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Fon at MWC 2017: This edition's highlights
This year's edition of Mobile World Congress certainly did not disappoint! An action-packed 4 days for everyone involved, Fon had a busy agenda. Meeting with the most influential global communication service providers to talk about the future of WiFi, in our cool executive meeting room at the heart of the trade show.
Presenting Fon's WiFi Service Management Solution
The launch of our new cutting-edge solution at the event got people talking! Here are a couple of interviews:
Telecoms chats with Alex Puregger, Fon CEO, about changing attitudes towards WiFi. And how our solution which offers operators the opportunity to gain greater insight, connectivity and service delivery potential.
Silicon interviews Enrique Farfán, Fon COO, discussing WiFi's role in the context of 5G and the role of our solution within the changing telecommunications environment.
As members of the Wireless Broadband Alliance, we were delighted that they chose to share our news too!
Revolutionising the WiFi ecosystem
Alex Puregger took the stage at NEXTech Lab to share his insights on the future of WiFi. Here are a couple of key takeaways from his presentation:
– Currently, 80% of smartphone traffic is over WiFi. And the future is even brighter for WiFi: smart cities will become a reality, all transport will offer WiFi, as well as every venue or store offering Guest WiFi professionally
– The real WiFi revolution will be in home WiFi. Currently 50% of customer care complaints are related to WiFi, but simple new solutions will solve many of these problems
– Telcos will embrace the trends and start rolling out community WiFi, as well as getting involved in the WiFi connection experience. Community WiFi will grow 5x by 2021
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up with all the latest at Fon.


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I think motherhood has intensified my work… made it deeper, darker, more loving, more emotional, wilder. Everything just seems more intense.
– Susie Dureau, How The Light Gets In by Siobhan Costigan
Only yesterday did I discover the paintings created by Susie Dureau and I've been equally moved and inspired by the significance of her artwork. In a beautiful documentary by Siobhan Costigan (currently available with SBS on Demand, trailer below), Susie explains how she feels her experiences of motherhood have also provided her with a "permission to explore the depth of emotion that I perhaps had shied away from in my life prior to that."
When people ask me how many children I have, I've come to say two, because I can see how terrible people feel when I tell them I have three; two lovely, happy, live children and one little angel. But I definitely consider that I have three children and we often talk about Eva in our family, and the children and I talk about how lucky we are to have our own special angel.
– Susie Dureau, How The Light Gets In by Siobhan Costigan
In 2003 Susie gave birth to her daughter, Eva Serena, but complications during delivery resulted in tragedy. Susie and her husband were able spend only three hours with their baby girl before she passed away, which Susie describes as the "happiest and then the saddest day" of her life. "Being able to hold her just for three hours was worth everything."
Susie finds solace in painting, the same doors of escape others might instead find via therapy or another means that may resonate. Clouds and paper boats, threatened by stormy and perilous seas, feature throughout her artwork. These elements symbolise the delicate things in life "that are affected by the forces around them". Glowing light mixed with dark shade, strong and dangerous, familiar yet uncontrollable. Rich with promise, at times riddled with foreboding. Haunting and beautiful, much like the journey through motherhood, markedly different as each may be.
How The Light Gets In is currently available to view with SBS On Demand until 2nd October 2016.
For more information and inspiration view Susie Dureau's artwork here.
The award-winning work of Siobhan Costigan can be found here.

subset: commoncrawl


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We have been putting in a lot of work in balancing, optimising and general improvements on Cosmonator and we are very pleased to announce that the game will be released in early access on Steam on the 22nd of November 2017!
We have just uploaded a new version of the demo, which reflects the quality of the early access release, so please go ahead and give it a try! Hopefully you will enjoy it and buy the full game on steam!
See you on your vengeful quest!


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One of the prominent concerns of any retiree is finding an appropriate, affordable housing. At this point of life where you spend most of your hours at home, you put more value to your surroundings and take note of accessibility, especially with regards to transport and health services. While retirement villages are still a popular choice for many seniors, there are emerging housing options which will give you the same kind of independence without being stripped away from the people and environment you are familiar with.
A Privacy of Your Own, Inside Your Family's Lawn
We see granny flats as a booming trend in the real estate. The building industry dubbed it as an "accessory dwelling unit (ADU)" but others call it a casita, bonus unit or, comically, an in-law apartment. Created for two persons at most, this smart-yet-small living space is usually erected inside the lot of a single-family home, detached from the main property. That means that it's isolated enough to give its homeowners some privacy, but not too far for the rest their family to enjoy their company whenever they wish.
Why the shift? Simple: it's much less expensive. A two-bedroom Fox Granny Flat https://www.foxgrannyflats.com.au/ costs as little as $35,000. These garden houses, sized roughly 60sqm, can be built from ready-made kits and are as efficient as full-sized homes. Of course, you can customize it according to your gusto; customization can cost you about $100,000 to $120,000. Outside, it doesn't have to look plain too; your kit suppliers can provide various types of cladding which includes a stone or brick veneer, timber weatherboards, or fibre cement sheets.
The Joy of Shared Spaces
Co-housing provides emphasis on what today's retirees need most: social interaction, accessibility, and affordability. This housing option, derived from European models, allow residents to share communal spaces while revelling in the privacy of their individual rooms. Every resident has a say in the design to ensure that their needs are met. And, like a small community, they partake in the governance and maintenance of the property.
Why the shift? The rise of sharing economy allows you to live flexibly and efficiently with the people you love best. By collaborating with them when it comes to expenses – utility bills, services and household goods – you can lessen the weight on your shoulder, and thus save more of your retirement fund for better use in the future. This option is also greener; due to its smart design, there's less carbon footprint, less energy required. And, compared to granny flats, you can have your preferred unit architecturally incorporated into the family complex. Get that private study, entertainment room or wardrobe built-into your space!
Moving To a Smaller Home
While most seniors want to age in their own place, most . Seniors require smaller housing, preferably close to facilities providing services and support. While transitions can be difficult, especially when shifting from the environment and comfort they grew accustomed with, it is also important for one to anticipate their future needs: medical, emotional and financial-wise.
Why the shift? Big homes can cause bigger stress when it comes to upkeep; there are rooms to clean, bills to pay, appliances to repair. You save yourself from these complexities by transferring into a home that fits your current needs. More than that, the government is offering new incentives that will help you make that moving decision, including a budget package that supports senior villages in the suburbs that provides access to your medical needs.
How to make that decision? Here are some tips
If you want to enjoy your family's company while living with minimal needs, a granny flat is perfect for you. The cheapest housing choice is also smallest, but don't turn the idea away. You can enjoy your basic needs in one practical space, without the need of moving out.
If you value aesthetic, comfort and community, co-housing is your best bet. Just be prepared to shell out more money compared to a granny flat. The good thing is, you'll reap social and financial benefits from this modern living option.
If you value having your own property but not the headaches that come with it, choose to downsize. You'll save yourself from the stress and expenses that come with a big family home.
Ready to make that switch? Start a new chapter with your retirement by choosing the right living option for you.
Andrew Turner: Townsville Digital Marketing


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Resources for the Direct Mail Industry
Resources for the Direct Mail Industry
Here are a few key resources we find helpful and informative to the direct mail industry.
It's Never Been Easier to Keep Your Company Well-Supplied!
Whether you need custom-made or in-stock mailing supplies, partner with Monroe Data Products for all of your direct mail needs. We guarantee your order will arrive on time and exceed your expectations!
Special Offer for New Clients…


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47,554 Houses to Construct under PMAY Bulandshahar
PMAY Bulandshahar: The Noida agency has completed the survey work for providing affordable housing under PMAY. After the completion of the survey about 47,554 houses would be constructed under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) – Housing for All (Urban). This is good news for those people who are living homeless in the city.» Read more


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LANSING, Mich. (AP) – School and local government officials have filed a federal lawsuit to block a new Michigan law that restricts them from informing voters about ballot issues.
The complaint Tuesday against the state alleges the "gag order" law unconstitutionally infringes on free speech rights. Local officials are seeking an injunction so they can disseminate information before March 8 elections.
The Republican-backed law was signed this month by Gov. Rick Snyder, who urged lawmakers to follow up with clarifying legislation. The law prohibits public money or resources from being used to disseminate information about local ballot measures through TV and radio ads, mass mailings or robocalls in the 60 days before an election.
Local officials say there's no compelling state interest to bar their communications with voters in an "objectively neutral manner."


