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Should you prune your tomato plants?
Ask 10 gardeners if you should prune tomato plants and you may come away with 10 different answers. Some gardeners swear by pruning, while others don't see the benefit of pruning their plants at all.
Watch Pruning Tomatoes for ProductionOne aspect of tomato pruning that I do follow and recommend is removing suckers from the crotch (where the stem and a branch meet) whenever I spot them. If left to grow, the sucker will develop into a branch of its own, flower and even set fruit.
Why You Should Prune Tomato SuckersThe thinking behind pruning suckers is that they compete with the plant for vital nutrients, water, space and light. Allowing suckers to mature into a branch can result in a plant that produces a smaller overall crop. Some tomato growers swear by only letting a select number of branches produce fruit, but I find that removing the suckers is enough to ensure a decent batch of tomatoes.
Why You Shouldn't Prune Tomato SuckersIf you're growing determinate tomatoes in your garden pruning is counterproductive. Determinate tomatoes are only going to grow to a certain height and produce fruits. By removing suckers you're lessening the amount of tomatoes you'll harvest. On the other hand, some pruning of indeterminate tomatoes may be a good thing to keep the plant from getting too heavy and growing out of control.
How to Prune Tomato SuckersThe best time to prune suckers off of your plant is when they are young like in the picture above. At this stage of growth you can simply snap off the sucker with your thumb and index finger. If the sucker is as thick as a pencil a sharp knife or hand-held pruners should be used. Sterilize the knife or shears after ever cut to lessen the chances of spreading a disease that will kill your tomato plant.
If you didn't notice the sucker until it grew to a size thicker than a pencil, I would recommend just leaving it alone and allowing it to flower and fruit. I've damaged and killed many a tomato plant by trying to remove a sucker that was just too thick. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Browse all of our tomato content for mouth-watering tomato recipes, savvy tomato growing tips, and up-to-the minute tomato breakthroughs.
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"This is our Happy Place"
This Year Connor and I are really getting into neutral colors like greys and whites, as well as pops of blues. Spring is here and with it comes the want for a feeling of freshness. After the long winter our home was in need of a brighter feeling to cheer up our guests and family. We did something as simple and painting the hallway and added a few pieces of white decor including our sign "This is our happy place" and the new rug in front of the doorway. The neutral colors go great with our beautiful wood accents so we can't resist!
The sign we purchased is from Craft Warehouse in Boise Idaho but can also be found online if you Click Here. I absolutely love this sign and thought it would go amazing right in our entry way. Although I did think about placing it on a wall in the bathroom just for fun! This sign will go well in any room and has a bright cheerful feeling. Plus, you can't go wrong with the color white, it matches with everything! Its hard to see in this picture, but it lies right above the entry way door and does a good job of not making the space look to crowded. It is metal and looks very rustic, which is something I really strive for in the home.
The runner in the entry way was actually intended for the hallway, but wasn't long enough and looked awkward. I actually didn't expect to have any kind of rug in my entryway, but it brightens up our living room and gives our guests a nice place to waltz in to. I wouldn't recommend this rug in the winter as it is on the thin side and is an off white. I have a feeling it will wear and tear easier, but my front door is very close to the ground so the height on this rug work for me! It was purchased for around 35 dollars and we couldn't be happier! If you want to take a look Click Here.
I absolutely love this newer piece above our dining table and cannot wait to add more to surround it. The grain silos for our little farmhouse are perfect and very fitting in my addition to neutral colors. This works really well with an open wall due to its size and shape. The wood frame is a nice addition that highlights the picture itself. I did buy this at hobby lobby at least a month ago, but you can find many other versions online and in hobby lobby that could work well in your home. My recommendation is to use it in the dining area or even guest bedroom to add a homey and welcoming feeling to the home.
Lastly, I would like to say that not everything should be white or grey or brown. Many of us find it easier to decorate with these colors because they are neutral and go with many different themes of decor. One of the biggest things I have caught myself doing especially when looking at wall colors or curtains or larger home pieces is latching on to the neutral colors. One of the biggest things I'm learning is that it's okay to add pops of color! My dining table has nice blue accents and my hallway color is blue. But you still can't go wrong with your neutrals!

