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Author: Michelle
Once upon a time, on the edge of a great forest, there lived two families under one roof. There was the poor woodcutter and his daughter Willow, and a kindly widow and her daughter Tara. The two young girls had fast became friends, Willow with her thirst for knowledge would often come bounding in from the forest having found some new plant or animal and Tara would sit and listen to the redhead with a gentle smile and genuine interest. During the day they would make up games to teach each other what they knew and at night they would sleep curled up together in contentment.
How the two families came to live together is a sad tale. It was a time of hardship and a great dearth had befallen the land. So bad was it that the widow's husband and the woodcutter's wife had died through lack of food. Things proceeded to get worse and soon the woman could no longer procure even daily bread. This affected her deeply.
"What is to become of us?" she said late one night whilst talking to the woodcutter over a glass of water. "How are we to feed the poor children when we can no longer even feed ourselves?"
The woodcutter kept quiet for a few moments, a contemplative look on his face. He took the time to finish his water before he spoke.
"I'll tell you what we can do," he started. "Early tomorrow morning, we'll take the children into the thickest part of the forest. There we will light a fire for them and give them each a piece of bread. Then we will go about our work and leave them there!"
"No!" Burst the woman. "I will not leave my daughter out in the forest and how can you even think to leave yours? The wild animals would surely come and tear them to pieces"
"You fool," he replied. "I may as well plane the wood for our coffins for all four of us will surely die." He continued to hound the poor woman deep into the early hours where she finally consented with a heavy heart.
On the landing the two girls overheard their parents talking. They had been unable to sleep, for their hunger was so great and had decided to see if they could find any food. Sneaking back to the bedroom young Tara started to cry at the thought of being left in the forest. Willow couldn't bear to see this and immediately went to comfort her friend.
"Shh, sweet T. Please don't cry," she said as she smoothed the hair aware from Tara's forehead. "I'll find a way to help us. You can count on it." This was said with such conviction that Tara could do nothing but believe.
Later, when she was sure that everyone was asleep, Willow put on her coat and crept outside. The moon was shining brightly and the white pebbles, which lay in front of the house, glittered in the moonlight. Crouching down Willow started to fill her little pockets with as many of the stones as she could. Once her pockets were full she went back inside and made her way over to where Tara was sleeping.
"Sleep well sweet T, be sure that we shall find our way back." This was said in a whisper and a gentle kiss was placed upon blonde hair as Willow snuggled up behind her friend and finally succumbed to sleep.
As the day was dawning, yet before the sun had fully begun to rise, the Woman awoke the two girls saying: "Wake up sleepy heads, we need to go into the forest to fetch wood as our stocks are running low." She then gave each girl a piece of bread and instructions not to eat it before dinnertime, as they would not get anything else.
As they were walking into the forest Willow would stop every so often and peep back towards the house. Her father saw this and said. "Willow, why are you dawdling? Have you forgotten how to use your legs? Pay attention."
"Father," she replied, "I'm listening to the birds. Hear how they sing their morning chorus? It's beautiful." Tara had to stifle a giggle at this, for she knew more then anyone how much Willow disliked the morning chorus as it interrupted her sleep.
Inwardly smiling Willow turned to follow the path the others were taking, discreetly dropping one of the white pebbles from her pocket onto the road as she did so.
When they reached the middle of the forest, the woodcutter said. "Now children, gather up some wood and I'll light you a fire to keep away the cold." After they had done so and the fire had been lit they were each told to lie down by the fire and rest. The woman then told them that they would be back for them after they had cut enough wood. Placing a gentle kiss to each of the girl's temples they left.
Willow and Tara sat by the fire, telling stories and each making the other laugh and giggle. Neither believed that their parents would actually leave them for they heard the sound of a wood axe nearby and thought all was well. The sound that they were hearing was alas not an axe, but a branch, which the woodcutter had attached to a withered tree and was being blown back and forth in the wind. The two girls soon grew weary and it was not long before they had snuggled up together and fallen fast asleep.
When at last they awoke, day had turned to night and everything was dark. Tara felt a panic start to rise within her, but she refused to give into it, especially as Willow was with her and she knew, deep down, that as long as they were together everything would be all right.
"How are we going to get home?" Tara asked.
"Just wait until the moon has risen a little more and then for your viewing pleasure our path will be shown." Replied Willow with a cryptic grin on her face.
And so they waited for the moon and when it had fully risen, Willow took Tara by the hand and showed her the pebbles shining like new coins. They walked through the whole night until they finally reached the cottage by the forest just as day was breaking. The woodcutter was less then enthusiastic about seeing them and scolded them for sleeping out so long in the forest. The woman however was overjoyed and quickly ushered them into the warm.
Not long afterwards, there was once more great dearth throughout the land. One night the children once again overheard their Parents talking.
"Everything is eaten again." Said the woman "We have but half a loaf left and no more."
"That settles it." Stated the woodcutter. "The children must go. This time we'll take them further into the wood so that they will not find their way out." And with that he locked the doors and stormed up to bed leaving the woman crying silently in front of the now dwindling fire.
Early the next morning the woman once again woke the children and gave them a piece of bread. On the way into the forest Willow crumbled her bread in her pocket, stopping frequently to drop a morsel to the ground.
"Willow, why do you keep stopping?" enquired her father.
"I'm sorry, I keep hearing a noise like a, a bear or something and I have to keep stopping to make sure it's not following us because being caught by a bear? Not so good!" She said this with a straight face as her father turned to walk off, yet when she saw Tara, again trying to smother her laughter, she winked and couldn't hold back the grin from her face.
The woodcutter led the children deep into the forest. Deeper then they had ever been before. Again a great fire was made and again they were told to wait until they were fetched. At noon Tara shared her bread with Willow, for hers had all been scattered and then the two girls curled up around each other and fell asleep. It was dark and the moon was shining high in the sky when they awoke and set to look for the way home. They searched for at least 10 minutes or more before.
"NO!" shouted Willow. "Stupid, stupid, stupid..."
"W-willow? What is it? What's the m-matter?" enquired Tara alarmed at seeing her best friend so worked up.
"I forgot about the birds," sobbed Willow as Tara pulled her into a hug. "How could I forget about the birds? Oh look at me; dropping my crumbs, nothing's going to eat them. Lalala"
"Shh, sweetie. It's alright," whispered Tara. Stoking her fingers through red hair. "We'll find a way to get out of here! I promise."
But they did not find it. They walked through the night and all through the next day neither one relinquishing the grip they had on the other. The next day too came and went, the two girls eating what berries they could find. Soon they could not go any longer and beneath a tree they lay down and fell asleep.
When morning came, they again began to search for a way out. They were entering further and further into the forest yet neither of them realised. It was mid-day when Tara suddenly stopped.
"Can you hear that?" she asked Willow whilst looking around to try and locate where the strange noise was coming from.
"Yes," replied Willow. "Look. Up there"
Tara followed where Willow was pointing and came across a beautiful white bird sitting on a bough and singing the most wonderful tune. When it had finished, the bird spread its wings and flew away. The two girls where so entranced by the bird that they decided to follow it and it was not long before they came upon a little house tucked in the middle of the forest.
As they approached the little house they realised that it was made of bread and covered with cakes. The windows were made of clear sugar.
"Look at the sugary goodness" whispered Willow. She jumped when a large grumble was heard within close range and Tara immediately blushed.
"Um. D-do you think we should try it?" she asked. "My t-tummy's all grumbly a-as you, um. Heard."
Smiling reassuringly Willow led Tara through the gate and up to the side of the house. Once there, Willow reached up and broke off a little bit of the roof to try and Tara leant against the window and began to nibble on the Candy Cane window frames. All of a sudden they heard a gruff voice call out from the parlour.
"Who the bloody hell's nibbling on my house?"
Willow and Tara crouched down low not saying a word. They did however continue to eat what they could. Willow found some cakes around the drainpipe and Tara was eating some chocolate buttons from the underside of the window. Unexpectedly a figure appeared in the shadows with hair almost white and skin as pale as the whitest sheet.
"Well, well. What do we have here then?" He said as he approached the trembling girls. "Such tasty treats."
At this, the girls dropped the food from their hands, their eyes began to well with tears and bottom lips began to waver.
"Bugger," said the man. "Don't cry, look, finish your treats and come inside. There's loads more where that came from"
He led the pair inside where they found a table full of sweets and good food such as milk and cookies and pancakes and apples. After they had filled themselves till they thought they would burst, the man led them to a small room with a bed covered with clean white linen. The two girls lay down exhausted, Willow on her back and Tara curled up around her side, gently rubbing the redheads tummy.
Early the next morning, before the sun began its ascent into the sky, the man looked in on the children with an almost feral smile. "They should taste good." He muttered to himself. Then he noticed how slim and pale the redhead was. "Gotta bloody feed her up first. And I know just how to do it." Seizing Willow from the bed he took her to a room no bigger then a cupboard at the rear of the cottage and locked her in. Next he went back to the room and woke Tara.
"Upsadaisy!" he shouted, "Now, you are going to do exactly as I tell you or your Friend will suffer. We clear on that?"
Tara felt the tears well up again and she would have sworn that her captor's eyes turned a deep yellow. In fear for her life as well as Willow's, she decided to do what she was told.
The man made her cook lots of rich food for Willow, all the time he watched from the shadow's away from the sunlight that was pouring through the windows. At the end of the day poor Tara would be left with just the scraps to eat!
Every morning the man would put on some sunglasses and pear through a window into the little room at the back of the cottage to check on Willow. Every morning he would see that she still looked pale and drawn. This was because both Willow and Tara had figured out what the man was up to and they also realised that he didn't like sunlight. Each morning when he would check on Willow, she would have the curtains drawn wide - for there was a bright window on the back wall - to allow the morning sun into the room and then she would rub her face and exposed skin with dust she found on the floorboards. The man was none the wiser.
After 4 weeks the man was beginning to get impatient, he called for Tara and told her to fetch some water.
"Right. I've had just about enough," he all but growled, "Tomorrow, regardless of how bloody pale your friend is, I'm going to bleed her dry then cook her remains and feed them to the animals."
This time his eyes really did glow and Tara saw for the first time, what looked like fangs appear from his mouth. Tears started to flow down her cheeks.
"Goddess please help us!" she wept. "At least if we had d-died in the forest w-we would have died together."
"Don't worry pet, that could still happen. Now quit your whining and get the water"
Early the next morning, Tara was again awoken from her sleep and told to prepare a full breakfast for Willow. As the man was taking the food to Willow, Tara followed discreetly behind him. When he reached the room he put on his sunglasses and started to open the door. If he had looked, he would have noticed that the little window had been covered, hiding what was inside.
As soon as he had opened the door he was blasted with bright sunlight and tried to turn around only to find that Tara was in his way. Willow slipped out behind the now smoking man and together the two girls pushed him into the room and barricaded the door. The two peered through the now clear window and watched as the man first burst into flames and then turned to dust.
"Well that was unpleasant." said Willow brushing the dust from her face. "Both the, sitting in a cupboard for weeks on end, not being able to see my bestest friend and the whole, you know, Poof bit"
"I-I'm glad y-you're okay Willow." Started Tara gathering the redhead in a hug. "I-I missed you, and I was so w-worried about you. I kept wondering if..." She trailed off as the tears that had sprung to her eyes made it hard to talk.
"Hey Sweet T, it's alright," Willow soothed through her own tears. "That man is history. He'll never hurt anyone again. Now, let's take a look around shall we? I'm sure our kind host won't mind"
The two girls started to look around the house and as they came to the main bedroom they found chests full of pearls and jewels. Quickly they both filled up their pockets and then left the house to resume their search for a way out of the forest.
They walked for two hours, before coming to a great stretch of water. At first glance they could see no way of crossing, but as the sun started to dip over the trees a bridge appeared as if my magic in front of them.
Once they were safely across, they walked for a short time before Willow realised that the forest was becoming a bit more familiar to her. After walking for a few more hours they saw their cottage on the edge of the great forest.
"Home!" shouted Tara. "Willow, we're finally home!"
Both girls ran into the parlour where they found Tara's mother sitting on her own tears running down her cheeks.
"Mama," whispered Tara, "We're home"
"Tara? Willow? Is that really you?" cried the woman as she stood and pulled both girls into an almost bone crushing hug. "I have missed you both so much. Know that I never wanted to leave you."
"We know," said Willow "Where's Father?"
"Oh my dear Willow. I'm afraid your Father passed away," the woman said as she led the girls to sit down. "He too eventually felt guilty for leaving you behind, that and the lack of food I think finished him."
Willow could do nothing but look stunned at Tara. She wasn't quite sure how to feel, her Father hadn't really been a nice man, leaving them in the forest was proof enough of that, yet he had looked after her and taken Tara and her mother in when times got really rough. Slowly she sunk in the welcoming arms of her best friend and shed a few tears.
When she had composed herself enough, Willow began to empty her pockets. Handful after handful of precious stones were laid on the table. As Tara added hers to the pile, the Woman nearly fainted, she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"Now," said Willow, a smile so large she thought her face might split. "We can live together Happily. Ever. After."


