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(NOTE: This is a continuation of a series about my week as a counselor at Royal Family Kids Camp, a camp for foster children, most of whom have been the victim of some kind of abuse. To read what has gone before, see the links at the bottom of this post.)
Chapel and dinner were accompanied by some acting out and personal issues. Sue pouted when I wouldn't allow her to work on her keychain lanyard while everyone else was singing. And at dinner Jane struggled to stop when she was satisfied rather than continuing to eat until she felt sick. By this time of day, everyone was beginning to tire, and I had come to expect a few problems. But spirits and energy levels were lifted by the balloons and birthday napkins in the dining hall, the cupcakes on the dinner plates, and the party preparations that were going on in the field between the pool and the Chapel.
Where Are Your Campers?
By the time we finished eating and checked our mailboxes, the party was in full swing. We released our campers, within a limited perimeter of course, and stood back to watch them have fun. There were three bounce houses, a climbing wall, popcorn, snow cones, face painting, fake tattoos, and balloon sculptures. I sat in a vacant chair under the tattoo tent for part of the evening, but I also spent some of it limping around, keeping an eye on Jane and Sue. The camp director had told us during training that the one thing we never wanted to hear from him was Where are your campers? I took that to heart and tried my best to keep both of them in sight, even when they were going in opposite directions.
The Party
Sue was a bit of a loner. She bounced from one group of kids to another, but she frequently went off on her own. She visited the face painting
area, and as usual, she had her own idea about what she wanted. Instead of a simple butterfly or flower on her cheek, she wanted her whole face painted like a tiger. The teen helper who was wielding the brush was intimidated, but with lots of input from Sue, she produced a unique face that pleased both of them.
The personal challenge of the climbing wall appealed to Sue's independent spirit, and her long, thin legs made her a natural at it. I spotted her on it several times, and one of her best pictures was taken when she was at its peak.
Jonatha on the other hand was more interested in her friends and the boys than the other party attractions. She enjoyed the popcorn and snow cones, but she had no interest in a tattoo or a painted face. She also had no desire to scale the wall. She went down the slide on a couple of the bounce houses, but most often I spotted her in a cluster of giggling girls. I found one such cluster at the base of one of the slides where a couple of particularly attractive young men were stationed to prevent accidents. As I did my counselor duty and ran the girls off, they continued to giggle and the boys looked relieved.
The Dance
At 8:15 the outside activities were shut down and everyone was herded into the Chapel for a dance. The music was cranked up to the ear-splitting level the kids love, and we rocked the joint, or rather they did. Most of the counselors joined in, especially those with campers who were too young or too timid to feel comfortable on the dance floor by themselves. Fortunately Jane and Sue were social enough and fueled by enough sugar and adrenaline that I was able to find a quiet spot on the sidelines to prop my foot up and observe. I watched conga lines, line dancing, YMCA, the Macarena, everything except the chicken dance.
Happy Birthday to You
After half an hour, the music stopped and the director told the campers to sit down on the floor and asked the counselors to come up on stage. When we were all in place, we sang a rousing version of "Happy Birthday," and I made a special effort to make eye contact with each of my birthday girls.
The Present
No birthday party is complete without presents, of course, so as we left the stage, each of us picked up two thin, plastic cases, one for each camper. I had no trouble finding Jane and Sue. They fought through the mob to get to me as the words MP3 Player floated through the room. Each child received his or her own player, pre-programmed with all the camp songs and some additional Christian music. We had been cautioned not to open the cases until we got back to the rooms so that precious pieces wouldn't be lost. Good luck with that.
Bed Time
Bed time was hectic as usual, but in spite of all the excitement, the girls eagerly climbed into bed, most plugged in to their tunes. I told my girls one more time how special they were. Then I prayed with them, tucked them in, and went out to catch a ride back to Camp Central. I had two days worth of photos to go through, and there would be lots more to come. The Princess Tea Party was tomorrow afternoon, and the Camp Variety Show was tomorrow night.
For more information, go to the Royal Family Kids website.
I'm going to Camp: Can a Week Make a Difference?
Royal Family Kids Camp: Getting Ready for the Kids
Royal Family Kids Camp: What's In a Kid's Name?
Royal Family Kids Camp: Swimming, Activity Centers, and Issues
Royal Family Kids Camp: Chapel, Dinner, A Meltdown, and More
Royal Family Kids Camp: The Zip-Line
Royal Family Kids Camp: Slip 'n Slide and Slip and Fall
Royal Family Kids Camp: Say "Yes" to the Dress
Royal Family Kids Camp: Imagination Station


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I haven't really blogged for a while now, and I'm kind of sorry for that. But only kind of.
You see, work picked up again. A lot of stuff happens in December. Everyone wants my attention. And I have to spend some quality time with my husband in the middle of all this.
My mood has also been all over the place. But then again, it's my first yuletide without antidepressants. If I'm not crying over something beautiful every day during these December days, I'm surprised.
But there are news. I have gotten myself a job. And I start in January. It's very few hours, but it seems like they always need people, so I hope there will be extra hours, and also more regular shifts I can get later on. Fingers crossed!
Because of this new job, though, I've been haunted by anxiety over my choice. What if I don't get enough hours? What if this is a horrible idea? I have decided to try not to listen to these voices, and instead cling to the voice that says "you'll have to start somewhere. "
Because I do have to start somewhere.

subset: commoncrawl


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Kaitlyn's company had a big contract coming up and she wanted to put the perfect team together to finish the job. As a very involved CEO, her first step seemed obvious. … [Read more...]
Choosing Project Team Members: The Five Employees You Need on Every Team
Published on February 26, 2016 by | Leave a Comment


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In my other life I have classic academic aspirations. I've just been offered a place in my PhD program of choice, and while part of me cringes at the thought of three more years of hard graft, the rest of me is jubilant. In honour of my accomplishment-yes that is really how I am gonna play this-I've decided to post a suitably educational essay.
Identity is possibly on of the most contested, and least understood concept in the social sciences. There is no shortage of theories about it, but for every step forward made in the field more questions arise. As populations grow, demographics shift, and cultures interact more closely than ever before the question of 'who' one is becomes ever more difficult to answer.
One of the places that this is most apparent is in the educational environment. Schools bring children from various class, racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds together in a melee of personal encounters; and some of them are fairing better than others.


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Location! Location! Location!Daly City, California
Jim B.Member since May 2012 Contact Jim
- $1,000 per night
- 1,400 square feet
- 2 beds
- 2 baths
- 1 parking spot
- House
- Available for events, vacations
Property Details
Two bedroom / two bath Split Level Home about 1/4 of a mile from the Westlake Entrance to the Olympic Club where the US Open is taking place. There's a remodeled kitchen, remodeled master bath and a dining room. There's a bonus room downstairs with the second bath. Landscaped garden in the backyard.
Terms and Conditions
50% due upfront and 50% due upon arrival. I am available to meet before the event.
This rental is located in Daly City, California 94015 and has 6 upcoming nearby events.
- Private Event : Including general renting, vacations, weddings & corporate events.
- 2019 US Open Golf and is located 83.7 miles away from Pebble Beach.
- 2020 PGA Championship and is located 1.5 miles away from TPC Harding Park.
- 2019 Safeway Open and is located 46.2 miles away from Silverado Resort and Spa.
- 2020 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and is located 83.6 miles away from Pebble Beach.
- 2020 PGA Championship and is located 1.5 miles away from TPC Harding Park.


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- Home
- PIDS & Representations
Members of the community can make representations to the ACT Audit Office, some of which are public interest disclosures under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012.
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012 enables anyone to report serious or systemic wrongdoing (referred to as 'disclosable conduct') in an ACT public sector entity or an ACT Legislative Assembly entity. Such a report is termed a public interest disclosure (PID).
Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012, the Auditor-General is a disclosure officer to whom 'disclosable conduct', i.e. serious or systematic wrongdoing, can be reported.
Disclosable conduct is that which could: be illegal; involve a substantial misuse or waste of public money or resources; be misconduct; involve maladministration; present a substantial and specific danger to the health or safety of the public; or present a substantial and specific danger to the environment.
A Public Interest Disclosure can be lodged by anyone. Importantly, a person making a Public Interest Disclosure is to be protected from any incrimination and all those involved must be respected and afforded due process. A Public Interest Disclosure may be addressed through conducting a performance audit.
Download ACT Audit Office's Public Interest Disclosure Procedures (December 2016) PDF (994 kb)
Representations can be made by anyone directly to the ACT Audit Office, or to their elected representatives in the Assembly who may, in turn, decide to make representations to the ACT Audit Office.
These representations may be considered by the ACT Audit Office, or used to inform performance audit work being undertaken or a future audit. Each representation is considered on a case‐by‐case basis and is managed accordingly.


