text:
Sensei: An Interview
With Pat Nakata
Sensei In March
Posted On: April 24, 2013, 01:14 AM
Listing Detail Below is an interview I conducted about Shorin Ryu founder Chibana Chosin
Sensei with my instructor Pat Nakata Sensei, who was his direct student. This
took place in March of 2010.
John Oberle (JO): Let us begin by discussing a little about the life of
Chibana Chosin Sensei. I have seen many variations of the name of his
birthplace, such as Torihori, Tottori-cho, toribora, etc. What can you tell
us about his hometown?
Pat Nakata Sensei (PN): Chibana Chosin was born in Torihori village, which is
located in the Shuri area of Okinawa. In Okinawa, I heard only Torihori and
those that pronounce it as Tori-bori were usually Naichi (mainland Japanese). It
is humorous when so-called Chibana Shorin-ryu practitioners say that Sensei
was born in Tottori-cho, which is in mainland Japan.
PN: Before I go any further on this particular subject, I would like to say that
much of my information is from Masahiro Nakamoto and his book, "Okinawa
Traditional Old Martial Arts". I consider Nakamoto Sensei the foremost authority
on teachers from the Shuri area, especially the ones from Torihori. Nakamoto
Sensei writes that originally Torihori was called Tunjumui. Torihori was a
residential area where many of the nobility lived.
PN: Around 1868, during the Meiji Restoration, the king was deposed and the
nobility, which included most of the Torihori residents, were without a job or
support. At the time, the neighboring Sakiyama Village was the most
prosperous since they previously enjoyed exclusive rights under the King to
brew awamori (Okinawan Sake). The Torihori families decided to become sake
brewers. Torihori then became known for its sake brewing.
JO: That is an area known for many martial artists. What can you tell us
about Chibana Sensei's family?
PN: The foremost authority on teachers from Torihori is Nakamoto Masahiro
Sensei. According to Nakamoto Sensei, Chibana Chosin Sensei's family
lineage was called the family of Sho Ko Toku, the fifth son of King Sho Shitsu.
Chibana Sensei's father was one of the most successful sake brewers. Chibana
Sensei's uncle, Chibana Choso, was a student of Matsumura Sokon and was a
well-known Karate teacher.
PN: During the Second World War at the time of the American invasion,
Chibana Sensei lost his wife and son. Chibana Sensei later took a second wife,
but this tragedy had a lasting impact and Chibana Sensei rarely spoke of the
JO: How did Chibana Sensei begin his training?
PN: Chibana Sensei told me that he started training when he was thirteen years
old, but I am not sure who his teachers were. As he has stated in most of his
interviews, at fifteen years old, he dropped out of school and went to request
tutelage from Itosu Anko Sensei.
JO: What can you tell us of his training with Itosu Sensei?
PN: I will touch on it. Talking about his training with Itosu Anko Sensei would fill
a book. When Chibana Sensei started training with Itosu Sensei, he was first
taught the Naihanchi no Kata Shodan. This was the only Kata that he was
taught for 6 months. He was required to practice this Kata for 6 months and
perform it 200 times a day. This was Itosu Sensei's way of testing his will and
JO: It is often noted that Chibana Sensei ended his formal education
early. Have you heard of him receiving any other kind of education after
PN: Yes. Itosu Anko Sensei was a very educated man, having formerly been
the king's scribe. Since Chibana Sensei was with him every day, he taught
Chibana Sensei reading, writing (including calligraphy), and arithmetic in
addition to Karate.
JO: How did Chibana Sensei run his classes? I heard towards the end of
his life, he only taught Naihanchi Sandan and Pinan Godan. Is this true?
PN: I am not sure how Chibana Sensei ran his classes in the early days. When
I trained with him at the dojo, we as a group would do the Kihon no Kata
Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan, followed by Naihanchi no Kata Shodan, Nidan,
and Sandan. I use the "no Kata" in Kihon "no" Kata, but Chibana Sensei would
just say the Kata name such as Kihon Shodan. If it were your first night,
Chibana Sensei would have you follow him as he performed Kihon Shodan,
immediately after the class performed the opening series. If it was your second
night, you would do the Kihon Shodan with the class, then Chibana Sensei
would have you follow him on Kihon Nidan. Kihon Sandan would be the same.
On the fourth night, you would start the Naihanchi Shodan and move on to the
Naihanchi Nidan after a month. There was a 1 month interval for each
Naihanchi Kata and Pinan Kata. For the Patsai Kata, Kusanku Kata, and
Chinto, there were 2 month intervals.
PN: After the opening series with the whole class, Chibana Sensei would work
with everyone individually, except for those that had completed all of the Kata.
After you finished the Kihon Kata, Chibana Sensei would not correct you
individually. It would be same with Naihanchi. After you completed the Pinan
series, Chibana Sensei did not call on you to perform the Pinan Kata. If you
wanted to review the Pinan Kata, you would join in with the student(s) at that
level as Chibana Sensei called them up.
PN: After you have completed all of the Kata, you would be called to perform
with the group, which would be 2 Kata selected from Patsai, Kusanku, and
Chinto. On the Naihanchi and Pinan, Chibana Sensei would have you perform 3
of these Kata. If you were learning the Kata, Chibana Sensei would perform it
himself and have you follow him. So, after the opening series, Chibana Sensei
would work with the beginners to the advanced. Completing the round would be
the group that had learned all of the Kata. Normally, there were 2 rotations, but
on a smaller class attendance night, he would do 3 rotations. To complete our
evening practice we would do the Kihon and Naihanchi as we did in the opening
PN: That I know of, Chibana Sensei taught all 16 Kata until his last class. I had
never heard of him doing otherwise.
JO: Was there any difference between the way Chibana Sensei taught his
classes and the way he taught privately?
PN: I am not sure what you mean by differently. There was a big difference in
intensity. At the dojo, the corrections were spread among 10 to 30 people, but
during the day, I was alone and each move was scrutinized by Chibana Sensei.
One-on-one Chibana Sensei could really explain the application and meaning of
the moves. Because of my limited Japanese, Chibana Sensei did a lot of
demonstrating so I could understand. On many of the Kata moves, he taught
me to perform it differently from everyone else, including himself. At the same
time he would explain the reason for the different methodology. In most cases it
was much more effective. I must admit though, that it took me many (10 to 20)
years to understand much of the explanations.
JO: What kind of advice did Chibana Sensei have for his karate students?
PN: Chibana Sensei gave much advice, but I would like to stress that Chibana
Sensei was not a philosopher. He did not go around philosophizing. Chibana
Sensei was a Confucianist. He was a "middle of the roader", a moderate. He
normally "preached" moderation. Like: "Train hard, but do not over do it", "You
can consume alchohol, but know your limits, and stop before you reach that
limit". In other word do not go to extremes.
JO: What was Chibana Sensei's attitude towards kata as a teaching tool?
PN: When I asked Sensei on how to improve my fighting skills? He said to
practice my Kata. To Sensei, Karate without Kata is not true Karate. Within the
Kata are the fighting techniques of the the past teachers. Through the Kata
practice one discovers the true meaning of combat.
JO: To what extent did Chibana Sensei explain the meanings behind
movements in the kata? Were these the meanings he learned from Itosu
PN: Sensei always said that if the basic movement was a punch, then do it
strong. If the movement is a block, then do a strong block and likewise for kicks
and strikes. Normally, he taught that most movements had 3 meanings. First,
there was the basic movements, followed by the grappling type techniques, and
ultimately vicious use of nerve points and/or joint breaking techniques. Most of
what Chibana Sensei taught came from Itosu Sensei.
JO: How did Chibana Sensei feel about making modifications to kata?
PN: Chibana Sensei often said, "Kata was created and refined by the great past
masters. Who am I to change such a great tradition?" As mentioned in Shuguro
Nakazato's book, Chibana Sensei tried to teach the Kata exactly how he
learned it from Itosu Sensei. Chibana Sensei repeated this to most of his direct
JO: What was your impression of the way Chibana Sensei performed his
PN: Chibana Sensei's performance of Kata was very precise and refined. There
were no extras, no frills, and no unnecessary movements. His Kata was very
JO: Did Chibana Sensei ever explain things in terms of "hard and soft" or
"circular and linear"?
PN: Chibana Sensei never explained techniques in the context of "hard and soft
" nor "circular and linear". In fact this type of discussion are more common with
modern day Karateka. In the old school, especially in Shorin-ryu, more time was
spent training than intellectualizing.
JO: Did Chibana Sensei ever explain how he came up with the name
"Shorin Ryu" for his style of karate?
PN: The Ti that was practiced in Shuri (Shuri-te ([ti]) was often referred to as
Shorin, which in Mandarin was Shaolin. These characters were sukunai (少
"small in number") and hayashi (林 "forest"). This read as sukunai hayashi or
PN: Chibana Sensei did not use the sukunai character, but instead he changed
it to ko (小 "small or young"), when he named his style. Chibana Sensei felt that
the ti practiced and taught in Shuri, were techniques that had become
indigenous to Okinawa or Shuri and no longer resembled the Chinese methods.
The Chibana Chosin Karate can be considered as orthodox Shuri-te.
JO: How did Chibana Sensei determine his kata curriculum?
PN: When Chibana Sensei contemplated teaching Karate, he approached his
teacher, Itosu Anko Sensei to discuss his Kata curriculum that he want were he
to teach. He apparently told Itosu Sensei that Itosu Sensei had far too many
Kata. Itosu Sensei must have agreed with Chibana Sensei and told him to teach
the core Kata, which came up to 12 Kata. He instructed Chibana Sensei to
retain the Matsumura Patsai and call it Patsai Dai and his (Itosu) Patsai would
be Patsai Sho, which brought the total to 13 Kata. Chibana Sensei considered
only these 13 Kata as "pure" Shuri-te.
PN: Chibana Sensei felt that he needed some introductory Kata, other than
Naihanchi. He developed 3 Kihon Kata which brought his curriculum to 16 Kata.
JO: I notice Gojushiho was not considered a pure Shuri-te kata so it was
not part of his curriculum, yet many of Chibana Sensei's students teach
different versions of this kata. What can you tell us of Chibana Sensei's
knowledge of Gojushiho?
PN: Gojushiho was not considered to be a core Itosu Kata, so it was not
included into Chibana Sensei's curriculum. Yes, Chibana Sensei considered it
as Naha-te (Number Kata and taught in China, then brought to Okinawa). Most
of the senior Chibana students trained with other instructors and learned their
Gojushiho from their respective teachers. I don't think that they teach different
versions, but rather do it with slight differences in interpretations. They all do
their interpretation of the Matsumura Gojushiho. Chibana Sensei taught me the
Itosu no Gojushiho. He showed me the difference between the Itosu Gojushiho
and the Matsumura Gojushiho.
JO: There are two versions of the Patsai and Kusanku kata in the Shorin
Ryu curriculum. Where did the different versions come from?
PN: Chibana Sensei said that originally there was only one Patsai. The original
Patsai was the Matsumura Patsai. How Matsumura Sensei came upon this
Kata is unknown. The Tomari (Matsumora / Oyadomori) version is a takeoff of
the Matsumura Patsai. Itosu Sensei's Patsai is a takeoff of the Tomari and
Matsumura Patsai.
PN: Before Itosu Sensei created the Pinan Kata, the Naihanchi Kata was taught
and immediately followed by the Kusanku Kata. Both of the Kusanku Kata were
too long and too difficult for the younger students. This is the reason for the
creation of the Pinan Kata.
PN: Chibana Sensei did not make any distinction between the Kusanku Sho
and Kusanku Dai. It is believe by most historians that the Kusanku Sho was
created by Itosu Sensei and the Kusanku Dai is originally from Tudi Sakugawa,
with the other being the Yara Kusanku. Both Sakugawa and Yara were brother
students of Kusanku.
JO: So Chibana Sensei learned both Kusanku Sho and Kusanku Dai from
Itosu Sensei?
PN: Of course, Kusanku Sho and Kusanku Dai were considered 2 of Itosu
Sensei's 12 core Kata.
JO: I have heard varying theories on the origins of the Pinan kata. Did
Chibana Sensei ever explain how they originated?
PN: Chibana Sensei said that the Pinan Kata was created, because when Itosu
Anko Sensei introduced Karate into the school system, he found that the
Kusanku Kata was too long and too difficult for the younger students. After
introducing the Pinan Kata, on the second year Itosu Sensei realized that
another Kata (Pinan) was needed for the students who had already learned the
Pinan (Shodan). Thus, the second (Nidan), third (Sandan), fourth (Yondan), and
fifth (Godan) were added. This may explain the reason that the Pinan Shodan is
about the most difficult of the 5 Pinan Kata.
JO: There is much talk about "traditional karate" versus the "modern
karate" that was first introduced into the Okinawan public school system.
During his lifetime, some would note differences between "Okinawan
karate" and "Japanese karate". Did Chibana Sensei ever discuss or
remark upon these differences?
PN: Chibana Sensei never discussed or made a distinction between modern
and traditional Karate. Contrary to what has been written, he never made a
distinction between sports Karate and traditional Karate. He strongly believed
that all Karate is Okinawan.
JO: Did Chibana Sensei ever use the makiwara post as a teaching tool?
PN: Chibana Sensei encouraged hitting the makiwara to develop power and
timing. For Chibana Sensei the makiwara was more of a training tool, rather
than a teaching tool.
JO: Did Chibana Sensei practice any weaponry?
PN: Chibana Sensei did learn weaponry, but we don't know from who (possibly
from Tawata Shinjo)? When I mentioned to Chibana Sensei that I was learning
Kobudo from Nagaishi Sensei, he told me to bring my weapons so he could
show me the basics. I bought a set for Chibana Sensei, since he did not have
any weapons. (set: Bo, Sai, Nunchaku and Tonfa) After about 2 weeks, I
suggested to Chibana Sensei that we concentrate on just Karate. Sensei
agreed and he returned the weapons. I told him that the set was for him. He
insisted that he had no use for the weapons and that I should keep it for my
own use.
JO: What were Chibana Sensei's thoughts on sparring?
PN: Chibana Sensei cautioned that sparring may be detrimental to actual
combat. For safety, in sparring we need to pull our punches, strikes and kicks,
which will handicap you in actual combat. Sensei never discouraged sparring,
as long as we understood that sparring and actual combat were two different
JO: Did Chibana Sensei ever express his wishes regarding his
organization after he passed away?
PN: Chibana Sensei in 1965, told me that upon his passing that his number 2
grandson, Akira would head Chibana Sensei's Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karatedo
Association and take the Chibana name (I believe that Akira's name was
Nakazato [not related to Shugoro]).
JO: What kind of person was Chibana Sensei outside of his karate
PN: Chibana Sensei was very kindly and approachable. Whether it was at the
dojo, at home, or in public, Chibana Sensei was always the same.


