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Be strong Boston, America has your backPosted: April 21, 2013 Filed under: Boston Marathon | Tags: Bill Rodgers, Boston, Boston Marathon, Boston Marathon bombings 1 Comment
The Boston Marathon is one of the great sports events in America. I've been to more than 10 Boston Marathons through the years, from covering races in the 1970s (here's me interviewing four-time Boston winner Bill Rodgers at Boston College, training for the 1978 Marathon) to recent years. Seen friends run from the vantage of prime seats at the finish line on Boylston Street. The unspeakable horrors of the 2013 Boston Marathon will never be forgotten. But Americans will not be terrified. Boston is strong and resilient, and will run again. We witnessed the true American spirit in the moments after the bombings, where first responders rushed in to to help the victims. Our hearts go out to those who were killed and injured. God bless America.
10 essentials on Knicks-Celtics playoff rivalryPosted: April 20, 2013 Filed under: Basketball, NBA | Tags: Boston Celtics, Knicks-Celtics playoff rivalry, Larry Bird, NBA playoffs, New York Knicks, Walt Frazier Leave a comment
Here are 10 things you absolutely had to know about the storied playoff history between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks, the NBA's two remaining charter franchises.
1. All-Time Record
The Celtics and Knicks are meeting for the 14th time in playoff hyistory. Boston won seven of the previous 13, including a 2-0 win in a curious 1954 round robin with the Syracuse Nats. Overall Boston leads the series 34-27.
2. Common Foes
That's second all-time to the 18th playoff meetings between Boston and the Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers. They have met 19 times, though just twice since 1985.
3. The First Time
Boston faced New York for the first time in 1951, when the Knicks beat the Celtics, 2-0 behind Max Zaslofsky, a guard from Brooklyn and St. John's, who averaged 17.9 points a game.
4. Knicks in the 50s
The Knicks won the first three playoff meetings — in 1951, 1952 and 1953 — and advanced to the NBA Finals each year, losing all three times.
5. Eventual Champs
Four times the winner of the Celtics-Knicks playoff series has gone on to win the NBA Championship — Boston in 1969, 1974 and 1984 and New York in 1973.
6. Seventh Heaven
Twice the series has gone seven games, in 1973 and 1984. The Celtics had never lost a Game 7 before 1973, but the Knicks marched into Boston Garden and won 94-78 behind Walt Frazier.
7. Larry Legend
The Knicks pushed the Celtics to seven games in 1984, but Boston dominated the finale and won 121-104 behind Larry Bird, who averaged a career post-season high 27.5 points that year.
8. King of the Court
Knicks forward Bernard King averaged 29.1 points per game for the Knicks in the 1984 series, the highest single series scoring average in the history of the rivalry.
9. The Last Time
The Celtics swept the Knicks in four straight in a 2011 first round meeting. Before that, they last met in the playoffs back in the spring of 1990, when Paul Pierce was 12 years old and rooting for the Lakers; Carmelo Anthony was in kindergarten.
10. Knicks Break Streak
In 1990, the Knicks rallied from a 2-0 deficit in the best-of-five series and won Game 5 to break a 26-game losing streak over six years at Boston Garden.
Will these Knicks have the 1973 knack?Posted: April 16, 2013 Filed under: Basketball, NBA | Tags: 1973 Knicks, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, Earl Monroe, Knicks, Knicks-Lakers, NBA Champions, NBA Finals, Spike Lee, Walt Frazier, Willis Reed Leave a comment
The 1973 Knicks….and Spike Lee….were reunited recently at Madison Square Garden.
Through the years, New York sports fans have been spoiled by success. The Yankees have won more championships than any other professional team in North America. The Giants have won a pair of Super Bowls since 2008, both stirring wins over the favored new England Patriots. The Mets and the Jets have experienced miracle moments. Even the Rangers ended a 54-year drought to win the 1994 Stanley Cup.
And then there are the New York Knicks, Gotham's answer to the Chicago Cubs, who for all their failures throughout the years might as well be stationed in Cleveland.
The Knicks enter the playoffs as second seed in the East, a team with high expectations but also a team with the weight of the world on its shoulders.
It's been 40 years since the Knicks, one of the NBA's two remaining charter franchises (the Boston Celtics are the other), last won a title. Back in 1973. Watergate was percolating, gasoline cost 40 centers a gallon, and George Steinbrenner was buying the Yankees from CBS for $12 million.
Things were different on the court too. For the most part, the game was played below the rim. The players wore tight shorts and funny sneakers and had long hair. And there was no three-point line.
Some refer to the 1973 Knicks as the forgotten champions. New York had won its first NBA title three years earlier, a championship ingrained in basketball lore when injured center Willis Reed walked on the Madison Square Garden court to spark his teammates to a Game 7 victory.
After losing the Lakers in five games in the NBA Finals in 1972, the Knicks realized their window of opportunity was closing fast. But with a Hall of Fame starting five — Reed was joined by forwards Dave DeBusschere and Bill Bradley and guards Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe — the Knicks beat Boston in seven games in the Eastern finals, then took Los Angeles in five games for the championship.
Every Knick team since then has been unfavorably compared to those two championship squads of the early 70s.
Until recently, no known footage of that 1973 championship clincher existed. Proving that perhaps you can go back, the MSG Network recently unearthed a copy of that Game 5 win.
We have a Cinderella, and she's from WichitaPosted: April 4, 2013 Filed under: Basketball, college basketball, final four, NCAA | Tags: Bill Bradley, Bradley 58 points, Cazzie Russell, Cinderella, Dave Stallworth, final four, Nate Bowman, Wichita State Leave a comment
This year's NCAA Cinderella is a Shocker. Ninth-seeded Wichita State of the Missouri Valley Conference knocked off #1 seed Gonzaga and #2 seed Ohio State in a surprising run to the Final Four. Wichita evoked memories of mid-majors like George Mason, VCU, and Butler, other recent tournament darlings who made it to the last dance.
For Wichita, it's been quite the NCAA drought. The last time the Shockers advanced this far, in 1965, LBJ was President, "The Sound of Music" was released, the Beatles played at Shea Stadium and gasoline cost 31 center per gallon.
That year Wichita State survived the in-season losses of two future NBA players, All-American forward Dave Stallworth and center Nate Bowman. Stallworth's eligibility expired in the middle of the season, and Bowman was declared academically ineligible.
Still the Shockers persevered. They were ranked No. 1 in the country in December, won the MVC by two games, then beat SMU and Oklahoma State to reach the Final Four in Portland, Oregon
The Shockers lost to eventual champion UCLA, coached by the legendary John Wooden, in the semifinals. In those days, the semi losers played in a consolation game for third place.
Wichita fell to Princeton 118-82 in a game in which Bill Bradley, pictured above, scored a Final Four record 58 points. That night, Bradley made 22-of-29 field goals and 14-of-15 free throws to set a record which has stood for nearly 50 years.
UCLA, led by guard Gail Goodrich, went on to beat Michigan and All-American Cazzie Russell for its second consecutive NCAA title. The Bruins, sparked by Lew Alcindor, Bill Walton and others, would go on to win 10 NCAA titles in a 12-year span.
Stallworth, Bowman, Bradley and Russell were all members of the New York Knicks 1970 NBA championship team. A year later, Stallworth was traded to the Baltimore Bullets along with Mike Riordan for Earl "The Pearl" Monroe. And Russell was dealt to the San Francisco Warriors for Jerry Lucas.
Bowman, who filled in for Willis Reed in that famed 1970 Game Seven against the Lakers and actually outscored the Knicks captain 6-4, was sent to the Buffalo Braves along with Mike Silliman for cash after the 1970 season. Bradley played his entire 10-year career with the Knicks and became both a Hall of Famer and a United States Senator.


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Press Release
KKR Finalizes Strategic Investment in WMI Holdings Corp.January 31, 2014
SEATTLE, January 31, 2014 — WMI Holdings Corp. (OTC: WMIH) ("WMI" or the "Company") today announced that KKR Management Holdings L.P. and KKR Fund Holdings L.P., subsidiaries of KKR & Co. L.P. (together with its affiliates, "KKR"), have finalized a strategic investment in the Company.
Michael Willingham, Chairman of the Company said, "We believe the investment in our Company by KKR will enhance value for all shareholders of WMI Holdings. KKR has a history of investing across a wide range of asset classes and we look forward to working with the KKR team as we execute on our acquisition strategy."
Tagar Olson, Member and Head of KKR's Financial Services team stated, "We are pleased to finalize this investment and look forward to working with the Company as it continues to grow and diversify its platform. As a long-term aligned capital partner to the Company, we believe that KKR is well-positioned to help build shareholder value."
On January 30, 2014, KKR (i) purchased approximately $11 million face amount of convertible preferred stock of the Company convertible into shares of common stock of the Company for a conversion price of $1.10 per share, and (ii) committed to purchase up to $150 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated 7.5% PIK notes, which may be issued in one or more tranches over a three year period, each with a seven year term from the date of initial issuance (the "Subordinated Notes"), subject to certain terms and conditions. Substantially all of the proceeds from the Subordinated Notes, if and when issued, would be used by the Company to fund future acquisitions. In connection with the commitment, KKR has received five-year warrants to purchase approximately 61.4 million shares of the Company's common stock, 30.7 million of which has an exercise price of $1.32 per share and 30.7 million of which has an exercise price of $1.43 per share. KKR also has the right for three years to participate up to 50% in equity offerings up to an aggregate of $1 billion by the Company subject to certain limitations, including a cap on ownership by KKR of 42.5% of the Company's common equity.
Blackstone Advisory Partners L.P. acted as financial advisor to the Company in connection with the transaction. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and Lane Powell PC are counsel to the Company. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is counsel to KKR.
About WMI Holdings
WMI Holdings Corp., formerly Washington Mutual, Inc., consists primarily of WM Mortgage Reinsurance Company, Inc. ("WMMRC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company that is domiciled in Hawaii. The Company's primary business is a legacy reinsurance business that is currently operated in runoff mode by WMMRC.
About KKR
Founded in 1976 and led by Henry Kravis and George Roberts, KKR is a leading global investment firm with $90.2 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2013. With offices around the world, KKR manages assets through a variety of investment funds and accounts covering multiple asset classes. KKR seeks to create value by bringing operational expertise to its portfolio companies and through active oversight and monitoring of its investments. KKR complements its investment expertise and strengthens interactions with fund investors through its client relationships and capital markets platform. KKR & Co. L.P. is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: KKR) and "KKR", as used in this release, includes its subsidiaries, their managed investment funds and accounts, and/or their affiliated investment vehicles, as appropriate.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this report that address activities, events, conditions or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business and these statements are not guarantees of future performance. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements may include the words "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. These risks are identified and discussed in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 under Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A. These risk factors will be important to consider in determining future results and should be reviewed in their entirety. These forward-looking statements are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that the events, results or trends identified in these forward-looking statements will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports, which the Company has filed or will file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Andrew Siegel / Aaron Palash / Jed Repko
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
(212) 355-4449
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Telephone: +1 (212) 750-8300
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Telephone: +1 (877) 610-4910
Outside US: +1 (212) 230-9410
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MRECo can take care of food, planning and hire for any occasion. For several months of the year we primarily cater for weddings, big and small, formal and casual, and we love them all! It is a tremendous privilege to be involved in a couple's Big Day and we ensure all the finest details are taken care of to perfection.
We also cater for private dinners and special events, and can offer one or all of food, planning, and hire equipment as required. We have a dedicated team of staff who will ensure your occasion runs seamlessly.