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The following is our latest on coronavirus response and news:
GOVERNOR ABBOTT, TDEM ANNOUNCE EXTENSION OF FEDERALLY-SUPPORTED COMMUNITY-BASED TESTING SITES IN TEXAS: Governor Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management announced that the federal government has extended seven community-based testing sites in Texas through June 30, 2020. These federally-supported, state-managed, and locally-executed sites include El Paso (1), Dallas (2), Houston (2), and Harris County (2)
GOVERNOR ABBOTT WAIVES LICENSE RENEWAL LATE FEES FOR CERTAIN OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES IN TEXAS: The Governor announced he has waived license renewal late fees that accrued between March 13 and June 15, 2020 for occupational licenses issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This waiver applies to licenses associated with a variety of occupations such as barbers, cosmetologists, electricians, speech-language pathologists, and dyslexia therapists.
UPDATE ON TREASURY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PAYROLL SUPPORT PROGRAM: The Treasury announced, since the start of the Payroll Protection Program, they have approved over $25 billion to 352 applicants. Approved applicants include major airlines, more than 260 smaller passenger air carriers and cargo air carriers and contractors. Additionally, the Treasury has implemented new transparency measures for the program. A list of Payroll Support Program participants, with amounts of assistance provided and, where applicable, financial instruments provided to the Federal Government as appropriate compensation for the provision of financial assistance, is available online here.
IRS PROVIDES TAX RELIEF THROUGH INCREASED FLEXIBILITY FOR TAXPAYERS IN SECTION 125 CAFETERIA PLANS: The IRS released guidance to allow for temporary changes to section 125 cafeteria plans. These changes extend the claims period for health flexible spending arrangements and dependent care assistance programs and allow taxpayers to make mid-year changes. The guidance addresses unanticipated changes in expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notice 2020-29 provides greater flexibility for taxpayers by:
Extending claims periods for taxpayers to apply unused amounts remaining in a health FSA or dependent care assistance program for expenses incurred for those same qualified benefits through December 31, 2020.
Expanding the ability of taxpayers to make mid-year elections for health coverage, health FSAs, and dependent care assistance programs, allowing them to respond to changes in needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applying earlier relief for high deductible health plans to cover expenses related to COVID-19, and a temporary exemption for telehealth services retroactively to January 1, 2020.
Notice 2020-33 increases the limit for unused health FSA carryover amounts from $500, to a maximum of $550, as adjusted annually for inflation.
THE USDA APPROVES FOOD PURCHASING PROGRAM: The USDA announced Texas has been approved to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer, a new program authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which provides assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures. Pandemic EBT is a supplemental food purchasing benefit to current SNAP participants and as a new EBT benefit to other eligible households to offset the cost of meals that would have otherwise been consumed at school. For the 2019-2020 school year, Texas had approximately 3.6 million children eligible for free and reduced-priced lunch, or approximately 67% of children in participating schools. More information about the Pandemic EBT program can be found here.
TAYLOR COUNTY PREPARING TO OPEN COURTS AND OFFICES: Taylor County offices and courts will be ready to open their doors to the public again Monday. But the actual opening date will depend on when Governor Abbott schedules phase two of his reopening plan. During Tuesday's Commissioner's Court meeting Judge Downing Bolls said that when they do open, both employees and the public will go through screening before being allowed to enter. The Juvenile Detention Center and County Jail will remained closed to the public. The commissioners also agreed to set special hours of operation, between 8 and 9 each morning, to serve people over 65 and those with compromised immune systems. (Source KACU)
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subset: commoncrawl


