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Table of Contents
1.1- Alcohol sales and the effects of adulterated alcohols on licensed premises
1.2- Gas chromatography and an explanation of the Flame Ionisation Detector
1.3- Various ways to prepare a sample prior to chromatographic analysis
1.4- Use of ion chromatography vs. gas chromatography for analysing vodka and rum samples
1.5- The use of Fluorescence Spectroscopy to determine adulterated alcoholic beverages
1.6- Wine fraudulence and the use of SNIF-NMR and Proton NMR to detect it
Ireland and many other countries around the world often deal with the issues regarding alcohol. These issues are based on adulteration by watering-down, addition of cheap or artificial ingredients, and the addition of harmful non-potable alcohols. Various surveys, articles and scientific studies have been developed through recent years to tackle the problems the everyday consumer has to deal with, as alcohol quality reduces and price increases. The methods of determining alcohol content are vast within the scientific community, and deciding which method is the most sensitive, accessible and affordable can be challenging. These methods include Gas Chromatography, UV/Vis Spectrophotometry, Ion Chromatography, Proton NMR and Isotope Ratio NMR.
For many years the adulteration of alcoholic beverages has been a recurring problem in the night-scene around the country of Ireland. Adulteration refers to the addition of a substance to tamper with said-product, be it water, sugars, or drugs (CCPC, 2018). Pubs and nightclubs are commonly known to commit adulteration of spirits and other alcoholic beverages by "watering-down" their alcohol in an attempt to increase sales and also save money. Other applications of adulterated alcohol are to improve the assumed quality of the substance by adding inexpensive sources of sugar and starch, other than grapes, to improve the sweetness of wines (Lachenmeier, 2016). According to Irish law "it is illegal for a business to provide false or misleading information about a product, including its content or characteristics" (CCPC, 2018).
There have been many scandals about tampering with alcoholic beverages around the world, such as the addition of diethylene glycol to wine to heighten the sweetness of it which took place in Austria (Tagliabue, 1985). Most adulteration occurred during the early 1400-1500's and was not detectable. During the 19th century most adulterants were undetectable (Lachenmeier, 2016) but nowadays with more laws in place it is generally more difficult to escape prosecution for committing this crime.
Many methods of identifying the composition of alcohols have been adapted over the years, including site-specific natural isotope fractionation nuclear magnetic resonance (SNIF-NMR), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Ultra Violet-visible spectrophotometry (UV/VIS), different Gas Chromatography detectors such as Flame Ionisation Detector, Electron Capture Detector and Thermal Conductivity Detector (GC-FID, ECD and TCD), and Ion Chromatography (Lachenmeier, 2016).
After reading several articles based on detecting alcohols it is clear to see that the methods mentioned above are the most accurate and accessible to use for different types of alcoholic beverages. The most frequently used machine is the GC-FID, which Bright (2018), Lachenmeier (2016) and Gerchman (2015) agree is the most accurate and suitable for the detection of alcoholic components, although ion chromatography is another useful method (Lachenmeier, 2003). However other authors such as Kenessov et al (2013) would argue that Solid-Phase microextraction (SPME) with GC-MS is even more efficient. Although the interpretation of the results would be expected to be straightforward, there have been incidents of the misidentification of substances such as ethyl chloride, which is used as a pain relief in sporting injuries, in place of ethanol which is a main component in alcohol, by the use of GC-FID (Tarnovski et al., 2009).
1.1- Alcohol sales and the effects of adulterated alcohols on licensed premises
Over the last few years the issues regarding the availability of alcohol and the prices it is being sold at to an everyday consumer has been a major concern for the Irish Government. A recent survey had been carried out and appeared to conclude that fatal levels of alcohol can be purchased for as little as €10. Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI) produced a survey based on a market review and price review of alcohol, and they stated that it "demonstrates the remarkable affordability of alcohol to everyday shoppers". In the report it suggests that a Public Health Alcohol Bill needs to be put in place immediately to tackle issues regarding the low-cost of the strongest alcohol in various retail operators. The strongest and cheapest products were found to be cider, with beer coming next and wine, vodka and gin following up next. According to the Health Service Executive (HSE) the low-risk weekly guidelines for consuming alcohol for a healthy adult between the ages of 18 to 65 is seventeen standard drinks for men and eleven for women. A beer containing 4.3% of alcohol in a 500 ml container equals 1.7 standard drinks, whereas gin containing 37.5% of alcohol in a 700 ml container equals 21 standard drinks. Therefore, a man can reach his weekly threshold for only €8.49, and women can reach their weekly threshold for as little as €5.49 (Halpin, 2018).
A Healthy Ireland Survey was carried out in 2015 and concluded the amount of alcohol consumed by adults was at harmful levels. Four out of ten people whom consumed alcohol drank harmful levels on a monthly basis. Over a fifth of people did so on a weekly basis (HIS, 2015).
Figure 1- A pie chart representing the percentage of alcohol consumed by adults aged 15 to over 65 over the twelve months of 2014-2015. The results show alcohol consumers and non-alcohol consumers (HIS, 2015).
Consumers are purchasing more alcohol through Off-Licenses and other licensed supermarkets because it is a cheaper alternative to going out to a pub or nightclub where the case of adulterated alcohol is more common. The National Consumer Agency (NCA) published a list stating that two licensed premises were guilty of watering down their alcoholic beverages. Both premises located in County Wexford were selling their alcohol where its percentage alcohol by volume was considerably less than what was stated on the bottle. Another thirteen premises were investigated to test for adulterated alcohols due to complaints from consumers. According to the NCA chief executive Ann Fitzgerald "consumers must be provided with accurate information regarding products and not exposed to unfair or misleading commercial practices" (Shevlin, 2009).
The Irish State Laboratory carries out duties to test alcoholic beverages for their alcoholic content. The aim is to prevent counterfeit alcohols being produced and sold in Ireland as they tend to be harmful to consumers. Often adulterants such as methanol and other dangerous alcohols, that aren't ethyl alcohol, are found which can be fatal. Methanol can also be used as a denaturant which causes the alcohol to be non-potable. A potable alcohol is one that contains pure alcohol, this includes spirits such as liquors (Cargill, 2018). Congener profiling and authenticity indicator testing is also done by the laboratory (The State Laboratory Ireland, 2014).
Figure 2- Image depicting empty beer bottles
1.2- Gas chromatography and an explanation of the Flame Ionisation Detector
Gas chromatography is a method which can separate a mixture of compounds into its constituents and producing quantitative as well as qualitative results, as a gas vapour. It involves the use of gas as the mobile phase and the stationary phase is based inside the column through which the sample travels. The mixture separates when it is injected into the injection port, where it evaporates and reaches the column containing the stationary phase, and then it moves onto the detector. The mobile phase can be either hydrogen, nitrogen, argon or helium gas, depending on the type of detector. The stationary phase is present within the column. The column can be a packed or capillary column. The capillary column is the most frequently used as it is more efficient in separation. Capillary columns are made of glass or fused quartz and they also take the shape of a coil and come in different sizes (Wisniewska et al, 2015). The compounds within the sample being analysed interact with the stationary phase as it passes through the column. The longer the compound interacts with the column, the longer it takes for it to pass through. Normally the rule of "like dissolves like" is used to explain that organic substances will dissolve quickly due to the mobile phase or stationary phase containing organic compounds within them.
The detector produces the results in the form of a chromatogram. The chromatogram shows various peaks at different points on the chromatogram which correlate to the compounds that were separated during analysis (Refer to figure 4a and 4b for an example of a chromatogram). The compounds that interacted the most with the stationary phase have a longer retention time and therefore elute off later than a compound that took less time to elute off (UCLA, 2016).
Figure 3- A general schematic diagram of a GC detector. 1-carrier gas; 2-flowmeter; 3-injector; 4-column; 5-column over; 6-detector; 7-waste; 8-computer system (Wisniewska et al, 2015).
Flame Ionisation Detectors
This type of GC detector is destructive in that the sample injected is destroyed. The sample being analysed goes through a column and is partially combusted within a hydrogen flame which forms different free radicals such as hydrogen, oxygen, and hydroxide (HO and OH). If carbon is present, then it creates an aldehyde (CHO). The ions are gathered on the collection electrode and are counted. The mobile phase used in this type of detector is normally helium. The detector can range in sensitivity i.e. 0.1g to 10g. The temperature at which the detector would usually operate is between 250ºC and 300ºC but can also go up to as high as 400ºC to 450ºC. The reason behind using such a high temperature it so there will be no condensation formed during combustion. (Wisniewska et al, 2015).
Figure 4- A schematic diagram of a GC-FID. 1-capillary column; 2-air inlet; 3-hydrogen inlet; 4-polarized electrode; 5-burner; 6-hydrogen flame; 7 and 8- collector electrode; 9-gas outlet (Wisniewska et al, 2015).
1.3- Various ways to prepare a sample prior to chromatographic analysis
According to Wisniewska et al (2015) the way in which a sample is prepared before it is analysed using chromatographic techniques depends on the sample being investigated. Methods that are most commonly used are Solid-Phase microextraction (SPME), Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and Solid-Phase extraction (SPE).
Solid-Phase Microextraction
Small amounts of the sample adsorb onto a thin layer of stationary phase which coats the glass or quartz fibre. The fibre is within a tube which must contain no rust, and this is found in the syringe. Mass exchange occurs during enrichment and adsorbed compounds are released to prevent clogging of the tube, which can occur due to suspension in the sample. Immersing the exposed fibre into the liquid or placing the fibre into the head space above the sample will lead to enrichment. Organic compounds are separated between the stationary phase and the matrix. Afterwards the fibre gets retracted inside of the needle, which is then put into the injector and the fibre is exposed. The use of a high temperature changes the organic compounds in the stationary phase to desorb into a gas which can be forced onto the column by the carrier gas. This technique of sample preparation has both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to preparing a sample. Some advantages include; the use of mobile or portable equipment, it is a simple technique to carry out, it is low in cost, and it takes a short time to complete the preparation before analysis. One of the disadvantages includes the degradation of the stationary phase during desorption under high temperatures.
Liquid-Liquid Extraction
This technique is well known and used for preparing samples. The extraction can only be performed with two phases of immiscible liquids. The extraction involves the addition of a solvent to the mixture that contains the component to be extracted for analysis. The highest concentration of the component being extracted needs to be secured. This is done so by adding a suitable extractant. The extractant mixture needs to contain the lowest concentration, and an equilibrium is reached between the two. The two phases are separated mechanically, and the extraction is repeated numerous times. The extracts are washed with the dissolvent and then they are dried using a drying agent. The main advantages of this method are the simplicity of the technique and the low-cost equipment. The disadvantages are the high cost of the solvents as well as the loss of the obtained material.
Solid-Phase Extraction
Analytes are transferred from the sample to the solid phase. It uses a water/solid partition for the analysed organic compounds. There are two ways in which the technique can be done. One method involves the compounds passing through a column whilst the substances that remain are adsorbed by the column packing. The second method involves the compound being adsorbed by the column packing whilst the other substances are passed out of the column. This is used when the concentration of the analyte in the sample is low. The advantages of SPE are that it requires less solvent than LLE and it is also inexpensive to do. The disadvantages include the length of time it takes to carry out the extraction and the clogging of the column bed due to suspension in the sample.
Upon reading and analysing the various techniques explained by Wisniewska et al, it would be suggested that the SPE method is the most useful way to prepare a liquid-based sample (2015). Another article also found during experimentation that SPE gave higher recovery for alcohols in rose aromatic water in comparison to liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase microextraction (Canbay, 2017).
For most GC-FID methods, the above procedures do not need to be carried out. The samples, in this instance being alcohol including an internal standard of propanol, can be injected directly into the detector. This is due to the method being destructive of the sample being analysed.
