.
Another thing about treatment centers is they want to make sure you are ready for the world when you are done. They do not want to release you until they feel and know you are ready to deal with the world outside the treatment center. They will release you when they see and feel you are ready. Some go through treatment faster than others. No one should compare themselves to someone else. It is when you compare yourself to someone who is doing better than you can slow the process down or even relapse.


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The crater of Pacaya volcano emerges from the craggy landscape of what once was a burning sea of lava, now hardened into rippling waves of metamorphic rocks. The deep brown, black and red sands of the crater gently collide with blue sky. There are no clouds on this bright, sunny day in Guatemala, but today Pacaya is showing signs of activity and white puffs of smoke dot the horizon.
I've never been alone with a volcano before. While it's true I'm not technically alone as I'm on a tour with Guatemalan Adventures, the panorama before me stretches so wide, uninterrupted by human life, giving the scene an other-worldly feel.
It's unlike anything else I've experienced during my three days in Guatemala. This must be the closest one can get on Earth to understanding how it felt for astronauts touching down on the moon. Or maybe how Frodo Baggins felt climbing to Morodor in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
I jump across the volcanic rocks, sharp yet spongy beneath my feet, crunching softly as I bound closer to the crater's base.
"Come on," our guide Francisco calls out to me, "We must go to the Lava Store."
I crunch back over the rocks, heading toward a small gift shop that sits near the base of the crater. I'm admittedly skeptical, as I am of most gift shops placed in tourism locations. (I did however work at Walt Disney World where the majority of attractions "conveniently" exit into a mirage of souvenirs).
But little do I know that in this gift shop I will come to understand the true magic of Pacaya Volcano.
Pacaya – Guatemala's Most Active Volcano
Pacaya, named for a vegetable that grows on trees found in the region, is actually a volcanic complex of 17 craters.
It was dormant for nearly a century, but following an eruption in 1965, has erupted quite frequently in recent years. The largest and most destruction eruption occurred in 2010, covering nearby towns in lava and ash. It is now considered one of the most active of the 33 volcanoes in Guatemala.
Day Tour with Guatemalan Adventure
The crater of Pacaya is a two and a half hour climb from the nearest town and Visitor Center in San Francisco de Sales. I hike in a small group with Guatemalan Adventures tour company, led by a local guide from the area named Francisco.
The ascent is steep, so steep that locals on horseback followed our group about half of the way just in case any of us decided a horse would be a better option to carry us up than our feet.
Everyone in our group was up for the challenge and we all ended up hiking the whole way. During the ascent we stop at a mirador that overlooks the lagoon of Calderas and offers a view of the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango Volcanoes as well as Guatemala City in the distance.
Francisco educates us about the local foliage, all of which has grown since the 2010 eruption destroyed nearly all vegetation in the National Park. It was quite impressive to see how fast nature had returned to the region.
The hike to our final destination 2,552-meters above sea level is mostly shaded and the afternoon is humidity free, making for a pleasant day of hiking.
Apart from the mirador, views during the hike were quite limited until we round a final corner and suddenly an uninterrupted view of Pacaya stands right before us. This first viewing of the crater completely took my breath away and exceeded all previous expectations.
From this first vista point we hike down a steep, rocky path to get closer to the crater. We did not climb the crater for security reasons as it is an active volcano, but the up-close views are still unbelievable. I've traveled to a few volcanoes in Costa Rica recently as well as Hawaii, but the access at Pacaya far exceeded any of these previous volcano sightings.
The Lava Store at Pacaya Volcano
In the Lava Store I speak with David Flores, a Californian native of Guatemalan descent who recently left a successful career in Los Angeles to find a greater purpose for his life in Guatemala.
On May 27, 2010, Pacaya volcano had its largest eruption ever, destroying many homes for locals in the villages below. Following this catastrophic eruption, David, along with Fernando De Leon founded Mayan Rebirth, a jewelry collection that benefits the local people near Pacaya.
The jewelry line crafts Mayan symbols using lavic ash from Pacaya onto coconut shells.
