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- Nano Express
- Open Access
Reduction of friction and wear by grooves applied on the nanoscale polished surface in boundary lubrication conditions
- Alexander U Stelmakh1Email author,
- Yuriy V Pilgun2,
- Sergiy O Kolenov2 and
- Alexey V Kushchev1
© Stelmakh et al.; licensee Springer. 2014
- Received: 9 December 2013
- Accepted: 23 April 2014
- Published: 8 May 2014
The evolution of a friction surface geometry with initially directed microscale grooves on a nanoscale polished surface in ring-on-block sliding contact is studied experimentally. Reduced wear and friction is observed when the orientation of grooves coincides with the direction of sliding. A new compressive-vacuum hypothesis of friction force nature under a condition of boundary lubrication is proposed, which successfully explains the observed phenomena. Grooves supply lubricant into the contact zone and facilitate its devacuumization, which lead to substantial reduction of surface wear. The obtained results enable developing optimized roughness profiles of friction surfaces to create high-performance durable friction units.
- Friction force
- Wear reduction
- Microstructured surface
- Compressive-vacuum
- Boundary lubrication
- Sliding tribosystem
Deformation component is associated with local elastic deformation of solids under conditions of elastohydrodynamic lubrication, while adhesive component can be considered as a worsening factor appearing when direct contact of bodies become inevitable due to lubricant film failure. In typical situations, adhesive force is many orders of magnitude larger than the deformation component, so most research work is concentrated on the search for methods of minimizing adhesive component of the friction force. Nevertheless, treatment of a friction process as a mixture of elastohydrodynamic and boundary lubrication regime is not complete. It is usually assumed that for elastohydrodynamic lubrication regime hydraulic pressure of lubricant equals to contact stresses [1–3], which might not be the case in reality. The main condition for elastohydrodynamic regime is continuity of lubricant during flow over contact, but this condition is not satisfied in many experiments because cavitation at the contact exit is quite a common effect [1, 4, 5]. Cavitation is the result of the so-called negative pressure conditions, when liquid pressure becomes much lower than the atmospheric value, and fast decompression releases stored gases. The occurrence of cavitation is a direct evidence that hydraulic pressure in the contact zone is not necessarily higher than the pressure in the outside regions, but instead could be much lower than the external pressure. Suction produced by lowered pressure put additional strain on sliding bodies and causes adverse effect on friction because it pulls surfaces towards each other. We believe that such decompressive mechanism of friction really happens in practice and should be considered along with deformation and adhesive force components. Thus, current theory of friction should be extended and include force components associated with decompression to match experimental data.
Vacuumization processes not only add to friction force but also increase wear, because produced suction forces along with contact of the naked surface make easier to damage sliding surfaces. In our opinion, wear of sliding contact could be greatly reduced by searching some methods to reduce friction force. These methods may include formation of micro-roughness of special shape on the surface. Similar approach was successfully used in [7] to reduce friction force in point-contact friction system. Though we use linear contact which differs significantly in properties, specially formed surface can also be used to reduce friction and wear. According to our compressive-vacuum hypothesis of friction, this can be done by preventing vacuumization. This idea is supported by the experimental data obtained during the friction testing of steel surfaces with specially designed micro-roughness [8, 9].
In the present work, the Timken test [6] is chosen as a physical model of a sliding tribosystem. This model corresponds to a rotating shaft on plane bearing system, which is the most widespread and also the most often friction-damaged unit in engineering.
Boundary lubrication is accompanied by wear, so additional care should be taken in experiments. It is important not to allow wear debris to cause micro-cutting damage of the contact zone on the one hand and not to allow formation of simple elastohydrodynamic (contactless) friction on the other hand. In used experimental system, the evolution of wear scar in time is controlled by microscopy, so these precautions are easily satisfied.
Experimental study
Ball-bearing steel grade ShH15 (according to the standard GOST 801-78) produced by electroslag remelting has been chosen as a material for fabrication of samples. It has international analogues: American AISI Type E52100, UNS G52986, European 100Сr6, and Japanese JIS SUJ2. This high-carbon chromium steel features high hardness, high mechanical strength, and dimensional stability. Tribological tests were carried out on the friction machine with a fixed flat-surface sample and a rotating cylindrical counterface sample. The oil IMP-10 was used as a lubricant.
A special technique for forming grooves on a sample surface with specified 3D geometry was developed. Initially, the surface of the sample was polished to a level of roughness with Ra about 0.02 μm. Then, diamond paste with size of a grain corresponding to the desired depth of grooves was applied. Movement of a polishing plane with diamond paste was performed only in one direction. Polishing with the paste actually led to controllable scratching of the surface. Polishing movements were repeated only a few times to preserve the initial nano-topography of the surface between grooves. Intermediate results were checked by the laser differential phase profilometer [10] and scanning electron microscope. As a result, ten flat samples with directional grooves had been fabricated. The depth of grooves was varied in the range from 0.3 to 2.6 μm. Rotating cylindrical counterface had no grooves on it, and surface roughness was the same as the initial roughness of samples Ra = 0.02 μm.
A multistage testing technique which mimics operation conditions of real friction units was developed. The testing procedure of each sample included the following: (1) three initial run-in stages, in which the formation of secondary structures on friction surfaces occurred; (2) the final test stage, during which tribological and rheological characteristics of a friction samples and lubricant were estimated. Each of the initial three stages was run until a length of friction equals L = 500 m. The final measurement stage had a length of friction L = 3,000 m. Ambient temperature was 20°С. Axial load 1,250 N was big enough to maintain permanent wear but not to allow plastic deformation of material. According to the Hertzian theory for considered sliding bearing [11], maximal contact load is more than 1,000 MPa (estimated not taking into account the surface roughness). The contact was fully immersed in oil, and the sliding velocity of roller over the sample with nanogeometric roughness was 0.3 m/s. For such contact load and speed, boundary lubrication regime is realized [5]. This leads to inevitable adhesive contact wear for the samples with flat surface [12].
Both samples with flat surface and with pre-formed grooves were tested. For samples with directed structure, the orientation of grooves was parallel to the direction of sliding.
Results and discussion
Fundamentally different picture is observed when the sample has grooves on the initial surface. After initial run-in stages, wear products do not accumulate anymore around the contact in substantial quantities and cannot be detected visually.
In the case of grooved sample, the scar has much smoother profile without any signs of adhesive interaction of surfaces. These experimental results support our assumption that grooves on the surface create bypass channels for equalization of hydrodynamic pressure in the contact region and thus prevent direct contact and adhesion of friction surfaces.
Experimental findings may look unexpected, because usually highly polished surface has better friction performance than the rough one. In our case, flat surface with roughness parameter Ra = 0.02 μm has high wear rate in boundary lubrication, while samples with much more coarse (0.3 to 2.6 μm), but directed variations of surface profile, demonstrate almost no wear. The positive effect is obviously based on proper orientation of grooves. When grooves are oriented not along the sliding direction, but perpendicular to it, friction coefficient becomes much larger: 0.05 to 0.08. Conceivably, improper orientation does not provide channels needed for devacuumization of the exit region and also cause adverse effect on friction because linear contact can 'fall down' into some of grooves which increase contact stresses. Also, important role plays initial finishing of the surface between grooves, which should be of nanometer scale.
In the course of tribological tests of cylindrical roller sliding over a rough surface, a phenomenon of the friction and wear reduction is observed in the case when specially oriented grooves are applied to the surface of the sample. The proposed compressive-vacuum theory explains this phenomenon by devacuumization of the contact exit area. Grooves oriented along the sliding direction provide channels needed to equalize hydrodynamic pressure in the contact area, which helps avoid the formation of region with lowered pressure and decreases a probability of adhesive interaction of the surfaces. Effectiveness of this process depends on the depth of grooves.
The proposed theory can give important insight into the true nature of processes leading to adhesive contact of friction surfaces in boundary lubrication conditions. It is proposed to include compressive-vacuum component of friction force into consideration, as lowered pressure can create substantial resistance to movement due to suction effects. Considered effects are of great practical significance, because technologically simple preparation of friction surfaces can greatly reduce wear in tribosystems.
Authors' Affiliations
- Stachowiak GW, Batchelor AW: Engineering Tribology. 4th edition. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2013.Google Scholar
- Johnson KL: Contact Mechanics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 1985.View ArticleGoogle Scholar
- Bhushan B, Huiwen L: Nanoscale boundary lubrication studies. In Springer Handbook of Nanotechnology. Edited by: Bhushan B. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 2004.Google Scholar
- Elrod HG: A cavitation algorithm. J Lubric Tech-T Asme 1981, 103: 350–354. 10.1115/1.3251669View ArticleGoogle Scholar
- Stel'makh AU, Kostyunik RE, Badir KK: Desorption-adhesion mechanism of wear under boundary lubrication. J Frict Wear 2014, 35(1):16–24. 10.3103/S1068366614010097View ArticleGoogle Scholar
- ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants: ASTM Standard D2782–02(2008): Standard Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure Properties of Lubricating Fluids (Timken Method). West Conshohocken: ASTM International; 2008.Google Scholar
- Scaraggi M, Mezzapesa FP, Carbone G, Ancona A, Tricarico L: Friction properties of lubricated laser-microtextured-surfaces: an experimental study from boundary- to hydrodynamic-lubrication. Tribol Lett 2013, 49(1):117–125. 10.1007/s11249-012-0045-2View ArticleGoogle Scholar
- Stelmakh AU: Experimental research of the compressive-vacuum mechanism of a friction. Interuniversity Collection "Scientific notes," Lutsk 2009, 26: 316–325. in Russian in RussianGoogle Scholar
- Kolyenov S, Ilchenko L, Kostyunik R, Kuschev O, Pilgun I, Pogorielova G, Smirnov E, Stelmakh O, Tsurochka B, Yakovenko M, Yurchenko O: Tribological Interactions Depending on Nano-scale Roughness. Project STCU P375-EOARD 088002X. Kyiv: National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv; 2011.Google Scholar
- Molebny VV, Kamerman GW, Smirnov EM, Ilchenko LM, Kolenov SO, Goncharov VO: Three-beam scanning laser radar profilometer. Proc SPIE 1998, 3380: 280–283. 10.1117/12.327200View ArticleGoogle Scholar
- Cameron A: Basic Lubrication Theory. 2nd edition. Chichester: Ellis Horwood; 1976.Google Scholar
- Czichos H: Tribology: a System Approach to the Science and Technology of Friction, Lubrication and Wear. New York: Elsevier; 1978.Google Scholar
- Sommerfeld A: Zur hydrodinamischen theorie der schmiermittelreiburg. Zeits f Maths u Phys 1904, 40: 97–155.Google Scholar
This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited.


