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(Due to space limitations in the print edition this morning, plus my consistent case of diarrhea of the pen, here is the extended version of the feature story on the Maryknoll girls basketball team.)
If this were a job, there'd be overtime pay and the workers would be grumbling.
Instead, it's a passion, obsession and mission. Shortly after 6 a.m., there are jokes and smiles between the occasional yawn. When the Maryknoll Spartans get up before sunrise to be at the gym, it's the start of another 16-hour day. Some days begin with weight lifting. Others are strictly about fundamentals. But they always end before 8 a.m., in time for a full day of school and homework.
While the rest of Hawaii sleeps in on Saturday mornings, the Spartans keep working. Back in August, first-year coach Steven Caley saw a key to success in a busy, crowded environment, and his players have responded. They hit the gym again and again, at 6:30 a.m.
Fast-forward since late summer, and Maryknoll is lighting up the scoreboard in league play. Three wins, no losses into the regular season, each just one step higher to the ultimate: a Division II state championship. With a returning All-State guard in Ashley Agcaoili, it's very possible.
"At our first practice, before we started, we huddled and coach told us to yell, '1-2-3, States!' That's the last time we'll say it until we get back to states," Agcaoili said.
They're a step quicker, increasingly sharper and much more accurate than most teams this early in the basketball season. It all goes back to that early-to-bed, early-to-rise work ethic, and it doesn't stop on the hardwood.
Five Spartans carry a grade-point average of at least 3.7 — four have 4.0 GPAs. Caley, who wears a gray T-shirt bearing a "Ballers and Scholars" slogan, hasn't done the math yet, but estimates that the team GPA is around 3.5 — an astounding average for any team in any sport. The perfect four: Ashley Agcaoili, Amanda Busmente, Kimiko Mitchell and Taylor Wong.
Agcaoili is the basketball celebrity of the group. She made the cut for Team Aloha as a sophomore, then an unknown quantity who sparkled in tryouts with precise lefty jump shots and blazing speed. As a junior, she was voted by coaches and media to the Star-Bulletin Girls Basketball All-State Fab 15 even though her team struggled against the powerhouses of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu.
She is averaging nearly 22 points per game, including a high of 28 against Lutheran, and has scored 44 percent of her team's total. Through all the previous struggle at the D-I level, and all the current success against smaller programs in D-II, Agcaoili and her teammates have persevered and thrived in the classroom. That's not to say it's been a cinch.
"It's worth it. You feel really good about yourself," she said.
Wong, a senior guard, credits her instructors.
"Depending on the teacher, they make it pretty understandable, so it's not bad," Wong said. "It's getting progressively easier."
Athena Adora, a junior forward with a 3.7 GPA, is a big fan of chemistry class.
"It's not as hard as Statistics," she claimed.
Not everything is designed to cramp the brain. Wong's favorite class is Painting.
"You paint pictures. We just finished monochromatic painting. It's different shades of one color," she said.
Another class Wong likes is AP Biology, but Agcaoili is no fan of the subject.
"AP Bio, it's really hard. The last time I took Bio was last trimester, so I kind of forget everything. The book is like 10 pounds and has a thousand pages."
Wong said the Biology book is actually just 7.4 pounds.
For all her complaints about Biology, Agcaoili actually appreciates her Economics class.
"The teacher treats us like his kids and the stuff you learn isn't just one thing. It relates to the entire world. It's fun and we do a lot of activities," she said.
Success in the classroom carries over to the basketball court, and vice-versa, according to the Spartans.
"Same concept. Repetition," Wong said.
"In basketball, you do drills over and over, it's going to come naturally," Agcaoili added.
Preseason, technically the period when players can begin practicing on the court with their coaches, began in early November. By then, the Spartans had undergone dozens of early morning workouts. No exceptions to the rule, not even assistant coaches and not even injured players. It was never an exclusionary deal for anyone who didn't show up at 6:30 a.m.
"It's not that bad," said guard Cianna Ochoco, who sets her alarm for 5:30 and gets from Aiea to campus in plenty of time. "I'd rather have morning practice and get it over with, then have the rest of the day to do whatever I want. Most of the time, my grandparents drive me. They like to wake up earlier."
In a positively twisted way, they just dig it so much, they continued to workout in the early hours once the preseason began. Tuesdays and Thursdays, the team works out early in addition to afterschool practices. The Saturday morning sweat?
It's still on.
The sky is a grayish blue at 6:25 a.m. this past Saturday. Parishioners have begun to arrive at the on-campus church on Wilder Street. Stained glass begins to lighten as the sky slowly turns lighter.
In Clarence T.C. Ching Gymnasium, the Spartans begin to trickle in. Assistants Ed Gelacio and Travis Liu are already sitting near the door, lacing up their sneakers. Another assistant, John Oku, is also there. Adults getting up early, that goes without saying. But teenagers lifting weights and running while their classmates are still in bed?
"The bonding. It brought us together," Agcaoili said.
It doesn't hurt that Pattie Heatherly is a morning person. The longtime athletic director is bright-eyed long before the hoopsters arrive, ready for a full day ahead with the girls practicing, parents in the parking lot washing cars to raise funds for the girls, and the intermediate boys playing against St. Patrick after the girls are done. That's all before 9 a.m.
"I know it's such a great sacrifice for them and the coaches to come early like this. It's an opportunity for them to have the whole gym to practice in, to have a real, concentrated, focus practice," Heatherly said. "Otherwise, they have to be on the outside courts (in the afternoons), sharing and dealing with the outside elements."
In the wee hours while Venus is still shimmering above, there is not a single cup of coffee in sight. Not a can of Red Bull. Just the sounds of squeaky kicks and basketballs meeting pristine hardwood.
The dream, even fantasy, of Maryknoll ballers for decades on end — to have a gym of their own — is now reality, and these kids get to live it. They don't drift in a blissful gratefulness, though. Everything they do is timed and tracked, whether it's sprints or bench presses.
Now, it's one game at a time, one goal at a time. Maryknoll has a big test on Thursday: a showdown with University High.
"It's going to be a big one. Besides, Punahou, 'Iolani, Kamehameha, I think UH is a team to look out for," Agcaoili said. "My brother goes to UH Lab, so I've seen them practice when we go to pick him up."
All the hours have Caley's voice coarse and worn, but he remains chipper and energetic.
"I make sure their legs aren't too tired, but they really connect with each other and they're coming together as a family," he said. "It's a full-time job, I'll tell ya. This and teaching keep me really busy."
The goal is to reach the state tourney, Caley added, but beyond that?
"Hopefully, we can bring home a really big trophy," he said. "But the ultimate goal is to get all our seniors into top universities."
Paul Honda, Star-Advertiser
This second photo includes assistant coaches Travis Liu and Ed Gelacio. Assistant John Oku had left already, and players Kimiko Mitchell and Amanda Busmente were toiling away at SAT testing.
I never cared to watch basketball, but watching Ashley (my niece) play, makes me want to watch! The determination to excel and love for the sport that keeps the girls showing up to practice is an inspiration. And with a ton of homework and other extracurricular activities to be responsible for?? And with no coffee or red bull?? Great job team! Good luck to all of you and your future endeavors!!!
Looks like Coach Caley is extending the same values we all experienced here in the Pacific Northwest. It's a true pleasure seeing a team with such great work ethic, focus on education all while having fun. Go Spartans!
Maia Laboy is a transfer from St Andrew's Priory. she's a red shirt; however, just the team manager, Caley and the rest of the players include her as if she is an active part of the team which requires her to participate in those early morning workouts and practices. Her father's decision (Cliff Laboy) to move her to Maryknoll has been a positive one thus far. Ballers and Scholars… yes – each and everyone of them are and it's great to be a part of this Spartan Ohana!
Much props to the youngsters and their staff. In terms of commitment, everyone is equal, which means the assistant coaches are there 100 percent of the time, too. Can't buy heart!
As for Red Bull, I like the sugar-free one. Don't think I could grind it out 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (or later) like these kids and coaches without caffeine.
I must say that I am not only proud that my daughter excels on the court but in the classroom as well. After all, shouldn't a true student athlete literally translate to student first; athlete second? These girls have truly earned their bragging rights and should be especially proud to walk tall knowing that they can manage and perform both on and off the court coming out with flying colors. This being her senior year, I am happy that my daughter can have the honor and opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful team of girls who give 110% effort and get 120% commitment from the coaches! Now that is priceless!
I know that my daughter loves her to high heavens and would give anything to have had the opportunity to play with her in her last year!
Hey BTW…..these comments are being made by Ashley's mommy! I haven't the slightest clue what I'm doing wrong for her name to show up. In fact, I think I've just discovered the problem. Let's try this again…
Go Lady Spartans!
Yay….I figured it out! It was "ME", the mommy of Ashley Agcaoili that actually posted the comment under Ashley's profile below! Just wanted to make the correction for the record!


