text:
dryer vent cleaning
Every dryer needs a Wizard and Bob Bryfogle comes highly qualified to clean, repair and install new dryer vent systems in homes and businesses. Homeowners, property management companies, condominium homeowners' associations, pet grooming salons, hair salons, hotels, hospitals, Laundromats and other businesses that use clothes dryers trust the Dryer Vent Repair Austin Texas Wizard to make the dryer as safe and green as possible.
Austin Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard
Austin TX 78739
Over 17,000 dryer fires occur each year, resulting in deaths, injuries, and nearly $200 million in property damages. Regularly scheduled dryer vent cleaning service minimizes the risk and improves dryer performance. A dryer fire can completely destroy a home within minutes, so the Wizard advises his customers to never go to sleep or leave the house when the dryer is running.
Mory Matias operates Dryer Vent Wizard of North Side Chicago, functioning in Cook and Lake Counties, Deerfield, Wilmette, Highland Park and nearby cities and communities. The Deerfield Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard has brought home the Angie's List Super Service Award annually since 2008 and is a valued associate of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ evaluation. Dryer Vent Wizard can handle all your dryer vent urgencies, dryer vent scan, maintenance and repair and updated dryer vent installation.
Mory used to work in product development and now he is pledged to helping his local community ward off dryer fires. His intent is to provide a quality service for home owners and business people that will help them enjoy detectable safety and savings by way of regular dryer vent cleaning service.
Most homeowners are unaware that once a year clothes dryer and dryer vent cleaning is required to keep the dryer working properly and to defend against dryer fires. Furthermore, regular servicing can save energy and affiliated costs.
If a person discovers their dryer is taking two or three cycles to dry each load or if it keeps shutting off during a cycle, the cause is probably lint build-up in the vent line, causing the dryer to perform inefficiently or not at all. Routinely appointed dryer vent cleaning can absolutely produce much lower energy costs. Appropriate maintenance will help avoid burdening the dryer with extended drying cycles. Besides, clothes don't wear out as fast when they do not have to go through numerous cycles.
While cleaning a dryer vent may occur as being a really basic and intelligent thing to undertake, the reality of the issue is, most people just never do it. Time is a priceless item for most people today. Busy households have a critical need to get their dryers up and running safely and efficiently. This is the reason that they consult with Dryer Vent Wizard to help them attain a prompt approach to their dryer vent concerns.
In addition to the mess it makes behind the clothes dryer, this mound of lint is a forewarning of a significant fire hazard waiting in the dryer
San Rafael, CA — The Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard is working to get the communication out regarding the hazard of excess lint behind the clothes dryer. Just simply sweeping or vacuuming up this dingy mess is insufficient to prevent the danger. Noticeable lint amassed behind the clothes dryer is a warning of a serious fire hazard hiding inside the dryer and dryer duct.
Rhonda Nole, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, points out to her customers that dryer lint accumulation is the leading source of dryer fires and dryer performance problems. A dryer vent that does the job properly will move the lint through the dryer vent system to the outside of the home. Lint piled up behind the dryer often means the system is not working properly because of a clogged dryer vent.
The Dryer Vent Cleaning San Rafael Wizard explains that the reason this comes to be a hazard is the clogged dryer vent cannot propel air or lint to the vent on the outside of the home. Without this necessary airflow, heat does not escape the dryer drum and the dryer will labor harder to get clothes dry. When a clogged dryer vent restricts airflow the lint is injected the space in back of the dryer.
Service by the San Rafael Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard makes sure the dryer vent system is clean and performing productively to reduce the amount of lint collection inside and behind the dryer and in the dryer vent.
Consumers who see excessive lint accumulating behind the dryer ought to arrange for a dryer vent inspection and service by the Wizard quickly to prevent a dryer fire. A clogged dryer duct can also lead to excess humidity in the home, triggering mold and mildew damage, mold related health problems for people as well as carbon monoxide poisoning with a gas dryer.
Prevent a dryer fire, save energy to enjoy ease of mind knowing the dryer is running safely and efficiently by scheduling service by the Wizard. Dryer Vent Wizard is the most qualified dryer exhaust professional in the nation with more than 60 franchised locations.
About Dryer Vent Wizard:
Dryer Vent Wizard is a participant of the National Fire Protection Association and the most widely known establishment of dryer vent cleaning, repair, installation and alternation pros in the nation comprising of over sixty owners in main markets. Dryer Vent Wizard franchisees serve to beef up consumer awareness on the significance of dryer vent cleaning to avoid dryer fires and save energy. Client education while making clothes dryers run more safely and efficiently are the principal emphasis of Dryer Vent Wizard franchisees.
Dryer Vent Wizard of the Greater North Bay Area
Rhonda Nole
PO Box 7625
Cotati, CA 94931
Phone: 707-326-7171
Toll Free: 888-676-6142
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
This press release was submitted by Right Now Marketing Group, LLC
Tumble dryer maintenance service is necessary and only total and meticulous cleaning of the entire dryer vent system will guarantee maximum safety and operation
Professional service by the Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard is the optimum way to provide dryer safety and efficiency. The Wizard is the one most local homeowners and commercial business owners turn to for top quality handiwork, courteous service and focus on detail.
Robert Moore, owner and operator of Dryer Vent Wizard, points out only a thorough dryer vent cleaning process will ensure safety. Any missed spots in the dryer vent system will minimize ventilation and trigger a fire hazard. Because of this, DIY dryer vent cleaning is unworthy of the hard work. Dryer lint can go pretty much everywhere and is likely to become caught and collect in the trickiest places to access.
Work performed by the Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard consists of a visual assessment of the vent line, lint screen, joint hookups, termination point and washer hoses. The Wizard employs specially designed devices to compute air flow and back pressure.
A total dryer vent cleaning takes into account the dryer duct, vent and inside the dryer. Along with dryer lint accumulation, the Wizard also finds socks, dryer sheets, nuts and nesting debris from small animals, birds and rodents, construction debris and even combs jammed inside when residents try to clean the vent on their own. After getting rid of all debris, the Wizard will sanitize the dryer vent.
Other services furnished by the Wizard consist of cleaning the booster fan, lint filter and trap area. Cleaning the lint filter and cavity are crucial to reduce energy cost and minimize the risk of a dryer fire. The lint screen can become impeded with deposits left by anti-static sheets and decrease air movement. It should be cleansed using a soft brush, soap and water every few months to keep it clear.
When the dryer vent system is obstructed with lint and debris, the dryer runs longer, works harder, uses even more energy and consequently overheats, emits a spark and causes a devastating fire. Experience security; phone the Wizard for a complete dryer vent inspection and cleaning service right away.
Dryer Vent Wizard belongs to the National Fire Protection Association and the premier establishment of dryer vent cleaning, repair, replacement and alternation experts in the United States with more than 60 franchisees in primary market areas. Dryer Vent Wizard franchisees operate to boost public awareness on the advantage of dryer vent cleaning to prevent dryer fires and reduce energy cost. Consumer education while making clothes dryers function safely and efficiently are the primary concentration of DVW franchisees.


text:
Race-Specific Agglomeration Economies: Social Distance and the Black-White Wage Gap
Elizabeth Ananat, Shihe Fu, Stephen L. Ross
NBER Working Paper No. 18933
We present evidence that benefits from agglomeration concentrate within race. Cross-sectionally, the black-white wage gap increases by 2.5% for every million-person increase in urban population. Within cities, controlling for unobservable productivity through residential-tract-by-demographic indicators, blacks' wages respond less than whites' to surrounding economic activity. Individual wage returns to nearby employment density and human capital rise with the share of same-race workers. Manufacturing firms' productivity rises with nearby activity only when they match nearby firms racially. Weaker cross-race interpersonal interactions are a plausible mechanism, as blacks in all-white workplaces report less closeness to whites than do even whites in all-nonwhite workplaces.
Acknowledgments and Disclosures
Machine-readable bibliographic record - MARC, RIS, BibTeX
Document Object Identifier (DOI): 10.3386/w18933
Users who downloaded this paper also downloaded* these:
Contact Us