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Thursday, 16 May 2013
Top 10 Wrath Effects
It is time for another top ten list as they seem to be the most popular articles. I shall attempt to define the criteria of this top ten clearly as I specifically mean mass creature kill rather than mass removal in general. This however makes it harder to evaluate the mass removal effects that kill creatures and/or other permanents as well. You cannot ignore the fact that some of these cards do more than just killing guys as it is often a big part of what makes them valuable. Balance and Death Cloud in particular may be used in many different roles either based on the game state or through the deck design. This list will look at how good Balance is when it is being used to kill creatures as its primary function and it will discount the perks of being able to use Balance to Mind Twist or Armageddon as a primary function. It will not however discount the fact that you will be able to affect lands and hands with Balance while you are using it to kill creatures. Without this subtle distinction I don't think you could make a sensible list for wrath effects and would instead have to call it mass removal in which the more versatile cards that hit more card types would have to receive much higher ratings. Typically creatures are what you want to be able to kill en mass as they are the second most abundant permanent type after lands whilst fluctuating in number far more. To use mass land kill your deck needs to be built around that idea while most slower decks can make good use of mass creature removal. The matchups where mass artifact kill is good are too few in number to make it worth playing in its own right yet it is a fantastic addition to a wrath effect. I would like to simply define the criteria of this top ten as which card I would most want to have in my deck as a way of improving its matchup against a creature based deck. The problem with that as a criteria is that the cards are all different colours and work best with different support cards or in/against certain builds. Any way, I hope that is enough preamble for you to appreciate the angle from which I am approaching this list and why and so on with the list.
10. Austere Command
9. Death Cloud
8. Merciless Eviction
7. Wrath of God
6. Damnation
5. Rolling Earthquake
4. Pernicious Deed
3. Balance
2. Terminus
1. Bonfire of the Damned
Austere Command is safe and reliable without being restrictive as similar cards like Akroma's Vengeance are. You can still play Oblivion Ring and Talismans without fear of shooting yourself in the foot. Six mana is a lot to pay for mass removal but when it comes with lots of utility and a wide spectrum of coverage you are getting a good deal. The way in which the two aspects of the creature kill work can be highly abusive. When you need to kill all the dorks in play then you can however it is not uncommon to have situations where all their guys cost three or less while you have a single four or five drop. You might well have needed to wrath regardless of having the big dork down and almost all other conventional wraths don't have a mechanism to save your guy. This can work the other way round should you have a bunch of tokens of something but is less common. What is more common than getting a one sided wrath out of Austere Command is simply using one half of the creature kill effect to kill a selection of both players dorks but changes the advantage from being theirs to yours. A nice safe top end cover all spell that gives you lots of freedom to build with, probably more so than any other wrath effect.
Merciless Eviction would be substantially higher than eighth as a mono coloured card yet it is frequently getting splashed for since being added to the cube as it is such a brutally effective Wrath. Not only does it offer much of the utility afforded by Austere Command it can kill planeswalkers and exiles things too. It makes you feel very safe knowing you have the power to rid the game of basically anything to come your way. The exile side of the card is terrifying to play against, agro decks cannot over extend with things like Kitchen Finks and Strangleroot Geist. Control decks which are light on threats cannot easily afford to have them removed from the game never to return and combo decks generally fold when a combo piece is exiled. Six mana is a lot but if you get there you are probably not behind any more.
Plain of Wrath of God gets in as my number seven as simple is so often good. It is relatively cheap, easy to cast and still deals with the majority of dorks. Regenerate isn't a huge thing in cube but stopping it is better than not stopping it. Even with man lands and persistent dorks Wrath of God still takes a large chunk out of a board position. It only kills creatures but then it only costs four and no more. You tend to get card advantage and tempo all at once when making use of this spell which is a common theme among good cube cards. Almost every white control deck still packs a copy of Wrath of God. It goes in before Day of Judgement and the six mana mass removal spells but is often still accompanied by one or two of them as redundancy in that kind of effect in the right deck is great.
Damnation is a black copy of Wrath of God yet it is more valuable in cube due to black having nothing close to it is quality while white has an abundance of decent Wrath effect cards to choose from. Without Damnation blue black control decks would be pretty weak. Beyond this small difference all the same good thing about Wrath of God apply to this cheap, reliable and clean spell.
Pernicious Deed is well known for being really rather good. It does not suffer the same fate as Rolling Earthquake in not being able to hit everything while both curving normally as you get to pay just X rather than RX or in the case of the new fail Deed BBGX.... On top of this it is converted mana cost you need to match rather than toughness which for creatures is typically lower. The only time this is not the case is against affinity decks where Myr Enforcer is impossible to kill but at least you get their lands instead! Deed may be used like Austere Command in that you have control over what extent the permanents are killed allowing you to leave yourself with an actual board presence after nuking most of theirs. One of the most overlooked aspects of Pernicious Deed is that you get to use it as an instant making it really brutal to play around or maintain tempo. It can snipe off man lands, keeps artifact and quirky enchantment decks in check, and does so far quicker than Austere Command or Merciless Eviction can come to your aid. It is the total bane of red deck wins and white weenie who try to have things like Cursed Scroll, Sulphuric Vortex, Honour the Pure and equipment in play to evade losing too much value to mass removal. One of the best ever printed control cards that goes in every single deck with black and green mana that has the slightest whiff of being a control build.
Balance is absurdly powerful, at half the cost of Wrath of God it does three times as much. It is at least much harder to build with and play towards than the simple Wrath of God. For it to be reliable and effective mass removal at a bargain price all you have to do is not make any dorks yourself or at least ensure they die before you need to cast it. Then everything dies, including indestructible dorks. The problem with Balance as an efficient Wrath of God is that the decks you most need a two mana Wrath against are ones like affinity which mean you will usually have to pitch a whole pile of cards from your hand or a chunk of lands later in the game. Even when this happens Balance has been good as it has saved your arse. When Balance really starts to shine is when they are saccing far more than you are saccing across the majority of categories. This usually requires a fairly artifact heavy deck with things like Chrome Mox. It is quite easy to abuse the non-creature portions of Balance with cards like Zuran Orb however this is outside the scope of this top ten. You don't need any cards to make it abusive against creatures, you just need to not have your own. What you do need to make sure your efficient Wrath does not hurt you too much are productive ways to quickly get cards out of your hand for the early game.
Terminus very nearly got my number one slot. There are a number of things I look for in Wrath effects and this has nearly all of them going for it, more so than the top dog. The only one this lacks is the ability to hit a wide selection of things but in a list dedicated to creature removal it is a very minor drawback. On the plus side however, Terminus gets around graveyard effects almost as effectively as exiling does, it can be cheaper than Balance and it may be played at instant speed so as to protect against man lands and haste critters. It does require some support to optimally use such as a Sensei's Divining Top however it is still fine hard cast as a six mana sorcery, it will still do more than Wrath of God would in that it gets round persist, undying, Wurmcoil Engine, Bloodghast etc. When you can control the miracle use it is hands down the best anti creature card in the cube and it will still bail you out like a massive luck sack blind off the top more than seems fair.
A token mention to a few of the cards that didn't make the list I think is called for. Mizzium Mortars is great but is primarily a single target removal spell, the mass removal option is pricey and not flexible enough to take everything out reliably even if it is a one sided effect. Nevinyrral's Disk is a golden oldie that is kind of the bad Pernicious Deed. It can be used by any colour and has the lovely instant aspect in its use however is rather slow and clunky to get online. All is Dust is a bit more immediate and tends to deal with planeswalkers as well but is prohibitively costly for most decks to be considering and ends up being quite a niche card used in quirky decks like mono green ramp control and completely colourless lists. Supreme Verdict is another new card that is getting a lot of play and sometimes taking Wrath of Gods place in decks and while it is certainly good the restrictions from its colours rule it out compared to the likes of the all white version. Upheaval also feels like it deserves mention as it is blues best way to deal with lots of dorks for a good while. Cyclonic Rift is also now doing some work in the same kind of vein and although it is far easier to throw into any old list than Upheaval it does a far worse job of dealing with dorks as they all just come right back into play again as they still have their lands.
A selection of three mana partial mass removal cards have also done good work in the cube as a great way to cope with weenie decks before it is too late. Often even the four mana Wraths come when too much damage has already been done. The best of the three mana mass removal cards are Slagstorm, Firespout and Infest although a fair number of others have seen play. Infest is in fact pretty horrible but black has so little to chose from. Both Slagstorm and Firespout have good damage output for the costs and offer some flexibility to either give you board advantages or ensure the card isn't ever a dead spell.
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Thomas Millikin
110. Oct. 7, 1990 - Law firm celebrates 150 years:
Journal-News, Sunday, Oct. 7, 1990
Local law firm celebrates 150 years
By Jim Blount
In 1840 Thomas Millikin, an 1838 Miami University graduate, rode a horse to Columbus to take the Ohio bar exam. He passed the test and a few weeks later, the 21-year-old Rossville native opened his law practice in Hamilton.
That was the start of what today is the Millikin & Fitton Law Firm, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary this week. It is the oldest law firm in Butler County and, according to a 1980 survey by the Ohio State Bar Association, the third oldest in the state.
Its founder. Thomas Millikin was born Sept. 28, 1819, in Rossville, a son of Dr. Robert B. Millikin and Sarah Gray Millikin. After graduating from Miami, Thomas Millikin studied law in the office of Elijah Vance in Hamilton.
A faithful Democrat, Millikin shunned elective offices in favor of practicing law. He was appointed to a one-year term as Butler County prosecutor in 1843. But in 1874 he declined an appointment to the Ohio Supreme Court
His varied client list included several railroads that served the area. Millikin represented the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, the first line to serve the city, since shortly after it entered Hamilton in 1851.
Millikin, a popular speaker for civic and patriotic events, had a part in arranging the 1855 merger of his native Rossville into Hamilton. He also chaired the committee that planned Hamilton's 1891 centennial celebration.
He was a founder of both the Hamilton Gas Light Company and the Hamilton and Lindenwald Electric Transit Company.
Millikin and Mary Van Hook who became the parents of sever, children - were married in 1841, in an unusual location in Columbus. The ceremony was in the office of the Ohio Penitentiary, where her father was warden. The wedding party included two future Ohio governors, William Bebb and John Brough.
Millikin made his last court appearance two weeks before his death Nov. 10, 1899, at age 80.
A Dayton newspaper, commenting on his career of nearly 60 years, called Millikin "one of the best lawyers ever at the bar of the state." A Butler County Bar Association memorial said "in his own county, his name appears as counsel in nearly every important case in the court records for over 50 years."
Twenty-five years later, James K. Campbell - whose law practice took him from Hamilton to a term as governor of Ohio and legal service in Washington, DC. - recalled Millikin as "the greatest lawyer I have ever known."
In 1876, Robert N. Shotts had joined his law tutor in the practice. He was part of the firm until his death in 1928.
The continuity of the Millikin name was assured in 1891 when Brandon R. Millikin, a grandson of the founder, became a partner. He was a member of the firm until his death in 1958, a year after Thomas J. Millikin, a great-great grandson of the founder, joined the practice and remained until
The other part of the firm name was added in 1943 when Stuart Fitton joined the office. Fitton -- whose father, Sam Fitton, handled the incorporation of Champion Papers in the 1890s -- remained until his retirement in 1981.
Other deceased and retired members of the firm have been Millikin P. Shotts (1907-1943), Frederick A. Reister (1928-1967), John T. Latimer (1949-1973) and E. Hjalmar Persson (1964-1981).
Members of the firm today are James S. Irwin, John G. Rosmarin, Stanley D. Rullman, William C. Keck, James E. Michael, John H. Clemmons, Michael A. Fulton, John J. Reister, Michele M. Gressel, Jeffrey L. Rulon, Gregory E. Hull, Keith M. Spaeth, Patricia A. Reilly, Kathryn Holden, Paul G. Franke, and, of counsel, Louie J. Hofstadter.
Until 1972, the firm periodically altered its name to reflect changes in its membership. Since 1972, it has been known as the Millikin & Fitton Law Firm.
Thomas Millikin, the founder, had his office at 117 S. Second Street. In 1906, the law firm moved to the new Rentschler Building at the corner of High and S. Second streets, becoming the first tenant above the first floor.
Its Hamilton office remains in the same location, now known as the Society Bank Building, 6 S. Second St. In 1981, a Fairfield office was opened in Clock Tower Place at 1251 Nilles Road.


