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In the wake of drug price regulator NPPAs move to cap stent prices, various major healthcare companies have requested the NPPA to allow them to withdraw their latest stents from the Indian market stating commercial unsustainability.
The introduction of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the late 1970s revolutionized the management of stable and unstable coronary artery disease, providing an effective, quick, safe, and increasingly widely available method for coronary revascularization for many patients. Over the last four decades PCI has come of age with enormous forays in technology and drugs which have greatly enhanced its capability. Rapid development in this field led to the introduction of a number of new technologies, including coronary stents that have resulted in improved efficacy and long-term safety.
The development of stents has drastically reduced target-lesion restenosis rates associated with percutaneous coronary angioplasty. Contemporary coronary stent technology continues to seek to improve on the outcomes of the preceding generation of devices by refining their design, structure, and component materials. These technologies include new generations of drug-eluting stents (DES), nonpolymeric stents, bioresorbable polymer-coated stents, and fully bioresorbable scaffolds.
The dreamlike remarkable reduction in in-stent restenosis (ISR) with DES was enthusiastically welcomed. The noninvasive procedure offered by DES is gaining popularity. Currently, PCI with DES is the most commonly employed modality in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease. The rising demand of minimally invasive procedures and increasing number of PCI are driving the coronary stent market worldwide.
Indian Market
The Indian coronary stent market was valued at Rs. 3557.7 crore in 2016 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, predicts Future Market Insights. Demand for coronary stents is currently witnessing robust growth in India, mainly due to FDA approval for new stents and increasing number of PCI procedures in hospitals.
The market is mainly dominated by MNCs, accounting for the largest share of 70 percent. Rising health consciousness and increased healthcare expenditure are expected to drive the market in the near future. Macroeconomic factors such as favorable government reimbursement policies and increase in FDI in healthcare sector are further projected to drive the growth of the market. Other prominent growth drivers include rapidly growing medical technology industry and rising affordability of CHD treatment. However, lack of a well-established distribution channel associated with increased overall cost associated with it, will in turn negatively impact the overall adoption of stents in the country.
The drug-eluting stent product type segment is expected to exhibit the highest growth over the next 10 years. The bare metal stent (BMS) segment is expected to exhibit stable growth till 2026 and is mainly attributed to emergence of new and effective stents in the market.
Pricing Policy
On February 13, 2017, India's National Pharmaceutical and Pricing Authority (NPPA) made a landmark decision to fix price ceilings for coronary stents, which had been placed on the National List of Essential Medications (NLEM) in July 2016 by the health ministry. The recent decision by the NPPA precipitated immediate price cuts of up to 85 percent in some cases. According to a notification on NPPA's website, the ceiling price of bare metal stents has been fixed at 7260 and 29,600 for DES(USD 108 and USD 444, respectively). The order was brought into effect immediately, which meant that distributors and hospitals that had stents on their inventory would make a significant loss, as they would have bought these at the previous higher prices.
The medical device industry has opposed the NPPA notification, claiming it will kill innovation and slow down development of advanced stents. The Association of Indian Medical Device Industry also criticized the move, saying that the notification will rob local device manufacturers of opportunities.
According to industry experts, higher-end and sophisticated models will disappear from the market, and consumers will be left with only those models that can be profitably sold at the capped price. Furthermore, experts believe that such a regulation might lead to flooding of substandard products. Companies will chose to focus on other markets and will withhold launching newer and more sophisticated products in India. It will also stifle any form of innovation by domestic producers.
Right on cue, three major companies, Abbott, Medtronic, and Boston Scientific, have requested the NPPA to allow them to withdraw their latest premium stents from the country stating commercial unsustainability. The companies are disappointed that the government has not fixed prices of old and new technology of stents separately. Such withdrawal from the MNCs will create severe shortages for advanced stents.
Global Market
The global coronary stent market is expected to reach USD 10.31 billion by 2021 from USD 7.16 billion in 2016, reflecting a CAGR of 7.6 percent, predicts MarketsandMarkets. The growth of this market is mainly driven by technological advancements, increasing number of PCI procedures, rising burden of CAD, increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures, and rising geriatric population.
The market is highly fragmented with several big and emerging players. The market players are focusing on product innovation and geographical expansion to augment market share in emerging markets such as Asia-Pacific and are expanding their manufacturing facilities and distribution network to gain a larger share of the global market.
Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic, and Boston Scientific Corporation emerged as the global market leaders and are estimated to hold more than 70 percent revenue share of the global market in 2016. Other key players include Biosensors International Group, Biotronik SE & Co. KG, B. Braun Melsungen, Terumo Corporation, Stentys SA, MicroPort Scientific Corporation, Meril Life Sciences, Vascular Concepts, and Translumina GmbH.
Technological innovation, new product launches, collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions are other key strategic initiatives undertaken by the companies. For instance, in July 2016, Abbott Vascular launched one of the world's first biodegradable stents Absorb GT1 BVS. This initiative is anticipated to increase market penetration in this vertical.
Technology Trends
New stent technology is evolving at a dizzying pace. Even cardiologists may have trouble keeping it all straight. Since the first implantation of a coronary stent in 1986 and the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for a coronary stent in 1994, medical and technological advances have brought pioneering transformations. These include the establishment of newer stent designs and the development of a variety of coronary stents, including BMS, DES, and fully bioabsorbable stents.
Bare-metal coronary stents made of stainless steel, cobalt, chromium, or other metals were the first introduced to the market. Although bare-metal stents are still used in some centers, significant concerns remain regarding the high risk of restenosis and stent thrombosis. The big advances came with the development of DES that reduced the risk of arteries re-narrowing to 10 percent and revolutionized the treatment of PCI.
DES. Although, all DES have the same general components, they differ with respect to the stent design, polymer coating, and the drug. Currently available DES, with reduced strut thickness, enhanced biocompatibility of durable polymers or biodegradable polymers, and newer anti-proliferative agents have better efficacy and safety compared to early DES and BMS. DES are now available using updated polymer technology. These new polymers appear to cause less inflammation, and allow better tissue healing at the site of treatment. It is believed that they substantially reduce the risk of late thrombosis. These stents – which are generally referred to as second-generation stents –now find widespread use around the world.
Nevertheless, once thought to be the solution for restenosis, DES are now faced with their own challenges of late stent thrombosis. This has renewed interest in designing a better coronary stent. Newer third-generation stents, including stents with biodegradable polymers, polymer-free stents, and biodegradable stents, are the novel frontiers.
Bioresorbable stents. One of the big advancements in DES technology has been the development of bioresorbable polymers that disappear and leave behind a bare metal stent. This engineering was done to solve ongoing issues in some patients, whose vessels do not tolerate the anti-proliferative drug-carrying polymers well, resulting in chronic inflammation.
BVS. These fully BVSs or biodegradable stents present a promising alternative in the future to overcome the problems of metallic DES. The development of completely biodegradable stents where the entire stent is reabsorbed and eventually disappears altogether, is a major breakthrough in coronary stent technology. Several versions of these stents have been developed, and are in active clinical trials. In July 2016, the U.S. FDA approved the first absorbable stent for arterial disorder. BVS has added advantages of restoring vasomotor function, expanding future treatment options, and helping avoid future complications with permanent devices.
Road Ahead
The coronary stents are technologically driven medical devices undergoing continuous upgradations and advancements. Many permutations and combinations of technological factors differentiate coronary stents amongst each other. Currently drug eluting stents (DES) have reached a high degree of sophistication where there seems very little scope of improvement. Even so every year or so there is some advancement in technology and a new generation is released.
However, despite all advances made in stent technology, it has been found that there are still complications arising from arteries' re-narrowing, and those complications can be abrupt, leading to sudden and potentially fatal heart attacks. The pursuit for an ideal DES system is still ongoing. As stent technology is evolving, newer stents are being developed with the intent to have better efficacy, safety, and performance; and it seems likely that sooner or later stents will be available that come close to eliminating both restenosis and thrombosis.