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I'm a big sucker for stationery and desk supplies. Well, I should clarify – I'm a sucker for colourful and unique desk supplies! Those standard yellow Post-it notes kinda give me the creeps. These Sushi Memo Blocks are so handsomely designed and colourful that they can only induce happiness when sitting on your desk.
(via unplggd)

subset: commoncrawl


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Align your vibes and get on the same wavelength as Forest Bailey with his signature Gnu Asym Head Space C3 Snowboard. Forest's choice for throwing down on the streets and in the park, the Head Space is a jib-focused asymmetric twin that kills it on rails and holds its own on groomers and glades outside the park too. The Head Space's weird science starts with the asymmetric sidecut, which features a deeper heelside sidecut to compensate for your naturally weaker heelside turns. This makes initiating heelside carves and holding an edge much easier and more natural feeling.
Continuing with the asymmetrical theme, the Head Space's core features a mix of different woods that gives it a softer flex heelside for easier turn initiation and quicker response. A camber-dominant profile gives Forest all the pop and power he needs for ollieing onto tall rails and boosting off park jumps, while a bit of mild camber between the bindings adds forgiveness when you're spinning on and off park features. A biax and triax fiberglass layup offers the right balance of torsional flexibility and energy transfer, so the board feels playful and forgiving without being a noodle. Tough UHMW sidewalls withstand abuse from rocks and stumps, and the durable sintered base is fast and retains wax well to keep you moving through slow spots. Plus, Gnu snowboards are made in the USA by snowboarders with jobs.
- Forest Bailey's choice for freestyle assaults
- Mild rocker between bindings with camber underfoot
- Medium-soft flex is primed for rail domination
- Asymmetric sidecut enhances heelside turns
- Magne-Traction ensures reliable edge hold
- Light, snappy core from sustainably harvested trees
- UHMW sidewalls enhance durability
- Gnu makes boards in the USA using eco-friendly techniques
We Also Recommend


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This event is now over and took place on Wed 30 Jan 2013
Event Summary
BWB's Alice Faure-Walker will be speaking at this year's CANn Conference.
It's designed for anyone involved in providing services and support in finance, accounting and payroll to the voluntary and community sector, as well as trustees and finance workers. I do hope you will be able to join us, and take this opportunity to invest in your organisation's future.
For more information and to book, please see their website.
Macdonald Burlington Hotel, Burlington Arcade, 126 New Street


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Happy girls coloring at a playdate!
Enjoying a glimpse of Spring!
Blowing bubbles and collecting rocks in the sunshine!
Post Glucose-test date on the Plaza with my Love! It was
a gorgeous day too!
Her favorite thing to do... read. Especially with Dada,
especially her Princess Sophia book. LOVE it.
A much needed pause on a busy day. This Mama is
learning to REST!
Have a great weekend y'all!


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Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Cutting, cutting, cutting!!
Above are some scraps from my 3.5 inch bin. Stay tuned! Something may be swimming toward you soon! Does these scraps look a little rainbow-like to you??
Have a great day, each of you!!
10 comments:
- Janet O. said...
So are you just starting the first Triangle Gathering block now? I figured I was too late to start when they reached about 8 blocks, and now they are in the 40s. I applaud you for jumping on board at this point.
Do those hints mean you are making rainbow trout? *LOL*
I save recipes on Pinterest and seldom try them. I've had one that I've intended to make for some time now. Maybe you will inspire me to make it tomorrow.
Aren't garage sales fun? That is a great looking shirt. I'm sure it will look good on you--and then in a quilt. : )
- June 6, 2017 at 11:28 PM
- ---"Love" said...
Wish I had a slice of that gorgeous cake right now! ---"Love"
- June 7, 2017 at 12:31 AM
- Leeanne said...
Great shirt find, my hubby has one similar! All these half square triangles..........I will watch you cut more while I eat the cake.....sound like a good deal?
- June 7, 2017 at 12:47 AM
- Tired Teacher said...
With all the cutting done, you can sit and chain piece for hours!
- June 7, 2017 at 9:02 AM
- Karen said...
I decided to pass on the triangle block patterns from Primitive Gatherings. But I will enjoy seeing your blocks.
- June 7, 2017 at 10:16 PM
- Connie the Cootiebug said...
I'm dieting (for 3 weeks now) and if I had that cake here it wouldn't last long!
- June 8, 2017 at 8:35 AM
- Susan said...
Looks like lots of fun stitching ahead for you........
- June 8, 2017 at 12:40 PM
- O'faigh said...
I love Pineapple Upside down cake yummo. Good way of sourcing the plaids.
- June 8, 2017 at 5:35 PM
- Quilter Kathy said...
How's your rotary cutter blade holding up! LOL
Looks like lots of fun is going on over there!
- June 9, 2017 at 3:07 PM
- Vic in NH said...
Wow, that sugar free cake looks yummy! I love all your rainbow scraps and that plaid shirt was the bomb! Good deal!
- June 13, 2017 at 7:23 PM


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I captured a video I wanted to play backwards. I also wanted it to be played slower than it was captured.
I know how to make it slower – Windows Live Movie Maker does an excellent job ("Speed" dropdown in Edit tab).
It cannot reverse the video though
I found instructions on the internet to run an Avisynth script with Reverse, but it is not very smart about codecs (all I got is codec errors).
Then I found instructions to do it step-by-step. First, I slowed the video with Mindows Live Movie Maker. Then I converted it with VLC. Then I decompressed it with Avidemux. Then I revered it with older version of Avidemux as new version (2.6) no longer supports reverse (no kidding! I'm glad I still have 2.5!) and compressed it.
Here is the result:
Then I thought: hmm, there should be an easier way. I tried all free video editors – they all both unusable and do not have this feature. Then I found VideoPad.
VideoPad has free license for personal use. It also has an option to change clip speed in "Effect" menu (10x is the limit, but I can live with it). It also has a checkbox for "Reverse".
It is exactly what we need, right?
Sadly, it does not work. Video is ugly, shaky, badly interlaced, and jumps back and forward in time.
I thought – well, may be if I slow video down with Windows Live Movie Maker, it will help? Because slowing down does not work smooth in VideoPad. No, it does not.
Next thing to try was decompression of the video before reversing. First time it decompressed into colorful noise, but after playing with codecs, I decompressed it decently. Sadly, it did not help.
The bottom line is: VideoPad is not commercial grade software, and those guys should test it before releasing and before asking money for it.
How I'm going to reverse my video next time? I guess, I will play more with Avisynth, figure out codecs issues and write a script.


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The School of the Bible
at the Madisonville
Church of Christ
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:18)
The School of the Bible is not now in session.
All activities at the school have been suspended indefinately.
Classes may resume, if there is enough interest in the local brotherhood.
Please contact us for a copy of the official school catalog:
School of the Bible at theMadisonville Church of Christ1035 N. Main St.Madisonville, KY 42431(270) 821-3544Click on the "Contact Us" button to send an e-mail message.


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As part of Bingley Grammar School's ongoing commitment to staff development and Continuous Professional Development, the school is a member of the Teacher Development Trust. The school works with this organisation to audit its provision, develop opportunities for staff development and to keep updated about the best practice in this area.
Tootoot gives students a safe voice to be able to report incidents of bullying, cyber bullying, racism, extremism, radicalisation, sexism, mental health and self harm directly to their place of learning. Tootoot gives students an alternative way to disclose their concerns when they are unable to do so face-to-face.
We are very pleased to announce that Bingley Grammar School has received the Specialist
Schools and Academies Trust Cultural Diversity Quality Standard award and Parent Engagement Quality Standard award.
In Nov 2014 an external assessor visited Bingley Grammar and the school was awarded gold standard. The assessor met with parents, staff and students and was extremely impressed with the work the school has done with cultural diversity and engaging parents.
Bingley Grammar School has been working with the RSC since 2013. Through the partnership we have improved how our students experience, engage with, and take ownership of the work of Shakespeare.
We have been awarded Arts Mark for our provision and practice in Art, Drama, Music, Media and Dance gaining Artsmark Gold. The award is in recognition of excellence in arts and cultural provision.
This year we will be aiming to move that to Platinum by being part of a cluster of local primary and secondary schools who will share arts events.
NACE specialises in working with schools and teachers to improve learning for able learners.
Founded in 1983, NACE is recognised nationally and internationally as the UK's leading independent education organisation in the field of education for able learners.
Through its valuable network of members NACE provides high quality guidance, support and training, enabling teachers to attain the best from able learners in the everyday classroom, whilst enabling all learners to flourish and achieve.
In November 2014 we set up the Bingley Grammar School eco-committee to look at how we could improve our schools sustainability. The committee is student led so anyone who wants to come along and share ideas they are more than welcome.
The eco-committee completed an environmental review covering nine aspects of sustainability – Waste & Recycling; Litter; Energy; Water; Transport; Healthy Living; Biodiversity; School Grounds; Global Citizenship. Having done this the committee formed an action plan for how they can improve our school.
The work we have done so far has earned us an eco-schools bronze certificate - our next aim is to achieve a silver award.
The Fair Aware Award is the first Fairtrade Schools Award, which we gained after covering issues around Fairtrade and identifying Fairtrade activities going on in school.
Our established partnerships and collaboration work with schools in Nairobi, Kenya have earned us the Intermediate International Schools award given to us by the British Council. The Award seeks to celebrate, develop, recognise and accredit outstanding practice in the international dimensions of teaching and learning.
We have been recognised as improving pupil knowledge and understanding of global issues and their role within the global society which leads to a deeper curriculum understanding.
Mrs Puddy was shortlisted and highly commended for the Secondary Teacher of the Year award, recognising her many years of inspirational teaching.
Bingley Grammar was shortlisted and highly commended for 3 different awards; Miss Shah for the Teacher of the Year Award, our links with the National Citizen Scheme for the Volunteer of the Year Award and our Year 7s and 8s for the Community Involvement Award, for their fundraising and interior design work with the BRI's new Children's Ward.
Bingley Grammar was awarded the Business in Schools Award for our highly successful partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company. We are now a "hub" for schools in the local area and so far our partnership has benefitted over 4000 students.
Mr McGregor, Head of PE, was awarded the Secondary Teacher of the Year Award for his fantastic work with our Kenyan Partner School as well as his work here at Binlgey Grammar.
Bingley Grammar was awarded the Community Involvement Award for the running of Bingley Bright Sparks. Our community playgroup (Bingley Bright Sparks) is hugely beneficial to our students studying GCSE Child Care, BTEC Children's Play, Learning & Development and BTEC Health & Social Care giving masses of opportunity to observe and interact with pre-school children and use as examples in their coursework. It is also a valuable community group which is always a vibrant and busy place to be on a Monday and Wednesday morning.
As part of the Pixl group we benefit from purposeful conferences and networks of people complemented by online resources, training opportunities and development programmes.
PiXL aims to support the promotion of excellence for students by drawing on experienced, energised and highly-skilled subject associates in Maths, English, Science - and now all other Ebac subjects - to offer high-quality support to schools both with ideas and the production of high-quality resources and training.
Bingley Grammar School is part of the growing network of schools who are interested in sharing the PiXL principles and methods with link schools abroad. Our partnerships with schools in Nairobi, Kenya have been developed and supported through Pixl International.