subset: commoncrawl


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|Extracellular Matrix News 9.24 June 21, 2018
Tissue Engineering toward Temporomandibular Joint Disc Regeneration
Treatments for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc thinning and perforation, conditions prevalent in TMJ pathologies, are palliative but not reparative. To address this, scaffold-free tissue-engineered implants were created using allogeneic, passaged costal chondrocytes. A combination of compressive and bioactive stimulation regimens produced implants with mechanical properties akin to those of the native disc. [Sci Transl Med] Full Article | Press Release
(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)
Integration of a Superparamagnetic Scaffold and Magnetic Field to Enhance the Wound Healing Phenotype of Fibroblasts
The authors used nanofibrous superparamagnetic scaffolds with applied magnetic fields to build a "dynamic" scaffold platform and investigated the modulating effects of this platform on the phenotypes of fibroblasts. The results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent and transwell assays indicated that fibroblasts cultivated in this platform secreted significantly higher type I collagen, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and transforming growth factor-β1 and did so in a time-dependent manner. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract
Chondroprotective Effects of Hyaluronic Acid-Chitosan Nanoparticles Containing Plasmid DNA Encoding Cytokine Response Modifier A in a Rat Knee Osteoarthritis Model
Researchers explored the chondroprotective effects of hyaluronic acid-chitosan nanoparticles containing plasmid DNA encoding CrmA (HA/CS-CrmA) in a rat osteoarthritis model. HA/CS-CrmA nanoparticles significantly inhibited cartilage damage, synovial inflammation, and the loss of type II collagen induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection. The expression levels of interleukin-1β, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, and MMP-13 in synovial tissue were dramatically down-regulated by HA/CS-CrmA nanoparticles. [Cell Physiol Biochem] Full Article
SDF-1-Mediated Migration of MSCs Enhances Collagen Type II Expression in Intervertebral Disc
The regenerative potential of a hyaluronan based (HA)-chemoattractant delivery system able to recruit mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seeded on the cartilaginous endplate of intervertebral disc (IVD) was explored. Investigators demonstrated that HA delivery system containing stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) increased MSCs recruitment, while the higher number of recruited cells partially contributed to accelerate matrix remodeling in nucleotomized IVDs. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract
Orexin a Prevents Degradation of the Articular Matrixes in Human Primary Chondrocyte Culture
Scientists characterized the protective effects of orexin A against interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced degradation of articular cartilage matrixes in human chondrocytes. Their results indicated that orexin-1 receptor (OX1R) but not orexin-2 receptor was expressed in human chondrocytes. They also found that the expression of OX1R was significantly lower in chondrocytes from osteoarthritis patients, and that treatment with IL-1β decreased the expression of OX1R in a dose-dependent manner. [Mol Immunol] Abstract
Collagen as Coating Material for 45S5 Bioactive Glass-Based Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Highly porous 45S5 bioactive glass-based scaffolds were fabricated by the foam replica technique and coated with collagen by a novel method. The composite material developed in this study exhibited positive cell viability as well as suitable cell attachment and proliferation on the surface. [Int J Mol Sci] Full Article
Asiatic Acid Enhances Intratumor Delivery and the Antitumor Effect of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin by Reducing Tumor-Stroma Collagen
The impact of asiatic acid (AA) on collagen synthesis of fibroblast cell and cytotoxic effect of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and doxorubicin to cancer cell were studied in vitro. In the presence of AA, the intratumor collagen level was restricted in vivo and in vitro. [Acta Pharmacol Sin] Abstract
Silibinin-Induced Autophagy Mediated by PPARα-sirt1-AMPK Pathway Participated in the Regulation of Type I Collagen-Enhanced Migration in Murine 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes
Researchers demonstrated that silibinin-induced autophagy is mediated by up-regulation of PPARα-sirt1-AMPK, contributing to repression of type I collagen-enhanced migration in murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes through down-regulation of phosphorylated NF-κB p65. [Mol Cell Biochem] Abstract
Laminin α1 Orchestrates VEGFA Functions in the Ecosystem of Colorectal Carcinoma
By employing mouse models expressing high and low levels of the laminin α1 chain (LMα1), scientists highlighted its implication in a tumor‐stroma crosstalk, thus leading to increased colon tumor incidence, angiogenesis and tumor growth. The underlying mechanism involved attraction of carcinoma‐associated fibroblasts by LMα1, VEGFA expression triggered by the complex integrin α2β1‐CXCR4 and binding of VEGFA to LM‐111, which in turn promoted angiogenesis, tumor cell survival and proliferation. [Biol Cell] Abstract
A Complex Interplay between the Extracellular Matrix and the Innate Immune Response to Microbial Pathogens
The authors explore and discuss recent data that implicates an active role for the ECM in the immune response to infection, encompassing antimicrobial activities, microbial recognition, macrophage activation, phagocytosis, leukocyte population balance and transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of inflammatory networks, and may foster novel antimicrobial approaches. [Immunology] Abstract | Full Article
Recent Advances and Future of Gene Therapy for Bone Regeneration
Gene therapy methods for bone regeneration are systematically becoming more efficient and show proof-of-concept in clinically relevant animal models. Yet, on the pathway to clinical use, more investigation is needed to determine the safety aspects of the various techniques in terms of biodistribution, toxicity, and tumorigenicity. [Curr Osteoporos Rep] Abstract
Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the extracellular matrix research field.
WVU Eye Institute Fellow Receives Research Grant
Ezequiel Salido, M.D., Ph.D., a second-year post-doctoral fellow at the WVU Eye Institute, received a $65,000 grant from the Knights Templar Eye Foundations (KTEF), Inc., to study the matrix between the photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelial cells at the back of the eye. [WVU Medicine] Press Release
Anika Therapeutics Announces Top-Line Results from CINGAL 16-02 Clinical Trial in Knee Osteoarthritis
Anika Therapeutics, Inc. announced results from its CINGAL® 16-02 clinical trial, an active-comparator Phase III study being conducted to support U.S. registration. [Anika Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release
Hundreds of U.S. Scientists Urge More Transparency in Animal Research
Breaking with a history of reticence, nearly 600 scientists, students, and lab animal workers published a letter in USA Today that calls on U.S. research institutions to "embrace openness" about their animal research. [ScienceInsider] Editorial
U.S. Legislators Back Larger Facilities Budget for NSF
The National Science Foundation (NSF) in Alexandria, Virginia, is in line for a budget increase of 4% to 5% next year. That assessment is based on bills approved recently by the spending committees in both chambers of Congress. Lawmakers have also signaled support for growing the account that NSF uses to build major new scientific facilities. [ScienceInsider] Editorial
Why the Medical Research Grant System Could Be Costing Us Great Ideas
The medical research grant system in the United States, run through the National Institutes of Health, is intended to fund work that spurs innovation and fosters research careers. In many ways, it may be failing. [The New York Times] Editorial
NEW Gordon Research Seminar: Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.
NEW Postdoctoral Researcher – Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (NYU Langone Medical Center)
PhD Position – Mechanobiological Control over Tissue Differentiation (Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin)
Postdoctoral Positions – Bone Tissue Regeneration (Stomatological Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University)
Research Associate – Regenerative Medicine (University of Bristol)
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Skeletal Muscle and Tendon Connective Matrix Biology and Mechanotransduction (Weill Cornell Medical College)
Director – Davis Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine (MDI Biological Laboratory)
Assistant, Associate or Full Professor – Regenerative Medicine (University of San Diego)
Full Professor – Biomedical Sciences (Dublin City University)
Postdoctoral Fellow – Bioengineering (Harvard University)
Postdoctoral Fellow – Matrix Biology and Reproduction (University of Texas Southwestern Medical School)
Faculty Position – Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine (Seattle Children's Research Institute)
Postdoctoral Position – Cancer, Immunotherapy, and Fibrosis (University of Alabama at Birmingham)
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Sadly, my trip to San Francisco has come to a close, and New Orleans has never looked so shitty. I usually can't wait to get back to the big sleazy, but this trip was different. This was my first time in California, and after barely a week there, I have to say that I totally get it. Being a Southerner by way of the Midwest, I fully expected to loathe the left coast, but my intentions are now to the spend the next year doing everything I can to move there.
A couple of the more relevant highlights:
Leisurely Walking through the serene surroundings of Golden Gate Park, I stumble upon a riduculous dance party that seemed to be in honor of nothing and everything at the same time – an occurrence that seems all to rare these days – and I gladly joined in. There was no shame or modesty, among us – we were dancing our hearts out dammit! As I shuffled and hustled and walked Egyptian-like across the ersatz dance floor, I noticed that I was standing only yards from the new deYoung Museum by Herzog & de Mueron and Landscape Architect Walter Hood. Needless to say, the self-counsciously savvy Swissmen have done it again. It's gorgeous…in that enormous industrial folly sort of way. The Museum is thoughtfully (and expensively) clad in perforated copper. A material that will not only develop a patina over time, invoking the tints, tones, and textures of the oh-so-lush vegeation in Golden Gate Park, but also create interior shadows echoing the ephemeral effulgence filtering through tree canopies. (excuse the excessive alliteration – i'm still coming down from an exceptional experience) If that's not enough contextuality for ya', Walter Hood's landscape slices into the building, integrating the museum even further with its surroundings. Another important part of both the landscape and museum are several site-specific installations commissioned by the deYoung. From the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco:
For the de Young German artist Gerhard Richter has produced a large-scale mural from digitally manipulated photographs that together form a geometric black-and-white motif. The monumental piece, titled Strontium, is constructed of 130 digital prints mounted on aluminum with Plexiglas coating. It is installed in Wilsey Court, the central public gathering space of the new de Young.
Currently under construction is James Turrell's "Skyspace," built into a hill within the garden, the installation creates a view of the sky altered by lighting effects that will change with light and weather conditions.
A third commission by Andy Goldsworthy takes its inspiration from the unique character of California's tectonic topography. Goldsworthy is creating a continuous crack running north from the edge of the Music Concourse roadway in front of the museum, up the main walkway, into the exterior courtyard, and to the main entrance door. Along its path, this crack bisects–and cleaves in two–large rough-hewn stone slabs that will serve as seating for museum visitors.
The tower component, subtly twisted, houses classrooms, information centers, studios, and a top floor observation area. A friend who's involved with the local gallery scene, was privy to a sneak peek of the interior, and informed me that the galleries are comfortably intimate and well lit; not the vast sprawling spaces I was expecting.
The deYoung Museum opens to the general public on October 15th, with a three day celebration


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Jun 1, 2020
Paul Hubert, High Tide Will Come
Wildcat Records, Oct. 1
By Eric Saeger
Not every last artist from New Hampshire is a reporter-fedora-hat part-time busker, not that this Ashland singer/songwriter is an exception to that Peavey-and-acoustic norm, at least in relation to his core ideas. He's been around a long time, though, playing with The Buskers, opening for Maria Muldaur if you remember her – "Midnight at the Oasis," wasn't it? – and playing live with guys like Will Scarlet and Matt Glaser. All that stuff takes us to now, in which he whips out this hardy little album full of the sort of stuff you'd expect to get at one of our beloved local bars, which all seem to be barely renovated horse barns, don't they? The guy sounds like a cross between Muddy Waters, French-café-obsession-era Iggy, and Randy Newman, understated but sounding like someone you wouldn't want to have eyeballing you at closing time. "Whatcha Gonna Do" opens the LP in one of those timeless modes that's not quite bluegrass and not exactly blues either; I would have liked to hear him sing a little more like Oscar the Grouch here, really sickly and drugged, and not in such clean Newman fashion. But whatever, the whole album is a clinic for weird-beard folkies. "Say It Out Loud" and "Darkest Hour" make me think of The Eels; "Sugar Sugar Mama" tips its fedora to Jimmy Buffett, "Hold On To You" is your basic Jerry Garcia twang-a-thon. Grade:
Eric W. Saeger
®2020 Hippo Press.