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Screen Sharing in Voximplant
Screen Sharing allows you to share information on your screen during a call. You can share the entire screen or one of the active windows.
The best way to understand any functionality is to build a simple demo application. Let's create a demo app that allows username1 to make a video call to username2 and, during the call, users can share their screen with one another. The demo app has three video blocks: the first one is for your own video stream, the second one is for the incoming video stream and the third one is for viewing locally what is being shared.
To simplify the process, we will use our video chat demo as a boilerplate. You can follow the link and copy whatever piece of code you want. So let's do it!
- Screen Sharing is available via VoxImplant WEB SDK only [at the moment].
- The participant who starts sharing the screen (the initiator) should use Chrome or Firefox. We recommend using the latest browser versions.
- IMPORTANT: if the initiator uses Chrome, a special screen-sharing extension must be installed.
- IMPORTANT: You should load your application over HTTPS (it also applies to localhost and dev environment). You won't be able to share your screen in the apps loaded over HTTP, you will only be able to view the other participant.
1. CHROME EXTENSION (not actual as of February, 2019)
Get the extension template from the repository: https://github.com/voximplant/voximplant-chrome-extension
Go to the folder with the Chrome extension. Open the manifest.json file and add your website to the matches section.
Then, in the address bar on a new tab, type chrome://extensions to open the Extensions page. Select the Developer mode check box to enable loading extensions from a folder. Finally, click Load unpacked extension or drag the folder with extension onto the page to load the extension. The new extension will be displayed on the page.
IMPORTANT: If you want to change manifest.json again (for example, add another test server), you should also change the version parameter, namely increase its value. Then remove the extension from Chrome and add it again.
Great! Now you have a developer version of the extension for debugging and experimenting. However, your future users won't be happy to install the extension in such a way. That's why you should publish your extension in Google Web Store. For details, see the official documentation.
First and foremost, you need to create a new VoxImplant application called videochat at https://manage.voximplant.com/applications, its full name will look like videochat.youraccountname.voximplant.com.
When you create an application, click on it and switch to Scenarios. Here, you have to create a backend JS scenario, let's call it simply forward. It could look like this:
That's it, really! It's just one smart helper function that will handle all the operations to connect two users.
Now you should create a new rule in your VoxImplant application using the new scenario. Go to the Routing tab of the application, name a new rule as intercom and leave the call pattern as default ( .* ).
Note that the application should have at least two active users, for example, username1 and username2. You can create them in the Users tab of the application.
From this step, we need to remember:
- Full name of the application (videochat.youraccountname.voximplant.com)
- Usernames ( username1, username2 )
- Passwords for usernames ( passw0rd )
Tip: If you are confused about the concept, check these articles:
Your first VoxImplant application
Remember that we are building a simple but user-friendly prototype that's why we could use frameworks. So, let's create index.html with mounted libraries: Bootstrap, JQuery and supporting scripts. See the index.html code here: https://github.com/voximplant/videochat/blob/master/WebApp/index.html
Note that in HTML we use two local CSS files have been mounted: css/bootstrap-dialog.css and css/app.css. We've added them to make the application more user friendly. You can copy their content from the repository.
To start using VoxImplant Web SDK, make sure that you've added the JavaScript library in <head>:
<script src="//cdn.voximplant.com/edge/voximplant.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
Then start writing the JS code for the application.
See the key pieces of code below, they are pretty important. The wholelisting is available at the GitHub repository.
4.1 Initialize the SDK using a new instance:
4.2 Add a minimum number of handlers to provide the correct initialization:
// assign handlers
voxAPI.on(VoxImplant.Events.SDKReady, onSdkReady);
voxAPI.on(VoxImplant.Events.ConnectionEstablished, onConnectionEstablished);
voxAPI.on(VoxImplant.Events.ConnectionFailed, onConnectionFailed);
voxAPI.on(VoxImplant.Events.ConnectionClosed, onConnectionClosed);
voxAPI.on(VoxImplant.Events.AuthResult, onAuthResult);
voxAPI.on(VoxImplant.Events.IncomingCall, onIncomingCall);
voxAPI.on(VoxImplant.Events.MicAccessResult, onMicAccessResult);
voxAPI.on(VoxImplant.Events.SourcesInfoUpdated, onSourcesInfoUpdated);
4.3 Login function
Do you remember the username(s), application name and passwords from paragraph one? You will definitely need them to use the application.
We need to add two buttons to turn ScreenSharing on/off and then make them work.
So, add the handlers with the shareScreen() and stopSharingScreen() methods to the corresponding buttons, that's it. Note that calling shareScreen(true) allows the initiator to view what is being shared.
Now you could check the whole demo app code here. Bear in mind that you should insert your own values (see paragraphs 2 and 4.3).
- Upload the files from the WebApp folder to your web server and open index.html#accname=YOUR_VOXIMPLANT_ACCOUNT_NAME in your browser. Note that if you are using a local web server, the browser link will be like this:
- Open your awesome demo app on two different devices.
- Allow access to your microphone and camera.
- Sign in as username1 in one demo app
- Sign in as username2 in the other demo app
- In demo app 1 where you're logged as username1, type username2 in the @Username field, then press Call. Wait a little while the video call is being established.
- When the video stream starts, you can click Share Screen. Then a window will open in your browser prompting you to choose which screen/window you want to share. Choose the screen/window and click Share.
- The other participant will see your screen/window. You will also be able to see what you are sharing at the moment.
- To stop sharing the screen, click Stop Sharing. The screen sharing will stop immediately.

subset: commoncrawl


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There are times in our lives when we are challenged by our circumstances to closely consider what we observe around us. As software testers, we are asked to test for or validate a truth that is unencumbered by idealism or preference. We endeavor to witness and measure an objective success or failure of things. In some cases we find ourselves being tested as well.
In my own work as a tester I have stumbled upon an implied test requirement or a false test result that indicated evidence of something fishy. Other times I have been invited to participate in optimization of the performance for a system that delivers unethical, immoral, or even illegal outcomes or impacts. In these cases, much like the countless times I have witnessed another person running a red light at an intersection in the middle of the night, I found myself as the person having to decide whether or not I would "run the red light" under the same circumstances.
I can tell you that every time I faced a decision not to proceed or engage or continue, I faced that decision alone.
Alone and with very few alternatives to consider. It is with rare exception that I have found any support for my position when I expressed refusal to test or optimize a system that I knew was unethical, unfair, immoral, or illegal. Many times I found that in my departure from such situations, the team replaced me with a resource who would have less resistance or conscientious objection to the situation.
Even with the recent adoption of "standards of business conduct" policies at companies I have worked with, they still leave considerable room for interpretation on internally managed situations. They prefer to focus on the governance of externally visible behaviors and risk mitigation.
Additionally, in our contemporary society -- particularly with the from-the-ground-up effective influence of the recent Occupy movements against large corporations and Wall Street institutions -- I'm curious about software testers who were on the job, validating the calculations, batch jobs, data transformation routines and application business logic that led to the foundation for the scrutiny these corporate entities are presently under.
I'm curious if there was a tester like me inside these companies who was alone in their protest or refusal to comply.
I want to propose a change.
I want to invite testers to request that their employers add a statement of ethical discernment to their contracts. And here is why:
1) individuals should not be subject to explicit or implicit manipulation by a greater organization against their will
2) individuals who muster the guts to pursue the truth objectively deserve the respect and support of the greater community
3) individuals who suffer the chilling effect (like SLAPP litigation) as a result of their testing efforts should be fully empowered and informed about their rights
I'm proposing a type of protection that would be inherently granted to software testers simply due to the value of their disposition around the relentless pursuit of the objective truth.


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South Africa
Kenya Tanzania Wildlife Beach Holidays
Indian Ocean Holidays Tours
Discover Mozambique
Exotic Seychelles holiday
Discover Seychelles
Exotic Mauritius holiday
Discover Mauritius
Zimbabwe holiday Safaris
USA- Road Trips
Train Trips
Luxury Cruises
Road Trips
Train Trips
Luxury Cruises
Domestic Holidays
Christmas & New Year Holidays
Mauritius - Easter Holiday
International Trips
Luxury cruises
Road Trips
Corporate Travel
Incentive Trips
Team Building
Train trips
Honeymoon Packages
Nairobi Excursions
Mombasa Excursions
Nairobi / Mombasa Beach
Short Road Safaris - Mombasa
Zanzibar Excursions
Nairobi Airport Hotels Road Transfer
Marilyn and Joe from United Kingdom
Marilyn and Joe – Uk
Marilyn and Joe from United Kingdom requested for their wedding to be organised in the bush among the wild. Leading Expeditions got this rare opportunity to plan for all this in the month of March 2005.
…." We organised for this in a six month period. It was way beyond my expectations", exclaimed Marilyn.
Marilyn is escorted down the isle by the father and traditional dancers
Marilyn is escorted down the isle by the father and traditional dancers shortly before they tied the knot with Joe Bradshaw.
Marilyn and Joe Bradshaw are seen in an embrace shortly after their wedding from a wildlife sanctuary in the bush.
Left photo , Jeff, the Liason officer, (Right) is seen receiving visitors from Safari. Looking on is tour driver David.
Laura and Eddy (Australia)
"….We came to Kenya and went to Tanzania for a 6 days safari via Leading Expeditions. Everything just worked as was planned and there were no disappointments. David had our answers at the fingertips. …the drives to the parks were spectacular.
I can entrust David with my car. He is such a careful driver. ….and on coming back to Kenya, Jeff was there to meet us.
I would recommend Leading Expeditions safaris to anyone wishing to adventure… "
left, Jeff, the Liason officer, (Right) is seen receiving visitors from Safari. Looking on is tour driver David.
Sten & Forsberg
Jeff is seen bidding farewell to Sten & Forsberg after a successful 2 weeks safari "..today I'm back from Kenya !
I must say that Leading Expeditions / Jeff is very good at organizing nice Safaris !
We have had 2 super weeks in Kenya, both at the coast and some Safari (Maasai Mara and Amboseli)
Best regards, Sten Forsberg
Right,Jeff is seen bidding farewell to Sten & Forsberg after a successful 2 weeks safari
Christian Heymans – Belgium
"I came back last Tuesday in Belgium after 2 weeks in Kenya. ….the organization (Leading Expeditions) was very good and correspond exactly with what they proposed in the initial offer, ( no bad surprise ) I was based in Mombassa and not in Nairobi and i visited the park Tsavo-east and Tsavo-west.
I had a short safari ( 4 days), I was happy of my safari, but if you have the choice, try to see Masai Mara, the tsavo park is very big and it is some time difficult to find the animals."
Christian Heymans – Belgium