1.4- Use of ion chromatography vs. gas chromatography for analysing vodka and rum samples
There are a wide variety of brand-name spirits available to the everyday consumer which tend to be expensive, therefore it can be desirable to produce adulterated versions of these products or to even relabel cheaper versions. The most common premises to come across these alcoholic beverages would be the nightclubs and pubs who sell their spirits very cheaply. In Ireland it is easiest to dilute alcohol with water to reduce the strength, therefore causing increases in sales due to the lesser effect the alcohol has on the consumer. It can be easily detected if an alcohol sample has been tampered with, as the content will be much lower than the original product.
One method used for the authentication of vodka, rum and brandy is ion chromatography. A study carried out by Lachenmeier et al (2003) used ion chromatography to determine chloride, nitrate and sulphate for characterising spirits such as vodka and white rum. In this study it was stated that gas chromatography is normally used to identify substances that are volatile. However, a new and improved method of using ion chromatography can determine the ionic content of domestic water and brand-specific spirit water used for distillation which show different compositions. It was concluded that ion chromatography is an easy way to determine the ionic composition as it requires very little sample and very little sample preparation.
Figure 5a- Ion chromatogram of vodka samples with (A) Suspicious vodka sold as Smirnoff and (B) Authentic Smirnoff (Lachenmeier et al, 2003)
Figure 5b- Ion chromatogram of rum samples with (A) Suspicious rum sold as Bacardi and (B) Authentic Bacardi (Lachenmeier et al, 2003)
High sensitivity, reproducibility and selectivity are shown during the analysis which is a must have to produce accurate results. The study also concluded that a GC analysis was carried out for the vodka and run samples which only showed acetaldehyde and isoamyl alcohol present in the vodka samples. Originally in another study carried out by one of the same authors, Lachenmeier (2016) had claimed that GC was a suitable method for the same analysis, which would appear contradictory but perhaps giving the difference of 2003-2016 there have been advancements made regarding the accuracy and expandability of the GC method. Upon further reading it was discovered that there was a large difference in chloride, nitrate and sulphate levels using GC methods and therefore it was an acceptable way to determine the purity of the alcohol samples. It also concluded that the expansion of samples to other spirits such as whiskey and brandy could also be determined using ion chromatography by extensive sample preparation.
Table 1a- Gas chromatography results of suspicious vodka sample sold as Smirnoff and reference Smirnoff and German vodka samples. ND = Not Detected (Lachenmeier et al, 2003).
Table 1b- Gas chromatography results of suspicious white rum samples sold as Bacardi and reference Bacardi and authentic German rum samples. ND = Not Detected (Lachenmeier et al, 2003).
1.5- The use of Fluorescence Spectroscopy to determine adulterated alcoholic beverages
A study carried out by De la Rosa Vazquez et al (2015), examined the use of fluorescence by UV light to determine adulterated tequila from genuine tequila. A fluorescence spectrum was produced showing four excitation wavelengths at 255, 330, 365 and 405nm for the genuine tequila, ethanol, ethanol-water mixtures and methanol. The results gathered have been given in figure 6 below. The distilled water and the ethanol gave very little absorption. The methanol showed a small decrease in transmittance with the wavelength shortening up to 330nm which later gave an absorption at 250nm. The fake tequila was the only sample to show an incomparable dependence of the wavelength.
Figure 6- A Fluorescence spectroscopy spectrum of distilled water (DW), ethanol (ET), methanol (ME), aged tequila (AT), rested tequila (RT), mixed tequila (MT), silver tequila (ST), and fake tequila (FT), at 255nm, 330 nm, 365nm and 405nm (De la Rosa Vaquez et al, 2015).
It had been concluded from the results that the fluorescence excited at 255nm could be used to show the adulterated tequila from the original tequila. The method could be improved by the measurement of spectral transmittance in the 255 to 405nm wavelength interval. Overall the use of fluorescence spectroscopy is a very practical method in determining the adulteration of alcoholic beverages, specifically tequila.
1.6- Wine fraudulence and the use of SNIF-NMR and Proton NMR to detect it
The main components of wine include acid such as malic acid and lactic acid, alcohol such as ethanol, sugars, tannin and water (Spirits wine cellar, 2016). The most common ways in which wine has been adulterated is through the addition of sugars and watering down the samples, but nevertheless seriously dangerous additions have been made, such as lead salts which clarified and sweetened the wines. This type of practice occurred in France during the 19th century, but as analytical chemistry techniques became more advanced over the years, the adulterations became more refined. It is thought that at least 10% of wines produced in Europe are of lesser quality than what is being indicated on the label, but the taste would not be any different in comparison to high quality wines. Geographical origins are a popular concern in the production of wine and the most common way to establish the origin of wine samples was through stable isotope ratios, due to the isotope ratios varying depending on the country's climate. Site-specific natural isotope fractionization nuclear magnetic resonance (SNIF-NMR) could then be used to determine the distribution of deuterium in ethanol along with the isotope ratio of water, ethanol and glycerol (Lachenmeier, 2016).
Proton NMR has been developed to detect wine samples because of its high sensitivity and its ability to predict the variety of the grapes used in the wine. After a study was carried out by Godelmann et al, a sample of over 600 wines produced in Germany were detected for different grapes such as Pinot Noir, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling and Gewürztraminer which were easily distinguished with 95% accurate predictions (2013).
Figure 7- A proton NMR spectrum showing the separation of peaks depending on the type of acid present. There is a presence of tartaric acid, glycerol, MeOH, succinic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, glucose, GABA, proline and sorbic acid (A-Lachenmeier, 2016) (B-Godelmann et al, 2013).
The method of SNIF-NMR is also useful for analysing beer samples for the distribution of deuterium in ethanol. Although there is a lack of literature for analysing and authenticating beer in comparison to wine, it can be of interest to test it to differentiate certain types of beer or to determine different malt types used in the beer. Other methods apart from SNIF-NMR can be used such as FTIR and Proton NMR. Since beer adulteration is not harmful to a consumer, the development of analysing it has not taken place in recent years and it may remain that way due to the lesser importance of it compared to the authenticity of wines and spirits (Lachenmeier, 2016).
After reading and reviewing various studies on methods for analysing alcohols for adulterants it can be said that different types of alcohol i.e. beers, wines and spirits (such as vodka, rum, tequila, brandy and whiskey), can be analysed using different machines and techniques. Various sample preparation techniques can also be used, and they all have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The techniques that both wine and beer have in common is the SNIF-NMR. It can detect geographical origins and varieties of grapes which was discovered by Godelmann et al, (2013) and Lachenmeier (2016). Beer can be tested using other methods such as FTIR and Proton NMR to distinguish its type and if there may have been brand fraud, but they have not been applied over a large range due to lack of risk factors to humans when looking at adulterated beer consumption.
Vodka and rum can be easily detected using GC-FID or ion chromatography. Compounds such as ethanol, acetaldehyde, chloride, nitrate, n-propanol and iso-butanol were detected using gas chromatography. GC has developed over a period of time, to become more accurate and sensitive, and therefore more acceptable to use for determining alcohol purity. Regarding spirits such as brandy and whiskey, it may be more desirable to use ion chromatography due to its sensitivity and the extensive sample preparation that may not be available with gas chromatography (A-Lachenmeier, 2016), (B-Lachenmeier et al, 2003). Gas chromatography, however, is much more accessible and common for everyday analysis and would be perfectly acceptable to use for analysing the majority of alcohol samples.
Tequila was found to be best analysed using fluorescence spectroscopy. Adulterated tequila could be distinguished from genuine tequila by comparing the wavelengths at which each component in the tequila absorbed at. Although it is a suitable method for tequila, it may also be possible to detect other types of alcoholic beverages by fluorescence spectroscopy (De la Rosa Vazquez et al, 2015).
Sample preparation through SPME, LLE and SPE gave many similar advantages and disadvantages. The advantages included the low cost of the equipment required and the simplicity of the preparation. The major disadvantage concluded was the loss of material. Upon interpretation the SPE method for sample preparation was the best because it required very little solvent compared to LLE and it was inexpensive to carry out. It also gave a higher alcohol recovery in comparison to LLE and SPME in rose-aromatic water (Canbay, 2017). The main disadvantage in relation to SPE is the length of time the preparation takes to complete (Wisniewska et al, 2015).
|-Can detect geographical origin of samples
|-Can take time to carry out investigations
-Has not been developed to detect any other types of alcohol
|-Can detect different types of alcohol, such as beer, to detect any fraud
|-Must be compared to known fingerprint regions
-May require further analysis such as Proton NMR
|-Can easily detect fraudulent vodka and rum samples
-Can be accessible for everyday use
-Requires little or no sample preparation
-Inexpensive to run
|-Can be subject to a limited range in sample analysis
-Requires development to analyse samples such as whiskey and brandy
|Fluorescence Spectroscopy
|-Analysis of results is easily done by comparing wavelengths
|-Research has only found use in analysing genuine tequila samples against adulterated tequila
Table 2- Summary of methods of analysing alcohol samples, giving both pros and cons of each method
Table 3- Summary of sample preparation of GC samples and the pros and cons of each method
|–Inexpensive to prepare
-Portable equipment
-Easy method to follow
-Does not require a lot of time
|–Stationary phase degrades due to high temperatures
|–Equipment used is inexpensive
-It method is easy to follow
|–Solvents used are expensive
–There can be a loss of obtained material
|–It requires less solvent than LLE
-It is inexpensive to carry out
-There is a higher recovery of samples
|–The extraction can be time consuming
-The column can become clogged due to suspension in the sample
Anon (2018). Adulterated or watered-down alcohol – CCPC Consumers, [Online]. Available from: https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/shopping/buying-goods/adulterated-or-watered-down-alcohol/ [Accessed] 19/October/2019
Cargill, (2018). Potable High Pure Alcohol. [Online] Available from: https://www.cargill.com/food-bev/emea/alcohol/potable-high-pure-alcohol [Viewed] 09/November/2018
De la Rosa Vazquez, et al (2015). Detection of Counterfeit Tequila by Fluorescence Spectroscopy [Online] Available from: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jspec/2015/403160/ [Accessed] 27/October/2018
Godelmann, R, et al, (2013). Targeted and nontargeted wine analysis by (1)h NMR spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical analysis. Differentiation of important parameters: grape variety, geographical origin, year of vintage. [Online] Abailable from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23682581 [Viewed] 09/November/2018
Hale Seçilmiş Canbay, (2015). Effectiveness of Liquid-Liquid Extraction, Solid Phase Extraction, and Headspace Technique for Determination of Some Volatile Water-Soluble Compounds of Rose Aromatic Water [Online]. Available from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijac/2017/4870671/ [Accessed] 27/October/2018
Halpin, H, (2018). 'Fatal' level of alcohol can be bought in Ireland for €10. [Online] Available from: http://jrnl.ie/4171223 [Accessed] 09/November/2018
Healthy Ireland Survey, (2015). Alcohol consumption. [Online] Available from: https://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Healthy-Ireland-Survey-2015-Summary-of-Findings.pdf [Viewed] 09/Novemeber/2018
Lachenmeier, D. (2016). Advances in the Detection of the Adulteration of Alcoholic Beverages Including Unrecorded Alcohol. [Online] Available from: AdulterationofAlcoholicBeveragesinDOWNEY2016AdvancesinFoodAuthenticityTesting [Accessed] 19/October/2018
Lachenmeier, et al (2003). The use of ion chromatography to detect adulteration of vodka and rum. [Online]Available from: http://www.ua-bw.de/uploaddoc/cvuaka/ionenchromatographie.pdf [Accessed] 19/October/2018
Shevlin, A, (2009). Pubs 'watered down' alcohol- NCA. [Online] Available from: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/pubs-watered-down-alcohol-nca-1.843254 [Accessed] 09/November/2018
Spirits wine cellar, (2016). Components of wine [Online] Available from: https://www.spiritswinecellar.com/components-of-wine/ [Viewed] 09/November/2018
Tarnovski, G., Hayashi, T., Igarashi, K., Ochi, H. and Matoba, R. (2009). Misidentification of ethyl chloride in the routine GC-FID analysis for alcohol. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19321278 [Accessed] 19/October/2018
The State Laboratory Ireland, (2014). Customs and Excise. [Online] Available from: http://www.statelab.ie/customs.html [Viewed] 09/November/2018
UCLA, (2016). Gas chromatography theory. [Online] Available from: http://www.chem.ucla.edu/~bacher/General/30BL/gc/theory.html [Viewed] 11/November/2018
Wisniewska, P et al (2015). Application of Gas Chromatography to Analysis of Spirit-Based Alcoholic Beverages. Available from: file:///C:/Users/eorms/Downloads/ApplicationofGasChromatographytoAnalysisof%20(1).pdf [Accessed] 27/October/2018