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Grant Achatz: Alinea Restaurant (Chicago)
Alinea Restaurant, opened in Chicago three years ago and is known for Achatz's inventive techniques and fanciful presentations. When Gourmet Magazine named Alinea the top restaurant in its 2006 List of America's Best Restaurants, the influential food critic Ruth Reichl praised Achatz and his food, putting him in the forefront as America's next great chef.
But a year ago Achatz's tongue had swollen so severely that he was not speaking clearly and he lost much of his taste. A cancerous tumor on his tongue was diagnosed. The removal of two-thirds of the tongue is the standard treatment.
However, instead of accepting a fate that would have ended his career, he chose a less drastic if unproven combination treatment including radiation and chemotherapy. During his treatment, he barely stopped working at Alinea and was writing his cookbook on his laptop in the hospital.
With Achatz's health now much improved, he is planning to publish the cookbook in September and to open a second restaurant in Chicago.
In an article here last August, I reported this sad note that was written by Phil Vettell in The Chicago Tribune, at the time when Achatz's diagnosis had just became known to the public:
"Grant Achatz, the young superstar chef whose restaurant, Alinea, is ranked among the very best in the world, announced that he has been diagnosed with an advanced stage of squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth. In layman's terms, that's a malignant cancer that has spread. It is life-threatening. The treatment, which Achatz says will be aggressive, won't be pleasant.
"I remain, and will remain, actively and optimistically engaged in operations at Alinea to the largest extent possible," Achatz said in an email that's still reverberating in the fine-dining world.
For anyone, this diagnosis would be terrible news. For an energetic, hands-on chef who's never out of his kitchen, an illness affecting his mouth — and by extension, his sense of taste — followed by treatment whose side effects are often debilitating, gives this news a particularly awful poignancy.
In the fine-dining world, we carelessly use tragedy to describe a fallen souffle or a slump in business. Today, we received a heart-wrenching reminder of what that word really means.
Our thoughts, hopes and prayers go out to Achatz and his extended Alinea family."
Technorati: Grant Achatz, Grant Achatz nominated for James Beard Foundation Award, The James Beard Foundation, New York City, Grant Achatz nominated for best chef award, Alinea Restaurant, Alinea in Chicago, Chicago, Grant Achatz diagnosed with cancer, cancer, food, cuisine, restaurants, celebrities, personalities, image, photo, photograph, news, national news, world news
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text: As described before, synaptic dysfunction is a common pathogenic event in AD. Synaptic dysfunction occurs early in AD, most likely in the pre-symptomatic stages. Moreover, synaptic dysfunction is, so far, the best correlate of cognitive decline. Given that synapses have a great plasticity to be restored, it is plausible that improved synaptic function could lead to improved cognition. Therefor the aim of the SyDAD project is to get a better understanding of both synaptic function and dysfunction in AD, and thereby identify targets for pharmaceutical interventions that could ultimately restore synaptic function in AD.


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Washington (CNN) - The House of Representatives passed two bills Wednesday postponing two key provisions of Obamacare, marking nearly 40 times that the Republican-controlled House has attempted to repeal or roll back parts of the president's signature first term accomplishment.
One measure, which passed 264-161, delayed for one year the requirement that employers provide health insurance, something the Obama administration already announced it was doing earlier this month. Thirty-five Democrats joined Republicans on the vote.
The other bill, approved 251-174, also postponed for one year the mandate that individuals sign up for health care coverage. That legislation was backed by 22 Democrats. One Republican, Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Virginia, opposed both bills.
Republicans argued it was unfair for the White House to give businesses a reprieve, but still require individuals to comply with the mandate or face a penalty.
"Why is it that working Americans have to suffer the financial burdens of an overreaching government-run health care system while the same consequences for big business are delayed a year?" House Majority Leader Eric Cantor asked on the House floor.
As it has on most other House Republican measures to change or repeal the health care law, the Obama administration threatened to veto both bills, but they are unlikely to go anywhere in the Democratic-controlled Senate
House Republicans know neither bill has any chance of actually becoming law. Wednesday's votes were more about ramping up political pressure on congressional Democrats for the midterm elections. Obamacare continues to split the public, and GOP leaders believe a string of stories about delays and other potential problems enacting the law will create a public backlash.
The GOP campaign committees have made a top priority of putting Democrats in competitive districts - specifically those elected in 2012 - on the defensive on health care. And in fact the list of those who supported the GOP bills mirrored a list of Democrats whom Republicans believe they can defeat in 2014.
Illinois freshman Rep. Cheri Bustos is one of the House GOP's targets. She voted with Republicans on both bills to postpone the mandates and told CNN she has been hearing concerns from small businesses all over her district about dealing with Obamcare's requirements.
"If we're going to say that for small businesses then how do you separate out that it should be different for individuals, it's a consistency thing." Bustos said, echoing an argument that House Republicans made throughout the debate on the House floor.
The Illinois Democrat, who worked for a health care system before coming to Congress, said she supports Obamacare but was open to making changes to improve the law. She also emphasized the need to educate the public about the benefits.
"I think in the end if we fix some of the flaws and if we roll this out in a way that people can understand how it will help, then I think we'll be OK - over time, but I think it will be one of those over time kind of changes. This is a huge change."
But most Democrats argued Wednesday that the House vote delaying the employer mandate was a waste of time since the president already said he'd postpone that provision.
"Here we go again. Another repeal vote. Another political sideshow. And another blow to bipartisanship which is so vital to addressing a whole host of important issues including an issue important to our committee: tax reform," Michigan Democratic Rep. Sander Levin said. "Instead of moving forward, once again my Republican colleagues are looking backwards."
House Speaker John Boehner argued that it was Congress' job to approve any change to Obamacare, citing the Constitution gives Congress the authority to draft the laws. "The idea that the president can merely go out there and make a decision about what he's going to enforce and what he isn't going to enforce is fundamentally wrong," he said.
Most Democrats did support the administration's decision to give businesses more time to implement the law, but they insisted that delaying the mandate for individuals – a centerpiece of the law – would put at risk health care coverage for millions.
Debate on the House floor showed the massive partisan gulf between the two parties on how the controversial health care law is working now.
"Delaying the employer mandate shows the train is in fact not coming off the rails, it's already off the rails," Texas Republican Rep. Michael Burgess said.
California Democrat Jim McDermott cited new reports about health care costs dropping in many states and pointed to a report out Wednesday that premiums in New York state are being cut in half.
"There is no evidence of the sticker shock you will hear about. The promises we made Americans are being fulfilled and Republicans see a giant election map slowly losing red dots," McDermott said.
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney brushed off the votes on Capitol Hill, saying they proved that Republicans were determined to do everything they could to undermine the law rather than ensure Americans received health care.
"There are few things more cynical than House Republicans who have made it their mission in life to repeal the Affordable Care Act and deny the American people the benefits that they would receive from implementation of the Affordable Care Act, claiming that they are concerned about the delay of the implementation of a relatively small provision within the Affordable Care Act," Carney said.
Don't like it, do like it? Get out and vote, do what u think is right.....
2014 can't get here quick enough...Flush the toilet and get rid if the obstructionist Republicans...Hopefully the party will die before too long!
Mr. President ! Mr. President !!!
They won't eat the dog food.
NOT even the UNIONS !!!
I have an idea. Let's all get together and build a giant wall down the middle of the country. Conservatives get one side and Liberals the other. We each have our own President, congress and laws. That way the "Conservative side can continue to let insurance companies rip them off and deny them coverage. They can continue to shoot themselves with their guns. They can continue polluting their water & air. Liberals can even put big fans on top of the wall, powered by the Conservatives wonderful coal, pointed to the Conservative side to send any pollution over, since it doesn't matter anyway. We will keep our Socialist President who has destroyed the economy to the point that it's stronger than ever and only improving. The right can continue to fund their wars and defund their education system. We will talk to other countries and use the money saved to educate our future. The right can continue to watch Fox "news" for their daily dose of misinformation. The left can continue to watch Fox for their daily dose of comedy. OR where is Planet B? It's a shame we have to cohabitate with so many brainless people!
Yes, I think that is awesome! That is so wrong for any business to be granted one year extention and stiff the rest of American people with fines who don't have insurance on Jan. 1, 2014. The law needs to effective as it was written. Everyone starting on January 1, 2014 will be requried to purchase insurance and for employers are to provide for the employees. No where does it state that any certain groups of people will be granted a one year extention! The fines were intended for everyone, and that includes businesses.
The GOP is out of control. They don't care for the people in america. Their job is not to create jobs, rather to block the entire country from moving forward.
This could be a good idea. It would give the exchanges more time to come online and people need this time to deside on getting signed up. I worked for medicare insurance and the enrollment period was a nightmare every Oct. There are so many system issues that can and do cause problems and to use a more complicated system well that is going to be just crazy. There will be millions of people trying to use the system all at once. Can the system handle it? No one knows. Take the time to test the system. Take the time to get the infomation out and make people more comfortable with it. Right now it's all political scare tacktics. No wone really knows what is right or wrong. Both parties need to do better. If it can work great. If it can't don't waste our time with it or ant more money on it.
really GOP...is this the best you can do for jobs and the economy ?
Oh, we get it. The President can delay and no big deal. The Republicans vote to delay and it is evil. Obama can spy, no. big deal. Bush does it on foreign calls to known terrorists, evil. Obama kills with drones, perfectly ok. Bush pours some water on a terrorists face, torture.
Come on 2014. It is time for a change. CLINTION 2016
As always the Republican party wants to keep all but the top 2% barefoot and pregnant.
They can go after the Affordable Health Care Law and we can go after them. If anyone has proved beyond any shadow of a doubt that they don't belong or deserve to be in congress it is the GOP/Tea Party. They haven't done anything useful or helpful to the American people. Instead, they are trying to pass laws that will harm millions of Americans and the worst part is they are getting paid very well for this and have great benefits and when they are done they continue getting these benefits and pay. What scum.
"Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this Presidency" – Obama
Rule of Law when convenient... ObamaCare was passed and should be processed. They are delaying because they know it will devastate small businesses.
These GOP congress people fight like hell to be re-elected so they can hold on to their benefits, healthcare, vacations, salaries and other perks paid for by us.They have no problem taking our money and living on the dole in their self directed welfare society. But, work for the common good of all the people is out of the questions. They have no time for that. Why worry, they have it all.
Well said Eagle. I'm trying to figure out why the left is complaining, the Republicans just agreed with the President, then took it 1 step farther. How is this obstructionist?
If they can delay the employer mandate, there's no reason they can't also delay the individual mandate. Corporations have a lot more money to throw around than we do. More proof that this bill is all about generating profits for insurance companies.
I know that Obama has delayed the plan for business, but why were the American private citizens excluded from the delay?
According to the left, if the Senate passes a bill and the House doesn't, the Republicans are being obstructionist. If the House passes legislation and the Senate won't pass the bill, it's called grandstanding and a waste of time. Please help me understand.
Typical and expected house con move. Anything to hinder the progress of our great nation. Eventually, they people will remove the current republican establishment, along with a few "Blue Dog" democrats. I don't hate republicans, a lot of good ideas are out there, ...but the current team must go! For the sake of our nation, and our world image.
Here they go again and again. If it is one thing we can be sure of in this world is the the house GOP are experts in wasting time and money. I bet most of us miss having the democrats in charge of the house now. They got more done in two years than the GOP has in two years and counting.
The House GOP votes for the 38th and 39th time on Obamacare.
But still no JOBS bill.
Government as a whole, is out of control. Politics should not be a game – there should not be a winner and a loser. Stop thinking that the precious Democrats are for you – they are anything BUT... they're just better at USING you to get to their end goal – which is big government control and a dumbed down society to suit their needs of more voters... Until those that claim that they are liberal stop blaming the GOP for blocking things – how about we define what 'moving forward' means... and why on earth we would feel that everyone should 'move forward' as defined by what you want... your definition of moving forward is much different than my definition of moving forward. People have to stop thinking at the idealistic macro level and start thinking about what this 'change' means for future America... regardless of the party putting forth the change. The dumber a society, the more power to the government... take that power back, do some research on the issue and do NOT believe what the media on any side tells you. Facts – not rhetoric. Facts – not emotion.
What I fail to understand is how the president can postpone part of the law for a year without congress being involved ? Isn't that kind of like a dictatorship?
If the GOP put this much time and energy into trying to bring down a law that was found constitutional into jobs we'd have full employment. But, they have to appease the Koch brothers.
Let's see...."because of this bill my premiums have shot way up"......did you have no premium increases before the bill? How much would your premiums increase if the bill had not been passed?
Or, let's see....NY at least just reported a big drop in premiums because of the bill – anticipation of a much larger pool of insureds plus increased competition due to the exchanges....
And how many plans/insurance companies have had to actually refund part of the premiums because they weren't actually paying out enough on their policies (keeping it all for the fat cats at top instead of properly paying for the policy coverages)?
While we're at it, let's deal with the "death panels" that seem to keep coming up....how many denials have the retail (read for-profit) insurance companies handed out? Sounds like death panels to me.


