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28 July, 2017
Food excites. Food frustrates. Food bores. But food usually doesn't move. Unless it's on a truck, zooming down Michigan Avenue in fantastic culinary splendor.
At least that's how I feel sitting in the passenger's seat of the 5411 Empanadas food truck (aka a big blue box of Argentinean deliciousness). Rick, the truck manager, effortlessly parks along on Clark and Monroe, and before the window even opens, a line of hungry customers gathers outside in the frigid cold.
And for good reason too. 5411 empanadas are four inches of pillowy decadence, filled with an assortment of delicious innards such as bacon and goat cheese and individually sealed in a waxed pastry sleeve. They're baked to buttery perfection, each bite oozing with sinful flavor. In fact, I'd already consumed two by 10am while helping the morning staff prep the empanadas. The deceivingly simple art of molding empanadas is fascinating to watch—although the outer dough remains the same, the staff artfully crafts each flavor into their proper shape: rounded for the ham and cheese, crimped for the beef, rectangular for the banana and Nutella. Although empanadas aren't exclusively Argentinean, they're distinctively popular to the country in the same way that tacos and tamales are especially unique to Mexican food culture. According to Rick, who's Puerto Rican, Argentinean empanadas are the prettiest, most delicate, and baked instead of deep-fried.
Before the food truck leaves for its daily run, the empanadas are cooked on a conveyor oven until the exterior turns crispy and brown. In an effort to distract my hyperactive salivatory glands, I strike a conversation with one of the three workers there, Maria. I discover that all three are actually siblings and have worked for 5411 for nearly three years since the company's inception. Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Maria has worked 25+ years in a variety of different industries and can make nearly 100 empanadas per hour. Needless to say, they're hard workers—they don't talk much as they fold, cook, and clean, yet I find the silence comfortable. In fact, I think they eventually grow on me. For them, it's just another day at work, and by 3pm, they'll be at home surrounded by the comforts of their family.
Meanwhile, I hit the road with Rick and Maria's sister, Eva. Having graduated from St. Augustine College with a certificate in the culinary arts, Rick left the brick-and-mortar restaurant industry for a more mobile lifestyle. "I love the customers, I love the food, I love being out. It's something about meeting the customer I really appreciate. After a couple of weeks of going out, you start recognizing people and they recognize you. It's like, 'Hey, I'm back!'" As I (not-so-secretly) help myself to another empanada, I can't help but admire Rick's unfeigned enthusiasm—his down-to-earth mentality and friendly mannerisms are classically American, the same kind of inspirational shit you see on Obama commercials. In fact, Rick eventually wants to start his own food truck and is in the process of developing a menu and artwork.
But he's got a long way to go. Depending on the appliances needed for handling and storing the food, a typical truck can cost anywhere from 50k to 150k, after painting and passing various health inspections. I ask him why a truck's artwork is so important."People won't go to your truck if it doesn't look good. If it looks like you spray painted it, you might miss out on two people a day or a minute. The appearance of your truck says a lot about you and the quality of your food."
In addition to the investment required for acquiring and licensing a food truck (and marketing, labor, etc.), there are constant battles with the Chicago government and established restaurants. For instance, food trucks cannot park within 200 feet of a brick-and-mortar restaurant, and they also need a GPS device active during operation. Although 5411 has largely avoided legal hassles, Rick tells me about a smaller truck who got fined $500, a catastrophic blow that almost shut down their business. Rick's advice? "Try to stay as legal as possible." Fortunately, Chicago has recently provided trucks with exclusive (and legal) parking spots in the Loop. Still, various brick-and-mortar restaurants remain wary of their mobile competitors. Rick says the biggest misconception about food trucks is that they're trying to replace restaurants. "We're just trying to get our food to people and trying to have a better quality of life." So if you think menu prices are high for food trucks, it may be because their costs are even higher.
Despite a messy legal and financial climate, the Chicago food truck scene is spreading like a delectable venereal disease.
"If you're able to get a truck, it'll start the fire in you to get everything out there."
Rick says that the sheer diversity of the industry lends itself to a friendly and non-competitive environment. "The more, the merrier, honestly." I ask him how food trucks coordinate. "Twitter. Twitter's the best thing."
As the lunch rush dies down, I drift into a philosophical mood. I ask Rick what it takes to be a successful food-trucker. "Simplicity. You have to find something that people recognize no matter what their nationality is. There has to be a connection to what you're serving." In other words, food trucks are successful because they provide familiarity. It doesn't matter if you're serving an empanada, pasty, samosa, Hot Pocket, or dumpling—some filling enclosed in a dough of yummy goodness means people will love it and more importantly, buy it. I also realized that it doesn't take a disillusioned investment banker or seriously-accomplished chef to start a food truck. It simply takes someone who loves food with their entire soul and being.
I also ask Rick why there are so many Hispanic workers in the restaurant industry, and why they're so damn good at cooking all sorts of cuisines. Rick says, "If you need a job you're going to do it the best you can. We're always trying to feed our families—we love to cook. Why not do something that you love to do and get paid for it?" So the prep staff is Mexican, Rick is Puerto Rican, a manager that I met earlier is Irish—and they're all making an Argentinian food product in the United State of America. At that moment, I realized how much I loved Chicago—the multifaceted cultural elements intertwining in the most delightful and subtle ways.
We return to 5411's store location at 1pm, where I meet up with Nick, one of 5411's founders. Standing casually at the cashier, he's serving food at the front of the house. Although I'm tired and on the verge of an empanada coma, I chat with him briefly before I head home. He gives me a brief history of the company—how they started with catering, added a food truck, and then finally built a store front.
In fact, they've been so successful that they're planning to open a second restaurant in Chicago, where they plan to stay for now. I ask him if he ever plans to expand beyond empanadas—add tacos, burritos, some other Hispanic-food stereotype. He shakes his head, saying, "We like the concept of having a simple, clean menu. This is how empanada houses in Argentina do it." For now, they're pushing their delivery and catering services, growing portions of their business. 5411 also has a chef experimenting with new flavors and recipes, but the classics (including Beef, Spinach and Cheese) will remain the same.
As I leave 5411 and take one last glance at the monstrous blue truck, I realize just how interesting food trucks actually are if you think about it. It's a giant vehicle of moving art, advertisement, and food encapsulated in one metal box that drives around a city. It's a kitchen, it's a source of income, and if you're fortunate enough to ride in one, it's an adventure. But more importantly—it's a dream, and that's pretty fantastic.


