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This article was published 2/12/2019 (253 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A hockey player paralyzed in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash says he is thrilled with the progress he's made since receiving spinal surgery in Thailand a month ago.
Doctors implanted an epidural stimulator in Ryan Straschnitzki's spine and one week later injected stem cells above and below the injury to try to reverse some of the damage.
The 20-year-old has just a week to go before returning home to Airdrie, Alta.
"It's been progressively getting better and harder at the same time, which is good. They put me through a good sweat, doing a couple of laps around the buildings. It's good work," Straschnitzki said in an interview from Bangkok with The Canadian Press.
One video of his rehab shows him straightening a leg. In another he is strapped into a harness as physiotherapists slowly help him walk with the use of a wheeled machine.
"I was at a loss for words. I was really shocked and excited at the same time. It kind of scared me a little bit, but again it was pretty excited," Straschnitzki said.
"I don't remember being that tall."
He said he felt all sorts of emotions when he took his first steps since climbing aboard the Broncos hockey bus on April 6, 2018.
"It gave me kind of a shock and brought back obviously a lot of memories ... (including) all the sports activities I was involved in."
Straschnitzki was one of 13 players injured when an inexperienced truck driver blew through a stop sign and into the path of the Saskatchewan junior team's bus. Sixteen others on the bus would die.
Straschnitzki, who was paralyzed from the chest down, isn't expecting a cure but hopes the implant will restore some muscle movement.
Tom Straschnitzki, the young man's father, said the only downside is that his son is enduring spasms after using muscles that haven't been working for the last 19 months.
"He's getting pain where he never had before, which is a good thing, but it takes months for it to kick in."
Straschnitzki said the best part of the journey has been watching his son react to the changes he's experiencing.
"When he took his first steps on his own and he controlled it ... he was pretty revved."
The surgery can cost up to $100,000 and isn't covered by public health care or insurance, because the epidural procedure has not been approved by Health Canada. The Straschnitzki family is paying for it, but is angry the treatment isn't available here.
Health Canada says it has licensed spinal cord stimulators but only for pain relief.
"The department has not licensed a spinal cord stimulator device for regaining motor skills or sensory functions following spinal injuries, nor received an application for this intended use as of yet," Health Canada spokesman Geoffroy Legault-Thivierge wrote in an email.
Straschnitzki, who is hoping to make the Canadian sledge hockey team and compete in the Olympics, took his sled with him to Thailand and has been sitting in it as part of his rehab.
"It's supposed to help me with more balance, so when I'm on the ice I'm not falling over as easily."
He's finally been cleared to return to the ice in Bangkok later this week.
"I've been itching to get out there and I can't wait."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 2, 2019.
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GMC Yukon XL
SUVs like the Yukon have long dominated the annual list of the most stolen vehicles. But in the last few years, other classes of automobiles have begun to take spots on the list alongside sports utility vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, sedans and coupes [source: Highway Loss Data Institute]. While SUVs still represent some of the most stolen cars, fewer SUVs have been stolen annually in recent years than in the past. In 1998, almost five out of every 1,000 SUVs in the country were reported stolen. But by 2008, only about 2.4 of every 1,000 SUVs were stolen [source: Highway Loss Data Institute]. Slumping sales of SUVs in recent years could be one explanation [source: Durbin]. The SUV class was still popular enough among thieves to get the Yukon a spot on the list, though. In 2010, six of every 1,000 late model Yukons on the road were reported to insurance companies as stolen [source: CNN Money]. And with standard features like a Bose nine-speaker stereo system, XM radio, multiple air bag systems and a 5.3L V8 engine, it's no wonder [source: GMC.com].

subset: commoncrawl


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Koh Samui enjoyed the reputation of being an island to relax and recharge much before the idea of spas became mainstream. While relaxation before was all about meditation and yoga, today these options have been complimented by world-class spas. From Thai massages to aromatic steam baths to health centres and wellness retreats, Koh Samui offers the ultimate rejuvenating experience in luxury and comfort. While there is no dearth of spas in Koh Samui, here are five that are especially worth a mention.
(88 Moo 5, Tambon Bophut, Koh Samui 84320)
The spa is considered to be Koh Samui's premier detox centre offering an extensive list of treatments and tailor-designed packages for your individual needs. Treatments are carried out by trained therapists from prestigious academies using herbal products from their own gardens and Jurlique, the world-leading Australian skin-care creams. There are also special three, five and seven-day detox programs on offer programs, from full fasting to light vegetarian, hydrotherapy sessions and yoga classes. Designed in beautiful Moroccan-style, the spa also boasts the best spa cuisine restaurant on the island and a fully-equipped yoga studio.
(17 Moo1, Bophut, Koh Samui)
The day spa is set in a tropical garden and offers spa treatments from massage to spa facials, and more including spa packages and spa promotions. You are welcomed with a nice cup of tea and cookies while a wellness host wellness host happily guides you through the extensive list of treatments ranging from two to four hours. Once you choose your package, you will be escorted from the magic lush tropical garden to the spacious massage room. You can choose from herbal, Ayurvedic, and Swedish massages and an assorted category of facials and body treatments.
Located along the sea side, the spa encapsulates the island's tranquil Big Buddha beach environment. Operating for more than 16 years, Baan Sabai spa is one of the most well-established spas on the island. While the road leading to the spa itself is very picturesque, it is when you enter the grounds, you feel the full magnitude of its sheer beauty – complete with aromatic tropical plants springing everywhere, lily ponds and the ever present sound of the surf transports you into another world altogether. You are invited to look through the extensive list of services over a cup of ginger tea. Just about every pampering service is available from traditional Thai massages, body-wraps, Ayurvedic treatments, aromatherapy oil massages to Jacuzzis, facials, and hair treatments.
(205/7, Thong Takian, Tambon Maret, 84310 Suratthani)
Its tropical, its Asian, its exotic, and it is totally unique – this probably best sums up the experience that awaits you at the Tamarind Springs spa. Enter the palm-dotted driveway and you will immediately be charmed by the idyllic setting and the tranquillity of this magic place. Walk to the heart of the spa and you will realize how spacious and magnificent the grounds are. The menu lists traditional Thai yoga massage and other massage packages. The therapists are well trained and can accommodate your specific needs. A special feature here is that all packages include at least 1.5 hours of steam before the massage treatments. The spa has a strict 'switch-off policy' which means that you are required to leave your mobile phones and cameras behind. Treatments are provided in beautiful, open-sided suites with views across the picturesque surroundings. Tamarind Springs has the 'The Award of Outstanding Performance for Health Tourism' and 'Day Spa of The Year Award' for excellence to its credit.
(9/10 Moo 5, Baan Plai Laem, Bophut)
This top-of-the-range environment-friendly spa promises a totally natural experience coupled with all possible modern amenities. Located on the peaceful, secluded and unspoilt Samrong Bay, the spa offers beautiful panoramic 270 degree view across to the neighbouring islands of Koh Som and Koh Phangan. A dozen steps or so lead you down the hillside to the reception area. You can choose from a comprehensive range of body-scrubs, massages and facials. The treatments are totally tailored to your specifications and there is a strong spiritual focus to nourish, detoxify and rejuvenate the body and the soul. Besides, there is yoga, Reiki, hypnotherapy, tai chi and Pilates, all conducted under expert supervision of the resident physician. The Six Senses Spa has many international awards to its credit including 'Award of Excellence for Health Tourism, Health & Resort Spa for Southern Region' at the prestigious 2010 Thailand Tourism Awards.
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Special note: This page was about Top 5 spas on Koh Samui. All of our websites involve Holiday rentals in Asia. So please browse our holiday villa websites for more great deals and special offers.