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THE FEAT. – Oneika The Traveler
Today of The Feat. we're featuring one of the top black travel bloggers in the game, Oneika The Traveler.
Traveling is one of those potentially life changing experiences and with black travel on the rise in particular, one needs a guide right? Enter Oneika The Traveler and her amazing blog. It's a travel and lifestyle blog penned by a Jamaican-Canadian who has been to nearly 100 countries. From the Mediterranean to Williamsburg, VA, Oneika has probably been there and can give you all the info and tips you need to get the most out of your trip.
From ideas for adventurous family vacations, to the (not-so-simple) task of traveling with children to girl's weekends and how travel can improve your love/relationship life, Oneika's blog is extremely thorough (she is a journalist after-all and has written for publications like Essense). And she does it for The Culture too exploring African-American history in places like Savannah, Georgia.
Oneika really covers it all and if you are at all curious about traveling, whether it be to somewhere in the states or abroad, this blog will have a useful piece of information for you. So check out Oneika and her blog: http://www.oneikathetraveller.com/
Check out more of The Feat.
- The Feat – Still Processing Podcast
- The Feat – Gettin' Grown Podcast
- The Feat – Divas Can Cook YouTube Channel
Written by @TalentedMrFord
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subset: commoncrawl


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The client is a tutoring service based in Layton, US. They have an eLearning platform that offers tutorials to multiple agencies. The client wanted to reduce manual work and automate order management with Shopify-Odoo integration for different platforms.
One of the challenges the client was facing was that they wanted to integrate the Shopify website with Odoo. Brainivre's experts fulfilled this requirement successfully. We integrated 4 different platforms with the Odoo integration and Shopify website to manage orders easily. Our experts created a Clover-based accounting system and integrated it with Odoo to sync payments.
Another challenge was the client wanted to import and export student data. Our team connected the existing student portal on Canvas with Odoo to import and export student data between the two channels easily.
We also created a new feature called Never Bounce which checks whether the email id entered is authentic. The system will automatically alert the user if the email is going to bounce before it is sent.
"Education is a business that never goes out of work. Establishing an online tutoring service is not only difficult but also essential during this pandemic. Our experts are proficient in working with the education industry and provide tailored solutions to fulfill client needs," said Mr. Chintan Shah, CEO of Brainvire Infotech.
Brainvire also created a separate billing cycle for rehabilitated students. It emphasizes their scoring threshold which was different from other students. This was formulated by working with complex and varied structures. Overall, the Shopify-Odoo integration helped the client to reduce manual work while processing orders to a great extent and made the payments process seamless as well.
About Brainvire
Developing solutions with innovation, usability, and efficiency, Brainvire is one of the top IT consulting firms. With over 19 years of experience and more than 550 employee strength, it strives to create a difference in the society through technology. Having delivered over 1500 projects to its clientele spread globally, it has endured a 95% customer retention rate. Brainvire offers exclusive consultancy services such as Business Intelligence, Digital Marketing, Cloud ERP, CRM for E-commerce, etc. for diverse industry verticals while keeping customer satisfaction as its top priority.
It has earned many accolades such as 'Top IT Services Firm 2020', 'Top Mobile App Developers 2020', and 'Top E-commerce Developers 2020' by Clutch.