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Severn man pleads guilty in child pornography case
Prosecutors: Darrius Carr sexually assaulted toddler-aged girl
An Anne Arundel County man has pleaded guilty to producing child pornography stemming from videos that prosecutors say show him sexually assaulting a toddler.
Darrius Carr, 22, of Severn, pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography in federal court in Baltimore on Wednesday. Prosecutors say Carr has agreed to serve 25 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release in exchange for the plea. His sentencing is set for Jan. 26.
Prosecutors say Carr moved into a couple's home on March 6 to provide daycare for their young children.
Prosecutors say Carr filmed himself sexually assaulting a toddler-aged girl on March 7 and March 11. They say Carr had been storing and distributing child pornography since at least 2012.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ray Allen will take less money for a chance at another NBA championship.
Allen told the Miami Heat on Friday night that he intends to accept their contract offer and leave Boston after five seasons, even though the Celtics could pay him about twice as much as the reigning NBA champions will be able to next season. Miami could only offer Allen the mini mid-level, worth about $3 million for next season.
Heat owner Micky Arison got the word from Heat President Pat Riley, who made Allen the team's top free-agent priority, especially in recent days. Allen arrived in Miami on Thursday for a visit, went to dinner with Riley, Coach Erik Spoelstra, team executive Alonzo Mourning and others Thursday night, then left Friday to presumably decide his future.
Hours later, the choice was made. Allen's agent, James Tanner, confirmed the decision to The Associated Press not long after Arison's tweet.
Allen cannot officially sign until Wednesday because of the league's moratorium.
Knicks want Kidd and Lin
The Knicks view Jason Kidd as Jeremy Lin's teammate, not a replacement. And once they finish the deal that would bring Kidd to New York, they can move on to keeping Lin, who will be able to sign the offer sheet he agreed to Thursday with the Rockets. The Knicks will have three days to match the offer for the restricted free agent, and they have repeatedly said they plan to keep Lin, who became a breakout star when he took over the starting point guard role in February.
Step one is nearing its completion. The Knicks and Kidd were still working Friday on terms of the deal that will get him from Dallas to New York, according to a person familiar with the details.
76ers to let Brand go
The 76ers turned a mundane off-season into a monumental one by jettisoning their leading scorers from each of the last two seasons and clearing needed space in the salary cap to potentially set up a bigger move.
Team president Rod Thorn said the Sixers have decided to use the amnesty clause on Elton Brand and will get about $18 million in salary cap relief for next season. With money to spend, the Sixers agreed Friday to a one-year contract with guard Nick Young, who spent his first four-plus seasons with the Wizards before he was traded to the Clippers in March. He's averaged 11.4 points over his career.
Young's arrival signaled the end of Lou Williams' run. He averaged 11.3 points over a seven-year career with the Sixers.
Around the league
Warriors: Golden State signed 30th overall pick Festus Ezeli from Vanderbilt to his rookie contract.
Nets: Brooklyn signed second-round pick Tyshawn Taylor from Kansas.


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contributed by
Dr Bruno Di Muzio
on October 17, 2014
- "
Adrenal metastases are the most common malignant lesions involving the adrenal gland.
This case represents a pulmonary primary tumour with metas..."
View full size version of Adrenal metastases
See the case: Adrenal metastases
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Red Hat Bugzilla – Bug 104780
Ralf's OpenPkg patches - Berkeley DB cleanup matters trans platform
Last modified: 2007-04-18 12:57:41 EDT
Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2003 20:36:38 -0400
From: Jeff Johnson <firstname.lastname@example.com>
Reply-To: email@example.com
To: firstname.lastname@example.com
Subject: rh-rpm] Re: RPM locks on Solaris 9 question
Ralf S. Engelschall wrote:
{RPH ... monster snip -- see the RH rpm-list archive if interested }
>The details about my whole RPM database fiddling and fixing for OpenPKG
>you can find under the following URLs. All Berkeley-DB code fixes and
>adjustments you find especially in the annotated patches.
Thanks for patches. I cannot apply This Week because of the logistics
of releases, but will
look almost immediately thereafter.
Reminder post milestone for early integration of these patches -- RPH
rpm.patch.bugfix integrated into rpm-4.2.2-0.8 and later.
Very curious that it dropped me as the reporter -- re-adding self
An errata has been issued which should help the problem described in this bug report.
This report is therefore being closed with a resolution of ERRATA. For more information
on the solution and/or where to find the updated files, please follow the link below. You may reopen
this bug report if the solution does not work for you.


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Independence, OH (92.3 The Fan) – The Cleveland Cavaliers announced on Tuesday that they have extended their relationship with the Cleveland Clinic with a new, multi-year agreement.
The Clinic will continue to provide health care for the team and also continue to hold the naming rights to the Cavs' training facility in Independence. The no. 2-ranked hospital in the country according to U.S. News & World Report has served as the team's official healthcare provider since 1993.
"The Cavaliers' longtime relationship with Cleveland Clinic has thrived for over 20 years because of our shared values to perform and deliver at the very highest level and a mutual commitment to serve our Northeast Ohio community," Cavaliers CEO Len Komoroski said.
The announcement was made on the 10th anniversary of the opening of Cleveland Clinic Courts.
Komoroski also referred to the facility and medical staff as a "point of competitive separation."
The Cavaliers will open training camp next week. Cavaliers media day is Monday, September 25th.


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On a little jaunt into my local Topshop last week I spotted these two little duo-chrome multi-use shadows the Chameleon Glows. Unfortunately I was shopping with my boyfriend at the time and not a beauty addict, so my exclaims of joy after swatching these on my hands fell on deaf ears...
As with many dual pigmented products, it's difficult to capture their beauty in swatches. I picked up both colours - a purple / blue / brown Wax and Wane (£9), and a gold / pink hybrid Shuffle the Cards (£9). They're intended for use on the eyes or to highlight and pack some serious shimmer!
I can tell that I will definitely get more use out of Shuffle the Cards, Wax and Wane is a little too cool toned for my skin... Alas, I gave it a crack anyway and it's still super beautiful and could create some amazing looks for nights out!
I would definitely recommend layering these over a cream base such as a MAC Paint Pot or Maybelline Colour Tattoo for a more intense colour payoff. They apply beautifully with fingers and brushes and it's really hard to believe they aren't high end!
If you happen to find yourself near a Topshop any time soon, I urge you to go in and have a little swatch of these! They really are stunning and it's difficult to do them any justice in photographs alone.
I'm definitely keen to pick up a few more Topshop Make Up bits soon! Have you tried anything great from them recently?


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"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication can't-wait-to-read selections is:
by Heather Swain
A hilarious take on the paranormal trend--Twilight meets The Breakfast Club!
When former good girl turned rebel Josie Griffin gets busted for what was in her mind perfectly acceptable revenge on her cheating dog of a boyfriend, she lands herself in anger management therapy. It could be worse: it could be juvvie, or she could be a zombie cheerleader like the rest of her former friends. But there's something strange about therapy--these are not normal kids. There's the wannabe ladies man with a weird accent, Johann; the blindingly gorgeous Helios; Avis with his wild dreads; and Tarren, the sprite of a girl with a wicked temper. And all of them keep talking about "powers." Josie knows that has to be impossible, but strange things start happening, and nothing weird ever happens in Indiana. After all, there're no such things as vampires, werewolves, Greek gods, or fairies . . . right?