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Comics By Shadowgaze
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This is a typical high school setting the characters will have adversity to overcome and mischief to get into and out of The characters are modeled off of old toys I used to play with as a child to emphasize that even in high school your still a child
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CHINA> Regional
Two killed in Yunnan mass action
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-21 06:53
KUNMING: Two persons were killed in a clash at a rubber plant in Menglian county, Yunnan province, on Saturday and provincial authorities have asked police to find the cause of the violence as soon as possible.
Fifty-four people, including 41 policemen, were injured.
The secretary of the Communist Party of China's provincial committee, Bai Enpei, has told officials to listen to the aggrieved people, arrange for the treatment of the injured and console family members of the dead to prevent the situation from worsening.
Yunnan governor Qin Guangrong has dispatched a work team to the spot to help the local government better handle the situation.
After talks with the provincial public security bureau head Meng Sutie and vice-governor Cao Jianfang, rubber farmers, have gone back home.
Local sources said disputes between rubber farmers and the plant management had become common over the past few years, with some of them turning violent.
On July 15, the Menglian county government sent a work team to the plant to help settle a dispute with the farmers.
Violence erupted four days later when about 400 people stopped police from taking away some suspects for being involved in illegal activities and inflaming the conflict. This forced the policemen to fire plastic bullets, local authorities said.
Several police vehicles were damaged in the clash too.
The number of incidents, in which people have clashed with police and officials, have increased of late.
The latest in the series of such incidents took place in Zhejiang province on July 10. Hundreds of migrant workers attacked and injured three policemen after an argument over registration of a migrant as a temporary resident turned violent.


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Many people will choose the beach this summer and why not?! You've worked hard all semester (hopefully), got your grades, now time to chill out. Before you book that holiday, it might be worth considering bulking up your CV and gaining some relevant experience by hitting the bench (chemists) the building site (surveyors) or the bank (accountants), more Bs escape me!
Many summer placements will have been taken now, but lots will remain. You just need to give up a few weeks – it could be anything from 2-12 weeks – so it's not even the whole holiday, there'll be plenty of time for a break!
Summer placements are a great way to explore career routes if you're not sure what you fancy doing after your degree. They're a fantastic chance to improve your skills and also to make connections. By the time you get to the end of your degree you'll have a jam-packed CV bursting with skills that will be irresistible for employers.
Check out the Newcastle Work Experience Scheme – summer placements are still available through this.


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A helping hand (or tentacle, as the case may be!) is never too far away at Deep
Sea Bingo. Our support team are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week to
give you any guidance you might need to make your playing experience as good
as possible.Alternatively, take a look through our helpful guides below.


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Throughout my life, I have been passionate about drawing and painting. When I began the study of ceramics and its varied potential, I wanted to bring nature into this work. I found inspiration all around me in the beauty of the northwest and Portland, Oregon-the lush forests and gardens, and their seasonal color changes from greens to golds and reds.
My work is influenced by Chinese master potters, who decorated life forms onto their ceramics. They incised pottery with fine lines, carved, and added forms to each piece. They covered each piece with a beautiful celadon, pale-green glaze pooling into the fine lines and accentuating the raised forms. The Chinese pottery became renowned for its craftsmanship, imagery, and style.
The teapot and teacup are my canvas for ideas, for adding plant leaves, frogs, insects, and branches to my work. Strong design and fine craftsmanship are my cornerstones.
Please take a look at the Janice's Gallery page for some examples of items that I have created.