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Meloidogyne konaensis
Eisenback et al., 1994
This newly described species was identified as problem on coffee trees grown on the island of Hawaii. It is a mitotically parthenogenetic species and does not appear to be widespread on the Hawaiian Islands.
This nematode was recognized as distinct on the basis of several morphological characteristics and a single banded esterase pattern. Eisenback et al., 1994 (J.Nematol: 26: 363-374) state the morphological characteristics make this species quite distinct from all others in the genus. The 2n chromosome number is 44.
Morphological Identification
The female perineal pattern is variable and similar to
M. incognita
M. arenaria
. The male stylet has 6-12 diagnostic projections on the shaft. Mean juvenile length is 502um , with the range 468-530 um.


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From $30Visit Website
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Weekly Update
Happy Father's Day
Jun 17 2018
Happy Father's Day!
My favorite title is "Dad." Being a father has been one of the greatest joys of my life and it is also the reason why I am working so hard to create a better future full of opportunities for the next generation.
Protecting our Coast
This week, I led a letter to Secretary Zinke opposing offshore drilling in our beautiful state.
Our vibrant coast is the lifeblood of local communities and drives South Carolina's tourism industry, which generates $20 billion annually for our state. Every single coastal municipality in South Carolina, including the Grand Strand, has voted in opposition to offshore drilling. I have heard from many residents, businesses, and community leaders who worry about the risks offshore drilling poses to their livelihood. Our environment is our most precious asset- we must safeguard our natural resources and the communities supported by our coastline. I will continue to do everything in my power to protect and grow our coastal economy.Read More »
Vote Notes: Combating the Opioid Epidemic
|Hundreds of thousands of American lives have been cut short by prescription drug abuse. In South Carolina, 879 people died of an opioid overdose in 2016 alone. That is why House Republicans have made combating this crisis a top priority. This week, the House passed 39 bills to fight this epidemic. Included in the legislation we passed were bills to:
Bills passed in Washington alone will not stop this epidemic, we all have a role to play to help those impacted by addiction. I will continue my work at the federal and local level to end this epidemic so that no parent, sibling, or friend has to endure the loss of a loved one to drug abuse. Learn more about how House Republicans are fighting the opioid epidemic by clicking the link below.
Read More »
Did You Know?
|America is the land of opportunity once again! Thanks to tax reform and regulatory reform, our economy is booming:
? 1 MILLION new jobs created since tax reform
? Lowest unemployment rate in 18 years
? GDP projected to reach 3.3% in 2018
? Fastest wage growth in 10 years
? Small business confidence at record highs
Republicans will continue working on policies that will create growth and prosperity for years to come.
Stars and Stripes
|On Thursday we celebrated Flag Day. The American flag is the strongest symbol of liberty and freedom around the world. When we wave our stars and stripes, we remember all of those who have sacrificed their lives so that we may be free.
Former President Ronald Reagan said it best: "When we honor our flag we honor what we stand for as a Nation — freedom, equality, justice, and hope."


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The Beer Institute Calls Craft Beer Fans "Chuckleheads"
It's come to my attention that Chris Thorne, vice president of communications and lobbyist at the Beer Institute, is telling people in the craft beer industry that I used an off the record comment and took him out of context in my article for The Daily Beast titled "Bud Ad Sparks Beer Fight" and that he never called craft beer drinkers "chuckleheads," or stupid people. While this recording was originally made for accuracy's sake, I now feel compelled to make it public so readers and writers can hear the interview in full. The audio is attached and below is a transcript of the call. The point of contention is bolded and happens after we were disconnected, at about 9:20 into the recording.
– Matt Laslo
LASLO: "Yeah thank you so much for giving me a call."
THORNE: "Sure."
LASLO: "So I been talking to lawmakers this week and I guess, uh, we saw the introduction again of the Small Brew Act on Wednesday and then the bill you guys are sponsoring on Thursday. Do you think momentum — let me ask you first — do you think momentum is growing for your proposal?"
THORNE: "I think that the interest is there. I think the time is right. The proposal that we are supporting is different from what has been offered in past Congresses. I think what people — what we're hearing is that people support it and they like it because it's a matter, you know, the starting position is one of tax fairness and it allows members of Congress to support every part of the industry. You know, that they can stand with the microbrewers, the national craft brewers and major brewers and importers. So they're not being asked to pick winners and losers in the marketplace and that's a good starting point. The policy itself is one that makes sense, offers that deep, deep tax relief to the very small brewers. More than 90 percent of all brewers in the United States make less than 7,143 barrels that's that threshold for the first level in the Fair Beer Act and under our proposal. Those brewers would see all of their federal excise tax eliminated and then it's laddered from there. But the fact that it's fair, equitable and comprehensive is important and the feedback that we've gotten is that by having this presented in a way that's fair, equitable and comprehensive and doesn't create new barriers to growth by altering the industry structure is picking up support in the Congress."
LASLO: "Did you catch Senator Cardin's floor speech yesterday?"
THORNE: "No, I did not."
LASLO: "He, uh, in the speech said, you know, this is, um, basically that the Small Brew Act is fair. This actually might have been in my interview with him. But he says the big breweries just don't need this at all — that there's this punitive tax, this excise tax on the small guys that was never intended. So Congress just needs to fix that because it was never intended for the little guys, that the big guys can fend for themselves. What do you make of that argument?"
THORNE: "Well I don't think… I didn't see it so I didn't hear it. I will tell you that, um, excise taxes affect every brewer and ultimately every beer drinker. This is direct pass through to the beer drinker which is one of the chief concerns about making sure that we alter this in a way and reform it in a way that is comprehensive and doesn't, again, force Congress to pick winners and losers in the marketplace. And that includes winners and losers among the beer drinking constituents also. Uh, discriminating against one particular set of consumers because of the brand they drink does not lead to tax fairness. We support tax relief for small brewers but it has to be comprehensive to the industry. As is it, the barriers to entering the market is very low as it is for small brewers. We support removing them completely as it relates to the federal excise tax… but…"
THORNE: "Hey Matt."
LASLO: "Hey sorry about that."
THORNE: "So — but this is an excise tax question. I mean, why, you know, if this is going to be a pass through and it's baked into the co… you know, just goes… it's a cost to the brewer that's passed onto the distributor that's passed onto the retailer. Uh, when you look at those companies that pay the vast majority of the excise tax, you know, why shouldn't they see some form of reform. It's only pennies a barrel as it is. So I think from the starting point of tax fairness it's inherent in this conversation that we consider a comprehensive approach. It has to be.
LASLO: "And now, with a lot of these big breweries like InBev buying these smaller ones, aren't they kind of helped even just by the passage of something like the Small Brew Act?"
THORNE: "I'm not sure I follow your question."
LASLO: "Because InBev has scooped up what? Goose Island? They just got 10 Barrel out in Bend, Oregon, and et cetera, et cetera. So because these big breweries are now accumulating all these smaller ones, doesn't it help their bottom line on their books if the Small Brew Act passes and helps out all the smaller breweries that they now own."
THORNE: "I, you know, you're asking a question that's specific to [inaudible] and you really have to ask them. I don't know how they've organized their business. I will tell you actually I do know from having talked to some of the other companies that that's… For instance on the competitive side — and I have to back up a little bit here — can I do one thing?"
LASLO: "Yeah"
THORNE: "If I speak to specific brands — I can't be quoted speaking about specific brands."
LASLO: "Cool"
THORNE: "Okay and I really cannot be quoted speaking about specific tax structures of individual companies. I'm happy to, you know, help inform your position…"
LASLO: "Seems fair"
THORNE: "If I get quoted on that then we can't ever talk to each other again."
LASLO: "Yeah, yeah, yeah. I won't um… yeah, understood."
THORNE: "So it's actually not what you think and the way it works — so for instance Leinenkugel's, which is about a 900,000 or maybe 800,000 barrel operation that is managed and run by the Leinenkugel family but is one of the family of the broader MillerCoors family. It's actually the Miller Brewing Company bought a majority stake in them several years ago. Leinenkugel's does not get the small brewer tax credit even though they produce less than two million. Blue Moon Brewing Company which is a subsidiary of the Coors side (and that was a business that was opened with the support of Pete Coors by Keith Villa, the brewer at Blue Moon) that's just about two million barrels and because, again, Coors (now MillerCoors), owns the majority share of that and they pretty much own it wholeheartedly but they're a separate company on their books, they don't get the small brewer tax credit either. However, Pabst Brewing Company, which contracts all their brewing to MillerCoors — they don't own a brewery, they don't have any brewery employees — they get the small brewer tax credit."
LASLO: "Huh. That's interesting."
THORNE: "So yeah so there are competitive questions about this and that's why we talked about the barriers to growth. And, you know, f you're going to pick win… This marketplace issue is very, very important. If you are a… If you go into Jason's Liquor Store up in Ellicott City, up in Howard County, you can buy a case of Miller Light for $18.99. Your federal excise tax on that case is a $1.24. You can buy a case of Clipper City Peg Leg IPA for $36.99. Your federal excise tax on that is closer to 68 cents and under the bill it'll probably drop to like 45, 50 cents, right? The question really when we talk ultimately about fairness — and I mean this is why insane to say why shouldn't, you know, every brewer see relief because every beer drinker pays the tax. You're really talking about people who pave roads, lay drywall, wire houses, deliver washing machines, do landscaping. They're the ones paying for the light beer and the Mexican imports and they're the ones paying the top of the dollar. They're also the ones probably only making $50,000 a year. But some chucklehead who's making $150,000 a year and can put down 50 bucks or 45 bucks for a case of beer, he's paying the far smaller tax."
LASLO: "And now…"
THORNE: "So the point is, look there's a lot of things that go into the cost of a beer. There's, you know, your own business structure, your capital investments, the level of skill that you want to hire into your business, your efficiencies as a business, um, weather, uh, water costs, eh uh, the contracts that you have for your package suppliers (your bottle and can makers). All those things go into the cost of the beer. Most of them are outside of your control, you know, barley prices and hops prices and things like that, for instance. But one thing we can have an influence on is something that should be handled across the industry with a united voice is taxes. We need to have a united voice on taxes and if we're going to address an industry wide tax then we need to have the reform be industry wide."
LASLO: "And now you probably can't get into this at all but my piece will deal with some reaction to the Budweiser Super Bowl ad. You can't really comment on that, right?"
THORNE: "No. That may be. Look MillerCoors took a different tact. I have to, you know, I represent everybody. I've got to be ecumenical."
LASLO: "And that's just also to warn you that the piece kind of deals with that. DeFazio and McHenry got all pist off by it but then actually Senator Cardin said he liked the ad. He thought it was pretty clever. Um, cool well I think I, uh, got what I need."
THORNE: "Ok."
LASLO: "Awesome and I'll email you if I have any questions but, uh, thank you so much for your help."
THORNE: "Yep, appreciate it."
LASLO: "Alright, you have a good one."
THORNE: "Thanks Matt. Bye bye."


