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Avoid Life's Pretty Wallpaper & Get Dirty
Evan Sanders
Posted on May 19, 2015
Love the inherent madness in real things. Without a little bit of madness, it's going to lack depth. Without depth, you are going to skim the surface of what's actually capable for you. Without finding your best stuff and what defines your foundation, growth and fulfillment will seem like a far away dream. You see, there's a tendency to become romanced with the quick and easy, but that's not where the magic is. The magic lies within the depths. The magic takes some soul spelunking. The magic…is in jumping out of the boat completely and diving deep down into unexplored waters all while having unbreakable faith that you will find a pocket of air on the way down.
Uncertainty? Embrace it.
When you really think of it, we live in a world absolutely full of chaos. Everything is going a million miles a minutes. Things are constantly falling apart and colliding. It's a miracle that we are even able to function with everything happening around us. Some find their way early and others spend their entire lives looking for some type of meaning that will give them direction. We seek out guidance, wisdom, and consume massive amounts of information to help us try to make sense out of all of this. What is the journey I am on? Who am I even while traveling on it?
This uncertainty can seduce us into trying to digest surface level pseudo-spirituality in order to help us understand ourselves. Don't get me wrong, I am all about short life quotes and the little tidbits of wisdom they can reveal to us, but without understanding context and avoiding diving into the depths we set ourselves up for disaster. Surface level foundations never work…try building a house on wallpaper.
And that's really what all of this surface level stuff is when it comes down to it – wallpaper. It's what you put over something to make it look all pretty and nice. Life isn't all pretty and nice. Life is dirty. Life can be vicious. Life can test you and bring you to your knees whenever it feels like it. No matter how much you try to avoid certain things happening, life acts as a professional dart thrower, hitting it's target every single time – no matter how fast it's moving.
But in real things (thoughts, emotions, experience) that have some depth to them, they aren't wallpaper at all. They have some madness to them. They are unpredictable, uncertain and often completely unexpected. They rip the rug out from under you and help you pop right back up when you are down. It's a bit chaotic, but that's the point. The chaos is the beautiful part. The chaos is the art. When you start to live in that place, your entire life becomes part of that painting. Then, when you begin to understand that you have a role to play in this world, you can start to develop the guided hand of the painter.
But you have to get dirty first.
Roll around in the dirt. Get mud on your face. Tear down the wallpaper. Burn down the termite ridden support beams you have created throughout the years and dance in the ashes of it all. That rock solid ground you are standing on – that's going to be the place where you build your life. It's time to build it over again and do the work you've always been afraid to do.
What is life without risk? Just surviving.
Evan Sanders
The Better Man Project


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3 Types of Flow... Do It YourselfMore Home
Do It Yourself
3 Types of Flowers that Canadians Absolutely Love
4 Min Read
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December 20, 2019
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Canada is a country with an extensive wilderness. And also a country where flowers are highly appreciated. According to the survey, approximately 133.29 million cut flowers were bought in Canada during the year 2018. And this clearly shows how much Canadians love flowers. So if you are wondering, what kind of gift you should send to your friend on her marriage anniversary or birthday, the answer is clear, FLOWERS. They are loved by everyone, no doubt. Why is it so? Because each flower has its meaning, that conveys a special message. Okay! Don't give this decision a second thought, you can send flowers to Canada today also with the help of online florists around the world.
Now, which flower to send and how? There are thousands of beautiful flowers on our mother earth, but not everyone can be sent as a gift. The choice of flower changes from people to people and country to country. But we have seen a few flowers that have been brought in Canada frequently, and they are Roses, Lilies, and Callas. And it indicates only one thing, Canadians mostly love these three flowers.
So if you are in doubt which flower do your friend or relative like, go for the safest options. Even flowers have their significance and types. Here in this article, we have penned down the types and meanings of the three flowers and what things you can intricate with them to make a beautiful bouquet.
Keep reading…
Rose should be declared as the most loved flower of the universe. There are very few people who don't like roses. So basically this is the safest option to go for! Rose comes in a different colour, and every colour conveys a separate message.
Red Rose: love and passion (I Love You)
Pink Rose: appreciation and admiration
White Rose: humility and innocence (I Miss You)
Orange Rose: enthusiasm and desire
Yellow Rose: friendship and joy
Source: pinimg.com
Intricate the following plants to make your bouquet look more attractive and pleasing:
(When creating a bouquet, make sure you go for the perfect colour combinations, never let other elements highlight more than the focus flowers.)
Lily symbolizes pure love and eternal beauty. Lilies have a reputation of the magnificent flowers in ancient mythology and are accepted in almost all parts of the world. Lilies also come in various colours and have meaning if it's own. Some people consider it as too old-fashioned, but the look it can give is unexplainable. The white and spotless lily is preferred more.
White Lilies: purity and modesty
Pink Lilies: admiration and infatuation
Red Lilies: love and passion
Orange Lilies: respect and honour
Yellow Lilies: remembrance and happiness
Source: thespruce.com
Pick on following add-ons to create a perfect bouquet for the recipient:
Also Read: Best Flowers To Convey Your Message Of Love To Your Beloved
The symbolism of Callas lily is very contradictory, on the one hand, it symbolizes the idea of life, and on the other hand, it expresses death. The origin of Callas lily is from greek mythology, where it is meant as fertility. Romans signify lilies as sexuality. And later on, they were used in the marriage decorations purporting both the meaning together. Callas lily has one more meaning from another point of view, and that is, the calla lily and virgin mary have been paired many times in history, so it is also considered as the symbol of faith, purity, and hostility.
Source: pinimg.com
When given Callas to someone place the following plants with it to make it look more elegant:
After reading the article, there are only two things left,
The first one is to be one by yourself, but we can definitely help you with the second option. We know it gets difficult when you want to send flowers overseas, but there is a solution to every problem. You can place the order online to send flowers to Canada today on websites that provide fast delivery and that too, with fresh flowers only.

subset: commoncrawl


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The operation of the TotalCounterFF people-counter is very simple. An Infrared Beam is sent from the transmitter to the receiver. When someone walks through the beam, the beam is interupted, and a count is registered. The maximum distance between the infrared beam transmitter and receiver is thirty (30) feet.
The TotaICounterFF is a battery-operated, infrared beam-break people counter that is used in a standalone mode where you walk to the counter to read the total count from the display and reset to zero using a magnet. The TotalCounterFF does not separate the IN and OUT the counts so it will be necessary to divide the display count by two.
Some of the Main Features of the TotalCounterFF include:
- Large six-digit liquid crystal display, 0.25 inch character height.
- Measures across a 30 foot span
- Magnetic reset switch.
- No reflector – no misalignment issues – easy to install.
- Easy alignment tool is included.
- Battery Type: Standard 1.5 Volt, AA Alkaline. 2 per side. User replaceable.
- Rugged enclosure design
- Silent Operation
- Mounting bracket included for ease of installation.
- Sensor Dimensions: 4.5 inches x 2.75 inches x .1 inch deep
- Typical Operating Environment: 0 to 120 degrees F. Protected from weather.
- Typical Battery Life: 1 year
The TotalCounter FF is an infrared beam-break people counter. The infrared transmitter side (the side without the display) sends a safe and invisible infrared beam to the infrared receiver (the side with the display). When someone, or something, passes through this invisible beam, they "break" the beam and are counted. These people counters are known as "non-directional" people counters because they do not separate the IN and OUT counts. So if someone walks in, then walks out, they will be counted twice ….and you will need to divide the number on the display by 2 to arrive at a visitor count.
The physics of a beam break people counter means that if two people walk through side-by-side, they will be counted as one. And if a group of people walk through at the same time, it is unlikely that all of them will be counted. ALL infrared beam-break and ALL infrared-reflected people counters work in the same way. On a single door entrance (typically 36″ wide), most people enter one at a time, so the counting accuracy is typical very high (93 to 95%). But on a double-door entrance – this typical accuracy can drop to 80 to 85%.
For more information, please visit www.TotalCounter.com and select the TotalCounterFF link. Use your web browser back button to return to this shopping cart


