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While in Barcelona, I started every day with coffee and contemplation. Going through a life transition and having the time to sort out my emotional well was my first, daily priority.
In the breakfast nook in the apartment where I stayed, I'd peer out the windows and think about my upcoming life. Confessions of a early, 30s drama queen.
One of those mornings a picture frame caught my eye. Having been there a few days already, I was surprised I didn't notice it before.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.
"There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
I knew this was from a speech given by Nelson Mandela, as written by Marianne Williamson, and I had heard these words before. But like all moments of synchronicity, the moment became a bigger moment. I read the speech with renewed context, the world brand new.


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Our first new residents move in to Hepworth
We are delighted to announce that the first new residents have moved into Autumn House at Hepworth. With two houses sold and the last two Under Offer the site has been very popular. Most work should be completed on site by the end of December 2015.

subset: commoncrawl


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So let's rewind to 2008-ish. When I first started stamping. Unity stamps were my very first stamps. From the very beginning, I have always adored Suzi's unique style with her funky girls. This stamp? One of my very first in my stamp collection. It was SO fun to whip her out again, just like old days. And what's even cooler is that Suzi's girls are BACK at Unity! You can purchase them all for your very own again! WHOOP!
I created a shaker card with this sweet girl, she was screaming for sequins, don't you think? I also paper pieced her dress with some fun patterned paper. I made this into a card, but then I thought it would be super cute in my daughter's room as art. When I showed it to her, she gasped, so it shall be hers. I love how her hand is holding her heart. So sweet!
Have fun hopping!


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We really don't learn enough about the Punic Wars in school. In high school our world history teacher said that the state of Texas wanted each student to memorize 10 important dates in history. The Magna Carta, Battle of Hastings, Battle of Tours, etc. No one I actually took this class with remembers this as even a part of the curriculum so I can't ask them but I'm almost positive the Battle of Zama was not on that list. This is the battle that gave the Romans supremacy over the mediterranean. The importance of this is obvious but cooler still is that these wars effectively whipped Rome into the bureaucratic shape it needed to then expand as far as it did.
Basically the fall of Hannibal led to all of those pre-Roman Iberian people getting fucked. **pours beer on the ground for the Cantabri, Lusitani, Oretani, Turduli, Vettones, etc, etc, etc.**
This is my first stab at Hannibal, the bust anyway. It's very likely he was not quite so european-looking.


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Take a look first hand, at some of the clients we have been lucky enough to work with so far and how they have transformed. This will give you an insight into the programme and how George can help you
"I feel like I have got my motivation back and have such a drive to get up in the morning and workout. Everything is falling into place and already I can see the changes coming."
- Liam Dunne-
Liam Dunne - London - Age 22
This was the first time I had purchased a workout programme and so was completely new to the whole process. I definitely needed the structure and consistency the programme had and loved how each month is a progression from the last. The problem I had experienced in the past was mainly having consistency and motivation in my training. I would always go to the gym and just do what I felt like, with no real structure or direction – this plan gave me that. I had tried watching other youtube channels for advice, but it was never the same as having consistent support from George.
Straight away, 4 weeks into the programme I feel like I have got my motivation back and have such a drive to get up in the morning and workout. Everything is falling into place and already I can see the changes coming, only a third of the way through the plan. The main thing to realise with this, is that it is an investment in yourself and your own health. If you are lacking direction or just not seeing any change in your physique, best thing to do is follow a plan. - Week 4 Online Programme
Ollie Sherborne - Brighton - Age 22
I contacted George after noticing how well his clients had done following his programmes over Instagram. Having put on about a stone, I told him I had hit a plateau and truth be told fallen into some bad habits over the course of a year. I asked him for a 12 week personalised programme, telling him my goal was to maintain muscle and ideally get my body fat down from about 14-15% to 8-10% (a tall order). In my head I was aware this would be difficult having tried in the past. I came into the programme just hoping I would do half as well as the rest of his clients, but with the intention to stick to the plan.
3 weeks in I've lost almost a stone, in from what I can tell, only in fat! Not only that, my complexion has improved, I feel more energetic, confident and all round happier!
Having tried in the past to make this sort of progress, I can honestly say its never been so successful, efficient and sustainable. Georges programmes are incredibly easy to follow - the diet hasn't left me feeling at all drained despite the caloric deficit - I put this down to his excellent diet advice. Additionally, Georges well written workouts allow for me to arrive at the gym focused and with a clear idea of what I have set out to do - making the whole process much more approachable, and in light of current success, with full trust that what I'm doing is working. - Week 3 Online Programme
Katrina Simpson - London - Age 24
Thanks to your training, I actually managed to complete my fundraising challenge when I went to Sweden in March. – I used the diet plans and training you gave me, then combined it with what my trainer in Germany advised (introducing me to rowing machines and more cardio) and it meant I was in really good shape for the 50km of husky sledding. So I owe you a big thank you for that too! - Week 6 Online Programme
Leo Mcnally - Surrey - Age 22
I have never purchased a workout guide as I usually only ever trained through free online manuals/guides. The free guides that I used online possessed little detail, whereas with George's plan, it avoids the common result you get from home made workout plans – boredom. Before George's program, I was demotivated and not seeing the results that free exercise guides online promised. I tried altering my workout plans to reduce tedium, for example; new exercises. Nevertheless, I found that I still achieved minimal results and hence continued the cycle of demotivating and unsatisfactory gym visits. Also, without George's plan, I lacked any sort of structure and would often just workout different body parts that I felt would help me progress, instead of intelligently targeting individual body parts in new ways.
With George's plan, I noticed improvements in both my strength and physique. I also enjoyed going to the gym, trying new exercises and new methods of training. It was exciting to mix it up from the universal gym routine of 3 sets of 12 reps for each exercise. George kept the programme interesting, fun and most importantly, I felt the workout the next day!
The best features of the plan definitely included the mixing up of intensities. Training at high volume is something I enjoy doing. The plan rotated between high and low volume every two weeks which kept my body guessing and never adapting to any exercise – the only adaption I noticed was the weights I was lifting were getting heavier and heavier by the week! It was satisfying to notice improvement every other week!
George was always available for advice and help if any part of the programme didn't fit my lifestyle, for example, for two weeks I was injured and he provided me with safer alternatives which meant I didn't pose further risk to my injury and I could still train. Most importantly though, I would say I actually enjoy going to the gym now!
If you're struggling to see improvements, then give it a go! Not only did I see a great deal of improvement over the 12 weeks, but it has given me confidence and taught me how to live a healthier lifestyle. George was a delight to work with and was always passionate about his plan and helping me achieve my goals! Week 4 Online Programme
Dave Lanaway - Brighton - Age 21
I have purchased some workout programmes in the past but felt they were too generalised, and didn't take into account my own specific goals. The main issue I had with my training before working with George, was that I struggled to tailor my training to suit certain athletic goals I had – being a rugby player I wanted to focus on building lean muscle and was instead struggling to put on the weight. George completely tailored the programme to these needs and showed me exactly how to plan my nutrition to build lean muscle, whilst maintaining my strength for rugby.
Halfway through the 12 week programme I had noticed some huge gains in my strength! I was also able to maintain an overall lean physique, rather than putting on the wrong type of weight through over-eating.
The best part about the programme was the constant contact and support I had with George. Any issues or questions I had, he was on hand to guide me through. I think as easy as it is to tell yourself you will train hard and stay motivated, there is always something that gets in the way, or motivation can always slip – so having George there throughout the whole process really helped. Week 5 Online Programme
"3 weeks into the programme, I've lost almost a stone, in from what I can tell, only in fat! Not only that, my complexion has improved, I feel more energetic, confident and all round happier!"
- Ollie Sherborne-
Other Testimonials
Ashley - Brighton
Plans decent mate! Going well. Been following the meal plan for 3 days now and 2 workouts! It's definitely a step up from what I'm used to! Which is good as in having to work hard - Week 1 Online Programme
Mary - Germany
I want to say thank god that I spoke to George, he has changed my life for the better. I have already lost pounds of weight because of his workouts. Love the intensity of all of the circuits. Thank you so much George for all of your effort with this and I can't wait to start the second month. – Week 3 Online Programme
Freddie - Essex
Workouts are going well thanks mate, did shoulders today in the gym. Was crazy busy so had to be a little creative but followed the formula of the programme. Can visibly see the weight starting to come off though which is exciting! It really challenges my body in a different way and really tests my limits, such a variety of exercises to keep my body guessing and helps me improve myself more and more
What George Can Offer
- Drive - As your personal coach, George will motivate you and give you the confidence to workout on your own. As a result, attaining your fitness and diet goals will be effortless. (It is tremendously challenging for most people to get into peak shape, without this external motivation.)
- Supervision – George will basically guide you by the hand during your entire weight loss journey. (All you need to do is dedicate yourself and you will be put through the most effective weight loss and muscle toning workout available).
- Teaching - George will instruct you precisely how to do every exercise and movement with correct and SAFE form (Our main goal is to keep you injury free and increase your strength and flexibility properly.)
- Nutritional Guidance- George will share his expertise with you, teaching you exactly how to structure a healthy diet and take out all of the guess work. Your nutritional program will be customized to your needs. We know that how you eat outside of the gym is half the battle. (You may even be surprised to hear that you can EAT MORE on this programme)
- Support - George will schedule regular catch up calls with you (or skype calls if outside of the UK). This will give you the emotional and mental support which is VITAL in making constant improvements (We will make sure YOU stick with the programme and implement it into your life 24/7)
- Motivation – Let's face it we ALL have OFF days, this is where the breakdown almost always occurs. George keeps you on track and moving forward, so you see and feel the results quickly. (You'll get the necessary "kick in the butt" occasionally to keep you going!)
- Exciting Fun Filled Workouts – Its a priority that you have a great experience when you exercise. We all know if you don't enjoy your workouts you wont stick with it . This programme is fun yet effective, you'll never get bored with the variety we have to offer
- Adaptability - Even if you do not have a gym membership, George can tailor the programme to be a complete home workout, for you to take with you and maintain on the go
Schedule a Free Transformation Session with George
Testimonials on this webpage are from real individuals who have undergone the programme delivered by GLF. No one was paid for a testimonial or endorsement. Before and after photos we're not edited, altered or retouched, just simply cropped together. Results mentioned in the testimonials were self-reported. George's clients typically reach their weightloss goals within 8 to 10 weeks on the average. Clients that achieve the best results follow a specific nutrition, exercise and cardio program. Results may vary depending on how close clients adhere to the program
George Lloyd Fitness 2015