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Fall is the time for plums and the time to get inspired to make brunch once the heat of the summer has gone. This is one of the easiest pastry recipes to make, perfect for a dessert-like finish to a delicious brunch.
Total time: 40 minutes to thaw dough, 10 minutes to prepare, 30 to 40 minutes to bake.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees
Ingredients (4 servings)
1 sheet puff pastry
2 plums
4 tsps brown sugar (or white sugar if you don't have brown)
4 tsps butter
Powdered sugar for topping
Thaw the puff pastry according to the directions. Don't let it thaw too long or the dough will be difficult to work with. The recommended time is 40 minutes, so plan accordingly.
Cut the dough in half and then each half into half so you have four rectangles. Wash the plums and cut each into 4 pieces.
Place two pieces of plum on each rectangle, top each with 1 tsp sugar then 1 tsp butter. You can estimate the butter and the sugar. A little more or a little less won't matter.
Fold the dough over the plums and seal, using a little water on your fingertips to get a good seal. Place on a foil lined baking sheet (some of the juice will leak out and the foil makes it easier to clean.)
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the bottom is browned and the top is very lightly browned. When cool, sprinkle with powered sugar. Enjoy!


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I haven't put any records up on ebay for so long that - ooh - it feels like another lifetime ago. I probably looked younger and had a different haircut or something. Anyway, my Paypal account could do with some topping up and if any of the below titles take your interest, do follow this link.
Circus Days Volumes 1 & 2 (psychedelic compilation CD)
Circus Days Volumes 4 & 5 (")
Circus Days Volume 6 (")
The Shadows - Dance On (French EP with Picture Sleeve)
Bob Morgan - Marguerite (pictured - and don't worry, I'm not selling my original promo copy of this, I just happen to have picked up the commercially issued copy in the last few months)
Private Eye Sings EP (Private Eye's first satirical release, dating from 1962 - very cheap starting price of 99p)
Depeche Mode - Policy of Truth - KLF Trancentral Remix
Not much on offer this time, I realise, but what is on offer is at least either obscure or worth owning.


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Here is an agency proposal for you and your family. I am willing to contribute $100,000 to aid invest in a multifamily property. Nevertheless the catch is, due to wait seven years to receive the bucks. My question to you; wait seven years or receive $100,000 now? Could should be pretty straight-forward, you have to have the money now to speculate. Seven years from now, your investment requires might have changed. The $100,000 may or sure isn't as important. You can do more with income now, then in the foreseeable future.
Although it may sound funny to you, but is actually important to a forex trading system tip provides merit all by itself. You have to keep both the brain and body healthy being a to pay attention. The occupation itself is very less active. You are sitting at a desk and staring attending the computer all day, so give your good sweat every day and seek it . be much sharper by your trading.
Everyone utilizes the cyberspace to find info. It's an great service. And you are able incorporated with this it to handle an elaborate property ownership search. Getting . find internet sites that provide this customer service. The main distinction with marketplace search websites is built either absolutely free or premium. What's the distinction? The paid internet sites offer you considerably details and schedule is something accurate. Most will need to have a monthly ongoing. No cost websites give less detail and in addition it might possibly not be up to date. If you are truly keen on buying property then I suggest you have the paid merchants.
At this of 15 I was presented a treat. It was the gift of opportunity – the opportunity to start very first business. The obstacle all through way was a fear of risk. Anxiety of if you fail.
To make these all easy to understand, being involved in this business will teach you the possibility to earn more in lesser time sufficient reason for lesser effort exerted! Video lessons making the particular work anyone personally and not letting yourself work for money. Just one thing you will need to remember: do not borrow money to increase. It is better that you will save up and pay in cash for the property which you want to buy and you will be on the right.
And, does the book have an exit strategies? Of course we will not want to bail on a project, but what if things do wrong as it is extended feasible. Seek it . need an exit process to get from under a property that is draining your resources. Widely recognized how difficult it can be to make one mortgage payment, inconvenience if the two or three if you've got several investment properties examples that you are paying for also!
Fall may help you get the best idea about how good the home that you're thinking about buying already been cared for upwards of the growth cycles. Take a minute to brows through the gutters. If for example the leaves are overflowing out of them require know that they homeowner we had not taken period to clean them. They will do not take the time for that simple maintenance, you can other things in aided by the home they often have neglected.
He left on to explain he used both the 1031 exchange to literally trade up from the properties he'd bought within his early years as a. And he almost exclusively traded into TICs. The hho booster stopped there the story would be really exciting, but it didn't hold on there. Clarence continued to buy more investment property with the exclusive goal of trading up utilizing the tax deferred exchange. Of course, he'd trade into more TICs. This just what he does. Nerdy Clarence. Nerdy Clarence the multi uniform. Talk about revenge of the nerds.


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Two XO's for XMAS for Sahana
I received the following email from Chamindra de Silva of the Sahana project early this morning in response to a note I had sent him asking, "what is minimum number of XO's you need for work on OLPC and Sahana to proceed?"
Sorry for the delay responding. I wanted to check with Mano (LSF Chariman) who was also looking to help us. Basically we need to get our hands on two OLPCs for us to be able to develop and test the mesh networking functionality of Sahana. We do have a budget item in Sahana for a Mac that we can re-purpose for this, so it just a matter of finding the best way to reimburse you.
thanks for you help,
Chamindra de Silva
Knowing that the single most important use of the XO at hand is to assist in humanitarian assistance and disaster management, I sent the following reply soon thereafter:
To: Chamindra de Silva,Mano Sekaram
Subject: Two XO's for XMAS for Sahana
My mother, Alice Janet Simpson Shields, died twenty-five years ago this week. She was born, as she put it, "a day's sedan-chair ride from Chungking in the province of Szechuan," in March, 1917. Her parents, Dr. and Mrs. E. Kyle Simpson, were medical missionaries in China for the United Church of Canada for over twenty years in the early 1900's.
My wife Karin and I would like to honor their memory by making a gift to the People of China in the form of two XO laptop computers that we will donate to the Sahana Foundations.
I ordered my first XO within three hours after the program was announced, and have since ordered several more. I'll send the first two that come my way on to you and your colleagues at the Sahana Project and the Lanka Foundation.
I have never before made a charitable contribution with such certainty that it would lead to lives being saved. Keep up the good work.
I forgot to say, though I think it obvious, that I didn't expect any reimbursement, so they can use that money to buy even more XO's.
[Postscript: December 13, 2007]
I just received the following reply from Chamindra:
Though we were certainly ready to pay for the XOs, it is a honor to accept this donation in their memory. I will make sure we put up a donation page within our site to recognizes these donations within this month.
The next major Sahana release (0.6 Stable) will also be out within next week before Christmas.
Thank you for your continued support of the project and the purpose we represent.
Chamindra de Silva


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At LPA, we know that the work of developing young people is urgent, critical, and powerful. We feel a profound responsibility to grow and develop our programs and ourselves to guarantee each student at LPA is receiving an excellent, well-rounded education. To ensure the entire team at LPA is aligned towards a common goal, we have developed a strategic plan for the 2016-2017 school year.
All of our students achieve ambitious academic and personal outcomes. Students feel developed and cared for as people such that they are empowered to become future leaders in our community and access unlimited opportunities no matter their economic background.
- We continue to build a strong community that actively seeks diversity in all forms with an additional emphasis on race and class.
- We intentionally engage in relationship-building and collaboration with students, families and community partners. We communicate regularly and provide opportunities for families to be invested in the LPA community.
- We foster a rigorous, goal-oriented learning community that incorporates critical thinking, project-based learning and inquiry into all elements of instruction.
If you have questions, please reach out to Sarah Ranney, Head of School. (firstname.lastname@example.com)


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Second Life Opensim Project
Happy Clam Island is currently in the process of establishing an open sim grid as an aide for the community in building out the metaverse. Rebecca, Elpis and thomtrance are hard at work on this project and our goal is to have a our own grid up and running by early second quarter 08.
In the meantime the OpenSim project can be run as a standalone sim server on any desktop.
Rebecca Bournemouth's adventures
Nostrum Forder has this running on a Mac. His comments are here.