"In light of the sequence of events," the founders write on their website, "we decided to turn this devastating act of nature into a constructive circumstance. We needed to find a way to generate resource to further assist the families who lost their homes. This is how our idea came into fruition."
As David speaks telling me the story of the eruption and the Lava Shop, a necklace featuring a volcanic symbol catches my eye, speaking to me as few souvenirs have.
I buy the necklace, knowing it will remind me of the emotions I felt and realizations I came to understand at Pacaya.
"Look at this piece and remember that with everything inside yourself you can do something about the things that threaten to destroy you and turn it into something positive," David tells me.
Francisco leads us to rocks that are heated by the volcanic activity and there our group roasts marshmallows. I bite into a marshmallow and take in the power and magic of Pacaya Volcano.
Hike With Guatemalan Adventure
Guatemalan Adventure offers day tours of Pacaya Volcano departing from Guatemala City and Antigua daily. As a female solo traveler, there is no way I would have been able to logistically arrange, let alone feel safe, a hike of Pacaya Volcano on my own. The group tour was small enough to keep the experience feeling intimate, and the guides were all friendly, knowledgeable and local to the areas we visited. Guatemalan Adventure also provides transportation to and from your hotel. If you are heading to Guatemala I highly recommend taking a guided hike of Pacaya Volcano with Guatemalan Adventure!
Note: Guatemalan Adventure provided me with a complimentary tour to review. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.


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Buy anything at Arastan between now and the end of our fantastic Jaipur Rugs sale and you could win this wonderful carpet! Hand-knotted in Tibetan style with New Zealand wool and art silk accents for a particularly luscious feel, it is a convenient 3'6" x 5'6" that will fit in any home.
Any purchase either online at www.arastan.com or in our Nandi Durga Road, Bangalore store from now until 21 December 2013 will get you an entry into the draw for this carpet. Buy again during the promotional period and you will get one more card entered into the pool, so you have many chances to win. We will contact the winner before Christmas to give them the good news!


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Fourth iteration of Z-Axis was mounted expediently for the pen plotter test, where we found the ball screw was bent but everything else looked good enough to proceed. Following that success, I will make a better mount for this linear actuator to solve some problems with the quick test configuration we had used.
Problem #1: the test mount was a 3D printed plastic bracket. The best thing that can be said about the rigidity of the mount was that it is better than tape.
Problem #2: old mount leaves long Z-axis mechanism in place, moving the small carriage. Fine for plotters, but for a small vertical CNC mill we want the Z-axis mechanism to move out of the way of the work piece. This means flipping the mechanism around, mounting it by the small carriage so motor moves the entire assembly out of the way.
A scrap piece of aluminum was drafted for this purpose. Holes were drilled by hand for fasteners. The accuracy leaves something to be desired, but the hope is that the machine will eventually get to a point where it can make a superior replacement for itself.
Because the carriage aluminum extrusion beam does not have the same spacing as the gantry aluminum extrusion beam, this plate allows us to bolt them together. Here it is almost ready for installation.
Installation complete. Now when the tool moves up, the rest of the Z-axis moves up and out of the way with it. It is now ready for a CNC spindle.


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Sunday, 22 June 2014
Summer of Colour. Week 2: Coral, Teal and Bright White
12 comments:
Red and real seem very opulent colours so fit very nicely with your elephant. The whole page looks rich and exciting. The elephant is expertly drawn.ReplyDelete
I'm not much of a red person either but it works beautifully with teal. Your sketch is gorgeous, Kay! Love it! xxReplyDelete
Oh my goodness! This is simply amazing. I just love the details in your beautiful elephant. I really like how you used this week's SOC colors!ReplyDelete
ohhhhh i love this! you can't go wrong with an elephant - ever - but this color combination does give a unique pop to it! love the splatters too:-)ReplyDelete
Oh wow. You are a REAL artist with a knack for both shading and drawing. You did a fantastic job with this elephant. It is stunning.ReplyDelete
He's gorgeous! I'm really liking the color combinations this summer (my favorite of the 3 years so far).ReplyDelete
Wow - those colours work so well together!! This is popping off the page! Wonderful!!! :0)ReplyDelete
Now this is gorgeous!! Love how you did it!!ReplyDelete
I know what you mean, it was a toughie last week wasn't it? Absolutely love that background with your blue elephant though, it's such a happy image!ReplyDelete
Ah how amazing is your elephant??ReplyDelete
I love this! your elephant is so lovely and those colours work perfectly for this illustration!ReplyDelete
Your elephant is awesome! I so love those colours together and I love the ink style you have :)ReplyDelete


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Your infrastructure is critical to support the smooth deployment and operation of your technology. We have partnered with best-of-breed wireless providers to ensure access to top quality hardware, or we can work with your preferred network of providers.