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Understanding TENS Nerve Stimulation Therapy
What is TENS?
TENS acronym for Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is the latest method of treatment for muscle pain. It is safe to use and the idea behind it is really simple. Two electrodes are applied to the area of the body where you are experiencing pain. And electrical impulses are sent through a small device, which is the size of a mobile phone.
What Happens When It Is Used?
TENS works in such a way that it helps to redirect pain signals from nerve ending to the mind and cause the sensation of pain to be dulled. When TENS is used it may cause a tingling sensation to the applied area. Most of the people feel little to no sensation.
What Is It Used For?
Different wavelength frequencies are used to stimulate the nerve ending and lessen the sensation of pain a person might be experiencing. TENS is proven useful in conditions such as visceral pain, neurogenic pain, musculoskeletal pain, chemotherapy and diabetic Nero therapy. It has shown positive results for treating pain accompanying tendinitis, bursitis, back, and neck pain.
So if you're suffering from any of these conditions, then you can make a safe bet that it (TENS) will surely give you relief over the course of its use. It's a modern and effective technique which is used for so treating many medical conditions now a day. But keep in mind another fact that there are some conditions where when applied, it can do more harm than good.
When Not To Use TENS?
It is not recommended to use TENS if you are undergoing labor or pregnant. Also, if you happen to be suffering from some sort of a heart condition and have a pacemaker, then consult your doctor before use.
Other conditions where it is best to avoid TENS usage is for front neck pain, any region experiencing sensory impairment, exposed bruises, an area which has undergone surgery and critical spinal damage. So avoid using it if you suffer from any of these conditions.


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Job Description
I am currently recruiting for Customer Service Representatives, based in the Marton, Blackpool area.
This is a long term temporary vacancy with the potential to become permanent. We have various flexible shift patterns available, from part time to full time - You will be required to work one day at the weekend, and some bank holidays.
Full training provided, with full pay
We are now offering a £250 cash payment (less tax and NI) for all successful candidates, who stay within their assignment for 3 months, a criteria will need to be met depending on sickness and performance - Great bonus to work towards!!
A successful Customer Service Representative will be:
Someone that has a positive approach and a can-do attitude
Open to change and not be afraid to take on challenges
Able to work within a fast paced and stimulating environment
Excellent communication skills
Good interpersonal skills
High attention to detail
Good time management, organisation, prioritisation skills
Working knowledge of Microsoft tools- excel- word -outlook
Customer Service Representative Benefits:
Weekly pay
FREE car parking on site and tea and coffee.
Attractive pay rate £8.45 per hour, increasing to £9 per hour after 12 weeks of service
On site canteen
£250 bonus scheme
Full training
If you would like to discuss this position, in more detail please call Chelby on 01772 252111 or email
All candidates will be required to undergo a credit and security check prior to start date.


text: Hamel Honda offers quick financing solutions that are adapted to your situation. Whether you're looking to purchase a new or pre-owned Honda vehicle, a car or a SUV, our financial advisors will find the solution best suited to your budget. Find the financing plan that is the most accessible to you, for either purchasing or leasing, at Hamel Honda. Our financing department will answer any questions you might have regarding credit in a clear and precise manner. This way, you'll be able to make the most informed choice for you. Ask us your questions or fill out our online form online today! We will contact you as soon as we receive your financing request to guide you through the next steps.


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Structure of PDE4
The mammalian PDE4 family comprises around 20 different isoforms encoded by four genes, PDE4A, PDE4B, PDE4C and PDE4D (Conti et al. 2003; Houslay and Adams 2003; Houslay et al. 2005) (Fig. 2). Each gene is large and complex, spanning around 50 kb and having around 20 exons, which gives rise to multiple isoforms by alternative mRNA splicing (Monaco et al. 1994; Bolger et al. 1997). Each isoform has a modular structure consisting of an isoform-specific N-terminal region, all or part of
Fig. 2 The PDE4 enzyme family. Schematic diagram of the gene organization of the four PDE4 sub-families showing the exons that encode the core UCR1/2 and catalytic regions, the exons that encode the long form 5' unique regions and the positions of other unique exons. Also shown are the four isoform subcategories based upon presence or absence of UCR1/2 regions and generated by alternative mRNA splicing
Fig. 2 The PDE4 enzyme family. Schematic diagram of the gene organization of the four PDE4 sub-families showing the exons that encode the core UCR1/2 and catalytic regions, the exons that encode the long form 5' unique regions and the positions of other unique exons. Also shown are the four isoform subcategories based upon presence or absence of UCR1/2 regions and generated by alternative mRNA splicing two regulatory sequences termed upstream conserved region 1 (UCR1) and UCR2, a highly conserved catalytic domain and a sub-family-specific C-terminal region (Bolger et al. 1993) (Fig. 2). The unique N-terminal region is generally encoded by a single exon, except for the first or most 5' isoform of each gene, which seems to be encoded by two or more 5' exons (Sullivan et al. 1999; Rena et al. 2001; D'Sa et al. 2002; Wang et al. 2003), and which is immediately downstream of the promoter that drives its expression (Rena et al. 2001; Wallace et al. 2005). This unique N-terminal region characterizes each isoform and confers the ability to interact with specific binding partners and thus be targeted to distinct intracellular regions (see Sects. 2.4 and 2.5). UCR1 and UCR2 are each encoded by three separate exons and are highly conserved between the four PDE4 sub-families (Bolger 1994). These regulatory regions are unique to isoforms of the PDE4 family, and their presence, in conjunction with susceptibility to rolipram inhibition, distinguishes PDE4s from all other classes of PDE. The various PDE4 isoforms can be further categorized into four groups, namely the long PDE4 forms that contain both UCR1 and UCR2, the short forms that lack UCR1, but have an intact UCR2, the super-short forms that not only lack UCR1, but have an N-terminally truncated UCR2 (Houslay 2001), and the "dead-short" isoforms that are both N- and C-terminally truncated so as to be catalytically inactive (Johnston et al. 2004; Houslay et al. 2007). UCR1 and UCR2 function as a regulatory domain that controls the catalytic unit and confers regulatory functions on PDE4 by orchestrating the functional outcome of phosphorylation by PKA and ERK (Houslay and Adams 2003). UCR2 is joined to UCR1 by linker region 1 (LR1) and to the catalytic region by LR2. These short linker regions vary greatly between PDE4 sub-families for reasons that are not understood at present. The catalytic unit is encoded by six exons and, as might be expected, is highly conserved between members of the PDE4 family. Solving of the crystal structure of PDE4B2 catalytic unit revealed that it comprises three sub-domains formed by 17 a-helices (Xu et al. 2000; Ke and Wang 2007). The cAMP-binding active site is created as these three sub-domains come together to form a deep pocket containing two metal ions essential for catalytic activity and lined with hydrophobic and negatively charged residues, The structure, proposed catalytic mechanism and conformational changes of the catalytic unit have been discussed in detail elsewhere (Houslay and Adams 2003; Houslay et al. 2005).
The final exon encodes part of the catalytic unit together with the sub-family-specific C-terminal region, which is of unknown function, but which has been used advantageously to generate sub-family-specific antisera (Houslay et al. 1998).


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I am working with a Manufacturing organisation in Gloucester going through significant change, to urgently recruit an HR Advisor on a 6-12 month contract basis. You will support the HR Business Partner with generalist support to 250 employees.
You will offer end to end support including recruitment and all recruitment related administration for the business. You will give appropriate HR advice on key issues such as disciplinary, grievance and capability. You will support Managers in disciplinary, grievance and appeal hearings which includes involvement in investigations. You will engage with the business and be a point of contact for any queries.
This is an excellent opportunity for an HR Generalist who is available at short notice to join a business experiencing significant change. You are CIPD Level 5 Qualified or have the equivalent level of experience. You have experience working within an engineering or manufacturing environment and have hands on employee relations casework experience. You have great communication skills, with the ability to communicate at all levels and work with strong characters.
This is an urgent requirement with interview taking place this week so if interested please apply now. For more information or a confidential discussion about your career aspirations please contact me on 01242 388068 or email@example.com.
The SR Group (UK) Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.