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One of the factors of living inside is that at some point, there are funky smells to contend with (especially if you're like us and have kids and dogs), where you will want to take necessary steps to deodorize your home.
Gross smells in your home may be caused by a variety of events, whether its a dirty garbage disposal, lingering pet odors, teenager sports bags, smelly work shoes, stagnant air, mildew in the dishwasher, stale linens, or unexpected outside smells making their way through the windows.
While vacuuming and wiping down your home should be on your weekly schedules, some smells are trickier to remove than others (like pet odors).
While there are many ways to deodorize your home, essential oils are my personal favorites.
** PLEASE NOTE ** Don't be fooled by clever marketing. Not all essential oils are created equally. Make sure you're not wasting your money on fake or altered essential oils (even if they're labeled as "pure essential oil"). Don't miss our explosive report outlining the dirty little secrets of the essential oil industry to ensure you're not wasting your money on brands of oils that legally mislead you through deceitful marketing practices.
How To Use Essential Oils To Remove Odors From Your Home
True naturally made essential oils work differently than the variety of sprays you'll notice at most stores. For one, they don't coat the inside of your nose and surfaces in your home with harmful chemicals that prevent you from smelling odors around you, nor do they contain neurotoxins or other harmful ingredients found in the fragrance composition.
The most effective essential oils to use to ditch unwanted smells are citrus oils. My personal favorites to use are orange, lemon, bergamot, and lime because they have more potency using fewer drops. It only takes a few drops in a diffuser or room spray recipe to have a big impact.
Essential oils made from trees are also great options, such as pine, spruce, tea tree, and fir oils. Peppermint is also a pungent oil that is great for cleansing and brightening up your space.
Plus, the natural cleansing qualities of essential oils actually help keep odors at bay, not just covering them up.
My favorite way to use essential oils is in the diffuser, but you can also add them to your carpets by mixing five drops of your favorite blend with one cup of baking soda. Sprinkle it over your carpet, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then vacuum thoroughly.
Or multiply the blends listed below by 10, and add them to an 8oz glass spray bottle with a pinch of salt, filled the rest of the way with distilled water. Then spray on your drapes, fabric furniture, or linens.
DIY Essential Oil Blends To Naturally Remove Household Odors
We love using these essential oil diffuser air freshener recipes:
Fresh Air Essential Oil Diffuser Blend: 2 drops each of Tea Tree, Lemon, and Lime essential oils
Fall Breeze DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Blend: 3 drops each orange and clove essential oils
Balance In The Home DIY Diffuser Blend: 2 drops each lavender, lemon, and juniper oils
Miracle Monday DIY Essential Oil Blend: 3 drops rosemary essential oil with 2 drops each of lemon and orange oils
Relaxing Bedroom DIY Diffuser Blend: 1 drop vetiver essential oil, 3 drops vanilla oleoresin oil, 5 drops lavender essential oil
Calming Room Diffuser Blend: 3 drops each lavender and frankincense essential oils
Energized Kitchen DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Blend: 2 drops each of lemon and orange oils with 3 drops of grapefruit oil.
Deodorize and Focus DIY Diffuser Blend: 2 drops each peppermint, lemon, and rosemary essential oils
Outside is Inside DIY Essential Oil Blend: 2 drops each basil and rosemary essential oils with 4 drops juniper essential oil
Mood Booster DIY Essential Oil Blend: 2 drops each eucalyptus, orange, and peppermint essential oils, with 3 drops lemon oil
Bright and Sunny DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Blend: 2 drops each lemon and frankincense essential oils and 4 drops of bergamot oil
Tropical Escape DIY Diffuser Blend: 4 drops ylang ylang essential oil with 2 drops each of lemon and copaiba essential oils
Fresh Springtime DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Blend: 6 drops lavender essential oil, 3 drops eucalyptus (radiata) essential oil, and 2 drops lemongrass essential oil
Great outdoors DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Blend: 4 drops black spruce essential oil, and 3 drops each lime and vetiver essential oils
Rainforest Dreams: 3 drops each of tangerine and lime oils, and 2 drops each of lemongrass and peppermint essential oils
We have more DIY blends over on our Springtime Diffuser Blends post, Favorite Fall Diffuser Blends, and many other DIY blend recipe ideas too.
Of course, if you don't want to DIY, there are many pre-made diffuser blends to check out too (including DIY tips on how to make them).
Where to Buy High-Quality Essential Oils
Don't be fooled into purchasing substandard, fake, or counterfeit essential oils using clever marketing and loose labeling laws. Be sure you know about the 10 Dirty Little Secrets of the essential oil industry so you can make the best choice for your needs for in-depth information about why quality matters, how not to be fooled, and what to look for
Warning: DO NOT purchase your oils through Amazon, eBay, Walmart, or similar websites with 3rd party sellers! Many of those oils are counterfeit and may cause health ailments, skin reactions, headaches, and a lot of misery. Most reputable essential oil brands do not allow their oils to be purchased there, so when you do find them (even if the seller appears to be legitimate), they're often fake.
If you're ready to start your essential oil journey, this is our favorite place to purchase from because of their transparency and dedication to doing what is right for their customers and not compromising on their integrity to provide industry-setting quality standards throughout all their products.
More Resources for Naturally Cleaning Your Home
- Is Your Home Toxic?
- Healthy Home, Happy Life online course
- Natural Minimalist Cleaning Tips
- 50 Uses for This 1 Natural Cleaner
- Home Cleaning Kit Review
- DIY Clothes Washer Cleaner
- DIY Wood Cleaner and Polish
If you enjoyed this post, please comment below and share it with your friends and on your favorite Pinterest board to save it for later. Our website team LOVES to hear about your personal experiences and wins using essential oils.
Don't miss out on free essential oils, discounts on essential oil-infused household products, and healthy lifestyle coaching! Join our membership today for product discounts, group support, and complimentary coaching. Or take our complimentary online, self-paced introduction to essential oils course.
Looking for more info about essential oils and adopting a healthier lifestyle? Be sure to check out our Healthy Home online course for tips on how to identify and replace common harmful products from your home.


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Death of a Bachelor
Severian posted a topic in Post Your Original Music!A lot of firsts here: my first time to record, arrange, play drums, use a DAW, play all instruments, mix. I don't care for the song but my daughter challenged me so I used it. Before you critique my guitar playing too harshly remember I like sloppy, lyrical musicians like Jimmy Page, Chet Baker, Andres Segovia. Hope you enjoy.
Hello Everybody! So I finally was able to upgrade to a more decent laptop and I'm moving from garageband to Logic Pro X (choose logic because of similarities with garageband) My question here is, where to start regarding music samples and libraries??? Logic pro has some sounds that come with it, but they don't sound awesome except for the drum sets (in my opinion) I did some research on google and on the forum, and I'm overwhelmed with all the results and sounds, samples and stuff available, from free to expensive ones, I don't know what to do. Of course I'm looking for the free stuff because I don't have the money to spend and because I'm just starting to seriously try to produce my music. I would like to ask for help, if someone could point me to the best free sounds or samples available. What do YOU use? My music doesn't have a genre in specific, I have influences from classical, latin, electronic, rock, pop, and more, so I'm looking for sounds from all "popular" instruments like brass, woodwinds, strings, bass, guitars, and of course synth and electronic sounds too. If there's a thread or discussion with this information that I didn't see, please point me to it. All help is appreciated, thank you for your time and I hope to share my remixes soon. (also need to learn some equalization and masterization, so info on those topics is welcome too)
Hey everyone, so pretty recently I made this 7/4 remix of Dialga/Palkia's battle thing from Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. I used to work in odd time signatures all the time, but with not very good sets of instruments. I kind of stopped doing odd times for a while, but really was inspired with this one so I took a swing at it in 7/4. Let me know what you all think!
El Rosa posted a topic in Music Composition & ProductionI'm looking for sega genesis sounds, specifically sonic 1, 2, 3, 3&k I have searched and searched and I'm kind of frustrated because I can't seem to get anything to work on garageband, because that's the only program I have at the moment. I have found the Ultimate Sega Genesis Soundfont but garageband wont read all the different instruments in the .sf2 file, I need to split the instruments to separate files, but after trying that, they would have no sound. I have searched forums and nothing really helpful either, maybe now that it's the end of 2015 something has changed...? I hope so! If you know something please share it!


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A drug meant to fight opioid addiction is killing children, according to a new report.
Between 2007 and 2016 more than 11,000 emergency calls were made to U.S. Poison Control after a child or teen was exposed to buprenorphine, a powerful prescription drug that helps wean people off opioids, 86 percent of those calls involved children under six, resulting in a total of 11 deaths.
Pharmacist at Remedy Drug, Philip Way, believes part of that reason could be the way it's presented.
"With this drug, the fact that it's a chewable or sublingual tablet that will fast dissolve and some are orange in color and have a flavor, so if kids take one they might take more thinking its candy," he said.
The study was published in the Journal Pediatrics this month and reports that nearly all of the cases involving kids under six were accidental.
"Similar to opioids, buprenorphine can cause respiratory depression or shortness of breath, difficulty breathing so I imaging that effect is magnified in small children," said Way.
Among 13 to 19 year olds, 75 percent of the calls involved intentional use of the drug, resulting in four deaths
"It is out there, it does have a desirable effect to some," said Way.
The rise in pediatric poisonings coincides with the opioid epidemic. The study finds between 2005 and 2010, the annual number of patients being prescribed buprenorphine jumped from 100,000 to 800,000.
"Even though it is intended for opioid withdrawal and to be taken for a short time in most cases, some people abuse it," Way said.
Way wants teens to know the risks and he wants the drug out of reach to kids.
"Keep it in high places, cabinet, with childproof caps," he said.
The study's author suggests changing the way the drug is packaged, such as unit dose packaging that's proven to be child resistant.


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Thanks to those of you who have completed your payment confirmation for the M.O.M. Conference Feb 10-11, 2017 in St. Pete! If you are interested in attending the conference please write us. Space is extremely limited. RSVP only: email@example.com Each Year the Museum of Motherhood works with academic partners and collaborators to create the Annual Academic M.O.M. Conference (2005-2016). Continue reading "M.O.M. Conference Feb. 10-11th St. Pete, Florida"
Tag Archives: historic kenwood arts enclave
A Magnificent Move ~ Featuring Mother The Job [CLICK]
As I settle in the beautiful city of St. Petersburg, I can't help but look around in wonder? After living and working in Manhattan (and nearby Hastings On Hudson) for the last 37 years, Florida is a BIG change! I've only been here for a few weeks, but two of my children graduated from EckerdContinue reading "A Magnificent Move ~ Featuring Mother The Job [CLICK]"


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BRO Recruitment 2022: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) announced the latest notification for the Supervisor & Others. Interested Candidates are requested to use this job vacancy notification for the details of educational qualification, age limit, selection process, how to apply for important dates, and the application form given below.
|Organization Name
|Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
|Post Details
|Supervisor & Others
|Total Vacancies
|Job Location
|All over India
|Apply Mode
|BRO Official Website
Vacancy Details:
- Draughtsman
- Supervisor (Administrator)
- Supervisor Store
- Supervisor Cipher
- Hindi Typist
- Operator (Communication)
- Electrician
- Welder
- Multi-Skilled Worker (Black Smith)
- Multi-Skilled Worker (Cook)
Educational Qualification:
|For All Post
|Candidates must have passed a 10th, 12th, ITI, Degree or the equivalent from a recognized Board or University.
Age Limit:
|Minimum Age
|18 Years
|Maximum Age
|25 Years
Salary Details:
- Draughtsman: Rs. 29,200 – 92,300/-
- Supervisor (Administration): Rs. 25,500 – 81,100/-
- Supervisor Stores: Rs. 25,500 – 81,100/-
- Supervisor Cipher: Rs. 25,500 – 81,100/-
- Hindi Typist: Rs. 19,900 – 63,200/-
- Operator (Communication): Rs. 19,900 – 63,200/-
- Electrician: Rs. 19,900 – 63,200/-
- Welder: Rs. 19,900 – 63,200/-
- Multi-Skilled Worker (Black Smith): Rs. 18,000 – 56,900/-
- Multi-Skilled Worker (Cook): Rs. 18,000 – 56,900/-
Selection Process:
Candidates will be selected based on the,
- Written Test
- Physical Efficiency Test
- Practical Test (Trade Test)
- Interview
Application Fees:
|Gen/ OBC/ EWS Candidates
|SC/ST/PWD Candidates
How to Apply for Offline Mode:
- Log on to the official website www.bro.gov.in
- Go through the recruitment notification and ensure the candidate fulfills the eligibility criteria & also the notification link is given below.
- Download the application from the given link or from the official website to fill out the form in a prescribed format.
- Candidates sent the application form to the specified address mentioned in the official notification
Important Instruction:
- Candidates must enclose their attested photocopies of educational certificates, CV, envelope, and ID proof (if required, mentioned in official notification)
- Incomplete applications or applications received after the due date, will not be considered.
- "Commandant GREF Centre, Dighi camp, Pune – 411 015."
Important Dates:
|Starting Date for Submission of Application
|16 August 2022
|Last Date for Submission of Application
Important Links:
|Short Notification Link
|Click Here
|Notification & Application Link
|Click Here
|Detailed Notification Link
|Click Here
|Date Extended & Vacancy Increase Notification Link
|Click Here