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We spent many hours on research to finding freezer packaging and ice packs, reading product features, product specifications for this guide. For those of you who wish to the best freezer packaging and ice packs, you should not miss this article. freezer packaging and ice packs coming in a variety of types but also different price range. The following is the top 9 freezer packaging and ice packs by our suggestions
525 reviews analysed
1. NEWGO®Reusable Small Ice Pack 6 Pack Hot Cold Pack Medical Round Ice Pack with Cloth Backing & Sleeve for Injuries, Pain Relief, First Aid, Breast Surgery(4.3"x 4.3")
- [Durable & Comfortable] – Contains 6 Gel Ice Packs (4.3″x 4.3″) for replacement, always be ready whenever needed. Made with durable leak-proof PE outer with non woven backing which won't tear. Thick lining and strong seal to prevent leaking. Stays pliable when frozen & microwave safe.
- [Hands-Free Design] – Reusable ice packs with stretchy sleeve can be moved around to hit the exact spots you need and keep in place, no need to hold it when icing. Perfect for tired, dry puffy eyes, headache, migraine, allergies, hay fever, nose bleeds, sinus pressure, toothache, extraction, injection, breastfeeding pain relief.
- [Dual Temperature Use] – Cold use by freezing gel pack in freezer for at least 2 hours or heat them up in microwave for 10 seconds for heat therapy. For more cold, use the PE side and for less cold and to protect sensitive skin from direct contact with the cold pack, use the non-woven side.
- [Convenient] – Insert the ice packs into sleeve when applying, it will help to prolong the cold therapy time and conform to any body part. With the gentle and lightweight sleeve, it will be more suitable and convenient for the people after surgery or injuries.
- [100% Satisfied Services] – A Free No-Hassle Replacement Process. If have any problems about product, please feel free to contact us and we will take care of it WITHIN 4 HOURS to ensure our customer experience.
2. Stay Cool Reusable Ice Pack (6 Pack) for Lunch Box – Slim, Lightweight Freezer Cold Packs For Coolers, Lunch Boxes & Camping
- ★ ULTRA SLIM AND LIGHTWEIGHT – Set of 6 slim ice packs! Each ice pack weighs less than 4 oz. Great for use in your kids lunch box or lunch bag. Size is 5.25" x 5" x 0.5"
- ★ LONG-LASTING GEL – The hard ice pack is ultra slim and compact, but still powerful, a gel filled ice pack retains coldness much longer than ordinary water injected ice packs.
- ★ MAKES FOOD FRESH AND TASTY – Ideal for school lunch box ice packs, office lunch bag, or a day out in the sun, fishing trip, hiking and much more. It will keep your food cold and fresh for many, many hours so you can enjoy it fresh and tasty.
- ★ ULTRA DURABLE – The lunch box ice pack is made of BPA-free & nontoxic materials. These cooling Packs will never wear out or lose their cooling function you can easily use it for a lifetime and pass it on to your next generation.
- ★ 100% SATISFACTION – Buy today and get a 100% money-back guarantee within 30 days. If you're not satisfied with our product we don't deserve your money, as simple as that. No questions asked. Buy now RISK-FREE!
Reusable Ice Pack – Best Ice Pack for Lunch Box to Bring To School Features & Benefits: ✓ Super Slim and Lightweight – Great for use in your kids lunch box or lunch bag, even for the little ones ✓ Long-Lasting Gel – The slim ice pack is ultra slim and compact, but still powerful. ✓ Reusable – use it as many times you want, just put it back in the freezer then it's ready again for the coldest experience. ✓ Ultra Safe – BPA-free certified & antibacterial, no unnecessary smell that can contaminate your food. ✓ Hand-washable – Just wash it with warm water and soap. ✓ Keep cool – Enjoy your summer vacation with our ice pack for the coolest drinks and fresh foods. ✓ Multipurpose – Not just for cooling food but also for aiding pain injuries, for medical transport medicines that needs to be in cool temperature & more. ✓ Top quality – It's made by the strongest material on the market. Ultra durable sealed to retain its gel function for best results. It will never cut or damage. An Essential Tool For Every Outdoor Activity Enjoy a wide range of activities, hassle-free, with this Ice Pack, including, but not limited to: ✔ School ✔ Picnic ✔ Office ✔ Camping ✔ Road trips ✔ on the beach A Simple Reminder:Do not microwave. Do not consumeFor best results freeze overnightUse a good insulated lunch bag/box or cooler Inside Package: » Set of 4 Ice packs » Size is 5.25" X 5" X 0.5" » Each ice pack weighs less than 4 oz. We Provide: ✓ Top Quality Product ✓ Genuine Customer Care ✓ 30 Day Money Back Guarantee Why wait? Scroll up to the top and click ADD TO CART now to get this Premium Ice Pack straight to your door now!
3. LIVE 2DAY Dry Ice Packs for Coolers – Lunch Box Ice Packs – Dry Ice for Shipping Frozen Food – Ice Packs for Lunch Bags – Reusable Ice Packs – 10 Large Sheets, Long Lasting, Flexible
- Reusable Ice Pack: Soak in water to expand cells & freeze overnight. Perfect for any lunchbox or bag.
- Long Lasting & Flexible: Lasts 4-7 times longer than ice! Fits in any cooler around food & drinks.
- Non-Leaking Cooler Ice Pack: No wetness! Our ice packs keep your cooler dry with no melting ice.
- Large Custom Sheets: Measuring 17" x 8.5", 4 x 3, cells can be cut to resize into smaller packs.
- Safe to Use: No Carbon Dioxide (Smoke), Approved for Shipments, Non-Toxic, Fully Certified.
These ice packs will KEEP FOOD CHILLED whilst you are WORKING or having FUN OUTDOORS
Your KIDS will enjoy FRESH MEALS in their LUNCHBOX
If you plan to SHIP FOOD, please use in combination with a COOLER BAG or INSULATION CONTAINER
This will MULTIPLY the STRENGTH of the two and will provide you with longer lasting coldness
1) Simply submerge into fresh water. The pack will hydrate RAPIDLY
Absorb water PARTIALLY to use in LUNCH BOXES or FULLY if you need them to last long WITH YOUR COOLER
Don't soak too long! 4-5 min would be more than enough
2) Then FREEZE OVERNIGHT (or longer) to achieve FULL FUNCTIONALITY
❗ IMPORTANT: This product is safe to use, but it is NOT EDIBLE ❗
If you accidentally cut a cell open simply throw the contained polymer away, or cut and remove the cell
- LIGHT and FLEXIBLE – Easy to MOLD AROUND your bottles or snacks
- There is NO GEL, so there will be NO SLIMY RESIDUE. They are 'dry', in the sense of 'not wet', so there will be NO MELTED WATER
- 'Dry' ice lasts 4 – 7 times LONGER than 'water' ice
- No carbon dioxide The packs contain super absorbent polymer that is approved and SAFE to transport BY AIR as checked baggage
- The packs are REUSABLE Use them with care to extend their life as much as possible
- Easy to customise and RESIZE. Simply cut between the sells to divide into smaller packs
- LARGE SIZE: 17 x 8.5 inch, 4 x 3 cells
- 10 SHEETS, absorbing 960 ml of water per sheet
???? Purchase TODAY to bring MORE COMFORT to your life!
Have FUN and LIVE 2DAY ????
4. Shin Splint Ice Pack 2 Pack – Reusable Shin Cold and Hot Wrap for Shin Splints Pain Relief, Flexible Ice Pack for Runners
- Highly Effective and useful at all stages during the recovery from sudden injury and is reusable. It could be used as Hot and Cold compress that is an effective way to treat painful calf and shin injuries after physical activities like running, walking, and any sports activities
- Hot Pack– Use it as a heat pack to help the healing process by increasing local blood flow and promote relaxation. It can also help reduce joint stiffness, pain, and muscle spasms.
- Cold Pack– It is always recommended to place cold compress to injury over a period of 24 to 72 hours. The packs that came with this were carefully made of soft gel feature which can remain soft even in the freezer and traps the cold inside providing longer cold therapy relief.
- Advanced Soft Gel Technology feature — This Latex-free nylon packs with Polyester edging version is produced with a soft gel in the pack that conducts heat or cold. Simply cool in a refrigerator or freezer and it will stay cold, or warm in hot water (or microwave oven) in order to use it as a hot pack. Hot and cold stays longer than using regular brand with Bean in it.
- Easy to use — Accessing ice from the fridge or freezer and crafting hot compress out of worn-out fabric with cotton is NOT always practical or hygienic, save yourself from an exasperating way of making DIY wrap compressor! Plus, it is designed with adjustable velcro straps to firmly secure it in place and move with no issues while speeding up recovery!
5. WORLD-BIO Large Flexible Gel Ice Pack & Wrap for Injuries, Hot & Cold Therapy for Shoulder, Back, Knee, Hip, Great Relief for Swelling, Aches, Bruises & Sprains – 15" x 11.5"
- HANDS-FREE PAIN RELIEF – Cold gel pack with 2 elastic neoprene bands (33.9″ x 2.4″) allows you to wrap tightly, big enough to wrap around your leg, hip, thigh, calves, shins and any other body part you wish to relieve. The elastic hook-and-loop straps can be easily adjusted.
- HOT/COLD REUSABLE COMPRESS – This large therapeutic ice pack can be used both for hot and cold therapy, cold gel wrap is safe for heating in the microwave and hot water or chilled in a freezer.
- HIGH QUALITY AND FUNCTIONAL – Whether it's a sore muscle, swollen ankle, joint pain, back pain, or muscle cramping, the body ice gel pack is the ideal treatment for any discomfort. Great for post workout recovery, hip replacement surgery and burning neuropathic pain.
- FLEXIBLE AND KEEP COLD LONGER – Soft touch ice gel pack keeps flexible and soft even frozen at 0°F(-18℃), easy to warp around the area you want to relief and stay cold for longer periods with the soft fabric wrap.
- QUALITY VERSATILE GEL PACK – Our flexi cold pack is well made, feels nice and doesn't look or feel like it's cheap or will fall apart, CE & FDA approved. Ideal gifts for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Deal Day or Christmas.
6. Polar Tech RB15 Re-Freez-R-Brix Foam Refrigerant Pack, 4-1/2" Length x 4" Width x 1-1/2" Thick (Case of 6)
Polar Tech Re-Freeze-R-Brix foam refrigerant pack. Re-Freeze-R-Brix is a block of rigid foam that holds its shape frozen or thawed and is reusable. The Refrigerator in a bag. These refrigerants are non-toxic, sealed in a heavy plastic pouch, and are rated the best in foam refrigerants. Prevent thawing, keeps frozen products chilled for an extended period of time. Protects against freezing, when packaged in properly insulated containers, warmed Re-Freeze-R-Brix release heat, keeping perishables from freezing.
7. Hilph® Kids Ice Pack for Boo Boo's Injury, 2 Pack Reusable Fun Cartoon Ice Pack Kid's Hot Cold Pack for Children's Pain Relief, Sore Joints, Fevers, Neck, Head, Arms, Legs, Body – 4.3 Inch Each
- ❤Skin-Friendly Material – Comes with a set of princess and prince, boo boo ice pack are made of environmental friendly ingredients filled in double-side premium PVC covers which are extremely resistant. The perfect size each 4.52″ X 4.52″ for children to hold, your little ones will happy use these boo boo packs to soothe their pain.
- ❤Mild Physical Relief – Kid's ice packs can keep soft and flexible after frozen, ideal for relieving kid's fever, headache, bumps, bruises, swelling, migraines, and other injuries or pains.
- ❤Hot and Cold Therapy – For cold therapy: freeze the gel pack in freezer for at least 2 hours, helps boo boo's fever, headche, toothache and other pains. For hot therapy: place boo boo ice pack in microwave for 10 seconds, help to relieve outchies or boo boo.
- ❤Reusable and Washable – No need to worry if its introduced to dirt or germs. Simply wash in warm, soapy water to clean and disinfect in between uses.
- ❤100% Satisfied Service – A Free No-Hassle Replacement Process. If have any problems about product, please feel free to contact us and we will take care of it WITHIN 24 HOURS to ensure our customer experience.
8. Reusable Ice Pack Sheet For Coolers and Shipping Stays Cold For 48 Hours (10 pack 4×3 sheets) (10 pack 4×2 sheets)
- EFFECTIVE FREEZING – Keeps food frozen at -5 degrees Celsius for up to 48 hours
- COMPACT DESIGN – Ultra-thin profile for easy storage prior to usage
- LEAK PROOF – Perforation absorbs water without letting it leak out
- EASY SET UP – 10 minute, 3 step process to prepare sheets for freezing
This is a pack of 10 reusable Insta-Freeze 4×2 or 4×3 ice sheets for simplified cooling. The cells can be cut into any size configuration to fit your cooler or shipping box. The sheets can be prepared through three simple steps and can keep products cool at -5 Celsius for up to 48 hours. They feature a leak-proof design that contains liquid even after it has thawed. The sheets can then be put back into the freezer and reused time and time again.
9. Pain Relief Flexible Ice Pack for Injuries Hot Cold Therapy Reusable Gel Pack/Heat Wrap – Great for Back, Waist, Shoulder, Neck, Ankle, Knee and Hip (2 Pack) (Ice Pack (2 Pack))
- ★Reusable – Can be used for BOTH warm and cold compression. The gel pack is reuseable and can be freezable while still remaining soft or heated in the microwave. Serves as an ice pack or heating pad. Perfect for any body part: Knee, Arm, Thigh, Leg, Foot, Lumbar, Cervical, Upper and Lower Back, Shoulder, Rotator Cuff, Neck, Calves, Shins, Hips and more
- ★Hot Or Cold Compress – Trek Proof medical-grade gel packs are safe for the microwave and freezer to easily rotate between icing and heating injuries. Keep one handy in your fridge for a first aid icing emergency or your everyday comfort from pain
- ★Versatile– Useful for common conditions, broken bone, fever, bruise, sprain, strain, hernia, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis and shin splints. Useful for a variety of sports athletes, including: football, soccer, running, gymnastics, swimming, golf, tennis, baseball and basketball
- ★Healthcare Professional's Choice – Used by thousands of Physical Therapists and other healthcare professionals for cold therapy to aid acute & chronic pain, muscle pain, arthritis, inflammation, swelling, menopause-related hot flashes, and injury recovery
- ★PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION – Double sealed to prevent leaking
- with extra thick nylon exterior. Washable and reusable. Cold therapy pack is latex-free and is filled with non-toxic silica gel, so it's safe for all ages to use. 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, NO CATCHES! ★IDEAL GIFT for Black Friday Deals, Cyber Monday, Prime Deal Day, Easter or Christmas
By our suggestions above, we hope that you can found Freezer Packaging And Ice Packs for you.Please don't forget to share your experience by comment in this post. Thank you!

