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Creative Bliss: 5 Exercises to Get Your Creativity Unstuck
Have you hit a creative roadblock? In his book, "Unstuck," Noah Scalin presents 52 inspiring prompts designed for any field and any level of experience. They're divided by time commitment (from 30 seconds to several hours) so you can pick one that fits your schedule. The book is also peppered with inspiring advice, and many of the exercises include visual examples, objects you can cut out and lists you can draw from. Here's a sampling of 5 exercises for a work-week's worth of inspiration.
image from Shutterstock
30-Second Project: Haiku Everywhere
Not everyone is a poet, but everyone can write a haiku, and it can be done just about everywhere. This traditional form of non-rhyming Japanese poetry is usually written with 17 syllables in English, which are broken into three lines (five, seven and five syllables per line, respectively). Initially haiku were about nature, but modern ones can be on any topic. Their brevity encourages condensing complex thoughts and emotions into simple, elegant forms. While you could take hours to compose one, the goal of this exercise is to do it within a 30-second time limit to help hone quick visual and mental interpretation reflexes. I've written hundreds of haikus, and not only did they give me a nice bit of quick creative satisfaction, but I was able to mine them later as source material for creative projects.
How To Do It:
1. Use whatever you're working on at the moment as your inspiration. Alternately: Use anything that you can see at the moment.
2. Say your thoughts out loud while counting the syllables on your fingers. Remember, it's five, then seven, then five again. You can do this in your head if you're somewhere that talking out loud is inappropriate, but it does help to vocalize your thoughts.
3. Don't be critical of the results. Just keep adjusting the words to get it short enough to fit the format and then write it down.
4. Keep your favorites in your journal or sketchbook so you can return to them from time to time.
The tricky part is finding the right word to fit the syllables remaining. This is a great time to start boning up on synonyms in your handy thesaurus. Use a real book as an excuse to get away from the computer if you're on one all day.
Two-Minute Project: Doodle Dandy
If you want to be ready for being creative whenever and wherever, it's important to develop the ability to see the potential in everything. Children have done this activity for ages, but how many people try it out again later in life? Don't worry about making art. They key is to just get your brain turning and your hand moving.
How To Do It:
1. Create a squiggle on a piece of paper.
2. Use a phrase from the list below (or create one of your own).
3. Using whatever tools you like, transform the squiggle into a doodle that visually expresses the phrase in some way. It could be literal or just a response to the phrase.
Phrase List:
Happy as a clam
I can't get no satisfaction
Where in the world?
A hard day's night
Human nature
Is there a doctor in the house?
The art of noise
Here comes trouble
What's that sound?
10-Minute Project: Super Sized
Professor Marshall McLuhan famously said, "The medium is the message," but if you're stuck, the message may be that you need a new medium! In this exercise, you're going to spend a bit of time working at a different scale and on a different surface so that your ideas are freed of the constraints of the normal media you work with.
How To Do It:
1. Find a piece of chalk or charcoal. It doesn't have to be sidewalk chalk. It's always better to work with material you have at hand.
2. Head outside to the nearest sidewalk. If the weather won't allow you to work outside, a garage or other indoor space where the floor is meant to get dirty will work too.
3. Spend 10 minutes continuing whatever your current project happens to be, but at the scale and angle that is required by this new surface and tool. This may involve some creative problem solving if your project isn't just writing or drawing.
4. Document what you did, how you felt and how other people responded. Be sure to take a picture or two as well, since this should be a purely temporary thing you've created.
What messages did your medium give you?
Buy several yards of the largest paper you can find on a roll at an art or craft store and use it as your surface. Try using it on both the floor and hanging it on the well and see how the different locations affect you.
30-Minute Project: X Marks the Spot
A lot of creativity is about translation. Sometimes, you're just as inspired by something you've seen and create something new based on it, or you're given a message and asked to interpret it for a client. Honing this skill can help you jump right into the process of translation when you might otherwise be stumped about how to move forward.
How To Do It:
1. Choose a place that you how to get to. It could be somewhere near or far.
2. Create a map to that place that doesn't use any words or traditional map symbols. Think about what things you tell people when you direct them to places verbally. What landmarks do you talk about? Consider what people might hear or smell along the way. Don't restrict yourself to drawing. Try using other materials or even work in three dimensions.
3. If you choose somewhere nearby, instead of just making your map from memory, go on a walk and use photography and/or found objects to help create it.
Have someone use the map and follow them on their journey to see where you end up.
1-Hour Project: A Year in an Hour
While I think everyone should take the time to do a yearlong, daily creative project, I realize that's not something everyone can just jump into, especially when they may need an immediate solution to a particular creative woe. This task is a way to get a taste of that 365 experience in a super-condensed time frame. Use this as an opportunity to get messy and have fun.
How To Do It:
1. Gather together plenty of random material to work with. I recommend digging in the recycling bin for this project. The more diverse the materials the better. It's also good to have plenty of cutting and marking tools along with items like staplers, string, tape and glue sticks for attaching things as well.
2. Think of a simple shape you're comfortable making (star, heart, skull, etc.).
3. Try to create at least 30 versions of that shape in the next hour, using the materials you've collected. This is definitely about quantity over quality. Don't try for perfection. Just make it and move on to the next thing. If you find yourself stuck, move on to another material.
4. Document each item as you finish so that you can reuse parts of it as you move forward if need be!
5. When you're done, note how you felt during this exercise and the things you learned about yourself in the process.
If you finish all 30 things before the hour is up, see how many more things you can make!


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Welcome to the www.petershevill.com Web site. Thanks for dropping in and spending some time.
PeterShevill is "sole trader" company registered in my name. I am the sole employee.
My principle business is as a consultant Systems Engineer.
What is a Systems Engineer ?
Systems Engineering is a very broad area of expertise, that covers the definition , design, implementation, verification, commissioning ,support and decommissioning of complex systems.
We find employment is many fields, but tend to focus of large scale projects. Defence System, Air Traffic Controller System, Rail Systems and Traffic Management Systems typically employ System Engineers to manage the scope and technical design of major projects, but we are also responsible for risk, environment, safety, cost and schedule.
If we are any good, we build the right thing, to a budget and deliver it on time. Typically we have a lot of overlap with project managers, but tend to lack their contractual management skills.
We are with confused with "System Engineers" who are typically some form of IT system infrastructure managers.
iPhone/iPad Applications
Once upon a time I was Software Engineer. A "gun" 1000 line a day Ada programmer of yesteryear.
Unfortunately from my wife's perspective Software Engineering is a bit addictive for some of us, so in the spare time, (which at times is a lot of the time), I have started developing iPhone/iPad applications. See my applications page.
Why did I build this site ?
In the days of Facebook, it seems rather odd to build a Website devoted to myself, but to support my iPhone/iPad applications I was obliged to host a support web site for each applications. So I have procured a domain name and a web hosting site with an "unlimited" number of sub domains, so why not !
Feel free to browse around my site. If you have comments or questions please drop me a line at firstname.lastname@example.com
Thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoy your stay.
[Home] [Resume] [Applications] [Photo Gallery][Privacy Policy]

subset: commoncrawl


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The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has a new program which will stay in effect until September 30, 2016. This program offers homeowners who have lost their homes due to short sales, whose homes have been sold in foreclosure, or who have given deeds in lieu of foreclosure back to financial institutions, a second opportunity to purchase a home. In the past, if a consumer lost their home related to a foreclosure case, they would have to wait thirty-six months before they could apply for a new FHA loan. However, under this new program, they would only have to wait twelve months after a foreclosure sale or a short sale to apply for a new FHA loan as long as they can document the financial issues that caused them to lose their prior home.
Reduction in Income
If the prospective homeowner can show that they had a loss of income of twenty percent or more for a minimum of six months prior to the loss of their home, it will help them qualify under this new program.
Credit Score
Under the new FHA program, the homeowner will need a credit score with a minimum of 640. In the event the prospective homeowner could not meet this credit score requirement, they must go through a HUD approved counseling agency concerning the issue of home ownership and residential mortgage loans.
The homeowner should be aware that supporting documentation with regard to any financial issues, hardships, illness, loss of employment or other problems that caused the individuals to lose their initial home must be fully documented. A letter explaining the situation will not be sufficient to qualify for this new FHA program.
FHA is extending themselves to homeowners and giving them a second chance that has never previously been offered to families who have lost their homes.
Elliot S. Schlissel is a foreclosure defense lawyer. Elliot and his staff of attorneys represent individuals and families throughout the Metropolitan New York area whose homes have been foreclosed upon by financial institutions and mortgage companies. Elliot assists his clients in mortgage modifications. In addition, Elliot brings lawsuits against financial institutions who have broken laws, failed to obtain proper assignments and who do not have standing to bring their foreclosure lawsuits. Elliot has an unparalleled record of success in keeping his clients in their homes after foreclosure proceedings have been initiated against them.


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government of Bihar now going to publish recruitment notification for fillup 12000 post on contract basis. these post will be appointed for the department of Revenue and land Reform Government of Bihar. application form for the different post of rajaswa Bhumi Sudhar Vibhag Bihar will be filled online only. notification regarding these vacancies has been published on at the official website of Rajswa / revenue and land Reform government of Bihar. its expected that the recruitment process will be completed till next year. there are approximately 8 - 10000 post of Amin, 1100 post for kanungo and 550 post for Sahayak bandobast Adhikari. as soon as official advertisement and online application form submission will begin we will inform you all details here. this is the great opportunity for civil engineer diploma holder because they can apply for the Amin post and kanungo post. BTech with civil engineering degree holder can apply for the post of Sahayak bandobast padadhikari. on the other hand department will also published advertisement for the recruitment of junior engineer and assistant engineer AE post.
Important recruitment details of Bihar BHU rajaswa vacancy 2022 as a following
post name : bandobast padadhikari, prabhari padadhikari, Sahayak bandobast Adhikari, Vishesh sarvekshan Sahayak bandobast padadhikari AE civil/ assistant engineer civil, Anchal nirikshak kanungo, Vishesh sarvekshan kanungo Je civil, Pradhan lipik and clerk, Mohrrir, vishesh sarvekshan lipik, praurapak, Amin/ surveyor, Vishesh sarvekshan amin kanishta Abhiyanta, amin Amanath diploma ITI, driver, Anusevak/ janjeer wahak, karyapalak Sahayak, data entry operator DEO /computer operator, IT boy
number of vacancies - 31290
Selection type- on contract basis
Eligibility criteria and other details as are following
|Post name
|number of vacancies
|education qualification
|salary detail
|weightage type
|Vishesh sarvekshan Sahayak bandobast padadhikari assistant engineer civil
|Graduate in Civil engineering
|Matric 10, Inter 15, Graduation 50, Post graduation 5, experience 20
|Vishesh sarvekshan kanungo kanishtha Abhiyanta civil
|Graduate in Civil engineering
|Matric 10, Graduation 70, Experience 20
|Vishesh sarvekshan Amin kanishta abhiyanta civil
|Diploma in Civil engineering
|Matric 10, Diploma 90
|Ameen Amarnath diploma/ ITI prapt
|10+2 and ITI in surveyor
|Matric 10, Diploma / ITI 90
|Lipik / Vishesh survekshan Lipik
|Matric 10, Inter 15, Graduation 70, post graduation 5
|karyapalak Sahayak
|By DM
|data entry operator DEO/ computer operator
|IT boy
Download official recruitment notification in PDF file
Note: Notification for this year vacancy will be published here by UpJob.in shortly with revised Date.