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Today we are sharing with you these beautiful flower and crystal headpieces we found on Etsy! Bridal headpieces that can complement every wedding hairstyle and give a special touch to all stylish brides! There are many ways to style them and there is definitely a style perfect for every bride!
Crystal sparkle hair vine
An oh-so-pretty hair vine with delicate Swarovski crystal "blossoms" and gold plated leaf charms
Crystal starburst bobbies
A stunning set of 3 crystal starburst bobbies, set with Swarovski crystals make for an eye catching and classic look
Long simple crystal hair vine
This sparkly vine can be worn several different ways such as wrapped around the head twice, or woven through a braid or bun.
Wavy floral dewdrop hair vine
A beautiful hair vine displaying handmade clay flowers and scattered with Swarovski rhinestones and freshwater pearls.
Gilded floral comb pair
A stunning pair of hair combs featuring delicate enamel painted floral charms.
Simple sugar blossom hair vine
A darling and perfectly dainty hair vine hand wired with completely handmade clay flowers, brass charms, and bursts of freshwater pearl sprays.
Rhinestone encrusted spray leaf and blossom comb
A dramatic and sparkly comb that's sure to make a statement. Sweet brass floral charms and rhinestone encrusted leaves come together to make a stunning and eye-catching piece.
Floral garden headpiece
A romantic and ethereal headpiece adorned with the prettiest handmade clay flowers and scattered with freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals.
Crystal speckled blossom and leaf bobby pin pair
A charming pair of handmade hair pins that have sparkly rhinestone details and hand painted enamel leaves.


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The families of five young men last seen in San Francisco are banding together for a vigil at 2 p.m., this Saturday, Sept. 14, in Golden Gate Park to raise awareness and advocate for more police involvement in search efforts.
"Why are five young men, most of them in their early twenties, missing from San Francisco?", asks a press release for the vigil. "What is San Francisco Police doing to help locate the missing young men?"
The five families are hoping that the public vigil and the sharing of their "heart wrenching stories", will bring new light to the missing men's cases, which are going cold as time passes.
One of the families behind the vigil is that of Jackson Miller, 23, who went missing three years ago on May 15, 2010, from his home in Cupertino. His car and identification were found in San Francisco, and witness sightings place him in the city after the disappearance. He is considered an "endangered adult", yet he remains missing despite many search parties, media, and other efforts by his parents, Paul Miller and Gina Funaro, family, and friends.
Part of the challenge for Miller's family is that because he went missing from Santa Clara County, the responsibility for the case rests with Sheriff's deputies there, adding a layer of coordination with San Francisco Police. The parents expressed frustration that when potential sightings do come, the police either do not come quickly enough to investigate, or the leads come in too late and with too little information.
The other missing men are Sean Sidi, 19, missing since May 5, 2013; Crishtian Hughes, 20, missing since Feb. 6, 2o13; Shawn Dickerson, 24, missing since Dec. 2, 2011, and; Cameron Remmer, age 31, missing since Oct. 6, 2011.
The families will tell their stories starting at 2 p.m. at the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park, next to the Academy of Science. People coming are asked to wear yellow to the event.


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Our Team
Our Team
FundX Investment Group has been building and managing fund portfolios for clients since 1969. The firm was one of the first advisors to use noload mutual funds to professionally manage private client accounts. FundX uses its time-tested investment strategies to helping investors try to build wealth, navigate changing markets, meet lifelong investment goals, and make a difference in the world.
Janet Brown
Janet is a longtime advocate of sustainable responsible impact (SRI) investing, and she's managed sustainable portfolios for clients for decades. She's shared her SRI expertise on Forbes, TriplePundit and ThinkAdvisor and is a regular guest on CNBC.
Jason Browne
Jason leads the firm's investment committee. He oversees the implementation of FundX's Upgrading strategy for the firm's high-net-worth clients and mutual funds. A frequent guest on CNBC, he is considered an expert in ETFs, mutual funds, trading strategies and technical analysis.
Chief Investment Officer
Avani Desai
Avani plays a key role in shaping FundX's sustainable impact strategy, particularly in integrating ESG criteria and impact investing into the firm's investment approach. Her Partners in Investing initiative provides workshops and trainings for women who want to learn about investing.
Portfolio Manager
Sean McKeon
Sean serves on the firm's investment committee and directs client account operations. He is the Chief Compliance Officer for both FundX Investment Group and the FundX Upgrader Fund Trust.
Portfolio Manager/CCO
Martin DeVault
Marty is a member of the investment committee and is the head of research at FundX. With a background in medical research, Marty brings deep analytical skills to the firm.
Portfolio Manager/Principal
Bernard Burke
Bernie is a longtime portfolio manager with over 50 years of investment industry experience and extensive knowledge of the mutual fund industry. He serves on the investment committee.


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Pixelmate Exhibits & Designs caters to the defense security technology industry in the trade fair and stand setup we have unique designs for this industry and we cater to them and provide all kind of support and solution required to make them stand out of the clutter, we cater not only to the fortune 500 but to the start ups and small and medium enterprise.
Defense security technology industry companies can avail Pixelmate Exhibits & Design service by writing to them at firstname.lastname@example.com or logging on to their website www.pixelmateindia.com.
One stop solution to all your exhibition and trade fair needs.
Military technology is the application of technology used in the war. This includes the types of technologies that are clearly military in nature, not civilians in the application, most often due to a lackof relevant civil or legal requirement or dangerous to use without proper military training.
Military technology is usually develop and researched by engineers and scientists particularly for use in the war for the armed forces. Several new technologies have emerged as a result of military science funding. Engineering weapons design, testing, development, and managing the life cycle of weapons and military systems. It is based on the knowledge of several of the traditional engineering disciplines, including electro-optical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, aerospace engineering, materials and chemical engineering.
The line is porous; military inventions were put into civilian use throughout history, with some minor changes, if any, and civil innovation are also used for military purposes.
Adequate research and development is being conducted in military innovation and technology than any industry or any other field. The evolution of battlefield happened immediately before us, however, many people do not know how advanced military weapons of the United States and its allies became. Battlefields in the fight against our soldiers took drones called predators and MQ-9 Reapers, and a variety of unmanned ground vehicles and swords weapons systems. We cannot forget the progress in the fighter technology with the F-22 Raptor to be at the forefront of innovation in aviation.
The evolution of military technology has allowed the US military to move to a large number of soldiers applying prejudice precision weapons unmanned technology. In the near future our battlefields may seem Terminator film to fight against each other and operate robots with artificial intelligence. Machines deployed in hostile territory will actually interconnected and communicate with soldiers and commanders to warn of enemy positions or suspicious activity. Furthermore airborne laser systems like yal-1A US Air Force developed to make our skies without ballistic missile threats. Technology rifle and pistol developed at an incredible pace with applications such as the British sniper individual goal on weapons, war technology that soldiers will be working with in the future includes improving rifles and ammunition, and assault as well as better and lighter armor, such as system dragon skin. There are many new applications weapons systems that appear to be further away from life, but are being developed as we speak.
Contact us: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Villabate Alba
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Dolci: A Few Mediterranean Sweets for the Holidays
Posted by Mediterraneanista, December 24, 2010
DON'T YOU LOVE A CUISINE that insists on 13 desserts for a proper celebration? That's the
Provençal tradition
for the
gros souper
on Christmas Eve, which I imagine must leave leftovers for days after that. Here are a few sweets our household is particularly fond of at this time of year.
This summer I stumbled upon Villabate Alba Pasticceria in Bensonhurst (what planet have I been on that I hadn't even heard of it?). The
at this Sicilian pastry shop, made with ricotta straight from Palermo and with the lightest, crispiest shells, were heaven—the BEST I've ever tasted. (Ask my family; I'm really picky when it comes to this popular dessert.) Even though Sicilians originally ate cannoli only during Carnevale, to heck with tradition; I'm going to make a point of treating my house guests to some this Christmas. Because it's all about them, of course.
Villabate Alba Pasticceria & Bakery
7001 18th Avenue (and 70th Street)
Brooklyn, NY
Closer to home, I'll pick up some
, the Milanese bread-cake studded with raisins and candied citrus peel that is eaten at Christmastime. There are wonderful (certa apocryphal)
stories about its origin
I usually get the boxed version that's flown in to New York stores from Italy during this season. But Grandaisy Bakery's
fresh-baked panettone
, made "true to tradition with rum soaked raisins, citron and a touch of honey," is quite a treat, I've discovered. It comes in 2lb ($16) and 4lb ($26) sizes and will be sold through Three Kings Day. (You can also
order online
for $26 and $36, including shipping.)
Grandaisy Bakery
(3 locations)
250 West Broadway
73 Sullivan Street
176 West 72 Street (and Amsterdam)
New York, NY
What's your go-to source for panettone
in NYC? And how do you like to eat it? Toasted for breakfast? As an after-dinner sweet with prosecco? Let me know in the comments box below.
We're going to start a new tradition in our household today. Thirteen desserts. Merry Christmas to all!
food store
Grandaisy Bakery
mediterranean diet
Villabate Alba
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A traditional pattern of eating goes urban.
Mediterraneanista is about my discoveries as I shop, cook, learn about and eat the Mediterranean diet in New York City.
Mediterraneanista likes:
fresh ingredients—mostly plants (don't forget whole grains and legumes), olive oil, some fish and poultry, a little dairy, less red meat, wine with dinner
keeping it simple (cooking is a pleasure, but the city is so full of other pleasures, too)
big flavors
restaurant/takeout dishes with Med cred (this is New York, after all)
cycling around the city to find all of the above
Search this site:
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Images and text copyright © 2010 Basia Hellwig. All rights reserved.