subset: commoncrawl


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Press Release
Pittsfield Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm Offenses
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts
Defendant possessed enough heroin to make approximately 550 doses for distribution
BOSTON – A Pittsfield man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Springfield for firearm and drug trafficking offenses.
Elvins Sylvestre, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 11 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On July 14, 2021, Sylvestre was convicted by a federal jury of possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony.
In November 2019, Sylvestre was found in possession of cocaine and 11 grams of heroin, enough to make approximately 550 doses for distribution, along with a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with an extended magazine and over 40 rounds of ammunition. Federal law prohibits Sylvestre from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions including possession of stolen property; robbery; assault and battery; and attempted murder.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Pittsfield Police Chief Michael Wynn made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Rollins' Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Updated January 11, 2022
Drug Trafficking
Firearms Offenses


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In this issue:
Global trends in women's breast cancer show cause for concern
Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, with nearly 50 per cent of Canadians expected to develop cancer during their lifetime.
Energized by the Cumming School of Medicine
The University of Calgary's completion of an ambitious fundraising campaign, Energize: The Campaign for Eyes High, raised a total of $1.41 billion dollars to support research and education initiatives across campus
Building connections and providing continuity – virtual care in the Patient Medical Home
Your next visit with your family doctor might involve a phone or webcam, rather than a receptionist and waiting room.
Continue reading:
Data scientists mobilize to track COVID-19 cases and help with Alberta's pandemic response
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Tyler Williamson, PhD, received the call that the City of Calgary needed municipal and provincial data to help build a response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
SeroTracker - Alumni and students develop tool to track Covid-19 spread
In early April, Rahul Arora, BHSc'19 and Tingting Yan, BHSc'19 wanted to find a way to contribute meaningfully to the pandemic response.
Launching a Medical Career in a Changing World
Dr. Venessa Shaneman, BSc'12, MD'16, PGME'19, embarked on her new career as a community family physician during a turbulent time for physicians in Alberta.
Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development
In March, teams at Continuing Medical Education & Professional Development (CME&PD) and the Physician Learning Program, quickly mobilized to provide training, education and resources to healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taking action against systemic racism
Creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for our community and those we serve.
Mathison Centre researchers study impact of COVID-19 on youth mental health
Study to focus on understanding and supporting vulnerable children and adolescents.