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Brits are paying up to 150 per cent MORE at airport duty free than in high street shops – but there are some savings to be made
Passengers hoping to stock up on food and wine at the airport should think again
BRITS hoping to grab a bargain at duty free when travelling through the airport may not be saving as much money as they previously thought.
New research has revealed how holidaymakers could in fact be paying up to 150 per cent more when shopping at the terminal than in shops on the high street.
Comparison website finder.com analysed a range of products, categorised into beauty, alcohol, fashion and food, and compared duty free prices with that of high street retailers.
Cadbury's Oreo chocolate bar is the biggest rip off in London Airports, costing £5 at duty free and just £2 at the supermarket.
A 250g bag of peanut M&M's didn't fare much better, costing £3.50 at duty free yet just £1.50 at supermarkets.
Despite passengers thinking they are grabbing a bargain, wine is also a no-no - a bottle of Domaine de Tholomies Chardonnay, for example, costs just £11.69 at retail yet £15.99 at the airport.
Along with food and wines, products including sun-care, sunglasses and toys all cost much more at the airport than at local shops.
Thankfully, bargains can be found, especially when it comes to beauty products and spirits.
Fragrance Armani Diamonds can be bought for 30 per cent less at duty free, costing £51.05 compared to £72 online.
Vodka is also much cheaper at the airport, with a saving of just under £10 compared to retail prices.
Jon Ostler, CEO at finder.com, advised travellers to use their phones for a quick price check before buying.
He said: "The best thing to do is to research before you buy. Smartphones have made this easier than ever, and a quick check before you hand over the cash could stop you overspending by as much as £35 for bigger ticket items like Ray-Ban sunglasses."
Most read in travel
Brits can save money at the airport by avoiding some other common spending traps, Sun Online Travel previously revealed.
Buying currency at the airport can often lead to poor exchange rates, while plastic bottles are a waste when most airports now have free water taps.
Gadgets are also often much cheaper online than they are at the airport.


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Benefits of Fenugreek seed
Fenugreek is one of the oldest medical plants. Fenugreek is commonly found in Asia and Mediterranean countries. It's an annual herb, in the family Fabaceae, which can grow up to two feet tall. The leaves and seeds of this plant are primarily used as spice in cooking. Fenugreek is also used as treatment for various health problems. However, scientific evidence supporting some of the medical purposes of this plant is inadequate.
As a spice, powdered or whole fenugreek seed gives a distinct flavor to pastes, curry powders and sauces. Dried fenugreek seeds can be lightly roasted and added to recipes.
Research has found fenugreek capable of decreasing blood sugar people with diabetes. It has been found to significantly improve blood sugar regulation as well as insulin response. Fenugreek has also been said to decrease triglyceride levels and increase the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (the so-called good cholesterol). It also inhibits the absorption of cholesterol and glucose in the gastrointestinal system. This therefore lowers one's cholesterol level, which also lowers the risk of a heart attack. Fenugreek can be taken in capsule form or sprinkled onto prepared food.
Fenugreek is traditionally used for increasing milk production in lactating mothers. It is said to increase milk production by over 500 percent, although no research has explained how this happens. It is also used for breast enlargement. Fenugreek is also said to be remedy for easing child birth, by stimulating uterine contraction. One should consult a doctor before using fenugreek to induce labor.
Heart Burn
Fenugreek is a natural cure for acid reflux and heartburn. The seeds contain mucilage, which sooths gastrointestinal inflammation by coating stomach's and intestine's lining.
Fenugreek is a natural remedy for fever. It nourishes one's body during illness, especially when taken with honey and lemon. There is also herbal fenugreek tea, alternatively used instead of green tea.
Skin Disorders
Fenugreek is said to be an effective tropical remedy for skin conditions such as boils, ulcers, burns, abscesses, gout, and eczema. Here fenugreek is used by grinding a spoonful of it into powder and mixing with warm water. A piece of clean cloth is then soaked into this mixture and applied directly onto the affected area as a poultice.
Fenugreek is also used as remedy for dandruff.
It is also used as an herbal remedy to promote hair growth for both men and women.
Fenugreek is said to increase libido or sexual desire in both men and women. It has also been used for premature ejaculation. It has also been said to lessen the effects of hot flashes as well as mood fluctuation, commonly related with PMS and menopause.
Pain And Disease
Other uses of fenugreek include treatment of arthritis, bronchitis, sore throat, asthma, maintaining a healthy metabolism, improving digestion, among others.
Side effects
Fenugreek has some minor side effects such as allergic reaction, skin irritations, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. However it is generally considered safe when used in moderation.
Fenugreek is available in seed, capsule or powder form, and can be purchased from many healthy food stores. However it is strongly recommended to consult your doctor before using it to treat any condition.


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Flu shot sends man to hospital partially paralyzed and not able to breathe
(NaturalHealth365) Las Vegas resident Shane Morgan is now partially paralyzed, blind and unable to walk after receiving the flu shot.
The onset of these symptoms occurred just one day after the flu vaccine was administered. He immediately went to the hospital, was placed in ICU and put on a ventilator.
And, yes, the Morgan family is certain that these terrible symptoms were vaccine side effects triggered by the flu shot. In expressing her feelings, Mrs. Morgan said, "it's the last time anyone in my family will ever get one." (This video testimonial says it all.) READ MORE...