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The 2017 Fashion Trend Highlights seem to be ones to stay trending for quite some time. Check out these trend highlights that I'm sure you'll love.
Stripes have been trending for the past few seasons and we will continue to see them throughout 2017. Keeping a couple striped pieces in your wardrobe will be a trend saver for this 2017. Stripes have become a classic that I highly doubt will be out of fashion anytime soon. So maybe investing in a nice striped dress, shirt or pants isn't a bad idea.
Patterns and painterly prints will continue to be popular throughout 2017. The fashion world has focused on prints of flowers, geometrical shapes, and different checkered prints and plaids. Again, these are wardrobe pieces that you'll definitely want to keep since this trend continues to prevail.
Sneakers will continue to be extremely popular in 2017. You can never have too many sneakers, as you can have them in many different styles and colors to go with different outfits. These styles can range from simple plain white sneakers to glitter, leopard, and satin additions to easily dress up any outfit in any season.
Mules will stay trendy in 2017. You can either use them casually or dress them up as you desire. Mules in different styles will become very popular such as Flat mules, low block-heel mules, heeled mules, sneaker mules, and espadrille mules. As well as in different colors and fabrics including velvet, satin, canvas, and embroidery.
There's a spark for comfy elegance in 2017. With athletic inspired designs, you can dress up business casual and combine both elegance and comfort. This is a fashion trend that's anticipated to continue for several seasons. Next time you go shopping, keep this trend in mind, these designs can be used for many different occasions which also make them a great investment for our wardrobes.


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Interested in buying or selling a property? Give me a call, I'll be glad to help.
At the turn of the century, the area from Burrard to Alma Streets was a dense, wild-life-filled forest, in spite of earlier logging. A salmon canning factory at the foot of Macdonald Street was once unable to cope with the "hundreds of thousands of salmon" caught in 1900.
During the summer, dozens of vacationing tent campers -- many from the city's fashionable West End -- lined Kits Beach, then called Greer's Beach after one of the area's earliest settlers. East of the beach area was the Kitsilano Indian Reserve, on the site of today's Vanier Park. The Coast Salish village of Snauq was located on the shore of False Creek, slightly to the east of the Museum-Planetarium Complex.
The CPR (which owned most of the land east of Trafalgar), the B.C. Electric Railway's streetcar line along 4th Avenue to Alma, and the Burrard Bridge built in 1932, all played a role in opening up Kitsilano. However, Kitsilano was not fully developed south to 16th Avenue until the late 1940s. During World War II, most of the old estates and many single-family homes along the slope above Kitsilano Beach were converted into rooming houses. They remained that way until the 1960s, by which time the area had become popular with university students and young people from throughout North America.
Kitsilano residents have a long history of community involvement. As early as 1907, Kitsilano citizens lobbied for sewers, tram service and other infrastructure for their community. A rezoning of the slope above the beach to allow apartments raised residents' concerns over the future of their community. Further changes in the 1970s, and again in the 1980s, prompted City Council to initiate local area planning programs involving Kits residents, local business people and City staff.
In the past three decades, there have been numerous physical changes in the Kitsilano area. The most dramatic have occurred in the apartment area, where most original houses have been replaced by new apartment buildings. In the duplex/conversion areas of Kits however, residents have been working hard to restore and preserve the character homes which make the community so distinctive.
Concentrations of Craftsman-style houses can be found in the area bounded by Macdonald, Stephens, 5th and 6th Avenues. A virtually intact row of "California Bungalows" can be seen on the south side of 5th Avenue between Bayswater and Balaclava.
In recognition of the special quality of these (duplex/conversion) areas, City Council has adopted changes to the Zoning and Development By-law to assist the retention of older character homes. These changes include:
Another community landmark is the tiny Arbutus Grocery at the corner of 6th Avenue and Arbutus Street. The building has a boomtown facade and an unusual corner entry. It was built in 1907 by Thomas F. Frazer and is one of the finest old grocery stores in the city.
Detailed information on the city's heritage and a complete list of heritage buildings is available at City of Vancouver Heritage.
Additional information is available through the City of Vancouver Archives.
Source: http://vancouver.ca/news-calendar/kitsilano.aspx


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I advise you not to skip the above video. It's really good and will frame your reading of the below.
I was recently in conversation with someone who expressed an exceptional distaste for the, "glaring inconsistencies, logical fallacies and general ridiculousness of Christian's doctrines and holy writ." How could anyone be so stupid as to believe in religion was the general sentiment. Unfortunately, the way the conversation rolled I didn't get to respond quite how I wanted to, so I'd like to explain here why I disagree and explain how the religious are not as different as he'd like to believe.
Humans trust. Homo trustiens.
Immediately you want to deny what I just said. Your mind is flashing on your consciousness's movie screen the images and memories of lies, liars, half-truths and deception. Yes, but why is lying so awful? Because it's a shocking exception to the general rule of honesty. Why is it so easy for people to lie?
Because people are trusting.
I'd like to show you three arenas in which this is true: our evolutionary history, the sciences and finally in religion.
Evolutionary History
Think of a toddler out on the African Savannah two hundred thousand years ago. Or, if you'd like, imagine a Cro Magnon man 50,000 years ago in the Ice Age in northern Europe. What does that child need most if he's to survive?
The speed to catch a galloping animal?
The power to kill it with his/her own strength?
Sharp teeth and claws?
A keen sense of smell and sight to track down animals?
The 'duh' answers are no. What did we have that made us an apex predator? Two things: cooperation and knowledge.
Cooperation to hunt as a team and knowledge to be able to make weapons, traps, hooks, plans, an attack, to anticipate the animals reaction.
I hope you can see where I'm going with this. What do both of those essential hunting strategies require? Trust and a whole heaping hell of a lot of it. It was paramount to trust, learn and cooperate as a team. Not only in hunting, but also about where the watering hole was, that snakes aren't good children's toys, that this herb is good for this ailment and this for that ailment, how to plant, how to irrigate and understand the seasons, that fields need to lie fallow, and how to make fire, ad infinitum.
More recently, this has been increasingly true as the acculturation process has elaborated and years of training, drilling and parenting have become necessary to learn culture, language, rituals, mores, taboos, etc. With all that kids have to learn there is hardly even the time to second guess the expertise and authority of those older than you. And, what's more, hardly worth the effort since it is by far more reliable than isn't. Bottom line: from survival on the African plains to the thriving in the metropolis trust we have evolved to be trusting machines. It has meant our very survival.
Let's take an example.
When's your birthday?
How do you know that's really your birthday?
Well, your parents told you so. And, ya, it can be backed up with a piece of paper from the hospital, verified with a reasonable development time line, interviewing the doctor, etc. And, of course, why would they lie? Chances are they wouldn't. But, don't escape my point.
You don't really know.
It might be a completely different date.
There are many scientists that would object to me saying this, but science isn't all that different. (Yes, there are checks and balances--repeatability, verifiability, etc.) I wasn't there when T. Rex was dug up, I wasn't there when the Mars lander touched down, I've never dived the Challenger Deep, I've never split an atom, I've never done the calculations for general relativity, etc.
And you know what? Neither have the majority scientists that build off those verities.
Time, resources and money are majorly constraining fators.
Society simply isn't possible without an ENORMOUS amount of trust. Trust that people mean what they say and that people will do what they're supposed to (like maintain water source, energy, provide food to grocery stores, punish criminals, etc.) We are immersed and tightly in these chains of trust being unable to function as a society without them. Hardly anything we know of great consequence we know because we've experienced it first hand. One person found something out, taught another, then that in turn passed it on and knowledge accretes. We'd be paralyzed if this weren't true. There could be no progession of technology without it (Hmm, is a round wheel really better at rolling than a square one? I'll have to try before I believe it...)
From the savannah to academia people, tribes, universities, citizens and friends have always functioned at some level on trust. So, is religious faith so remotely incomprehensible to understand? No. They simply have extended their chain of trust a few more links to include the fantastical, the metaphysical. In their mind the writers of the Bible were, in many cases, first hand witnesses to the events that they recorded. And why would they lie? No reason can be easily grasped (even for me) and therefore they are incorporated into the chain of trust. It really isn't so hard to understand. We're all experts in doing it. You've probably done it a hundred times today.