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This clock is also a poster. We joined up with designers Rosanna & Clint to make a
modern version of the wall clock. The clock mechanism is attached behind the poster,
which is hung on special pegs to give it a good distance to the wall. The POSTER
CLOCK is ideal for giving a room a strong color accent, so we make it in yellow, blue and pink, as well as stylish black and minimal white.
Made in Germany
Dimensions: W 44 cm x H 62 cm
Materials: 270 g/m2 Card, European Oak
Furniture and Homewares inspired by the Mathematics of Nature
what does that mean?
It means we look at patterns and forms that occur in the natural world; we adapt and play with them as a starting point for all of our designs. Those patterns and principles breathe through our products, bringing them to life, revealing themselves slowly.
Almost all of what we make relies on the user to give it the final touch, to make it his or her own. We work with natural materials such as European oak, Douglas Fir, pure sheet metals, as well as some surprising new materials and processes.
We manufacture our products in small factories that we know well, whether it is
• a facility for the disabled here in Berlin that makes our more simple wooden pieces and picture frames
• a respected artisan in Bohemia who individually crafts our more technically demanding tables
• high tech medical equipment firms in northern Italy whithout whom we would not be able to make the steel, brass and copper pieces
• tradional stone crafts in Pakistan for marble
• small, privately run workshops in China for silicon and glass
We are a firm rooted in Berlin, Germany, operating globally in a spirit of openness and fairness, exporting to 34 countries and counting.


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Category: Stock Graphic, Patterns
Stock Graphic >> Pattern - Golf Navy Blue Green Patterns 10043 by SubwayParty @ CreativeMarket
File Size: 18.81 MB; DPI: 300 DPI; Dimensions: 12 x 12 in3600 x 3600 px.
Digital Papers Pack of eight modern Chevron and Argyle patterns in Navy Blue, Green and White with Lime (chartreuse) solid and dashed stripes.
Perfect as a Golf theme background!
More matching color patterns available in my shop!
Matching WASHI TAPES Clip Art.
You will receive 8 digital files - one for each pattern. Each file will be a high resolution printable quality JPG file of 12" x 12" at 300dpi or 3600px x 3600px.
Thank you for stopping by!
Keywords: scrapbooking, digital paper pack, texture, background, pattern, golf, diamond, harlequin, chevron, argyle, navy blue, lime, green, chartreuse, grass green, printable, jpg, high resolution, 300dpi, zigzag.


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Wikileaks reports suggest pro-US shift by UPA
New Delhi: Publication of Wikileaks reports suggesting that a "US tilt" was visible in the Indian Cabinet reshuffle of 2006, on Tuesday prompted the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha to allege that the pro-American shift by the UPA government was a "shameful" act.
CPI-M members in the Rajya Sabha raised the issue and said the Wikileaks cable quoted the US Ambassador in India David C Mulford as saying that there was "undeniable pro-American tilt" in the then Cabinet reshuffle.
The CPI-M members, led by P Rajeeve and Brinda Karat, said Mulford had described change in the Petroleum portfolio as a "determination to ensure that US-India relations continue to move ahead rapidly."
The matter was raised during Zero Hour by Rajeeve, who said that Mani Shankar Aiyar, seen by the US as "contentious and outspoken Iran pipeline advocate", was replaced by "pro- US" Murli Deora.
He said a chain of US embassy cables reveal the pro-US position of the Indian government on several issues.
Amid shouts of "shame" Rajeeve said America felt the net effect of the cabinet reshuffle was "likely to be excellent for the US goals in India (and Iran)."
The CPI-M member, supported by his party colleagues and BJP and Shiv Sena, said there was also a reference in the cables to the inclusion of Saifuddin Soz, Anand Sharma, Ashwani Kumar and Kapil Sibal "with strong pro-US credentials".
They revealed that India was not ready to share the details of investigations into 26/11 Mumbai attack with Pakistan initially. But after continuous pressure (from the US), the Home Minister agreed to share the information, he said.
The US quotes about "Kerala Mafia" in PMO also provoked members to shout slogans "shame on the government". They demanded a response from the government but it was not acceded to by Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan.
Citing rules, Khan did not allow members to seek response from the government.
"Today members are breaking all rules. This is not the way," Khan said adding the Chair cannot ask the government to respond to Zero Hour mentions.
He also repeatedly pointed to Karat, observing that she was breaking the rules.