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With a couple more weeks left until we talk about the upcoming season -- Big Ten media days -- we're scrambling for some actual football discussion. So, to borrow an idea from our pals at the Pac-12 blog, we're putting together the "All-Century" teams for every Big Ten school.
These are the top lineups each team could field consisting of players who have played since 2000. Next up is Ohio State.
QB Troy Smith: He's the last Big Ten player to win the Heisman (2006), and our own Adam Rittenberg named him the conference player of the decade.
RB Ezekiel Elliott: Not only did he rush for 1,800-plus yards the past two seasons, but the No. 4 overall NFL draft pick was also instrumental in the Buckeyes' 2014 national championship run.
RB Chris Wells: He's fifth all-time in OSU career rushing yards, and only Elliott rushed for more since 2000.
WR Michael Jenkins: He holds the school record for career receiving yards (2,898) and is the only Buckeyes receiver since 2000 to surpass the 1,000-yard plateau in a single season.
WR Santonio Holmes: A 2006 first-round NFL draft pick, Holmes ended his Buckeyes career with 25 TD catches.
TE Ben Hartsock: He didn't rack up a ton of career receiving yardage, but he was an outstanding blocker who helped lift the Buckeyes to the 2002 national championship.
OL LeCharles Bentley: A 2001 Rimington Trophy winner, Bentley went on to play in two Pro Bowls in the NFL.
OL Taylor Decker: He was a three-year starter who was drafted No. 16 overall by the Detroit Lions.
OL Jack Mewhort: The Ohio native was named team MVP in 2013 in addition to being a first-team All-American.
OL Pat Elflein: The returning senior is already a two-time all-conference selection and an All-American, and he'll almost certainly be in the mix this season for the Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award.
OL Nick Mangold: He was a three-year starter who went on to become a first-round NFL draft pick and a seven-time Pro Bowler.
AP Braxton Miller: A two-time B1G Offensive Player of the Year, Miller seemed to make highlights every week. Don't forget about the spin move.
DL Joey Bosa: His dominance cannot be understated. Pro Football Focus wrote last season that he "may have a case for the best player in college football."
DL Will Smith: Since 2000, only Bosa has registered more than Smith's 45.5 career tackles for loss.
DL Vernon Gholston: He holds the program's single-season record for sacks (14) and was a three-time B1G champion. Only Bosa recorded more career sacks (Gholston: 22.5) since 2000.
DL Johnathan Hankins: The defensive tackle was named the team's best defensive lineman in back-to-back seasons and boasted All-America honors in 2012.
LB A.J. Hawk: The two-time All-American is the only Buckeye this century to win the Lombardi Award.
LB James Laurinaitis: Fewer than 10 Buckeyes have ever been named to the All-America team three times, and Laurinaitis is one of them.
LB Ryan Shazier: No linebacker has recorded more career tackles-for-loss (44.5) since 2000, and only Hawk and Laurinaitis have finished with more tackles.
DB Mike Doss: He became the Buckeyes' first three-time All-American since punter Tom Skladany in the 1970s. He's also the only defensive back in Ohio State history to lead the team in tackles back-to-back seasons.
DB Malcolm Jenkins: The three-time all-conference selection became the only Buckeye this century -- and just the second OSU player overall -- to win the Jim Thorpe Award.
DB Chris Gamble: Ohio State's Swiss army knife started 18 times on defense and 12 on offense, but the playmaker's ability at cornerback can't be ignored. He was a two-time All-B1G selection and a third-team All-American.
DB Bradley Roby: The first-round NFL draft pick led the nation in passes defended as a sophomore (19) while racking up first-team All-America honors. Athlon also named him a third-team All-American the next season, in 2013.
K Mike Nugent: He made more field goals (72) than any other Ohio State kicker, and he's also the school's all-time leader in field goal percentage (81.8).
P Cameron Johnston: The returning senior might not have the best career punting average -- that falls to Andy Groom -- but his ability to place the ball inside the 20-yard line is unequaled.
KR/PR Ted Ginn Jr.: Since 2000, no Buckeye has racked up more all-purpose yards than Ginn (4,068). He had eight career return touchdowns.


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Phivolcs records 11 volcanic quakes around Taal, MayonBy Jason Faustino 05/14/2011
State seismologists recorded at least 11 volcanic quakes around Taal Volcano in Batangas and Mayon Volcano in Albay in the last 24 hours.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), both the alert level at Taal and Mayon volcanos remain the same at "2" and "1," respectively.
"Taal Volcano's seismic network recorded 11 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours," Phivolcs said in its Friday update for Taal.
It said the alert level remains at "2," meaning magma has been intruding toward the surface as manifested by the continuing high emission rate of carbon dioxide being released in the Main Crater Lake and sustained seismic activity..... MORE
Source: The Daily Tribune
URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110514nat1.html


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A series of recurring periodic articles:
Having grown up and lived here in Los Angeles; actually I am from three generations of a Westside family whose principle businesses include motion pictures and real estate development. The Warner Center came as a result of a vision my great uncle, Harry Warner, had in the mid 40's of creating a city center to live, work and enjoy dining, shopping and entertainment. Not so novel today when you look at Century City and other city hubs, however then from the studio owned land and the cash business of producing movies, the idea and land use grew in popularity. My first job was in title, Charter Title, and I can remember going out to Ventura Blvd and Topanga when the 101 freeway had not been built and extended yet to Woodland Hills. My Grandfather, Sam, who died the night before his movie and first "talkie", The Jazz Singer, premiered in New York read review. It was suppose to premier in Los Angeles at the Warner Theater he almost finished on Wilcox and Hollywood. When is was finally complete and ready to exhibit movies, legend says, Sam Warner's ghost still lives there.
So I have witnessed many real estate cycles and migration patterns in our city. Flat, depressed, undeveloped or overlooked areas that suddenly turn into favor and values begin to soar. There are the upper end areas today like Beverly Hills' Trousdale Estates, where the unparalleled views, classic mid-century moderns (the best examples in Los Angeles) uber urban centric, and inventive, inspired architects and celebrity names have recently seen values go through the roof. A recent sale off market saw Idol maker, Simon Cowell, pay over $11 million dollars for a home built by AEG honcho, Randy Phillips and purchased under $8 million. So you should know the whole Tishman tract was in answer to celebrities like Groucho Marks and Dinah Shore wanting to move from the flats to higher ground and drop dead Hollywood to the Ocean views.
So where are the new hot value Westside neighborhoods? … I will tell more in this series of periodic articles.


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Naruto Uncut Box Set 3
On the first two discs of this set, you can choose to watch all the episodes, choose which episode you want to start with, and you can set your language and subtitle options. Audio is available in both Japanese and English, and you can choose whether to have the subtitles on or off. The menu on the third disc contains all of these options, but the menu on this disc also adds a selection to view the extras included with the box set.
The first extra is labeled as "Production Art." This consists of 10 pages, and all 10 pages are model sketches of some of the Naruto characters. There is also "From Sketch to Screen," which contains eight pages of storyboards from episode 33; for each storyboard, you can choose to see the clip that the storyboard is for. You can also see the English credits in the "Extras" menu. These are the exact same English version of the credits that appears on the first two DVD sets of Naruto. This, of course, means that there is no bed music to accompany the credits, so you just watch text crawl up the screen in complete silence.
There is a sneak preview of Naruto Uncut Box Set 4, which runs a little over three-and-a-half minutes. Of the three previews I've seen on the DVD box sets, I have to say that this one has, by far, been the most interesting to watch. A link labeled "Shonen Jump Home Video" is a link to three trailers: Bleach, Hikaru no Go, and One Piece. The "Shonen Jump Magazine" link includes an advertisement for Shonen Jump magazine, an advertisement for the Naruto manga, and two advertisements for other Shonen Jump manga titles.
Just like the first two box sets, I was rather disappointed with the special features included on this set. While I basically knew to expect these extras, since they're the same kinds that are on the first two sets, I kept hoping that perhaps Viz Media would go to a little more effort with the extras this time.
If you're a Naruto fan and want to collect the episodes on DVD, then the Naruto Uncut Box Set 3 would be a good addition to your DVD library.
In order to write this review, I checked out a copy of this DVD box set through the King County Library System.
|Special Report: Live From the Forest of Death!
The Chunin Exam Stage 2: The Forest of Death
Eat or be Eaten: Panic in the Forest
Naruto's Counterattack: Never Give In!
The Sharingan Revived: Dragon-Flame Jutsu!
|Bushy Brow's Pledge: Undying Love and Protection!
Sakura Blossoms!
Battle Formation: Ino-Shika-Cho!
Akamaru Trembles: Gaara's Cruel Strength!
|The Scroll's Secret: No Peeking Allowed
Clone vs. Clone: Mine Are Better Than Yours!
Surviving the Cut! The Rookie Nine Together Again!
Narrowing the Field: Sudden Death Elimination!
Bonus Features
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Naruto Uncut Box Set 1
Naruto Uncut Box Set 2
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Mirvac's annual Summer Festival celebrated life and everything residents love about living at Yarra's Edge.
Yarra's Edge residents and visitors from all around Melbourne joined Mirvac this February for the annual Summer Festival. Featuring a pop-up beach, deck chairs and fresh coconuts, guests lounged by the sparkling Yarra River and tried their hand at giant Jenga and table tennis.
Pooch lovers were treated to a day of fun in the sun with their beloved friends at the W.E. Love Life Pooch Party, complete with a fashion show, dog-friendly ice cream and plenty of activities.