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Frank Herzog – a.k.a. the 'Metal Head' – was still in elementary school in Bamberg, Bavaria (Germany) when he fell in love with metals and a few years later he left high school early to pursue his passion. This is part II of the story behind Concept Laser, here you can read part I.
Translated from German, original article: GE Reports Germany
Frank Herzog decides to 'compromise' and joins a prototype shop in the neighbourhood, that belongs to Kerstin's uncle Robert Hofmann. This decision changed his life. It was in the middle of the 1990s, and the machine in the factory was one of the first stereolithography machines in Germany to 'print' 3D models of successive resin layers and harden them under UV light. "I told Robert: 'oh wow, if we could do the same thing with metal, that would be really cool'," Herzog tells. Robert liked the idea, and suggested he should think about it. "So I pulled the proverbial pencil and a piece of paper and tried it," says Herzog.
Produce components made of metal
In many 3D printers and other AM devices, complex components 'grow' directly from computer data by fusing layers of raw material together. Herzog believed that by exchanging the UV light in the stereolithography systems with a laser beam, he would be able to produce components made of metals.
"If we could do the same thing with metal, that would be really cool."
He submitted this idea as a master thesis in Coburg and built a small prototype. He used a laser he had found at school and made print samples from a stainless steel powder, which is applied in the coating of surfaces. The results were, however, not particularly encouraging. On the outside, the components looked really nice, but on the inside they were porous and tended to coalesce when cooled.
Steel box with perfect density
After numerous attempts to produce a dense component, one evening Frank discussed the matter with Kerstin, explaining he had made quite a lot of progress but now seemed to be stuck. Luckily, Kerstin saw a solution. She had acquired a state-of-the-art solid state laser for her master project. This emitted a continuous low-frequency light beam and was thus potentially suitable for the pressure of stainless steel parts with a uniform structure.
Herzog borrowed the laser, installed it in his 3D printing system, and connected software for motion control to it. To meet his deadline, he even spent the night sleeping next to the machine. "The production of the component lasted several hours and I had to be prepared for the occasion that the machine would get stuck at 2:30 am – which then actually happened," Herzog tells. After many nights, he had produced a 1 x 1 cm thick ten-layer rectangular steel box with perfect density. "When we cut the component, I knew we had made it," says Herzog.
Founding Concept Laser
The hard work paid off: Herzog not only received his diploma, but also an investment of 2 million euros from Kerstin's father and uncle for further developing and marketing the design. There was a catch though: they had to make it within two years, because the two brothers would then need the money invested for other projects.
In 2000, Frank and Kerstin founded Concept Laser in a small area in Roberts factory and began the construction of their first machine. In the following year, they were able to present the first laser-driven 3D printer for metals at Euromold in Frankfurt.
*Opening image: Cooling channels (orange) inside molds for injection molding were among the first applications for Herzog's 3D printers. "They pumped coolant through these channels, which could not be milled. This allowed the molds to be cooled down up to thirty percent faster," says Daniel Hund, Marketing Director at Concept Laser. Picture credits: Tooling Siegfried Hofmann / Concept Laser
The third and final part of this story will appear here in week 29.


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From DeSmuME
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* Q. Does desmume support the microphone ?
* Q. Does desmume support the microphone ?
* A. Yes,
* A. Yes, the Windows port. You do have to have an actual microphone attached to your PC, though.
Revision as of 20:36, 21 March 2009
- Q. Why doesn't my desmume play this game?
- A. Go to desmume.org and make sure you are using the latest version. Hint: desmume 0.8 is very old. Older versions will not be supported, under any circumstances.
- Q. Why does this game fail to save?
- A. Desmume's autodetection for save types is not very good. For now, you need to manually specify the correct save type for your game. Consult the manual for details on how to do this for your platform. We want to fix this, but there are no specific plans so far.
- Q. Why can't I find a mac binary?
- A. There is no official 0.9.1 mac binary. We do not have a very active mac port maintainer. Volunteer yourself. Or wait for 0.9.2 where the windows release manager is going to give it a shot.
- Q. Where can I report bugs?
- A. In the official bug tracker, at http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?group_id=164579&atid=832291 ; you may also request features around the same location, too, but in the other trackers.
- Q. How do I get the latest svn code and build desmume myself?
- A. Visit the svn info page at http://sourceforge.net/scm/?type=svn&group_id=164579 ; further information on svn must be procured via a web search.
- For building in windows, you will need visual c++ express 2005 or 2008. Just find the vcproj and pick the interim configuration.
- For building in linux, make sure that you have a GCC compiler toolchain installed. Most Distributions provide for this by offering a 'development install' at install time. Then run the svn command to download the latest source. proceed by cd'ing to the source directory, and run ./autogen.sh. Next, run ./configure, make, and make install. Please note that 'make install' needs to be run as the root user.
- Q. Why doesnt my 3d openGL work in linux?
- A. View the threads HERE and HERE and HERE. Alternatively, wait for 0.9.2 which will have a software rasterizer
- Q. Why doesn't my 3d openGL work in windows?
- A. You are probably using an ATI video card. ATI driver support of OpenGL is known to be poor. Get an nvidia. Do not argue with that, we are professional programmers and know what we're talking about. Alternatively, wait for de3smume 0.9.2 which will have a software rasterizer instead of having to rely on openGL.
- Q. Why doesn't a menu option or tool exist in my linux or mac build?
- A. Because making portable tools and platform harnesses are not our cup of tea and so a developer puts a feature into whichever ports he cares about. This policy is never going to change, although soem features might migrate to other platforms over time.
- Q. Why does music sound bad sometimes?
- A. Most DS music is sequenced music, loaded from the cart to the ARM7 entirely when the level loads. This works fine. Your music that doesn't work is probably streaming music, which loads from the cart on the fly and goes straight to the speakers. This is much harder to emulate as it requires correct timing, which is not one of desmume's strengths right now. This may not be fixed for a while.
- Q. Why doesn't my game boot or progress into the main game engine?
- A. Desmume is not perfect yet. Some games may fail due to wifi emulation. Apparently if you search the web correctly you can find ways to patch games to work better on emulators.
- Q. What hardware features are emulated?
- All known 2d graphics features are correct. Mosaics work but are imperfect. There may be small issues with colors as the correct color bit depths are not used at all points in the pipeline.
- All 3d features are emulated, except for: tests, wireframes, edge marking, fog, and antialising. The opengl engine is near its limit and renders some things incorrectly. Eventually the software rasterizer (in 0.9.2+) will support more features and be far more precise in the basic features.
- All sound features are emulated. The microphone support is new and the manual should be consulted, where you will find out, among other things, that it is only supported in windows right now.
- As of version 0.9.1, Wifi is not supported. It is currently under slow and incomplete development.
- We are unaware of any outstanding issues in the core system hardware (cpu, dma, mmu) but there are certainly still some. The instruction and memory timings are quite incorrect; however, this seems not to hurt most softwares.
- DLDI does anybody know if this still works?
- Q. Does the GDB stub still work?
- A. This has not been built into the public releases, nor has the feature been tested in a while. If you want to be a test user, please hop on IRC and coordinate with us.
- Q. Where/what is IRC?
- A. IRC is part of basic internet operations principles. Consult your manual. Then download mirc and visit irc.freenode.net #desmume
- Q. Where is the manual?
- A. It came with your binary. It may not have the information that other entries in this FAQ promised that it would.
- Q. Why is the emulator slow?
- A. Because nobody pays us to work on it full time and it runs fast enough for us to be happy. Well, almost. The cheapest way to get 60fps is to buy the cart. Buying a newer, faster computer is somewhat more expensive, and it has other side benefits. Also, if you are in Windows, make sure you have tried the SSE build which helps a little bit. Additionally, if you are using someone else's interim build it might not be fully optimized since we make our Windows releases using some profiler-guided optimization which helps by several FPS
- Q. Does desmume support wifi ?
- A. As of version 0.9.1, Wifi is not supported. It is currently under slow and incomplete development.
- Q. Does desmume support the microphone ?
- A. Yes, but only on the Windows port. You do have to have an actual microphone attached to your PC, though.
- Q. Whats 'svn' ?
- A. svn is a developers tool. It's used to let multiple developers work on the same codebase without conflicts. If youre an end-user, don't worry about it. And if your'e a developer, see the question on how to get the latest svn code and build desmume yourself.


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A common thread among clients who come to me for self-empowerment counseling is "Why do people use me?" And they groan, "Why me?" And they whine, "I'll never get what I want because of _____." I tell them to fill in that blank with, "because I allow myself to be a victim." People don't make […]
What holds you back from accomplishing what you want? It's too hard? You don't have the right contacts to help you? How would you feel about following your dreams if you had a real handicap, like having only one leg? That's what Nico Calabria has faced his whole life. Born with one leg, he got tired of his prosthetic leg at thirteen and stopped using it. He practiced and got very good at doing almost everything with just one leg. Most people in his situation would limit what they're capable of but not Nick! His tenacity and passion pushed him to achieve what many with two legs can't!
Nick wanted to play soccer. I'm sure he wasn't taken seriously when he began. After all, how can a guy with only one leg play a game well enough to be taken seriously? But he persevered and eventually played on varsity the soccer team at Concord-Carlisle High School outside Boston. People have always known him as the kid with one leg. But he's also a huge inspiration. He says, "I don't think of myself as someone with a disability. I think of myself as someone with a challenge, someone that is just continuing to do everything that I want to do despite the situation."
So what's your situation? What's holding you back? Are you making it your handicap? Is it your excuse for not succeeding at something or going after what you want? We often let fear—of failing or getting hurt or most commonly, the unknown—build up obstacles that seem insurmountable. Nico's situation would seem that way to most people. But he knew what he wanted and refused to let having one leg hold him back. Love yourself enough to push through obstacles instead of letting them stop you! Watch this video of Nico Calabria playing soccer and let him inspire you to go for your dreams.
Join The Self-Love Movement! Take the 31 Days of Self-Love Commitment and get my book, How Do I Love Me? Let Me Count the Ways for free at http://howdoiloveme.com. Read my 31 Days of Self-Love Posts HERE.
Please leave comments under my posts so we can stay connected.


