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It is with huge sadness that I have to report the death of Anne Harrow, partner of Les Blows and extremely enthusiastic South Downs Folk Singer.
The Worthing Herald, 1st May, carries the announcement of Anne's peaceful passing in St. Barnabas House on 24th April, aged 54. Sadly missed by family, friends and all those whose lives she touched. The world has lost a wonderful woman, amazing musician and teacher extraordinaire. The service for Anne will be at 3.40pm on Monday, 12th May, at Worthing Crematorium. Family flowers only. Donations to St. Barnabas House, c/o Ian Hart Funeral Service Limited, 92-94 Broadwater Road, Worthing, BN14 9DE.
There will be a reception at the Findon Manor Hotel afterwards: all South Downs Folk Singers will be very welcome at both the funeral service and the reception - there will be singing! There is no specific dress code.
Adrian F
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
Anne Harrow
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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As part of its Strategic Plan, Penn State continually strives to drive digital innovation in higher education. The University's partnership with Adobe provides students and faculty access to some of the most powerful digital services and resources available, which makes innovation remarkably achievable.
Starting in January 2019, Penn State instructors will have access to dozens of free Adobe Collaborative Courses that are taught "by educators for educators."
"Incorporating digital media into coursework is an excellent way to develop students' skills that will prove beneficial in their professional lives," said Kyle Bowen, director of innovation with Penn State's Teaching and Learning with Technology. "These Collaborative Courses from Adobe cover a broad range of faculty needs, whether instructors are just starting with digital media or have years of experience."
The courses are open for enrollment now with the earliest offerings beginning on Jan. 21, and will cover products ranging from Photoshop to After Effects and many in between. The time commitment for each course will vary based on the skill level it is tailored to and the product it covers. Enrollees can expect to commit between two to 25 hours of instruction depending on their needs.
Upon successful completion of each course, successful "graduates" will receive an accredited professional development certificate from Adobe and a digital badge.
Interested Penn State faculty and staff members can visit Adobe's Collaborative Courses hub for more details.

subset: commoncrawl


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About The Game :Top10NewGames - Top10 Find The Candle is another point and click escape game developed by Top 10 New Games. Assume that you are trapped in the find the candle and you try to find the candle by using objects, keys, hints and by solving puzzles. Can you Escape? We hope you will escape from there. Good luck and have fun!
Escape Games | New Escape Games | Point And Click Games | Free Online Games | Room Escape Games | Outdoor Escape | Top10newgames Jan 16,2020 11:30:53 AM


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The Federal Ministry of Health has notified the general public of fake malaria drugs in the Nigerian market.
In a statement by the Ministry it said for this, the Federal Government has stepped up vigilanc within the drug supply chains in the country on the circulation of the two confirmed falsified versions of Quinine Sulphate.
It said the Ministry received a medical alert that the two falsified drugs contain zero active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The statement by Mrs Boade Akinola, Director, Media and Public Relations of the Ministry, on Saturday, said the drugs were circulating in West and Central Africa.
Akinola said the two version of the drug were circulating in Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo.
She advised Nigerians to be vigilant and report to the nearest National Agency for Food and Drug Administration office anywhere the drugs were spotted including hospitals and pharmaceutical shops.
She said the Quinine Sulphate was used in the treatment of malaria.
According to her, the implication of using the falsified one is that it will not be effective and may also lead to other health challenges.
She said one of the fake products was named Quinine Sulfate 300 mg with 1000 Tablets per container, Batch Number 10H05, expiry date 09/2018 and it manufactured 09/2014.
Akinola added that the drug manufactured by Novadina Pharmaceutical Limited, London, United Kingdom was first discovered in Cameroon.
The Director said the other version of the fake drug was Quinine Sulphate 300mg with 100 Tablets per container; batch F4387, expiry date 11/18 and its date of manufacture is 12/14.
She explained that the product was manufactured in India by CAD Pharm, and it was discovered in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Look Out for Fake Quinine Sulphate, Health Ministry Tells Nigerians
The Federal Ministry of Health has notified the general public of fake malaria drugs in the Nigerian market.


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My most recent writing samples can be found at:
- Kids and Patients Come Together at Runnymede
- Medication Review Program Keeps Patients Safe
- Lead Editor for Winter 2016 and Spring 2016 issues of The Reporter
- Unique Accomplishment by Translation Student
- HeyReceiver.com, a group blog dedicated to communications. My posts are all gathered here.
Additional writing samples
"Social media platforms, including the two most popular sites Twitter and Facebook, have been increasingly used as an important venue for different types of organizations to promote their work and connect with communities. For [Company A], social media participation presents an opportunity to increase your profile with current and future clients, increase awareness surrounding your work, reach out further to the communities you are working with, and engage with users with similar interests, goals and projects. One of [Company A]'s most important achievements and ongoing goals is the development of "open source tools for change" and social media is one of the best mediums to live up to this part of your mandate.
After extensive consultation with the [Company A] team, it appears that there is enough interest in using social media as a tool to promote the organization as a whole as well as the work that you are doing. While there is an understandable hesitation on some levels, this recommendation does come with guidelines for social media use."
This excerpt is from a social media plan created in 2012 for a social justice organization in Toronto. Read the full plan here: Social Media Plan
"The first time I remember thinking critically about pornography, I was 15. It was the early 1990s, and my friend and I were going through a stack of discarded magazines, undertaking the well-loved teenage art of collage. Between the Cosmos and National Geographics was this out-of-place porno, just stuck in there. We made awkward jokes while flipping through it, and found a fake advertisement for "Gash Jeans," which depicted a naked woman bent over with her pants around her ankles. We added it to our collage, and next to it scrawled our own teenage thoughts about porn and sexism.
I'd seen porn before, having snooped through friends' parents' stashes or the collections kept by families I babysat for. But this was the first porn I remember laying eyes on after learning about feminism. Inspired by the punk-feminist Riot Grrrl movement of the early '90s, I took books out of the library by feminist thinkers such as Andrea Dworkin, Catherine McKinnon and Robin Morgan, whose statement that "pornography is the theory, rape is the practice," summed up the attitude of many feminists of the previous generation."
From "The New Face of Porn", originally appeared in This Magazine. Read the full article here.


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New journal comics over at These Sweet Memories
So, the last update here on MyLifeComics was a comic about getting married in two months. And here's an update to that, some
two three months later. I got married! Look, here's proof:
Anyways, I never got to announce the true end of MyLifeComics, but yeah…it's over.Sorry, kids. I'm rebranding my journal comics over at These Sweet Memories. If you were a fan of what I did here, please continue to follow the adventures of my sometimes boring, sometimes not-so-boring life over there. And tell everybody you know; it's hard starting out fresh all over again. Link, link, link is as follows:
Paul, out!


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Increasing your home's energy efficiency by weatherizing windows or upgrading to a new furnace can result in lower utility bills. But isn't your comfort level also worth consideration? Graduate students in Randy Bluffstone's Cost-Benefit Analysis class work with companies and organizations in the energy sector, especially the Energy Trust of Oregon, to try to quantify subjective values, like comfort.
"Energy Trust had a lot of analytical questions," says economics professor Bluffstone, "but didn't have the bandwidth to deal with them." His students formed four groups to tackle problems like the psychological barriers that keep power customers from investing in efficiency, what kind of neighborhoods adopt efficiency measures most readily, what non-energy benefits efficiency can bring, and how much customers value comfort in their homes.
The students collaborated with Energy Trust employees, such as Matt Bramin, a planning manager who earned his master's in economics from PSU in 2006. "We had the class digging into some pretty big issues directly relevant to where the state of Oregon is going with efficiency initiatives," Bramin says. The results particularly helped the Energy Trust's marketing program, he adds, helping determine how to reach out to customers who might consider efficiency projects through incentives and social media.
The result is that a number of PSU graduates have been hired by Energy Trust and by private sector companies in the energy industry. "From the workforce development perspective," Bramin says, "it's been a huge resource for us."


