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Limbs | Magali Massoud
Limbs, 2016
Acrylic on Canvas
118 x 130 cm
Magali Massoud
MA in Fine Arts, Lebanese University (2018)
M2 in Création et Plasticité Contemporaines, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (currently enrolled)
Magali Massoud is a Fine Arts graduate, currently pursuing a masters degree at the Sorbonne in Paris. Her works are born from a series of questions; "what is full and what is empty", "what separates the spirit from the body", "what are frontiers and are there any at all?". By revelation of the flesh, this series of paintings shed a dark light over the meanders within one's self. The correlation of the spatial qualities of the canvas and the expandable space serve to further constrain the body within itself to manifest that duality. Her experience in Fine Arts have shaped and broadened the artist's perception of the many practices and ideological aspects of art. Over time, Massoud's interests have evolved, mutating from singular creation to a more collaborative approach.


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Back to all reports
Broken cover on water stop tap
Reported in the Pavements/footpaths category anonymously at 10:46, Sun 13 August 2017
Sent to Cardiff Council 4 minutes later
Cover on water stop tap outside 2 Penlline Road (School Lodge) is broken and presents a danger to pedestrians.
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subset: commoncrawl


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American EDM has exploded as a whole in the last 3-4 years with the rise of dubstep, moombahton, and now (club) trap. Another less spoken sub sect has also been perpetually alive and growing while being just as successful in terms of booking major festivals and venues. The path that electronic music has taken into mainstream airwaves over the last few years has been unexpected to say the least. As EDM has risen to fame in the US, category brand labels such as OWSLA and Mad Decent have supported larger American EDM genres with cash flows created through Beatport, big media, streaming revenues, and album sales. The come up for a new breed of independent artists has been based upon the new world order in music distribution….giving away music directly to fans: for free. Defined by its fusion of electronic driven bass lines, mingled with soul and hip hop sampling; the closest to terms we've gotten to a genre is Electro Soul.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/228626457″ params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450″ iframe="true" /]
Many would classify Garret Meyer, known by his DJ/producer moniker Artifakts, as the latter. But hold on…he's not so quick to reside in any particular box. Keeping up with Artifakts on social media it's obvious that he's constantly and consciously building a signature sound. While known for his soulful and bass driven dance floor bangers, he continues to experiment and expand into new sounds and genres. At only 22 he's gained significant following on both Twitter and Soundcloud as well as hit the road for shows with some of the biggest artists in the game. We asked him a few questions about what his experience as an independent artist has been like so far. (Read Below)
Music is reaching a pivotal stage with the phasing out of Dubstep and establishment of Trap. How would you classify your sound and what place do you feel it holds in the current state of music?
I'm confident in saying it's neither of those genres, yet I still haven't established a sound that's consistent. One day I'll work on a vinyl cut, trip hop tune and the next a banger funk remix. At first I thought I should possibly gear towards a relevant, consistent style but at the end of the day I don't want to make something insincere. If I had to pick one it would be electronic hip-hop with some soulful flavor.
You have managed to pull in +/- 3000 followers on SoundCloud and Facebook, 5000+ twitter followers, along with tens if not hundreds-of-thousands of plays. What do you attribute to your current social media success in a relatively short period of time?
I've always been keen on finding new ways to interact with people. I've also lived a good chunk of my adolescent life during the social network boom. I've been on twitter for more years than the Artifakts project has been (as a beat maker selling to MCs). I attribute a lot of followers to long term from those days. I'm also not one to sit on a song very long, so when you post new projects as frequently as I do, it tends to get attention.
I think it's safe to assume that Pretty Lights & Michal Menert have been a heavy influence on you? What was it like opening for Pretty Lights? How does it feel to have been support for Supervision?
I actually discovered Pretty Lights through a friend of mine in my first year of college quite a bit after embarking on the sounds I've put out today, as well as Michal Menert through Soundcloud. At the time I was making mostly hip-hop beats and had just started dabbling in electronic influenced music. A couple comments on my old beats on SoundCloud said that my sound was much like Michal Menert and that I should check out his music. Needless to say I was curious to discover an artist that clearly had established himself with a similar vision. After researching both acts, I was astounded that this whole subculture of music existed where not only producers flourished but were they served as sole acts and focal points in the live music industry. Not a year and a half later and I had both met each artist and established relationships on a personal level with Michal. I had even been given the opportunity to play a show with him this past New Years for the 'Super Best Records' NYE party (a collective you'll hear more about soon!) Pretty Lights was definitely an artist that opened my eyes as to what my sound could develop into, but Michal has directly opened doors to opportunity in the Denver music scene as well as establishing myself alongside credible artists that I never could have alone. As far as playing alongside Blake (Supervision), it was an awesome experience. He's another producer I quickly went from listening to and admiring, to being able to rock a show with him. It's humbling to have even been on the same bill as these guys.
What has your experience been like as a new DJ to the tour scene, and what are some of things you've learned playing new gigs in new places?
It's been other worldly. I'm from a town of less than 1,000 people (although I always try and make it out to shows in nearby Milwaukee) so being exposed to such a wide audience, no matter the size of show, is both humbling and a bit overwhelming. As far as new gigs in new places, I've learned that you'll have you're "on" days and you're "off" days. I'll put the same amount of effort and emotion into one show as the next day, yet some nights it seems as though it's pulling teeth with the crowd. The nights where I can ramble to a group of strangers and they connect with every word and every beat of the music are the nights that make every show and every minute producing worth it.
What was the most awesome thing that has happened before, during, or after a show?
Meeting Blake (Supervision) was a pretty awesome experience. It was also at my first live performance as Artifakts ever. It was a very small first year festival in central Michigan and I was clueless to the scene and what to expect. After meeting Blake backstage, wandering to find a drink nearby, I found myself in a hospitality trailer with him, Grant (Griz), Stratus, and the dudes from Robotic Pirate Monkey. It was an awesome introduction to everything. I wasn't even aware as to who I was kicking it with, I just knew it was an atmosphere I could get used to. I'm sure there's a few things I could talk about but this one always stands out in my memory.
Who are you listening to these days? What's your go to track right now?
Lately I've been channeling my inner 17 year old girl and rocking Lorde. That girl is the definition of talent. I've also always had a guilty pleasure for trap music (real trap music). The BSBD and Gucci Mane track has been on repeat for a few months now.
What's your philosophy on releasing music? Do you always plan on giving things away for free?
Always. I hate paying for music. You shouldn't have to pay to enjoy one of your senses to the fullest.
When can we expect your first album?
Great question. I'll know more on that answer when I've found what I've needed. For now it's beat tapes and EPs.


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William Fraser GARDEN (Gillingham 1856 - Huntingdon 1921)
River Landscape near St. Ives, Huntingdonshire
Watercolour. Signed and dated W. F. GARDEN: '97. at the bottom centre. Inscribed Near S. Ives, Hunts. - 30/- on the verso.195 x 285 mm. (7 5/8 x 11 1/4 in.)ENQUIRE
Garden's watercolour views of his native Huntingdonshire and along the river Ouse in Bedfordshire are masterpieces of clarity and detail. As Christopher Newall has written, 'Garden's watercolors are a manifestation of the late-century revival of interest in the representation of landscape subjects in minute and painstaking detail. He chose picturesque but unremarkable subjects in his immediate locality – decrepit mill buildings and riverside inns along the banks of the Great Ouse, as well as pure landscapes…His works of the late 1880s and early 1890s are extraordinary in their pellucid clarity of light and their exact delineation of architectural and landscape detail.'
The Broderick family, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire.


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Please join the Fellowship Church family in celebrating Darris Wilbourn's 90th birthday. Darris is an inspiration to all who know her and the love that she has given to our church is beyond description. As pastors, we could not have a better encourager and prayer partner.
If you are available, the Wilbourn's would like to invite you to come to their home today (Wednesday December 11th) for snacks and birthday cake. The candle lighting ceremony will occur at 5:30 PM. The Wilbourn's live at 114 Madden Lane in Caddo Valley.
If you can't make the party, please be sure and give Mrs. Darris a special hug and congratulation when you next see her. She truly represents the Christ-like character that we are striving for at Fellowship Church.