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Listen to spiritual icon Ram Dass as he shares stories from life, talks about his new book, and continues inspiring people to live to their full potential. The author of the popular book Be Here Now will discuss his own spiritual journey, from working with Timothy Leary at Harvard to meeting his guru, Neem Karoli Baba. The special three-hour interview with Oprah Winfrey will include a full showing of Fierce Grace, the documentary that illustrates how his faith helped him recover from a massive stroke.
The interview will be shown as part Oprah's Super Soul Sunday this Sunday, April 22 at 11 a.m Eastern Time (ET). The interview will be simultaneously broadcast on Oprah Radio at Sirius 204 and XM 111 on Sunday and replayed again on Monday, April 23 at 6 a.m., 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET.
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Archive for Uncategorized
Critics of Asheville Mall Plan Weigh InPosted by: | Comments
Asheville City Council delayed action on approving a redevelopment proposal for a section of the Asheville Mall that includes the now-defunct Sears building. The $45 million dollar project would include retail space, a movie theater and more than 200 units of housing.
Critics of the project say it lacks the streetscape and infrastructure needs of the area, as well as for the anticipated addition of new residents.
The redevelopment plan reflects a national trend that's been called the "death" of American shopping malls. It even has its own hashtag — #deadmall. Suburban retail has largely fallen out of style in the last decade, due to increasing online sales and a generational shift toward walkable, urban communities. That's left many cities including Asheville facing the question of how to repurpose massive vacant department stores, like Sears on Tunnel Rd.
Property Tax Tip of the DayPosted by: | Comments
If you are considering the acquisition of a recently completed property in SC, make sure that the assessor's office has assigned a taxable value to the building before closing the deal. You lose the potential 25% tax exemption if there is no taxable value to compare the sales price with.
Beaufort Medical Office Building SoldPosted by: | Comments
Fairfield Advisors facilitated the sale of the Jenkins Medical Office Building located in Beaufort, South Carolina. The medical building, which sold for $10.6 million, totals 51,000 square feet and was built in 2000. Beaufort Memorial Hospital and the Medical University of South Carolina are the anchor tenants in the MOB. Both executed long term, NNN leases as part of the sale transaction.
"Fairfield managed a highly focused campaign to maximize the proceeds for the seller of the Medical Office Building," said Greg Trainor, Managing Partner with Fairfield. "The sellers were able to execute new leases with the anchor tenants which made the MOB that much more of an attractive acquisition for the new owner. Fairfield worked within its network of buyers on an off-market basis in order to achieve the results set forth by the sellers".
Connectivity a Goal of Columbia DevelopersPosted by: | Comments
As Columbia's historic communities and neighborhoods continue to attract redevelopment, industry leaders think that growth could serve as connective tissue linking the region's economy.
A four-person panel of developers, architects and real estate professionals talked about the area's challenging tax structure and the attributes that separate Midlands markets from competitors such as Charleston and Greenville during the Columbia Regional Business Report's Power Breakfast event on Thursday.
One area seeing steady growth is Cottontown, a section of downtown across Elmwood Avenue where new shops pop up regularly along North Main Street and its arteries. One of the businesses the area attracted is architecture firm Studio 2LR, which relocated to a building built in 1938 at the corner of North Main and Confederate Avenue in 2016 after 10 years in the Vista.
"It's perfect for what we want to do," Lyles said. "The attractiveness is the neighborhoods, the costs, and there are some really cool buildings. There's a lot of good things going on out there."
Considering a Property Tax Appeal?Posted by: | Comments
It is that time of the year. Property tax bills will be arriving shortly, which generally leads to property owners wondering if they are being assessed fairly. I can help analyze your commercial real estate or high-value residential property tax bill to determine if an appeal is warranted.
Call me and let's see if we can get that property tax bill reduced.
Michael Dodds, MAI, CCIM (803) 960-8783
Why Hire Out-of-State Property Tax Consultants?Posted by: | Comments
I get that it is easier to deal with a single point of contact for property tax representation, but some of these national companies do a poor job on properties less than $1.5 million. I recently handled a successful appeal for a community bank and during my research discovered many other branch banks that are over-assessed. When I reached out to the real estate manager for a regional bank, I was told that a firm out of Dallas handles their property tax work. That firm probably does a decent job on the bank's $40 million headquarters building, but they aren't going to make the same effort on a 4,500 square foot suburban branch bank. They just aren't. If you manage a bank's real estate, I would welcome the opportunity to review your property list. I am very confident that I can reduce your property taxes.
Michael Dodds, MAI, CCIM (803) 960-8783
What do Tire Manufacturers Look for in a Site?Posted by: | Comments
Did you know that the tire manufacturing process is very sensitive to dust? Manufacturers like to have a buffer between the facility and an interstate and want to be in a low lying area with minimal wind. While appraising a manufacturing facility this week, I watched a tire be made in 52 seconds.
Which Broker Marketing E-mails Do I Open?Posted by: | Comments
I don't know how many property marketing emails you get per day, but it is probably a substantial number. I simply can't look at them all, and I doubt that you can either. I would be willing to bet that the emails that show the city and state clearly in the subject line get opened more often. I welcome your feedback at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Michael Dodds, MAI, CCIM
HFF Announces Sale of Industrial Facility in the Triad RegionPosted by: | Comments
HFF announces the $6.7 million sale of a 107,480-square-foot, fully occupied, industrial building located at 4160 Mendenhall Oaks Parkway in North Carolina's Greensboro-Winston Salem-High Point area, which is known as the Piedmont Triad (or Triad).
The HFF team represented the seller, a partnership between a private company and Somerset Properties. Dalfen America Corp. purchased the asset.
The multi-tenant building serves as the headquarters for two of the three tenants. The building was constructed in 1997 and features 24-foot clear heights, 16 dock-high positions, two drive-in doors and the ability to add additional loading via 14 knock-out panels. The 4160 Mendenhall Oaks Parkway building is situated within the master-planned Mendenhall Business Park, which is located near a network of major transportation thoroughfares, including Interstates 40, 73 and 85, which is the industrial backbone of the Southeast. Additionally, the building is centrally positioned within the Airport/West Guilford submarket, the largest and most sought after industrial submarket in the Triad, and less than 10 miles from the Piedmont Triad International Airport.
The HFF investment advisory team representing the seller consisted of senior managing director Chris Norvell and director Patrick Nally. HFF is also representing the seller in marketing the remainder of Mendenhall Business Park, which consists of four single-story office buildings and two multi-story office buildings.
NAI Avant Closes ±20,791 Square Foot Industrial SalePosted by: | Comments
NAI Avant has announced the sale of ±20,791 square foot of warehouse space at 4335 Augusta Highway in Gilbert, South Carolina. Senior brokers Nick Stomski, SIOR and Rob Lapin represented the seller, Branning Property Management, LLC. Robertson Family Holdings, LLC purchased the property for $935,000.
The property features two buildings, totaling ±20,791 square feet of office and warehouse space, on ±5.45 acres of land. Building 1 consists of ±8,991 square feet of professional office space while Building 2 consists of ±11,800 square feet of office and manufacturing/lab space.
Vista Capital Management Awarded Management ContractPosted by: | Comments
Vista Capital Management Group has announced that it has been awarded management of three multifamily communities totaling 400 units. The communities, Cameron Courts Weldon Heights, Linwood Terrace, and Mountain View, are located in Gastonia, North Carolina. Formerly public housing properties, Vista Capital will oversee their conversion to low income housing tax credit communities.
While already established in Hendersonville, Vista Capital is proud to expand their reach further into North Carolina with the addition of these 400 units in Gastonia. Managing a portfolio in excess of $250 million, Vista Capital Management provides property and asset management services throughout the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana.
Texas Roadhouse Ground Lease SoldPosted by: | Comments
Berkeley Capital Advisors has announced the sale of the Texas Roadhouse Ground Lease in Aberdeen (Pinehurst Area), NC for $2.03MM. Located at 1301 North Sandhills Blvd., Texas Roadhouse had 10 years remaining on the lease at time of sale. The 1.22 acre site is improved with the 6,150 square foot Texas Roadhouse restaurant, which was built in 2012.
Steve and Ransome exclusively represented the seller in the transaction.
S.C. Hotels Post Strong Occupancy and RevPAR FiguresPosted by: | Comments
Statewide revenue per available room increased 2.2% in December 2017 for S.C. hotels and grew 4.6% for the year, the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism said Wednesday.
RevPAR, as the tourism impact indicator is known, stood at $43.12 in December. The annual increase outperformed both national (3%) and South Atlantic regional (4.6%) averages.
State parks also saw a revenue increase in December and for the year. Compared to a fall/winter of 2016 affected by Hurricane Matthew, state parks revenue rose 18% in December and 18.3% year-to-date. Compared to revenue averages, the yearly increase was closer to 4%.
Three of the state's major airports ended 2017 with year-to-date increases in deplanements, led by Myrtle Beach International Airport's 16.7% jump. Myrtle Beach saw a 21.9% deplanement rise from December 2016 to December 2017.
Flagship Properties Announces TransactionsPosted by: | Comments
Flagship Properties has announced the following transactions:
- Josh Tew and Caldwell Johnston, of Flagship Properties, represented the landlord in the office lease of 2,000 square feet to Everest Counseling Associates at 880 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Suite F.
- Josh Tew, of Flagship Properties, represented the landlord in the flex-space lease of 5,200 square feet to Handeck Investments LLC, at 2421 New Easley Highway, Suites A and C.
- Caldwell Johnston, of Flagship Properties, represented the landlord in the flex-space lease of 2,500 square feet to Flowerlina LLC, at 4013 Pelham Court in Greenville.
Joyner Commercial Announces TransactionsPosted by: | Comments
Joyner Commercial, the Commercial Division of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner Realtors®, has announced the following transactions completed by its team of commercial real estate professionals.
Matt Carter, CCIM and Craig Leduc represented the Seller, in the sale of a 15,000±SF office building at 135 Edinburg Ct in Greenville, SC to MB4 midtown LLC.
Joe Teague and Hays Reynolds represented the landlord in a lease, 900± SF office suite to Creative Engineers at 330 Pelham Rd Suite 102 Greenville, SC
Joe Teague represented the landlord, in a lease of retail space of 1,500±SF at 1791 Woodruff Rd Suite B to Local Map Co. in Greenville, SC.
Bryon Culbertson represented the owner, OHI Assets in a sale of 9,000± medical building at 721 W. Curtis St Simpsonville, SC to Lakefield Properties LLC.
Michael Joseph represented the buyer, Mr. Simmons in a sale of industrial land at 301 Woodruff Rd in Greenville, SC.
Nelson Garrison represented the seller and buyer of a 1.4 acres lot with a flex building for use of Terminix Services at 3608 Fernandina Rd Columbia SC.
Bryon Culbertson represented the Tenant CCFT Rapid Ready LLC in a lease of 1,200± office space at 413 Vardry St Suite 7 in Greenville, SC.
Wayne Smith represented the Tenant Units Mobile Storage of Greenville LLC in a 16,000±SF office building Lease at 308 Pennsylvania Ave Greer, SC.
Greg Huff represented the owner in a sale of a 3,750±SF brick building at 523 Sulphur Springs Rd in Greenville, SC to LaMesa Del Padre Church.
Bryon Culbertson represented the Landlord NV LLC and Tenant ProConsultants of a lease of 2,270± SF office space at 213 Bulter Rd Suite D in Mauldin, SC


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CNA's have knowledge and clinical training with Alzheimer's, Stroke , Dementia care and other special needs. Care needs range from a few hours a day to round the clock care.
CNA's can provide assistance with activities of daily living such as personal grooming, assistance with bathing, dressing, incontinent care, ambulation and transfer assistance, medication reminders.
Through companionship and conversation, CNA's strive to make life simpler and more enjoyable for the elderly. Graduate students can work as companions to give patients the comfort and attention they deserve.
Duties include providing a safe and healthy environment, Meal planning and preparation, Light housekeeping including linen changes, laundry, trash removal, transportation to doctor's appointments, meetings, religious services, shopping, errands such as grocery shopping, prescription pickup, outings. New graduates can also provide companion services during hospital stays.
Patients and Residents deserve to experience the ultimate in care and companionship!
The demand for CNA and In home Caregivers has grown year after year. Our capable graduate students at legacy career institute fill staffing needs all over DFW. Our emphasis is on placing our students in great work environments where they will gain experience and understad the value of the service they provide .
Focusing on quality service and personalized care, our students provide short and long term services. Students staff hospitals, nurisng homes, long- term care facilites as well as provide in-home services.