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Comforting mac 'n cheese and spicy ground turkey sausage get STUFFED into tender poblano chili peppers!!
Hi Folks! Shall I remind you of my HUGE enjoyment of all things Tex-Mex?? Cheesy, check…spicy, check…yummy, check!!! My motto has always been "When in doubt, Tex-Mex it out!!" Now I must add, "When in doubt, Mac and Cheese it out!" These Meaty Mac and Cheese Stuffed Poblanos are the perfect fusion of two of my most favorite foods. Pure comfort food nestled right inside a tender poblano pepper!!! Oh boy!! My head could explode with such delight!! I hope you guys are big fans of SPICE! My family is and they all enjoyed this winner of a dish!
I had my first encounter with the poblano pepper in Cabo san Lucas where the hubby and I visited for our first anniversary. What a beauty of a destination!!! If you haven't been, you must!! We enjoyed an authentic Mexican cooking class and made Chiles Rellenos…yum! I knew then that I would eventually stuff them myself with some yummy goodness someday!! So here we are…Meaty Mac and Cheese Stuffed Poblanos. In class, we learned that the key to preparing these poblano peppers is making sure that you roast and skin them. This extra step lends to a less bitter and more tender pepper so don't skip it!!!
I know you guys are gonna just fall in LOVE this dish! Speaking of love…in case you didn't know. I thought I'd leave you with a scripture that encompasses a love like no other. This passage has certainly been life-changing for me…eternally! "For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He[even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 (AMP). It's almost unbelievable when you think about the amount of love that He has for us, yet He wants us to understand its height, depth, width and breadth of His love. Yes! He sent His only Son, Jesus to the cross because He loved us all just that much! Have you met Him? Say Grace and enjoy!!
Meaty Mac and Cheese Stuffed Poblanos
- 12 poblanos
- 1/2 lb macaroni boiled and drained
- 1.5 c. habenero pepper jack cheese shredded and divided
- 1.5 c. extra sharp cheddar shredded and divided
- 1.5 c. colby jack shredded and divided
- 1 lb. hot Italian turkey sausage
- 1/2 c. diced red pepper
- 1 c. diced onion
- 3.5 c. milk
- 3 T. butter
- 1/4 c. flour
- ¼ tsp. nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- ¼ tsp. cayenne
- 2 T. diced jalapenos
- 1 c. seasoned croutons crushed
- Tomatoes garnish
- Cilantro garnish
- Broil the peppers for about 10 minutes, rotating at about 5 minutes. The skin should blister on all sides.
- Place the blistered peppers in a plastic bag and steam.
- Once completely cooled, peel the blistered skin off of the peppers.
- Cut a slit down the middle and open the pepper to reveal the pocket. Remove the seeds and veins.
- In a medium skillet, crumble and brown turkey sausage for about 5 minutes on medium-high heat. After almost browned, add the onion and red pepper and continue to saute until onion is translucent for about another 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add flour when the butter starts to get bubbly and cook for about a minute.
- Pour milk into the skillet and whisk until smooth and thick. You'll feel it.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, 1 c. habenero, 1 c. extra sharp and 1 c. colby jack cheeses.
- Stir macaroni, turkey sausage mixture and jalapenos into the cheese sauce.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment papper.
- Take about a 1/2 cup of mac and cheese and stuff into the cavity of each pepper and place on baking sheet.
- Sprinkle 2 T. of remaining cheeses on each pepper and a 1 T. of croutons on each pepper.
- Place in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until cheese melts.
- Garnish with tomatoes and cilantro. Say Grace and enjoy!!
Recipe adapted from Daphne Oz


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A procedure involving the insertion of a tube into the chest, so that the doctor can view the organs in the mediastinum, or the area between the lungs (including the heart and its veins and arteries, the trachea, the esophagus, the bronchi, and lymph nodes). An incision is made at the base of the neck above the breastbone to insert the tube.
Tags: Cancer Dictionary, M


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*If you are experiencing trouble adding covers to your Facebook, please read the Troubleshooting section of the FAQS
fbCoverLover has the highest quality Carolina Hurricanes Facebook Covers. Our site is one of the largest covers site on the internet and we have many Carolina Hurricanes Carolina Hurricanes Facebook profile covers for you to choose from. We update our Carolina Hurricanes covers very often so check back soon.


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Work has started on Europa Worldwide Group's new £60 million, future proofed 715,000 sq ft state-of-the-art logistics facility. Based at Midlands Logistics Park in Corby, (Northants) the scheme is due for completion in June 2020.
Europa Worldwide Group is an ambitious independent logistics operator and the new site will become Europa's largest in the UK. The new facility will be one of the "best in class" forming part of Europa Warehouse offering 3PL warehousing and logistics.
Europa Warehouse already operates award-winning warehouse sites and this new facility will double its portfolio. The building is being constructed to a high-quality institutional specification, including above market standard 18 metre heights facilitating three floors of mezzanines.
Andrew Baxter, Managing Director at Europa Worldwide Group said: "We're delighted to announce this huge investment in our logistics operation at a time of massive growth at Europa. This is the single biggest investment we have ever made since I acquired the business in 2013 and it demonstrates our ambition to strengthen our 3PL operation at a time of huge market growth particularly for e-commerce logistics"
This is the latest investment in Europa's logistics operation following strong results by the award-winning team. Europa Warehouse delivers a cost-effective solution offering a range of value-added capabilities including e-commerce fulfilment, production services, inventory management, packing, labelling, special deliveries, final assembly, quality control and critical parts management. Europa also has a fully compliant contact centre Europa Contact Centre, offering an extensive range of outsourced customer support by phone and digital platforms.
Europa Warehouse already supports a wide range of leading blue-chip clients and this new facility will enable it to enhance its services significantly.
Midlands Logistics Park in Corby has created 2,200 local jobs since 2015. Built on the site of a former British Steel quarry and latterly Stanion Plantation, Midlands Logistics Park covers 150 acres. Corby is an established and strategic industrial and distribution location in the heart of the East Midlands, and benefits from excellent connectivity due to recent road network upgrades.
The development has been agreed with Corby Land and Development Ltd, a joint venture between Mulberry Developments and Frogmore who will also develop out the facility. The main contractor is VolkerFitzpatrick. Europa is being supported by the team at Budworth Hardcastle (Property Consultants).
Europa Worldwide Group is the leading independent logistics firm which has gone from strength to strength and this year showcased record turnover and profit. It has been an exceptional 12 months for Europa Worldwide Group, the best in the company's 50-year history in terms of turnover and profit.
Europa was recently featured in The Sunday Times Top Track 250 for the second time. It is going from strength to strength, reaching a turnover of £180m last financial year, with further growth expected for 2019.


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It was suggested by Monty that the posts I've made about MariaDB are for publicity. This simply isn't true. I would have much preferred a different outcome in my interactions with MariaDB. I figured that they would end up giving me a hard time, and I'd be stubborn and we'd both hate each other for as long as I could keep from leaving. A quick separation actually seems much better in such context. Regardless, I would have preferred to speak amicably to the MariaDB Corporation about switching the license back, or at least moving to the new license at the time of the notification of the community, ie as the LAST checkin in the 2.0 branch. I would suggest they re-release 2.0 as GPL and move 2.1 to the BSL to allow the market to decide if they want to move to 2.1, or even take up 2.0, if they aren't guaranteed important (especially security!) fixes in the older …[Read more]
A year ago, the outline was being written. A lot of work was crammed into the intervening months, and I am happy and proud to announce that the MySQL Administrator's Bible has been published, and is sitting on the shelf at many major booksellers already. The official publication date is today — Monday, May 11th, 2009 — although some stores have had copies for a week, including Amazon.com.
The MySQL Administrator's Bible, published by Wiley Press (available on Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/MySQL-Administrators-Bible-Sheeri-Cabral/dp/0470416912/, fully covers how to administer MySQL 5.1. It is suitable for people new to MySQL, although as an experienced MySQL DBA I can say that I learned a lot while researching and writing this book, and I believe that even veteran DBAs can learn from this book.
This book for …[Read more]


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February 1, 1981
WASHINGTON, DC - "As I received the letter from my father in Taiwan, I couldn't help bursting into tears. Not only did the tears shed from the mutual affection sent on by father and son, but also being deeply moved by your noble spirit...The spirit of your service is unrivaled, noble and great."
These words of Yang Yuming of Gansu Province on mainland China reflect those of many others who have written the World Service Authority's Hong Kong office of their appreciation in being able to hear from relatives after 30 years of no communication between families living on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.
"It's been a low-profile WSA service since August to make sure that we would succeed in getting mail to and from people in Taiwan and those on the mainland," said World Citizen Garry Davis, WSA's president. In addition to issuing World Passports, ID and birth certificates to several hundred thousand people in over 150 countries, Davis said it has been a "long-standing WSA project to make communication possible between people cut-off from each other by national politics. This type of global service would be in accordance with the rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."
"The initiative of Chu Man-Tung, the WSA Regional Secretary in Hong Kong, responding to a real need, gave us the impetus to start the World Government's first postal service on August 22, 1980 between Taiwan and mainland china," said Davis from the WSA Washington head office. He added that until now the service has been provided free of charge because of humanitarian and political reasons "since the two countries don't recognize each other's postage stamps."
The service, Davis said, must now pay for itself so that it can be expanded to other troubled areas. The World Government, therefore, is issuing its first two postage stamps in denominations of 1 mondo and 50 cendoj (equal to US$1.14 and US $. 57 respectively). The mondo and cendoj are the designated names (in Esperanto) of the future currency of the World Government, said Davis. Other areas where WSA's postal service may be used include Cyprus-Turkey-Greece, the Middle East, and North and South Korea.
In providing postal service between individuals living on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, the parties use the Hong Kong WSA office. According to Mr. Chu, they mail their messages in an envelope on which they put the name and address of the recipient. They then place the envelope into a larger one addressed to "WSA, CPO Box 11355, Hong Kong." The original complex form of the simplified Chinese characters are used when writing the name and address on the smaller envelope. No stamps are placed on it. Also, writers on both sides refrain from mentioning any political issues or problems.
To make the service available to as many as possible, WSA's Postal Department in Washington, D.C. and other authorized agents are offering sheets of the 1 mondo and 50 cendoj stamps - 35 stamps to a sheet - to interested collectors and world citizens. Prices per sheet are US$39.90 and US$19.95 respectively plus $2 handling charges.
The 1 mondo stamp was designed by distinguished artist Raymond Whyte of Kennalon, New Jersey, and the 50 cendoj stamps by Guy Steele Fairlamb, a well-known Washington, D.C. artist.
Davis stated that there will be no reprints of this first worldwide issue which will have a printing of only 175,000 of each stamp. The World Government will issue a new series of stamps as necessity and circumstances permit.