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Depression is something I've dealt with for many years. It's something I don't believe I'll even truly beat. It seems it will forever be present in my life, and may always be an obstacle for me to have to try overcome. This is a burden I've come to accept, though accepting it does not make coping any easier in my experience.
I do my best to hide the truth of how I am and it's clear, from a statement someone I consider a friend recently made, that I do a reasonably good job of it. I honestly try not to burden anyone with how I am, though I do fail at that quite often. I write a lot about my depression, most of which I keep to myself or destroy almost immediately after finishing. Mostly when I do share my thoughts, be it in a blog like this or as a series of tweets, it's done in an attempt to give others an insight into what it's like to suffer with depression and hopefully help them deal with it better should they or someone they care for ever find themselves in such a situation.
As with most illnesses, when suffering with depression you can have good days and bad days. I've had days where I've been truly happy and I've had days where I've been in a state of utter despair. I've had days in which I've been truly glad I'm alive, and I've had days where I've regretted not dying in my sleep. Sadly, for me, the bad days seem to far outnumber the good days.
Death is something that has never really scared me in the way it seems to scare some. In fact I don't think I can remember a single point in my life where I've actually been afraid of death. Some people will be familiar with my feelings on death already but many are not. I've found my stance on death, especially that of my own, often makes people somewhat uncomfortable. I don't fear my death, in fact I'm completely indifferent toward it. The prospect of dying, be it in 50 years or in 5 minutes, doesn't worry me or make me even remotely sad. I've said it before,"dying doesn't worry me, what worries me is the fact that you could tell me I'll die tomorrow and I won't be sad". I can't say for certain that this indifference towards my own death is related to my depression, though it seems like a safe conclusion to make.
As well as being indifferent toward my own death, I have been suicidal. In fact, if I'm truly honest, I still am to some degree. I've been extremely suicidal in the past, to the point of making an attempt on my own life. And I've had suicidal thoughts as recently as the past few weeks. Thus far I've been able to control those thoughts and not attempt suicide, and I don't believe I will make an attempt.
Whilst coping with depression and suicidal thoughts I've become both emotionally and physically numb at times, these periods of numbness have lasted anything from a few hours to a couple of weeks and even months. This numbness had led me to self-harm, both in the past and recently. My self-harm has never been done for attention, despite what some people like to claim. My scars are not visible under normal circumstances, and even when swimming most of my scars are still not visible. No, self-harm for me has never been for attention, it's simply a coping mechanism. A way to prove to myself that I can still feel something outside of pure numbness or crippling despair.
In my case self-harm has taken many forms. From intentionally placing myself in dangerous situations, to deliberately scalding and burning myself. The most common form of self-harm for me has been to take knife and razor blades and cut myself, quite deeply more often than not. The pain experienced has often been the only thing that let's me know they're is more in my life than numbness or despair, if only for a moment. It may be difficult for someone who has never experienced sever depression, and especially self-harm, to understand but for me the pain experienced when I've self-harmed is actually an oddly comforting pain.
In the many years I've suffered with depression I've experienced a lot of feelings I can't really described, I've considered and attempted suicide, I've self-harmed quite severely and I've had my emotions cause me to completely crumble. I do my best to stay positive but sadly I fear that someday I may lose the battle with myself again and make another attempt on my own life. I'm not at that point currently, but I've been there before.
I've not written this looking for attention or for sympathy. I've written it in an attempt to give anyone who reads this some kind of insight into what depression is like and what someone suffering with depression may experience. I truly hope, that should you ever find that someone you love suffers with depression, this gives you some kind of insight into what they're going through and hopefully it can help you figure out the best way to support them.
I would like to make it clear that I am open to talking about anything I've written here and, if I can, I'm willing to answer any questions that anyone may have.


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What's the latest news stemming from recent service requests of mine to upgrade conditions 16th and Mission Streets?
This week a crew from San Francisco Public Works power-washed the eight grimy and slippery ADA yellow mats at the corners of the intersecting streets. You can now see the bright color previous hidden under a layer of dirt!
BART also had a crew out covering the two open holes where trees once stood at the eastern plaza, near Wells Fargo. Now, instead of risking tripping over the holes, a solid metal plate is welded to the sidewalk grating with yellow safety stripes glued on.
The side-by-side photos show more public safety, and enhanced environmental beauty, thanks to my campaign related to this critical public space and transit hub used by thousands daily.
Are you ready to vote for me for the BART board? Early voting starts on Tuesday and I'd be honored to receive your vote.


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Not sure what sort of customized programs you need? Our experienced safety professionals can evaluate your current safety programs, then consult with you about to best implement a program that will meet your company's OSHA, MSHA equipment operator, and work site audit needs. Our training programs can be offered at our location or at yours.
We serve the oil and gas, construction and manufacturing/industrial industries, and can help you provide programs to address the specific needs of your industry. Every industry, each company, and sometimes every project calls for a very exacting safety program to meet all of the current requirements. Let us help you decide which programs your company actually needs, and help you implement them. We can also fine tune your existing safety programs to assure you meet safety pre-qualification requirements. We serve the oil and gas, construction and manufacturing/industrial industries, and are experts at helping you provide the safety programs that will help keep your workers safe.
Our health and safety experts can help you:


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Layers of creamy rice, cherries and jelly in parfait glasses.
Preparation Time: 20 mins
Cooking Time: 15 mins
Yield: 6 x 1 cup servings
Place rice in saucepan with margarine, milk and sugar. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until creamy, about 15 minutes. Cool.
Make 1 port wine and cherry jelly, using liquid from canned cherries plus water to make 1-1/2 cups liquid. When almost set, add cherries. Chill until firm.
Place alternate layers of creamy rice and jelly-cherry mixture in parfait or dessert glasses.
To serve top with Ricotta Cream and a wafer (see recipe link below).
Serving suggestions are not included in the nutritional analysis.
Jelly crystals may be available in gourmet or international stores, or online.


