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- G-language Maps
Related Projects
Kazuharu Arakawa, Ph.D.
G-language Project Leader
Assistant Professor
Institute for Advanced Biosciences
Keio University
252-8520 Japan
Tel/Fax: +81-466-47-5099
Kazuharu Arakawa, Ph.D.
G-language Project Leader
Assistant Professor
Institute for Advanced Biosciences
Keio University
252-8520 Japan
Tel/Fax: +81-466-47-5099
gcskew('NC_000913'); gcskew('somewhere/hoge.gbk'); gcskew('embl:U00096');
codon_counter amino_counter
codon_amino_counter _codon_amino_printer _codon_usage_printer
print readFile('http://togows.dbcls.jp/entry/pubmed/12538262')
$gb->find() |grep replication |head -n 5
G > load ecoli G > gcskew [ecoli graph comes up] G > load bsub G > gcskew [bsub graph comes up]
$gb = load "ecoli"
foreach $cds ($gb->cds()){ next if ($gb->around_startcodon($cds, 50, 50) =~ /pattern/); }
foreach $cds ($gb->cds()){ my $genelength = length($gb->get_geneseq($cds)) next if ($genelength > 10000 || $genelength < 20); }
$db = db_load("gene", -driver=>"mysql", -database=>"mus_musculus_core_46_36g", -host=>"ensembldb.ensembl.org", -port=>3306, -primarykey=>"gene_id" ); say $db->{239967}->{status};
exported methods are:
db_dbi db_exists db_path db_set_path db_save db_load
most work just like sdb in G::DB::SDB.
$gb->{FEATURE4}->{translation} $gb->{CDS2}->{translation} $gb->{thrA}->{translation} $gb->{b0002}->{translation}
$gb->next_feature("thrA"); $gb->get_geneseq("thrA"); $gb->startcodon("thrA"); $gb->before_startcodon("thrA");
G::SystemsBiology::Serizawa G::SystemsBiology::EcellReader G::SystemsBiology::Pathway G::Tools::RCluster (this is moved to Rcmd::Clustering
mean sum variance standard_deviation min mindex max maxdex median least_squares_fit cor ttest
where cor include options for Spearman's, Pearson's, and Kendall's methods, and ttest supports both independent and paired Student's t-test.
query_arm dist_in_cc set_strand genes_from_ori
We are no longer supporting Windows
The former 'Prelude' core has been subdivided into micro module cores each responsible for specific functions. This enables more Object Oriented style of architecture, and better flexibility in plugging. Another advantage is to use Skyline core functions without doing 'use G;'. This can be alternatively called internally as 'use G::Skyline'.
G::Skyline inherits G::IO::GenBankO, which inherits G::IO::GenBankI, which inherits G::Prelude.
The following is the explanation of [new|altered] modules:
G.pm Inherits G::Skyline. Now only responsible for 'new G()' options and output options G::Prelude Core of core. Base class with manipulation methods only. G::IO::GenBankI Inherits G::Prelude. Embedded with GenBank parsers. G::IO::GenBankO Inherits G::GenBankI. Responsible for GenBank flatfile output. G::IO::Bioperl Responsible for the conversion of Bio::Seq::RichSeq to G::Skyline G::IO::Annotation Embedded with annotation functions G::Skyline Dummy class that multiply inherit the above classes
complement() and translate() are moved to G::Seq::Primitive so that they can be 'use'-ed internally from odyssey modules.
As stated above, with stronger object oriented form, it is easier to expand the functions without risking new bugs, and G::IO:: can be plugged with new parsers, such as that for FASTA, EMBL, and so on for more speed.
Conversion of Bio::Seq::RichSeq object to G::Skyline object is further enhanced, now almost perfectly mirroring including the header and the 'join' field.
G::IO::Bioperl::convert(struct Bio::Seq::RichSeq, struct G::Skyline);
easily converts the bioperl object.
SubOpt protocol is also enhanced so that now it can take bioperl object as well as G object. Therefore, all odyssey functions can be directly accessed from bioperl as follows:
$in = new Bio::SeqIO('-file'=>"hoge.embl"); $bioperl = $in->next_seq(); gcskew($bioperl, -window=>1000, -output=>"show");
Multiple options can now be used. For example,
$gb = new G("hoge.embl", "EMBL", "no msg", "without annotation", "longest ORF annotation", "multiple locus");
is now possible. Order can be random.
Database formats supported is also expanded, now supporting all of the following: GenBank, Fasta, SCF, PIR, EMBL, raw, GCG, ace, BSML, swiss, phd, game, qual. Moreover, file format option is now case insensitive. 'GENBANK', 'GenBank', 'genbank' all point to the same old GenBank. Furthermore, Skyline core can now automatically guess the format of the database even without the format options. Thus 'new G("hoge.gbk")' load genbank file, and 'new G("hoge.bsml")' automatically loads in BSML format. From now on, you probably do no have to care about the database formats at the input to G-language GAE.
Network retrieval is also automatically interpreted, and enhanced. Accession numbers starting with NC_ is taken from RefSeq in NCBI, and other accession numbers are taken from ordinary GenBank ftps. Again, here you do not have to enter 'net GenBank' option, although if you prefer that, you can.
Because BSML output is enabled, annotated G object can directly be put into the LabBook Genome XML Viewer (TM) which is a free genome viewer and editer of BSML files. This enables graphical genome view, circular plasmid view, with zooming and refering functions. Also, it is worth noting that it is the first step of G-language GAE to be able to input/output XML formats of databases. GAME XML format is also supported.
Bug in Prelude ($gb→del_key(), parsing of FT w/o value, -w switch compliancy) is fixed, and several new modules are incorporated into the Odyssey functions layer. The documentations for the new functions will be available at our website by the official release of version 2.


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For the final assignment in EdTech 501, I analyzed the current definition of Educational Technology. As part of the analysis, I created a graphic representation of the definition using PowToon. I began by reading the expanded definition of EdTech and examining its key parts for understanding. To me, the definition had four main parts: study, ethical practice, facilitated learning, and performance.
Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources.
All other elements of the definition fit into these four main parts. The most important of these four parts, however, proved to be facilitating (or facilitated, as I called it in my PowToon) learning. This notion of learning as something facilitated by the teacher seems to be crucial to the definition because it tips the idea of education on its head toward constructivist thinking and away from the "Sage on the Stage" teaching method. This idea of "facilitated learning" really spoke to me as a teacher. It supported my previous idea that the students should be in control of, or invested in, their learning. EdTech, as defined in our assigned chapter, allows students to claim ownership of their learning through active, learner-centric methods and authentic audiences/situations.
Following the "facilitated learning" aspect of the definition, "study," "ethical practice" and "performance" seem to be equals in my opinion. The reading described "study" as an idea beyond simple research. It explained it as a "cyclical process" of reflection and practice that led to improved performance. This idea of a "cyclical process" stuck with me and visually explained the importance of study to this definition and the interconnectedness of the definition's elements. I found the "ethical practice" element to be important because the AECT standards are the framework from which we design and instruct. Without these standards, as stated in the reading, success is not possible. As teachers, we cannot be sure that we are addressing the "needs" of our students without the AECT Ethics Committee and its standards. Finally, the idea of "performance" jumped out of the definition as the learner's ability to use and apply new capabilities in authentic environments. This performance includes the three major functions of the field: creating, using, and managing appropriate technological resources.
At first, I thought I wanted to create an infographic for this assignment. (I still would like to learn how.) But, when push came to shove, I decided to use PowToon to create an animated visual rather than a static one. I first learned about PowToon in a Tech Tools seminar, where I starred it in my notes as a potential tool for student presentations. PowToon was so fun and easy to use that I am really quite obsessed with it now. The only issue that I had was exporting the visual. It turns out to do some of the "fancier" things (like, I don't know, download it as a file) you have to pay for a membership. Other than that, PowToon was fun to use, and it is definitely a tool that I can use in my classroom or assign for students to use for presentations.

subset: commoncrawl


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Great for making regular popcorn or healthy snacks for your children, our Shake and Pop™ Outdoor Popcorn Popper makes delicious popcorn over any open flame in minutes. What a fun family activity to add to any outdoor event!
-Makes 3 quarts of popcorn in just 5 minutes.
-Non-stick coating and hinged lid allow easy cleaning.
-Two-part snap together handle makes assembly quick and easy.
-The 16 1/2″ L handle and wooden grip make popping over a campfire, fireplace or backyard grill a breeze and keeps your hands cool and away from the heat.
-No need to worry about moist popcorn, the perfectly located steam vents allow all moisture to escape during popping so your popcorn is always tender and crispy.