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"I want to learn the ways of the Force and become a Jedi like my father."
–Luke Skywalker, Star Wars: A New Hope
The Star Wars universe is a galaxy of change. Fans have watched regimes rise and fall as the legacy of their favorite characters shift and change with the dramatic twists of the generation-spanning saga.
Fantasy Flight Games is proud to announce Legacies, a new 160-card booster set for Star Wars™: Destiny, as well as two new 24-card Starter Sets, the Boba Fett Starter Set and the Luke Skywalker Starter Set.
Legacies continues the evolution of Star Wars: Destiny, expanding on classic archetypes while introducing new mechanics, including a new die symbol and a new card type. As a new Base Set, Legacies looks to be a solid starting point for Destiny newcomers while introducing innovative new concepts. You can learn more about Legacies at Fantasy Flight's website.
Pre-order the Boba Fett Starter Set, the Luke Skywalker Starter Set, and the Legacies Booster Packs at Just Games using the button below. Currently the set is expected to release in early January.
Full boxes will be 20% off at release, starters are $14.99.


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5 M Clicks Button Lifetime
Extreme quality offer over 5 million clicks guaranteed.
The side buttons are preset as backward and forward functions.
Dust-resistant Wheel
Dust-resistant design prolong wheel life-span.
Dual-function key
Download: One click to auto access software download when first time using Snipping: One click to capture your screen when software is installed
Retractable Cable
The retractable cable of the mouse can be up to 90cm, which is long enough to reach under and up behind a desk so it can plug into an All-in-One desktop PC.
|Type: Wired
|Ergonomic Design: Symmetric
|Sensor: Optical
|Resolution: 1000 DPI
|Buttons No.: 3
|Port: USB
|Cable Length: 90 cm
System Requirements: Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10


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Google Maps is today introducing a series of new features to better inform travelers and commuters about how their trip may be impacted by COVID-19 — including travel restrictions, COVID-19 checkpoints or even just the crowdedness of public transport. It's also adding features that will help those traveling to COVID-19 testing centers better understand the eligibility and facility guidelines.
In several countries, Google says it will now display transit alerts from local agencies that will help users prepare for any government mandates that impact your ability to use public transit. For example, if services are closed or if you're required to wear a mask, the alerts would include this information.
These are launching now in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, France, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom and the U.S., where Google has information from local transit agencies available, with more countries coming soon.
Google Maps will also now show if a trip's navigation includes a COVID-19 checkpoint or restriction along your route, like when you're crossing an international border. This is first launching with Canada, Mexico and the U.S., and will display an alert on the directions screen if your route is impacted. Google didn't indicate any plans to expand this to more countries.
Similarly, alerts will appear when you plan a trip to a medical facility or COVID-19 testing center.
These alerts will be based on data Google receives from authoritative agencies, including local, state and federal governments or from the center's websites. Here, the idea is to make sure that people heading to a center are aware of the guidelines so they're not turned away upon arrival. For instance, if the center won't see you without an appointment, that would be noted.
These alerts roll out first for medical facilities in Indonesia, Israel, the Philippines, South Korea and the U.S., and testing center alerts will be available in the U.S. Google says it's working to bring these to other markets and expand its work with agencies.
The updated Google Maps app will also expand access to the "crowdedness predictions" feature first introduced last year. This data is fueled by tens of millions of contributions from Google Maps users who ride public transit. Google crunched the numbers to make predictions about how crowded a particular bus or train line may be at a given time of day. It's now making it easier for users to contribute their own observations.
In the updated app, when you tap through to see Transit directions when looking up a route, you can scroll down to see crowdedness predictions and add your own input, like "very crowded" or "not too crowded," or other measures.
You'll also now see the times when a transit station is historically more or less crowded or you can choose to look at live data by searching for a station in Google Maps or by tapping a station displayed on the map. This feature, which displays the departure board and busyness data, will roll out over the next few weeks.
This is powered by aggregated and anonymized data from users who have opted in to Google Location History. The company notes this setting is switched off by default and Google only displays the data when it has enough input to meet privacy thresholds.
Unrelated to COVID-19, Google Maps will also now roll out new transit insights like temperature, accessibility and onboard security, as well as designated women's sections in regions where available. These additions were first announced in February, but are now globally available. They also include more granular accessibility information for wheelchair users, like where there are wheelchair accessible doors, seating, stop buttons and more, Google says.
The expanded set of features will be live on both iOS and Android, in the markets where they're available.


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This final chapter is a call to action, recommending several possible ways you as a Christian can become involved in the immigration dilemma.
Welcoming the Stranger Series
Immigration and the Church Today: Part 11 of the Welcoming the Stranger Series
This week, our subject is Chapter 9 of Welcoming the Stranger, "Immigration and the Church Today."
Immigration Policies and Politics. Part 10 of the Welcoming the Stranger Series
I have long thought that the only reason this issue is not more forcefully addressed is because immigration affects "those people," and that the politicians families and friends are not affected.
The Value of Immigrants to the United States. Part 9 of the Welcoming the Stranger Series
I appreciate that Soerens and Yang do not make economic claims central to their book, but I also appreciate that they have examined some of the most common economic claims related to immigration.
Concerns About Immigration. Part 8 of the Welcoming the Stranger Series
While in Chapter 5 Soerens and Yang discuss what the Bible says about "welcoming the stranger," in this chapter they present some of the concerns that many have when it comes to extending more generous immigration policy.


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Nismo models are always very attractive. Especially when such company, as Nissan, supports it. Nismo on its vehicles means better – more aggressive and attractive design, higher performance with exceptional specifications. Also, safety gets boost, comfort. In one word – everything is at higher level. So it is with 2018 Nissan Maxima Nismo. Base model is there just to be a mannequin. Similarities in appearance are obvious, but that is almost the end of common things of two vehicles. Although it carries Maxima badge, Nismo version is car from another class.
2018 Nissan Maxima Nismo drivetrain
Engineers plans for 2018 Nissan Maxima Nismo are to achieve 300 horsepower. To do this, this car will get the energy from 3.5-l V-6 engine. Power produced by this drivetrain goes through CVT transmission box to front wheels. With it, Maxima Nismo can make maximum torque level. Nevertheless, power can go beyond 300 horses. Some rumors are informing about 350 hp. Furthermore, comparing to standard 2018 Maxima, this upper trim will have special equipment. That involves suspension, brakes and all other stuff.
2018 Nissan Maxima Nismo redesign
Not only drivetrain, but special parts are on entire body. Hood is more aggressive, with totally different shape. Same is with rear end, where 2018 Nissan Maxima Nismo is sportier than standard unit. Special headlights perfectly fit into front fascia and grille. Under them is larger bumper with bigger air vents. Interior also suffer changes. There are more luxurious equipment. We still don't know exactly what will be there for Nismo version, but fans don't expect many parts to survive revisit. Sportier and more comfortable seats, premium audio, are just some of the modifications certain for Nismo.
2018 Nissan Maxima Nismo release and price
The 2018 Nissan Maxima Nismo will come after standard model. We still don't know when it is exactly, but it will probably take few months between two arrivals. Furthermore, Nismo's luxury will be shown on price. We believe, gap will be somewhere about $10,000 in favor of higher end model. However, this doesn't mean standard Maxima is not cool vehicle, but tuning can make it even better. And it is one of the best models to make such stuff.


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(March 30, 1932 – May 11, 2012)
Kazuko Oishi was born March 30, 1932 in Fukushima, Osaka Prefecture to Chyozo Okamoto and Kinuko Okamoto. She has a sister, Sumako, and a younger brother, Shigekusu, who were also born in Japan. On Nov. 26, 1966, she married the late Kazuo Oishi in Los Angeles through a pre-arranged marriage. She was a devoted wife and mother. We will miss her deeply and carry her love and guidance in our hearts forever. She is survived by her son, Henry, and two stepsons, Gene and Richard. May she rest in peace.
www.fukuimortuary.com (213) 626-0441
(March 30, 1932 – May 11, 2012)