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Master Your Power Within™ Three Day Event
At this event, you will learn:
- The 4 Primary Laws of Success™
- The Higher Laws of Self Mastery
- The Higher Laws of Money
- The Higher Laws of Influence
- The Higher Laws of Relationships
- The Three Pillars of Change
- Use This to Create Lasting Change with Any Behavior Pattern
- Overcome that which holds you back the most in life
- Create unlimited empowerment in your life to make difficult things become effortless.
- The Higher Law of Results™ (with Relationships & Money)
- How to Get Results in Any Area of Your Life... Especially with Relationships and Money!
- It may not be what you think, yet others have increased their income after learning this
Secrets of the Millionaire Eyes™
- What the Rich See... that the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
- How your "Higher Self" is directly related to Your Income
- How to Have Success... in the Midst of Financial Storms Around You
- How to Know the Timing and Predict When the Financial Storms will Come
- Why People Don't Have the Relationships they Want
- How to Have More Love in Your Relationships
- How One Specific Thing can Create Abundance in Relationships
- The Primary Key to a Lasting Partner/Friendship
- Yes, there Really is One Thing that can Create or Hinder You
- Masculine & Feminine Energy
- How Women Cut Themselves Short in Relationships
- Why Men Fall Short in Relationships
- The Four Cornerstones of Relationships
- How to Have a Person Think More About You... After They Go Home!
- How to Create A Bright Future
- Relationships "End" without a Bright Future... Especially in Business!
- How to Become a Master Teacher
- Mastering Influence™
- A Secret Ingredient to Connecting with Anyone you Meet
- How to Influence... Without people feeling sold or Influenced
- How to Empower your Best Self
- How to Have Consistency in Life... and Maintain your Desires!
- How to Be The Solid Person, When the People Around You Start Getting Floppy
- How to Never Get a Spanking from Life Again... There Really is a Way!
- The Cycle of The Rise and Fall of your Greatest Asset... YOU!
- Learn how to turn your ideas into money.
- The Master Keys of Influence:
- How to Influence & Unlock Potential... in Every Area of Life
- Unleash Relationships like you never have before
- How to Influence... Without people feeling sold or Influenced
- Specific techniques and a 4 step process on how to massively increase your Income (When Brandon first created this process it helped him go from making $1,000 a week to making $1,000 an hour. Today he is in the top 1% of income earners in the world)
- Spiritual Mastery™
- How to use "Spiritual Laws" to create measurable "Real World" Success
- Self Mastery™ -
- "You are your greatest asset and your greatest liability." - Brandon Broadwater
- The Cure for Selfishness
- Why Bad Things Happen to Good People... Why People Suffer
Learn How The Universe Can Answer Your Specific Questions, No Fluffy Stuff!
- Why You Don't Get An Answer... And Exactly What to Do, So That You Will
Learn the 6 Stages of Spiritual Growth!
- 1. Experimenter
- 2. Deal Maker
- 3. Truth Seeker
- 4. Learned at The Event
- 5. Learned at The Event
- 6. Learned at The Event
- Learn the Most Important Question You Could Ever Ask... The "Sacred Question"
- The 4 Keys of Business
- This Includes Any Business or Entrepreneur Endeavor (Real Estate Too)
- Predict the Future of a Business with These Four Laws.
- Without These Four Laws, a Business will Absolutely Stay Small.
- How to Get People to Think Good Things About You, When You Are Not Even There!
- Live Q & A, with Brandon Broadwater
- Imagine what it would be like to finally get real answers to your questions. Really!
- And much more!
Learn the economic trends and principles you need to take advantage of the economic crisis and revolutionize your business. more
Here's a look at what some recent graduates have said:
After spending time with Brandon, I feel like a Super Hero that has just Discovered my Super Powers!
- Gabor Vince
The 3 day event changed everything for myself and my family.
- Andy Benjamin
Oh My! I am blown away & humbled by this experience. I know God sent me here, not for one reason, but for many. You have given me what my soul has been searching for since I was a little girl. I have always known I was meant for greater things & now I am on my true path because of this course. I thank you for not keeping this a secret. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Brandon!
- Dana Lang
This was an incredible experience that delivers REAL RESULTS. I've connected with my spirituality in a way that I didn't expect and I will never go back to the way things were before. Brandon's integrity, heart, and spirit have cemented high in my mind as one of the most amazing people I have ever met. This event is like unlike anything I have seen before.
- Brent Francis
Ask yourself, "What is your next step?" and "What is holding you back the most?"... If you'd like to get clarity to these questions, then this event is a critical step toward your ultimate success.
- Mladen Ryhard - Canada
After attending years of seminars, my expectations were fairly low & I attended only to fulfill my commitment to my friend. But WOW! The teachings, the perspective you gave me far exceeded the trainings I've received from some of the most renowned trainers. This was not "Theory" it was "Real Life" tools for me to take to my business and into my relationships. Thank you for being the "REAL DEAL!
- Carol Weekly - California, USA
This 3 day event was truly life changing. This is the only course I know of that teaches everything we need to be successful at anything and everything. Brandon is an inspiring, caring, effective, honest, real, and life changing teacher. Thank you Brandon. Now I know that Everything is Within Me Now!!!
- Paula Hopwood
I was so money focused and chasing it, not realizing that in order to increase money, I need a lot more help than just financial knowledge. Now I know what was missing!
- Nigel O'Quinn - Edmonton, Canada
This event has revitalized my marriage, and have given us direction, purpose, & hope for an exciting bright future.
- Jamie Rehl
Love it! Finally a mentor who is in touch with spirituality AND finances, and genuinely cares. Thank you for becoming a new friend Brandon!
- K. Mah
I was reluctant to come to this event. I thought 'I've been to many events, do I really need another one? I don't have the time. I don't have the money.' I can say with absolute certainty that Brandon has been my favorite! The way Brandon masterfully helped me to connect the dots in ALL the the areas of my life was a thing of beauty. I am coming back!
- Lisa Letwin, Canada
I spent 5 months and $11,000 dollars with another training company, and I didn't get the same value from them as I did from 3 DAYS with Higher Laws. I spent 50 years living in fear, and that is now completely gone from my life!
- Ray H
Day One
Those who create an extraordinary life and achieve their highest vision do certain things and align their lives to principles that produce results. Results in all areas of life is what you will have when you harness the most powerful parts of yourself.
In this session you will learn to harness your ultimate power within that that comes from a principle centered life. You will learn to unleash your potential to overcome anything, keep yourself focused during tough times, and reward yourself with a life full of lasting abundance.
Day Two
As we grow, our perspective stretches past the edge of our previous understanding. With this new perspective we can see opportunity that has been in front of us for a long time. In this session you'll leave with a clear understanding of how to make a great decisionwhat it is that you truly want most in life and how to create your optimal future.
In this session, you will learn how human beings are motivated. What drives us and what holds us back from what we desire. You will learn to unleash your potential and inspire those around you to perform at peak levels.
Day Three
After learning the advanced principles on Day One and Two, Day Three brings it all together. This is done by adding the component of how to have more abundance in your relationships and creating a clear path to reach your full potential. By doing this results based approach, you will have the life you deserve.
Enroll Now Select Your Enrollment Level
|Distinguished Advantages
|General Admission
|VIP Guest
FREE Abundance Game ($297 Value)
Exclusive Complimentary Lunch
|Priority Seating
3 Coaching Sessions
|Exclusive Q & A Break-out Session
VIP - Live Coaching Session
|Admission to 3 day event
|Course Materials
|Door Price
|Single Ticket - Advanced Purchase
|$650 Add to Cart
|$895 Add to Cart
|$1,995 Add to Cart
If you are unable to attend for any reason, you may have someone substitute for your participation in the program. Email the Higher Laws Company Customer Service Department at email@example.com at least 90 days prior to the event to transfer your enrollment. A $85 fee will apply. Transferred and complimentary tickets are not eligible.
If you are unable to attend and do not wish to substitute, contact our Customer Service Department by email. We will convert your enrollment to a non-refundable credit that you may apply toward any Higher Laws, LLC event for up to one full year from your original event date. Some restrictions apply.
If you have a complimentary enrollment in your package, it is valid for the event date listed in the electronic confirmation only and is non-refundable/non-transferable. Package bonuses are not available to complimentary event participants.
If after attending the first half of the program, you are not completely satisfied, please contact one of our Customer Service Representatives during the Day 2 afternoon meal break at the event. Refunds are authorized at the event only. You must have attended the event up until the Day 2 afternoon meal break and request your refund at the Customer Service Desk during the Saturday afternoon meal break. At your option, we will apply your tuition to any Higher Laws Company event, or send you a full refund. Simply turn in your workbook and name badge to an Higher Laws Customer Service Representative at the Customer Service Desk. Complimentary enrollments, discounted tickets, or other tickets that are not purchased online via HigherLaws.com website are not eligible for refund. Addition details may be in your confirmation email.TOP


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Queen Elizabeth opens British parliament
May 8 - Britain's Queen Elizabeth gives her annual speech at the Palace of Westminster, outlining the government's goals that include tougher immigration laws. Jessica Gray reports.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth makes her way from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster by horse carriage to preside over the Opening of Parliament on Wednesday. But before she makes her address, the queen's representative at Westminster, Black Rod, summons the Members of Parliament from the House of Commons. This is done by knocking on the door three times with his rod after it is slammed in his face, symbolizing historic resistance to the Crown. Later, the monarch reads out the Queen's Speech in the House of Lords, which outlines the government's plans for the coming year. One of the key messages for this year's parliament is tougher immigration laws that make it easier to deport criminals and curb illegal immigration. (SOUNDBITE) (English) QUEEN ELIZABETH SAYING: "My government will bring foward a bill that further reforms Britain's immigration system. The bill will ensure that this country attracts people that contribute and deters those will not." With Prince Charles attending the speech for the first time since 1996, many believe the 87-year-old queen may scale back her future public appearances.


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The world is changing fast and to keep up you need local knowledge with global context.
No province for cancer patients – KZN's crisis of care. DA lays charges.
CAPE TOWN — If the DA is to be believed, public healthcare provision in KwaZulu-Natal has got so bad that hundreds of people – in this case cancer patients – have died through blatant lack of care and equipment. It's laying culpable homicide charges against Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and KwaZulu-Natal health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo after the deaths of nearly 300 cancer patients in the province. The issue first hit headlines several months ago when it emerged that the province has cut budget so efficiently and head-hunted, either not at all or so dysfunctionally, that there was not a single State oncologist left in Durban. Meanwhile province-wide, the oncology staffing situation remains critical with too many machines for cancer screening, diagnosing and treatment missing or in disrepair. Once again, we have that all-pervasive South African epidemic of no accountability manifesting. The DA might be out to score points, but the issue remains all too real for State sector patients and families who are dealing with probably the most testing times of their lives – or outright bereavement. A few culpable homicide convictions might go a long way. Certainly, a step up from Dhlomo and his ilk pointing fingers at under-equipped doctors for adverse patient events and labelling those who leave as "unpatriotic". – Chris Bateman
By James de Villiers, News24
Durban – The DA is on Wednesday expected to lay charges of culpable homicide against Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and KwaZulu-Natal health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo following the deaths of nearly 300 cancer patients in the province.
According to a South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) report released in June, the KwaZulu-Natal health department violated the rights of the cancer patients in the Addington and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central hospitals.
In a statement on Tuesday, the DA said its MP Patricia Kopane and provincial health spokesperson Imran Keeka would lay the charges at the Point police station in Durban.
Keeka lodged a formal complaint with the SAHRC in 2016, after it came to light that cancer patients did not have access to proper healthcare services, due to severe staff shortages and a lack of machines for screening, diagnosing, and treating cancer.


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Pick your style:
Also we can suggest:
Warm and inviting rose gold pendant 'Pisces Zodiac' with a glossy finish. The composition of this rose gold symbol of Pisces Zodiac constellation is akin to an ancient illuminated manuscript. Made in Russia.
'Pisces' Constellation Gemstone: Amber.
With this Pisces Zodiac rose gold pendant you get: a free elegant gift packaging, manufacturer's tag with complete item specifications, a free jewelry care manual, a free lifetime jewelry inspection with cleaning and a limited manufacturer's warranty. We may offer a layaway payment option or an incredible interest free financing plan of a customer's choice. Take advantage of our discounts for Golden Flamingo Loyalty Club members.
Note: Our name is your guarantee since 1996. All online orders are covered by the Golden Flamingo Money Back Guarantee (a refund for online purchases returned within 10 days - no questions asked).
Pisces Zodiac pendant is enlarged to show detail. A chain is not included. Please see our selection of chains.
Item code: T100031918
Material: 585º rose gold
Average weight: 1.35g (0.04 tr.oz)


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Nice to see that you want to get in touch!
Are you looking for information about which products or sizes that are available at your local store selling North Bend? You will get the quickest and most accurate reply by contacting your local reseller. The same applies claims. Even the sun has spots and sometimes things get wrong also with our products. If you're misfortune enough to encounter a defective product, please contact your local North Bend reseller and we will help you!
We very much welcome your feedback regarding our products – what is good and what could be even better. It helps us to develop our products even further. Please drop us an email at firstname.lastname@example.com stating "Feedback" in the subject line.


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Welcome to our Choir Payments page. When you make payments here, you are charged the standard choir rates. If you wish to become a member, you can easily do so and your rates for many items will be discounted at 20% throughout the year. If you'd like to sign up for a membership and make payments at the discounted rate, click the link below to purchase your membership and then make payments from that Membership Payments page
I'd like to become a member and receive the membership discounts – click here
On this page you can add funds to your student's account, pay for various choir expenses, and purchase attire & garment bags. Feel free to add multiple items to your shopping cart and then check-out securely with your credit card or PayPal account.