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Guide to Session Summaries
- To create a record of a student's visits to the Writing and Speaking Center (this record helps to confirm a student's visit, and can be used by consultants and fellows to continue earlier conversations in subsequent sessions)
- To keep track of how much the fellows' services are used (therefore helping us fine tune these services)
Summaries should take about five to seven minutes to complete—brevity is key.
Your session summary should follow this general structure:
- Introduction: One to two sentences that explain:
Description of the session's focus: Two to three sentences that explain what you did during the session and what strategies you used.
- What student the brought to the session:
- Assignment, pre-writing, notes, outline, introduction, draft, ideas, etc.
- What the student wants to work on:
- Thesis, grammar, introduction, flow, suggestions for approaching assignment, narrowing ideas, etc.
- What issues you identified as a tutor in addition to the student's own questions/concerns
- Example: Brian brought the outline of his research paper to check how his ideas flow. After reading through the outline, we also thought that it would be useful to refine the thesis to make it more argumentative and clear.
- What student the brought to the session:
- Actions include: brainstormed, talked about possible essay topics, developed research question/problem, made a reverse outline, worked with evidence, analyzed an argument, worked on grammar, style, etc.
- Example: To strengthen the thesis, we discussed what possible problems/questions this paper might be addressing and developed potential answers (thesis statements) to these questions. We then created an outline to follow the thesis structure.
- Conclusion: One to two sentence action plan, or a statement about where the work ended.
- Example: Brian will think more about what question interests him most out of the questions discussed during the session and will revise his outline to reflect the new thesis.
- Proofread and click "Main Menu" to save.
- A few notes:
- Descriptions should comment on student work, not on the student.
- "The student has organizational problems." (BAD)
- "We worked toward developing a purposeful organization for the paper." (GOOD)
- Description shouldn't judge the student or his/her work.
- "The essay has organizational problems." (BAD)
- "The student noted concerns about the essay's organization." (GOOD)
- Use collaborative pronouns ("we", "us") to reflect the collaborative nature of the sessions.
- "We discussed several organizational patterns."
- Tutors should, however, use "I" to mark suggestions that the student may then consider
- "I suggested a range of organizational strategies for the student to consider."
- Descriptions should comment on student work, not on the student.
- A few notes:


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Amber light
Two beautiful Moroccan table lamp and one hanging lamp, made of the high-quality copper, perforated in order to give astonishing shadows to your space.
We provide you a collection of the most exquisite Moroccan lamps. It's an excellent way to change completely your atmosphere from boring and tiresome to vibrant and joyful.
You will fall in love with the Amber light. This enchanting piece made with great accuracy and craftsmanship. Employing the old methods inherited from generation to generation in order to give you a fabulous flawless result.
The Amber light adds a magical Moroccan flair that will make your place unique and glamorous. In various sizes, shapes, and colors. We can also make you any style you desire.
So, if you want to know about our delivery service, check our terms and services, and if you have any questions about the products, please contact us


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If considering an Eastern Europe vacation, Bucharest, Sofia, and Belgrade are 3 cities which will provide you with rewarding and enjoyable visits. In the days of the Iron Curtain, Eastern Europe was, to a degree, an undeveloped region for tourism. I did visit Romania, Bulgaria, and the old Yugoslavia just before Soviet control was lifted. […]
Hot Topics What's got your imagination globetrotting?
Featured Videos No cats. Just the world's most amazing sights captured on film.
About this blog Meet our experts in travel and much more.
- Telephone1-800-387-8850
- Fax800-665-4432
- Email Address[email protected]


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Join etr as we explore Barcelona's ever-changing art scene. We'll visit the iconic representations of the Modernisme movement, including the lively façades of the l'Eixample district, Montaner's Palau de la Música Catalana, and Gaudí's stunning Sagrada Família cathedral. The city's unparalleled museums offer more insight into Catalonian art, both modern and contemporary: as we explore the Fundació Joan Miró, the Museu Picasso, and the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, we'll begin to understand how the rich Catalonian culture has informed the creative process for so many artists.
Greater lessons await us in the city's bustling parks and public spaces, where countless sculptures and avant-garde installations reveal that long after Gaudí's heyday, Catalonian creativity still knows no bounds – a fact that would make the Modernistas proud.
Don't let us just tell you about the art prospects in Barcelona, let us show you. Our customized programs are the way to go.


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Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, Salt-Sodium / 23.06.2018
Accurate Measurements Suggest High Salt Intake Leads To Higher Death Rate
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Feng J He PhD Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Studies have shown that there is a strong linear relationship between sodium intake and blood pressure and raised blood pressure is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The current mean population sodium intake among adults in most countries is approximately 4,000 mg/d (10 g/d salt). The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended a 30% reduction in sodium intake by 2025 with an eventual target of less than 2,000 mg/d (5 g/d salt) for all countries. Several recent cohort studies have challenged the WHO's recommendations, as these studies suggested that there was a J or U-shaped relationship between sodium and risk, i.e. lower and higher sodium intake both were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and deaths. However, these studies have several severe methodological problems, one of which is the use of a biased or unreliable estimate of individual's usual sodium intake, e.g. a single spot urine with the Kawasaki formula. Our study, for the first time, has compared the relationship of sodium intake and mortality, based on various methods to assess usual sodium intake, including estimates based on the Kawasaki formula (single and average of multiple days) and a single measured 24-hour urine, with the gold standard method, i.e. the average of multiple non-consecutive measured 24-h urines. (more…)


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First Time Home Buyer Mortgage Options
While you may think of your home as your safe haven, it is also an investment. To make the most of the investment side of home buying, educate yourself on the basics of mortgages and mortgage applications. Obtain your credit report (see Resources), use an online mortgage calculator to get a ballpark idea of how much of a mortgage payment you can afford and explore all your options for a mortgage before making any decisions.
A fixed-rate mortgage is the bread and butter of home loans. The most common term is 30 years but 15- and 40-year mortgages can be found. A fixed-rate mortgage is a loan that amortizes, or pays down the principal, over the loan term so that at the end of the term the loan is paid off. Both the interest rate and your payment are fixed for the life of the loan. A fixed-rate mortgage is a good choice when interest rates are at historic lows.
Adjustable-Rate, Including Hybrid
An adjustable-rate loan also amortizes. However, neither the interest rate nor payments are fixed. They change periodically--anywhere from every month to every year--based on a mortgage index. There are also hybrid loans like an interest-only loan in which you pay only interest payments, often on a fixed rate, for an initial period and then pay both interest and principal for the remainder of the loan based on an adjustable rate. Adjustable-rate mortgages are good when interest rates are higher than they usually are over the course of a year or two and not anywhere near historic lows. Some of the hybrids, like interest only loans, allow borrowers to qualify for mortgages they would not otherwise be able to because qualification is based on the initial low interest-only payments.
FHA Mortgage
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers a loan taken out by many first-time homebuyers because it requires a down payment of only 3.5 percent. You can get fixed-rate or adjustable-rate FHA loans. A down payment less than 20 percent on an FHA loan requires mortgage insurance, which adds to the monthly cost.
Government-Sponsored Programs
Some state and local government programs offer first-time home buyers special mortgage programs. Features include lower interest rates, lower down payment, down payment grants and second mortgages. In San Francisco, for instance, the Mayor's Office of Housing offers all of these programs as well as below-market-rate home prices for hundreds of units throughout the city. Some of the programs are intended specifically for teachers and police officers.
Photo Credits
- Documents image by GHz from Fotolia.com


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Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein(1948)
Director: Charles Barton
Cast: Abbott and Costello, Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney Jr., Glenn Strange
Director: Charles Barton
Cast: Abbott and Costello, Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney Jr., Glenn Strange
If most monster kids were asked to name the film that got them into classic horror, the likely answer would be Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, the last of the original Universal horror films and the final entry in the Frankenstein series that began in 1931. There's no doubt in my mind, that Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein is the best horror comedy ever made. Unlike other horror-comedies, the melding of scares and laughs is near perfect and the monsters are treated with more respect than expected. Bela Lugosi, who had not played Dracula since the 1931 original, is recruited for the role once more and that's alone worth the price of admission, though of course, there's also Lon Chaney Jr. as The Wolf Man and Glenn Strange as the Frankenstein Monster, who are both more terrifying than they were in either of the previous two entries in the Frankenstein series.
The film was originally devised as a straight entry into the series, under the title, "Frankenstein's Brain", but it was later turned into an Abbott and Costello film. Lou Costello didn't like the script, but the film would become the team's best remembered picture of their career. The plot follows Bud and Lou who are Florida baggage clerks that are ordered to deliver cases to a wax museum that contain the real Dracula and Frankenstein's Monster! Lou sees the monsters, but no one believes him, and when they go missing the pair end up in jail, only to be bailed out by an insurance agent(Jane Randolph) who is trying to discover the whereabouts of the exhibits. Meanwhile, Larry Talbot(The Wolf Man) tries to contact Bud and Lou, thinking they will aid him in stopping Dracula. It turns out that Dracula wishes to revive the Monster to full power and give him a compliant brain in the form of Lou's! A sexy doctor(Lenore Aubert) seduces Lou and invites him to a seaside castle(one of the greatest in a horror movie) and plans to extract his brain. After attending a masquerade party, with various scary(and funny) encounters, Lou is taken back to the island for the operation. Luckily, Bud and Larry arrive to rescue him and engage in one of the most spectacular conclusions in horror film history, as the Wolf Man battles Dracula and the Monster goes on a rampage. In the end, all the monsters are defeated and Bud and Lou quietly row away in boat, where Vincent Price cameos as the invisible man, sorry he didn't get in on the excitement!
An absolutely hilarious film that still manages to entertain all these decades over. Abbott and Costello have made several notable comedies, including Hold That Ghost(1942) and The Time of Their Lives(1946), but this is the most enduring. The magic melding of scares and laughs has never been bettered, aided by top direction, including some of the most atmospheric(and violent) set-pieces ever seen in a classic horror film. Bela Lugosi is terrific as Dracula, portraying his most famous character for the last time and in his final major studio picture. He's actually better in this than he was in the earlier film, more relaxed and assured, complete with a wonderful comedic timing("what we need today is young blood...and brains!") as well as wonderful use of his hypnosis bit, which adds to the mythology of the character.
Likewise, Chaney Jr. has more room to roam than he did in the House pictures, and makes for an off-beat hero. His stalking of Lou in the apartment, as well as his transformation in his London flat are among the best werewolf scenes on film.
Glenn Strange finally gets to do something with his character of the Monster, proving to be a totally imposing and frightening juggernaut, especially in those last two reels. Strange was coached by the master himself, Boris Karloff, on the set of House of Frankenstein(1944), and maybe it's just me, but there is a certain poignancy when the Monster walks into the flames towards film's conclusion. It's also of note that while this was a fine send-off for our beloved monsters, all the creatures were "killed" off in ways that inevitably meant they would survive, which is sort of comforting for our ghoulish imaginations.
The monsters don't look as impressive as they did under the hands of Jack Pierce, but the Bud Westmore designs are serviceable and iconic. One of my most treasured items as a kid was my set of Imperial Classic Movie Monsters toys, which were all based off of the designs of the monsters seen in the Abbott and Costello films, including Klaris from Abbott and Costello meet the Mummy(1955)!
The cast are uniformly good, particularly Lenore Aubert as the scheming Dr. Mornay, who really meets a nasty end by getting thrown out of a window by the Frankenstein Monster! She later turned up in a similar role in Abbott and Costello meet the killer, Boris Karloff(1949).
Bud and Lou were always talented comedians, but really proved their mettle when working outside of their comfort zomes on this picture. Only a few gags, such as the brilliant "moving candle" bit, were retained, but most of the rest was new and the team's timing is unequal.
This film was a smash hit and saved Universal International from folding and led to several follow-ups over the years. Boris Karloff reportedly disliked the film, feeling that his friend, the Monster, should not be treated with such indignity, but did agree to pose for publicity photographs. Dear Boris was right about alot of things, but wrong here. Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein is an affectionate, loving send-off for the monsters and holds the distinction of being both one of the greatest comedies, as well as one of the finest horror films ever made. If you have any kids that are interested in monsters, there's probably no better film to get them started on the path to Monsterdom. I know I love it...me and 20,000,000 other guys.