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All wireless controllers are preconfigured, kitted and labeled in the Telaid Technology Solution Center (TSC), for plug-and-play installation, reducing time and cost on site.
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Telaid uses state-of-the-art software and sensing hardware to verify wireless coverage at your facilities and confirm desired signal strength, data rate, capacity, signal-to-noise, throughput, jitter, spectrum utilization and interference in the channels specified by your network team. We don't close out the project until the wireless network is fully optimized.
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Salvadoran President calls on rebels to give up arms
| San Salvador
President Jose Napoleon Duarte called on leftist guerrillas to lay down their arms in a first step aimed at restoring peace in this violence-ridden Central American nation. He said that a recent offensive by antigovernment forces had been a failure, but added the government has abstained from proclaiming victory. The week-long offensive by antigovernment forces ended last weekend with an unofficial death toll of 1,000. But claims by leftist leaders said the present lull was a tactical retreat by the guerrillas.


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Letter from Paris: Daniel Rose's Chez La Vieille
Daniel Rose Revives the Old Lady's Bistro
Story and photos by Alexander Lobrano
Chez la Vieille has reopened, and this is very good news for anyone who loves the earthy voluptuousness of authentic old-fashioned French bistro cooking as much as I do. We have Chicago born chef Daniel Rose to thank for this welcome and very artful revival, too. Rose is the one who loved this place enough to give it a new life (it's been closed since 2012), so he staffed it up with talent from his restaurant Spring, just around the corner, including chef Oleg Olexin and Remi Segura, who's signed the great wine list and runs the two dining rooms.
Alexander Lobrano grew up in Connecticut, and lived in Boston, New York and London before moving to Paris, his home today, in 1986. He has written about food and travel for The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Saveur, Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. He is the author of Hungry for Paris: The Ultimate Guide to the City's 109 Best Restaurants(Random House), which was published in a second edition in 2014, and is a Contributing Editor at Saveur Magazine. His latest book, Hungry for France, was published by Rizzoli in April 2014. Visit his website,www.alexanderlobrano.com (Photo by Steven Rothfeld)


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it will be great if you can show how you connected the chariot to the Bike Friday. I have that problem at the moment an couldn`t find a good solution with any Weber hitch. Which hitch do you use?
Thanks a lot
Tandem owner Kris Sornberger sent us this photo of "Our rig. Our Chariot. Hauling four people. Down the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Trail."


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New Fluval Accent Aquarium Provides Tranquility in a Tank and Simple One-Touch Maintenance System
MANSFIELD, Mass., July 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Rolf C. Hagen Inc, the world's largest privately owned pet products manufacturer, announces the launch of the all-new Fluval Accent, a stylish 25 gallon (95 liter) lifestyle aquarium that is positioned to attract new fish enthusiasts not only for the aquarium's looks, but for its extremely simple maintenance system.
While many people enjoy the thought of bringing nature into their home with products such as an aquarium, Fluval recognized long ago that very few act on that impulse simply because of the maintenance time and complexity involved. Based on that notion, the research and development team at Fluval developed SIMPLETEC(R), a revolutionary one-touch maintenance system that allows the user to flush the filter and perform water changes with the push of a button, literally. With this new proprietary technology, aquarium maintenance can be done in record time - about 10 minutes once per month. Set-up is equally easy, with installation of the Fluval Accent taking approximately 60 minutes or less.