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- complying with international standards of electoral practice,
- ending selective justice,
- implementing the reforms defined in the jointly agreed Association Agenda'
The EU has already described the last Autumn's parliamentary elections as 'a step backward'.
And the EU Delegation to Ukraine was "deeply concerned" by the postponement until 2015 of the Kyiv city local elections after the city council's mandate expired several weeks ago. The previous elections had last been held in 2008.
The result of the 2012 parliamentary elections in Kyiv shows that the capital's electorate can no longer be easily manipulated or bought off with cheap bribes; pro-government forces in the city council are most aware they would be all but wiped out in any fresh local election.
Control of Kyiv, a city whose population is greater that that of some EU countries, will be vital for Yanukovych if he wants to win the 2015 presidential elections hence the cynical postponement of city council elections and the hijacking and violent scenes before yesterday's unscheduled Kyiv city council "session".
Many dozens of paid thuggish louts of 'sporting appearance' were again used by so called "law enforcement bodies" as a first line of defence. These are the same thugs who disrupted the count at many polling stations in last year's parliamentary elections and during 'Arise Ukraine' demonstrations organised by Ukraine's opposition parties. They have been seen actively taking part in regular corporate raids of property during which police usually turn a blind eye.
See disturbing video of these thugs in front of police lines yesterday here
This is just not acceptable in a country striving to meet European standards of behaviour.
Opposition deputies were targeted and assaulted when they wanted to take advantage of their constitutional right to enter Kyiv city hall, breaking an unwritten rule that elected deputies should never be beaten by police.
Head of the National Security and Defence Council and long-time close associate of Yanukovych, Andriy Kluyev was allegedly the organiser of these 'measures'.
If there is credible evidence of this the EU should ban him from entry into member countries and ensure his substantial financial interests in Austria are scrupulously vetted for legitimacy.
The Vilnius summit when the EU-Ukraine Association could be signed is exactly 100 days away. Two of the three conditions set by the EU are being totally disregarded. Since December 2011 Yanukovych has ignored any concern European bodies have expressed about the country's slide to authoritarianism.
Decent standards of electoral practice have not been adhered to. Selective justice continues to prevail. Opposition politicians are still being targeted, and Yulia Tymoshenko has not been released despite the European Court of Human Rights court ruling in her favour.
The Association Agreement should now be 'pulled' from the agenda of the November Vilnius summit.


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Huw Richards is a freelance sports writer and an Associate Lecturer at London College of Communication.
Huw has written on football, rugby union, rugby league and cricket for a variety of publications including the Guardian, Independent, International Herald Tribune, Financial Times, Herald Scotland, When Saturday Comes and ESPN Scrum.
A Swansea City supporter, Huw possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of sports history and is the author of books including 'A Game for Hooligans: The History of Rugby Union', 'The Red & White: A History of England v Wales Rugby, Dragons and All Blacks' and 'The Swansea City Alphabet'. He is also a former reporter for the Times Higher Education Supplement.
View college guides


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How to Care for Your Vehicle's Auto Glass
Having clear auto glass is not only presentable to the eyes but also gives you an easy time driving. Cleaning your automotive glass is therefore one of the best practices in caring for your vehicle. Avoid Ammonia Many glass cleaners have Ammonia in them which cuts effectively on... Read More →


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Following the new GDPR guidelines, Cost Care has updated its privacy policy. For more information, please go to www.costcare.co.uk/privacy-policy.
Following the new GDPR guidelines, Cost Care has updated its privacy policy. For more information, please go to www.costcare.co.uk/privacy-policy.
Morning exercises for #ChristmasJumperDay! pic.twitter.com/Sa54M7LhGw — Cost Care (@CostCareTax) 16 December 2016
Having signed up with Cost Care in February 2015, a stationary manufacturer has received over £48,000 in tax relief following our review of their Research & Development activity. Last year, our retrospective review found over £295,000 worth of expenditure in the two previous years. The next year saw an even bigger spend, resulting in the…
The UK's prosperity depends on its ability to innovate, create and expand science in technical expertise. Global activity is shifting towards knowledge and advancement and the UK Government's business strategy is to expand the level of Research and Design. Cost Care has operated successfully for almost 20 years managing claims professionally resulting in over £190m being reinvested in UK businesses.
Capital allowances are a valuable form of tax relief available for expenditure incurred in the buying or construction of commercial property. They are an uncontroversial tax relief, that effectively converts capital expenditure into tax-deductible trading expenses, for income or corporation tax purposes. To put it simply, they are a treasury funded discount on the cost of a property.
Our experience gained in over 15 years of claiming capital allowances, with a client base in excess of 19,000, indicates that in many cases capital allowances and R&D tax credits are under utilised. We have a proven track record of providing capital allowance support alongside R&D tax credit services to professional introducers across all sectors of the UK.


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Official Daytona Bike Week Bike Build Underway
American Iron Magazine is building the Official Daytona Bike Week giveaway bike and we'd like to thank all of the generous vendors and parts manufacturers that helped make it a reality. Each week we'll showcase some of the companies on our website and social media, leading up to Daytona Bike Week in March, 2017.
The build began with a story in American Iron Magazine Issue #344 where we assess the status of our plainjane 2010 Harley-Davidson Ultra starting point. The bike was mechanically sound, with low mileage for its age, but was suffering from some flaws in the aesthetics department. This didn't pose a problem, as we planned to transform the look of the bike and make it much more appealing for the ultimate prize bike winner.
All the wrenching, painting, and assembly duties will be handled by Rich, Eric, and Monica from Street Stuff Motorcycle of New England, in Norwich, CT. This is the second time Street Stuff has been involved with building the Official Daytona Bike Week bike, and they were stoked to get started.
In issue 345 we'll start bolting on some cool Arlen Ness billet engine goodies shown here. Ness wanted to showcase its new "10-Gauge" line of billet aluminum engine and chassis parts. Most all of the engine covers, front and rear floorboards, fork tubes, 13" Bagger Apes and handgrips came from Arlen Ness.
You can win the Official Daytona Bike Week Bike by getting your ticket at OfficialBikeWeek.com. Tickets are $50 each and only 4500 tickets will be sold. Get one before they run out!


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We have lift-off: The A400 Airbus finally gets into the sky, and the design specifications that make it so special Credit: AFP/Getty
Heading into the blue three years late, Airbus's troubled A400M 'flying truck' military transport plane lifts off for its maiden flight.
The plane took off from Seville, in Spain, yesterday, with the flags of nine countries emblazoned on its side – the seven Nato nations plus Malaysia, which has ordered several planes, and South Africa, which recently pulled out of its order.
Britain has ordered up to 20 of the planes but the project has been dogged by delays and cost-overuns.


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Is Daniel Whitehall / The Kraken dead?
In the season 2 midseason finale of Agents of SHIELD the main villain Daniel Whitehall is shot in the chest and seemingly dies. The question is did he really die or will he come back?
Some options:
Option 1 - Whitehall has special organs from Skye's mother that resist the aging process. These organs could potentially bring him back to life.
Option 2 - Whitehall could be given the Kraken helm that his comic counterpart is famous for. The Kraken helm provides armor, strength and various forms of protection. Could it also heal his wounds?
Who is Kraken?
Option 3 - Cut off one head and two will fill its place. As the Hydra motto goes absences in the organization are quickly filled. Perhaps Ward and Agent 33 could take his spot. This could also provide an opportunity to introduce other Hydra villains like Gorgon or Madame Hydra.
Option 4 - Jake Fury takes his place. In the comics Whitehall is in a hospital bed dying. The son of Nick Fury walks in and puts on the Kraken helm becoming the new Kraken. Whitehall dies watching the new Kraken leave the room.
Who is Kraken?
Agents of SHIELD speculation and theories
Inhumans CheatSheet for Agents of SHIELD fans
Who is Skye's Dad = Mister Hyde / Dr Calvin Zabo?
Who is Skye = Daisy Johnson AKA Quake?
Is the City on the map Attilan?
Who Are Skye's Parents #1
Is Skye an Inhuman?
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Recently at the twitter feed I received a message from Kevin Clark, composer, regarding an interesting piece of work. The work is a short film adaptation of a cello piece Kevin wrote for the cellist Rachel Gawell to use as musical accompaniment to her dramatic rendition of the [modern English translation of the] Anglo-Saxon poem "The Seafarer". Without permission from Kevin, Rachel, or anybody else for that matter, here is the film:
I have added this video to the YouTube channel in the "Old English Readings" playlist. A few other recent additions include a documentary on the Old English language in the "Germanic Languages" playlist; a documentary on Beowulf in the "Anglo-Saxon Culture" playlist; and a documentary on Anglo-Saxons in general in the "Anglo-Saxon Archeology" playlist.