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By Brian Dunlap
Friday September 28th at 826LA Mar Vista was electric. The room was packed, filled mostly with people of color and queer people of color. The metal chairs were set in rows facing the front where the writers were about to read. On the right side of the room was a small display of artwork from invited Eastside artist Freddy Negrete, who shared the table with pastries from Portos. Attendees continued to trickle in, conversations adding a welcomed excitement to the room. But when host Mixel Salinas stepped to the mic a focused quiet fell over the audience. 100 Thousand Poets for Change's Love, Migration, and Revolution reading began.
The eight featured readers read powerful personal narratives about themselves (identity, gender, etc.), a close loved one (a mother) or the more overtly political or social commentary through the lens of their black or brown or Asian/Filipino and/or queer identity. These were writers speaking their truths and their experiences, not only to insure they were included in the narrative of Los Ángeles or the United States, but, whether directly or not, intentional or otherwise, to speak on history (historical trauma, institutional or trauma, US history, etc.).
T. Simana read first, from their memoir they've been working on for 10-15 years. The section was about their mother exhausting herself in the working class jobs she took in Mexico to support her family. Spanish was interspersed throughout. Sarmina wrote the piece through the context of the Mexican Diaspora which is often the context in which they write.
From the rapt silence, it was apparent the audience needed these narratives. To have their realities reflected back to them. To be validated. They clapped between pieces and finger snapped at the most important and powerful sections of each writer's words.
The other features were: Kausar Mohammed, Vanessa Diaz, Brian Lin, B.A. Williams, Shuyu Cao, Leesa Fenderson and Mark Maza.
The night was also a chance to build community and especially break down borders. The break in the middle of the reading and the brief exercise Brian Lin asked the audience to do, where he instructed everyone to talk to a person near them they didn't know, about something amazing that happened to them in the past week, were two opportunities to make connections and make new friends and sustain the literary community.
Mark Maza was born in the Philippines, but spent most of his childhood living in Garden Grove, being heavily influenced by the city's large Vietnamese community and his Vietnamese friends. Two of the three poems he read are about Southern California, one about an incident that occurred at a liquor store he used to work at in Long Beach, involving local gang members. Maza's Southern California perspective is one I've hardly heard, if at all, and immediately knew how important it is to the literature and narrative of the region as I could feel his words expanding my Southern California world.
Brian Lin read a piece set in Kenneth Hanh State Recreation Area that explored the intersection of social convention and identity, specifically his gay identity and race, during a hike he took there with friends. He told of how good looking his friend was, how maybe he wasn't as good looking, his insecurities about how others see him because of this physical flaw or that assumption because he's Asian. Lin's piece read like a running dialogue in his head, that people often have of spinning "what ifs" when they are worried or nervous about how something they find important will turn out.
After the features read, there was an open mic section, where the readers stayed on the reading's theme of love, migration and revolution. They all read powerful work, but the reader who stood out most was poet Bridgette Bianca, a professor at Santa Monica College. She read a long poem deconstructing American history to hit at the racist trauma it's caused people of color, integrating the African call and response by repeating lines. The stark manner in which Bianca expressed these hard truths, told through her prism as a black woman, spoken in a strong, powerful voice, about slavery, the genocide of Native Americans, etc. electrified the crowd, some nodding their heads in affirmation, others snapping fingers and even a few responding with, "Mmm hmm." Their historical trauma and others like their's, spoken in such a warm and inviting venue, for a reading focused on their stories, confirming in a way who they are, was a reading, as Mixel Salinas said they "didn't know we needed."
As L.A. poet, picture book writer, Culver City resident and event organizer Michael Reyes said, he chose the Westside as the part of town to locate the reading, because there are not enough POC readings on the Westside, especially for all the people of color who live there.
When 100 Thousand Poets for Change's Love, Migration and Revolution reading ended, 826LA Mar Vista's audience had remained. No one had left. Afterword, they kept asking Michael Reyes to host more readings like this one.


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PRESIDENT'S CORNER: Staying Ahead of the Curve
Barry Kramer | November 2018
I just returned from the NAR Convention, which was held in Boston for the first time in 60 years. Boston is a city rich in history and a great backdrop to a conference looking to frame the future of real estate. When I attend these conferences, I think of them in terms of four opportunities: the trade expo, conference sessions, governance meetings and networking opportunities. You can pick your priorities, but I suggest you be sure to devote time to each.
The trade expo featured more than 400 vendors and three days to visit as many as possible. As the owner of an independent office, the trade expo is always a good opportunity to discover the latest technology, and get a pulse on the latest trends. The expo offers products and services that help me stay ahead of the curve. In addition to visiting booths offering new products, it was great to say hello to vendors I've been working with. There's nothing like a face-to-face meeting with vendors we partner with.
The conference session has always been an important part of my convention experience. In addition to classes on specific topics, there are many opportunities to hear panel discussions with industry experts. This year I attended a class on customer service and understanding how we miss opportunities to gain new clients. I also attended a class on cyber security, which I found very useful and informative. There were more than 125 conference sessions and it was hard to pick just a few. I always try to bring back a few takeaways to help my business and my agents.
Over the past few years, as I've become more involved in the HGAR leadership, I've made it point to attend a few of the governance meetings. In Boston I attend a Diversity Committee meeting where HGAR was well represented by Immediate Past President Dorothy Botsoe. The topics for discussion were very timely, including fair housing education, assistance animals and other updates. Liz English, 2019 NYSAR Co-op Working Group Chairperson from Long Island, raised the issue of fair housing in cooperatives and the work being done to promote legislation that would bring transparency in co-op transactions. I also attended a President and President-Elect roundtable discussion with 2018 HGAR President-Elect Ron Garafalo. NYSAR held its own caucus to review issues brought up at the conference, and that was followed by a Region 2 caucus.
On Monday morning nearly 800 members of the NAR Board of Directors met at the Hynes Convention Center. The board adopted a five-year strategic framework to provide a more visionary, holistic and business-oriented approach reflective of NAR's expanding role in technology and other arenas critical to real estate. The board also approved five new policies designed to improve public trust in the profession. I was pleased to represent HGAR at the Delegates Meeting that followed the Board of Directors meeting.
Finally, there were some great opportunities for networking with fellow Realtors. I attended the NAGLREP (National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals) on Saturday evening. I was also honored to attend the RISMedia Power Broker Dinner and enjoyed a keynote speech from Bill Rasmussen, the founder of ESPN.
Speaking of sports, we're close to our RPAC goal for the year, but need your help to cross the finish line. Remember, RPAC benefits our profession and advocates for Realtor issues. Please consider investing today so we can reach our goal!
Next year's NAR convention will be held in San Francisco November 8-11. See you then!!


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It was announced by Zhiqun Shen, Executive Vice President of China Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, speaking at the Forum "Global Innovation Partnership-2012" on October 2-4, 2012 in Moscow.
In order to expand cooperation it is necessary to create an appropriate mechanism between the venture capital associations of China, Russia, and APAC countries. He noted that such cooperative relationship already exists between China and the associations of the United States, Germany, UK, and Japan.
"This time we are going to officially sign a strategic cooperation agreement with the Russian Association of Venture Investments. We believe that strengthening of such cooperation will play an important role in the development of self-regulation of the industry, experiences sharing, uniting capital, and creation of new businesses," — said Zhigun Shen.
Mr. Shen pointed out that venture capital and private equity investment as an industry is new to China, but currently it undergoes a rapid development.
Participants of "Global Innovation Partnerships 2012" Forum (GIP 2012) are about 30 representatives of venture funds and investor associations from Hong-Kong, China and Republic of Korea. Among them: CITIC Capital Holding; SAIF Partners; CDH Investments; Northern Light Venture Capital; Shenzhen Capital Group Co., Ltd; Sequoia Capital China; China Venture Capital and Private Equity Association; STIC Investments and Korean Venture Capital Association. They manage funds exceeding $800 bln dollars. Forum is organized by RUSNANO, RVC and the Skolkovo Foundation. The goal of the Forum is to assess perspectives of investments in Russian high-tech projects.
The first Forum in 2010 visited American partners in venture investments and innovations; the second one in 2011 attracted European colleagues. These visits resulted in hi-tech investment projects of more than $1 bln.


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Mr Cashman. Hmm, does that name sound familiar? Maybe you met him once. Or maybe he is the character that appears on a select few slot games originally created to be played inside real casinos. Mr Cashman is not a person, just a famous character appearing in slots developed by the Aristocrat slot game brand. Funnily enough though, he doesn't have his own slot game. The idea is he can appear in several other slots designed to promote Mr Cashman as an extra feature.
Which games feature the Mr Cashman character?
There are four key slot game titles that Mr Cashman has appeared in. Created by Aristocrat, these games take in several varied themes:
- Jailbird
- African Dusk
- Magic Eyes
- Jewel of the Enchantress
Each game was created in a ViridionWS cabinet. The presentation is split into three broad sections as you look at the machine:
- Top section reveals Mr Cashman himself
- Middle section is the gaming part of the cabinet
- Bottom section reveals the promo image for the game, i.e. Jailbird
Here, we will find out more about Mr Cashman, what he looks like, when he appears, and what you can expect to happen if he does.
How can you spot Mr Cashman?
He isn't a cartoon character as such – rather, he appears in the guise of a gold coin. That's appropriate for a slot game, we guess! He is always smiling and wears white gloves and a top hat.
How does Mr Cashman work within different game titles?
The Mr Cashman feature involves various bonuses that could randomly be triggered if you decide to play a machine featuring the character. For this to be a possibility, you must be prepared to make the maximum wager on the game. Therefore, if you usually play the minimum bet, the Mr Cashman bonuses will not be available to you. That means you may end up playing other games. Make sure your budget works with the maximum bet amount and that you are comfortable playing it prior to getting started.
The five Mr Cashman bonus features that could appear
Any of these could be triggered if you play the maximum bet on each spin of the relevant machine.
1: Match the Prize
Mr Cashman watches over a selection of stars from his position seated on the moon. A prize amount is also depicted on the screen. Choose a star to see what you can find. Matching the prize means you'll win it and continue with the main game. However, there are other prizes to win too, along with free games. There's a multiplier to be had in those games, so you could potentially win free spins, multiplier values, and some credits here as well.
2: Choose a Feature
Mr Cashman presents you with a choice of two items in this bonus. One hand reveals a gift while the other reveals a pile of cash. The gift will contain anything from five to 20 free spins of the game you are playing. These will also give you a multiplier of between 2x and 5x your prize whenever you win.
The pile of cash awards a random credit prize worth up to 1,000 credits. This is an instant win prize.
3: The Poker Bonus
Here, you will see a poker machine. Mr Cashman will appear to spin the reels of that machine. It's a simple one, showing three reels. The numbers shown on the reels when they stop spinning relate to the number of credits you have won. That means you could hope for 999 credits at most from this bonus.
4: Random Spin Bonus
Once you've completed a spin, Mr Cashman could appear and choose to spin one or more reels again for you. Chances are you will win something from those reels spinning again. There is also an opportunity to get a multiplier from Mr Cashman. The smallest one awarded is 3x while the largest is 10x. Anything you secured in prize money from his random spin of the reels will be enhanced by the multiplier you were awarded.
5: Random Bonus
Mr Cashman pops into view on the screen and casts a spell over your prize pot. You are guaranteed to win a random bonus prize in this feature. The longer he waves his fingers over the screen the bigger the prize will be. The maximum bonus here is an amazing 25,000 credits!
Are there any hints for playing Mr Cashman slots?
There are two important things to remember here. Firstly, only a maximum bet placed on a spin of a Mr Cashman slot will give you a chance of triggering a bonus. Secondly, those bonuses are all randomly unlocked. You could play for ages without triggering one, whereas a shorter game session might potentially see you unlocking two or even more. You just never know.
These games are clearly designed for players with bigger budgets who are prepared to play bigger bets on each spin. If that sounds like you, check out the Mr Cashman slot machines today. You never know how generous Mr Cashman might be feeling…