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SOURCE: Salem Communications Corporation
March 31, 2014 18:16 ET
CAMARILLO, CA--(Marketwired - Mar 31, 2014) - Salem Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: SALM) announced today an aggressive campaign to cross promote its various formats in a new and imaginative way. After recent research performed by Neilsen Audio and Edison Research showed Salem that when listeners of its Christian Teaching and Talk stations leave for another station, they are most likely to go to a News Talk station or a Contemporary Christian Music Station, it made sense to make sure they were going to Salem stations in these formats. Listeners will soon begin hearing promos on one station designed to encourage listeners to sample the other Salem stations in a different format.
Salem will be driving listener traffic from its News Talk stations back to its Christian Teaching and Talk stations, or its Contemporary Christian Music stations, and vice versa. "This research was a real eye-opener," said Salem Radio President Dave Santrella. "It showed amazing synergy between the three primary Salem formats, and it only makes sense that we should take advantage of this opportunity."
This research also revealed that both listeners to our Christian Teaching and Talk stations and those that are considerably active in their faith but DO NOT LISTEN to a Christian Teaching and Talk station do listen regularly to a Contemporary Christian Music station and a Conservative News Talk station, the other two primary formats in the Salem portfolio. "We have always known of this amazing cross platform synergy, but the research verified how strong it is and revealed a true opportunity to better all of our stations by cross format promotion," said Santrella. "All of our format partners will benefit from this strategy, especially our ministry partners on our CTT stations."
Salem's largest format is Christian Teaching and Talk with 40 stations in this format. Its second largest format is News Talk with 27 stations in this format. Its third largest format is Contemporary Christian Music with 12 stations. These new cross format promos have already begun on many of the Salem stations.
Follow us on Twitter @SalemCommIR.
About Salem Communications
Salem Communications is the largest commercial U.S. radio broadcasting company that provides programming targeted at audiences interested in Christian and conservative radio content, as measured by the number of stations and audience coverage. Upon completion of all announced transactions, the company will operate a portfolio of 103 radio stations in 39 markets, including 62 stations in 22 of the top 25 markets. Salem's portfolio includes 40 stations programmed in a Christian talk format, 27 in a conservative talk format, 12 in a contemporary Christian music format, 8 in a Spanish Christian format and 10 in a business talk format. We also program the Family Talk™ Christian-themed talk format on XM Radio, channel 131 and operate ChristianRadio.com and Conservativeradio.com.
Salem also owns Salem Radio Network®, a national radio network that syndicates Christian and conservative talk, news and music programming to approximately 2,500 affiliated radio stations, and Salem Media Representatives, a national media advertising sales firm with offices across the country.
Salem operates Salem Web Network, an online provider of Christian and conservative themed news, analysis and commentary. Christian content websites include: Christianity.com, Crosswalk.com®, BibleStudyTools.com, GodTube.com and GodVine.com, WorshipHouseMedia.com and OnePlace.com. Conservative opinion websites include Townhall.com™, HotAir.com, Twitchy.com, Redstate.com and HumanEvents.com.
Salem also owns Regnery Publishing, the country's leading publisher of conservative books. Salem Publishing™ circulates Christian and conservative magazines including Homecoming, YouthWorker Journal™, The Singing News, Preaching and Townhall Magazine™. Xulon Press™ is a provider of self-publishing services targeting the Christian audience.
Company Contact
Phil Boyce
VP/Director, Spoken Word Format
(646) 543-7445
Company Contact
Phil Boyce
VP/Director, Spoken Word Format
(646) 543-7445
See all RSS Newsfeeds


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Screening of two documentaries illustrating racial discrimination in Canada's past, and the struggle to change for the better:
Simply the Best is the story of the remarkable Cal Best. Best was born into a segregated Canada, where the local movie theatre had a "Whites Only" section. He grew up to be an activist and senior civil servant who worked tirelessly to improve conditions for the Black community .
Welcome to Dresden: Jim Crow Lived Here Too documents civil rights struggles in small-town Ontario. In the 1940s and 50s, anti-Black discrimination was common in Ontario. The town of Dresden was the scene of a civil rights struggle that led to the passing of the Fair Accomodation Practices Act of 1954.
Followed by a panel discussion with Arthur Carkner, producer of Simply the Best, and Sarah Onyango, Black History Ottawa.
Offered in partnership with Workers' History Museum and Black History Ottawa.
Register with your Library card, or use the Eventbrite link below if you do not have a card.


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Completing a drug, alcohol, or process rehabilitation program is only the beginning. Once discharged, the battle of relapse prevention begins. While a relapse is devastating, and statistically very likely, it occurrence should not be a time to panic or give up on the drive to achieve a sober life. A relapse is best approached when it is accepted that it may happen – this is not meant to be used as an excuse, but rather as a means to keep moving forward. If this attitude is adopted then a relapse can be viewed in terms of what worked and what did not work, and appropriate adjustments made.
An effective relapse prevention plan
While the rate of relapse is high, there are measures that can be taken that increase the chances for success. Here are some basic steps.
Change the environment – By restructuring the environment, reminders of addiction are removed. This may entail changing jobs, living quarters, and the cadre of friends and acquaintances – especially those known to encourage the substance or behavioral addiction. This includes not allowing guests to bring reminders in when they visit.
Utilize new skills – In most treatment programs, patients are presented with coping skills and life skills. These are intended to be used as alternative means for addressing and replacing old behaviors that contribute to addiction with new ones that do not contribute.
Understand the shortcomings previous attempts to quit – This may sound like a riff on an old joke, but if a particular strategy did not work, then don't' use it.
Develop support communities – Recovery is a difficult process to handle alone. The more resources that are available to an individual, the greater the chances are that a relapse can be avoided. By having access to individuals and processes that are dedicated to helping recovery, the process can proceed unimpeded.
Go to The Way Out for more info and help finding treatment.


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Samsung Smart TV Network Connection
This article will help you connect your Samsung Smart TV to your In-home WiFi. You can also find instructions for using a wired internet connection.
Note: These steps may vary based on your TV's model. For information on connecting a Samsung QLED TV to your In-home WiFi, see Samsung support.
Wireless Connection
- Press Menu on your Samsung remote and scroll to Network.
- Select Wireless as the Network Type.
- Select Network Setup.
- Choose Select a Network.
- Select your Network Name.
- Enter your WiFi password and press the Blue button on your Samsung remote.
- Your Samsung TV will attempt to connect to your In-home WiFi.
- When you're connected, select OK.
Wired Connection
- Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the LAN port on your Samsung Smart TV.
- Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to an open LAN port on your WiFi router.
- Press Menu on your Samsung remote and scroll to Network.
- Select Wired as the Network Type.
- Select Network Test to verify connectivity.
- Your Samsung Smart TV should now be connected.


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Almond is well-known for its ability to nourish the skin. L'OCCITANE has harnessed the exceptional beautifying power of almond from the south of France and integrated it in body care and toiletries that are both deliciously tempting and wonderfully effective.
Discover our latest news, exclusive offers, content and beauty tips from L'Occitane Inc. USA


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Since the 1980s, male rock stars have been known to wear make-up both on and off stage. But a new study shows a rising trend of "regular guys" donning 'guyliner' and 'manscara,' The Daily Mail reported.
Findings showed that more than three million British men wear make-up, with one in four of those men wearing it at least once a week, and one in eight even wearing it daily.
One in seven of the men confess to wearing a variety of products, like eyeliner, sunless tanner or bronzer, concealer and even lipstick.
However, even though these guys use some of the same products as women, it takes them half the time to get ready to go out on the town, just 21 minutes.
The trial by Opinium Reseach, included 1,800 men and proves that most men are just as concerned about their appearance as women. In fact, more than a third of men who wear make-up borrow it from their wife or girlfriend, with their approval.
"We're living in an age where male celebrities are seen wearing 'manscara' and 'guyliner' and everybody thinks it normal. It looks like metrosexual man is here to stay," James Endersby of Opinium Research said.
Click here to read more from The Daily Mail.


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The Trenton Titans, a popular farm team for a major NHL franchise, has shut its doors as of this March, according to local business news. Hockey fans in South Carolina may already be familiar with the story of the Titans, the farm team facing considerable financial pressure due to several breach of contract suits and a host of other debt. The parent company, Blue Line Sports LLC, filed for the team's Chapter 7 bankruptcy on March 11.
The company currently owes money to a variety of creditors, including NHL franchises and fans who had already purchased season tickets to see the team play in the 2014 season. These debts are overshadowed by two breach of contract lawsuits filed against the company. One was filed by a marketing company and the other by the team's former coach.
Combined, these debts come to roughly $500,000 against an asset value believed to be zero. This means the team's physical assets will be liquidated to start the process of paying down the creditors. If any creditors filing legal action have obtained a monetary judgment against the team, they may receive priority as funds are generated from the Chapter 7 filing.
South Carolina business owners know how hard it can be to keep their heads above water when dealing with financial crises. Thankfully, Chapter 7 bankruptcy exists to provide an alternative to drowning in debt. By liquidating company assets to satisfy creditors, companies like Blue Line Sports can protect the personal assets of the company's owners, allowing them to reenter the market with a clean financial slate.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, Trenton Titans, the Flyers Farm Team, Folds in Chapter 7, Stephanie Gleason, March 21, 2014