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Malaria has had the largest impact of any infectious disease on shaping the human genome, exerting enormous selective pressure on genes that improve survival in severe malaria infections. Modern humans originated in Africa and lost skin melanization as they migrated to temperate regions of the globe. Although it is well documented that loss of melanization improved cutaneous Vitamin D synthesis, melanin plays an evolutionary ancient role in insect immunity to malaria and in some instances melanin has been implicated to play an immunoregulatory role in vertebrates. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that melanization may be protective in malaria infections using mouse models. Congenic C57BL/6 mice that differed only in the gene encoding tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the synthesis of melanin, showed no difference in the clinical course of infection by Plasmodium yoelii 17XL, that causes severe anemia, Plasmodium berghei ANKA, that causes severe cerebral malaria or Plasmodium chabaudi AS that causes uncomplicated chronic disease. Moreover, neither genetic deficiencies in vitamin D synthesis nor vitamin D supplementation had an effect on survival in cerebral malaria. Taken together, these results indicate that neither melanin nor vitamin D production improve survival in severe malaria.
Citation: Waisberg M, Vickers BK, Yager SB, Lin CK, Pierce SK (2012) Testing in Mice the Hypothesis That Melanin Is Protective in Malaria Infections. PLoS ONE 7(1): e29493. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0029493
Editor: Mauricio Martins Rodrigues, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
Received: July 19, 2011; Accepted: November 29, 2011; Published: January 5, 2012
Copyright: © 2012 Waisberg et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Funding: This research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
Melanins are pigments that have evolved over 500 million years and that are present in animals, microorganisms and plants. In flies and mosquitoes melanization of pathogens is part of the innate immune response and it is correlated with resistance to infection [1], [2]. In animals, melanin is produced by melanocytes, that are present in a variety of tissues, including skin, uveal tract, brain and the peritoneum [3]. The low level of melanization in the skin of humans living in temperate climates of the globe is in large part due to the fact that melanin pigments absorb and scatter the UVB wavelengths that catalyze the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to pre-Vitamin D3, the precursor of Vitamin D3 in the skin [4], [5]. In fact, individuals with marked skin melanization frequently require 10–20 times longer exposure to sunlight than those of lighter pigmentation to promote adequate synthesis of vitamin D3 [4], [6]. Vitamin D deficiency can exert strong selective pressure by causing severe deformation of the pelvis in women, leading to increased perinatal morbidity and mortality, or increasing the susceptibility to infections and death in children [7]. The pressure for skin melanization in tropical regions, on the other hand, can be explained by the advantage of melanized individuals to withstand prolonged sun exposure, although a rigorous link of melanization with an increase in fitness in mammals has not been established [3]. Interestingly, dark colors are attractive to Aedes aegyptii, the mosquito vector of dengue and yellow fever, and Culex fatigans, the mosquito vector of filarial worms, but not for anopheline mosquitoes, the mosquito vectors of malaria, which find light colors more attractive [8]. In this regard skin melanization can be either advantageous or detrimental, depending on the disease.
In addition, both melanin and vitamin D have been suggested to have potential immunoregulatory functions. Melanin has been shown in some circumstances to have antioxidant [9], [10], anti-inflammatory [11], and immunoregulatory functions in innate immune responses, with melanocytes participating in phagocytosis [12] and inflammation [13], [14], [15]. This observation led to the suggestion that an additional function of melanin in the skin is to promote immune responses to infections [3], [16], [17]. In birds, melanin levels have been shown to influence the magnitude of antibody and cellular responses [18]. In addition, vitamin D deficiencies have been reported to increase [19], [20] and to decrease resistance to infection [21], [22]. Although in experiments vitamin D inhibits plasmodium growth in vitro [23], in malaria infections neither VDR gene polymorphisms or vitamin D levels correlate with infection [24]. On the other hand, vitamin D deficiency has been shown to be a risk factor for the development of autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis [25], [26], [27], [28] and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) [29], [30], [31]. SLE is eight to ten times more prevalent in women of African as compared to European descent and recently, we provided evidence in a mouse model of SLE that SLE susceptibility genes that result in hyperimmune activation are protective in cerebral malaria but not against severe anemia [32]. These results suggested that the higher incidence of SLE in African Americans may be a consequence of the beneficial effects of SLE susceptibility genes in malaria-endemic areas.
The possibility that melanin and vitamin D may play immunoregulatory roles led us to the hypothesis that melanin or vitamin D production may have been selected for in Africans in part due to a protective role in malaria. To test this hypothesis, we compared the course of malaria infections in wild type and albino B6(Cg)-Tyrc-2J/J mice (B6.Tyr−/− mice) that have mutations in the Tyr gene, that encodes tyrosinase, the same gene that is mutated in type I human oculocutaneous albinism. Tyrosinase is the key enzyme in mammalian melanin biosynthesis that catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to dopa, the dehydrogenation of dopa to dopaquinone, and the conversion of 5,6-dihidroxyindile to melanochrome, which is the direct precursor of melanin [33]. Consequently, the absence of tyrosinase ablates completely the synthesis of the major body melanins, pheomelanin and eumelanin. We also tested whether vitamin D had an effect on the course of malaria infections in mice.
Melanization does not protect against malaria-induced severe anemia
C57BL/6 (B6) mice and tyrosinase deficient B6 (B6.Tyr−/−) mice were infected with the lethal strain P. yoelii 17XL by injection of 104 infected red blood cells i.p. Mice were followed daily to evaluate parasitemia, body weight, temperature, clinical status, hemoglobin concentration and survival (Figure 1). We also determined the hematocrit, white blood cell differential count and platelets count, on day 0 and day 3 following infection (Figure S1). Infected B6.Tyr−/− mice had higher white blood cell counts, less anemia and higher lymphocyte counts on day 3 as compared to B6 mice. Despite these differences, we observed no difference in the survival of the B6 and B6.Tyr−/− mice following P. yoelii 17XL infections. The majority of B6 and B6.Tyr−/− mice died of the infection within 8–9 days and mice from the two groups showed a similar course of infection for all parameters analyzed. The levels of parasitemia appear different between the two groups after day 7 but these differences are not statistically significant as only one mouse in each group survived beyond day 7.
(A) The percent of B6.Tyr−/− and B6 P. yoelii 17XL infected mice that survived over time is given in Kaplan-Meier curves. Death was defined as a parasitemia ≥60%, moribundity or death (P = 0.64). (B) Parasitemias, determined by GIEMSA stained smears of tail blood, are given for B6.Tyr−/− and B6 infected mice over time. (C) Clinical scores determined by the modified SNAP scoring system are given. (D) Hemoglobin concentrations of B6.Tyr−/− and B6 infected mice are given. (E) Body temperature determined at the tail skin for both B6.Tyr−/− and B6 infected mice over time are given. Data showed represents the mean of 10 animals and bars represent the SEM.
Melanization does not protect against cerebral malaria
P. berghei ANKA is an established model of mouse cerebral malaria (CM) that reproduces reasonably well the pathological features of human CM. P. berghei infections are lethal in mice resulting in early death (by day 6–12) in susceptible B6 strains due to CM or, in late death (between days 14 and 21) in resistant strains due to severe anemia [34], [35]. B6 and B6.Tyr−/− mice were infected with P. berghei ANKA by injection of 106 infected red blood cells, i.p. All mice, both B6 and B6.Tyr−/−, died before day 10 and developed signs of CM (Figure 2). No differences in survival were observed between the groups. In addition, B6 and B6.Tyr−/− mice showed no significant differences in parasitemia, hemoglobin levels, body temperature or cytokine levels (Figure S2) during the course of the infection. Thus, it appears that the ability to produce melanin is not protective against severe CM.
(A) The percent of B6.Tyr−/− and B6 P. berghei ANKA infected mice that survived over time is given in Kaplan-Meier curves. Death was defined as a parasitemia ≥60%, moribundity or death (P = 0.71). (B) Parasitemias, determined by GIEMSA stained smears of tail blood, are given for B6.Tyr−/− and B6 infected mice over time. (C) Clinical scores determined by the modified SNAP scoring system are given. (D) Hemoglobin concentrations of B6.Tyr−/− and B6 infected mice are given. (E) Body temperature determined at the tail skin for both B6.Tyr−/− and B6 infected mice over time are given. Data showed represents the mean of 10 animals and bars represent the SEM.
Melanization does not protect against chronic malaria infection
To determine the effect of melanin deficiency on the course of a chronic malarial infection we infected B6 and B6.Tyr−/− mice with P. chabaudi AS by injection of mice with 106 infected red blood cells. P. chabaudi AS causes a biphasic infection characterized initially by acute parasitemia that peaks around day 7, followed by chronic low-level infection. The immune response during the first phase is controlled both by an innate system response as well as a Th1 response [36], [37] while the control and clearance of the chronic blood infection during the second phase requires both TH1 and TH2 CD4+ cells and B cells [36], [38]. We followed the P. chabaudi infected mice for 21 days and observed no difference between B6 and B6.Tyr−/− mice in all parameters analyzed including survival, parasitemia, clinical score, hemoglobin levels, body temperature and leukocyte, neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers. (Figure 3, Figure S3). Thus, we concluded that the ability to produce melanin did not affect the course of chronic malaria infections.
(A) Parasitemias, determined by GIEMSA stained smears of tail blood, are given for B6.Tyr−/− and B6 P. chabaudi AS infected mice over time. (B) Clinical scores determined by the modified SNAP scoring system, are given. (C) Hemoglobin concentrations of B6.Tyr−/− and B6 infected mice are given. (D) Body temperature determined at the tail skin for both B6.Tyr−/− and B6 infected mice over time are given. Data showed represents the mean of 10 animals and bars represent the SEM.
Melanin treatment decreases parasitemia but does not protect against cerebral malaria
Previous studies have shown that melanin in high doses can affect the secretion of multiple cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and GM-CSF [39]. To investigate the effects of high doses of melanin on the course of malaria CM infections, we treated P. berghei ANKA infected B6.Tyr−/− mice with daily doses of melanin (25 mg/kg) in saline i.p. or with saline alone. B6.Tyr−/− mice receiving melanin showed a delayed increased in parasitemia (P<0.05) and better clinical scores but did not better survive the infection as compared to controls B6.Tyr−/− mice receiving saline (P = 0.58) (Figure 4). On day five post-infection, melanin treated mice had higher platelet counts than controls (P<0.001) (Figure S4), and the number of platelets correlated positively with survival (Spearman Rho = 0.64, p = 0.002). On the other hand, melanin treatment caused animals to have a steeper decrease in hemoglobin levels, especially from day 3 to day 5 post-infection (P<0.05). The fact that melanin treated mice did not survive the infection any better than control B6 mice suggests that, albeit somewhat beneficial, melanin treatment is not sufficient to change the course of the disease in mice (Figure 4).