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By Torrin Greathouse | March 13, 2018
LEED, or the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, has evolved from being a new green building standard unveiled by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in the year 2000 to today's comprehensive and organized system of multiple design standards. LEED scorecards exist for commercial buildings as well as homes, and they provides a useful list of ratings that show how energy efficient a particular construction process and product is.
The USGBC is dedicated to enhancing the building sustainability in the categories of energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, sustainable site research, and water usage. For each sustainable design choice that is implemented, points are awarded according to the level of sustainability. A total of 40 points are needed to earn the lowest LEED certification. Additional bonus points are also awarded for design innovation.
So what do you receive if your building is certified? Aside from energy efficiency and cost savings, you may also qualify for tax-based incentives, reduced-cost technical assistance, grants and low-interest loans depending on in which state your building is located. Studies indicate that with an additional sustainable building cost of $6.07 per square foot of floor space, you may be able to reduce your energy costs by as much as 60%.
According to the Department of Energy, lighting and space heating are the main components of energy use in commercial buildings, contributing to over 47% of the energy bill every year. This is in large part because of the heat generated by artificial lighting which causes the air conditioning system to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature in the space. Because the HVAC system works harder for longer hours, the frequency of HVAC repairs also increases. If you factor together the cost of lightbulb replacement, lighting system maintenance, and service of the HVAC equipment, then the cost of an inefficient lighting system could very well account for over 50% of your total costs. Renovating your lighting means not only earning valuable points toward a LEED certification, but also a significant reduction in overhead costs.
LEED recognizes the energy efficiency of both high quality, natural daylighting devices and artificial LEDs. However, if you are looking for a sustainable lighting solution that improves workplace ambience, attracts customers, reduces energy bills, and earns commercial tax incentives, then opting for daylighting in place of artificial light fixtures is the way to go.
While LED bulbs help improve the LEED rating of a building, the narrow spectrum light they produce has a far poorer quality than that of sunlight--plus they still consumes electricity. Natural daylighting is a free, aesthetically pleasing alternative that improves workplace productivity and can provide thermal comfort. Commercial skylights maximize natural light usage in the building during normal working hours; still, if a company continues operations after sunset, then combining daylighting devices with LEDs will ensure that the interiors are most efficiently well-lit.
The Ciralight SunTracker daylighting technology provides building interiors with uninterrupted natural light for longer hours than any other skylight on the market, and they are designed to prevents heat from flowing in and out of the interiors, thus reducing the strain on the HVAC system. They also qualify for extra LEED points in the category of innovation and design.
To learn about how Ciralight SunTrackers can provide a sustainable commercial daylighting solution for your building while helping you gain LEED credits in multiple categories, contact our sales team today.
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This month, the USA location of the global Money 20/20 event takes place with other such events occurring in China, Asia, and Europe later this year and next. At this event, industry experts and visionaries from across the world meet to talk about the future of money, learn about new technology, and witness innovations impacting the financial industry. Even Shaquille O'Neal will be there. Yes, very cool stuff.
Just as Bitcoin and Blockchain technologies have been the disruptive "money" focus for many years, the financial technology (FinTech) market continues to change and grow by leaps and bounds. The industry seeks to find new ways to make payments, collect money, and keep it safe. One of the "hot" topics now is digital economies which presents a world without cash. We're already seeing this on a small scale as some restaurants turn to a cashless system only accepting credit and debit cards and payment systems like Apple Pay. And, Amazon already has "Go" stores without a checkout but rather uses technology to detect what you buy and automatically deducts the amount from your account. No more waiting in line!
So how does barter play a role in all this talk about money and FinTech? Since barter is not a new concept, it doesn't usually capture the attention of the media or excite global business leaders. Not a lot of sizzle with barter. However, technology does play an important role in making business-to-business (B2B) barter more convenient and easy to use. A simple app can now direct you to the closest barter member, search products and services, and allow you to download a QR code for a special promotion.
More importantly, although barter keeps pace with technology, it's not driven by it. Simple trading was around well before technology – like back in 1996 when The Barter Company started. Today, technology can enhance the barter experience, but it will never replace the solid network of like-minded business owners who make the trade exchange successful. It may not be considered glamorous or revolutionary but, in some form or fashion, barter will always be an option of how people can "pay" for some products and services.


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Page 1 - A Wrong Premonition
Rhykker on June 21, 2007
~Page 1 - A Wrong Premonition~
I loved the movie 300, and I love joking about it.
So this is a comic based on the movie based on the graphic novel.
As though it were a Dungeons & Dragons game.
Tahkayun at 11:35PM, April 28, 2009
This is going to be fantastic.
Fly Hue at 6:48PM, July 11, 2008
Wow, only you could have pulled this off. Kudos, man.
Rhykker at 10:34AM, June 25, 2007
Rockster1039 at 5:42PM, June 22, 2007
Awesome, faved!