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and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation
and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation
So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God."
"Have Faith in God"
What do we have faith in? With every decision, every step, every word and every thought, faith comes into play.
When we're………
Studying for a test
Deciding what we want to be
Moving into our first home
Proposing……..Saying "Yes"
Choosing a job
Having a baby
Guiding that child
Dealing with Relationship struggles
Finding what we have in common
Walking through our days
Seeking out a church family
Consoling a friend
Covered with heartache
Lose of a loved one
Facing divorce
This list could on and on. The process of life can be overwhelming! So …… What do we have faith in? We all have faith in something each time we open our eyes, even when we close them we have faith we'll wake up. So what is it? Who is it? Are we putting our faith in our teachers, ourselves, our spouses, our bosses, our doctors or our counselors? It's not that having faith in those things are bad but who is giving them their faith? I say our faith should be in God. Our ultimate faith, unlimited by our human nature. So sit a while and ponder….. "What do we have faith in?" Is it the ONE AND ONLY GOD?
Lord, my faith waivers. I have to admit that I don't lose faith in You, I simply don't think about it sometimes. I walk through my day just trusting that it will be okay. Is that blind faith or is it erratic behavior. I want to be intentional with my faith in You. I want it to be apparent in my every move that I know You are guiding my life. I trust in You enough to not waiver. I'm thankful! Lord I pray for my family and friends. I pray that they will put into practice intentional faith. Knowing that You are there with them regardless. Amen!
Psalms 136:1-3
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the Plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. The you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
My blog is up and running and I sit here wondering what the Lord will show me now. What are His plans for me and how will He use this blog to bring Himself glory. I sit here with great anticipation! I'm sure there will be changes as the process continues but I'm at peace with Him and have hope because I will seek Him with all my heart!
Lord I pray that You will use this blog to bring others to know You better. I pray that I will be a willing servant for You. Lord I ask that You will show me what I need to do and the words that I should use to bring the truth of Your word to those that need it. I love You more each day that I grow in relationship with You. Amen!
Proverbs 17:27
He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
Calm spirit…… What does that feel like? The Webster dictionary says it's a quiet and peaceful state or condition. The key words here are quiet and peaceful. I've always been a quiet person. One that sits back and watches and listens, so sparing my words have never really been a problem. Although I have stuck my foot in my mouth a time or two. But I wasn't peaceful inside. My past (which could have included the day before), kept my insides churning. And to be calm you have to have both. So how did I find calm? I found the Lord. A true, honest, heart filled relationship with Him. Talking to Him constantly, allowing Him to guide me, releasing my thoughts to Him and letting Him mold them. Now does that mean I am ALWAYS calm? Far from it, I still stick my foot in at times but I'm quicker to return to Him now. So, I ask you…….. Do you want calm? It's right there in front of you.
Lord, I am at peace with You. I thank You Lord for never giving up on me. For not leaving my side when I rebelled, for not leaving my side when I was being harmed by others and for not leaving my side when I stuck my foot in my mouth. I thank You! My life could have ventured off in a whole other direction and I'm thankful You continued to hold on to me. Please Lord be with my family and friends. Particularly those who are wavering in their faith and dependence on You. This world can be ugly and yet still very alluring, so I ask You to be a little forceful with them if You have to. Your love for them runs deep and I know that Your heart aches for them. Amen!


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Many government schools in Karachi which were quite effective only a decade ago have enormously declined in standard
Karachi, Feb 02: It is painful to observe how the government education system is managed in our country. Many government schools in Karachi which were quite effective only a decade ago have enormously declined in standard.
The school I attended until 1990 was a government school, quite reputable in those times. Many of the children coming from middleclass homes attended it and we stood fairly in comparison to known private-school children, which were also not so many in those days. Unfortunately, the same school now presents a very sorry picture.
I visited my school a few years back and was stunned to see the dismal its building and even the teachers and students were in. If this government school, located in the central part of Karachi, has decayed to this extent, imagine the state of government schools in the suburbs and rural areas throughout Pakistan.
As part of my research responsibilities, I have visited government schools in Karachi's suburbs, rural Sindh and the rural Northern Areas too. Many government high schools have huge buildings, which are most often used to a minimum. One school that I visited in Karachi's suburb occupied a huge piece of land, a big ground in the middle and rows of rooms all around it. On talking to the teachers I realised that this school which looked like a single building actually houses as many as four or five schools at a given time under some weird government arrangements - bad governance indeed.
It is worth pondering on the causes of the continued downfall of our government education system. It can be traced back to the inefficient governance, faulty recruitment system, lack of professional development opportunities, corruption and politicisation of the system, poor material and resources, etc.
The problems are numerous and some prominent educationists like Dr Shahid Siddiqui and Dr Tariq Rahman have highlighted them quite amicably in their books and articles. So instead of exploring the causes, I want to ponder upon the following questions: Can government schools and our public schooling system be improved? And more importantly, why should we attempt to restore government schools rather than popularising private provision?
Why not just do away with the government schools, after all the recent education census showed that around 33 per cent of our education provision is in the hands of private institutions. First and foremost, it is because the private system works on market principles and only moves to places where profits can be made - a "corporate model" of education according to Dr Shahid Siddiqui.
My critique of private schools is directed only towards the private-for-profit sector here and not towards the private-not-for-profit. NGOs can lend a helping hand to poor segments that cannot afford private education. However, it would be unwise to believe that they can compensate for a very large population below or near the poverty line, mostly in the rural areas.
To measure the enormity of the task, according to the official statistics available at the Ministry of Education's website, there were 137,751 primary, 14,982 middle and 9,110 high schools in the public sector of Pakistan in 2005-2006, majority of them in rural areas. Governed by market rules, the private provision can not be an equitable system. An increase in private provision would worsen the already existing "educational apartheid" as demonstrated by Dr Tariq Rahman in his book Denizens of Alien Worlds.
It is the constitutional responsibility of our government to provide equitable education to all members of society and we should hold our government accountable for it. Rabea Malik in a recent research report prepared under a DFID project estimates that we need Rs426,092 million to fulfil Education for All targets. Given that it is an investment in the future of the country, is it too much to ask?
In his article in this newspaper on (Nov 30, 2008) Shehzad Roy vividly pointed out the fact that the state alone has the means to provide education to all its citizens, what it lacks is the political will. He rightly noticed that despite their commendable efforts, NGOs and not-for-profit-private provisions cannot compensate for state provision. It would be prudent if they try and harness their efforts alongside the government system, support it and also make the state accountable for its basic constitutional responsibilities. Private provisions should only be available as a matter of choice, not compulsion. The declining quality of government schools are leaving parents with no option but to turn to private provisions.
I believe that the government education system can be improved with some honest leadership. We need to revitalise our political commitment towards education that was abundant at the time of independence. The first education conference occurring within three months after independence despite myriad settlement challenges shows leadership commitment. The conference, addressed by the Quaid, showed the political will at the highest level. The first education minister Fazlur Rahman was also very keen on developing our education system on strong footings. We need a renewed commitment from the top leadership as was shown by our founders. I have come across brilliant government teachers with high hopes, carrying out marvellous efforts but getting frustrated on the way. So all is not bad but they need encouragement and continuous support before it gets too late.
Our government can hold all-party conferences when it comes to foreign threats. We pass joint resolutions in the parliament against foreign aggression. Why can't we have a collective parliamentary decision to improve our education system and refrain from political interference within the education sector? Depoliticisation of the education system is also one of the important recommendations in the recently-issued White Paper by the Ministry of Education. The 1998 education policy had the same recommendations. I suspect our elite rulers are not bothered to improve the situation of mass education perhaps because bad government schools do not affect them directly.
The middle classes also do not seem passionate about this issue as they can still acquire better education through private schooling. Amidst this scenario, the poor segments of our society see no opportunity for improving their future which can come through quality education. Our poorly managed education system is one of the major causes of our society's radicalisation. The elite cannot stay inside their castles with such prevalent injustices. Equitable educational provision for all is good for the whole society at large.
Is there any cure? Apart from the government, what should be done by NGOs to make it happen? NGOs should not only limit their efforts for educational provision but also hold the state accountable for its commitment to provide reasonable education for all. There have been laudable efforts by NGOs in the shape of the Pakistan Coalition for Education and Campaign for Quality Education. The need is to activate it and to keep it going.
In addition, and most importantly, there is a role for each one of us in this connection. For example the alumni of government schools owe a payback to their alma mater. Upon my return from the UK, I intend to gather the alumni of the school that I came from and try for its improvement in whatever way that I can. So could many others who have good memories of their schools. -By Sajid Ali. The writer is a doctoral candidate at the University of Edinburgh, UK. - email@example.com (Dawn)
Schooling still a distant dream for 7m Sindhi children: Sharmila
Karachi: A slim, energetic and fragile but committed young lady in Sindh government is all-out to resolve those thorny issues in which her male counterparts may think many times before indulging. But adviser to Chief Minister Sindh, Sharmila Farooqui, does not hesitate to reach the spot, listen problems and resolve them quickly.
She strongly believes in getting the issues identified and believes the wastage of funds would only hamper growth in a democratic set up. She believes that there should be transparency. Noticing the deteriorating education system in Sindh, she said that nearly 50 per cent of the total child population, aged 5-15 years, were still not going to school. And 70 per cent of girls in rural Sindh had never attended the schools.
She said that a comprehensive report on the ruined educational system in Sindh had been prepared by the Reform Support Unit and a complete survey had been conducted all over the Sindh. She noticed each and every mess prevailing in the education system and reported in the reforms report to address the problems.
She regretted that according to the reforms report, 3.8 million children are out of schools in rural Sindh and this number is doubled in urban Sindh.
She further said that Sindh education sector was currently facing the challenges that less than 50 per cent of children enrolled for complete primary schooling. Less than 50 per cent of rural girls who completed primary schooling continue their middle school.
Sharmila observed that after hectic efforts the provincial government has identified the problems in education sector and according to the Sindh education reform programme, a mid term reform programme has been perceived targeting issues of access, quality and governance. The reform programme would be supported by World Bank Credit and European Commission Education Grant and Technical Assistance. She believes that schooling and education is must for a girl-child and hence she should not be treated as a domain of liability.
Sharmila lays emphasis on women empowerment and equal representation. With issues of massive corruption that has taken toll of the City in the recent past, she believes that she can do all that within the given time frame to make a difference. The NationYour Comments
One teacher for entire school
Nausharo Feroze: About 100 students of the Middle School, Banho Khan Kolachi village near Tharushah with the support of their elders took out rally up to Bhorti-Tharushah road where they staged a sit-in for about an hour against the EDO Education on Saturday. They were led by Khair Mohammad Kolachi, Rahib Khan Kolachi, Shahmir and others.
They told reporters that only seven teachers including an Arabic teacher were posted in the school with the strength of 200 students, including 40 girls.
The load of teaching 200 students lies on an only Arabic teacher and rest of the teachers were not attending school since last about seven months.
They further alleged that no action had been taken despite several complaints to DDO, DO and EDO education.
They appealed to the Sindh education minister to look into the matter and take notice of the loss to students and resolve their problem.
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Mafia operated in Sindh Text Book Board (STBB) in past'
Hyderabad: Sindh Education Minister Pir Mazharul Haq admitted on Saturday that 'a mafia' was operating in Sindh Text Book Board (STBB) in past but now a committee had been formed to procure paper in a transparent manner.
Talking to journalists at the press club after a tea party hosted in his honour, the minister said that Pakistan Peoples Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement had learned from their past and were moving forward under the reconciliation approach.
He said that despite the fact that PPP won majority of seats in Sindh Assembly, "we have taken everybody on board including MQM and ANP".
He said that main task of the government was to provide education, health and job opportunities to people and maintain law and order.
He informed that EDO education Hyderabad was involved in illegal recruitment without calling the meeting of recruitment committee, therefore, an inquiry had been initiated and legal action would be taken against him.
The minister said that this practice had resulted in saving Rs15 million and role of middlemen has been eliminated while only 8 to 10 publishers with printing presses have been given task for publishing the books.
He said that a proposal would also be implemented for publishing a single textbook with four sub-titles for students which is expected to save Rs30million. The minister announced a donation of Rs50,000 for the press club.
He said under the local bodies system, the district governments are supposed to look after the school buildings and education department is providing Rs100 million to each district of Sindh for repair and provision of missing facilities in the schools.
Schools in need of major repairs
Sukkur: Buildings of more than 240 schools have become so worn out and dilapidated they need major repairs and eight offices of the education department, constructed just 10 years ago, have been declared dangerous, according to a survey conducted by the education works department.
The school buildings in Sukkur, Pano Akil, Rohri, Salehpat and New Sukkur talukas required major repairs and renovation, incurring Rs200 million funds while the Sindh government had provided Rs100 million to the district government for carrying out major repairs and renovation of the schools, sources in the department said.
They said that eight offices of EDO, DDOs and ADOs at the campus office of the education department had been declared dangerous. The building's ground floor had been built in 1998 and the first floor in 2002 but most of the roofs and walls had developed cracks within just 10 years, they said.
EDO of education Jay Ram Das said that the government had allocated Rs100 million under the Sindh Education Reform Support Programme out of which Rs50 million would be spent on providing buildings for shelter-less schools, Rs25 million on repair and maintenance of the schools and the remaining Rs25 million on construction of additional classrooms.
About dilapidated condition of the campus office, he said that the education works department had prepared a PC-1 to carry out major repairs and renovation of the building.
To a question why the building had become so worn out just 10 years of its construction, he said that he could not comment on it because he was not a technical person. Dawn
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When growing your business, branching out or adding new management, the best place to look for potential leaders is in your current work force. After all, who knows the ins and outs of your company better?
Even if you don't have any current plans to expand, it's a good idea to be on the look-out for innovators, risk takers and go-getters...individuals who can help bring your organization to a new level.
So how can you spot people with growth potential? Fortunately for you, they are hard to keep in the background.
|People who take initiative in their current role, make suggestions for improvement but do not overstep boundaries. Leaders are not content with the status quo and are ready to make changes, and eager to make things happen.
|People who work independently and think outside the box while respecting important rules and procedures. Potential managers do not need much day-to-day guidance and want to be free to try new things.
|People who make decisions without needing to confer with their manager or carefully review guidelines. While natural leaders are not reckless, they are able to handle the consequences if a decision does not work out right.
|People who build solid professional relationships. They might be outgoing and expressive or more serious and informative, but they know how to connect with people to get the job done. Future managers are often respected and consulted by others on their team.
|People who consistently show good judgment in what they say and do on the job. These people make wise decisions, choose their words carefully and maintain necessary confidentiality. A good manager does not overthink matters, but is not impulsive or careless either.
If you think you have spotted future leaders in your midst, consider having a behavioral assessment done, spend time training and mentoring them, and offer them a new project or added responsibilities to see how they fare. Given the chance, they might amaze you.