"Hagen develops products not only for the pet, but the pet owner, which is why we have revolutionized the aquarium experience, making it much less daunting for new aquarium owners," said Rolf C. Hagen Senior Marketing Manager, Damian Hall. "The Fluval Accent adds a stunning showcase to the home, and allows people more time to enjoy the tank, and less time maintaining it."
The Accent also features integrated LED lighting, which is housed in the unit's top frame and remains out of sight from virtually any viewing angle. The LED system is not only energy-efficient and built to last, but also offers separate day and night settings to make for a stunning showcase in the home no matter what time it is.
Available in Espresso brown with matching cabinet (sold separately), Accent is an ideal fit with any of Fluval's Decor series plants, ornaments and other accessories, which can be mixed and matched to create a truly custom look.
The Accent measures 30 inches long x 18 inches tall x 12.5 inches wide and is equipped with biological media, a fresh and clear filter cartridge, 150-watt pre-set heater, water conditioner, biological enhancer and a water collection bucket. The Fluval Aquarium can be purchased at major pet retailers for the suggested retail price of $299.99, and the cabinet sells for an additional $99.99.
For more information on Rolf C. Hagen, visit www.hagen.com. For more information on Fluval, visit: usa.hagen.com/Fluval and www.facebook.com/fluval.
About Rolf C. Hagen Inc. Founded in 1955, Rolf C. Hagen Inc. is the largest family-owned manufacturer and distributor of pet care products and foods in the world. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Hagen's operations span across North and South America, Europe and Asia, granting millions of pet enthusiasts access to the company's vast portfolio of top-quality trusted brands, including Fluval(R), Marina(R), Exo Terra(R), Nutrience(R), Catit(R), Dogit(R), Living World(R), Habitrail(R) and Laguna(R), to name a few. As a responsible corporate citizen, Hagen is equally committed to educating the public about the importance of proper pet care, while also supporting dozens of animal welfare organizations at both the grassroots and international levels. For more information about the Hagen company, please visit Hagen.com.
About FluvalFluval first broke onto the aquatic scene in 1975 by introducing the world's first 3-stage filter with synchronous motor technology - a landmark breakthrough that is still utilized in the industry today. Since then, Fluval has built a legacy around this pioneering spirit, relentlessly adapting to consumers' changing needs and tastes to build products that are not only at the forefront of technology, but also setting the bar in terms of quality, style and functionality. From filtration to heating, aquariums to food and water care, Fluval prides itself on creating innovative solutions for fresh and saltwater enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.


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Where can we look for inspiring models and methodologies to help us build better communication bridges with the communities we serve? Miriam chatted with respected experts including David Mihm, Aaron Weiche, Claire Carlile, and Ellen Dunne to equip you with tips for becoming the most connected local business in town.
NJ SEO Pro


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Russia has said that its coronavirus vaccine has more than 95% efficacy according to new preliminary data, giving it a success rate comparable to vaccines being developed by Pfizer and Moderna.
Russian officials also claimed their vaccine had greater efficacy than the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine because of Russia's proprietary technology, which it offered to share with British scientists.
"Sputnik shows very high effectiveness, higher than 95%," Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said during a briefing on Tuesday. "This is indisputably positive news not just for Russia, but for the entire world, for all countries."
The preliminary results were released as competition heats up among vaccine developers to mass produce a coronavirus jab and help bring the pandemic to an end.
Not everyone is convinced by Russia's official data, however, and suspicions have been increased by the fact Russian authorities speedily licensed the vaccine before the results of stage three trials were available, as well as reports of state employees being coerced into taking part in trials.
While numerous countries have expressed an interest in studying or purchasing the vaccine, few western countries have signed up. Among EU nations, only Hungary has expressed a serious interest, causing friction with other members of the bloc. A spokesman for the European commission said the body "does not have any data regarding this Russian vaccine," Interfax reported on Tuesday evening.
The Sputnik results were computed after 42 days of a study in which 19,000 participants received two doses of the vaccine and 21,000 participants received a single dose. Earlier data showed that the vaccine had an approximately 91.4% efficacy 28 days after participants received the first dose.