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So actually it's been 13 days into My Life In 32 Days, but whose counting? It has been interesting but refreshing! The first 10 days of this journey I made some simple but lifechanging decisions.
1.) I decided that I was done with the creamy crack aka relaxers and transitioning to natural hair. Check out my "Hair" posts to see how that's coming along. I was on Skype with my King last night and sporting my first two strand twists…he said he liked it and didn't understand why I decided to wait until he left to go natural. I told him that he takes up a lot of my time ;). I don't think he liked that explanation too much! But it is what it is!
2.) I stepped outside of my comfort zone and had my first freelance make up client. I was FREAKING OUT. Queens, I'm serious. I get compliments all the time on my make up. But it's me. I don't really care if others like what's on MY face. It's mine. But to do someone elses? I was a nervous wreck. But I played it oh so cool. She loved it! SCORE! I'm still nervous but I suppose I should go ahead a book another. I did afterall buy 2 palettes for freelance work. So that's what I'm gonna do.
3.) I connected with some photographers to get back into my first love and hobby. Modeling. I used to model pre baby days…until my princes turned my cute as a boot tummy into some type of warzone. I love my babies but stretch marks are no joke! I stopped modeling because who wants a marked model :(. I'm gonna find somebody who does. I'm in the process of booking a shoot right now! Take that!
4.) Meal Planning to eat better and save money. I heard looking good starts from within. And anyone who knows me, knows this Queen is the Queen of fast food. Don't hate me. I'm ashamed. But I'm changing that! I started meal planning so that I could eat healthier, feed my children better, save money, and save time! So far, so good! I'm LOVING it!
And on the other side of the world:
My husband is currently in Belarus! He was in the Ukraine first. So far he's done youth outreach to orphanages, performed at Hip Hop International Ukraine, workshops for disabled youth, and master classes. He is changing lives overseas and they are changing his life as well. Miss him like crazy but I wouldn't have it any other way!
This Brown Queen


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Sunday, June 17, 2007
Butterfly Goodieds
Male: Right side of photo, with iridescent blue scales, and white band on the tail
Female: Center left above clown loach resting on plants in the driftwood.
Okay, I needed a break from building the new aquarium, so I'm going to profile a cool little fish we found a couple of years ago. They are called Butterfly Goodieds ( Ameca Splendens ). They are a hardy little live bearer that some sources indicate are extinct, or nearly so in the wild. Currently, there are no known wild sources, and none of the major breeding houses are interested in them. The species is kept in the hobby solely by dedicated regional breeders who often specialize in goodieds.
Depending on what you read, they can be kept and thrive from 65-80 degrees, though they will seldom breed at the low end of the range. They are very tolerant of hard and soft water, and one breeder even keeps them in a greenwater tank. We keep ours between 76 and 78 in a heavily planted tank, and they are doing very, very well.
They are a very personable and active fish. They most definitely know who feeds them, and will beg shamelessly even when well fed. They like a good deal of current in the tank, and we often see them playing in the return stream when we run the big diatom filter. They are active and precocious enough that they might worry delicate of skittish species, though the only problem we've ever had with fin nipping was with them in our angel tank when it started getting a little bit crowded, and we lost one of the goodied pair.
They do very well with Bosemani and Australian rainbows in our 150, with the males occasionally even chasing the much larger rainbows across the tank. We have two pairs in our 150, and two more breeding pairs in a 20 gallon which we are slowly converting to a species tank. So far, we've had three drops, and we just sold the first batch of 10 to our LFS and gave a pair to a friend, with 8 more currently growing out with their parents.
However, the very, very best thing of all about the neat little fish is that they LOVE hair algae. A pair of full grown ones can strip a 20g tank of an infestation in a matter of days. 4 of them took care of all the hair algae in our 150 in less than two weeks. The picture below shows two juvenile and several fry going after a ball of hair algae - note that they will not disturb the 'japanese algae ball' sitting next to it.
Breeding them, as with most livebearers, is just a matter of providing them with good water quality, and plenty of good food. They are easily sexed, with females being much larger than males, and males having a bright white band on their tails. The banding emerges, I believe at about 3-4 months, but I have to confess that I did not really watch the calendar for them.
We haven't been breeding them enough to have determined exactly what works well, but we feed them a mixture of flake, veggies, tetramin bottom feeder pellets ( these are actually for our ancistris and clown loaches, but the goodieds seem to love them as well ) and the occasional batch of brine shrimp - as well as any hair algae we can lay hands on.
Fry are larger than most live bearers - and large enough to take flake from the get go, so there is no need to contend with infusoria or other involved methods of feeding. They are typically very shy for the first week or two, but they grow quickly and become quite bold as long as you provide some dense plant cover for them to retreat to. Parents do not seem to be a threat to the fry, as we had 3 generations living in the tank at one point, and no observed loss or damage to the fry.
So do they have a down side? Sort of, as I mentioned above, they can be fin nippers if the tank is crowded, or they get bored. However, in our experience, if you keep a pair, or better a small school, they won't generally bother anyone else in the tank.
Second, they really like hair algae - so much so that it is difficult, if not impossible to keep plants with fine foliage, like foxtail, cabomba, hair grass or glossostigma. We tried repeatedly to get baby tears and hair grass established in our VERY heavily planted 150, and they unfailingly found them, and pulled them up. We even went so far as to box off one corner of the tank for a month to allow baby tears to get a foot hold, and they were still all pulled up in less than two weeks.
Still, on the whole, I think they are 100% worth it. If you can find them in your LFS, they are typically pretty inexpensive, easy to keep, and a whole lot of fun to add to your tank. They are peaceful enough in pairs or schools to keep with most other species, and you get the added benefit of knowing that you are helping to protect and propogate a threatened species.
2 comments:
be very keen to get hold of some of these - where are you in the world?
- Tuesday, November 20, 2007 8:18:00 AM
- Michael C. Reilly said...
I'm in the USA, in Texas. Looks like it would be a major trip. I'm not sure of the livestock export rules either. I've shipped lots of stuff overseas for Ebay auctions, and I've received fish from overseas, but I've never shipped fish myself.
- Tuesday, November 20, 2007 8:29:00 AM
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text: I'm trying to make a few cards with each of the retiring stamp sets I will be selling off. I haven't used this set, Be Happy, in quite a while and now I remember how much I liked it. On the stamp that says "Laugh Play Share", I stamped it once in Old Olive and once in Rose Red. I punched the little flowers out of the Rose Red piece and popped them on the Old Olive panel. I stamped and cut out the flower stamp and then put a Build-a-Brad in the center. I punched a piece of Old Olive Designer paper for the inside of the Build-a-Brad. Thanks for looking!!


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Little Thumb and the other characters in this play were created as puppets. Little Thumb has eyes capable of swallowing the entire world. His family has long, hollow and worried faces. The king is chubby and looks content with life. The giants have huge heads, the husband, horrible looking with terrible teeth, and the wife, much more friendly looking with full lips.
Charles Perrault,


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Television shows bring many gifts to our lives. The characters make us laugh. The storylines make us cry or think—or both. And sometimes, a TV series comes along that makes us question everything we thought we knew about certain subjects.
You're the Worst doesn't just tell the story of a group of misfits trying to figure out relationships and life in Los Angeles. It's also a comedy series that features some of the most important debates of our lifetime. Our band of outsiders tends to look at the world a little differently, and as such, they've inadvertently come up with a few interesting debates that will surely liven up any dull conversation.
So come to You're the Worst for the unconventional love of Jimmy (Chris Geere) and Gretchen (Aya Cash) and stay for the mental workout that comes with yelling at your friends about whether you really need to wash your legs in the shower. We even offer up our opinion on each of the debates, just so you know where we stand on things.
1. Was Cameron Actually The Villain In Ferris Bueller's Day Off?
This is the unpopular opinion that Jimmy drops on his roommate Edgar (Desmin Borges) early in season one. It's also a debate that all but convinced viewers that Jimmy and Gretchen were meant to be, simply because they had the very same strong opinion on this issue. According to Jimmy, Ferris' sister is the foil, Rooney is the fool, and Ferris is the hero, which leaves Cameron to play the villain. Jimmy labels him a "whiny knob" and an "agoraphobic, c--kblocking enemy of fun." So if you share Jimmy's opinion, you now have the "c—kblocking" ammo to support your point of view.
Our Side: Cameron was the worst.
2. Peter Gabriel or Phil Collins?
This pretty important question arose when Jimmy suspected that he might be losing Gretchen to her ex and he wanted her to choose between the two of them without actually asking her. Does she prefer Phil Collins, who Jimmy calls "lightweight" and "nutritionless," or does she favor Peter Gabriel's "complex, dark and interesting" style? Jimmy was obviously Peter Gabriel in this scenario. If you ever want to partake in this debate, whatever you do, don't you dare say you like both. Why? According to Jimmy: "you cannot like two things which are diametrically opposed."
Our Side: Peter Gabriel forever.
3. What Are Sundays Actually For?
"Sunday Funday, better than a Monday" should be a familiar jingle to anyone who loves You're The Worst, but Jimmy, as always, is not the world's biggest fan of the tradition that involves day drinking your way through the final moments of the weekend before reality comes crawling back. Do you agree with Jimmy that Sundays are all about easing ourselves into the work week with more responsible choices? Or are you all about having a fun day on Sunday, which means squeezing every last drop of fun on the last day of the weekend?
Our Side: Sundays are about being lazy and sleeping in. You need to conserve your energy for the week ahead.
4. But Why Do We Actually Buy Food Processors?
In season one, Lindsay's husband Paul (Allan McLeod) suggests that owning a food processor is the mark of becoming an adult, and that you slowly acquire other items that signify this as you become more and more adult. Gretchen promptly proves him wrong by using hers to make a vodka slushy.
Our Side: The idea of owning a food processor is way better than actually owning a food processor.
5. Do You Wash Your Legs?
There are two types of people in this world—the Gretchens, who say that "water falls on them" and the Jimmys, who find that notion utterly disgusting — and both of them will fight for their side to the death. We're warning you now -- only drop this question when you are prepared for a long, drawn-out, no-rules, hold-nothing-back kind of debate because there is no middle ground with this one.
Our Side: The soapy water that runs down washes our legs just fine!