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April 16, 2008 (Philadelphia) — A new type of bariatric surgery may eliminate the need for medication in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study reported here at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons 2008 Annual Scientific Session and Postgraduate Course.
It has long been observed that very obese patients — those with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or more — with type 2 diabetes have noticeably better control over the disease after undergoing bariatric surgery. This makes sense because the more weight a patient gains, the worse his or her glycemic control becomes. Therefore, surgeries performed to assist in weight reduction should and do lead to improved diabetes management.
Just as not all obese people have type 2 diabetes, many nonobese people do have the disease, and it can be inferred that perhaps something else is triggering this condition. Researchers have posited that perhaps something in the stomach that promotes type 2 diabetes (a relatively new type 2 diabetes drug [Byetta, Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc and Eli Lilly & Co) works on the basis of this principle).
The study reported here looked at surgical treatment of nonobese (BMI, 21 – 29 kg/m2) patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 69 patients (22 women and 47 men) were enrolled who had a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus for at least 3 years and had evidence of stable treatment with oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin for at least 12 months.
The Brazilian surgeons who carried out the study used a relatively new procedure involving laparoscopic ileal interposition associated to a diverted sleeve gastrectomy. This surgery involves connecting the ileum to the proximal intestine, which keeps digestive nutrients away from the bowel early in the digestive process. Thus, mostly undigested nutrients hit that part of the bowel relatively early, and various hormones are therefore secreted earlier than they would be without the surgery.
The researchers conclude that the new surgery appears to be effective in controlling type 2 diabetes and its complications in nonobese patients. After surgery, 65% of patients achieved a hemoglobin A1C test score below 6 without the aid of insulin or oral medications. The patients' fasting glucose levels decreased from a mean of 218 to 102 mg/dL, postprandial glucose levels decreased from 305 to 141 mg/dL, and insulin resistance decreased from 5.2 to 0.77.
Measures of comorbidities of diabetes also showed improvement. Hypertension was controlled in 91.3% of the patients, microalbuminuria was resolved in 85%, cholesterol levels were normalized in 95%, and hypertriglyceridemia was normalized in 92% of the patients.
Average patient follow-up was 21.7 months, but lead investigator Aureo L. de Paula, MD, director of gastrointestinal surgery at Hospital de Especialidades, Goiania, Brazil, recommended longer follow-up. There were no deaths, but postoperative complications occurred in 7.3% of patients. There also were reports of short-term dehydration, and in the first 6 months there were cases of external contamination of the ileal segment, which can lead to gastroenteritis and diarrhea.
Dr. de Paula told Medscape General Surgery that the procedure is designed to deal with "the pathophysiology of the disease, such as the defective early phase in saline secretion and the defective amplification of the insulin response by the hormone GIP."
Francesco Rubino, MD, chief of gastrointestinal metabolic surgery at Weill Cornell Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, strongly agreed that hormonal and other action in the stomach profoundly affects type 2 diabetes. After all, he told Medscape General Surgery, for almost 100 years, there have been reports of diabetes improvement after stomach surgery for ulcers and cancer, which are in some ways similar procedures to modern gastric bypass surgery. However, Dr. Rubino said he has serious reservations concerning the new procedure.
Dr. Rubino said he is interested in laparoscopic Ileal interposition associated to a diverted sleeve gastrectomy and is currently performing the procedure on animals himself. However, he told Medscape General Surgery, that he is concerned about the long-term effects of the surgery, which are, at present, unknown. In addition, the surgery is much more complicated to perform than gastric bypass, which is already known to be a safe and effective procedure that accomplishes much the same thing as the new procedure.
"I do think [the procedure] is an intriguing operation. Whether it is ready for clinical prime time as a primary application — that I don't know," Dr. Rubino said.
Dr. de Paula is a consultant with Covidien. Dr. Rubino is a consultant for GI Dynamics and has received travel grants from Covidien.
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons 2008 Annual Scientific Session and Postgraduate Course: Abstract S085. Presented April 11, 2008.
Medscape Medical News © 2008 Medscape
Cite this: Ed Ungar. Bariatric Surgery May Eliminate Need for Medication in Nonobese Type 2 Diabetics - Medscape - Apr 16, 2008.


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by Jemmer Pablo
(San Jose, CA, USA)
I was sitting at the bus station one day waiting for the bus to arrive so I could go to school.
Comments for A Bus Rider with Skin Cancer
Click here to add your own comments
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Skin Cancer Encounters and Survival Stories.


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Fecal transplants, already being studied as a treatment for colon infections and type 2 diabetes, may also help the body fight cancer, new U.S. government-funded research suggests. In a small clinical trial, some patients with advanced cancer who received the transplants began responding to treatments that hadn't worked earlier, which either stabilized or shrunk their tumors.
The goal of a fecal transplant is to use a donor's stool to reset a person's gut microbiome, the neighborhood of bacteria that live along our digestive tract. The gut microbiome helps the body regulate everything from metabolism to a properly functioning immune system, and an unbalanced microbiome is thought to cause or increase the risk of many health problems, such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain infections. By seeding their digestive tract with the bacteria from a donor's stool, it appears to be possible to grow a healthier gut microbiome.
Currently, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is only considered an effective treatment for recurrent gastrointestinal infections caused by Clostridioides difficile, which can be fatal. But there are ongoing trials testing its use for other conditions. This new study, led by researchers at the National Cancer Institute, looked at FMT as a sort of booster for another emerging treatment, cancer immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy uses drugs to amplify the immune system's ability to find and kill cancer cells. These drugs include immune checkpoint inhibitors, which remove the natural limiter that some cancers use to avoid detection by T cells. Though immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown great promise in treating advanced forms of cancer, some people's tumors continue to resist suppression by the immune system even after treatment. Some researchers have theorized that resetting the gut microbiome of these patients will also make these tumors become vulnerable to immunotherapy.
G/O Media may get a commission
"Cancer therapies often rely on stimulation of anti-tumor immune responses, raising the possibility that the gut microbiota could influence host responses to cancer therapeutics via the immune system," study author Giorgio Trinchieri, chief of the Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology in NCI's Center for Cancer Research, told Gizmodo via email.
The study involved 15 patients with advanced melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, who had previously not responded to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. These patients received transplants from other patients with advanced melanoma who had responded to therapy (often, patients first receive a dose of antibiotics to help clear out their existing microbiome, but not in this study). The donor stool was examined for any potentially dangerous germs—a precaution that's become standard in the wake of several illnesses and one death tied to fecal transplants carrying drug-resistant bacteria in 2019.
Afterward, six out of the 15 patients began to respond to treatment. In one patient, their tumors have continued to shrink for over two years and counting, while four others have had their cancer stabilize, with no signs of disease progression for at least over a year. (The sixth patient appeared to respond completely to immunotherapy but died soon after treatment from complications of an unrelated surgery.)
"In these patients, the tumor was rapidly progressing and life expectancy was short," Trinchieri noted. "Stable disease and tumor shrinkage would represent a significant improvement of patients' survival and quality of life and may result in long-term survival and, in some cases, cure."
Both the gut microbiome and immune system of these patients also showed signs of having favorably changed following transplant, allowing for a better response to the therapy. And the transplants themselves were well-tolerated, though the immunotherapy did likely cause minor side effects in some patients, including fatigue. The findings were published in the journal Science on Thursday.
The study, according to Trinchieri, is one of the first to show that altering the gut microbiome can improve a person's response to immunotherapy. And while this is only a proof-of-concept study, it also demonstrates the potential of targeting the microbiome in general for treating cancer.
Despite this potential, more work has to be done with larger groups of patients before poop transplants could become a standard of care for difficult cancer cases. The team's research and others is starting to identify the types of bacteria most likely to improve immunotherapy response, as well as the patients most likely to benefit from a transplant. They're also keeping track of the patients who have responded to FMT, while using their donated poop for other studies.
In the future, this transplant technique—which requires a colonoscopy—may not even be the preferred method of delivery. Instead, Trinchieri said, perhaps we could get by only using a pill that contains the bacteria. Thankfully, some studies are already exploring that method, as well as using FMT for other types of cancer.


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« There seems to be an openness to new ideas in Grenoble. It's this concept of a city of innovation. »
"Convergence point of technologies, skills, cultures and savoir-faire! Grenoble: from here, the world is beautiful!"
1526 Pioneers
For those who are drawn to the highest peaks, for those who are driven by a pioneering spirit, and are always one step ahead. For the curious and the ambitious, the creators, the inventors and the dreamers. For those who are enthralled by progress, For the passionate visionaries, the true believers, the builders, the innovators and especially, the game-changers. For everyone who sparks innovation, who is excited by the future and inspired by nature. For the people who care about their environment, who want to be first but will never leave anyone behind. For all these vital forces and leading minds, and for you, if you see yourself here.
This is the essence of the Grenoble Alpes initiative. To speak with the same voice, to be better heard and to raise the profile of the territory that we hold so dear.
Each of us in our own way, using our own means and unique skills, but all united in our goal of creating a strong brand.