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Crescent ♐ Sagittarius
Moon phase on 8 November 2075 Friday is New Moon, 1 day young Moon is in Scorpio.Share this page: twitter facebook linkedin
New Moon is the lunar phase on . Surface of the Moon disc is not illuminated. The 1 day young Moon is in ♏ Scorpio.
* The exact date and time of this New Moon phase is on 8 November 2075 at 11:35 UTC.
Saturday Sat
Sunday Sun
Monday Mon
Tuesday Tue
Wednesday Wed
Thursday Thu
Friday Fri
Moon rises at sunrise and sets at sunset. It's part facing the Earth is completely in shadow.
Moon is passing about ∠16° of ♏ Scorpio tropical zodiac sector.
Lunar disc is not visible from Earth. Moon and Sun apparent angular diameters are ∠1917" and ∠1937".
Next Full Moon is the Beaver Moon of November 2075 after 14 days on 22 November 2075 at 14:20.
There is high New Moon ocean tide on this date. Combined Sun and Moon gravitational tidal force working on Earth is strong, because of the Sun-Moon-Earth syzygy alignment.
At 11:35 on this date the Moon completes the old and enters a new synodic month with lunation 938 of Meeus index or 1891 from Brown series.
29 days, 11 hours and 28 minutes is the length of new lunation 938. It is 17 minutes longer than next lunation 939 length.
Length of current synodic month is 1 hour and 16 minutes shorter than the mean length of synodic month, but it is still 4 hours and 53 minutes longer, compared to 21st century shortest.
This lunation true anomaly is ∠316.5°. At the beginning of next synodic month true anomaly will be ∠337.3°. The length of upcoming synodic months will keep decreasing since the true anomaly gets closer to the value of New Moon at point of perigee (∠0° or ∠360°).
9 days after point of apogee on 30 October 2075 at 10:53 in ♋ Cancer. The lunar orbit is getting closer, while the Moon is moving inward the Earth. It will keep this direction for the next 2 days, until it get to the point of next perigee on 11 November 2075 at 05:25 in ♐ Sagittarius.
Moon is 373 957 km (232 366 mi) away from Earth on this date. Moon moves closer next 2 days until perigee, when Earth-Moon distance will reach 365 081 km (226 851 mi).
10 days after its ascending node on 29 October 2075 at 07:44 in ♋ Cancer, the Moon is following the northern part of its orbit for the next 3 days, until it will cross the ecliptic from North to South in descending node on 11 November 2075 at 22:42 in ♐ Sagittarius.
10 days after beginning of current draconic month in ♋ Cancer, the Moon is moving from the beginning to the first part of it.
9 days after previous North standstill on 29 October 2075 at 16:50 in ♋ Cancer, when Moon has reached northern declination of ∠23.331°. Next 3 days the lunar orbit moves southward to face South declination of ∠-23.417° in the next southern standstill on 12 November 2075 at 07:45 in ♑ Capricorn.
The Moon is in New Moon geocentric conjunction with the Sun on this date and this alignment forms Sun-Moon-Earth syzygy.


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To be completely honest, I had no greater expectations for this album to begin with. Why? Well, I loved Enuff Z'Nuff back in the 80's and a bit into the 90's and even though I don't think that they have ever released one bad album per se, their albums released in the new millennium has left a lot to be desired. Not bad, just forgettable and a bit uninteresting. The last album they released was called Clowns Lounge in 2016 and contained a bunch of unreleased tracks and demos – and original singer and rhythm guitarist Donnie Vie had left the band, leaving bass player Chip Z'Nuff holding the place as the sole original member of the band – and the new lead singer. The truth is, without Donnie in the band, Enuff Z'Nuff feels more like Chip Z'Nuff's solo project – which I guess it is in many ways. Clowns Lounge was ok but the truth is, I haven't felt any desire to spin it since I reviewed it.
That said, one must give it to Chip for never quitting – Enuff Z'Nuff are most likely his baby and as long as he's breathing the band will go on, I guess. Still, that means that his band that consists of, to me, unknown musicians and again, to me, they're all somewhat anonymous – which doesn't mean they're bad because they're not – quite the contrary. Even visually, they are – just look at the picture above. Whatever one might think, Chip and his cohorts – guitarists Tory Stoffregen and Danny Fennell and drummer Dan Hill – have managed to bring out new original music for us to digest, the first time for Hill and Fennell (Stoffregen had a stint in the band between 2008-2014 before he rejoined in 2016 and played on Dissonance (2010)) and for their sake, I hope that Enuff Z'Nuff will bring us an album that will shut the mouth of all doubters out there.
The album opens with the intro "Transcendence" and it's just an intro, no more, no less. It doesn't bring that much to the table and could might as well have been a part of the real opening track, the title track. A title track that starts out with a punky vibe, like The Ramones gone Glam in the EZ-style. The tune transfers into a more Beatles meets Cheap Trick with trippy undertones while keeping some of the pop-punk vibes. It's a straight-forward and catchy with lots of harmonies. And yes, Chip does a fine job as a singer, trying his best to make Donnie Vie justice. Good song indeed. The following "Where Did We Go" is both heavy and punchy and contains a guitar riff obviously nodding towards Metal. But fear not, the somewhat spacey melodies have all the EZ-ingredients you need. Another really good tune and I'm thinking that really bodes well for the rest of the album.
"We're All The Same" takes us on Power Pop route and Cheap Trick is all over this song but with a more tripped-out Arena Rock vibe and while it's guitar oriented and holds a fine chug, the chorus is also very Pop and the chorus is catchier than all the STD's the band caught in their hey-day. This is awesome and clearly single material – big hit-potential. The mid-paced "Fire And Ice" brings on a late 1960's groove with all the melodies and arrangements EZ are known for when they bring on a mix of Melodic Rock and Stadium dito. It holds a refrain that I have to fight to get out of my head if I wanted it to. I don't. Because it's a great refrain and a great song. "Down On Luck" is a mid-paced pop-rocker, quite heavy and dark albeit in a Pop kind of way. Beatles, Cheap Trick and Jellyfish are bands I hear in this tune – with a good dose of classic Hard Rock and a classic EZ-melody on top. Good tune.
"Metalheart" is without a doubt the heaviest tune on the album – heavier than most stuff they have done throughout their career, to be frank. It's a hard, rough, punchy and kicking tune that holds a stompy rhythm and the song is really in-your-face. But since Chip Z'Nuff is involved, the late 60's influenced melodies are never far away and this song is no exception. It's not the strongest tune in the world, however and even though I feel that all Rock albums needs something heavy, this tune is only ok in my book. "Love Is On The Line" is a slow, Beatles-eque Pop-rock tune that has one foot in power balladry, the way it sounded back in the late 80's/early 90's. But EZ always wrote power ballads in their own way and where there's a Rock guitar, there's also a Mellotron so their ballads were not to be confused with a Poison or Pretty Boy Floyd dito. I think it's a great and catchy little number.
"Faith, Hope & Luv" is an uptempo Hard Rock tune, Arena Rock late 80's style. It's groove-laden with Chip's funky bass in focus. It's a pure Hard Rock tune, quite rough and raunchy but no one can miss that this is Enuff Z'Nuff – the melody-style gives that away right away. Very good. "Dopesick" comes in a mid-tempo and this slick and melodic pop-rocker screams Cheap Trick – hell, they even use the words "cheap trick" in the lyrics. That said, Beatles are never far away either which makes this pretty much a classic sounding EZ-song. It's a trippy, spaced-out and dark number but also very catchy and could easily be a left-over from the bands earlier albums. They close the record with the piano ballad "Imaginary Man", a song that's a total Beatles rip-off. If Paul McCartney sends his lawyers Chip's way and says "For No One" – a song from Beatles 1966 Revolver album – Chip might be in trouble. Still, I can't help but to like it as the refrain is tattooed to my brain.
Diamond Boy is a surprise. A big surprise. Because I honestly didn't think they had it in them to make a damn good record anymore – and this album is if not brilliant then at least a really good record. In fact, I hold it as their best since 10 from 2000. I admit I wasn't convinced after only one listen but it has grown on me a lot. So what have Chip n' the boys done right this time then? Well, for starters they have managed to write some really good, classic EZ-sounding songs that really sticks. And speaking of classic, everything about this record sounds like EZ from back when they were fab (sic!). I mean, even Chip's voice sounds so alike Donnie Vie's it's eerie – and Vie's voice was a pivotal part of EZ's sound. But not just his voice, the arrangements and melodies are total EZ where Beatles, Jellyfish and Beatles meets up with Glam and Stadium Rock. So while this might not be a new Strength (1991) it still holds up very well by their standards and in 2018's musical climate. There's still life in the band – such as shame Donnie Vie couldn't be part of this.
More Enuff Z'Nuff reviews:
1. Transcendence
2. Diamond Boy
3. Where Did You Go
4. We're All The Same
5. Fire And Ice
6. Down On Luck
7. Metalheart
8. Love Is On The Line
9. Faith, Hope & Luv
10. Dopesick
11. Imaginary Man