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When you hear "wave maker," you're likely picturing that pool with simulated waves at the water park?
You're not far off, because an aquarium wave maker does make waves, just on a much smaller scale.
As a novice aquarium owner, I remember being overwhelmed by the available accessories. There's a whole other world beyond the basics like your tank, substrate, and filter.
And some of these extras can be downright baffling if you've never heard of them before.
You might be wondering why you might need an aquarium wave maker? What does one do? How can having the best aquarium wave maker benefit my aquarium? And, crucially, how do I go about selecting one?
We're going to cover everything you should know about them in this guide.
You'll learn about the most important features to look out for when you shop, the pros and cons of using them, what to look for when shopping for one and much more besides.
We've also looked at a shortlist of some of the top models available on the market today.
At a Glance: Our Choice of Top Contenders for Best Aquarium Water Conditioner
- Hydor Koralia Smart Wave Pump Controller and Pumps
- Tunze Nano Stream Propeller Pump for Aquariums Up to 135-Gallon
- Jebao OW Wave Maker Flow Pump with Controller for Marine Reef Aquarium
- Icecap 1K Gyre Aquarium Flow Pump
- SONGJOY Wave Maker Aquarium Circulation Pump
- SUNSUN Submersible Circulation Wave Maker Water Pump
- Current USA eFlux Wave Pump Kit
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
Best Aquarium Wave Maker – Our Top Choices for 2020
Now that you know how wave makers work and what to consider before buying, you're ready to pick one out for yourself.
Below we take a look at the top models available on the market today.
Hydor Koralia Smart Wave Pump Controller and Pumps (Nano and Evolution)
This wave maker is sold in separate pieces rather than as a package. Still, this minor inconvenience doesn't detract from the quality.
Of all the wave makers we have reviewed, this model is the most versatile. It gives you precise control over the waves in your aquarium with a range of program choices.
The Hydor Koralia controller is capable of working with multiple pumps. You won't have to worry about falling short, even if you go up a tank size. Pumps can be controlled on two separate channels, each with a 100-watt limit.
The controller has three built-in wave programs to choose from. You can also run the pumps in an alternate order to change the current direction periodically. This gives you the freedom to customize wave patterns as much as you like.
One of the best things about this controller is how user-friendly it is. Despite all the options it has, you won't find yourself flummoxed.
Time and program selection are marked clearly—all you have to do is turn the knob. LED lights will tell you that the Hydor controller is operational and the pumps are running.
This controller is also discrete in terms of sound and size. It's compact and runs quietly, which is great if your aquarium is in a quiet room. You can mount it on your tank or hang it nearby—the controller has an eyelet for this purpose.
If you prefer to put it on your tank, it will stay firm, thanks to the magnetic mount. You won't have to deal with the controller vibrating noisily or slipping out of place. Don't be concerned about accidental water damage because the Hydor design is splash-resistant.
As for pumps, we recommend either the Hydor Koralia Evolution or Hydor Koralia Nano. As with the controller, both the Evolution and Nano pumps are magnetically mounted. This allows for hassle-free adjustment inside your tank.
The Nano pump can be bought as 240, 425, or 565 gallons per hour (GPH). How many you will need depends on the size of your tank and the waves you're aiming to recreate.
The Evolution pump is powerful but more energy-conservative. Models are rated from 550 GPH to 1500 GPH. You can always mix and match between the two models to find a setup that works for you.
Manufacturer Specs
- Dimensions: 7 x 1.2 x 2.8 inches.
- Weight: 0.9 pounds.
- Exchange times from five seconds to six hours.
- Three built-in programs.
- Splash-resistant.
- Can be magnetically tank-mounted or hung up.
Nano Pump:
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 2 x 2 to 7 x 1.25 x 2.75 inches.
- Weight: 0.2 to 0.4 pounds.
- 240 to 565 GPH.
- Magnetic mount.
Evolution Pump:
- Dimensions: 4 x 3 x 3 to 6 x 3 x 3 inches.
- Weight: 1.2 pounds.
- 550 to 1500 GPH.
- Magnetic mount.
What We Like
- Versatile program choices.
- Magnetic mounts for easy adjustment.
- The controller is user-friendly.
- Quiet controller and pumps.
- The controller is compatible with many pumps.
- The controller can be hung up or tank-mounted.
- Good customer support.
What We Don't Like
- Popping noise when the controller and pumps are first switched on.
We highly recommend the Hydor Koralia controller and Evolution or Nano pumps. This system is great for aquariums of all sizes and needs. If you're curious to see it for yourself, follow the link below:
Click to Learn More / Buy from Amazon
Don't forget to check out the nano and evolution pumps too!
Tunze USA 6045 Nano Stream Propeller Pump for Aquariums, up to 135-Gallon
The Tunze Nano Stream propeller pump is small but formidable. You can use it in aquariums ranging in size from 10 to 135 gallons. This means you won't have to replace your pumps if you decide to expand.
Despite the size of this pump, it has a powerful flow with a decent spread. One pump should be enough for most small to mid-sized aquariums.
As this pump doesn't come with a controller, it's adjusted mechanically. You can turn the flow down low or keep it running high. You also have the ability to focus the current to a narrow area or widen it out.
Best of all, the Tunze pump is energy efficient, consuming between 7 and 10 watts per hour. This is appealing whether you prioritize conserving energy or not. Who doesn't want to save money on the electricity bills?
The strainer of this pump is large enough to prevent curious fish from getting sucked into the impeller. The pump itself is magnetically mounted for fast and easy installation and repositioning.
Manufacturer Specs
- Dimensions: 3.7 x 1.5 x 2.7 inches.
- Weight: 1.4 pounds.
- Compatible with aquariums from 10.5 to 135 gallons.
- Can be mounted on glass up to half an inch thick.
- Consumes 7 to 10 watts of electricity per hour.
- Two-meter long cable.
What We Like
- Runs quietly.
- Compatible with aquariums both small and large.
- Energy efficient.
- Easy installation.
- 30-day warranty.
What We Don't Like
- No separate controller.
- Can vibrate when set to stronger settings.
This pump is ideal for aquarium owners who value energy conservation and simplicity. If you want to learn more about the Tunze 6045, click the following link:
Click to Learn More / Buy from Amazon
Jebao OW Wave Maker Flow Pump With Controller for Marine Reef Aquarium
The Jebao OW wave maker is an all-inclusive system. You will receive a controller and one pump in the package.
This wave-maker offers you eight different programs to choose from. You can customize the length, speed, and type of the waves. For example, in Sine mode, waves will flow in a pattern similar to that of the Sine curve.
If you aren't keen on micro-management, you can relinquish control in random mode. Your pump or pumps will change the flow and current patterns randomly. Night mode is another program that will save you some effort. Once you enable it, water flow will automatically be reduced come nightfall.
You can also lock your selected programs and shift times into place. If the controller is accidentally bumped or handled, the program won't change.
You have to long-press a button to disable lock mode. If you care for your aquarium in tandem with someone else, this setting will come in handy.
There are four models of pump available with varying gallon per hour (GPH) rates. You can select from 132 to 1056 GPH all the way up to 449 to 5283 GPH. As each pump is rated for tanks ranging from 10 to 50 gallons, you can choose one or more to fit your tank.
A stand-out characteristic of the Jebao wave maker is how silent it is. No matter what program you settle on, this wave maker runs noiselessly.
Manufacturer Specs
- Dimensions: 6 x 5.3 x 2.8 inches to 6.8 x 6.9 x 4.3 inches.
- Weight: 1.2 to 3.4 pounds.
- Compatible with aquariums from 10 to 50 gallons.
- Controller and one pump included.
- Magnetic mount.
- Eight customizable programs
What We Like
- Discrete.
- Works silently.
- Lots of program choices.
- Good flow rate.
What We Don't Like
- The controller can take some time to figure out.
If you're looking for a wave maker that comes with everything you need to get started, the Jebao is for you. If you're interested in seeing it for yourself, follow this link:
Click to Learn More / Buy from Amazon
Icecap 1k Gyre Aquarium Flow Pump
The Icecap 1K Gyre aquarium flow pump can be mounted on both glass and acrylic aquariums. It comes with a controller and a single pump and is appropriate for use with 20 to 50-gallon tanks.
You'll notice that this pump doesn't resemble most of the products you've seen so far—it's narrow and elongated, looking more like a pipe than a pump. It can be mounted either horizontally or vertically in your tank.
This design is optimal for getting rid of dead spots. You won't have to spend a lot of time repositioning and readjusting smaller pumps to get a uniform flow throughout your tank. The pump can flow in alternating directions to copy the currents of natural bodies of water.
As the name suggests, this pump has a flow rate of up to 1,000 gallons per hour (GPH). If you have a smaller tank and you're worried about too much flow, don't be. The pump comes with a side cap so that only one side will be in operation, rather than both.
The Icecap controller is a large touch screen which is straightforward to use. You can choose between five flow modes and tailor the duration of each.
If you have a larger tank, you can buy the 3K model instead of the 1K. It has identical features except that it can be used in larger aquariums (from 25 to 100 gallons). Both the 1K and the 3K models come with a one-year warranty.
Manufacturer Specs
- Dimensions: 8.8 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches.
- Weight: 3.5 pounds.
- Controller and one pump included.
- Compatible with acrylic and glass up to half an inch thick.
- Five programmable flow modes.
- 4 to 18 watts.
- Magnetic mount.
- Suitable for 25 to 50-gallon tanks.
- One-year warranty.
What We Like
- Compatible with glass or acrylic aquariums.
- Strong cross flow that eliminates dead spots.
- Touch-screen controller.
- Customizable program cycles.
- Easy to adjust and install.
What We Don't Like
- Arrows to switch modes on the controller can be difficult to tell apart.
- Even the lowest flow setting is quite strong.
- Noisy at higher settings.
Aquarium owners who dread the thought of repeatedly adjusting pumps will appreciate the design of this wave maker. If you'd like to check it out for yourself, follow this link:
Click to Learn More / Buy from Amazon
Songjoy Wave Maker Aquarium Circulation Pump
The SONGJOY wave maker line consists of discrete pumps that can work in aquariums as well as ponds and pools. The pump features dual heads to promote an even water flow in your tank.
Regardless of what size tank you have, there is a model that will fit. Songjoy produces wave makers with flow rates as low as 660 GPH to as high as 3170 GPH. You can find a pump designed for tanks from two feet up to eight feet in length.
Installing and adjusting your chosen pump won't be a challenge. The mount is magnetic and works with any type of tank material and thickness.
The shaft of a SONGJOY pump is made from ceramic. This erases any concerns you might have about future corrosion.
With the spindle, you can rotate your pump 360 degrees for optimal flow. Don't be deceived by the petite size of these pumps: the propellers are far from weak. Despite this, SONGJOY pumps operate quietly without any irritating noises or vibrations.
Manufacturer Specs
- Dimensions: 2.7 x 2.7 x 3.5 to 6.2 x 3.2 x 3.9 inches.
- Weight: 7.8 ounces to 1.5 pounds.
- 3 to 24 watts.
- 9-foot long power cord.
- 660 to 3170 gallons per hour (GPH).
- Suitable for tanks from two feet to eight feet long.
- One-year warranty.
What We Like
- Quick and simple installation.
- A range of pumps to choose from.
- Compatible with tanks of almost any thickness and material.
- Quiet.
What We Don't Like
- No controller or program choices.
- It's possible very small fish and aquatic life can get trapped in the impeller.
If you're looking for an uncomplicated wave maker to start off with, SONGJOY is a good choice. If you want to learn more about this line of pumps, click this link:
Click to Learn More / Buy from Amazon
Sunsun Submersible Circulation Wave Maker Water Pump
The SUNSUN wave maker is a no-nonsense wave maker that packs a punch. It has a flow rate of 1600 GPH yet is energy-saving, consuming just twelve watts per hour.
If you have fish that thrive in strong currents, this wave maker will do the job. The power generated by the SUNSUN pump will keep them active and moving.
This pump is also perfect if you're looking to keep your tank clean. Any waste trapped in your substrate will almost certainly be blown out. The force of this pump will also reduce the likelihood of dead spots forming in your tank.
This pump will run quietly and unobtrusively. The only sign that it's functioning will be the movement of water in your tank. The pump head is affixed to a ball joint so you can adjust it 360 degrees.
Due to the strength of the current, this model is terrific for keeping your substrate clean. Solid waste like uneaten fish food and feces will be blown right into your filter.
Manufacturer Specs
- Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 3 inches.
- Suction cup mount.
- Twelve watts.
What We Like
- Flexible ball joint for easy adjustment.
- Even water movement and temperature.
- Silent.
- Powerful.
What We Don't Like
- Suction cup mount weakens over time.
- Too strong for small tanks.
- Short cord at 4.5 foot.
If you want strength and simplicity in your wave maker, the SUNSUN might be right for you. To check it out yourself, click the link below:
Click to Learn More / Buy from Amazon
Current Usa Eflux Wave Pump Kit
The Current USA eFlux wave pump kit includes everything you could possibly want in a wave maker. There are three models available, appropriate for tanks from 55 to 125 gallons. You can also pick between a 660, 1050, or 2100 GPH rating.
If you're a fan of high-tech aquarium equipment, you'll enjoy this wave maker. The controller can be operated wirelessly with remote control and is capable of managing up to three pumps.
This wave-maker has three modes of operation: stream, surge, and wave. You can control the flow (strength) of each.
You can program your pumps to run separately from one another. This allows you to choose multiple flow programs and run them simultaneously. If you're looking for a realistic pattern of water movement, this is very helpful. An added benefit is that both the pumps and controller are quiet.
All the pumps can be pivoted to ensure the water flow stays even. As the pumps are magnetically mounted, adjusting them won't be tedious. The controller and hub can be mounted just as easily.
Manufacturer Specs
- Dimensions 6.3 x 5.7 x 3.7 inches.
- Weight: 1.3 to 1.8 pounds
- Includes a wireless remote.
- Includes one pump.
- 1 to 23 watts.
- 132 to 2100 GPH.
- From 55 to 125 gallon aquariums.
- For tanks 0.01 to 0.5 inches thick.
- Works with up to three pumps.
- Magnetic mount.
- DC transformer.
- LED pump display.
- Micro USB and ER sensor cables.
- Protective wire guard.
What We Like
- Wireless control.
- Noiseless.
- 360-degree adjustable pump heads.
- Lots of accessories in the box.
- Strong flow.
- LED lights are pleasant to look at.
What We Don't Like
- Lots of wires—can be unsightly.
If you relish the idea of controlling your wave maker from afar, this high-tech model is perfect for you. Follow the link below to learn more about it:
Click to Learn More / Buy from Amazon
What is a Wave Maker? What Does it Do?