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All Good Living Foundation
By now you may have heard about the non-profit we started a while back, All Good Living Foundation. At All Good Living, we're all about doing good so it just made sense for us to create the All Good Living Foundation.
Pre-COVID19, we focused our efforts on helping the homeless children in our area and unifying everyone in hopes to create a greater community. We held "Do Good Days" where we would coordinate and invite our neighbors to help clean up a park or plant new flowers, whatever the event coordinator would plan. We wanted the young, old and in between to be involved. We worked with the city of Alameda and the school district so we may be connected with the students and their families who were experiencing homelessness. Our goal was to be helpful in any way we could but to be private and discreet. We've even extended our programs into the Lamorinda area. We are hoping to be able to blanket the whole Bay Area and beyond.
Enter February 2020. This was the initial start of our COVID19 quarantine. Wow, that seems so long ago. Due to our stay in place order, thousands of people either lost their jobs or were furloughed, meaning family incomes were slashed in half or completely gone. Weeks turned into months and families are losing their homes every day. With schools being closed, kids who depended on school lunches were going hungry. We had to step up. All Good Living Foundation has been providing COVID19 Public Health Crisis Relief to those who need it. Families in need who are facing food and/or housing insecurities can receive assistance.
Our assistance program is called Alameda Cares, and it is a relief fund for families struggling the most due to the COVID19 pandemic. During this whole crisis, we've been able to help provide food and clothing as well as mini grants of $200 that can be used towards bills or what ever that family needs to use it on. Alameda Cares was created by school volunteers throughout the City of Alameda in an effort to ensure all of Alameda's families are able to stay safe, healthy and ready to learn as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The relief fund is set up so families in need can reach out for support, and families that want to support local families can donate. Relief awards will be distributed as rapidly as possible to families in need.
To date, we've helped hundreds of families and provided more than a thousand meals. Our meal programs not only provide food for families but it is also helping local eateries stay in business. Our foundation is rooted in "Doing Good". California is somewhat getting the hang of our new normal but we know families are still at risk, so what do we do? We keep "Doing Good"!
Head over to the All Good Living Foundation website to read more about us and the great things we've done.


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What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal is used to treat a tooth that has been infected. Infections can happen when teeth are cracked, broken or have large cavities. During a root canal, the inside of the tooth is cleaned out and the tooth is sealed to prevent any further infection and pain.
How will I know when I need a root canal?
Pain or extreme sensitivity are the primary indications that a tooth might be infected. Dr. Tran will examine the tooth and view x-rays to check for injuries to the tooth. Decay or cracks will allow bacteria into the living part of the tooth which will then need a root canal to remove the infection.
It is important to note that pain is not the only reason that your teeth need a root canal. Even without pain, bacteria can damage the surrounding tissue and bone. Patients who don't seek treatment also can increase their risk of gum disease. Treating these before you experience problems is always less expensive and saves your time.
What happens during a root canal procedure?
Dr. Caroline Tran will first make you comfortable and numb the area surrounding the tooth. She will then place medicine in the tooth to get rid of the bacteria.
The tooth is then filled with a rubber like material called gutta percha to seal them and prevent further contaimination of the roots in the tooth.
A temporary crown will usually be placed over the tooth until a perment crown or onlay can be placed.
A properly treated and restored tooth can last for many years. It will be important to practice good oral hygene to keep the tooth in good functional shape.
If you have any questions about root canals and decay please dont hesitate to contact our Aubrey office at (909) 940-3326!
Monday 8:30am to 5:00pm
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Our office is located on US Highway 377, just north of US 380 and Walmart.
We serve the communities of Aubrey, Savannah, Providence, Paloma Creek, The Woodlands, Little Elm, Pilot Point, Sanger, Denton, Tioga, Oak Point, Cross Roads, Krugerville and Collinsville.


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CARS.COM — Ford is literally doubling down on its commitment to autonomous driving. The Detroit automaker today announced its plans for a 100-percent expansion of its team of tech startups with the goal of having a high-volume, fully autonomous ride-sharing or ride-hailing vehicle on the streets within five years.
Related: Are You Afraid of the Dark? Ford's Driverless Cars Aren't
Ford's first fully autonomous vehicle, the automaker said, will be a SAE International-rated level 4-capable car, meaning it will have no human controls such as brakes, an accelerator or a steering wheel, and it will be designed specifically for high-volume commercial use. Ford is targeting the year 2021 for the rollout of its autonomous car as part of the Ford Smart Mobility initiative, the stated goal of which is to make it a leader in driverless technology, connectivity, data and analytics.
"The next decade will be defined by automation of the automobile and we see autonomous vehicles as having as significant an impact on society as Ford's moving assembly line did 100 years ago," Ford President and CEO Mark Fields said in a statement.
Ford's plan calls for the tripling of its existing self-driving test fleet operating in California, Arizona and Michigan to about 30 Fusion Hybrid sedans this year — then tripling it again in 2017. The automaker is also vastly expanding its partnerships with Silicon Valley firms to bolster development of 3-D mapping capabilities; light detection and ranging, or LIDAR, sensors; advanced radar and camera sensors; and artificial intelligence.


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"I would wear pink because I knew my future was anything but rosy. I would accessorize myself to the hilt, and I would wear flirty shoes because my world needed more beauty to counter all the ugliness in it. I would wear pink because I hated gray, I didn't deserve white, and I was sick of black."
-Karen Marie Moning
All jewelry orders come in ready-to-gift jewerly box! 🎁🌙