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In forecasting, there's no guarantees
NEW YORK — While the Federal Reserve is receiving high marks for steering the economy through the shoals, barely averting recession, there is no assurance an obstacle might not stray into its path.
This is another way of saying, as two economists put it, that "the U.S. economy may escape a recession this year, but will not avoid one forever." Perfect steering is more than can be delivered.
Contrary to some assumptions over the past year, especially among those who believe the current slowdown is just a rest before another big economic push, the Fed isn't omnipotent. It's not in full control.
You might better understand this when you consider a worst case scenario constructed by economists Cythia Latta and David A. Wyss of DRI-WEFA's monthly "U.S. Forecast Summary."
They expect the expansion to continue, and declare that viewpoint clearly, but they also realize how events can conspire to wreck a forecast. Their description is a credit-course in economics.
It begins with a misjudgment of oil supply-demand by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. As the global economy slows, less oil is needed and the price spirals down toward $10 a barrel.
This sets up a series of Rube Goldberg-like events that, among other things, demonstrates how the world's economies are linked in a series of pulleys and levers, one event triggering another, nobody in full control.
While tough on OPEC, the low oil prices give a boost to the global economy, encouraging investors to shift their focus from the United States to other parts of the world. This causes the dollar to slide.
Because the dollar won't buy as much, the price of imports rises, which relieves pressure on domestic producers to keep their own prices low and competitive. They too raise prices.
With the economies of other nations expanding because of the lower oil prices, U.S. exporters find a growing demand abroad for their goods. And because of this added demand, prices of course are likely to rise.
As you might expect, inflation accelerates. Simultaneously, OPEC seeks to counter the low prices with a drastic cut in production, pushing oil prices back to $35 a barrel. Inflation heads for 4 percent.
Countering, the Fed tightens up on credit, forcing up the federal funds rate, a basic rate that immediately affects most other rates. By early 2004 it is up to 6.75 percent, compared to just 4 percent now.
The stock market, already sliding because of the withdrawal of foreign funds and the slowing economy, falls farther. Consumers turn pessimistic as jobs disappear and high interest rates put mortgages out of reach.
All this causes the housing market to collapse and business investment to decline. The high interest rates slow inflation, but as Latta and Wyss explain, they also bring export growth to a screeching halt.
By the final months of 2003 the U.S. economy is in recession, and by mid-2004 the jobless rate is 7.7 percent, compared to 4.5 percent now.
The Fed is forced to quickly reverse course, lowering interest rates.
The economy recovers, and gross domestic product exceeds 5 percent, about double what it is now, but it must climb up out of the hole it has dug and that takes time. A lot of production and jobs have been lost.
This grim scenario isn't likely to come into being.
No forecast, pleasant or grim, comes with a guarantee. They all come with a caveat.
John Cunniff is a business analyst for
The Associated Press


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- Technically, yes – you can engage a registered patent agent or hire an in house patent attorney (full time or on contract) with expertise in your field to interview your engineers, obtain written descriptions, and help write a patent application for them.
- Realistically, in my personal experience, for a startup, it almost never pays to do it that way, since everything is so new and in such a state of flux that it will take far longer for the engineering team to explain what they have invented than to write the descriptions themselves and send them on to a patent attorney.
- Therefore, while patent application development is a big pain and a time sink, my personal preference is to have the engineers write their own invention disclosure forms using a streamlined process co-developed with your patent attorney, and then have the patent attorney work with a senior member of technical staff to develop the overall patent strategy and to help screen for inventions worth patenting, select patents to file, do claim construction work on a patent by patent basis, and to project manage the filing process (and subsequently the "patent prosecution" process – which is the back and forth interactions with the patent office to negotiate language and scope of allowable claims up until the patent is issued.)
- Of course, your mileage may vary (and of course, all big companies have in house patent staff – I just don't think it is good value to outsource patent application writing for a pre-funding, seed or A round startup.
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Chris Webster is a character in the feature film Downton Abbey.
Chris meets Thomas Barrow in a bar while Thomas is waiting for Richard Ellis to come back from visiting his parents. He invites Thomas to leave with him and Thomas accepts. Thomas tries to tell the bartender where they are going in case Ellis shows up, but Webster tells him instead to not mind. Chris takes Thomas to a secret nightclub for homosexual men and they dance together before the bar is raided by police and everyone is arrested.
Thomas Barrow
Chris meets Thomas and takes him to a secret gay nightclub where they dance together before they are arrested.
- Chris is a nickname for Christopher, so it is likely the character's full name is Christopher Webster. However, this is unconfirmed.


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Motion and Daylight Harvesting: Conserving Energy with Sensors
Sensor-enabled LED controls can save energy and money by using lights only when it is necessary. Sensors like motion-based sensors, daylight sensors, and occupancy sensors help in creating cooler and more productive spaces for residents, employees, etc.
VCNL4035X01 Optical Sensor: Packing Greater Detection Efficiency & Design Flexibility into Gesture Applications
In part two of the Vishay Super 12 series, we discuss the VCNL4035X01 — a fully integrated automotive grade proximity and ambient light sensor with superior gesture recognition capabilities. Get key features, central and proximity functions and more.
Abracon's Precision XOs, TCXOs and OCXOs for Next Generation Networking and Communications Applications
Abracon LLC — a leading supplier of frequency control and magnetic components — offers a complete line of ultra-low jitter solutions that are ideal for applications that require more advanced timing than ever.
Abracon's Portfolio of Power Inductors for High Power Applications
Abracon LLC — a global manufacturer of premium quality frequency control, signal conditioning, clock distribution, and magnetic components — has extended its portfolio of power inductors recommended for high power applications.
Speed Up Your Power Design Process with Broad Portfolio of Power Modules from MPS
Today, MPS has two distinct ranges of power modules — the MPM and the mEZ — that lead the industry in their respective domains. Significant reasons for this lead are the use of proprietary technologies and implementation of high-grade components.
ERP Power's New Programmable Constant Current LED Drivers
ERP Power, leading designer and manufacturer of small, smart and connected LED drivers for indoor and outdoor lighting applications, recently released new programmable constant current LED driver products: the CDB and PDB Series.
Enter to Win an NMB IP69K Rated Cooling Fan from WPG Americas!
WPGA solutions provider NMB Technologies is participating in the conference and we've teamed up with them to giveaway an IP69K rated cooling fan! Winner will also receive a technical consultation to ensure the appropriate fan is selected for their needs.
Abracon MEMS ASTM Series for Microcontrollers and FPGAs
To facilitate the OEMs' effort in developing applications with UP output, such as industrial, cloud computing and networking, Abracon offers ASTUMPC with extremely low RMS of 0.6ps. It also features 625MHz of low-voltage differential signaling.
NMB Technologies Releases Three New Sizes of IP69K Rated Cooling Fans
Three new sizes available! The IP69K rating is the highest proven protection available against closed range, high temperature and high pressure spray downs. No other cooling fan manufacturer can offer products at this rating. Download the datasheet now!
Vishay's Range of Cutting Edge, Smart Load Switches
Vishay's smart load switches provide resistance ranges from 100 mΩ down to 6.5 mΩ. Offered in compact packages, they incorporate advanced features like reverse blocking, output discharge, turn-on slew rate, under voltage lockout, & overcurrent protection.