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Before writing this post, I thought I would revisit what I wrote around this time last year. I had just signed up for Weight Watchers again, and had already lost close to 20 lbs since having my baby (she was a month old at the time – crazy to imagine, eh). Since then, I have made some major changes.
While Weight Watchers totally kicked my butt into gear and helped me learn from the food and activity choices I was making, I have opted for a complete lifestyle change and ultimately chose a route where I wouldn't have to pay a monthly fee to be told how to eat. I also was not completely behind the idea where you get count points based on caloric intake – tricking people into believing that diet food is healthier for you, when it can often be worse.
I don't want to focus on consuming diet food, but rather consuming food that is real, whole, good for you and delicious. My healthy goals for this year are to: workout for 30 minutes per day, practice yoga for 30 minutes a day and cook all of our meals from scratch. Sure, there will be times where we go out to eat. I am in no way perfect when it comes to my diet, and I think 99% of people can agree with that. But I will be more conscious when I do go out to eat. That's all you gotta do. Be conscious.
I also want to focus more on remixing recipes by substituting good, healthy ingredients where they are needed and I will continue sharing my concoctions with you.
In case you are also resolving to get more fitness and healthy food in your life for the next year, here are a few websites that really helped me last year:
- Greatist: This is one of the first websites I got into when I started this health kick. I attempted many a health challenge through Greatist, and while I barely ever stuck with them – I learned a lot and I love how proactive and fun the writers are. They actually created Renew Year, where they post new challenges each morning and you share on Twitter when you complete the challenge with the hashtag #healthyishappy. I love it!
- The Gracious Pantry – This is by far one of my favorite sites and has truly motivated me to keep eating real and good food. Her recipes are all clean and she has good ones! My family loves every recipe I make…and that is really saying a lot. Because they hate anything with the word healthy in it.
- DoYouYoga.com – I love this yoga site, and I love Erin Motz. She always makes yoga practice fun, and they're always adding new videos. She has really inspired me to pursue a yoga instructor certification, and that is one of my goals now.
- Fitness Blender – I found this couple through YouTube, and I love their workouts. They're quick, but get the job done. They also do different challenges that you can join in, and they often post videos talking about nutrition and health – which I love. It's not about being skinny for them, it's about being healthy.
While you may not be on your A-game all the time, as long as you are eating good food and remaining active, you'll be fine. I promise. Let's do this not to be skinny – let's do it to be healthy. Most of all, let's DO IT.
Have you made a resolution to be more healthy in 2014? Did you write about it? Share your link in the comments and post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google + with the hashtag #myhealthylife. You can also find more healthy inspiration on my Pinterest. Cheers to healthy and happy new year!


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Transmission electron microscopy is a technique for observing the fine details of organelles in cells or tissues. This protocol is to be used to exam the membrane structure in cells with or without virus infection. Modifications should be made if users want to get images from tissues.
Keywords: Transmission Electron Microscopy, TEM, Cell, Organelle
Materials and Reagents
Note: Put all droppers and syringes into the 60 °C oven the day before this procedure to remove all the water inside all stuffs.
This protocol is adapted from Chau and Lu (1996) and Lee et al. (2012).
Please login to post your questions/comments. Your questions will be directed to the authors of the protocol. The authors will be requested to answer your questions at their earliest convenience. Once your questions are answered, you will be informed using the email address that you register with bio-protocol.
You are highly recommended to post your data including images for the troubleshooting.
You are highly recommended to post your data including images for the troubleshooting.


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Reg Mombassa on 40 years of music and art ahead of Canberra exhibition Psychedelic Realism
Growing up in South Auckland, Reg Mombassa didn't know what a painter was. But even without paintings or art books in the house, he knew he wanted to be an artist.
"I loved illustrations and I loved comics and I thought that's what being an artist was," Mombassa says.
"By the time I got to high school and did art at high school, I obviously became aware of all the great painters of the western tradition and started having an interest in being an actual painter.
"I started copying impressionist and post-impressionist landscapes out of art books when I was 15 to teach myself how to paint but also I loved those pictures and had that interest in the landscapes."
It was about that time Mombassa, real name Chris O'Doherty, also picked up the guitar for the first time.
"It as soon as I wanted to play music, I wanted to do both things," he says.
"Maybe I would have been better off choosing one and concentrating on that, but I didn't manage to do that."
Thankfully, for fans of both Mombassa's artistic work and with bands Mental as Anything, Dog Trumpet and The Pinks, he didn't just stick to one art form.
Of course, the two mediums - while completely different outlets - have a little bit of crossover when it comes to content. Mombassa likes to think it's because they come from the same part of the brain.
"I don't see too much of a difference."
But he's also been doing both, simultaneously, since he was a teenager, and when both careers started to take off, they did so at the same time.
At 23, Mombassa had his first art show at Watters Gallery in Sydney. Shortly after, Mental as Anything started making a name for themselves.
(Incidentally, just days after this interview, Mental as Anything's frontman Andrew "Greedy" Smith died from a heart attack).
"The first few years of the Mentals it was pretty much constant recording and touring, so my art career went on the backburner a bit until I had a one-man show in 1986 and also started working for Mambo that same year, so then the art kind of took over more, I guess," he says.
"But even that first period of the Mentals I was still drawing and painting and doing stuff on the road, I just wasn't exhibiting as much."
It's at this point in his career that his latest exhibition, Psychedelic Realism, kicks off.
Showing at aMBUSH Gallery at the Australian National University, Mombassa says the exhibition is a "mini-survey" of his life's artistic work, starting from his time as an art student, right up to some of his most recent work.
With more than 70 works, Psychedelic Realism includes pieces from Mombassa's private collection, as well as posters and original artwork from his time designing for surf brand Mambo. It's also his largest exhibition to have come to Canberra.
"I don't usually have art shows where it is one idea repeated many times, I've always tended to have shows that are a mixture of suburban and rural landscapes because I've always enjoyed painting landscapes since I was a teenager," Mombassa says.
"I kept it up, particularly when travelling with bands - I would often draw while I was travelling and I still do that. But you have to draw pretty swiftly - you have to see something that interests you and draw it swiftly - and I'll often colour them back in my studio or else I'll take reference photos on the road.
"So all that touring with bands was a good way of getting material for a landscape artist, but also, I have always done the more sort of absurd, graphic stuff like the stuff I did for Mambo, but I also do it for my own interests as well. Most of my shows have been a mixture of the two kinds of approaches."
Just as Mombassa's shows are split between his two approaches to art, his time is split between his two crafts. His days are for his art "because the light is better" and evenings are for his music.
As Mombassa prepared for this last exhibition, he was releasing Gravity, the latest track from Dog Trumpet, the rock band he formed with brother Peter O'Doherty. The band is set to release its first album in seven years in May 2020.
It should come as no surprise that Mombassa is continuing with art and music more than four decades on. The 68-year-old says he will maintain his two careers as long as he physically can.
"You're constantly [inspired], you just have to look at the news or read the newspaper to become either angry or slightly anxious about what's going on in the world," he says.
"One of my new themes that I have explored a bit in the most recent show in Sydney which was in June, was robots because I'm fascinated about robots and algorithms.
"When we get the thing called the technological singularity - which is when we have full artificial intelligence, which we haven't achieved yet. No one knows what will happen because the robots will be so intelligent that they might decide to get rid of us.
"It's an interesting possibility but apart from that, robots and algorithms will take the jobs off a large portion of the population in the next 20 years so that's going to be a readjustment for the human range. If we survive the climate problem."
Mombassa says it's not his job to point out these topics out - "people are already aware of the fact that things are going wrong with climate and that governments aren't often doing anything to deal with it".
His work is - and has always been - a reflection of what he sees around him.
"If it's a landscape, you're just looking at the natural world and trying to portray some of the beauty and the energy and the weirdness in the picture," he says.
"That's a more direct thing, whether it's a plein air kind of thing, even if you're in a car speeding through the bushes, you're responding immediately to the natural world.
"As for the other stuff, it's a mixture of popular culture and references to history and politics and a little bit of scatological adolescent humour in there as well."
- Psychedelic Realism is at aMBUSH Gallery until February 20.