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General Questions
Q: What age levels does your school accommodate?
A: We take students from 2 years-old up through the 12th Grade.
Q: How much does it cost to attend your school?
A: The registration fee, book fee, and tuition fee vary by age level. To see our detailed fee sheet, proceed to the "Admissions" part of this web site.
Q: When are the payments due?
A: The yearly tuition is broken down into ten monthly payments. You may choose to pay monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly. If you pay monthly, payments are due on the 1st of the month. If you pay bi-weekly, payments are due on the 10th and 25th of the month. If you pay weekly, payments are due on Fridays.
Q: Do you accept state or federal scholarships (such as Makay)?
A: No, we do not accept any government or federal scholarships.
Q: Do you accept any other scholarships?
A: Yes, we accept Step Up for Students and AAA scholarships on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Q: Is lunch provided by the school?
A: No, parents provide lunch and snack. We do, however, provide microwave access to students in 1st-12th grades.
Q: Do your students wear uniforms?
A: Yes, our students do wear uniforms. All students wear a solid-color polo shirt with our school logo on it. Uniform shirts are available for purchase through the school office. Boys wear solid-color uniform-style pants, and girls wear solid-color knee-length skirts or uniform jumpers.
Q: What curriculum do you use?
A: We use mainly A Beka Book curriculum and Bob Jones University Press.
Q: What are your class sizes?
A: Our normal class sizes range from 10 to 18.
Q: Do you have a structured class setting?
A: Yes, we do provide a structured class setting with separate classroom time and play time. This offers an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and productivity.
Q: Do you have bilingual classes?
A: No, we do not offer bilingual classes at this time.
Q: May I come tour your facilities?
A: Yes, we do offer tours of our facilities. We do our best to accommodate drop-in visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM. All other tour appointments should be scheduled by contacting office personnel.
Q: What do I need to do to register my child?
A: Go to www.gradelink.com to fill out an online application form. If you do not already have a gradelink account, you will need to create one. Our school code for Gradelink is "1715." Paper forms are also available to download and print on this website under the "Admissions" tab or through our school office. Registration and Book Fees are due upon registration.
Q: How can I contact your offices?
A: You can contact our offices by phone (813-677-5236) or through the "Contact Us" portion of this web site. Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
Q: Where should I report educator misconduct?
A: All employees and agents of a public school district, charter school, or private school have an obligation and legal responsibility to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. These actions could include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating, testing violations, physical aggression, or accepting or offering favors. Failure to report misconduct may result in penalties up to termination of employment. Report any incidents of educator misconduct to Bruce DuBois, School Administrator, (813) 677-5236.
Questions About Ages 2-4
Q: Do you have a preschool program?
A: Yes, we begin taking students when they turn 2 years old. We have a structured school curriculum for every level beginning with our two-year olds.
Q: What are your school hours for this age?
A: Academic hours for our K-2 through K-4 are from 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM. Extended Care is open for this age from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Q: Do you have a drop-in program?
A: No, our school is based on a full-time enrollment.
Q: Do you participate in the VPK program?
A: No, we do not.
Q: At what age does my child need to be potty-trained?
A: Children in our two-year old program (K-2) do not need to be potty-trained. However, any child entering our three-year old program (K-3) does need to be potty-trained.
Questions about Elementary
Q: What are your school hours for elementary students?
A: Elementary school hours are from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM.
Q: Do you offer before-school or after-school care?
A: There is an Extended Care program that covers the hours from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. This program is available for students in the K-5through 6th grade for an additional fee.
Q: What extracurricular opportunities do you offer for elementary students?
A: In addition to the main curriculum, our 1st through 6th grades are all involved in music, computer, art, and physical education.
Q: Do you accept student transfers in the middle of the year?
A: Yes, we do our best to accommodate students transfers throughout the school year. We request records from the student's previous school and adjust accordingly. We may require an entrance examination to determine grade placement.
Questions About Jr. High and High School
Q: What are your school hours for Jr. High and High School?
A: School hours are from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM.
Q: What extracurricular opportunities do you offer for Jr. High and High School?
A: In addition to the main curriculum, our 7th-12 Grade students participate in Computer, P.E., Fine Arts activities, Missions Trips and other activities that take place during the year.
Q: Do you accept student transfers in the middle of the year?
A: Sometimes we are able to accept student transfers in the middle of the year for our Jr. High and High School. However, the Administration will have the final decision after an entrance exam has been taken and a meeting has taken place with our school Principal.


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Earth could be getting a second sun, at least temporarily.
Dr. Brad Carter, Senior Lecturer of Physics at the University of Southern Queensland, outlined the scenario to news.com.au. Betelgeuse, one of the night sky's brightest stars, is losing mass, indicating it is collapsing. It could run out of fuel and go super-nova at any time.
When that happens, for at least a few weeks, we'd see a second sun, Carter says. There may also be no night during that timeframe.
The Star Wars-esque scenario could happen by 2012, Carter says... or it could take longer. The explosion could also cause a neutron star or result in the formation of a black hole 1300 light years from Earth, reports news.com.au.
But doomsday sayers should be careful about speculation on this one. If the star does go super-nova, Earth will be showered with harmless particles, according to Carter. "They will flood through the Earth and bizarrely enough, even though the supernova we see visually will light up the night sky, 99 per cent of the energy in the supernova is released in these particles that will come through our bodies and through the Earth with absolutely no harm whatsoever," he told news.com.au.
In fact, a neutrino shower could be beneficial to Earth. According to Carter this "star stuff" makes up the universe. "It literally makes things like gold, silver - all the heavy elements - even things like uranium....a star like Betelgeuse is instantly forming for us all sorts of heavy elements and atoms that our own Earth and our own bodies have from long past supernovi," said Carter.


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Bruton Envelope Clutch
£1,330.00 – £2,560.00
Bruton envelope clutch in alligator, calfskin & suede.
This carefully considered classic envelope style clutch has two slip compartments, detachable chain long enough to wear across the body or alter to wear under the arm.
Calfskin & soft suede interior.
Dimensions when closed: 22.5cm x 15cm x 4cm.
- UK delivery in 1-2 working days
Returns Policy:
- Returns accepted within 14 calendar days


text: "Quickies" part 2 May 28, 2020 Another week, another "quickies" post. Once more I read some of the books on my tbr that are a little older. It is being nice getting to some of them :) Share Get link Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Other Apps Post a Comment Read more


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The Brambles of Compulsive Thinking
By ceasing to eat animal foods and thus causing misery to our neighbors, and by practicing meditation and quiet reflection, which can eventually extract our consciousness out of the brambles of compulsive thinking, we can begin to understand what consciousness actually is. We will see that to the degree we can be open to the present moment and dwell in inner spacious silence, beyond the ceaseless internal dialogue of the busy mind, we can experience the radiant, joy-filled serenity of pure consciousness.
Our Websites
Our main website and daily VegInspiration
Our online self-paced World Peace Diet Training
Our Worldwide Prayer Circle for Animals
Our World Peace Diet Facebook Group
Our Prayer Circle for Animals Facebook Group


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This is the seventh story in the SLR Original series on Title IX (See previous)
In my years at the Charlotte Observer, I've run into many characters, but few have the presence of Marjo Rankin.
I was 5'11" at age 14, and people on the shorter end of the spectrum still sometimes make me feel like I am looming over them. But though she's 5'2", that's not the case with Rankin.
She is a champion water-skiier and copy editor with whom I have worked for more than a decade and credits her participation in sport as one of the sources of her discipline, ability to follow rules, and confidence.
As a kid in the 1960s, Rankin rode her silver spider bike with her younger brother and local boys in a neighborhood where the sisters didn't come out to play.
But in fifth grade, she got a football uniform for Christmas.
"I'm not sure how painful that was for my mom, but it was my dream," she said. "I wanted to start a women's football league when I grew up."
She was relegated to Booster Bombers cheerleader for her brother's team, when she really wanted to be quarterback or receiver.
"My girls league dream extended to three school friends and we 'practiced' some on the school ball field, but it didn't go any further."
She has the uniform in its original box, which included a helmet with Lou Groza's autograph. The red cotton jersey, unnumbered, with white shoulder trim, still fits.
Rankin's county had a rich basketball tradition, so she remembers being treated "well," although she believes that the boys' team ate out much more often than the girls team did, "complements of the Booster Club."
After years at a high school with no volleyball, swimming, or soccer teams for girls, she watched in 1977, during her freshman year at Wingate College, as the athletics department was "scrambling to comply" with Title IX.
The basketball coach, Bill Connell, was nearing retirement, and Rankin said "after the rigors of playing for (McDowell coach) Mike Silver, coach Connell was … sweet. We began to feel like he didn't know how to coach women, and was afraid to be too demanding lest he risk damaging our child-bearing parts.
"At one point, we asked him to make us run suicide sprint drills because we were not in good playing shape."
In Rankin's two years at Wingate, there was only one overnight basketball trip — to Chowan, in North Carolina's northeast corner. They rode in the "Blue Goose," a hand-me-down bus from the 1950s.
"That in itself was an adventure," she said. "I felt like I had stepped back into the earliest days of 'The Andy Griffith Show,' but the 'Old Goose' was reliable."
Rankin was on a Trustees Scholarship at Wingate, which paid most of her way, so she didn't apply for a portion of the single scholarship allocated for the team, which the school formed the year before she arrived. Without the impetus from Title IX, the team may not have existed by the time she got there.
Her brief college career on the court led to athletic success of a different kind. Rankin transferred to UNC-Chapel Hill as a junior and helped start a club-level water skiing team. She'd been involved in the sport since her father taught her as a kid, and at the collegiate level, as attitudes were changing about women in sports, she could finally do the sport she was "hooked" on.
Rankin is still a tournament slalom water skier and holds the NC slalom records for women ages 53-59 and women 60-64. She won the Southern Region Championships in 2002 and 2012.
"I would be lost without sports," she said. "I am a level-headed person. I follow rules. I finish what I start and do my best to finish it the right way. I have a strong work ethic; I'm sure it can be attributed to good role models in my parents, and sports."
Read the next part of our series on Title IX: Angie Elwood


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Peanut Butter 5 Ways
We just can't get enough of it! Last month we gave you 10 fun ideas for working peanut butter into meals and here are 5 more recipes for peanut buttery treats. Cookies and fudge can be part of a healthy diet: All 5 of these recipes meet our criteria -- it's all about portion control.
Enjoy one cookie for around 160 calories, serve with fresh fruit or dunk into a glass of ice cold milk.
This classic treat only needs 4 ingredients. Each piece has about 75 calories, so keep it to one or two per person.
These goodies make the perfect after-school or bedtime snack. Berries are a nice change from jelly – thank goodness it's strawberry season.
A sweet, salty and crunchy treat, use a tablespoon of peanut butter (per person) to hold it all together.
Jazz up apples and PB with some sweet and crunchy granola – use a tablespoon of each per person to keep the calories at 140 per serving.
Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »