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While Government has taken an overdrive to emancipate locals in the business community in a manner that improves their livelihoods and promote proliferation of the local folk in the economic, business people in the outskirts of the metropolitan cities have somewhat been neglected. Prime Focus Magazine Journalist Rosalia David engages the Project Manager of TMI Holdings Salatiel Kapaangelwa to zoom into the operations of the company, future aspirations and also challenges of the construction sector.
Prime Focus: Could you explain what services and products are offered by TMI offers. Give us a brief background on how and when the company was started?
Kapaangelwa: TMI stands for Tulimo Mekondjo Investment CC, It also has a division known as TMI Industrial Concrete Works. TMI industrial concrete works specialises in concrete products and curbstones which are used on road construction.
We also have an electrical department where we manufacture cable markers, which are used to mark cable lines. We also manufacture wall capping, pillar copping and cabs, these products are mostly used on government capital projects including buildings. Government always approach us to supply them with these materials.
TMI was established in September 2009 and we were only making bricks and blocks until we managed to advance in special products that are rare to find especially in the Northern part of Namibia. We also have a division where we install cabs.
The reason for starting the business was because we saw that most constructers in the Northern part of Namibia source products from Windhoek and it is very costly to transport these products to the North.
The other reason was to create employment and with the mindset of not wanting to work for someone else and to make profit of course. We decided to venture into manufacturing the products we produce to cater for the high demand in the Northern part of the country.
Prime Focus: What are some of the challenges that you have encountered in your operations in the construction industry since 2009?
Kapaangelwa: One of our major challenges was to acquire land because we did not have a site to operate from and it is still a challenge because the places we are operating from are very small and we need a huge area to do our operations.
Another challenge was to do with funds to help us expand our business all over the country. We have also had challenges dealing with competitors who offer the same services as us. Some of the competitors have been in operation for many years and they get public tenders to work on the roads and still to manufacture their own caps stones.
We also have a challenge with the employees who we train but decide to move to other jobs and we have to start all over again employing new people.
We also face challenges like getting customers because they are buying because of the competition. It is also difficult to penetrate the market and convince customers to stay loyal to us because of other options available.
When we started we struggled to get big clients like build it to buy from us but now all that has changed for the better.
Sometimes we produce more than what the market needs and becomes rather difficult to get customers for the products.
Prime Focus: What skills did you acquire during your stay in Cape Town that gave you the confidence to enter the local market, and how important are these skills to the transformation of your company into an elite supplier of the above mentioned services in the construction industry?
Kapaangelwa: The trip to Cape Town has exposed us to the Manufacturing Business by teaching us how to produce our own products. So it gave us the opportunity to see how things are being done elsewhere. After seeing others do what we are doing right now were felt motivated and inspired to reach for our goals.
It was a great experience to be exposed to the manufacturing industry and we have learned a lot from that.
Prime Focus: Would you say the government is doing enough to support local SME's such as yourself to flourish in the construction industry? If not, what can be done with regards to giving companies such as TMI the much needed support?
Kapaangelwa: People depend too much on the Government for sustenance of their business and projects. I do not think people should depend too much on the Government but should concentrate more on putting initiatives grow in the industry. The Government is helping SME's and can just do as little but they do give loans and opportunities to grow.
Prime Focus: With regard to Training, What measures does TMI take to ensure that its employees are empowered with the appropriate skills?
Kapaangelwa: We do internal training for our employees. We call the guys from the concrete testing and the teach the our people how to mix and design but we are planning on sending our employees to VTC to learn how to operate the machines because people break the machines and we end up replacing them.
VTC will only do specific training and we want to empower our people by teaching them how to handle the machines because usually a machine in Ruacana for instance will break then we have to get someone from Oshakati to travel to Ruacana to fix the machines which is expensive and takes time.
We currently employ five people in Ruacana, 15 in Oshakati and Five in Tsandi.
Prime Focus: With the recent decision to service land for the construction of 200 000 houses country wide, what impact will this have on TMI's business operations and what role does your company play in delivering these to the country?
Kapaangelwa: It is very difficult for us to get a direct contract with the Government but if any contractor's gets the tender will need to buy products from us and that is how we would benefit from the company which gets the tender. Civil constructers would buy caps from us and the electrical contractors would be cable markers as well as the water contractor would buy the fire hydrant marker and gravity valve.
We are moving and planning on opening up another section within the concrete department were we do the small concretes which supports the window for the houses and another picas wall.
From this TMI is going to play a big role and we are willing to work together with the contractors to make work easier for them.
If we are given this opportunity the company is going to grow and we are going to employ more people.
Prime Focus: How would you rate our banks in terms of giving financing to entrepreneurs that want to set up organizations in the local construction industry?
Kapaangelwa: There is support from the banks the only thing is the banks need to know your bank record, they support a lot of SMEs around the country.
It is just difficult to get finance from the bank if you are unable to run a business. Sometimes ideas do not turn into reality. The idea might be good but the question is on whether the person can run the business. They have to make sure if one is able to run and sustain the business for long.
The banks and SMEs should work together and create a relationship. I would advise banks to visit sites where SMEs operate from and really see if the business has potential or not and the SMEs should also bank their money to create an impressive banking record.
Prime Focus: Again with reference to the market, how is the competition in the local construction industry?
Kapaangelwa: We have competitors out there, but I look at them as motivators for our company to be like theirs. I took at them as an inspiration to grow the company because there is a reason for them being a big company and I believe it is through hard work and dedication.
But some of the competitors that are getting road tenders they end up manufacturing the product themselves and it is unfair. If the Government does interfere we will also be forced to go into road construction with our own products although that is not our intention.
We also understand during those years they did not have a place to get the products but left with no choice but to produce themselves.
Our competitors will feel that we are here and they have already started feeling it. We are also targeting tripling our production.
Prime Focus: What is your long term goal with TMI? Where do you see yourself and the company in the next five years?
Kapaangelwa: We would like to have branched out and being the largest concrete manufacturer and employ up to 400 people.
I hope that people will be able to build their own TMI franchise as well as having a branch in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa and Botswana as well as Zimbabwe because I believe we can also invest in other countries like they invest in our country.
Prime Focus: With regards Corporate Social Responsibilities, what does TMI do to give back to the communities in which they operate?
Kapaangelwa: We have done a couple of donations including materials to people living with a disability at the Oshakati hospital to make wheel chairs.
There is also a young man who worked for us during the December holiday and we are sending him to school until tertiary level by paying for him and once he is done we will take him back. We are also looking at employing a women to balance the gender equality.
I would also want to tell people that if you have an idea go for it. People always want to start big, making big money, most big companies we see today did not start off huge.
We are an independent country without wars and I believe that there are so many opportunities in the country.
The Government has stated that there is no protection for products made in Namibia. Manufactures need that protection from competition to be able to grow with our own time.
I believe we can be given a chance to also export at least three percent until we are capable of supplying huge quantities. Whatever South Africa can do we can also do. We just need to improve on our production.
Prime Focus Magazine: How would you advise someone who aspires to be a business person one day?
Kapaangelwa: I want to advise the young generation out there who want to venture into the business world that start small. It doesn't mean if you sell kapana you would be selling kapana for the rest of your life.