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Sorry, we have been making some changes to our website and the page you have requested cannot be found. Please use the sitemap or search below for the page you are looking for.
Contact Clarkes of London today for a 'quick quote' and let us help you plan the perfect day trip – so all you have to do is turn up and enjoy the day!


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With Empower Tip #83, we continue looking at Custom Fields and learn how to create a Custom Sample Set Field. A Sample Field is something that identifies a sample and each sample can have its own set of unique identifiers. A Custom Sample Set Field is something that identifies the entire Sample Set. Common Custom Sample Set Fields are method type, column used, and mobile phase used.
Tip #82: How to create a Custom Field in Empower Welcome back to Get Empowered! In the last Empower tip-of-the-week post for Empower CDS Software, we learned about using the Result Audit Viewer to understand the… Read more >
If someone has generated multiple results for a sample, it is important to understand what the differences are between those results. Using the Result Differences table in Empower Software's Result Audit Viewer makes the job much easier. Let's see how it's done!
Empower Software's Result Audit Viewer makes it easier to review the audit trail information associated with a Result Set by bringing this information into one window rather than going to all of the individual audit trail windows. In this tip, we take a tour of the Result Audit Viewer.
Lots of questions about calculating impurities in Empower Software! Here's another answer to a reader who inquired: How do you quantitate impurities against the main component? We're happy to show how…
Whether you're in a QC lab and need to track the amount of active in each batch that ships, doing Method Development and need to track the number of injections you get out of a column, or if you are a process chemist tracking the completion of a reaction, Control Charts is a great visual tool in Empower Software. See how to use it.
72: What is the Acceptance Criteria Limits on the Limits tab in Empower Software's System Suitability Option? What is it and when would it be used?
#71: Learn how Empower CDS calculates Detector Noise and Drift using the System Suitability option.
#69: Learn how Empower Software calculates Peak-to-Peak Noise for USP, EP, and JP Signal-to-Noise calculations.
We begin a multi-part discussion about the System Suitability option in Empower Software, starting with what are Statistical Moments and how are they helpful.


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Royal Oak Holistic Veterinarian Provides Pain Relief
If your pet suffers from chronic pain, or needs help overcoming a debilitating injury or illness, acupuncture from a holistic veterinarian could prove extremely helpful. At Woodside Animal Clinic, our Royal Oak veterinarian Dr. Simon has used this time-tested technique to help limping dogs regain the spring in their step and help sick animals get well quickly.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture works on the idea that the body's normal energy flow, known to the Chinese as chi, can become derailed by physical problems (and vice versa). When needles or other forms of stimulation are applied to specific points on the body called meridians, the energy flow can return to its normal state, allowing the body's circulatory, immune and anti-inflammatory powers to work more efficiently. The Chinese have used acupuncture for at least 5,000 years, developing elaborate, detailed charts of hundreds of meridians.
Over the years it became clear that acupuncture could convey the same benefits to pets — in fact, it was used to treat elephants in India at least 3,000 years ago! Today veterinary science recognizes acupuncture as a sound, useful complementary therapy in support of chiropractic adjustment, massage, cold laser therapy and other modern techniques.
Our Vet Services Include Acupuncture, Electroacupuncture and Aquapuncture
Acupuncture will not hurt your Royal Oak pet. When performing traditional acupuncture, our holistic veterinarian inserts each needle just deeply enough to do good, then twirls the needle back and forth to stimulate the meridian. The stimulation then relieves pain, boosts blood flow or speeds healing within the area of the body influenced by that meridian. We use different combinations of meridians to achieve maximum effectiveness in treating a given set of symptoms.
The effectiveness of traditional acupuncture can often be enhanced with mild electrical stimulation. This technique, called electro-acupuncture, employs a machine running a series of electrical leads to the needles. Our veterinarian inserts the needles at the correct meridians to treat your pet's health condition. Then, a tiny, harmless amount of electrical current passes from the machine through the needles to achieve the appropriate stimulation or sedation.
Some forms of pet acupuncture continue working for an extended period of time. One such form is aquapuncture, in which we insert non-toxic liquid solutions through a syringe into the skin at the desired meridians. The solutions remain in position where they can continue to influence the meridians for days at a time. Some forms even offer permanent effectiveness against certain conditions. For instance, our Royal Oak veterinarian can implant gold beads underneath the skin surface at the meridian points to combat some kinds of epilepsy or the arthritis behind the pain of limping dogs. These beads cause your pet no discomfort while providing lasting relief.
Whatever your pet's particular needs or state of health, our holistic veterinarian can recommend the most effective technique to bring relief and support your beloved family member's overall wellness.
Please call Hartrick Veterinary Clinic for appointments: (248) 549 3399.


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Heart attack inspires marathon effort
Published: 8 December 2016
Unaware that he had experienced a heart attack during the night, West Coast farmer John Michell persevered with the farm chores that weekend. Now one year after undergoing a double bypass operation, John is determined not to let his heart event get the better of him.
Sadly, following the publication of this story, John Michell died from a second heart attack, on 10 June, 2017. We offer our condolences to the Michell family and acknowledge their continued support.
West Coast dairy farmer John Michell is not only grateful to be alive but is thankful to his local community and the Heart Foundation who rallied to support him after he had a heart attack.
In June 2015, John awoke feeling unwell. The farm was flooded and not knowing he had had a heart attack during the night, he persevered with the chores that weekend.
Still feeling unwell on the Monday, he visited a local medical centre and had an ECG and blood tests done before heading home. The next day, his wife Charmaine got a call from the centre advising her that the blood tests showed John had had a heart attack.
"My immediate thought was, 'Oh God this can't be true.'"
She broke the news to John and the pair immediately went to Greymouth Hospital which was an hour's drive away.
John was flown to Christchurch Hospital by air ambulance. He was later transferred to St Georges where he underwent a double bypass operation as two arteries were severely blocked.
Complete Surprise
Charmaine said the heart attack took John and the family completely by surprise. Aged 59, fit and a non-smoker, he had not needed to see a doctor for over 11 years.
"We were devastated by the news and couldn't figure out why it had happened to him because we have always led a pretty active lifestyle," Charmaine said.
"It was particularly hard for the kids because their dad has never been sick in his life."
Giving back
A year later, John decided he wanted to give back to others who have experienced the heartache and challenge of dealing with heart disease.
He, Charmaine and their oldest-of-three sons, Layton, signed up as Heart Racers in the 2016 ASB Auckland Half Marathon to raise funds for the Heart Foundation.
Friends and family immediately rallied behind them.
"Instead of people paying us to buy our animals in spring, we got them to donate the money to the Heart Foundation. Our friends and family supported us and helped us fundraise for the event," Charmaine says.
Leading up to the marathon, the pair were so busy on the farm that training consisted of walking the hills on their 190 hectares of land.
Friend's sudden death
Charmaine said the sudden death of a close family friend – Kevin Crombie - was also another reason why they wanted to support the Heart Foundation.
"He went to golf one day and died from a massive heart attack. It happened just before his 60th birthday. He was a wonderful man and it was just such a shock for everyone. It also made us realise how lucky we were that John survived."
Heart Foundation Support
Charmaine and John say they regularly use the Heart Foundation website as a recovery tool.
"We find their online healthy recipes and heart health advice particularly useful, given that we're in a rural location which is 30kms from Hokitika."
John has also attended a Heart Foundation talk on how to read food labels.
"While the heart attack certainly left us all reeling, we're incredibly grateful to the medical staff at the hospitals, his childhood community, friends and family, and the Heart Foundation for being there to help us during a difficult time."