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EFPI Director Kristi Raik spoke about Estonian-Finnish foreign policy cooperation at a joint seminar of Riigikogu, the Parliament of Estonia, and Eduskunta, the Parliament of Finland, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.
The seminar was opened by Speaker of the Eduskunta Paula Risikko and President of the Riigikogu Eiki Nestor.
Filed under: News


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Live updates and more videos
What's new: Total removal of clutter and 'unnecessary flower beds and paving surfaces'
Blythwood footpath cracked after cracks emerged. Photograph: Philip Toscano/PA
Total removal of the detritus on the footpath … we will be leaving it up to the community to add the new ground covers and plants.
Blythwood footpath after work was done. Photograph: Gemma Kappler/Alamy
After the concrete came away, the cracks in the brickwork became even more pronounced. Anyone with bad experience of tarmac would be very confident of driving down the path, but if there was rain it would gradually develop cracks that could happen to any surface.
Since the bricks were removed the cast iron spans of the wall have since developed cracks. There's a scab on the top section of the wall. I don't know what we're going to do with this.
Total removal of the detritus … we will be leaving it up to the community to add the new ground covers and plants.
This section of the path has been completely cleared of all dirt and debris. I can't speak for the future of the wall, however. I haven't looked at this wall from a geotechnical angle.
Despite the grout, the concrete walls of the wall have now had time to settle. There's damage on the eastern part, probably due to the original cracks. The south wall is fine, and the concrete wall will continue to serve as a pedestrian route.
I am going to be using this route during the day quite a lot, and would like to give feedback. If you wish to discuss the improvement of the Blythwood path please email me at [email protected] or contact my local MP, Sarah Teather, on 020-7865 3908.
Carpet/flex wall repairs due to washboard bricks that had deteriorated, been removed and then grouted (surface dust removed from each area), and wall tiles replaced.
The washingboard bricks are being carefully placed in position and then grouted with refined brand marks.
Status on repair: all parts repaired, and the mortar is holding well.
Asha Ji. Photograph: Sitthixay Ditthavong/Reuters
Tenacity and determination: bike lane reinstated
Bike lane with a bright pink stripe. Photograph: Sarah Lee for the Guardian
It took a weekend's effort, but the team have had the bike lane working at night and on Monday morning – The Fixer is a privilege to help keep our communities clean, well cared for and safe for all to enjoy.


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Renewable Energy
Cut-down Bills & Maximize Returns on Renewable Energy Investment with ACT
In today's era of continuously exhausting energy resources, it's high time for you to take a step towards adapting renewable energy for your residential and commercial infrastructures. Shifting to renewable energy resources not only helps you cut-down electricity bills but also increases your infrastructure value and makes it energy independent. Benefit from maximized return on your renewable energy investment while creating a positive environmental impact with ACT!
With our partner GreenTech Solar – The Caribbean's Premier Renewable Energy Provider, ACT is dedicated to helping residential and commercial infrastructures in Antigua & Barbuda and other Caribbean islands achieve economic and environmental sustainability using renewable energy. ACT offers 3 types of renewable energy solutions – Solar, Wind, and Energy Storage Battery Systems.
Why ACT for Renewable Energy Solutions: Our Proven Process
With our premium partner – GreenTech Solar, ACT can help at every step of your Renewable Energy transition journey. Right from consultation, meticulous system design, and installation to inspection, maintenance, and more, ACT can do it all! Here is our proven process of renewable energy deployment in your residential and commercial structure.
In this stage, ACT helps you to understand the impact, shifting to single or all of the renewable energy solutions, can have on your residential or commercial infrastructure.
We assess your infrastructure to find the most profitable and optimal renewable energy solution for your project.
Based on our assessment, ACT shares different renewable energy solutions along with their estimated price proposals with clearly defined return on investments as per your project requirements.
Once you select the renewable energy deployment option shared with you, an official agreement is signed and the design process begins.
In this step, our highly skilled professionals design the renewable energy system you agreed upon, while ensuring compliance and profitable deployment, for your project requirements to ensure multiple decades of smooth usage.
ACT helps take care of all the approvals required for your renewable energy project – Government, Regulatory as well as Utility.
Our skilled professionals complete the installation of the renewable energy system in your infrastructure. Enjoy low bills with always available and independent renewable energy source while creating a positive impact on the environment.
Energy Storage Battery Systems
Featured – Insights
DIA vs Broadband – Which is Right for your Business?
A lot of businesses across the globe today are going to go obsolete without an internet connection. Having a reliable internet connection is vital to the business, its performance, and its scalability. The majority of upcoming startups and small businesses may not be aware of the difference between dedicated Internet and broadband, aka a shared […]
How to Choose the Right IT Partner for Your Business?
Technology powers every business. Be it a simple retail store or a huge B2B business, technology services and products not only create a smooth customer experience but empowers businesses to function more efficiently than ever! But here's the thing. Everything about technology keeps changing. You need to be versed in the latest trends and industry […]
Benefits of Including a UPS in Every Electrical Job
No matter which industry your business functions in, electricity powers every essential and non-essential aspect of your offices. As such, it becomes important to ensure complete and reliable power backup to these pieces of machinery or electrical appliances of a typical office. Besides, it is super important for electrical contractors to ensure that their work […]


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Disney gave a sneak peek at how AI will make its way into its theme parks at SXSW
This past Saturday, attendees of this year's SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas who made their way to JW Marriott downtown were treated to a unique presentation by Disney.
SXSW is known as the festival that explores the area between culture and technology and obviously the Mouse House is a player in that space with everything from movies to theme parks. Specifically, the Disney execs wanted to share what might the future of how artificial intelligence (AI) might further their theme park attractions.
"I think AI and machine learning is going to be very important for what we do," said Jon Snoddy, who serves as Senior Vice President for Research and Development at Walt Disney Imagineering at the presentation. "Things like characters that can move around among our guests. They're going to need to understand where they're going, have goals, and they're going to have to know how to navigate in a world with humans. All these emerging technologies are going to be key to the next generation of entertainment."
During the presentation, Snoddy shared a sneak peek of a "secret" Imagineering project that was an example of what that future might look like. It was an Audio-Animatronic of Pascal, the pet chameleon of Rapunzel from "Tangled". Like most of Disney's robotic figures, he looked incredibly lifelike. Unlike the other figures, however, he reacted to his surroundings.
While a photo was released of the Pascal figure (above), no video was released of him working or of the presentation. However, footage of a similar test using similar technology already debuted late last year.
Much of the excitement that has come for the upcoming opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney Animal Kingdom Park in Florida has been because of this Audio-Animatronic of a character from the movie. The lifelike nature of the figure and reactions she gave are pretty convincing and captivating.
Imagine now the same figure carrying a conversation with you in the park. And we're not just talking about asking where the bathrooms are either. Let that sink in.
While AI and machine learning are still in its infancy, the ability to have figures like Pascal and this Na'vi in theme parks might be here quicker than we think. Beyond that, we could even see the same technology used in consumer products for our home or office. Who says you can't have Pascal help make you better decisions on what to eat or even who you should love?
With the incredibly vast amount of resources and incredible talent at Disney, that dream might come true very soon!


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Fast Tracking Mindfulness — Is There a Connection between Intermittent Fasting and Greater Consciousness?
Fasting has become popular as a weight management technique in recent years, but for centuries, extended periods of abstinence have been part of religious and spiritual practices in both the West and East. For example, Catholics avoid meat during Lent, Jews fast on Yom Kippur and other holidays, and Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan. Buddha is believed to have undergone extreme fasting before attaining enlightenment, and today, Buddhist monastics avoid food after midday.
There's a difference between fasting and starving yourself, however. Fasting is part of a day where there is minimal calorie intake. It's generally understood to last a minimum of 12 hours. Not eating for more than a day isn't advised because your body needs food to keep functioning as intended. But when approached sensibly, fasting can have many mental and physical benefits.
Fasting for Weight Control
Consuming fewer calories than usual can help control weight by forcing your body to burn stored fat. But, additionally, intermittent fasting speeds up your metabolism (as opposed to starvation, which slows it down). It assists your digestive system in working more effectively and processing food more efficiently. Fasting lowers insulin resistance, avoiding fluctuating energy levels and reducing the risk of type II diabetes.
Fasting for Improved Cognition
When you fast, your body has to process ketones in the absence of readily available sugars. Ketones promote a metabolic process that leads to the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that is instrumental in supporting cognitive function. It helps prevent the death of brain cells and promotes the growth of new neurons and synapses. Alzheimer's, obesity, and depression have all been associated with low levels of BDNF, so maintaining healthy levels is recommended.
Fasting for Longevity and General Health
Studies have shown that people and communities that fast regularly tend to live longer. It's most likely because denying the body food for extended periods forces it into regenerative mode. Dead and damaged immune cells are expelled and replaced by healthy ones, while the toxins that get stored in fat are released and disposed of. Additionally, fasting may reduce inflammation, lower the risk of heart disease, and alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal illnesses.
The Multiple Ways Fasting Encourages Mindfulness
But perhaps one of the most effective ways fasting can change our lives is the mindfulness the practice encourages. Fasting is about listening to the signals from our bodies, minds, and environments, then choosing how to respond. Here are six ways that fasting can improve our mindfulness.
1. Awareness of Our Relationship to Food
Without even knowing it, we absorb others' attitudes toward food and eating, which is not necessarily in our best interests. For example, rather than eating when we are hungry, we eat at socially acceptable mealtimes — hungry or not. Or, we eat to solve an emotional need rather than a physical one, such as when we're stressed or upset. For many people, food has become either a reward or a punishment. Fasting forces us to acknowledge our hunger and spend time understanding its causes.
2. Gratitude
The option of eating whatever and whenever we like is a privilege that's denied to the hundreds of millions of people living in poverty globally. The challenges in willingly denying ourselves sustenance can remind us how lucky we are to have that choice. Fasting can remind us that the abundance of food in our lives is a relatively new phenomenon in the history of humanity.
3. Compassion
If we become truly grateful for the ready availability of food in our lives, we naturally empathize with those for whom this is not the case, as well as with those whose relationship with food is more complicated. How much more difficult must eating be for those living with eating disorders?
4. Our Appreciation of Food
It may surprise you how much better food tastes after fasting. You will be able to savor the flavors of even the simplest of foods and truly appreciate your meal. You will also become more conscious of how your body reacts to different foods, such as how processed foods can produce sugar rushes and what foods keep you feeling satisfied for longer.
5. Our Connection to Food
Along with understanding how your body responds to different foods, you will likely develop a closer connection to your food sources. For example, do you know where your food comes from? Who has made it? And do the ethics of its production align with your own?
6. A Simplified Life
And finally, fasting can help us live less complicated lives. Imagine one less meal to prepare or never needing to worry about what's for dessert. As we connect with our bodies and our food, shopping becomes simpler and more community-focused. We create less waste and need less storage. Depending on your current habits, you may spend either more or less time cooking — but it will be a more mindful process either way.