(A) The percent of melanin treated and untreated B6.Tyr−/− P. berghei ANKA infected mice that survived over time is given in Kaplan-Meier curves. Death was defined as a parasitemia ≥60%, moribundity or death (P = 0.33). (B) Parasitemias, determined by GIEMSA stained smears of tail blood, are given for B6.Tyr−/− treated and untreated infected mice over time. (C) Clinical scores determined by the modified SNAP scoring system are given. (D) Hemoglobin concentrations of B6. Tyr−/− treated and untreated infected mice are given. (E) Body temperature determined at the tail skin for B6.Tyr−/− treated and untreated infected mice over time are given. Data showed represents the mean of 10 animals and bars represent the SEM.
Vitamin D does not protect against cerebral malaria
Because skin melanization is an important factor in cutaneous vitamin D biosynthesis, we tested if vitamin D deficiency influenced the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria. We also supplemented the diets of mice with vitamin D injections i.p. every other day (0.5 µg/kg), starting 3 days before infection with P. berghei ANKA. We did not observe any difference in survival between treated and untreated mice with all mice dying by day 8 (Figure 5A). Also, we did not observe any differences in parasitemia or body temperature during the course of infection suggesting that vitamin D, at the levels used in this study, does not influence the immune response to malaria (Figure 5B and 5E). Animals receiving vitamin D injections had better clinical scores at days 6 and 7 post infection and had higher hemoglobin levels than controls but this effect was apparently not enough to reduce mortality (P = 0.76).
(A) The percent of treated and control P. berghei ANKA infected B6 mice that survived over time is given in Kaplan-Meier curves. Death was defined as a parasitemia ≥60%, moribundity or death (P = 0.76). (B) Parasitemias, determined by GIEMSA stained smears of tail blood, are given for treated and control B6 mice over time. (C) Clinical scores determined by the modified SNAP scoring system are given. (D) Hemoglobin concentrations determined on tail blood are given. (E) Body temperature determined at the tail skin for treated and control B6 mice over time are given. Data showed represents the mean of 10 animals and bars represent the SEM.
We also followed the course of P. berghei ANKA infections in wild type B6 mice and in mice deficient in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and B6.VDR−/− mice. Because B6.VDR−/− knockout mice require a special diet to prevent severe osteoporosis and death, we kept wild type B6 mice on the same diet. We observed no difference in the course of disease in B6 and B6.VDR−/− mice (Figure 6). Most B6 and B6.VDR−/− mice died within 9–10 days of infection and showed similar parasitemias, clinical scores, hemoglobin levels and body temperatures.
(A) The percent of B6 and B6.VDR−/− P. berghei ANKA infected mice that survived over time is given in Kaplan-Meier curves. Death was defined as a parasitemia ≥60%, moribundity or death (P = 0.38). (B) Parasitemias, determined by GIEMSA stained smears of tail blood, are given for B6.VDR−/− and B6 infected mice over time. (C) Clinical scores determined by the modified SNAP scoring system are given. (D) Hemoglobin concentrations of B6.VDR−/− and B6 infected mice are given. (E) Body temperature determined at the tail skin for both B6.VDR−/− and B6 infected mice over time are given. Data showed represents the mean of 10 animals and bars represent the SEM.
Our results provide evidence that melanization does not improve survival in severe malaria. Melanization did not improve survival against parasites that cause either CM or severe anemia and does not affect the course of chronic infections. Our data also suggests that neither vitamin D treatment nor vitamin D receptor deficiency affect the progression of cerebral malaria caused by P. berghei ANKA infections. Therefore the data suggest that melanin, neither directly nor through its indirect effect on vitamin D synthesis, improves survival in severe malaria in mice. High doses of vitamin D have been reported to decreased parasite growth and survival in vitro [40] but we did not observe similar effects when treating animals with lower doses. This is in agreement with previous studies in humans showing a lack of association between polymorphisms on the VDR gene and malaria infection [19]. Nevertheless, because we only tested the effects of one dose of vitamin D3 (and not of other forms) one cannot exclude completely an effect of vitamin D on malaria.
We also tested the effect of high doses of melanin on the progression of CM. Although the dose used was previously shown to reduce LPS induced TNF-α production [39] and we showed that high doses of melanin delayed increases in parasitemia and improved clinical scores, melanin treatment was not sufficient to increase survival in CM. The effect in parasitemia and clinical scores can be potentially explained by direct anti-parasite effect of melanin (as observed in mosquitoes) or by its free radical scavenging properties. CM is a complex disease caused in part by excessive free radicals generated as a response to free iron and hemoglobin [41], [42], [43] and, under certain conditions, free radical scavengers can block some of the deleterious effects of malaria [44], [45]. Interestingly, melanin treatment prevented the thrombocytopenia that was observed in B6 mice by day 5 post-infection. Changes in platelet counts are also common in human malaria infection, and the extent of reduction is a predictor of clinical outcome and severity of malarial infection in children [46]. Platelets are involved in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria as they encourage the sequestration of infected red blood cells in the cerebral vasculature and in the innate response to the parasite [47], [48] and, in agreement with the literature, our data showed a positive correlation between platelet count and survival. Last, we have shown that melanin treatment does not affect survival in P. berghei ANKA infections, suggesting again that melanin does not affect the progression of murine CM. Taken together, our data suggests that melanization was not selected by malaria. In spite of that, one cannot exclude completely the role of melanin on the response to malaria, for the mouse and human immune system and skin are considerably different. For instance, human melanocytes are mainly found at the basal layer of the epidermis while mouse melanocytes reside in the hair follicle and the dermis [49], [50], pelage density is much higher in rodents than humans, and the stratum corneum of rodents is generally more permeable and fragile [51]. Furthermore mice are nocturnal animals with very small vitamin D needs, suggesting that melanin must play a different role in vitamin D metabolism in mice. Humans, on the other hand, are considered diurnal animals that synthesize vitamin D in the skin on exposure to UV light [52].
Ethics statement
All experiments were approved by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Animal Care and Use Committee.
Male 8–10 week old C57BL/6, B6.VDR[KO] (strain B6.129S4-Vdrtm1Mbd/J, stock number 006133) and B6.TYR[KO] (strain B6(Cg)-Tyrc-2J/J, stock number 000058) mice were obtained from The Jackson Laboratories and allowed to acclimate in the animal facility until the experiment was performed. B6.VDR[KO] mice were maintained constantly on a 20% lactose diet (TD 96348, Harlan) to prevent the development of osteoporosis.
Malaria infections and treatments
Mice were infected with 1×106 P. berghei ANKA, 1×106 P. chabaudi AS or 1×104 P. yoelii 17XL infected red blood cells (iRBCs) i.p. Parasites were obtained from donor mice that were infected with thawed parasite stocks. Synthetic melanin was obtained from Sigma (M0418) and it was initially dissolved in 0.1 NaOH to solubilize it. The solution pH was adjusted to 7.0, it was centrifuged and then filtered through a 0.45 µM filter before injection. Animals were injected i.p. daily with 25 mg/kg of melanin solution or saline. Vitamin D was obtained from Sigma (Supelco Cholecalciferol (D3) Cat#47763) and it was first dissolved in 10 mL of 100% ethanol to make a stock solution (10 mg/mL). The stock was further diluted in 0.02% Tween 80 to make a working solution (0.1 µg/mL). Animals were injected with 0.5 µg/kg every other day, starting 3 days before infection. A similar dose of 1,25-dihydroxivitamin D3 was previously shown not to cause hypercalcemia but to induce splenocyte apoptosis and enhance sensitivity to other parasites [53]. For the experiment investigating the role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) on the response to cerebral malaria, VDR knockout mice were kept on a rescue diet rich in calcium, phosphorus and lactose (Harlan laboratories, stock #TD.96348) to avoid osteoporosis. 10 animals were used per group in all experiments. In all cases, parasitemia in infected mice was quantified by examining Giemsa stained thin blood smears. Hemoglobin concentration was measured daily with a HemoCue Hb 201+ using blood from the tail tip (<10 µL/day). Mice that reached 60% parasitemia or that become moribund were euthanized. All mice were evaluated daily for the presence of clinical signs of severe malaria using a simple scoring adapted from the SNAP scoring system [54]. Animals were scored by evaluating 5 categories: interactions/reflex, cage grasp, visual placing, gait/posture/appearance, and capacity to hold their body weight on a baton. Each category was divided in 3 levels, varying from 0 to 2, where 0 represented normal individuals and 2 the worst case for that particular parameter. Hematology parameters were determined on day 0 and 5 using a Hemavet 950 FS system (Drew Scientific).
When applicable, statistical analysis of survival was by Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test. The survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimates and the survival curves were compared by the log-rank test. Continuous variables were analyzed with the two-sample t-test, where the Bartlett's test for equal variances was used to determine whether the use of a pooled variance or unequal variances was appropriate. Two-sided P values were reported in the text. P values were considered significant if P<0.05.
Supporting Information
Figure S1.
Melanization does not change blood composition in response to severe malaria anemia. Animals were infected with 1×104 P. yoelii 17XL iRBCs on day 0. Hematological parameters were determined in whole blood. White blood cells (WBC), Red Blood Cells (RBC), Hemoglobin (Hb), Platelets, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes and Hematocrit are shown. Data showed represents the mean of 10 animals and bars represent the SD of the mean.
Figure S2.
Melanin does not alter the cytokine profile in response to cerebral malaria. Cytokine levels before (day 0) and 5 days after infection using 1×106 P. berghei ANKA iRBCs are shown. Data showed represents the mean of 10 animals and bars represent the SD of the mean.
Figure S3.
Melanization does not alter blood composition in response to chronic malaria. Animals were infected with 1×106 P. chabaudi iRBCs on day 0. White blood cells (WBC), Red Blood Cells (RBC), Hemoglobin (Hb), Platelets, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes and Hematocrit are shown. Data showed represents the mean of 10 animals and bars represent the SD of the mean.
Figure S4.
Effect of melanin injections on blood composition in B6.Tyr−/− animals. Animals were infected with 1×106 P. berghei ANKA iRBCs on day 0. White blood cells (WBC), Red Blood Cells (RBC), Hemoglobin (Hb), Platelets, Lymphocytes, Neutrophils, Hematocrit and the linear regression of survival on platelet counts are given. The dashed lines represent the 95% confidence interval about the regression line. Data showed represents the mean of 10 animals and bars represent the SD of the mean.
The authors would like to thank Mrs. Terri Fantasia and Julie Kim for editorial and logistic support.
Author Contributions
Conceived and designed the experiments: MW. Performed the experiments: MW BKV SBY CKL. Analyzed the data: MW. Wrote the paper: MW SKP.
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- 54. Shelton SB, Pettigrew DB, Hermann AD, Zhou W, Sullivan PM, et al. (2008) A simple, efficient tool for assessment of mice after unilateral cortex injury. Journal of neuroscience methods 168: 431–442.