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May 16, 2017
Rosti with Fish Fillet on Tomato Puree Sauce
Location : Cebu City, Cebu (province), Philippines
Welcome Back, Jeanne
Jeanne is partial about my rosti. I haven't done it in a while. Now that Jeanne is coming back from her Iligan travel, I thought a rosti welcome-back dinner together with some friends is in order. It also gives me a chance to try this new recipe I have long toyed-with in my mind.
Rosti, Fish and Killer BBQ Sauce
Rosti is a versatile dish that can substitute for rice, bread or pasta. Traditionally in Switzerland, rosti is topped with sausage. But in this recipe, rosti is paired with baked fish fillet with tomato puree sauce. This combines the best of classic Swiss cooking with a proven killer sauce for great barbecue flavor.
TIP - when you flip the rosti, this would be a good time to put the fish in the oven so both cook at the same time.[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Baked Fish
- fillet of fish - bland fish is best (eg Dory) because the tomato puree sauce is over-powering
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- salt and pepper
- rinse the fish and make sure it's fully thawed. Strain and pat dry with paper towel
- lavishly spread the oil on the fillet
- on a skillet, heat the butter and lightly fry the fish, both sides. Do not fully cook
- transfer the fish on a baking tray in an oven toaster and top with the tomato puree sauce. Broil for 8 minutes. You are done. TIP - best to time this part when you flip the rosti on to the other side. That way, rosti and fish cook at roughly the same time and can be served immediately
The rosti and the fish should be timed well to cook at the same time. Cut the rosti into serving size, put the portion on individual plates and top it with the fish. Best to serve chilled dry white wine. Bon appetite!
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit | Learn English | Travel like a Nomad | Donation Bank
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Making Sikwate: from cacao fruit to a hot dark chocolate drink(Jan 25, 2018) How does the cacao fruit make its way to be the glorified hot dark chocolate drink we now savour in proper cafes? Let me count the steps...more »»
More on Cebu City:
About Cebu City
- Cebu City is the 2nd biggest city in the Philippine (next to Manila) - and it continues to build and expand. Traffic is getting bad. Decentralization is being developed with the SM Super Mall in the SRP south and the suburban towns in the north.
- Boat from the airport to the city center - even without traffic, it takes about 4 rides to reach the city. But with Cebu's increasing traffic congestion, it has become a nightmare. Instead of taking the land route, take the water route - no traffic, fresher air and cheaper. From the airport, take the yellow multi-cab straight to the river port and take the ferry (there's only one destination) to the city. Take the 02B jeep and get off at UC near Jones - you're now on the city's main artery.
- given its size and increasing congestion, Cebu really needs a mass railway system - something that is conspicuously lacking, but no one seems to complain about
- Cebu is bursting at the seams on the yoga scene. There are about 20 yoga centers in the city - from yoga studios to gyms offering yoga and hotels jumping on the bandwagon
- a trendy and safe place in Cebu where you can chillout for coffee and enjoy good eats would be at the Ayala Mall
- there are other pocket-areas for trendy hangouts - Banila Town Center, Crossroads, Escario Plaza, La Vie, etc.
- the tourist area where most of the budget hotels and restaurants are, are located within the Mango area, although it has a seedy belly feel. Kids may swarm on you pretending to be begging, but they could be picking your pocket or your backpack pockets - be careful
- many pick-pockets in the Colon area - be careful
Cebu City Google Map
Cebu City, Philippines
- Tops - hilltop offering panoramic view of the city
- Taoist Temple - temple on a hillslope in Lahug with panoramic view of the city
- Hostel Seven Cebu - newly opened, resto/bar, central location, solo/group travellers
Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City
- S Hotel & Residences - new hotel, luxury rooms, central location
827 M. Velez corner Andres Abellana St.
- Fujinoya - new and refreshing twists to Western style desserts using Japanese techniques
Wilson St., Lahug, Cebu City - tel. 888.6075
- Bad Boys Wingz - Buffalo Wings, unique versions of sauces! Great service, accommodating staff, bad boys vibe
Kasambagan, Cebu City | (032) 415 4811
- Love Yoga World - yoga studio
11/fl, Skyrise 2 Tower, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City
- Yoga Now - first Yoga and Wellness studio in Mactan offering daily Yoga Classes
at The Yacht Club Mactan
- Cebu Mountain Bike Adventure - MTB tours, bike sales and repairs. Bed and Breakfast + Resto Cafe + wifi
1298-b V.Rama Ave, Guadalupe, Cebu City | 0942.959.7451
Cebu City to Camotes Island
Cebu City to Camotes Islands
- via Poro - from Pier One in Cebu City, take the Ocean Jet for Poro, 2 hours, daily trip - 6am and 3pm (0936.823.8762 |0956.270.6610 | 0999.889.9999).
- via Consuelo - from Cebu City, take the northbound bus passing through Danao and get off at the Danao Port. At the Port, take a Jomalia Shipping boat for Consuelo (San Francisco, Camotes), P220/pax, a/c, 2 hours, daily trip - 5:30am, 7:00am (special trip), 8:30am, 12:00 noon (express), 2:30pm, 5:30pm and 9:00pm (express, Fri/Sat/Sun only).
Camotes Islands to Cebu City
- Poro - Cebu City (fastest and most direct) - go to Poro and take the 8am or 5pm Ocean Jet to Pier One in Cebu City, P380/pax/aircon, 2 hours
- Consuelo - Danao - Cebu City - go to Consuelo (San Francisco) and take the Jomalia Shipping boat to Danao, P220/pax, a/c, 2 hours, daily trip - 5:30am, 7:00am (special trip), 8:30am, 12:00 noon (express), 2:30pm, 5:30pm and 9:00pm (express, Fri/Sat/Sun only). From Danao, take the Ceres Bus to Cebu City
Cebu City to Dumaguete
Cebu City to Dumaguete by Boat
- George and Peter Lines - Mon/Thur/Sat/Sun 10pm, (035)225.4337, 0922.557.1023
- Oceanjet - via Tagbilaran, daily 6am, firstname.lastname@example.com, 0918.898.2188
- Cokaliong - Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat 7pm, Sun 12pm, 6 hours, (035)225.3599
Cebu City to Dumaguete via Liloan (bus, boat, jeep, tricycle)
- Cebu City South Terminal - take the southbound Ceres bus to Liloan, P200, 5 hours
- Liloan - the bus drops you off at the Liloan Port where you board the Fastcraft to Sibulan, Negros Oriental, P62, 30 mins
- Sibulan - at the Sibulan Port, the jeeps wait for Fastcraft passengers to take them to the public market in Dumaguete, P12, 30 mins.
- Public Market - at the market, you can take any tricycle to your hotel, P8 for short trips
Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol
Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol
- Weesam Express - Pier 4, departs 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 2 hours
one way: Economy (aircon) P500.00, Economy (non-aircon) P400.00, First Class P600.00
round trip promo (at least 2 days advance booking): Economy (aircon) P600, Economy(non-aircon) P500, First Class P1200
round trip promo (1 day or on the day booking): Economy (aircon) P800, Economy (non-aircon) P700, First Class P1200
- Ocean Jet - Pier 1, departs 6-7-8-9:20-10:40-11:40AM, 1-2-4:20-6:35PM, 2 hours
Open Air / Tourist Class P800, Business Class P1000
+63 932 8734 885 / +63 922 8572 300
- SuperCat (2GO) - Pier 1, departs 08:15-13:30-15:10-18:00-19:40
+63 32 233 7000
- Lite Ferries - Pier 1, departs daily 12:30pm, 10:00pm and 1:00pm (Mon, Wed, Sat)
Standard (Lying) Php 150, Tourist (Lying Aircon) Php 340
+63 977.822.5483 / +63 998.999.5483 / +63 925.347.5483 / (032)255-1721 to 26 / (032)414-9001 to 03
firstname.lastname@example.com / www.liteferry.com
Cebu City to Siquijor by Boat, via Tagbilaran
Cebu City to Siquijor, via Tagbilaran
- Lite Ferries - Pier 1, departs M/W/SAT at 1:00pm, 10 hours, economy Php 649 (through barkota.com), layover in Tagbilaran 5:45pm-8:00pm, arrives Larena Port, Siquijor at 11:00pm
+63 977.822.5483 / +63 998.999.5483 / +63 925.347.5483 / (032)255-1721 to 26 / (032)414-9001 to 03
firstname.lastname@example.com / www.liteferry.com
- Ocean Jet - Pier 1, departs daily at 1pm, 5 hours
Open Air P1600
+63 932 8734 885 / +63 922 8572 300
Cebu City to Siquijor by Bus, via Liloan (Santander)(as of Jan 2023)
Sugbo Urban
There is only one bus plying this route - Sugbo Urban. Tourist class coach, a/c, comfortable, Sun-Fri (these dates keep changing). P420 for bus, P275 for ferry to Liloan. Leaves Cebu City (South Bus Terminal) at 8 pm (Sundays 1 am), heads south to Liloan (Santander), takes the ferry to Larena Port, Siquijor, docks around 5 am, makes a clockwise roundtrip around Siquijor Island - Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi (stops at Lazi market for breakfast and leaves 6:50 am), San Juan, Siquijor (arrives 8am, P50 from Lazi to Siquijor Poblacion) and catches the 1pm ferry at Larena Port for Liloan, Cebu and resumes its land route. Arrives Cebu City 10 pm.
Sugbo Urban is the cheapest and most convenient way because when it reaches Larena Port (Siquijor), it continues its trip around the island (clockwise) along the circumferential road, passing through - Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi, San Juan, Siquijor...and back to Larena. It spares you the cost of hiring a tricycle or habal-habal which charges exhorbitant fares. Besides, it's a long trip to the other side of the island to be taking by tricycle.
Cebu CityCEBU CITY
More on Cebu Province:
Suggested Destinations in Cebu
- Camotes Islands - caves, beaches
- Cebu City - rich in culture and history, 2nd largest city in the Philippines
- Moalboal - amazing coral reef system, sardine bowl, deep drop-off for freediving
- Oslob - Butanding (whale shark) watching
- Bantayan Island - long stretch of fine white sand beach, Virgin Island for snorkeling
- Malapascua Island - divers' paradise for seeing the rare Thresher Shark
- Cantabaco Cave - Toledo
- Barile Waterfalls - Barile
- Whale Shark Tour - Oslob
- Carcar - chicharon and lechon in public market
Currency Converter
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2023 |


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Okay, so people may pelt me with stones disagreeing, but I've just made the nicest discovery ever. On my quest to find half-bottles of wine around in my area, I came across this restaurant that's a mere 10 minutes away from my place. As it turns out, my location offers a few more gems than I've expected!
Has anybody heard of this restaurant — Wing's Restaurant?
Their restaurant lacks in terms of ambience, but OMFG, their chicken rice is AMAZING!
Okay, so it may not be the best chicken rice in the world, but heck, for Hong Kong standards, it's pretty hard to beat! For example, their skin is so crispy juicy that when you cut into the meat, it brings such a thrill when you see a sliver of oil sparkling alongthe edge. The meat is oh so tender that you just pop one in your mouth and it pretty much disappears. No more rubbery chewy ungoodness!
And oh yes, for those who are spendthrifts, here's a great part — it's a mere HKD34 (around TW 136) an order, which ain't bad considering dinners in Hong Kong cost top dollar!
They have other value added offerings available but would highly suggest that you guys stick to the chicken rice. Seriously, the servings was quite large that I didn't even finish my rice! That's three pieces of chicken fillet for your information:
Drooly huh? Trust me, it's way better in person and quite delish.
Hahaha, am ecstatic. This is one good thing when you stay home and NOT plan anything. After such an active weekend over the last few days, I welcome the peace and quiet. Sorry for the double post but just can't help it.
Take care all and hope you've enjoyed your dinner as much as I did!