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Nov 29, 2015
A quick episode about how podcasting saved my life. #ThanksPodcasting
Nov 8, 2015
Episode 35: Big Fat Snare Drum Kris Mazzarisi This was a wonderful episode & I learned a ton from Kris. We talked about how BFSD came about, drums, podcasts, comedy and the future of BFSD. Check it out!
Nov 8, 2015
Episode 34: Happy Birthday aka Hrona Polla to the podcast! Bonus Episode


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Lib Union offering Jerry Levy with halted rambling during the VPR Auditor of Accounts debate made an interesting debate even more interesting. Levy stammered something about not being the best technical person for the job but would give 100 per cent. He's also directed plays which makes him uniquely qualified for the position. Levy wasn't at the debate - his segment was taped. Here's the wrap on the major candidates:
- Republican incumbent Randy Brock was solid, having an answer for most everything. He's proud of keeping politics out of the office, and doubly proud of completing state audits in a timely manner, something that hadn't been commonplace in the past. When Martha Abbott tried to corner him about living in Florida part-time, Brock was steadfast, saying he's taken some long weekends to the Sunshine State but does not live there. He stated he has a car with lots of miles, all of those miles logged in Vermont.
- Dem candidate Tom Salmon needs more debate experience; at times he had a lightweight timbre not unlike Dan Quayle. He was strong when he pointed out he's the only one in the race with a college accounting degree and is a CPA. Brock is not. When Brock pointed out that Salmon had not held a job since 1993, Salmon defiantly stated that was false; he worked for a firm from 2002 -2003.
- Martha Abbott sounded confident and answered questions thoroughly. She admitted unapologetically that she is carrying a political agenda though the campaign.
FIVE CORNERS UPDATE - Essential collection
Light was so long at the Essex Junction Five Corners yesterday, I was able to eat an entire Martone's grinder from start to finish while idling. Have you ever had one their grinders - the thing is like 18 feet long. It was delicious and messy but I was also able to clean up with some stray baby wipes and take a short nap before the light changed.


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- To benefit from REGENT gifts Star Club loyalty scheme you will need to create an account before you complete your order on PayPal's websites.
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The texts of additional Amicus Curiae briefs that oppose or support Prop. 8 can be read at the California Supreme Court web site. 5
References used:
The following information sources were used to prepare and update the above essay. The hyperlinks are not necessarily still active today.
Copyright � 2009 to 2012 by Ontario Consultants on Religious
Sponsored links


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(Peenemünde, Germany) View of old buildings at the Peenemünde Rocket Factory. I like the geometry of the plants taking over the parking lot.
Month: February 2015
Edgewater Mall
Montgomery Ward Auto Center
Mid-Cities Mall Entryway
Mid-Cities Mall — View Inside
Abandoned Mid-Cities Mall — parking lot
(Manitowoc, WI) This mall, later renamed to Lakeview Centre, has been abandoned for years. Its sister mall next door, the Lakeshore Mall (formerly Edgewater Plaza), still has a few stores but seems to be looking at the same fate. I still think of them as "The Useless Mall," and the "Totally Useless Mall," named that way by my older brother back when they were populated.
Machinery Housing at Peenemünde Rocket Factory
(Peenemünde, Germany) The V2 rocket was born here, and it was also the site of the first missile to be launched into space. Seventy years, later, a museum sits in the old factory. The photo is at the bottom of a small building housing machinery that powered the giant crane that unloaded ships bringing coal to power the factory.