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Product Trends in Digital Signage & Video Walls
We recently sat down with Todd Stih of Mitsubishi Electric to talk product trends in digital signage & video walls.
Leave a CommentWe recently sat down with Todd Stih of Mitsubishi Electric to talk product trends in digital signage & video walls.
CI: What product trends are we seeing in this market?
One thing that I've noticed is people starting to pay a bit more attention to what's in the product and what they're getting for the price, specifically, with regard to fine pitch LED is in the bonding wires and the material that's used, and how that impacts price and performance.
So there's copper bonding wires, and there are gold bonding wires. By the way, for those who of you that don't know what that is, that's the tiny little wire inside that led that connects the lead frame and the power coming into the actual diode itself.
But a copper bonding wire is isn't as reliable at conducting power and isn't as durable, but it's a lot less expensive. We use gold bonding wires, they have shown to be more more durable and more reliable. There's a lot of different price points on the market.
But when people are looking at the price they're paying and what they're getting for that, that is a huge impact on the cost of a fine pitch product and an impact on the durability as well. So one of the trends we're seeing is a lot of copper bonding wire to hit lower price points.
We are also seeing a lot more customization. For a long time, customization meant just doing right angled corners. And there are a lot of products out there that do that now that have special cabinets that come with seamless, right angled corners.
But architects and customers, as they look at some of these installations, a lot of them are looking for a signature elements, which are highly customized. We are working on a project right now for a customer and working doing this through a systems integrator, where there's some standard video product, but then there is a display that is that is hanging from the middle of this area that completely custom really from soup to nuts, we're actually building this structure and building the displays for the integrator and kind of delivering that and in one piece just because of the level of customization.
Check out the video above to learn more.
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We often think of dogs as happy-go-lucky creatures, able to brush off conflicts and focus on the good things in life. In truth, dogs are much like us: they are emotional and complex creatures who have the ability to feel fear and anxiety. When a dog becomes frightened by a stranger, it will be obvious: they may cower and try to move away, or they may have a more aggressive response and growl or even nip. Although these behaviors clearly show that the dog is having some sort of negative reaction, the reason for the dog's fear is often harder to discern and might not be readily apparent. Understanding why dogs respond the way they do to stressful stimuli requires an investigation into their past and their personality, accounting for possible traumas and genetic predispositions. It can be heartbreaking to see your pet cower in fear, but investigating the source(s) of stranger anxiety in your dog is an essential first step in implementing long-lasting change that will ease their distress.
Common Signs of Stranger Anxiety
All dogs manifest fear differently, so it is important to be attentive to your dog's behavior so that you can customize care to your pet's needs. Common signs that your dog may fear strangers include everything from cowering and hiding to growling and fear biting. Fear is normal in all creatures, but if it becomes excessive – that is, if it interferes with your dog's ability to partake in everyday activities or negatively affects their physical or mental health – fear can be detrimental. Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to minimize your dog's fearful responses. The most important thing to remember is always to be patient: reducing fear, particularly of strangers, takes time and training.
What Causes a Fear of Strangers in Dogs?
There are a number of possible causes of fear in dogs, but the most common are genetic predispositions, insufficient socialization, and PTSD brought on by past negative experiences. Your dog's fear of strangers could even be caused by a combination of these causes. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, Dipl. ACVB comments, "It is not hard to see that puppies raised without the benefit of ongoing benign interactions with a variety of people (and dogs other than littermates) might become somewhat insular in their thinking and therefore shy of novel encounters. This shyness can be compounded into frank fearfulness by negative experiences, such as being shouted at or handled roughly." Dodman calls these stressful adolescent situations "seeds of fearfulness." The biggest responsibility of the pet owner is to pay attention to the possible sources of your dog's fear, so you can better assess the cause, and, subsequently, the treatment.
Questions to Ask:
1. Is your dog afraid of all strangers, or does it depend on the person? Does gender or age matter?
Asking these questions can help you gain insight into your pet's anxieties. For instance, if your dog is mostly afraid of men, it could point to past bad experiences with men or a lack of previous male socialization. Sometimes, dogs are afraid of men purely because they appear more intimidating to them– their deeper voices, height, and facial hair may make a dog wary. If your dog cowers or fear-bites in the presence of children, that, too, might indicate that your dog has trauma from past negative experiences. Children may not seem intimidating to us, but a child's inconsistent and jerky movements can easily be misconstrued by a dog as aggressive or intimidating. Some dog breeds are even genetically predisposed to being incompatible with children.
2. Am I Anxious or Fearful?
Dogs are extremely loyal and attentive, so if you anticipate a stressful interaction with a stranger, your dog can sense this. Make sure you aren't tensing up on walks when you see a stranger; stay calm and it will help your dog do the same!
3. What Happened in My Dog's Past?
If possible, try to find out as much information as possible about how your dog was cared for before they became a part of your family. Trauma that can cause stranger anxiety doesn't have to be extreme, such as living in an abusive household. Your dog could develop stranger anxiety from something as simple as their past owner living in a hectic household where new people often frequent.
What Can I Do About My Dog's Fear of Strangers?
Once you know what's causing your dog's fear of strangers, you will be better equipped to deal with it. The sooner the better! A certified animal behaviorist will have all the tools to help you begin this process, including helping you to determine possible triggers. By working with a certified specialist and implementing consistent training, you can safely condition your dog to accept strangers. This is work that you should not attempt to do on your own; forcing your dog into an uncomfortable situation– like a meeting with new people– could simply make matters worse. Positive reinforcement, through treats and praise, is incredibly important; these methods put the power in your dog's paws, allowing them to make the first move with people. Further, it is as important to pay attention to your dog's body language as to your own when in the presence of strangers. If you are stressed, anxious, or tensed-up around people, your dog will sense this. To gain control of the situation and avoid anxiety, let those you come in contact with know that your dog is fearful of strangers.
Be Proactive!
Every stranger is different and presents unique challenges, so it is important to be prepared for possible scenarios. Once you know which scenarios – and which people – make your dog fearful, you can prepare appropriately for when you know you'll be in these compromising situations. Some tips include:
- Bring treats on your walks! If your dog starts to show that they are afraid, positively reinforce any calm and obedient behavior, such as sitting rather than running away from (or aggressively towards) the stranger.
- Inform your neighbors – and anyone you think you'll see regularly on your walks – that your dog is fearful of being approached by people they don't know well.
- Have a safe place in your home where your dog knows it can be alone. If your dog feels like they have some control over stressful situations, they are less likely to get overwhelmed and act out.
What If I Have a New Person Visit My Home?
When new people come to your house, there are several ways you can put your fearful dog at ease. First, make sure that your dog has a space that is all his own to retreat to. A room or a crate works well for this. Next, instruct the stranger to ignore the dog; they should not attempt to make eye contact, or touch the dog. Give the guest some dog treats to toss near your dog (while keeping some distance). Please note that, even as your dog gets comfortable, the stranger should still not make eye contact with or touch the dog. Given time, your dog may begin to associate strangers with rewards and thus their fears may abate.
Specific Treatment Methods
The most useful methods for handling dog anxiety, whether in your own home or out in the world, are desensitization, anxiety medications, and obedience training with a certified dog trainer (CDPDT). Because every dog is different, it is important to discuss the proper method of therapy for your dog with a certified veterinary behaviorist. Your trainer may encourage desensitization practices, which involves incrementally exposing your dog to anxiety inducing situations to acclimate them to it. Or, your trainer may encourage you to remove your dog from certain stressful situations altogether.
Pharmaceutical Options
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Fluoxetine (Reconcile) are helpful for many dogs that have a fear of strangers. Always speak with a professional before deciding on a pharmaceutical treatment, as there can be side effects, including GI issues.
Non-Pharmaceutical Tools
Head Halters
Head halters are often used as an alternative to neck control collars and can be a useful tool to help train your dog and strengthen non-verbal communication between the two of you. If you are considering using a head halter, speak with a professional for tips on how to properly introduce it to your dog and implement proper training methods.
Calming Pheromones
Some pheromones, such as the dog appeasing pheromone, have been used to help calm anxious dogs. DAP mimics a pheromone that is released naturally by nursing dogs in order to calm their puppies.
Calmer Canine®
Non-pharmaceutical solutions such as the Calmer Canine Anxiety Treatment System have also helped calm anxious dogs. This targeted pulsed electromagnetic field (tPEMF) device works by reducing inflammation in the amygdala, or the emotional center of the brain. As the brain becomes less inflamed, the dog will become less reactive to stressful stimuli. Countless testimonials of Calmer Canine users have shown that the device drastically reduces a variety of anxieties – from noise phobia to generalized anxiety.
Start Now!
If you suspect your dog has a fear of strangers, start investigating now! With consistent training and help from a professional, your dog's fear of strangers will begin to reduce. Remember: let your dog lead the way! Pay attention to how they react to the training and go from there. Your fearful dog will soon begin to feel more comfortable and safe, no matter the situation.


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The Semi Final of the 2015 Irish Senior Championship was played this morning in the Ivy Rooms SC in Carlow. Robert Murphy beat John Sutton 6-4 while Brendan O Donoghue had earlier beating Michael Judge 6-2 with a 142 break. The referees are Shane Corr and Neil Shanahan.
The current high break now still stands at 142 by Brendan O Donoghue in his semi final against Michael Judge
Due to the late finish and the AGM, The Senior final will now be played on Sunday at 10am & 1pm tomorrow


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The patriarchal monopoly doesn't seem to end for women of all classes. No matter how developed a nation is, in terms of equality, many still lag. The recent case of Paris city hall has once again raised questions on the public ministry of France for imposing a fine on the recruitment of more women than men to the higher posts. The fine, although is being justified as breaching the national law, is highly condemned.
In 2018, the Paris city hall appointed 11 women and 5 men to the topmost positions. The act was penalized by the France public ministry. Mayor Anne Hidalgo, a member of the socialist party, in the recent meetings of city councils, said that she was happy that the city hall was put up with a penalty of £90,000 in the case of 2018. The penalty has been termed as unfair and in jeopardy. The national law has fixed a minimum of 40% representations of each gender. Women's representation in Paris city hall in senior positions is marked around 47%.
The city hall is said to have violated the law of gender balance. The 2013 law states that no individual gender can have more than 60% representation at the top positions. The ratio of males and females in the senior position is unequal and liable for penalties. The act was mocked at all levels. Hidalgo, who was re-elected as Mayor last year mocked the act by stating, "The management of city hall has, all of a sudden, become far too feminist.," In her statements, Hidalgo said that there is a need for increased women representation for the upliftment of their nation.
Hidalgo, with reference to a post from Huffington Posts, tweeted about it. Amélie de Montchalin, the public service minister of France, responded to it on Twitter stating that the penalty is levied for an act from 2018. She also mentioned that she wants the fine to be paid immediately to finance the acts of promoting women's participation in public services. She invited Hidalgo to have a fair discussion on the matter. Meanwhile, political experts are eyeing the matter as a political agenda.