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Thursday, March 28, 2013
austin, texas: sxsw
This was our first time at SXSW and were not really sure what to expect. We knew what it was but had no idea how intense it would be, but we absolutely loved it--and the city of Austin--and plan on going back next year!
One of our stops was the Doritos Bold Stage--where they gave us free Cooler Ranch Doritos (score) and had a great line-up of fun artists throughout the day. We also checked a few of the other smaller venues around--most of which have free admission and were a lot of fun. Even if we didn't know the artists, we still enjoy live music and the overall high-energy atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the day was hanging out at the ASOS event, where we saw Youngblood Hawke. It was the best. I seriously almost went home and cut bangs that very night--the female vocalist in the group was rocking the bangs and had me convinced. Thankfully, I got over it in a couple of bangs and avoided the dramatic hair change (sidenote--if you happen to have any opinions on if and how I could pull of a full set of bangs...please comment below because I'm honestly still so torn on if I should do it one day)
The street's are obviously full of life and energy during all of this. To be honest, I kind of felt like I was back in San Francisco with the the variety of characters hanging out around there, the trash piled up in the gutters, and the lingering smell of weed in the air...
Here's my handsome hubs :)
Plenty of folk-rock in the streets just callin' out to all the hipsters.
Across the street from one of the shows we were at. Good day to be a construction worker, eh? I loved this.
Overall, we fell in love with the city of Austin & the SXSW experience. My tips for anyone interested in planning a trip for next year--
1. Plan on walking a lot & wear shoes for it.
2. Be active on Twitter (it's where all the inside info & updates are posted for shows)
3. Be your best hipster. Girls, bring your side sling bags & thrift store get-ups. Boys, go manorexic and get your front hair swoop in full swing (because if I'm being perfectly honest, my husband and I were NOT hipster enough to fit in, but heyyy we enjoyed it all the same!)
4. Eat at the food trucks. They're delish.
5. If you're travelling in from outside Texas, make sure that you leave some extra days to do some "Austin" things. It's such a rad city! Robert and I are planning a trip back shortly.
Have any of y'all been? We'd LOVE some tips for next year! Also, what are your favorite things to do in Austin? We want to go back and kayak the river--and see the famous bats, but let me know if you have any other must-do's in Austin.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
travel guide: cappadocia, turkey
Cappadocia was by far one of the most unique places we have traveled. Many people are not familiar with it (and have maybe never even heard of it) and I used to be one of them. To see where it is located exactly look here. It is in the central region of Turkey on the continent of Asia.
We only spent a weekend there, but a weekend was literally the perfect amount of time. Personally, I wouldn't suggest going for much longer. It was a fun-filled couple of days, and we saw everything that they had to see & do. Most people we talked to that had visited Cappadocia used tour guide with shuttles and itineraries. We're not really 'tour guide' kinda people--so we did it our own way--renting our own car at the airport and using trip advisor reviews to plan out our days. I would 100% recommend doing it this way. It's a very easy place to get around, and it gave us the ability to see a lot more than we would have on a guided tour.
Okay, so here we go. Time for some details and pictures to help you get an idea of what Cappadocia is all about.
1. Exploring Uchisar Castle
Our review on Uchisar Castle kind of falls in line with most other reviews that you'll see online--the castle itself is not really all that special. It's basically a really large mound of rock with cave dwellings, but they don't let you explore much of the inside because it is literally eroding away & falling apart. However, the view from the top is great. It's a small hike and you can see all over the valley & get an idea of the overall landscape. This was our first stop of the day, and I'm glad we did it first because there were definitely more exciting things to see and do--but I recommend scheduling it in as a quick stop.
(Above) This is a picture of Robert at the top of the castle & the gorgeous view behind him.
Picture of the castle from the bottom. Pretty unreal, right? It's a really easy trek up, but we did get pretty warm--so I'd recommend going in the early hours of the day (if you're there in the summer)
Here's me in the village below the castle. They have some gorgeous textiles, local dried fruit, and fun souvenirs for the tourists.
And of course, they have camels about for the tourists. You can't resist getting a picture with such a decorated camel can you? We're often suckers for the tourist traps, but hey--we live it up while we can!
2. Derinkuyu Underground City
This sign really says it all--"This is risky for those who have heart diseases high blood pressure and for asthma patients". And I'll talk more about that in a second--but really quickly I want to give you some detail behind these underground cities in Cappadocia.
Derinkuyu is an ancient multi-level underground city that was large enough to hold & house over 20,000-30,000 people--along with their livestock and food. These cities included schools, chapels, wineries and pretty much any other space needed to live. Literally, these people would reside underground for large chunks of time.
Derinkuyu is just one of many underground cities found in the area. Scholars believe that it served as a refuge for the early Christians who were being persecuted for their beliefs. Below is a diagram of what they think the city looked like in its fullest.
Okay, so I'd now like to jump back to the original sign/warning for those with heart disease, high blood pressure, and asthma. I am going to use this diagram below to describe my experience to you at points one, two & three.
[ONE] Where we began our adventure into the underground city. Before I even considered the fact that my mild claustrophobia may become a problem...before everything went dark....before I could no longer see the light....
[TWO] This was the point when I realized that the tunnels were legitimately the same 7th century tunnels that have been standing for all of those years (no additional support--no staircases built in--this was the real deal--the kind of historic adventure that would never be allowed to tourists in the United States for safety & liability reasons) and we were slowly making our way deeper and deeper into the earth, no tour guide, no "fire escape" out, and no way of really knowing how deep we were. This was officially the point when my claustrophobia started to kick in and felt as if there was no way out (okay, maybe a little dramatic but it's how I felt in the craze of the moment)
[THREE] The lowest that the Turkish Government will current let the public go (only a small portion of the city is actually open for tourists) and it was officially the point when I had a full on panic attack. No joke. Short of breath, almost in tears, hovering in a corner--my husband tried to comfort me and calm my nerves, but I was pretty much a lost cause. I just tried to look straight ahead and work my way back up to the top as quickly as I could...and about twenty-five minutes (and a solid glute work-out) later--I could see the light of day and the hope of a beautiful future once again.
Thank heavens I am a modern day christian and wasn't an early one running from the persecution of the Roman empire. I don't think I would have made it hiding out in those underground villages.
The freak of nature herself...before the claustrophobia kicked in...
A rolling stone where they used to be able to block off certain parts of the city for protection/or opposite--block in the enemy.
One of the many very small stairwells (and I wish you could get the whole effect of how long some of these stairwells went on for...)
I'm thinking that these people were probably much smaller than my husband. A 6'5" man would not have done well in this little city, though he surprisingly did much better than my 5'3" self!
All claustrophobic talk aside, this is a MUST while visiting Cappadocia. It was one of the most eye-opening and incredible experiences of my life, and if my large mammal of a husband can fit through those small stairwells, anyone can!
3. Love Valley & Rose Valley
Sadly, I don't have an exact location on where this small church was, but it was a random find that we came across in between Love Valley and Rose Valley.
It was quite amazing, and actually one of my favorite stops.
A personal favorite. I feel like it captures the craze of emotions, mystery and intrigue I was feeling during this whole experience.
4. Sunrise in Cappadocia
This is obviously a must. Cappadocia is world famous for their sunrise hot air balloon rides. We--of course--decided not to do it the usual "touristy' way and instead decided to stalk the drivers for the different hot air balloon companies, and followed them up this small dirt road to the top of this amazing plateau and watched it from there (mostly because we wanted to have the best possible pictures of all the balloons and sunrise)
It was quite the experience--a beautiful one. I will remember for the rest of my life.
They have different rates for different balloon rides. I think the going rate is about 150 euros for a shorter ride--and you're in a basket packed with ten to fifteen other people (depending on the the size and which vendor you go with). You can pay 200-300 euro for longer more private rides.
And I need to give out a shout-out to my husband on this one--because I was really not wanting a picture of myself this particular morning, and protested for a long time. Eventually he convinced me that I would regret not having one later on...and he was right. Thanks babe for always looking out for me, even in my most insecure moments ;)
5. Goreme Open Air Museum
A few quick things about this museum--it is definitely worth the time and money, but it does get very busy with large shuttles and buses full of tourists. We went mid-afternoon, and realized that it probably would have been a lot smarter to go earlier in the day. This is where some of the most famous sites are, and you'll have to wait in a lot of lines to get into some of the chapels and dwellings.
Mind blowing, right?
I mean, he's got a good face. A real real good face.
6. Zelve Valley & Zelve Open Air Museum
This was gorgeous and definitely a great stop. It's not as busy as the Goreme Open Air Museum, because it's not quite as exciting--but still equally as intriguing and educational! And I actually enjoyed being away from the tourist buses and big crowds.
An old winery. These monks were serious about this business. I swear the majority of the rooms we saw had something to do with wine.
Amazed by this old chapel.
Cave creepin.
Side of the mountain. If you look closely towards the bottom where the stone gets darker, you can see where an old stairwell used to be. It's amazing to think how much of these cities have eroded away already. Eventually there will be nothing left.
I loved Zelve Valley, but love this man more.
7. Cave Dwelling Hotel
Last but not least on my list today...stay in a cave dwelling hotel. If you don't, you are just missing out on a major part of the whole experience. Granted, you're not going to get the most stellar cell or internet signal in a 'cave room' but it's most definitely worth the experience. As you plan out your Cappadocia adventure, you'll notice that this is a common review across the board. Staying in a cave hotel is the only way to go! Prices vary depending on how nice you go--personally we just decided to do something pretty average that had a complimentary breakfast, wifi, and a great location--and it worked out perfect for us!
This picture above is actually from a restaurant that we ate at close to our hotel. One of the local women was making fresh bread right there outside in a stone oven, and it was so incredibly delicious. It's called Koy Evi, and it has pretty great reviews that concur with ours.
Also, in case you're kind of nerds like us, and really into the history and culture of places you travel, there is a biblical reference for Cappadocia found in Acts 2:9 "Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia"
Kind of cool, huh?
The whole time I was there, I couldn't help but think of all the deep and meaningful history that occurred in the very trails, stairwells, and hillsides that I was walking, and felt a special connection to the early Christianity that was so desperately fought for and preserved in those lands.
As always, if you have any questions/comments/ or anything to add please comment below! And again, I have to give a shout out to TripAdvisor, Google Maps, & my husbands international phone plan with AT&T for really making this trip much easier on us! ;) I can't imagine travelling without them!
Monday, March 18, 2013
health and lifestyle: juice cleanse recap
Okay now it's time for some facts recapping of our 5-day pressed juice cleanse!
1. The first day was the hardest for me, after that it got much easier. My body just had a freak-out for the first day and a half-ish. I had a pretty bad headache the first afternoon and literally a negative amount of energy for the first 48 hours (like if my energy level is usually at a 10, I was at a -24) I could have slept all day every day (needless to say, they were probably the least productive days I've ever had in my life). However, my husband had a super easy first day--and found that his hardest day was probably the second day. He had very low energy as well, and a headache later in the afternoon. Happy to report though--those were the only headaches that we had. Which kind of amazed us, being that we are what you would call 'caffeine-dependent'
2. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. No, but really. Honestly, it was the mental challenge of not being able to put something in your mouth and chew that proved to be the most difficult aspect of this adventure. I love good tasting food, and gulping down juiced vegetables all day er' day was not exactly a party in the mouth. Juiced kale and beets were probably the hardest part for me (which was rough because that is the majority of what they put in the juices) At the beginning, I had trouble actually getting some of the juices down, but by the end my taste buds had warmed up to it a bit.
3. I lost a total of four pounds, and my husband lost eleven. I know, right? And apparently it was visible, because he went to a work dinner the day after we ended the cleanse and a colleague actually commented on how he looked like he had lost ten pounds without even knowing he had been on the cleanse. Again, we didn't really do it for the weight loss--but we still kept track and were definitely impressed by the results.
4. By days four and five our energy levels were definitely back up (not quite to normal, but we felt much better than we had the first couple of days). We didn't have energy to go on long runs or bike rides, but we took walks and hung out in the park. One of the hardest things about this cleanse was figuring out things to do. We couldn't really meet any of our friends--because most of the activities involved getting dinner or dessert or lots of energy--and it was hard being out shopping or by restaurants...because most the time we were just thinking about how we wanted to eat. However, we did go on a juice 'double date' with Robert's parents to Snap--health foods & juice bar. It was a fun afternoon! It is definitely a lifestyle change though--not eating actual food. Food is such a social staple in our lives (which is kind of sad, but is just the way it is) We may or may not have watched season 1-3 of Downton Abbey that weekend :)
5. By the end, we genuinely felt healthier, cleansed, and refreshed. The day after the cleanse ended I went on a run--and ended up running about double what I had planned just because I had so much amazing energy! We are really grateful we did it, and feel that we have a renewed desire to be healthy and make nutritious decisions when it comes to food. We've had a stocked fridge of veggies, fruits, and lean proteins ever since and are motivated to continue working on our health and fitness. We also stayed off caffeine for a week after we finished, and have realized that it really isn't something we need on a daily basis--especially if we are getting lots of nutrients in our food. We hope to keep up healthy habits of drinking less caffeine!
If you're in the Houston area, and have a desire to do this--I recommend Squeezed. They delivered the fresh juice right to our door at 6 a.m. in the morning and they really did a great job at making a quality product.
*This is what a juice made with a lot of beets looks like....num num.
So, for any of you interested in doing a 3 or 5 day juice cleanse--here are my five main tips that I learned from my experience.
1. Prepare for energy lows for the first couple days.
2. Keep yourself busy (I had a friend tell me this at the beginning, and he was very right!)
3. Evenings and nights are the hardest, so prep for that. It's all a mental game. You won't be hungry, but you'll want to eat.
4. Do pressed juices--if you're gonna do it, do it right! Get the most out of it that you can, and pressed juices are the freshest and most nutritious. Also, if I did it again I'd probably only do the 3-day juice cleanse. It was during the first three days that I saw the most results weight-wise and felt the drastic energy low and then increase. The 5-day cleanse was good, but I'd probably recommend just doing the 3-day to start.
5. Have a good attitude. My husband and I went into this excited, eager, curious and a little scared--and for reals people--I was probably the most grumpy, sleepy and bitchy I have ever been in my entire life during the first two days. I felt anxious, hungry, and exhausted--and my poor husband just had to deal with it. Ha ha, poor dude. Needless to say, go into it with a good attitude at the beginning, because there will be some definite lows to deal with, but you'll feel great by the end!
If you have any other questions on the cleanse, please feel free to ask! Again, we used a company called Squeezed here in Houston and I would 100% recommend them.
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Class Notes–1990s
This edition of Class Notes includes law submissions received through July 1, 2014, and undergraduate and graduate submissions through June 10, 2014.
Arts & Sciences Reunion
June 25−28, 2015
Class Correspondent: Zena email@example.com
Zena BA, M.A.T. '95, a 2011 recipient of the Rex Rabold Outstanding Secondary Theatre Educator Award, was invited to join the Peace Corps for its 25th generation in Mongolia as a teacher trainer. Zena recently resigned from her theatre teaching position at Portland's Parkrose High School. She spent fall 2013 volunteering at a school in Jamaica, and is now traveling the U.S. observing successful theatre programs in Title I high schools. In May 2014, Zena bid adieu to the U.S. for 27 months.
Class Correspondent: Laura Mundt email@example.com
Thomas Hagerman BA, M.A.T. '94 became superintendent of schools for Scarsdale, New York, in March 2014. He received his doctorate from the University of Oregon. Prior to his appointment as superintendent of Scarsdale Schools, he was the superintendent for the Winnetka, Illinois, public schools.
Paula Hayes BS expects her Hue Noir product line, specially formulated for those with dark skin tones, to be available in select salons and boutiques in Portland and Seattle by the end of 2014. In her new role as a Lewis & Clark trustee, Hayes plans to work with students on issues of diversity and in the new entrepreneurship center.
Class Correspondents: Erik Thorin and Marcye Mokler firstname.lastname@example.com
Margaret Allee JD is director of programs for Susan G. Komen Oregon and S.W. Washington, the region's largest breast cancer charity. Allee has an M.S. in nursing and an M.S. in business management. Prior to joining Komen, she held leadership positions in direct patient care, management, and administration at Legacy Health System, Oregon Health & Science University, and Providence Health & Services.
Daniel Blaufus JD joined the Port of Portland as general counsel. From 2000 to 2010, Blaufus served as an attorney for Nike in various capacities, including as emerging markets counsel and Americas regional counsel. Most recently, he served as senior vice president and general counsel at Borden Dairy Company in Dallas, Texas.
Lori Carsillo BA, a San Francisco Bay–area jazz singer, has released a new CD, Sugar & Smoke, a collection of jazz standards and lesser-known gems. It is available through Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Carsillo notes that she received her early musical training in Lewis & Clark's opera program, led by Susan McBerry; the Jazz Big Band; and smaller jazz ensembles.
Halley Buckanoff BS has completed graduate-level coursework in animal population management and animal nutrition. She has worked as a field biologist doing trapping, banding, tracking, and radio-collaring of birds. Currently, Buckanoff is the lead veterinary technician at the Valerie H. Schindler Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at the North Carolina Zoo, where she is in charge of rehabilitation practices, center operations, and volunteers/interns. Buckanoff is also a guest writer for a joint research project between the zoo and Guilford College involving the post-release survival of commonly rehabilitated backyard and nonmigratory songbirds.
Michael "MG" Devereux BA is deputy director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department after almost 20 years with the agency. He was formerly the project manager for the development of Cottonwood Canyon State Park.
Adam Johnston BS is a professor of physics at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. Johnston produced and spoke at a TEDx event about innovations in education and promoting hands-on learning.
Valerie Schmidt BA was named by Pacific Business News as a 2014 finalist for the Business Woman of the Year in the for-profit sector. She is president of Schmidt, Shimokawa & Associates, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services in Honolulu.
Scott Shapiro JD was elected managing partner at Downey Brand. Shapiro is known for his expertise in flood protection improvement projects throughout California's Central Valley.
Arts & Sciences Reunion
June 25−28, 2015
Carly Henderson BA, M.A. '02 started her counseling practice in November 2013 in Portland.
The Honorable David Avraham Voluck JD received the Alaska Bar Association Board of Governor's Judge Nora Guinn Award at the 2014 Bar Convention. The award recognizes extraordinary and sustained efforts to assist Alaska's rural residents, especially its Native population, in overcoming language and cultural barriers to obtaining justice through the legal system. Voluck is the first tribal judge to receive the award. The Alaska Bar Association cited his 20 years serving the state's Native people as tribal judge, Indian law professor, author, and special counsel. Voluck presently sits as trial judge for the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Sitka Tribe of Alaska, and Aleut Community of St. Paul Island, and is an adjunct professor for Lewis & Clark Law School's Indian Law Program.
Class Correspondent: Jo Becker email@example.com
Kathleen Becker JD was elected representative for Colorado House District 13, which extends from the Wyoming border to Mount Evans and includes Jackson, Grand, Gilpin, and Clear Creek counties, as well as the western portions of the City of Boulder and Boulder County.
Class Correspondent: Anne Bunn firstname.lastname@example.com
Anne Bunn BA and Sam Thompson enjoy life in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with two spirited children, an 8-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. Even with their full lives, they keep in touch with Lewis & Clark friends. See Rachel Pusey B.A '97 for more details.
Jamie Diamond BS works in public relations; find out more at www.wildbeagles.com. He is also the founder of www.CustomerWinHQ.com.
James Moore BA is completing a certification program to teach English/language arts in middle school and high school. He also writes poetry and plays and is the cofounder of Steel Cut Theatre. His debut collection of found poetry, titled I Am the Maker of all sweetened possum, was published by Silver Birch Press in March 2014. He makes his home in Winooski, Vermont.
Naomi Pomeroy BA won the 2014 James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Northwest. She opened her acclaimed restaurant, Beast, in 2007 and recently opened a cocktail bar, Expatriate, with husband Kyle Linden Webster.
Rachel Pusey BA started a new job with the boutique employment law firm Villarreal Hutner. She is "excited to be with a small, collaborative law firm that supports work-life balance." She spent Memorial Day weekend in Austin, Texas, with Anne Bunn, Jess Fels, Nina Storm, Megan Williams, and Kaja Glickenhaus Taft BA '98, M.E. '02. The group missed regular attendees Rhoda Ashley, Nicole Andrus, and Mia Dentoni, who weren't able to join them this year. "This will be the 15th year we have spent Memorial Day together!"
Nina Storm BA launched her company, Nina Storm Event Design & Production, in late 2013. She produces events for a range of nonprofit, corporate, and private clients, with an emphasis on the art of hospitality. She is also developing a menu of original cocktails. Storm lives in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Laurel Canyon. She attended the annual "Girls' Weekend" trip mentioned above.
Sienna Horton-Shields BA, an abstract artist, instigated and directed the first public project by HowDoYouSayYaminAfrican, or Yam, a group of 38 musicians, poets, writers, and visual artists from around the world who are mostly black and mostly queer by their own definition. In March, they performed on an international stage at the 2014 Whitney Museum Biennial. Their performance included a digital film about how race haunts black identity, told in operatic form, with sculptural installations.
Molly McAllister BA has been happily working at Banfield Pet Hospital since 2012. She coordinates medical learning and continuing education for the 2,300 veterinarians the company employs. See Marriages and Unions.
Franz Prichard BA is now assistant professor at Princeton University in the East Asian studies department. He previously taught at the University of California at Los Angeles and Harvard University.
Class Correspondents: Nicole Miranda and Mike Skrzynski firstname.lastname@example.com
Katy Davidson BA, the songwriter behind Key Losers as well as the keyboard/piano player for Gossip, and Marianna Ritchey BA, songwriter for Lloyd & Michael, wrote the song "Go Forth, Feminist Warriors." It is written in the style of the 1980s benefit song for African famine relief, "We Are the World," by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, that featured multiple soloists. Davidson and Ritchey's song was sent out to more than a dozen musicians and singers, including Psalm One, Carrie Brownstein, Tegan and Sara, Kate Nash, Tavi, Suzy X, and more. Each musician emailed his or her part back, after which the various parts were assembled into "Go Forth, Feminist Warriors." It can be heard on YouTube.
Jill Long JD, a shareholder at Lane Powell, was selected for the 2014 Fellows Program of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, a national organization of the legal profession's top general counsel and managing partners. The fellows program is a highly structured initiative designed to increase diversity at the leadership levels of U.S. law firms and corporate legal departments. Long focuses her practice on land use and real estate, obtaining land use entitlements for retailers, developers, and property owners.