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1 – It's Not Free
If you are under the impression that Medicare will cover all of your healthcare costs when you retire, you are mistaken.
For most people, healthcare will be their largest retirement expense – even with Medicare. In fact, some estimates rank healthcare at the top of the list of retirement expenses, exceeding housing and recreation costs combined.
A 65-year-old healthy couple can expect to spend $266,600 over the course of their retirement on Medicare premiums alone, according to HealthView Services. A figure that Fidelity estimates is slightly lower at $245,000 per couple. Neither included out-of-pocket expenses, like copays or deductibles, or long-term-care costs in their estimates.
*Although studies have shown Medicare to be cheaper than individual health plans offered by private insurers, it's far from free.
2 – There is No Out-of-Pocket Annual or Lifetime Limit
It's important to know that there is no yearly or lifetime out-of-pocket maximum when it comes to Medicare. You usually pay at least 20% coinsurance for approved costs.
3 – The Alphabet Soup of Medicare "Parts"
Six months before you turn 65, you'll receive a 160-page catalog from government: "Medicare & You."
While the program can seem overwhelming, here are the basics on Medicare Parts, along with their 2016 costs. Keep in mind that a higher income bracket means an extra surcharge on Part B and Part D premiums.
Part A (Original Medicare – Hospital Insurance)
Premiums for Medicare Part A, which pays for hospital care, are free for most people who've worked (and their spouses). It typically covers in-patient care at a hospital, skilled nursing facility and/or hospice. Part A usually also covers services like lab tests, surgery, doctor visits and home healthcare related to a hospital stay. (Not all stays are covered, it is important to check beforehand.) For people who are frequently admitted to the hospital, the out-of-pocket costs can quickly skyrocket.
Part A has a $1,288 deductible for each "benefit period," or health-care incident requiring hospitalization in 2016.
*It's important to remember that Part A is designed for inpatient care of less than 60 days, and in addition to your deductible, longer stays carry high coinsurance charges with no annual or lifetime maximums. Here are the coinsurance charges you will pay for longer hospital stays in 2016.
Days 1-60: $0 coinsurance for each benefit period
Days 61-90: $322 coinsurance per day of each benefit period
Days 91 and beyond: $644 coinsurance per each "lifetime reserve day" (you have a total of 60 "lifetime reserve days" that can be used toward the same or different hospital stays)
Beyond lifetime reserve days: You pay all costs
Part B (Original Medicare – Medical Insurance)
Medicare Part B is medical insurance, covering services and supplies that are medically necessary to treat a health condition. This can include outpatient care, lab work, preventive services, ambulance services and durable medical equipment.
In 2016, retirees pay the standard premium of $121.80 each month. People with incomes higher than $85,000 (or higher than $170,000 for couples) may pay from $171 to $389.80 per month for Part B premiums.
The yearly deductible for Part B is $166 in 2016.
After your deductible is met, you typically pay 20% coinsurance for Medicare-approved amounts for all services from approved providers, with no yearly maximum on what you may have to shell out.
Part C (Medicare Advantage)
Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is not a separate benefit, it's the name used for private health insurers providing Medicare benefits. The companies providing these policies these policies are paid by Medicare for approved expenses.
Medicare Advantage plans replace Parts A and B, and usually replace optional Part D (drug) coverages. Part C plans are mandated by federal law to cover all of the services provided by original Medicare Parts A and B except hospice care, which is always provided by Medicare. Part C providers are also required to cover emergencies and urgent care within the U.S. (but not outside the country).
Some Medicare Advantage plans include a reduction in the Part B premium. And many offer extra benefits, such as dental care, eyeglasses or wellness programs and Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).
Plan benefits and premium costs can change from year to year. There are many types of plans to choose from, and coverages, plan requirements, provider networks and costs vary by carrier.
Here Are the Types of Part C Plans You May Find:
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans – In an HMO, you can only go to doctors, healthcare providers or facilities in the plan's network, except in an urgent or emergency situation. You may also need to get a referral from your primary care doctor for tests or to see other doctors or specialists.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans – In a PPO, you pay less if you use doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers that belong to the plan's network and more if you use doctors, hospitals and providers outside of the network.
PFFS (Private Fee-for-Service) plans – PFFS plans allow you to go to any doctor, healthcare provider or hospital as long as they accept the plan's payment terms. The plan determines how much it will pay doctors, other healthcare providers and hospitals as well as how much you must pay when you get care.
SNPs (Special Needs Plans) – SNPs provide focused and specialized healthcare for specific groups of people, like those who have both Medicare and Medicaid, live in a nursing home or have certain chronic medical conditions.
HMOPOS (HMO Point-of-Service) plans – These HMO plans allow you to get certain services out-of-network for a higher copayment or coinsurance.
MSA (Medical Savings Account) plans – These plans combine a high-deductible health plan with a bank account. Medicare deposits money into the account (usually less than the deductible). You can use the money to pay for your healthcare services during the year. MSA plans don't offer Medicare drug coverage. If you want drug coverage, you have to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance)
Medigap plans are NOT Part C plans. They are not compatible, and if you have a Part C plan, it is illegal for anyone to sell you a Medigap policy. Medigap policies never replace Original Medicare Plans A or B, in fact you are required to have Parts A and B in order to purchase a Medigap policy. Medigap policies are supplemental. Medigap policies only cover one spouse—each person has to buy their own policy.
In general, a Medigap policy is private insurance that helps supplement or pay some of the costs not covered by original Medicare Parts A and B, including copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Unless the policy is a "Medicare SELECT" policy, a Medigap policy can be used in any U.S. state or territory. Medigap policies issued after January 1, 2006, do not offer prescription drug coverage. You must buy a standalone Part D plan if you want that coverage as well as a Medigap plan.
Some Medigap policies also offer coverage for services that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't cover, like medical care outside the U.S. If you have Original Medicare and you buy a Medigap policy, Medicare will pay its share of the Medicare-approved amount for covered health care costs, then your Medigap policy pays its share. Medigap policies generally don't cover long-term care, vision or dental care,
hearing aids, eyeglasses or private-duty nursing.
Insurance companies must sell standardized policies identified by most states by letters A through N (the letters A-C adding to immense consumer confusion.) They must all provide the same basic benefits, but some policies offer additional benefits and costs vary widely. See this chart comparing Medigap plans side-by-side:
How to Compare Medigap Policies
Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable as long as you pay the premium. However, premiums can go up. You may drop a Medigap policy, but you may not be able to get it back.
Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
Individuals are eligible for Part D prescription drug coverage (administered by private insurance companies) if they're signed up for Medicare Part A and B (or Part C replacement). Prescription drug coverage on average is $41 per month in 2016, but if you don't sign up for Part D (or Part C including drug coverage) when you're first eligible, you may have to pay a Part D late enrollment penalty for as long as you have a
Part D plan. The penalty amount depends on how long you went without it.
Additionally, higher income individuals pay an extra premium amount based on their adjusted gross income as reported on their tax returns from two years prior—from $12.70 to $72.90 per month extra in 2016 (based on 2014 tax returns.) This extra amount is collected by Medicare, not your insurance carrier, and most people have this extra amount taken out of their Social Security check.
Part D plans are allowed to charge deductibles of up to $360, but deductibles vary, and some Part D plans don't have a deductible. You may have heard of the "donut hole" when it comes to Part D – this refers to yearly drug costs that exceed $3,310 but are under $4,850 (when catastrophic coverage kicks in.) Part D plan holders must pay for 100% of their drug costs during this time. This donut hole will close in 2020 as a result of the Affordable Healthcare Act.
4 – What Medicare Doesn't Cover is a Lot
Neither Parts A nor B cover any of the following, although Part C Medicare Advantage or Medigap supplemental plans may offer some coverages depending on their policy terms.
- Care outside of the U.S.
- Eye exams, vision care or eyeglasses
- Hearing exams or hearing aids
- Most dental care services or dentures
- Acupuncture or alternative treatments
- Routine foot care
- Cosmetic surgery
- Limited physical thearapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology services
- Amounts not covered by deductibles and coinsurance (20%)
- Long-term* or custodial care
*It's estimated that 70% of people over the age of 65 will need some form of long-term care assistance. Medicare doesn't cover past 60 days if you become incapacitated and need nursing care, unless you qualify for Medicaid, which requires a complete spend-down of assets. People can risk losing their home and everything they hoped to leave to their heirs due to unexpected incapacitation and the need for an assisted living facility or nursing care, although there are some spousal protections in place. Be sure to have an estate plan in place. And research your long-term-care coverage options.
People are living longer than ever and women have a greater risk of needing long-term care because they often live longer than men. The cost of nursing care varies by state, but it is always expensive at an average $6,844 per month for a semi-private room.
5 – Medicare is Mandatory (Because Healthcare Coverage Is)
Health insurance coverage is now required by the Affordable Care Act.
If you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), or Medicare Part A only, then you meet the Affordable Care Act requirement to have health insurance. However, if you are only enrolled in Medicare Part B, this does not satisfy the minimum essential coverage requirement.
6 – You Must Sign Up Within 3 Months of Turning 65…or Pay More
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you don't need to do anything to enroll in Medicare. You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B effective the month you turn 65.
Otherwise, you must enroll in Medicare when you turn 65, unless you're covered by an employer group plan that covers 20 or more employees (based on the current employment of you or your spouse). Most experts recommend everyone sign up for Part A (free for most people) within the initial enrollment period.
If your employer group plan has less than 20 employees, experts recommend that you also sign up for Part B during the seven-month initial enrollment period that begins three months before you turn 65 – or you risk paying penalties. Medicare becomes the primary insurer by default if you are 65 and have a group health insurance plan that covers 20 or fewer. If you don't enroll, your group insurance may refuse claims that would have been covered by Part B.
Even if you don't have to enroll in Part B, you may want to enroll in Part D drug coverage at 65 to avoid late penalties that may apply if your drug coverage through your employer is less "creditable" than a plan you can get through Medicare.
7 – You Usually Pay for Medicare by Having it Deducted from Your Social Security Check
Premiums for most Medicare plans may be deducted directly out of your Social Security benefit check, so keep that in mind when planning your monthly retirement income. If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you must sign up for Medicare through the Social Security Administration during a Medicare enrollment period.
If you are already receiving Social Security when you turn 65, Medicare Parts A and B are automatically deducted from your check, and coverage starts the first of the month that you turn 65 years old. Medicare Part B premiums must be deducted from Social Security benefits if the monthly benefit amount covers the deduction. If the monthly benefit does not cover the full deduction, you will be billed quarterly. You must proactively decline Part B if you have or choose different coverage.
You may elect deduction of Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and/or Part D from your Social Security benefit, but it is your responsibility to ensure that the right premium deductions take place. Enrollments in Medicare Parts C and D (private plans) are not automatic and you must choose your private insurer and proactively enroll. You have other options (besides Social Security check deduction) to pay the premiums for these private plans, which differ by provider. Most offer check, automatic debit or credit card payments.
It's clear that planning for health expenses and coverage when you retire has significant impact on your enjoyment of your Golden Years. Call us at (435)773-9444 to discuss how we can help you create a retirement income plan, protect yourself and your family against the catastrophic financial effects of an unplanned illness and give you the confidence that comes with taking action to help secure your future.
*The information presented in this article was prepared by Shurwest


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U.S. ready to expand deliveries of arms to Ukraine to help strengthen the naval and air forces in the face of continuing Russian aggression.
U.S. ready to help Ukraine repair of the Navy and antiaircraft defence, - Volker
This was stated in the published September 1, an interview with The Guardian US special envoy on Ukraine Kurt Volker, said mediaUA with reference to Radio Liberty.
"They weekly lose soldiers defending their country. And therefore in this context for Ukraine, it is natural to build its armed forces to engage in self-defence, and clear - to seek help, and it is also clear that other countries must help them. And, of course, they need lethal weapons, because they kill," said Walker.
See also: the World is concerned about the increasing aggressiveness of Russia in the Azov sea - Walker
According to him, administration of the President of the United States Donald trump is "absolutely" prepared to supply weapons to the Ukrainian military to go on after anti-tank missiles that were granted in April.
"I think there will be a discussion about the naval potential, because, as you know, their fleet was largely captured by Russia. For this they need to rebuild their Navy, and they have very limited air capability. I think we have to consider air defense, " added Walker.
Also read: Volcker's Visit to Ukraine scheduled for September 13-16
See comments →


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Bath Makeover
www.bathmakeoverorange.com • 714-942-0506
Your trusted bathroom remodeler serving Orange County and beyond.
At Bath Makeover Orange, we're passionate about bringing our clients' one-of-a-kind bathroom dreams to life, always with a focus on top-notch work at an affordable price. Your bathroom is one of the most-important rooms of the home, and you deserve to have a functional and beautiful space. With help from the bathroom remodeling experts at Bath Makeover Orange, that can be your reality—in a fraction of the time and cost than you might expect! We offer comprehensive services and guaranteed products to bring your bathroom design to life, including:
- Replacement Tubs and Showers
- Accessible Bathing Solutions
- Full-Service Bathroom Renovation
- Customized Tile Installation Services
- and more!