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Happy New Year!
Yup, my one woman dystopian black comedy Glitch is back and this time will feature me as my silent comedy alter ego Lois of the Lane.
It's playing at the Etcetera Theatre in Camden for 5 nights. Get yer bottoms down there!
There might even be some more free badges:
(Not that I'm trying to bribe you or anything.)
A little potted history of Glitch can be found on my Projects page and here's the blurb:
Welcome to Room 8933 and the new 'Stay Safe!' Character Vetting Process!
'Stay Safe!' marks the dawn of a new era of security at Passport Control. A few minutes and a short digital questionnaire later: you're free to continue your onward journey.
Quick, simple efficient and painless: 'Stay Safe!' – for you, for us, for everyone.
What could possibly go wrong…?
December was a very Crimbly affair for meself (the usual rushing about the shops, sweating profusely and much merrymaking) but I did manage to appear as the Fairy Godmother in Total Rock's Christmas Panto 'Cinderella Boberella' for me mate Talita.
'Twas rhymetastic!
2008 holds good stuff in store methinks…
Bring it all on.
Oh yes indeed.


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5 Years of Singham Returns
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How quickly we forget or look the other way. All we have done is to sweep our dirt under the rug and pretend it's not there. The damage was done between 1995 through 2007 and the effects are still being felt throughout the USA and the world. Sad the say, both the politicos on BOTH sides ("some" progressive Democrat liberals and ALL conservative Republicans keep refusing to focus on the truth of what caused our economy to collapse and what needs to be done to fix it and prevent it from happening again. The Pelosi-Frank-Obama Democrats have FAILED (ex. giving Banks the power to persecute homeowners with HAMP is a good example) and the new Republican controlled house with their blue dog Democrat allies only are responding with more job losses and a depression style future long term economy. Nobody is curtailling the big banks, nobody is talking about repealling the heinous Gramm-Leach-Blilay Act of 1999, nobody is talking about helplng the jobless, bringing back industry to America and freezing the bank foreclosures which should never have been allowed to take place.
Obama in 2012 is a DISASTER in the making and by electing Obama is to allow the horrific Health care bill to begin it's damage to what's left of the economy and the middle class. Obamacare and all of it's anti freedom addons will turn the USA into a first class totalitarian oppressive state. MARK MY WORDS FOLKS — Read the entire bill and you will pee in your pants with worry and fear. Most of you, both liberals and conservatives do not realize what these Pelosi led morons have done to the USA in this unconstitutional bill. IT HAS TO BE REPEALED and OBAMA NEEDS TO BE GONE……then we have to deal with his successor and his or her lack of foresight. At this point anything is better than the way Obama has been operating.


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Senior Software Engineer at Taulia LLC (Salt Lake City, UT)
Taulia's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
It is our duty to create and advance a diverse and inclusive company where all Taulians feel they are celebrated. All individuals are welcomed, free to express themselves and rewarded for showing up as authentically every day. By hiring women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, people of all sexual orientations and from underrepresented and marginalized communities, Taulia will revolutionize fintech.
About the job:
Taulia is looking for a Senior Software Engineer who can:
Write elegant, maintainable, reusable code in Groovy/Java using our tools Gradle, Spring, Jersey and more...
Do whatever is necessary, at all tiers, to scale our globally deployed solution running in the cloud without waiting for assignments.
Motivate by example and inspire people to do their best. Improve productivity and protect it.
Keep things realistic. Solve interesting problems and – more importantly – help avoid them.
Core Skills and Qualifications:
8+ years of experience working as a contributor in a small, high-velocity professional software engineering team.
Understanding of data structures and basic algorithms.
Experience building software that's successfully deployed in the cloud. You understand how to work within the constraints of large datasets, customers and load without getting frustrated.
Expert level knowledge with Java, or other object-oriented programming languages.
Deep experience developing low-latency scalable micro-services and APIs that participate in a graph of constantly evolving micro-services.
Familiarity with event and messaging based architecture, and related technologies.
Experience optimizing data access at middle-tier/back-end services against both SQL and NoSQL storage technologies.
Comfortable being on-call, to work through production issues while focusing on problem resolution.
You are always looking for new and better ways to do things, and love automation: continuous integration, automated testing and deployment are all old hat to you.
Nice to Have:
You've used our tools: Groovy, Sprint Boot, MySQL, Spock, Jersey, Spring, Hibernate, ActiveMQ, Jenkins, Cassandra.
Experience building Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable or other financial software.
Experience mentoring other software engineers.
What will get you noticed:
Experience with capacity and performance optimization using data caching and sharding techniques.
Experience with event/messaging based architecture using Kafka/ActiveMQ.
Expert knowledge in transaction handling and database optimization.
Experience writing high-performance algorithms.
Experience working with payment processors.
Experience with BPM Workflow Engines like Camunda.
- Flexible work schedule
- Remote-friendly environment
- Competitive Compensation (Annual Base Salary, Annual Bonus, Equity)
- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life)
- Comprehensive PTO Structure (PTO, Sick Leave, Bereavement)
- Global Parental Leave
- Company issued equipment (Laptop, monitor, etc.)
- 401k with match
- Career Development/Pathing
- EAP Program/Mental Health Advocacy
- Supportive Work Culture
About Taulia:
Taulia is a fintech company that is part of the SAP group. More than 2 million businesses in over 150 countries collaborate on our network. Our customers include Airbus, AstraZeneca, and Nissan. We help them and their suppliers access cash when and where they need it most. Some of our customers have improved their working capital by more than $1 billion while making their supply chains more resilient and sustainable. For more information, please visit www.taulia.com.
Taulia is an Equal Opportunity Employer --Minority / Women / Disability / Veteran / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation / Age.
If you don't think you meet all of the criteria above but still are interested in the job, please apply. Nobody checks every box, and we're looking for someone excited to join the team.


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My family and I went on a vacation last week. Not the tropical, I'm just going to lay on the beach and sip terribly fruity drinks I hate just because of the fact that I'm on a beach type of vacation… but rather the we're going back home to the Midwest for a wedding and want to see old friends and family type of vacation. Both have their pluses and minuses.
I shut myself completely out of social media for 5 days. Well, almost completely.
I checked my own personal feeds a few times, and maybe posted 1 or 2 updates. But, I did not look at the business accounts that I manage….once. Seriously. My fabulous team was covering for me and making sure nothing hit the fan. It was not easy for me. I am so programmed to click on the brand pages I manage before even looking at my personal feeds – sometimes I don't even look at my own for a day or two at a time. I am so deep into the business accounts that they have become my own; in a way. If you manage business accounts from the client side or an agency side, either one, you know what I'm talking about.
This was the first time in a year that I took more than 1 day off at a time. So, not looking at social media as "work" for 5 days was ground breaking for me. It was weird. I was so curious. I wanted to know. But, I realized I didn't HAVE to know. I forced myself to stay away and it was…healthy. When social media is your job, it is a much different beast than people using it for personal reasons. I wasn't going to look at my email for 5 days, so, why would I look at the Facebook page?
People who mow lawns for their job aren't going to sneak in a few quick yards while on vacation.
In the time that I was away from the social business world, Mashable kindly posted around 100 articles of "social media news." I typically read several different online social news sources to keep up on what's new, updates, changes, and beyond. But, I usually check Mashable first. Just because. Not necessarily because it is the best. Personally I think they blow stories out of proportion most of the time to qualify it as news, but that's just me. I still read it.
Why am I telling you this?
100ish social media articles. Pile that on top of the many emails waiting for me in my inbox and you have an exploded head. Keeping up with all that is constantly changing, growing, improving, sucking, disappearing, coming back, and working with social media is impossible. Even if you sit and read articles ALL day you would still miss something. You can take snippets of all of the "big" news and at least be aware, but to completely be on top of absolutely everything new in the social online world is just silly. When I got back I skimmed a few of the articles, took away some key headlines and basically chalked up the time from June 6 – 11, 2012 as the week that I had no idea what was going on in social media.
And it feels good.
I like to stay on top of as much of it as I can, so, if I am unaware of something down the road I will just blame these 5 days and hope this "news" dropped while I was on a break. That might work, right?
Now I am back at it. But to those of you who also live in social media for your job – make sure to give yourself some breaks, even if just for a few days. After the 2nd or 3rd day it gets easier. Do it. You'll keep your sanity and want to dive back in that much more when you return.