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MacGamer is reporting that the groovy spy shooter No One Lives Forever will be released on February 15th. The game created by Fox Interactive and published by MacPlay is one of highest rated of the year.
Henry Price of MacPlay confirmed with MacGamer today that No One Lives Forever, the swingin' spy shooter that uses the Lithtech engine, is confirmed to ship on February 15th, 2002.
We are currently shooting for February 15th. I tell you this without having a beta copy of the game yet. As you know with any product release nothing is solid until you have a Gold Master. We are trying to be very careful with release dates; until I have a gold master in my hand a release date is not solid and is only wishful thinking. The beta testing phase of creating a product is critical as to whether a product is released early, on time, or past the date we all hope for. At this point I hope for February 15th. We have taken all of information from our programmers, marketing, management and our trusty Ouji board. However at this point in the process I will still have to use my brand new talking dart board in order to give a 100% solid date.We are taking release dates very seriously. We know how important they are to the Mac community.
We are taking release dates very seriously. We know how important they are to the Mac community.
Recent Mac Games News
Friday, November 30, 2001Thursday, November 29, 2001Wednesday, November 28, 2001Tuesday, November 27, 2001Monday, November 26, 2001
Search for other Mac games news stories or browse our Mac Games News Archive.


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Starbucks Corp has said that its business is "steadily recovering" worldwide as most of the coffee chain's stores have reopened with the easing of coronavirus-led restrictions.
Shares of the Seattle-based company rose about 6.5% after it said it would return to profitability in the current quarter on improving sales and margins.
Comparable store sales fell 40% globally and 41% in the Americas during Starbucks' third quarter, which ended on June 28. This was less than analysts' forecast for declines of 42.05% and 42.82%, respectively, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.
Starbucks, like many restaurants and coffee chains, took a big hit from government-imposed measures to curb the pandemic, prompting it to rely more on delivery and drive-through services to make up for lost business.
More people used the chain's drive-through and delivery options to buy coffee and food, with mobile orders rising six percentage points from a year ago to make up 22% of total transactions in the quarter.
Starbucks plans to deploy new handheld point-of-sale devices for employees to take orders in drive-through lines to speed service. It will also roll out curbside pickup and a new plant-based protein box.
"Our recovery strategy is working," said CEO Kevin Johnson said during a call with investors. "We have future-proofed our business model and reinforced our balance sheet to enable us to play offense."
Approximately 97% of global Starbucks-operated locations are now open. This includes 99% of outlets in China and 96% of stores in the United States, which started the quarter with less than half of locations open.
For its full fiscal year, which ends in September, Starbucks expects global same-store sales to be 12%-17% lower. Comparable sales in China should see a substantial recovery by December and US sales expected are to recover by March 2021.
Ninety-day active US members in the Starbucks Rewards loyalty program dropped 5% year-over-year to 16.3 million as customers used it less often because of temporary store closures.
Loss Per Share And Total Net Revenue
Excluding one-time items, the company lost 46 cents per share in the quarter, but that was better than analysts' expectations of a 59 cent per-share loss.
Total net revenue slumped by approximately 38% to $4.22 billion, but still beat the average analyst estimate of $4.07 billion.
News by Reuters, edited by Hospitality Ireland. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.


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Most birthdays are filled with parties and gifts, ending with a wish blown over candles. Most only wish to make it to 90 years old, never thinking about how to celebrate such a milestone.
For Richard "Dick" Couch, the only way to celebrate 90 hard-earned years was in style.
For more than 30 years, Couch spent his life in the sky as an air pilot both commercially and recreationally. His son, Russell, knew just what would set his father in his prime for his day.
"He would always take us on flights everywhere. He'd sit us on phone books, not quite tall enough to see over the dash but just enough for the controls."
The Couch family met with their FAA certified flight instructor, Joe Lorenzen, mid-morning to get ready for the hour-long adventure. The craft was a Cygnet Amphibian, light-sport aircraft. With no enclosed cock pit and piggy-back, one could truly experience flight. Not only was ride for fun but was a Light Sport Flight lesson with hands-on experience
"I'm pretty excited. I have flown in many planes but never one of these. I was a pilot for 30 years but this is a new experience for me. For my 90th, I was like 'Take me up!' " Couch said.
The two began their route north over Topock Gorge, circled over the Arizona lake side, and headed South toward The Island. As they glided past the cliffs between Crazy Horse campground and Site Six, they dipped to water level and glided across the lake surface, flew back up into the air and circled.
The two sons and daughter of the birthday boy watched from the red and white lighthouse at the tip of the Island as their father was in flight once more. Richard waved back with a giddy grin of a man in his prime.
For more information on Light Sport Flight Lessons, Please Contact:


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These beautiful cherry blossom drawings will inspire you to create your own sakura (cherry blossom) drawing, painting, or sketch.
Cherry blossoms have inspired generations of artists in various mediums, including drawings, paintings, and more. From ancient times to the present day, they continue to inspire many forms of art around the world.
As you browse through these flowers, I hope that you find inspiration for your next sakura drawing.
Practice Drawing Cherry Blossoms
People often see drawing artists as people that are just naturally good at drawing. The truth is that just like any other craft, drawing is a skill.
The more you do it, the better you'll get. If you want to learn how to draw well, practice…practice…practice. If you want to get good at drawing cherry blossoms, I recommend sketching the flower often. Sketching for 20-30 minutes a day is a good start.
Use Cherry Blossom References
I think that using references is a great way to improve your drawing skills. Some people think that drawing from reference is cheating. I'm here to tell you that that's not true.
To perfect your cherry blossom drawings, use references of the flower to study and learn different techniques. Just make sure you don't copy someone else's work and claim it as your own original creation.
How to Draw Cherry Blossom Tutorial
Below you'll find a simple three step tutorial showing you how easy it is to draw a cherry blossom flowers. If you have a bullet journal, these flower drawings will make a great addition to your spread.
After you're done drawing your flowers, you can color them in with colored pencils, markers, or watercolor paint. I think you'll love them even more once you add color.
Use Video Tutorials
YouTube can be a great place to go to when you're looking for drawing tutorials. Here are a few tutorials showing you how to draw cherry blossoms.
- How to Draw Cherry Blossom Doodles
- Easy Cherry Blossom Flower Tutorial
- How to Draw and Color Cherry Blossoms
Give Your Art as Gifts
The cherry blossom is a flower that's loved by many. Consider drawing cherry blossoms on handmade greeting cards, or framing your art to give to friends and family.
You could even turn them into digital prints for gifting or even to sell. Check out our post How To Sell Art Online And Make Money for more ideas on making money from your art.
Artist Credit: whatdebbieorrdidnext
I hope you've been able to find inspiration with these cherry blossom drawings. As you can see, your drawing can look amazing black and white, and it can also look wonderful with color. However you decide to go about drawing your flowers, the finished art piece will look great.
More Posts You May Like:


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Call today to get started!
Trash Pump Skids Shipping Quickly to Your Location
At Phantom Pumps, we understand how vital it is to receive the equipment you need – when you need it. We eliminate downtime by offering quick order turnaround times and can help your business save costs due to lost productivity, as well as save money on replacement equipment at your facility or job site. Whatever trash pump type that you need, including trash pumps in CD4, we can help by offering a compatible, cost-effective option to replace your existing equipment.
Our customers report that our industrial pumps work as well – or BETTER – than the other leading pump brands, which means you can say goodbye to the brand name equipment you have used in the past for a money-saving alternative that will keep your operation online and running smoothly.
Phantom Pumps is a family-owned and operated industrial pump manufacturer that serves customers in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, and other regions throughout the US and Caribbean. If you need trash pump skids for your facility or job site – or have any other industrial processing equipment needs – contact our experts today. We look forward to serving you!


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IT'S FRIDAY. SABBATH IS COMING, and the house needs to be cleaned! Doing it all in one day can be overwhelming and stressful if you're racing the clock to finish before sundown. Why not make it easier by splitting your home into sections and cleaning some areas earlier in the week?
Usually, some parts of a home get less use than others and could be cleaned ahead of time (a guest room, a guest bathroom, etc). These rooms could be cleaned on Monday and likely kept clean all week. Other spaces, such as your kitchen, are used multiple times a day and need to be cleaned on Friday just before Sabbath.
Consider splitting your home into five or six sections and cleaning one section each day, based on its use and visibility. If you often host people on Sabbaths, clean the most visible spaces—such as the kitchen, dining room, and living room—on Thursday and Friday. Rooms such as your bedroom can be cleaned earlier in the week. Using this method, the whole house will be cleaned at some point each week.
You could do all your Sabbath preparation this way. For example, wash and iron your Sabbath clothes on Monday and polish your shoes on Tuesday. Plan your Sabbath menu, buy groceries, and plan any Sabbath afternoon activities on Wednesday. Finish house cleaning
and food preparation on Thursday and Friday.
Find a system that works for you to make your Friday a lot more enjoyable!