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Syrian President Bashar al Assad has toured a former rebel stronghold devastated by his forces as his country accepted a UN-backed deal to end the bloody conflict.
Mr Assad was shown around the Baba Amr district of Homs, which was besieged by regime troops for weeks.
He reassured residents the battered neighbourhood would be rebuilt and that normal life would resume.
"Baba Amr will be much better than before," Mr Assad told dozens of people crowded around him.
The brief visit, which was aired on state television, marked a rare public appearance by the embattled head of state who is in the throes of an unprecedented revolt against his regime.
Residents were seen weeping and cheering their president on, one woman hugged and kissed him.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the UN-Arab League envoy confirmed that Syria has accepted Kofi Annan's proposals to end the crisis.
"The Syrian government has written to the joint special envoy Kofi Annan accepting his six-point plan , endorsed by the United Nations Security Council," said Ahmad Fawzi.
It came after Mr Annan's arrival in Beijing for talks with premier Wen Jiabao who has given China's backing to the proposals.
"He (Mr Annan) does of course view it as a positive development but the key is in the implementation," Mr Fawzi said after their meeting.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague cast doubt on Syria's latest stance, saying the regime's recent history provided cause for scepticism.
"We have to look at the track record of the Assad-regime, which has been over the last year to say that they are signing up to agreements... and not implement them in practice," he said.
"This is a regime that has been involved in the murdering of many thousands of people (and) the torture and abuse of many others.
"We want them to respond genuinely positively to what Kofi Annan has put forward. Now the test will be what they actually do on the ground."
Mr Annan met Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at the weekend, who also expressed full support for the envoy's plan, which includes a ceasefire supervised by the United Nations alongside political dialogue.
Speaking in Moscow, Mr Annan stressed that while there is no deadline for ending the crisis it must not be allowed to drag on indefinitely.
China and Russia have faced international criticism after twice vetoing UN Security Council resolutions to end the year-long crackdown.
At the time, the two countries called the resolutions unbalanced, saying they only blamed the Syrian government and demanded an end to regime-led attacks but not ones by the opposition.
Mr Annan has called for a daily two-hour halt in fighting to evacuate the injured and provide humanitarian aid. The UN estimates more than 8,000 people have been killed in the uprising.
Activists reported earlier that security forces had continued their bombardment of rebel-held areas of Homs on Monday.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least five people were killed in the district of Khaldiya.
The former UN secretary general has not called for President Assad to resign, insisting it will be up to the Syrian people to decide whether he should step down.
And Mr Medvedev has called it "short-sighted" to think the crisis in Syria would be solved if President Assad agreed to Western calls to relinquish his position.
Around 60 countries, including the United States, will attend a "Friends of the Syrian People" conference in Istanbul at the weekend.
Washington and many of its allies say Mr Assad has lost all legitimacy and must step down.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China has been invited to the conference but will not attend.
Officials in China have been wary of backing proposals that call for a change of government, saying the crisis needs to be resolved through talks.
The exiled Syrian Muslim Brotherhood has said it will work for a democratic state if Mr Assad falls.
Speaking in Turkey, Brotherhood official Ali Bayanouni insisted the group would not monopolise power.
"The regime now is accusing the Muslim Brotherhood of trying to control Syria alone and of having aims of being the only rulers of Syria in the future," he said on Sunday.
"We are here to reassure everyone that we will co-operate with all the other partners in the Syrian opposition to build a new Syria, a free Syria, a democratic Syria, and we will not attempt to be the only ruling party in Syria."


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Today is a great day to start that vegetable garden you've been thinking about.
It's Earth Day, the official high-five for the planet that does a stellar job of keeping us alive. Around this magical date each year, my bunch picks out the plants that grow our summer groceries. We save money, we get fresh food, and it's good family fun. We may make that trip this weekend {stay tuned}, but for now I'm here to help you start.
We moved to the southwest corner of Arkansas for a better career and a slower lifestyle in fall 2009. I inherited a much bigger yard, away from people and closer to cows. Sometime after the big move, I caught a TV show featuring Michelle Obama in the White House garden. That was the day I ordered seed catalogs, sketched plans, and spent hours glued to the search bar and gardening forums. Since then I've learned countless lessons on how to make food in my yard. Today I am sharing a few steps to get any newbie going.
Step One: Have a plan before you grab a shovel. Pick a spot in your yard that gets full sun, away from tree roots. Know whether you want to do raised beds, rows, or containers. I started with two 4x8 raised bed frames and it was a great first garden. We dug out the grass, then filled in with compost and garden soil.Congratulations! You've planted a vegetable garden. Now grab a glass of tea and enjoy your handiwork. Water daily for at least a week, but once the plants are established they don't need much. Standard is an inch a week and Mother Nature usually takes care of that around here. Watch for bugs and signs of disease and spray/fertilize if you wish. Pull up weeds and make sure the soil around the plants stays loose.
Step Two: Know what you want to grow. In my {non-expert} experience, the easiest crops in my early years were tomatoes, cucumbers, bush beans, summer squash, and okra. All of these can go in the garden now. I'll do summer planting in May, but if you live near me, you are ready to roll. Do check labels, packets, and Google to be educated on what grows when. Don't plant radishes tomorrow.
Step Three: Shop! The plants I buy at the local nursery are tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, eggplants, and any herbs I want to try. Everything else does better for me starting as seeds.
Step Four: Get those babies in the ground. To avoid transplant shock, let the plants you buy get sunlight a few hours a day for several days before planting. Again, read your labels for spacing and seed thinning. Personal experience: It's hard to get tomatoes out of a jungle. Companion planting is smart, too. Plant the buddies together.
Step Five: Worry. It's inevitable. You will dream about whether you planted your tomatoes right {PS: plant your tomatoes deep, with the bottom leaves underground}. You'll stare at the forecast and Lord help you if a thunderstorm rolls in. Horn worms, squash bugs, and that damn rabbit will keep you on edge. Maybe this is just me, though. Forget I said anything.
Then watch 'em grow, wait 'til they're ready, pick 'em, and eat 'em.
Google will fill in the rest of the details, but the moral of this post is if I can do this, anyone can. I guarantee the produce that comes out of your yard will be an improvement over the shriveled zucchini at the bottom of your cart. Do it, then thank me later. Happy Earth Day!


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Archive for January, 2012
Happy Dogs
What a beautiful day! Had to get out and enjoy it!
Practice makes perfect
Both of Joe's acts had practice yesterday plus he had soccer. He was buzzing around like a busy 3rd grade day! Tony had Cross Country practice (his last week) and Nick had a huge amount of work to do on a summary of a shark book!
Nick's new shoes were dropped off by the UPS man today. Nick slipped those babies on the minute he saw them! His school shoes from September had some serious holes in them. He's been complaining about them for a couple weeks now….ta-da, he loves this brand because it feels just a little bit naughty wearing a grenade to school everyday(my rebel)
And then they ran around the street playing tag and what-not
Tony and Hubba were at a Merit Badge class most of the afternoon. It was at an indoor shooting range. The safety video was three hours long and then Tony got to shoot! He got to shot a semi-automatic .22, a scoped semi-automatic .22, a competition .22, and a bolt action .22, his favorite was the plain semi-automatic….at the end of the night, as everyone was finishing, people put their left over ammunition on Tony's table, so he was thrilled! They came home to some baked BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn. A long fun day!
The path to awesomeness
"Hey Joe, Come check out my path to awesomeness" who knew a sand berm had anything to do with the path of awesomeness….well Nick did! He and Joe slid down it for a good hour today! Good times.
When the camera was pointed at Joe, he had to jump!
Tony dug himself a little sand room into the berm. added a boogie board roof, and a boogie board door and called it a day.
I tried to capture all the blues in the water today but my camera didn't pick them up, it was amazing!
Tony had a rough experience last spring at Joshua Tree with rock climbing. While he was dangling high above the ground the man in charge screamed at his spotter, "You're going to kill him." Tony was majorly shaken up by the event and wouldn't climb anymore. Today he was a climbing machine, confidence back…a better understanding of the equipment…we talked through the grown-ups inappropriate loss of conrtol…ta-da.