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After trying countless brands of hair extensions I've finally found one that I absolutely love! I have been using my Dolling hair extensions for several months and it still looks like new; no shedding, no tangling. After using the extensions over and over people still stop me and compliment my ...
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Have you ever wondered where to begin to inspire your class? Start by taking them on a field trip. Since 1956, children have been visiting the Vancouver Aquarium and meeting aquatic animals and their habitats through close encounters with fascinating creatures and hands-on, experiential programs.
We've included resources to help you prepare for a field trip to the Aquarium or help you plan activities and lessons in your own classroom. If you would like to contribute a resource you've created for use at the Aquarium or give feedback on one of our resources, please email firstname.lastname@example.com.
We want you to have a positive, engaging experience exploring our galleries. These lesson plans are designed to positively engage your students during your self-directed visit at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Download these educational colouring sheets for your students. Each sheet contains educational information about each animal.
The Bennett Bursary was established by patrons of the Vancouver Aquarium, in honour of long-time Board member and education advocate Betsy Bennett. This program serves schools that have been designated by the Ministry of Education as inner city.
Subscribe to our newsletter for teachers to keep up to date with Vancouver Aquarium education related news and events.
Ocean literacy through digital connections from virtual visits, collaborative programs and online learning environments for K-12.
Ocean Wise Online Learning Environment
The guide aims to support teachers, educators and students alike in their journey of discovery about marine ecosystems and marine animals with an ultimate goal of conservation in action.
Vancouver Aquarium Resource Guide
Informations pour les enseignants sur nos animaux et les écosystèmes
Ressources Aquarium de Vancouver
Inspire your students by making changes in your own classroom. From recycling stations, building a community garden or calculating your carbon footprint, you'll find many ideas here.
Building A Sustainable Classroom
Extend the educational benefits of shoreline cleanups by downloading and using the brand new and free Curriculum Guides for grades K-7. Each of these curriculum guides are linked and support the Prescribed Learning Objectives of BC and Ontario.


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DealersLink recently announced it has brought aboard a new vice president of sales Josh Dougherty to head the recruiting, training and coaching of new company sales talent.
Dougherty brings more than 15 years of auto industry experience, including sales and management positions with AutoTrader.com, KBB and vAuto.
"I am very pleased to welcome Josh to our growing team at DealersLink," company chief executive officer Mike Goicoechea said in a news release. "In addition to his corporate positions, Josh once owned and managed his own independent lot. He knows firsthand the challenges of running a dealership and will work tirelessly to ensure that our products help dealers streamline operations and generate more revenue."
Along with various awards for innovation, community service and leadership, Dougherty has won awards for Sales Person of the Year, Sales Manager of the Year, Advertising Consultant of the Year and multiple Presidents Club awards for leadership and individual sales, according to DealersLink.
"I'm thrilled to be joining the team here at DealersLink," added Dougherty. "The cutting-edge technology here, combined with the speed at which the dev team innovates, is impressive. In addition, the culture at DealersLink is all about making our decisions through the lens of the dealer, and how our products will impact their success in a positive way. This, along with the opportunity to work alongside some of the best and most passionate people in the industry, is why I joined the DealersLink team."


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Window shutters in jupiter fl are available in a myriad of beautiful colors.
You can find all sorts of blinds and shades or go for your own personal custom
shutters and blinds in jupiter fl. Some of the types of blinds and shades and
pointed out below
Form of Blinds:
• Vertical Blinds
• Faux Wood Blinds
• Horizontal Blinds
• Wood Blinds
• Vertical Blinds
• Panel Tracks
Kind of Shades:
• Woven Tones
• Roman Shades
• Cellular Shades
• Serenity Shades
• Pleated Colors
With this big variety of styles and materials, it is possible to choose in accordance with your theme and decor of your home. You can order custom shutters and blinds in jupiter fl to match with the fresh paint on the partitions of your home. At the vendor site online, you can get some more functions and services that would make your internet shopping experience a great deal better. Nonetheless, if you are a novice and you are just thinking of buying window shutters in jupiter fl then you should keep in mind the following details:
Customer Service:
For your success of the business, the consumer support is vital. Make sure the organization you select with regard to blinds, shutters and shades for your house is providing non-stop quality care by way of internet, talk or telephone. The customer help person needs to be friendly and good to listen to your queries with patience and reply each one of them in a specialist manner. Smiley customer service is recommended to have if you are looking for custom shutters and blinds in jupiter fl.
On the web Catalog:
A web-based catalogue is the better thing to having so that the consumer can go from the products checklist, descriptions and images easily. It helps the client to make up their mind swiftly.
Lifetime Guarantee:
You would not desire to reinvest too soon when the blinds and shutters are defective and have poor life. If you need to secure ignore the, you should choose a company that delivers a lifetime warrantee on their items.
Installation Manuals:
Are you a DIY guy? You want to see some installation manual. You can check when the vendor regarding vertical blinds in jupiter fl is offering any installation tips and guide from his internet site on the internet.
Monitor your Order:
This is the best power for a consumer who just purchased a item online. They are able to easily track their buy and get to know important details such as the processing date, delivery date and so on.
Youngster Safety Movie
No one can dismiss child security in the house. You will find child security videos with many sites on the internet-selling window shutter in jupiter fl.
Keep all the previously mentioned tips in thoughts when you are planning to buy blinds and shutters on the web. You can check if the vendor gives all or a number of the above-mentioned services online.
By visiting the vendor site online, you can get some more features and services that would make your online shopping experience a great deal better. Click here to know more about plantation shutters in stuart fl.


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Greetings dear readers and my dear entrepreneur, in this article I will tell about your endeavors and micro-enterprises. A brief summary on how to cope with times of crisis in a positive manner and leave victorious.This recommendation is essential for the development of our economic intelligence and that of our financial future. Add to your understanding with Roubini Global Economics. Continue reading Ten in mind that this article has been written based on the book by Robert Kiyosaki and which I recommend reading compulsorily to take advantage of everything of value that it contains topics of business and entrepreneurship. Cancel debts and not acquire more a fundamental and very important recommendation is to cancel or pay all debts in the shortest possible time, and no longer continue accumulating new. Learn more about this with Jim Rogers. We have to do something that for many people is difficult and avoid going into debt, about all that generate credit cards are the most dangerous. There is one thing that many people must learn now and is buy after having won the money and not spend money that does not have ; This means, we must buy in cash and not credit, and never spend more than what we earn. Make a smart Council budget is elaborate or make a budget, a budget allowing us to have a better control and management of our expenses and profits (income and expenditures).
Having a budget or make one is something quite useful and that we can take to improve our personal finances, because if we do this we seek open gap between our income and our expenses or disbursements. All these tips are necessary and should be taken from now since they depend on many of our habits about money and this is why we must act quickly to improve our financial future and gain economic freedom as quickly as possible. In this way we can raise our standard of living, and teach others to also do it and reduce poverty in the world, it is high time that all make something on our side to help with that.