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"In life, one finds friends in the strangest of places."
This is a quote spoken by a samurai warrior in 16th-century Japan, but it rings true centuries later all over the word. An array of variables and possibilities in everyday life produce endless permutations for the different relationships you build with people. Your best friends today may have been completely oblivious to your existence just last year. Your family in a decade may be nothing more than loose acquaintances in your current life. The world is a chaotic place, and the attachments we form to one another develop in the most unexpected ways. The individuals that are placed in our lives at particular moments can bring aid and comfort in times of pain and need. How and why life shakes out as it does is the great mystery of all time – and it is also why we have stories like Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai. At the end of the day, we are all just trying to get by with a little help from our friends.
First thing is first – Kurosawa's 1954 picture is undoubtedly one of the most influential films since the dawn of cinema. Seven Samurai is one of the first action epics, and is seen as a source of inspiration for practically every action film to grace the screen in the last 60+ years – whether consciously or sub-consciously within the minds of the successive filmmakers. The bare bones of the story are fairly simple: A poor village of farmers is already struggling to provide food for all the families therein – and the hanging shadow of bandit raids threatens to wipe them out completely. With no warriors in their midst, the farmers must recruit a group of samurai to protect them from the violent attacks. But there's another wrinkle – they must be "hungry samurai," because the farmers have no monetary compensation for their services. They shall be endowed with the glorious payment of…rice. With such a lackluster recruitment pitch, the initial ordeal of putting together a team is – figuratively and also quite literally – half the battle. With a total runtime of 207 minutes, a rather large middle portion of the story is focused on the desperate exploits of a handful of representatives from the village whom are sent to the mountains to track down samurai for their cause. It is a grand and sweeping tale that is also strikingly intimate and character-driven, which, is hardly surprising to find at this point in my studies of Kurosawa. Seven Samurai has its share of hefty set pieces, with meticulous production design (Takashi Matsuyama) and art direction (Sô Matsuyama), captured by Asakazu Nakai's photography, set within a natural elemental atmosphere brimming with gushing rain and dust in the wind. Yet, the narrative scope remains personal and human. I have seen more than a few 90-minute films that had me counting the down the slowly passing minutes on my watch, but Seven Samurai is an adventure that enthralled me with a strength that is simultaneously graceful and unrefined.
In many situations in life, being backed into a corner actually breeds creativity and a certain level of efficiency that would have been elusive in circumstances with a greater abundance of assets. Scrapping and scrounging for survival opens up hidden pathways that would have obscured by more time and resources. This is true for the eponymous septet of samurai and their agriculturalist associates as they somehow manage to defend themselves from a horrible strategic position, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. The literal, physical perspectives of the marauders put them at an advantage in terms of attack, but the more abstract, philosophical, and intellectual perspectives of our group of protagonists shone a light on defensive maneuvers that gave them better control. In many aspects, this can be seen as a reflection of the filmmaking process in general – and that of Seven Samurai in particular. The wild obstacles encountered by Kurosawa and his team throughout production of the film are well-documented. The shoot took a total of 148 days, production was halted twice, and the filming schedule for the climactic battle was shifted and restructured multiple times due to a shortage of the equine variety. (To put this in simpler terms that do not demonstrate my vocabulary as extravagantly – there were not enough horses on hand). But, Kurosawa found a way to dig his heels into the dirt, stand his ground, and make the work of art that he intended. He defended this project with a zeal comparable to that of the hepdomad of warriors for which the motion picture is named. (All right, I think I am all burned out on creative synonyms for "a group of seven").
The core group of characters represent many different things to many different viewers, but a descriptive term that would likely be a common denominator if you asked 100 audience members at random would be "family." Members of the troupe include Kambei Shimada (Takashi Shimura), the wise and seasoned leader; Shichirōji (Daisuke Katō), Shimada's old friend and ally; Kyūzō (Seiji Miyaguchi), the expert swordsman who displays little to no emotion; Gorōbei Katayama (Yoshio Inaba), the masterful archer and strategist; Heihachi Hayashida (Minoru Chiaki), the morale booster who is eager for action; Kikuchiyo (Toshiro Mifune), the "wild dog" who is volatile and unpredictable but a valuable asset in the heat of battle; and Katsushirō Okamoto (Isao Kimura), a naïve and inexperienced young man who is determined to showcase his worth of the esteemed "samurai" title, seeking to live up to his father's greatness. Just from these brief summaries of their central personalities and attributes, you can probably imagine that there would be some friction in a crew this diverse, even if they had a lifetime to live and grow together. But the thing is, they only have a few weeks to not only learn how to cooperate efficiently as a family unit, but also how to survive the onslaught of deadly raiders. The odds appear insurmountable. The deck is stacked. How in the world could any family survive this, much less one that has been stitched together so haphazardly?
Spoiler alert for a film that is nearly 70 years old, but some of the main characters do die. The heart and soul of the family manages to survive, but it comes with personal sacrifice and tragic losses. The attackers are defeated, and the village is saved, but as one of the surviving samurai says, "In the end, we lost this battle too." Seven Samurai is a story about family, and it is also the father of modern action cinema – but it does not romanticize violence. Kurosawa's film shows that violence is an ugly and grotesque – yet sometimes necessary – means to an end that breeds misery and despair more than any temporary peace. The spirit of the samurai family survived, but at a terrible cost. The memories of the fallen live on, but their loss is no less painful. Kurosawa made this film about a war-torn 16th-century Japan in 1954, less than a decade removed from the atrocities of World War II. Even at this point in the year 2021, the world is no stranger to wars. The gruesome cycle continues evermore. On a much more intimate level, we are all fighting our own personal wars in our lives on a daily basis. But, the family we find along the way stand with us as we face down internal and external enemies. How true it is that, "in life, one finds friends in the strangest of places."


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Joy Organics Hemp Energy Drink Mix
If you listen to coaches and trainers, you'll find Four letters popping up again and again: Hemp. It's easy to see why. Hemp products align perfectly with what athletes need. You don't have to be an athlete to enjoy
Joy Organics Hemp Energy Drink,
but those that are will undoubtedly feel its impact.
Packet of 5
How can Joy's energy packs help you reach peak performance?
- With 75mg of caffeine in each packet, you'll experience more available energy to help you get the most out of your workout, hike, studying, day in the office or anything else that requires some extra pep in your step.
- Whether you're preparing for a physically demanding performance or are needing to concentrate on your work or studies, our energy drink will help you stay focused on the task at hand.
- Joint or muscle discomfort can sideline even the most devoted athlete. Our Hemp energy packs help support proper joint and muscle function so you can get back into the game.
- Who enjoys post-workout soreness? Not us, which is why we love our energy packs for supporting recovery after a hard workout.
There's no need to take our word for it when it comes to the benefits of Hemp for athletes! At the start of 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency acknowledged Hemp's benefits and removed it from its banned substances list.
Joy Organics sources our Hemp from hemp plants grown in the USA. This means that our broad spectrum, premium grade Hemp is of the highest quality. We source our Hemp from hemp plants and extract even the trace amounts of THC, meaning that you don't have to worry about the intoxicating high associated with marijuana-based Hemp. If you are ready to try an all-natural alternative to most of the other sugar-packed energy drinks on the market, our Joy Organics Energy Drink Mix is perfect for you.
Vitamin A (as Beta Carotene) 1000IU 20%DV, Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) 20mg 33%DV, Vitamin D (as Cholecalciferol) 150 IU 38%DV, Vitamin E (as D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate) 10IU 33%DV, Vitamin K (as Phytonadione) 12.5mcg 16%DV, Thiamine (as Thiamine HCL) 0.75mg 50%DV, Vitamin B2 (as Riboflavin)1mg 59%DV, Niacin (as Niacinamide) 25mg 125%DV, Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCL) 1.5mg 75%DV, Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin) 25mcg 417%DV, Pantothenic Acid (as Calcium-D-Pantothenate) 12.5mg 125%DV, Phosphorus (as Amino Acid Chelate) 25mg 2.5%DV, Chromium (as Amino Acid Chelate) 150mcg 125%DV, Potassium (as Potassium Chloride) 45mg 1.5%DV
Joy Organics Blend
(Green Grown Vegan Glucosamine, N-Acetyl-L-Glutamine, L-Arginine-L-Pyroglutamate, Tyrosine, Taurine, L-Theanine, Bromelain, Aloe Vera Leaf Powder, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Beta Alanine, Asian Ginseng Root Powder, Maca Root Powder, Caffeine Anhydrous, Broad Spectrum Water-Soluble Hemp Extract Powder ((Dextrin from Corn, Acacia Gum, Sunflower Lecithin, Vitamin E)) Glycine, Yohimbe Bark Extract) 1428mg, BCAA Blend: (Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine) 75mg.
Other Ingredients
Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Red Beet Root Powder, Natural and Artificial Fruit Punch Flavor, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium and Stevia.
5 servings per box.
Product Life
18-month shelf stable.
- Manufactured in USA.
- Premium grade.
- Broad spectrum.
- Water soluble.
Microbial Analysis
Total Aerobic Count <2,000 cfu/g.
Total Yeast and Mold <200 cfu/g.
E. Coli = Negative.
Salmonella = Negative.
Contaminant Analysis
- Heavy Metals: Not Detected (ND).
- Lead: ND.
- Arsenic: ND.
- Residual Solvents: ND.
For more Hemp products click here!