Top officials, including Dmitriev, claim to have taken the vaccine and have said they feel fine. The Kremlin said on Monday that Vladimir Putin had not had a coronavirus jab, with a spokesman saying that the president could not take part in a medical trial.
"After all, the president can't use an uncertified vaccine," said Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman.
A successful vaccine is Russia's key to emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, which has infected more than 2.15 million people in the country and is currently spreading at a record pace. Vladimir Putin and many regional heads have been hesitant to introduce a broad lockdown similar to earlier this year out of concern for the harm to the country's economy.
The Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin said that the country's priority was for Russians to have access to the vaccine. "Every person in every region in the country should have the possibility to be vaccinated against the disease," he said, adding that: "Nobody is going to be forced to do this."
But the vaccine's development at Russia's Gamaleya research institute has also been driven by the economic allure of selling it abroad and national pride in the country's scientific prowess that has earned comparisons to the cold war space race, when the Soviet Unions's Sputnik 1 was the world's first satellite to be launched into orbit around the Earth.
Dmitriev, who has been tasked with selling the vaccine abroad, said that a dose of the vaccine would cost no more than $10 (£7.50) on international markets – about half the cost of the Pfizer vaccine.
He predicted that more than 1bn doses would be produced in the next year in countries including India, Korea, Brazil, China, and Hungary, the first, and so far the only, EU country to express a serious interest in the Russian vaccine.
Ten sample batches arrived in Budapest on a temperature-controlled flight last week.
Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orbán, who is currently in dispute with other European leaders over plans to link EU budget funds to rule of law criteria, has been criticised in the past for his friendly relations with the Kremlin.
The Hungarian government said it has made preliminary orders for a number of different vaccines, including those manufactured in Russia and China, and Orbán has promised that individual citizens would be able to choose which vaccine to take.
"As vaccination will not be compulsory, if there are several vaccines, everyone will be able to decide for themselves which one they trust most: whether they prefer the business-centred approach of a US corporation, the state-developed Russian vaccine, or the Chinese one," he said.
Hungary's foreign minister Péter Szijjártó said Hungarian scientists were now trialling the Russian vaccine in laboratories, "so that they'll be able to make a well-based decision on its possible usability and licensing".
However, under EU rules, the vaccine must be authorised by the European Medicines Agency before any member states can approve it for general use.
"The question arises whether a member state would want to administer to its citizens a vaccine that has not been reviewed by the EMA," a European commission spokesperson told Reuters last week, adding that using an untested vaccine could have the result of lowering confidence in vaccines in general among the population.
The Hungarian-American financier and philanthropist George Soros, who has been the target of a long-running smear campaign by the Orbán government, last week wrote in an article that Hungary's interest in the Russian vaccine "deserves to be investigated" given previous allegations of corruption against the Hungarian prime minister's inner circle. Soros pointed out that Hungary appears to have paid up to 50 times more for ventilators than Germany, leading some to question the motives behind the deals.
In response, Orbán called Soros "the most corrupt man in the world" and said his advice on which vaccines to buy was not welcome. "It isn't Soros's job to decide which vaccines are good and which aren't. That is for laboratories to decide and the Hungarian people, who will be free to choose from among several vaccines."


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So…the big announcement from the folks over at the D&D offices was the release of the free setting Zendikar. Now, many people heard the word "Zendikar" and thought, "what the hell is that?" I was included in that number. However, the moment I clicked on literally ANY link or article, I understood. Zendikar is one of the many planes native to Magic: The Gathering.
"Ah…" I said to myself, now understanding the gravity of this announcement. "Took you bastards long enough."
I don't play Magic: The Gathering. I used to, but since gave away my cards. I think it's a fine game, and I own a couple of pre-made decks out of curiosity more than anything else. But you know who does play Magic? A SHITLOAD OF NERDS! And there's a BIG chunk of those nerds that, for some inexplicable reason, don't play D&D. It's produced by the same company, it's a similarly-fantasy-inspired table game, and most Magic players are already familiar with the d20 as a life counter. Surely, there are a large number of Magic nerds that don't play D&D because they're, say, not familiar with the rules, or the setting, or what a role-playing game even is.