subset: commoncrawl


text:
By Clive Bernath: Prior to Nathan Cleverly's WBO light heavyweight title defence against Sergey Kovalev, the undefeated 26 year-old from Cefn Fforest in Wales was adamant that he wanted to unify the titles at 175lbs. In fact he was so focused on achieving his goal that pretty much every interview the articulate and well spoken champion conducted he mentioned facing either IBF champ Bernard Hopkins, WBA king Beibut Shumanov or WBC titleholder Andonis Stevenson. And when that failed 'Clev' even attempted to entice IBF super-middleweight champ Carl Froch into an all British clash.
To his credit and being the intelligent young man that he is, Cleverly was only too well aware that the only way he was going to share a ring with any of the aforementioned to get the backing of American tv. And the only way to force the situation was to seek out and destroy the most dangerous and avoided contender at 175lbs, step forward Sergey 'Krusher' Kovalev.
The 30 year-old from Chelyabinsk in Russia, who now resides in the US, had built up a pretty impressive record by either knocking out or stopping 20 of his 23, opponents, only three lasting more than five rounds. And when Bernard Hopkins, one of the sport's greatest ever defensive boxers, decides Kovalev is too hot to handle there has to be a reason why.
Unfortunately Cleverly found out the reason why on Saturday night when he was battered from pillar to post for almost four rounds. Cleverly was down twice and repeatedly hurt until referee Terry O'Connor decided he had seen enough.
Lets be honest here, Cleverly was never in the fight and he was never able to respond to the heavy onslaught heaped upon him.
As I said Cleverly is an intelligent man and with 2.2 degree in mathematics he has a bright future ahead of him away from the sport. And immediately after the painful defeat to Kovalev, Cleverly pretty much indicated as much
"I will have a holiday now and recover and see where I go from here and see what I want to do in life now," said Cleverly.
"I will go away and live a normal life for a bit now. Just leave boxing for a bit - it has been an intense period.
"You know six weeks into that where you want to go. Your instincts tell you if you are missing boxing, or are you going to find another career path. Who knows where my heart is going to lie?
"If I continue, I will come back and give it a go. But the background I have got and the brain I have got, do I really need to continue? It could go either way, my career."
Cleverly knows he was defeated by the better man and has no excuses whatsoever. "The good thing is that I prepared well and I cannot have any regrets, because I missed training or cheated on anything.I can hold my hands up and say Kovalev took his chance," added a remarkably honest ex champion.
Many people questioned Cleverly's decision to face such a dangerous opponent and maybe his promoter Frank Warren even tried to talk him out of it but both he and Cleverly were also aware that to entice American tv and the big money fights you sometimes have to take a huge gamble. Ricky Hatton elevated himself to pay per view status when he defeated Kostya Tszyu in 2005. For him the gamble paid off, unfortunately for Nathan it did not.
Again, if i'm honest I feel Nathan should be applauded for taking the gamble. Many boxers and their promoters often avoid the Kovalev's of this world and I can understand why. I've been around this business long enough to know what it takes to build up a fighter and maximise his/her financial value. But boxing is also a sport and Nathan wanted to fight the best in order to test his own fighting ability and give the fans the fights they demand.
At 26 years old Cleverly can re build and it would be a shame see him walk away from the sport. But he will be honest with himself and whichever decision he make i'm sure it will be the right one.
August 19, 2013


text:
This is a great way to serve cheese and fruit, and even the kids will enjoy eating their healthy food! This watermelon and cheese checkerboard is a wonderful idea for a child's party or even for placing out on the buffet table. Here is how to prepare the checkerboard in just a few minutes.
- Watermelon (seedless is preferable but any type can be used)
- Cheese
Did you make this recipe?
1Buy hard cheese and watermelon. The cheese can be yellow or orange, whatever is available in your area.
2Prepare the watermelon pieces. Cut slices of watermelon 1/2 inch or 1.3 cm thick. Use a ruler if you're not able to gauge this easily.
3Turn the slices on their side and cut into strips of equal width.
4Cut into equal squares. Do this as evenly as you can. The exact square size is up to you and will be determined by the amount of watermelon and cheese you have, or the plate size.
5Set to one side for arranging shortly.
6Prepare the cheese. Slice the cheese 1/2 inch or 1.3 cm thick.
7Cut the cheese into even squares the same size as the watermelon squares.
8Arrange the pieces into a checkerboard formation on a suitable serving plate.
- This is a good time to remove pieces that are lopsided or of the wrong size – cut more if needed, or simply reshape existing pieces.
- Also remove any obvious seeds from the watermelon pieces, if you haven't used seedless watermelon.
9Prepare the checkers. Use a very small cookie cutter or a small shooter glass turned upside down to cut out the checkers from the watermelon. Cut slices thinner than for the checkerboard squares.
- Push all the way through to ensure that the checker piece comes away clean from the watermelon flesh.
- Push all the way through to ensure that the checker piece comes away clean from the watermelon flesh.
10Repeat the cookie cutter process with the cheese to make cheese checkers.
- As with the watermelon checkers, cut the slices thinner than cheese squares for pushing the cutter through.
11Arrange the checkers on the checkerboard and firm up the entire checkerboard. Place the watermelon checkers onto cheese pieces, and cheese checkers onto watermelon pieces, as this makes them easier to see and it looks more effective. Your watermelon and cheese checkerboard is ready for serving!
- It's a good idea to provide toothpicks to enable guests to pick up the cheese and watermelon pieces easily.
Community Q&A
QuestionCan I do the checkers in different patterns (e.g triangles or rectangles)?Community AnswerYou can, but it defeats the purpose of the checkers, because it's supposed to look like checkers, and checkers are equivalent squares.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.Submit
- You can also make this into an actual game. Each piece that is captured is eaten, the first person to eat their opponent's pieces wins.
- Make a large checkerboard for a party, because the pieces will be finished before you have time to serve the drinks!
- If you're already using watermelon, use the left over watermelon. For example, you could make a carved centerpiece and then use the rest of the watermelon for the checkers board.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
- Always use caution when cutting with knives.Thanks!
- It's a good idea to cut the cheese and watermelon on separate boards, otherwise the juice from the watermelon will soak into the block of cheese that isn't being used for the recipe.Thanks!
Things You'll Need
- Cutting board and knife
- Cheese knife
- Small cookie cutter or a shooter glass
- Large serving plate
Recipe Ratings and Stories
Did you make this recipe?Share your success story
Reader Success Stories
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 50,559 times.


text:
Right off the bat, Kristina and Brandon's chemistry was strong. She is the talker, and he is the quiet one. She knew what she wanted, and he went with the flow. It was adorable to witness how well they worked as a couple – his yin to her yang.
As residents of San Diego, they decided to take a trip to San Francisco for their engagement portraits. We made two stops – one at the Palace of Fine Arts and one at Muir Woods. Both locations were just stunning, and they looked amazing in both!
I seriously can't wait to shoot their Palm Springs wedding next month!


text:
I have just recently fallen in love with macaroons. I don't know where they've been all my life, but I'm sure glad they are here now. They make you feel a little fancy when you eat them – part of their charm I suppose. Dainty, yet somehow exotic, and very very satisfying. YUM.
Some lucky person on our Christmas list will be getting a box of these gorgeous French Macaroons from Sparkles Kitchen. Suck up now. [lol]


text:
Recent torrential rains in Bagan have cause the collapse of at least two temples in the ancient temple complex. The conservation of the Bagan temples are problematic because there are so many of them, and some restoration efforts have been poorly done.
Reconstructed pagoda collapses at Bagan
Myanmar Times, 12 August 2015
The dramatic collapse of a temple in Bagan after heavy rain could have been caused by botched conservation work, officials have suggested. Department of Archaeology and National Museum director general U Kyaw Oo Lwin told The Myanmar Times that the temple known as number 1752 collapsed on August 9, and the spire of temple 1297 collapsed two days later in torrential rain.
Nobody was injured in either collapse.
Temple 1752, which was 30 feet (9 metres) high, was restored in 2003 using new bricks that were laid on top of the original foundations.
U Kyaw Oo Lwin attributed the building failure to the mismatch of new bricks on the old structure during the renovation.
Full story here.