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Hello friends!
We introduced on Tessin the Konk Combat and Crafting system. I think its awesome! At the landing point you will find a LM to get the hud, and we made an info centre about all features.
At several spots explores , who wear the HUD , will be surprised by highwaymen, and you really need to defend yourself to stay safe! When your doing good, you get RP coins and XP, and with the coins are many products to buy ( we made market stands for this especially for Konk). For the ones who love collecting, we have several spots on the sims to find crops and things and use them for crafting tools, cooking food and even make buildings and jewelry. There is a crafting table.
For new ones in this game: we made notes and books for an easy start.
So.. if you like some action and adventure , come and chase the highwaymen or make your garden and sell your crops.
For the ones who like combat and crafting
Role playing in virtual worlds
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1 / 5 Stars
'Zardoz' (1974) is considered nowadays to be of dubious worth as SF cinema, but at the time of its release it got reasonably good reviews and box office receipts.
In some ways the prominent costuming of Sean Connery in a red 'pudsuit' gave many people the idea the film was frivolous even before they saw it. Those sci-fi fans of my acquaintance who are under 40 years of age think Zardoz is 70's cheese / kitsch culture personified.
This paperback novelization of Zardoz (Signet, 1974, 127 pp.) is based on Boorman's script which he began creating in 1972; according to Boorman's Introduction, Bill Stair was brought on to "...help rationalize the visions that threatened to engulf me."
The novelization follows the film's script quite closely and there are no revelations here that do not appear in the film; however, some of the more confusing elements of the film - and in my opinion, these are large in number- do get more fleshing out.
To synopsize: following the collapse of civilization, small bands of lotus-eaters, termed The Eternals, have retreated to lives of boredom within high-tech communities known as Vortexes.
Outside of these enclaves of plenty, the country is peopled by barely civilized tribes of mutants known as Brutals. Bands of armed raiders, termed The Exterminators, possess firearms and with these, and heavily applied doses of violence, keep the Brutal population in check.
An enormous flying stone head, representing the god Zardoz, regularly flies around the countryside, and when it touches down the Exterminators and the Brutals fill it with grain and other comestibles harvested from the land.
Zed (played in the film by Connery) is the premiere Exterminator; in the midst of pillage and rapine, he wonders why Zardoz necessarily must solicit foodstuffs from the countryside. Zed decides to covertly secrete himself within Zardoz, and when the stone head returns to its Vortex of origin, Zed encounters the Eternals. Soon he is caught up in their intrigues and power plays. But Zed, however uncouth his appearance, has his own ideas of how to liberate the country from serfdom to the Eternals...
As a novel, 'Zardoz' is mediocre. The prose style overdoses on New Wave SF mannerisms; for example, the narrative frequently creaks to a halt to indulge in figurative and symbolic passages designed to showcase the existential angst of the Eternals.
There are too many sentences that try for Profundity, but instead come across as stilted and empty. The computer-controlled machinery that makes life in the Vortex possible is described in quasi-mythological terms, and comes across more as magic than technology per se.
The verdict ? Only truly die-hard fans of the film will want to read this novelization.


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Established in 1997. Liri Tent was one of the earliest tent manufacturers in China.
Liri Tent Technology Co., Ltd. ( Zhuhai ) established in 1997 is mainly engaging in the design, manufacture, sales, and rental of high-quality aluminum clear span structure tent system. Liri focus on meeting all kinds of temporary space demand for large exhibitions, festivals, event activities, sports, and logistics warehousing by providing flexible outdoor mobile buildings. As the pioneer of tent manufacture, with 20 years trials and hardships, Liri Tent has been awarded "High-tech Enterprise" in the tent industry. Liri Tent locates in Xinqing Science & Technology Industrial Park, Doumen, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China. Liri Tent has reached total assets of 300 million RMB, over 500 employees and 121,600 sqm factory building. In addition, there are branches offices in USA, Africa, Southeast Asia, India, China Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Changsha, and Chengdu.
As one of the leading companies in the tent industry, Liri continues to promote the rapid development with innovation spirit. Liri Tent passed the Germany TUV ISO9001: 2015 Quality Management System Certification, ISO14001: 2015 Environmental Management System Certification, OHSAS18001: 2009 Occupational Health And Safety Management System Certification, introduced 7S Production Management System in 2007, ERP System in 2008, Bar Code Management System in 2012, Liri realize reasonable and efficient allocation of enterprise resources with advanced software system. Liri Tent is also the pioneer to process tent aluminum profile by robotic welding center, CNC processing machines, CNC cutting machines and PVC fabric by CNC PVC cutting machines. It is the only company in China who imported Germany PVC fabric automatic washing machine, which all improved production efficiency.
With the superior production techniques, professional engineering team and the core tent technologies, Liri Tent obtained dozens of national invention patents. Liri Tent has gradually self-developed curve tent series, dome tent series, multi-sides tent series, polygon tent series, cube structure tent series, and double decker series, which total 45 tent series 359 single products. Among them, Liri "Double Decker Tent for Outdoor Events" has been regarded as the "China Innovative Product", Liri "Mobile Temporary Building—Outdoor Decagonal Tent" and " Thermo Roof Cube Structure Tent" have received the Excellent Prize of "Beauty of Made in China".
LIRI Tent has been focusing on manufacture and sales of various tents for over 20 years. We offer high-quality clear span tents for clients over the world. Nowadays there are lots of cases with Liri tents in the world and we achieved unanimous praise.
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Henry Cox (HC) talks about John Delaney from Settle, "a great man in them [those] days," a tradesman in paraffin sales.
W R Mitchell (WRM) then asks a series of questions about cotton mill life, with an overall assessment that life at the mill was not bad. The interview finishes with HC singing to his wife, Belle Cox (BC), their Diamond Wedding song.
The interview covers the early life of Henry Cox, his entry into half-time work in the local cotton mill at the age of eleven, and then full-time work from the age of thirteen. The cotton mill was owned by Hector Christy. Working conditions, roles and personalities in the mill from 1894 until 1918 are discussed.
Also present, Belle Cox (BC).
Copyright © 2012, 2013 Settle Stories Ltd. Registered Charity No. 1141649. All Rights Reserved.