As we've established, an aquarium wavemaker produces waves in your aquarium. These waves mimic the waves that occur in natural bodies of fresh water and salt water.
Of course, this is limited to waves under regular conditions, we're not talking about tsunamis. Wave makers are not supposed to stress your fish out.
A good wave maker gives you options to tailor the strength and pattern of waves. For example, smooth waves, rolling waves, and turbulent waves. This is important, as natural wave patterns are distinctive, depending on the body of water.
So, the waves in a freshwater river are not the same as sea waves. Different parts of the ocean can have calm, soothing waves or volatile currents. Currents are not the same during the day as they are at night. A wave maker allows you, the aquarium owner, to mimic some of these conditions.
What Does a Wave Maker Bring to an Aquarium?
Barring decorative items like castles or plastic scuba divers, every aquarium accessory shares the same purpose. That is to improve the conditions in your aquarium for the life inside it.
Wave makers are no exception to this rule. Watch this video that covers the benefits we have listed below:
Water Movement for Fish
Most natural bodies of water are in near-constant movement. Even if this isn't visible on the surface, the water is never still. Water movement is important to the overall health of your fish, who need mental and physical stimulation like any living creature.
This is why we don't leave our fish in a bare aquarium tank. Everything inside your aquarium, from the substrate to your plants, grants your fish an opportunity to practice natural behaviors.
A wave maker provides resistance in the water, which is great for exercise. The more your fish swim around, the better. Swimming promotes development, muscle growth, and reduced in aggression in most species of fish.
It can also give your fish a fresh perspective of your tank. After all, no matter how large your aquarium is, it's still a confined environment. Things can get dull after a while, particularly in smaller tanks.
Swimming through moving water is more engaging than still water. Fish can choose to swim against the current or drift with it.
Other fish use the movement of waves to help them forage for food. Certain species of predator fish use waves to their advantage when hunting.
Depending on what sort of fish you have, a wave maker might be a necessity. For instance, Acanthurus Achilles or the Achilles tang needs constant water motion. In the wild, tangs thrive in areas prone to turbulent water movement. If deprived of this, these fish can become stressed and eventually sick.
Even if your fish don't depend on waves for survival, a wave maker can be useful. It can help your fish feel more at home in your aquarium. Ideally, you want your aquarium to be as close as possible to your fish's natural habitat.
Transport Nutrients for Feeding Corals
If you have invertebrates such as coral in your tank, a wave maker is a must-have accessory. These animals need assistance from their environment when it comes to eating.
Polyps emerge from their hard outer skeletons at night to capture creatures that float past, like zooplankton. The water circulation is what brings these nutrients past the corals, giving them a chance to feed.
Although polyps can extend a fair distance, their reach is still limited. If your fish generate the only movement in your water, corals can end up starving. In the seas and oceans, waves also improve photosynthesis in corals. In turn, they will grow larger and develop faster.
Finally, moving water is better for corals' respiration and waste elimination processes. The waste that corals produce is carried away so that it doesn't build up and cause harm.
Remember that waves can be found in the habitat of every coral species. They need water movement for survival, not just comfort.
Improve Gas Exchange
In your aquarium, gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide exist in dissolved form. If there is no water movement, these gases will not circulate as well as they should.
Wind and waves are responsible for the dissolved oxygen and other gases moving around in natural bodies of water. Oxygen enters your aquarium through the surface of your tank. An aquarium wave maker keeps water circulating, distributing oxygen throughout.
Carbon dioxide will also be carried towards the top of your tank. Too much of this gas can be dangerous to fish as well as plants. Well-balanced water chemistry is crucial for maintaining the pH and quality of the water.
A wave maker can have a big impact on gas exchange. Think of it as the aquarium equivalent of turning a fan on in a stuffy room.
You can breathe, but the air quality isn't fantastic. For the inhabitants of your tank, water movement can be like a breath of fresh air.
Avoid Dead Spots and Optimize Filtration
A wave maker can work alongside your filtration system to optimize performance. Waste such as uneaten fish food and feces can pile up in your substrate.
If the water in your tank is moving, these substances get transported around. Inevitably, this unwanted refuse will pass by your filter.
Preventing waste from accumulating is a priority for any aquarium owner. If too much builds up in your substrate, it can be dangerous.
The bacteria in your aquarium break down waste, which is a good thing. Unfortunately, hydrogen sulfide is a byproduct of this process. Although harmless in small amounts, in large enough quantities, this gas is fatal to fish and other living creatures.
If you spot bubbles rising up from your substrate, you're seeing hydrogen sulfide. Small pockets of this gas can form and release periodically, which isn't an issue.
However, when hydrogen sulfide accumulates in big amounts, it can be a problem. If the substrate stays undisturbed, this poisonous gas can silently build up. A big enough pocket (or dead spot) can kill all the fish in your tank.
A wave maker can help to ensure your substrate won't be left undisturbed for too long. The movement of the water helps to prevent hydrogen sulfide pockets from accumulating in the first place.
Keep Your Tank's Temperature Even
A wave maker can even out temperature. In still water, you can experience the temperature equivalent of dead spots. Have you ever been swimming in a lake and come across a freezing pocket of water? That can happen in your aquarium too.
Temperature spikes or drops can stress your fish out. It can also lead to the fish avoiding areas of your tank that are too hot or too cold for them. If the water is in constant motion, dead spots won't happen.
What's the Difference Between a Wave Maker and Powerhead?
While exploring water motion accessories, you've likely come across powerheads. What's the difference between the two? Why not buy a powerhead instead?
Well, if you're looking for simulated waves, a powerhead simply won't do the job. These gadgets do keep the water moving, but not in the same way. A powerhead lets off a consistent stream or jet of water into your tank.
For fish that need to feel the movement of the waves, a narrow jet of water isn't enough. A wavemaker, on the other hand, is a system of mechanisms which replicates the currents present in natural water bodies.
Aquarium wave makers do have powerheads (known as pumps), but they work differently. You can control the strength and type of the waves issued from the pumps for increased realism.
Wave makers include controllers that let you manage almost every facet of water flow. This means you can customize the water movement to meet the needs of your specific species of fish. This isn't possible with a standard powerhead.
How Does an Aquarium Wave Maker Work?
They are made up of several parts. These include one or more pumps and a controller (also known as a timer).
The pumps are where the "waves" in your tank are made. They work together to create your desired wave strength and type.
Some wave makers can work with a single, large pump. Others will have more than one to keep the water movement more varied if desired, or more consistent if not. To work as intended, a wave maker has to cover the whole area of your tank.
The controller is what allows you to modify the water movement to suit the needs of your aquarium. This device regulates the duration, strength, and type of waves.
Some models have mechanical rather than separate controllers. This just means you will adjust your flow patterns manually on the pump itself. You can adjust these factors as needed.
You can choose to replicate natural currents on a schedule to stay as close as possible to the real thing. For example, the quality of the waves will change from day to night as they do in the ocean.
To do so, the pumps can work separately from one another. Not all your pumps will operate at the same time in the same way. This design is to promote natural, rather than artificial, water movements. Your fish will appreciate the distinction.
Aquarium wave makers can range from simple to advanced models. This means that the capabilities and build of the controller and powerheads can vary.
What Size Wave Maker do You Need?
Aquarium wave makers come in many sizes with various flow ratings. There is no "one-size-fits-all" when it comes to these gadgets.
Larger powerheads are built for a higher flow rate, meaning water circulation in your tank. You can't pick the first model you come across without considering how many gallons per hour (GPH) it can circulate.
Smaller models are appropriate for tanks that need a slower flow rate. Certain plants and more fragile fish don't do well in turbulent water. A larger, powerful wave maker is great if you need a higher flow rate. This is suitable for fish that flourish in strong currents.
Research what flow rate is ideal for your aquarium's residents and start from there. Make sure that the wave maker you choose is also compatible with your tank size. The majority of them have explicit size ratings to avoid confusion.
Where to Place a Wavemaker in an Aquarium?
Placement is fundamental when it comes to the success of an aquarium wave maker. Don't forget that the aim is to reproduce natural water flow. If there are places in your aquarium where waves are nonexistent, this won't work.
If your wave maker comes with just one pump, this can be tricky. With many pumps, you can cover more space.
When you're positioning your pumps, you want symmetry. As with other aspects of aquarium care, maintaining balance is essential. If you notice too much or too little motion in one part of your tank, you'll have to perform some adjustments.
Use your common sense too. If your pumps are too low down, you could end up blasting the substrate all over your tank. Little creatures living in your substrate will be overwhelmed by the force of the pumps.
Your pumps do not necessarily have to be identical. As long as they're all compatible you can buy pumps of different sizes. This gives you more flexibility when it comes to placement.
If you notice only a small part of your aquarium is a dead zone for motion, adding a small pump could solve the problem.
How to Choose the Best Wave Maker for Your Aquarium
Now you know how wave makers work and you're ready to get one of your own. But before you invest in one, bear in mind what features you should look out for and your own tank's specific needs.
Below are a few key considerations.
How Big is Your Aquarium and What lives There?
To begin with, are you sure that your aquarium needs a wave maker? Not all aquatic life will benefit from water that is always moving.
Certain species of plants don't do well in water with strong currents. They won't be able to retain enough carbon dioxide to grow well.
Not every fish enjoys being highly active. Fish fry and smaller fish can end up stressed and exhausted fighting the current all the time. For other fish, still water is preferable.
Take some types of catfish that live in stagnant water as an example—a wave maker won't be necessary.
That said, let's move on to picking a wave maker that will fit your aquarium. Size rating is one of the first aspects you should check for. If it isn't designed to work in a tank the same size as yours, there's no point considering it.
Next, take a look at the turnover rate of the wave maker. How often will the water be turning over in your aquarium? Will this rate be appropriate for your fish and other aquatic life?
On average, an aquarium volume (all the water in the tank) should be turned around approximately four times an hour. This number can be higher depending on what's inside your tank. Ensure that the wave maker's turnover rating is well-matched to your set up.
How does it Fit on or Mount to Your Tank?
Like most aquarium equipment, wave makers require some effort on your behalf to install. How easy or difficult installation will be is dependent on the model you choose. Obviously, the less time you spend on installation, the better.
As wave makers are mounted on the side of your tank, mount style matters. Some mounts are for acrylic tanks only, others are exclusively for glass. Mounts are also rated for tanks of a specific thickness.
You don't want to find out after buying that the mount is incompatible. You won't be able to set your wave maker up correctly and can damage your tank if you force it.
Another factor to bear in mind is the style of mount. Most models are mounted through either suction cups or magnets.
As long as they're built well, magnets tend to be longer lasting. If your suction cups lose suction, it can be a pain to keep the unit mounted. Suction cups can also leave unsightly marks on your tank if you decide to replace or remove your wave maker.
Whichever mount you choose, you want one that will stay firm. Wave makers can vibrate strongly when in use—the mount should keep it where it belongs.
You want your wave maker's controller to be straightforward to use and mount. Finding the right flow for your tank initially can take time. Mounting your controller shouldn't be a laborious process.
The same goes for repositioning your pumps around your aquarium. When you're first setting up, you might need to move your pumps around several times. If they're difficult to remove and re-attach from your tank walls, you'll end up frustrated quickly.
If your wave maker is controlled manually, factor in your patience. You'll have to get wet if you want to change the flow or strength.
Look for a model that offers multiple settings and functions. This way you'll be able to mimic natural water conditions more closely.
An aquarium wave maker isn't something that should be replaced frequently. Once you buy one, it should last you for a long time.
Always review the quality of the materials used. Pumps should be sturdily built, as should the controller and mount. Buying cheaply will often mean having to repurchase sooner.
Noise Levels
At this point, you should know that wave makers can be loud. If you already have noisy equipment (such as a CO2 regulator), silence may be a priority for you.
Those of you who have aquariums in your bedroom or shared living spaces should think about noise levels too. Your wave maker will be running most of the time. Be
considerate of the people you live with.
as with most pieces of equipment we use in our aquariums, wave makers can vary significantly in price. Set a budget for yourself and stick to it.
There are models to suit diverse types of aquariums as well as budget demands. Don't overstep and bankrupt yourself. Your aquarium is an ongoing expense; you'll definitely need that extra cash for something else!
A warranty is an extra layer of insurance for you. Wave makers can be expensive and it doesn't hurt to factor in warranty when it comes to purchasing.
There are a lot of advantages to introducing a wave maker to your aquarium, and as you can see, there are models to suit aquariums and preferences of all sorts.
If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below, We will be sure to answer every one!
Happy fish keeping!
Product image credits: © Amazon.com
Please be aware this page contains affiliate links and itsafishthing.com receives a small commission if you purchase anything after clicking through such links. This has no effect at all on the eventual price you pay.