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About us
Pearl's VisionCare
Pearl's VisionCare was founded in 2007 by siblings, Koh Hwee Eng and Koh Lian Buck after spinning off from Pearl's Optical Company. It has 3 retail outlets with 12 young and dedicated staff . The current outlets are at 51 Jalan Sultan, 3rd floor Kovan Heartland Mall and #02-17 Bedok Point respectively.
Since its inception, Pearl's VisionCare's top priority is to serve the customers well with quality primary eye care being the main focus. We pride ourselves for having a young, friendly and dynamic team of optometrists and opticians. The owners themselves are actively engaged in day to day business operations with vast experiences and strength in their area of expertise. We strive only to achieve one purpose which is to serve our customers with pride and provide the best possible vision correction and eye wear that suits their needs. Our inventory is large and is often stocked with the latest trends and fashion in the eye wear industry. Our customers seldom leave our stores without finding what they like on their faces.
For a relatively young company, we have established a reputation as a renowned optical retailer and eye care provider in Singapore, and are often seen by members of the trade as a preferred place to work in terms of staff cohesiveness, career development and knowledge attainment.
Company Directors:
Serene Koh Hwee Eng B.A.,CCLP
Serene is the founder and executive director of Pearl's Visioncare. She graduated from NUS in 1986 with Bachelor of Arts (Economics & Statistics). She went on to obtain her optometry training from Singapore Polytechnic in 1995. She is one of the pioneer batch that graduated from SP in optometry.
Serene manages the HR and financial matters of the company, and keeps an eye for potential business development and expansion. Her other roles include product procurement, both local and overseas, and is in charge of the daily operations of 2 of the company's branches, Kovan Heartland Mall and Bedok Point.
Koh Lian Buck BSc(Hons) Optom UK
Lian Buck graduated from the University of Bradford with a bachelors degree in optometry and has been in the eye care profession since 1992. He strives to position the company to be a leader in the areas of primary eye care, contact lenses and eye wear trends. While his primary role in the company revolves around clinical eye examination and contact lens prescribing, his other important responsibilities are to provide guidance and leadership to colleagues and peers in motivating each other to provide quality, relevant and ethical services to our patients/customers. Lian Buck is an active speaker at local and overseas conferences and sits on the advisory panel of Johnson & Johnson Visoncare as well as Alcon Vision Care. He is also an associate lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, where he spends once a week teaching at the School of Optometry. He works at the branch in Jalan Sultan.
Combining Clinical Knowledge and Diagnostic Technology
Besides the strong array of products available, we also have a team of optometrists and opticians passionate in providing professional advice to our customers. Our business model places a strong focus on clinical optometric practice as we believe that primary eye care lies in the hands of qualified optometrists. Making use of state-of-the art equipment, we provide our patient/customer comprehensive eye examination that is close to the standard of eye examination performed in an eye clinic. All our branches provide glaucoma and retinal screening using equipment like the non-contact tonometer and retinal camera. We are proud to have consistently make good and early detection of eye diseases and have referred them to our panel of eye doctors for treatment.
Strong Partnership with Vendors
We have a very close relationship with our vendors and work together with them to bring better eye care products and services to our customers. We are part of contact lens giant, Johnson and Johnson Visioncare's prestigious Platinum Partners program. In this partnership, our customers get to try the latest contact lenses before they are offered to the mass market. The Jalan Sultan branch is a designated "Acuvue Experience Centre". This is a shop-in-shop concept which is only available in high end retail stores.
Community Outreach
Our company takes pride in raising public awareness of good eye health in Singapore. We collaborate with contact lenses companies and conduct talks at schools and businesses organisations regularly. One such beneficiary is the Call Centre of American Express, where we conducted talks about contact lens care. This helps to educate their employees on tips to protect their eyes and vision. Our optometrists also collaborated with Johnson and Johnson and Health Promotion Board. Our outreach also includes visiting primary and secondary schools to teach young children simple eye exercises, as well inculcating good reading habits and the importance of good eye health. We were involved in a eye screening for residents at a community level which was organised by one of the Residential Committees in Changi-Simei Constituency.
Corporate Social Responsibility
At Pearl's VisionCare, we strongly believe that no one should be deprived of quality vision care, regardless of their ability to pay. We have a diverse range of products to ensure that we can meet the needs of all. We have an existing alliance with the Health Promotion Board and Essilor Singapore, a renowned international spectacle lens company, to provide free prescriptive lenses and subsidised frames for students in low income families. Furthermore, our optometrists commit time to the community by performing eye examinations for students of Northlight Secondary School and also at events organised by our professional association and welfare organisations.
In 2013, we were acknowledged for our corporate social responsibility by Johnson and Johnson. The Health Promotion Board in 2015 acknowledged our efforts in reaching out to the schools to spread the message on myopia and promote good vision care habits.
For further information, please contact:
Mr Koh Lian Buck at 62944517 or
Ms Serene Koh at 62895298
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Good morning.
Here's what you need to know to start your day in Europe:
• A day of parliamentary Ping-Pong ended late last night with Prime Minister Theresa May winning authority to begin Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.
Raising the stakes, Scotland's leader, Nicola Sturgeon, called for another referendum on Scottish independence.
These added to the existential threats facing Europe today. And so did Turkey, which escalated tensions with European countries by saying the Dutch ambassador, who is currently away, would not be welcome back.
• The number of Americans without health insurance could rise by 24 million in the next decade under the Republican plan to repeal President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act.
The American Health Care Act, as Republicans call the bill, would cut $337 billion from the federal deficit over the same period, the independent Congressional Budget Office said in a report.
• President Trump plans to invite President Xi Jinping of China for a two-day visit to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida next month, according to news reports.
Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson is expected to complete plans for the meeting during his trip to Asia this week, which includes a stop in China.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany has postponed her first visit to the White House until Friday, at Mr. Trump's request, because of an approaching snowstorm.
• Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian autocrat who was toppled in 2011, may be released from his hospital detention.
This month, he was cleared of responsibility for the killings of 239 people during the protests that ended his 30-year rule.
The country's democracy activists live under the constant threat of prison — or worse, six years after the Arab Spring.
• European antitrust regulators moved closer to thawing a dispute with Gazprom, provisionally accepting commitments by the Russian energy giant to address its dominance in gas markets.
• The race for self-driving cars is heating up. Intel, the microchip giant, is paying $15.3 billion for the Israeli firm Mobileye, which specializes in the sensors and cameras that make them possible.
• The Federal Reserve is expected to raise its benchmark interest rate on Wednesday, potentially putting it at odds with Mr. Trump, who has promised faster economic growth.
• Amazon's rare fumble in its cloud computing operations has given rivals like Google and Microsoft an opening to poach clients.
• The dollar inched up against the euro overnight. Here's a snapshot of global markets.
In the News
• The fight to protect Lake Baikal, a giant blue apostrophe on the Siberian map, has shifted from industrial pollution to more mundane matters like sewage. [The New York Times]
• The northeastern U.S. is bracing for a blizzard that will force thousands of flights to be canceled. New York City may get up to 17 inches of snow, the National Weather Service said. [The New York Times]
• Russia has deployed special forces to an air base in western Egypt near the Libyan border, in an apparent effort to support a Libyan military commander. [Reuters]
• A United Nations human rights official called for an independent inquiry into the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the half brother of North Korea's leader. [The New York Times]
• Japan will send its largest warship to the disputed South China Sea, claimed by China. It is Japan's biggest show of naval force since World War II. [Reuters]
• Polish prosecutors summoned Donald Tusk as a witness in a case against former secret service officials, two days after he was re-elected president of the European Council, against Poland's objections. [Reuters]
• Catalonia's former leader was barred from holding public office after being found guilty of organizing an illegal independence referendum in the Spanish province. [The New York Times]
• China's offer of a larger-than-life statue of Karl Marx is overshadowing plans for bicentenary celebrations in his German hometown. [The New York Times]
• Carlos the Jackal, the notorious Venezuelan terrorist, back on trial in France for a 1974 grenade attack, said he was a "professional revolutionary." [The Guardian]
Smarter Living
• If you're hitting the gym this morning, here's the right way to stretch before exercising.
• Recipe of the day: Roast miso chicken adds immense flavor to a weeknight meal.
• Our latest 360 video brings you the Hindu festival of Holi from the Indian town of Nandgaon, where it is believed to have originated.
• In memoriam: Igor Shafarevich, a Russian mathematician and anti-Soviet dissident, died at 93; Lloyd Conover, a chemist and inventor of breakthrough antibiotics, died at 93.
• At a time of upheaval, museums invite social activism. And if you'd really rather escape, here's how to beat the crowds at the British Museum.
Back Story
If you've ever felt ripped off by a company, an event this week might interest you.
Wednesday is World Consumer Rights Day. Started in 1983, it was inspired by an address President John F. Kennedy gave 55 years ago.
Many of the passages resonate today.
"The march of technology — affecting, for example, the foods we eat, the medicines we take, and the many appliances we use in our homes — has increased the difficulties of the consumer along with his opportunities," Kennedy said.
He said the government should safeguard the right to safety, to being informed, to choice and to being heard.
Kennedy's message helped pave the way for activists like Ralph Nader and his push for vehicle safety. Upton Sinclair, whose 1906 novel "The Jungle" depicted the deplorable standards in the meatpacking industry, prompting legislative action, is viewed as an early advocate for consumers.
The movement, though, is often cast in the role of underdog.
"There are a lot of powerful interests trying to tilt the scales against consumers," the publisher of Consumer Reports wrote in 2012. "But there is one important asset that they don't have and we do. That asset is people power."
Sean Alfano contributed reporting.
Your Morning Briefing is published weekday mornings and updated online.
Read the latest edition of the U.S. briefing here and the latest for Asia and Australia here.
What would you like to see here? Contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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KEY INFORMATION ON CORAL TREASURES SLOT February 23, 2018
If you fancy underwater worlds, then Coral Treasures is just for you! Designed by Miko Apps, Coral Treasures slot comes packed with 5 reels and 25 paylines and allows you to benefit from a number of features, bonus rounds, multipliers and big wins! You can play this game now at the best online bingo site- Bingo Extra!
Symbols you will find landing on the wonderful reels are: Clams, Oxygen Tanks, Octopus, Treasure Boxes, Sea Horses, Star Fish, Crabs, Fish and high value card K, Q, J, A, 9 and 10. Before you start playing, set your bets in the Bet/ Line Field from £0.01, £0.02, £0.04, £0.05, £0.10, £0.20, £0.50 to £1.00. In this field, you could also select from 1 to 15 paylines to play on as they are not fixed. Autoplay is also available in the game and this allows you to play from 10, 20, 50 and 100 games to play on auto.
The Clam is the Bonus Symbol of the game which triggers the bonus round. The Scatter symbol is the Treasure Box which awards you a number of multipliers when landed. The Oxygen Tank unlocks different levels of the game like: Reel, Atlantis, Titanic and El Dorado. The Wild Symbol is the Octopus, which replaces all symbols bar the bonus, scatter and oxygen symbol. It can also expand on the reels, which allows it to replace for three symbols at once.
Collect Oxygen Tanks to unlock the following levels in the game. Reef, Atlantis, Titanic and El Dorado. In the counter displayed at the top of the slot grid. An Oxygen Tank represents 1 GBP, and a certain amount is required to unlock the levels. On completing levels one and two, you have the chance to collect the oxygen tank quota. Click on the "Collect" button. Free Spins then start immediately and ends when your oxygen tanks run out!
Landing three, four or five Clams anywhere on the reels awards the bonus game. Catch flying items to bag up a massive award. The game is limited to 30 seconds, so make sure not to touch any anchors as it reduces your time by 3 seconds. The more shapes you catch, the more your prize is.
Scatter symbols award multipliers when they land on the reels. Three, four or five scatters award 15x, 100x and 200x respectively. The Gamble Bonus allows you to double up your last win. Select heads or tails on a coin flip and double up your prizes!
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There are certain expressions you MUST know when talking about blockchain. In this article, we introduce 2+2+1 must know words from blockchain and the cryptocurrency market. The first two expressions are closely connected, while the last one by itself is too important to miss.
Let's see!
P2P Network and Decentralization
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) is a network of members communicating straight with each other, without a central entity. The members make desired transactions with each other, following the technology established methods and rules, without the necessity of an intermediator.
Currently, most of our systems are server-based: we need a central entity to perform a transaction with another entity. For example, to pay our friend online, we need to reach out to our bank to make the transfer for us.
Our world right now is very much centralized, where corporations act as an intermediator of our transactions and gain benefits from connecting us. This means that a lot of power, information and profit is collected by these institutions. For example, three very powerful companies today are famous intermediators, profiting from connecting us to other parties.
Google connects us to any information, learning every step of the way about us. Amazon connects us to vendors, while Facebook to our friends. These central organizations, in the end, possess more power and profit than the parties on the network.
Blockchain brings the possibility of building P2P networks, without the necessity of any central entity, connecting peers directly and more efficiently. With blockchain, we can establish decentralized networks, where the majority of the network's benefits are not gathered in the hand of one company.
Shared ledger and transparency
General ledgers to account for transactions are used by all companies and have been around since the 13th century.
Blockchain brings us the possibility of a distributed ledger, where all members of the ledger can easily access and add to the shared records. This means, that a copy of the ledger exists on all the servers of the network (Network Nodes), and all of these copies are updated with all the changes happening on the network.
The ledger reduces multiple entries by all parties, significant amount of work, and becomes one single source of truth when it comes to transaction history.
As all parties see the same ledger, blockchain technology can establish a new form of transparency, where all network activity can be seen by any participant.
The information on the blockchain network is registered in blocks, and all of these blocks are connected to the previous one. Changes in a block would require, that all of the connected blocks are changed as well. Thus, blockchain makes sure, that the transactions registered cannot be edited, removed or modified, without modifying the whole chain.
By Barbora Juhaszova
Editorial Department