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According to Facebook, some people spent their Spring Breaks soaking up sun on a sandy beach. I spent it schlepping across New York City with a group of UNCG historic preservation students, soaking up knowledge, and I couldn't be happier about it. The New York trip came on the heels of an inspiring and incredibly educational visit to Washington, D.C., for the annual Preservation Advocacy Week, sponsored by D.C.-based Preservation Action. [Side note: Speaking of heels, among the valuable lessons I learned was that wearing high-heeled shoes in either city is not of the faint of heart.] Squished in between the two, I got to meet Wendy Hillis of Preservation Durham, the advocacy group in a city that is a poster child for how preservation inspires positive change.
Why, yes, I am exhausted. But also incredibly inspired.
This is really the first chance I've had to process any of these experiences, and while I really should be reading about the New Deal for my U.S. History class, I want to take a bit of time to reflect on some of the things I've been able to do and learn, interspersed with some interesting preservation news from around the country. I've narrowed it down to five themes, which I have split into separate posts for the sake of time (yours and mine both). The first one follows.
1. My Jane Jacobs experience.
Perhaps my biggest preservation-nerd moment in New York was in Greenwich Village on a post-dinner stroll back to the subway. Somehow I was the navigator of the group, which I attribute to my iPhone skills more than my sense of direction (which is pretty much non-existent, to the constant frustration of my husband), and I glanced to the street sign to make sure that we were on the right path. We were, but even more exciting was that we were walking down Jane Jacobs Way (a.k.a., Hudson Street). I know, a preservation cliché if there ever was one. Whatever. I'm not ashamed to admit that I get all swoony when someone invokes Jacobs' name, not to mention when I can invoke her name, in conversation (yes, that happened and yes I was quite pleased with myself).
I first read Jacobs' book Death and Life of Great American Cities last semester (thanks, Autumn), and was, like so many others, blown away by her observations. Even more stunning to me was that she wrote it fifty years ago. And yet, cities still continue to make the same mistakes over and over again as they try to force inadequate solutions onto neighborhoods. More recent philosophies like New Urbanism have taken many of Jacobs' lessons to heart, but ultimately their creations turn out bland, inauthentic, and unnatural. But as many have noted, historic neighborhoods naturally have all of the qualities valued by New Urbanists and their ilk, and, more importantly, have what new, contrived communities lack: soul. Donovan Rypkema has lots of great quotes about why "old urbanism" is more effective than "new urbanism" (one thing I've learned is that if I ever need a preservation pick-me-up, Rypkema is generally a good source of inspiration), like in this 2007 keynote address where he responded to a list of principles (mixed use, open space, pedestrian friendly, etc.) heralded by advocates of New Community Design:
Great list. But you know what? We don't need new community design to rescue us. That list of principles is exactly what our historic neighborhoods are providing right now. We just need to make sure they are protected.
I agree that good urban design is a part of "Quality of Life". But ultimately quality of life will be determined by five senses: the sense of place, the sense of evolution, the sense of ownership, the sense of identity and the sense of community itself
This concept is nothing new for preservationists, but Jacobs' ideas have been getting some press recently (appropriate since March is Women's History Month and Jacobs is recognized as one of the field's most prominent and passionate female activists). A recent article in The Atlantic Cities highlighted a new study being published in the upcoming issue of the journal Urban Studies that addresses Jacobs' theory that "healthy neighborhoods must 'mingle buildings that vary in age and condition, including a good proportion of old ones.'" Eric Jaffe writes that Duke sociologist Katherine King sought empirical evidence that Jacobs ideas about "gradual (as opposed to grand) redevelopment carries a number of possible social implications—a chief one being that it should promote stronger community relationships." Using Chicago neighborhoods as a case study, King established four metrics to measure social ties and "age diversity" of buildings. Her findings revealed that, lo and behold, Jacobs was onto something! She concluded:
Empirical results show significant links between housing age diversity (historical development pace) and four measures of neighbourly social relations, even when controlling for other neighbourhood housing features, social composition and individual sociodemographics. It may be that gradual redevelopment preserves community ties, which may take decades to form and which new residents may 'inherit' from previous neighbours.
Someone probably needs to send this article to the New York City Housing Authority, because apparently they haven't been paying attention. On a Tenement Museum tour of the Lower East Side (If you haven't been there yet, go now! No really! Now! It's amazing!), our tour guide Matt told us that the city was hatching a plan to capitalize on the neighborhood's rising real estate value. You can read more about it here, but basically, the city is going to lease land adjacent to housing projects (ironically the vacant lots were meant for more projects that were never completed) to developers who will build high-rise apartment buildings with mostly "market-rate" (i.e., high-end, unregulated) apartments with some token "affordable housing" thrown in.
In theory, mixed-income housing creates less social isolation and provides opportunities for public housing residents to break out of the poverty cycle. And in cases where this kind of mixed-income residences occurs organically, it would be effective. But in cases like this, when the NYCHA imposes it from above, it creates resentment and discord and threatens to displace long-time residents from their home. Granted, this isn't a preservation issue, per se, but it speaks to the larger point that Jacobs was trying to make. This new NYCHA plan is the same kind of grand scheme that she fought against fifty years ago; she argued that they didn't work then (and King's research has now verified her claim), and it's unlikely they will work today. The Lower East Side is such a vibrant, diverse, amazing place with an incredibly rich history. This new plan threatens all of that.
So, as I strolled along Jane Jacobs Way in her beloved Village, I felt a little discouraged. If nothing has changed in all these years, will it ever? But in the end, I found encouragement in the memory of the woman who went up against some of the most powerful men in New York City and, against all odds, won.


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This is a Ruby wrapper around the Lateral Conceptual text-matching API. At the moment it only supports /add, /recommend-by-text, /recommend-by-id and our pre-populated recommenders. You can find the full API reference here.
Add this line to your application's Gemfile:
gem 'lateral_recommender'
And then execute:
$ bundle install
Get an API key
An API key is required in order to use our API. To do this go to our docs page and click the 'Get Access' button in the top right. Choose the 'Conceptual text-matcher' API and you'll get emailed details of how to get your key.
Use the API
LateralRecommender with your API key by running:
api = LateralRecommender::API.new YOUR_API_KEY
Add a document
To add a document to the API call:
api.add document_id: 'document_id', text: 'document text'
Please be aware that if you don't send enough meaningful text the API will return an error. So please ensure there is at least 100 or so words in the document you're adding.
Recommend by text
To get recommendations for some text, use
api.recommend_by_text 'document text'
Recommend by ID
To get recommendations for a document that's in the API, use
api.recommend_by_id 'document_id'
This returns an array of Hashes containing a
document_id and
Pre-populated recommenders
If you don't want to insert your own documents to the API, you can query one of our pre-populated recommenders:
- arXiv - 1M+ academic papers in Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science (updated daily)
- News - 250,000+ curated news articles (updated every 15mins)
- PubMed - 20M+ medical journals (from June 2014)
- SEC Data - 6,000+ yearly financial reports / 10-K filings (from 2014)
- Wikipedia - 463,000 Wikipedia pages (which had 20+ page views in 2013)
To use one of these, initialize
LateralRecommender with a second argument containing the corpus:
api = LateralRecommender::API.new YOUR_API_KEY, 'news'
The available values are
sec or
wikipedia. These allow you to query the recommender using
recommend_by_text or
recommend_by_id without the need for adding your own documents. By text:
api.recommend_by_text 'document text'
Or with a document ID:
api.recommend_by_id 'arxiv-http://arxiv.org/abs/1403.2165'
Note: For the SEC data, you need to set a collections array:
api.recommend_by_text 'document text', collections: '["item1a"]'
Read the Pre-populated-recommenders documentation for more.
- Fork it ( https://github.com/lateral/recommender-gem/fork )
- Create
spec/env_vars.rbfile containing
- Create your feature branch (
git checkout -b my-new-feature)
- Commit your changes (
git commit -am 'Add some feature')
- Push to the branch (
git push origin my-new-feature)
- Create a new Pull Request
To test the gem, run
bundle exec rspec. Note: your API key must be un-used.


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Class-A CDL Truck Driver, Local – (Casa Grande, AZ )
Description?Do you have a Class-A CDL with Hazmat endorsement? Do you have a good driving record? Do you have warehouse experience? Do you have a positive outlook and excellent communication skills? If so, we want to hear from YOU!For nearly a century, Wilbur-Ellis has experienced success and growth in marketing and distributing agricultural products and services. Join us and grow your career with a strong and profitable industry leader offering competitive compensation, tremendous growth and development opportunities, and a people-first work environment. Come grow with us!?General Purpose and Scope of Position:Wilbur-Ellis is seeking an independent, experienced, and career-minded Commercial Driver to be part of a close, efficient team that delivers goods and services to a diverse customer base using a company delivery truck. This position is also responsible for Warehouse responsibilities and maintaining relationships with customers. We are looking for someone who can drive a forklift and assist as necessary. A positive attitude and willingness to grow and build relationships with team members and customers is expected.?Key Personal Attributes Include:Ability to contribute to a team approach by being versatile, flexible, and having a positive outlook in your interactions with co-workers and customers ? can effectively multi-taskAbility to work independentlyPresent a professional image to our customer through personal appearance and overall branch cleanlinessDay to day duties fluctuate constantly and this individual must be flexible and open to change.?Key Skills and Abilities Include:High School Diploma or equivalentValid driver?s license with Class-A CDL and HAZMAT endorsementForklift Driving Certification (offered on the job, if necessary)Knowledge and/or experience with agricultural operations (preferred)Ability to operate material handling equipment including forklift, order picker, pallet jack and other equipment as requiredAbility to repetitively bend and lift boxes and bags up to 80 poundsWilling to work extended hours during peak seasonStrong computer skills, mechanical skills, and general knowledge of the area are a plus!?Specific Responsibilities and Key Deliverables Include:Respond to inquiries in a timely, accurate, and appropriate mannerPerform all warehouse inspections.Perform daily and monthly inventory countsHelp maintain branch cleanlinessMaintain mileage and fuel logs on all vehiclesPerform vehicle safety inspectionsMeet and complete all WECO regulatory safety requirementsAttend product training sessions and meetings when necessaryNotify Supervisor or Branch Manager immediately if product spillsKeep current on company trainingAll other duties as assigned?Compensation and Benefits:Competitive hourly wage (to be determined based on experience and other factors)Comprehensive employee benefits?Job Code:?CLASS03398Apply for this job.


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What is the central idea of your concentration?
It is not uncommon to dream of another reality. Whether it is out of curiosity or dissatisfaction with their current life, people wonder what their world may have looked like if they had adopted a different career, hobby, or even another personality. My concentration portrays my friends and family as how they imagine their lives would be in an alternate dimension. In each piece, I used deeply saturated hues and soft backgrounds to represent the warm and perfect feeling of a daydream.
How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea?
In every piece, I incorporated a detail that symbolizes the true personality of the subject to contrast with their fantasy persona. I wanted to include a part of their true self to show that no matter how wonderful something may be in your imagination, there is no replacement for reality. For example, in 1, my cousin appears to be the chef in a fancy restaurant, but the background reveals he is only cooking at home. In 2, my brother is shown as a spy jumping out of a window, but his weapon is actually a toy gun with an orange tip. 3 is a self-portrait that shows my desire to be strong, but the lollipops reveal that I am as weak as a child. My cousin in 4 dreams to have Herculean strength as he works out with a modern dumbbell. My friend in 5 shows her desire to be a queen, but her true quirky self is represented by the candy ring on her finger. My mother is a planetary ruler in 6, but her wedding band reveals that she wouldn't leave her family for the world. 7, 8, and 9 show a teacher, a dentist, and a pharmacist, respectively, who all imagine a different career. 10 shows a shy friend as a great speaker using toy microphones. 11 shows a friend who was born in the wrong era, but she uses a modern day cell phone. 12 shows a friend who is a great guitarist, but her audience is the chickens she raises.
Copyright © 2020 | MH Purity lite WordPress Theme by MH Themes


text: Home / Designer Wallpaper / Wallpaper by Designer / Thibaut Wallpaper / Thibaut Grasscloth Resource 4 / Thibaut Shang Extra Fine Sisal Wallpaper in Wedgewood Blue Thibaut Shang Extra Fine Sisal Wallpaper in Wedgewood Blue £180.00 £0.00 Stock Status: In Stock Choose paper or sample: Sample. (Free). Roll QTY Add to your Wish List Information Thibault Shang Extra Fine Sisal Wallpaper. Collection: Grasscloth Resource 4. Construction: Extra fine sisal. Width: 91.44 cm (36.00") Repeat: Vertical: Nil. Match: Random. Unpasted. Pretrimmed. Packaged, priced and sold in rolls. Area: 6.69 sq m (72.00 sq ft) Length: 7.32 m (8.00 yd) Delivery usually 10-14 days. Reviews Not yet reviewed Write an online review and share your thoughts with other shoppers! Be the first to review this product Stock Status: In Stock Related Products Thibault Shang Extra Fine Sisal Wallpaper in Blueberry £180.00 Thibaut Wicker Weave Wallpaper in Blue £192.00