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General construction is a broad term that encompasses all manners of alterations to the footprint a building. What do we mean by footprint? If you were to take an aerial or side-view photograph of the structure after a general construction project, the footprint (or shape) of it would be altered. This includes residential general construction and commercial general construction projects like:
· knocking down a wall to expand a kitchen
· building a large family room addition
· adding a second floor office
Many homeowners use another word – repurposing – when they contact Build it Brothers. This is another form of general construction and includes renovations such as:
· converting a home office into a bedroom, or vice versa
· turning an attic into a child's play space
· converting a conference room info offices
Cape Cods in particular lend themselves to general construction projects. For example, the amount of headroom in an upstairs bathroom or bedroom can sometimes be limited in a Cape Cod. So a homeowner seeking to add height to these rooms will hire Build it Brothers to add a "dormer bump-out." This will increase the headroom, and, in the process, alter the roofline of the home.
General construction involves more than simply installing new cabinets or counters. While these additions might indeed be involved, they are only a small piece of the overall project. Build it Brothers readily welcomes clients who are looking for a full general construction project, as well as those who just want to make changes to the existing layout of their home.
Whether you are considering a general construction project or something on a smaller scale, it's important that the renovation connects seamlessly with the rest of your home. We strongly recommend hiring an experienced professional who pays attention to the details.
Contact us for a free consultation. Together we will turn your vision into a reality.


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- pirI recently received a request from Keanan Byggdin on behalf of the Young Voters of Canada asking for a letter directed at Canada's young voters. ... read moreApr 05, 2011 10:14 pm | British Columbia, Langley
- pirStephen Harper said Friday that the Conservatives would eliminate the political party subsidy if the Conservatives won a majority on May 2nd. It's... read moreApr 01, 2011 4:43 pm | British Columbia, Langley
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- pirThe vote is in. The Conservative minority government was defeated on a nonconfidence vote on Friday, March 25. The date for the federal election was... read moreMar 26, 2011 7:49 pm | British Columbia, Langley


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A well-balanced and carefully constructed living room brings the house into alignment by creating the perfect welcoming space for friends and family. Whether you're entertaining a crowd or planning a date night for two, pack your living room with all of the comforts to relax and all of the amenities to bond.
To kick back and unwind in your living room, you'll need furniture that can comfortably fit your family and friends. Consider getting a pair of sofas or a sofa and loveseat to place perpendicular to one another and ease the flow of conversation. Add a coffee table and end tables on the sides of the furniture to hold snacks, beverages and games. Once you've got the basic furniture elements down, focus on all of those extras that make the room feel homey. Think pillows, chairs, throws and a carpet. Furniture can get pricey, but flat-pack outlets and discount stores do allow you to save when shopping.
Whether you're a gamer, foreign film buff or prime-timer who wouldn't dream of missing Monday Night Football, a television is essential to your living room. Picking out the perfect TV like a 3D TV helps make make the room a staple for movies, games and other activities. Take the size of the room and the distance from the seating areas to the screen into account when shopping for your new TV. An overly large television can dwarf your room, while a too-tiny screen won't engage. Buy a TV from a reliable brand, such as Sony or Panasonic. A budget television is too big of a gamble.
Shelving for games, books, collections and entertainment media make it easy to keep your new living room free of clutter. When picking out shelving, choose from freestanding or wall-mounted units. Storage that slides underneath your coffee table or sofa adds additional places to put things without cluttering the room. If you're a film buff or if you love rewatching your favorite television shows at home, you'll need somewhere for your movies to live.
Games and Electronics
What you'll need really depends on your family. If you're a big gamer, you'll need multiple gaming systems and plenty of room to organize your gaming library. You may need storage space for ancillary equipment, such as Rock Band instruments or Wii Fit pads. Of course, board games, card games and novelty games bring the family together and deserve a space in your living room. Think cards, poker chips, classics like Scrabble or Monopoly, puzzle games like Jenga, and gaming tables. If you have the space for it, foosball or air hockey allow all-ages fun and can be great on bro nights.
Sound System
It can be easy to forget about a sound system; these tend to be small and designed to store out-of-the-way. But a sounds system delivers big when you want to host a house party or root for your favorite team during playoffs. When picking out a sound system, know the dimensions of your room. It would be a pain to spend a lot on a killer system that just doesn't fill the space or to avoid utilizing your system to capacity because it's overkill.
As with all home renovation projects, a budget is key to successful project completion. Start with what you can afford and build on from there. A sofa is far more necessary in the early stages than a pool table or PlayStation. If there are any elements or features that you just can't miss when planning your ideal living room, what are they?
Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Family-room-700.jpg