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This is the story of a tribe in exile and only passing its way … An exile that reveals to the audience its absolute quest as well as absurd.
This strange convoy brings together extravagant characters and retro-futuristic machines that seem straight out of the world of Leonardo da Vinci. If they remind us the mechanical toys of past, there is no childish innocence. It appears like a micro society that feast and tear, a family with primary instincts and without shame.
Tensions appear, scrap metal moans, it smells like powder burning…
They all speak an incomprehensible language, but their acrobatic bodies and their mechanical follies open the doors of a universe made up of illusions between joy, freedom and melancholy : a breach towards a dreamlike world. This parade invites us to revisit our daily tragedies and shakes our emotions with a peculiar humor, both sensitive and raw.
In this reality, their gibberish is a language, as a wild and burlesque poetry.
2 or 3 machines, ask for your own tailor-made parade with the machines you wish !
Street Parade for mechanical follies
Ambulatory and musical show.
Day or night time show.
All audience.
1 hour and a half.
12 comedians-acrobats, 4 musicians, 1 sound technician, 1 stage manager, 2


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Dear readers,
Flan is a classic, lightweight dessert that I love ordering after a plentiful meal. But only if it's homemade, of course.
It's sort of a thicker custard coated in caramel. The ingredients couldn't be any simpler: you just need water, milk, eggs, sugar and a bit of vanilla extract. It's extremely easy to make and only needs to completely cool down before eating. Although I've never made it myself I'll leave you a link to this recipe I came across just now.
Bon appétit!
More on Spanish delicacies:- Sobaos Pasiegos
- Miguelitos de la Roda
- Piononos


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MOORHEAD, Minn. -There are some big flowers springing up around Moorhead.
This week, you might spot these pretty petals around the city.
It's a partnership between Mayor Del Rae Williams and artist David Cook, known as the "Flower Bomber."
These flowers are completely made of duct tape and they'll only appear in one location for one day before moving to another place.
The artist said they're just meant to bring some happiness to people as we come to the end of summer.
"It's just some positive energy, it's not rocket science, it's just a smile, that's it. you know, you can't help but smile when you see these," David Cook said.
You can see the flowers pop up Tuesday, Sept. 11, at the Rourke Art Museum.


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Reported coronavirus cases statewide surged by almost 50% in 24 hours, with five more deaths, according to the state Department of Health.
Susquehanna was among four counties across the state that reported their first cases; 48 of the state's 67 counties now have cases, department officials said Thursday.
The number of case across the state increased to 1,687, up from 1,127, a 560-case increase, the state Department of Health said. On Monday, there were 644 cases and six deaths across the state.
So far, 16 people have died from the virus, including two Lackawanna County residents, one from Luzerne County and two in Monroe.
Lackawanna rose to 28 cases from 18; Luzerne to 36 from 27; Monroe to 67 from 51; Pike to 15 from nine; and Wayne to six from four. Susquehanna's case was its first and only so far.
Wyoming County still has no reported cases.
Contact the writer:
@BorysBlogTT on Twitter


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Double scarf tubes with matching scarf rings. Shades of dusty pink to maroons on black dominate the colour scheme.
The scarf tubes have a 2.25 inner diameter and the size is approx. 1.8 to 3 cm. These tubes can be worn on their own or as a complementary pair. Scarf rings can be used to extend the assembly or control the scarf. This size suits light weight wools but are mainly worn with long, long summer scarves.
Scarf tubes 0413075 designed and handcrafted in polymer by Kay. My aim at StudioKY is to create art jewellery priced for everyday wear.
This set of scarf accessories was SOLD. Oct 2013.


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Narrow Staircase Stairlifts.
We offer two lifts made by Freelift, which can be fitted onto narrow staircases.
They are the 'Van Gogh' and 'Rembrandt.' Both of which are curved but made to fit either the inside or outside of your staircase…
The Van Gogh stairlift
…is designed for use on the outside bend of curved staircases. It consists of a single tubular rail, which is less than 8cm in diameter, and provides a safe, smooth and comfortable ride. The compact design allows plenty of space for other stair users when faced with narrow staircases.
The Rembrandt stairlift
…has the same luxurious and low-noise qualities as the Van Gogh but is specially designed for the inside bend of the stairs. Because the rail runs above the narrow side of the stairs, the broad section of the stairs remains completely free other stair users.
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to call us. We can arrange a visit from our surveyor who will explain our products and give a no-obligation quote.
Call us now to arrange a free quote 0800 91 777 14


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Days and nights
You switch again
Why must this be so?
Have you no clue
The pain you cause
From all of this disruption?
I have shopping to do
When daylight comes
But by that time
I'll just wish to lie in bed
And another day of light
Will have been
Wasted upon me


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Click "more" to see a list of all of the interesting web sites I found this week. I keep track of my favorite sites using del.icio.us, a free web site where you can access your favorite links from any computer and share them with friends. You can also see all of my favorite links (not just the ones from this week).
Ware Voltaire – (37signals)
Tagged as: art books cool fun
Death and Taxes: 2008
Tagged as: business interesting reference
Map of Online Communities
Tagged as: map online cool
Microsoft Surface: one day your computer will be a big-ass table
Tagged as: fun video computer
blog.pmarca.com: How to hire the best people you've ever worked with
Tagged as: business howto interesting interview reference


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Item-Specific Processing Reduces False Recognition in Older and Younger Adults: Separating Encoding and Retrieval Using Signal Detection and the Diffusion Model
Document Type
Publication Date
Our study examined processing effects in improving memory accuracy in older and younger adults. Specifically, we evaluated the effectiveness of item-specific and relational processing instructions relative to a read-only control task on correct and false recognition in younger and older adults using a categorized-list paradigm. In both age groups, item-specific and relational processing improved correct recognition versus a read-only control task, and item-specific encoding decreased false recognition relative to both the relational and read-only groups. This pattern was found in older adults despite overall elevated rates of false recognition. We then applied signal-detection and diffusion-modeling analyses, which separately utilized recognition responses and the latencies to those responses to estimate contributions of encoding and monitoring processes on recognition decisions. Converging evidence from both analyses demonstrated that item-specific processing benefits to memory accuracy were due to improvements of both encoding (estimates of d′ and drift rate) and monitoring (estimates of lambda and boundary separation) processes, and, importantly, occurred similarly in both younger and older adults. Thus, older and younger adults showed similar encoding-based and test-based benefits of item-specific processing to enhance memory accuracy.
Publication Title
Memory & Cognition
First Page
Last Page
Recommended Citation
Huff, M. J.,
Aschenbrenner, A. J.
(2018). Item-Specific Processing Reduces False Recognition in Older and Younger Adults: Separating Encoding and Retrieval Using Signal Detection and the Diffusion Model. Memory & Cognition, 46(8), 1287-1301.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/15527


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SoCal Youth Triathlon Series Open Water Swim ClinicApril 26, 2020 South Shores Park, Mission Bay South Shores Park San Diego, CA 92109 View Map Organized by TriUSCoaching
Save on this event with ACTIVE Advantage
Your Advantage member discount automatically applies at checkout
Save on this event with ACTIVE Advantage
Members save up to $10 on registration fees and more!
Advantage members save up
to $10 on registration fees!
About this event
South Shores Park, Mission BaySouth Shores Park San Diego, CA 92109
Our USA Triathlon Certified Coaches will help to prepare your child for everything they need to know and do for their youth triathlon open water swim. Wetsuits highly recommended.
Event will be held from 11:30a-1p in Mission Bay, close to the shore, swim buddies will help kids in the water.
Event details and schedule
Event details and schedule will be emailed to participants the week before the event.


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Mary Alice Young
Researcher and Lecturer in Law, Bristol Law School, University of the West of England
Dr Mary Alice Young is an expert in transnational organised crime and financial crime. Her primary research interests include investigating what happens to the illicit proceeds of transnational organised crimes and how they are laundered; and the use of offshore banking centres to launder money. Dr Young is a permanent lecturer and researcher in law at the University of the West of England.
In 2015, Dr Young became a Fellow of the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law at Cambridge University and will be undertaking a Research Fellowship at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik in 2016. As a socio-legal scholar, Dr Young adopts a grounded theory approach to empirical research methods. Her research to date has encompassed investigations into transnational organised crime in countries as diverse as Jamaica, Laos, the Cayman Islands and Vietnam.
Dr Young has previously held a four month post at the UNODC in Laos. Each month Dr Young contributes briefings on organised crime for the think tank Open Briefing.
Recent publications
- "The use of anti-money laundering legislation to combat child trafficking in Nigeria," 2014, Financial Regulation International, Issue 17, 7.
- "Dirty Money in Jamaica," 2013, Journal of Money Laundering Control, 17, 3.
- Banking Secrecy and Offshore Financial Centers: Money laundering and offshore banking, Routledge Research in Finance and Banking Law: 2013.
- "The exploitation of offshore financial centres: Banking confidentiality and money laundering," 2013, Journal of Money Laundering Control 16, 3
Similar Experts
Elizabeth Dávid-Barrett
Director, Centre for the Study of Corruption, University of SussexVIEW PROFILE
Michelle Hughes
President and CEO, VALRAC Innovation, LLCVIEW PROFILE