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Dubai, UAE Entry Visa Ľ
Best Price on Dubai Transit Visa and Dubai Tourist Visa. We are Specialist in providing Fast & Reliable visa service with minimum requirements in United Arab Emirates!
- You are here
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- America and The Caribbean
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- Brasilia
Royal Tulip Brasilia Alvorada Hotel, Brazil
Location: SHTN Trecho 1, Conjunto 1B, Bloco C, Brasilia, CEP 70800-200, Brazil
|Hotel Description
|Hotel Accommodation
|Dining & Entertainment
|Facilities & Services
Hotel Description
The Royal Tulip Brasilia Alvorada, with its luxury and cosmopolitan architecture, signed by Ruy Ohtake, offers 395 rooms. The hotel also has a variety of facilities and services that assure to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers: meeting facilities with capacity to accommodate up to 1.200 people, international award restaurant, two bars, room service 24hs, convenience store, business center, Spa, one children and two adult swimming pools, pier, three tennis courts, fitness center and dry and steam saunas.
Location Map: Show the Map
Hotel Chain: Royal Tulip Hotels, BHG
[ Top ]
There are 395 air-conditioned guestrooms at Royal Tulip Brasilia Alvorada include minibars and safes. 32-inch plasma televisions are equipped with cable channels. All accommodations provide desks and phones.
Dining and Entertainment
Hotel Guests enjoy a rich breakfast buffet at the Royal Tulip Brasília Alvorada hotel, or drink a refreshing beer at the English pub. The Herb Restaurant serves international and regional cuisines.
[ Top ]
Facilities and Services
General Facilities
'ÄĘ Restaurant
'ÄĘ Bar
'ÄĘ Meeting/Banquet Facilities
'ÄĘ Business Center
'ÄĘ Fax/Photocopying
'ÄĘ Souvenir/Gift Shop
'ÄĘ Honeymoon Suite
'ÄĘ Room Service
'ÄĘ Shuttle Service (free)
'ÄĘ 24-Hour Front Desk
'ÄĘ Currency Exchange
'ÄĘ Laundry
'ÄĘ Dry Cleaning
'ÄĘ Ironing Service
'ÄĘ Outdoor Pool
'ÄĘ Tennis Court
'ÄĘ Sauna
'ÄĘ Fitness Center
'ÄĘ Spa
'ÄĘ Massage
'ÄĘ Hot Tub
'ÄĘ Game Room
'ÄĘ Kids' Club
[ Top ]
Important Information
- Check-in From 14:00
Check-out Until 12:00
- Children and Extra Beds
All children are welcome.
One child under 6 years stays free of charge when using existing beds.
There is no capacity for extra beds in the room.
- Credit Card (American Express, VISA and Mastercard) are accepted.
- Pets are not allowed.
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Tours and Excursions
Other Services
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Happy Mother's Day! To celebrate all the awesome moms out there, I'm holding another FLASH SALE!
You don't have to worry about finding the perfect outfit - PJ's are preferred! Don't bother checking the weather - we can stay in all day! Rain or shine, lazy or action packed, lets document the REAL memories in and around your home.
$300 Retainer Secures Your Date, Remaining $300 Due The Day Of Your Session. Five hours documentary photography.
(8 hour DITL sessions normally start at $950. This is quite the deal, y'all.)
OFFER EXPIRES AT MIDNIGHT SUNDAY MAY 8th 2016


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Check out what the Holistic Homestead is reading this month!
At first glance, Everyday Detox is really just a recipe book. Sure, the recipes are simple, wholesome and they look delicious, but how can that help me to detox when our environment is so inescapably toxic – from GMO contamination to prolific pesticides, pollution in our food and water and don't even get me started on the toxicology of modern pharmaceuticals! My training taught me that the best response is cleansing twice a year that is equally as drastic: fasting, juicing, and taking herbal supplements to draw out the heavy metals and chemicals built up into the nooks and crannies of our bodies.
Judging Everyday Detox purely by it's cover, I didn't give this book much credence. So I set it aside and
stared at the cover photo of a roasted veggie pizza garnished with fresh arugula, crumbled feta and drizzled with olive oil…until I couldn't stand it any longer – and I had to peek inside.
As it turns out, the author Megan Gilmore is a lot like me. Young, enthusiastic, and passionate about healthy living and preventative medicine. It even turns out we share some similar addictions as I recently read in her refreshingly candid blog:
"Three days doesn't leave you with much time to crash diet to look camera-ready, either. The "old me" probably would have tried to do a strict juice fast or eat low-carb to look as skinny as possible on camera (since it supposedly adds 10 pounds), but this experience proved to me that I'm in a much better place than I used to be– I had no urge to do anything crazy, and I didn't feel the need to stress eat, either. As a former binge eater, this was huge for me!"
click here to read the entire review…
Coming soon: Kill the Silence by Monika Korra
Links to recommended books:
This is what you just put in your mouth? by Patrick Di Justo
The Allergy-Fighting Garden by Thomas Leo Ogren
What are you hungry for? by Deepak Chopra, MD
The Joy of the Gospel by Pope Francis
Natural Baby – Healthy Child by Murray Clarke, ND, DHom, LAc


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LifeSmarts is adding five automatic bids to create additional spots for new teams, to enjoy the camaraderie and high level of competition at the National LifeSmarts Championship.
Teams may apply for an automatic bid by completing a three-step process:
Submit the Online Application, which includes a presentation that demonstrates both their application of consumer knowledge and desire to compete at the National level, due December 1
Complete all individual Online Qualifying Quizzes, due December 31
Complete the special January Wild Card TeamSmarts test, due January 31
Teams receiving an automatic bid from the National Consumers League will be notified by February 15. Teams will receive at least $1,000 in travel stipend funding to put toward their team's travel expenses to attend the National LifeSmarts Championship.
Applications will be evaluated using this rubric. The maximum score is 200 points:
(80 points possible)
School Participation
(40 points possible)
TeamSmarts Score
(80 points possible)
Additional Requirements
At least one automatic bid will be awarded to a team from FBLA, a team from FCCLA, and a team from 4-H. This replaces the "wild card" bids that have been awarded to FBLA & FCCLA teams in the past.
Teams may still compete for a state championship while applying for an automatic bid. The same school cannot have both a state bid and an automatic bid, and if they receive both must decide which bid to release. The next-highest scoring team from the bid declined will receive that invitation and any stipends attached to it.
Teams may not receive automatic bids in consecutive years, even if it the team is comprised of new players or players competing through another organization. Schools that earn an automatic bid must qualify through their state championship the following year to attend Nationals in consecutive years.
More information will be made available this fall.


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The field of inmate communications is one of the fastest emerging industries, and while there are many companies out there that are trying to take the lead; Securus Technologies has emerged as a leader in the field of inmate communications and prison technology. There are many different types of services offered by Securus Technologies such as money transfer services, video services, video visitation, phone services, kiosks, government information management solutions, parolee tracking, calling cards, and more. Such services alleviate the stress from the lives of inmates to a great extent and make it easier for them to survive in an isolated environment inside the prison. It also helps in reducing the inmate-on-inmate and prison related crimes.
Securus Technologies is dedicated to modernizing and revolutionizing the incarceration experience through its comprehensive range of services. Moreover, the company also focuses on providing attentive and responsive customer service and has a separate department to take care of all the queries made by potential and existing customers. It helps the company to keep the customers happy and satisfied. The commitment of the company towards its clients can be seen in the fact that the firm was awarded the Gold Stevie Award for the best customer service globally. At present, the company's services reach out to over a million inmates and over 2,600 correctional facilities. The company's workforce has over a thousand employees.
Securus Technologies shared the appreciation it receives from the law enforcement officers through the letters in a press release recently. In the letters sent by the law enforcement officers, they have mentioned how the company's services make it easier to catch the culprits and gather the evidence necessary to convict the miscreants in the court of law. I feel that the Securus Technologies is doing a great job in keeping the prison and communities safe by building futuristic technology in the field it serves.