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CITY OF DELAVAN -- The City of Delavan Police Department has asked the Walworth County Sheriff to investigate one of their own.
The police chief tells TODAY'S TMJ4 charges are pending against Lieutenant Todd Wiese for strangulation, battery and disorderly conduct against a female acquaintance while off-duty inside his Delavan home Saturday.
Many in the community we spoke to Wednesday want to know why they are only learning now what happened last week.
- Statement on Lt. Wiese facing charges
- School officials address teacher sex scandal
- Sheriff calls Avery documentary one-sided
"It's horrible, makes me question what kind of police force do we got?" said Bob Penniman, Township of Delavan resident.
"A police officer...we're supposed to look up to them is my feeling," said Eileen Hoover, City of Delavan resident.
"Big surprise I would say, because that doesn't happen here," said Brigitta Penniman, Township of Delavan resident.
There's no word on when Todd Wiese will be officially charged. The Walworth County Sheriff's Office is handling the criminal investigation, while Delavan Police are also conducting an internal investigation. Wiese was booked in the Waukesha County Jail, and posted a $10,000 signature bond Monday, pending official charges.


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Monday, 29 July 2019 — Hotel Novotel Dakar, Senegal
Thursday, 1 August 2019 — Hotel Novotel Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
Monday, 5 August 2019 — Accra Marriott Hotel, Accra, Ghana
Thursday, 8 August 2019 — Hôtel Résidence la Falaise, Douala, Cameroon
Attendance is free of charge, however only registered and confirmed delegates will be admitted.
Alternative residence and citizenship programs have become a significant aspect of private client legacy planning. In many respects, alternative citizenship is now considered a valuable and strategic asset for talented and wealthy individuals and their families who want to operate globally, reduce their exposure to risk, increase mobility and open up new opportunities for personal and business growth.
Against this backdrop, Henley & Partners is proud to host its inaugural series of Global Citizenship Seminars in West Africa this August. The tailored program will provide an outlook on the investment migration industry with a focus on obtaining a second passport to ease global mobility.
Have one of our qualified advisors contact you today.


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It's no surprise that the calendar gets a year older given a certain period of time, but yet we look to signify it as moment of change in our lives. Just for Laughs on MyNation takes a look at how celebrations change through the stages of a person's life
Well, we've gotten through another year, somehow. Struggles, joys, achievements, failures all of the parts and parcels that we've had to endure and carry with us. It's time to look ahead to a New Year. While we gear up to celebrate the new year, Just for Laughs on MyNation section would like to highlight how the New Year is celebrated at different stages of our lives.
From watching fireworks, to "getting wasted" as a teen, hanging out at major parties as a middle-aged person, we all have gone through or will go through these different stages of celebrations, at one point or the other.
Though it's good to reminisce, we need to be in the moment lest it flies past us before we know it. Here's wishing you get through the last few days of 2019 and that the New Year brings about a great change for the better. But whichever year we find ourselves in, may we all act our age, within bounds of reason, of course.
Last Updated Dec 30, 2019, 1:00 PM IST


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Marshall University President Brad D. Smith today announced two senior-level university administrators will assume new roles in his administration, effective July 2.
Bruce B. Felder, director of human resources, has been promoted to serve as the university's inaugural Chief Talent and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Virginia R. "Ginny" Painter, currently senior vice president for communications and marketing, has been named Chief of Staff.
"The evolution of the university's organization structure, which includes the announcements we're making today, allows for realignment of existing resources and permits the university to develop new areas of emphasis and focus," Smith said. "Both Bruce Felder and Ginny Painter are forward-thinking, strategic-minded individuals who are perfectly prepared to help lead Marshall in these new capacities."
Felder joined Marshall in 2014 as director of human resources after seven years at Cabell Huntington Hospital as manager of human resources. He earned a bachelor's degree from Marshall in 2002 with a double major in business management and management information systems. In 2007, he earned a Master of Science in strategic leadership from Mountain State University. In 2022, he graduated from Tulane Law School with a Master of Jurisprudence in labor and employment law. He is certified as a senior professional of human resources (SPHR) and has earned multiple certifications in human resources, leadership, and management. Felder is also a military veteran, having served in the Army National Guard. He received the Bronze Star Medal in 2006 for his achievement in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
With more than 30 years' experience in higher education and government communications, marketing and administration, Painter was named to her current position as senior vice president in 2014. Her leadership includes service at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the University of Charleston, Marshall University Research Corporation and as deputy commission of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Painter received several awards from the West Virginia chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, and she was honored with the Distinguished West Virginian Award by Governor Joe Manchin in 2009 for her work on the new West Virginia State Museum. In 2018, she received a Women of Marshall Outstanding Achievement Award from the Marshall University Women's Center and Women's Studies program. She has a bachelor's degree in public relations from Marshall and a master's in business administration from the University of Charleston.
In addition to the realignment announced today, the university has launched national searches for several other top-level spots to replace individuals who have previously announced their intentions to retire, have been serving in an interim capacity or are assuming new roles in the university.
- Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
- Chief Information Officer
- Chief Financial Officer
It's expected all of the new positions will be filled by late September.


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The defending 4A State Champions, The Magruder Colonels, hosted The DeMatha Stags who came off of a decent season last year. Early off in the game the Colonels and Stags were neck and neck. Midway through the first quarter senior point guard #10 JJ Epps sparked the Colonels with consecutive buckets giving his team a slight lead over the Stags and entering the second quarter with momentum. Throughout the second the momentum for the Colonels was a boost at their team starting capitalizing on mistakes by DeMatha. Senior Guard #5 Nick Griffin heated up from the perimeter hitting a few 3 pointers and shots from the arch, helping his team maintain the lead. Guard #10 JJ Epps continued to be a problem for the Stags with his explosive play, he seemed to be too good of a shooter to play off of and too fast to play up tight on.
Throughout the second half junior guard of the Stags #4 Corey Henson continues to keep his team in the game with big-time jumpers from the arch. Also freshmen guard #1 Alani Moore and sophomore guard #2 Terrell Davis continued to keep their team in the game with steady play throughout the third quarter. Entering the 4th quarter the second half had pretty much been one-sided going the Colonels way but the Stags continued to make a push with clutch jumpers by the 6'6 freshmen Guard #25 Joe Hampton and senior guard #3 Linwood Tiffin, as the game got down to the last few minutes the Stags couldn't stop the Colonels from getting to the free throw line and were out rebounded. Final score 69-65 Colonels
Final Score Magruder HS 69 DeMatha HS 65
Story by Devaunte Morgan
Photos taken by Jeffrey Vogt of the event can be viewed and purchased at


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New Resource Bank
New bank in California's heart of innovation to foster clean energy through capital.
New Resource Bank has partnered with SunPower, producer of the most efficient commercially available solar panels, to provide solar financing for homeowners. The innovative financing can be obtained through a simplified one-step process for homeowners. Homeowners get solar energy by paying a monthly bill that is close to or potentially less than their current electric utility bill. The program is custom designed to create the lowest monthly cost possible and takes advantages of existing rebate programs and tax incentives. Solar power becomes more accessible and an easier decision because homeowners do not have to re-allocate resources other investments like retirement savings and stocks and bond portfolios. Since launching the program in December 2006, the bank has received dozens of applications and has approved a number of loans.New Resource Bank has also rolled-out another innovative financing program that provides interest rate discounts and greater loan-to-value to green building projects. The Bank will provide a 1/8th percent discount on loans to green leadership projects in the commercial or multi-unit residential sectors. Even relatively small projects will enjoy tens-of-thousands of dollars in savings. To provide further incentives for developers, the bank will help boost the financial return of green buildings by providing more ?money.? For example, instead of providing a typical construction loan of up to 75% of appraised value, New Resource Bank will fund up to 80% loan-to-value (LTV) for projects that are designed and built to green leadership criteria as established by the US Green Building Council. However, the bank is open to alternative approaches to demonstrate green design excellence. Green buildings can provide significant energy savings as well as potential health benefits for its owners and occupants. Green buildings financed by the bank include a LEED-for Homes construction project in Martinez, California as well as smart growth and transit friendly projects in Berkeley, Oakland and the Sonoma wine country. New Resource Bank's office has been built to the standards of a LEED-CI Gold certification. This level of high performance utilizes advance lighting and sensing systems (motion and photo sensing), high efficiency water-sourced heat pumps, daylighting and the extensive use of renewable and recycled materials.
Individual customers get easier access to clean solar energy or greater incentives to build green. Depositors also get to channel their money towards financing sustainable resources while having funds in a safe and sound banking environment.The society benefits increased use of renewable energy and buildings that are more energy efficent and environmentally responsible.The economy benefits the growing penetration of new technologies that produce environmental benefits while creating economic value.The environment benefits lower carbon emissions via renewable energy production and energy efficiency.
The bank works with private equity and venture capital firms to provide financing and banking services that will help grow a new generation of more attractive clean energy products and services. The bank also works with partners to provide education and information to community clients on the benefits of clean energy. For example, bankers at New Resource Bank have brought conventional clients to green building conferences and seminars to show how green can be beautiful, strong and marketable. The education and information in some cases has created a change in interest towards clean energy or energy efficiency options.
The bank has completed the financing of a number of solar installations in California. The bank is also currently funding green building projects (Intended LEED-Home project in Martinez, California and smart growth projects in Berkeley, CA , Oakland, CA and Healdsburg). The bank is also providing financing to Solaria, a company that is commercializing a new photo concentration supercell that will make photovoltaic systems more efficient and thus lower the cost of energy.
The bank's green business clients are selling products and options that are healthier, more sustainable and more efficient. By channeling depositor resources towards financing sustainablity, the bank efficiently and safely allows capital flows to support entrepreneurs that postively impact the environment and our society.
The bank provides a unique option to help channel resources for clean energy. Bank depositors have a no-risk or low-risk option to directly impact the growth of clean energy projects or businesses.