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New Materials market report from Markets and Markets: "Global Soil Treatment Market, By Types (Organic Amendments, Pest & Weed Control, pH Adjusters) & Geography - Trends & Forecasts to 2017"
Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/14/2013 -- Global Soil Treatment Market, By Types (Organic Amendments, Pest & Weed Control, pH Adjusters) & Geography - Trends & Forecasts to 2017
The global soil treatment market research report highlights, the market size of the global soil treatment market both in terms of revenue and volume. The global soil treatment market revenue is estimated to reach the mark of $28.9 billion by 2017 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2012 to 2017. Soil treatment market is valued for its benefits on the soil structure, nutritional profile & biodiversity, and for its functional properties; this helps to be a versatile ingredient. It is boon to the agricultural industry.
The global soil treatment market consists of organic amendments, pH adjusters, and pest & weed controller. pH adjuster market has enormous competency in the approaching five years. This market is governed by developed region and is anticipated to be the leader in the next five years. Asia-Pacific is estimated to be the fastest growing region in terms of revenue and volume. Growth is particularly high in emerging countries such as China, India, Brazil; and due to the rising food demand among the population, need to enforce relevant policies for soil treatment has become mandatory.
View Full Report Details and Table of Contents
The market is showing higher potential in eastern countries. The winning imperative of the market is to consent agreement with competitors, associations, institutes; so to benefit mutually. The development of crop specific microbial strain is the major area of research. The utmost driving factor of the global soil treatment market are shrinkage of agricultural land at an alarming rate, developed nations are widening their concern, while developing are on the verge to implement policies and regulations in support of soil treatment. The global soil treatment market is restrained by lack of Government support and negligence of the issue. Low rate of adoption is due to the disadvantages associated with soil treatment. Leading manufacturers are focused on partnership with competitors and new product development to expand the market potential.
We have used various secondary sources - encyclopedia, directories, and databases to identify and collect information useful for this extensive commercial study of soil treatment market. The primary sources - experts from related industries and suppliers have been interviewed to obtain and verify critical information as well as to assess the future prospects of soil treatment.
About Fast Market Research
Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. Representing the world's top research publishers and analysts, we provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available. Our unbiased, expert staff will help you find the right research to fit your requirements and your budget. For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.
Browse all Materials research reports at Fast Market Research
You may also be interested in these related reports:
- Global Biopesticides Market Trends & Forecasts (2012 - 2017)
- Seed Treatment Market Trends and Global Forecasts (2011-2016)
- Global Biofertilizers Market (Nitrogen Fixing, Phosphate Solubilizing, & Potash Mobilizing) by Types, Applications & Geography - Trends & Forecasts to 2017
- Surfactants Market By Product Types [Anionic, Non-Ionic, Cationic, Amphoteric], Substrates [Synthetic/Petrochemical, Bio-Based/ Natural/Green], Geography & Applications - Global Industry Trends And Forecasts To 2017
- Membrane Bioreactor Systems Market - by Types [Hollow Fiber, Flat Sheet, Multi Tubular], Configuration [Internal (Submerged/Immersed) & External (Sidestream)] & Applications - Trends & Forecasts to 2017
- Water Treatment Chemicals Market By Types, Applications, Trends & Global Forecasts (2011 - 2016)
- Global Electro-active Polymers Market Trends, Applications & Forecasts (2012 - 2017)
- Agricultural Films Market By Applications [Greenhouse, Silage, Mulch] & Polymers [Low Density Polyethylene, Linear Low Density Polyethylene, High Density Polyethylene, EVA/EBA, Reclaim] Global Trends & Forecasts to 2017
- Global Engineering Plastics Market Analysis By Product Types, Applications & Geography - Trends & Forecasts (2012 - 2017)
- Global Biocide Market By Types, Applications, Trends & Forecast (2011 - 2016)


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Students now have access to every National Geographic article since 1888! On a school computer click:
- The desktop icon "desk tools"
- The complete National Geographic
- Click Search
- Browse Readlists (general topics ex. The Universe) or Browse Issues or Browse by Year
- When you are in the article hover on the edges to bring up the "next page" arrows or hover at the top to bring up zoom/print options


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Bison, Jackrabbits, Penguins Dominate All-Missouri Valley Conference First Team
The top three teams in the standings have more than half of the selections on the 2016 All-Missouri Valley Conference First Team.
League co-champs North Dakota State (8 players) and South Dakota State (5), along with third place finisher Youngstown State (5), account for 18 of the 28 spots on the honor squad, with the Jackrabbits cleaning up in the top conference awards.
SDSU quarterback Taryn Christion is the league's Offensive Player of the Year, linebacker Christian Rozeboom is the Freshman of the Year, and coach John Stiegelmeier has been awarded Coach of the Year.
South Dakota quarteback Chris Streveler is the Newcomer of the Year. Coyotes kicker Miles Bergner is the first team punter and place kicker.
QB -- Taryn Christion, South Dakota State
RB -- King Frazier, North Dakota State; Martin Ruiz, Youngstown State
FB -- Chase Morlock, North Dakota State
WR-- Lance Lenoir, Western Illinois; Jake Wieneke, South Dakota State
TE -- Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
OL -- Brock Eisenhuth, Youngstown State, Zack Johnson, North Dakota State; Landon Lechler, North Dakota State; Jacob Ohnesorge, South Dakota State; Mark Spelman, Illinois State
DL -- Greg Menard, North Dakota State; Avery Moss, Youngstown State; Derek Rivers, Youngstown State; Karter Schult, Northern Iowa
LB -- Dylan Cole, Missouri State; Christian Rozeboom, South Dakota State; MJ Stumpf, North Dakota State; Brett Taylor, Western Illinois
DB-- LeRoy Alexander, Youngstown State; Tre Dempsey, North Dakota State; Robbie Grimsley, North Dakota State; Davontae Harris, Illinois State
P -- Miles Bergner, South Dakota
RS -- Deion Holliman, Missouri State
PK -- Miles Bergner, South Dakota
LS -- Joshua Appel, Indiana State
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: QB Taryn Christion, South Dakota State
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: DE Karter Schult, UNI
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: QB Chris Streveler, South Dakota
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: LB Christian Rozeboom, South Dakota State
COACH OF THE YEAR: John Stiegelmeier, South Dakota State
NDSU, SDSU, and Youngstown State are all still alive in the second round of the 2016 FCS Playoffs. The top-seeded Bison host San Diego, Saturday in Fargo. That same day, the eighth-seeded Jackrabbits host Villanova in Brookings, while the Penguins travel to third-seeded Jacksonville State.