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Put down that razor. Step away from the wax. That Brazilian might be causing the spread of a sexually transmitted infection, according to a new study.
A dermatologist in Nice, France, observed more and more patients coming to his office with molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) outbreaks in their nether regions (molluscum contagiosum, incidentally, sounds more like a "Harry Potter" spell than a virus). About 93 percent of these 30 patients, both male and female, shaved, waxed, or clipped their pubic hair. This made Dr. Francois Desruelles, MD, wonder about the relationship between grooming downstairs and the spread of MCV.
"Pubic hair removal is a body modification for the sake of fashion, especially in young women and adolescents, but also growing among men," writes Desruelles in a letter published online in the British Medical Journal. "Anyway, pubic hair removal may be a risk factor for STMC [sexually transmitted MCV] or perhaps other STIs …"
MCV, a pox virus, spreads by skin-to-skin contact, from sharing items such as towels or clothes, or sexual contact. It causes pearly papules with dimples in the middle. While MCV looks unsightly, it is not painful and often goes away without treatment. Although a few bumps might be an inconvenience, some people develop hundreds of these papules, which can be embarrassing and disfiguring.
After looking at cases of sexually transmitted MCV, Desruelles believes that people are self-inoculating, meaning they are giving themselves pubic MCV from grooming. A person might shave a papule on her leg, for example, and the virus remains on the blade, which transfers it to her lady parts.
This is a common way to spread bacteria or viruses, explains Dr. Robert T. Brodell, MD, a professor and chief of the division of dermatology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. People often spread warts this way.
"You cut through a wart … and pull [the HPV] along a line so you end up with warts in a line. You have the original wart and nine more."
Brodell, who did not participate in the study, believes there are a few other reasons why pubic hair grooming might cause the spread of MCV. People may share razors—so one person with MCV might pass it onto his roommate because they used the same razor (ew, people, get your own razors, especially if you are using it to trim your business). Or tiny abrasions from shaving makes it easier to contract MCV from a paramour.
"You have sexual contact with someone who has it and it is easier to pick up the virus," Brodell says. He recommends that people abstain from sex with someone who has an outbreak of MCV. If people suspect they have MCV or warts they should shave around the bumps, not through them, he adds.
While grooming likely increases the spread of sexually transmitted MCV, it doesn't mean we must go au naturel. Brodell notes there is nothing inherent about pubic hair that protects people from MCV or STIs. "The hair itself is not a defensive barrier."
Pubic hair grooming injuries on the rise, researchers find


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Nearest Boot Camp to Ascot
The Nearest bootcamp to Ascot is Melrose Park Boot Camp.
Ascot is 12 minutes drive (5.3km) from our Victoria Park Boot Camp and 13 minutes drive (8.4km) from our Raymond Park Boot Camp.
If you would like to setup a new boot camp or fitness group with your friends or colleagues then we suggest the following parks as good venues: Bannister Park, Oriel Park, Crosby Park, Albion Park Raceway, Bartleys Hill Reserve, Albert Bishop Park, Ross Park, Kalinga Park, Shaw Park and Mercer Park.


text: Cool, old school and built to last, the GEL-RESPECTOR was first launched back in 1991. It's a shoe that sneaker aficionados recognise and respect, with a sleek upper and iconic '90s shape. A midsole crafted from moulded E.V.A. means they're comfortable enough to wear all over the city – whether you're chilling, shopping or partying, and a large heel protector provides stability and strength to the shoe.


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Author: Amy Engel
Genre: Dystopia
Source: Publisher
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: November 3rd 2015
Add it to Goodreads / Pre-Order it on Amazon
Ivy Westfall is beyond the fence and she is alone. Abandoned by her family and separated from Bishop Lattimer, Ivy must find a way to survive on her own in a land filled with countless dangers, both human and natural. She has traded a more civilized type of cruelty--forced marriages and murder plots--for the bare-knuckled brutality required to survive outside Westfall's borders. But there is hope beyond the fence, as well. And when Bishop reappears in Ivy's life, she must decide if returning to Westfall to take a final stand for what she believes is right is worth losing everything she's fought for.
*This review contains spoilers from book 1 and minor spoilers from book 2*
When Entangled Teen reached out about me reviewing The Revolution of Ivy I was all over the opportunity. I mean, it has been 6 months since Amy broke my heart, and mine needed to be repaired. I will admit, I would have loved this one a whole lot more if I got the chance to reread The Book of Ivy but nonetheless The Revolution of Ivy was a strong end to an incredible duology.
When the first book ended Ivy was no longer in Westfall, but beyond the fence. Stuck in war ravaged land Ivy has no choice but to teach herself to survive. But after being attacked and injured she is rescued by two strangers: Caleb and Ash. Ivy's saviors teach her how to survive in this new harsh world, as well as taking her in as one of their own. Just when Ivy can function on her own again, she is reunited with Bishop.
Ivy spent most of time in the first half of the book accepting the fact that Bishop would no longer be a part of her life. Then he is flung back in and it is a shock to her system. I didn't expect for her reunion with Bishop to be painful for her, but it was. It sure wasn't the reunion I was expecting, but it fit well with the book and made the moments that Ivy and Bishop have together sweeter. Bishop is fierce in proving he still love Ivy despite everything that happened. Honestly, I didn't think I would fall in love with him anymore then I already have, but I did.
"I don't understand how the pain of losing him can be a pale shadow in comparison to the pain of finding him again." -IvyWhen Bishop arrived at the camp, he brought news about how things in Westfall are starting to fall apart in President Lattimer's hands. Despite what happened with her father and sister in book one, Ivy decides to get back to Westfall and try to save her sister from execution and possibly her her father from the same fate. The ending wasn't unexpected. It made sense though. The Lattimer's time was running out. But it left the reader content to what was going to happen after the story ended.
I am sad that my time with this series is over. I will be coming back to reread it again soon. Amy did a brilliant job in wrapping up everything, leaving me content to Ivy and Bishop's life long after this story ends.


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Here you will find information about ASTEPRO (azelastine hydrochloride) and where to find Astepro coupons.
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Notice: The information provided on this website is not an affiliate of any medical store and content in this page is not a substitute for doctor advice. Please contact your personal doctor or pharmacies before use ASTEPRO (azelastine hydrochloride).


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HUSBAND and wife Stuart and Helen McIntosh are a couple who truly know the meaning of the vow 'in sickness and in health'.
While Helen suffers from epilepsy, her husband Stuart is wheelchair-bound following a fall at work.
The Newcastle couple are not only carers for each other but also help to take care of their two sons, who have disorders on the Autism spectrum.
Now they have both been nominated for the Sentinel's Our Heroes Awards in the Adult Carer of the Year category.
Stuart, aged 48, of Seabridge Lane, said: "I was working as a production manager for a pottery firm about 20 years ago when I fell and severely damaged my ankle.
"Because I couldn't stand up for long periods, I got a job as a bus driver.
"However, in the end, I had to leave my job to look after Helen and the boys.
"Now, I help to look after her and she helps to look after me.
"I know I always worry about Helen if she is out on her own in case she has an epileptic fit.
"Life as a carer can be a constant battle because you feel like so many things are against you."
Helen, aged 49, said: "I was diagnosed as having had epilepsy since I was five years old.
"I was working in an administration role at a company when I was made redundant in 1988 after an incident at work.
"I was pregnant at the time with my first son Philip and had a fit at the top of the stairs.
"Luckily someone caught me or I would have fallen down.
"I was basically told by my company that I shouldn't come back unless I could promise not to have any more fits at work.
"A lot of things can trigger a fit, including poor sleep and high stress.
She added: "My 24-year-old son Philip was diagnosed with having a disorder on the autism spectrum when he was 18-years-old and my 22-year-old son Mark is now going through the process.
"As a carer for both my children, it can be quite stressful in that I feel like I can never relax.
"I help to manage their every day life, including things such as sorting out their bills.
"I do worry about both of them 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"Luckily, we have had lots of support from a charity in Wolstanton, called Lifeworks, which supports individuals with Asperger's syndrome and autism.
"My two boys don't live with me but a lot of people don't realise that you don't have to be living with someone in order to be their carer."