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Carol Clerk
Vintage Tattoos
Carol Clerk
Vintage Tattoos
The Book of Old-School Skin Art
Release Date: 2/17/2009
LIST PRICE: $29.95 (you save $8.99)
Tattoos have gone from badges of rebellion to fashion statements fully absorbed into mainstream culture. They are enjoying a renaissance, with graphic designers and artists creating specialty tattoos for a growing audience, unleashing a revival of interest in the bawdy vintage tattoo. Old school tattoos are being rediscovered (sometimes ironically, sometimes not) by a new generation. Originally embraced by rebels, sailors, and gangsters, these tattoos—broken hearts, naked girls, floral motifs, and maritime emblems—are now showing up on the fashion runway and in music videos. This book chronicles vintage motifs in thematic chapters interspersed with profiles of influential tattoo artists and their distinctive designs: Sailor Jerry Collins, Don Ed Hardy (""the Godfather of Tattoos""), Mike ""Rollo Banks"" Malone, Bert Grimm, Japan's Horiyoshi III, and Shanghai's Pinky Yun.
"It seems like everyone and their mother has been inked. Carol Clerk's new tome, Vintage Tattoos, The Book of Old-School Skin Art, tracks the evolution of old-school pin-up girl pieces…as well as classic floral, nautical, death memorials and heart designs." ~Nylon Magazine


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Wood Industry
Various Grades of Round Log Cypress
- Radiant Wood Business is one of the largest exporter of Round Log Cypress to China and some European countries through our associate company in China.
- Widest range of Cypress specifications supply available – from size 45CM to size 70CM. Also able to supply diameter from : Size 30cm+ up to 45CM, small side, deduct white edge with smell.
- Capable of supplying min. 3000cbm per week on a continuous process.
- Supply of Round Logs Cypress from USA and South America regarded as the best quality wood in this version.
- With an experience of over 3 decades behind us, our company has been mainly engaged in the designing business for various timber & timber finished products.
- Seeing the growing and ever changing consumer demands, we have expanded our product base to a wide variety of species ranging from South African Based Eucalyptus Salligna, Malaysian based Kapur, Panama based Teak & Mora...etc.
- Radiant collaborates with various foresters in Europe, Africa, South America etc. and is in very close business relationship with many forest zones.
- With a complete hardwood and softwood species offer including Eucalyptus Salligna, Kapur, Teak, Mora. and many more sub species, our product offer is ideal for independent merchants, frame and truss manufacturers, furniture and joinery markets, rural specialists, remanufacturers, wholesalers and merchants.


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Butterfly Mate Recognition
- Andrew M. Sugden
In butterflies, the elaborate and colorful wing patterns have a number of functions, including warning signals to predators, camouflage, and thermoregulation. In many species they also serve as mate recognition signals. However, in some groups of butterflies the differences in wing pattern between species, or between populations within a species, are slight and subtle, and in such cases a mate recognition function has been thought unlikely. Fordyce et al. studied the ability of two closely related species with very similar wing patterns in the family Lycaenidae (blues and hairstreaks) to recognize their conspecifics. Males were presented with choices of females from different populations, including accurate computer-generated paper models of females to exclude the possibility of other cues such as pheromones. They preferred to initiate courtship with females or models having the conspecific wing pattern, indicating that even slight differences are distinguishable. Manipulation of the computer-generated models has the potential to suggest which elements of the wing pattern are most significant in mate recognition. — AMS
J. Evol. Biol.15, 871 (2002).
Getting Your Left Right
- Stella M. Hurtley
Left-right asymmetry—whereby, for example, the heart is on the left side of the body with functionally distinct left and right chambers—is established very early in development. In the African toad Xenopus, and in chick embryos, Levin et al. now show that the H+ and K+ ATPase transporter is required in the formation of embryos with a normal left-right body axis. In fertilized Xenopus eggs, maternal transporter messenger RNA is symmetrically expressed; however, during the first two cell divisions of development it becomes localized. In chick embryos the transporter mRNAs are again symmetrically localized, but a difference in membrane potential is generated either side of the primitive streak. In both systems, interfering with transporter activity caused randomization of the expression pattern of asymmetrically expressed genes, resulting in opposite handedness in the organs and tissues produced later in development—including the heart, the gut, and the gall bladder. Thus, very early in development, differential ion fluxes generated by the H+/K+ ATPase are key to determining future left-right asymmetry. — SMH
Cell111, 77 (2002).
A New Low for Photonic Crystal Lasers
- Ian S. Osborne
The development of integrated optical technology places strict demands on its components, including the ability to guide, modulate, and detect light efficiently. The ideal device would also have small volume and be compatible with current semiconductor technology processing. Photonic crystals, which contain arrays of periodically varying dielectric contrast that can be tuned to transmit particular wavelengths, are promising materials for meeting all of the above criteria. As a demonstration of their potential, Loncar et al. describe the fabrication and operation at room temperature of a high-quality factor, low-threshold photonic crystal laser etched into a slab of InGaAsP. With a spot size of just 3.9 square micrometers, lasing from the structure begins at just 220 microwatts of input light power, a threshold power significantly lower than other quantum well-based lasers. — ISO
Appl. Phys. Lett.81, 2680 (2002).
Certainly Warmer
- H. Jesse Smith
How much global warming occurs as a result of human additions of radiatively active agents like greenhouse gases and sulfate aerosols depends on how sensitive climate is to these species. "Climate sensitivity" is a measure of how much global average surface temperature can be expected to change in response to an increase in radiative forcing equivalent to that which would be produced by doubling the concentration of atmospheric CO2 from pre-industrial levels (280 ppm). The best estimates of climate sensitivity suggest that its value lies between 1.5° and 4.5°C, but they do not generally include any information about how certain those bounds are. Gregory et al. use a model that includes observations of temperature changes in the ocean and the atmosphere to evaluate the probable lower bound of climate sensitivity, and find that there is a 95% chance that it is at least 1.6°C. Thus, unless greenhouse gas emissions are abated, substantial climate change will occur in response to warming during the next century. The large uncertainty in the amount of radiative forcing prevents the determination of an upper bound for climate sensitivity. — HJS
J. Clim.15, 3117 (2002).
RNAi and Fragile X
- Guy Riddihough
Fragile X syndrome is the most common form of inherited mental retardation and is generally caused by mutations in the fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR1). The FMR1 protein is thought to negatively regulate the translation of specific genes. Caudy et al. and Ishizuka et al. have now demonstrated that the homologous protein in Drosophila, dFMRP, is associated with a vital component of the RNA interference (RNAi) machinery, the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), as well as with ribosomal proteins and VIG (Vasa intronic gene). These results suggest that RISC might provide a link between RNAi-based and FMRP-based modes of post-transcriptional gene control or, more provocatively, that FMRP may play a role in RNAi, thereby implicating defects in RNAi in human disease. — GR
Genes Dev.16, 2491; 2497 (2002).
Dynamic Disappointment
- Stewart Wills
Near-surface horizontal tectonics have shaped much of Earth's topography; many sedimentary basins, for instance, apparently stemmed from horizontal stretching of the lithosphere, followed by cooling, subsidence, and sedimentary infilling. However, some theoretical models have concluded that a substantial part of Earth's surface topography might be tied to density-driven flow in the mantle. For example, the subduction of cool, dense slabs in the mantle, viscously coupled to the overlying lithosphere, could "pull down" Earth's surface—by as much as 1 to 2 km. The possibility of such dynamic topography has profound implications for how we understand basin formation, but determining subsidence contribution in real sedimentary basins has been difficult.
Wheeler and White analyzed age, depth, and sedimentary thickness data from wells, seismic reflection profiles, and other sources over a wide area of Southeast Asia, where models have predicted some of the largest amplitudes of dynamic topography on Earth. The maximum basin depth that could potentially be explained by dynamic topography amounts to around 300 m, far less than the 1 to 2 km predicted by numerical models. — SW
Tectonics 10.1029/2001TC900023 (2002).
Nanotubes in the Groove
- Marc S. Lavine
Molecules in liquid crystalline materials can be aligned either by pretreatment of a substrate surface or by the subsequent application of an electric or magnetic field. Lynch and Patrick exploited this property to create well-oriented carbon nanotube (CNT) films. The CNTs were dissolved into one of two common nematic liquid crystals and then deposited onto pre-scratched polycarbonate membrane substrates. The liquid crystal molecules tended to align parallel to the grooves in the substrate, forcing the CNT to follow suit. By applying a mild vacuum, the liquid crystal was drawn out through the holes in the membrane, leaving behind either single or multilayered films as desired. Applying an electric field to part of the substrate could locally reorient some of the CNTs perpendicular to the direction of the grooves. This technique should make it easier to engineer nanotube-based devices or reinforcing layers without the need to grow oriented CNT in situ. — MSL
Nano Lett. 10.1021/nl025694j (2002).
Modeling Fine-Tuned Affinity
- L. Bryan Ray
Using a combination of experimental analysis and mathematical modeling, Coombs et al. have investigated the fundamental molecular interactions by which the immune system reacts to peptide antigens. The critical interaction is that of peptide bound to major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) on the surface of antigen-presenting cells, which binds to T cell receptors (TCRs) on T lymphocytes. However, T cell activation requires that the affinity of this interaction be just right. If the TCR does not remain bound to pMHC long enough, activation is not completed. However, too high an affinity is not optimal because the system must respond to exceedingly small amounts of pathogen-derived molecules. pMHC molecules are thought to be amplified by serial interaction with multiple TCRs; thus, weaker binding can be advantageous to signaling. Modeling of pMHC-TCR interactions supports the concept of an ideal range of affinities for activation. Internalization of TCRs appears to require recognition of TCRs that have interacted with pMHC but have since dissociated, presumably producing biochemical changes in the TCR. Also, differences in cross-reactivity of naïve and mature T cells may be mediated by changes in amounts of intracellular signaling molecules that are available to interact with the TCR. — LBR
Nature Immunol.3, 926 (2002).