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Mini Displayport to Displayport Cable - White
Product Code: Kumo DPM-1.8 White
Availability: Out Of Stock
Availability: Out Of Stock
Price: $15.95
Qty: Add to Cart
Mini Displayport to Displayport Cable - White1.8m Mini Displayport Thunderbolt to Displayport Cable
Commercial grade super high quality KUMO brand Elite Series cable. Quality is much better than many others being sold online
We are the official New Zealand distributor for KUMO cables. Stunning quality at heavily discounted prices!
These Cables have the following features:
Displayport ver 1.2
Provides digital video and audio in one cable
Supports (HDMI, DVI and LVDS) displayport components.
Triple shielding (mylar, more mylar then tinned copper outer braid)ensures best possible signal transmission and minimizes interference.
20 Pin Nickel plated connectors for maximum conductivity.
Provides data rates up to 1080P and beyond (3840 x 2400 max) with Digital Audio
Supports 4K monitors 3840x2160 at 60Hz
Molded strain relief.
Fully HDCP compliant.
Cable Type Mini Displayport to Displayport
Length 1.8m
Wire Gauge 30awg
Connector Type Mini Displayport male to Displayport male
Connector Plating Nickel
Shielding Level Triple
Bandwidth 21.6 Gbps
Resolutions Supported 3840 x 2400 maximum
HDCP Compliant Yes
Write a reviewYour Name:
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Indications that the Eurozone's largest economy could soon enter recession were boosted today after the Nuremberg based Federal Labour Agency revealed that German unemployment increased by twice as much as expected.
With demand for German exports dampened, business confidence hitting its lowest levels for over two years and companies remaining cautious when it comes to investment it appears increasingly likely that Germany could post contraction in the fourth quarter.
This view was reiterated by the nation's central bank Bundesbank last week.
In the first quarter German GDP grew by 0.5 per cent, by the second quarter this growth had slowed to 0.3 per cent. Although expansion is expected in the third quarter industry experts feel that by the fourth quarter contraction could be a real possibility.
Economists participating in a Bloomberg News survey predicted that the number of people out of work from September would increase by 10,000 but the actual rise was a seasonally adjusted 20,000 taking the unemployment figure to 2.94 million.
The global economic slowdown and Eurozone crisis was also evident in the adjusted jobless rate, which rose for the first time in over three years. In August the figure stood at a twenty year low of 6.8. This number swung up to 6.9 per cent in September and held that level in October.
As an economist with Union Investment GmbH asserted: 'German businesses feel a little less insecure after the ECB stepped in to save the Euro […] but the crisis hasn't been solved yet and that's why unemployment might continue to increase in the months to come.'
This perspective was seconded by Christian Lips, an economist with NordLB. He stated: 'Even though the ECB's announcement of its intention to buy government bonds has helped sentiment, there is reason for concern. The outlook for growth in Germany isn't great and unemployment will continue to climb.'
However the number of unemployed people actually fell by 4 million in October on an unadjusted basis. Juergen Weise, head of the Federal Labour Agency argued that although these figures showed that 'the weaker economy is leaving its mark on the labour market […] overall, the labour market is still robust and in a good shape.'
The International Monetary Fund is also predicting that the German economy will expand by 0.9 per cent in 2012, while the Eurozone's economy will contract by 0.4 per cent.
As of 10:45 am
The Pound to Euro exchange rate is currently trading at 1.2395
The Pound to US Dollar exchange rate is currently trading at 1.6059
The Pound to Australian Dollar exchange rate is currently trading at 1.5482
The Euro to US Dollar exchange rate is currently trading at 1.2954
The Euro to Pound exchange rate is currently trading at 0.8064
These Exchange rates are provided by TorFX, a leading foreign exchange broker, providing unbeatable exchange rates for all your currency needs.


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Just a few years ago, two young males had a dream to create a website where theatre goers could have an idea of the performances on the Broadway strip earlier than they purchased their tickets. Informing: An important function of mass communication is dissemination of data to the general public main by way of news media-digital and print. He appears to be very humble and all the way down to earth and I am keen on it. The funny factor about that is that I have by no means, ever been a fan to anyone to this diploma. Be it world information or general useful information about any topic beneath the sky, it is the media which has all of it! Entertainment could be a trifle for our amusement, however it can elicit profound feelings reminiscent of a symphony, rock tune or a play, novel or inspiring lecture. It has been Dorian's perception in fine performers that has helped him to continue offering quality entertainment.
After I obtained a concussion last 12 months, 3 totally different medical doctors informed me that coloring would assist my mind recuperate… this was ironic because I owned a coloring ebook company. Some of these actresses labored in motion pictures too but many received begin working on television throughout the 70s, and some went on to profitable movie careers. Lesser stories are positioned in the newspaper based on their importance (extra vital news on the entrance) or positioned based on class (world news, sports, finance).
This can sometimes achieve success, however as a rule it is detrimental to the state of many patients, on account of them not having fun with the provided entertainment (as many houses go from suggestions of residents and if they benefit from the live shows or not).
She appears to have decided that if she cannot conquer the nice god Entertainment she might as effectively join forces with him and make what use she will be able to of his , at this time we now have the astonishing spectacle of tens of millions of dollars being poured into the unholy job of offering earthly entertainment for the so-known as sons of heaven.
Stop on the Visitor's Heart when you arrive and choose up a schedule of events as well as maps of the back roads (largely 4WD roads). Entertainment is what you are able to do to entertain folks, I'm taking a look at doing just that, but with a twist to recollect and luxuriate in. Ms. Tru Lee is at present the Executive A&R for Multi Platinum File Entertainment (MPRE).


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Valmet has agreed with Clariant on the delivery of a BioTrac biomass pretreatment system for their sunliquid ®cellulosic ethanol plant in Romania.
The order is included in Valmet's third quarter 2018 orders received. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The start-up is planned for 2020.
The new plant, with an annual production capacity of 50,000 tonnes of cellulosic ethanol, will be built in southwestern Romania. The facility will be a flagship site, confirming the competitiveness and sustainability of the company's sunliquid technology on a commercial scale, supporting Clariant's sunliquid licensing business strategy.
The delivery includes a BioTrac biomass pretreatment system with a capacity of over 800 tonnes of dry biomass a day, as well as all main parts for biomass dosing, the reactor, the feeding system to the reactor, and steam separation. The pretreatment phase is an essential step in cellulosic ethanol production, and the goal is to make the cellulose accessible for further processing.
"We have successfully been using Valmet's pretreatment system in our pre-commercial sunliquid plant in Straubing for six years already. During this time, we have closely worked with Valmet to verify and precisely optimize the pre-treatment process for sunliquid. We are confident that we have a reliable partner in Valmet for our sunliquid plant in Romania," comments Markus Rarbach, Head of Business Line Biofuels & Derivatives at Clariant.
"This is a very important milestone for Valmet, being the first commercial-sized BioTrac plant for cellulosic ethanol. We are very proud to receive this order from our long-term partner Clariant, who knows our system inside and out after six years of operation at their demo plant in Straubing," says Mattias Erixon, Manager Sales, Biomass Conversion at Valmet.
About Clariant and sunliquid
Clariant is a leading global specialty chemicals company based in Muttenz, near Basel, Switzerland. In the 2017financial year, Clariant recorded sales of CHF 6.4 billion for its continuing businesses. The company reports in four business areas: Care Chemicals, Catalysis, Natural Resources, and Plastics & Coatings. Clariant's corporate strategy is based on five pillars: focus on innovation through R&D, add value with sustainability, reposition portfolio, intensify growth, and increase profitability.
Clariant's sunliquid technology converts agricultural residue such as wheat straw into cellulosic ethanol, an advanced, sustainable and practically carbon-neutral biofuel. The process design for sunliquid is fully integrated and built on established process technology. Innovative features such as chemical-free pretreatment, integrated production of feedstock- and process-specific enzymes, and simultaneous C5 and C6 sugar fermentation ensure optimum cost-effectiveness.
Photo Credit: Valmet


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CENTRAL WEST, NSW, Australia - A Blayney woman has died overnight as a result of the coronavirus.
The woman's husband is also ill with the virus and is reportedly fighting for his life.
Janet Lieben died in the ICU at Orange Base Hospital.
A retired factory worker, Janet, 67, and husband Jerry, a retired senior non-commissioned officer with the Australian Army, had been on the Ruby Princess cruise that docked at Sydney Harbour after an 11 day round trip to New Zealand and were ordered into self-isolation at their home in Blayney, in the New South Wales Central West on 19 March.
"Jerry is an ex Vietnam veteran and Janet was a vibrant, wonderful woman and was very healthy. We're a very tight knit community; Janet's death has affected us all," ADAA President Nick Nicolai, a retired army member who was on board the cruise ship told The Daily Telegraph on Thursday.
"Initially we weren't made aware people on the cruise had tested positive for the coronavirus, we were just advised to go to sick bay if we felt unwell."
"The vessel was clean, the staff professional, I have no issue with the Ruby Princess. A number of Australians in our group have got the virus and are in various forms of recovery, from fine to not very well at all and in hospital."
The Western New South Wales Local Health District confirmed to the Telegraph Ms Lieben died from complications related to Covid-19 overnight. Ten people have now died in New South Wales as a result of the virus.


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I picked this up at the library after reading a really interesting article by Kim Allen-Niesen about the sad lack of European books being translated into English, which pointed out the French-to-English translated Hedgehog as a particularly wonderful sample of the possibilities we're missing out on.
I was so enchanted by this book that I broke my cardinal rule of Good Librarianship, and I took a library book on vacation with me. Camping. In the woods of Acadia. Of course, this makes for a bittersweet ending -- the one night I left the book out on the picnic table, it rained. (It gets dark quickly, and if you assume that you've put away all perishables earlier in the evening, well, let's just say there's no last look around by the light of the living room lamp to ensure you're right...)
The characters are eminently human, the humor is tart, the elegance is natural enough to bowl you over. Try it. You just might like it -- I did.
This one drew me in with its simple but tantalizing cover, I admit it. What made me take it home, however, was its premise. Drabble takes us through an intriguing account of English games and their history. This information is peppered throughout her own recollections of games and family interactions and what it all means.
I'm still in the process of reading this one, but I'm definitely enjoying it. It's interesting to get to know the author in this oblique way, with all her foibles and fascinations examined piece by piece and then gradually reassembled in a whole pattern ... not unlike a jigsaw puzzle. A very pleasant way to pass the time.