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Central England Co-Operative Is Getting Ready To Open New Ashby Food Store With Golden Ticket Giveaway
Central England Co-operative is currently putting the finishing touches to a new Food Store in Ashby – and is getting set to hand out special golden tickets to 50 lucky customers on launch day.
The Society will officially open its new store in School Lane, at 9am on Friday, 24 August, with a special ribbon cutting ceremony
The first 50 shoppers to head through the doors will be handed a golden ticket with which they could win a variety of prizes including everything from a 49" Smart LED TV or a Bluetooth speaker to Co-operative gift vouchers or Irresistible Fairtrade chocolate bars.
School Lane Central England Co-operative Store Manager Rhianne McLean said: "This is a very exciting time for everyone in the team and preparations for the big day are well under way.
"Please come and join us at 9am on Friday, 24 August, and you could be one of the 50 lucky customers to receive a golden ticket.
"There will be a great buzz on opening day and to celebrate the Food Store launch we will have plenty of special opening offers, we will be talking to customers about membership and how we can support in the local community. We look forward to seeing you there."
The new food store will provide a wide range of products and services to meet the needs of the local community. Fixtures and fittings include the latest in energy efficient refrigeration and LED lighting.
The Ashby Co-operative Food Store will be open from 7am – 10pm every day. The store will offer a wide range of products from everyday necessities to something a little more special. The store offer includes: fresh and local fruit and vegetables, an in-store bakery offering breads and pastries, chilled beers and wines, fresh and frozen product, Irresistible product ranges, Costa Coffee, and a great selection of food to go.
The store will also offer NUS Extra, Paypoint, Collect Plus, foreign currency, a free car park, a free cash machine and a lifesaving defibrillator.
Notes to editors
Members of the press are invited to attend the opening to take pictures or video and interview any potential winners with their permission.
If you are unable to attend, we will be supplying details of all winners and pictures from the event following the opening.
About Central England Co-operative
Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK.
It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 staff, with the Society's principal areas of activity being food, funeral services, and property investment.
Central England Co-operative has over 400 trading outlets across 16 counties including; West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. The Society has an ambitious food store development programme for 2018.
Central England Co-operative is proud of its reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility. It is a member of Business in the Community, the membership organisation that stands for responsible business, and has also won many business awards for excellence. The Society supports a number of charities including Dementia UK and invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities.
Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society's trading estate.
Find out how to become a Central England Co-operative member by calling 0800 0501 601, emailing firstname.lastname@example.com or visiting https://www.members.coop
For more information visit www.centralengland.coop, follow Central England Co-operative on Twitter: @mycoopfood, and on Facebook: facebook.com/centralenglandcooperative
Rob Smyth / Heather Clapton at Central England Co-operative on 01543 414140
Email – email@example.com


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(Reuters) - U.S. office vacancy rate for the first quarter rose to 16.5 percent, the highest since 2015, despite a healthy job market, according to real estate research firm Reis Inc REIS.O.
Construction and net absorption, measured in terms of available office space sold in the market during a certain time period, were above their average quarterly levels of 2017 at 10.9 million square feet and 6.2 million square feet, respectively.
"The market seemed to have stagnated in 2017 as companies had put off making office leasing decisions until a fiscal stimulus was passed," Reis said in the report.
The report also expects the passing of the U.S. Tax Reform and Jobs Act to spur stronger office leasing this year.
During the quarter, 41 of the 79 metros reported a rise in vacancy while New York City once again had the lowest vacancy rate among the metros.
Reporting by Shravanth Vijayakumar in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta


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Millions of Africans Gain Access to Health Benefits of Fortified Flour
19 countries now fortify at least 75% of their industrially milled wheat flour
23 April 2013
In the last two years 15 million Africans - and perhaps as many as 82 million - have gained access to more nutrition in their staple foods due to increased amounts of wheat flour being fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, according to estimates by the Flour Fortification Initiative (FFI). The Africa assessment was a highlight of the FFI Executive Management Team (EMT) meeting in Atlanta 16-17 April.
"Fifteen million is a very conservative estimate as it only includes people living in urban areas," said Scott Montgomery, FFI Director. "The combined population of countries in Africa where flour fortification is standard milling practice now is 443 million. In 2011, it was 361 million. The health benefits of food made with fortified flour are probably reaching somewhere between an additional 15 million and 82 million people now than in 2011."
With information from public, private, and civic sector partners, FFI conducted an exhaustive analysis of opportunities in Africa in 2011. At that time, seven countries were fortifying at least 75 percent of their domestically produced wheat flour with at least iron and folic acid. Now 19 countries have reached that level of fortification.
Where flour fortification is standard milling practice and the transportation infrastructure allows country-wide distribution of commercially processed foods, most people have access to fortified flour and foods made with fortified flour. In Africa however, the lack of extensive transportation systems in many places means that the urban population is more likely than the rural population to consume foods made with fortified flour. In 2011, the urban population of the seven countries which fortified flour was 175 million. In 2013, the urban population of the 19 countries which fortify flour is 190 million, for an increase of 15 million people.
Africa's total urban population is expected to increase from 414 million to over 1.2 billion by 2050, according to the 2011 Revision of the World Urbanization Prospects, produced by the UN Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). A UN Development Account project noted that migration to cities "has created very dense informal settlements where 30 to 40 percent of the urban population lives in abject poverty and dismal conditions."
In some regions, fortified flour is available beyond urban areas. Eleven of the 15 member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) now have mandatory legislation for fortifying wheat flour. Helen Keller International (HKI), a leader of fortification activities in the region, estimates that 72 percent of women of reproductive age in the region have daily access to fortified wheat flour and that 90 percent of the overall population has access.
Flour is commonly fortified with iron, folic acid, and other B vitamins. People need iron for physical activity and work productivity, and iron is essential for children's development and healthy pregnancies. Folic acid reduces the risk of children being born with serious birth defects such as spina bifida. A 2008 study estimated that fortifying flour with folic acid prevented 22,000 of these birth defects in one year.
Flour fortification is usually part of a combination of strategies to prevent nutritional deficiencies among specific populations, said Ronald Afidra, FFI's Africa Network Coordinator. To reach people who do not access commercially processed foods, countries may distribute vitamin and mineral supplements or micronutrient powders for example.
Flour fortification progress in Africa "reflects the value of the partnerships on the ground," Afidra noted. His role is to work with multi-sector leaders in countries and regions then identify ways that FFI can complement their work.
FFI works in Africa as part of the Smarter Futures partnership for fortification which began in 2009 and was scaled up in 2012. Smarter Futures has helped strengthen quality control systems and reinforce other capacities to fortify wheat flour. Smarter Futures includes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, AkzoNobel, FFI, HKI, and the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF).
Some of the additional partner organizations working in Africa include government ministers, industry leaders, civic sector volunteers, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Micronutrient Initiative (MI), Project Healthy Children, US Agency for International Development (USAID), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Bank, and UN agencies such as UNICEF, World Health Organization, and World Food Program.
The next step in Africa is to train country leaders to monitor fortification programs. A new tool called the Fortification Monitoring and Surveillance System (FORTIMAS) will help track trends in household coverage of quality fortified flour and foods made with fortified flour as well as expected health outcomes. The tool uses existing data from easy-to-reach target populations with high access to quality fortified foods. It will be applied in two African countries later this year. A quality assurance / quality control workshop in northern Africa, a cost benefit analysis workshop for southern Africa, and an advocacy event for central Africa are also planned this year.
Globally 76 countries require fortification of industrially milled wheat flour with at least iron or folic acid, and at least half of the flour in seven countries is fortified through voluntary efforts. FFI estimates that 31 percent of the world's industrially milled wheat flour is fortified through these mandatory and voluntary efforts. The combined population of the mandatory and voluntary countries is 2.26 billion.