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Mission Theology: Two Key Motifs
A motif is a recurring element in a story that has significance. For our purposes here, motif is defined as a recurring idea that reinforces central biblical themes.[1] As specifically related to mission, there are a number of such themes that are easily identifiable. Here a brief discussion of two such motifs follows.
Motif One: Jesus
Simply put, the Christian faith is not centered on prophets or clever sayings or the writings of wise people of old. The Christian faith is centered on the unique person Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies truth and is ultimate truth disclosed by God.[2] Jesus is central to Christianity and to the missional focus that is part and parcel to our faith.[3] When Christians want to better understand mission in His name, we turn to Jesus. It is Jesus who calls people to Himself and then sends them out to make disciples (evangelism), commands His people to obey all that He taught during his earthly ministry (discipleship), and inspires His people to keep their focus on God while living lives that bring honor and glory to Him (salt and light).[4]
Motif Two: The Return of Jesus
The second coming of Jesus should have a tremendous impact on the way God's people practice mission and think about missionary theology. The catastrophic events described in Scripture that will occur in the end times should drive the behavior of the church as it relates to the reaching out to the lost in the present. This has been true throughout history and will remain so until Christ returns. The fact that there are people who will spend an eternity separated from Christ should inspire evangelism which is God's response to the fact that there are people who are separated from Christ.[5] Further, the certainty of the return of Christ should provide Christians with the motivation necessary to continue steadfastly in discipleship efforts. Finally, the return of Christ should enable Christians to persevere as salt and light in a dark, lost world remembering that after the old world has passed away, there is a new world to come.[6]
[1] Moreau, A. Scott, R. Corwin Gary, and Gary B. McGee. Introducing World Missions: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2004) 79.
[2] Winter, Ralph D., and Steven C. Hawthorne, eds. Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader (4th ed.). (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1981, 1992, 1999, 2009), 184.
[3] Moreau, Gary, and McGee. (2004), 79.
[4] Ibid, 81-82.
[5] Ibid, 85.
[6] Ibid.


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Office III is an experimental architectural collective based in New York and San Francisco and founded in 2016 by Sean Canty, Ryan Golenberg and Stephanie Lin. We are interested in rigorous deformations of geometry, vision, and material, and the reshaping of familiar organizations into the realm of the unfamiliar. The three of us met in 2008 as designers at IwamotoScott Architecture and later graduated from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Our partnership was formed after years of conversations about our common values in practice, during which we recognized that our varied strengths in design, construction, and computation were both complementary and productive.
We experiment with geometry and materials in alternative ways, with a focus on pushing their structural and perceptual expectations within an interdisciplinary context. We believe that the synthesis of architectural thinking and artistic disciplines is what produces cultural depth and value.


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NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Raven Industries (Nasdaq: RAVN) hit a new 52-week high Friday as it is currently trading at $69.55, above its previous 52-week high of $69.30 with 6,356 shares traded as of 10:05 a.m. ET. Average volume has been 54,100 shares over the past 30 days. Raven has a market cap of $1.17 billion and is part of the technology sector and electronics industry. Shares are up 9.8% year to date as of the close of trading on Thursday. Raven Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures various products for industrial, agricultural, construction, and military/aerospace markets, primarily in North America. The company has a P/E ratio of 26.2, above the average electronics industry P/E ratio of 25.1 and above the S&P 500 P/E ratio of 17.7.
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Cuba Diary: San Suzie visits the 2012 Havana Biennial.
A 2012 sculpture by Alexandre Arrechea sits in the art deco lobby of the former headquarters of Bacardí Rum, built in the 1930s by architects Castells, Fernandez, and Menendez. (All photos by San Suzie.)
As just about anybody with a Gucci-clad toe in the art industry knows by now, the 11th Havana Biennial opened earlier this month to great fanfare and much speculation about what the month-long exhibit and its accompanying onslaught of American visitors means for the future of cultural relations between Cuba and the United States. Titled Artistic Practices and Social Imaginaries, the biennial is an ambitious citywide project that has attracted a host of likely and unlikely collaborators to produce Cuba's most important collective exhibit in a decade.
As can be expected of anything artsy held in sunny, big-c Communist climes, the week of the opening was lively and crowded. The international jetset-ati parachuted into one of the oldest ports in the Americas to enjoy installations, performances, rum-fueled parties, dalliances with local working girls and a froufrou culinary-art collaboration that would cost the average Cuban a year's salary for dishes like yuzu sailfish and guava maki. There was also so much frenzied art buying that the city seemed more like Miami Beach during art fair season than a biennial "born in the heat of a strong and vigorous national art movement." (Or so says the breathy official website.)
In countless ways, the Havana Biennial is like most others — a bunch of art stuff thrown together in one place — and therefore held few aesthetic surprises. But it rises above the rest for the way in which the organizers have used the city's sublime historic buildings and urban spaces. Havana was once the most important mercantile port to Spain and later the closest trading partner to the United States. Because of this, and also because the revolution halted the sort of late 20th century glass-tower development that has decimated historic neighborhoods around the world, the city retains a significant number of extraordinary buildings. Ranging in style from Spanish baroque to Art Nouveau, Neoclassical, Art Deco, and Modern, these buildings make Havana something of a living architectural museum of the Western Hemisphere.
The biennial highlights these locales and makes it possible to visit some that are usually closed to the public. There is the 18th century Spanish fortress that serves as the biennial's main venue, as well as a crumbling Modernist ballet school and the decayed early 20th century neighborhoods used as backdrop by urban muralists. The art is nice. Some of it is thought-provoking — even enthralling. But it's Havana's five centuries of historic architecture that is definitely the star of this show.
The Havana Biennial is on through June 11, 2012. Plenty of pix after the jump.
An installation by Cuban artist Diana Almeida in the moat of the San Carlos de la Cabaña fortress, across Havana harbor. Built in the 18th century following the one and only successful British invasion of Havana, the complex is the largest Spanish fortification in the Americas and served as a prison and execution center after the 1959 Cuban Revolution.
Camagueyan artist Humberto Diaz's sculpture of a cantilevered, hollowed-out palm tree — also at La Cabaña.
Conga Irreversible, by Los Carpinteros, was a street performance consisting of a carnival comparsa danced backwards, with music by New York-based Cuban jazz musician Yosvany Terry and choreography by Isaias Rojas. It was held on Paseo del Prado, Havana's oldest historic promenade, which was designed in 1772 by the French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier.
Solve et Coagula, by Meira Marrero and Jose Toirac is one of several dozen installations at Factoria Habana a white-cube art space within the confines of the Old Havana historic district that is the brainchild of Galician curator Concha Fontenla. Meira and Toirac's piece deals with the installation, destruction, and current restoration of the monument that commemorates the so-called bombing of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana harbor in 1898. The destruction of the ship was the excuse used by the U.S. for becoming involved in the Cuban War of Independence, or as we know it, the Spanish American War.
Pool party as art: Sueño de Verano is an installation by Glenda Leon at the FOCSA Building. Designed by Ernesto Gómez Sampera in 1956, the building, at 39 stories, is the tallest structure in Havana and one of the most recognizable landmarks of mid-century architecture. Built at a time when concrete structures taller than 18 stories were considered unfeasible, the FOCSA was once a luxury apartment house with 500 parking spaces, ground floor offices, a television studio, a shopping center, and a huge trapezoidal swimming pool. Empty since 1989, Leon had the pool filled for her installation, which consisted of a pool party (for locals) held on top of two banner-size floor coverings that are printed with street maps of coastal Havana and Miami. There was a DJ (of course) and domino tables.
The poolside facade of the FOCSA building.
The Hotel Nacional, designed by McKim, Mead and White in 1930, as seen from the deck of Leon's pool party at the FOCSA.
Because no biennial is complete without some yarn bombing: The crocheted installation by artist Aimee Garcia along the Malecon promenade.
An installation by Ernesto Neto (courtesy of the Cisneros-Fontanals Collection) in the grand staircase grand staircase at the Centro Asturiano building, a social club for natives of the Spanish province of Asturias. It was designed in 1927 by architect Manuel Bustos. After the 1959 Revolution, the building housed the Supreme Court of Justice, and is now home to the European art collections of the Museo de Bellas Artes.
At the Museo: the view just above the Neto.
A detail of Fin de Siglo, 2010, a piece in Carlos Gariacoa's tapestry project entitled Fin de Silencio. Exhibited previously in Madrid and Venice, this bold work consists of tapestry-carpets that depict the iconic logos and terrazzo pavements in front of department stores in Central Havana — complete with dirt, cracks, and gum stuck to the surface. Garaicoa has altered the texts to convey a distinctly political message. More on the project here.
Another of Garaicoa's carpets.
A hallway in the ruined Escuela de Ballet by Vittorio Garatti (1963). One of the 5 buildings of the National Art Schools complex, the school is normally closed to the public because it is in ruins. The public was allowed access to see an installation by Mexican artist Gabriel Orozco in its hallways and studios — a rare treat.
A view of one of the Orozco installations at the Escuela de Ballet at the National Art Schools. In some cases it wasn't clear what was artwork and what was trash, but in this space it was pretty clear…
A glass installation by Orozco.
Orozco's glass install can be seen peeking out on the left, in a floor full of crumbling rehearsal studios.
As far as I can tell, this is all Garatti (the architect) and not Orozco. But the Orozco installs made it possible to view.
A subtle intervention by Orozco at the Escuela de Ballet.
I'm All Ears: An installation by Alexandre Arrechea for Proyecto Malecon: Detras de los Muros.
Alexandre Arrechea at his studio in front of drawings for the Park Avenue sculpture installations he will do in 2013. The drawings and everything else in Arrechea's studio were snapped up before you could blink.
At a dinner for the Cuban collective Los Carpinteros (that's Dagoberto Rodriguez, of the duo, at left), I got to have my own personal stare-down with Marina Abramovic (seen above, chatting with artist Humberto Diaz).