text:
Oct. 21, 2006
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Senior co-captain Ryan Sheffler netted a hat-trick for the Engineers on Saturday afternoon at Steinbrenner Stadium, but it wasn't enough for Tech to overcome New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference foe Springfield, ultimately falling, 4-3. The loss drops MIT to 5-9-0 on the season, including an 0-5 mark in the NEWMAC. The Pride improved to 5-10-2 overall and 2-4 in conference play.
The match was the Engineers' final regular season home game of the 2006 campaign. They finished the year with a 4-5 record on home turf, including a 2-3 record on their recent five game home stand.
Springfield wasted no time in making its mark on the game, taking the lead just over two minutes into the contest. Colin Cook sent a driven cross into the area which Tony Distasio brought down and finished for the 1-0 lead.
Tech responded just over 20 minutes later, however, when Sheffler's floated free kick from well outside the area fooled everyone and ended up finding a home in the top corner of the net.
The score remained deadlocked into the half, but the second stanza was to bring much more excitement.
Sheffler converted a penalty kick in the 56th minute to give MIT a 2-1 lead, but Distasio added his second of the game and fourth of the season in the 68th minute to knot the game at 2-2. Tech took the lead once again in the 71st minute when Sheffler completed his hat-trick after being played through on goal by Nitin Perumbeti. It was the Beaumont, Texas native's team-leading seventh tally of the season.
However, Springfield bounced back once again, leveling the score through Adrian Schippers in the 81st minute. Jeremy Scheer contributed with an assist.
Schippers then added his second - his seventh of the season - in the 83rd minute to give the Pride the 4-3 lead. The goal would ultimately prove to be the game-winner.
Sophomore goalkeeper Tom Caldwell made six saves for the Engineers in the losing effort, while Ryan Driscoll made three stops for Springfield.
Sheffler's hat-trick came on a day in which he was one of three seniors honored for Tech on senior recognition day. Dylan Wright and Alex Morgan, along with Sheffler, were playing in the final regular season home games of their MIT careers.
The Cardinal and Gray next takes the field on Tuesday, Oct. 24, when it travels to UMass Boston in a match that will kick off at 3:30 p.m. Springfield will conclude its regular season on Wednesday, Oct. 25, when it will travel to Western Connecticut at 7:00 p.m.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Principal Investigator(s):
Coral reef ecosystems are among the most diverse and highly productive ecosystems on the planet yet are currently threatened by a number of natural and human-induced factors. Regardless of the cause, reef degradation generally results in an irreversible phase-shift from dominance by reef-building corals to dominance by fleshy macroalgae or seaweed. These shifts are believed to be irreversible and lead to communities that are less diverse and much less complex. While a number of natural disturbances can cause localized coral mortality, reduced top-down control (caused by overfishing) and increased bottom-up control (caused by nutrient pollution) are the most frequently implicated causes of human-induced reef degradation (aside from global warming). The relative importance of each of these factors in causing reef decline has been the subject of debate and much research among scientists. However, despite much effort there is still not consensus in the scientific community as to how these factors independently and interactively influence phase-shift formation or the loss of reef building coral. Further, not all phase-shifts are alike; some result in blooms of a single species of algae while others result in a more diverse mixed species assemblage and still others involve exotic species. Through analysis and synthesis of data from the literature, this project will develop conceptual models to determine the relative strength of top-down versus bottom-up control on coral reefs. Ultimately these results will help to identify the importance of overfishing and nutrient pollution on reefs by specifically identifying how these factors influence benthic reef community structure. The information generated by this project will be highly useful in implementing sound science-based management decisions for conservation of coral reef ecosystems across the globe.
Background Information
One of the most intriguing questions in coral reef ecology has been to understand how and why corals dominate the landscape (Figure 1) while plants dominate most other ecosystems on the planet. Reef ecologists generally believe that a combination of physical and biological factors favor the dominance of corals over algae on healthy or pristine reefs. Humans, however, can have dramatic effects on coral reef communities by altering any of the above factors, often shifting the competitive edge away from the corals and in favor of faster growing fleshy algae (Figure 2).
From a biological perspective, dense populations of grazing fish and sea urchins on healthy reefs help keep algae cropped to low levels (Figure 3). Generally on reefs with abundant fish and invertebrate populations, the algae that are present are either very small turfs that have fast growth rates or are either chemically and/or physically defended against grazers. Experimental evidence suggests that the removal of grazers from reefs through overfishing or disease can allow algae to begin overgrowing corals and eventually cause a phase shift where long-lived, slow-growing corals are replaced by fleshy, fast-growing seaweeds (Figure 2).
From a physical perspective, the availability of nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, can also influence the growth rates and abundance of algae on reefs. Most reefs have developed in the clear, warm and nutrient deficient waters of the tropics. The coral organisms and their symbiotic zooxanthellae (microscopic single celled algae that live inside the coral tissue) are extremely efficient at using nutrients and are able to survive with very little external input. Reef algae and seagrasses, on the other hand, need external sources of nitrogen and phosphorus to survive. These organisms are able to absorb nutrients from the water column, sand or sediment. On healthy reefs the low input of nutrients prevents algae from being "fertilized". In extreme cases where nutrient inputs are high (from sewage outfalls, terrestrial runoff containing agricultural fertilizers, landscaping, etc.), algae may be able to overgrow corals and become dominant, even occasionally forming large blooms (Figure 4).
The introduction of exotic, alien or non-native species has caused numerous problems around the globe able to out-compete native species. In places such as the Hawaiian Islands, this is particularly a problem because there are so many endemic species (species which are only found in Hawai'i). Over the years several species of marine algae have been introduced to Hawaiian reefs, primarily for experimental aquaculture. Unfortunately many of these species have spread from their initial points of introduction and have become quite abundant on the shallow reef flat environments around the Hawaiian Islands. These invasive species are seen as one of the largest threats to global biodiversity, as they are often (Figure 5). While invasive species are known to have negative effects on ecosystem structure and function in forests, grasslands, lakes and some cold water marine environments much less is known about invaders on coral reefs.