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#1 Lesson: Never pay cash when you can use credit.
I saw Guided by Voices play on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31 and wanted to blog about it, but a phone call changed all that.
It was from the company that handles my 401(k) retirement account. A woman informed me that I now qualified for a new level of service — a "premium" level, in fact. She wanted to assign me a personal account executive right away.
Immediately suspicious, I said I had to go and that she should send me information in the mail about the premium services. I work in financial journalism. I don't trust anything not in writing, and even then I remain vigilant. The Wall Street Journal regularly publishes round-ups of securities violations among nearly every brokerage. The most common violation seems to be generating extra trading in a client's account to drum up more commissions — in other words, the brokers were making money by moving it around instead of growing a client's account. Those caught pay a fine and "neither admit nor deny" guilt.
Well, when I did receive a pamphlet in the mail, it was as bad as I had thought, and it didn't even come with any of the extras I would have expected. (How about a free cup of coffee in the mornings from the branch offices?)
On the first page, I was notified that I was eligible for "complimentary guidance consultations from a Premium Services Account Executive, who'll take the time to understand your needs and help you make financial decisions you can feel confident about."
Free financial advice! Great, right?
The footnote (number two out of a total of 15) told me that, "Although consultations are one on one, guidance provided by [XX]* is educational in nature, is not individualized, and is not intended to serve as the primary or sole basis for your investment or tax-planning decisions."
In other words, this premium level of service entitles me to one-on-one sessions of high-pressure sales pitches. Why, this so-called account executive doesn't even care who I am because everybody getting these premium services gets the same pitch. And even though the footnote implies the need for additional financial advice, the entire pamphlet doesn't suggest that your account executive is deficient in any way.
The pamphlet also notes that your account executive can help you, "Potentially reduce estate and estate-related taxes." As a premium-services client I can "Learn how you may control the distribution of your wealth with our estate planning basics."
Yet, astoundingly, that last statement is footnoted as "Tax and estate planning information provided is general in nature, is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. [XX]* does not provide legal or tax advice." The seller of this rinky-dink fortune-telling miracle fish also has the disclaimer that such fortunes are for informational purposes only.
Again, no mention of free coffee!
As you can imagine, the rest of the pamphlet details all the great things this account executive can do, including investment and tax-planning decisions rife with conflicts of interest!
This annoys me to a great degree. For people flustered with making investment decisions, this free service may seem like a lifeline, but like most things in the world (and especially in the world of finance), when someone seems to be throwing you a line, they are really trying to feed you one.
In fifth grade I had a teacher who had a few rental properties but his tenants were incompetent and often filled out their rent checks incorrectly, rendering them uncashable. As a favor to our future landlords, he made us spend a week or two writing out checks and spelling out legibly the dollar and cent amounts. That was the full extent of personal finance that I learned in public school. College, too.
Personal finance is something that one has to pursue on one's own. You don't learn it in law school or medical school. Which is why a lot of smart lawyers and doctors get scammed by these account executives who are busy making trades in their accounts. One does break a sweat every now and then from buying and selling. If the lawyer or doctor asks about something, the account executive has some language ready to basically ask them, "What are you, stupid?" That usually ends it because lawyers and doctors certainly don't fancy themselves as stupid, and the account executive goes back to making trades.
Of course, you don't need to be a lawyer or a doctor to be scammed. Shoot, I'm a writer and a journalist. I don't have a whole lot of money in my 401(k), but after working and contributing for 18 years, I now qualify for premium services.
But not free coffee. (Why do I keep asking? I want some freaking free coffee, and I'm willing to tune out a short sales pitch for a good cup!)
Learning how to manage your personal finances is, well, a personal matter. Only you can determine how much risk you're comfortable with. Only you know what causes you care about (investments in "vices" such as alcohol, or China, or companies that oppose same-sex marriage, for example). Only you know what fee structures you want to pay.
You may say, "Hey, Ed Lin! I'm busy as hell, and I don't want to deal with money stuff! I want to leave it to the pros!"
A lot of other people felt that same way when they had Bernie Madoff ** manage their assets.
We have arrived at a time and place when an individual can read and become very savvy. One is capable of trading options and other derivatives easily.
Yet for many people — including very smart people — the world of finance remains murky and seems best left unexplored.
If this is you, you may get a phone call soon — from your new account executive offering free premium services.
How can you counter this? There are a number of fine publications, including Barrons.com,*** that you may choose to read on a regular basis. The Wall Street Journal Guide to Understanding Money and Investing is an excellent place to start and you can buy it for 1 cent plus shipping and handling. Understanding Wall Street by Jeffrey Little is also great for starters. I'm sure others have their own favorites.
But this is not a sales pitch, and I am not your account executive.
*Overlay your 401(k) administrator here.
**It is true that it is unfair to paint all asset managers with the Madoff brush. Yes, some people do want help from an objective personal-finance adviser. If this is you, then you need to go to a "fee-only" adviser. These advisers derive their fees from a percentage of your assets. They are motivated to make your assets grow because it means more commission for them. Avoid "fee-based" advisers — on top of getting a percentage of your assets, they also are paid by fund companies when they steer your money into their funds. If you don't understand everything, and your adviser can't or won't explain fully, get another adviser.
*** I work at Barrons.com, which is owned by News Corp., a company that also owns The Wall Street Journal.
One Comment
Join the conversation and post a comment.
David Di Pinza
My Taiwanese mother-in-law has been investing in stocks in Taipei by reading the newspapers and watching TV for more than two decades. She does everything by phone and personal visits. She hates the Internet (for the most part — because she can now instant message her daughter 7,000 miles away at 5 in the morning). She educated herself in the ways of stocks and bonds and insurance. Everyone can do this with a lot of patience and diligence. At work I am amazed at how little my co-workers understand how their 401(k) s work and how to choose which investments are right for them — or even how to navigate the web site. It seems that they have never heard of the "buy and hold" strategy, but panic every time there is some bump in the road. Or know about shares or dividends or trading fees. Oh well, I try to help.


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"Toda, tab bhi bola – tabla" -a Hindi pun reflects a legend which credits the 13th century poet Amir Khusrau as the inventor of the "tabla" (Indian drum) after he split the single south Indian 'mrudangam' drum into two.
This drum maker has quite the reputation in his neighborhood. I was struck by his focus and his very lean, muscular arms.


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IKEA US is in the process of installing more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations bringing the total to 32 IKEA locations by early Spring. The Three Blink® electric vehicle (EV) charging stations* reflect the IKEA goal to be carbon free, as EVs have zero tailpipe emissions.
"Installing EV charging stations reinforces our ongoing commitment to sustainability," said IKEA US President, Lars Petersson. "As the leader in life at home, IKEA realizes a focus on sustainable transport of people can help empower customers to live sustainably while helping the needs of EV drivers."
To charge an EV, drivers can tap their Blink InCard (RFID card) to the reader below the screen, initiate the session directly from the Blink Mobile application, or use a guest code provided via the Blink Mobile app, BlinkCode.com, or Blink Customer Support (888-998-2546).
By 2020, IKEA says it will be 100 percent renewable – producing as much renewable energy as it consumes using renewable sources.
IKEA US has solar arrays at 90 percent of its locations, and owns two wind farms in the United States.
The EV program is a partnership with Car Charging Group, Inc. (OTC: CCGI), the owner of the Blink Network and Blink EV charging stations, and the largest provider of EV charging services with thousands of public EV charging stations in 36 states and two countries.
*these EV charging stations are level 2.


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Entry Level (EL) Para Coach Pathway
- Start by completing the Entry Level Course . You must be 15 years of age on the first day of the course, no exceptions.
- Then complete the Para Module for EL PARA TRAINED status.
- Progress to EL PARA CERTIFIED status if you will be coaching more than a season at the "Skiers Essentials" development level.
- Progress to the Development Level (DL) PARA program if you will be working with more advanced para-alpine athletes.
I want to volunteer for a Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers (CADS) "Skier Essentials" Learn to Race recreation program... or I want to be hired by a club in a competition program.
What I need to do:
Intro to Coaching at the "Skier Essentials" development level
I want to lead a group of children at the Skier Essentials development level…and I want to be evaluated as a competent coach.
What I need to do:
Complete NCCP Make Ethical Decisions Module and Online Evaluation


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UAL Drawing Show, November 5-8th 2015
Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf , Bargehouse St , London SE1 9PH
Curated by Tania Kovats and Kelly Chorpening
I submitted a drawing to a symposia about Thinking through Drawing. The drawing on an A4 print out was made while contemplating a model for the regulation a biological process I was researching. I already had a rudimentary plan of the molecular components but what might the process look like in 3 dimensions over time?
The 'work' was accepted and exhibited.
I spent a few rainy weekday afternoons on London's South Bank in November invigilating the exhibition. . .


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Over twenty-five years ago, we observed the wheelchair market and decided to change it radically, to provide each wheelchair user with the potential to live their life to the full with a chair fit for each individual purpose. Today we continue to innovate, so that you can believe, live, inspire.
The freedom to explore, to go further, to maximise your potential and achieve your goals are our prime motivators. A product that will be an integral part of your core being is our aim.
Respecting your individuality is our philosophy.


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The quote, "No problem can be solved on the same level of consciousness which created it…" is thrown about, without a true understanding what the saying entails.
When Einstein was a professor of Physics, he gave a test to his graduate students. His assistant remarked: "Isn't this the exact same exam you gave these students a year ago?"
"Yes, exactly. answered Einstein. The questions are the same… The answers have changed"
Today his answer is as true as it was 70 years ago
The questions are still the same… and the answers have changed… and yet, we are trying to do more of the same, less of the same, but never any different, because the level of consciousness is stuck at a low level.
Doing different can only come from seeing different, seeing differently, looking from a different consciousness level.
But that is only possible if the level of consciousness from where you look at what is, for an action, for a solution, is higher than the original actions were… The only way to raise your consciousness is to have more spiritual capacities turned on, spiritual capacities that are, as potentials, hardcoded into your DNA
Until now, there was only one way to turn on spiritual capacities: through hardship, challenges, and suffering.
My father, born in 1913, just before the first World War, was born to a Jewish couple. The husband was a cantor, the mother was… a mother.
There was no money, and they lived in poverty. But by the end of the war, there was nothing. So my father's father decided to try his luck in the big city, 200 miles away, Budapest.
He left to never return. Mother and child starved, there was some charity, but yet, the mother died of malnutrition, and my father had soft bones, also from malnutrition.
At age six he fell on his face from a high wall, and the bones of his face shattered. Motherless, he was sent to his relatives, in and around the big city.
He was sent from relative to relative. He became a nuisance, chasing the girls of the houses…
He was intelligent, but uncontrollable.
He found a woman with a small store to marry, and marry they did.
When the Nazis put all the Jews of Hungary in internment camps (gathering people before they were shipped to the extermination camps), he met my mother and fell for her. My mother was a beauty at the time.
My father was sent into forced labor in Slovakia, another country. And my mother's family was deported to Auschwitz.
My father, called the Jewish King by his fellow slaves, still had weak bones, and broke his ankle during a forced march. The nazis left him in the snow… to die. But the locals found him, and took him to the hospital.
There, a one time classmate, also on forced labor duty, was the doctor, also from Hungary. The doctor, risking his life, hid and cured my father. When he was better, my father took off, walking with a water bucket for the long march to Hungary, to find my mother.
After the war he became a police man, and then, in night classes, got himself a Ph.D. in economics, then became a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and then a member of the government, wrote 14 books, and lectured all over the Eastern Block, and in some Western countries as well.
He was born with seven capacities, died with 30.
As you see, this is how someone, through living a challenged life, opens up spiritual capacities in the DNA.
I won't share my trials and tribulations, but I took those 30 capacities I inherited, and added the rest of the capacities, to one degree or another. 1
For you, it is much faster, and much less painful to have me turn on your spiritual capacities.
Now, a little reality added: You have been immersed and taught the low consciousness way of looking at things. Even after I turn on a spiritual capacity for you, you will first look through the lower consciousness, not through the new capacity.
I see this every day… it's quite common, especially when the new capacity has its parallel in lower consciousness, like generosity or appreciation.
So unless you follow my instructions, you'll NOT use and keep the new capacity active… it will turn off.
I just had an email interaction with a Canadian. Canadian culture is self-righteous, believes itself superior to everyone. They are especially proud of their culture of politeness.
Politeness trumps accuracy, politeness trumps effectiveness, wealth, prosperity, love, everything.
Politeness cannot tolerate the truth, unless the truth is pretty and ahem… polite.
I am blunt… I have no Canadian born clients. Their politeness would immediately disable and discount all the capacities that suggest that being with what is (ugly) without blinking. They would not be able to see that that is a valuable spiritual capacity. Which are, in essence, all the spiritual capacities. Only through looking at ugly you can grasp beautiful.
And the same can be the issue with California born people… very similar culture, the culture of pretense.