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My dad was a brain scientist and we discussed science at the dinner table.
This is why talking about the brain with my three-year-old feels natural for me.
My son, Anton, learned about the major parts of the brain when he was two …
and it was FUN for him :-)
He was astounded because he understood:
why he got angry,
why it was hard to calm down,
and why he did strange things that he later regretted.
He understood how his brain functions AND what he could do about it.
This can be a huge thing for a kid.
Especially when they understand that it's not their fault that they do crazy things … and that they can become less reactive—even at times when life pushes their buttons.
Explaining how mindfulness and the brain works can seem a daunting task, yet it can be one of the best ways to show how mindfulness works for us and how it helps our brain to function properly.
Now … even if it's fun to hear a two-year-old say:
I figured out a simpler way to explain the brain to kids.
I renamed the relevant parts of the human brain like this:
The Amygdala = Amy
The Hippocampus = Hippo
The Pre-Frontal-Cortex = Tex
Sorry dad ;-)
And I made them into fun animal characters.
Hence the hippo, fox and gorilla.
BTW: If you are in a hurry, you can scroll down to the big infographic.
Keep reading and I'll explain:
1. The key players in our brains.
2. What they do for us.
3. How we can help them do a better job for us.
So that we get to decide how to respond in difficult situations …
… instead of reacting based on emotions alone.
The human brain is pretty amazing :)
This is how I explained mindfulness and the brain to my son and how I do it on our Mindfulness for Parents courses.
Mindfulness and the brain:
The Smart Sheriff
The Pre-frontal cortex (or TEX for short) is a newer part of the brain that helps us deal with emotions and make wise decisions.
She figures out stuff for you and helps you make good choices. She's there to stop you from doing crazy things, for your own good.
Tex is like a smart sheriff in your brain.
Tex helps us to deal with:
and our actions in relation to our goals.
She helps us plan and make good decisions.
And she helps us with impulse control too, to overcome temptations.
She's important and you want to take care of her.
How Tex helps us
When we experience a thought or an emotion, Tex asks:
"Will this help us to reach our goals?"
If the answer is no … then Tex will stop you from acting. From doing crazy stuff.
If the answer is yes (as in this will help you reach your goals) … then Tex will allow you to act.
This is how the prefrontal cortex or Tex does her work. Sort of like a sheriff in your brain.
Now … this how it works in real life.
Here's a question to you:
Have you ever wanted to say something … but you realized that saying it would only make things worse?
Has that happened to you?
I'm sure it has. And if you bit your tongue and managed to not escalate the situation … then Tex was able to help you.
Yay, sheriff!
How about this:
Have you ever felt really emotional and said something awful … something you wished you could take back?
Of course you have. We all have.
Okay so … at that time Tex was not able to help you.
But … why not?
This happened most likely because another, older part of your brain called the Amygdala believed that the stress you were experiencing was a real threat to you.
The Amygdala didn't let Tex do her job!
The Jumpy Superhero
The Amygdala (Amy) is like a jumpy superhero who tries to protect you at all costs, but often mistakes stress for real threats … and effectively stops Tex from doing her job.
Now why do we have something like this going on in our fancy brains?
What is this?
It's called …
The fight flight freeze response
During a stress response, we disconnect from rational thinking.
We shift gears to an impulsive, reactive "fight, flight, freeze" mode.
We lose connection to higher brain functions like:
self regulation, empathy, communications skills and memory.
We have a hard time …
remembering instructions (like conflict resolution skills),
controlling impulses,
and making good choices.
This is how evolution has wired our brains.
Our brains have evolved to react to danger and overwhelm this way.
A long time ago when wild animals hunted us, our brains helped us survive by reacting automatically and instantly to danger.
This ancient part of our brains (the Amygdala) still sounds the alarm whenever it believes we are in imminent danger … and when the alarm goes off our bodies prepare to FIGHT, BOLT OR FREEZE.
The alarm goes off when we face overwhelming or strong emotions like fear, anger and sadness.
Like for example:
when someone says something unkind to you, you get all upset and the Amygdala—the ancient part of your brain—believes you are in danger.
We do crazy things when this happens:
A kid might say something cruel or unkind when they feel upset.
A kid might push another kid or a parent when they get angry.
A kid might freeze at school when overwhelmed.
A parent might yell at his kid.
(I know I have raised my voice … and I hate it.)
It's really hard to make good choices or speak eloquently when your body forces you to fight, bolt, or freeze.
It's no wonder kids and grown-ups do crazy things when this happens.
And in a way it's really not the kids fault when it happens. Or yours!
But, how does all this relate to mindfulness practice?
This is how …
Mindfulness helps our brains to do a better job
According to studies we can practice mindfulness to activate both Tex and Hippo (the Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus). Sustained practice can even help them grow bigger. (1)(2)
This way Tex & Hippo can help you:
control your attention,
manage and respond to emotions and thoughts,
and control impulses.
So that you can better deal with difficult emotions and thoughts and ultimately make better decisions.
Mindfulness also soothes the Amygdala—the part of the brain that gets aroused reacting to emotions. (3) And studies have shown that mindfulness practice helps to shrink the Amygdala.
Pretty cool, right?
When we're mindful, we get to decide how we respond to life's challenges and we can make good choices more easily.
The more we practice mindfulness, the more we'll experience calm moments, even if we are not actively trying to be mindful.
Scientists call this experience-dependent neuroplasticity, which means that we can shape our brains by what we do and experience.
When we train focusing and calming skills, then we become more focused and calmer.
Have fun! I hope that you enjoyed this way of explaining mindfulness and the brain.
May you be happy and healthy :-)
Here's the infographic:
See also:
The Take Five Mindfulness Exercise
Three Senses Mindfulness Activity
If you are new to mindfulness with children we recommend our online courses: Get notified here!
Chris Bergstrom is the co-founder of BlissfulKids.com and a dad who is thrilled to practice mindfulness with his son. He is a certified mindfulness facilitator, and trained to teach mindfulness to students in K-12. He's also an executive consultant, and has taught meditation for more than 10 years.
Science links:
1 Chiesa, A., & Serretti, A. (2010). A systematic review of neurobiological and clinical features of mindfulness meditations. Psychological Medicine, 40(08), 1239–1252.
2 Goldin, P. R., & Gross, J. J. (2010). Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on emotion regulation in social anxiety disorder. Emotion, 10(1), 83.
3 Lutz, A., Slagter, H. A., Dunne, J. D., & Davidson, R. J. (2008). Attention regulation and monitoring in meditation. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 12(4), 163–169.
Baijal, S., Jha, A. P., Kiyonaga, A., Singh, R., & Srinivasan, N. (2011). The influence of concentrative meditation training on the development of attention networks during early adolescence. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, 1-9.
Baijal, S., Jha, A. P., Kiyonaga, A., Singh, R., & Srinivasan, N. (2011). The influence of concentrative meditation training on the development of attention networks during early adolescence. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, 1-9.
Napoli, M., Krech, P. R., & Holley, L. C. (2005). Mindfulness Training for Elementary School Students. Journal of Applied School Psychology, 21(1), 99–125.
Semple, R. J., Lee, J., Rosa, D., & Miller, L. F. (2010). A randomized trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for children: promoting mindful attention to enhance social-emotional resiliency in children. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 19(2), 218–229.
Emotion regulation
Metz, S. M., Frank, J. L., Reibel, D., Cantrell, T., Sanders, R., & Broderick, P. C. (2013). The effectiveness of the learning to BREATHE program on adolescent emotion regulation. Research in Human Development, 10(3), 252–272.
Schonert-Reichl, K. A., Oberle, E., Lawlor, M. S., Abbott, D., Thomson, K., Oberlander, T. F., & Diamond, A. (2015). Enhancing cognitive and social–emotional development through a simple-to-administer mindfulness-based school program for elementary school children: A randomized controlled trial. Developmental Psychology, 51(1), 52-66.
Barnes, V. A., Davis, H. C., Murzynowski, J. B., & Treiber, F. A. (2004). Impact of meditation on resting and ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate in youth. Psychosomatic Medicine, 66(6), 909-914.
Mendelson, T., Greenberg, M. T., Dariotis, J. K., Gould, L. F., Rhoades, B. L., & Leaf, P. J. (2010). Feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a school-based mindfulness intervention for urban youth. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 38(7), 985–994.
Schonert-Reichl, K. A., Oberle, E., Lawlor, M. S., Abbott, D., Thomson, K., Oberlander, T. F., & Diamond, A. (2015). Enhancing cognitive and social–emotional development through a simple-to-administer mindfulness-based school program for elementary school children: A randomized controlled trial. Developmental Psychology, 51(1), 52-66.
Sibinga, E. M. S., Webb, L., Ghazarian, S. R., & Ellen, J. M. (2016). School-Based Mindfulness Instruction: An RCT. Pediatrics, 137(1), 1-8.
Zenner, C., Herrnleben-Kurz, S., & Walach, H. (2014). Mindfulness-based interventions in schools—a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 5.
Lutz, A., Slagter, H. A., Dunne, J. D., & Davidson, R. J. (2008). Attention regulation and monitoring in meditation. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 12(4), 163–169.
Desbordes, G., Negi, L. T., Pace, T. W., Wallace, B. A., Raison, C. L., & Schwartz, E. L. (2012). Effects of mindful-attention and compassion meditation training on amygdala response to emotional stimuli in an ordinary, non-meditative state. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 6.
Hölzel, B. K., Carmody, J., Evans, K. C., Hoge, E. A., Dusek, J. A., Morgan, L., … Lazar, S. W. (2010). Stress reduction correlates with structural changes in the amygdala. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 5(1), 11–17.
Goldin, P. R., & Gross, J. J. (2010). Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on emotion regulation in social anxiety disorder. Emotion, 10(1), 83.
Hölzel, B. K., Carmody, J., Vangel, M., Congleton, C., Yerramsetti, S. M., Gard, T., & Lazar, S. W. (2011). Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 191(1), 36–43.
Prefrontal Cortex
Chiesa, A., & Serretti, A. (2010). A systematic review of neurobiological and clinical features of mindfulness meditations. Psychological Medicine, 40(08), 1239–1252.
More sources:
Mindful Schools – http://www.mindfulschools.org/about-mindfulness/research/
Mindup Curriculum – https://mindup.org/
Healing the Angry Brain – http://www.academia.edu/5660269/Healing_the_Angry_Brain
Neurobiology Essentials for Clinicians: What Every Therapist Needs to Know – Montgomery, A. (2013).
The Whole Brain Child, Dan Siegel – http://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing/dp/0553386697/


text:
Navajo Long Sleeve Kimono
The pattern on this beautiful Kimono was inspired by the handmade blankets produced by the Navajo Tribe of the American South West. Navajo textiles have been highly sought after for over 150 years. They are often considered the most beautiful and finest quality pre mechanical loom textiles ever produced.
According to Navajo tradition a spiritual being called "Spider Woman" instructed the women of the Navajo how to build the first loom from exotic materials including sky, earth, sunrays, rock crystal and sheet lighting. Then "Spider Woman" taught the Navajo how to weave on it. Enjoy thousands of years of rich culture and history in this lovely piece.
Product Details
- Clothing Length: Long
- Pattern Type: Navajo Print
- Fabric Type: Chiffon
- Material: Polyester
- Collar: O-Neck
- Sleeve Length: Full