THIS is why Zendikar is important for D&D.
Now, when I say that Zendikar is important, I don't specifically mean Zendikar. I know basically nothing about Zendikar. It's a setting like any other. What's important about Zendikar is what it represents. Plane Shift: Zendikar should be a herald. The D&D team and the Magic: The Gathering team should IMMEDIATELY start working together to merge these games in ways that have never been done before.
I want free pamphlets at game stores advertising new D&D gazetteers that detail the various settings of Magic: The Gathering. I want these things in PRINT! I want official, awesome layouts with stat blocks for Eldrazi and Slivers. I want a whole new class based around using color-based magic. I want every spell in the Player's Handbook assigned a color. I want D&D to become the OFFICIAL ROLE-PLAYING GAME OF MAGIC: THE GATHERING.
And I want to see things go the other way, as well. I want to see Faerun introduced as an official plane in Magic: The Gathering. I want to see a set of cards based on Eberron, and Mystara, and Ravenloft! I want Magic: the Gathering cards for Beholders and Mindflayers! I want Magic: the Gathering to become the OFFICIAL COLLECTIBLE CARD GAME OF DUNGEONS & DRAGONS.
And I want that advertised EVERYWHERE! I want to see it on the backs of M:tG decks and inside the covers of Player's Handbook re-prints. I want to see it in card stores and game stores and comic stores. I want to see it advertised at freaking Target and Wal-Mart! I want flyers. I want posters. I want free pamphlets detailing how to transition from M:tG to D&D, and vice-versa.
- Want. All of it!
A lot of nerds probably take issue with this. D&D nerds look down on Magic, and M:tG nerds look down on D&D. But the fact of the matter is that neither of these games are as pervasive and influential as they want to be. But by combining them? By integrating them with each other and allowing the teams to learn from each other? We're opening the door to a world where D&D could become as popular as Magic, if not moreso. ARE YOU GUYS HEARING ME!? Ever moved to a new city and had one HELL of a time trying to find a new group? I can guarantee that it would be a lot easier if all of the Magic players in the local area also played D&D, because it suddenly became accessible to them. Expanding the hobby's audience can only improve the environment for us gamers.
And I want to make something else clear. D&D has an accessibility problem. Do you know how hard it is to get into D&D? This game is incredibly inaccessible to a vast audience. I have friends who have been playing RPGs almost their entire lives who still haven't purchased a Player's Handbook, because the idea of shelling out $50 for a single book is ludicrous to them. Especially when, in order to run a game, they need to by two more $50 books! The only affordable thing in D&D is the dice, and that's only true if you buy the cheap chessex sets! Sure, for new players there's always the $20 starter set, but that frankly pales in comparison to the $35 Pathfinder Beginner Box, which is better in basically every way. It's a higher-quality product that comes with more cool stuff. Sure, D&D is ostensibly a better game, but I cannot in good conscience recommend the Starter Set over the Beginner Box, and that's a problem.
Now, I'm sure you're going to tell me that there are other options. The new SRD has almost all of the rules, after all. Plus, they've released the Basic Rules as PDFs for anyone to download, right? That's all free!
Except the Basic rules are the most bare-bones things I've read since Microlite 20, and the SRD is, by the D&D team's own admission, basically a developer tool for publishers to reference when they create their own products. It's not for players. And, not to beat this dead horse, but Pathfinder's been doing a better job since 2009. They offer literally EVERY non-setting-specific rule for free, neatly organized on their website.
You know how D&D could win this? They could follow the Magic: The Gathering method. It costs $20 to get into Magic. You go to your local card shop or department store and buy two pre-made decks. Congratulations! Now you and your friend are capable of playing Magic: The Gathering. You're able to duel each other, trade cards, try out various strategies, and enjoy the game! Spending the same amount of money on the Starter Set gets you three weak-sauce levels of four classes, a few monsters, and an admittedly-good adventure. What it does NOT get you is any ability to explore the game as a whole. And that is where these two methods differ. Buying a pair of decks gives you a lot of options. Like I said, you can trade cards between them, build new strategies, and create a lot of cool possibilities. The Starter set does not offer this.