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VIDEO: The Globetrotter Vehicle Atacama 6300 is put to a test
The founders of ACTION MOBIL as well as the present managers are enthusiastic globetrotters. In the end of 2016 they put the new Atacama 6300 to a test drive in the rough terrain of the Kaokoveld in Namibia. Otti Reitz produced a documentary about this test trip and included material of driving in dry and wet riverbeds, mastering narrow passages and extreme ground formations and close encouters with the famous Desert Elephants of Namibia.


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Romaji-English Japanese Bonsai Terms & Tree Names
Romaji-English Japanese Bonsai Terms & Tree Names by Robert Z. Callaham features a glossary of 1,216 terms.
Each Romaji (Romanized Japanese Kanji) term is shown with its English equivalent(s). The glossary has also been duplicated and rearranged under bonsai subjects, e.g. Age and Branch attributes, Propagation, Trunk, Bark & so forth.
There's more too including scientific names of trees used for bonsai and where known, Japanese names And finally an index of common names of trees and plants.
Softcover. 8 1/2" x 11" 44 pages.


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Babies love books – and here's a lovely selection for them to get their chubby little hand on
By Beatrix Potter, Frederick Warne, £8.99, from 12 months
This set of five eco-friendly board books uses some of Beatrix Potter's best-loved characters to help children discover their five senses. Read how Benjamin Bunny can "taste a cup of steaming camomile tea," and how the frog Jeremy Fisher can "hear the rain falling. Pitter patter." A perfect introduction to Beatrix Potter – before Mr McGregor arrives on the scene.
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Marvel's Girl Comics is a 3 issue mini-series created by a team of talented ladies. It's also a good idea. Now I know every now and then a comic company will scratch their head over just how to get girls to buy comics, and from what I understand, the number is growing, particularly in manga. DC tried a noble attempt a few years ago with their Minx line, which unfortunately never took off the ground. However, there are a lot more female characters in the spotlight in the pages of both companies superhero books. In May alone Spider-Girl returns again, Dazzler gets a one-shot, as do the many loves of the Amazing Spider-Man in a book of the same name, Galacta: Daughter of Galactus hits, Black Widow's new series continues, Emma Frost gets an origin spotlight special, and Marvel Her-oes continues with its focus on teen female Avengers. Plus let's not forget all the female spandex wearers in the various X-Men and Avengers titles. Of course, giving more female characters series doesn't mean more female readers, as I'm sure there's a fair amount of appeal to both sexes with superhero stuff, but it's a good step in the right direction.
Now, about Girl Comics. I'm a sucker for anthology books, and this appealed. Not all of the 7 short tales contained within are good, but they represent a great diversity. Most don't feature females as leads, but are just slices of superheroes from different perspectives. Willow G. Wilson (Vertigo's excellent Air) and Ming Doyle present a simple tale of Nightcrawler saving a perfromer in what looks like a WWII cabaret bar, Valerie D'Orazio and Nicki Cook show Punisher in a subtle, yet creepy tale of child protection and by far my favouritre – Head Space by Devin Grayson and Emma Rios (whose art I've loved since BOOM!'s Hexed). The other tales fall kinda flat for me, but that's the lottery of an anthology. I'll certainly pick up the remaining two issues, just to see what talent lies on offer. The creator biographies and and spotlights on Marvel employees Flo Steinberg and Marie Severin are a superb touch too.
Street Fighter Legends: Ibuki from Udon Comics is another new series with a female focus, though a different endeavour from the book above. Like any Gen Xer I paved my way through high school via button mashing on Capcom's classic game, but I haven't followed the franchise in the years since. Udon produce lovely, kinetic comics though, so this was a purchase on a whim. Written by Jim Zubkavich with art by Omar Dogan, who worked on the Chun-Li Legends series, this premiere ish mixes light high school drama with face kicking action. I'm unexposed to the newer Street Fighter characters, but this explains Ibuki in a very likeable fashion.
She's a Japanese teen in a ninja school who also goes to a regular school and uses a mobile phone and has too many clothes for a stealthy fighter and this issue balances both of her lives well. There's also a new arrogant girl at school who challenges Ibuki to a fight, a secret cabal of ninjas called Geki and a conclusion that reveals next issue's addition of another SF character. The whole tale bounces along well, with a great touch in pacing from Zubkavich and suitably light yet frantic action scenes from Dogan.
Since we're talking about girls – Whiteout. I saw the Kate Becksinale starring film recently and it wasn't as bad as the critics led me to believe. Based on the 1998 Oni Press OGN from Greg Rucka and Steve Lieber, it tells of a U.S Marshall trying to solve the first murder in Antarctica before a deadly storm crashes on their doorstep. It's a bit long and not full of surprises, and there a few changes from the book, but it was entertaining enough. Kinda like 30 Days of Night without the bloodsuckers.
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The regular season is winding down about as fast as getting to this point in the season. It has been a bit of a blur, don't you think? With only two weeks left in the season, the games begin to get a lot more important and the points in the pool become that much more important.
In the draft, Clayton C. has managed to tie the season-high for lead in points after the conclusion of a week, now sitting with a 15-point gap. With the way the season is gone, that size of a lead is certainly not safe and Dale B. still has a pretty good shot at it. Stuart G. is also doing his best to creep in on the top end of the action, sitting in 3rd place, only 7 points out of 2nd. Wayne H. is only 5 points back of Stuart, while Allan S. and Stacey C. slug it out for 5th place.
Yeah, the draft has been really good this year and the finish is going to be rather exciting. Week Twenty-Six will have the largest amount of games in the NHL schedule to date, so I'm hoping that we'll see a lot of points and a lot more action in the standings. The last month, on a weekly basis, has not been able to crack the 11-point mark in NHL games (on average), showing that scoring has been down in the pool of late. Injuries after the waiver draft will normally do that.
As for the selection sheet pool, the stat pack below has some interesting news on the races there, so head on down and check that out. We'll be in for a good finish there still.
It was a busy week, so let's get right down to it...
The last month of the season has been dominated by a couple of Eastern Conference goaltenders, taking the last four Player of the Week nods in the season, not allowing anyone else to play, as it were. In Week Twenty-Five, Ryan Miller managed to lift himself up above the Pittsburgh Penguins' domination in the league to bring his Buffalo Sabres back into playoff contention in the East, picking up his second 10-point week in the last four weeks. That's some real hot play at the moment.
In the last week, Miller went 4-0-0 with 1 shutout to pick up his 10 points for the hockey pools, bringing the Sabres into a tie for 8th place in the Eastern Conference and back into the conversation for the playoff pool.
Monday, he began his week with a 24-save win over the Lightning, followed it up on Wednesday with a 34-save shutout of the Canadiens and then back-to-back wins on Friday and Saturday against the Rangers and Wild.
After a rocky start to the season, Miller has really been able to string together some good results and when we thought all was lost for the Sabres, they resurrected themselves quite nicely.
This 10-point week has now brought Miller's season total up to 70 points on the year and he currently ranks 28th overall in pool scoring, 13th among all goalies in pool scoring. When Miller took the Player of the Week nod three weeks ago, he was ranked 51st overall and 18th among all goalies, so his tear is not going unnoticed.
Miller has also become Peter H.'s best player in the draft this season, unfortunately that means he doesn't have a 1st round pick-type player on his side at the moment, but Miller is looking to get as close to the 13th overall selection that he was at the beginning of the year.
Week Twenty-Five showed us all the story of what could have been, if Sidney Crosby was able to play the whole season at 100% health this season, as he has done well to lift the Penguins into a very dominant state, to which Kristy and Don took a game on, 14th overall in the draft. The pool's duo were finally able to harness the power of what he could do this week, taking the Mover and Shaker nod for the week with 39 points. Unfortunately, it is far too late for the duo to make too much noise in the standings, finishing the week in 12th spot, 38 points out of 10th.
Crosby did help lead the way for the duo's team in the week, along with Penguins' teammate James Neal, they both scored 8 points in the week to lead the way, also getting help from Tomas Fleischmann, Duncan Keith and Evgeni Nabokov, who each had 4 points in the week as well. Only three players on their active list were held without points in the week, which is pretty good, as most everyone else was able to at least get one, most with a pair of points.
Kristy and Don's team had struggled for the bulk of the year, peaking in the standings at 6th place at the end of Week Nine falling down as far as 15th place, as late as Week Twenty-Three, but since the return of Crosby to the Penguins line-up, it has been a steady climb ever since.
There have not been very many statistical positives in regular season for Kristy and Don, because as much as they have had above-average activity in their crease, they have the worst points production in the pool from their keepers, to which, they have had four keepers through the year and very poor scoring rates from all of them. Their side only averages 0.86 points per 60 minutes in the crease.