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If you have a friend with chronic illness but don't know how to talk to them, it's OK. You're not alone. When you're healthy, trying to get inside the mind of a person who is always in pain can be confusing. In order to understand chronic illness, you're going to have to step outside your comfort zone.
That's why I created this step-by-step guide. It will help you understand how to talk to someone with chronic illness (including what to say and what to avoid saying) and the best way to help us without making us feel worse.
Step 1 – Believe Us
There is nothing more important than this. If you don't believe we're really sick, following the other steps will be pointless. Being believed and validated is invaluable because we've been called a 'hypochondriac' more times than we can count.
Chronic illness is fickle. We'll have our good days and bad days.
Just because we're all smiles at the Wednesday matinee doesn't mean a flare-up won't kill our plans for Saturday. We are not "faking it". This is the nature of the beast.
Step 2 – Practice "Active Listening"
"Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." – Stephen R. Covey
When you live with chronic pain, hearing dismissive comments is common. We are told by doctors that our problems are "all in our head". We hear from our relatives that "It can't be that bad". We're also used to people completely tuning out.
But do you know why we bring up our symptoms so much? We're waiting to be heard! That's right.
The best way to get someone to shut up is to listen to them.
If we keep getting our words bounced back to us like a rubber ball instead of really taken in, we will continue to have to bear this burden alone, even if you're sitting in the same room with us.
Listening is more than being quiet and waiting for your turn to talk. If you have no idea what active listening is, don't feel bad. I had to read a book called "The Zen of Listening" when I was in my late twenties to realize I had been doing it wrong my entire life. Before that, I was just as clueless about it as you may be right now.
To listen to understand, you must be mindful. This means being in the moment you're in right now. You can practice this by taking moments out of your day and really noticing everything around you. Just stop, take a deep breath, and be where you are. What are you seeing, smelling, feeling, and hearing? Doing this regularly will help you get ready to be an active listener.
Here are some more tips to get you started:
Allow space
If you're a high-strung person, a slow conversation may make you anxious. It's important to remember that this time is not about you, it's about us.
Allow plenty of space for us to speak, pause, reflect, and speak again, instead of interrupting with questions or turning the conversation back to you.
Be a mirror
When we are finished with our story, bring together the facts and pieces of information we've given you to check your understanding. For example, "It sounds to me as though…" or "Is this the problem?" Asking questions like this lets us know you're listening to us and care enough to help us work through it.
Validate us
We often feel guilty after having shared a lot of information about our struggles all at once. Offer your validation by saying something like, "I appreciate you sharing this with me. I'm sure it must be difficult for you to talk about at times." This helps a lot.
Ask probing questions
Asking questions that indicate you'd like to know more will help us feel safer talking to you about our illness. For example, "What are your thoughts about…?"
Give emotions a name
If we are struggling to talk about what's bothering us, open up a dialogue by giving our emotions a name. Something like, "I can sense you're feeling…"
Offer encouragement
During the conversation, nod and make gestures of understanding. You may also offer vocal encouragement such as, "Oh, I see." "I understand." "And then?"
This encourages us to continue speaking since we know you're listening.
Step 3 – Avoid These Statements
- "Get well soon."
This is the equivalent of telling a dead person, "I hope you climb out of that casket real soon". Thanks, but we can't do that. Chronic illness can be and often is a lifelong struggle with varying degrees of severity.
- "But you don't look sick!"
This is the worst. It doesn't sound like a compliment. Rather, it comes out sounding like, "You're a complete and total faker! How do you get away with it?" There's not a grin big enough to make this facepalm of a statement any more palatable, trust me.
- "Call me if there is anything I can do."
There are probably a lot of things you could do for us, but we are never going to ask you to do them unless we are actively dying (in which case, we would only ask you to '911' and perhaps hold our hand until the paramedics arrive).
- "It must be great to sit around and watch Netflix all day!"
The reason you enjoy relaxing on the weekend is because you have something to relax from. We may not be physically able to do the things we want to anymore, but the mental drive is still there. There's only so much Netflix one person can watch before they start going stir crazy.
The mind and body crave more stimulation than that.
- "Sometimes I wish I had a chronic illness so I could relax."
If you're so stressed out that you wish you had a chronic illness just so you could take some time off, take some time off! You're headed for burnout.
- "Just don't think about it."
Remember the last time you had the flu and your entire body hurt and your head felt like it was going to explode? Would that advice have worked for you?
- "Have you tried this herb/diet/natural remedy/prayer/yoga position?"
Yes, we have. Thank you. (Although, I have to admit, I still do this myself. I'm forever recommending a gluten-free diet and juicing to any and all spoonies I come in contact with, so forgive me if you've heard this one before.)
Step 4 – Ask These Questions Instead
- "You look good today, but how are you feeling?"
Asking this not only acknowledges that you believe we have a chronic illness even if we look 'well', it also shows you genuinely care to get a peek behind the mask we are forced to wear when we're out in the world.
- "I'm going to the grocery store. Do you need anything?"
It's not easy to ask someone to make a special trip for us. If you're already going to the store and ask if we need something, this takes a huge burden off our shoulders.
- "Do we need to stop visiting so you can get some rest?"
We may put up a good front, but we get tired easily. If you're the first to bring it up, we will feel less awkward about asking for some space.
- "Would you like to reschedule our plans?"
If we sound groggy or disconnected on the phone, offer us an out. We may not want to disappoint you so we'll slog through anyway, but it will be difficult.
Asking if we'd like to reschedule saves us the embarrassment.
- "I know we were going to go out to lunch, but how about I bring something over instead?"
That's a great idea! Bringing the party to us, so to speak, is the next best thing.
- "What symptoms are you having today?"
If you're familiar with our illness and ask about specific symptoms, we won't mind telling you. As a matter of fact, this is easier for us to respond to than, "How are you?"
- "Want to know what I did yesterday?"
Yes! When you talk about the regular goings-on in your life, we feel more connected with the outside world. Plus, it's a great distraction from the pain.
Step 5 – Know When to Walk Away
Living with a chronic illness is very draining. If we are surrounded by individuals who can't or won't take us seriously, it only makes us feel worse. If you find you're just not comfortable being around someone with a chronic disease, know that it's OK to walk away.
You're under no obligation to stick around just because we've known each other a while. In the long run, it will be better for both of us.
Whether you have a friend with fibromyalgia or a family member with a disease you can never remember how to pronounce, bookmark this guide and refer to it often. It will show you care and gives us a softer place to land.
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Staring woman courtesy of Flickr/Chris JL
Young man with purple hair courtesy of Flickr/Michael Taggart Photography
Girl with her back to the camera courtesy of Flickr/Keirsten Marie
Woman with umbrella courtesy of Flickr/Anna Gay Leavitt