text:
by Logan Palmer and Tom Casano
While SEO and SaaS are amongst the fastest growing industries today, they're also extremely competitive in each of their own rights. And B2B SaaS SEO is definitely very competitive.
But increasing your visibility in search engines with SEO can also be one of the best ways to grow your customer acquisition.
That's why we've decided to give you four proven strategies to increase your revenue through B2B SaaS SEO. But before we dive into that, we need to be clear about a few things.
Some of the SaaS companies we've helped
B2B SaaS SEO
Many of the typical strategies employed in SEO generally still apply in B2B SaaS SEO. It's commonly said that SEO takes time, and that's true. However, B2B SEO typically takes even more time because the price point is typically much higher, and a recurring fee model creates a level of commitment that adds to the purchasing decision. Businesses will typically do a lot more research before signing a contract with another business, which means that your company must catch businesses in their research and ready-to-purchase phases of the sales funnel.
If you're looking to improve your company's SEO strategy, we'll give you a free personalized SEO strategy review here. There's absolutely no commitment to use our services. We'll take a look at your current SEO strategy and tell you how to improve it. If you like what we give you, then we'd love to work with you. If you want to take our recommendations and implement them at your SaaS company, that's great too.
1. Target Your Audience
If you don't know who your audience is, your SEO strategy will go nowhere. If you're a B2B SaaS company that serves enterprise companies, then your content and keywords need to reflect that. You can't target your audience if you don't know who they are.
Once you've identified your target audience, you need to attract them to your website with stellar content that's optimized for the keywords they're searching for. For example, if your company offers project management software for other businesses, you need to see which words those companies are searching for and optimize your pages for them.
You can use SEMRush or Moz Pro to see which keywords in your space are being searched the most. You have to pay for both of these tools, but you can use Keyword Tool if you're looking for a free tool. All of these tools will provide you with a huge list of keywords that your potential clients are using in their searches.
Keyword Criteria
The ideal keywords will have the following:
- High Intent – When keywords have higher CPCs, it means they're more likely to convert. If you're looking at two different sets of keywords and one has a CPC of $5 while the other's CPC is $45, you should target the $45 keyword. Once you rank for these keywords, your website users will be closer to buying.
- High Volume – The keywords with the highest search volume will bring the most people to your website. It sounds intuitive but not everyone does it.
- Less Competitive – Most simply put, these keywords aren't overly difficult to rank for. So you should be able to rank for them more quickly.
You won't always be able to find keywords that have all three of these attributes, but you should go for the ones that do. Also, keep these attributes in mind when you're looking to hire an agency to do your B2B SaaS SEO. Does the agency you're considering have a plan for how to target your audience and follow this model? As an example, check out how we offer keyword research services here at Sure Oak.
2. Consistently Come Out with Stellar Content
Now that you know what keywords your audience is searching for, it's time to create killer content. It isn't enough to simply pepper your website with targeted keywords. You need to build pages and write blog posts focusing on these keywords.
Here are a few things to remember about the keyword content you develop with:
- Make sure it provides value – Content that teaches your audience something is vital. A blog post that provides users with in-depth knowledge tells the community you're an expert and that they can trust you. In turn, your time-on-site will increase, people will share your content more, and you will get more links sending people to your website.
- It can't be short – Google likes in-depth content and so do readers. It doesn't have to be crazy long but it can't be less than 1,000 words as a general rule of thumb.
- Make it conversational – Content, whether it's a static page or a blog post, does much better when it's written with you's and I's. This is because it's more engaging. Wouldn't you rather read content that's conversational instead of written in a textbook format?
Once again, if you're looking for an SEO agency, are they doing these things? Are they consistently putting out high-quality, in-depth blog posts that show their expertise in their space?
If the answer is yes, then they're probably a good agency to consider.
3. Improving Click-Through Rates (CTR)
Traffic that comes to your website doesn't do much good if it doesn't convert. In Google Search Console, look for the terms your website ranks well for on Google that have low CTRs. If you don't increase your CTR for these search terms, Google will push you down in the rankings.
Here's how you can improve your CTR for these terms:
- Optimize title tags and meta descriptions for clicks – Your page titles and meta descriptions show up on the SERPs and play a huge role in whether users click through to your website. Having the keywords you're targeting in the page title and meta description shows the searcher that the page is relevant and increases the CTR.
- Go for the featured snippet – Also known as "position 0", getting your page or blog post to show up in the featured snippet for a question someone is asking will be a huge boost to your CTR. And you can find these in your Google Search Console.
4. Converting via Free Trials
If you offer a free trial, make sure you advertise it on all of your pages and blog posts. The word "free" goes a long way with a business trying to decide if it should buy your software or not.
In addition to advertising the free trial, make sure it's easy to find and navigate. Frustrating your audience with a clunky, difficult-to-use path to the free trial will cost you. Use Google Optimize to A/B test your conversion path to improve your conversion rates.
In conclusion, doing the following will pay substantial dividends for your B2B SaaS SEO:
- Target your audience with the right keywords
- Consistently come out with highly-engaging, useful content
- Improve your conversion rates
- Use A/B testing to convert your traffic, especially through free trials if possible
If you're looking for an agency to handle your B2B SaaS SEO, we hope you will try our free personalized SEO strategy review. If you like it, we'd love to work with you and increase your online presence through organic search. If you decide we're not what you're looking for, you'll still be able to take our recommendations and implement them on your own.


text:
Hyun Jae Kim, a PhD student of Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering working in the EMS Energy Institute, was selected to receive the Student Award for Best Paper at the American Chemical Society national meeting in Philadelphia during Aug 17-21, 2008. The award was presented by the ACS Petroleum Chemistry Division in Philadelphia. Only one award is selected by the Division at each national meeting.
This award is for the paper listed below that Hyun Jae Kim presented at the American Chemical Society national meeting in New Orleans during Apr 3-7, 2008.
Kim, Hyun Jae; Song, Chunshan. Hybrid zeolite-supported Pd catalyst with high sulfur tolerance for low-temperature hydrogenation of aromatics in diesel fuels. Abstracts of Papers, 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, United States, April 6-10, 2008 (2008), PETR-040. CODEN: 69KNN3 AN 2008:390796 CAPLUS
Hyun Jae is a PhD student working with Dr. Chunshan Song, Professor of Fuel Science and Chemical Engineering and Director of EMS Energy Institute.
The work focuses on a new concept for catalyst design towards low-temperature hydrotreating and dearomatization for producing ultra-clean diesel fuels in the future.


text:
Jump to navigation
Your shopping cart is empty.
RETG Team
Event Dates
Melbourne, VIC 2nd August 2019
Adelaide, SA 6th September
Past Events
Innovate 2015
Make Your Mark 2016
Growing Stronger Together 2017
Refresh.Renew.Refocus 2018
Contact Us
Past Events
What People Are Saying
What a thrill it was to meet Tara and Kasey at Make Your Mark 2016.
Lianne Pritchard, LJ Hooker Warners Bay NSW
Thank you for an incredible day of learning - I loved today.
ThinkRed Recruitment Brisbane QLD
I really enjoyed the day loved being able to connect with other successful agents in the Sydney market place.
Elysa Emery, LJ Levi Real Estate NSW
I recently attend the Refresh Renew Refocus conference in Brisbane
Nicole Christine LJ Hooker Nerang
In our group session you were able to get the team thinking differently about how they approach their role, how they can improve, along with practical advice on how to put new skills or thoughts into action.
Hannah Firth, Morton & Morton
This was our companies first time attending an RETG event. It was a day well spent!!
Bronwyn Corps First Avenue Property
It has been a fantastic day with motivational and passionate speakers.
Emily Abbott, Northside Residential Joondalup WA
The RETG were incredibly professional and organised in putting this roadshow together, it made coming on board as a sponsor easy.
Diane Taylor Gough Recruitment
After attending many of the BDM Academy events over the last few years I have made the decision after Make Your Mark to joining the coaching program and work with Tara on a monthly basis.
Stacey Reid, Remax Horizons WA
I recently was a Keynote Speaker for the Refresh Renew Refocus Tour 2018. Kasey and Tara provide an exceptional training offering to the Property Management industry and I was proud to be apart of the tour.
Vasili Hadzellis - Core Property Management Australia


text:
New espionage Bill planned to tackle `hostile state´ activity
Foreign agents could be required to register with British authorities under a fresh crackdown on "hostile state" activity.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid said reviews carried out in the wake of the Salisbury nerve agent attack had revealed "real gaps" in existing laws.
He announced that the Government is preparing the way for a new espionage Bill.
In a speech at Scotland Yard, Mr Javid said: "Since the Salisbury attack, the Home Office has been reviewing the laws we have around hostile state activity.
"I believe that there are some real gaps in current legislation.
"We have to ensure that we have the necessary powers to meet the current and evolving threats to the UK, both domestically and overseas.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid has made a speech on counter-terrorism and security (Stefan Rousseau/PA)
"Getting that right, and having those right powers and resources in place for countering hostile states, must be a post-Brexit priority."
Mr Javid said the proposed espionage Bill will bring together "new and modernised powers", giving security services the "legal authority they need to tackle this threat".
Areas under consideration will include whether to follow other countries in introducing a "foreign agent registration" requirement.
The Home Secretary said: "There are other countries – the US is probably the best example in this space – that have something similar in place.
"By having laws like that, I think it would make it easier for us to act should we detect hostile state activity in the future."
He also disclosed that he has asked officials to consider the case for updating treason laws.
Mr Javid said: "Our definition of terrorism is probably broad enough to cover those who betray our country by supporting terror abroad.
"But if updating the old offence of treason would help us to counter hostile state activity, then there is merit to considering that too."
Any new measures would build on action already taken by ministers in the wake of the Salisbury attack in March 2018.
Legislation passed earlier this year introduced a new power for authorities to stop, question, search and detain an individual at UK ports and borders to determine whether they are, or have been, involved in hostile state activity.
Existing immigration powers have also been used in dozens of cases, Mr Javid said.
He said: "My message is clear: the UK is open to the world, but if you seek to do us harm, you are not welcome."
In a wide-ranging speech on counter-terrorism and security, Mr Javid also:
– Noted that police and security services have foiled 19 "major terrorist attacks" in the past two years, comprising 14 Islamist plots and five motivated by extreme right-wing ideologies;
– Confirmed he has asked officials to urgently review whether new powers that make it illegal for UK nationals to enter or remain in "designated areas" abroad without a valid reason could be applied to Syria, with a particular focus on Idlib and the north-east of the country;
– Suggested there "may be a case" in future for considering "designating" parts of west Africa;
– Insisted that the Government only acts to strip individuals of their citizenship – such as in the case of Shamima Begum – following consideration of advice from security services, police and specialist officials.
The Cabinet minister discussed ongoing preparations for Britain's departure from the EU.
He said that, while a "comprehensive" security partnership remains the Government's preferred option, work is ongoing to prepare for a no-deal scenario.
Mr Javid also announced that Jonathan Hall QC has been appointed as the new Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation.
Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.