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New York may soon be joining five other states in trying to develop offshore wind farms in the waters along the Eastern Seaboard.
The U.S. Department of Interior yesterday said it would propose a lease sale of 81,130 acres about 11 miles south of Long Island as part of the Obama administration's efforts to exploit coastal waters as a clean-energy resource.
By the end of the year, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management hopes to hold a final sale for lease of the acreage, which could lead to the development of at least 700 megawatts of wind capacity — enough to power approximately 245,000 homes.
Unlike Europe, where many offshore wind farms are operating, the United States produces no electricity from wind turbines located on the outer continental shelf, although a wind farm is scheduled to be operational off Block Island in Rhode Island by the end of the year.
The Obama administration has 11 commercial offshore wind leases, including two off coastal waters of New Jersey, as part of an ambitious effort to develop 20,000 megawatts of new wind capacity by 2020. Besides New Jersey, leases have been sold off Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Virginia.
The push to develop offshore wind has emerged as a competition among the states who are vying to attract the manufacturing and support sectors that would help build a thriving green economy in the region.
New Jersey had hoped to build at least 1,100 megawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2020, but will never achieve that target. At a meeting in Trenton last month to outline plans for the state, developers and federal officials said it is unlikely any wind farms will be operating off the coast until 2023 at the earliest.
Still, offshore wind remains pivotal in plans by states to aggressively ramp up their reliance on renewable energy to displace conventional ways of generating electricity from fossil fuels. New York, for instance, wants to produce half of its electricity from renewables by 2030.
Abigail Ross Hopper, director of BOEM, noted the ambitious goal set by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in announcing the proposed lease sale.
"New York is really a unique opportunity,'' Hopper said during a press call making the announcement. "Creating a market for this technology is really critical to making it happen.''
With its dense population and high electricity rates, as well as abundant offshore wind resources, New York is an especially lucrative market for wind developers. Seven developers have qualified to participate in a lease auction, officials said.
Clean-energy advocates in New Jersey welcomed the announcement of the prospective lease sale.
"It's important because Long Island needs electricity. The only way to get it is to build a new power plant or to put a power line from New Jersey to Long Island,'' said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.
Others, however, said New York could become another jurisdiction to jump ahead of New Jersey in the race to build offshore wind farms. "New York is leapfrogging ahead of New Jersey,'' said Doug O'Malley, director of Environment New Jersey.
The Christie administration originally backed the idea of offshore wind in New Jersey, but has not pursued the goal aggressively because of concerns about the cost to consumers and businesses.


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Summary and Keywords
Over the past 30 years, a growing field of scholarship has explored the relationship between education and the media. Scholars within this field have explored representations of education, schooling, teachers' work and students in print and other news media, utilizing approaches that include critical discourse analysis, news framing analysis and, more recently, corpus-assisted discourse analysis. The relationship between these representations, public understandings of education and education policy has also been explored in the research literature, with a focus on the complex interplay between media discourses and public policy around education. The emergence of social media and the engagement of both educators and members of the general public on social media around issues related to education has seen this relationship shift in the first two decades of the 21st century. This, along with the growth of computer-assisted research approaches (including corpus-assisted analysis and network analysis, for example) has brought new theoretical and methodological possibilities to bear on the field.
Keywords: print media, media logic, media framing analysis, mediatization, media representations of education
Access to the complete content on Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education requires a subscription or purchase. Public users are able to search the site and view the abstracts and keywords for each book and chapter without a subscription.
Please subscribe or login to access full text content.
If you have purchased a print title that contains an access token, please see the token for information about how to register your code.
For questions on access or troubleshooting, please check our FAQs, and if you can''t find the answer there, please contact us.


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Apples with altered genes were approved by the USDA for sale in the United States. The department's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service stated that the decision was due to the fact that the fruit will most likely not be a risk to other vegetation in the form of fungi, bacteria or other dangers. The fruit will be sold by Okanagan Specialty Fruits based in Canada, under the names Artic Golden and Artic Granny.
Neal Carter, the founder and president of the company said that it had taken almost five years to get the approval. He further stated that it was a great day for the company and that they were very excited about the approval. It is going to take time to raise the first crop and the majority of that crop will be used for test marketing and product- development research, he said. The public should find them for sale in stores by 2017 in large numbers.
The two varieties of apples with altered genes approved by USDA are Artic Granny Smith apples which are basically Granny Smith apples that do not turn brown as fast when cut or bruised, and the Artic Golden apples which are Golden Delicious apples that have that same feature. The reason the fruit resists turning brown is because, there has been a reduction of a single enzyme, but Carter said that nutritionally, the fruit is comparable to normal apples.
USDA documents report that, after a while the apples do begin to turn brown, but they produce less of the enzyme that makes them become darker. The USDA said that they keep their color, when they are bruised or sliced. The developer of the fruit, Okanagan Specialty Fruits, thinks they will be well received by food service companies and the public because apples that are non-browning will make them more desirable when sliced.
But some executives working in the industry voiced their concerns that the approval of genetically altered apples that are safe to consume, may not be well received by the public. According to the executives, this opposition may stain the healthy image of the apple. They are worried that apple exports to nations that do not embrace genetically altered food could be negatively affected.
One of those opposed to the genetically modified fruit is John Rice, co-owner of Rice Fruit Company, located in Gardners, Pa. He believes that there is no room in the marketplace for genetically altered apples at this point in time.
The USDA, which approved the commercial use of the new fruit Friday, stated that it had taken these issues into consideration. But according to the law, the approval was determined by whether or not genetically altered was a threat to other plants.Their determination was, there was no threat.
Friday, documents published by the USDA suggest the decision to approve apples with altered genes was basically made in May. Carter said he believed that political influences had prevented the approval announcement. He said his company, which had originally asked for approval in 2010, eventually became so exasperated that it sent a piercing letter last month to Tom Vilsack, the Secretary of Agriculture. The apple will become part of the short list of genetically modified produce, including some sweet corn and papaya. The majority of genetically altered food eaten in America is processed, containing components made from engineered soybeans or corn.
By Gerald Sowell
Photo By Richard North – Flickr License