It has been a tough year, but if they were completely healthy, more importantly, if Crosby was healthy and was scoring all year at the rate that he was, you could add another 100 points to their total today, which would have put them in 2nd.
The basement teams in the standings were indeed the basement teams in the week, because no one in the last three in the standings got passed 15 points and we did have a tie for the Basement Dweller at 14 points. With only 2 goals scored in the week, in those 14 points, Scott G. ends up with his third Dweller nod in the last four weeks, which we'll try not to dwell on too much.
The injuries to Nicklas Backstrom and James Van Riemsdyk continue to just slaughter his side this year, not to mention such little help from his favourite Philadelphia Flyers, the ones who are still healthy. That team is still winning games, but the players that should be getting points are just not doing it. A very unfortunate year.
Health is the biggest issue for Scott this season, as he ranks 21st in the pool in skater games played with 719 to his credit and is being caught by the last place team in the category, Wes M., who made up 11 games on Scott, but still has 31 games to make up before the end of the season, which looks like a long shot. Just horrible luck from both sides this year.
The sheet pool continues to be really interesting, as the race for first place is now arguably over, as it looks like there is no hope of catching Jeff E., who now sits 49 points up on 2nd place with only two weeks left to go in the season and at best, teams are only making up 10 points, so I would say it is safe to call this one and say that Jeff has taken top spot and has it locked up.
As for 2nd through 5th, there is 30 points separating teams and there has been some reasonable movement in there, as teams have been making 20-point gaps in the week between these sides, so there is still time to move around. Don D. has two straight weeks in 2nd place now, as Zac H. made up some ground there in 3rd, as did Clayton C. who retook 4th place. Justin L. had a bit of a drop-off week, settling back down in 5th place and now only has an 8-point gap to 6th place, Caterina F.. The top six look to be pretty close to be locked up now, as there is a 36-point gap between 6th and 7th, but it isn't impossible to close that up in two weeks.
Top week in the pool belongs to Chris M., who sits down in 15th place in the standings this year and was unable to make up any new positions in the pool, except he was able to close the gap to 14th, as it is now down to 5 points. Chris' big week was all thanks to Ryan Miller (10 points), Evgeni Malkin (9), Drew Stafford (6), Pascal Dupuis (5) and five players with 4 points each. Chris had the two top players in the week, which has to help his cause a lot, not to mention the last couple trades that he had made a couple of weeks ago have really helped his side climb back into respectability, of sorts.
Two teams climbed the ladder a lot in the week, as both Scott G.'s #1 team and Wes M. each had four position climbs, trailing each other up the standings in 8th and 9th after the week had finished. They are both new to the top 10 this week, Scott not being completely new, as he was in the top 10 only three weeks ago.
Our pool leader, Jeff E., led the pool in goals scored in the week with 24 and he has a 6-goal lead over Justin L. for the statistical lead this season.
A sore back kept Shawn Horcoff out of the Oilers' line-up on Sunday afternoon, as they took on the Columbus Blue Jackets in a battle for last place in the Western Conference. Okay, it wasn't much of a battle, it was more of a contest that meant absolutely nothing to the standings, as the Jackets are so far below the Oilers, it didn't really matter. As for Horcoff, he is considered to be day-to-day for right now, but his season seems rather moot, even in the pools.
The Panthers got a pretty good boost to their line-up this week, as Scottie Upshall returned from a sports hernia this week, but the team is not in any position to rush him back too soon, especially with the playoffs just around the corner and the team doing so well at the moment. Upshall was a healthy scratch on Sunday against the New York Islanders and may be used sparingly, as the team sees fit down the stretch. He hasn't played a great deal all year long and the formula has been working without him, so his minutes, even if he does play, could be tempered.
An upper-body injury was the reason why Martin Erat was a late scratch from the Nashville Predators' line-up on Sunday night. The details were very limited, as he was expected to go against the Blackhawks, but obviously didn't dress for the game. We'll consider him day-to-day until there is any further news about his condition. Precautionary measures are likely a pretty good bet in this case, again with the playoffs right around the corner, the Predators don't want to take many chances with their best players.
The defensive carousel continues to turn in Nashville as well, as the bodies continue to get some time in the line-up and others get rested for the stretch. Jack Hillen, a regular scratch for the better part of the year was again in the press box for the game against Chicago and may still see another game or two in the box in these last couple of weeks. His fantasy value has not reached its potential and the potential has now dried up for the year (and possibly beyond).
A player with a long history of lower-body injuries, Anton Volchenkov, sat out for the Devils again on Sunday, dealing with another one of his favourite ailments. Volchenkov, known for being a rugged defenseman, likes to hit players and block shots, so the injury comes almost naturally to him. With the Devils also in the playoff hunt in the East, this could be as precautionary as they come, since they will want him to be healthy for the beginning of the playoffs in just over two weeks. Volchenkov is on the playoff pool sheet and may be an option, if you see the Devils doing well this year.
It looks like Nino Niederreiter was a healthy scratch again for the New York Islanders on Sunday, as they took on the Panthers. The young Swiss winger has been somewhat of a disappointment for poolies this season, with only 1 goal in 49 games this season. There were some higher expectations and now that has all been tempered this year and he'll need to be re-evaluated before next season, as to whether or not he'll be a viable option for the selection sheet pool, especially with some other young talent coming up the pipe for the team.
It sounds like a minor lower-body injury has kept Penguins forward Steve Sullivan out of his first game this season, but as we have outlined in a couple of injuries already, precaution is the name of the game. Sullivan has had an excellent season with the Penguins, finding new life in his game and the team likely wants to bottle that up and save some of it for the playoffs. Sullivan finished the week ranked 151st in pool scoring with 42 points in 74 games, something that has really turned some heads in the league and in the pools.
The St. Louis Blues are safely in the playoffs this season, challenging for the President's Trophy for the top team in regular season play, but they are also in the business of staying healthy and getting some bodies some action down the stretch. On the blueline, both Roman Polak and Ian Cole were healthy scratches for the team, as they were able to insert some other bodies in their place in a game against the Coyotes. The Blues were able to pick up another victory in Phoenix and were able to rest a couple of key players, so that makes it a pretty good night for them.
Link to the Injury/News Page
The second-to-last regular season Hockey Night In Canada is another doubleheader for those who are interested and you could argue that the CBC were hoping for a little bit more meaning out of these two games, late in the season, then what they are getting this week. Playoff implications are a little short, although there are some in these two games, but maybe not what HNIC was thinking.
In the early game, the Sabres, who are fighting for a playoff spot, head up to Toronto to take on the Leafs with the current Player of the Week in tow. This will be meeting number five between these two teams and the series is tied at 2-2-0, so there could be a good measure of fun in this one. The Sabres are in that tie for the 8th and final playoff spot in the East, while the Leafs could very well be eliminated from playoff contention by Saturday. A tough break for the home side.
As for the late game, the Calgary Flames, who still have a slim hope of making the playoffs, as of Monday morning, will be heading to Vancouver to try and keep their hopes alive (if they have any) against the Canucks. The Flames can only top out at 95 points in the standings and 8th through 10th as 86 points and the Flames could save themselves with the tie-break, only if they don't come up against the Avalanche. The Canucks, on the other hand, clinched their spot, and should be gearing up for the playoffs with this game (in theory).


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Whatever your tax or VAT question, our qualified tax consultants will be able to help you. Many of our consultants are ex HMRC and so will be able to give you in-depth tax advice on tax issues that affect tradespeople, such as HMRC tax investigations, VAT registrations, exemptions, IR35 questions and more. No problem is too small so whatever your question, give the tax advice line a call – afterall we all need to sleep well at night!
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Supposedly responsible for escalating residential land prices, it now looks unlikely to be included in the Independent
Hearing Panel's recommendations to Council. That of course begs several important questions, such as:
• Will the outward expansion be satellite cities, planned communities, or just ordinary sprawl?
• Who will pay to install services in the vast areas envisaged to be opened up thereby reducing price?
• How will transport be organised in the new areas, or will we just build roads?
Anyway, the announcement by the Labour party last week triggered this interview on National Radio between chairman Graeme Scott and Jesse Mulligan. http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/201801310/explaining-the-auckland-housing-crisis