text:
ERP projects have never been easy, but they are becoming more complicated as the market for offerings matures. Increasingly, companies are tackling a blend of on-premises and cloud environments and the expectations of customers about what an ERP project should cover are only getting more extensive.
So how to go about choosing a vendor? Ultimately, that choice depends heavily on the range and depth of the requirements that a company draws for its ERP. The range can speak to the extensibility of a solution platform, while the depth represents the ability of the ERP project to satisfy industry-specific or unique requirements.
The right partner is also critical for making or breaking an implementation. It can also shorten a sponsor's tenure at an organization.
An ERP project typically falls into three distinct phases:
The launching of the project requires the collection of requirements: A firm needs to build some understanding of the ERP marketplace and assess organizational and project readiness for ERP selection. It can be useful to align the organization's use-case fit with market use cases. Project managers should collect, prioritize and document any ERP needs before creating the ERP RFP.
The actual selection of the ERP solution will involve a review of the market leaders, plus the players aligned with the use case. The project team should review vendor profiles and short-listed vendors based upon organization fit. Following that, the buyer can submit its RFP to short listed vendors, evaluate vendor responses and develop vendor demonstration scripts. Vendors should be scored prior to the selection of the final product.
The third phase involves the actual implementation, and that will require an ERP road map and resourcing plan, plus the re-engineering of ERP processes and the writing of design system workflows. It can be useful to develop an integration map and user roles. Project teams should create a comprehensive communication and change management plan and establish an ERP governance structure along with roles and responsibilities. It is also important to determine project and performance metrics to measure and track success.
Key Takeaways:
· ERP implementation can frequently represent large and challenging projects for IT teams.
· Plenty of forward planning can be an asset for IT teams and business units going into the selection or early implementation of an ERP project.
· It is worth investing some time and money into understanding the current ERP market, including product-centric and use-centric ERP use-case scenarios.


text:
Someone once told me the best way to discover London is to get lost, and that is exactly what my sister and I did.
Seventeen-year-old Makahla has always dreamed of hopping the pond to visit the historical beauties of London, England. "I've always been fond of England. I've played soccer since I was four and London is where the game [English football] was founded," Makahla said. After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer as a junior in high school, Makahla was referred to Make-A-Wish and her previously far-fetched dream became a reality. Thanks to Make-A-Wish® Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia and sponsor Jewelers for Children, Makahla got to celebrate the end of her treatment with a trip of a lifetime.
After saying "cherrio" to the states, Makahla and her family took flight, landing at London Heathrow airport. They were welcomed to the Premier Inn Waterloo, a hotel perfectly placed for exploring the capital's charm. Located near The Southbank and River Thames, Makahla and her family had the opportunity to walk along the bank to see the London Eye, browse the National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall and catch a glimpse of Big Ben at the Houses of Parliament. For Makahla, there was never enough time on London's iconic clock to explore everything the city had in store.
While in England, Makahla and her family also visited the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge, enjoying a mystical morning at the ancient stones. This tour, rich in history, legends and mysteries, allowed Makahla and her family to step into the enchantments of rural England. Though, Makahla's favorite part of her trip was visiting Cambridge where she rode a punt down the River Cam. "It was so pretty and relaxing," Makahla said, admiring all of the historical landmarks she passed along the way, such as the Bridge of Sighs and King's College Chapel. Among her other adventures, Makahla visited Bournemouth, a lively seaside town featuring the beautiful Swange Peir and Durdle Door. Here, Makahla found the perfect photo opportunity and even captured some of her senior portraits.
"Someone once told me the best way to discover London is to get lost, and that is exactly what my sister and I did." Makahla said, "Along the way, we discovered cute cafes, restaurants and the sweetest people." For Makahla, her London trip was definitely a dream to get lost in. "I always knew about Make-A-Wish growing up," Makahla said, never imagining she would one day be on the receiving end. "By having my wish granted, it was a new adventure and a celebration of being done with treatment…the perfect way to take my mind off everything."
By having my wish granted, it was a new adventure and a celebration of being done with treatment…the perfect way to take my mind off everything.
Share this quote
This story makes me feel


text:
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Working Holidays at Penrose
The working holidays have 12 places for volunteers and are a great way of introducing visitors to the every day work of our wardening teams, our properties and are a great opportunity to meet new and old friends. This summer we had volunteers from all over the UK as well as France, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany.
In their spare time the holiday volunteers went kayaking with one of our ambassador businesses, visited the theatre and other NT properties including St Michaels Mount, and explored the Lizard coastline.
If you're interested in coming along on a working holiday see the webpages: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/workingholiday
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Penrose playday
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Will it float?
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
The National Trust team all had a great time here and were glad to be able to support the Holifield Farm Project, who put on the event using only green energy. We're just as excited about the programme of local events to come in the next few months, so look out for us at Lizard Lifeboat Day on Sunday 15th August!
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Penrose Play Day
After a wet start and the cancellation of some activities the den building went ahead and some fantastic dens were built in the woods.
The play day is to be re-scheduled for August 18th 10am - 2pm, and hope we have a nice dry day. Limited numbers please ring Dave to register your interest 07879430703
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Re-Post- Play day at Pernose
The National Trust is taking part in the annual Play
The Playday on the 4th August will be hosted by the Trust at the Penrose estate, it will include an opportunity for youngsters to have a go at various arts and crafts, play games and take part in woodland den building. The Trust are keen supporters of this initiative, Dave Chambers, warden on the Penrose estate says: "We are delighted to be able to offer the estate as a location for the Playday, we have organised a variety of events and activities throughout the day and hope to encourage people to get out and enjoy the outdoor environment."
The Playday kicks off at 10am on the 4th August, directional signs will lead from the Penrose hill car park located just off the Helston to Porthleven road (B3304).


text:
Digital instruments for refrigeration,heating, solar heating
We produce a wide range of digital instruments for industrial, commercial and residential automation systems, always ahead of the market needs and the desires of our customers, continuously offering, since 1985, solutions for refrigeration, heating, acclimation and solar heating with products conforming to international guidelines, standards and certifications, such as UL, CE, NSF and ISO 9001 and 14001.
Our factory is in Brazil, and we have business offices in the United States (Texas and Florida).
We are present all over the world through our products, attending more than 30 fairs a year, where we exhibit them, and by means of professionals, who give lectures and training courses, our image has been consolidated in 54 countries, among them are the United States, Canada, China, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Turkey, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and South Africa. One of the many innovations we developed is the possibility to manage facilities made with our products from every part of the world through Sitrad, a management software via internet.
It features a single relay output, for cooling or heating purposes, combined to a cyclical timer for natural defrost. The natural defrost can be forced or performed through an off refrigeration cycle. It also features a configurable digital filter, which has the aim of simulating an increase of mass in the environment sensor, thus increasing its response time, that is, the sensor response becomes slower. In addition to those features, the MT-512E Log has tamper-proof function that blocks the keypad preventing unauthorized users changing its settings, and a control function shutdown that deactivates the controlling outputs turning the instrument into a digital temperature indicator. Have an open-door indication and an internal memory for data storage (datalogger), which allows for recording the measured temperature and the control output status at user-determined intervals.
This product is CE, UL and NSF certified. According to UL laboratory tests, this product is also suitable for installations with R290 and R600a gases.
It has a serial communication for connection to Sitrad.
Evolution line products has a frontal IP-65 protection, Flatec key for easy access, four digits display and exclusive accessories* as the key programmer EasyProg and the protective case Ecase.
Thermostat with timer for gas, electric, or wood-fired ovens. It uses a J-type thermocouple sensor* to measure temperatures between 32° and 932° F (0° and 500°C). Controls steam injection and lighting in the oven, and has a flame sensor input and an internal audible alarm (buzzer) that signals, for example, the end of the roasting process. It also allows for the use of an external audible alarm and the language selection of your main messages, improving the user experience.
ThermOn line feature unique design.
Their friendly and intuitive interface makes them easy to operate and configure. It offers a function lock feature to prevent third parties from changing the parameters, an air-tight front panel (IP65) that provides high protection against the ingress of dirt and moisture, possibility of configuration through the EasyProg* programming key and more.
Designed to maximize energy efficiency in commercial refrigeration equipment, this controller features new FastOn and Push-In coupling systems, increasing productivity in manufacturing lines. It is equipped with 4 output relays (compressor, fan, defrost and light), 2 temperature sensors and one digital input. It can be configured with 3 independent sets of parameters for quick change of (setpoint, eco-setpoint, differential and defrost) settings to accommodate change of product in the room. Digital input can be programmed to activate/deactivate economic set point, initiate defrost, door ajar alarms, door open counter or light control. Light and economy set point can also be controlled through quick access menú key, eliminating the need of external switches. Other saliente features include temperature initiated defrost, internal buzzer, min-max temperature record, multi LED color options.
This product is UL certified. According to UL laboratory tests, this product is also suitable for installations with R290 and R600a gases.
For frozen goods, it automates the defrosting process according to the needs of the facility (intelligent defrosting), providing energy savings. It operates with two sensors, one for room temperature and the other, fastened to the evaporator, that controls defrosting completion and fan restarting. The room temperature control has a normal setpoint and an economy setpoint, in addition to the fast freezing functionality and alarm functions indicating that the door is open. It features up to two digital inputs. One of these inputs may be configured as sensor 3* to monitor the condenser temperature and disconnect the control outputs in case of an alarm. It also features a digital filter, which is intended to simulate an increase of the mass of the room temperature sensor (S1), thus increasing its response time (thermal inertia), and avoiding unnecessary compressor activations. Its 16-Amp relay output can control compressors of up to 1 hp and the defrost output has a current capacity of 10 Amp.
TC-900E Log contain an hourmeter to count the operating hours of the compressor, and an internal real time clock that enables the creation of a defrost schedule for each day of the week. Besides, with the help of an internal auxiliary power supply, the clock keeps working even in case of a power fault for at least 72 hours.
It also has an internal memory for storing data (datalogger) and a sensor to activate the economy setpoint according to the intensity of light.