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> Project
Every city inhabitant has an invisible map
in his/her mind. This map determines each person's transmigration
trajectories in the city as well as influences their everyday
choices of particular paths they take. Real Time project by
analyzing habits, how citizens move around their cities, attempts
to visualize these mental maps. Psycho-geographical city maps
are drown using PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), mobile GPRS
connections, Internet and GPS (Global Positioning System)
Real Time Riga is collaboration project
between Waag Society (NL) and RIXC (LV). It continues project
Real Time Amsterdam, which was launched by Esther Polak (NL)
and Waag Society in 2002, and was first shown in exhibition
Amsterdam maps 1866 - 2000.
Riga version of Real Time is part of Art+Communications
- 6th International Festival for new media culture and in
a way it represents the idea of media architecture main concept
behind this year's festival.
Real Time Riga can also be considered the
satellite project of our festival. It has been launched already
now - before the festival, to show RIXC location in the map
of Riga and movements around it. RIXC Media Space (11 Novembra
krastmala 35) is also the main festival location. Media Space
is object of process-based architecture, and its development
is directly determined by events and activities, that happen
in this place.
Visualised map of Real Time Riga project,
which shows mobile behavior of festival participants un Riga
residents will be demonstrated on the screen in the window
of Casablanka (in Doms square, starting from May 9, 2003)
as well as in the LMS gallery (11 Novembra krastmala 35, starting
from May 15, 2003).
During the festival May 15 - 18, 2003 festival participants
and visitors will have a chance to make their own maps and
street drawings in the plot of central Riga.
you would like to make your own Riga map, please contact us