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Filed under: Telemedicine | Tags: AcuteCare Telemedicine, american telemedicine association, ATA, atlanta medicine, emory university, healthcare business, healthcare industry, medical business, neurology group, stroke prevention and care, telemedicine firm, teleneurology
The New Year is a natural time to reflect on what has been learned during the previous year. For AcuteCare Telemedicine (ACT) specifically, notice of the upcoming 2012 ATA meeting in San Jose prompts recall of last year's meeting in Tampa, Florida, where we were exposed to facts, opinions, and new experiences that informed our actions in 2011. Over the coming months, lessons and insights gained from the 2011 ATA meeting will be discussed, grouped into related areas including accountability, relationships, sustainability, technology, coding, advertising and competition.
ACT marked a year of significant growth in 2011. However, with that growth came expected growing pains. In hindsight, ACT realizes that our strategic planning must be reactive and adaptive in order to achieve continued success in 2012.
While the annual ATA meeting offered courses on developing telemedicine "programs," it was clearly aimed at members of universities and government agencies as opposed to "business development" within the private sector. As an autonomous entity, ACT has the distinct competitive advantage of not needing institutional support to succeed. ACT is not burdened by the bureaucratic infrastructure of academic and government institutions whose healthcare vision we nonetheless share. In turn, this advantage is responsible in part for the 300% growth ACT has enjoyed over the past year.
However, the aforementioned institutions do have their own advantages; for example, access to highly trained interventionists in academic centers and monetary support in the form of grants in government agencies. As such, the highest yield strategy moving forward will likely be a partnership among these groups. Already ACT works closely with Emory University-affiliated interventionists at the Marcus Stroke Center at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, GA. ACT is also a provider for the Georgia Partnership for Telehealth. ACT understands telemedicine and its application in the "real world." Telemedicine is integral to improving access to healthcare and reducing its costs. Thus, the model ACT developed at its inception stands to serve it well in the foreseeable future.
Filed under: Stroke Prevention & Care, Telemedicine | Tags: accreditation, AcuteCare Telemedicine, atlanta medicine, clot busting, joint commission, life saving medicine, modern medicine, neurology, primary stroke center, stroke, stroke prevention, telemedicine, tPA use, urgent stroke care
For the last several years, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (The Joint Commission) has monitored hospitals' specific performance measures in treatment of common diseases. In 2011, stroke care joined pneumonia, heart failure, and heart attack on the list of monitored core diseases. Hospitals must demonstrate to the Joint Commission, and to the public, that they are providing good emergency stroke care in order to receive certification as a Primary Stroke Center. For instances of stroke, the Joint Commission monitors if hospitals are administering tPA (the clot busting medication) to eligible stroke patients.
Despite this focus on a high standard of care, large areas of the country lack hospitals who have administered tPA to stroke patients. Alabama, for example, has only 3 hospitals certified as stroke centers. A lack of certified stroke centers has been shown to correlate with the rate of death from stroke. A primary factor in the failure to meet established standards is the limited number of neurologists available for emergency stroke intervention. The expanded use of telemedicine is a practical solution. Rapid evaluation by a stroke specialist via the internet enables the use of tPA in otherwise underserved areas, leading to better care and outcomes.
Rapid access to quality emergency care underlies the public's confidence in our healthcare system. With limited numbers of neurologists and vast numbers of needy hospitals, telemedicine makes sense for stroke care.
Filed under: News | Tags: AcuteCare Telemedicine, advisory board, atlanta business, atlanta healthcare, atlanta neurology, Bowers, Directo Inc., Georgia Special Olympics, healthcare, healthcare industry, Hembree, Lewis Massey, Massey, Prevent Child Abuse Atlanta, telemedicine, teleneurology, University of Georgia Outstanding Alumnus, Zell Miller
AcuteCare Telemedicine (ACT) announces the addition of Lewis A. Massey as a member for the ACT Board of Advisors. Massey's experience as a lawyer and as an executive with growth stage companies lends is invaluable to the partners at ACT and the business.
Massey, a native of Gainesville, GA, is presently a partner in Massey, Bowers & Hembree LLC, a firm specializing in public affairs counsel. He has held a number of prolific positions, including serving as CEO of Directo, Inc., a financial services management company, President and CEO of SciTrek, a science and technology center for children, Vice President of Bank South Securities, and Chief of Staff for Georgia Lt. Governor Pierre Howard.
Most notably, Massey was appointed by Georgia Governor Zell Miller as Secretary of State in 1996. During his two year tenure in this position, Massey established a strong record as an advocate for Georgia citizens, cracking down on telemarketing fraud, reducing agency spending, assisting with the collection of back child support, and implementing new customer service technologies. He did not run for reelection in 1998.
Massey has served on the Board of Directors of both the Georgia Special Olympics and Prevent Child Abuse Georgia. He currently serves on the Board of Hands on Georgia, appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue in 2005.
He has been named University of Georgia Business School Outstanding Young Alumnus, and cited as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians by Georgia Trend Magazine.
"Mr. Massey brings an immense wealth of unique knowledge earned throughout his impressive career and his track record includes significant contribution as a key advisor to other strong initiatives," says Keith Sanders, M.D., Partner, ACT. "The breadth of his experience will be essential to AcuteCare Telemedicine as we work towards our goals in 2012 and beyond."
Filed under: Telemedicine | Tags: apps, health and human services, health apps, health technology, HHS, iTriage, iTunes, medical apps, mhealth, mobile health, mobile phone, modern medicine, neuro toolkit, neurology, next gen apps, smartphone, stroke, telemedicine
For rapid access to information from anywhere at anytime, nothing beats a smartphone or other mobile device. The widespread use of these devices sets the stage for rapid growth in mobile health (mHealth) applications to improve patient care. In 2011, smartphones accounted for more than half of all phone sales in the United States, and there are now over 12,000 health-related apps on the iTunes store alone. There is immense theoretical value, but how is mHealth being used by patients and physicians in the real world?
The first generation apps available now provide rapid access to information previously available from far more specific resources. Common conditions like hypertension, diabetes and headache have apps that allow patients to conveniently collect and trend data about their condition. iHeadache and Seizure Log allow patients to look for triggers to these events; Seizure Log can even embed videos of events. Neuro Toolkit provides key protocols and scales that neurologists use routinely in the hospital, frequently saving them a trip to the library or internet. Practical mHealth apps do not necessarily need to be brilliant to be helpful. The value is in the unparalleled level of accessibility that they offer.
In her speech at the annual mHealth summit in December, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius described mHealth as "opening up new lines of communications between patients and their doctors, among health care providers trying to stay on the same page and even among communities of patients." She mentioned iTriage, an app that helps patients document their symptoms and find a nearby emergency room.
Of course, apps that aid patients and doctors alike are a very positive force in healthcare, but must continue to be improved. iTriage, for example, would benefit by including which hospitals are certified for acute stroke and heart attack treatment by the Joint Commission. If a patient does need emergency treatment for one of these or other conditions, the chance of getting the fastest and most complete care are increased at the most capable facility.
The next generation of apps will move beyond data collection and collation. Smartphone trends for 2012 include larger screens, faster processing and more apps, all of which bode well for more robust medical applications. With the advances, mHealth is likely to continue to revolutionize access for patients and physicians.
Filed under: Telemedicine | Tags: communications, EHR, electronic health records, future medicine, healthcare provider, History, History of Medicine, medical history, modern medicine, neurology, new medical techniques, physicians, telehealth, telemedicine, telepathology, x-ray imaging
Telemedicine is the practice of medicine at a distance; interaction that occurs remotely with the physician removed from direct contact with either the patient or other physicians. Telemedicine can include all phases of the physician-patient relationship, from evaluation (including pathology) to diagnosis and treatment. Although recent breakthroughs in telecommunications technologies have accelerated the advancement of telemedicine, the desire to seek medical counsel regardless of the proximity of the healthcare provider is a common thread throughout medical history. The mechanism has changed, but medicine has long worked to remove the barriers of distance and time.
As early as the Middle Ages, "telepathology" was employed in the form of sending urine samples over distance to physicians for analysis. Prescriptions were carried over miles to patients before the advent of postal services. With the postal service came written letters describing symptoms to physicians, who would reply with diagnoses and treatment plans. These are all examples distinctly foreshadowing the emails and blog centered care that is now gaining a foothold.
Eventually, a milestone was reached when the telegraph allowed transmission of x-ray images. By the late 1800's, telephony allowed direct 2-way communication between physicians. Still, a physical connection was required, and physicians at sea or without telephone access were at a loss. The radio broke that barrier by the 1920's, and by the middle of the century, television technology brought real time images into the equation.
Near the end of the last century the most rapid, indeed explosive, growth of telemedicine utilization resulted from the symbiosis of computer technology, wireless communication networks and the internet. The ease of access to telemedicine that modern communication technology provides has broadened the scope of services. "Telehealth," the utilization of remote presence to monitor health conditions, rather than responding to acute emergencies, is essentially commonplace. Moreover, well-care and health education have benefitted as well.
Today, we do not think twice about calling patients or colleagues on a phone, logging onto a computer for laboratory results, or reviewing radiology images on a TV screen. Soon, electronic health records (EHR's) will be the norm. There are even technologies on the horizon which will become a partner with the doctor in establishing a diagnosis. The question for our future is when does new remote presence technology become standard of care? Inevitably, we will lose the "tele" and acknowledge that we are completely free of distance as an obstacle to patient care.
Filed under: Telemedicine | Tags: acute stroke care, AcuteCare Telemedicine, EMG, History of Medicine, hospitals, medical history, medical technology, medicine, MRI, neurology, Technology, teleneurology
This is a photo of the first MRI scanner in the world. It is presently on display as an artifact at the London Science Museum in the Wellcome History of Medicine exhibit, but the scanner only dates back to 1971. The first images it produced were extremely coarse and only showed rough shadows of what the brain really looked like. It is incredible to think that just 40 years later, we are able to see the brain and other organs as substantially clearer three-dimensional images. With the immensely improved technology, we can even see the circulation of blood in the brain and its metabolic activity as it is being used. There are other fascinating exhibits at the museum, including devices used in attempts to ameliorate the human condition dating from long before the MRI scanner came about.
Besides the usual trephining tools used to burr holes in the skull and buckets to catch the blood from 'therapeutic' lobotomies, there is this; an early 19th century EMG machine used to measure nerve conductions in diagnosis of peripheral nervous system disorders:
It seems that one would place a limb at the bottom of this arc and the weights would be dropped onto them, causing a reflex which was recorded by the machine. The time and distance of the nerve impulse was measured giving the speed at which the impulse moved down a nerve. It sounds painful, but compared to the advances of the MRI scan, the nerve conduction studies we do today are relatively similar to what this machine did.
With the advent of the Internet and the rise of telemedicine, our skills as physicians are undergoing another paradigm shift. The magnitude of the change brought on by telemedicine technologies is closer to that of the leaps made by the MRI scan than those of the EMG. For the first time, physicians can see patients in real-time from hundreds of miles away, markedly increasing the efficiency and productivity of our field. Perhaps one day, this same exhibit will include one of our current devices, denoted as an "early robot," and serve as a curiosity to the lines of people that pass by. Whatever the result, we will probably always look back on the strides we are making today and the people behind them as the next great pioneers in the history of medicine.