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Ukrainian president, US secretary of state discuss security situation around Ukraine
Kiev [Ukraine], January 20 (ANI/Xinhua): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met here on Wednesday to discuss the security situation around Ukraine, Zelensky's press service said.
In particular, the two sides exchanged their views on the ways of settlement of the situation within the existing negotiation formats and within other modalities of the political and diplomatic settlement.
"We want to intensify the work of all negotiation formats and pave the way for the Normandy Summit," Zelensky said.
He informed Blinken that the ceasefire in Ukraine's conflict-hit region of Donbas is observed and no Ukrainian servicemen were killed this week.
The Ukrainian leader also said that his country needs US assistance to modernize its army and voiced his hope that the United States would support Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations during the upcoming summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Madrid.
After talks with Zelensky, Blinken said on Twitter that he had informed the Ukrainian president on the U.S. engagements with Russia last week and stressed that "there will be nothing about Ukraine, without Ukraine."On January 10, the United States and Russia held security talks in Geneva to discuss Ukraine, among other issues.
Recently, Ukraine, the United States and some other Western countries have voiced concerns over the Russian military build-up along the Ukrainian borders, fearing that Russia is preparing for an attack.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Russia has no plans to attack Ukraine, and there was no reason to fear an escalation of tensions with Ukraine.
The Normandy format is a diplomatic group of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France designed to end the conflict in Donbas that has been underway since 2014.
Blinken arrived in Kiev earlier on Wednesday. Later this week, he will meet German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. (ANI/Xinhua)


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Khaled Garbaya@khaled_garbaya
Software engineer and a web development instructor
Amal Nasri@amalnasri
Electronic engineer and a foodblogger
How to style navigations and center containers in CSS
Hey Friends!
This is exciting, In Couple Code Therapy Episode Six
My Lovely partner continues using CSS to improve her website look and feel, We'll cover how to style text in detail
Show Notes
We'll cover :
- Mastering text styling with CSS.
- We'll go through all the basic fundamentals of text/font styling in detail, like setting font weight, family and style, text alignment, and other effects, and line and letter spacing.
The CSS properties used to style text generally fall into two categories, which we'll look at separately in this article:
Font styles: Properties that affect the font that is applied to the text, affecting what font is applied, how big it is, whether it is bold, italic, etc.
Text layout styles: Properties that affect the spacing and other layout features of the text, allowing manipulation of, for example, the space between lines and letters, and how the text is aligned within the content box.
Website: https://couplecodetherapy.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cplecodetherapy


text:
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Winners & a Goodbye!
64 comments:
Thanks for the shout out, Sherry, and congrats to everyone else! Lesley, thank you and the talented DT for all you did on this challenge blog. Good luck with all your future endeavors! ((Hugs))ReplyDelete
Congrats to all, Thanks for the last 27 challenges, I've loved this challenge blog, I sure will miss it! Good Luck to all and best wishes!ReplyDelete
Thank you so much for choosing my card as the winner! I am really going to miss this challenge blog. Your sketches were always so perfect, and I loved playing along!ReplyDelete
Congrats to everyone else as well! Amazing cards!
<3 Emily L.
i'm floored that both my cards were picked as runners up... thanks so much Katie and Lori T! And thanks to everyone on the design for providing such great sketches and inspiration... this challenge will be missed!!ReplyDelete
Thank you for the shout out! Glad you liked my card :)ReplyDelete
I will be sorry to see you guys go, but will be following you all in the blogosphere! :)
I'v loved "Seizing the Sketch" :-) Sure will miss you, see you in Blogland, DonnaReplyDelete
So very beautiful... one and all! Are you absolutely sure this should be the last, Lesley?ReplyDelete
=] Be well, be happy!
Congrats to the winners (and thank Marybeth for choosing my card).ReplyDelete
Thanks to Lesley and the sketch team - I have so loved playing in your challenges. All the best.
So lovely to see my card there, amongst all that fabulous talent. Thank you.ReplyDelete
Sorry to see the challenge closing -your sketches and the fabulous DT inspiration have really helped me out when
my mojo has deserted me.
Caroline xxx
I am so sad to see you go. :(ReplyDelete
Sorry to see you go... Come back to us one day? :)ReplyDelete
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QUETZALTENANGO – For children and spirited adults in the US, next Thursday, October 31 is the big holiday of the season; Halloween. The last day of the month is filled with dressing up, trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, parties, and other sugar-filled traditions. However, in other countries and in Central America, the big holiday of the season is not Thursday, but Friday November 1 – Dia de Todos los Santos, or "All Saints' Day" in English. The holiday is a time to think about those who have passed, and to visit cemeteries to be near deceased friends and relatives.
Not all cultures that celebrate Dia de Todos Santos have the same traditions. Each country brings its own customs to the holiday. In Guatemala, there are three unique practices that separate the Guatemalan version from its close relatives; Fiambre, Carrera de Cintas, and the Festival de Barriletes Gigantes. We interviewed Kristian Omar Velasquez, a tour guide and language school coordinator from Quetzaltenango, Guatemala to gain insight into these November 1 traditions. Velasquez explained each tradition to Revolution English:
La celebración en Quetzaltenango empieza desde las 4 am donde las diferentes familias van al cementerio para llevar flores, candales, agua, (comida, y bebidas depends las tradiciones) también algunas personas les llevan música.
The celebration in Quetzaltenango starts at 4 am, when different families go to the cemetery to bring flowers, candles, water, (food and drinks too, depending on their tradition), and some people bring their relatives music.
Un plato típico que surgió entre 1970 y 1980 donde tiene origenes de Europa pero se vuelve un plato tradicional de Guatemala donde se como específicamente para esta fecha. Es un plato de diferentes verduras, tiene una capa de diferentes carnes (embutidos) dependiendo del lugar le agregan pescado o camarones, hay dos tipos está el rojo y el blanco.
A typical dish that emerged between 1970 and 1980, with origins from Europe, but became a traditional Guatemalan dish that is eaten specifically on this day. It is a plate of vegetables that has a layer of different meats (sausages) and, depending on the place, they add fish or shrimp. There are two types of Fiambre; red and white.
'Fiambre' literally translates to 'cold cuts' or 'cold foods' and is a Guatemalan traditional "salad" dish. Fiambre combines ingredients from the pre-Hispanic time in Guatemala with other foods that the Spanish introduced; sausages, meats, cheeses, olives, and fish. There are a few theories about how this dish came about, including one suggesting that after an earthquake in the city of Santiago de los Caballeros in Guatemala, there was a food shortage, so women in the town made a dish combining whatever types of food were available.
Festival de los barriletes (Sumpango)
En este lugar es un festival donde con los barriletes gigantes donde la historia dice que si un niño está en el cementerio con el barrilete y entre más alto está el espíritu de la persona llega más cerca del cielo es una de la tradiciones que todavía se practica.
In [Sumpango], there is a festival with giant kites. The story goes that if a child is in the cemetery with a kite, then the spirits are closer. It is a tradition that is still practiced.
This giant kite festival draws huge crowds every year on November 1 to a soccer field next to a cemetery in Sumpango, Sacatepequez. Over 100 groups hand-make giant kites ranging from 6 to 18 meters, every year. The beautiful and intricate kites are made from pieces of colorful paper.
Festival de la carreta de caballos (Todos Santos)
"En este lugar está la carrera de caballos donde no es permitido tomar licor todo el año excepto este dia, donde todas las personas toman. Y también hacen la carrera (borrachos) algo peligroso no? También dicen que en la carrera tiene que morir un persona para que el festival sea bueno hay dos carreras en este dia."
In [the town of Todos Santos] where the yearly horse race is, it is illegal to drink liquor all year except on this day, when everyone drinks. They also have a (drunk) horse race — pretty dangerous, right? They say that for the festival to be good, someone has to die during the race. There are two races on this day.
One of the more controversial November 1 traditions is called "la Carrera de Cintas." It takes place each year in the town of Todos Santos Cuchumatan, a little town in the Cuchumatanes mountain range in the department of Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Although it is called a 'race', there is no clear winner. Riders charge down the roads in the town at high speeds, wearing the traditional clothes of Todos Santos (a hat with feathers, colorful scarves, and striped pants), carrying a chicken– and the riders are drunk.
One theory of the origin of this insane horse race is that a group of indigenous people once stole horses to escape the Spanish. Another theory is that it is a form of sacrifice to enrich the soul of the land.