text:
Web Design In Brighton: Reasons Why
It is amazing how many company owners have outdated websites because they think that it will still suffice. Having information and products online for purchase is important, but it's also essential that you keep things looking new and fresh. Technology frequently changes, which means your systems are likely outdated and you don't know it. Whether you want to become mobile friendly or you just need more opportunities to sell and gain trust, it's probably time for web design in Brighton. The goal for you is to find something that is priced right and fits within your budget. However, budgetary concerns aside, you need to choose someone with the most experience possible. They have likely seen it all and knows what works. You can give them ideas of what you like based...Read More


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History of Serrate Radar
Copyright: Henry Black, 2001
Update: January 2008
Note: I am sadden to advise that Mr. Black has passed away. His articles are left in tribute to his historical research. May he rest in peace
SERRATE was a British radar device designed to detect German night fighter radar transmissions from their Lichtenstein aircraft interception radar (AI). At that time, Luftwaffe fighters were causing increasing number of losses amongst RAF bombers attacking targets in Germany and Occupied Europe. The German fighters were using their FuG 202/212 A.I. radar to locate their targets on an established frequency of 485-505 Mc/s.
On 6/1/42 ACM Leigh- Mallory, AOC Fighter Command, wrote to the Under Secretary of State saying that since the frequency of the German AI radar had now become known, there should be a possibility that a homing radar device could be designed to lock onto the transmissions of the German fighter radar. The suggested device should enable his night-fighters more effectively to seek and destroy the enemy.
There was a group at the time called Air Interception Committee (A.I.C.) who were charged with the responsibility of overseeing the development of devices to aid the interception of enemy aircraft. They approved the proposal for research into 'homer radar' on 3rd April 1943. As a result, Telecommunication Research Establishment (TRE) based at Malvern were requested to investigate the possibilities. The result was a homing radar device with the code name of SERRATE. The German radar was in turn using transmissions from sets in the British bomber that were switched on during the whole trip to the target and return. Later in the war, aircrews were instructed to reduce severely the time radars were activated to reduce the chance of detection. The RAF bombers at that time did not carry radar that could detect the presence of the German fighters in the vicinity.
The SERRATE system was capable of detecting the German night fighter up to 100 miles away. The system could indicate bearing but not range with the result that a second radar aid had to be used in conjunction with it. This was the Air Interception Radar AI Mk lV which itself had been in use since 1940. The AI radar could detect an aircraft by bouncing radar signals off the mass of an aircraft at a much shorter range than SERRATE. Homing in on the radar transmission of an enemy aircraft was not the function of the AI Mk lV radar. The theory was that the SERRATE would detect the enemy fighter at long range and when the range was suitably reduced the AI Mk lV could be used for the final interception. A common set of two Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) was used for both radars and the operation of a switch would convert one to another.
More advanced AI systems were available at the time but were generally used over UK Airspace. Since the squadron was expected to serve over continental air space it was felt that it was more prudent to use the earlier version in case of the inevitable destruction and capture of some aircraft. Under these requirements the shortcomings of the AI Mk lV were ignored.
The A.I.C. then required the SERRATE Radar system to consist of the following:
A SERRATE homing tuneable receiver operating over the 485-505 Mc/s radio band.
Twin cathode ray tubes (C.R.T) serving both AI and SERRATE devices through an interconnecting switch.
An aerial system giving both azimuth and elevation
An AI Mk lV interception radar.
GEE Mk 2 navigation system
Identification Friend or Foe (I.F.F) interrogator.
The I.F.F interrogator was a device to differentiate friendly aircraft from enemy and was in general use throughout Bomber Command.
The service trials of SERRATE took place using the Beaufighter Mk. VI(f) aircraft of 141 Squadron which was then in 12 Group of Fighter Command. A captured Ju 88 was used to familiarise the observer/ operators with that of their forthcoming opponents. The service trials took place between June 14/15 and September 6/7, 1943, which resulted in a total of 179 complete sorties being undertaken. Twenty enemy aircraft were either destroyed or damaged during these initial sorties.
In spite of these successes, experience quickly proved that the Beaufighter lacked both speed and manoeuvrability to catch the German aircraft. It was calculated that one combat resulted from every eleven sorties and that a small number of crews were much more successful than others. For example, Wing Commander Braham achieved 9 out of the 23 successes.
On 3rd of July 1943 a letter was addressed to the Chief of Air Staff by 'Bert' who was ACM Arthur Harris; later Sir Arthur. He said that SERRATE appeared to be highly successful and requested that Fighter Command assemble a force of 100 night-fighters fitted with SERRATE to destroy the German night-fighters. This would encourage the morale of Bomber Command crews and the new force should be used to support every major raid. Portal replied that such an increase in the resources was not practical but he was prepared to authorise the formation of three night-fighter squadrons, which would be met by disbanding the Ranger operation flights to form the new squadrons. The new units were to be 141,157 and 169 Squadrons; 239 Squadron is also on record as having been involved.
The Bomber Support Group No. 100 under command of Air Cdre E.B. Addison was formed on 3rd December 1943. It had two objectives, to blind the enemy electronic eyes and ears and secondly to destroy the defending Luftwaffe night-fighters. 141 Squadron with its Beaufighter aircraft Mk. IV(f) was transferred to 100 Group Bomber Command on December 3rd 1943. As the year ended it was equipped with a mixture of Beaufighter and Mosquito II aircraft. The two other night-fighter squadrons followed 141 into 100 Group and were fitted with the SERRATE Mk. II systems. These too were scheduled for re-equipping with Mosquito II aircraft.
The SERRATE Mk. II radar was fitted in the nose of the Mosquito Mk. II in place of the more usual nose mounted four machine guns. The RAF was scoured in the search for Mosquito Mk II aircraft; 60 Operational Training Unit (OTU) for example had all its Mosquito Mk II aircraft transferred to 100 Group, and replaced with other Marks of Mosquitos.
1692 Flight had its early history in the latter half of 1942 as the Radar Development Flight. In June 1943 it was designated 1692 Flight dedicated to training aircrews in the use of SERRATE. It too was transferred to 100 Group in 7th December 1943. For training purposes Defiants and Beaufighters were fitted with radar sets of similar characteristics to that of the FuG202/212 Lichtenstein radar sets used by the German night-fighters. As the Group's Mosquito units increased in numbers the flight undertook training in other areas.
141 Squadron's first operation with the new group took place on December 16/17th 1943. The Mosquito proved to be little improved upon the Beaufighter, being old and fitted with now unreliable engines. In February – March 1944 the 100 Group replaced all the engines of their Mosquitos with Merlin 22 versions
An experiment was tried whereby SERRATE equipped aircraft undertook close escort of the bomber stream. This proved to be a failure since signals from the nearby bombers swamped the C.R.T. screens of the SERRATE fighters. It proved to be much more productive to fly parallel to the bomber stream, 30 miles distant or to patrol the assembly beacons in France around which German fighters would gather awaiting instructions.
In the second
period commencing 8th December 1943 the number of SERRATE contacts began to
The widespread use of 'WINDOW' and SERRATE by the RAF, had rendered the German A.I. radar almost useless. Unbeknown to the RAF, in about June 1944, the Luftwaffe introduced gradually a new version of their radar set the Lichtenstein SN 2 into their twin engine fighters. This change commenced somewhere between August and October 1943.
It was February 1944 when No. 80 Wing noticed a decline in Lichtenstein transmissions, which raised the possibility that the Germans had developed a new Lichtenstein radar set. In a crash programme the Germans had produce 200 sets by February 1944 and 1,000 sets by May 1944. This new radar employed a frequency range of 80-85 M/cs. The use of the new German radar led to an important change in tactics against the bomber streams and this in turn led to the Luftwaffe's greatest victories against Bomber Command. The use by the Luftwaffe of their new Zahme Sau tactics and their Lichtenstein SN2 radar meant that comparatively few of the newly equipped fighters were effective. It was some time before the RAF fully understood the new tactics.
The Germans were well aware that the British were homing onto their early Lichtenstein A.I. systems. In their new radar they selected a frequency from within the band already used by their ground plotting stations. This subterfuge proved to be very successful since a British operator would pick up the more numerous and powerful signals put out by the Freyas. This made the ordinary British receiver of little practical use in trying to find and DF on to relatively weak SN2 signals. In addition, the new German radar sometimes emitted a direction finding note thus making it easier for other German night-fighters to locate the bomber stream.
Fitting the new radar to the German fighters had the effect of steadily decreasing the number of contacts with Luftwaffe night-fighters that were registered to 141 Squadron aircraft. In addition, apparent jamming of the AI Mk. IV radar sets took place. This effect was found to be by enemy jamming but by a defect inherent in the design of the Mk IV AI radar. This fact was confirmed after the war by a German historian. In an attempt to alleviate the problem, all AI Mk. IV radars were retuned to 188 MHz from 193 MHz but this did nothing to alleviate the situation.
For a period, the RAF night-fighters could no longer depend upon their SERRATE radar to locate the enemy and had to depend upon their short range AI Mk. IV systems.
The Bomber Support Development Unit (BSDU) was formed at Foulsham during April 1944 as a trials and development unit for 100 Group. It carried out a wide range of functions for 100 Group including their Radio Counter Measures (RCM) activities such as jamming as well as supporting the SERRATE programme. It had in addition a small production facility to make short runs of radar sets or components for use in modifications. As an example, PERFECTOS was another type of 'Homer' radar set which was said to have been developed and manufactured at BSDU Foulsham.
The use of the Lichtenstein SN2 led to the urgent development of SERRATE Mk IV as a method of homing onto this new German radar. The signals were presented to the Mosquito navigator aurally through a set of normal headphones rather than through a cathode ray tube (CRT). The DF (direction finding) is conveyed to the operator by coding the signal through 'dots and dashes' as with a Lorenz beam. This was necessary because of the number of CRTs already in use in group aircraft for the navigator to read, had almost reached their maximum.
When the Germans came to design their SN-2 radar, they were aware that the British were able to lock their A.I. radars on to their earlier design. To make their new radar more secure, they selected a frequency within the band already used by some of their ground plotting stations - the Freyas. This simple approach met with considerable success because if a receiver was used to pick up the weaker SN-2 signals it would also pick up the more numerous and much stronger signals of the FREYAS. They also made their new radar to have facilities for front and rear scanning.
In the SERRATE Mk. IV, using audio-frequency filtering, the FREYAS signals were almost completely removed while the SN2 signals came through the headphones as a characteristic high pitched note with a pronounced tremor due to the 'Split' transmitter aerial. This became operational in January 1945.
The establishment of the frequency of the SN2 became an urgent problem to solve. It was not completely established until a Ju 88 landed in error at Woodbridge at July 13th 1944.
The Lichtenstein SN-2 was impervious to the original British 'WINDOW' but when during a raid on Stuttgart in July 1944 the lengths of RAF 'WINDOW' had been increased the German night fighter operators decided their radar has developed a fault and, with other night-fighters returned to base.
SERRATE Mk. IV and SERRATE Mk. IV(a) became available at about the same time. The Mk. IV was a modification of the TR 1143 receiver while the TR1430 was used as a basis of the SERRATE Mk. IV(a). SERRATE Mk. IV appears to have been fitted to 157 and 169 Squadrons only, with 141 being omitted. Later model Mosquito's eventually replaced the older aircraft but for a time they were diverted to 'Operation Diver' which was the destruction of Flying Bombs (FZG 76).
A SERRATE Mk. VI appears to have been developed but little is known about its development at this time.
A number of authors have expressed the opinion that SERRATE was an operational failure but this is not the view of this author. The reduction in contacts during one period was due to the introduction of 'WINDOW' by the British and it had an unfortunate effect upon SERRATE Mk. II. This was remedied relatively quickly by the introduction of the clever design of SERRATE Mk. IV.
Typical Serrate Radar Installation


text:
Fire Sprinkler Mains
Make sure your home or business has the adequate fire protection services it needs. Get peace of mind knowing Alex Figliolia Water & Sewer will handle all your Fire Sprinkler Mains needs. From moving and relocating a fire hydrant, to expertly designing your sprinkler system, trust us to ensure your safety from fire. We make sure it is done right for the first time because when it comes to fire prevention, there are no second chances. Why run the risk?
The Figliolia Family has over 80 years experience installing fire sprinkler mains in a wide variety of buildings and spaces. From condos to office buildings, warehouses to garages, retail stores or restaurants we know how to ensure the water will work when needed. Our expert installation will give you the peace of mind you need for your business. If you require a custom fire sprinkler system, we can design and install any size you desire.