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Main Content
Saving Historic Properties
Hicks Cemetery
Vermillion County, IN
So, you want to save a building, archaeological site, cemetery, or other historic site in your community?
It takes the work of the local community, using resources at the local, state, and national level to protect these historic pieces.
Local government can be a significant partner in historic preservation activities. Explore and use the tools available in your community to protect historic resources at the local level. Although the federal government is perceived as the having the power to implement preservation-friendly laws, it is actually local government that has the most authority to enact and enforce legislation to protect historic places.
Financial assistance whether in the form of grants or tax credits can help jump start the project with needed money.
Various laws in Indiana help to protect historic sites. Knowing which laws pertains to your project will assist you as you work. Indiana's archaeology laws and cemetery laws help protect these sites, while various state mandates and federal laws will assist with structures.


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Art Whino joins forces with Tagür Footwear once again for their third edition of Inked Souls, an exhibition featuring customized sneakers and fine art by local, national and international leaders in the Pop Surrealism/Urban Contemporary art movement.
Click here for Facebook Event Page / more information
The Inked Souls exhibit will spotlight the art of individual customization. Each invited artist will be given a pair of blank AKA Tagür sneakers to bring to life with their unique style and perspective, which ranges from urban graffiti to traditional oil on canvas, and from abstract to figurative interpretations. Their broad spectrum of chosen technique and adaptation, contrasted with the blank sneaker canvases promises to deliver an exciting look at the different artistic perceptions of these talented artists. As a part of the final exhibition, the artists will also complete a canvas piece to be exhibited above their customized sneakers so that the audience can see how they successfully bridged the gap between 2-D artistry and the third-dimension.
Among the sneakers being exhibited some of them will have an opportunity to become mass produced by Tagür which will be carried Nationwide in the Finishline retailers and Foot Action stores. Many household name celebrities wear Tagür and support the brand. The more support Tagür receives from consumers through purchased products, the more we can support the arts.
Saturday, Dec 18th, from 8pm – Midnight
Art Whino Gallery
122 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD 20745
Down the block next to Elevation Burger
Musical Performances by Tabi Bonney and Phil Ade
The event is FREE and open to the public.
Exhibit end date: January 21st