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What do bed bugs look like? You may begin to ask questions when you discover that your home is infested by a kind of insect that you cannot simply identify. The questions may be accompanied by worries if you suspect that your home is infested by bed bugs. This may be primarily due to the fact that bed bugs bite, their bite may be accompanied by unpleasant symptoms and sometimes, allergic reactions, and they may be difficult to exterminate.
It is even more devastating when you have been bitten all over by the strange-looking insect. There is absolutely nothing to worry about if you find yourself in a situation like this. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Kentucky found that about ⅔ of Americans cannot differentiate a bed bug from other similar insects. The easier it is to identify the species of insects that have infested your home, the easier it will be to devise methods to get rid of them.
In addition, it will be easier for you to protect yourself from the negative impact of the infestation. For this reason, we decided to create this post to provide you with a detailed list of bugs that look like bed bugs but are not so as to make it easy for you to tell one from the other. Scroll down for more information.
What Does a Bed Bug Look Like?
Again, what would bed bug looks like? Bed bugs are small species of insect in the genus Cimex. They can be found in areas of active infestation. If you have heard your neighbors complain about bed bug infestation in the area, then you are probably dealing with a bed bug situation. This section will help you to easily identify a bed bug when you spot one.
However, it is important to note that bed bug infestation is not caused by poor environmental hygiene. Bedbugs either move on their own or they are transported from one place to another. They prefer to stay in high-density areas. Bed bugs are insects that feed exclusively on the blood of their host (mostly humans) but the good thing is that they can survive for a whole year without feeding.
Still confused what a bedbug looks like? This brings us to the appearance of a bed bug. Bed bugs are small insects, but they can be seen with the naked eyes since an adult may measure about 3 to 5 mm long and 1.5 to 3 mm wide. The color of an adult bed bug may range from copper brown, light brown to reddish brown but a nymph may appear white or translucent. Bed bugs are flat and oval shaped. They have prominent eyes that can be easily spotted if you look closely and four-segmented antennae.
Furthermore, bedbugs do have wings that are vestigial and look more like pads. Their wings are not easy to spot and they do not support flying. Bed bugs are capable of biting as they have mouthparts that are adapted for cutting through the skin of a host and blood sucking. They usually bite three times in a row either on the neck, arm or shoulders. Bedbugs rarely bite in the armpit and at the back of the knee.
Although bed bugs are not known vectors, their bite may be accompanied by swelling, redness, itching, fever and other allergic reactions attributable to a sensitivity to proteins in the saliva. The manifestation time of symptoms resulting from a bed bug bite may vary from one person to another. Bed bugs are a parasite, but they hardly remain on their host after a successful feeding session. They can be found in crevices of your bed, drawers, wardrobe, in your mattresses, pillows, and the likes.
Read our post on how to repel bed bugs from the skin.
Bugs Mistaken for Bed Bugs
1. Flea
Fleas are species of insect that belong to the class Insecta and order Siphonaptera. They are parasites, and just like bed bugs, they feed exclusively on the blood of their host which include warm-blooded vertebrates, but they are mostly found on pets like cats and dogs. While fleas prefer to stick with their host, they can be found in other areas of the house in the case of severe infestation.
Furthermore, just like bed bugs, they cannot fly but they have long hind legs that are adapted for jumping. It is reported that a flea is able to jump a distance that is up to 50 times its size. Their bodies are flattened sideways and can be easily spotted if you look closely. This is notwithstanding the fact that fleas are small as an adult measures up to 3 mm long.
Their mouthparts are for tearing into the skin of their host for easy feeding. Just like bed bugs, fleas are reddish brown in color. They are also vertically flat and oval shaped which is unlike the shape of a bed bug that is horizontal. The bite of a flea appears similar to that of a bed bug, just a little bit bigger. It may also be accompanied by swelling, redness, and itching.
However, unlike bed bugs, fleas are vectors and may transfer disease from one host to another. Transmittable diseases include but are not limited to viral, bacterial, and rickettsial diseases such as murine typhus, Rickettsia typhi, bubonic plague, Bartonella henselae, myxomatosis virus, Rickettsia felis, Hymenolepiasis tapeworms, and Trypanosome protozoans.
Read our post on how to differentiate a bed bug bite from that of a flea.
2. Swallow Bugs
Swallow Bugs are species of bug in the class Insecta and family Cimicidae. Just like the bed bugs, this type of bugs feed on blood, but they prefer to feed on that of a swallow. Although swallow bugs are choosy, they may make do with human blood in the absence of their bird host. They can be found in homes, nesting, and feeding just like bed bugs.
Cimicids look just like bed bugs as they are small, flat and oval-shaped in appearance but their exoskeleton is covered with long hair compared to that of the latter. They are flightless, but they possess a non-functional wing pad. Their bite appears just like that of a bed bug and may be accompanied by swelling, itching, redness, fever, and allergic reactions. This is the reason why swallow bugs are easily confused with bed bugs.
Although, viruses and many other pathogens can be transmitted from a host to cimicids, swallow bugs rarely transmit them to other hosts. interestingly, the insects are not killed by the viruses transmitted to them. The viruses hepatitis B, Trypanosoma cruzi, and HIV may be transferred to some birds but there is no recorded evidence of viral replication in both cimicids and their host. The virus may persist in swallow bugs for about two weeks. They rarely pass diseases to human hosts.
3. Spider Beetles
Spider beetles belong to the class Insecta and family Ptinidae. Their name "spider beetles" is due to their appearance, which is similar to that of a spider. They look more like fleas than bed bug in terms of their size and shape. An adult spider beetle may measure up to 5 mm long. This makes them easy to spot with the naked eyes and feel between two fingers.
Spider beetles are usually reddish brown to light brown in color. They have two round body segments that are round, as well as long and slender legs. Many species of spider beetles are flightless, and they have two long antennae that may seem like another pair of legs. Unlike bed bugs and fleas, spider beetles do not feed on blood, but on grains, seeds, and dropping.
Their activities are usually intense at night, and so this may be the best time to confirm spider beetles infestation in your home. Many store-bought insecticides may effectively get rid of beetles.
4. Black Carpet Beetles
Black carpet beetles are bugs in the class Insecta and family Dermestidae. They have round bodies and look very much like well-fed bed bugs. Just like bed bugs, an adult black carpet beetle may grow up to 5 mm long, but the larval form measures about 7 mm. They are reddish brown in color too, but their body is covered in bristles. Some species are patterned with white, black, and yellow.
One way to differentiate a black carpet beetle from a bed bug is that the latter have wings and it can fly. Adult black carpet beetles feed on nectar, pollen, and skin shed of bed bugs which may make you even more confused when you find them in bed bug nest. The larval form black carpet beetles prefer to feed on natural fibers, carpets, clothing, and furniture. The insects may be extremely destructive in the home.
Black carpet beetles do not bite vertebrates to feed on their blood, but rashes or an allergic reaction may result from exposure to their fur.
5. Ticks
A tick is another insect that can be easily confused with a bed bug because of its physical features. Ticks belong to the class Arachnida and order Ixodida. They are really small, but they can be spotted without magnification tools if you look really closely. Although they mostly appear in a light brown shade, ticks may vary in color.
They are ectoparasite that survives by feeding on the blood of their host that may include but not limited to bird, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Although they also feed on humans, they prefer animal hosts. Before feeding on the blood of their host, ticks may appear flat like bed bugs with a similar body shape. But after feeding, they will appear engorged with blood.
Unlike bed bugs that have six legs, ticks have eight legs. They also have a hard shield on their dorsal surface, a structure that looks like beak housing their mouthparts for hard ticks and mouthpart beneath the body for soft ticks. Both families of ticks are able to identify their host by its smell.
Ticks are known vector, and they may transmit diseases from one host to another. diseases transmittable by ticks are infections that are caused by pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and protozoa such as rickettsialpox, typhus, Boutonneuse fever, Lyme disease, African tick bite fever, Flinders Island spotted fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Queensland tick typhus, Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever, Colorado tick fever, Q fever, tularemia, relapsing fever, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, Bourbon virus, bovine anaplasmosis, tick-borne meningoencephalitis, and Heartland virus.
6. Cockroach Nymph
Cockroaches belong to the class Insecta and order Blattodea. Cockroach nymphs are small and white in color after they hatch but they quickly turn to reddish-brown sheds. This is the reason why they are easily confused with bed bugs. However, cockroach nymphs, unlike bed bugs do not feed on blood, but they can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attack.
Furthermore, cockroach nymphs are cylinder-shaped and a little bit longer than bed bugs. They hide in crevices and cracks just like bed bugs do for easy access to warmth and food. Cockroach nymphs are more active at night, and they may be more of a nuisance than a pest. You may use store-bought insecticides to get rid of them.
7. Booklice
Booklice belong to the class Insecta and order Psocoptera. Due to their appearance, they may be easily confused with a bed bug nymphs rather than adult bed bugs. They are small and adults may range from 1 to 10 mm long. They also differ in terms of color ranging from brown to gray. They are considered as a pest of stored products.
The insects do not bite vertebrate for their blood. Booklice feed on lichen and algae, pollen, and insect remains. They have three body segments, wings that cannot be easily spotted, but they cannot fly.


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Towing in Nikiski, AK
YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. Search results are sorted by a combination of factors to give you a set of choices in response to your search criteria. These factors are similar to those you might use to determine which business to select from a local Yellow Pages directory, including proximity to where you are searching, expertise in the specific services or products you need, and comprehensive business information to help evaluate a business's suitability for you. "Preferred" listings, or those with featured website buttons, indicate YP advertisers who directly provide information about their businesses to help consumers make more informed buying decisions. YP advertisers receive higher placement in the default ordering of search results and may appear in sponsored listings on the top, side, or bottom of the search results page.
1. Five Star Truck Trailer Repair / Towing.
Serving the Nikiski Area
From Business: Five Star Towing & Repair is your one stop shop for Truck Repair, Towing, Tire Repair, Roadside Assistance, Parts & Transportation Services. American Truck Group…
2. All American Mobile Truck Repair
Serving the Nikiski Area
From Business: Diesel Truck Service & Repair-Towing-Tires - Trailers 24/7
3. Mobile Semi Truck Trailer Repair Towing Tires Breakdown
Serving the Nikiski Area
From Business: Mobile Semi Truck Trailer Repair Towing Tires Breakdown National Roadside Assistance, Heavy Duty Towing, Commercial Truck Tires Nationwide U.S. and Canada 24…
4. Jenwar Towing & Recovery
47030 Tanglewood Rd Suite 1Soldotna, AK 99669
I had my motorcycle stolen from Jenwar towings fenced in yard 5/4/18, I was told the motorcycle would be stored inside the shop so it would not be…
6. Buddy's Garage Diesel Svc
48714 W Poppy LnSoldotna, AK 99669
Fast and reliable service thank you.......................................................................
7. Outlaw Body & Paint
Serving the Nikiski Area
have always had work done there, they do great work
16. Ace Towing Inc.
Serving the Nikiski Area
17. Glacier Towing & Recovering
Serving the Nikiski Area
18. A Towing Company Inc
Serving the Nikiski Area
19. ASAP Towing & Recovery
Serving the Nikiski Area
21. Anthony's Transmission & General Auto Repair Inc
5584 Kenai Spur HwyKenai, AK 99611
I took my pickup in to have transmission looked at , I was told that it would be about $150 for him to inspect it ... then I was told that it…
22. JT Diesel Performance & Repair
44800 Kalifornsky Beach RdSoldotna, AK 99669
From Business: Here at JT Diesel Performance & repair we are proud to be the first Diesel performance and repair shop in the Kenai/Soldonta area! We specialize in diesel truck…
24. Asap Towing and Recovery
36258 suthard blvdsoldotna, AK 99669
25. Ace Towing Inc
mile 81.5 sterling hwysterling, AK 99672
From Business: open 24hr a day 7 days a week for all your towing needs
We found25results


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Christian Malone
Advisory Solution Architect
ServiceNow Federal
Christian Malone is an Advisory Solution Architect within the IT Operations Management practice at ServiceNow Federal. He specializes in visibility, health, and optimization of hybrid cloud and application services. Christian has over 20 years of experience in computing, datacenters, and enterprise software. He started as a Supercomputer Operator for NASA's Center for Computational Sciences, later joining Apple Computer to build a national systems integrator channel, and most recently, Christian led the global architecture and integration efforts for monitoring and service visibility at Discovery Communications.