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Motel Mist (2016)
Erotic fantasies can come to life in the rooms of Motel Mistress. But whether these will be pleasurable for those involved is another matter. A strange disappearance, revenge and aliens all turn up one typical afternoon in this love nest.
Views: 23
Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller
Director: Prabda Yoon
Actors: Katareeya Theapchatri, Prapamonton Eiamchan, Surapol Poonpiriya, Vasuphon Kriangprapakit, Wissanu Likitsathaporn
Country: thailand
Duration: 115 min
Quality: HD
Release: 2016
IMDb: 5.2
Keywords:Cinema 21 Online Film Bioskop Gratis download movie gratis Streaming Nonton drama korea terbaru Nonton film full movie Situs nonton film online


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General Plastic Surgery
General Plastic Surgery in Pinehurst, NC: Breast Surgery, Body Contouring & Post-Bariatric Surgery
For years, Pinehurst Surgical has been recognized as one of the premier plastic surgery providers in North Carolina, delivering a variety of plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures to meet the needs of patients in Pinehurst, Sanford, Rockingham, Hamlet, Fayetteville, Carthage and surrounding areas throughout NC and SC.
Pinehurst Surgical is proud to offer the following general plastic surgery and body contouring procedures:
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
- Breast augmentation – This procedure utilizes implants (saline, silicone and soybean oil filled) to enlarge the breasts.
- Breast lift – Pinehurst Surgical patients who have experienced a loss of skin elasticity in the breasts due to gravity and other factors, such as weight loss, pregnancy or breast-feeding may benefit from a breast lift.
- Breast reduction – This surgery is performed when a woman's breasts are disproportionately large for her frame, often leading to back pain, shoulder pain and more.
Body Contouring Surgery
- Abdominoplasty – Otherwise known as a "tummy tuck," abdominoplasty removes the excess skin below the belly button typically resulting from serious weight loss or pregnancy.
- Liposculpture – Pinehurst Surgical utilizes power-assisted liposuction to smooth out problem areas of fat using only tiny incisions.
- Combined "after pregnancy" surgery – This combined procedure consists of a breast augmentation to fill the breast back to its pre-pregnancy volume, as well as an abdominoplasty and/or liposculpture to trim excess skin and weight caused by pregnancy.
- Brachioplasty – This surgery allows for improved contour of the upper arm by tightening excess skin underneath the arm.
Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery
- Although bariatric surgery can be a very effective weight-loss tool, it often results in a large amount of loose skin and pockets of excess fat around the body. Post-bariatric surgery is used to remedy these residual issues, often incorporating the following procedures: abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, thigh lifts, breast lifts, breast reductions, rhytidectomy, central body lift and liposculpture.
To learn more about Pinehurst Surgical's general plastic surgery procedures or to schedule a consultation with one of our Pinehurst, NC plastic or reconstructive surgeons, please contact us today by calling toll-free at 855-294-BODY (2639). All consultations are completely confidential.
If you are a current patient, you may also request an appointment online by logging into your My Patient Page.
Pinehurst Surgical is a multi-specialty clinic comprised of ten specialty centers located in a state-of-the-art surgical facility in Pinehurst, NC. Our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer breast reconstruction surgery, body contouring and post-bariatric surgery at our Pinehurst clinical office, serving patients in Southern Pines, Fayetteville, Red Springs, Asheboro and all surrounding areas throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond.