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Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles: Country Rocks
Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles' members claim influences as far-reaching as Mahalia Jackson, Sid Vicious and Merle Haggard, so it's no surprise that the band boasts a unique sound. The group's 2005 debut, Silver City, showcased an unusual knack for mixing alternative rock with country, earning an impressive assortment of critical raves. Borges and her band spent a good portion of 2005 touring in support of the album, often opening for influences such as Dave Alvin.
The buzz surrounding Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles was enough for the group to secure a national label deal, which resulted in the June release of Diamonds in the Dark. The album features 12 diverse tracks, influenced by everything from Dolly Parton to '60s-style bubblegum pop.
Copyright 2007 XPN


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*Solar panel cost varies by location, solar panel mqanufacturer, system size and the amount of electricity your home uses.
There are three ways you can reduce your LEC bill: changing your habits, switching your rate plan, and adding solar panels.
You've probably heard a lot about reducing energy consumption by doing things like switching to LED lightbulbs and adding insulation to your walls, but these fixes are relatively easy compared to the far more impactful step of making changes to your lifestyle.
The second thing you can do is switch your rate plan. LEC doesn't offer time-of-use billing that can help you save money by shifting your usage of energy-intensive appliances to off-peak hours, but there may be other options for you .
Finally, you can reduce or even eliminate your electricity bill by installing solar panels on your home.
For some people, the savings from switching rate plans may only be a few dollars per month, but for many it can be $20-$100 per month. That's between $240 and $1,200 that you may now be paying to Laurens Electric Cooperative each year for no reason.
Finding out what's available to you is as simple as a phone call or email to Laurens Electric Cooperative. Even a small savings can be worth it.
Maybe. With a strong South Carolina tax credit of 25% of your solar purchase and installation costs, solar panels for your home can make a lot of sense for Laurens Electric Cooperative customers. Laurens has not made it completely clear in their documentation if you can at least get some credit on your power bill for the excess solar electricity your panels produce which you can't use onsite. For other electric cooperatives in South Carolina, solar credits, while accrued at a lower rate than you pay for electricity, roll over to the next month's bill.
No, Laurens Electric Cooperative does not offer full 1 for 1 net metering. This means that when you export surplus power from your solar panels, you will be paid less by the utility than what you are charged to buy the equivalent amount of power from the grid.
The major financial incentive currently available until the end of 2023 is the 30% federal solar tax credit. The way this works is that the full cost of the system needs to be paid to the installer, and this tax credit can then be claimed back as cash when you next do your taxes.
Many states, local governments and utilities also offer incentives for homeowners who go solar. This help can take the form of state tax credits, rebates, tax breaks, SRECs or even performance-based incentives. The best part is that all of these incentives apply in addition to the federal credit.
Here is every incentive you may be eligible for as a LEC customer:
|Upfront Incentives
|Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit (Federal)
Solar Energy State Tax Credit
25% of costs up to $3,500 or half of state tax liability, per year. Unused credits carry forward for a maximum of 10 years; thus the $35,000 cap.
Net Metering
Investor-owned utilities are required to offer full retail rate for excess kWh produced. New net metering rules for Duke customers require that participants accept service on a time-of-use rate plan and are assessed a minimum monthly bill. Customers who applied for net metering before June 1, 2021 will receive net metering under the old rules until May 2029.
*Based on 9.82 kW system, average installation cost $24,236
If you input the details for a LEC customer with a power bill of $170 per month into the best online solar panels calculator, it tells you that you need a 9.82 kW solar system that will produce 13,223 kWh per year and that this system will return the owner a $30,451 profit after repaying the cost of the system.
The solar savings possible for you as a LEC customer will depend on the amount of electricity you use and the cost of the solar system you buy. Savings also vary based on the direction of your roof or any shading of your roof that affects output.
Here is a monthly and lifetime solar savings estimate for the same relatively typical LEC customer with a $170 per month electric bill prior to solar and who installs a 9.82 kW solar system.
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 11.4kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
System Size (for 100% usage offset)
9.82 kW
Annual Power Generation
13,223 kWh
Pay-back time (assuming Cash purchase)
9.4 Years
Internal Rate of Return (IRR) on Investment
Gross cost
Total Upfront Incentives and Rebates
Net Cost of System after rebates and incentives
Total Cost of Utility Power Avoided over 25 years
While most homeowners decide to install solar panels because of financial savings over time, the environmental impacts of this choice are the primary motive for others. Here is a breakdown of the environmental benefits from a Laurens Electric Cooperative customer installing a 9.82 kW solar system on their property:A solar system generating 13,223 kWh per year will save you money AND make the world a nicer place
The cost of installing solar panels will vary with brands of solar panels and inverters you choose and also the installation company you choose to install them.
It is common to see really good systems, using quality brands of equipment, being sold for around $2.47 per watt or $14,432 for a standard 9.82 kW solar system after the customer claims the 30% federal solar tax credit.


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Well now I've started something. When in my last blog, on impulse, I added a sentence about how distantly we treat our children, I had an epiphany; especially in the wake of reader's comments. I wrote about how we have displaced the value of our elders and ignore their very essential value in the continuity of our culture. What I realized after I added the bit about how poorly many of us treat our children, especially at the time of their lives when dedicated parental nurturing is necessary for healthy development, is that those kids are tomorrow's adults. They'll do what we have taught them. "As the twig is bent so grows the tree." They're the ones who will discard their parents into care facilities which dilutes the family further, just like we did to them. "Just keep paying us and we'll keep them out of your way." Family members become as disposable as chocolate wrappers and all our other debris. We know where a large number of Covid 19 deaths have occurred.
In my archives is a rough draft for a novel based on an opening scene where paramedics attend an accident with several victims scattered on the roadside. After checking each person for a pulse the bar code tattooed behind their right ear is scanned. The monetary system as we know it now is gone, replaced with electronic currency. We would have a system of personal credits, those earned, accumulated, spent and borrowed. Depending on your net credit worth and your present social standing factored by the degree of your injuries, a computer decision is made to save your life or terminate it as a source of fresh organs and tissue. And if you don't have a bar code, well you're just not part of the system. Red light! Send that one in on the slow truck.
Far fetched? We're really not that far away now. There's a lot to consider about the progress and regress, the ebb and flood of civilization, if you're contemplative about humanity. Frankly, I envy those who are not. I sometimes wish a case of beer, a sack of crisps and some TV sports could placate me and keep me in a non-questioning existence. For those of us who are cursed with a questioning mind there is plenty to research in our quests. Recently a novel was brought to my attention. 'The Plague' written by Albert Camus near the middle of the last century is amazingly prescient. Camus, well aware of the pandemics past, seemed to understand those that were to come, perhaps because there is a pattern of natural mass population control throughout our history. Like nearly everything else, there are reviews of the work available on the web.
Then, today, there was third component introduced to my epiphany. 'The Machine Stops' written in 1909 by E.M. Forster is a short story which offers some amazing views on a future dystopian troglodyte society which is almost entirely dependant on and committed to the synthetic environment it has created. Communication around the planet is via an internet-like technology. People live underground, entirely terrified of being self-reliant, independent and are almost wholly insular from each other. They travel reluctantly in airships and only when necessary with little interest in scenic views of the planet passing beneath them. Those who struggle to escape this culture are accused of the despicable act of "homelessness." This a sobering essay on how our society may be evolving. Written at the time it was is fascinating. It is work to read and digest but thrilling to discover such a brilliant mind especially in the years preceding the massive technical renaissance of the First World War. Here's a link to the entire short story:
Our spring weather here on Vancouver Island has been cool and damp lately. Despite that the wildflowers have bloomed profusely. Fruit and berries are flowering and ripening early and in huge quantities. It is said that fools and newcomers predict the weather but my instilled rural sensibilities suggest that we may well have a severe winter ahead. Another indicator, as old wit and humour go, is about the size of the white man's wood piles. But, it is officially summer in a few days and as Covid restrictions slowly relax, we'd best live in the moment. Remember the line from that wonderful movie 'Bucket List.' "If you think the last six months went fast, think about the next few."
"The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself."
― Albert Camus