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A consideration of human remains on display
The city of Chester is without a doubt one of Britain's foremost tourist destinations, boasting a large number of attractions in the city itself and also in the outlying areas. During the summer months voices from Japan, France, the United States and innumerable other countries can be heard throughout it's streets. Many of these can be seen in the company of tour guides dressed as legionaries in their familiar red tunics, shining armour and huge red shields emblazoned with Jupiter's thunderbolts.
Chester has a rich history which can boast amongst things one of Britain's foremost silver centres during the 18th century, a civil war siege, the base of Edward I for the invasion of Wales, Strongbow's base for the invasion of Ireland and being attacked by Vikings. But the most famous aspect of Chester's rich history, and the major reason for the horde of tourists (as opposed to hordes of those Vikings) is undoubtedly the predecessors of those modern day legionaries.
Chester as a city has it's roots in AD60/61, the period of the sacking of Ynys Mon (modern day Anglesey) and the Boudiccan uprising. It's first recognisable status comes as a marching camp for the forces of Suetonius Paulinus on his way to annihilate the Druidic centre of Mona. It was founded as a fort in AD79 and named 'Deva Victrix', or more simply just 'Deva', after the goddess of the river Dee that flows through the city. 'Victrix' is thought by some to refer to 'Legio XX – Valeria Victrix', the valiant and victorius twentieth legion who accompanied Paulinus in North Wales during the AD60 campaign and supposedly received the appellation after their famous defeat of Boudicca and were stationed in the city for much of the Roman period.
Still to be seen in the city are icons of this period, some of the most famous Roman remains in Britain. The largest amphitheatre in Britannia, the only existing continuous circuit of Roman wall, a street plan that follows the Roman fort, a unique in-situ shrine to the goddess Minerva. Many other in-situ artefacts can be found in shops through the centre of the town. For the history loving tourist they would be advised to find their way to the Grosvenor Museum, which whilst housing a nationally important collection of the aforementioned Chester silver, also houses a large amount of the Roman finds from the city. Here, in the 'Newstead' gallery, at the end of the displays in a large well lit case with copious explanatory notes and diagrams can be found the skeleton of a male, the so-called 'boy in the well' and the focus of consideration for this article.
The significant Imperial role that Chester played during the Roman period helps us to understand the context of the finding of this person. During the 1976 excavations in the Castle street area of the city, about half way between the South gate of the city and the river, the remains of buildings were discovered, remains that were subsequently identified as a 'mansio'. These were highly important buildings within the structure of the empire, and could be considered to be something of a governmental 'travelodge' or 'motel'. Placed approximately 15miles apart along the roads, these were for essentially hotels provided for the service of officials of the empire, and as such would have been well equipped for important customers. At a large fortress such as Chester, it is safe to assume that many very important officials would have utilised its services and as such the facilities of the mansio would have been of a suitably high standard. This would have included sleeping facilities, dining areas, baths, and stables. Undoubtedly this establishment, as did so much of the Roman Imperial machines, would have relied on the labour of slaves to ensure it's smooth operation.
The Deva (Chester) mansio was in use from the late 1st century to the 4th century, which corresponds to the legionary occupation of the city from it's beginning in 79AD through to the leaving of the city in approx 380AD. The mansio can be identified to have had a number of clearly defined stages to it's existence. The initial build, as was common in the period, was of timber which would be replaced by stone. However in this case the second stage was something of a 'false start' and it was not until the end of the second century that the building was replaced in stone. However, in the later part of the third century the building was gutted by fire.
During the period of use there were two wells present on the site. Well one remained in use until the demolishing of the mansio in the fourth century, whereas well two had been filled with debris after the fire third century fire.
Ominously, at the bottom of well two below the third century debris, the skeleton of a young man was discovered.
He was aged between eighteen and twenty three, was of average height and is essentially unremarkable apart from having a broken leg, which had been very badly set some time before he died. The effect of this very poor piece of bone-setting was that the individual would have most likely been in constant pain, and walked with a severe limp.
As those who have an interest in the ancient dead, the 'boy in the well' raises a number of questions that must be considered if we are indeed to be 'honouring. them. I can offer no conclusions to these questions, indeed they are nowhere near comprehensive, they are merely a place which we could begin when considering our interests in the display of such remains.
How did he die?
The skeleton was found within the apparent context of the fire, suggesting a strong possibility he died in the fire. As there is no charring evident, perhaps he died from smoke inhalation damaging only the soft tissues which are now long gone. Unless skeletons such as this show bone damage through trauma or signs of disease, we cannot know.
Why was he in the well?
Indeed this is a problematic issue. Is it possible he fell into the well in the chaos of the inferno? Perhaps he tried to hide from the heat in the well because his escape was blocked, and the rubble fell on him? This is unlikely as there seems to be no crushing injuries to the skeleton that one would associate with such an event. On a much more ominous level, is it possible his body was placed in the well post mortem? But why would this happen? Is he the victim of murder and the filled in well served as a useful place to hide the evidence? Or is it that he was of such little value he did not warrant a distinct service and the filling in of the well after the fire was used as a convenient method of disposal?
What was his status?
Of course, if he was of little value this may suggest he was a low-grade slave. Undoubtedly slaves would have been used at an official Imperial establishment such as the mansio. Was the poorly treated leg evidence of the lack of worth of the boy? But slaves were valuable property, Roman society depended on them to function. In the mansio, no doubt with access to the best doctors for it's Imperial visitors, would it not have been prudent to treat it's investments as efficiently as possible. Or perhaps the break was from a time before he had access to skilled physicians, suggesting he arrived at the mansio from somewhere else in Britain or the Empire. In light of more advanced investigation, we shall never know his origins.
What was his religion?
There is something of a misconception amongst the average person that Christianity arrived in Britain with St. Augustine's conversion of the Anglo-Saxons in the early years of the seventh century. But All through the third century, the time of the boy's death, Christianity had been severely persecuted throughout the Roman Empire and in Britain. Is it possible that in this Imperial establishment, a boy who was found to be Christian was killed, perhaps strangled and dumped in the well out of contempt? We shall never know.
For those of us who take an interest in the remains of such individuals we cannot assume that simply because they come from a particular time period they are pagan. If we assume, we can make mistakes that do as great a dishonour to his memory as some perceive the display of such remains to be. As a re-constructionsit, a deep understanding of our history and ancestors is essential to my modern spiritual practice, and through scientific examination such individuals can reveal a wealth of information previously lost to us. As 'experimental archaeology', otherwise known as living history and re-enactment can provide great insight for the academic archaeologist, so can spiritual practice be enlightened also. Whilst the long barrows of the United Kingdom were depositories of the bones of the honoured dead, does such display of bones essentially resurrect a tradition originating in the 4th millennium BC?
The greatest question that we can ask about the display of human remains is 'Is there a reason for it?'. In many cases, the answer is a firm 'no'. But as an example, here in the case of the boy in the well it is possible to look further, to consider that by displaying this nameless, historyless individual in a relatively neutral and understated manner he essentially becomes honoured in death as he was not apparently honoured in life. At root, this is a moral judgement. We must remember that these 'human artifacts' who reside in display cases and storage rooms of museums around Britain were, still are, people. That had families, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, hopes, dreams, ambitions, worries and all the emotional baggage we ourselves carry day to day. They were us, they are people and they deserve respect as such and not to be treated as mere laboratory subjects.
Is there a compromise, a place where science and spirituality can meet? I believe so, for in this place we can both learn.
Little Raven
September 2007


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Latest polls push back against conventional wisdom
At this point in the presidential race, the significance of national polling gets a little murky. As things stand, 32 states have already held Republican nominating contests, and if the point of polling is to offer a guide as to who's likely to do well in upcoming primaries and caucuses, a national survey offers little predictive value – because most of the country has already voted.
But there are other reasons to take note of national polls. Take the new Fox News poll, for example, which asked Republican voters for their presidential preferences:
1. Donald Trump: 45% (up from 41% in a Fox poll in mid-March)
2. Ted Cruz: 27% (down from 38%)
3. John Kasich: 25% (up from 17%)
A CBS News poll released yesterday pointed to similar results.
Granted, because it's a national poll, this doesn't tell us a whole lot about who's likely to win the next round of primaries in the GOP race. For those contests, it's best to look at state-by-state polling.
But let's not be too quick to dismiss polls like these. In recent weeks, the conventional wisdom has said Trump's entire national operation has stalled at the worst possible time: he lost Wisconsin; his campaign manager briefly faced a criminal charge; his campaign team has run into behind-the-scenes turmoil; he's struggled through some high-profile interviews; he's feuded with his own party's national leaders; and he's been badly out-hustled at state conventions where convention delegates are chosen.
Given all of these developments, much of the political world has started to conclude that Trump's shooting star is finally burning out. Assumptions about his inevitable nomination have morphed into new assumptions about his inevitable failure.
It's against this backdrop that Trump's national support among Republican voters has gone up, not down, reaching heights unseen all year. Indeed, it's not just the Fox poll: national polling averages show Trump's support climbing, even as headlines paint a bleak picture.
Again, to get a sense of Trump's chances in upcoming primaries, take a look at the surveys from those individual states. But the broader trajectory of Republican voters' attitudes matters, too, and right now, despite all of the New York developer's many problems, GOP voters have not yet begun to move away from the current frontrunner. They appear to be doing the opposite.