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INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE FOR ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS (INAM) PHILIPPINES, INC. is a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization which has its roots as the Acupuncture Therapeutic and Research Center, Inc. (ATRC). ATRC was founded on September 8, 1984 and was endorsed by Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP), National Ecumenical Health Concerns Committee (NEHCC-NCCP) and the Council for Primary Health Care (CPHC).
ATRC has been involved in the training and development of alternative health care through community clinics and researches for the past seventeen years among Community Based Health Programs (CBHPs) and Primary Health Care Programs (PHCPs), using acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine as alternative modalities in health care.
By the year 1997, more than twenty (20) partner organizations all over Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao were trained by ATRC with the use of acupuncture.
A hundred community based health workers were then trained by these partner organizations. All Philippines Acupuncture Federation (APAF) was formed in October 1997 most members of which allied themselves with other health groups to lobby for the passing of the Traditional Alternative Medicine Act in December 1997.
Based on the Acupuncture Therapeutic and Research Center's (ATRC) 17 years of community health experience, the use of traditional Chinese acupuncture provided alternative healthcare services for the marginalized who had little or no access to quality health care. Community based health programs utilized acupuncture for its curative and rehabilitative aspects in primary health care work.
Vulnerable sectors rely on traditional and indigenous medicine, as these are available and accessible. These, however, need validation. Meanwhile, the full potential of other healing practices of traditional Chinese medicine remains to be tapped for disease prevention and health promotion. The need to examine and confirm the complementation and/or integration of all these with conventional medicine now becomes a necessary step to arrive at cost effective delivery of health services for marginalized communities and vulnerable sectors.
ATRC thus saw the need to develop Philippine Integrative Medicine (PIM) based on science and culture, where health promotion and prevention shall be at the core. In the year 2001, ATRC transitioned into Integrative Medicine for Alternative Healthcare Systems (INAM) Philippines, Inc.
INAM will pursue PIM through partnership with NGO/POs and their communities towards the development of their Alternative Health Care Systems locally and to the national level, to ensure Health in the Hands of the People.


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Composition of NCIP's Sixth Commission
1. Hon Leonor T. Oralde Quintayo – Chairperson and Commissioner, Southern and Eastern Mindanao
2. Hon. Zenaida H. Pawid – Commissioner, Region I and the Cordilleras
3. Hon. Percy A. Brawner – Commissioner, Region II
4. Hon. Bayani Sumaong – Commissioner, Region III and the rest of Luzon
5. Hon. Dionesia O. Banua – Commissioner, Island Groups and the rest of the Visayas
6. Hon. Datu Cosme M. Lambayon – Commissioner, Northern and Western Mindanao
7. Hon. Era Colmo España – Commissioner, Central Mindanao


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As a high-earning executive you may be in a position to structure your compensation package in ways that leave more in your pocket and less in the tax man's. Knowing how to structure your affairs requires a long term perspective on your cash flow, investments, and financial affairs in general. If you want your finances structured with a focus on the best long term strategy, we can help design a plan that fits.
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Jump To Section
Special meta options specific to these templates and accessed via
Alone with the meta options, the standard PDF settings can be manipulated via
This filter is located in the
Description #description
The Core and Universal have additional configuration options that can be modified with this filter. Usually these should be modified at a higher level, but it can be necessary to dynamically change them at runtime.
Special meta options specific to these templates and accessed via
$config['meta'] include:
echo | boolean: Whether to output the generated PDF or return it. Default
exclude | boolean: Whether to exclude fields with a CSS value containing 'exclude'. Default
empty | boolean: Whether to show empty fields in the PDF. Default
conditional | boolean: Whether we should skip fields that don't pass conditional logic. Default
show_title | boolean: Whether the form title should be shown in the PDF. Default
section_content | boolean: Whether to include a Section field's content. Default
page_names | boolean: Whether Page fields should be included in the PDF. Default
html_field | boolean: Whether to show HTML fields in the PDF. Default
individual_products | boolean: Whether to group products at the end of the PDF. Default
enable_css_ready_classes | boolean: Whether to enable column support with special Gravity Form CSS classes. Default
Alone with the meta options, the standard PDF settings can be manipulated via
Version #version
This filter was introduced in Gravity PDF 4.2.
Parameters #parameters
- $config | array
- The full configuration for Core and Universal PDF templates. Data is stored in the
- $entry | array
- The raw Gravity Form Entry array.
- $form | array
- The Gravity Forms array
Usage #usage
The following will dynamically force empty fields to be displayed in Core or Universal templates:
add_filter( 'gfpdf_current_pdf_configuration', function( $config, $entry, $form ) {
$config['meta']['empty'] = true;
return $config;
}, 10, 3 );
Source Code #source-code
This filter is located in the
View_PDF::generate_html_structure() method in


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My husband says,
"My face hurts – I feel like I just got slapped with Home-school."
He loves to tease me about my history as a geeky home-schooler and it gets worse when I talk about knitting sweaters for fictional literary characters, or admit that I had a wicked crush on Jimmy Stewart as a teen and not Brad Pitt, or argue that the Civil War had precious little to do with slavery. His life with me has been one very long slap of home-school. What can I say – I'm his first home-school experience, I want him to get his money's worth.
I have little home-school moments when I feel like no one understands me and I revert to a Jane Eyre-esque state of stoic hysteria.
"Do you think that because I was home-schooled I have no heart? No sense of fashion? A slanted education? No interest in the world around me? No understanding of popular culture? No dreams, no needs, no desires?"
Then sometimes, it's more like this:
I'm talking sackcloth and ashes home-school heartbreak.
Then I get over it and move on to the next sweater, the next fond memory of my dead-man crushes, the next argument about states' rights and how I think pot should be legalized.
Ok, that last gem was more of a Hippie thing than a Home-school thing.
Just sayin'.


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Did you know that South Korea has the highest per person consumption of instant noodles in the world? It's not a surprise that their instant ramyeons are quite good. If you're a huge cup noodle fan who would travels the world with cup noodles in you luggage, then this new product from Tour Ramen will become a life saver!
Each of these inflatable cup noodles are only half the size of normal cup noodles, yet the weight content is similar to a normal one so you don't have to worry that it won't be enough to fill you up.
The bottom of the cup expands as hot water is added, see how it works here.
It comes in 2 flavors – Beef or Seafood.
LINE Friends has released something similar too – BOSS Cup Noodles in a compact size, perfect for traveling! Shop the collection here.
As there's no international shipping provided, we're at your service. Sign up with us today and get your items shipped to our Korea warehouse, and we will gladly help ship your items back to HK in no time!


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What does the songbird pick up
That I do not?
What fills its heart with-
Sorrow or cheer,
To render vibrations
In musical muse?
What does the artist envision
That I do not?
What colours flow with
Ease and blend
To render scapes
In artistic muse?
What does a mother perceive
That I do not?
What is that touch on
A hapless babe
To spread warmth
In loving muse?
What does a cook relish
That I do not?
What fills their dishes with
Spices and flavours
To sauté combinations
In delicious muse?
What does the animal whiff in
That I do not?
What teaches them of
The world around them
To be and survive
In instinctive muse?
I know not all the answers
Yet as I seek, so I learn
And live and speak
In sagacious muse.


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"A relationship that deals with Truth," says the guru Meher Baba, "walks always the fine line between Chaos and Cosmos."
Relationships are not a place where we can keep avoiding harsh truths and realities.
They are hard work. And are meant to be.
As many of the best writers on partnership have argued (John Welwood for example, and Harville Hendrix are personal favourites), relationships are the place where human beings are forced to grow – emotionally, spiritually, practically.
When embraced for what it can truly give, a loving, challenging, open and honest relationship is the most powerful personal development workshop on the planet.
Some relationships thrive from the outset.
Others struggle and ultimately fail.
Yet others go through hell, repeatedly, on their way to true partnership. (Ask either Mark or Jutta for our own Braynework story, and you might be surprised, and perhaps even inspired, by how this one couple got there in the end.)
What matters – wherever your relationship has been and is now heading – is that the space between you has the opportunity to become truly conscious, and that you and your partner (of whatever sexual orientation) are prepared to deal with and confront the truth that you share.
That's a third reality which you co-create, and which, if you choose to come into couple therapy, is the true client.
As couples therapists, we work in an engaged, proactive way, initially for six sessions or so, and longer if that's needed.
If you're interested in working with one of us, do get in touch. And click here for a more extended version of Mark's thoughts…
And on the theme of cycling, which threads through this website, you'll have noted our enthusiasm for tandems, which, it has been said, will propel a relationship even faster in the direction it is already travelling.
After our own first-time failed marriage and our now much-more-successful second-time-round, we can confirm the truth of that observation…


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Dr Matsumi Suzuki, who generally uses his skills to help with criminal investigations, measured the face and hands of Leonardo da Vinci's famous 16th century portrait to estimate her height at 168 cm and create a model of her skull.The voices of both Leornardo Da Vinci and Mona Lisa in Italian can be heard at this website by MSN Japan. Oh, I need to add that only Internet Explorer users can listen to the voices. Bloody hell MSN!
"Once we have that, we can create a voice very similar to that of the person concerned," Suzuki told Reuters in an interview at his Tokyo office last week. "We have recreated the voices of a lot of famous people that were very close to the real thing and have been used in film dubbing."
The chart of any individual's voice, known as a voice print, is unique to that person and Suzuki says he believes he has achieved 90 percent accuracy in recreating the quality of the enigmatic woman's speaking tone.
(Thanks Sato)


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Fluid dynamics of peloton formation
Honours/Masters project available in collective behaviour of cyclists.
Geoffrey Vasil
Geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics
University of Sydney
Dedalus workshop at ANU
Join us in Canberra this Fri Aug 24 for a special workshop on Dedalus, an open-source spectral PDE solver for Python.
Summer research opportunities
Apply now for summer research projects with UNSW School of Mathematics and Statistics and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Climate Extremes.
M4PE Seminar: August 27th, Bishakdhatta Gayen (ANU)
"Spanning 10 billion scales from millimetre turbulence to global circulation". ARC Future Fellow Dr Bishak Gayen (ANU) will discuss his research in the M4PE seminar at UNSW Sydney on Monday 27 August 2018.