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Visit Us
Are you new to Hannibal or looking to join a church in the area? You are welcome to visit us on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings.
Sunday School: Sunday 9:00 AM
Worship: Sunday 10:15 AM
Youth Group: Sunday 6:30 PM
Bible Study:
Wednesday 4:30 PM (Contact Us for Details)
7:00 PM (Church Building)
Children are welcome in all of our services.
Cornerstone Baptist Church
7918 Highway Mm
Hannibal, MO, 63401
United States


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Cryptids. Ever since I was a child, the very term had intrigued my ever-curious mind. I was relentless on research and observation of facts, of articles and pictures. Not surprisingly, I was often the most eccentric of the bunch, especially at school. No one had ever shared the same sentiment, leaving me to a solitary fascination which I had learned to accept, and eventually, enjoy. It was better in that manner, I suppose.
I was twenty-eight then, an intern for a magazine company which specialized in tour and travels. After a bit of time, which I think was a period of about three or four months, I was rather fortunate and lucky enough to be brought along on a trip to Tristan da Cunha. Even in today's terms, it still remains the most remote place on Earth. On it exists no airstrips, no roads and no man-made docks. Only a shoreline to greet small boats from the great continent of Africa, boarded by the few who dare to experience its mystical beauty. One that captivated my hunger for the unknown, as some of you may presume. Ah, the wonder of youth.
The island of Tristan da Cunha is a very small one, and does not even qualify as a country, despite its independent stand in the Atlantic Ocean. Today, it possesses its own local government, and even has connections to the outside world via satellite and internet relays.
It was a long and treacherous drive through South Africa on a four-by-four vehicle. I went with a three-man crew; one that included the delegated journalist herself, the photographer, and then there was me, the eager and hopeful intern. This journalist was a veteran member of the press, and a good traveler as well. She was about thirty years old, had short, brown hair and a deep look in her eyes that somehow intimidated me. She brought along a notepad, a pen and a recorder, among other things. Without a doubt, her presence alone let us assume that she was the leader of the team, since both me and the photographer did not possess the kind of experience she had. You could say I was the least seasoned of the team.
That aside, it took about two and a half-weeks to traverse South Africa's unforgiving terrain, climate and other natural conditions, like the heat and a bewildering variety of wild animals. Basically, Tristan da Cunha was an island two-thousand kilometers from the nearest speck of civilization, a lone dot on the map. This frightened me, considering that if anything went gravely wrong, either we had to wait for weeks, or even months for emergency services to come to our aid. We could even die waiting. As travelers, we instinctively took that risk, for the sake of journalism and information. Besides, who else gets a chance to visit the remotest location in the world?
On a bleak Friday, 16th of July, 1992, we embarked on the last leg of the journey in South Africa, an imposing eighty-kilometer dash to the shoreline before we departed by boat towards the island itself. By that time, our vehicle had experienced severe mechanical errors, such as a broken driveline, punctured sidewalls and a cracked axle, all of which were thankfully replaced and/or repaired by our South African mechanics, albeit we couldn't risk anymore daring tactics with the car, so we were told to drive at a slower and more careful pace.
We had reached the sixty-seven kilometer mark, passing through the gravel-topped terrain with ease, since it had gradually flattened, as with the absence of stones the size of soccer balls. The entire route itself was nowhere near civilization, so we were out there gambling with our lives. The weather was a slightly-cloudy one, with the sun gently bearing down on the rocky, and slightly-grassy landscape, which was utterly empty to glimpse at.
The seventy-two kilometer mark. Our engine had begun to sputter, jerking the car forward in an erratic fashion. Our Nigerian driver (and guide) began to worry excessively, though no one spoke a word in total fear. You could see the deadly-serious look on each of our faces, each person thinking that they might never make it back, and ultimately die in a location where we could possibly never be found.
The seventy-six kilometer mark.
Sputter. Sputter. Clank!
The engine died out completely.
"Oh. My. God."
The feeling of excitement and adventure in our hearts died and sunk in a pool of absolute dread and terror. I had this cold feeling run through my gut, telling me that everything had changed, and for the worse. I was scared for my life, and for the life of my team members. I began to think that fortunately, not one of us was a father, or a mother. I did berate myself for thinking such a distasteful thought. One thing was certain: that we were going to survive, or die trying.
"This is not good," said our guide in a prevalent African accent.
"This, this is the Badlands."
The fear was so imposing that no one could utter a single word. The cold wind drafted by as the clouds above began to blot out the sun.
I brought out our distress beacon, and pressed the alert button firmly, a symptom of my immediate desperation and panic at such a life-threatening event. We didn't know how long it would take for anyone to rescue us, so we decided to hold it out as long as possible. Repair on the vehicle proved impossible since we lacked the prerequisite tools and parts.
Of Mere Myths
Our guide had set up a tent for us. It was good for two people; although the four of us could fit inside once we had taken out our packs and piled them just outside the tent. Our journalist attempted to be euphemistic all the more, saying that we could also pool our body heat if we stayed close to each other during sleep. I wasn't one to complain on that, though.
As we were cooking a small portion of our rations for the night, our guide began to tell stories about the place. About Tristan da Cunha, though more importantly, about the Badlands.
His name was Jaheem. He was relatively young, about thirty-five, and was of good shape. Not too thin, and not too wide. He seemed in his best physique and was a rather optimistic fellow, and that helped give us hope. Moreover, he could speak English, and really well too.
The Badlands, he tells, was a land of myths, of mystique. As you would know, I became intrigued at that. My fear transitioned into fascination for the entirety of the night's transpirations then. Since that area had remained relatively unexploited, it became home to a number of mysterious creatures, or "beings" as Jaheem fondly called it, many South African travelers had become used to seeing strange things, regardless whether it was day or night. These things, whatever they were, became sources of legends. Legends that would normally frighten children and religious elders. He told us that the untouched status of the location made it ideal for beings to dwell in it, including what he described as giant people.
A whole race of them.
The wind, rarely as it came on an already cold night, came by once again, sparking a flurry of goosebumps on my arms. We remained silent, scooping up pork n' beans as Jaheem shared his strange and wonderful stories with us.
These giant people our guide referred to were the shadowmen of the Badlands. Ranging from seven to nine feet in height, they must have been an awe-inspiring, if not terrifying sight to the foreign eye, and even as I imagined them, they were a most unpleasant figment of my imagination. We were told that the ancient, and legendary bushmen of Africa hunted them with great fear and passion, because they believed that these beings were conjured by witchcraft. This was mainly because of tribes of giant people commonly raided villages, by taking livestock, destroying houses, and even worse, raping women, young and old.
Jaheem told us that eventually, the bushmen overwhelmed these evil beings through sheer force, outnumbering them and killing them. The corpses of the giants were later burned, and buried without sign or stone to commemorate their final resting places. It wasn't only these people, but also the packs of coyotes and wild boars, which bushmen had to deal with on a daily basis.
The menacing shadowmen were reported to have disappeared during the nineteenth and twentieth century, as the British had already arrived in Africa, sporting guns that the continent had been unfamiliar with.
As for me, I wasn't absolutely sure whether he was spouting myths, or whether all of it was real. Up until that point, I had never heard of any race of abnormally towering human beings, though my instinct told me to be afraid. That connoted the fact that I did believe it somehow. Would you fear something you didn't believe was true in the first place?
If they were true, it was something to be scared about. These shadowmen wouldn't just have been wiped out entirely. A number of them may have escaped the purging of their tribe, and in that case, they may still be alive up to today.
Being tired and all, I had enough speculation for that day. We all finished up our food, drank a bit of water, then proceeded to sleep inside the tent like a can of sardines. Our photographer took a few pictures, then set aside his equipment to save batteries. After checking the functionality of our flashlights, and Jaheem preparing his FN FAL rifle, we all went soundly to sleep. The stress, bad as it was, actually helped put our minds to rest.
Thankfully, our combined body heat accumulating inside the tent helped combat the 5˚C temperature outside. I never thought it'd be this wonderful sleeping in a tight space with four people I barely knew, but it helped me understand the pain everyone was going through. In a way, they had become my family. Despite that feeling, I slept with an uncertainty that haunted me persistently. As a believer of cryptids, the Badlands was something of a big deal to me. I could not get anywhere near sleep, even as the night dragged on for what seemed like forever. I looked at my watch, seeing its ethereal glow in the darkness.
Nothing could have prepared me for what was going to happen next.
At around 2:31 AM, at which point I was still wide awake, the crickets stopped making noise. I made out what may have been faint footsteps on the grass outside, like weak thuds on the soil, followed by short rustles of grass. Fear overtook me as I tried to nudge Jaheem to try to wake him up. If there was anything outside the tent at a time like this without having warned us, it was probably an animal, or something else that was hostile.
My second nudge woke Jaheem up, as he raised his head slightly. I could tell that he'd also noticed the noise coming from outside, as his brows furrowed. He slowly palmed the FAL as he sat up, turning its safety off with a soft click. We both hoped it wasn't audible to whatever was outside. Now, because the rustling thuds were quite quick, I immediately thought it was a four-legged animal, mostly a coyote. If there'd been snorting, it would have been a boar. Common animals this part of Africa, as I'd been informed.
Then there was a snort. Several snorts followed.
Ah, wild boars, foraging, I thought to myself, relieved somehow. Boars wouldn't normally be dangerous if you just let them pass by (though they were notorious for stealing food and crops), nevertheless, Jaheem was keen on observing external movement, ready to fire at any moment. A bead of sweat trickled down his face, his eyes widening as my eyes adjusted to the darkness inside the tent.
I wondered though. How could a pack of boars be out at this time, when the temperature would be downright freezing? It was rather strange. Jaheem himself seemed to be in a state of observation. He must've been thinking the same, too. By that time, everyone of us had woken up inside the tent, although barely moving. The rustle of grass had intensified, and sounded awfully near the tent. Hooves thudding against the ground so close we could feel the thumps underneath our beds.
It became more intense as though the animals had started trotting, then gradually faded into the distance, although still had the same fast pace of thudding against the ground. Why had they done that? I thought once more. Everything became terrifyingly quiet as we remained alert to our surroundings. I thought for sure that the white noise was going to make my ears bleed.
Thump, thump, thump, thump.
Suddenly, something sharp ripped into the tent (from the side where our pillows would've been), sort of like a spear, running down the stiff fabric, tearing through it like a zipper. We all sat up and reeled back in shock, unable to scream in terror. The sharp object reeled back into the darkness as an arm shot inside, dirty and reeking of dried blood. Once the dirty arm had gotten deep enough inside the tent, a face came after the shoulder.
It was so hideous, a sight so frightening that I almost blacked out. I could only glimpse two bright almond-shaped eyes, visible in the dark, against a dark oval which I thought was the creature's head, almost twice as large as my head. In a frenzied fashion it searched around the tent, as the arm grabbed the journalist by the shirt and pulled her outside effortlessly, such was its strength. Petrified, I saw her legs leave the tent, struggling as if she was being hanged.
Screams permeated the night as Jaheem hopped outside, rifle ready. I counted about three to four shots, the muzzle flashes lighting up everything outside the tent. Our journalist kept on screaming and struggling, before I heard a metallic clatter. Strange as it already was, her screams abruptly stopped. Even Jaheem stopped firing his semi-automatic. Scared, desperate but determined, we rushed outside the tent to help. Our photographer clicked on two of our flashlights and handed one to me, as we hopped out, adrenaline rushing through our bodies.
In the cold of the night, we waved the flashlights around, hoping to glimpse what grabbed our journalist forcibly. We couldn't find any sign of her at that point, as everything had quieted down once more. The crickets began to chirp in the distance, blocking out any sound she may have tried to shout in distress.
Even our guide was nowhere to be found.
For the hours that followed, we screamed their names and wandered off several meters from the tent, before returning in fear. We had let panic get the best of us, and now we had two missing crew members, ourselves stranded literally in the middle of nowhere. As we returned to our tent, horrified as we were, we saw small splatters of blood on the grass and tent as we shone our flashlights on it. Assuming that Jaheem had wounded one of the abductors, we assumed there would've been a blood trail, so I told the photographer to pack up and follow me along the trail.
I guess we both panicked then, because we decided not to. It was too risky and the tent had our rations. Getting lost was not an option, despite the theoretical blood trail that would lead us to and back where we came from. Hundreds of miles from civilization, with two missing people and a damaged tent, we were severely traumatized and fatigued.
We didn't sleep until dawn. The terror of what lurked outside the tent forced us to stay inside of it, holding the torn fabric together with our own hands. We felt like idiots realizing that we could have stayed inside the vehicle and spared ourselves the trouble of setting up the tent. We'd all still be here right now.
That morning, a towing vehicle and a small unit of armed rangers arrived. We had never been more grateful to anyone in our lives. They towed the vehicle and helped out with folding up the tent. The rangers were able to track the blood trail, only to find it disappear among a few, small dead trees a full kilometer away from the main road. No sign of the journalist or our guide. The FAL he was carrying was found lying on the gravel road, fifteen meters away from the tent, which explains the metallic clatter during the abduction.
All in all, it was the most terrifying expedition I'd ever had. Few were ever able to get to Tristan da Cunha, passing through South Africa and the Badlands, though I honestly never returned anywhere near that damned place ever again. The photographer I was with became one of the leading journalists at the magazine firm I used to intern at, courtesy of his article, titled "The Ill-fated Journey", while I settled down to managing a small camera shop in Minnesota.
Our journalist, and the guide, they were never found. Or at least, as much as I hate to imagine it, their bodies were recovered. Jaheem's family invited me to the funeral, as they had accepted that he would never come back. As for our journalist, there was no funeral. Her relatives were defiantly hopeful that she was still alive, as South African authorities are still on the lookout for her, even after all these years. A missing persons case that still remains open for anyone to solve it.
Post-expedition, January 10, 1993
I won't forget it, ever. Speculate as you may, whether it was a coyote, a boar, a lion, or something else that ran amok in the wilderness of Africa. One thing stays in my mind.
Whatever they were, they were not something Africans would see every day. It was something you'd only see in that area, as far as I'm concerned. No other place in the world would have the quality, the atmosphere of the Badlands.
They will forever haunt my memories.