text:
Singer and Actress Mandy Moore Joins the UN Foundation's Nothing But Nets for an Emergency Call to Action to Save Lives in the Central African Republic
Partners Talk Live To A Worldwide Facebook Audience On August 12 About The Movement To End Malaria
Washington, D.C.
July 28, 2010
Alexis Krieg
Singer, songwriter, and actress Mandy Moore announced today she is joining the UN Foundation's Nothing But Nets™ campaign to respond to an urgent need for life-saving, anti-malaria bed nets in the Central African Republic—where a child dies every 45 seconds from malaria. Moore, an Ambassador for PSI (Population Services International), is partnering with Nothing But Nets and its UN partners to deliver bed nets to each family in the country who needs one, by the end of this year.
"Malaria is preventable, yet it continues to kill nearly one million people every year," said Mandy Moore, who has seen the effects of malaria in Africa firsthand. "Insecticide-treated bed nets are one of easiest ways to protect families from malaria-carrying mosquitoes. I'm proud to be part of this initiative to send nets and save lives, and am hopeful we can reach this goal for the Central African Republic."
Nothing But Nets, a global, grassroots campaign to end malaria in Africa, has helped distribute more than 3 million long-lasting, insecticide-treated bed nets in 15 countries across Africa. With the help of Moore and PSI, covering the Central African Republic with bed nets will be a key step toward the global goal of ending malaria deaths by 2015.
"People need to know that malaria, a disease that has existed for centuries and killed millions, can be stopped within the next five years," said Adrianna Logalbo, Director of Nothing But Nets. "Mandy Moore's voice, and the global reach of social media, is helping spread the buzz about the urgency of stopping this preventable disease."
Moore has been active in the fight against malaria since she saw its impact firsthand in South Sudan last year, on a trip to distribute nets with PSI—an experience that inspired her to raise awareness to end malaria deaths. "I'd like to invite my fans to join me for a live discussion on August 12 at 2:00 p.m. [ET] to learn more and find out how they can help. I'm eager to spread the word about this deadly disease and its simple solution—just $10 to send a life-saving bed net."
Moore will join experts from Nothing But Nets and PSI for a "Town Hall" on malaria in Africa, broadcast live on Facebook, to speak more about the emergency appeal for nets in the Central African Republic and what Americans can do to help. To learn more, please visit www.NothingButNets.net.
Malaria is endemic throughout the Central African Republic year-round and is the leading killer of children under the age of five. Nothing But Nets, in partnership with Many Moore and PSI, plans to deliver 837,000 long-lasting, insecticide-treated bed nets to ensure each family in the country is protected from malaria.
Every 45 seconds, a child dies from malaria – which is easily prevented through the use of an insecticide-treated bed net. The nets create a protective barrier against mosquitoes at night, when the vast majority of malaria transmissions occur, and are the most cost-effective method of preventing the spread of the disease. One bed net can protect a family of four, and lasts up to three years. A net costs just $10 to purchase, deliver, and educate the recipient on its proper use.
To date, Nothing But Nets has raised more than $30 million to distribute more than 3 million nets to families throughout Africa. For more information, please visit www.NothingButNets.net.
About Nothing But Nets
Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. Inspired by sports columnist Rick Reilly, hundreds of thousands of people have joined the campaign that was created by the United Nations Foundation in 2006. Founding campaign partners include the National Basketball Association's NBA Cares, The people of The United Methodist Church, and Sports Illustrated. It only costs $10 to provide an insecticide-treated bed net that can prevent this deadly disease. Visit www.NothingButNets.net to send a net and save a life.
About PSI
PSI is a leading global health organization with programs targeting malaria, child survival, HIV and reproductive health. Working in partnership within the public and private sectors, and harnessing the power of the markets, PSI provides life-saving products, clinical services and behavior change communications that empower the world's most vulnerable populations to lead healthier lives. www.psi.org.
Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.
Media Contact:
Negin Janati, United Nations Foundation, (202) 378-7858 or firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Arrive: 9:00am - Miglas Windows 57-59 Canterbury Rd, Montrose VIC 3765
Depart: 9:30am
Donation: $5 to Cancer Council Australia
We plan on completing the final part of Kristian's final cruise with the club in reverse. Why? Many recommendations of how good the Reefton spur, Myres Creek and the Glenburn-Kinglake roads are driven in reverse. We also wanted a better lunch spot and a private starting point.
There are two parts to the cruise as we will go past Kinglake twice (which contains E85!). The twisty roads down near Kangaroo Ground that were in the original cruise will be driven in the same way we did with him last year with a final ascent up to Kinglake Pub for a lunch.
We believe Kristian would be happy with the route we have planned and we will make sure he can hear our departure with "a minute of boxers" in honour of him. Please come along to make this cruise a big one.
Lunch: The King Lake Pub 1-1:30pm


text:
The tao of running
One foot in front of the other. My thighs are burning a bit, my breathing is regular. My whole body feels like in some kind of a trance. I keep on going and I feel good. It seems there comes no end to this Indian summer, the colors are amazing, the sun is soft. I look ahead to see which turn I will take in Delftse Hout, and without much thinking I just follow my internal compass. Leaves, branches and acorns are cracking under the soles of my running shoes. I take another deep breath and I brace myself. Another 10 minutes to go. I can do this.


text:
Egyptian native Ahmed Hamouda is the 2006 IFBB World Heavyweight Champion. He is a true star in his own country, his fame extending far beyond the bodybuilding world. Ahmed now lives most of the time in Germany. We photographed him at the historic archeological sites of Abusir, south of Cairo.
Congratulations to Ahmed for his high placing at the IFBB World Championships. Ahmed took 1st Place in the Super Heavyweight Class, and the Overall in the Masters. Ahmed is a 2008 MuscleGallery Winner in the Spotlight; for more Winners, Click Here!


text:
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again. ~~ John 14:3
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is surely coming soon! Prophecies are being fulfilled that are setting the stage for Jesus' appearing. We must be ready!
That is what Prophecy and Promises is here to do . . . help you be ready and overcome in these trying times. Bible prophecy should not be taught or received with a spirit of doom, gloom and fear, but with faith, hope and love like the rest of our Bible.
Rev. Dwayne Byerly has not accepted a traditional theology based on passed revelations of true men of God.
They did not have the prophecies being fulfilled as we do today. Rev. Byerly is a Word man and steers clear of speculation and fear.
We hope everything you find in this website will set you free from fear of events coming upon the earth and cause you to be a partaker of the abundant life of Jesus Christ.
Brothers and sisters, sinners and saints, now is the time to be in prayer and seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in all things. It is the day to accept the Lord and all His ways. Anything less will allow the curse to overrun your life.


text:
NORTON, Mass. – Junior Will Nesbitt (Holliston, Mass./Holliston) registered his first collegiate hat trick in Wheaton College's 4-2 win over Husson University in non-conference men's soccer action Wednesday afternoon at Keefe Field.
Senior Pablo Mena (San Salvador, El Salvador/American School of El Salvador) and junior Federico Kelly (Hingham, Mass./Hingham) picked up a pair of assists as the Lyons evened their mark at 3-3-2 heading into this weekend's match with New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) undefeated foe, Springfield College. Freshman Phillip Frost (Bangor, Maine/Bangor) scored a pair of goals in the loss for Husson (3-4-1), which fell to 0-5 all-time against Wheaton.
The Lyons outshot the Eagles 11-1 in the opening half and led 2-1 at the break behind a pair of goals from Nesbitt at 24:36 and 29:37. On Wheaton's first marker, Mena played the ball over the Kelly at the left side of the box, and he one-touched a pass to Nesbitt, who headed the ball past the Husson goalkeeper.
Just over five minutes later, Kelly slid a pass to Nesbitt at the right side of the box, and he took a few strides before letting a shot go that found the back of the net. Frost answered with his second marker of the season to cut the deficit in half for Husson, taking a pass from senior Greg Dawson (St. Andrew, Scotland/Madras College) and beating freshman goalkeeper Devin Delfino (Bourne, Mass./Bourne) at 35:03.
Wheaton took control of the match in the second half courtesy of freshman Travis Blair's (Hastings, N.Y./Hastings) fourth goal of the season at 55:47. Nesbitt sent a free kick from the right side of the net into the box, and Blair knocked the ball into the top right corner in push the Lyons lead back to two. Nesbitt completed the hat trick at 61:00 when he headed in a rebound off Mena's shot that struck the crossbar. Frost capped the scoring 1:43 later when he scored off a feed from sophomore Zach Emeigh (Ellsworth, Maine/Ellsworth). Freshman Patrick Van Dessel (Dover, N.H./Dover) picked up the second assist on Frost's third of the season.
"It's good to be back at .500," said Wheaton head coach Matt Cushing. "Husson has come a long way and has a great coaching staff. This is a huge win heading into this weekend's match with Springfield. We have to be ready for them."
Delfino did not record a save in evening his record at 2-2-2. Junior Mason Smith (Houma, La./Vanderbilt Catholic) started in goal for the Eagles and made seven saves before exiting with an injury. Freshman Brian Potter (Waterville, Maine/Erskine Academy) played the final 29 minutes and recorded one save.
The Lyons held a 31-4 edge in shots and an 8-2 edge in corner kicks.
The Lyons host the Pride this Saturday at 1 p.m. as part of Wheaton's Homecoming festivities. The Eagles travel to Maine Maritime for a noon match on Sunday.