text:
Fatigue crack propagation rates and threshold stress intensity factors in high strength low alloy steel plate, bar and forgings.
Abstract:ESDU 17003 gives graphs showing the rate of increase in crack length per loading cycle plotted against stress intensity factor range for a large group of steels. The curves were obtained by correlating results taken from the literature for tests on steels of tensile strength from 850 to 1970 MN/sq m (123000 to 286000 lbf/sq in). Specimens were tested under constant amplitude loading at room temperature in laboratory air. Included are details of the test specimens, their loading (mainly tensile axial), and the exact composition of the steels. The influence of fracture toughness, mean stress, and material proof stress can be seen in the data and is discussed. Summary curves are included that show the effect of stress ratio and material proof stress on crack growth rates. Two practical worked examples show how the data may be used to establish the life of a component or whether an existing crack will grow.
Indexed under:
|Data Item ESDU 17003
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ESDU Series:
- Aerodynamics
- Aircraft Noise
- Composites
- Dynamics
- Fatigue - Endurance Data
- Fatigue - Fracture Mechanics
- Fluid Mechanics, Internal Flow
- Fluid Mechanics, Internal Flow (Aerospace)
- Heat Transfer
- Mechanisms
- Performance
- Physical Data, Chemical Engineering
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- Structures
- Transonic Aerodynamics
- Tribology
- Vibration and Acoustic Fatigue
- Wind Engineering
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Aerospace Materials Data
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No doubt about it, we live in perilous times, and we see the words of Christ manifesting before our very eyes:
Matthew 7:15-20 (New American Standard Bible)
15"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
17"So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
18"A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
19"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20"So then, you will know them by their fruits.
Last summer I introduced you to Anthony Carter – Reformed Author, Pastor, and Teacher. Carter is the author of "On Being Black & Reformed" and "Experiencing The Truth: Bringing the Reformation to the African-American Church". He is also the Lead Pastor of East Point Church here in Metro-Atlanta, and praise God through Jesus Christ that He saw fit to provide another lifeboat of sound teaching in the sea of apostasy and heresy in the Atlanta area. Carter has released his latest book "Wolves Among The Sheep" – and he provides a free copy (if you contact him via email) AND and e-book version if you care to kill a few trees and print it out 🙂
I've had the pleasure of hearing Pastor Tony preach a few times – and I've met him once. He is truly a man after God's heart – not in the "word of faith/mand of gawd" way, but the true discipling of God's people by presenting truth line upon line. Pastor Tony was nice enough to take time away from his schedule to talk to me about his latest work:
ST: Why this book?
- Carter: Well, one of the great deficiencies in the church today is spiritual discernment. It seems people are open to anything that gives the slightest indication of being Christian, or just even spiritual. I wrote this little booklet in hopes that people would realize that when Jesus said that there would be wolves in sheep clothing among the flock of God, he was not just referring to the church in his day, but was declaring an ongoing threat in the church. Likewise, the Apostle Paul picked up on this teaching and warned those in the church in his day of the same threat. So this booklet is just taking the warnings of our Lord and his apostle seriously and seeking to make application of this truth in our day.
ST: Your current book seems to diverge from your earlier works "Experiencing the Truth: Bringing the Reformation to the African-American Church" and "On Being Black and Reformed". Is there a sense of urgency with this book?
- Carter: The urgency is to declare the gospel and the full counsel of God. In doing so, we must not only declare the truth, but also be prepared as our Lord was to refute falsehood and guard the people of God with the word of God. My other books are more comprehensive than this booklet. They sought to address a broader subject and with more in-depth analysis. This current booklet is meant to be a brief, but clear clarion call to God's faithful people to beware and not get duped by the fancy-talking, high-living, but self-promoting so-called prophets of our day.
ST: The book is pretty direct in exposing the motives and tactics of the wolves of today – why not mention some of them by name?
- Carter: Actually, the tendency is to want to mention them by name. Living here in Atlanta where many of their voices are so prevalent, calling names would surely invoke a reaction. And if a reaction was all I wanted to get out of the booklet, then calling their names would have been the way to do it. However, I am not after a reaction, but rather to encourage biblical thinking and discernment. Thus, rather than an emotional reaction to a certain bishop or pastor, I hope people will read the book and make application as the Spirit leads them. Furthermore, in calling names you run the risk of people focusing the discussion just on the one or two individuals you call rather than the broader application that is really required. There are more than just one or two wolves out there.
ST: I presume that many who flee false doctrine seek you out because of your honest and heartfelt delivery of the true Gospel message. How do you minister to those who have been hurt by the modern day "Church, Inc."?
- Carter: When people come to our church from these false prophetic ministries, I am always moved by the faithfulness of Christ to call his sheep and how they hear his voice – just as he said they would. And so, when they come to us we are reminded that Christ calls us to feed them. We seek to give them the only food that really satisfies a true child of God, namely the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is the gospel that binds up wounds and give spiritual sustenance in order to strengthen weary souls. We try to do as our motto says, and "point people to Jesus."
Praise God that He stills sends men like Carter into the mission field to minister to the lost and deceived. Be sure to get your copy of "Wolves Among The Sheep" (it's free, remember?) and be equipped with the words and Spirit of Christ in spreading His truth.
Related Posts:


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25/64" "Taper Length" Long Straight Shank Drill Bit, 7" Overall Length, High Speed Steel
Model #: DRTL-25/64
Price: $4.95
Description: 25/64" HS Taper Length Drill WT:106-125
- Diameter: 25/64"
- Overall Length: 7"
- Flute Length: 4-3/8"
- Shank Diameter: 25/64"
- "Taper length" is a long Straight Shank drill used to drill deep holes.
High Speed Steel.
Taper length is a longer straight shank drill used where a deeper hole is required.
Shank diameter is the same as the cutting diameter of the drill.
Please note that these drills may be either bright finished steel or black oxide finished, depending on stock.


text: Related Program: NatureNotes Combing the Beach for...Elephant Teeth? By Rudy Mancke • Oct 10, 2017 Related Program: NatureNotes TweetShareGoogle+Email Mammut americanum (Kerr, 1792) - American mastodon tooth (molar) from the Pleistocene of North America. (public display, Cincinnati Museum of Natural History & Science, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA) James St. John [CC BY 2.0] via Flickr A listener finds a tooth on Edisto Beach which may have belonged to a mastadon. Listen Listening... / 1:00 NatureNotes is a production of South Carolina Public Radio. Tags: NatureNatureNotesSCETV Appscetv.orgTweetShareGoogle+EmailView the discussion thread.


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Last week when I was interviewed for that newspaper article, the reporter and I took a tour of YouTube and watched some of Brookers videos.
He interviewed her for the article too.
Today she has a new video on YouTube, - Everything changes:
"Well, it finally arrived, my contract. I have been in contact now with Carson Daly productions mtv2 for about a month on and off and i finally have a contract here from them in my posession and i am more than 90% sure that this is it i am going to go with this."If Brookers really has a contract with MTV2, I'm happy for her.
If it's for producing videos for MTV2, it's too bad since MTV2 seems to only support Windows.


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Today's contest post will be published at 1 p.m. PST. It is a time urgent contest so you'll have to move quickly. The first contestant to solve every brain teaser is the winner. Check back in a few hours for all the details.
As Tuesday's post [1] noted, we're now midway through our 30-day challenge [2]. I hope the second half of your adventure has gotten off on the right foot. What are your thoughts, reflections, questions since the halfway mark? What are you looking forward to in these last couple weeks? Where do you hope the experience will take you by month's end? As we enter into the second half, two challenge points take center stage – points that call up powers of the mind more than the body. The Primal Blueprint [3] of course garners its foundation from evolutionary principle, but it's delineated by good, old-fashioned common sense and a modern interest in overall wellness. There are guidelines, tools and even challenge points, but you direct your own practice from there. I tell people, it's less about formula and more about experience. Specifically, an ongoing Primal practice hones your ability to read your own body's signals. Because you're eating [4], moving [5] and living [6] in accordance with your body's natural, optimum functioning, you gain a new appreciation for living in tune with it, responding to its signs. Additionally, when you're feeling healthy and taking control of your well-being, the process get you thinking about other means of wellness actualization. Pursuing better health, readers often tell me, leads to ultimately pursuing a fuller life for themselves.
First thing's first though. Let's check in with Challenge #9. Now that you've had time to experiment with new routines, new foods, and new activities, you're probably learning what works best for you and what doesn't totally hit the mark. You're sensing what feels good and where you overreach. You've been getting your bearings, figuring out where you're at in order to tailor how you'll proceed. There's nothing slow or underachieving about this approach. In fact, it's just smart.
Challenge #9: Avoid Stupid Mistakes
Listen to your body: This is such a broad Primal Blueprint law the challenge could take many directions. For the purpose of this 30-day challenge, though, I'd like you to be particularly aware of what your body is telling you during each of the other challenges. Feel a sharp pain during a sprint? Be smart and end your sprint session. Skin turning pink while out in the sun? That's a sign to seek shade and avoid a nasty burn. I want this to be a pain and injury free event, so pay particular attention to what your body is saying.
(This is just one of many challenges. Learn about all of the 30-Day Primal Blueprint Challenges here [7].)
Although it might seem obvious, #9 trips up more people than you think. Although I'm all for going whole hog – throwing full energy and enthusiasm into an endeavor, there's a risk with such unbridled fervor. My experience is that people tend to get into trouble when they focus too much on an idea – a goal, a principle – rather than the implementation. It's not just about the execution: it's about the experience, too. How is your body handling the transition? Maybe it's telling you that a full cup of nuts – soaked [8], they might be – is too much or that you could use a rest day from the weight room. Maybe your body's telling you that it really digs the new yoga class, but take it a little slower on a few positions. Are you skimping on sleep [9] to fit in new Primal activities? Are you letting stress [10] distract you from proper exercise technique? Name one area where you could probably apply a little more caution? Think about it for yourself, and share it on our comment board.
The key to #9 is to go at your own pace. Ultimately, let your mind learn to be present with your body. It's maybe the most important and abiding lesson some of us will take away from the Challenge.
Why Skipping Meals and Workouts is Healthy [12]
Bodyweight Exercises and Injury Prevention [13]
The 7 Rules of Summer Safety [14]
10 Unnecessary, Worthless or Dangerous Exercises [15]
3 Ways to Keep Exercise Fun and Rewarding [16]
While you've got your brain engaged, think about giving it a little love this month. It works hard for you, too. As part of this month's Challenge, you might have reworked your schedule to ad in some extra fitness or food prep time. Let me tell you, there are few investments as worthy as this. Nonetheless, there's more to full well-being than physical health. We're a species blessed with intellectual and creative ability. Exploration, experimentation, and reflection [17] run to the very core of our humanity. Although curiosity might have gotten Grok [18] and his clan in hot water once in a while, mostly it saved their skins – and likely our species at various points. Adaptation was crucial in the face of adversity, when brains mattered as much as brawn, endurance or speed. Beyond evolutionary survival, however, intellectual endeavor offers us plenty of benefit in the here and now.
Challenge #10: Use Your Brain
Challenge yourself intellectually: I won't ask you to throw out your television or read War and Peace this month. But I will say that you are gifted with a huge brain, and you should flex it. We each have the power to solve difficult problems, be incredibly creative, and effect major change. And it all begins in our heads. This month I challenge you to identify one of the intellectually challenging things in your life you've been meaning to do and take the first steps to actually doing it. Apart from the pride and satisfaction you'll derive from following through there are many health benefits conferred as a result. As the saying goes, use it or lose it.
(This is just one of many challenges. Learn about all of the 30-Day Primal Blueprint Challenges here [7].)
Earlier this summer I wrote about the power of an enriched environment [19]. Intellectual stimulation, research suggests, supercharges our immune system. We best thrive in a life that fully engages our physical and mental capacities. While feeding our brains might prolong our lives, it's also about putting life in our years [20]. After all, we want to be healthy to have the energy and longevity to enjoy the people and activities that give us fulfillment.
Indulge your social self, your spiritual side. Your health will be better for it.
Social Wellness, or Why Friendship Should Be a Healthy Priority [21]
However, challenge yourself on a purely personal, intellectual front as well.
Pimp Your Brain: 8 Simple Tricks to Improve Cognition, Memory and Alertness [25]
The Fit Brain [26]
Cut out some noise from your life, and make the time and space for it.
Mired in Media [27]
Relaxation Response [28]
The Primal Blueprint for Busy People – Part 1: Sleep and Stress [29]
The Primal Blueprint for Busy People – Part 2: Social and Naturalistic Wellness [30]
Whether it's taking up woodworking or an instrument, joining a book club [31] or learning a language, delve into something that feeds your noggin. Use your brain in a way that invests in your personal curiosity and passion. What's that one thing you've wanted to do lately, been meaning to do for yourself? Think about it. I'd love it if you shared it on the board.
We all know the feeling of slipping into bed with a pleasantly exhausted body. Exercising your brain can leave you with a similar contentment and feeling of accomplishment when it's lights out at the end of the day. You've taken the Challenge to a whole new level, and you have that much more reason to continue and see where it leads you.
Thanks for reading today. Let me know what's on your mind at this point in the Challenge and what today's post has inspired for you. Grok on! [32]