I propose something simple. A published, formatted, softcover version of the rules in the SRD. Break it up into two books: The Hero's Handbook and the Dungeon Master's Manual, and sell each one for 7-10 bucks. Keep everything inside the books black and white to save on costs, and use old TSR-era art to give them that authentic D&D look while also saving on art costs. Staple a set of dice in a plastic baggie to each cover, and I think you have an instant hit. Are all of the rules in these books technically free online? Yeah! Of course they are. But they're also difficult to read and very poorly formatted. I, for one would definitely shell out ten bucks to buy a new player a Hero's Handbook, and I make garbage money as a wage slave. And I know several people who don't play D&D, but probably would if they didn't have to drop fifty dollars on a book that they might not use more than once. It's a lot easier to eat the cost of a meal at Denny's than the cost of several six-packs of beer (or 4-5 grams of now-legal-in-my-state marijuana).
Of course, they couldn't just MAKE the books. They'd also have to make them accessible. This is why I suggest learning another two lessons from M:tG.
- Put the books where people actually buy books.
Seriously. Why can I only find D&D books at game stores and Barnes & Noble? Why aren't there any Player's Handbooks at my local Fred Meyer or Wal-Mart? There's actually an easy answer for that. It's expensive to put books in big locations like this. Especially big, hardcover manuals like the D&D core books. Tell you what, though. It'd be a helluva lot easier to stock softcover books like the Hero's Handbook at the local department store. Back at the tail-end of 4e, I saw the essentials books—which are basically what I'm suggesting for these SRD-books—at the Fred Meyer down the street. In the book section. And the monster book was missing, meaning somebody actually BOUGHT IT! And that's why I still don't have a copy of the Monster Vault.
And I REALLY don't understand why D&D isn't more heavily advertised. I'm not asking for commercials during prime-time, but why don't I see D&D ads before youtube videos? Why don't I see D&D ads as sidebars on sites like Kotaku or Giant Bomb? Why don't I see D&D posters up in the windows of book stores? Why is D&D only advertised in locations where PEOPLE ARE ALREADY INCLINED TO BUY D&D BOOKS? I want ads in gaming magazines, and on websites, and before youtube videos. I want viral marketing campaigns from people like Vin Diesel and Stephen Colbert who play D&D. I want Mike Mearls dressed in a giant, foam beholder costume doing stupid dances on Ellen.
And I want John Oliver to do a 15-minute report on the inevitable backlash against this marketing. I want it to go viral. I want every rebellious teen in a religious household to take their last $20 and buy a pair of D&D books instead of a couple grams of weed so that they can play "Satan's Game" with their friends.
…and how, exactly, does this all relate to Zendikar?
Zendikar is a proving ground. If the Zendikar setting proves to be successful, then what I view for the hopeful future of D&D becomes a possibility. Because Zendikar opens the door for more Magic: The Gathering crossovers. And more Magic: the Gathering crossovers leads to a wider audience. And a wider audience demands a more accessible product. And a more accessible product demands greater advertising.
I want D&D to succeed. I want someone else at work to bring it up in conversation, for once. I want to read stupid fluff-pieces about the campaign that George Clooney is running on the set of his new political thriller. I want a D&D Expanded Universe of movies. I want to see Drizzt movies and Bruenor movies. I want to read about the worrisome production of the Artemis Entreri movie. I want to see the Dragonlance TV show. I want to watch the 8-episode Netflix series about Strahd Von Zarovich. I want Dungeons & Dragons to become something it's never been before.
Because I have the foolish belief that inviting more people into the hobby is a good thing.
Download Plane Shift: Zendikar here: LINK.
If you share my belief, then please share this article anywhere and everywhere that you can. Click the like button, and maybe think about reblogging this on your own page. And if you don't share my view, then share this article anyway and watch your friends cackle and mock me. Because, as D&D learned in the past and hopefully will learn again in the future, there's no such thing as bad press.