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SecoGear P/V II-7.2~12 (J.R) AC Metal- Clad Enclosed Switchgear
SeceGear P/V II-7.2~12 (J.R) indoor Metal-Clad withdraw-able A.C switchgear is contactor plus fuse switchgear . Apply for three phases AC 3 phases single bus bar system with 3.6~12kV rated voltage, can be assembled with VCB for combined distribution. SeceGear P/V II-7.2~12 (J.R) can protect feeders like motor and transformer. It is widely used in power plant, metal and chenical etc.
Features and benefits
Frequent operations 600 times/h
Long contactor life 2,500,000 times
Equiped with CR193
Multi cable connection solutions


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It has been more than a year of chaos since the Liberal Government introduced its retrograde timetable changes.
Commuters have been severely impacted by the removal of direct train services to Liverpool, Parramatta and Blacktown, forcing residents to change trains 2-3 times to get to work.
This petition sends a strong message: We are sick and tired of copping a raw deal from this Government and we're demanding fairer services for south-west commuters.


text: Funny Pictures – April 19, 2018Odd Stuff My cat and I enjoy driving around town and disapproving of everyone we see. via Hope I've got my ticket. via Local burger joint employees have Viking titles. via My friend was the MC for his sisters wedding. He forgot he put the microphone in his pocket. via The early bird gets the worm.. via Graphs make every decision easier. via This sign was hit at our local Walmart. via "They'll be right back." via Quit staring at me, bro. via Cat shows you the right way to use chair holes. via My neighbor got creative with his Jeep decal. via My 5 year old daughter said she saw a cute red penguin. via An encouraging supporter at the Boston Marathon. via Vincent only has one ear. I made him a party hat! via This lady who doesn't give an F. via I get married on Saturday and this was my dinner fortune cookie last night. via Suddenly I appreciate my job much more. via Hmmm.. via Add to Flipboard Magazine. FacebookTwitterPinterest


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Here's where you can enter our online seed shop to order your hot beans! We only carry our own genetic stock from our own Internatioanl breeders, therefore we have a limited amount of strains avalible at the moment. New strains will be added to the shop in the very near future, so check back to see whats new!
What's New!
Big Dawg,Gorilla Punch X Star Dawg
Rollover,Double Dawg X Girl Scout Cookies
Big-G, Big Ben X Gorilla Glue


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96.7 The Coyote streaming music and programs both in online. 96.7 The Coyote is 24 hour 7 day live Online radio. Home of CMA Award-Winning Wilhite & Wall in the Morning & NEW Country radio for Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, & all of Northwest Arkansas!
96.7 The Coyote website address is 967thecoyote.com
Please Click On To Play Button And Wait For 10-20 Seconds!
Most of the radio should work fine in IE./Firefox/Chrome/Opera. If it doesn't running download Adobe Flash Player. After installing the plugin "refresh" your browser.
If radio doesn't start itself, select the different browser or If the Radio is extremely choppy and stops every 5 seconds, try listen to this Radio at different time.
Not all Radio Stations function for 24 hours everyday. If you can't listen to any Radio, try to listen at different time, as the Radio Station may stop during midnight according to its own country time zone.