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SCRANTON -- Parishioners of a Catholic church on the west side of Scranton tell us they've been praying all day for whoever destroyed the church's statue of Mary. Those with the church say they found the statue in pieces Friday morning.
This statue meant a lot to the parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church on West Locust Street. Every Wednesday they held a service in her honor and now, the statue is destroyed.
It used to be prominently placed at the front of this church, but now the Our Lady of Grace statue lies in a garbage bag while officers search for whoever vandalized it.
"It's not so much as a hate crime but it's just really hurtful," said church secretary Chris Wasko.
Her entire face was shattered to pieces with a gaping hole in her body. Wasko says she felt sick to her stomach when she found it Friday morning.
"You're not just damaging a statue, you're damaging people. They pray to this lady and they respect her," Wasko said.
This statue wasn't just knocked off its base, those with the church say it was completely shattered, with some of its pieces flying all the way to the top of the church steps from where it was based at the bottom.
This isn't the first time a statue was vandalized at the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Years ago, officials say another statue was here and this was a replacement for that statue.
"It's a shame because you see the statue there for so many years and it's just a shame. I don't know if it was the kids or anybody," said Robert Webb.
For now, the church says it will continue to do what it does best: pray for those who need it most.
"Please let us know who did this because not only can we pray for them, but hopefully we can teach them what they did wrong," said Wasko.
If you have any information about this case, you're asked to contact Scranton police.


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On the 100th Birthday of Roald Dahl please remember this letter that he wrote: Vaccinate your kids and teach them to read.
Olivia, my eldest daughter, caught measles when she was seven years old.
As the illness took its usual course I can remember reading to her often in bed
and not feeling particularly alarmed about it.
Then one morning, when she was well on the road to recovery,
I was sitting on her bed showing her how to fashion little animals out of coloured pipe-cleaners,
and when it came to her turn to make one herself,
I noticed that her fingers and her mind were not working together and she couldn't do anything.
Are you feeling all right? I asked her.
I feel all sleepy,she said.
In an hour, she was unconscious. In twelve hours she was dead.
The measles had turned into a terrible thing called measles encephalitis
and there was nothing the doctors could do to save her.
…..There is today something that parents can do
to make sure that this sort of tragedy does not happen to a child of theirs.
They can insist that their child is immunised against measles.
I was unable to do that for Olivia in 1962 because in those days
a reliable measles vaccine had not been discovered.
Today a good and safe vaccine is available to every family
and all you have to do is to ask your doctor to administer it.
Little Red Riding Hood And The Wolf; by Roald Dahl
As soon as Wolf began to feel
That he would like a decent meal,
He went and knocked on Grandma's door.
When Grandma opened it, she saw
The sharp white teeth, the horrid grin,
And Wolfie said, 'May I come in?'
Poor Grandmamma was terrified,
'He's going to eat me up!' she cried.
And she was absolutely right.
He ate her up in one big bite.
But Grandmamma was small and tough,
And Wolfie wailed, 'That's not enough!
I haven't yet begun to feel
That I have had a decent meal!'
He ran around the kitchen yelping,
'I've got to have a second helping!'
Then added with a frightful leer,
'I'm therefore going to wait right here
Till Little Miss Red Riding Hood
Comes home from walking in the wood.'
He quickly put on Grandma's clothes,
(Of course he hadn't eaten those).
He dressed himself in coat and hat.
He put on shoes, and after that,
He even brushed and curled his hair,
Then sat himself in Grandma's chair.
In came the little girl in red.
She stopped. She stared. And then she said,
'What great big ears you have, Grandma.'
'All the better to hear you with,'
the Wolf replied.
'What great big eyes you have, Grandma.'
said Little Red Riding Hood.
'All the better to see you with,'
the Wolf replied.
He sat there watching her and smiled.
He thought, I'm going to eat this child.
Compared with her old Grandmamma,
She's going to taste like caviar.
Then Little Red Riding Hood said, '
But Grandma, what a lovely great big
furry coat you have on.'
'That's wrong!' cried Wolf.
'Have you forgot
To tell me what BIG TEETH I've got?
Ah well, no matter what you say,
I'm going to eat you anyway.'
The small girl smiles. One eyelid flickers.
She whips a pistol from her knickers.
She aims it at the creature's head,
And bang bang bang, she shoots him dead.
A few weeks later, in the wood,
I came across Miss Riding Hood.
But what a change! No cloak of red,
No silly hood upon her head.
She said, 'Hello, and do please note
My lovely furry wolfskin coat.'


text:
So just a little bit of XNA code:
if (this.IsActive && (Keyboard.GetState().GetPressedKeys().Length > 0 || Mouse.GetState().LeftButton == ButtonState.Pressed || Mouse.GetState().RightButton == ButtonState.Pressed || Mouse.GetState().MiddleButton == ButtonState.Pressed) || GP_state.GetButton(8) == ButtonState.Pressed)
Current_GameState = GameStates.Game;
If something is done --> Switch to a different game state. Works with: Keyboard and Mouse, but not with the gamepad (which is new and it works with other games) So why does XNA not recognise it correctly??
EDIT: I do have a working solution and mark my own answer as soon as possible as right...


text:
Stevie Sister
Patty Top
Color: KONA
Play up your sultry side with our Patty Top. This off the shoulder crop top features eyelash cap sleeves and a front ruffle detail with an elastic top. Wear the Patty out for the night with your favorite pair of flared jeans and wedge sandals, or with our Sassy Shorts for a comfy everyday look!
Off the shoulder crop top
Eyelash lace sleeves
Front ruffle detail
Elastic top
Rayon Crepe
Designed in Newport Beach, CA
Made in the USA
Model Measurements:
Chest 34"; Waist 24"; Hips 35"; Height 5'9"
Model is wearing a size S
Available in XS, S, M, L


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'The Last Dance' is over. Here are 5 great sports docs to watch next
"The Last Dance" has been a godsend for sports fans crushed by the absence of live sports during the coronavirus crisis. The epic docuseries about NBA superstar Michael Jordan and his final championship season with the Chicago Bulls has also been one of the TV highlights of the year, transcending its core subject while also taking on hot topics such as the culture of celebrity, race and economics.
But the curtain falls on "The Last Dance" Sunday with the broadcast of the final two installments. If the excitement of the ESPN/Netflix project has whetted your appetite for more sports documentaries, here are some candidates that should be at the top of your list.