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The Writers Voice
Pat Gluck
It was summertime, 1946. After having spent some years in the 'Big War' and loungin' around over the Holidays of '45, I was ready... no, compelled... to get my first post-war employment. I answered an ad for an "ice cream salesman." That's all the damn ad said so how in the world was a 22 year old punk to know what that was? An interview was arranged and I soon got the answer when approaching their main offices. I saw a couple of hundred half-bicycles and half ice box contraptions parked on their front lawn.
I was familiar with ice cream trucks, cruising slowly down the street, attracting all sorts of children and thought that my 'selling' was to be centered around that scenario. Nope! I gave those 'hell-buggies' a jaundiced look as I passed them on my way for my interview.
Of course, I got the job. It really didn't take much intelligence for them to figure out that this young and healthy person was an excellent candidate for wheeling their buggies up and down a particular route in Chicago.
Now, to those of you who have never pedaled a beast like the one I was assigned to, I kid you not, it took all of my strength and youthfulness just to get the damn thing a'rollin'! (And this was just to wheel it up to their master freezer where we all loaded up for the day's venture... oops: adventure!)
We were all shown how to put the ice cream bars in one section of the box and where to store the Popsicles, ice cream cups, etc. We were also warned that the 'hot ice' which kept everything cold was not to be touched with our bare hands since severe burns would be the result of that happening.
Well, I was lucky in that my 'route' was flat. Some sections of Chicago were hilly and I doubted whether or not my contemporaries had the ability to ride up those hills on the seat of their 'bikes.' I learned later that my fellow workers had to push their rigs when the terrain had its ups 'n downs!
Yeah, I had a little set of bells I rang which, in turn, brought the kiddies flocking to me. Hell, it was warm, I was young and enthusiastic, and my 'work' ended up being nothing more than asking them what they wanted, reaching into my box, and taking their money.
One day, though, this beautiful little four or five year old girl, with the cutest blond locks I had ever seen, came up to me with a dollar bill in her hand. She asked me for an orange Popsicle and I asked her what her name was. She replied, "Roxannie." I was so impressed with her looks and sweet voice that I grabbed a piece of hot ice from my box instead of her Popsicle. I let out a God-awful "Yipe" that startled her. She was almost crying as I tried to console her, while handing her two Popsicles, one orange and one grape. She muttered a "Thank you" and ran off without letting me take the dollar bill which was still in her hand.
I was hopping up and down, with my handkerchief wrapped around my injured hand and my only thought was to get back to 'headquarters,' turn in my receipts, and go home. It wasn't easy for me to lug that hunk-o-steel back to the garage since I only had one good hand to steer it with. When I finally made it back, my bosses put some sort of salve on my hand, bandaged me up, and that was that for the day!
Roxannie, I hope you're reading this account of mine. You're approaching retirement just about now. And, when you receive your first pension check, remember you still owe me 10 cents!
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Michael: I don't understand… you want to see other people? Only other people?
Tag: breakups
I'm living off of Ambien and The Notebook.
Kurt: I'm going. I need to see him. I haven't seen him since. I'm not sleeping. I'm living off of Ambien and The Notebook.
Rachel: You know, I don't really know what's going to happen between us, but I know that you used to be the guy that would make me feel like the most special girl in the whole world, and it doesn't feel that way anymore. Now it just feels sad and confusing. And the worst part is that it doesn't even feel that bad anymore.
I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.
Lisa: Just because you end a relationship with somebody doesn't mean you cut them out of your life.
Dave: Oh really? Isn't that actually the definition of ending a relationship?


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Picture: John Mellencamp and Meg Ryan - Meg Ryan carries some drinks while out for a stroll in Manhattan with John Mellencamp - New York City,...
Rocker John Mellencamp has pledged to release all of his forthcoming music with Republic Records after signing what has been dubbed a "lifetime" contract with the label.
The Jack & Diane singer, 62, will unveil his 22nd album, Plain Spoken, with the Universal Music Group subsidiary this autumn (14), and company boss Monte Lipman reveals it will be the first of many more to come.
He says, "Not only has he served as an ambassador of social consciousness in America, but he has also provided the soundtrack of a generation.
"We're thrilled to be working with John Mellencamp as part of this historic deal."
Details about the deal have not been disclosed.
He released his last studio project, 2010's No Better Than This, on independent label Rounder Records.


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Review - Chia Charge Energy Bars
Chia Charge Flapjacks
These are proper flapjacks; made with butter and oats (and of course chia seeds). They have a lovely cake-like texture, and they are a real pleasure to eat. Available in plain (slightly salted), banana and cranberry flavours, I have had them as morning coffee-time snacks and as on-the-bike fuel.
Packing a good energy punch of 370kcals each, they should keep you pedalling for a good while.
Packing a good energy punch of 370kcals each, they should keep you pedalling for a good while.
Chia Charge Karma Raw Fruit and Nut Bars
Cold pressed fruit and nut bars are very much on-trend at the moment, with brands like Nak'd and Rude Health also having some tasty offerings. These Chia Charge ones are some of the nicest I have tried.
The Cocoa Karma and Koffee Karma are my two favourites, and they are packed full of dates, protein and healthy fats for energy.
Chia Charge Protein Bars
With cashews, dried fruit, seeds and soya, these tasty cold pressed protein bars deliver a low sugar, high protein snack; perfect for those post-workout hunger pains.


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Series: Immortal Guardians #3.5
Available Now
Source: NetGalley for review
Originally published in "Predatory"
"In Dianne Duvall s world of Immortal Guardians, the stakes for mortals are high, but the cost especially to the heart might be higher "
It s not the first time Immortal Guardian Richart d Alencon has saved a human life from eternal damnation. Usually, he moves on, a nameless savior like a ghost in the night. But this time he can t seem to forget the woman who rewarded him with a sensuous kiss after he rescued her from a trio of vampires. While Richart knows that loving a human can only bring trouble, the taste of forbidden lust is too great to resist
Jenna never imagined she d end up a single mom working overtime to put her son through school. But she might have daydreamed once that a devastatingly gorgeous Frenchman would sweep her off her feet. Now that a package of tall, dark, and handsome seems intent on doing just that, doctors are telling her she may not have long to live. But Richart is telling her just the opposite. All she has to do is abandon her humanityMy thoughts:
I reviewed this one already when I reviewed Predatory so I thought I'd do a short review.
If you love the Immortal Guardian's series, this is a novella you shouldn't miss. You can also read it if you haven't read the others. It is the sweet story of Richart and Jenna. It is short and sweet and you immediately root for both characters. I love how much she packed into one little novella. I give it 4 stars and I recommend it to anyone looking for a good PNR.


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Member Discounts
Multiple Student Discount
Members with 2 or more children registered in our programs are provided a 10% discount from the tuition total.
Twistars USA prides itself on being a family based and oriented business. In order to assist our member families that have multiple children enrolled in our programs, we offer a multiple student discount. Members, of course, must be from the same immediate family (third cousins to your step uncle would not be eligible.)
Multiple Class Discount
Or, if one or more of the children is participating in our multiple-class discount program (attending more than one recreational class per week,) then the multiple-class discount would be provided instead of the multiple-sibling discount to create the largest savings for you.
Members with more than 3 children enrolled in any of our programs receive FREE Membership registration fees for the 3rd, 4th child etc.
Competitive Team-Recreational Class Discount
Competitive team members with siblings enrolled in our recreational program are entitled to the Multiple Student Discount provided the recreational student is continuously enrolled through the month receiving the tuition discount, In other words if a recreational 8 week session ends in the middle of the month and the recreational student does not re-enroll, the competitive team student would not be eligible for the Multiple Student Discount for that month.


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We have two key partners we want you to know about.
go2japan is proudly sponsored by a strategic partnership for Japan . . .
Here are just a few of the features you might want to explore on Asian Access' main website: AsianAccess.org
- Asian Access Staff Profiles: meet Asian Access staff and missionaries
- Video: check out other places around Asia
- Asia Country Profiles: learn more about the countries of Asia
Here are just a few of the features you might want to explore on SIM USA's main website: SIMUSA.org
- About SIM USA
- Pray for more laborers to go to the harvest field.
- Go: connecting you with work around the world