text:
- Mark Twain
The Bronze Age offers us very little support for William James' proposal that "the Devil is a gentleman," but gives us a plenty of reason to applaud his work ethic. The Comic's Code exorcised him quicker than you could say "vade retro satana," but its liberalization brought him roaring back, hell-bent on acquiring souls by any (and every) nightmarish means available to the imaginations of 70s comic writers. And he brought his kids along.
So raise those devil-horns high, and give a hearty "Ave Satanas!" as we embark to chart new maps of (Bronze Age) hell, and attempt to give the devil, at long last, his due...
"My subjects' deeds are mild in comparison to the plans I hold for you!"
- Satan, Mystic Comics #4 (August 1940)
Before we delve into Bronze Age Satanism, let's wax (even more) nostalgic and look back at devilish doings of the Golden Age. 1940s Timely Comcs brought us the Black Widow, "a human tool of Satan whose very touch means death," debuting in Mystic Comics #4. Veronica Lake stand-in Claire Voyant (no, really!) is given magical superpowers by a nude Satan so she can kill evildoers, enabling hell to more quickly collect its souls. After a hiatus of over half a century, Black Widow is back on the job in the pages of J. Michael Staczynski's The Twelve.
Not content with waiting for men to turn evil on their own, the Prince of Darkness upped the ante with MLJ (Archie) Comcs' vamp, Madame Satan, who posed suggestively for the first time in Pep Comics #16 (1941). At His Satanic Majesty's request, Madame Satan seduced men into evil acts--and then killed them.
Alas, all this soul-harvesting fun was not to last. Nineteen fifty-four brought the Comics Code, and while it didn't specifically prohibit depictions of the devil, it sure took a lot of fun out of them. For years, Hot Stuff was about as devilish as comics got.
The comics code didn't stay strict forever. By the late sixties, the way was being paved for horror, terror, vampirism, and even "werewolfism" to return to the American comic book. Around the time Rosemary's baby boy would've been turning one (well, in the film version anyway), the devil was making his way back.
"I use to study these books on Satanism as a boy…Now if only I can make the spell work!"
- Johnny Blaze, Marvel Spotlight #6 (1972)
Two things are apparent from the above quote. One is that Johnny Blaze probably lacked appropriate parental involvement as a kid. The other is that Satan was back in comics.
House of Mystery #182 (Sep.-Oct. 1969) is a harbinger of what's to come. In a story called "The Devil's Doorway" an occultist and his family buy a house that use to belong to a cult. After their daughter disappears into the mirror, then later returns with a story of meeting "Mr. Belial," and presents dear ol' dad with a diabolic looking statuette, Mister Occultist, goes investigating. What follows is vintage House of Mystery, involving a twist ending that really ain't much of a twist, but what matters is our oh-so smart occultist protagonist goes to hell and meets Belial, which he informs us is another name for the Devil.
There were going to be a lot of cults, and a lot of smart-guys learning they weren't so smart when they tried to go head to horns with the Prince of Lies over the next ten years. Who'd of thought one of Satan's most successful antagonists would be a young carnival performer on a motorcycle?
Anyone familiar with the Suicide song is aware that Ghost Rider is a motorcycle hero. What this two minute thirty-three second primer doesn't say is that he became one as a result of a deal with the devil. This all goes down in Marvel Spotlight vol. 1 #5 by Gary Friedrich and Mike Ploog.
It's the classic story, really: orphan boy becomes carnival stunt rider. Surrogate father is dying of cancer, so boy turns to his trusty Carny's Library ™ of occult and satanic books, and summons up Satan to do a deal. Boy doesn't read the fine print, and loses his mentor's life and his own soul. Girl's pure love saves boy's soul, so angry Satan binds a demon to boy and forces him to punish evil with a flaming skull head and hellfire powers. See what I mean? It's like it's right out of the Bard, himself.
It should be noted that Marvel eventually retcons "Satan" of the early Ghost Rider stories into Mephisto. Marvel prefers to have "devils" rather than "a Devil." I think its safe to say that's splitting hairs. In a New Testament scripture the Devil would surely quote for you: "My name is Legion: for we are many" (Mark 5:9).
The Bronze Age shows Satan still preferring to sub-contract out as much soul collecting as possible. Ghost Rider winds up in sort of a modified Black Widow plan. Atlas-Seaboard's Grim Ghost is a full return to form.
In Grim Ghost #1 (January 1975) Michael Fleischer spins the tale of Matthew Dunsinane, highwayman in colonial America. After being hanged, Dunsinane is given a "Get Out of Hell (not-so) Free" card by Satan, who's going to arm him and send him to the 20th Century to hasten evildoers into Perdition's flame. The 20th Century, one supposes, has so much evil, Satan needs multiple sub-contractors running around.
Or maybe the reason Satan decided to start farming out so much of his work in the 20th Century might be a shift in his priorities. It seems like the original rebel finally decided settle down and have a family.
"...and suddenly the screams of a baby born in Hell!"
poster for To The Devil…A Daughter (Hammer Films, 1976)
Ghost Rider #1 (Sep. 1973) introduced us to a guy with a very suggestive name--Daimon Hellstrom. He spends most of his first two appearances getting folks to tie him up in an isolated shack to prevent something bad from happening. It wasn't until his third appearance, Marvel Spotlight #13, that we came to know Daimon Hellstrom as the Son of Satan (and got to see that he evidentally visits the same hair-stylist as Magneto and Quicksilver).
This title's literal. Hellstrom's mother was a well-meaning, and apparently fairly oblivous, woman that married a man of wealth and taste after a whirlwind romance, and eventually bore him two kids--a son and a daughter. Ultimately, she discovers that her husband is Satan, which drives her crazy. Mom goes off to an institution, Dad goes back to hell with sis, and little Daimon (mama's boy) goes to an orphanage.
Stan Lee orginally suggested a series called Mark of Satan, which Roy Thomas apparently altered to Son of Satan. Probably Rosemary's Baby was something of an influence. Certainly, The Omen, another tale of a son of Satan was not--it came after Marvel's version. Whatever the inspirations, writer Gary Friedrich gave it the Mighty Marvel mythological spin. Hellstorm gets a trident made from magical metal netheranium mined from Hell, and a flying chariot drawn by two hellspawn horse-things. In other words, Hellstorm is more Journey into Mystery than he is New Testament, or even Dante's Inferno.
It would be the grim and gritty 90s before horror elements began to outshine superhero ones in the portrayal of the Son of Satan. And that era lies outside protective chalk circle of our Bronze Age summoning.
Stan Lee's inexorable commerical reasoning demanded that the devil have a daughter as well as a son. Naturally, she was to be given the alliterative (if somewhat unimaginative) sobriquet of The Devil's Daughter. The comics buying public would come to know her better as Satana.
Satan was more pleased with his little girl than with number one son, Daimon. She got to go with him to hell. When was makes her teaser debut in Vampire Tales #2 , not only has she filled out nicely, but she's become a succubus.
For those of you not fully versed in the works of Gary Gygax, a succubus is an attractive female demon who seduces men. The creature originated in European folklore, and has a name ultimately derived from the late Latin succubare meaning "to lie under."
Roy Thomas and John Romita brought Satana into the world, but Esteban Maroto went on the draw her next appearance and create her definitive look. Maroto's cutaway costume seems to have been inspired by another slinky succubus played by Euro-temptress Erika Blanc in a 1971 slice of Italian-Belgian psychotronica called The Devil's Nightmare (amongst other things).
Satana is a bad girl, though occasionally shows a glimmer of compassion. Mostly, she goes around consuming men's souls and generally playing the anti-hero--that is, until her death in Marvel Team-Up where she inexplicably shows up to helpout Dr. Strange.
Ultimately, given the relatively low-key nature of Satana's evil, maybe Daddy Devil was disappointed in both his kids. Strangely, he's mostly absent from his kids' adventures, just showing up occasionally to rant at that screw-up Daimon.
As the Bronze Age drew to a close, Satan's profile got a little lower in mainstream comics; the giddy thrill of a laxened Comics Code possibly fading. Swamp Thing would get to meet Hell's ruling Triumvirate in the 80s, but the real Satanic second wave would come in the 90s, when Constantine would bedevil (heh) the First of the Fallen, and Dream would verbally spar with Lucifer Morningstar.
He's been around for a long, long year, and finally got his own title, Lucifer, from Vertigo in 2000. From plot device to protagonist on a highway to hell through the weird and wild Bronze Age.
Hot stuff indeed.


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Rocky Mountain Health Plans (not to be confused with Anthem Blue Cross's Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc.) was founded by physicians and community leaders in Grand Junction, Colorado 40 years ago. Rocky Mountain Health Plans is Colorado's largest PPO carrier, and was recently sold to UnitedHealthcare, although they will keep marketing under the RMHP name. Rocky Mountain had limited its individual and family plans to Mesa County, Colorado in 2017, but may expand now that they are part of UnitedHealthcare.
Three selling points for brokers:
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Got Contractors?: A New Case Dramatically Narrows The Definition of Independent Contractors
Wed, 11/01/17
By: Samantha Pungprakearti
Anyone with contract workers should assess whether they need to be reclassified as employees.
Last month the California Supreme Court decided the case of Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court of Los Angeles County. The case clarified the test for determining whether workers should be classified as employees or as independent contractors for purposes of the California wage orders. The answer was surprising because it rejected the commonly accepted "control" test, in favor of the much narrower "ABC test."
California is the most protective state in the country for employees. It provides broad protections and rights to workers, and requires employers to comply with extensive legal mandates. If an employer makes a mistake, the consequences can be very expensive, as penalties, interest and attorney's fees are automatic, even when there is no bad intent.
These broad protections have led some companies to classify workers as independent contractors (the term "independent contractor" and "contractor" are synonymous), because it is less expensive, as contractors are not afforded the protections of these strict laws. Due to the financial incentive for companies to misclassify workers as contractors, the law has continued to narrow the scope of that definition, and to create more and more disincentives (read: heavy penalties) for misclassifying contractors. The default rule is now that a worker is considered an employee unless they meet the strict legal criteria to be properly classified as a contractor.
The new criteria is established in the Dynamex case. The employer in that case, Dynamex, classified all of its delivery drivers as independent contractors. A driver sued for wage and hour violations (overtime, meal and rest periods) on behalf of all drivers. A class action was certified, with the Court addressing the question of whether the drivers were properly classified as contractors, or whether they were entitled to the Wage Order protections afforded to employees. The Supreme Court decided the drivers were employees, applying the "ABC test."
Under the "ABC Test," in order to classify a worker as an Independent Contractor, the hiring entity must establish all of the following:
- that the worker is free from the control and direction of the hirer in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of such work and in fact;
- that the worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity's business; and
- that the worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature as the work performed for the hiring entity.
The Court gave several examples to help clarify its intent. For example, the Court contrasted a retail store who hires an outside plumber to repair a leak, and also hires work-at-home seamstresses to make clothes. The Court explained that the plumber is properly considered an independent contractor because he/she is hired to do a specific job the details of which are outside the control of the retail store, the job is not part of the normal operations of the store, and the plumber is in business for him/herself. On the other hand, the Court held that the seamstresses must be classified as employees, even though they work from home, on their own time and using their own equipment. This is because they are completing work that was designed and directed by the retail store, they are producing the items that the store will sell, are not hired for a one-time special project unrelated to the store's business, and the seamstresses are not in business for themselves.
What this means for you: review the ABC criteria closely to determine whether the contractors working for you are properly classified. If not, convert them to employees. If you have a question or want to make sure you are correct, please feel free to give us a call!
Samantha Pungprakearti is an Associate at Carle, Mackie, Power & Ross LLP and part of its Employment Law Group. Phone: (707) 526-4200. Email:email@example.com.