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Uninstall Websearch.searchbomb.info: Get Rid Of Websearch.searchbomb.info Quickly
24 Nov
Remove Websearch.searchbomb.info – How to Remove Websearch.searchbomb.info Websearch.searchbomb.info is known to be classified as a browser hijacker. It is reported as one of the most pesky and harmful infection in the segment of cyber malwares. Websearch.searchbomb.info finds an opportunity to … Read More »


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Peter Brant II, Teen Son Of Billionaire, Jokes About 'Contingency Plan' To Kill Obama And Posts It On Instagram
Posted by Ram Kumar Shrestha on November 9, 2012
The Huffington Post | By Meredith Bennett-Smith
As Americans across the country reacted to news about President Barack Obama's reelection, one young member of the 1 percent took to Instagram to make a very public, very unwise joke.
It all started when Peter Brant II, the 18-year-old son of publishing mogul Peter Brant Sr. and supermodel Stephanie Seymour, began exchanging mocking text messages with friend Andrew Warren, Jezebel reports.
Warren, whose location on Twitter is listed as "NYC/HAMPTONS," joked that the election results were going to make him "poor," to which Brant replied, "I have a contingency plan. Kill Obama hahaha." The remark was then followed by a joke about women's rights.
Not wishing this witty exchange to remain just between the two friends, Brant took a screenshot and posted it to his Instagram. Comments were mixed, with someone feeling the joke was hilarious, and others feeling very much the opposite.
Warren took to Twitter to defend himself on Wednesday.
People seriously need to take a joke, the instagram obviously wasn't serious. Everyone can move on now I obviously believe in women's rights
But Brant has yet to comment via the social networking site. As of Wednesday evening, his joint Twitter account with younger brother Harry contained only the dregs of last night's election tweets.
H:yay Obama and all, but am i the only person who is DYING for Hill DOG to run in 2016! that stylish mullet needs to be in the oval office.
P tp H: Yr a Democrat? Ok Bye forever… hahahaha #FamilyPolitics
P: Congratulations to Obama: This Counrty has alot of serious problems, but I guess we can wait another four years to start fixing them.
All "jokes" aside, making threats against the president is no laughing matter. Donte Jamar Sims, a 21-year-old from North Carolina, was arrested in September after threatening Obama in a series of tweets, including one that said "Ima hit president Obama with that Lee Harvey Oswald swag," The Smoking Gun reports.
As NYMag's Hilary Moss quips, "HAHAHAAHAHA … won't it be uproarious when the Secret Service stops by Chez Brant later today?"


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- ISA Certified Arborist WE-1257A
- TRAQ Qualified (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified)
- California Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicator License 134538
- State of California C-61 Contractors License 953007
Jay co-founded Acorn Arboricultural Services, Inc. As owner of Acorn Arboricultural Services, Inc. Jay oversees all company operations. Jay has 30 years of experience in the Sacramento regions tree care industry. Having started out as an entry level tree crew grounds worker. Jay worked his way up the ladder as a climber, crew foreman, to a production manager position. In addition, Jay earned his State of California QAL license and gained experience working as a Plant Health Care Applicator. Along the way Jay also worked as a tree maintenance sales representative and consulting arborist / project arborist on many commercial and residential development projects throughout the Sacramento region. Jay's passion for arboriculture is evident and it is passed on into the company's culture.
Delinda co-founded Acorn Arboricultural Services, Inc. As owner of Acorn Arboricultural Services, Inc. Delinda is responsible for overseeing all accounting, human resources, and administrative functions within the business. Throughout her 24-year career in the tree care industry she has worked as a receptionist / scheduler, Plant Health Care Department Manager, Office Manager / Controller. During storm emergencies when all hands were needed Delinda pitched in and worked with the tree crews helping with clean up. Delinda is personable and nurturing, while also being strong and tenacious. She keeps and has her hands on the pulse of the business.
- ISA Certified Arborist WE-9726A
- TRAQ Qualified (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified)
Phillip has 33 years of experience in the Sacramento regions tree care industry. Phil started his career with Sta-Green Tree Service in Carmichael and quickly became the best climber in the company, lead foreman and one of the top climbers in the area. In the early 1990s Phil competed in several International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Western Chapter Tree Climbing
Competitions where he placed in several categories. Phil has extensive field and supervisory experience in all phase of tree care operations. Phil currently serves as one of three sales representatives in the company and his responsibilities include but are not limited to meeting with prospective and current clients to discuss, diagnose, recommend and sell tree maintenance work. Phil also schedules, manages, and coordinates all aspects of the work he sells, including customer service issues. Phil's passion for trees and his dedication to Acorn and our industry is evident in his work.
- ISA Certified Arborist WE-8374A
- ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist WE-8374T
- TRAQ Qualified (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified)
- TCIA CTSP (Certified Tree Care Safety Professional) 00526
Lauren has over 20 years of experience in the Sacramento regions tree care industry. During his career Lauren has worked in all positions of field operations from ground worker, climber, foreman, stump grinder operator to operations-safety manager. Along the way, he has also competed in several ISA Western Chapter Tree Climbing Competitions. As Acorn's Production Manager-Safety Coordinator Lauren is responsible for overseeing all tree maintenance operations to include, tree maintenance employee safety training and compliance, tree maintenance employee work skills training and performance, tree equipment maintenance and repair, and tree production work quality control. Lauren possess the positive leadership and communication skills required to manage, grow, and bring out the best in a diverse group of tree workers.
- ISA Certified Arborist WE-10173A
- TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified)
Dean is a proud United States Marine Corps veteran and has 16 years of experience in the Sacramento tree care industry. Dean has completed the Red Cross CPR and Emergency First Aid Instructor Course and provides Cal OSHA mandated first aid and CPR training to all of Acorn Arboricultural Services field employees. As with Jay, Phil, and Lauren, Dean began his career at the bottom and has worked his way up from ground worker to climber, to crew foreman. Dean currently serves as one of three sales representatives in the company and his responsibilities include but are not limited to meeting with prospective and current clients to discuss, diagnose, recommend and sell tree maintenance work. Dean also schedules, manages, and coordinates all aspects of the work he sells, including customer service issues. Dean exhibits the positive, can do attitude of many United States military veterans.
- ISA Certified Arborist WE-0510A
- TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified)
- Member ASCA (American Society of Consulting Arborists)
Ed possess more than 34 years in the tree care industry. Ed started in the green industry working for the National Parks Service as a seasonal park ranger. He then worked as a park maintenance worker for the parks departments in the bay area cities of Los Gatos, Campbell, and Saratoga. It was there where he began his career with trees receiving training in tree climbing, tree pruning and removal, as well as, tree pest and disease diagnosis and treatment. In the late 1980s Ed and his family moved from the bay area to the Sacramento area where he went to work for Austin B. Carroll and Son Tree Service. It was with Austin B. Carroll and Son that Ed earned his consulting wings, subsequently, he has been the consultant and project arborist on many high profile commercial and residential development projects and tree related issues throughout the Sacramento region over the last 30 years. Ed also has extensive experience in Tree Value Appraisal, Tree Risk Assessment, and acting as an expert witness in tree litigation issues.
- BS Forestry, Humboldt State University
- ISA Certified Arborist WE-0959A
- TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified)
Wayne grew up in Mendocino County and has more than 36 years' experience in the horticulture, forestry, and arboricultural fields. Wayne has a diverse background having surveyed timber sales boundaries, set chokers in logging operations and worked as a member of a tree crew involved in various tree maintenance and preservation projects including naïve oak tree regeneration and tree protective fencing installation. He has held a State of California QAL (Qualified Applicators License) and worked as a Plant Health Care Applicator where he gained experience diagnosing, identifying and treating for tree related pests and diseases. Wayne also has a varied background working as a consulting arborist compiling tree value assessments, tree inventories, tree risk assessments, performing and assessing root crown excavations, acting as a project arborist on many commercial and residential development projects. Wayne also provides service calls to Acorn customers to access tree related problems and provide proper arboricultural solutions. Wayne's wisdom, educational background, and varied work experience makes him a go to resource and a valued member of the Acorn team.