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Vertical Integration: A Way Out Of The Downward Spiral?
In 2011, ConocoPhillips announced to the world that it would be splitting its $94 billion dollar company into two separate halves, one for exploration and production (E&P) and the other for refining and marketing (R&M).
In doing so, Conoco bucked a long-established trend for vertical integration in an oil and gas sector that has been particularly voracious in its pursuit of M&A. But are vertical mergers such a bad thing in the current global recession cycle? We take a look at the pros and cons of two major drivers for M&A.
As the global economy continues to feel the squeeze of crunching credit, margins across the business sector remain under pressure. Providing a basket of services and products in these lean times is one of the best ways to insulate your offering against a "race to the bottom" in terms of price.
An inclement financial climate will naturally make investors look towards the "all in one" type company that boasts a broad and innovative product and asset portfolio as well as a wide range of capabilities.
Consolidation is the name of the game in a downturn, and with the additional products, services and assets that a merger can provide, a vertically integrated company can better maintain margins and be in a position to win new market share in a volatile economic situation.
Merging companies means merging management teams. This invariably leads to triage and the possibility of strained relations from the outset. Keeping the top people from both companies may be a bridge too far, especially with headhunters circling at the mere rumour of a merger in the offing, so to keep the key players onside it is vital to establish a clear organisational structure from the outset as well as a raft of financial incentives to prevent the best and brightest from jumping ship.
Full-spectrum dominance is a concept, coined by the US military establishment to describe how a joined-up military structure can control all elements of the universal battlespace through a mixture of land, air, maritime and spaced-based assets.
Take the definition out of the military realm, and the joining of two organisations that have expertise in a wide area can also provide that kind of full spectrum dominance especially in terms of supply chain.
Cost synergy - the savings in operating costs projected after two companies join is a key asset to branch out into new markets, consolidate excess capacity and rationalise distribution channels. All of these things in turn will enable you to better master supply chain challenges and allow for:
- More effective procurement of services.
- More punctual delivery of objectives.
- Revenue protection in during times of transition.
If you don't manage your supply chain in minute detail then the consequences could be deleterious to the overall well-being of your organisation. Communication is key here to ensuring that supply chain managers in the merged companies are singing from the same hymn sheet and volatility is kept to a minimum. The ramifications of getting it wrong are:
- Negligible cost synergy
- Logistical problems
- A drop in service quality leading to stakeholder and customer disquiet
- Disruption in the sales
- Incremented supply chain operating costs
2011 was a tumultuous year for global business, and if energy companies are going to avoid the quagmire that 2012 may become, vertical integration will surely have to remain firmly in the minds of the CEOs and CFOs across the board.