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One year ago JABBA was created with the intention of bringing 'cosmic and future sounds' to Brighton, (something many argued to be a novelty, overdue, for the coastal town). Alongside this, techno and underground house had also been lacking in the clubs of Brighton until early 2016 with the opening Patterns. Part of the Mothership Group (Queen of Hoxton and The Book Club) it promised to deliver eclectic electronic and live music to discerning fans and it did.
Who better to honour this promise than JABBA who in a similar time frame had been growing in their own way. Having hosted nights in a range of venues including seafront arch MONO with a live set from Ross from Friends as well as Space Dimension Controller in Komedia. This time around fans were treated to the sounds of DJ Stingray in none other than Patterns.
Sherard Ingram, billed for this event as DJ Stingray 313 is known by aliases including Urban Tribe and performed under legendary artists Drexciya. He has been active in the techno scene in Detroit and worldwide for years making a name for himself in a particularly harsh but intelligent electronic sense. His music and sets alike often feel familiar and distant from the listener, at the same time, this has retained his fan base of dedicated old-school listeners and brought along seekers of the contemporary.
On the night of JABBA's biggest event to date, from midnight onwards crowds gathered for what was expected to be a night of unpredictable techno and electro. Warm up acts in the basement were provided by Fuji, Watson and Seb Harris, all three providing both figurative and literal warm ups including world music, disco, acid-laced techno and more to get the crowd moving in preparation for the headliner. The best track from the warm up came from Kornél Kovác's remix of 'Summer Nites', an unrelenting acid heater which provided just enough warming up for the crowd as the club came close to a comfortable capacity.
Taking his place behind the decks at 2am, Stingray introduced himself with harsh and crisp techno kicks which were quickly accompanied by what could be described as 8-bit synthesisers. Stingray lived up to his reputation of providing unapologetic and unforgiving music in the first 15 minutes of his set.
He was not done here however over the next hour moving between genres, speeds and pitches to provide a truly eclectic set that challenged fans expectations in what was generally received positively by the crowd who erupted into applause on numerous occasions throughout.
During our conversation, prior to his set, a key theme appeared being that of Tresor; Berlin's powerhouse nightclub and record label. Over the past year plans have been slowly released regarding the German institutions part in the redevelopment of Detroit's Packard Plant Project which will see a $350 million renovation, part of which includes a nightclub created by Tresor. Critics have argued that the redevelopment will be a 'repackaged version of Detroit's techno culture' accessible only to the 'creative classes'. The native Detroiter dismissed these claims and spoke of its benefit, stating that its a much needed "catalyst for Detroit's scene". As fans eagerly await the plans to come to fruition, Stingray informed me that he also has an upcoming project with none other than Tresor. Keeping quiet on any further details, he did mention that he also has work in the pipelines with Amsterdam based label, festival, and DJs Dekmantel.
Loyal collaborations seem to be an important element to Stingrays success and artistic integrity, contributing to his dominance in his field.
Coming towards the end of his set Stingray took the 'no prisoners' approach and increased the speed to push ravers for that last stretch, notably using Recyver Dog's, 'Erz'. The night truly felt like it was coming towards an end when the music was overthrown by what would most suitably be described as white noise. This night was no exception concluding with a brass horn heavy trap song which the audience grooved into without reaction. At this point the headline act had breached the 4am closing time, lights came on but Stingray was not done yet. He proceeded to leave a final taste with his Brighton fans by removing his balaclava and passing around drinks and a bottle of vodka into the crowd.
Anyone who has seen Stingray live would most likely vouch for him providing 'cosmic and future sounds' and then some. We can assume that he was a relatively easy choice as a representative on JABBA's first birthday. Beyond this event, we loosely spoke of intentions to move the party out of Brighton, with it sounding like the JABBA will be arriving in London in the near distant cosmic future. We can't wait !


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UN in fresh appeal for Pakistan flood victims
The UN has made a fresh appeal for Pakistan's flood victims as film star Angelina Jolie has arrived in the country to highlight their plight.
The UN High Commission for Refugees says that it needs $120m (£78m) for tents and other supplies.
A UN official told the AFP news agency that so far it has received about two-thirds of $459m (£298m) originally asked for in August.
He said that a second appeal would be launched on 17 September.
UN Assistant Secretary General Ajay Chhibber said that helping Pakistanis to rebuild their homes and businesses was of paramount importance for the country's long-term regional and global stability.
"Now that the water has receded in large parts... what's clear from these visits is that the early recovery needs to start now," Mr Chhibber told AFP during a visit to the militant-hit northwest.
"If there's greater unrest in Pakistan it will have much greater regional and global implications."
The UN has warned that the slow pace of pledges could impede relief operations. It says that the country faces a triple threat to food supplies - with seeds, crops and incomes hit.
Handouts to survive
In the south of Pakistan, areas are being newly-flooded even as the long process of reconstruction begins in the north.
Correspondents say that half of the rural population of Sindh province has been affected by the flooding - where the water has been slower to drain because the terrain is flatter.
Officials say that eight million people remain reliant on aid handouts to survive, six weeks after monsoon rains caused the flooding.
Advancing floodwaters continue to threaten the towns of Johi and Dadu in Sindh province, officials say, with 19 of its 23 districts under water and 2.8 million people displaced.
"Armed forces and irrigation officials are racing against time to save Johi and Dadu," provincial Irrigation Minister Jam Saifullah Dharejo told AFP.
"Floodwaters are increasing pressure on Johi embankment, while the raging waters are just 5km (three miles) away from Dadu city."
He said residents had formed a human chain to help reinforce embankments securing the towns in what was a "very heartening and courageous" initiative.
Ms Jolie says that the situation also remained desperate in the north-west.
"From what I understand the situation is on a scale that we have not really seen the likes of. It's on a huge scale," she told reporters at a camp for the displaced.
"It is extraordinarily complex situation, it's not just the floods," she said, referring to the 1.7 million Afghan refugees living in temporary camps in the north-west.
Wearing a red-lined black cloak, the actor said she was upset to see the people's plight and called for donations through various channels, including the UN's official appeal.
She is travelling as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations refugee agency, the UNHCR, and was making her fourth visit to Pakistan since being appointed in 2001.
Last week Ms Jolie released a video appealing for more donations on behalf of nearly 21 million people who have been affected by the disaster.
The 34-year-old visited affected communities where millions of long-term Afghan refugees reside.
She has personally donated $100,000 to the flood appeal.
The UNHCR is providing relief aid including shelter materials to those displaced by the disaster, which officially has killed 1,760 people.
If you would like to make a donation to help people affected by the floods in Pakistan, you can do so through the UK's Disasters Emergency Committee at www.dec.org.uk or by telephone on 0370 60 60 900.


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I believe this property is 38+ years old.
It has undergone a variety of updates and renovations over the years (I have been a guest there many times) and if you happen to be in residence there during some of this work, it can be a bit off-putting (especially consider the pricing).
At the same time, management is very forthcoming at the time of making a reservation when work is being done and of course, in most cases, you have the option to NOT stay there.
I was not surprised when I arrived there last week and found the grounds and exterior of the building in various stages of scaffolding and protective covers. As I was there on business, the exterior conditions didn't really have a negative impact (no time to use the swimming pools, go to the beach [red tide was bothersome] or sit on my balcony for morning coffee [Nespresso machines and liberal supplies of pods replenished daily].
I found it interesting at check-in to be handed a letter from management, advising me that my Lifetime Platinum status did not include access to the Club Level. I was aware of that before arriving - the property simple has dedicated Club Level floors and not just a lounge per se. Front desk personnel ask if I cared to 'upgrade' to Club Level (at an additional and substantial cost), which I declined.
Since the property offers an excellent variety of dining and libating venues, the extra cost didn't make economic sense to me, as I was there for business and only stayed two evenings.
The Moet-Chandon champagne has been added to the lobby since my last visit - only $25US per split.
I was offered and accepted a flute of champagne (which I believe all arriving guest receive).....which does make feel a bit special.
I enjoy staying at Ritz-Carlton properties and am pleased they now fall under the Marriott marque.


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Risk To Heart Diseases In Postmenopausal Women
A study by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, the United States shows heart disease risk in postmenopausal women increases significantly with pericardial fat and future studies should focus on this fat. Researchers evaluated blood samples and CT scan reports of 478 women without hormonal displacement therapy from Pittsburgh and Chicago. The women in under the study were in different stages of menopause with an average age of 51 years. The heart is surrounded by two types of fat.
The current study results show pericardial fat volume increased from 25th percentile to 75th percentile. The study shows coronary artery calcification increases by 45 percent in women with post-menopause period compared with women during the pre-menopause period. This increase in volume translated into 160 percent increase in risk to coronary artery calcification. Coronary artery calcification is an early sign of heart disease. The researchers say postmenopausal women are with more epicardial and pericardial fat due to different reasons. The risks associated with them to heart disease should be studied separately to avoid the risk of heart disease in women.
Surgical procedures such as bariatric surgery and diet control can reduce the volume of heart fat. Now Prof Samar R El Khoudary Ph.D, M.P.H planning a study to find out hormone replacement therapy on fat accumulation with a focus on different types of heart fat. Lead author of the study is assistant Prof Samar R El Khoudary Ph.D, M.P.H, from Pitt Public Health's Department of Epidemiology and the study findings were published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Deaths Due To Diabetes Was Much Higher Than Previous Estimates
A study by researchers shows a number of Americans dying due to diabetes is much higher than previous estimates. It may be due to non-listing and underreporting of diabetes as a cause of death in death certificates. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows 300 percent increase in people with diabetes between 1980 and 2014. About 22 million people are suffering from diabetes in the United States.
The researchers found 12 percent of the deaths are due to diabetes. The study was based on the annual federal government data (NHIS and NHANES) which shows diabetes is the leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. The researchers also found that death rate is about 90 percent higher in patients with diabetes compared with patients without diabetes.
Researchers say deaths will decline by 12 percent with the elimination of diabetes disease in individuals. Author of the study is Prof Samuel Preston, University of Pennsylvania and co-author of the study is Andrew Stokes, demographer, Boston University. The study findings were published in the PLOS One.
The Diabetes News Chronicle does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Information in Diabetes News Chronicle is to support and not to replace medical advice given by the surgeon or physician or doctor. The published article is not a medical advice by the OWNER of the "Diabetes News Chronicle" website or by the AUTHOR of the article.
Published by Jammi Vasista, Chennai, India.