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Cystinosis is a rare lysosomal storage disease in which cystine accumulates in organs and tissues throughout the body. Although renal disease predominates in the early forms of cystinosis, all forms of the disease can result in ophthalmic sequelae, particularly pigmented retinopathy and deposition of cystine crystals in the cornea, with associated photophobia and visual impairment. Patients should be followed closely by nephrology and other specialists in order to manage life threatening renal disease and extra-renal symptoms, but also need regular ophthalmologic evaluation to determine the extent of ocular disease and manage pathology appropriately. The early and late forms of ocular disease can both be treated with cysteamine eye drops to halt progression of ocular manifestations and diminish the presence of cystine crystals in the cornea. Oral cysteamine therapy may decrease the occurrence of retinopathy.
Disease Entity
There are three main forms of the disease which are categorized as infantile, juvenile, and adult cystinosis. The most commonly diagnosed form of cystinosis is the infantile, or nephropathic form, which has been shown to have an incidence of 1 in every 100,000 to 200,000 children.[1] The adult, non-nephropathic, ocular form of cystinosis is less frequently encountered, but is thought to be more prevalent than documented as it is usually discovered incidentally during ophthalmologic examination, and thus, may otherwise remain undiagnosed.
In healthy individuals, the amino acid cystine is the byproduct of protein metabolism within lysosomes. It is typically transported out of the lysosome by a membrane transport protein known as cystinosin. A genetic defect in cystinosin results in the accumulation of lysosomal cystine, and subsequent cystine deposition within tissues. The build up of cystine within cells leads to crystal formation, and resultant organ damage, which occurs most prominently in the kidneys, leading to early renal failure. However, as noted above, crystals can form in other organs including the liver, thyroid, pancreas, muscle, brain, and eyes[2].
Cystinosis is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. A mutation in the CTNS gene on chromosome 17p13 results in dysfunction of the lysosomal membrane transport protein cystinosin.[3] Over 100 different mutations are known to cause cystinosis, all with variable clinical presentations.[4][5]
Ophthalmologists can play an important role in the diagnosis of cystinosis, as one of the three main diagnostic criteria is the finding of corneal crystals on slit lamp exam. Cystinosis may also be diagnosed by genetic testing for the CTNS mutation, or by elevated leukocyte cystine content.[2]
Ophthalmologic Features
The most common symptom of cystine accumulation in the structures of the eye is photophobia, although other symptoms such as foreign body sensation, visual impairment, and blepharospasm can be present and confound the picture, as these can be symptoms of congenital glaucoma.[6] Structure-specific involvement is described below:
- Cornea: All forms of cystinosis show early deposition of cystine crystals in the cornea, often as early as 16 months.[7] These crystals were first described in 1941 as small, white, sequin-like crystals in the cornea (Figure 1). Other descriptions label them as needle-shaped and reflective in nature. Cystine crystals are found primarily in the corneal stroma, but can be present in all layers of the cornea. Crystal deposition begins in the anterior periphery of the cornea and extends inward and posteriorly as the disease progresses.[8] As crystal deposition worsens, visualization with the naked eye can show diffuse haziness of the cornea. Research suggests that the extent of corneal involvement may serve to reflect the course and severity of systemic disease.[7]
- Retina: Pigmented retinopathy has been shown to be the earliest finding of ocular involvement in cystinosis, appearing as early as 5 months of age in the infantile form of the disease. This most frequently presents as bilateral, peripheral hypopigmentation and mottling of the retinal pigment epithelium. Cystine crystals may also accumulate in the retina. Advanced retinal disease in older, untreated patients is thought to contribute to decreased visual acuity and visual field deficits.[9][10]
- Others: Careful ophthalmologic examination can also reveal cystine crystals within the conjunctiva, iris, anterior lens, choroid, and optic nerve. However, no specific clinical symptoms have been correlated with these findings. Conjunctival crystals may give the conjunctiva a "ground glass" appearance on microscopic examination.[8]
Non-ophthalmologic Features
- Infantile, nephropathic cystinosis: This form of cystinosis often presents in the first year of life as renal Fanconi syndrome, a defect in proximal tubular function that progresses to end stage renal disease by the age of 10 in the absence of treatment. This is frequently accompanied by growth retardation, rickets, hypothyroidism, and failure to thrive. Studies have also shown specific cognitive deficits and difficulties in visuo-spatial processing and behavioral functioning.[11][12][13][14]
- Late-onset, juvenile cystinosis: Presentation is similar to infantile cystinosis, but occurs later in childhood and may progress more slowly, with renal failure occurring in the late teens or early adult years.
- Adult, ocular cystinosis: The adult form is often benign and incidentally discovered during slit lamp examination. It may involve cystine crystal formation within the bone marrow, in addition to the eye, but is typically asymptomatic.
General treatment
Individuals with infantile cystinosis previously did not survive beyond the first or second decade of life, but with advancements in renal dialysis, kidney transplantation, and pharmacologic treatment, individuals are now surviving well into adulthood.[15] The most effective medical treatment for cystinosis is the use of cysteamine, a cystine-depleting drug that acts within the lysosomes of cells and converts accumulated cystine into a form that can be easily excreted from the lysosome in the absence of functional cystinosin. Some hospitals have started multi-disciplinary cystinosis clinics in an effort to approach the disease in a more collaborative way.[16]
Oral therapy
Treatment with oral cysteamine is started as soon as possible after the diagnosis of infantile or juvenile cystinosis. Early intervention is shown to improve renal function, decrease growth restriction, and prevent hypothyroidism.[17] Oral cysteamine also appears to decrease retinopathy, evidenced by data showing that the fraction of patients with retinopathy decreased proportionately to the length of time spent receiving cysteamine therapy.[10]
Topical therapy
While oral therapy proves helpful in diminishing retinopathy, the lack of vasculature in the cornea makes systemic therapy ineffective in this location. As a result, a topical formulation of cysteamine was developed to target corneal cystine crystal deposition. Cysteamine eye drops have since been proven to decrease corneal crystal deposition if used every 1-2 hours throughout the day.[18][19][20][21] Topical cysteamine drops also have the disadvantage of needing to be kept cool and used within a week of opening. These issues make treatment adherence very difficult, especially in the youngest patients, and may also negatively impact patient quality of life. Recent advances in pharmacology have resulted in more stable cysteamine preparations and also a new gel form of topical treatment that requires decreased dosing with similar or possibly improved efficacy when compared to currently available treatments.[22][23][24]
Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder that results in the accumulation of the amino acid cystine crystals in many organs throughout the body. Renal damage is prominent in the early forms of cystinosis, but ocular involvement is present in all forms of the disease. Ophthalmic manifestations of all 3 types of cystinosis include crystal deposition in the cornea, conjunctiva, iris, lens, choroid, and retina with early development of pigmented retinopathy and the extent of corneal crystals related to age of onset and the use of disease modifying medications. Topical cysteamine is the treatment of choice for ophthalmologic management, and can effectively reduce corneal cystine crystal accumulation and alleviate symptoms such as photophobia. Ophthalmologic surveillance and management of cystinosis is important in order to monitor disease progression and prevent late visual complications of untreated cystine accumulation.
Additional Resources
- Cystinosis Foundation: http://www.cystinosisfoundation.org/
The Cystinosis Foundation is a non-profit organization with more than 30 years of International experience in supporting and educating families and the medical community through the dissemination of educational literature, funding research, and annual conferences.
- Cystinosis Research Network: https://cystinosis.org/
The Cystinosis Research Network is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating research, providing family assistance and educating the public and medical communities about cystinosis.
- Cystinosis Research Foundation: http://www.cystinosisresearch.org/
The mission of the Cystinosis Research Foundation is to support bench and clinical research that is focused on developing improved treatments and a cure for cystinosis.
- ↑ Adamson MD, Andersson HC, Gahl WA. Cystinosis. Seminars in nephrology 1989; 9:147-61.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Elmonem MA, Veys KR, Soliman NA, van Dyck M, van den Heuvel LP, Levtchenko E. Cystinosis: a review. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 2016; 11:47.
- ↑ Town M, Jean G, Cherqui S, et al. A novel gene encoding an integral membrane protein is mutated in nephropathic cystinosis. Nat Genet 1998; 18:319.
- ↑ Anikster Y, Shotelersuk V, Gahl WA. CTNS mutations in patients with cystinosis. Hum Mutat 1999; 14:454.
- ↑ Attard M, Jean G, Forestier L, et al. Severity of phenotype in cystinosis varies with mutations in the CTNS gene: predicted effect on the model of cystinosin. Hum Mol Genet 1999; 8:2507.
- ↑ Kaiser-Kupfer MI, Caruso RC, Minkler DS, Gahl WA. Long-term ocular manifestations in nephropathic cystinosis. Arch Ophthalmol 1986; 104:706.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Gahl WA, Kuehl EM, Iwata F, et al. Corneal crystals in nephropathic cystinosis: natural history and treatment with cysteamine eyedrops. Mol Genet Metab 2000; 71:100.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Tsilou E, Zhou M, Gahl WA, Sieving PC, Chan C. Ophthalmologic manifestations and histopathology of infantile nephropathic cystinosis: report of a case and review of the literature. Survey of Ophthalmology 2007; 52:1.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Elmonem MA, Veys KR, Soliman NA, van Dyck M, van den Heuvel LP, Levtchenko E. Cystinosis: a review. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 2016; 11:47.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Tsilou ET, Rubin BI, Reed G, Caruso RC, Iwata F, Balog J, Gahl WA, Kaiser-Kupfer MI. Nephropathic cystinosis: posterior segment manifestations and effects of cysteamine therapy. Ophthalmology. 2006; 113(6):1002-9.
- ↑ Ballantyne AO, Trauner DA. Neurobehavioral consequences of a genetic metabolic disorder: visual processing deficits in infantile nephropathic cystinosis. Neuropsychiatry, neuropsychology, and behavioral neurology 2000; 13:254-63.
- ↑ Trauner DA, Spilkin AM, Williams J, Babchuck L. Specific cognitive deficits in young children with cystinosis: evidence for an early effect of the cystinosin gene on neural function. The Journal of pediatrics 2007; 151:192-6.
- ↑ Ballantyne AO, Scarvie KM, Trauner DA. Academic achievement in individuals with infantile nephropathic cystinosis. American journal of medical genetics 1997; 74:157-61.
- ↑ Delgado G, Schatz A, Nichols S, Appelbaum M, Trauner D. Behavioral profiles of children with infantile nephropathic cystinosis. Developmental medicine and child neurology 2005; 47:403-7.
- ↑ Gahl WA, Thoene JG, Schneider JA. Cystinosis: A disorder of lysosomal membrane transport. The Metabolic and Molecular Bases of Inherited Diseases. 8th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2001. p. 5085-108.
- ↑ Multi-specialty UCSD Cystinosis Clinic. University of California San Diego - Rady Children's Hospital. https://cystinosis.org/21-family-support/resources/209-multi-specialty-ucsd-cystinosis-clinic
- ↑ Markello TC, Bernardini IM, Gahl WA. Improved renal function in children with cystinosis treated with cysteamine. N Engl J Med 1993; 328:1157–1162.
- ↑ Kaiser-Kupfer MI, Fujikawa L, Kuwabara T, Jain S, Gahl WA. Removal of corneal crystals by topical cysteamine in nephropathic cystinosis. N Engl J Med 1987; 316:775–779.
- ↑ Kaiser-Kupfer MI, Gazzo MA, Datiles MB, Caruso RC, Kuehl EM, Gahl WA. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of cysteamine eye drops in nephropathic cystinosis. Arch Ophthalmol 1990; 108:689–693.
- ↑ Jones NP, Postlethwaite RJ, Noble JL. Clearance of corneal crystals in nephropathic cystinosis by topical cysteamine 0.5%. Br J Ophthlamol 1991; 75:311–312.
- ↑ Bradbury JA, Danjoux J-P, Voller J, Spencer M, Brocklebank T. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of topical cysteamine therapy in patients with nephropathic cystinosis. Eye 1991; 5:755–760.
- ↑ Shams F, Livingstone I, Oladiwura D, Ramaesh K. Treatment of corneal crystal accumulation in patients with cystinosis. Clinical Ophthalmology 2014; 8:2077-84.
- ↑ Tsilou ET, Thompson D, Lindblad AS, et al. A multicentre randomised double masked clinical trial of a new formulation of topical cysteamine for the treatment of corneal cystine crystals in cystinosis. Br J Ophthalmol 2003; 87(1):28–31.
- ↑ Labbé A, Baudouin C, Deschênes G, et al. A new gel formulation of topical cysteamine for the treatment of corneal cystine crystals in cystinosis: the Cystadrops OCT-1 study. Mol Genet Metab 2014; 111:314.