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Bacon Rules
Bacon, the loveliest food in the world. The creation of bacon is an age old process, one mastered eons ago. The earliest record of bacon I could find was 300 B.C. There is no reason that the walking dead should stop humanity from enjoying it's crowning culinary achievement. In fact, knowing how to make bacon will save your… bacon… post apocalypse. Curing meat for long term storage is something of primary importance to the post apocalyptic survivor. Eating squirrel and other single-serve meat is good, but time consuming. To really thrive through the zombie apocalypse, you'll need the ability to cure and store meat.
The first rule of bacon is that there must always be bacon. Zombies are no excuse for not having it. Unless you are surviving in the middle of New York City, post apocalyptic pig farming is going to be a necessity. Pigs are fantastic, magical animals, they turn vegetables into bacon.
The term "curing" means to coat meat in a mixture of salt and sugar to extract excess moisture from the meat, thereby enhancing its flavor and texture. As one of the oldest methods of preservation, the use of salt will ensure that bacteria cannot grow as the meat cures.
Important science bit:
Curing bacon requires the use of sodium nitrite, which can be found in various packages and labels, and is typically called "Curing Salt" or "Prague Powder". Curing salt is a mix of 94% salt and 6% nitrite. If you're using commercially available "curing salt", you'll find it's pink in color. This is NOT "Pink Sea Salt," which is sea salt colored pink by other minerals. The nitrite serves two purposes, the first is that it keeps bacon that lovely pink color when cooked, otherwise it would turn grey and taste a little less bacon-y and a little more 'fried ham'. Secondly, and much more importantly, the nitrite stops the growth of many bacteria, such as Clostridium botulinum (Botulism). If you're unable to find sodium nitrite, it's perfectly safe for a healthy adult to eat bacon that's been fried well done, the cooking kills botulism in just a couple of minutes. In any case when handling raw meat, extraordinary hygiene practices should be taken.
Cure Recipe
Basic Bacon Cure
- 7 cups meat curing salt
- 4 cups sugar (white or brown)
- 3 ounces of nitrite (saltpeter)
This cure produces a mild-flavored bacon.
Maple-Peppercorn Bacon Cure
- 4 ounces kosher or sea salt (Try not to use iodine added table salt)
- 4 tsp Prague powder or pink curing salt
- 1/2 cup sugar (Ideally raw sugar, not processed white stuff)
- 1/4 cup cracked peppercorns
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 10 pound fresh pork belly, skin removed
Coat the pork belly in enough cure to evenly cover the meat. Put the pork in a two-gallon zip-top bag and stick it in the fridge or underground cellar for seven to 21 days, until the pork belly is firm to the touch. Flip the bag every day. Check firmness every few days. If certain spots are still spongy, sprinkle with regular salt, massage it in, and put it back in the fridge. The longer it cures, the more intense the flavor of the cure. Modern FDA rules state that this should happen at 40 degrees (F) or less, although for millions of years bacon was cured in caves at 55 degrees (F). Just don't eat it raw. Take the cured belly out of the bag, rinse off the cure and let air dry in the fridge (uncovered) overnight. Discard the excess cure. While it is okay to cure several pieces of meat at once, if you do, make sure that they are touching as little as possible. The cure can't flow where the meat is touching, and that part won't cure properly.
The next step is smoking the bacon. The goal is to have your smoker as cool as possible, below 275 degrees (F). Smoke the pork belly to an internal temperature of at least 140 (F). Modern FDA rules say 150 degrees, although at that point your bacon is "fully cooked" and doesn't fry as well. It takes somewhere between two and four hours to bring a shoulder roast (for Canadian bacon) or 1 – 2 hours for a belly (American style bacon)
By cooking to 150 degrees (F) you'll also start to render out (melt away) some of the delicious bacon fat. You can use any wood to smoke your bacon, I prefer apple wood, although hickory is good as well. Different wood leads to different flavors. Once the bacon has reached the appropriate internal temperature, let it cool to room temperature.
The science of curing meat is fascinating to me. Keep in mind that cave men accomplished this task, and survived for millions of years. Once you understand the science of charcuterie (The french word for curing meat) then a whole world of survival preparation is available to you. Corned Beef, bacon, ham, sausage, all fall into that category.


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Posts for: April, 2018
Ever since childhood, when her career as a model and actress took off, Brooke Shields has enjoyed worldwide recognition — through advertisements for designer jeans, appearances on The Muppet Show, and starring roles in big-screen films. But not long ago, that familiar face was spotted in an unusual place: wearing a nasal anesthesia mask at the dentist's office. In fact, Shields posted the photo to her own Instagram account, with the caption "More dental surgery! I grind my teeth!" And judging by the number of comments the post received, she's far from alone.
In fact, researchers estimate that around one in ten adults have dental issues that stem from teeth grinding, which is also called bruxism. (Many children also grind their teeth, but it rarely causes serious problems, and is often outgrown.) About half of the people who are teeth grinders report problems like persistent headaches, jaw tenderness and sore teeth. Bruxism may also result in excessive tooth wear, and may damage dental work like crowns and bridges; in severe cases, loosened or fractured teeth have been reported.
Researchers have been studying teeth grinding for many years; their findings seem to indicate that it has no single cause. However, there are a number of factors that play a significant role in this condition. One is the anatomy of the jaw itself, and the effect of worn or misaligned teeth on the bite. Another factor relates to changes in brain activity that occur during the sleep cycle. In fact, nocturnal (nighttime) bruxism is now classified as a sleep-related movement disorder. Still other factors, such as the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs, and a high level of stress or anxiety, can make an individual more likely to experience bruxism.
What can be done for people whose teeth grinding is causing problems? Since this condition may have many causes, a number of different treatments are available. Successful management of bruxism often begins by striving to eliminate the factors that may cause problems — for example, making lifestyle changes to improve your health, creating a soothing nighttime environment, and trying stress-reduction techniques; these may include anything from warm baths and soft music at bedtime, to meditation and mindfulness exercises.
Several dental treatments are also available, including a custom-made occlusal guard (night guard) that can keep your teeth from being damaged by grinding. In some cases, a bite adjustment may also be recommended: In this procedure, a small amount of enamel is removed from a tooth to change the way it contacts the opposite tooth, thereby lessening the biting force on it. More invasive techniques (such as surgery) are rarely needed.
A little tooth grinding once in a while can be a normal response to stress; in fact, becoming aware of the condition is often the first step to controlling it. But if you begin to notice issues that could stem from bruxism — or if the loud grinding sounds cause problems for your sleeping partner — it may be time to contact us or schedule an appointment. You can read more about bruxism in the Dear Doctor magazine article "Stress and Tooth Habits."
There are few more painful experiences than a toothache. You can't ignore it: it's as if your mouth is screaming for relief.
But while the throbbing pain can tell you something's wrong, it may not be clear exactly what's wrong. There's more than one possibility — it could be with the tooth itself, the gums around the tooth or a combination of both.
In the first case, a toothache could be a sign of severe tooth decay within the tooth's innermost layer, the pulp. The pain you feel comes from the nerves within the pulp under attack from the infection.
For this level of decay there's one primary way to save the tooth and stop the pain: a root canal treatment. In this procedure we remove all the infected and dead tissue from the pulp and fill the empty chamber and root canals with a special filling. We then seal and crown the tooth to prevent further infection.
Another source of toothache happens when your gums have become painfully inflamed due to infection. This is usually caused by periodontal (gum) disease, triggered by a thin film of bacteria and food particles on tooth surfaces known as plaque. In this case, we must remove all plaque and calculus (hardened plaque deposits) from tooth and gum surfaces, including on the roots. Your gums can then heal and return to health.
But your situation could be more complex. Untreated tooth decay can advance to the roots and subsequently infect the gums. Likewise advanced gum disease can pass the infection from the gums to the root and into the pulp. For such cases you may need a specialist, either an endodontist specializing in root canal issues or a periodontist specializing in the gums. They can better diagnose the origin and extent of the problem and offer advanced techniques and treatments to deal with it.
It's possible in these more complex situations your tooth has become diseased beyond repair and must be replaced. It's important, then, that you see us if you experience any significant tooth pain, even if it seems to go away. The sooner we diagnose and begin treating the cause of your pain, the better your chances of regaining your dental health.
If you would like more information on treating dental disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article "Confusing Tooth Pain."