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Wait a minute - so am I saying that CE is not about teaching movement to people with motor disorders? Yes - sort of. In traditional CE people with motor disorders come to learn to move better and on the surface the obvious skills and strategies being learned are motoric. And yes, I certainly spend the bulk of my time working through movement and teaching movement strategies and skills, though I do not limit myself to working only with people with motor disorders.
However, teaching movement is only the obvious 'on the surface' part of what CE is, of what I do. Below the motoric exterior, psycho-social change - conductive magic - is happening, not accidentally, not as a side bonus, but as part of my what I am purposefully trying to do, as part of what conduction is. The movement and the magic are intricately tangled and inseparable. It doesn't feel like CE unless that conductive magic is there too - those changes that happen under the surface when somebody starts to have hope, have confidence, to connect, to think differently, to believe in themselves, to problem solve, to be positive, to be willing to try. Those changes don't always happen, even when somebody successfully achieves a movement related goal. And -- perhaps more tellingly -- those changes sometimes occur even when somebody does not achieve their movement related goal, and these changes may in fact actually be pre-requisites for that person's success.
When that conductive magic is there, regardless of the person's diagnosis or lack thereof, it feels like 'we are doing CE'. Let's push the boundaries shall we -- here are some examples.
Of all my clients, LE is the one that I feel most conductive with. LE is 46, rather autistic and rather prone to anxiety. His mind imprints memories and experiences differently to how yours or mine does. This makes it really difficult for him to un-learn or un-associate experiences that leave a mark, particularly negative experiences such as a recent fall on a slippery surface. He also has vertigo -- so understandably going down escalators is a major trigger for his anxiety, especially considering he is looking down at his feet to avoid tripping or slipping. LE's carers and family were finding it impossible to take him on recreational outings as the panic attacks (which included screaming, crying, and repetitive self injuring at the top of escalators or on reflective floor surfaces) were becoming unmanageable; LE was becoming more isolated and depressed. My role is to help him regain confidence walking around the local shopping centre and on the escalators so he can resume going on recreational outings.
Through strategic trial and error LE and I have worked out a system for managing escalators and shiny floors. We choose a landmark on our approach to the escalator or shiny floor where we begin marching and singing (we started with 1-2 buckle my shoe because it was easy, subconscious, but LE has since informed me that he likes ABBA so we now march to the dolce tones of us singing 'Dancing Queen'). As we get closer (still marching and singing) I remind LE to keep his head up and give him something specific at eye level to look at - he repeats what he is looking at while still marching, looks down briefly to check his feet and looks at that focus point. The marching never stops, the singing resumes and on we go. If necessary LE knows to march on the spot for a few steps before stepping onto the escalator but doesn't stop moving or singing when at the top (the singing and the concentration needed to keep marching mean that the anxiety a.k.a 'bad thoughts' can't come into his head -- we literally are stamping and drowning out the anxiety with ABBA). If LE starts to freak as we approach, with the simple command 'detour' we march away, regain composure and approach again. If we are successful I am over the top with praise and high fives. If we are not successful I acknowledge the effort, don't react to the panic attack (this takes an incredible amount of concerted energy on my part) and as soon as possible try again until we have a good one because I don't want to risk him imprinting a negative experience of escalators and panic and me, I want to leave him with a positive experience to imprint.
Everything I say when I'm with LE is purposeful. I don't know what bit of what I say might imprint in his mind, and he is echolalic (repeats certain things that are said over and over, sometimes with increasing volume) and has certain programmed learned verbal responses making his responses to what he is not repeating relatively predictable. Which means while we are walking towards the shopping mall and the escalators I have time to get him repeating and affirming what I want him to be thinking. It goes one of two ways. I'll say 'LE, you've been doing really well with the escalators', he'll say 'well with the escalators, well with the escalators' (echolalia) or I'll say 'you are getting better and better at the escalators', he'll say 'yes I am' (programmed learned agreeing response). Imagine the effect of me slipping and saying 'you don't seem scared anymore' and him repeating 'seem scared' or me saying 'no biting and screaming like last time' and him saying 'yes I am'.
LE knows the system we are using -- his memory is very good -- so while we are walking we break down the task ahead and go through the plan step by step. He knows what's expected of him, what is going to happen, and what the back up plan is. I ask him to visualize it happening perfectly and smoothly, while we are walking and talking about it, and to try to imagine feeling brave and confident and strong and proud of himself - I don't know whether he understands these 'feelings' but he gives me these words back as part of the dialogue we have when we are talking about the system or visualizing doing it and I ask him he feels.
I know it must sound odd, but it works so well to work conductively with LE - the manifestation of his autism lends itself so perfectly to working through repetitive intention and systematically broken down and practiced complex tasks. Repetition of key words and phrases and systematisation of everyday tasks are weird for most people new to a CE environment but are perfectly normal to LE -- it's how he does everything. Because I can manipulate the way he already uses language to affect his thinking, intention, confidence, ability and can use language so obviously to plan and structure his actions he becomes able to do things that seemed impossible to him and to those helping him. I'm working with what he already could do - repeat things, memorize things, walk rhythmically - and using his autism positively instead of trying to stop him from being autistic. His mom and carers have reported that he is managing better with them now and that he uses the exact system with whomever he is with, even 'explaining' it to new staff.
Is it CE? You tell me! I'll give you some more 'unusual examples' of working conductively and of variations on the conductive magic theme in my next posting. In the mean time you can LOL while you think about LE and I marching our way onto escalators singing.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REElUors1pQ
"Yes, I am a dreamer
For a dreamer is one who can find his way by moonlight
and see dawn before the rest of the world."
-- Oscar Wilde --
For a dreamer is one who can find his way by moonlight
and see dawn before the rest of the world."
-- Oscar Wilde --


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We are posting the two lead articles from Emancipation & Liberation, issue no. 23, produced for the 3000 strong Radical Independence Campaign conference held in Glasgow, in the Clydeside Auditorium on Saturday, November 22nd. The first is by Murdo Ritchie (RCN), the second by Allan Armstrong (RCN).
"There are decades in which nothing happens and there are weeks in which decades happen." Lenin
When 1,517,989 voters (44.7%) declared they were prepared to abandon their primary, legal national identity to build a better Scotland, it was clear that Scottish national independence was coming. The defeated felt triumphant; the victorious worried.
Prime Minister David Cameron's statement on the morning of the ballot declaration was filled with wishful thinking, "the debate has settled for a generation or as Alex Salmond has said, perhaps for a lifetime. So there can be no disputes, no re-runs –we have heard the settled will of the Scottish people." The media may have declared the result decisive but the numbers and mood told otherwise.
Continue reading "EMANCIPATION & LIBERATION RIC 2014 conference special magazine"


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Attention members of The Joint …the chiropractic place in Glendale, CA. Between now and the end of August, enter to win a highly desired Apple Watch Sport. A winner will be selected the first week of September.
Glendale, CA 7/29/15 – Local Glendale chiropractic office, The Joint, is running a members only raffle for an Apple Watch Sport. Members are any person who are currently enlisted in either The Joint's Premium Wellness Plan or Wellness Plan at the Glendale office.
Currently, there are roughly 600 members who qualify to enter to win. Maggie Gravelle, manager at the Glendale chiropractic office says,
"We care about all our customers, members and those who choose to come on a walk-in, single visit, basis. However, we really wanted to do something special for our members, and what better way than giving away something amazing like an Apple Watch."
If you are a member and need instructions on how to enter the raffle, here are the details:
- -Participants must be members of The Joint in Glendale with an account in good standing.
- -Take a selfie at The Joint in Glendale and post it on social media channels like Twitter, facebook and instagram.
- -Include in your post, "I like #TheJointGlendale because…" (Be sure to make your post public, or follow The Joint so all entries can be tracked).
- -Including the hashtag #TheJointGlendale is key to entering the raffle.
- -See the front desk for more details.
The Joint is a nationwide chiropractic office that makes regular chiropractic care an affordable and accessible part of your everday routine. No appointments. No insurance required. Extended hours that include evenings and weekends…In a warm and friendly setting.
For more information on entering the raffle, speak with Maggie Gravelle. Call (818) 242-6001, or email email@example.com. The address of the Joint Glendale is 350 N Glendale Ave, Unit A, Glendale, CA 91206 (on the corner of Lexington St. and N Glendale Ave). To find The Joint Glendale on social media, visit the following links:


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We covered the case of Ian Watkins (and two women, named as A and B) who pleaded guilty on 26th November 2013 to various child sex offences. His case was adjourned for sentence. We had said that (on the information that was in the news reports) that the likely sentence was in the region of 20-25 years, and that he was in line for a sentence of life imprisonment.
Mr Watkins pleaded guilty to 13 offences. Unfortunately the press have not definitively what the charges are, but we believe them to be :
- 2 attempted rapes of a baby
- 4 sexual assault (by touching) of a one year old
- 6 child pornography offences
- 1 Possessing extreme pornography a involving a sex act with an animal
Woman A pleaded guilty to:
- 1 attempted rape of a baby
- 2 sexual assaults
- 1 making an indecent image of a child
Woman B pleaded guilty to:
- 1 conspiracy to rape a child
- 3 sexual assaults
- 4 making indecent images of a child
In each case of the women, the children referred to were their own children.
It was reported that Watkins held 27TB of data. To put that in context, 1TB is 1000 GB. 1 TB can store 17,000 hours of music, 320,000 high resolution photos, 1000 hours of digital video or 250 dvd movies. In short, 27TB is absolutely enormous.
Telephone calls whilst in prison – LOLz
Some more details came out of the sentencing hearing (Wales online seems to have the best coverage if you want more details), including telephone calls Mr Watkins made from prison which appeared to downplay the seriousness of it.
He is reported having said "I'm going to put a statement on the 18th now just to say it was megalolz, I don't know what everyone is getting so freaked out about." And in another conversation –"I'm not a paedophile, I'm not. You know I plead (sic) guilty just to avoid a trial, not realising 'Hang on, that makes me look a bit guilty' but I would never harm anybody."
Ian Watkins:
a) His late plea of guilty, therefore avoiding a trial.
b) A suggestion that obsessive fans had somehow 'set him up', after bombarding him with sexual attention (including, allegedly, messages of extraordinary depravity).
c) His drug addiction resulting in him being out of control.
d) Watkins could not remember the events depicted in the videos. He could not believe that he had done the acts in the videos when he saw them.
e) The fact that the victims will have no memory of the events because of their ages.
f) In relation to the attempt, no force was used on the child, it was an attempt (not the full offence) and the touching was minimal.
g) It was claimed that Watkins had been vilified and much of the comment was sensationalist.
h) That Watkins did not groom woman A and woman B into producing their children for abuse; it was a joint enterprise.
i) A psychiatric assessment indicated that Watkins was preoccupied with sex generally, not specifically sex with children. It was claimed it was co-incidental that children were involved in the offending. He has no sexual preference in children.
j) A PSR indicated he had a medium risk of reoffending.
k) Other mitigation: how much the proceedings had affected him and his good character.
Woman A:
a) She claimed that she had been manipulated by Watkins to "facilitate his sexual desire"
b) She was deeply remorseful and felt "disgusted" by what she did and was "frightened of losing" Watkins.
c) It was claimed that Watkins introduced Woman A to drugs and injected her with heroin.
d) She was described by her barrister as vulnerable.
e) Woman A's barrister reportedly stated that there was nothing to reduce her culpability and that she accepted full responsibility.
f) It was said that Woman A was not an obsessive fan seeking attention but was exploited by Watkins having allowed herself to be.
g) Woman A's barrister closed by asking the judge to look at the planning of the offences, commenting that it was chilling. That presumably referred to the planning and manipulated by Watkins.
Woman B:
a) She was a fan of Watkins. She had 1,200 images of him on her iPod Touch.
b) She said to Watkins 'You are a big deal, you are Ian Watkins' and he told Woman B 'I am. You and your daughter now belong to me'.
c) There were traces of meth amphetamine in Woman B's child's hair. It was submitted that it showed the child was exposed to the drugs, but not taken by the child. The judge reportedly replied with 'I find that a little hard to swallow'.
d) Woman B's barrister disputed the view taken by the Judge that it was 'obvious' to see the enjoyment the mother gets from the abuse of her child.
e) The Judge reportedly said that this was a classic case where there should be no credit for a guilty plea.
f) She was described as 'a very immature young woman' suffering from an undiagnosed personality disorder and post natal depression when she first met Watkins.
Rupert Evelyn, a journalist for ITN, was tweeting live from the court room. You can see his twitter feed here.
The Daily Mirror live reported from the hearing. Their account can be viewed here.
Sentencing remarks
Here is a PDF of the sentencing remarks. Woman A is referred to as 'B' in the sentencing remarks, and Woman B is referred to as P.
The following exceprts were taken from news reports.
The Judge said:
'This case breaks new ground. What the three of you did plumbs new depths of depravity.'
On Watkins: 'Watkins had power and knew he could use that power to partake in insatiable lust.' and 'he clearly had delight in engaging in sexual activity with children'
On Watkins: Mr Justice Royce said: "I am satisfied that you are a deeply corrupting influence. You are highly manipulative…You are a sexual predator. You are dangerous. The public, and in particular young females and children, need protection from you."
On Woman A's behaviour: 'You are mother, your infant was 10 months old, a mother naturally loves… cherishes… you totally betrayed that trust"
On the planning between Woman A and Watkins: 'could there be a greater betrayal?'
On Woman A and Watkins' activities: 'What you are doing is sickening and incomprehensible' and '"In all it's a dreadful catalogue of abuse of a previously innocent boy to satisfy your own interests and lusts."
On Woman B and Watkins: Watkins told Woman B about the child: 'that's all she will know. A life of filth'
On the messages between Woman B and Watkins: 'They defy belief'
On Watkins and Woman B's child: 'Watkins viewed the child as a sex object'
The Judge said he had no doubt that there was a serious risk to the public posed by Watkins. This required either a life sentence or an Extended Sentence.
In the event, the Judge imposed an extended sentence on Watkins and determinate (ordinary) sentences on both women.
Guilty plea discounts
Woman A: Full 1/3 credit for early plea of guilty
Woman B: 10 %
Watkins: 10 %
The Judge said it was arguable that Woman B and Watkins should receive no credit at all because the case was so overwhelming.
The Judge adjourned over lunch and said he would pass sentence at 2pm.
When he returned, he imposed the following sentences.
Ian Watkins: 35 year extended sentence: 29 years imprisonment, 6 year extended licence
He will serve 2/3 before he can apply for parole. He will then serve the remainder of the 29 years on licence, then an additional 6 years on licence.
Woman A: 14 years determinate
Woman B: 17 years determinate
Both women will serve half of their sentences in custody and the remainder on licence.