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STOMP it anytime, anywhere.
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Choo Yun Ting
The Straits Times
April 24, 2021
Part of the false ceiling near the entrance of Golden Mile Complex in Beach Road collapsed on Friday evening (April 23).
A large section of ceiling boards affixed to a wooden frame, nails exposed and other debris were seen strewn across a section of the stairs near the taxi stand, but no injuries were reported.
An eyewitness told Chinese-language daily Lianhe Wanbao that she had heard the sound of something breaking shortly before the ceiling area collapsed.
Electrical wires were seen exposed in the gap of the ceiling, according to photos shared by passers-by.
A video of the incident circulating online showed large pieces of the ceiling falling suddenly.
When contacted, a spokesman for the Singapore Civil Defence Force said that it was not activated for any incident at the shopping centre.
Both Wanbao and Chinese paper Shin Min Daily News reported that the area where the incident took place was cordoned off and workers were seen cleaning up the rubble later in the evening.
Workers were also seen using torchlights to examine the part of the ceiling from where the boards had fallen.
Responding to queries from The Straits Times, a Building and Construction Authority (BCA) spokesman said its engineers were on-site on Saturday following the incident.
They observed that the anchor rivets holding the steel hangers and timber frame of the false ceilings had dislodged from the supporting concrete slab above and noted that there was no damage to the main building structures.
BCA has instructed that the affected area directly below the fallen false ceiling to be cordoned off as a safety measure.
The authority has also instructed the building owner to appoint a professional engineer to carry out a detailed investigation of the incident, assess the condition of the ceiling structure and to carry out permanent rectification measures recommended.
Wanbao reported that Friday's incident and another episode last year, where the ceiling in the women's washroom on the second floor of Golden Mile Complex collapsed, have raised safety concerns among retailers and patrons at the mall.


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One day before the start of the final year of his rookie deal, Stephon Tuitt has secured his future in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers announced Saturday that the fourth-year defensive end signed a five-year extension with the organization through 2022. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the new deal is worth $61 million over six years and is heavy on up-front money.
Tuitt was slated to make just over $1 million in base salary this season. Now he'll likely reel in roughly $15 million, per Rapoport, and is more than happy to stay in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future.
"This is one of the best organizations to be a part of, especially for a guy like me," Tuitt said, per the team's website. "I came in] as a young guy, super raw. I have some great coaches who have helped me and I have seen my game pick up, my confidence level rise, my leadership ability rise. Being a part of an organization like this, I can see why a lot of great players come from here, a lot of [Hall of Fame players come from here."
A 2014 second-round pick out of Notre Dame, Tuitt has already established as one of Pittsburgh's most indispensable defenders. Through three seasons in the Steel City, the lineman has tallied 109 combined tackles, 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. But Tuitt believes he can outperform his younger self.
"I am a double-digit sack guy. I am," he said. "I would have had it last year if I didn't miss my sacks. That is my goal this year. I just have to work on the little things to get my sacks. Things like working out, watching film. Understanding what you are good at, what you aren't good at. How you can become good at that. Know that you are a dominant force and believing that you are a dominant force. Come out here on the field and do the things you need to do on the field."
Alongside Cameron Heyward (28 years old), Ryan Shazier (25), Bud Dupree (24) and T.J. Watt (22), Tuitt (24) is a key component of arguably the league's top young front seven, one that might make the leap in 2017.


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Figma Handoff: Why winning teams go beyond the inspect panel - Handing off designs for development can be an awkward ordeal. Learn how to remove the friction with a design delivery tool. - Sponsored
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Luxury is a Sport
This LA-based designer doesn't play around…
Luxury is a Sport
When it comes to design, LA-based interior decorator-turned-luxury product creator Elisabeth Weinstock doesn't play around (pun intended). When she realized that her clients loved the one-off pieces she was making, she decided to take a shot (pun #2). After 10 years in the interiors biz Weinstock sold a four-foot tall snakeskin box at Maxfield and it was game over (okay we'll quit punning now). Seriously though, when the designer started bringing high-end dreams to life, collectors couldn't get enough and a full collection of exotic goods soon followed.
Our favorite items from Weinstock's ever-expanding collection are the Boa Football, Anaconda Boxing Gloves, and Water Snake Soccer Ball. These decorative pieces are a sweet addition to any bachelor pad, office, and are surefire conversation starters. The designer also makes custom items, which already has us envisioning croc skin skateboard or maybe a stingray basketball! If you're in Los Angeles you can see Weinstock's creations in person at 8159 West 3rd street, and if you're not you can check it all out
. One thing is for sure, we think her designs are a home run.


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Any design can only be as good as the brief it was developed from. Too general and the design runs the risk of missing the mark, too complicated and it wont allow the design to be open enough to inspire ideas and explore opportunities.
This is why writing an awesome creative brief is super important, not only for the designer but also for you, our clients! It allows you to get the most value for money from our services and ensure that the end design is something that fulfils your goal.
To help organise everything you need to know, and pass onto your designer for your project, we've put together a template design brief. This will help articulate your ideas and also draw attention to the things you may not have thought about previously.
+ To get the most out of what you're about to learn, be sure to check out the Free Downloads at the end of this article.
While this is self-explanatory, the project title is important as it allows the designer to easily recall your project, especially if you have multiple active projects in the mix. Something brief yet specific is great, e.g. 2017 A5 Tour Flyers.
This is also straightforward, but vital, as it allows your designer to start forming ideas about how the project will take shape and also consider the constraints of the medium. Specifying the type of project is important for projects that have multiple components e.g. a flyer design that also requires printing and distribution.
Above all, this is the most important point to consider when putting together your brief. Without a goal, there is no clear purpose to the project. A goal will help to dictate important components of the design such as, the hierarchy of information, call to action, placement of content, image choices etc.
The best goals can be measured in order to see if they have been reached and, ultimately, determine if your project has been successful. An example of a good measurable goal for your project may be "To increase online sales by 30% within the next 6 months" for a website redesign project.
This is a solid goal as it outlines a value and a designated timeline to the goal. Once the timeframe is up, the goal can then be measured as successful/unsuccessful. You can learn from this experience and review the campaign in order to improve it next time.
+ Learn how to set S.M.A.R.T.E.R more achievable goals.
Now this is where you need to get creative and spill the beans with as much detail as possible. The more information you include here the better understanding your agency will have of your project you require. Below is a list of ideas to get you started with the Project Details section of your design brief….
This is often the part of a project that many clients are concerned about, as to how long it will take from initial concept to completion. Timeframes are important, as a project may be required for a certain deadline whether it be an event, magazine or product launch etc.
Firstly, ensure that you're familiar with any deadlines that you need to adhere to and let the designer know upfront. It is always best to make this clear at the beginning, rather than letting them know halfway through that you now 'need it by tomorrow!.'
Your agency will always do their best to accommodate your deadline, however sometimes it is just not possible to move a project through to 100% completion in very short amounts of time. For example, there is a lot of testing and calibrating of colours which occurs once an annual report has been designed. While the report may appear to be finished, proof reading is essential, to avoid any printed errors.
Another benefit of adding your deadline is that it helps your agency keep you on track. All design agencies understand that you're super busy, and you're only human, so part of our job as your design agency is to keep you on track as well. So if a project becomes less important or is placed on hold throughout the design process – just let your designer or project manager know, most of the time they're be happy to update deadlines for you.
Over the page you'll find an electronic version the Emocean Studios Design Brief to use for your next design project in order to get the most out of it.


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Club rooms have all the same features of Deluxe rooms plus upgraded amenities, bathrobes, free High Speed Internet Access, and special access to the Sheraton Club Lounge. The Club Lounge offers complimentary breakfast, afternoon hors d'oeuvres and a variety of beverage options.
Reenergize at the pool, gather at the bar, and enjoy thoughtful service, like an airport shuttle-just steps from San Salvador's top shops.
Hotel services and facilities include: La Terraza Restaurant, Marquis Bar, Hookah Bar, swimming pool, children's pool, fitness center, spa/massage treatments, 24-hour room service, business center, concierge desk.
Plan your trip as far in advance as you can. Last minute travel is stressful to plan, and can often end up being more expensive.