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Bruce was recently named California's citizen advocate of the year from the prestigious Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
He was recognized for the work accomplished as the President of the Sacramento Taxpayers Association (SacTax). Under Bruce's leadership SacTax achieved a number of majors policy wins for the great citizens of the Sacramento region. These included:
- Measure A – A Half Percent 40 year Sales Tax Increase in Sacramento County – WITHDRAWN
- Measure M – One Percent Forever Sales Tax Increase in Citrus Heights, CA – DEFEATED
- Proposition 15 – Split Roll Property Tax – DEFEATED
- Proposition 21 – Increased Local Government Rent Control Authority – DEFEATED
- Change of Election Cycle for County Sheriff, District Attorney, and Tax Assessor – DEFEATED
- COVID-19 Enforcement Fines of up to $10,000 on Business Within the County – WITHDRAWN
Bruce considers it a privileged to serve his fellow citizens, and it was a very humbling gesture to be recognized for his work. He received the award with tremendous gratitude!


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Graduate Nurse Program
The Memorial Hospitals Graduate Nurse Program is designed to assist Graduate Nurses in their transition to professional practice. This program is available to newly registered, Registered and Enrolled Nurses and it aims to:
- Assist and provide support to Graduates in their initial transition from Student to practicing novice Nurse.
- Assist the Graduate in consolidating their knowledge, clinical practice, leadership, communication and teamwork skills in a supportive and flexible learning environment that is responsive to their needs
Assessment is based on the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) Competency Standards.
Objective of The Memorial Hospital Graduate Nurse Program
At the completion of the program, the Graduate will have consolidated their knowledge and met their responsibilities as a first level practitioner and be ready to move on to the advanced beginner level of knowledge & skill.
About the Graduate Nurse Program
The Memorial Hospital's Graduate Nurse Program is a 46-week clinical program based on full time employment, commencing in February each year. Mid-year intakes or employment outside of this identified time frame may be considered on an individual and workplace need basis.
The Graduate Nurse Program includes:
- Hospital & program orientation
- Unit orientation for each clinical rotation
- Professional development study days with a strong clinical focus
- Access to an online professional development education tool
- Varying clinical experiences with unit rotations based on staffing requirements
The Graduate Nurse Program provides support to Graduate Nurses in the form of:
- On-site Graduate Nurse Coordinator, Clinical Managers and Clinical Nurses / Preceptors
- Ongoing peer support from Nurses working in the clinical areas
Performance review
- Formal - performance appraisals
- Informal - ongoing verbal feedback
Ward Based & Perioperative Programs
Ward based program includes 2 x 6 month rotations to various areas across the hospital (ie. Surgical, Paediatic, Rehabilitation, placements depend staffing requirements).
Graduates who select the Perioperative program will work in the Perioperative area and may work in one or several areas throughout the year. This may include Theatre (Scrub / Scout), Anaesthetics, Recovery and Day Surgery. Perioperative experience during your nursing studies is an essential prerequisite for applicants of the perioperative stream.
The number of Graduate positions offered each year will be dependent on the staffing requirements. All positions are one year contracts and may be offered as part-time / full-time (0.8 – 1.0FTE).
Address applications to Jody Roberts, Education Coordinator, submit online via The Memorial Hospital Website – Careers / GNP. Enquiries to firstname.lastname@example.com
Applications to include:
- Cover letter, including requested program – ward or perioperative
- Resume
- Referees – x 2 3rd year clinical referees and x1 current employer referee
- Copy of course transcript
- Copy of 2 most recent clinical placement reports


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College Carnivals
All students from the Early Learning Centre through to Year 12 participate in multiple College Carnivals throughout the year.
Students in Years 4 to 12 will represent their House by participating in the Intra-School Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals.
ELC to Year 3 students will participate in the Mini Cross Country and Mini Games Carnivals held on Campus and lead by our Junior School Leaders.
Representative Carnivals
Students who perform well at the Year 4 to 12 carnivals have the opportunity to represent St Andrews at the 10-19 Years Hinterland District Sport Carnivals. From these carnivals, students can then be selected in Regional, State and National teams.
Students in Years 4 to 6 can also be selected in the Inter Lutheran Carnivals teams. Students can be selected in the Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics teams to compete against Southern Lutheran Associated Primary Schools (SLAPS) carnivals. Students are selected in these teams based on their performance at the relevant College Carnivals.


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A recent study by Dr. David Freidman of the Wilmer Eye Institute found that a group of 66 glaucoma patients only took their once a day drop 75% of the time. These patients were than split into 2 groups, a control group and a intervention group.
Education: The Key to Drug Compliance
I read an interesting article in this week's Ophthalmology Times.
The control group received a prescription and instructions on use of the drop. The intervention group were also shown a video showing how to take the drop, were counseled on barriers to taking drops and solutions, received reminders via phone, and used an alarm to remind them to take their drop.
The results: an improvement in compliance by 20% in the intervention group and no change in the control group!
A new study is underway by Dr. Michael Boland to determine if compliance can be improved with the use of such technologies as text messaging, phone calls, and drop bottles embedded with microchips.
TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Patient compliance can be improved thru education and reminder systems.


text:
BioNotes, 13-10-28
October 28 through November 1, 2013
Monday, October 28, 1:30 pm, KIN 2057—, "Lessons from a meandering life of science: a special seminar in honor of 43 years in the Department of Biological Science:," Dr. Walter Tschinkel. Host: Christina Kwapich.
Tuesday, October 29, 11:15 am, 112 KLB—BIOCHEMISTRY/STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY SEMINAR, "Myofilament regulation and mechanics in heart failure," Dr. Andrew D. McCulloch, University of California, San Diego. Host: Dr. P. Bryant Chase.
Wednesday, October 30, 12:00 pm, 1306 COM—BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES SEMINAR, Title TBA, Dr. Nicholas L. Young. Host: Dr. Akash Gunjan.
Wednesday, October 30, 5:30 pm, Askew Student Life Center Theater—5+2 DAYS OF OPENING MINDS, "Generation Atheist: 25 Personal Journeys," Dan Riley, author. Host: 5+2 Days of Opening Minds seminar series.
Thursday, October 31, 9:30 am, 2057 KIN—PLANT SCIENCES SEMINAR, "A discussion of Nuthikattu, et al. 2013, The initiation of epigenetic silencing of active transposable elements is triggered by RDR6 and 21-22 nucleotide small interfering RNAs, Plant Physiol. 162: 116-131," Linda Stroud, Department of Biological Science, FSU.
Thursday, October 31, 12:00 pm, PDB 211—DISSERTATION DEFENSE, "Diurnal rhythms in the rat main olfactory bulb," John T. Corthell, Department of Biological Science, FSU. Advisor: Dr. Paul Q.Trombley.
Thursday, October 31, 4:00 pm, 1024 KIN—BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE COLLOQUIUM, "Title TBA," Dr. Jonathan Dennis, Department of Biological Science, FSU. Host: Dr. David Gilbert.
Friday, November 1, 12:00 pm, 327 OSB—BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY SEMINAR, "Community Structure of benthic invertebrates on Necker Ridge in the North Pacific: distribution, diversity, and preliminary comparison to the Hawaiian Archipelago ," Nicole Morgan, Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, FSU. Thesis defense will follow the seminar.
Friday, November 1, 3:30 pm, 101 LOV—MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT COLLOQUIUM, "Female-female contests in parasitoid wasps: who wins, who loses, and why?," Marlene Goubault, Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, Universite de Tours, France. Host: Dr. Mike Mesterton-Gibbons, Department of Mathematics, FSU. Abstract.
Friday, November 1, 4:00 pm, 1024 KIN—ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION SEMINAR, "Geographic variation in Pine Barrens treefrogs (Hyla andersonii): concordance of morphometric, acoustic signal, and genetic data," Alexa Warwick, Department of Biolgical Science, FSU. Host: Dr. Emily C. Moriarty Lemmon.
Sunday, November 3, 2:00 pm, Education Bldg., St.Marks National Wildlife Refuge, 1255 Lighthouse Rd., St. Marks, FL—FIRST SUNDAY AT THE REFUGE, "What inundated underwater archaeological sites are telling us about late Pleistocene climate change and its likely impacts on human and large mammal populations in North Florida," Dr. James Dunbar, President, Panhandle Archaeological Society At Tallahassee. As the sea level rose and fell in ages past, more of Florida was once exposed and at different times the ocean covered more of the land mass. Humans occupied areas that now lie beneath the water. Come learn what fascinating stories these sites have to tell. Wildlife Refuge entrance fee is $5. Duck Stamp and other federal passes accepted.
About BioNotes.