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* Click here for rating key
: RumFire at Sheraton Kauai Resort offers a relaxed beach atmosphere. The kitchen turns out Hawaiian- and Asian-influenced starters such as ahi poke, shrimp lumpia and Japanese pear flatbread, along with more substantive dishes like Hawaiian jerk chicken with plantain mash, roasted sweet peppers and carrots; and a pork chop with buttery fingerling potatoes. The four-course prix-fixe menu is always a good option. A tasty flourless sea salt chocolate cake is a sweet finish to a pleasant meal. The namesake spirit plays a part in many of the signature drinks, but you may also go beyond the mai tai with the Coco Cucumber Fresh made with Kai Young Coconut Shochu, Thatcher's organic cucumber liqueur, muddled cucumber, lime and coconut water. Service is professional and friendly.
Enjoy a meal al fresco at these restaurants with patios.
Wine of the Week Review by GAYOT


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NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — Steve Lavin isn't going anywhere.
The St. John's coach may not be on the sideline when the Red Storm are playing but he is in charge of the program.
Lavin was again watching his team play from a suite high above the court at Madison Square Garden, banished from the usual coaching spot by his doctors as he continues to recover from prostate cancer surgery. Being at the game as a very interested spectator as well as recruiting and meeting with alumni are all part of a modified schedule the 47-year-old is following after trying to come back too soon.
"Hindsight is 20-20," he said to a group of reporters in his suite before Wednesday's night game against West Virginia. "Naturally now we know I came back prematurely and set myself back."
Lavin returned to coaching on Nov. 9, just 33 days after he had the surgery.
"At that time I felt it was what I could do. Because of that experience I'm a better patient and a better listener the second time around. It's the competitive nature of coaches that we can take on any task or challenge. But we're fragile and life is very delicate."
Lavin was on the bench for four games in a nine-day span. He said the doctors told him what he was putting himself through was putting his long-term health in jeopardy.
Lavin told WFAN's Mike Francesa in November that he is cancer-free, but his stamina isn't close to the point where he can return to the bench. The New York Post reported earlier this month that Lavin "will most probably not" return to coach the Red Storm in 2012.
"The most challenging aspect is coaching the games, the adrenaline, the blood pressure, at least the way I coach. I don't sit down on the bench," he said. "I have to listen to my doctors. Why would you risk that? With the modified schedule I can still manage the program and work with the team."
Lavin said he was at practice Monday and he participated as much as he has at any one since the surgery.
He wouldn't rule out returning to coach this season, but he will tell you he will be back next season, his third in charge of the program.
"The blood work has come back cancer-free and it has really come down to the premature return and subsequent setback in terms of stamina and energy," he said. "The doctors have advised me to avoid the strenuous aspect of the job which is the out-of-body experience on the sideline coaching the games. Observing, recruiting, evaluating or hosting a player, that's all within reason in terms that it doesn't challenge the health."
To prove that, Lavin told of recruiting point guard Jamal Branch, who transferred to St. John's last week from Texas A&M.
"It's the elephant in the room," Lavin said of the cancer. "I was pre-emptive. I brought it up right out of the gate. I told him I had successful surgery and now I'm cancer-free and that I came back too early and set myself back now and are now trying to make a full recovery.
"He was going to hear speculation, innuendo and rumors from other schools. My inclination was to take that head on."
Lavin led the Red Storm to the NCAA tournament last season, their first appearance since 2002. Only one player from that team returned this season. St. John's plays five freshmen in its six-man rotation and that helps to explain the 8-11 record.
Lavin likes what he sees from up near the ceiling.
"Naturally as a coach you always would like a couple more wins. You're never satisfied with moral victories," said Lavin, who texts his staff during games, although they don't see them until after the game is over. "It's been business as usual and they are young enough to see there's been real growth. You don't always see progress pay off with wins, yet the team and individuals make strides."
Lavin's wife, Mary, was with him in the suite and she summed up his time up there quickly: "Frustrating. Very frustrating."
Can the Red Storm win without Lavin on the bench? Sound off below…
(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)


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Meter Discrepancies.
The Good: I think Chris and I have found the perfect place to have our wedding reception. We spent Sunday afternoon in Newport, RI, met with Charles the EPE (Event Planner Extraordinare), and toured a place in Newport that would be perfect for our reception. Grinning from the excitement of finding a place big enough to accomodate our guest list and beautiful enough to be our first stop as husband and wife (wow ... that actually blows my mind to write out), we have made the first big step in planning our big wedding. Now when do we get to sample cakes?
The Bad: A nasty little blood sugar weekend, giving me a two day average of over 200 mg/dl. Ridiculously high - the kind of meter readings that you look at and you feel the need to test again just to confirm that you are indeed that high.
Strange thing, though: I tested once and came in at 441 mg/dl. (Holy shit.) Feeling high but not believing I was that high, I tested again. 249 mg/dl. Hmmm... third time's the charm: 312 mg/dl. For some reason, my One Touch UltraSmart meter flaked out on me and gave me very variable readings. My hands were clean and my meter was calibrated - what the hell? Taking the middle reading as the "average," I corrected for the 312. But I am rattled by the big discrepancies between readings.
I need a diabetes revamping session. I'm pretty burnt out at the moment.
The Mission: I have been holed up in random Westport Starbucks locations for the past few days, and that is where I will be found until the end of May. Eventually, the staff at these locations will throw me out for spending so much time in their establishments, taking up a full table with my laptop and notes, and nursing the same coffee for h-o-u-r-s. I am determined to nail down the final phases of this book draft, and I'll be damned if June dawns and I'm still spinning my wheels. It's not so much writer's block as it is just making time to focus. Work, wedding, and Life in General are bustling at the moment, so Book has unfortunately taken a back seat to the fray. However, I will finish this draft within the next 30 days, mark my words. I almost need to dare myself to finish it.
Or perhaps double-dog dare myself.


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Apart from swimming, cycling is one of the most recommended exercises for people with knee and lower back problems. However, like any other sports, prolonged cycling may also result in unwanted pain and injury.
It is extremely important to get your bike fitted according to your body. But even with a proper fit, your muscles can get imbalanced and overused after an extended time. The major muscles used when we cycle are the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. When overused, these muscles can become hypertrophied (strong) and shortened.
For that reason, multi-discipline sport such as triathlon which includes swimming and running that uses other muscle groups would help balance things out. On top of that, other important exercises such as strength training, yoga and Pilates would be highly beneficial too.
We were told to not to round our back whenever we sit. But when we cycle, we are doing exactly just that. Our constant bent-knees and rounded back posture during long hours of cycling can also trigger common pains. Hence, I am going to share some essential exercises and stretches that you can do at home after every ride, which addresses common pain related to prolonged road cycling and also to help maintain a healthy posture.
- Looking up while cycling can place a lot of stress at the back of the neck. As a result, most people will complain of neck and shoulder pain.
To relieve the pain, do the following exercises:
- Neck Extensor Stretch
Place your hands behind your head and gently pull your chin towards your chest to stretch the back of your neck. Hold the position for approximately 30-60 seconds.
2. Neck Strengthening Exercise
Interlock your fingers and place your hands in front of your forehead. Push your head forward as you push your hands towards your head, to provide some form of resistance. Do it gently and hold the flexed position for 10 seconds. Relax and repeat 6-10 times.
- Our chest can become tight from our rounded back which could cause soreness at the mid back area.
To relieve the pain, do the following exercises:
3. Chest Stretch
Clasp your hands behind your back and lift it away from your back to feel the stretch at your chest. Tilt your hips by tucking your tailbone to avoid straining your lower back.
4. External Shoulder Rotation Exercise
Lie down sideways on the floor. Support your head with your arm and grab a light dumbbell with the other arm. Externally rotate by lifting the dumbbell away from your body while keeping your elbows tucked by your ribs. Perform 10-15 reps with 2-3 sets on each arm. You should feel the back of your shoulders working with this exercise.
5. Praying Stretch
Find a bench or a stool and place your elbows on top of it. On your knees, slowly push your butt towards the heels while maintaining a neutral arch at your spine. At he same time, push your chest down towards the floor and feel the stretch at your mid back. Remember to keep your shoulder blades firm and away from your ears.
6. Mini Cobra
Lie down and support your upper body with your elbow. Relax the hips and allow it to sink. You should feel the stretch at your abs and hips. Stop if you feel a sharp pain at your lower back
- Developing tight hip flexors, hamstrings, quads and calves from cycling can also mean trouble for your lower back and knee.
Here are some essential exercises that you can do for them.
7. Hip Flexor Stretch
At a lunge position, tuck your tail-bone by rotating your hips. You should feel the stretch at the upper thigh area.
9. Quads Stretch
Grab on to your foot and pull the heels towards your butt to stretch the quads.
10. Hamstring Stretch
Square your hips towards a stool or a bench and place one foot on top. Maintain a neutral spine and gently lean forward. Engage your quads to get a deeper stretch at your hamstring.
11. Glute/IT Band Stretch
Sit on a chair and cross your leg. Gently pull your knee towards your body to stretch the glutes.
12. Calf Stretch
13. Soleus Stretch
Place your hands on a wall and put one foot backward. Push the heel downwards the floor with a straight leg to stretch the calves. Later, bend the back knee and push the heel downwards to stretch the soleus.
If your condition persists or worsens, please contact your physician or healthcare provider.
About the Author
Ke Wynn is a certified personal trainer by ACE, specializing in corrective exercise and sports injury, and also a certified deep tissue sports massage therapist. He was given the prestigious and internationally recognized award as "The BioMechanics Corrective Exercise Specialist" of the Year 2018 for his commitment and success in helping his clients to live a pain-free and functional life. He is a strong advocate of staying active and eating right through education. Ke Wynn struggled with weight issues during his teens but managed to overcome them through exercise. Since then, he has successfully completed major triathlons, half-marathons, cycling events and obstacle races in his early 30's.
He can be reached at:


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Well, I have to eat humble pie and admit that Sir Des Champs was the better horse yesterday. I had worries about the trip for Flemenstar and it was confirmed beyond doubt yesterday that he doesn't stay 3m. Where next for Cheltenham? I think the Gold Cup would be a mad choice at this stage so it will probably be the Ryanair or maybe even the Champion Chase at 2m?
Anyway, for now, I'm looking forward to the rugby match (see yesterday's post). I'm still off the gargle so I don't know whether to go to the pub and have a coke to watch it for a bit of atmosphere or just watch it at home. Times like this are testing when you are off it! I'm full of aches and pains from yesterday's workout which is a good thing I guess.
I've a couple of racing bets today - Naas has been abandoned but on the favs strategy, I've Puffin Billy at Exeter (2.30):
Has created a striking impression when winning all 4 career starts
(first 2 bumpers), readily landing small-field Ascot Grade 2 just before
Christmas. Looks a top prospect.
In the handicaps an hour later, Rout Et Blanc looks well-in under a penalty.
Le Lion D'angers (Mercredi)
5 hours ago


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2016 registrations
In 2016, the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® will take place from August 22th to 28th.
Since 2007, registration has only been possible via the internet.
Important fact: These rules are evolving and are liable to change each year. What ever happens, the registration conditions for one year are announced the preceding February.
Pre-registration dates
A pre-registration period will open from December, 16th 2015 to January, 5th 2016 during which time all candidates will be able complete their application form, including qualifying courses, for the event of their choice. This form will be validated by the payment of 50€ deposit payable by credit-card (secured on-line payment)
Qualifying races
Registration for each race is only possible for those runners who have finished the relevant qualifying races between January 1st 2014 and December 31st 2015: click here to read the rules concerning the qualifying races for the 2016 Ultra-Trail®
UTMB® : 9 points (15 new points) acquired between 2014/01/01 and 2015/12/31 (in 3 races maximum)
CCC® : 3 points (7 new points) acquired between 2014/01/01 and 2015/12/31 (in 2 races maximum)
TDS® : 3 points (7 new points) acquired between 2014/01/01 and 2015/12/31 (in 2 races maximum)
OCC : 1 point (3 new points) acquired between 2014/01/01 and 2015/12/31 (in 2 races maximum)
The 2013 finishers of the UTMB®, CCC® and TDS® may also use these races as qualifying races.
For all answers to your questions, please consult the FAQs
Priority registration and coefficient of 2
Priority registration
Runners who have been refused twice for the same race in the draws for 2014 & 2015 and who never transferred their registration to the TDS®, will benefit individually from a priority registration for the same race (without passing through the draw – under the condition that they have the required points) in 2016.
Coefficient of 2
The runners who were refused in the 2015 draw, who didn't transfer their registration to the TDS®, will benefit individually from a coefficient of 2. This advantage doubles their chance of success in the 2016 draw (under the condition that they choose the same race as in 2015 and that they have the necessary qualifying points for 2016). In terms of probability, the coefficient of 2 is rigorously identical to a classic draw where the individual holds two tickets.
These runners must pre-register during the pre-registration period mentioned above; if you do not pre-register in the time limit given your advantage will be lost for ever.
International elite
Concerning the recognition of high calibre athletes and also for the fair management of registration, we reserve places for elite athletes, who make the request, according to strict criteria based on the ITRA performance index.
All registration requests must have reached us before January 5th 2016.
|Free registration
|Registration guaranteed but fee to be paid
|Or runners who are amongst the top 3 of their country
Runners who correspond to the criteria can benefit from the registration conditions below on condition that they have the points required for 2016.
Registration for elite athletes is not automatic, each one must finalise their registration themselves.
For all answers to your questions, please consult the FAQs
Registration as a group/couple
It is possible to pre- register in a group (minimum 2 persons, maximum 12 persons with your partner, your running mates etc.) The only interest in group registration is having the same result for all group members in the draw, whether it be positive or negative.
The probability of being lucky in the draw is exactly the same for runners who have pre-registered in a group or individually.
The first member of the group who registers must click "Group registration"; they then obtain a group number which they pass to the other members of the group. The others must then enter this number into "Group registration" when they register themselves.
A group may consist of runners pre-registered for different races (excluding the PTL®). In this case, the group participates in the draw for the race for which the percentage of chance of winning is the weakest.
For all answers to your questions, please consult the FAQs
The Draw
If the number of pre-registrations is superior to the permitted number of runners, a draw is organised.
The results will be announced on January 13th 2016 at 10.00 (Paris time) in the list of persons registered and on your runners file at our web-site www.ultratrailmb.com, and will be confirmed by email.
A positive Draw
Those runners lucky in the draw then have a period of 14 days, January 13th to 26th 2016, to definitively finalise their registration by paying, by credit-card, the balance of the registration price and sending in all the required supporting documents.
Those persons who do not finalise their registration in the permitted time lose their place, the deposit will not be returned and they will have no advantage (co-efficient of 2 or priority) for the draw the following year.
A negative draw
- Runners participating in the draw for the first time
Those unlucky in the draw will have their 50€ deposit returned.
They will benefit with a co-efficient of 2 for the draw the following year which will double their chance of success to gain entry to the race chosen in 2016 ( on the condition that they have the necessary qualifying points for 2017).
- Runners befitting from a co-efficient of 2 (= those unlucky in the 2015 draw)
In the case of a second failure in 2016, runners may register with priority for 2017 (without passing thought the draw for the same race as in 2015 & 2016), on the condition that they have the necessary qualifying points for 2017.
The allocation of these advantages (co-efficient of 2 or priority) is only effective once the qualifying races claimed by the runner have been verified.
For all answers to your questions, please consult the FAQs
Verifying qualifying races
All the qualifying races used by the runners to finalise their registration are verified, through official race results.
The Organisation takes in to account the results of each individual runner (even if a race was run as a relay or as a team member).
In the case of a false declaration of qualifying races, not conforming or untrue, the organisation reserves the right to cancel the runner's registration without refunding the rights of engagement and to cancel their advantage for the following year (coefficient of 2 or priority) in the case of a negative draw.
The qualifying races are managed under their own regulations.
Click here to consult these regulations.
Runner's commitments
By registering, each runner personally agrees to engage in the following :
- I declare that I have read and understood the regulations and ethics of the race (available at www.ultratrailmb.com)
- I understand and approve of the conditions of participation which figure in the regulations
- I agree to respect all items of the regulations
- I agree to scrupulously respect and promote the ethic
- I agree to be aware of any medical condition which could concern me and, consequently relieve the organisation of any responsibility for any medical problem which may arise during the event due to any negligence on my part
- I have read and understood that in the case of a false declaration of qualifying races, not conforming or untrue; the organisation reserves the right to cancel my registration without refunding the rights of engagement and to cancel my advantage for the following year (coefficient of 2 or priority) in the case of a negative draw.
Enrolment fees
2016 registration fees:
Of which 1.5 euro per person is an éco participation to finance cleaning, restoration or rehabilitation of footpaths.
Pre-registration dates
A period of pre-registration will be open between December 16th 2015 and January 5th 2016 during which time the team leader registers for all their team at the same time.
Each team member must have previously have created their own runner's page.
The team's request will be validated by the payment of the entire fee (secure on-line payment).
Registration conditions
Registration is open to teams of 2 or 3 people.
Registration will be made by presenting a file which lists the previous experience of each team member. Technical experience in the mountains, sporting history as well as personal and team motivation will be evaluated.
Each team member must fill out this self-evaluation form. Any other complimentary document will not be taken in to account.
Sending the self-evaluation form
This form must be filled in electronically. The following languages will be accepted: French, English, Spanish and Italian. It should be sent to email@example.com, as soon as the on-line registration has finished, and at the latest by January 5th 2016.
Selection of the applications
The PTL® committee will meet to examine each application. Only the committee may take the decision to accept or refuse a team's registration. Its decision is final.
Results of the selection process / Draw
If the number of teams accepted by the PTL® committee is higher than the maximum number of runners possible, a draw will be organised.
The results of selection of applications (or the draw if it happens) will be sent be email on January 13th 2016 at 10:00 (Paris time).
Application successful / Positive draw
If the team's application is accepted by the PTL® committee, and if the eventual draw is positive, registration is definitively validated (the registration fee having already been paid).
Application refused / Negative draw
If the team's application is refused by the PTL® committee, or the draw is negative, the totality of the registration fee will be reimbursed.
Enrolment fees
2016 registration fees:
PTL® : 690 € per team
Of which 1.5 euro per person is an éco participation to finance cleaning, restoration or rehabilitation of footpaths.