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Tbilisi - Ananuri-Chargali-Barisakho-Datvijvari-Shatili-Crypts of Anatory-Mutso-Shatili-Mtskheta-Tbilisi
About tour
Khevsureti/Khevsuria is a historical-ethnographic region, it is located in the northeast of the country, carrying the traditions of one of the birthplaces of Georgia. Medieval castles, beautiful nature and a heightened sense of local pride are the calling card of this region.
Hidden in the mountains, this corner is actually isolated from civilization, but mother-nature still leaves us the possibility to visit this beautiful part of the country and share the local traditions. The history of Khevsureti is immemorial , its art is unique, nature - stunning, traditional beer - unforgettable.
You will have the opportunity to see all these beautiful things and feel the real spirit of the country from our proposed tour. The tour also includes a visit to the old and new capitals - UNESCO Heritage Mtskheta and also visiting the beautiful Tbilisi.
Buy tour online
For additional information Contact us


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Bihar vs UP, Which State has handled COVID better?
There are a lot of arguments on which state is handling Corona better. Overall, there is a consensus that 3 states are doing a poor job – Delhi, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. However, there is still no clarity on which States are doing the best. We do a head to head analysis to see which State is doing better. So far we found
- AP outperforming UP
- Assam Outperforming Odisha
- Karnataka and Kerala were tied
Now we look at Bihar and UP, the two poorest states in the Country. We look at 4 metrics.
1.Cases Per Million
UP: 68 per million
Bihar: 62 per million
Bihar Wins. However if one adjusts for Testing, UP has performed better, so UP wins this one
2.Deaths Per 1000 Cases
UP: 29 per 1000 cases
Bihar: 6 per 1000 cases
Bihar Wins
3. Deaths per Million
UP: 2 per Million Citizens
Bihar: 0.35 per Million Citizens
Bihar Wins
4. Test per Million
UP: 2339 per Million Citizens
Bihar: 1189 per Million Citizens
UP Wins
This one ends in a tie, while UP does a better job on Testing and Cases, Bihar does a better job in controlling fatalities.
Caveats: Population figures were from 2011.


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Splendid Home Monterey Duvet Set, Full/Queen
- Cotton
- CRISP, CLASSIC, BEAUTIFUL — A classic chevron pattern comes to life in the beautiful Monterey Collection from Splendid. Tufted cotton details paired with loose-hanging tassels to give this set textural interest, complemented by a soft taupe color.
- LUXURIOUS COTTON CRAFTSMANSHIP — The face of this set is made from a wonderfully tactile tufted cotton, while the reverse features 100% cotton percale for crisp cool comfort every night.
- DESIGNED BY SPLENDID — From bedding to towels, Splendid creates luxury products that fit seamlessly into your life. With an emphasis on styles filled with color, softness, and a hint of playfulness, Splendid s well-made items that are casual, yet polished.
- FULL DESIGNER SET — This set includes one full/queen duvet cover (92ʺW x 96ʺL) and two standard zippered shams (20ʺW x 26ʺL).
- MACHINE WASHABLE — Machine wash cold, gentle cycle with like colors. Tumble dry low.
Splendid Monterey Bed Set
Astonishingly soft comforters and duvet covers featuring a tactile tufted cotton design
About Splendid
At Splendid we believe that people should cherish every moment. Live it up. Laugh out loud. Play a little. We believe that home is truly where the heart is and that you should be able to bring a little piece of it with you everywhere you go. That's why what we create fits seamlessly into your life. Filled with color, softness, and a hint of playfulness. It's casual, but polished. So no matter what you're doing, your home always looks as good as you feel in these moments.
Artistic Design. Superior Craftsmanship.
A classic chevron pattern comes to life in the beautiful Monterey Collection from Splendid. Tufted cotton details give this set textural interest, complemented by a soft taupe color.
The Monterey Collection is made with 100% yarn-dyed cotton and framed with loose, decorative tassels and puffs for a bohemian touch.
Whether it's a comforter or a cover for your duvet, this collection from Splendid seamlessly adds charm and elegance to the bedroom.
- Comforter or Duvet
- Shams
Sublimely Soft. Elegantly Charming.
Charming Detail
An elegant chevron pattern comes to life in the form of intricate tufted cotton that adds depth and interest to this beautiful fabric.
100% Cotton Craftsmanship
This fabric features a soft and playful tuftedcotton on one side and a smooth solid cotton percale on the reverse.
Complete Bed Set
Rest in absolute comfort and bliss with a set that includes a comforter or duvet, and enough shams to fit any bed from a twin to a king.
Intricate Designs
Whether it's a detailed bedspread, a soft throw blanket, or a colorful sheet set, Splendid's wide assortment of luxury bedding brings a sense of casual elegance to bedroom.
Fringe Pillow
Shag Pillow
Embroidered Pillow
|Washed Percale Sheets
|Embroidered Pillow
|Fringe Pillow
|Shag Pillow
|Face Material
|Cotton Percale
|Cotton Voile
|Cotton Yarn Dyed Stripe
|Tufted Cotton
|Fill Material
|Multiple Sizes
|Multiple Colors


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Monday, 11 April 2011
Pour Out Some Liquor
Little needs to be said about Eminem's mentor and best buddy. I will say, however, that somewhere in The Pirahna Tank I have some tapes of Em and Proof actually freestyling (i.e. off the top rhyming) on Westwood and Proof absolutely smashes it. I was never a big fan of D12's music, but as a solo artist Proof was pretty slept on.
Posted by Enlish at 05:00
Labels: Music, Pouroutsomeliquor
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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We're your Western U.S. destination! Browse or search our parks below:
Proximity to Trinidad Harbor, great restaurants nearby, fire rings & picnic tables, clean cabins & courteous hosts with a desire to make your stay a warm, memorable experience. Most of all, we offer you the opportunity to slow down and get in touch with those you love.Learn More Call now
Nestled among the pines, Leisure Time RV Park is located halfway between Humboldt and San Francisco off of Highway 1. Located in Northern California, Leisure Time RV Park offers a variety of natural wonders and historic sites for those looking to get away and explore the beauty of California's North Coast area. Our park caters … ContinuedLearn More Call now
Conveniently-located near Highway 101, Mad River Rapids RV Park offers affordable rates, full hook-ups, level paved pads, and a picnic table at every site. Enjoy beautiful surroundings, lush landscaping, sparkling heated pool (seasonal), game room, playground, fully-stocked mini-mart, and proximity to shopping and dining in this one-of-a kind natural wonderland in Arcata. Bring your family, bring your pets. Work remotely with our FREE high-speed internet, while the youngsters play in the pool or activity room.Learn More Call now
Get ready to create memorable experiences, for you and your family. Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort is surrounded by natural beauty, from the rolling hills to lush greenery, and packed with activities everyone will enjoy, including the family pet. Whether you're staying overnight or spending the day, we're glad you chose Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort to spend quality time with your family.Learn More Call now
At the northern-most edge of Hill Country, Possum Kingdom Lake meanders through miles of dramatic scenery. Petey's Possum Kingdom is the newest RV Resort on the beautiful countryside to overlook the lake!Learn More Call now
Off the beaten path, yet near the beach, the caves, kayaking, shell-collecting, surfing, fishing, and all the reasons you come to California's Central Coast. It's beautiful here. It's natural. And it's just perfect for you. Come in your RV and stay as long as you like – you don't have to leave. Month-long stays are available in Paradise.Learn More Call now
Placerville RV Resort & Campground is the premier RV resort in the Sierra Foothills! Bring your family and four-legged companions to the perfect vacation destination.Learn More Call now
Sheltered in a canyon on the "port-side" of the Pacific Ocean, Portside RV Park is a clean, well-maintained, privately owned park. Located on the southern Oregon Coast in the port city of Harbor, OR. Portside RV Park is known as the "Gem" of Harbor.Learn More Call now
Ramona Oaks RV Park is one of San Diego's best RV Camping secrets! Nestled in the gently sloping foothills of San Diego County, RVers absolutely love vacationing at our park amongst the live oaks, pepper trees, eucalyptus, succulents and flowers. Many animals such as deer, rabbits, turkeys, ducks, wood pecks, and humming birds also make … ContinuedLearn More Call now
Red Bluff RV Park is open year-round and is nestled in beautiful Red Bluff, California just minutes from the Sacramento River and right by the I-5 Freeway. Our meticulously landscaped RV park is a full-service RV community and our large accommodating RV sites offer exceptional value at great rates perfect for short term, long term … ContinuedLearn More Call now
Winnemucca, a historic gold-mining town, is surrounded by the high desert and the breathtaking mountains of northern Nevada. Just off I-80, you'll be greeted with friendly smiles and many modern amenities, including the most advanced Wi-Fit in town, a convenient work station, and a fully stocked General Store with RV supplies.Learn More Call now
Whether you are looking for a home while stationed at Dyess Air Force Base or you're a vacationer who wants to 'hang up his hat and set a spell,' we offer the ideal solution. Tye RV Park offers the best value in West Texas, FREE WiFi, and FREE laundry! Stay a night or stay a month. Heck, stay even longer. You can afford it!Learn More Call now
At Winnemucca RV Park, we've designed our RV Resort to be an ideal comfort zone between adventures! Conveniently located just a few hours from Reno, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, Winnemucca is a celebrated hotspot, known for being "half-way to anywhere you want to be!"Learn More Call now