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I saw this project on Dollar Store Crafts and knew that my boys would love it. Since the weather here has been a little crazy we have been couped up in the house finding things to keep us busy. This is an inexpensive project/game that will do the trick. Check here for a list of supplies and a how-to.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Velcro Ball Catch
Posted by Tortoise and the Hare at 8:00 AM
Labels: DIY, games, kids crafts
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SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Medicated Shampoo
Dechra Miconahex + Triz Pet Shampoo
Nature's Miracle Oatmeal Shampoo & Conditioner
Doggy bath times can be a pleasure and they can be a chore but they are a fact of life for all dog owners! There is a huge range of shampoos that you can choose to get your pooch nice and clean and smelling a lot more pleasant. Sadly, it's not just a case of squirting some of your own shampoo on your pooch and hoping for the best.
Dog shampoos have been very carefully formulated to suit various canine skin types. Some are highly medicated and are recommended for the treatment of particular skin infections and disorders. When used properly, they can be highly effective in combatting dry and irritated skin.
However, they can also cause damage to the natural balance of the skin so it is important that you are careful when you are selecting a product. Here is a comprehensive guide to what you should look for and to what you should avoid in dog shampoos.
The Best Dog Shampoo
Paws & Pals Natural Dog-Shampoo And Conditioner
Perfect for pooches with dry and sensitive skin, this natural dog shampoo is specifically designed to prevent irritation. It cleanses and moisturises at the same time by using a blend of all-natural oils that will work in harmony with your dog's skin. The 100 per cent certified organic ingredients include Macrocystis Pyrifera (sea kelp) extract and kernel flour made from oats (Avena Sativa) as well as Panthenol (also known as Pro Vitamin B5). No ingredients are derived from animals and so this product is perfect for vegan doggy parents.
Because there are no harsh chemicals to cause irritation of the delicate eyes and nose, every bath time will be completely tear-free and fun! There are no parabens and the formula is totally non-toxic. There is no strong odour to put your pooch off bath time.
This oatmeal shampoo for dogs is a useful product for dogs suffering from skin irritation caused by fleas and dander. The aloe, jojoba and coconut oils provide instant relief. If your pooch has a brittle coat, the oatmeal and shea butter will provide enough moisture to restore it to good health.
Formula for dry, irritated skin and brittle coats
Contains natural ingredients including aloe and coconut oil
Paraben-free and non-toxic
Tear-free and has no odour
- BrandPaws & Pals
- ModelPTSH-01-16
- Weight15.8 ounces
Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo + Conditioner
A totally safe and gentle shampoo that can be used on dogs with irritated skin. You can even use it on skin that is showing an allergic reaction to foods, flea bites or grasses. It contains only natural soothing ingredients such as almond oil and aloe vera and is totally paraben free. Many owners find that leaving it on the skin for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off provides maximum nourishment to the skin and coat.
This shampoo has no soaps, detergents or sulphates so you can use it as often as you like without worrying that you are disrupting the natural balance of the skin and causing damage. There is no alcohol and you can use it at the same time as flea treatments.
It's very effective at getting rid of the offensive 'wet dog smell' and will even detangle your dog's coat making it a lot easier to groom and maintain in top condition.
Suitable for dog's skin that is reacting to allergens
Free from parabens and alcohol
Contains no soaps or detergents
Effectively gets rid of 'wet dog' smell'
- BrandPro Pet Works
- Modelk3710
- Weight1 pound
Wahl Dog/Puppy Shampoo
The four-in-one formula is a cleanser, conditioner, de-tangler and moisturiser all in one bottle! There is everything you need to keep your doggy's coat in tip-top condition. Having everything that you need for bath time in one bottle is more convenient for busy dog owners.
The cleansers in the Wahl shampoo are totally natural, plant-based substances. They do not irritate or dry out even the most sensitive of skin.
The formula is pH balanced so it will work with your dog's natural skin chemistry. The product contains no PEG-80 (a surfactant that can cause allergic reactions), alcohol or parabens and is completely safe to use. The lavender and chamomile in the formulation cleanse and soothes.
Because the product is concentrated, you have to use much less of it and one bottle lasts a lot longer.
Useful four-in-one formula
Contains natural, plant-based cleansing agents
No alcohol, parabens or PEG-80
Concentrated formula so it lasts longer
- BrandWahl
- Model820000A
- Weight1.66 pounds
SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Medicated Shampoo
You get a lot more than a simple dog shampoo with this product. It is an effective treatment for a whole range of canine skin conditions. It will help to prevent and control skin infections caused by fungi and bacteria. It can also be used alongside veterinary treatment for mange and other parasites and will bring instant relief from the discomfort.
If your pooch has seborrhoea (a type of doggy dandruff) it will help to control the flaking skin and build-up of grease. The overall result is a happy pooch and a great looking coat.
The active ingredients are micronized sulphur, salicylic acid and coal tar. It also contains allantoin and colloidal oatmeal which moisturises the skin by providing lots of hydration and helps it to heal. There is an odour to the product but it was not strong enough to put many owners off. Initially, its best to use it three times a week and then reduce to once a week as the skin condition improves.
Skin treatment and shampoo combined
Contains micronized sulphur, salicylic acid and coal tar for skin treatment
Allantoin and colloidal oatmeal to moisturise dry skin
Treats doggy dandruff
- BrandSynergyLabs
- ModelFG01315
- Weight1.15 pounds
Dechra Miconahex + Triz Pet Shampoo
This is another medicated shampoo that can be used in the treatment of many skin conditions. It is useful for the treatment of fungal and bacterial conditions that cause dryness, itching and discomfort.
It contains two per cent Miconazole which is a man-made compound used to treat many fungal infections of the skin although it is also used to prevent them. It also contains two per cent Chlorhexidine gluconate which is highly effective against some (but not all) bacterial skin infections. The ceramides in the formula are highly effective at moisturising and repairing irritated skin. The lavender and lemongrass oils provide a natural, soothing action.
This product can be used several times a week to achieve maximum benefits and carries on working even after rinsing it off.
Contains an anti-fungal compound – Miconazole
Contains an anti-bacterial compound – Chlorhexidine gluconate
Contains natural lavender and lemongrass oils
Carries on working between washes
- BrandDechra
- Model16MHTW
- Weight1.2 pounds
Furminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo to Reduce Shedding
A useful product that can be used on pups over six weeks old. If you have a doggy that sheds a lot then this will be the product for you.
It cuts down the loss of loose hair by reducing the undercoat whilst shampooing. Yet, it is a natural-based product and contains no parabens or chemical dyes and so is perfectly safe for you and your pooch.
The Omega three and six fatty acids together with the Calendula Extract and Papaya Leaf Extract work to replenish and nourish your dog's skin. The other natural ingredients include sunflower seed oil and blueberry. It's designed to be used about once a month and in conjunction with Furminator conditioner.
Cuts down on shedding by reducing undercoat
Contains Omega fatty acids for skin health
Contains nourishing Calendula extract and Papaya leaf extract
- BrandFurminator
- Model285307
- Weight1.15 pounds
Fieldworks Supply Company Natural Dog Shampoo
For a totally natural choice, you can't do better than this 100 per cent organic shampoo. There are no sulphates or chemicals of any sort including preservatives. You only have to use a small amount for each wash and it's very easy to rinse off.
The main ingredient is Bentonite Clay which has been used for healing skin problems for hundreds of years. Because it is able to bind with many kinds of bacteria and fungi, as well as toxins and heavy metals, it is able to withdraw them from the skin and stop irritation very quickly. It also acts as a great flea deterrent.
The formula includes nutmeg which soothes the skin and rosemary which increases the circulation and so promotes healing. There's also Neem and Argan oils which naturally fight bacteria and fungi as well as moisturising the skin and reducing flaking. They leave your dog's coat beautifully silky and shiny. The shea butter and aloe vera are well known for their soothing properties.
Completely natural – no harsh chemicals whatsoever
Fights infections and deters parasites
Moisturises and reduces irritation
Promotes a beautiful coat
- BrandFieldworks Supply Company
- Weight12 ounces
Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo
This is a completely safe and chemical-free shampoo for dogs that is manufactured under the strict FDA guidelines so you can have complete peace of mind. It's been specially formulated to promote a healthy and shiny coat and smells lovely thanks to the blend of botanical essential oils.
There is nothing unnatural in the product at all, instead it relies on a combination of 28 natural elements to promote healing and a healthy skin and coat. There's Ganoderma lucidum (also called Reishi) which is a natural anti-inflammatory but also controls allergic reactions and is both an anti-microbial and an anti-oxidant. There's also Fucus Vesiculosus (more commonly known as Kelp) which boosts the immune system and encourages rapid skin healing. The Pomegranate is included because it strengthens the outer layer of skin and increases blood flow as well as supporting sensitive skin.
Of course, the main component of the product is the unique blend of minerals from the Dead Sea including calcium, sulphur, sodium and magnesium. As well as cleansing, this product will act as a medicated shampoo and can be used as part of a treatment regime for areas of irritation, hot spots and skin infections.
28 natural ingredients
Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant
Packed with minerals from the Dead Sea
Totally natural and safe
- BrandArava – Dead Sea Pet Spa
- ModelB01LMICAAG
- Weight10.4 ounces
4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo
If you are looking for a 100 per cent natural product that will be kind to your dog's skin and that won't damage the environment, then this one is for you. It is certified by the USDA as being a totally organic dog shampoo and hypoallergenic. It contains no detergents, sulphates or parabens, in fact there is nothing artificial or synthetic whatsoever.
This is one product that both veterinarians and groomers recommended for pooches with dry, sensitive or allergy-prone skin. It is perfectly safe for dogs of all ages, including young pups and it will never strip the coat of its natural oils which provide so much protection. Owners love it because it lathers and rinses well (there are no artificial thickeners) and it smells great.
The soap in the shampoo is produced entirely from organic oils including coconut, olive and jojoba oils and these are blended with rosemary, lemongrass (to deter fleas) and aloe vera. The formula is highly effective at soothing dry and irritated skin and promoting healing.
It's kind to the environment too! All of the ingredients are sustainably sourced and it is completely biodegradable.
100 per cent natural
USDA certified organic dog shampoo
Soaps made from organic oils
Blended with essential oils
- Brand4-Legger
- ModelFBA_DS-1227
- Weight1 pound
Nature's Miracle Oatmeal Shampoo & Conditioner
A brilliant choice for doggy Moms and Dads who want to control the doggy odour in their homes. This shampoo forms an 'odour control complex' which deodorises long-term yet does not rely on harsh chemicals to achieve that effect. The shampoo has a pleasant honey and sage natural odour.
The surfactant element of the shampoo is made from cocoa and cleans and conditions naturally so there is no soap and the product is paraben-free. It also helps to control static electricity so the hair stays softer and cleaner for longer. All of the odour control elements are plant-derived and the whole product is designed to protect the sensitive balance of oils on your dog's coat.
It is safe to use alongside flea treatment and contains oatmeal and chamomile to soothe skin irritated by flea bites.
Plant-based soap ingredients
Oatmeal and chamomile to soothe skin
Reduces static electricity in the coat
- BrandNature's Miracle
- ModelB00KM4KHAC
- Weight0.48 ounces
Best Dog Shampoo Buying Guide & FAQ
Things to Look for in a Good Dog Shampoo
If you are looking for a dog shampoo, one thing you won't lack is choice! There are hundreds of products to choose from and most of them will probably do a fairly good job of cleaning up a mucky mutt after a long country walk. However, it is likely that you need much more than that from your shampoo. If you choose wisely, it can be an effective way of safeguarding the health of your dog's skin. Here are some things that you may want to look for in a dog shampoo.
- Will it suit your dog's skin?
Just like humans, every dog's skin and coat are different and what suits one dog will not suit another. A quick analysis of your dog's skin is needed before choosing a shampoo. If your pooch has 'normal' skin and no issues with irritation or flaking, you can choose for yourself. If your dog has a medical skin condition, it may be best to get some professional advice from your vet. Some dog shampoos are expensive and you don't waste your money on the wrong product!
- Does it contain harsh chemicals?
Even if your dog has perfectly normal skin, the sad truth is that a shampoo that contains harsh chemicals could change all that! Always try to choose a product that is as natural as possible. Never use a shampoo that contains strong detergents (such as PEG-80), parabens or alcohol. Select a natural dog shampoo that will work in harmony with your dog's skin. Natural oils and plant-based ingredients are preferable.
- Will it help irritated skin?
For dogs with dry, flaky or irritated skin, it is essential to choose the best dog shampoo for itchy skin. There are plenty of naturally soothing ingredients such as almond oil, oatmeal and aloe. They provide plenty of moisture to rehydrate the skin and soothe inflammation and itching. Many will bring instant relief for hotspots as well.
- Will it help the condition of their coat?
No one wants to see their pooch with a dull, lifeless coat. The condition of your dog's fur is directly related to the health of their skin. Some shampoos are formulated to promote a healthy, shiny coat that you will be proud to show off! Oatmeal and shea butter are great for healing a brittle coat and bringing back its shine. Shampoos with plenty of vitamins and minerals also promote a healthy coat.
- Does it contain more than shampoo?
Bath time can take ages if you have to apply the shampoo, rinse and then do the same with a conditioner. Therefore, a combined shampoo and conditioner can save you a lot of time and effort. These will cleanse and moisturise at the same time and some contain a de-tangler which will help with removing knots from the coat.
- Is it medicated?
You may have been advised that the best product for your pooch would be a medicated dog shampoo. This will contain active ingredients that help to prevent and treat skin infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Typical examples are Miconazole and Chlorhexidine gluconate. A third active ingredient such as a ceramide is often included to provide an intense moisturising action at the same time.
- Will it help with flaky and scaly skin?
Flaky and scaly skin causes a lot of discomfort for doggies and looks awful. There are medicated shampoos available with active ingredients such as micronized sulphur, salicylic acid and coal tar which are highly effective at fighting this condition. Omega three oils and oatmeal are also very nourishing.
- Will it get rid of doggy odour?
As much as you love your pooch, you probably won't be a big fan of doggy body odour which can be quite unpleasant and over-powering. Do not try to combat this by applying harsh artificial perfumes that could irritate your dog's skin and upset its natural balance of oils. Instead, opt for a natural formula that has been specifically designed to limit odours. Natural products such as honey and sage work well.
- Is it suitable for your pup?
If you have a young pup, you have to be very careful about choosing a shampoo. Some are only suitable for dogs over six weeks old. Others can irritate the eyes and nose and these are not a good idea for a boisterous pup that likes to leap around during bath time and gets shampoo everywhere. A natural, ultra-gentle and tear-free formulation would be the best puppy shampoo.
- Will it ward off parasites?
Fleas and ticks are the enemies of all dog parents but are sadly very common. They cause a lot of discomfort and distress to your dog so regular flea treatment is a must. It is important that you choose a shampoo that can be used alongside flea treatment. This is because some flea treatments depend on the natural oils on a dog's fur to spread the insecticide around the coat. If you remove the oils with an inappropriate shampoo, you stop the flea treatment from working. A shampoo containing harsh detergents and alcohol will sting flea bites and cause a lot of discomfort. Use a gentle formulation that will soothe and heal flea bites and allergic reactions caused by flea bites.
The best dog shampoo to repel fleas and ticks will have rosemary and lemongrass to ward off fleas in the first place.
- Will it maintain the coat colour?
Some owners have found that there are shampoos that will alter the natural colour of their dog's coat. The last thing you want is for a bright, white coat to start to look yellow and faded. It may be best to choose a speciality shampoo for a particular colour coat.
- Will it help to get rid of tangles?
Are you finding that you are spending hours grooming your pooch to try to get rid of bothersome tangles? Many shampoos have added de-tangler which will leave the coat silky smooth and will cut down on grooming time. If the coat is very frizzy and prone to tangles, you could try using a separate conditioner that is left in for a while before it is rinsed off.
- Will it reduce shedding?
Some breeds are renowned for excessive shedding and this causes a lot of extra work for owners. You can get specific shampoo formulations that reduce the undercoat and so reduce shedding.
Related Reads: Ultimate Guide to Dog Grooming
Benefits of Using Dog Shampoo
You may have heard so many worrying accounts of adverse reactions to dog shampoos that you are wondering whether it would be best to not use them at all. This would be a mistake. There are plenty of benefits of using a good dog shampoo that has been carefully selected for the needs of your doggy's skin:
- It's an opportunity for a health check. Giving your pooch a good old rub down with some shampoo is a great opportunity to check the condition of their skin. You can spot lumps, bumps or parasites as well as dry or scaly skin and can seek help from your vet. While you are at it, you can have a quick check of their eyes, ears, and teeth.
- It helps deter parasites. Some shampoos contain natural substances such as lemongrass that help to deter fleas from setting up home on your doggy's coat.
- It promotes a healthy coat. Shampoos are a good way of helping your dog's coat stay silky smooth and healthy. You can buy shampoos that are specifically for poor, brittle and dull coats.
- It can cut down shedding. Washing with a special shampoo for dogs that shed a lot will reduce the undercoat and reduce the amount of vacuuming you need to do!
- It's a medical treatment. For some dogs, a shampoo is a lot more than a way to keep clean. A medicated dog shampoo will contain active ingredients that treat bacterial infections and an antifungal dog shampoo is needed for other skin infections. Some products soothe seborrheic conditions that cause flaking.
- It soothes irritation. If your pooch suffers from hotspots or general irritation due to allergies, the best dog shampoo for itchy skin will contain soothing agents such as aloe vera which can be highly effective at combatting discomfort.
- It tackles dog odor. Shampooing is a good way of making sure that your pooch smells fresh. If you are looking for the best smelling dog shampoo, choose one with natural ingredients.
- It treats the coat. To reduce tangles and aid grooming, a nourishing shampoo coupled with a conditioner is very effective.
Ingredients to Avoid
Some shampoos include ingredients that have not been established as safe, or worse, have been shown to be potentially harmful to a dog's health. The general rule of thumb is to try to stick to natural products if you possibly can.
There will be occasions when you have to follow veterinary advice and use a shampoo that has pharmaceutical ingredients because your pooch needs treatment. However, if no specific treatment is needed, stick to a natural dog shampoo and one of the non-toxic varieties. Here are some ingredients that it is best to avoid so read the ingredients label carefully.
Preservatives are added to many household products to prolong the shelf-life but research has shown that many preservatives are actually harmful to health and some may even be carcinogenic. Some preservatives are formaldehyde-based. Formaldehyde is a recognised carcinogen and can cause brain and spinal cord problems as well as rashes.
You may not see 'formaldehyde' written on the ingredients list. You may see it written as Diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin or Quaternium-7, 15, 31,61. Parabens, which you may see written as methylparaben, propylparaben or butylparaben should always be avoided as it can weaken the immune system and could cause cancers.
There is no need to add artificial preservatives to shampoo because natural products such as rosemary essential oil work just as well.
Surfactants and emulsifiers
Surfactants are a group of chemicals that help to remove dirt. They work by lowering the surface tension of a liquid. Emulsifiers make a shampoo foam-up when it is mixed with water. Typical examples are sodium lauryl sulphate and ammonium lauryl sulphate. Any ingredient that includes the term 'sulphate' is best avoided. They cause damage to healthy skin which can allow carcinogens to enter. They also cause dryness and itching which breaks down the skin's natural defences to bacteria, fungi and allergens. Emulsifiers such as diethanolamine (DEA) can affect hormone production.
Surfactants and emulsifiers are not needed in dog shampoos. The product can clean effectively without foaming and there are many natural alternatives that will remove dust and dirt effectively.
Moisturising agents
The most common moisturising agents such as mineral oil and paraffin tend to coat the skin and clog up the pores. This stops the skin from renewing itself correctly and can lead to dry and flaking skin as well as irritation and itching - the exact opposite of what you were trying to achieve! The natural alternatives such as cocoa butter and fruit oil will do a better job and cause no damage.
Synthetic fragrances
Synthetic fragrances may be good at masking a doggy odour but they can also cause harm. They are often made from phthalates which can cause damage to the reproductive system and to the liver. Essentials oils, honey and herbs like sage do a good job of removing odours from your dog's coat and are not harmful.
Anti-bacterial ingredients
Your vet will be able to recommend a suitable medicated shampoo if your dog has a diagnosed bacterial infection.
However, if your pet does not have an infection, it is best to avoid anti-bacterial agents such as Triclosan. It is thought that this can cause problems in the endocrine and reproductive systems.
Artificial colours
These are yet more artificial ingredients that shampoos do not need. Will your pooch really care what colour their shampoo is after all? Some shampoos contain artificial colours or 'lakes' which can be used in food and confectionary. However, there are concerns about the effect that artificial colours can have on the nervous system and some are thought to be carcinogenic. It is best to opt for a shampoo that has no artificial colours at all. Mineral oxides are a natural product and produce attractive colours.
Propylene glycol is a solvent that is added to many household goods. Unfortunately, it is also the main constituent of anti-freeze which illustrates how powerful a chemical it is. If it's listed on the dog shampoo ingredients, it's best to avoid. It has been linked to liver and kidney damage.
It has now been well-established that many pesticides are harmful to animal and human health and are bad for the environment. The negative health effects of products such as DEET have been widely publicised. There is even some evidence that it can be passed down through the generations and cause birth defects.
There are plenty of natural, safe alternatives that will deter pests from infesting your much-loved pet but which will not damage their health. Popular alternatives include citronella and lemongrass.
Related Reads: Best Dog Grooming Clippers
Best Dog Shampoo FAQ:
Q: Can I use human shampoo on a dog?
A: No this is not advisable. Whilst the detergent will help to clean your dog, it can also do some harm. Human shampoo has been very carefully designed to maintain the pH (acidity) balance of human skin but this is different for dog's skin.
There is a slightly acidic, oily layer that covers the skin of both humans and dogs and which protects it from environmental toxins as well as micro-organisms that could cause damage. It is called the acid mantle. When the acid mantle on the skin (and fur in the case of dogs) is washed away, it can let in micro-organisms and other irritants and the result is dry, flaky and irritated skin. The acid mantle pH in humans is 5.2 to 6.2 but in dogs it is 5.5 to 7.5 which is more acidic. Therefore, an entirely different product is needed.
Q: Can I use my hair conditioner on my dog?
A: As is the case with shampoos, human conditioners are likely to be the wrong level of acidity to suit your doggy's skin. This will upset the acid mantle and could let in infection. Human conditioners also contain a large number of additives and artificial ingredients that could cause irritation and allergic reactions in dogs. They invariably have a high oil content which is great for human hair but very bad for a dog's skin and coat.
Q: How much shampoo should I use?
A: The amount of shampoo that you should use in each wash is usually indicated on the packaging for the particular product and it is important to read this carefully. Some shampoos are described as 'concentrated' so you only use a very small amount of the product and a bottle will last you for a long time.
Q: Are dog shampoos safe if my dog gets some of it in his/her eyes or mouth?
A: This varies by product. If you are very concerned that your pooch will get some shampoo in their eyes (perhaps because they leap around a lot during bathing) it is sensible to choose a tear-free formula. Natural products are not necessarily tear-free as some natural oils can sting the eyes so read the label carefully before use.
Q: Dog shampoo doesn't foam as much as regular shampoo, why is this?
A: Human shampoo is usually thick and foams easily when added to wet hair. This is because it contains artificial foaming agents which actually serve no purpose other than to create a foam. They are not needed for cleaning hair at all. Dog shampoos do not contain these substances and many dog shampoos are made from 100 per cent natural products. Therefore, they clean effectively but do not foam.
Our Top Pick:
Paws & Pals Natural Dog-Shampoo And Conditioner
A great product which helps to soothe sensitive skin through a careful formulation of entirely natural ingredients. The natural oils soothe your dog's skin and organic ingredients such as sea kelp help to keep the skin moist and healthy. None of the ingredients are derived from animals.
The formulation is tear-free and there are no parabens or any artificial chemicals. You can use it on doggies with irritated skin and flea bites.
More Pet Product Reviews
The Best Vacuum For Pet Hair
The Best Dry Dog Shampoo
The Best Medicated Dog Shampoo
The Best Flea Shampoo
The Best Puppy Shampoo
The Best Dog Towel
The Best Dog Dryer
The Best Dematting Tool
The Best Dog Grooming Clippers
- Can You Use Human Shampoo on Dogs?, PetMD
- The right shampoo for your dog, Cesar's way
- 9 Ingredients That Shouldn't Be in Your Dog's Shampoo, I heart dogs