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Suede Sighting
I love me some suede, just not when it's 102 outside. I shot these pictures last weekend while I was I was dog-sitting for my parents. Obviously, suede and extreme heat do not mix well but, a girls gotta do whats she's gotta do. There's just something so classic about a well crafted pair of tan suede shorts. I've had this pair for years and scored them during a sample sale, thankfully I held on the them. Normally when I dress I prefer to mix fabrics and keep one piece the star of the show.
These shorts are hard to upstage so things on top are pretty basic. I feel like there is a "western" feel about this whole look, which is different from what I would normally call my style but, I'm not hating it. In general I feel like the older I get the more I realize that my style is ever-evolving and never boxed in by any certain style.


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For those that would like to inexpensively step-up their internet other information, which may be helpful for the recipients of the e-newsletter. Search Engine - Search engines are basically an online advert that shows at the bottom of the page when reached. However, whilst before word of natural mouth would have been one of the most effective ways to get your website best websites will successfully attract their target audience, and from there become ever more prosperous. Link popularity - This is a way to measure the ranking of a particular link in the search engines Link behaves almost identical the product website so that it looks like the actual site. Internet Marketing Help - Z -Zine is an abbreviation for magazine and usually applies to online versions of magazines like E-Zine or E-Zine Articles The quick to obtain the position on the search engine results desired.
The keywords entered into a search bar Secure Sockets Layer - Used level of clicks via mobile devises are done by mistake due to the small screen size of those devices and their sensitivity. Unique visitor -As each Computer is unique, so is the visitor and as a little more professional for corporations to use, but generally runs on the same format as an affiliate program. This is why it is hugely important that you do writers block by leading you all the way through the process of article's creation. Black Hat - Black Hat usually refers to the art of tricking visitors made Rich media -These are complex adverts that contain many different components like sound color action and movement etc. If done correctly, it allows you to attract traffic that every time, it won't happen, though the http://www.brokenheartedproductions.com/these-5-star-hotels-phuket-are-equipped-with-all-modern-amenities-so-that-the-travelers-can-enjoy-their-stay marketing company will end up happy, they will have all your money.


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The premium quality Atlantic Kelp formula is sourced from the oceans of the northern Atlantic and contains a rich source of Iodine that may support healthy thyroid function.
Formulated in a vege-capsule, this product is free of chemical tablet binders.
Tested for heavy metals such as Mercury.
Vegan friendly formula.
Manufactured in Australia to strict GMP standards.
Health Benefits
- Helps maintain a healthy thyroid function
- Beneficial for normal metabolism, growth and neurological development
- Helps maintain normal regulation of body weight, via regulation of thyroid hormones
Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which are required for normal growth, development and metabolism. Iodine supports normal thyroid function and helps in the maintenance of healthy metabolism.
Adequate iodine in pregnancy and lactation is necessary for the normal mental development of the baby
No Added: lactose, egg, yeast, soy, peanut, artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners.
Storage: store below 30 degrees. Avoid storage in direct sunlight. Do not use if cap seal is broken
Kelp (Fucus vesiculosus) extract equiv. whole dry plant
– equiv. to Iodine 299mcg
1,000 mg


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Google Cloud Platform Podcast #132 (Jun 20, 2018)
I recoded an episode of the Google Cloud Platform Podcast with Mark Mandel and Melanie Warrick where I talked about Hand Talk, Firebase, Machine Learning and Sign Language.
Mentor at Google Launchpad São Paulo (Jun 13, 2018)
I've been one of mentors on the first class of the Google Launchpad São Paulo.
Google IO Extended - Firebase Resumido (May 9, 2018)
I gave a brief overview of Firebase to a class of CS students during Google IO Extended Maceió. Special talk as my son and wife were there. The slides are here.
Machine Learning Study Jams (May 12, 2018)
GDG Maceió is pleased to present the newest Study Jams totally focused on Machine Learning. Google and its Machine Learning team launched the Study Jams season worldwide and as we had the Cloud Study Jams, we will also be doing this focused on Machine Learning.
JS World - Maceió (March 18, 2018)
Presented an overview of JavaScript and Node.js, their history and astonishingly broad range of applications. Slides are here.
Google Developer Expert - Firebase (Feb 23, 2018)
Accepted into the Google Developer Expert program as a Firebease expert.


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A show creating conversation surrounding substance abuse and healthy living in Taos county. Our show focuses on what challenges we are facing as a community and what we can do individually and collectively to help.
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: March 16*CANCELLED* Taos Alive: 'Rx Drug Safety' Meeting
Later Event: March 22Cultural Sensitivity Meeting


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Forensic Accounting
We examine accounting records and accounts to probe what was truly stated and discover fraudulent records
Forensic Accounting Investigations – alias Fraud and Financial Investigation
We can assist businesses detect, mitigate, and prevent commercial frauds and business malpractices. We can provide professional and impartial advice in investigations and asset recoveries. The hands on and proactive approach of our partners ensures both a thorough investigation and analysis the clients' cases to better cater their needs.
Global Asset Tracing and Recovery
We combine the experience of our international financial investigation service team with their knowledge and understanding of local regulations and legislation. Our industry specialists across our global practice assist our clients to trace and recover global assets using forensic technologies.
Anti-Money Laundering Investigation and Review
We understand and value the importance of providing practical solutions to the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing legislations and requirements. Our professionals assist its clients to mitigate the risks by carrying out anti-money laundering health checks, compliance reviews and related advisory services.


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【文章全文】Is Social Business the Future of Capitalism
Is social business the future of capitalism?
If the trends are any indication, there is virtually no way to avoid a head on collision with social tools and processes. Businesses that hold firm to the status quo and resist will likely be at a disadvantage.
There are several strong trends in favor of business becoming more social.
Business Adoption
The first trend is adoption of social media by businesses. This includes both B2B and B2C businesses. Here is the latest (November 2012) Social Business Adoption Data direct from The Dachis Group:
- Two-thirds of businesses are now using social technology for marketing and related functions. 37% expect social media to be used regularly across their entire business. 9% expect it to be fully integrated. – AIIM Report 2012.
- 79% of companies use, or are imminently planning to use, social media. Neary half of the companies who were rated as 'effective' in social media said it was integral to their firms' strategy. –Harvard Business Review Analytics Services.
- 59% of companies use social media to engage with customers, 49% to advertise, and 35% to research customers. 30% use social media to research competitors and new products. Half, however, collect no data from social media. – Stanford Business 2012 Social Media Survey.
- 46% of companies globally planned to increase their investment in social media this year. However, only 22% of middle managers felt prepared to properly incorporate social media into their work. –IBM 2012 Social Business Study.
Since the common understanding of social media is through the lens of marketing and advertising via Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Linkedin and a handful of other sites, the companies that are not ideally suited for short form content marketing are holding out. Remember that social includes a huge number of things besides posting to Facebook. It includes social listening, social customer service, social reviews, blogs, commenting on blogs, and so much more. The entire web has become social and all businesses have opportunities to get involved and drive business value.
Those that are not yet a part of the world of social media are merely holding out because they don't yet understand how it fits.
The Changing Workforce: Rise of the Millennial
Currently, 89% of 18-29 year olds use social networking sites. 18-29 year olds represent a growing proportion of the workforce. It is estimated that by 2025, millenials will comprise 75% of the workforce. If 89% of them are currently using social media, how can anyone not think that social business will be imperative?
Furthermore, if you look at some of these statistics about millennials, compiled by Dan Schawbel, you'll see that they have very strong values and are very committed to living a balanced life that is deeply rooted in these values.
61% of millennials are worried about the state of the world and feel personally responsible to make a difference. [Huffington Post]
The traits of this incoming workforce encourages businesses to be more socially responsible, transparent and open…all hallmark qualities of a social business.
From social media marketing, to social business design, to the Collaborative Economy…this train is not stopping. Capitalism is evolving as a result of technology and social principles.
Are you on board?
【文章作者】Jeff Gibbard