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Hey, remember the time you got stuck in traffic because of a little kid riding a bicycle with training wheels?
That's what happened to a bunch of cyclists riding around Vancouver's Stanley Park Seawall.
Good thing Jonathan Molcan uploaded the LOL-worthy scene to YouTube for everyone to slow down and enjoy the small, funny moments in life.
You do you, kid.
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|An old homestead in West Virginia
|Day 1 – Whitby ON to Haagerstown MD
Wobbly and I rode in our rain gear through to the outskirts of St. Catherines where we met up with David, and so we hit the border, which Wobbly breezed through with his Nexus Get Out of Jail Free card, leaving David and I sitting at the border awaiting our turn. It was a faster crossing than many I've done in the past.
|And the adventure begins
So at this point I bid David and Wobbly adieu as I was determined to avoid the US 219 traps of Ellicotville, Salamanca, Olean and other towns that the route would take me, although I did follow it down as far as Springville NY before heading out on the track I had plotted into my Garmin.
Here is where I get a bit embarrassed…I had programmed four tracks into the GPS, a Garmin 60cx with older software, and each track was the same colour on the display. I found I was heading south on the Day 4 track! I fixed it by calling up each track but for day 1, and deselected the "show on map" feature so they all disappeared and I was left with my Day 1 track, but here I was about 20 miles off course to the West. *sigh*
I headed West out of Springville to pick up NY16 and headed south on secondary roads that led me through a rural Amish New York State. The roads could be a bit rough, but the scenery was interesting, and while the boys were following tractor trailers on US219, I was free wheeling through the heart of NYS.
By this time the rain had gone, and all I was seeing was damp patches of road here and there in the shadows, but there was certainly evidence of heavy rainfall as the rivers were in full spate, as well as debris on the roads from the trees and rain swept shoulders.
|Amish New York
I found myself crossing the state line into Pennsylvania on PA 44, a rather wonderful road that leads into Coudersport PA and into the Alleghany mountains, where the riding was bound to improve over Ontario's straight and flat roads.
Now I had another "Adventure by Garmin" as i largely plotted this route via Google Maps then imported anc converted a KML into a GPX file then loaded it into my GPS as a track, and that track said leave PA44 and head west which I did along a lovely little bit of twisty sideroad that sported a centre line… Then the centre line disappeared, and my GPS told me to turn onto a road that had no outlet and became gravel. Nope, gonna keep going on this one see if it recalculates… Yep, it told me to proceed West another two miles and turn left, but in a mile the road I was on turned to gravel. This is an adventure bike right?… Two miles later I turned onto, you guessed it, another gravel road, but with a bit of grass growing up through the middle, and the GPS said 500 metres of this then turn left again… The other road looked more like a ski hill access road, with not enough clearance to turn this big heavy bike around on essentially street tires. Hokay, time to turn around and get back on PA44 and just tell Garmin to route me to Coudersport where I could simply abandon part of the track and make my way south on 872, a wonderful road that leads south through the mountains and along a river past hunting and fishing camps to Renovo Road or PA120 as it it known.
|Adventures by Garmin, and this was the good road!
|I mistakenly thought this bakery was in business to find it had been closed and used for storage. Off to the pizzeria!
|Coudersport Courthouse?
I usually stop at Moshes tavern on the outskirts of Coudersport, as I find the service and food equally wonderful, but today they were closed for renovations, and I found myself on main street looking for something, so wandered into a pizzeria and sat down to a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Yum!
|Worth the wait for fresh made pizza dough and focacia.
|Add in an iced tea, and I was in heaven!
Back on the road again heading south on 872, and the scenery was getting better and better all the time. My destination this time was a road called Wykoff Run that is just off of Renovo Road PA120 that has twists and turns galore. Sure to please, but you have to be careful of wildlife and other drivers, as its a well frequented road.
|Mountains! It's what this ride is all about!
|Wykoff Run behind me, a bit fast due to all that rainfall.
|A favourite spot for fisherman along the run.
|The lighting isn't the best on this overcast day, and it shows
|So tranquil. So beautiful.
|The view improves.
|Chew Mail Pouch tobacco
While riding in Pennsylvania I've seen this advertisement many times, and like to stop and take pictures, so you will no doubt see them again and again if you continue to follow along with my blog.
|And an encore
|I was quite taken with this foundation, showing it's age. It speaks to me of another age when families and communities would take what they needed from the country to fashion their own homes and barns. The effort it would take to fell a tree, limb it, square it off for use as a header would be enormous compared to our trip to the lumber yard or steel supplier.
The roads got busier as I wound my way to Haagerstown MD, our first stop of the night, so you will have to excuse me as this is the last one you'll see from Day 1 of the trip. On to the hotel where Wobbly and David had just arrived and begun to check in, and joy oh joy! An Olive Garden right across the street from our hotel!
|Tour of Southern Italy
They used to have them in Canada, but they closed their doors long ago and retreated behind the rivers and lakes of our borders back to the US. Such a pity, but it makes the riding that much more enjoyable knowing I can indulge my appetites like this.
|Pat, Joe and Steve at long last!
|Day 2 – Haagerstown MD to Roanoke VA
|One of us is ready to go…
|West Virginia welcomes you
|A hour and a bit on the highway
|Want one! 🙂
|O'er the hills and far away!
We travelled south on I-81 for about an hour and a half until we reached our turn off point, the town of New Market, where every year at this time they stage a civil war re-enactment just for our benefit. One year I'd like to come down just to observe that part.
We gassed up here so we could play on the parkway with full tanks. No more Interstate for a another two days!
|Ethanol free for me!
|Did I mention flooding?
|After this photo stop, I forged on ahead towards are lunch stop, just a few minutes further ahead.
|Hank's Smokehouse – lunch stop
|More evidence of flooding in the foreground
|There they are.
|Oh bugger, gravel all through the corner!
Pat didn't have much luck through this corner, a slow turn at the entrance to Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah mountains. He had a bit too much lean angle, and the front end just washed out on him and down he went…
|I thought he would be injured but Pat had knee armour underneath his riding jeans
|Knee Armour for the win!
|All that flooding washed dirt and gravel out into the corner
|Conti Trail Attack2 tires are wearing a bit faster than I like
|I got here well before the rest of the group. Rest, now that that's an idea!
|Oops, wrong way!
|We made it!
|Day 3 – Roanoke VA to Cumberland MD
|Yeah, it's going to be a long day
|Ambrose and Priscilla join the party
|And we're off!
|I love the hood ornament on this car
Wobbly Cat lead us on another Adventure by Garmin
|Day 4 – Cumberland MD to Whitby ON
|It all fits!!!
|Almost home…
|And we're back!