text:
The Rosa L. Parks Scholarship Foundation
The 2018 application is available here!
Our Mission: The Rosa L. Parks Scholarship Foundation is dedicated to awarding scholarships to Michigan high school seniors who hold close to Mrs. Parks' ideals while demonstrating academic skills, community involvement and economic need.
Our Vision: To be the leading force in empowering and inspiring youth to reach their highest potential and advance the legacy of Rosa L. Parks.
Since it was founded by The Detroit News and Detroit Public Schools in 1980, The Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarship money to more than 1,000 high school seniors. The Foundation awards approximately forty $2,000 non-renewable scholarships annually.
"Rosa Parks devoted her life to creating access and opportunities for everyone, and the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation's goal is a reflection of that," said Delora Hall-Tyler, President of the Foundation. "With the passing of Mrs. Parks (in 2005), we feel it is more important than ever to continue her legacy by helping young people meet their educational goals, which in turn allows them to achieve a better life."
Are you, or do you know a Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation alumni? If so, please contact us.
The Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation is an autonomous entity and is not affiliated with the Raymond and Rosa Parks Institute for Self Development.


text:
TALLAHASSEE | A nonprofit company that has two dozen state contracts to care for troubled juveniles in Florida pays its chief executive more than $1.2 million a year in salary and benefits, most of it courtesy of taxpayers.
TALLAHASSEE | A nonprofit company that has two dozen state contracts to care for troubled juveniles in Florida pays its chief executive more than $1.2 million a year in salary and benefits, most of it courtesy of taxpayers.
Outraged, the state Department of Juvenile Justice said the money paid to William Schossler is excessive and should be spent to help kids. The state wants the hefty paydays to stop.
"It was never the department's intent that such a large share of the funding would go to compensate the top administration of your corporation instead of into direct services for our youth," wrote Gov. Rick Scott's juvenile justice chief, Wansley Walters, in a Dec. 12 letter to Schossler. "That is something that neither the department nor the citizens of Florida can abide."
Schossler, 65, of Chiefland is president of the Henry & Rilla White Foundation, a Tallahassee-based nonprofit that has done work for the state for more than two decades. Named for Schossler's grandparents, the foundation manages residential treatment beds, provides counseling and therapy to troubled children after they complete residential care, and has programs to divert kids from delinquency.
In the current budget year, the foundation's 23 juvenile justice contracts statewide have a total value of $10.2 million.
The battle between the state and the foundation surfaces at a time when legislators are promising a more in-depth review of state contracts with private vendors, which comprise more than half of the state's $70 billion annual budget yet receive only token scrutiny.
Legislators rarely investigate the details of contracts, but Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Nice�ville, has challenged senators to exhume contract details in agencies' budgets to see how money gets spent.
In what it called a routine review of contracts, the Department of Juvenile Justice discovered that Schossler was paind $397,940 in salary and $862,837 in other compensation in 2010, according to the foundation's Form 990 filing with the IRS.


text:
Drew shoulder bag
Drew shoulder bag in suede calfskin and smooth calfskin
€ 1.350
Sold Out
Select size
Product details
Suede calfskin and smooth calfskin Carry: long shoulder or cross-body - Unique compartment - Topstitched front flap - Signature jewel lock - Internal flat pocket - Golden brass finishing - Refined beige suede calfskin lining Comes with a dust bag - Width: 9.3" / 23.5 cm - Height: 8.3" / 21 cm - Depth: 3.1" / 8 cm - Strap length: 20.5" / 52 cm This article is made from semi-aniline leather. The half-transparent finish imparts a robust nature to the product while preserving its natural character. Respect care instructions on the leaflet. Colour: silver blue Item code: 3S1031-H5I-BI2
The Drew shoulder bag offsets strong feminine elegance against sharp masculine appeal. An effortlessly chic addition to any look, Drew exudes timeless 70s glamour that connects to the Maison's heritage. The sleek and graphic lines create a modern look, balanced with sensual, feminine curves and magnetic hardware in warm, yellow gold metal. The combination of suede and smooth calfskin leather further adds to the array of contrasts inherent in the Drew bag, creating textural depth. This bag's multi-faceted refinement will instantly uplift any look. Drew can be slung from the shoulder for extra swing or worn cross-body.
Shipping & Returns
All orders placed and delivered between 19 November and 21 December may be exceptionally returned until 7 January. Orders delivered after 21 December follow the ordinary return policy.
We provide free pick up for your returns: you have 15 days from delivery to follow our quick and easy return procedure.
For additional information, please consult the Return Policy.
May we help?
Call us at +44 (0)2078113950
Contact us by filling out our form


text:
The 26-year-old Netherlands international has found first-team opportunities hard to come by the past few months at the San Siro under Massimo Allegri, making 20 appearances across all competitions for the Italian giants this season before falling out of favour.
|Follow all the action as it happens in our dedicated LIVE! blog
With the player comfortable at both left-back and on the left side of midfield, the move to Craven Cottage sees him reunited with former manager Martin Jol, who coached the player during their time together at Ajax during the 2009-10 season.
"Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce the loan signing of Urby Emanuelson until the end of the 2012-13 season," a statement read on their official club website.
Emanuelson becomes the club's second signing of the January transfer window so far after they earlier completed the loan move for Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong, also until the end of the campaign.


text:
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 31: (L-R) Heidi Klum and Seal attend Heidi Klum's 12th annual Halloween party in NYC (Getty Images)
The last photo that Heidi tweeted with Seal, posted on Dec. 26.
Heidi & Seal with their Kids (Pacific Coast News)
(Pacific Coast News)
Heidi Klum displays an outfit as her husband Seal performs during the Victoria's Secret fashion show at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California (Getty Images).
Heidi Klum and Seal renew their marriage vows at a redneck themed ceremony on Broadbeach. (SplashNews)


text:
From £12,400
From £12,400OTR
R 1200 GS. Icon meets progress, perfection meets passion.
The R 1200 GS is THE GS. It founded the dual-sport motorcycle segment – and is still leading it confidently today.
The diversity – roads, cross-country, urban, countryside, comfort, performance – combined with the legendary robustness and the expertise from over 36 years of GS development result in a motorcycle which shies away from no competitors. A great many test triumphs and awards in technical magazines provide impressive proof for this. And it's not by accident that "the GS" is the top-selling motorcycle above 600 ccm – worldwide.
The new model goes one better: both in terms of its touring suitability and off-road performance. More comfort, more dynamics and more fun.
Personalisation – irreplaceable.
One thing always remains the same: robust, dynamic and full of character. New paint finishes and high-quality surfaces also highlight the striking GS design. And this is a good thing.
But whether it's elegant tank trims, front wheel spray protection, GS mouldings or new frame and body colours – the R 1200 GS has never been as diverse as this.
And the styles are new as well. The Exclusive style adds visual highlights and places the focus on a confident appearance and touring with high-quality materials and details.
The Rallye style does exactly what it says on the tin, and ambitioned off-road riders certainly get their money's worth.
In addition, there is an extensive range of optional accessories, including Keyless Ride, useful off-road accessories, and even luggage systems – to better adjust the GS to your own desires.
The pricing shown is valid from 01.01.2017 and is a non-binding recommendation of the manufacturer including 20% VAT and excluding transfer costs. Modifications and mistakes reserved. If you have any questions, please speak to your BMW Motorrad Retailer.
Available in Black Storm Metallic, Light White.
|Air/liquid-cooled four stroke flat twin engine, double overhead camshaft, one balance shaft
|Bore x stroke
|101 mm x 73 mm
|1,170 cc
|Rated output
|92 kW (125 hp) at 7,750 rpm
|Max. torque
|125 Nm at 6,500 rpm
|Compression ratio
|12.5 : 1
|Mixture control / engine management
|Electronic intake pipe injection
|Emission control
|Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4
|Performance / fuel consumption
|Maximum speed
|over 200 km/h
|Consumption per 100 km based on the WMTC
|4,96 l
|Fuel type
|Unleaded super, octane number 95 (RON)
|Electrical system
|three-phase alternator 510 W (nominal power)
|12 V / 11,8 Ah, maintenance-free
|Power transmission
|oil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated
|Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth
|Shaft drive
|Chassis / brakes
|Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine
|Front wheel location / suspension
|BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, central spring strut
|Rear wheel location / suspension
|Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel- related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheel
|Suspension travel front / rear
|190 mm / 200 mm
|1.507 mm
|99.6 mm
|Steering head angle
|Rim, front
|3,00 x 19"
|Rim, rear
|4,50 x 17"
|Tyres, front
|Tyres, rear
|Brake, front
|Dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers
|Brake, rear
|Single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating calipe
|BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral), disengageable
|Dimensions / weights
|2.207 mm
|Width (incl. mirrors)
|952,5 mm
|Height (excl. mirrors)
|1.412 mm
|Seat height, unladen weight
|850 / 870 mm (lowered suspension* 800 / 820 mm) *OE
|Inner leg curve, unladen weight
|850 / 870 mm (lowered suspension* 800 / 820 mm) *OE
|Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled
|244 kg
|Dry weight
|244 kg
|Permitted total weight
|460 kg
|Payload (with standard equipment)
|216 kg
|Usable tank volume
|20 l
|approx. 4 l
BMW Motorrad's hugely popular Enduro helmet has been superseded by the all-new GS helmet.
With its unique Z-liner ventilation system, first-rate protection, and reflective print that meets international standards, the GS Dry suit keeps riders dry and comfortable on trails and roads around the world.
Maximum protection and rigidity for off-roading.
Entry-level touring boot for year-round wear.
An Adventure glove in leather and textile mix with a GORE-TEX® X-TRAFIT lining ensuring it is wind tight and waterproof with free-breathing properties.