text:
WESTWOOD (CBS) — UCLA officials Saturday hailed a federal court judge decision to uphold a city ordinance banning animal rights protesters from getting close to professors' homes.
The city ordinance bans political protests from within 100 feet of the homes of targeted individuals.
In a statement posted on its Web site, the research university termed the ordinance "critical to UCLA's efforts to protect its researchers from an organized campaign of harassment by anti-animal research activists."
In a ruling made Thursday, U.S. District Judge A. Howard Matz rejected a claim by four demonstrators, three of whom were arrested in 2010 for protesting near the home of a UCLA researcher who has used live animals for medical research.
Matz ruled that state courts have already rejected claims that the city ordinance unduly impacts free speech rights.
"This ruling affirms UCLA's right to protect our researchers by enforcing existing municipal ordinances," said Kevin Reed, UCLA's vice chancellor for legal affairs.
(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)


text:
Living with your allergy can be difficult. From constantly checking ingredients to see what they may have come in contact with to personal hygiene products which may cause you irritation. Obviously symptoms vary from one person to another, some may only suffer mildly with their allergies, as we know though there can many cases which result in life threatening situations. So what can you do to ensure you can live with your allergy and not let it take control over the rest of your life?
Avoid your Allergens
Simplest way to live with your allergy is to remove yourself away from the allergen in question. Allergic to seafood? Simple, do not eat it. As we know though products can become contaminated, so it is up to you to ensure your food is not contaminated. Always read the label, if you are eating out speak to the establishment to ensure there are menu options available which are safe for you to eat. Dealing with allergies such as hay fever can be slightly more difficult to handle but measures are in place to best avoid you coming into contact with pollen.
During summer months keep windows closed. OK, so this may not be ideal but you have to consider the after effects. When washing your clothes during summer months don't leave them to dry outside as this will only collate pollen during the drying process.
Preventative Methods
Immunotherapy and allergy injections have been developed for those suffering with certain allergies. Over a period of time patients are exposed to their allergen to enable the body to build its own natural defence.
Now this is not available for everyone with an allergy so it advised to contact your GP to find out what is available currently. It's vital though that those suffering with severe allergies carry a one-use injection of epinephrine.
This should be on your person in case accidentally exposed to your allergen. These should also be in your home and place of work with other knowing exactly where they are in case they have to treat you. Studies show that washing clothes at high-temperatures can prevent allergies, and some washing machines have anti-allergy programs.
Tell People
It's important you inform people of your allergies. Tell friends, family and work colleagues of your situation. Medical professionals do advise that those suffering with serious allergies should wear personalised medical alert jewellery in case of emergency. This will inform those treating you what you can and cannot be exposed to.
Author Bio
Paul Gallagher works as a nutritionist and health advisor to those suffering with allergies. Paul works closely with his patients to develop nutritional plans to ensure their allergen does not take over their life.