text:
Multidisciplinary designer Geoff Tsui has converted a 'disadvantaged' hidden ground-level rental property into a colourful space, where creatives can cross-pollinate imaginations and hatch unique results.
'The otherwise would-be ordinary space has been given an out-of-the box appeal,' Tsui says. 'We used parametric design and hand-on modelling techniques to metaphorically push and pull the boundaries of the design.'
Inspired by Japanese origami paper art, Tsui created the yellow façade from wooden geometric forms. While originally planning to work with fibreglass, an expensive rental agreement meant using the material would propel the project over budget. Instead, Tsui opted for wood cut from single pieces to reduce waste.
'The façade needed waterproofing, so the slants of the arch would allow for water to drain downwards and not seep in and rot the structure,' Tsui explains. Given the humidity of Hong Kong, the façade must be repainted every six to seven months.
Konzepp is a cretive studio for film production and artist management that also sells unique handmade goods.
50 Tung Street
Sheung Wan
Hong Kong


text:
Join the Web's Best CRO Newsletter & GetFREE ACCESS to the "Landing Page Boost" PDF!
Are your site's most important landing pages converting as well as they should? Have youemployed all the tweaks & tricks that seem small but make a huge difference to your bottomline?
Sign up below to get instant access to our very best landing page optimization resource -including the checklist we use every day in our client work, optimizing conversions for theInternet's most valuable companies:
Sign Up Below to Get Instant Access to the Report:
Shane Melaugh
Use this space to briefly introduce the author/owner of the website. This homepagetemplate is mainly focused on the offer, but a brief "about me" section helps give abit of a personal touch.
Primarily, you should write about things that make the author worth listening to andreinforce the idea that the free offer on this page is worth signing up for.
Copyright {tcb_current_year} by Company Name


text:
Marianne Helou
December 13, 2010
Tell us about Christmas time at your home.
Christmas is one of our favorite family holidays, one that has a lot of sentimental value. We spend Christmas Eve and also celebrate Christmas day together. I am in charge of decorations, and I absolutely love putting up a big Christmas tree; my kids do lend a helping hand, but I do most of the work – it takes me about a whole day to decorate the tree. I give it plenty of time and attention because my children love it, and it really is the source of holiday spirit in my home; it's the only Christmas decoration I put up, along with the nativity scene of course. Christmas decorations go up early in our home, the beginning of December, because the fun and the excitement of the Christmas holiday is in the weeks of preparation before the day itself. I have three kids Laura (20), Alexandra (17), and Pierre (14), they love Christmas and it is such a pleasure to make it all the more fun and meaningful for them. They may be growing up, but they will always remain children in my eyes.
How do you select themes and ornaments?
Every year before the holiday, I fly to Paris and of course, during my trip, I shop around and get ideas on how to decorate the house; I keep an eye on what is new and trendy, and the colors that are in fashion for the season. I also love shopping for decorations and ornaments in Beirut because there are so many beautiful and tasteful options and varieties available every year. I change colors without hesitation, for instance a couple of years ago, I changed all my decorations to blue and gold and I loved it! I think it's more original than the traditional red and green that you find everywhere. To keep things exciting, I try to change something every year; I move or add items to my existing decorations. At the moment I am focusing on crystal decorations and hand-made glass, which I find very attractive. The color for this year is gold, which perfectly matches my home. I love the way it sparkles at night when the chimney is on, and the Christmas tree is lit, it just creates a beautiful and warm atmosphere.
Do you prefer natural or artificial trees?
I use an artificial green tree. I don't like the idea of cutting and sacrificing a natural tree just to satisfy my own pleasure. It's against my beliefs and my love for nature.
Do you have any particular family traditions?
We spend the holidays with my husband's family, specially his cousins, who are very close to us. Every year, we meet up, the extended family, about 40 to 50 of us, depending on who's in town, and dine together on Christmas Eve. On Christmas day, the family along with very close friends gets together for lunch.
What does Christmas lunch traditionally consist of?
Turkey is our traditional dish. We also savor the traditional Choucroute, Foie Gras, and for dessert it's always the Mont Blanc cake. Some of our friends go overboard and bring the traditional pudding dessert with them from London.
What does the spirit of the Christmas holiday mean to you?
For me, this holiday is not to be missed. It's the holiday that you need to live for the kids and with the kids first. It's the time of joy and happiness, the time to forget your worries and troubles and enjoy the moments with your family and close friends. It is about getting together over lunch or dinner, exchanging gifts…it's just the best holiday.