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- melissafretwell
Every business has a great story to tell, it's just how you tell it right?
What if you could tell your story in a multi-sensory way? Why that would be something. We got just a little bit excited about the prospect of collaborating with Natural Beauty & Fragrance Expert, Author, Teacher and elderflower cordial lover, Karen Gilbert. If you have ever harboured a desire to create your own bespoke fragrances for friends or for business, check out her online courses here.
As lifelong fans of natural artisan perfumery, we can personally vouch for the sheer joy they deliver.
If a picture tells a thousand words then a scent must tell a million. Scents are the only sensations that travel such a direct path to the emotional and memory centres of the brain. When you think of this in terms of branding, it's a powerful addition to the standard audio visual toolkit. If your business just so happens to be a natural beauty product or perfume then the scope for stories to unfold, are seemingly never ending, like Alice down the rabbit hole. Creative bliss.
On the 18 June at 4pm BST (GMT +1) our founder, Melissa Fretwell will sharing a free masterclass drawing on her knowledge and creativity from far too many years of storytelling at UKTV and Channel 4, to explain how to transform the thing you are selling into a brand that finds a place in the hearts of your consumers.
If you're curious about how you can build your brand narrative to guide all your marketing decisions then this could be heaven sent. Discover different ways to tell your story tailored to the media your target consumer loves. Buckle up, we're on for one heck of a fragrant ride!


text: Olaplex 20% OFF at Space NK August 19, 2021 Luxury hair care junkies, load up your carts & get ready to stock up on your favorites! Save 20% OFF Olaplex at Space NK, but act fast because this deal is ending soon! FREE SHIPPING applies on all orders $49+. No.7 Bonding OilNOW $22.40 (reg. $28) No.3 Hair PerfectorNOW $22.40 (reg. $28) No.4 Bond Maintenance ShampooNOW $22.40 (reg. $28) No.5 Bond Maintenance ConditionerNOW $22.40 (reg. $28) Ends at 11:59pm ET on 8/23.


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Dr. Julie Minnix
Dr. Julie Minnix was born in Northern California but raised in Reno, NV. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. She briefly attended the University of Nevada, Reno to complete the prerequisites for optometry school. She then attended Illinois College of Optometry for her doctorate degree. After this, she completed a primary care residency at the VA Hospital in Reno, NV. Dr. Minnix is board certified in the treatment and management of ocular disease.


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It's not exactly a catfight, and even calling it that is a no-no. But certain lionesses of culture and politics are growling, hissing, spitting and scratching at one another. Some of the growls are fiercer than others, but there's anger aplenty.
Barbra Streisand, the dowager songbird of Hollywood, is out promoting and hyping her new protest album, "Walls," and building walls of her own. She's making catty and condescending remarks about women who don't agree with her politics. Explaining Hillary Clinton's failure to break the glass ceiling in 2016, she falls back on the old complaint thrown at the suffragettes, that since women don't have minds of their own, they would just vote like their husbands, so who needs them?
A lot of women vote the way their husbands vote," Streisand told the London Daily Mail, explaining why Donald Trump won. "They don't believe enough in their own thoughts." Adding insult to intimidation, she further explained that Clinton, "so articulate, so experienced and so fit for the presidency, was too intimidating." It's hard to unpack her logic, but she's accusing women voters of not only being unable to think for themselves but also being driven by their emotions and feelings of inferiority. Where have we heard that before? She just doesn't understand why every woman doesn't think like she does.
The remarks invited a Twitter tornado from women saying she was "gender shaming" and telling her they won't be tutored by a left-wing Hollywood celebrity whose husband no doubt votes the way she does. Is he intimidated by her success? If she's so upset by walls, some of them suggest, she could tear down some of the high fences that protect her glamorous houses, whose taste and style she set out in a coffee-table book. Most stinging of all, others recall how she kissed up to Bill Clinton after he was credibly accused of rape.
A lot of women voted for President Trump, flaws and all, because he was not Hillary Clinton, whose flaws they found greater, more numerous and more offensive. Barb doesn't run in circles where she's likely to meet and greet them. Her new album, critic Armond White observes in National Review, finds her "preaching from the high tower of self-involved, high-minded people who have had their worldview shaken by democracy itself -- the will of an electorate that dares to differ from Streisand's own high-flown preferences."
Another expression of women's issues that sets women against women comes in a particularly nasty way. Teresa Shook, founder of the Women's March that first put leather to pavement on President Trump's Inauguration Day, is criticizing those getting ready for their third march in January. She calls for the four leaders of the march to resign. She accuses them of enabling "hateful" and "racist" rhetoric inspired by anti-Semitism and homophobia to infiltrate the movement.
She cites the close connections of Tamika Mallory, one of the four, to Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, whose hateful speech against Jews is compounded with other vicious bigotries.
The criticism of the Women's March leadership has accelerated in the past eight months since she attended the Nation of Islam rally and applauded Farrakhan's remarks.
Mallory recalls that she was supported by Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam from childhood. "He is definitely the GOAT," she says, meaning the "greatest of all time."
Farrakhan identifies Jews as his enemy, telling them, "it's God who put you in the ovens," and saying, "It's the wicked Jews, the false Jews, that are promoting lesbianism, homosexuality ... that make it a crime for you to preach the word of God." Whew.
That should invite the strongest denunciation from any women's group claiming moral leadership, but it doesn't. Leaders of the Women's March point out a few mild differences with Farrakhan but offer no condemnation. One leader even blames "white supremacy" for suggesting that the women should condemn his wickedness. "As a Muslim," says Linda Sarsour, "I know all too well that I am expected to answer for other Muslims actions when white folks never have a second thought about having to do that -- this is a feature of white supremacy."
After the four leaders of the Women's March returned their founder's fire and she described them as "the mean girls," the four decided on a softer approach, saying, "We are deeply sorry for the harm we have caused." Their apology sounds more like they wanted to reset their image for public approval, not disconnect from the Nation of Islam. Will Louis Farrakhan suddenly morph from their GOAT to their scapegoat?
That may depend on which lioness cage is most rattled. None of them should expect a lullaby from Barbra Streisand.
Write to Suzanne Fields at firstname.lastname@example.com. Suzanne Fields is currently working on a book that will revisit John Milton's "Paradise Lost."


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Electric keyboards range from simple, inexpensive learning tools for music students to multi-thousand-dollar instruments for professionals on tour. But if the keyboard's AC power cord doesn't provide current, you won't be able to use it. The lack of power could indicate a major problem with the keyboard, but it also could be a minor problem easily fixed with some basic troubleshooting.
Check the AC adapter connection on the back of the keyboard and secure any loose connections. Most AC adapter cables detach from the keyboard as well as from the wall outlet, so check the connection at both ends.
Plug the AC adapter into a different outlet to check for a "dead" outlet. If you have the keyboard plugged into a surge protector, move the AC adapter to a different slot on the power strip or bypass the power strip by plugging the adapter directly into an AC outlet.
Purchase a universal power supply and attach it to the keyboard and an electrical source. If the keyboard powers on, use the store-bought AC adapter instead of the factory adapter. If there is still no power, the keyboard likely needs to be serviced.
Writer Bio
Eoghan McCloskey is a technical support representative and part-time musician who holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and political science from Texas State University. While at Texas State, McCloskey worked as a writing tutor at the Texas State Writing Center, proofreading and editing everything from freshman book reports to graduate theses.
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Escorted Mustang Parade through St. Charles beginning on Cedar Street at Baker Memorial Church
facing east towards Rt. 25 and taking a lap to River Rockhouse
4:00 pm until dark
Please complete the form below to register
We want to see the street filled with Shelbys, Mustangs, Cobras, and Lightnings! There will also be room for other makes and models.
We will have cash prizes and 8 trophies:
Commemorative dash plaques will be provided for all contestants.
Motorcycle parking available on Walnut Street.
Judd Nilles & Denna Wells
(847) 812-1534
Site Design by Stellar Edge PR
For commercial and residential disaster restoration and cleaning services for the Chicagoland area, contact www.invisoservices.com


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Deported amid coronavirus: US sends Guatemalan family home to face new threat
As the plane descended into Guatemala City, María tried to calm her six-year-old niece. "Mami, I feel like I'm falling," the girl told her from the window seat next to her. María, 26, was scared too, and not just because this deportation flight was her first time in the air. They were returning to Guatemala – the country they had fled after a gang murdered all their living relatives.
The pair had been reunited in a Phoenix-area airport just a few hours before, nearly a year after border officials at an Arizona port of entry separated them. María had raised her niece as a daughter since the girl was an infant. But border officials did not recognize them as a family unit and sent the girl to foster care in New York and María to an immigrant detention center in Arizona.
María, who could not shake the memory of her little girl being ripped out of her arms, had waited a year to hug her niece. They both wept. The moment was bittersweet.
María and her girl landed in Guatemala as the coronavirus was taking hold in countries around the world. On the day of their deportation flight, the World Health Organization declared the rapidly growing outbreak a pandemic.


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Chief Risk Officer
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Jin Yuen Yee was appointed Chief Risk Officer in April 2020. He heads the overall risk function for GIC, and oversees the implementation of risk policies, manages significant risk issues from investments and operations. Prior to this, he was Deputy Chief Risk Officer and Director of Risk and Performance Management Department. Since joining GIC in 2002 as a portfolio manager in Foreign Exchange, Mr Jin has held several roles such as Head of Treasury and Currency Management, Head of Real Return Programme, Head of Fixed Income Global Macro, and Head of Fixed Income Macro Research and Strategy. Mr Jin served as the Senior Special Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief Investment Officer from 2015 to 2017. Mr Jin serves on the Temasek Polytechnic Board of Governors.
Mr Jin holds a Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, a Master of Science in Wealth Management from Singapore Management University and a Master of Engineering from the Technical University of Berlin.
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