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- 1Jan
Grease Theft - it's Real, it's Serious, it's a Crime!
Part 1. The theft of used cooking oil is a growing crime with social ramifications. Even Homeland Security is making arrests, issuing indictments not only for stealing grease, but conspiracy, money laundering and immigration crimes. Learn how you can protect your store, employees and customers from ...
- 1Jan
Grease? Stolen? You must be kidding.
Part 2. Grease theft doesn't only affect us, or other legitimate used cooking oil service providers – it can threaten a restaurant's employees, customers, neighbors, and even the environment if grease is spilled and left to run off into city sewer systems. But there are ways we can fight this crime. ...
- 1Jan
How to Protect Your Used Cooking Oil from Thieves
Used cooking oil, colloquially known as "liquid gold" and "golden gunk", is an extremely valuable resource for restaurateurs and refineries — and thieves. Since 2012, Darling Ingredients has arrested and sought prosecution for hundreds of grease bandits. Find out how smelly used cooking grease has ...
- 1Jan
Easy as 1-2-3!
Making the move from messy outdoor used cooking oil bins to sleek, clean, automated indoor tanks is as easy as 1/2/3. Learn how you can minimize risk and increase efficiency with a simple move to indoor equipment.
- 1Jan
Why moving indoor for used cooking oil collection is the best choice
Many restaurants still transfer their used cooking oil the hard way - by pail and by hand, carrying it out to a bin in their coral. This often results in spilled grease, employee burns, and possibly customer slipping in a grease-coated parking lot, all which can cost a restaurant unnecessary money ...


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#Successleague Ep.3 Ft Crysta Wicks Being Successful As A Jack Of All Trades.
Crysta Wicks is The Boss Wife, Mother, author, entrepreneur, and innovative creative. While she effortlessly inspires many she simultaneously grooms her children to carry her legacy. I have known Crysta for many years and I must say she is loyal, consistent, strategic, and humble. This is someone you want to have in your corner. I have had the pleasure to watch Crysta evolve from an already successful company and lifestyle to excellence in running her now fine-tuned business. This amazing woman never gives up on her visions and will accomplish anything that she speaks, no matter how long it takes. I can testify that she will stay focused and strategically take all the proper steps to get it done. So don't take her kind heated nature for granted, this is a strong woman who has earned her respect.
This discussion will give some insight on multitasking as an entrepreneur. We no longer live in a world where its best to specialize in one skill. Technology now allows us to be masters of multiple trades. Hope you find value in this discussion.


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Information Webinar to Principles and application
The ZNU – Centre for Sustainable Leadership is an application-oriented research institute in the Faculty of Economics of the University of Witten/Herdecke. As a sustainability initiative between business and science, we are working with the sustainability leaders of today and tomorrow to make tangible improvements in sustainable corporate management through research, teaching, training and conferences.
Target group
Webinar for business practitioners, for the departments of strategy, sales, distribution, controlling, as well as fort he executive consultants and auditors
Objective of the webinar is the introduction of the principles of the ZNU – Standard. The two webinars (ZNU-Standard I and II) aim to provide the participants with the principles of the ZNU-Standard and enable them to ask and discuss their questions.
Content Overview
1Tuesday | 8 October 2019
Space of time: 10am – 11am CET
Webinar ZNU-Standard I – Introduction to the Standard:
- Who we are – the ZNU
- Development and positioning of the ZNU Standard – driving sustainable change
- Overview over the requirements of the ZNU Standard
- Benefits and advantages
- Statements of stakeholders about the ZNU Standard
free of charge for the registered participants*
*Upon the approval of your registration you will receive an e-mail with the link to join the webinar.
Jona Nelson
Jona Nelson has been a research associate within the ZNU-Standard team since June 2017. In focus of his work is the revision of the Standard, as well as the development of the relevant tools for its implementation, and the benchmarking with the other international certification frameworks.Dozent 1 von 2
Patricia Kief
Patricia Kief has been head of marketing at ZNU since spring 2018. She supports the center management both strategically and operationally in the communication and marketing of ZNU activities and in the further development of the ZNU portfolio. Patricia Kief has over 20 years of professional experience in the food sector. After working for Dr. Oetker and Mars, she held various marketing positions at Ornua Deutschland GmbH where she was responsible for the Kerrygold brand.Dozent 2 von 2
ZNU – Centre for Sustainable Leadership
ZNU – Centre for Sustainable Leadership
Faculty of Economics | Witten/Herdecke University
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50 | 58448 Witten
Phone: +49 (0) 2302 926-545
E-Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Managing infestations of certain pests through crop rotation (e.g., planting corn, Zea mays L., and a nonhost crop such as soybean, Glycine max L., in alternative years) has historically been an effective approach; however, the effectiveness of crop rotation for managing many pests (e.g., western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) has begun to fail in many areas of the United States. Recent experimental investigations and model development efforts have shed some light on the population dynamics and behavior of the rotation-resistant phenotype. In addition, there has been growing interest in understanding and modeling pest resistance mechanisms against genetically modified insecticidal pest-resistant crops. Transgenic crops express Bt genes which produce insecticidal proteins (Bt toxins) and provide pest control; however, widespread and long-term planting of Bt crops makes pest resistance more probable because it increases pest exposure to Bt toxins in space and over time.
Computer simulations are being increasingly relied upon to reveal key factors and integrate them to evaluate the impacts of invasions from crop rotation and Bt-resistant insects. Initial modeling attempts involved the creation of simple spreadsheet-based models of adult insect behavior and population genetics to study the development of insect resistance to transgenic corn. Some models explicitly considered spatiotemporal dynamics in an agroecosystem consisting of transgenic Bt plants, insects susceptible to Bt toxins, and adapted Bt-resistant insects that can grow on Bt plants. Model results showed that invasion of Bt-resistant insects leads to spatially inhomogeneous distributions of plants and insects. In addition, spatially averaged plant biomass was shown to be strongly dependent on the duration of the Bt-resistant insect reproduction period. Concurrent to modeling insect resistance to transgenic corn, modeling efforts also focused on explaining how rotation resistance may have developed in a landscape with multiple crops. Simulation results indicated that behavioral resistance only developed at high levels of rotation, and that diverse landscapes may delay resistance to crop rotation depending on the nature of the genetic system. Model shortcomings included the assumption that a very simple genetic system is responsible for evolution of the behavioral changes and rotation resistance.
Until very recently, no models focused on the simultaneous evolution of resistance to both crop rotation and transgenic crops. However, new modeling efforts in the past few years have expanded the simulation models described above to evaluate the risk of resistance by pests to both transgenic crops and crop rotations in areas with or without rotation-resistant
Intake phenotypes. Model analysis focused on several aspects including: (1) simulating the use of transgenic corn in rotated cornfields, continuous cornfields, or both; (2) simulating whether crop rotation can affect resistance to transgenic corn (and vice versa); and (3) simulating the use of transgenic corn in areas without rotation-resistant phenotypes. Studies were conducted in a hypothetical model landscape similar to that shown in Figure 2 where transgenic corn is planted to both continuous cropping and rotated (corn-soybean in a 2 year rotation) fields. The location of the refuge and transgenic fields remain the same in continuous corn and are randomly determined in the rotated cornfield. Model results indicated that transgenic corn, when planted in only rotated cornfields, is a robust strategy to prevent resistance to both crop rotation and transgenic corn in areas with rotation-resistant phenotypes. This strategy was found to be effective at preventing resistance to crop rotation because it places increased selection pressure on rotation-resistant pests emerging in first-year cornfields. In addition, the continuous corn helped serve as an additional refuge to prevent resistance to transgenic corn.
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You Might Start Missing Your Termites After Kickin'em Out. After All, They Have Been Your Roommates For Quite A While. Enraged With How The Termites Have Eaten Up Your Antique Furniture? Can't Wait To Have Them Exterminated Completely From The Face Of The Earth? Fret Not. We Will Tell You How To Get Rid Of Them From Your House At Least. If Not From The Face The Earth.