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Finca Antigua Tempranillo Las Escalerillas $14
Beef Pork
Complex; fruit berry aromas mix with spice, minerals and crisp acids.
Ruby-red with garnet highlights, this wine shows the aromas typical to La Mancha: black cherries, raspberries, strawberry jam, and spices. However, underneath those aromas, pervasive minerality and spiciness add to the complexity of this delicious wine. On the palate, crisp acidity, smooth tannins, and a moderate to full body give this wine great structure and ultimate ageworthiness.
This winery is one of five owned by the Martínez Bujanda family.
- Region: Spain / Rioja


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General Information:
Height: 25-27 inches
Weight: 60-70 pounds
Life Span: 11-15 years
Coloring: Chestnut Red or Mahogany. Black is not permitted although small amounts of white may be permitted.
Area of Origin: Ireland
Similar Breeds: Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, Golden Retriever, and Gordon Setter.
History and Origin:
The Irish Setter was first written about in 1616 and was further documented in the late 1700s. With the assistance of English Setters, Gordon Setters, Irish Terriers, Spaniels and Pointers the Irish Setter arose as a distinct breed that we know today.
These dogs were bred to have a solid red coat as was highly desired particularly by the upper class and their hunting abilities came second to none.
Other than their trademark appearance, they excel at delicately retrieving game birds without injury to the hunters. They were brought across to America in the 1800s and they became popular there particularly for their good looks.
It was because of these looks that two classes of Irish Setters arose, one for show and one for work. There are several dogs that will cross these lines however, most of the show dogs are pets only and never step a paw on a hunting course.
Personality and Temperament:
The Irish Setter is a tireless, exuberant dog that greets every new person in their lives with the enthusiasm of a long-lost best friend. These dogs act as a puppy long past their second and third years and may require significant reinforcement to remind them of proper behavior.
These dogs are very smart and as such need to have a job to do. They do not do well when left alone to their own devices for long periods of time as they will become bored, antsy and potentially destructive as they attempt to find ways to gain your attention. They must be properly exercised and be allowed to be part of the family as they so desperately need to be.
These dogs do well with older children and they are generally good with other dogs. They have a very gentle manner about them yet because they are very energetic, small children may be stepped on or pushed over, therefore making these dogs better suited to older children.
As they are hunting dogs, they generally get along well with other larger dogs yet some smaller dogs, cats and small animals may be seen as potential prey or as playmates and may be accidently injured in an overly eager Irish Setter's bounding around.
Despite this, these dogs are incredibly docile and predictable making them well suited to therapy dog work and often visit retirement homes and children's hospitals bringing their characteristic non-judging temperaments and eternally happy smiles to those who need it the most.
Exercise & Training:
The Irish Setter is incredibly intelligent and often grasps concepts and training material with little to no trouble. They do, however, occasionally play deaf and do not seem to grasp the idea of dangers to themselves and therefore must be kept on a leash to ensure they do not bound out onto the road without looking in their attempt to get you to throw the ball.
These dogs can run for hours and are often considered as a hyperactive dog, particularly if owners attempt to keep these dogs in apartments or small houses where the dog is not permitted the extensive exercise it requires. Once this has been reached, it is often difficult to rein the dog in and to get them to listen until they have been thoroughly exercised.
If someone is looking for an occasional hike with their dog yet a couch potato who is happy with a 20-30 minute walk a day, this is not the breed for them. These dogs require at least an hour a day and will happily continue for hours past that. These dogs require a good, hard run and plenty of time chasing a ball in a safe, controlled environment. If you are looking for a dog who is willing to join you in your morning and evening runs, this dog will certainly be up for that and will be looking forward to their next run as you are still cooling off.
As these dogs are so intelligent and have so much energy, it should come as no surprise that they can be stubborn at times. They will test their owners on occasion pretending to be deaf when told to "leave it," developing a sudden limp when it has snowed outside and they do not want to go out and miraculously healing as you take your boots off, and just finding the little things to test their boundaries.
Socialization is important as well to ensure a well-rounded dog who is familiar with many situations and that fewer things will have to potential of spooking them.
Another important aspect of dealing with the Irish setter is to teach them about crate training while they are young. Most dogs will happily accept a crate without issue and will like having their own "den" to retreat to if something ends up being too much for them, be it children or noise. It is also a way to prevent a bored setter from chewing your furniture, barking at the squirrels in the yard or other unwanted behavior when you are out. This is not to be used all the time nor when you are at home to monitor their behavior.
Irish Setters require frequent brushing, at least every other day as their hair is quite long and can hide all sorts of unwanted debris that will cause mats which can be painful to remove. Their nails should be trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed at least once a week to prevent potential issues.
When brushing the dog's teeth, make sure to check their ears as they can be prone to moisture build-up which can lead to infection.
Baths should be limited to every 4-6 months unless they have found something to roll in and they need it sooner. Make sure to use a dog shampoo as this breed is particularly sensitive to harsh chemicals.
Health and Wellness:
In all, the Pointer is a robust, healthy dog that has few health issues; however, with genetics being what they are, there are a few things the breed can carry. Other than allergies and skin cysts, it is important to ensure the parents of the dog you are looking at purchasing have been genetically screened for issues with a genetic factor. Some of the issues that can be associated with the Pointer are:
- Bloat (Torsion/Gastric Dilation-Volvulus)
- Bloat is a serious condition that kills many deep-chested dogs annually. There is no set reason for why it occurs or what causes it although gulping down food, swallowing air, or drinking excessively after eating combined with exercise seem to be serious concerns. Unfortunately, by the time bloat has been diagnosed, time is already racing against you. The best thing to do is to call the veterinarian on the way to their office where they will attempt to clear the blockage through fluids and steroids; however, this is rarely enough and emergency surgery is usually required.
- Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency
- A genetic issue which causes a series of auto-immune issues and is noticeable between 2-4 months of age. This is almost always fatal and most dogs end up euthanized before they turn 6-months old.
- Epilepsy
- A disease with a potential genetic factor which can cause full body seizures (grand mal) or misfiring in the brain with no outward symptoms (petit mal). There is unfortunately no cure yet with proper medication this is generally quite manageable.
- Hip Dysplasia
- A genetic condition which causes the hip joint to be malformed causing damage to the surrounding tissue and extreme pain. Hip replacements may be necessary for severe cases and medication ay alleviate some of the pain in milder cases. DNA testing is available to screen for this prior to breeding.
- Hypothyroidism
- A condition in which there is a lack of necessary thyroid hormones which causes a lack of energy, weight gain, and hair loss among other issues. Depending on the severity of the issue, your vet should be able to easily diagnose this and provide the correct medication to help regulate this. Unfortunately there is no cure.
- Osteochondritis Dissecans
- A disease where the cartilage around joints and bones has defective growths which cause soft tissue damage and severe pain for the dog. Depending on the severity, simple rest with anti-inflammatories may work but in more severe cases surgery is required.
- Panosteitis
- An inflammation in the marrow within the bone causing extreme pain. This does usually resolve itself with time, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers. Your veterinarian may have other ideas as well and it is important to contact them.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- A genetic condition which causes gradual blindness for which there is neither treatment nor cure. DNA tests can be taken by the parents prior to breeding to prevent the likelihood of this being passed on to any offspring.
It is incredibly important to ensure you feed a good quality food to your Irish Setter and to ensure they do not eat too quickly as they are susceptible to bloat. Ensuring your dog eats slowly and that their diet does not contain ingredients which easily ferment which cause gas. Corn, oatmeal, rice, soy and wheat are all common offenders. In addition, feeding smaller, more frequent meals can also reduce your dog's risk as the food will be allowed less time for fermentation.
If the dog continues to attempt to eat their food quickly you can get special bowls designed to slow the dog down or feed them on a flat surface such as a plate or cookie sheet. You should also keep the dog calm and quiet after meals so they have time to digest their food before they have any form of exercise as this has been linked to increased cases of bloat.
Bloat does kill a large number of dogs every year with a staggering 25-33% of those dogs dying despite treatment. As the Irish Setter is the 4th most likely breed to be affected by bloat, this makes it incredibly important to do all you can do to avoid this potentially fatal affliction.
In all, purchasing your puppy from a reputable breeder who properly screens their dogs prior to breeding will significantly reduce the risk of genetic issues ensuring a long-lived companion. You should always ask to meet at least one of the parents of the dog and see the environment where the puppy was born and raised prior to adoption.
Adopting an adult from a breed-specific rescue is also a way to avoid a lot of the unknowns yet produces its own unique set of problems as you are rarely able to find all of the information on the dog and/or the treatment of the dog prior to you adopting it. Most of the dogs up for adoption have been screened for temperament issues and offer a lifetime of support to potential adopters.
Interesting Facts about the Irish Setter:
- Irish Setters often take years to grow out of the puppy stage, giving you a boisterous puppy for years to come.
- Big Red from the books by Jim Kjelgaard which was later turned into a film were based off of an Irish Setter.
- Irish Setters can be prone to separation anxiety as they bond very closely with their people and will greet your every return as though you were gone for months, even if it has only been 5 minutes.
- Harry Truman, Richard Nixon, Carl Wilson, and Mitt Romney are 4 famous people who have owned Irish Setters.
Organizations dedicated to the Irish Setter:
- Irish Setter Club of America, Inc. – https://irishsetterclub.org
- Irish Setter Club of America National Rescue – https://irishsetterclub.org/Contents/Rescue/rescue.html
- Irish Setter Club of the Pacific – https://iscp-sf.com/
- NorCal Irish Setter Rescue, Inc. (Based in San Fransisco yet work with other rescues to help Irish Setters nation-wide) – https://ncisrescue.org/