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ALACHUA, FL, June 12, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- CTD Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: CTDH), a clinical stage biotechnology company that develops cyclodextrin-based products for the treatment of disease with unmet medical need, today announced that it has submitted its application to list its common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market.
The Company's management has completed the application and submitted the request to list on The Nasdaq Capital Market. The listing of the Company's common shares remains subject to the approval of NASDAQ and the satisfaction of all applicable listing standards, including the minimum share price requirement.
As more information becomes available, the Company will update the progress on its intended up-listing accordingly.
"We are excited to take this next step in the maturation of our company," said N. Scott Fine, CTD's Chairman of the Board and CEO. "Listing on NASDAQ will allow additional investors to support the development of Trappsol® Cyclo™ for the treatment of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C and other indications."
Trappsol® Cyclo™, CTD's proprietary formulation of hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin, is currently being evaluated at clinical sites in the U.S., Israel, the UK, and Sweden for treatment of NPC, a rare genetic disease that causes neurologic, liver, lung and other organ dysfunction and that is ultimately fatal.
About CTD Holdings:
CTD Holdings, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops cyclodextrin-based products for the treatment of disease. The company's Trappsol® Cyclo™, an orphan drug designated product in the United States and Europe, is used to treat Niemann-Pick Disease Type C, a rare and fatal genetic disease, on a compassionate use basis as well as in three ongoing formal clinical trials (Clinical Trials.gov NCT02939547, NCT02912793 and NCT03893071). Additional indications for the active ingredient in Trappsol® Cyclo™ are in development. For additional information, visit the company's website: www.ctd-holdings.com
Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" about the company's current expectations about future results, performance, prospects and opportunities. Statements that are not historical facts, such as "anticipates," "believes" and "expects" or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results in future periods to differ materially from what is expressed in, or implied by, these statements. The factors which may influence the company's future performance include the company's ability to obtain additional capital to expand operations as planned, success in achieving regulatory approval for clinical protocols, enrollment of adequate numbers of patients in clinical trials, unforeseen difficulties in showing efficacy of the company's biopharmaceutical products, success in attracting additional customers and profitable contracts, and regulatory risks associated with producing pharmaceutical grade and food products. These and other risk factors are described from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the company's reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. Unless required by law, the company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.
Investor/Media Contact:
Sitrick and Company
Wendy Tanaka
(415) 369-8447


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|Kuro-chan has always been the one to save me. But today, it's onee-chan's turn to fight!
—Yuu Matsumi
|Yuu Matsumi
|Personal info
|Japanese name:
|松実 宥
|August 24
| Kuro Matsumi (sister)
Tsuyuko Matsumi (mother)
|Achiga Girls' Academy
|Third-year high school
|Saki Achiga-hen, Chapter 2
|Voiced by:
|Live-action actor:
|Koume Watanabe
|Main skill/ability:
|"Warm Tile Magnet" /"Red Tile Magnet"
Yuu Matsumi is a third year at Achiga Girls' Academy and a protagonist in the spinoff manga Saki Achiga Hen episode of side A. Yuu is the older sister of Kuro Matsumi and the fourth member to join the new mahjong club. When she was younger she wanted to join with the others in the children's mahjong club but she felt it would be awkward because she was older. She is very sensitive to the cold, so she covers herself head to toe when she goes anywhere.
Yuu has blonde hair and green eyes. She wears the standard Achiga Girls uniform with black pantyhose, a pink scarf, and pink mittens. Kuro says she also wears glasses and a face mask whenever she goes out. She also wears glasses when she's reading or trying to look closely at something.
Yuu is polite, shy, and a bit of a push-over. However, she can be determined at times, refusing to buckle even when faced with unfavorable situations, and being determined to win back any points her sister lost.She has a strong relationship with her sister, and has been friends with Ako Atarashi and Arata Sagimori for some time.
Yuu's biggest quirk is that she is very sensitive to the cold so much so that she freezes even during the summer and so always wears mittens, scarves, and other items to keep her warm.
Playing Style / Abilities
Yuu's ability is to draw in any tile that has red paint on it, as they look warmer. Typically, she favours the manzu and chun tiles because their colouration is mostly or completely red. Her ability to draw in these tiles is not as strong as Kuro's ability to draw in all the dora tiles, but Yuu is much more flexible in the amount of tiles she can use.
However, if her opponents manage to use her own style against her, she can broaden her view, stop focussing on the chun and manzu tiles and begin using the pinzu and souzu tiles that also contain red. This makes her plays much less predictable as she uses more tiles and has wider waits. She is shown out playing Izumi Nijou and later Sumire Hirose because of her flexible play as well as catching them off guard (though for various reasons).
She can kind of sense which tiles she's about to draw, as according to Toki Onjouji they have a similar playing style.
Girls of Yumachi Arc
Yuu makes a cameo as a child together with her mother and baby sister when Harue Akado thanks their mom for the coaching she gave to her.
Introduction Arc (Saki: Achiga-Hen Episode of Side-A)Yuu is seen under the kotatsu when Kuro and the others come to her house looking for another member for the mahjong club. After an explaination of who she is Kuro nominates her and Shizuno Takakamo and Ako Atarashi ask her to join. She then explains how she always wanted to join with the others when they where young but thought it was awkard before excepting their invitation. A while later the club gathers to look for another member and Yuu suggests that they go for Arata Sagimori and says that she was a big fan of Harue Akado. The next day everyone gathers to announce the completion of the mahjong club and to greet each other. A few months later Harue Akado joins the mahjong team as well and after another timeskip its spring.
Preparation Arc
With the start of the semester, Yuu and the others gather to offically start the mahjong club. In order to up their skill level the team was trained by Harue for the next two months. At the start of the Prefectural tournament, she and the rest were a bit nervous thanks to there being so many people and in their first match having to face Bansei High. However thanks to their training Bansei was no match for them and Achiga girls went on to win the whole tournament.
A few days later before the club gathered Ako asked where Yuu was and Kuro informed her that she was getting hugged to death by her classmates because they saw her on television. When everyone finally gathered, the club decided that in order to prepare for the nationals they would face some of the clubs that finished second in their prefectural tournament and Ryuumonbuchi was selected to be their first opponent. After the matches, Yuu was confused when Koromo Amae tried to exlain who had defeated her in the prefectural tournament. After a few weeks Achiga had beaten all their opponents except for Ryuumonbuchi. Later on the team held a training camp to further their skills and at the end of that they headed for the nationals. Stoping at a rest stop before Tokyo, Yuu was revealed to still be asleep in the car.
National Tournament Arc
The Achiga Mahjong team later arrives in Tokyo for the Nationals. As the group made their way for the ticket-drawing, Yuu converses with Harue as to why she chose Arata to be the club leader.The next day after Kuro awakens Shizuno and Ako, the team gathers to discuss the bracket and watch video of their opponents matches. On the second day of the tournament Achiga's first round match begins and Yuu is seen to be quite nervous beforehand. Yuu's match wasn't shown but Achiga advanced to the second round of the nationals.After Kuro's defeat in the second round, everyone wished to go and comfort her but Yuu said she would go alone because she is her sister. When consoling her sister, she promised to get back all the points she lost and left for her match. Before the match starts Yuu reminds herself that Kuro has always been the one to save her but now its time for her to fight for her sister. During the match, she had a rocky start thanks to Izumi Nijou being informed about her playing style. However she adaptes to this and changed her playstyle to overwhelm her opponents.
Back in the waiting room Yuu apologized to her sister because she couldn't get back all of the points she lost, but Kuro dismissed that saying it was her fault. Achiga would go on to place second and advance to the final eight. Afterwards the team celebrated but was brought back to reality when Harue told them that even though they advanced they were beaten by 90,000 pts and that Shiraitodai is next for them as well. She then left for a meeting. Yuu went along with the others to get some ramen when they overheard Harue and Toshi Kumakura talking about Harue being a pro again. After arguing about what they heard they ran into Momoko Touyoko and Satomi Kanbara.
Kanbara takes the team to the place where Tsuruga was staying and introduced them to Yumi Kajiki. After hearing their story, Yumi agrees to help them and gets Kanbara to pick up Mihoko Fukuji, Nagano's best individual player. When they are done playing Kanbara takes them to their hotel. The next day Yuu and Achiga meet up with Kei Arakawa, who was the only person who agreed to play them. However Kei called some of her friends over and they all played against Achiga. Yuu is present when Shizuno calls them together and reveals that Harue is not leaving them to turn pro.
Final Eight Arc
Before the matches begin, she is present to wish Kuro good luck. At halftime, Yuu and the rest go meet Kuro for encouragement. In a flashback of Kuro's she is seen with her mother and also crying at her funeral. Later she is shown celebrating Kuro's winning hand to end her match. Yuu, together with all of Achiga go to the entrance to see Toki Onjouji off to the hospital. Back at the waiting room, she leaves for her match.When the match begins, she remains quite and observing. But after witnessing Sumire Hirose's ability being used, Yuu has a flashback. Here she is in the greenhouse and is approached by Harue. They later take a look at some game film Harue has aquired about Sumire. Harue then explains Sumire's abilities. When its her turn as dealer, Yuu notices that Sumire is now aimed at her. She then proceeds to change her hand and dodge Sumire's attacks. When Sumire tries for a second attack, she wins off of Sumires discard. With this Sumire decides to aim again for her but she dodges again and wins once again.
After the match, she thanks them for the game and heads back to the waiting room. However on her way back she is greeted by Ako. After Ako complements her, she hugs Yuu and tells her that she wants to warm her but it's a lie. Ako then says what she really wants is Yuu's winning streak luck (and, jokingly, her boobs). She then tells Ako if she is okay with her then she can have them; Ako thanks her and says she isn't shaking anymore. She is later present when Ako comes back during intermission and explains Takami Shibuya's abilities.
Before Arata leaves for her match Yuu wishes her good luck. She is later seen watching Arata's match. Before Shizuno's match she mentions she has warmed up and it gets Yuu's attention. Later Harue asks her what Awai Oohoshi rolled and Yuu informs her snake eyes. Yuu again is the one to inform Harue of what the dice rolled, this time it was ten.
She is later shown celebrating with the others after Shizuno's victory to advance them to the finals. When they go to the finals stage together, Yuu says she hopes the place is warm. After they head back to the hotel to celebrate a little more, Harue gets called away by Hayari; Harue tells the girls to go to sleep.
She later appears in Achiga's hotel during Nodoka's match, and discusses with Ako the individual data of Nodoka.
National Championship Arc
Yuu is seen fiercely rooting for her sister during the vanguard match.
- Yuu manages the school greenhouse because its warm and has lots of her mother's favorite flowers.
- Yuu's ability to draw in the red tiles because they're "warm" is a reference to the fact that red light on the electromagnetic spectrum and has a similar wavelength to infrared radiation which is linked to heat.