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CPIA announces 2014 plastics industry leadership award winners
Winners chosen for leadership, sustainability, innovation and more.
July 4, 2014
by Canadian Packaging Staff
Toronto, ON—The winners of the 2014 Plastics Industry Leadership Awards as determined by the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) has been announced.
The Canadian Plastics Industry Association is the national voice of Canada's plastics industry, representing the interests of processors, material suppliers, equipment manufacturers and brand owners across the country, and these awards recognize outstanding individuals and businesses for their commitment and dedication to the growth and sustainability of the Canadian plastics industry.
"We are delighted to be able to celebrate the contributions of the winners in all of the award categories," says CPIA president and chief executive officer Carol Hochu.
Since 1966, the Leader of the Year Award has been given to individuals that are recognized as having made important contributions to the Canadian plastics industry and continually use their knowledge and influence to improve the competitive, innovative and environmental performance of the industry. In addition, they contribute their time and resources to community and faith groups or other organizations dedicated to society-building.
This year, the Leader of the Year Award recipient is Hilex Poly senior vice-president of sustainability & environment policy Mark Daniels.
Daniels has over 25 years experience in the plastic retail carry-out bag industry. He works relentlessly at defending the plastic industry while ensuring that factual information is given to the public and government bodies that will allow them to make informed decisions. Daniels is a true ambassador of recycling and works to improve the products his company manufactures to ensure they use and increase the amount of recycled content in them.
In addition to serving on CPIA's plastic bag task force and providing support and guidance during the 2012 City of Toronto plastic bag ban, Daniels also serves as the chairman for the American Progressive Bag Alliance, a division of SPI, and sits on the board of directors for the Western Plastics Association, the Florida Retail Federation and Texas Retail Association.
The Plastics Innovator Award is for those companies or individuals that have contributed to the expansion of the Canadian plastics industry, through advancement of the Canadian plastics industry in the areas of materials, products, process/technology, or marketing/communications.
This year's Plastics Innovator Award winner is Mark Lichtblau, corporate vice-president of Haremar Plastic Manufacturing, one of North America's leading suppliers of custom PE (Polyethylene) film packaging for consumer and industrial markets.
Lichtblau is an innovative leader and a driving force behind the technical and sales achievements of his company, with his vision and talents well represented in the success of Haremar Plastic Manufacturing.
Lichtblau is active in various industry associations including the Plastic Film Manufacturers Association of Canada (a council of the CPIA) and the CPIA where he serves as treasurer.
The Plastics Sustainability Award recognizes Individuals or organizations who have contributed to the sustainability of the Canadian plastics industry in an environmental, social or economic manner, including post-use plastics recovery. Nominee's contributions could be for efforts related to sustainability in recycling or for products or packaging that has been produced in Canada and contains at least 20 per cent post-use plastics collected for recycling.
The first winner in the Plastics Sustainability Award category is Polyform Cellular Plastics Inc. Polyform heavily invests in R&D (research & development) to find sustainable solutions to expanded plastics including polystyrene, polypropylene and polyethylene which are re-injected into a building product that will be permanently embedded into concrete, giving the product a true sustainable use. These efforts also contribute greatly to LEED points, helping the construction industry to reach their own goals.
The second Plastics Sustainability Award winner is Cascades Inc. In early 2013 Cascades launched EVOK, the first line of polystyrene (PS) meat trays in North America made with 25 per cent recycled content, reducing the environmental footprint of its PS foam tray line by 20 percent. After 50 years of being a pioneer in paper recycling, Cascades is proud to be once again the example to follow in a market traditionally serve with virgin products.
The final Plastics Sustainability Award winner for 2014 is Polynova Industries Inc. of Richmond, BC. Early adopters of eco-friendly technologies, Polynova has used various biodegradable additive materials to polyfilm bags since 1991, including oxo-biodegradable, starch based, wood fiber PE and lately, bio-marine waste blended PE.
The combination of marine waste PE and recycled PE is a promising, affordable and sustainable formulation that offers one of the lowest carbon footprint values with bio-renewable content and it is recyclable.
The next award category is the CanPlast Award which honors individuals who have contributed their time, energy and expertise to improving the competitive and environmental performance of Canada's plastics industry.
The first recipient is Cathy Cirko, recently retired CPIA vice-president, Post-Use committee. Cirko began her plastics industry association career with CPIA in 1997 as director responsible for CPIA's programs related to sustainability, recycling and the environment, and health. In 2003, Cirko was named CPIA vice-president with primary responsibility for the association's plastics post-use recovery program where she capably and effectively led the development of CPIA's advocacy and partnerships to promote solutions that increase the recovery of plastics at their end of life and reduce marine litter. A dedicated advocate, Cirko skillfully represented CPIA throughout Canada and internationally as a vocal proponent for a sustainable plastics industry.
The next CanPlast Award winner is Charles Russell, market manager, bag, liner and wrap, NOVA Chemicals. Russell is recognized not only for his contributions to NOVA Chemicals but for his CPIA contributions. He joined the CPIA board in 2010, continuing NOVA's commitment to CPIA and active, industry leadership. He was an involved member of the Post-Use committee and also chaired the Membership Development Committee.
The final honoree in the CanPlast Awards category is Michel Iliesco of Cascades. Iliesco specializes in marketing management and business development. He has worked with Cascades Specialty Products Group, Consumer product packaging since 2007. Iliesco received this award in recognition for his contributions to lobbying efforts against the proposed increase to 2013 Polystyrene (PS) stewardship fees by EEQ. Iliesco is actively involved in several pilot projects relating to plastics recovery and recycling. For him, sustainable development means achieving the right balance between people, the environment and the economy.
The final category of awards for the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award honoring individuals who have made outstanding achievements and contributed enduring legacies to Canada's plastics industry.
This year's honoree is Dr. Patrick Moore, a leader in the international environmental field for more than 40 years. Moore was a co-founder of Greenpeace and served for nine years as president of Greenpeace Canada and seven years as a director of Greenpeace International. In recent years, Moore has been focused on the promotion of sustainability and consensus building among competing concerns. From 2010 to 2012, he served as chair and chief scientist of Greenspirit Strategies, a consultancy focusing on environmental policy and communications in a number of industries. Now Moore is an independent ecologist/environmentalist with Ecosense Environmental Inc.
CPIA would like to congratulate all the award winners and commend them for their contributions to the plastics industry.
The awards were presented at CPIA's Plastics Industry Leadership Awards Celebration on June 19, 2014 at the Holiday Inn, Toronto International Airport, in Toronto.
For more information on the CPIA, visit: www.plastics.ca.


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This book describes the spiritual journey of the author as he tries to reconcile the confusing picture of God derived from traditional sources with what reason suggests God must really be like. He makes the case for a God that is more "parental" than judgmental, more loving than angry, more personal than remote, and more understandable than mysterious. The book definitely challenges many conventional and orthodox Christian beliefs. But the result is some new thoughts about the "will" of God, some "limitations" of God, the definition of sin, how to "pray" to God, the afterlife, and how to read the Bible. The author sets up a framework for a lifelong (and hereafter) relationship with God that has real meaning in the modern world.
Chapter Headings: Did Anyone Make Us ** God as "Our Parent" ** "Our Parent" as the "Good Parent" ** "What Our Parent wants from Us ** Some "Limitations" of our Parent ** Sin as Obstacle to Development ** Afterlife: Reward and Punishment ** How to Read the Bible – ISBN 1-893180-01-8 Copyright 1997 – $14.95 – 88 pages, soft cover, "perfect" bound.


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Mark you calendars for the first Wee Wildcat (that's what we call our incoming Kindergarteners) program on January 26th from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. You and your Wee Wildcat will be treated to a tour of the school and a musically-good time with Heights music teacher, Mrs. Zayco. To learn more about our Wee Wildcat program, Click Here>>
Wee Wildcat School Tour
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Richardson Heights Elementary
101 N Floyd Rd
Richardson, TX 75080
Phone: (469) 593-4400
Fax: (469) 593-4401
School Website
October 2019


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Sugar Wharf Condos
– The most anticipated condominium project of 2018 – a vibrant new community spread over 4.7 hectares with 5 condo towers between 64-90 storeys, a public elementary school, a public park and more is set to go on sale in 2018. This condo project will truly be changing the Toronto skyline, taking Lakefront living to a whole new level. The entire complex will not only include the highly anticipated Sugar Wharf Condos, but also roughly 300,000 ft² of commercial space across the site, including the new 25 storey LCBO headquarters which is currently under construction.
Acclaimed Builder
– Sugar Wharf Condos are being developed by Menkes development, a renowned downtown Toronto developer that's worked on major condo developments throughout the city including Harbour Plaza Residences just down the street. At 90 storeys tall Sugar Wharf Condos will be the biggest one yet and a contender for largest condominium in Canada. This Menkes project right by the harbour will create unprecedented demand for downtown living and further develop the East Bayfront neighbourhood.
Direct PATH Access
– One critical component of this new development will be the continuous ease of access to transportation. With the approved PATH extension into the community residents will be able to easily walk underground to Union Station and access Subway trains, GO trains, VIA rail trains and the new Union Pearson Express truly allowing for all forms of mobility in the downtown core.
Get Involved
– With every pre-construction condo project, particularly those in downtown Toronto, the most critical aspect is ensuring that you are educated and prepared for the initial sales date as the best condos tend to sell first. Through our relationship with the developer, we have dedicated inventory at Sugar Wharf Condos and our clients will be able to purchase first. To add yourself on our mailing listing and receive all of the sales details regarding Sugar Wharf Condos as they come available please register on this page.