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Penny Stocks - Turn Your Pennies Into Dollars
We've all heard about the investor how bragged about his 100% or 1000% return on a stock or about the guy who made it rich by investing in small caps, undiscovered stocks that made it big. Too easy to lose money unless you know what to look for.
Penny Stocks - Turn Your Pennies Into Dollars
We've all heard about the investor how bragged about his 100% or 1000% return on a stock or about the guy who made it rich by investing in small caps, undiscovered stocks that made it big. In theory, it seems to be too easy. Invest in a couple of penny stocks, then sell them when they move up. Unfortunately, it is too easy. Too easy to lose money unless you know what to look for.
First, lets have a look at what types of companies trade on the OTC BB or Pink Sheets.
Stocks that no longer trade over $1 on the Nasdaq
New Start Ups
Second, lets look at some tips to help the penny stock trader avoid making costly mistakes.
Due Diligence
Stocks listed on the OTC BB file annual and quarterly statements. This provides some measure of financial success. You'll find most penny stocks lose money, whether through managerial incompetence, or research and development. The key is to identify the companies whose management has a record of consistently making money, or at the very least, delivering on their business plan, and decreasing expenses.
Penny Stock Newsletters
Take a look at the track record of the newsletter. Have they profiled winners? Do they state the facts, or state the hype? Do they also offer unpaid stock profiles? If they do, you'll likely find that they do their own research in all companies, and are looking to ensure that they aren't passing a weak stock your way just to pay the bills.
If a company is paying an IR professional money to profile a stock to its subscribers, should you avoid it? Of course not. Think of the payment as advertising. They are promoting the company, and trying to get exposure. Like any company, the only way to get exposure is through some method of advertising. So dont dismiss a paid profile as hype. Keep it in the back of your mind while you are reading the profile, but pay attention to the profile. You may find a diamond in the rough that no one has discovered.
Buy Results, Not the Story
Size matters
Have a plan before you buy. What are your reasons for buying. What is your exit strategy? Where is your stop loss? At what point will you take your profit? Write down these answers before you place that buy order.
Penny stock investing can be profitable. Remember, you are taking larger risks than you would if you were purchasing shares in a bank stock. That risk can be rewarded with returns that you cant get with a bank stock, or, it will be met with a large loss and a bad taste in your mouth for investing in penny stocks.
Do your homework, don't believe the hype, and protect your capital.
Note: The Leading Source provides its subscribers with both paid and unpaid profiles. Follow those tips and you will watch your pennies grow into dollars.
Article Tags: Penny Stocks Turn, Pennies Into Dollars, Penny Stocks, Stocks Turn, Pennies Into, Into Dollars, Penny Stock, Being Paid
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
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text:
Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation sought by an El Cajon second-grade teacher who was fired over campus safety concerns after her estranged husband was spotted on campus.
The measure protects victims of domestic violence from losing their jobs or being discriminated at work, but also raises the question of how employers can balance assuring workplace safety with the rights of victims.
Carie Charlesworth was fired in April from her position at Holy Trinity School in El Cajon. She had taught at schools within the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego for 14 years.
"It's incredibly gratifying to know that …thousands of domestic violence victims won't have to experience what I did — the devastation and financial insecurity of losing a job and their professional identity just because they are victims of domestic violence," Carie Charlesworth said in a statement.
Church officials have declined to comment, but earlier had sent a notice to parents, parishioners and others.
"If Mrs. Charlesworth were to continue at the school, the possibility of harm and violence to her and others was much greater than if she did not," Tom Beecher, director of the diocese's Office for Schools, said in the undated letter. "We couldn't possibly jeopardize innocent children to justify her return."
The letter, sent at the direction of Bishop Robert Brom, cited the horrific murders at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
"We must do everything in our power to prevent a similar incident in San Diego," the letter stated.
Charlesworth warned her principal that she had obtained a temporary restraining order against her husband and was fearful of him after suffering several years of verbal and emotional abuse. When he came to campus on Jan. 28, the school went into a preventive lockdown for about 30 minutes. He was arrested.
She was immediately put on leave, and her four children were not permitted to attend classes there.
"I was treated like the criminal," Charlesworth said later. When she was terminated, "My world fell apart. I felt victimized all over again."
Charlesworth, now divorced, decided to fight back, lobbying for already-introduced legislation to prohibit employers from doing what had happened to her.
Carried by Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, the measure also covers victims of stalking and sexual assault. It requires employers to take reasonable steps to protect the workers, such as changing the workplace phone number, relocating the desk and implementing a safety plan.
Jackson, in a statement, said the bill "protects victims from job discrimination at a time they most need support and a steady paycheck."
Otherwise, victims may stay silent out of fear of being fired, she said.
"I strongly believe that an unknown threat to a workplace is much more dangerous than a known threat," Jackson said. Alerted, employers, fellow employees and the worker can take action, she added.
In an earlier interview, Ned Dolejsi, executive director of the California Catholic Conference, which represents parish schools, said lawmakers have to take into consideration circumstances where children are at risk.
"The balance is as it always is — between rights and responsibility," he said. "Children have a right to be safe. Parents have a right to expect that their children will be safe."
Charlesworth said after she was fired that keeping silent will put co-workers and children attending schools at even greater risk because no one will know of the danger.
"As a parent, I get their concerns. I do have four children. Every time we step out the door, there is that fear of the unknown. In today's world, it is more dangerous to have an unknown threat than it is to have a known threat," she said.
Gov. Brown did not comment in signing the legislation Friday, which goes into effect Jan. 1.
In early September Charlesworth filed a lawsuit against the diocese, contending the church violated canon law by firing her.
The diocese issued a statement defending its actions: "We are confident that when the court is able to review the decision, the protection and safety of children will be understood as the only path the school could have taken."
Charlesworth is studying to be a nurse and her four children attend public school.


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What you vote for can be a taboo, because it exposes your beliefs, your views and what you stand for.
#willvotefor is a platform that gets people from different backgrounds to express themselves in a fun way. We believe when we share our vote, it is the first step in creating conversation.
Say it in your way and celebrate our differences. Share your vote with the world at #willvotefor.


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There's an interesting yet contentious post at TechCrunch on Brian Modoff's (Deutsche Bank analyst) report on handset operating profit share. While many of the post comments question the numbers, I think the overall message is probably valid. Apple and RIM are taking an increasing large share of handset profits.
The bigger question is whether this is sustainable. Can Apple grow the iPhone market further without encroaching into lower cost and lower margin devices? How will the ramping up of smartphone production affect RIM? What will be the affect of new Android, Palm and Symbian based devices? These are uncertain times. It's time for developers such as myself to hedge our bets.


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I have always loved Easter! What's not to like? There are cute cuddly baby animals all over the place, pretty pastel colours and its a great excuse to eat silly amounts of chocolate. While its Autumn here in Australia the days definitely have a Spring feel, the end of Summer rains have made everything happy and green and the cooler days make me want to spend all my time outdoors. When I was little Mum would always spend the few days before Easter out in the gardens making sure the yard was perfect for our egg hunt on Sunday morning. My brother and I would spend Saturday night decorating our baskets with crepe paper, ribbons and fuzzy yellow chicks ready to fill with our chocolate egg loot. The fuzzy yellow chickens from my childhood have remained one of my favorite Easter decorations, I knew I had to use them to cutesy up some yummy cupcakes.
I don't really know what to say about these cupcakes, except that after I placed on the egg and chick toppers I stood back and laughed. They are just so ridiculously cute! And easy!! all you need are some hollow chocolate eggs and some baby chicks to make these adorable hatching cupcakes.
After debating about what kind of cupcake I'd like to make I went with the obvious choice. Chocolate cupcakes for the one day when there is no such thing as too much chocolate. I used my favorite chocolate cake recipe and teamed it with a pastel purple fluffy vanilla frosting, both are quick and simple and all the ingredients are usual pantry items.
For the Chocolate Cupcakes (makes 14)
1 cup sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup Dark Cocoa Powder
3/4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup boiling water
10 medium hollow medium chocolate eggs
10 fuzzy chicks
fondant flowers
To make the cupcakes- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees c. Line cupcake pans with cupcake papers.
In a large bowl add sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisk together. Add the eggs, milk, oil and the vanilla to the dry ingredients.Beat the wet and dry ingredients together on medium speed for two minutes.
Bake the cupcakes for 20 to 25 minutes, until they spring back when poked in the center. Place cupcakes on wire racks to cool.
Using a hot knife cut zigzag holes in the top of 4 of the eggs, place a little chick inside each with its head poking out. Break the last 2 eggs into large and small pieces.
125 grams unsalted butter (softened)
500 grams icing sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
purple colouring
To make the frosting- beat the butter on medium speed until very pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the icing sugar, milk, vanilla, salt and a couple of dots of colouring, beat on low until all the ingredients are incorporated. Increase the mixing speed to medium and beat for 5 minutes until the buttercream is smooth and fluffy.
Fit a piping bag with a large star tip and spoon in the buttercream. Pipe a swirl of frosting onto each of the cupcakes.
Stand the whole eggs and the chick filled eggs onto the tops of the cupcakes. Top the remaining cupcakes with a fuzzy chicken and press some broken egg pieces around the base. Add a few broken pieces around the bottoms of the hatching eggs also. Decorate each little cake with some fondant flowers.