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When you start shopping for new bikinis for men, you should keep in mind that a vital factor of your selections is to buy the ones that are guaranteed to make you unforgettable once you are seen on the beach or around a resort swimming pool. What that means is that you want to be remembered in a positive way, of course. You do not want to create a negative and horrifying visual for these people to hold in their memories for the rest of their lives. So remember that your bikinis must be flattering enough on you in order to make a great impression.
Next, you might want to know how you can choose the perfect bikinis for men that will accomplish what you want. First of all, take a good hard look at your body. Granted, wearing these swimsuits is a lot easier when you possess a body that is Adonis-like, but you don't have to have the "perfect 10 body" to look decent in a bikini. In fact, most men do not have the perfect body. With all of the various video games to be played and desk jobs to be performed, guys these days just don't get quite as much exercise as they need to have. The same is true for eating healthy. After a long hard day at work, who really wants to spend an hour in the kitchen cooking when there is the wonderful invention of the fast food drive-thru?
At any rate, once you have honestly assessed your body, it is time to start looking for bikinis for men that will flatter you the most. Nothing is more attention getting than a swimsuit that fits you to a T. Once you have the style down, the rest of easy. It also helps if you choose a swimsuit in the color that looks best on you. While the color might not be quite as important in a swimsuit as in other clothing, but it certainly cannot hurt to choose a bikini of such a color that will also draw attention to your eyes. Then, all that is left is to stroll onto your favorite beach wearing this mind blowing bikini. Beach goers will be talking about you for days or weeks afterwards.


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Meet the chef... Peter Hulsmann, The Inn at Penallt
HOW long have you been a chef and where did you train?
Well over 40 years! I initially trained in Aachen (Germany) before moving to London.
Since coming to Wales I've worked as head chef in restaurants in Monmouthshire and Herefordshire including The Priory at Caerleon and The Wilton Court Hotel, Ross.
Why did you decide to follow this career path?
I had to do something for my mother's birthday and with little cash about I made up a dish from things I found in the fridge and from then on found I had a passion for cooking which is still with me.
What makes your restaurant different from others?
A lot of restaurants serve great food but sometimes the atmosphere is a little starchy and the beer's mainstream. On the other hand pubs can often serve good ales and ciders but the food is left wanting.
At The Inn at Penallt we produce and serve some fantastic food in a friendly relaxed environment, all of us have a passion for ensuring customers enjoy them selves.
Along side the food we serve great local ales and ciders. From a kitchen perspective attention to detail is important, we do as much as it is possible in our kitchen, including making our own butter and bread on a daily basis as well as our own stocks, sauces and ice creams.
Who is your foodie hero?
Too many but to mention but two are standing out for me.
Of the older generation I have to say Franco from the Walnut Tree and of the new generation it would have to be Stephen Terry from the Hardwick.
His cooking I feel is up there with the best chefs in the Wales and the UK.
But most of all anybody that likes good food.
What do you think about the way food, restaurants and chefs have become 'sexy'?
First of all good food has always been 'sexy'. The TV exposure has been fantastic in raising peoples understanding of food and highlighting good and bad practise, although for me I think a chef's place is in the kitchen.
If somebody pays good money to be cooked a meal by a chef he or she should be in their kitchen doing just that.
You've got the night off to spend a quiet evening at home and you want something to eat, what would you have?
Simple good home cooked food like cottage pie and a nice Caesar salad and lots of fresh fish.
Why is Monmouthshire such a great place for food?
Oh that's easy. Monmouthshire has a fantastic wealth of produce from spring lamb leading the charge to Welsh Black beef ,fresh vegetables and fruit and not to forget come the end of summer a great supply of wild mushrooms - even thinking about it makes my mouth water.
In fact, for us we have a plenty full supply of fruit from small growers in the village itself along with pork and lamb that come within walking distance of the kitchen


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UK pop duo Amethysts have shared their shimmering new single "Be There" and we have your first listen here. Amethysts consists of Clarice ..
"Be There" for WILDLYF's debut single featuring Erin Finlay
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A Night at the Florentine Opera
Are you keen on experiencing some incredible Italian opera? Well, look no further than the Renaissance city of Florence. Opera is a product of Florentine thinkers and dates back to the sixteenth century, when a rise in theatrical performances took place under the powerful Medici rule. So why not enjoy opera at its very famous, and very beautiful birthplace?
Opera in Florence is said to have grown out of musical interludes that were played between theatre acts. One of the chief founders was Giulio Caccini; a tenor and composer to the Medici family. It is believed that the first opera was 'Eurydice' by Jacopo Peri, and was performed at the Palazzo Pitti. Thereafter, musical life in Florence revolved predominantly around two theatres: the Teatro della Pergola, which was built in 1656 and held the first opera performance by Mozart in Italy, and the Teatro Comunale (or Teatro del Maggio Musicale); now one of Italy's leading opera houses.
The Teatro Comunale is the location of the annual Maggio Musicale Festival, which began in 1931. This event runs during May and June, and you can see a wide range of classical works and performances. Another famous location to witness some unforgettable Florentine opera is at the Santa Monica Church. Situated near the Palazzo Pitti, it has a varied programme of arias and duets. If you're looking to see some Florence opera in June 2013, then this is the place to go. The San Marco Church religious complex is another great place for a wonderful opera experience; see The Barber of Seville on the 22nd of June or if you'll be in Florence in July 2013, the opera you won't want to miss is Don Giovanni, on the 18th.
And what about the dress code for Florence operas? A much debated topic indeed, but the general rule is to dress 'nicely'. Many opera theatres in Florence don't have a formal dress code, but a certain touch of elegance is always appreciated. If you are keen on attending an opening night performance however, you'd definitely be advised to dress up.
Looking for an easy way to get your hands on some Florence opera tickets and experience an evening to remember? Well, we have the perfect solution! Take part in our best-selling typical Florentine dinner and concert tour in the heart of the Renaissance city itself; enjoy delicious Tuscan cuisine and sample the delights of various Italian opera arias at the famous St Mark's Church. Whether you're an opera fan or have yet to witness this traditional Florentine art form, this tour will provide you with an unforgettable Florence opera experience!


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Law Office of Joseph Stella, PLLC: Estate Planning Services for the Escambia and Seminole County Areas
It's never easy to plan for a future after you pass, but it's important. What happens to your property? Who will coordinate your care if you become incapacitated? These and other issues can be settled through extensive estate planning.
As you tackle the complications of planning your estate, be sure to work with a trustworthy attorney. Top Escambia estate planning attorney Joseph Stella is a wonderful advocate to have in your corner. He will patiently guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you understand your options and make the best choice for your situation.
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If you're like most Escambia estate planning clients, your chief priority involves drafting a will. You want to make sure that your property ends up in the right hands. You also want to minimize the potential for family disputes after you pass away. Joseph Stella will help you achieve these and other objectives while abiding by all local regulations.
If you're eager to pass on your assets without undergoing probate, a trust may be a preferable option. You can either opt for a revocable or irrevocable trust. With a revocable trust, you have the ability to make changes, but may suffer extensive tax penalties. Irrevocable trusts are less flexible, but can prompt extensive savings.
Advance Directives
It's important to plan not only for how your assets will pass on after your death, but also, how your care will be coordinated before you pass away. If you become incapacitated, your advance directive can provide both courts and your loved ones much-needed guidance regarding your preferences.
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Although wills, trusts, and advance directives are a few of the top legal concerns handled at the Law Office of Joseph Stella, PLLC, the law firm also deals with a variety of other estate planning matters. For example, your lawyer can provide guidance as you designate transfer on death or payable on death beneficiaries. Your attorney may also guide you through unique circumstances; for example, if your divorce impacts existing estate planning arrangements, you can turn to your attorney for help.
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Charming Victorian (c.1910) located one block off of Forsyth Park in the heart of Savannah's Victorian Historic District. Building features six separate apartments, four two bedroom, two one bedroom, and a fenced in shared courtyard in the rear. Entire building has been lovingly restored from the studs out and all major systems were replaced in their entirety 4 years ago. Each all electric unit features- all new electrical wiring, panel & HVAC unit, new PEX plumbing, new electric hot water heaters. Roof is five years old. Sale includes all appliances and each unit has stackable washer/dryer, fridge, oven range, dishwasher , microwave. All six units feature original 108 year old hardwood floors & one original fireplace per apartment that have been lovingly restored. Each apartment features it's own deck in shared private courtyard. Building is 100 yards to Forsyth Park, Sentient Bean, Brighter day etc. Walk to school, shopping, restaurants, etc. 3d tour available. Won't last long!
|New Value: $925,000