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Steel and aluminum are so overrated. Car buyers demand more wood, leather, and denim!
10.) Wood
You'd think an easily combustible material like wood wouldn't have a place in car making, but Morgan has always used it to make the frames of their cars and you can find balsa in the floor of the C5 and C6 Corvette.
Suggested By: Auto-Tuned Eli Manning, Photo Credit: Brian Snelson
9.) Artificial Leather For Body Panels
Sure, fake leather is used for interiors all the time but exteriors? The Velorex Oskar, a three wheeled microcar made in Czechoslovakia from 1953-1971, used fake leather buttoned to a steel tubular frame. Cold War ingenuity at its finest!
Suggested By: GhostZ, Photo Credit: Fabian Bromann
8.) Bonded Acrylic & Fiberglass
The Bricklin SV-1 was basically made of the same materials used to make your shower. Reader DMCVegas can tell you why that is an interesting, but ultimately bad idea:
"Pros: A revolutionary idea on paper, and one that Malcolm Bricklin had from his days running a plumbing supply business. Changing colors *could* be as easy as changing body panels. Since the color is impregnated, there is no painting involved (saved for the bumpers, but more on that later). If you scratch the car, it's still the same color underneath. So almost anything literally buffs out like it was never there. Also rather dent resistant.
Cons: There is a reason you don't drive a shower. First off Acrylic fades very badly. Second, it's not heat resistant. Third, it does not play well with petroleum-based primers if you want to paint the car. Once one is applied, it chemical reaction is set into motion that cannot be reversed. The acrylic with break down and separate from the fiberglass. The only true fix is to buy an entirely NEW set of body panels for the whole car. Yes, fiberglass replacements are available, but it's a damn good reason you should always beware a painted SV-1. The only way to safely paint it is to use a water-based primer first."
Suggested By: DMCVegas, Photo Credit: Alden Jewell
7.) Ceramic
Keeping with the bathroom theme, Isuzu made a ceramic concept car back in 1985 and actually intended to market a ceramic engine. The engine never made it to market, but Isuzu was the first to use ceramic glow plugs, so there's that.
Suggested By: smalleyxb122, Photo Credit: Isuzu via AllCarIndex
6.) Soy
Back in 1941 Henry Ford produced a car with plastic body panels made up of soybeans and various other materials. It was much lighter than a steel bodied car, and argued to be much safer but America's involvement in WWII put a halt on the project.
Suggested By: autojim, Photo Credit: The Henry Ford
5.) Denim
Since it was the 1970's AMC and Levi's teamed up to create a Levi's Edition Gremlin complete with Denim seats complete with copper rivets. If you own a Levi's Gremlin you're awesome, and don't wear white pants.
Suggested By: DennyCraneDennyCraneDennyCrane, Photo Credit: AMC
4.) Aerogel
This magic supermaterial hasn't seen widespread usage in cars yet but is slowly making its way into automotive production. The C7 Corvette uses Aerogel as a heat insulator for the transmission tunnel, which means that you can buy a car that has NASA materials and pushrods.
Suggested By: AustinBenji, Photo Credit: NASA via Gizmodo
3.) Duroplast
None of the weird materials on this list have seen widespread usage like Duroplast, a plastic made of recycled materials used in the Trabant. More than 3 million Trabi's were made of this fiberglass like material and it doesn't decompose, which has proved to be a bit of a problem.
Suggested By: J-Tenno, Photo Credit: P K
2.) Polyurethane Coated Spandex
For BMW's unfortunately named (and hooded) GINA concept Lycra was laid over a moveable body that allowed the car to change shapes. I doubt we'll see this in a production car, but we can all dream.
Suggested By: The Burner Kept Rubbin, Photo Credit: BMW
1.) Whale Penis
Our favorite Russian SUV maker will make the interior out of whatever you want (provided you have the cash), including whale penis. Yes, if you're a wealthy Russian you can have an armored SUV with whale penis interior.
Suggested By: Arch Duke Maxyenko, SHAZAM!, Photo Credit: Dartz
Welcome back to Answers of the Day - our daily Jalopnik feature where we take the best ten responses from the previous day's Question of the Day and shine it up to show off. It's by you and for you, the Jalopnik readers. Enjoy!
Top Photo Credit: BMW


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Sunny skies in the morning can quickly change to stormy blizzards by the afternoon. Capitalize on whatever comes your way with the Patagonia Men's 3-in-1 Snowshot Jacket. You can wear this versatile jacket as a waterproof breathable shell, a lightweight insulator on a bluebird day, or combine the shell and insulation as a warm combo for cold-weather riding. The durable H2No Performance Standard 2-layer polyester shell has a waterproof breathable barrier between you and stormy weather. And a Deluge DWR (durable water repellent) finishes the zip-out jacket for protection against light rain. A slick mesh lining manages moisture and glides over layers. The quilted, zip-out liner is lightweight, compressible and insulated with 60-g Thermogreen that stays warm even when wet. Finer details include a zip-off, helmet-compatible, 2-way-adjustable hood with a laminated visor to seal snow out of your face. Underarm venting cools you off on the chairlift. An embedded RECCO avalanche rescue reflector helps RECCO-equipped ski patrols find you in an emergency. And an adjustable, fully featured powder skirt has a webbing loop to attach any Patagonia ski pant.
|Check Amazon's prices.
|Check eBay's prices.


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Laura / Palais de Tokyo / Paris
I met Laura of "Couturekulten" during last Fashion Week in Paris. Laura is a student in
Design from Danemark. Her biggest dream in life would be to succeed to become a
Fashion Designer and her worst nightmare would be to never be able to travel
anymore. Dress by H&M, Coat by Zalando, shoes by Tiger of Sweden, Bag by Zara.
Photos by Fred / Easy Fashion Paris


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CMO Endeavour
You live on a red carpet and are always attending exclusive events. If faced with only 10 minutes to get ready, are you spending it on full facial glam or working with a stylist to pull your look together?
I'm usually pretty decisive on what I want to wear so I don't have to spend a lot of time thinking about it however, since I'm a multitasker I would like to have someone do my glam so that I can respond to emails and take calls while I get ready.
You are the force and the face behind The Full Circle Festival. If faced with only 10 minutes to pack for the Full Circle Festival, what are you packing?
I'm packing a Kente cloth outfit (Kente is the official material of Ghanaian people for important occasions); a pair of stilettos and some Ghana gold jewelry.
If faced with only 10 minutes for some self-care after a hectic day, no phone, no computer, peace and quiet, what are you doing?
Full stop, sleeping.
What would you do with an extra 10 minutes a day?
Hang out with my 10-year-old daughter.


text:
Ben J Hutchison last edited by
Anyone have a good number for sending out postcards? In @Lee-White s making money in illustration class 2, he mentioned sending out 1400 postcards and the whittling it down to 750 in his first year. Doing the math, lets say I get 1000 post cards and send them out every 2 months for a year. That's around $2640 (1000 Vistaprint 4x6 postcards about $100 + 1000 .34 cent stamps) for the year. That is a crazy number I never expected to be so high (for the # of postcards sent or cost of advertising)! I thought I was doing my due diligence with 100! I'd like to hear anyone else who has started sending out mailers and how many you are sending out. Here are my two newest mailers that I think I need to order many more of. Thanks!
Kevin Longueil SVS OG last edited by Kevin Longueil
@Ben-J-Hutchison I think video 15 and 16 of the business half of the "illustrating children 's books" class talks about this - they talk about targeted vs mass mailing in 16 I think - and they talk to Stephen Fraser in 15 and he talks a bit about receiving postcards - good videos to watch (even if I'm wrong
smceccarelli Pro SVS OG last edited by
Need to watch that class....
However, the maths is right - sending postcards is a notable expense (much more in Europe, where sending a postcard is between 0.7 and 1.2 USD, depending how many borders you cross)...Still much less than traditional advertising on annuals. And more than using e-mail of course.....but as everybody says, a postcard cannot NOT be seen.
The most challenging aspect of it, however, is not the cost, it is putting together a sensible mailing list. You can buy mass-mailing lists, but they cost a lot of money. I have decided to put one together myself, and I am working on it since many months...it cost a disproportionate amount of time. You can get name of art directors all right, but tracking down their physical address is very time-consuming, Even more time is needed to find out whether the type of illustration they commission is relevant for you. Currently I am between 10 and 15 minutes per name/address. You can make the maths there too
I have now about 90 vetted addresses of European publishers - did not even start with UK and USA yet. And I am not finished with Europe either. I am aiming at 100-200 before sending out the first batch. And then there is all the work of mail-merging and printing the addresses, etc...The time-expense is really becoming a hindrance for me more than any monetary cost - I definitely need to give more priority to this task, or hire somebody to do it, like I think every time I start on it again....
As for printing, I have decided not to print more than 200 at a time. As I keep building my portfolio, I do not want to be sending out old work just because I have a printed batch. Also, I have done 3 test prints already - fighting with color-consistency, layout mishaps and paper quality. Definitely print postcards on heavy stock (300 g/sqm would be the European weight), otherwise they look like flyers...
Kevin Longueil SVS OG last edited by
@smceccarelli I thought there was mention of SCBWI membership giving you access to an up to date mailing list in one of the videos..... I think # 16 - the down side was that it is the same list that everyone else has - that seem fine to me though
smceccarelli Pro SVS OG last edited by
@Kevin-Longueil Yes, SCWBI gives you an awesome resource of ADs with addresses. You can take it as is and use it (which I will probably end up doing for lack of time), but my aspiration would still be to check out each of the houses and see what exactly are they publishing - probably will never manage for lack of time.
And you still need to physically copy-paste those records into a format you can print adress labels from...Whichever way, there is a lot of admin-type work to be done, which I thoroughly hate (which is probably why it takes me so much time and effort...).
Ben J Hutchison last edited by
@Kevin-Longueil and @smceccarelli I agree that building the list is hard. I have a list of 100 I sent out last year and only 7-8 got returned so I thought that was pretty good. I lucked out and found a list online that I pulled from but even that was a list of 200 people from who knows when. I haven't made a list of agents but I never really hear much about that. I haven't joined SCBWI yet so I don't know about their list, but I am thinking about trying out that agency access for the 3 day trial period and just cram? I think its hard to keep up with who is where. Some of the names I got back with my last mailer are still working in the industry but they've moved on to other places.
As for printing and sending, I ended up putting my list into an excel spreadsheet and then printed out labels using some sort of mailer function that is somewhere in excel or word. I googled it and was able to follow along with someone. I've used vista print for both of my runs and have liked the quality. But I kind of freaked out when I ordered 100 and then Lee said 1400! but if thats what you have to do that is what you have to do....
I'm getting ready to do this myself. The mailing list does seem to be the hardest part of it. I'm not sure where I'm going to get my cards printed yet. I definitely want to see a printed sample before ordering though. I'll have to look on the scbwi website for that list somehow I missed that.
Lee White SVS Team SVS Instructor Pro SVS OG last edited by Lee White
Unfortunately advertising is an expensive part of doing business. I think I spent around $8000 in the first year on postcards (that's an estimate). Postage being the biggest expense. Still, in an age where everyone wants to send an emailer because it's free, you will stand out if you send tangible promos like postcards, etc.
The expense is the other reason you need to be DAMN SURE YOU ARE READY. If you aren't already getting lots of attention for you work, it might be too early. Signs you are ready are:
- you are winning contests
- people are sharing your work A LOT on social media
- you are being asked for interviews, shows, etc
- you are being asked to do actual work for clients
- clients are recommending you to other clients
- your instructors are saying that you are ready and encouraging you to start advertising.
If these things aren't happening, you may want to wait until they are. This is exactly what we are going to be going over in the portfolio class that starts in January.
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