text:
Causes of Infertility
Asherman's Syndrome
Asherman's Syndrome is an acquired uterine condition, characterised by scar tissue inside the uterus and/or cervix. Often the scar tissue can cause the walls of the uterus to stick to one another.
Causes of Asherman's Syndrome
Asherman's Syndrome occurs when trauma to the endometrial lining triggers a wound-healing process, causing damaged areas to fuse. This can often occur after a dilation and curettage (a procedure used to remove tissue from the uterus for diagnostic or treatment purposes of uterine conditions).
Signs & Symptoms of Asherman's Syndrome
- Obstructed menstrual flow. Periods can become scanty or absent.
- Recurrent miscarriages
- Infertility
Diagnosis & Treatment of Asherman's Syndrome
Direct visualisation of the uterus through a hysteroscopy (endoscopic surgery) is the most reliable method for diagnosis and treatment. Asherman's Syndrome should be treated by a well-experienced hysteroscopic surgeon. As adhesions tend to reform, there are different methods to prevent re-scarring after surgery. Estrogensupplementation can be used to stimulate the uterine healing and a balloon can be inserted to prevent apposition of the walls during the healing phase after surgery.
Referral centre for endometriosis – Aevitas Fertility Clinic, Cape Town, South Africa
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a pathological condition in which tissue resembling the normal lining of the uterus cavity (endometrium) is found outside the uterus cavity, even in and on the reproductive organs, as well as anywhere in the pelvic cavity.
Depending on the severity of the condition it can be associated with the following symptoms:
- infertility
- dysmenorrhoea (abdominal pain during menstruation)
- pain during sexual intercourse
Diagnosis of endometriosis
A medical history is taken and a physical assessment is performed. Furthermore, an ultra-sound, MRI or CT-scan can further assist with the diagnostic process.
In the pelvis, three forms can occur:
- Peritoneal
- Ovarian
- Rectovaginal
Treatment of endometriosis
Treatment can be addressed through:
- pain medication (to control symptoms),
- hormonal therapy (to slow endometrial tissue growth and prevent new implants of endometrial tissue)
- gynaecological endoscopic surgery (to remove the endometriosis and preserve the uterus and ovaries).
If endometriosis needs to be removed through endoscopic surgery, your surgeon will use various techniques, which includes excisions (cutting and removing tissue) or destroying the tissue with a laser beam. In more severe cases, where endometriomas (endometriotic cyst, usually in the ovary) have developed, the cyst is opened, the material is aspirated and the cyst is irrigated. The interior wall is removed to destroy the mucosal lining. This is performed to ensure the cyst does not reoccur.SASREG (SA Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy) serves as governing body and they have created a contact list of specialists, who can perform surgery to treat endometriosis. The public can contact SASREG (website: www.sasreg.co.za) for more information.
The treatment approach chosen by yourself and your physician, will depend on the severity of your signs and symptoms and whether you wish to become pregnant.
*A pregnancy rate of 55% can be expected in moderate cases and 36% in severe cases, during the first year after appropriate surgery.
Fibroids are the most frequently seen tumours of the female reproductive system. These tumours consist of smooth muscle cells and connective tissue, which develops in the uterus and multiplies due to the influence of oestrogen. In most cases they are benign (non-cancerous).
Symptoms of fibroids
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
- Abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods
- Pelvic pain (caused by the tumour pressing on pelvic organs)
- Frequent urination
- Low back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- A firm mass, often located near the middle of the pelvis, which can be felt by the physician
Diagnosis of fibroids
These tumours can be found through routine pelvic examination and diagnosis can usually be confirmed by ultrasound.
Treatment of fibroids
Most of these tumours stop growing or shrink over time and therefore management depends on the symptoms, location and size, as well as the patients desire to conceive. However, these tumours usually don't interfere with getting pregnant, it is possible that it — especially if submucosal — could cause infertility or pregnancy loss.These tumours may also raise the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as:
- placental abruption
- fetal growth restriction
- preterm delivery
*These tumours can be managed by means of gynaecological endoscopic surgery. It has been established through research, that gynaecological endoscopic surgery is the best treatment option for symptomatic women with uterine fibroids, who wish to maintain their fertility.
Male Infertility
Aevitas Fertility Clinic – pioneer in the field of male infertility – Cape Town, South Africa and internationally
Research in the field of male infertility is a big focus point for the Aevitas team as there are many unanswered questions and male infertility is often overlooked, even though infertility affects both men and women equally. Aevitas team's biggest scientific contribution to male infertility has been in the field of sperm morphology (shape) which causes male infertility. The criteria created by this research is now used worldwide and recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an international standard.
Signs & symptoms of male infertility
The main, sometimes only sign, of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. In other cases, an underlying problem such as, an inherited hormonal imbalance or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm, may cause signs and symptoms. Signs & symptoms associated with male infertility, may include:
- Problems with sexual function — for example, difficulty reaching orgasm (delayed ejaculation), premature ejaculation, or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction).
- Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area.
- Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosomal or hormonal abnormality.
Semen analysis, also known as 'the sperm count test', can be used to assess the health of male sperm. Furthermore, it can assess whether low sperm count or sperm dysfunction is the reason behind male infertility.
Diagnosis of male infertility
Male infertility can be evaluated through semen analysis. Semen analysis involves the examination of the semen ejaculate of the male partner and the different sperm parameters within:
- Motility – percentage of sperm that are moving. Normal: more than 30%.
- Forward progression – speed at which the sperm are moving forward. Normal: more than "2".
- Concentration – number of sperm per milliliter of semen. Normal: more than 15 million per milliliter.
- Normal morphology – the percentage of sperm cells with normal forms. Normal: more than 4%.
- Anti-sperm antibodies ("MAR") – factors that bind to sperm resulting in the agglutination (sperm-sperm binding) and immobilisation of sperm. Normal: less than 60%.
- Presence of infection – indicated by white blood cells or a positive pathogen culture.
A fertility diagnosis is made by comparing the values obtained for the male partner's sperm, with standard fertility values. A small percentage of men may have no sperm in their ejaculate and this is called Azoospermia.
Azoospermia is often referred to as 'no sperm count'.
Treatment for Azoospermia
A Testis biopsy can be performed for both diagnostic purposes, to evaluate sperm production, as well as for treatment purposes. Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) is used to obtain sperm directly from the testis where it is produced. The obtained sperm can then be used for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), in conjunction with IVF. The procedure involves injecting a single sperm into an egg using microscopic instruments. Within a couple of days, embryos are selected and can be transferred back into the female's uterus in hopes of achieving pregnancy.
*The Aevitas team is also a proud leader in the field of male infertility in South Africa, as they are responsible for the 1st successful pregnancy and birth in South Africa and Africa resulting from the treatment of TESA and ICSI, in conjuction with IVF in 1995.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy (disease of an endocrine gland resulting in hormal problems) among infertile women and it affects approximately 6% of the general female population.
The most prominent presenting characteristics are:
- absence of menstruation (due to an-ovulation)
- signs of excess androgen, which causes acne and hirsutism (unwanted male patterns of hair growth in woman).
PCOS Diagnosis
Polycystic ovaries can usually be diagnosed by ultrasound (sonar), physical examination and hormonal tests.
PCOS Treatment
If women with Polycystic ovarian syndrome present with obesity, weight loss is the first treatment requirement. After 10% weight loss, ovulation may return in many obese women with Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Lifestyle intervention should always be regarded as the best initial treatment.
The second treatment requirement of Polycystic ovarian syndrome can be addressed through the medication Clomiphene Citrate (CC). In certain cases patients with Polycystic ovarian syndrome are resistant to CC, resulting in numerous cycles where CC is unsuccessful. If this is the case, your physician may decide to prescribe Metformin (Glucophage), in addition to CC. Metformin is however associated with side effects and 30% of women may stop Metformin treatment due to the side effects thereof.
At Aevitas Fertility Clinic, we manage our patients according to the most recent evidence based literature (references available on request), which indicates the following treatment options for Polycystic ovarian syndrome:
- Weight loss
- Clomid/Fertomid
- If Clomid resistant, add Metformin
- If still no ovulation, replace Clomid with Femara
- If still no ovulation, consider ovarian drilling
- If still no ovulation, consider the use of gonadotrophins
Recurrent implantation failure
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) can be defined as the failure to achieve a pregnancy after the transfer of four embryos in three or more IVF cycles, for woman under the age of 40 years. Implantation of the embryos is very dependent upon a well-developing embryo and a healthy endometrium.
Causes of Recurrent implantation failure
Maternal- and paternal factors could include chromosomal impairment, which can be evaluated through genetic analysis.
When evaluating maternal factors contributing to RIF, maternal age plays a big role. Furthermore, various forms of anatomical impairment could be the cause of RIF. Therefore, ovarian function should be assessed and uterine pathology should be excluded through ultrasound and hysteroscopy. Typical uterine pathology could include:
- Fibroids
- Endometrial polyps
- Congenital anomalies
- Intrauterine adhesions
*Surrogacy may be an alternative option if there is no success with further IVF attempts.
Recurrent miscarriages
Recurrent miscarriages, also known as Recurrent Pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as three or more consecutive failed clinical pregnancies. Having a miscarriage is surprisingly common, as miscarriages occurs in 15 – 25% of all pregnancies. 1% of women may experience three or more consecutive miscarriages and in up to 50% of cases a clear cause cannot be found.
5% of women will experience two consecutive pregnancy losses and investigations for a possible cause is recommend at this stage. The main cause of loss before 10 weeks gestational age is random chromosome abnormalities, such as trisomy 13, 18 or 21. The incidence of these abnormalities rises with the increase in age of the woman.
Diagnosis of recurrent miscarriages
In order to evaluate the reason for your recurrent miscarriages, an Aevitas fertility specialist may decide to do certain tests, including:
- Chromosome analysis (karyotyping) of the parents.
- Blood tests on the mother for antiphospholipid syndrome, as well as some hormonal conditions (such as undiagnosed Diabetes Mellitus, and untreated thyroid disease). Increased clotting risk ("thrombophilia") is also found in some women.
- Hysteroscopy (looking inside the cavity of the uterus, under anaesthesia) in order to exclude and treat anatomical abnormalities, such as adhesions or the presence of a congenital septum (abnormal shape of the cavity of the uterus) and/or Hysterosalpingogram (an X-ray test).
Immunological factors, such as the presence of "Natural Killer Cells" are unproven as a cause of pregnancy loss and most experts advise against such tests due to extra costs. Research in this field, is an ongoing process.
Lifestyle factors and recurrent miscarriages
The following lifestyle factors could be linked to an increased risk of pregnancy loss:
- Cigarette smoking
- Obesity
- Alcohol consumption
- Increased caffeine consumption
- Recreational drug use
We encourage couples to make use of psychological counselling and support during these trying times!
*There is hope in knowing that even after three consecutive miscarriages, most women will not experience a miscarriage again.