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To repeat what I said last month: As we have been saying every month since early January when we made our call on housing bottoming, the S&P/Case-Shiller index is a lagging indicator and housing prices will bottom in 2Q09. To be clear, I said that housing would bottom in terms of sequential price declines and inventory growth in Q2 of 2009. We are getting closer by the day!
Guess what today is? Today is that day!
According to the S&P/Case-Shiller index, home prices in 20 U.S. cities fell 18.6% in February from 19% in January – the first sequential improvement since January 2007. We are well into the 2Q09 and the housing market is less bad.
Arresting the slide in residential real estate should become the leading indicator that the worst of times is over; or at the very least, that the bottom is near. Increased confidence in the real estate asset class will allow the assets to obtain higher prices, and that is what happening to market at the time of writing.
Howard W. Penney
Managing Director


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Bridgepoint Education (NYSE: BPI) will release its third quarter 2012 financial results before market open on Monday, November 5, 2012.
The Company will host a conference call and webcast for investors and analysts to discuss these results at 11:30 a.m. (Eastern Time)/8:30 a.m. (Pacific Time) the same day.
A live broadcast of the earnings conference call will be available via the Internet at http://bridgepointeducation.com/investor_relations.htm and will be archived on the site for one year. Participants may also call (866) 454-4209 (United States/Canada) or (913) 981-5551 (International) and request the Bridgepoint Education call or provide the confirmation code 4122862.
A telephonic replay will be available for anyone unable to participate in the live call. To access the replay, call (888) 203-1112 (United States/Canada) or (719) 457-0820 (International) and enter confirmation code 4122862. The recording will be available from Monday, November 5, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) until Monday, November 12, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).
The Company also announced that its executives will present at the J.P. Morgan Ultimate Services Investor Conference on November 14, 2012, at the J.P. Morgan Conference Center in New York City. The company's presentation will be at 8:15 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, and will be audio webcast live on the Investor Relations section of the Bridgepoint Education website at http://bridgepointeducation.com/investor_relations.htm. The presentation will be archived on the site for 90 days.
About Bridgepoint Education
Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI) improves the way individuals learn. By harnessing creativity, knowledge and proprietary technologies, such as Constellation, Thuze, and Waypoint Outcomes, Bridgepoint Education has re-engineered the modern student experience with innovative solutions that advance learning. Its accredited institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – embody the contemporary college experience. Ashford University offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs while University of the Rockies offers master's and doctoral degree programs. Both provide progressive online platforms, as well as traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa (Ashford University), and


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Call of Mini Dino Hunter for LG Optimus L4 II Dual
- Review
- Download
- Screenshots
- Discussions
How to download free Call of Mini Dino Hunter for LG Optimus L4 II Dual
Compatibility checkingIndicate
- Android version
- Android 9.0
- Android 9
- Android 5.0
- Android 4.4
- Android 4.3
- Android 4.2
- Android 4.1
- Android 4.0
- Android 3.2
- Android 3.1
- Android 3.0
- Android 2.3
- Android 2.2
To find Android version: go to "Settings" - "About the phone" - "Android version"
Installation options
With PC
Follow the link to Google Play and click "install"
LG Optimus L4 II Dual
Enter link in your mobile browser or scan the QR-code
Guides: «How to create a Google Play account», «How to purchase apps in Google Play»
Questions and support
Read the review Call of Mini Dino Hunter
«Shooter about hunting dinosaurs»
Author: Kirill Muhin 17 Apr 2017
Call of Mini Dino Hunter - a three-dimensional third-person shooter for Android, in which you become a hunter dinosaurs. The game is a good continuation of the series Call of Mini, which could really surprise. Developers changed vector and milita...


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Main Content
About the Talk
March 12, 2010 12:00 PM
500 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701-4121500 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701-4121
Five billion of us already have the tool we need to change the world. Open data on mobile devices is a lens for daily choices. Check in with game changing apps and platforms that made a difference in Haiti (Ushahidi, Extraordinaries), feed safe food to kids (Good Guide), and get sustainable...
Links: Website


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Underground oil is found in porous sedimentary rocks, as a result of millions of years of decay of prehistoric vegetable matter under high pressure, from the weight of sediments and rocks accumulated above the deposits over millions of year.
After seismic surveys, drilling begins in the optimal position to the depth of the oil-bearing strata. When the production wells have been drilled and lined with a protective casing, a perforating gun is lowered down them to drive explosive charges through the casing and cement and into the rock beyond, which loosens the rock enough to facilitate the oil flowing into the wells. Usually the pressure from the rocks above is enough to push the underground oil reserves into the well.
As oil is extracted, pressure may be maintained by injecting water (steam) or gas into the reservoir rock to displace the oil towards the production wells. Even with the help of modern techniques, however, such as electrical and mechanical pumps, it is seldom possible to extract more than 30% to 50% of the oil in a field.
Once the oil is out of the ground, it is refined into several grades and by-products. In the early days of oil production (in the late 1800s) when the key product from crude oil was kerosene for lighting, gasoline was a wasted by-product. Nowadays, gasoline is the major product, as well as natural gas for home heating, with by-products ranging from motor oil, sulfur, fertilizers, and compounds necessary for the manufacture of plastics and other synthetic substances.


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Thursday, May 28, 2015
2016 Contenders: Nightbird, by Alice Hoffman
The problems come when trying to evaluate the book as a larger whole. Although the main character, Twig, comes through fairly clearly, I felt almost like the secondary characters -- Twig's friend Julia, Julia's sister Agnes, Twig's brother James (the quasi-title character), Twig's mother -- were placeholders, waiting to be fleshed out in the final version. The plot also seemed awfully convenient, even before the impossibly upbeat ending.
Nightbird is part of a grand tradition, where the younger generation repairs the mistakes of their forebears in a way that's at the least quasi-mystical, and often fully magical. From The Secret Garden (1911) all the way to Saving Lucas Biggs (2014), this trope has proved to be fertile ground for children's novels -- including many genuine classics.
However, the flip side of using well-worn themes is that an author runs the risk of failing to really add anything new, and I think that may be the case here in Nightbird. The whole thing felt a bit tired to me, rather than archetypally powerful, and I'm not sure the Newbery committee will feel differently enough to give Nightbird the medal.
On the other hand, the prose is so lovely that I found myself hoping that Alice Hoffman will write some more middle-grade novels. Even if this one doesn't fully work, I think that what it does well shows that Hoffman is an author whose voice is a great addition to the middle-grade world, and I hope she gifts us with another book soon.
Published in March by Wendy Lamb Books
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The Internet of Things (IoT) promises to be the next Big Thing in technology.
If you don't believe me, believe the industry insiders instead:
- Gartner says the number of connected "things" will surge by 30% year over year to 6.4 billion in 2016. And by 2020, the research firm estimates there will be 20.8 billion connected devices.
- Networking giant Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO) expects 50 billion connected devices by 2020. And Intel Corp. (INTC) forecasts the number to balloon to 200 billion devices over the same period.
- In terms of total dollar amounts, we're talking about a market that will be worth more than $1.7 trillion by 2020, according to International Data Corp.'s latest estimates.
So it goes without saying that any companies tethered to this trend should enjoy exceptional long-term growth. But which ones in particular?
It's the Patents, Stupid
In December, I identified the five biggest barriers standing in the way of this massive IoT boom – security, privacy, connectivity and interoperability, decipherability, and electricity.
Naturally, companies helping to solve those problems stand to benefit. Like FireEye Inc. (FEYE), CyberArk Software Ltd. (CYBR), Palo Alto Networks Inc. (PANW), SAP SE (SAP), HP Inc. (HPQ), and Energous Corp. (WATT), among others.[ad#Google Adsense 336×280-IA]Today, I want to focus on another way to identify potential winners…
Many analysts like to repeat the mantra – "Stock prices ultimately follow earnings."
While I agree – and the data backs it up – I've come to recognize over the years that there's an even earlier and similarly reliable indicator.
After all, before a company can generate profits it needs to have a product to sell.
And in today's hyper competitive, technology-entrenched market, before a company can create a product to sell, it needs to secure patent protection for the technologies underpinning it.
With that in mind, any companies starting out today to capitalize on the emerging IoT market are at an extreme disadvantage. They have few IoT patents, if any. All they have is buzzworthy marketing material.
So these new, untested companies promise to be the highest-risk way to invest in the IoT.
By contrast, companies that recognized the IoT opportunity early and started patenting the relevant technologies stand to be the lowest-risk investments.
That's where patent analytics and litigation firm LexInnova comes in…
Data Prove the Value of Patents – And the Undoubted Leader
In a new study, LexInnova confirmed that the IoT is more than just a buzzword.
From a macro-perspective, patent-filing activity in the space went nuts between 2010 and 2014. Annual applications and grants catapulted by nearly nine-fold to 6,810 over the period.
The reason the data stops there is because patent applications filed in 2015 haven't been published yet.
Nevertheless, the trend is clear.
That's the macro level. But what about the micro?
Well, as you can see, QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) reigns supreme.
Not only does the company hold the most patent grants and applications in the space – 724 compared to nearest competitors Intel (688) and ZTE (351) – it also holds the most valuable patents, based on LexInnova's analysis.
Using a proprietary algorithm, which assigns higher value to litigation-worthy patents – and boasts a 97% accuracy rate – LexInnova found that Qualcomm boasts more than double the number of "high strength" patents than the nearest competitor, LG.
This advantage promises to endure, too, as the average lifetime of Qualcomm's patents is around 17 years.
A separate LexInnova study on the industrial side of the IoT also revealed QUALCOMM as the clear market leader in terms of total patents, strength, as well as average lifetime.
Whether You Buy Big or Buy Small… Buy Patents
Now, from an investment angle, I'll concede that investing in an $82 billion market cap tech behemoth doesn't get the pulse racing like a profit-loaded small-cap stock does.
Nevertheless, QUALCOMM is trading at a discount to both the market and its long-term averages.
- Its current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 17.6 represents a 10% discount to its five-year average P/E, according to Morningstar data.
- Even better… its forward P/E ratio of 11.9 represents a 54% discount to the average company in the S&P 500.
While the discounts are understandable, given QUALCOMM's heavy reliance on chipset sales for smartphones, plus the global slowdown in smartphone sales, the patent data indicates that investors haven't figured out how dominant QUALCOMM will be in the burgeoning IoT market.
A market that promises to easily eclipse the smartphone, by the way. And we should be able to take that market inefficiency to the bank.
So if you can't justify buying a mega cap, consider profiting from the trend with InterDigital Inc. (IDCC).
It ranks in the top 10 in terms of total IoT patents, in the top five for patent strength, and like QUALCOMM, it's also trading at a discount to the market and its long-term averages.
Either way, both companies represent a low-risk, cheap way to invest in the IoT boom.
Ahead of the tape,
Louis Basenese[ad#IPM-article]
Source: Wall Street Daily