text:
|Summary of 1 reviews :
|Room :
|Facilities :
|Service :
|Location :
|Hotel room status:
Sampran riverside is an award winning, E-co cultural destination close to Bangkok.
Since 1962, our philosophy and activities are based on the traditional Thai way of life
of the Sampran district.
Facilities comprise of hotel, Thai houses, restaurants, spa, meeting rooms, Thai Village, Organic Farm and a weekend farmer's market. Cultural activities can be experienced at our unique Thai Village with morning art and craft workshops and afternoon cultural show. Our certified Organic Farm is where visitors can learn about organic agriculture and sample fresh produces.
Sampran Riverside is ideal for a relaxing getaway where one feels a part of our local community, engaging in the traditional Thai ways.
Sampran Riverside Hotel comprises of 2 interconnected buildings occupied by 160 rooms and suites with each one having its own spacious private balcony.
The Pet Kasem Wing features 73 Superior Garden View rooms spread across 5 floors and the Ta Chine Wing has 69 Superior River View rooms.
It is a family hotel and many rooms can comfortably sleep up to 3 adults. Moreover, 4 of the rooms are tailored to serve the requirements and comfort of handicapped guests.
Non-smoking or smoking rooms are available on request.
All in-house guests have free access to Wi-Fi high speed internet in the hotel lobby and swimming pool areas.
|Garden View
(room size: 31.2 sq.m.)
|River View
(room size: 26.4 sq.m.)
Sampran Riverside has 3 restaurants and 1 coffee shop offering a variety of cuisines such as Thai, International and Japanese.
The restaurants enjoy a plentiful supply of fresh herbs, coconut, vegetables and spices from our own Organic Farm
across the river as well as local farms.
|Inn Chan Restaurant
|Rim Nam Restaurant
|Vanda Restaurant
|The Sampran Riverside is a favourite venue for
local and regional corporate events. Many companies return to the
Sampran Riverside for seminars, mid-sized meetings, training and team-building,
theme nights or a combination of all of these. Corporate groups
appreciate the serene setting of the Sampran Riverside as well as its creative
break-out options and willingness to go the extra mile. Plus, there's
the added incentive of returning to familiar faces in the Sampran
Riverside community.
Faces in the Sampran Riverside community: Taking advantage of its nature farm across the river, the Sampran Riverside is also developing its team-building and soft adventure themes for groups which want something different.
Ruen Kaew: One-of-a-kind gated and fully-refurbished antique Thai teak house with its own lawn, set on a tranquil lake. With a fully-equipped private kitchen, Ruen Kaew is self-contained, ideal for executive meetings or theme parties.
Morakot: The main and largest fully-equipped conference room at the Sampran Riverside sits off the Pet Kasem Wing and has its own lobby. Comfortably seats 200 guests and has 4 breakout rooms attached.
Nopparat: An opulent Thai-designed stand-alone meeting room by the Ta Chine River. An excellent private dining venue.
Lotus: A cosy, exclusive room on the second floor of the Ta Chine Wing of the Riverside Hotel. Perfect for small meetings, receptions and functions.
Pailin: A fully-equipped conference room for up to 120 guests, on the first floor of the Pet Kasem Wing.
Coral: One of twin meeting rooms located on the upper floor of the two-storey building adjacent to the Riverside Hotel. Accommodates up to 60 guests.
Jade: The twin to Coral, seats 60 guests.
Rose Corner: Another stand-alone meeting room. Looks out to manicured gardens, seating up to 120 guests.
Meet in the Garden: a Sampran Riverside specialty as there are numerous gardens and lawns that can be used for this purpose.
Meet on the River: For a "captivating "audience on a short meeting for small groups.
For unforgettable weddings, the Sampran Riverside is the place of choice. Say your vows under the stars on lush sweeping lawns or tie the knot in spacious, modern, banquet facilities, you have the best of both worlds. With its choice of spaces - from its gardens to its lawns to the riverside to its various banquet rooms - the Sampran Riverside is the perfect venue to begin a new life together.
Be it a traditional Thai wedding or a Western-style ceremony, whether you want elephants and dancers to be part of your party or intricately-carved table decorations to deck out the night, no request is too small or too big for the team to deliver.
|Bussaram Room
|Coral Room
|Jade Room
|Morakot Room
|Mukdaharn Room
|Nopparat Room
|Pailin Room
|Pearl Room
|Rose Corner Room
|Massage is an important component of traditional Thai living.
Centuries ago, Thai healers used the art of massage to help rid Thai
people of aches, pains and anxiety, and to restore lost vitality.
The Arusaya Thai Wellness Experience is Sampran Riverside's own authentic boutique Thai spa. Set in a serene herbal garden in a century-old antique Thai house, the Spa is a quiet haven next to the lake. It offers herbal compresses picked straight from the garden, and essential oils you can personally select to restore vitality, or to just lull you into a deep sleep.
Certified therapists and trained Thai Traditional Medicine experts work in seven air-conditioned rooms, en-suite with bathrooms, and three steam rooms. Aside from basic health and lessons on Thai herbs, its offerings include.
|Organic Farm
Our 10-acre Organic Farm is certified by IFOAM and EU standards where vegetables, fruits and herbs are grown for our hotel and restaurants.
Open Hours: 10.00 am. & 04.00 pm., Sunday 10.00 am.
Thai Village Cultural Show & Elephant Demonstration
The longest running cultural show in Thailand
Open Hours: 01.30 pm. & 02.45 pm.
Activities include "pick and eat "experiences:
Thai Village and Cultural Learning Center
Sampran Riverside's award-winning Cultural Centre transports you into a typical Thai Village, where villagers guide you through some of the iconic experiences of Traditional Thai Living. Guests can learn about silk-weaving, pottery-making, umbrella-painting, martial arts, fruit carving, garland-making, rice-pounding and cultivation. Watch the rich displays of Thai period costumes or the sweet snacks khanom. Learn about the care of elephants, and help feed these animals that play such an important role in traditional Thai lifestyles.
Art & Craft Workshops
Open Hours: 10.00 am. - 12.00 pm.
|Swimming Pool
|Certified Organic Farm
|Paddle Boat
|Sookjai Market
|Alms Giving
|Canal side Market
|Thai Culture Show
|Umbrella Painting
|Elephant Show
|The Sampran Riverside is the perfect base from which to explore
Bangkok - yes, you read it right, Bangkok. Located just 1 hour drive
from the city, with the new improved highway, the Sampran Riverside can be
not only your escape from Bangkok but from where you can make forays
into the city when you feel like shopping and dining in Bangkok. And
after you've had your fill of city life, return to the haven of the
gardens by the lake.
While at Sampran Riverside, take your time too to explore the province of Nakhom Pathom with the world's biggest pagoda and its night market as well as visit a timeless floating market nearby.
Holidays are about balance, which is why the Sampran Riverside's serene riverside setting is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of big city life - yet still situated close enough to one of the world's most fascinating cities.


text:
Culver goes the distance as Wapak edges Bath
The Wapakoneta varsity baseball team edged out Bath in a Western Buckeye League match up, thanks in part to solid pitching from a junior that went the distance Monday.
Chace Culver pitched 7.0 innings, giving up 2 runs, 5 hits and 3 walks, and picking up the victory over the Bath Wildcats, 3-2.
"We had some great pitching from Chace," Wapakoneta varsity coach Jason Brandt said. "He didn't have his best stuff by any means, but he battled. "
The Redskins' bats weren't as lively as Brandt would have liked them to be, but that can be credited to some solid pitching from Bath's Collin Gossling.
Gossling went 6.0 innings, and other than a 2-run double from Alex Koch and a manufactured run in the 5th inning, tamed the Redskin offense.
"When you've got two guys throwing they way they were throwing it, you've just got to find a way to manufacture a run or two, and we weren't able to," Bath varsity coach Brian Jesko said.
Koch's double in the second inning score A.J. Etzkorn and Marchall Gerlach.
A single in the fifth from Gerlach, a sacrifice bunt, a sacrifice fly and an infield hit by Josh Apple scored a run for the Redskins in the sixth inning.
Brandt expressed the importance of getting the first guy on in the inning.
"Getting the lead-off batter on in any inning is key, and we had gone a week without getting a leadoff runner on base.," Brandt said. "We have to be better at that. When you get the leadoff batter on, there are so many things you can do."
In the end, Bath wasn't able to produce a third run to tie the game in the 7th.
"Two good teams battling in a classic WBL game," Jesko said. "We had limited opportunities on the base path, and we didn't make anything of those opportunities, and ultimately that's what cost us the game."
The Redskins prepare today for a game against Ottawa-Glandorf, at home. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.