text:
"We've got to turn back 50, 60 years of the way we're doing agriculture. But it can be done, and I think we have to," Antonio DiTommaso, professor at the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, told the Independent. DiTommaso was talking about weed management in the United States and the use of herbicides on large farms. In the past few decades, huge agricultural corporations like Monsanto have genetically engineered seeds to resist herbicides so that farmers can spray chemicals directly over their fields, kill the weeds, and leave the crops. This practice requires significantly less human labor than hand weeding or tilling a field, and it also decreases the erosion that results from disrupting soil to tear up weeds. Because of these environmental and efficiency benefits, DiTommaso recognizes herbicides as a valuable agricultural tool. But he believes they have been overused: "As a weed scientist, I do feel that there is a place for herbicides. But ideally it should be our last resort."
DiTommaso calls the pattern of increased reliance on chemicals in farming "the pesticide treadmill." Weeds adapt, and major weeds such as palmer amaranth and waterhemp are now resistant to major herbicides such as Roundup. The agricultural industry responds to these harder-to-kill weeds by developing new herbicides and genetically engineering crops to survive chemicals made in the last 50 years, such as Dicamba. DiTommaso thinks there is a better way to address weeds than this pattern of solving one problem with another. Using herbicides responsibly would mean using them in tandem with other, sustainable agricultural methods to create a more holistic system. In DiTommaso's vision, farmers would use an integrated system of crop rotation and increase diversity in their field by using cover crops, which are grown to enrich and protect the soil instead of yielding produce. These techniques would keep weeds "off balance" and prevent them from adapting to a particular growing environment.
The issue with sustainable farming is time and money, DiTommaso says; it's more expensive and requires more human labor to grow food without chemicals. In our current agricultural system, corporate giants like Monsanto create a cyclical dependence on herbicides and their own seed products. They use intellectual property law to squeeze out small farmers and further dominate an industry that already heavily favors them through economic policies like government subsidies. The resulting concentration of wealth and power exacerbates unsustainable agricultural practices with little regard for land or human health and pressures smaller-scale, environmentally conscious farmers to conform. These are some of the obstacles faced by people looking to turn back the clock to a sustainable and holistic vision of agricultural production.
When Monsanto invented and patented the Roundup-resistant seed, they sold it at three times the price of normal seed and required that any buyers purchase new seeds each year. By 2010, 90 percent of soybeans and 70 percent of corn and cotton in the US contained the Roundup-resistant trait, meaning that the vast majority of these crops were coming from Monsanto and being sprayed with herbicides. Because the herbicides and genetically engineered seeds come as a package deal, there is a real danger for farmers who don't buy in. Volatile herbicides such as Dicamba are prone to spreading on the wind, so if one farmer buys the expensive herbicide-resistant seeds, their neighbors risk losing any natural crops to airborne plant poison.
Two court cases over the last 15 years show how legal systems support huge corporations over small farmers and prop up harmful industrial monopolies. In 1999, Monsanto sued Canadian canola farmer Percy Schmeiser for violating their seed patent. The Canadian court case found Schmeiser guilty for reusing Monsanto seed without paying the fee. The catch was that Schmeiser's crop was only Roundup-resistant because Roundup-resistant seeds blew into his fields from a neighbor's farm. The case set the following precedent: If patented seeds cross-pollinate into a farmer's field, that farmer must alert Monsanto to come remove the Roundup-resistant seeds instead of reusing the seed like normal. Monsanto has introduced a new product into the industry, and as a result, farmers must change their behavior or risk being sued by a corporate giant, a sure-fire path towards bankruptcy.
In a 2013 US Supreme Court case popularly dubbed "David vs. Goliath," Monsanto sued 75-year-old Indiana farmer Hugh Bowman for using and reusing their Roundup-resistant seed without paying. Bowman had purchased those seeds from a local grain elevator and simply figured the multinational corporation wouldn't care. "I couldn't imagine that they'd give a rat's behind," he said. The Court declared Bowman guilty. David Snively, Monsanto's executive vice president, celebrated the win as motivation for further inventions and for "allowing America to keep its competitive edge." Andrew Kimbrell, director of the Center for Food Safety, lamented the Court's decision: "This decision is a setback for the nation's farmers… The Court chose to protect Monsanto over farmers." In these cases, the US legal system gave an already powerful company more power to squeeze out small farmers economically and dominate the industry.
Jessica Petrie and Lincoln Sawyer are two organic farmers for whom using herbicides is out of the question. Fifteen years ago, Sawyer and his wife left their jobs in New York and moved to a piece of family-owned land in Pennsylvania to practice what they believed in: responsible and sustainable agriculture. They now work a 40-acre farm in Western Massachusetts and sell produce at a farmers market. Sawyer's aversion to herbicides is more intuitive than anything. "On a basic level, the idea of something that has a skull with an X through it on the container doesn't seem like you should spread it where you're going to grow food," he told the Independent.
Petrie inherited her family's land in Massachusetts when her father passed away four years ago. She decided to return to her childhood home, restore the gardens where she grew up, and revive her family's dream of self-sufficiency. She sells produce to five nearby families and aims to make a career of farming. "I believe in self sustenance and the symbiotic-ness of nature," Petrie told the Independent. Petrie's zucchini, pumpkin, and squash plants have been infested with stink bugs for three years, but she says using pesticides isn't an option. There are too many negative implications for how it would affect the food, her water source down the hill, the soil, the bird population, and the surrounding duck ponds. Petrie even makes her own fertilizers from compost, worm castings, and bunny poop. She says the safe and natural route is worth it, adding, "my customers learn to be grateful for what is available and have a greater respect for their food."
Organic, locally grown food has a better chance of being both healthier for humans and more environmentally conscious than food grown on faraway farms. Transporting food long distances to supermarkets uses fossil fuels and allows the produce to lose nutrients. Local food grown without fertilizers or pesticides is generally fresher, produces less plastic waste, and doesn't contaminate the soil with chemicals. Unfortunately, many people don't have the option to radically change their lifestyles, purchase property, and live their values around food. And even for people like Petrie and Sawyer, who are able to, it is still financially difficult to make healthy and sustainable choices, such as going herbicide-free. In Petrie's experience, it's initially cheaper not to buy herbicides, but in the end, the alternatives (hand weeding and using hay as mulch) are more costly because they require so many more hours of labor. The major financial strain for Sawyer comes from corporate dominance in agriculture: 'Normal' market prices (in consumers' minds) are dictated by huge corporations who have nothing to do with small-scale farming practices. Sawyer's pork is $9 to $10 per pound, while the average supermarket price is under $5. "People are willing to pay more, but I'm still barely making money on that. It just doesn't reflect the real cost of growing food," Sawyer says. And of course, many people simply can't pay more; healthy food is financially less accessible than unhealthy food, both to produce and to eat.
Federal subsidies exacerbate the difference in production cost for small and large farms by redistributing tax dollars to the wealthiest farmers. The US government subsidizes certain crops, like corn, wheat, rice, and cotton, which end up benefiting large agricultural producers with wealth and income higher than most US households. The wealthiest three percent of large farms in the US receive more than one-third of all commodity subsidies, and smaller, organic farmers don't benefit. The rich farms get richer, and the poor farms don't.
Sawyer looks at monoliths like Monsanto and sees a cyclical trap for farmers. "They put the gene in there that's resistant to the herbicide they make. So you have to buy their whole lineup. People go in debt at the beginning of the season, oftentimes to the company itself, in order to buy what they need to grow the stuff, and they hope to pay it off by the end of the season. It's a pretty dark system, and I think it exploits farmers," Sawyer says. Subsidies and court decisions like the ones in 2004 and 2013 are part of this system, one that allows giant corporations to dominate whole fields of agriculture.
DiTommaso, Sawyer, and Petrie believe that more people should be involved in growing food (more than the current two percent of the national population). Unfortunately, "We have inherited the idea that fewer farmers is better, that a step back from big, efficient farms would be silly and anti-growth," Sawyer says. But he argues that there's a better way to conceptualize an efficient food system—one that doesn't treat agriculture as just an industry and values healthy and environmentally sustainable food production.
KAYLI WREN B'20 regrets to inform you that Bayer, a German multinational pharmaceutical and chemical company, bought Monsanto for $66 billion this year, but it doesn't change any of this.


text:
A couple of of individuals routine tasks could possibly get reasonably tedious at occasions. You realize, equal to visiting the grocery store every week. Hey, some people even supermarket on the every day basis. Whether or not or otherwise you supermarket on the every single day or weekly foundation, you may become ill and tired of the routine. But, what else could you do about this? In almost any situation, everyone needs to eat proper? Effectively, be that as it might, you will no longer must enterprise off and away to the native supermarket in order to purchase a few groceries. Right now, grocery buying online is another option.
Maybe you have ever given much considered to grocery buying online? Fortunately that's an possibility in this point in time. A minimum of for individuals who live in bigger cities. Whenever you certainly reside in a major city, then you can most likely go food shopping on-line, in case you decide to. Now, let us contemplate the perks of the option. It's not necessary to get all set to go out it's not necessary to drive someplace inside your vehicle you don't have to invest time moseying through the supermarket and it's not necessary to stand it any lines. What else will you most likely request? At occasions there's you don't need to go food shopping in public places. Possibly you are feeling underneath the climate or even you may have children to look at. Anyway, should you go grocery procuring online. It is possible to essentially place in a purchase for that meals products you would like and also have them delivered to your residence or apartment.
Convenient grocery purchasing on-lines are becoming very fashionable for aged individuals and individuals that just don't have the time for you to supermarket inside a supermarket. In case you right now live in a significant metropolis, you will discover fairly simply if on-line grocery buying is available on the market inside your neck from the forest. When not, you'll have a choose up purchasing option when you need it. This primarily means which you'll place in a purchase for groceries and select them up in a drive-through window. Clearly this is not as handy as grocery buying on-line and getting them sent to you, but it's the following best factor. Visit-line now and find out what options are for sale to you!


text:
It took me a bit longer than I had initially expected to finish, but at last, Caracolilla is finished. (See my previous post regarding the bust): http://thesepulcher.blogspot.com/2015/06/caracolilla-nude.html Upon seeing this beautifully rendered piece for the first time, I immediately thought of some of the strangely beautiful, and otherworldly alluring beautiful women seen in many of the late artist H.R. Giger's fantastic paintings. It was right then and there that I decided to attempt painting Caracolilla in a similar manner.
I spent quite a few evenings after work, and some weekends as well, layering sepia and black washes; applying different tones of airbrush colors, and working the highlighted areas of the bone-like, chitinous formations of the head, and her lovely, angelic face. It was a constant ballet of additions and subtractions; ebb and flow, and I loved it. I would've liked to better define some of the biomechanical line work that Giger is famous for in the face, but alas- I needed to wrap it up and move onto the next project.
I must again thank Abner Marin for gifting me with this most amazing piece! Thank you!


text:
It's hard not to be inspired by our latest "The Atlantic Meets the Pacific" guests, both of whom have spearheaded crowd-sourcing endeavors that have changed the way people think of and use social networking. Tune in tonight (Dec. 10) starting at 8pm for some fascinating conversation with microlending pioneer Jessica Jackley and Change.org founder Ben Rattray.
But don't stop there. There's plenty more at "The Atlantic Meets the Pacific" series page.
Just a Dream and a Laptop: Microlending, the Developing World and the Future of Entrepreneurship with Jessica Jackley
Jessica Jackley describes her path to success as the co-founder and CEO of ProFounder, a pioneering crowd-funding platform for budding entrepreneurs that provides tools to access start-up capital. She also co-founded Kiva, the world's first peer-to-peer microlending website, as she recalls in this interview with Alexis Madrigal, Senior Editor of The Atlantic.
Social Networks for Social Justice: The Power of Technology to do Good with Ben Rattray
Ben Rattray, founder of Change.org, describes to the National Journal's Ron Brownstein how powerful this crowd-sourcing platform has become as millions of people advance local and global change through online petitions. Rattray points to the selection of Candy Crowley and Martha Raddatz to run the presidential and vice presidential debates as an example of its success, noting that 180,000 people used the site to campaign for female moderators.


text:
MILE HIGH CRE | The Ramble Hotel, the first hotel in Denver's industrial and artistic RiNo neighborhood, will open to hotel guests today under a soft opening. Marquee lobby bar Death & Co Denver and all other hotel lobby experiences will be open to the public on Friday, May 4.
JOHNSON NATHAN STROHE, a Denver-based architecture and interior design firm specializing in hospitality, urban housing and mixed-use projects, recently completed work on the new boutique hotel. The independently-owned and managed hotel will serve as a gateway from Lower Downtown to the RiNo neighborhood.