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The Welsh Government has failed to take the action it promised in a number of key areas to drive up the quality of life of older people living in care homes in Wales, according to a new report published today by the Older People's Commissioner for Wales.
The new report – A Place to Call Home: Impact & Analysis – also shows that while some positive progress has been made by Health Boards and Local Authorities, with a wide range of activity now underway, many still need to do much more work to provide the Commissioner with assurance that the change required to improve the quality of life of care home residents will be delivered.
The report sets out the findings of a programme of follow-up work undertaken by the Commissioner during 2017 to assess whether public bodies have delivered upon the commitments they made when the Commissioner published the findings of her Care Home Review in 2014, which showed that too many older people living in care homes in Wales have an unacceptable quality of life.
The Commissioner focused on 15 of the areas of concern identified by her Care Home Review – including falls prevention, the use of anti-psychotic medication, dementia training, inspection processes and workforce planning – areas that have fallen outside of legislative developments or relate to ongoing issues that have been shared with her casework team. Public bodies submitted written evidence setting out the progress made against the Requirements for Action set out in the Commissioner's Care Home Review, which were analysed by the Commissioner and her team.
Older People's Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira, said:
"When I published the findings of my Care Home Review, I was clear that a wide range of action was needed, at both a national and a local level, to ensure that quality of life sits at the heart of our care home system.
"All of the public bodies subject to my Care Home Review welcomed its findings and made specific public commitments to take action in response to the requirements for action set out within my Review report, 'A Place to Call Home?'.
"Health Boards and Local Authorities have made some positive progress and as a result of my Review are now delivering a wide range of activity focused on improving the quality of life of older people living in care homes, but more needs to be done and the pace of change must increase significantly to deliver the best possible outcomes for care home residents.
"I am very disappointed, however, that the Welsh Government has failed to show sufficient leadership and take sufficient action in a number of key areas, such as continence care, falls prevention and workforce planning, where a national approach is needed to drive meaningful cultural change, ensure greater accountability and promote the more effective use of evidence-based good practice."
The Commissioner has provided detailed feedback to all of the bodies subject to this follow-up work and now expects further action, with oversight at board level, to improve the quality of life for older people in the key areas highlighted in her follow-up report.
The Commissioner added: "There must be a renewed focus from the Welsh Government, Health Boards and Local Authorities on taking meaningful action to deliver upon the commitments they made in response to my Care Home Review. A failure to do so will mean that our care home system is unable to meet the changing care and support needs of older people and, more importantly, will mean that too many older people living in care homes continue to have an unacceptable quality of life."
Click here to read A Place to Call Home: Impact and Analysis


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From the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon to the lofty mountain grandeur of the Mogollon rim to the beautiful Sonoran desert, the diversity of Arizona is a wonder to behold! You can play in the snow of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff one day and play golf in sunny Phoenix the next. You can enjoy the beautiful red rocks of Sedona the same day you wonder at the stone trees of the Petrified Forest. You can even find the London Bridge in a place called Lake Havasu City and the OK Corral in Tombstone. Arizona is the only place where you will find the stately saguaro cactus and the largest stand of Ponderosa pines in the country all in the same state!
Arizona is a destination state for many. Whether it is the warm winter weather, wonders of nature, or the pop of bats and gloves during Spring Training for over a dozen Major League Baseball teams in March, Arizona is the place to be!
We are home to six professional sports teams—the NFL Cardinals, the MLB Diamondbacks, the NHL Coyotes, the NBA Suns, the WNBA Mercury, and the AFL Rattlers. The two highest-attended sporting events every year are NASCAR races and the PGA golf tournament. And in the last twenty-six months, the University of Phoenix Stadium has hosted a Super Bowl, a Pro Bowl, a College Football Championship game, and the NCAA basketball Final Four. But it is not just about sports. You can find cultural attractions like the world-famous Heard Museum of Native American artifacts and Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural trademark Taliesin West right here in our state.
Arizona is famous for its five "C's"—cotton, cattle, climate, citrus, and copper. The economy of Arizona is as diverse as its landscape. Yes, Arizona is home to copper mining and some of the best cotton grown in the world, but it also has thousands of acres of other agricultural products. In fact, the vast majority of the nation's lettuce crop in the winter months comes from Yuma. Arizona has also become home to many companies in the technology sector, which brings many to our state. We are home to more than thirty college campuses, including the largest university in the country in Arizona State University, as well as three major military bases.
Maybe that is why Arizona is growing the way it is. The US census reports that eighty-one thousand people moved to Maricopa County in 2015–2016, making it the fastest-growing county in the United States. An average of 222 people move to the Phoenix area every day! The vast majority of people in Arizona live in two urban centers—Phoenix and Tucson. These two hubs form one of the North American Mission Board's "Send Cities" to focus church planting efforts. The challenge is great to keep up with population growth as well as the variety of people groups that live here.
The peoples of Arizona are as varied as the landscape. From Anglos to Hispanics, Native Americans to African-Americans, Burmese to Burundians, Chinese to Koreans and Vietnamese, our state is a global community. Central High School in Phoenix provides services to thirty-four different language groups. Of the 6.9 million people who live in Arizona, an estimated two million are Hispanic. They are a significant part of the culture and economy of our state. Arizona is also home to two of the largest Native American reservations in the country: the Navajo reservation in the northeast corner of our state and the Tohono O'odham in the south. The sparseness of the population cannot hide the greatness of the need of these areas.
The variety of people in Arizona is not limited to their ethnicity. Arizona is also rich in cultural expressions like cowboys, bikers, students, artists, and senior adult communities. The over-65 demographic is one of the fastest growing. Some of the towns in Arizona double or triple in size in the winter due to visitors from other parts of the country. For example, Quartzsite, Arizona, grows from 3,600 to 360,000 during the month of January every year!
Arizona Southern Baptists have taken up the challenge of reaching all of these peoples with the Gospel. Our mission statement says we are "working together to make disciples of all peoples in Arizona and around the world!" We do that by sharing the Gospel, planting churches, training pastors and leaders, reaching out to people in need, and engaging college students. With one Southern Baptist church for every nineteen thousand people in Maricopa County, and one church per fourteen thousand people across the state, we need to plant more churches to reach more people in every area and among all people groups.
Our vision is to have one thousand churches by the year 2028 when our convention celebrates its one-hundredth anniversary. That's more than twice as many churches as we have right now! We believe that will be the best way to reach our state, because the church is God's instrument for the accomplishment of the Great Commission. We welcome our Southern Baptist family from around the country who will be visiting us in June. Perhaps the Lord will lead some to join us in our vision to reach Arizona by praying for us, partnering with us, or helping plant a church among us.
Arizona is a vision. And God has given us a vision for Arizona!


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A California non-profit news site says it is time to take climate change seriously and to consider its impact in making water projections, particularly considering the state's dwindling snowpack.
CalMatters.org writes that it is time for State water planners to revamp their planning calculations, citing skewed data from last year:
The state's projections for how much water to expect from the Sierra Nevada were so far from reality last spring that reforming the process has become increasingly urgent.
The calculation for the Sacramento River region was off by 68%, leaving the state's reservoirs with far less water supply than expected.
Key metrics are reported on CalMatters.org's water and drought tracker. Among many other statistics, the tracker reports that, 63% of ranked groundwater wells in California are at historic lows. 978 households reported water shortages over the last 365 days.
The statistics are alarming. The site offers advice on how Californians can get involved in protecting their local water supplies. Their "Get Involved" link offers suggestions, resources, and tools.


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Sergio Rojas, MD, Emina Pasic, MD, Raul Ameneyro, MD, Anuar F Simon, Cris Gomez. Hospital Angeles Puebla
MATERIAL: We compared 50 consecutive cases using 3D laparoscopic surgery versus 50 cases of 2D conventional laparoscopic surgery from january to june 2017. All surgical procedures were performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons using 3D (EinsteinVision system) and HD conventional laparoscopic optic.3D-Laparoscopic surgery offers the depth perception of the surgical field that is lost with the conventional (2D) laparoscopic surgery, and in many series is reported to be better in terms of surgical performance.
Outcome measures was operation time, surgical performance, blood looses, complications and surgeon satisfaction with the procedure.
RESULTS: Cholecystectomy was the most frequent surgery performed with 19 cases (38%); hernia surgery 12 cases( 24%); fundoplication 6 cases(12%), appendectomy 4 cases (8%), left colon excison with colo-rectal anastomosis 3 cases(6%), and other 6 cases (12%) wich included ovarian cyst excision, liver biopsy, prostatectomy and pediatric surgery. We compared each 3D procedure with a standard laparoscopy case performed by the same surgeon during the time of the study. 3D vs 2D surgical procedures outcome measures are shown in Table 1.
We found better results in operation time, surgical performance and less blood looses in favor of three-dimensional laparoscopy.( < 0.05)
CONCLUSION: 3D laparoscopy reduces operation time related to better performance during the procedure. Depth perception facilitates dissection, intracorporeal knotting , mesh placement and colo-rectal anastomosis. Surgeons reported better surgical performance and comfort during 3D laparoscopy; there were any reported side effects such as headache or dizziness.
Presented at the SAGES 2017 Annual Meeting in Houston, TX.
Abstract ID: 84729
Program Number: P511
Presentation Session: iPoster Session (Non CME)
Presentation Type: Poster