text:
Fuel, fertilizer, labor and interest rates are major concerns for farmers when they consider the cost of doing business, and 2012 promises to be another year of uncertainty for some inputs as the spring planting season approaches.
Retail gas and diesel prices spiked in 2008 when they got to close to $5 per gallon, says Greg Ibendahl, Mississippi State University agricultural economist.
"I think one day we'll go back and look at this period from the 1980s to the 2000s as more or less our golden years, with inflation rates being down and prices staying fairly steady, with everything being pretty consistent and not much controversy," he says.
After 2000, gas and diesel prices became more volatile, says Ibendahl.
"One of the things that pushed us over the edge with the most recent recession and probably broke the camel's back is when gas went over $4 per gallon. That extra cost to consumers did it. When the recession started and demand dropped, prices started going lower and we started our slow recovery," he says.
The EIA — a branch of the U.S. Department of Energy — predicts oil prices of about $80 to $90 per barrel for the next year and a half or so, he says. "But they seem kind of clueless, since their range goes from about $40 per barrel to $190 per barrel, so it looks as though they're pulling numbers out of the air. They're also predicting diesel prices to stay about steady in that $4 range," he says.
Looking at consumption versus production, consumption dropped significantly during the height of the recession, which one would expect, says Ibendahl, with consumers having less money to spend.
"Production didn't drop off too much though, which led to a surplus and led to the price of oil going back down. On the plus side, for the next couple of years anyway, OPEC does have excess capacity. We're at about the 10-average as far as excess capacity. We're not really looking for any dramatic increases in oil prices because of that."
Stocks above typical average
Commercial oil stocks are above the typical average, so oil stocks are available if we need it, and if there's a big demand for oil again, he says. "Even though we're cutting back here in the United States, China is using more oil, which is helping to keep prices up."
Gas and diesel prices are seasonal, says Ibendahl, with certain times being better for buying than others.
"You would think gas prices would be higher in the summer because of more people driving and taking vacations, so you expect a higher demand for gas in the summer, with prices going lower in the wintertime, and that's certainly the case. Prices start climbing in May and stay high through the fall."
But, he says, diesel fuel is a different situation. "I used to argue that because diesel fuel and fuel oil were similar products, diesel prices should be highest in the winter because people are using more home heating oil. But that isn't the case, because diesel prices peak in the summer along with gas prices, but it's a different kind of peak. There's also a peak in the spring and in the fall. That shows a fundamental shift in how the diesel market works now. It's not so much now that heating oil is driving the market, as it is that the construction side is driving things."
This is bad for farmers, says Ibendahl, because they need fuel in the spring, in May or March, and then in the fall for harvest, during October through November, which corresponds with when diesel rates are highest.
"I tell farmers not to wait until the last minute to buy their fuel, because they'll probably be paying the highest price if they do that."
For spring planting, it's an easy decision, he says, since the lowest price comes in February.
"So if you're buying for the spring market, it makes sense to buy most of your diesel during February. But buying in February for fall use probably wouldn't be your best option unless you have a really cheap cost of capital. Somewhere at about July might be the best time to buy for fall use."
As for predicting the cost of natural gas, since about 2009, variations have been consistent, all within a range of $5, says Ibendahl. Before this time, however, the natural gas market was very volatile. Natural gas reserves that have resulted from new mining technology, especially in the northeastern U.S., could solve any natural gas problems for a long time to come, he says.
But, he adds, these discoveries came late for agriculture because a lot of our fertilizer production now has moved out of the country.
Fertilizer use by region
Looking at fertilizer use by region, North America currently uses about 14 percent of the world's fertilizer while China uses 28 percent and India uses 14 percent.
"Before 1992, fertilizer prices were fairly easy to predict, but it has become much more volatile. Going into 2012, we're looking at a lot higher prices than we saw back in 2010. We've seen a steady increase in fertilizer prices since the summer of 2010."
A large share of U.S. fertilizer needs continues to be imported, he says, and that makes it difficult to predict what fertilizer prices will do in the future. The United States imports 55 percent of its nitrogen or 10.57 million tons and 81 percent of its potash or 6.92 million tons.
"But we are a leading producer of phosphate, producing 90 percent of the world's use and exporting 44 percent of what we produce. So at least the U.S. has some control over phosphate."
Someone would think that natural gas would be a leading indicator of the price of nitrogen fertilizer, but there's too much variability there, says Inbendahl.
"But there is some correlation when we predict spring anhydrous ammonia price based on the October oil price. With this model, $80-per-barrel oil equals a price of $661 for anhydrous ammonia. If I was a farmer, I wouldn't be in a hurry to purchase my fertilizer for next spring. There's a chance the price might come down. Also, $80 oil translates into $496 urea prices."
As far as the labor and wages side of things, he says, unemployment continues to be high. "This is actually a good thing for agriculture if you're looking to hire somebody because there should be plenty of people looking for a job. And wages haven't increased much either."
Interest rates continue to be low, says Ibendahl, so borrowing, if you can get money, shouldn't be a problem. The issue is whether or not your bank is loaning money.
"Prices have increased somewhat for chemicals. But Roundup prices have dropped significantly, so if you have Roundup Ready crops, the price is a lot less than a couple of years ago.
Machinery prices have bumped up with combines being up 7 percent in 2011, cotton pickers up 9 percent, and 150-horsepower tractors up 8 percent."


text:
Quality CareFind out why Mayo Clinic is the right place for your health care. Make an appointment.
Meet the StaffFind a directory of doctors and departments at all Mayo Clinic campuses. Visit now.
Research and Clinical TrialsSee how Mayo Clinic research and clinical trials advance the science of medicine and improve patient care. Explore now.
Visit Our SchoolsEducators at Mayo Clinic train tomorrow's leaders to deliver compassionate, high-value, safe patient care. Choose a degree.
Professional ServicesExplore Mayo Clinic's many resources and see jobs available for medical professionals. Get updates.
Philanthropy at Mayo ClinicYour support accelerates powerful innovations in patient care, research and education. Give today.
Subscribe to Housecall
Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.
Be sure to ask your butcher to grind the chicken breast. Most pre-ground chicken has the fatty skin added to the mix.
Saute onion and garlic in canola oil until browned. Mix browned onion and garlic, and cooked rice, ground chicken breast, and all herbs and spices together. Let rest in refrigerator for 1 hour.
Roll mixture into sausage shapes, or pipe onto sheet pan with bag to achieve desired shape. Roast in oven at 350 F for 5 to 10 minutes, until the internal temperature is 125 F.
Note: Sausages are not fully cooked or safe to eat at this point but can now be transferred to a grill to finish cooking to a safe internal temperature of 165 F.
Created by the chefs at Mayo Clinic's Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.
Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.


text:
Questions regarding products or questions about your order?
99% of products are shipped by USPS Mail from the west coast USA.
Please email us or give us a call for fastest service! Include your order number if regarding your order. Please allow 12-24 business hours for us to reply not including weekends. We always respond to your questions!
Customer Service: Please use the form to contact us. We will reply as soon as possible. We have staff standing by answering email 5 days a week. Yes! We are in business and appreciate your business!


text:
In a recent survey by OMNETRIC Group,1 US utilities executives noted that they would adopt digital technologies such as mobility, social and analytics in pursuit of business priorities such as greater efficiency, optimization or customer engagement—in fact, in that order.
Digital is key to the transformation the utilities industry is undergoing, and it touches every part of the value chain. However, in such a traditionally investment-strapped industry, executives need to be strategic about the application of such technologies, and clearly map investments to priority outcomes and stakeholder, regulator and customer expectations. While grid reliability continues to be a business priority around the world, it is especially critical for US utilities, driving them to closely examine and adopt digital as a way to improve the ability to predict and manage power outages.
The cost of outages is rising, consumer expectations are higher and severe weather in the United States has raised regulatory scrutiny in many regions. Outages particularly erode customer satisfaction and shareholder value. According to some forecasts, the US economy potentially loses more than $150 billion annually to unplanned power outages, even after utilities have implemented an outage management system. To improve grid reliability and increase customer confidence, utilities need to make better use of outage intelligence to enable them to predict and prevent outages, and react faster. Many US utilities still struggle with generating accurate insights for prediction, and there is still room to improve the ability to effectively act on available information and around closing the feedback loop.
When an outage occurs, decisions need to be made quickly. To make those decisions, a utility needs to be able to analyze multiple data streams, act on intelligence, engage customers and allocate resources efficiently. On the question of securing better insights, technology providers have made significant progress with powerful in-memory computing, more cost-effective data storage and access, optimized techniques for batch and stream processing and far better tools for analytics and visualization.
But it is the integration of data that remains the sticking point, particularly in a utility's asset-intensive environment, where viewing an accurate picture of activity requires bringing together disparate data from information and operations technology systems. In the same recent survey of North American utilities executives, only half see information and operations technology applications merging for the handling of smart data. This hinders utilities from generating better information, including in the context of outage.
To accurately predict outages, utilities need to integrate their asset data, which is held in systems operated by the utility, with weather data and data related to vegetation management provided by third parties. However, in addition to the performance and security considerations related to integrating external data sources with traditional operational data sets, utilities understand that it is simply difficult to achieve. Rather, they should consolidate and aggregate data from operational systems and other sources into a separate data store for analytics.
By seamlessly integrating evolving data sources and applications, such as social media mining and smart grid analytics with core systems (traditional outage management systems such) and with IT systems, utilities can leapfrog limitations imposed by the current generation of utility technologies. The resulting solutions can offer the distribution/outage operator insight simulating the upcoming severe weather event in a geospatial presentation. As a result, utilities can understand the relative impacts and take the necessary proactive measures related to pre-allocation, crew needs, equipment requirements and customer communication. For example, by analyzing weather data, network models and historical feeder performance, analytics can compute the likelihood of a specific feeder failing. Analytics can also help assess outage impacts and prioritize outage-related work based on the effect on reliability measures such as SAIDI.
By integrating information and operational applications across technology, people and processes, utilities can use predictive analytics to achieve better awareness, improved assessment and better preparedness for power outages. And that sounds like a more effective way for utilities to no longer simply weather the storm, but to get ahead of it.
Authored in collaboration with OMNETRIC Group, a joint venture between Accenture and Siemens, dedicated to the development and delivery of integrated smart grid solutions.
1 Source: OMNETRIC Group-sponsored survey of North American utilities executives with more than 500,000 customers: "How does the smart utility platform look today?" 7.29 – 9.30.2015, in conjunction with Electric Energy online and Desert Sky Group LLC.


text:
Style # 207507
Sparkle and shine in always-luxe stripes! With a mix of sequin-embellished stripes, this bebe dress is sure to make a pretty party must-have. Try it with a pair of nude pumps and finish it with a minaudiere.Ā
- 100% nylon
- Center back to hem: 34" (86 cm)
- Imported
- Model is 5'9" and is wearing a US size S


text:
|7.28 / 10
|November 18, 2016
|David Yates
|David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Lionel Wigram
|Warner Bros. Pictures
|Eddie Redmayne, Colin Farrell, Ezra Miller, Ron Perlman, Katherine Waterston, Samantha Morton, Jon Voight, Carmen Ejogo, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Johnny Depp
|133 minutes
Seventy years before Harry Potter reads writer Newt Scamander's (Eddie Redmayne) book in school, the author enjoys adventures in New York's secret community of witches and wizards.
The spinoff film takes place in 1926, as Newt travels the globe to find and document magical creatures. But after completing a global excursion and arriving in New York for a brief stopover, his misplaced magical case leads to the escape of some of Newt's fantastic beasts in the No-Maj (American equivalent of "Muggle") world.
Based on the novel written by famed author J.K. Rowling, who wrote the Harry Potter books. She also wrote the screenplay for this movie.
Copyright © 2018 Tribute Entertainment Media Group
Movies Calgary | Halifax Theatres | Cinema Montreal | Toronto Movies | Vancouver Movies | Contests
Airdrie Restaurants | New Movies Coming Soon powered by Tribute.ca


text:
YORK, Pa. – On a career day for sophomore James Lowe, in which he tallied seven points on six goals and one assist, the York College men's lacrosse team (7-2, 3-0 CAC) handily defeated the visiting Saints of Marymount (2-7, 0-1 CAC) 12-1 in a Capital Athletic Conference tilt.
"It was a great effort," stated Spartan head coach Jim Griffin. "This game sets a tone looking ahead. We just need to focus on getting better and challenging ourselves on both offense and defense. Today really epitomized us realizing what our strengths are."
Marymount started the conference match-up by striking first on a man-up situation with 13:14 remaining in the first quarter, however that would be the only deficit that the Green and White would face for the remainder of the game. Not more than 30 seconds later, senior captain Josh Gamble would net a solid shot assisted from Lowe to further increase his program-best career point total. The first quarter would end in tight fashion with the score tied at one, as both sides provided defensive units that were eager to thwart any chance for offensive success.
The second quarter would be kick-started with Lowe's first goal of the contest to put York ahead 2-1. The frame was highlighted by a diving save on an open net by junior goalkeeper Tyler Powell to protect that lead and effectively end any short-term success the Saints were attempting to compile. After a goal from sophomore Nate Stewart and one from junior John Dubois, the Spartans would tack on one more score before halftime, courtesy of Lowe, to conclude the first half of play with a four-goal advantage.
"Our offense is very balanced and is an open set that allows anyone to succeed," stated Lowe. "Though, we really just try to counterbalance the defense's momentum."
And counterbalancing their defense's momentum is exactly what the Spartan offensive unit did. After beginning the third quarter with a man-up and automatically getting the ball, freshman Seth Krolus took advantage by extending York's lead after scoring off a pass from junior Jimmy Langton. Following Lowe's third goal of the game, Langton notched a tally to put the Green and White ahead by seven. After backing down his defender inside, he then blew past him as the defender attempted to go over the top and stick-check Langton. Langton took the opportunity and posted the goal.
As the fourth quarter commenced, York held a commanding 9-1 lead that was once again extended by a Lowe goal. Although the play of the game cannot be granted to one of Lowe's picturesque goals, as it would be a travesty not to award it to senior defenseman Travis Atwell. With 12:03 remaining in the game, Powell was tripped up as he was chasing down a ground ball. The grounder got away and ended up in the stick of a Saints midfielder, who had a clear objective of scoring on the now-empty York goal. Instinctively Atwell sprinted toward the net and stationed himself between the pipes, anticipating a shot to be hurled at him.
"As soon as I saw the shot go, I just prayed I was going to get in the way of it somehow," stated Atwell.
Thus, he was ready when the Saint finally did fire a bounce shot, to which Atwell simply kick-saved and cleared to a fellow Spartan defender.
Unfortunately that would not be the last scare Marymount would provide as Powell was struck by a shot just below the throat with less than five minutes remaining. After clearing the save Powell doubled-over and was holding his chest, at which point Atwell came over to check on his goalkeeper. Thankfully, Powell shook it off and was able to continue the exceptional play of the afternoon and amass 14 saves, afterward admitting that the stinger caught him in an area that is not well padded but he would be just fine.
Clearly the injury is of no concern to Powell. When questioned as to how his team is performing at a level higher than in previous years, he included that he is already looking forward to the team's next game.
"Our attitude has changed. We practice the way we practice and play the way we play," said Powell, who played exceptionally well en route to a 14-save performance. "And right now we're just focused on St. Mary's on Wednesday."
The Spartans next two games will be against conference foes. York will be visiting St. Mary's for a 4:00 on game on March 30 before hosting Wesley on April 2 in a 3:00 pm contest.
PHOTO: James Lowe scored six goals and supplied one assist in York's 12-1 CAC triumph over visiting Marymount (Va.). Courtesy of Zach Clabaugh - www.sharpedgefoto.com
Game story written by Matt Pucci - York College athletic communications contributing writer


text:
Guests like this housing
2 users added to their Favorites
last seen over a week ago
37 m2Total area
7 from 9Floor (equipped with elevator)
Check-in time is
after 14:00
Check-out by
before 12:00
Minimum stay
from 1 day
No smoking
No suitable for pets
No parties or events
The cost of the whole apartment
Attention! The prices are specified
in US dollars
according to
the CBR exchange rates for
19th of December 2018
You pay for accommodation on check-in in Russian rubles .
No reviews of this property yet


text:
The City Council's Public Safety Committee held a hearing to discuss a bill proposed by councilman and committee chair Peter Vallone, Jr. requiring police to disclose crime data from all parks larger than one acre. But some say this is still not enough.
The proposal from Vallone comes in light of recent crime reports that show a 48 percent increase in park crime since 2009, the highest on record, with a reported 162 incidents for the quarter. There were 149 incidents reported in same quarter last year.
"We can no longer allow the NYPD to hide behind a claimed lack of technology to avoid providing the public with this vital information," Vallone said. "We are looking for ways to include playgrounds and other areas smaller than an acre, but larger than a patch of grass."
Vallones's bill would increase the required number of parks under police oversight from 31 to over 870, and require them to publish the information online.
"Reporting crimes in all parks over one acre is in everyone's best interest," said Alyson Beha, director of research, planning and policy at New Yorkers for Parks. "It will help New Yorkers better understand the reality of perceived concerns about safety in parks."
Geoffrey Croft, president of NYC Park Advocates, said the proposal is not enough and noted a bill in Albany sponsored by State Senator Tony Avella that would encompass all parks.
"If passed this law would continue to endanger the lives of the public, the police and PEP officers by not requiring the city track crimes on all park properties, including all parks and playgrounds, recreation centers and pools," Croft said.
Avella's legislation would require police to report and track crime at all 1700 public parks and playgrounds.
"It is imperative that the city track crime in all parks and playgrounds, not just on properties of one acre or greater," Avella said. "The city has had enough time to create a system to track and monitor crime, it has just not been a priority."


text:
Results 1 to 5 of 5
#1 Planned Parenthood reports record year for abortions01-08-2013, 01:41 AM
n its latest annual report for fiscal year 2011 to 2012, Planned Parenthood reveals that it performed 333,964 abortions in 2011 a record year for the organization.
According to annual reports, the organization performed 332,278 abortions in 2009, 329,445 in 2010, making the total number of abortions in three years to 995,687.
Planned Parenthood reported receiving a record $542 million in taxpayer funding, according to a Susan B. Anthony List analysis of the report, in the form of government grants, contracts, and Medicaid reimbursements. The amount is 45 percent of Planned Parenthoods annual revenue.
While government subsidies to Planned Parenthood have reached an all time high, so too has the number of lives ended by this profit-driven abortion business, SBA Lists President Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement. Destroying nearly one million children in three years is not health care and does not reflect a concern for vulnerable women and girls.
Contraceptive services at Planned Parenthood have dropped by 12 percent since 2009, and cancer screening & prevention services have dropped by 29 percent.
For you Obama supporters you helped make this possible, that is just one of the reasons why I say you have sided with evil.Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness;
Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
And clever in their own sight! Isaiah 5:20-21 NASB
Planned Parenthood is the baby killing organization. They should not be getting my tax money.
I love my God, my country, my flag, and my troops ....
In the last three years, Planned Parenthood aborted roughly one million future taxpayers. Think about that when Social Security's trustees start talking about the demographics of the program and its sustainability.--Odysseus
Sic Hacer Pace, Para Bellum.
Before you can do things for people, you must be the kind of man who can get things done. But to get things done, you must love the doing, not the people!
01-08-2013, 10:28 PM...and cancer screening & prevention services have dropped by 29 percent.
Imagine, an organization (somewhat) trying to find a cure for breast cancer NOT wanting to give money to an organization that isn't doing anything to find a cure for breast cancer. SHOCKING.
PS - If you have breast cancer dollars to give...don't give to Komen. Find a local breast cancer charity instead. Thank you.Be Not Afraid.
- Join Date
- Sep 2008
- Location
- South Florida
- Posts
- 4,775
|« Previous Thread | Next Thread »


text:
777 6th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Stay at Furnished Quarters at 777 6th Ave. and enjoy our monthly furnished rentals in a new 32-story luxury hi-rise building located in a thriving modern neighborhood. This building has a private garden entry with water wall, floor to ceiling windows, and a fitness center. Chelsea has become a center of world-class shopping, fine restaurants, the cutting edge art scene, and exclusive nightlife in Manhattan. Schedule your tour with a Furnished Quarters representative today!
230 West 55th Street
305 W. 50th Street
60 East 12th Street
105 Duane Street
...and more
New York City, NY
White Plains, NY
Stamford, CT
Boston, MA
Jersey City, NJ
San Francisco, CA
The Financial District
Greenwich Village
Midtown East
Midtown West
Upper East Side
Upper West Side
Keep you up to date with important changes and announcements at Furnished Quarters.


text:
Three news stories on Wednesday appeared that reported essentially the same thing:
Board members at Groupon were discussing firing the company's CEO Andrew Mason.
These news stories did not cite each other. Rather, they cited "sources" close to the situation. (Kara Swisher at All Things D broke the story.* Then Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal followed).
Often, when separate news stories contain essentially the same information and don't cite each other, it means that a person or company wants the information out there.
In the case of the Groupon , it was not immediately obvious who stood to gain from the Andrew Mason information.
It didn't help Andrew Mason, certainly.
And it didn't help the company, whose leadership was suddenly thrown into limbo.
And it didn't help the board as a whole, which looked like it was stabbing its CEO in the back.
It seemed unlikely that high-quality publications like All Things D, Bloomberg, and the Wall Street Journal would run with secondhand information. So it seemed the information had come directly from (or at the behest of) one or more of the board members who are discussing firing Mason.
Judging from the Wall Street Journal's story, which cited "fractures" and "clashes" between Andrew Mason and board members Eric Lefkofsky and Brad Keywell, it's not hard to guess who those board members might be.
In any event, leaking information like that was a cutthroat thing to do.
And it put Andrew Mason in an incredibly awkward position.
For one thing, it forced him to address in public the question of whether the board might fire him, which he did at the Business Insider Ignition conference. Mason had a good answer for that question: With the stock getting clobbered, of course the board was discussing whether he is the right guy for the job. But boards generally have those discussions in private, not in newspapers.
Importantly, if everyone on the board wanted to fire Mason, there would have been no need to leak the story. The board could just have canned Mason at the upcoming meeting and announced the news when it was a fait accompli. So it seems likely that a board member or two want to oust Mason and other board members don't--and that the ones who do want to oust him blindsided him.
(That was the impression I got in our interview, by the way--that Mason had been blindsided. He was articulate and composed, but he also seemed almost resigned to the fact that he was going to get canned).
It will be interesting to one day get the full story.
It will also be interesting to see how the situation plays out.
And inasmuch as someone on the Groupon board apparently wants us to have a public discussion about whether Andrew Mason should be canned, let's go ahead and have one.
The fire-Mason case is clear:
- Groupon's stock has had an abysmal year since its IPO a year ago
- Groupon's international business is imploding
- The growth of Groupon's core daily deal business has slowed to a crawl, and the product still clearly needs tuning (there are too many anecdotal stories of merchants not liking the product)
- There has been some senior management turnover
- A big part of the problem at the company is external perception (which starts at the top)
- Andrew Mason has only a few years of business experience and is now responsible for turning around and managing a massive global corporation, winning over Wall Street and the media, instilling passion and confidence in tens of thousands of rattled customers and employees
The give-Mason-more-time case, however, is also compelling:
- Groupon has likely grown faster than any company in history—from zero to $2.5 billion in revenue, 12,000 employees, and profitability in less than four years
- Groupon is still growing
- Groupon is making money
- Groupon has crushed almost all of its competitors
- Groupon has successfully launched a new business—merchandise—that is already doing more than $1.5 billion of annualized revenue
- Groupon's North American business is still doing well—it's the acquired companies in Europe that are the problem
- Mason has a lot left to learn, but he is learning quickly
- All companies go through rough periods
What decision will the board make? What's the right decision?
That's a tough one.
In my opinion, it depends a lot on Andrew Mason.
Andrew Mason has led Groupon this far (and very few observers appreciate how spectacularly hard that has been to do). If Andrew Mason wants to fight to keep his job, commits to learning more about how to run a multi-national corporation and communicate better with Wall Street and the media, and remains excited and passionate about his job, then he should be given more time. Not an indefinite amount of time, but more time.
If, on the other hand, Andrew Mason has learned that managing a huge global corporation, dealing with the media and investors, and continuing to build and manage a top-notch senior executive team is just not as much fun or as rewarding as leading Groupon in the early years, then he should step aside (or get canned).
This, by the way, is not a new situation for a founder-CEO to find himself in.
The skills and leadership ability required to grow a startup are different than those required to turn around and manage a vast global corporation. And many talented entrepreneurs and executives decide that they prefer one to the other.
I have huge respect for Andrew Mason for doing the interview today. Most CEOs would have cancelled the conference appearance. I also have huge respect for what Mason and his team have accomplished at Groupon over the past three years.
If Mason wants some more time to prove himself and fix Groupon, the board should give him more time.
If he doesn't, I hope he resigns quickly, helps hire a great new CEO, and then eventually gets more credit for building the company than he has to date.
The reason that leak was so ruthless, though, is that it will be hard to recover from.
Groupon's CEO has been placed in limbo.
To resolve the situation in Mason's favor would require the resignation of the board members who want him gone. But even this wouldn't fix it. Everyone would know why these board members were quitting--because they had lost confidence in the CEO--and that wouldn't help Mason's authority, either.
Even if Andrew Mason wants to fight for his job, in other words, it will be a tough fight to win.
Whoever stabbed him in the back knew what they were doing.
Follow The Daily Ticker on Facebook!
More Groupon coverage from The Daily Ticker:
Groupon Stock Plummets After Poor Q3 Earnings: Has It Hit a Wall?
Groupon's Move into Mobile Payments: Hail Mary or Savvy Strategy?
Groupon Blows It Again, Restates Earnings as Customers Demand Refunds


text:
Date: Jul 18, 2012
Press Release Number: 97-2012
ANIMATION ONLY – Credit as: Footage provided courtesy of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Click HERE to read more about the Port Authority's recent Bayonne Bridge announcement.
Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency's network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs, and generates more than $23 billion in annual wages and $80 billion in annual economic activity. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where construction crews are building the iconic One World Trade Center, which is now the tallest skyscraper in New York. The Port Authority receives no tax revenue from either the state of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency relies on revenues generated by facility users, tolls, fees and rents as well as loans, bond financing, and federal grants to fund its operations. For more information, please visit http://www.panynj.gov.


text:
Words and Music
When In Pyongyang
by Kate Julian
With the New York Philharmonic slated to make its Pyongyang debut this week, Lorin Maazel, the music director, confessed to some trepidation about the visit. ("I wrote an opera called '1984.' Can that be clearer?") But, some weeks ago, with visions of 1971 Ping-Pong diplomacy in mind, Maazel decided that the concert, which will be broadcast live across North Korea, warranted a few remarks ("introducing music, not talking about North Korean gulags") from the conductor. "It seemed only appropriate, with the North Koreans sitting in the audience and the Americans sitting onstage, that there be some kind of verbal bridge, a 'We're happy to be here and this is what we're playing and hope you enjoy the concert' sort of thing -- just by way of breaking the ice," he explained over the phone last week from Hong Kong, where the Philharmonic was halfway through a tour that was to culminate in concerts in both North and South Korea.
Read the complete article at the New Yorker website:


text:
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - 11:00am to 11:30am
Call Visitor Services at 617-720-7612 to register
Members Free and Non-members Free with admission ($10)
Up Close Tour: Artists as Inventors, Inventors as Artists
Up Close Tours encourage visitors to look closely at materials from the Athenæum's rich collections and consider them within a particular context.
Samuel Morse, the artist who painted the Athenæum's portrait of James Monroe, invented the electric telegraph. George M. Dexter, one of the architects of the Boston Athenæum's home at 10½ Beacon Street, invented a new way to heat building. Boston Athenæum Docent Scott Guthery will explore the interaction of art and science as illustrated in patents granted to Athenæum artists and members during this 30-minute tour.


text:
Servings: 30-40 Cookie Sandwiches
2 1/4 cups almond or hazelnut flour
3 tablespoons coconut flour
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup Swerve Sweetener
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Filling
4 oz. cream cheese – softened
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered Swerve (you can grind granulated Swerve in a spice grinder)
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl mix together the dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the Swerve and butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Add egg and vanilla, mix until fully combined.
5. Add dry ingredients and mix until combined.
6. Roll out dough between two sheets of waxed paper to a rectangle about 1/8 of an inch thick. Using a circle cutter, cut out as many cookies as you can. Place them onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Re-roll out cookie dough until you run out!
7. Bake cookies for 12 minutes. Let cool completely before filling.
To make filling:
1. Using a food processor, cream together cream cheese, and butter.
2. Mix in vanilla extract.
3. Gradually mix in powdered Swerve.
#1 Keto Cookbook - Over 370 Keto recipes
Great Ketogenic recipes for the Keto diet with a Free 12-week Meal Plan & more
Last edited by ketocarol : 05-12-2017 at 08:33 AM.
|Thread Tools
|Display Modes
Linear Mode


text:
Undergraduate Catalog
2012 – 2013
Office of Admissions
Emil H. Messikomer Hall
100 W. Rosedale Avenue
West Chester, PA 19383
Phone: 610-436-3411
Fax: 610-436-2907
Revised May 2012
Students may enroll at West Chester University in programs leading to the following degrees or certificates:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
Bachelor of Music (B.M.)
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)
Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)
Local Certificate (CERTIF)
Teaching Certificate (TCHG CERT)
Accounting B.S.
Anthropology B.A.
Athletic Training B.S.
Biochemistry B.S.This program has been placed in moratorium. Until further notice, no new students are being admitted.
Biology B.A., B.S., B.S.Ed., TCHG CERT
Biology-Cell and Molecular, Ecology, Medical Technology, Microbiology, B.S.
Medical Technology CERTIF
Business Management B.S.
Chemistry B.S., B.S.Ed., TCHG CERT
Chemistry-Biology B.S.
Computer and Information Sciences B.S.
Criminal Justice B.S.
Early Childhood Education B.S.Ed., TCHG CERT
Early Grades Preparation PreK-4 B.S.Ed., TCHG CERT
Earth-Space Science-Astronomy B.S.Ed.
Economics B.S.
Education for Sustainability (CERT)
Elementary Education B.S.Ed., TCHG CERT
English B.A., B.S.Ed., TCHG CERT
Finance B.S.
Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry B.S.
French B.A., TCHG CERT
General Science TCHG CERT
Geography B.A.
Geoscience-Geology B.S.
German B.A., TCHG CERT
Health and Physical Education B.S., TCHG CERT
Health and Physical Education-Exercise Specialist B.S.
Health Science-General B.S.
Health Science-Respiratory Care B.S.
History B.A.
Latin B.A., TCHG CERT. This program has been placed in moratorium. Until further notice, no new students are being admitted.
Liberal Studies-Arts and Sciences B.A.
Liberal Studies-Science and Mathematics B.S.
Liberal Studies-Professional Studies B.S.
Marketing B.S.
Mathematics B.A., B.S., B.S.Ed., TCHG CERT
Middle Grades Preparation Grades 4-8 B.S.Ed., TCHG CERT
Music Theory and Composition B.M.
Music Education B.M., TCHG CERT
Music Performance B.M.
Music: Studies in an Outside Field B.M.
Nursing B.S.N.
Pharmaceutical Product Development B.S.
Philosophy B.A.
Physical Education (See Health and Physical Education)
Physics B.S., B.S.Ed., TCHG CERT
Physics-Engineering B.S.
Political Science B.A.
Political Science-International Relations B.A.
Political Science-Applied Public Policy B.A.
Pre-Medical (see Chemistry-Biology)
Psychology B.A.
Public Health-Environmental B.S.
Public Health-Health Promotion B.S.
Respiratory Care (See Health Sciences) B.S.
Russian B.A., TCHG CERT
Russian Studies CERTIF
Secondary Education (See individual concentration) B.S.Ed., TCHG CERT
Social Studies TCHG CERT
Social Work B.S.W.
Sociology B.A.
Spanish B.A., TCHG CERT
Special Education B.S.Ed., TCHG CERT
Theatre Arts B.A.
Women's and Gender Studies B.A.


text: A blockchain overview Share this 19 SEP 2017 By: John McKinlay Mark F. Radcliffe This article has been previously published in Global Corporate Venturing and is reproduced with permission. Blockchain and distributed ledger technology offers significant and scalable processing power, high accuracy rates, and apparently unbreakable security at a significantly reduced cost compared to the traditional systems the technology could replace, such as settlement, trading or accounting systems. The most visible current use of blockchain technology is to run the Bitcoin cryptocurrency but blockchain technology has many other potential uses. Angus Champion de Crespigny of Ernst & Young recently noted that "blockchain technology has the potential to streamline and accelerate business processes, increase cybersecurity and reduce or eliminate the roles of trusted intermediaries (or centralized authorities) in industry after industry." This year many companies have started to implement solutions based on blockchain technologies, such as the announcement by Citi and NASDAQ Private Markets that they would use blockchain in the sale of private securities on the NASDAQ Private Markets. The state of Delaware is using the blockchain to track the filing of corporate documents with the implementation of "smart UCCs" (UCCs are filed to give notice of certain rights, such as security interests) being targeted for this year. Like all new technology however, it poses challenges for suppliers and customers. This article will summarize critical technical issues and subsequent articles will address three other uses of blockchain technology: smart contracts, decentralized autonomous organizations and initial coin offerings. Background In its simplest form, blockchain is a decentralized, distributed ledger on which transactions are anonymously recorded. The transaction ledger is maintained simultaneously across a network of unrelated computers or servers called "nodes", like a spreadsheet that is duplicated thousands of times across a network of computers. The ledger contains a continuous and complete record (the "chain") of all transactions performed which are grouped into blocks: a block is only added to the chain if the nodes, which are members in the blockchain network with high levels of computing power, reach consensus on the next 'valid' block to be added to the chain. A transaction can only be verified and form part of a candidate block if all the nodes on the network confirm that the transaction is valid; the method of determining this issue is called the "consensus" protocol. Currently, the most common consensus protocol is Proof of Work (PoW) in which nodes run by "miners" compete to solve a highly complex algorithm to verify it. Blockchain technology is implemented by a variety of technologies: Bitcoin and Ethereum are the two most commonly used blockchain technologies. Under PoW, the first node to solve the algorithm and validate the block should be rewarded – on the Bitcoin blockchain this reward takes the form of Bitcoins and in the Ethereum blockchain, this reward takes the form of ether. The Ethereum Foundation has announced that it will change to a new consensus protocol, "Proof of Stake" rather than PoW. A block generally contains four pieces of information: the 'hash' of the previous block, a summary of the included transaction, a time stamp, and the Proof of Work that went into creating the secure block. Once information is entered on the blockchain, it is extremely difficult to alter: a blockchain network lacks a centralised point of vulnerability for hackers to exploit and each block includes the previous block's 'hash' so any attempts to alter any transaction with the blockchain are easily detectable. In other words, blockchain is a self-maintaining database which typically has a "functionality wrapper", or app development platform, on top. Blockchain can be thought of as an operating systems for which useful applications or "smart contracts" can be written. Assets and information about transactions can be stored and tracked without the involvement of a typical intermediary, such as a bank, or a central authority or some other trusted third party. A blockchain network may be public and open (permissionless) like the internet or structured within a private group like an intranet (permissioned). The blockchains that have captured the imaginations of many financial institutions are known as "private" or "permissioned" blockchains because only certain pre-approved participants may join them. These blockchains use a variety of means to ensure the identity of parties to a transaction and to achieve consensus as to the validity of transactions. The entities creating the "private" blockchain agree on rules that govern how entries are recorded and under what circumstances they can be modified. Only specific authorised participants are given access and are known within the network. Critical technical issues Security The key advantages of blockchain technology is its reliability and immutability. Most blockchain technologies use a combination of cryptography, the distributed nature of the ledger and game theory to minimize the possibility of the alteration of the records in the blockchain. The security and immutability of transactions will depend on the security of the blockchain and its susceptibility to various forms of attack. Under PoW, a miner (or more likely a "mining pool") desiring to "modify" entries in the blockchain would need more computing power than at least half the nodes in the blockchain. Other security issues include protocol governance and user anonymity. Protocol governance includes dealing with problems in the implementation of the blockchain. An example protocol governance arose last year in the Ethereum blockchain: a group launched a decentralized autonomous organization, the DAO, to act as an automated venture capital fund to support Ethereum projects. The DAO was launched with US$168 million in crowd funding from 10,000 investors in May 2016., but a month later, a hacker found a flaw in the code implementing the DAO and US$50 million in cryptocurrency was siphoned off by the hacker. However, Ethereum developers reversed the US$50 million transaction by implementing a "hard fork" of the Ethereum blockchain. Performance Blockchain technologies vary on the speed on which blocks (and, thus, transactions) can be processed. This speed depends on the number of blocks that can be submitted and the average time for the block to be processed. This speed can be critical for applications such as security transactions. The performance is also effected by the scalability of the system which can be effected by the number of nodes on the system, number of users and its geographic dispersion. Latency The average period for a block to be validated will vary depending on the number of users and transactions and this characteristic is described as "latency". The "latency" may vary over time and the variability of latency is another important technical criteria. Conclusion Blockchain does have the potential to become an integral part of the operation of many businesses, offering scalability, security and computing power at a lower CAPEX and OPEX. But, as is true with most new technologies, companies need to carefully consider both the technical and legal risks prior to adoption.