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- Three Potential Paths Post-Obamacare Ruling - March 14, 2015
- Heartland Daily Podcast – Ben Domenech: The Vaccine Debate - February 6, 2015
- The Insane Vaccine Debate - February 5, 2015
[First published at Ricochet.]
This week's cocktail was delayed by a rather impolite weather front here on the East Coast, which has played havoc with power lines and traffic lights, tossing trees about in a most haphazard fashion. So let's hold off on Manhattans til next Friday, and respond with a creation which is appropriately named, simple, and refreshing: The Dark and Stormy.
This rum and ginger drink – invented in Bermuda after World War I, and nowadays particularly popular in New England – is one of the few where the ingredients are supposed to be set in stone. Indeed, by force of law: not one but two patents indicate the exact products and amounts to be used in creating a Dark and Stormy. You can thank the fine people at Gosling's for that, though there is a reason:
Gosling's Black Seal — as dark as motor oil and with a distinctively charred flavor — tastes like no other rum, in the way that Campari tastes like no other digestif. In a further effort to sanctify the formula, Gosling's created its own brand of ginger beer, in May, called Gosling's Stormy Ginger Beer. This came after years of an unofficial partnership with Barritt's, a Bermudan brand of ginger beer; Mr. Gosling declined to characterize the nature of the split, but said no specific ginger beer was ever cited in the company's trademark registrations. "We would never tie ourselves down that tightly," he said.
Gosling's is certainly up to the task, and it's the rum of choice for many a fan. But if you're going to try another, let me recommend Coruba, a Jamaican rum which is heavy on the molasses flavor. As for the ginger beer, Barritt's, in my opinion, is better than Gosling's – though some aficionados insist on making their own. Let's keep things simple, though. Thus:
- 3 parts ginger beer
- 1 part Gosling's Black Seal Rum
- Lime wedge
Fill a highball glass with ice, and pour in the ginger beer first, then the rum, so it floats to the top of the glass as befitting its name. Give a nice squeeze of lime, and drink, thinking not of storms but wide sandy beaches.


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Floorwise is a leading provider of Carpet Accessories in Perth and throughout Western Australia.
We focus on providing the highest quality and most affordable Carpet Accessories in Western Australia. Our friendly staff is extremely knowledgeable in Carpet Accessories and associated products. Please look at some of our products below and contact us via the request a quote form to get some good old professional service and advice.
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Coolest Science Fiction Weapons
Science fiction thrives on badass hand-held weapons. Preferably ones firing energy, plasma, or explosive projectiles. See the coolest ones here.
Plasma Rifle - Halo
The Covenant Plasma Rifle, or technically, the Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle, is the standard issue medium-range weapon Covenant Elite infantry. First introduced in the original Halo, the Plasma Rifle fires superheated ionized gas instead of projectiles. As a result, it doesn't have a magazine capacity, but it can overheat when fired too fast and becomes useless after its energy reserves are depleted. The Plasma Rifle causes damage by severe, flesh-cauterizing third-degree burns.
Sonic Shotgun from Minority Report
Many may not remember, but the Sonic Shotgun from Minority Report featured some especially cool effects for a science fiction weapon. Tom Cruise, pursued by authorities in the film, use this sick little weapon against them. It fires a concussive wave of sound that throws its target up against a wall. The sonic sound effects are cool as is the its swirling reload motion.
EM-1 - Eraser
The EM-1 rail gun from Eraser was a cool science fiction weapon in the way that it fired. An aluminum round was shot at near the speed light, leaving a trail of wispy green smoke it is wake. Given its velocity, the EM-1 projectile could penetrate almost any obstacle, from steel walls to cars, leaving virtually no place to hide. The X-Ray scope, which allowed the shooter to see through walls, made the EM-1 as deadly a weapon as we've seen on the sliver screen.
Auto 9 - Robocop
Who could forget Robocop's handy burst-firing sidearm, the Auto 9. The design is based on a modified Beretta m93R, with a re-engineered barrel and enlarged hand grip. The pistol holds 50 9mm rounds and fires at 60 rounds per minute in short, 3-round bursts, which makes this pistol so cool, that, and the calculating way Robocop puts it to use.
M56 Smart Gun - Aliens
The frightening large, hip-mounted M56 Smart Gun from Aliens is an iconic science fiction weapon design. Weighing over 40 pounds, carrying the M56 requires a servo-mounted harness, which doubles for aim-assist. The M56 fires 10mm caseless, explosive rounds at 1200 rpm. An computer-connected reticule attached to the soldier's helmet allows the M56 to automatically track moving targets, ideal for hunting down fast-moving xenomorphs.
M41-A Pulse Rifle - Aliens
The M41-A Pulse Rifle from Aliens is a classic science fiction weapon. The M41-A is gas-powered and air-cooled rifle, firing 10x24mm explosive-tipped caseless rounds with a magazine capacity of 99. The attached underhand, pump-action grenade launcher holds 4 rounds. Although the M41-A is pretty much a conventional assault rifle, without much special effects or typical sci-fi awesomeness, what makes it cool is the realistic way in which Ripley and her troopers put it to use.
M2019 Blaster - Bladerunner
Deckard's M2019 Blaster from Bladerunner is a relatively conventional look at how a police sidearm might look in 2019. It featured two triggers.
Lawgiver - Judge Dredd
Judge Dredd may have been an awful movie, but the Judge's sidearm had some redeeming value. The Lawgiver was genetically coded for use only by its owner, giving any unauthorized wielder an incapacitating shock. The Lawgivers also offered an number of different fire modes, including rapid fire and double-whammy, as well as a slew of ammunition types, including incendiary, heat-seeking, ricocheting, armor-piercing, and flare rounds. All that in a single pistol? How handy.
ZF-1 - Fifth Element
The Zorg's ZF-1 from Fifth Element is the Swiss Army knife of science fiction weaponry. What does it include? Live fire, 3000 round capacity, replay button, rocket launcher, arrow launcher with explosive and poisonous gas heads, net launcher, flame thrower, and the frost thrower "icecube system". Oh, and let's not forget the all-important little red self-destruct button. The ZF-1 is the ultimate all-in-one weapon in a conveniently pod case.
M8 Assault Rifle - Mass Effect
The M8 Avenger Assault Rifle from the popular Mass Effect space-RPG games, looks distinctively cool. When words aren't enough, the Avenger is the weapon of choice used by Shepard and friends to strong arm NPCs in Mass Effects' interactive cut-scenes. The M8 holds 40 rounds per clip and fires at a rate of 850 RPM.
Related Lists
- This list only covers weapons from movies, TV shows, and video games.
- Hand-held weapons only. No tanks, turrets, or spaceships.
- Add an image of the weapon in use, preferably from the film or game.


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What do employees want? While the answer varies by employee, our research and work reveals a collective "wish list" every boss should know. What follows are some of the most sought-after wishes and those that come up most often as unmet:
1. Take action on employee suggestions
The action might be to loop back with the employee to share appreciation for their thoughts, and help them understand why you are or are not implementing their suggestion. The action is closing the feedback loop, which can be as worthwhile as implementing a suggestion an employee has. Either way you're saying that what they shared was valuable. This will motivate them to their suggestions in the future.
2. Recognize and show appreciation
Say "thank you" for a job well done. Reinforce very specifically the behaviors you want to continue to see. At a two-way communication training recently, a woman asked whether she needed to reward and recognize someone on her team for "just doing their job." Absolutely. Jobs don't inspire and motivate people; leaders do.
3. Less BS and more humanity
Enough beating-around-the-bush, or worse yet, "spinning" of messages. Employees want to know what's happening and why in a direct way. Tell them what you know when you know it. Chances are, you're currently waiting too long after getting key information to communicate.
4. Empathize with them
Pause and imagine how they're feeling. Show you hear them, and validate their feelings. The payoff is an employee who knows you care; at the same time, you gather information that's useful to motivate that employee.
5. More listening (to them)
Stop talking so much. Ask for input and feedback. Employees are more likely to support things they help create. Stop the monologues and talking at them; have real, two-way conversations.
6. Understanding of your expectations
People rise to the expectations set for them. Many problems in business are caused by a lack of understanding of expectations or a misunderstanding of what's needed and expected. Have you developed and articulated your expectations?
7. Show employees you care (in a genuine way)
Find out what's essential, and remember critical milestones that are important to employees.
So that's my short list.
Best of all, everything on the wish list is free.
Which of these skills do you need to focus on?
—David Grossman
Click below to download your new free ebook—Make the Most of Your Town Hall: 10 Ways to Unleash the Power of Your Team—and get 10 ways to transform your traditional town hall to inspire and engage your employees: