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Kemove K68 Butterfly mechanical keyboard review
CROWDFUNDING REVIEW – I’ve dabbled in mechanical keyboards for years and I’ll review one, enjoy using it while I’m testing it, and then immediately after the review is published I will go back to my prior favorite keyboard (If you want to know which keyboard is my current fave then check out Julie’s favorite gear page).
Why do I return to my old stand-by non-mechanical keyboard? Because I’m super picky when it comes to keyboards and my fingers love what they love. However, this doesn’t stop me from continuing to try more mechanical keyboards because I suffer from FOMO and am always chasing the next great thing and hope at some point a mechanical keyboard will win me over.
The latest mechanical keyboard under my fingers is the Kemove K68 Butterfly mechanical keyboard which is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. Let’s see if it’s my new current favorite. Ready, set, type!
The Kemove K68 Butterfly is a mechanical keyboard. Ok, that was an easy description.
The Kemove K68 Butterfly mechanical keyboard features a plastic case and 68 keys. You can choose between the black version like I have here or a white version.
As you can see, the keyboard does not have a dedicated row of function keys or media control keys, but it does have arrow keys and page up/page down keys along the right edge and the right corner. To access function key functions, you have to press two key combos like FN+1=F1 and so on.
The upper right corner has a USB-C charging port and the bottom of the keyboard has flip down feet if you prefer a slight angle to the keyboard.
The K68 Butterfly keyboard is backlit and there’s also an illuminated LED ring around the outer edge of the keyboard. See videos below that show the lighting effects and typing sounds.
The left side of the Kemove K68 Butterfly mechanical keyboard has a Mac / Windows toggle switch and a Bluetooth / 2.4G connectivity switch. The 2.4G option is used with the included USB receiver adapter. I did all of my testing of this keyboard using Bluetooth with my 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro.
My review sample came preinstalled with Cherry switches. Using the included tools, I found it very easy to remove the low-ball keycaps which are only 1.6mm tall.
And even the hot-swappable switches themselves were easy to remove and then reinstall. The K68 can accept both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
As I mentioned above, I tested the Kemove K68 Butterfly mechanical keyboard with my MacBook. I didn’t think there would be any issues given the fact that the K68 keyboard offers a Mac/Win switch on the side. Unfortunately at the time of this review, the keyboard was not yet certified with Apple for full macOS support. Although the ALT key functioned like a CMD key on a macOS keyboard, the CTRL and WIN keys did not function like the CTRL and OPTION keys on a Mac. But besides those two keys, everything else worked fine. I did miss the lack of dedicated function keys and media control keys though.
Despite the problems with macOS, I found that typing on this keyboard was comfortable. The Cherry switches are easy to press for a touch typist like me and they provide good feedback and enough clicky sound to make typing fun. Check out the video below to hear what the keyboard sounds like with me typing on it.
The video also shows the default lighting effects. I didn’t test all the lighting effects because the user manual that came with the keyboard sample wasn’t very understandable. I couldn’t even figure out how to turn off the lighting effects or even power off the keyboard for that matter.
I’m still learning the ins and outs of mechanical keyboards so I can’t claim to be an expert in this category of gadgets. But as a touch typist, I can tell you that the Kemove K68 Butterfly mechanical keyboard feels solid, is well made, and is comfortable to type on. Also, the lighting effects are fun without being too over the top.
Price: $74.99Where to buy: KickstarterSource: The sample for this review was provided by Kemove.CROWDFUNDING REVIEWPriceWhere to buySource
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B&F’s Michael Barry – 1 of 24 for Entrepreneur of Year Award
Founder and Managing Director of Barry & Fitzwilliam Michael Barry will be one of 24 finalists vying for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award 2012 this October.
27 September 2012
Headquartered in Cork, the company has exclusive distribution rights to over 100 well-known brands including Corona, Tia Maria, Teachers, McGuigan, Hardys and Villa Maria. The company supplies 3,000 direct on- and off-trade accounts while distributing to a further 5,000 clients through the wholesale channel.
In this, the 15th anniversary year of the Awards, all 24 finalists, their guests and other luminaries of the entrepreneurial community will gather at the annual Gala Ceremony to be broadcast via RTE Television and online from Citywest Hotel on Thursday, 25th October.
The overall winner will go forward to represent Ireland at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year finals in Monte Carlo next June where he or she will compete with over 55 country winners for the prestigious global title.
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Bill Johnson says that any thought we have that doesn’t inspire hope is under the influence of a lie.
When things get rough, we tend to go straight for the S.O.S. prayers. “God, get me out of this mess!”
But what if God has a miracle he’s waiting to give us, but our fear and lack of trust keep us from receiving it.
Joshua and Caleb were two of the twelve spies sent to scout the land God had promised Israel. Ten men came back spreading stories of how futile God’s plans were. The giants in the land made the men look like grasshoppers, they said. The conviction of doom spread through Israel’s camp (Numbers 13).
Why? Because they looked through the eyes of human logic and reason.
Logically, Israel could not defeat their enemies. In their own strength they would lose the battle.
They didn’t believe God’s promises to them. The god they believed in was very tiny and lacked power.
Yet Joshua and Caleb had a very different perspective. They had been with the ten. They saw the giants. And they knew they would win. Not could. Not might, but WOULD win.
Why? Because their God was powerful and mighty and on their side. They knew God favored them.
Where We Fit In
We also have God’s favor. Why? Because when we received the beautiful gift of Jesus’ sacrifice, God placed us into Jesus (1 Cor. 1:30) and each one of us became His favored child. (John 17:23).
But we can’t presume that favor means easy and painless outcomes. God wants to grow us up. If we let our kids just play video games and devour all the treats in the pantry, they would become weak in character and body.
Difficulties develop us. God doesn’t necessarily create the difficulties in our lives, but he wants to use everything the enemy throws at us to take us to a new level in Him and wreak vengeance on the enemy in the process
So how do we move from fearful and defeated thinking into trust and victory in the midst of trials?
You have to discover how God views your circumstances.
If you haven’t learned to hear Him well yet, practice being still and listening. If your mind is overrun by fearful thoughts that drown out His quiet voice, play some praise music. Or write down the fearful thought and ask God, “What do you say about that?”
Then listen. Write down what you hear. Everything God says to you will line up with His character. It will never contradict His love and kindness toward you (Gal. 5:22).
He may just give you one word. Peace. Or Hope. Or Be Still. Or Trust. Then pull up an online Bible and search for that word, or for scripture that aligns with what you heard. You can even google, “Bible verses about (blank).”
Take the ones that resonate with you. Stand on those. Put them on post it notes in your car and on your bathroom mirror. Speak them aloud. Pray them over your situation. Stand firm on what He (and His word) is speaking to you and declare it with Him over your difficulty.
You’ll develop a picture of how God views your circumstance.
Do you want to walk in agreement with Him or walk in the fear and mistrust that nags at us? Well, what if I’m wrong. What if I’m making this up?
What if you’re not? What if you’re actually being given the strategy to come through your circumstance with hope and peace? Standing firm on truth (1 Cor. 16:13).
God speaks to us all the time. We just have to practice listening and trusting and stepping into what we believe He’s doing.
Father, teach me how to hear Your voice. To quiet my mind and bring it to stillness and rest in You. To trust that You will guide me if I get off Your path. That You are the one who applauds and rewards risk when I’m taking steps of faith that feel new and uncertain. Help me to discern when the enemy is feeding the fear and show me how to send him packing. I want to stand firm in faith and trust that what You have for me is good, because You are good and Your goodness surrounds me and wants to invade my life and bring great blessing to me and my family. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Photos via Pixabay
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If breakfast is your favorite meal, try our breakfast sausage paired with farm fresh chicken eggs.
Prefer a lean cut of pork with plenty of natural flavor? Then you'll want to try our meat, packaged for smaller meals.
Are you a baker? We have large duck eggs that will make your pie crust extra flaky.
We sell directly from the farm all year long. Come visit our farm store to see all of our homegrown products.
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Long handle water flow-thru brush
|Handle length : 41.3" - 71"
Brush size :10.6" * 5.1" *4.7"
|T/T , Paypal , Western Union , L/C
Categories : Car wash brush
Soft bristle brush for RV truck boat
Long handle water flow-thru brush Make cleaning Car’s Van’s Truck’s Boat’s Window’s Guttering Decking Walls ETC A lot quicker an easier job. You can Connect a Hose for water to flow Through the head. Features: Two Soft cushioned grips add extra comfort Grip and also insulate from the cold water running though the handle. Fits standard hose (Hozelock) connectors. Convenient water on/off switch on the hose attachment. Soft bristles tips ensure safe cleaning on all surfaces paint work windows etc. Especially designed for larger vehicles, trucks, vans, caravans, boats etc. User around the home to clean windows or decking or other larger areas. Extends to 1.8 metres 1800 mm 71 inch Give about 15 -18 foot workable reach with average sizes person What we say about it truthful facts about the item. We would only advise to use the item full extended as a brush without water running through is as we working over head we got soaked : ) LOL Don’t leave the item around the yard extra as frost cold weather will damage the joints. We would just recommend using the item as a brush with a bucket of water to clean car van trucks etc etc
Water-fed telescopic cleaning brush which extends to from 1.3 to 2.5m . Strong, lightweight aluminium handle. Soft cushioned grip for extra comfort and insulation. Easily connects to a standard garden hose. Soft bristle ensures safe cleaning on all surfaces. On / off water flow valve feature.
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Introducing our newest products to help you print faster, be more productive, and produce higher quality documents. With features such as built-in Wi-Fi, color touch-screens, Xerox ConnectKey®, Apple® AirPrint™, and more, Xerox products offer the latest in printer technology. Below you will find the most recent printer and all-in-one printer additions to Shop Xerox.
Need help deciding on a printer? Let us help you. Talk to a product expert
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SHS Web of Conf.
Volume 174, 20232023 2nd International Conference on Science Education and Art Appreciation (SEAA 2023)
|Number of page(s)
|Educational Practice and Teaching Curriculum Reform
|11 August 2023
Study on the Design of college students’ Employment courses
College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, 130117, China
* Corresponding author: [email protected]
with social development and technological progress, higher standards and requirements are constantly put forward for talents. traditional employment courses have problems such as lack of pertinence, single content, lack of practice, and lack of communication between teachers and students, which cannot meet the needs of students for employment-related knowledge. centering on students’ career development, the paper designs courses from five aspects: reforming the content and form of employment guidance courses, strengthening the construction of employment guidance service teachers, establishing and perfecting the extracurricular normal personalized employment guidance system, cultivating graduates’ ability to independently plan for the future, and exploring the whole-cycle personalized employment guidance service system.
© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2023
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Current usage metrics show cumulative count of Article Views (full-text article views including HTML views, PDF and ePub downloads, according to the available data) and Abstracts Views on Vision4Press platform.
Data correspond to usage on the plateform after 2015. The current usage metrics is available 48-96 hours after online publication and is updated daily on week days.
Initial download of the metrics may take a while.
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Sierra & Sage cannot be held liable or responsible for extension work done by any of our certified stylists.
Our Digital Education is protected by Copyright Laws. The filming or distribution of our online education is strictly prohibited. Anyone who is caught distributing our education videos will be immediately banned from accessing our education videos and support groups and can and will be held liable for damages.
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Tickets for in person education are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend a class you purchased a ticket to, we will not be able to refund or reschedule your class under any circumstances. You are, however, able to sell/transfer your ticket to a different stylist.
Stylists who are certified in The Sierra & Sage Methods are not permitted to teach, certify or hold classes with the purpose of teaching our method or any of it's contents to other stylists. This includes stylists working with an assistant stylist.
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SIERRA was one of the sponsors of the 16th Corporate Real Estate and Facility Management Summit held on 19th and 20th March 2010 at Golkonda Resorts, Hyderabad. The CRE & FM Summit was organized by FMW (Facilities Management Worldwide), a part of MMG Worldwide.
SIERRA’s booth in the 16th CRE & FM Summit exhibited its flagship product – eFACiLiTY Enterprise Facility Management Software.
Our CEO & Managing Director, Mr.Giridhar JG was a part of the Panel that consisted of dignitaries from Wipro, WNS Global Services, CA (India) Technologies and Bridge House Consulting who discussed on “Facilities Management – Effective Vendor Management – Opportunities and Challenges – Partnership or Dictatorship!”
The gathering was well represented by notable Corporates such as Cap Gemini, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Mahindra Satyam BPO, HSBC Technology and Services, Franklin Templeton International Services, etc.
It was a 2 day Business Networking Summit designed for IT, ITES, BPO & Software Companies and Commercial & Industrial Organizations of all sectors who are intending and planning establishments of New Centers / Expansion/ Relocation of Facilities / Setting up of Global Delivery Centers and to cost effectively plan their onshore / offshore facility infrastructure to realize a better ROI (Return On Investment) to obtain in depth knowledge, explore novel ideas and integrate lucrative FM strategies.
We feel elated that such events add on to our conspicuousness in the corporate world.
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We are still in the midst of shock from the Raiders releasing of punter Marquette King. It’s been only a short time since the move was made official, and the knee jerk reactions are all over the map. Some are angry, some confused, some understand, and others are downright thrilled with it.
And to be honest, I can’t really argue too passionately with any of these reactions.
King was a strange bird. Some people loved that about him. Others hated it. Some didn’t care about his antics off the field, they just hated when it made its way onto the field and drew flags.
Here are a few of the reactions, followed by a counterpoint.
Point: He got paid too much and was a $3 million cap hit.
Counter: He was the fifth highest paid punter in the league. He is also a top five NFL punter in most every major statistic.
Point: He was worth what he was paid
Counter: His release saves the team $2.9 million. They continue to look for ways to save money to sign outside players, bring back their own (NaVorro Bowman maybe?) and offer Khalil Mack an extension he’ll accept.
Point: Why not trade him?
Counter: I’m guessing maybe they tried, but his high salary and personality made for a Michael Crabtree type situation in which he had little to no trade market. Remember how little they got for Cordarrelle Patterson and Jamize Olawale in trade? They didn’t even get additional draft picks. They just moved up from the late 6th to the late 5th in each instance.
Point: He is a punter and punters should not make a spectacle of themselves.
Counter: He’s a Raider. He’s passionate. He is still a football player. Some find it entertaining. Other punters have been characters too and still had great careers.
Point: He’s a great punter. Why release a great player?
Counter: The Raiders have 7 picks between the 5th and 7th round. The Raiders drafted Shane Lechler in the 5th round when Gruden was head coach back in 2000. He had one of the greatest careers of any punter in history.
Point: Who cares, they can just draft one
Counter: Sure, they can draft one. But that’s far from a guarantee that punter will be as talented as King was. Remember, the Raiders developed him from raw undrafted rookie to the player he is today.
Point: Why open up another need with all the needs this team has as it is?
Counter: I guess I would just go back to the answer about all the late draft picks. There aren’t a lot of positions in which you have a high likelihood of finding an impact player in those lower rounds. Punter is one of those positions.
Basically, to each their own here. People are reacting strongly. I understand both sides of these arguements and each person is entitled to that reaction.
So, let’s do this right. With a poll.
What do you think about the Raiders releasing Marquette King?
This poll is closed
I understand and I’m glad he’s gone
I understand and I’m fine with it
I understand but I’m not happy
I don’t understand and I am not happy
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Find out more about our Academic Medical Centre and efforts in Academic Medicine
Academic Medicine Executive Committee (AM EXCO)
Find out more about what JOAM do to support AM initiatives
Find out more about the Office of Duke-NUS Affairs and Study Trip to Duke Durham
Guidelines, forms, and templates for Academic Medicine.
What the liver does
Keeping an eye on the liver
The two fields of medicine concerned with keeping the liver healthy are:
How liver disease is diagnosed
Tips for a healthy liver
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver of people who consume little or no alcohol, while alcoholinduced fatty liver disease is caused by heavy drinking.
Excess fat in the liver causes it to enlarge and function abnormally. Risk factors for NAFLD include obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and a sedentary lifestyle. Patients with NAFLD may develop liver cirrhosis and liver failure if their liver conditions worsen.
Read more: Up to 1 in 3 Singaporeans has fatty liver disease. But did you know it is reversible? Click to find out how.
Cirrhosis is a long-term chronic disease where the liver becomes scarred and is unable to function properly. Cirrhosis can be caused by factors such as viral hepatitis or inflammation of the liver, NAFLD and long-term alcohol use. Left untreated, cirrhosis can result in complications such as liver cancer and liver failure.
Symptoms of this condition include:
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One of the most famous, well-acclaimed video game franchises of all time has to be Nintendo’s prized treasure. Each new major entry aims to innovate upon the last, and the series has never strayed away from its main theme of providing the thrill of adventure through a fantasy world. Just speaking the franchise’s name, even an average person who doesn’t invest heavily in video games should be able to recognize what it is or remember iconic bits from it. The series I’m talking about of course is none other than The Legend of Zelda. You can’t deny how infamous it’s become as it’s set the groundwork for hundreds of games in the industry.
The original Zelda released back on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986 was a basic pixel adventure. The player was given a weapon, dumped into a sprawling, and told to explore at their own pace. Due to technology at the time map markers or cursors pointing towards the right direction didn’t exist, so the player had to rely on their own instincts and memorization of the world. This may have created a lack of knowledge on what to do or predict what dungeons would be trickier than others, but this helped widen that sense of adventure. That thrill when you finally figured out what to do in the puzzlebox of a world. Being excited when the game presents you with a new tool and you get to test it out on enemies and even surfaces. Feeling proud when you spend minutes clashing against a powerful boss and feeling reward once you overcome them. These rewarding factors of the original Legend of Zelda is what made it an iconic classic, and signaled to Nintendo when stronger hardware comes, they should expand on their ideas.
They did just that as with each major Legend of Zelda game, on home consoles specifically, they expanded on what the series could do. A Link To The Past not only gave us a more vibrant world to explore but gave us more diverse dungeons and encounters. Exploring the fantasy setting and trying to build upon the high potential future stories could bring. Then Ocarina of Time came along and was the first major entry to take place in a 3D realm thanks to the Nintendo 64. You were no longer moving North, South, East, and West. You had a full three hundred- and sixty-degrees axis, a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, and enemies could attack from any direction and out flank you easily. Combat was more challenging, but more engaging as sword fights required skill of the playing field and reaction to enemy attacks. Dungeons, while like before, had more verticality and could rely on more creative mechanics due to tools that could have different reactions or ways to traverse the environment. Characters could be more expressive now that Nintendo knew how to program and detail 3D character models. The story is when Zelda became more explorative and in depth with its world. A hero being chosen by the princess to partake in a legacy to prevent the world going to ruins. Being sent to the future and seeing the prosperous world come to the apocalypse and seeing figures he once knew now dead or part of a plan he didn’t even expect to be related to. There was character building, lore, twists, and history that made a silly fantasy world more mature than it should have been. Ocarina of Time is considered a classic by many and it’s the one that set the formula for all modern Legend of Zelda titles besides the one we’re talking about today follow. It’s one of the highest rated games of all time sitting at ninety-nine percent on Metacritic. However, does this mean the game is flawless?
Ocarina of Time was a step forward, but it ended up removing some of the essence of what made the original Legend of Zelda special and innovative for its time. The thrill of adventure was there narratively, but it wasn’t there gameplay wise. If you take a close look at the design structure of Ocarina of Time you realize the player is being railroaded down a linear path. They have to go to specific temples in a specific order, and trying to go there ahead of time will either lock them out or prevent them as they require an item or song to reach it. This means there aren’t that many rewards or satisfaction for going off the beaten path. Now linearity isn’t always terrible. Some of my favorite games are linearly structured and it can help keep a consistent pace. However, in the case with Ocarina of Time it does a lot of harm. Dungeon items you require will always be used against the boss within the dungeon you found the item in. Meaning a certain gimmick/rhythm can be found after a few dungeons. Backtracking through the mass world can be tedious, because the player knows there isn’t much to find while traversing it. Any optional content isn’t as great as the main path, and during replays of the game you realize to get to the exciting moments of the main story again you may have to deal with the tedious moments again as well. I’m not saying Ocarina of Time has aged terribly. It has aged really well, better than a majority of titles on the Nintendo 64. The formula it created though was brilliant, but heavily flawed.
That sense of adventure through exploration and discovery was slowly lost, and veterans of the franchise were slowly beginning to lose interest as Zelda became more predictable. I’m not saying Twilight Princess or Skyward Sword are terrible, but it is understandable why these two are heavily divisive with fans. Now, it was around the Wii U era that Nintendo decided to rethink their approach with The Legend of Zelda. They have tackled every item in the book. Thrown whatever sh*t they produced from their bums at the wall and found that it no longer began to stick and leave behind the brown stain. They needed to eat more vegetables and fruit; I mean they needed to remember why people loved The Legend of Zelda to begin with. So, they went back to the original and found out why. The freedom, the discovery, and the rewards for when you finally pieced the puzzle together. This was when they decided to go back to their original roots. Much like when Resident Evil VII went back to the survival roots of the original. However, they needed to figure out how to reintroduce the formula of the original. That was when the developers produced a concept, more specifically a prototype, of what their idea could be. They showed Link in a blue tunic wandering around a pixelated world similar to the original. This time Link could create fires and they could spread rapidly. Enemies would casually roam around the world rather than spawn in specific spots, and rivers which once divided the player from reaching one end to the other could now be swam across or traversed with a boat. This build is what gave Nintendo the idea to create a systemic game, and the only way they could apply this formula was to go to the open world genre. A genre which at the time was becoming overdone and overwhelmed by big Triple A companies who forgot what basic exploration was.
Nintendo was going to manufacture an open world Zelda and it would spend quite a bit of time baking in the oven. They showed a trailer for their new Zelda during an E3 convention in 2015, and they titled it Breath of The Wild. The latest major entry since Skyward Sword in 2011. Fans were thrilled and couldn’t wait to see what this new entry would bring. Sadly, though they would have to wait and with each delay they became less anticipated for the game as it felt like it would never come out. 2017 rolls around and Nintendo is getting ready to release their new next generation console which they teased a few months prior. The Nintendo Switch, a device that is both a home console and a portable one. You could SWITCH what the controller set up was like, SWITCH the setup of the screen, and SWITCH… you get the idea. One of the launch titles for the Nintendo Switch was none other than Breath of The Wild which was finally coming out. The game was released, and it’s received well. Really well in fact! Breath of The Wild was not only a huge change for the Zelda formula, but also a change for the open world formula. Providing complete freedom upon exiting the starting area and allowing the player to go to any point of the map. Never guiding them with dotted lines and icons, and simply relying on discovery. This is what made Breath of The Wild special and it received high scores from both review outlets and your average players. At the end of the year, it was nominated for multiple awards and ended up being the overall Game of The Year for 2017. Breath of The Wild is considered a modern masterpiece and one of Nintendo’s greatest achievements in a long time. It has been five years since this game came out, and you may be wondering if the game still holds up well today.
I remember being a huge Legend of Zelda fan back in middle school. Got into the franchise through Wind Waker and proceeded to play Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask. I was extremely ramped up for Breath of The Wild and my sibling was too as they were there alongside me to experience the greatness of these other entries. My mother’s best friend, who is basically our godmother, was able to get us a Nintendo Switch for our birthdays in 2017 and packed along with it was a copy of Breath of The Wild. We booted it up immediately, dumped almost five hours on day one, and then proceeded to lose two months of our lives. Breath of The Wild at some point was one of my favorite games of all time. It played a huge role during middle school as I didn’t have that many friends and the game was practically the only friend I had. However, it’s been five years and a lot has changed since then. I grew up, made actual friends during that time, and encountered other games which kicked Breath of The Wild out of its position of being my favorite game ever made. I haven’t touched it since 2018, and the more time passes the more I begin to realize problems the game has. Stuff no one brought up during their reviews. The game was losing my respect, as well as Nintendo with the actions they have taken over the years.
I was losing sense of what made me happy when I was younger. I’ve been revisiting a couple of games recently and looked back at 2017 and how amazing a year it was for gaming. I looked over Breath of The Wild and decided it was finally time to start a new playthrough. See what has changed since then. I grabbed my sibling, we started a new save, and after three weeks we beat the game again. Is the game still as amazing as we remembered? Yes, mostly. I still think this game is amazing and I highly recommend it, but there are criticisms to be made and I don’t think it deserves a perfect review score. I mean I have handed out a couple of carless 10/10s in the past, but this one I really don’t think is one. It’s a bit flawed, but it is still a masterpiece in many cases. Breath of The Wild is stupendous, and I thoroughly believe it’s the best Zelda title ever made. Today we’ll be talking about Breath of The Wild and why it deserves your attention.
Into the wild. Into the fray. Up and away!
I will be detailing the first five to ten hours of Breath of The Wild. That includes everything close to around the time you reach Kakariko Village, and I’m doing this because I believe it’s the best for the sake of this review. If you haven’t played Breath of The Wild or know about its story, then I recommend you finish it before proceeding. I don’t even know why I’m writing this when so many people have probably finished the game by now. There are even the crazy bastards who found every single collectible and one percent the ga-why am I saying this right now. Dear lord, I really want the length of this review to be chunky. Anyways, you have been warned readers!
At the beginning there were three goddesses, and they created a relic known as the Triforce. It consisted of three pieces and whoever possessed a piece would be given its assigned gift. There was the Triforce of Courage, Triforce of Wisdom, and the Triforce of Power. The goddesses would then proceed to create a world filled with plant life and of course creatures to roam around in. As time passed these creatures began to evolve and with it came civilization. A kingdom was then formed and soon they discovered the gifts, guidance, and teaching of the goddesses. This kingdom was known as Hyrule, and it was led by Princess Zelda and her father. Zelda held the Triforce of Wisdom, and she was protected by her loyal knight Link who held the Triforce of Courage. All seemed well, but there was a prophecy. It existed before the world which our characters stood on could even be walked around on. The Link and Zelda we see in each game are actually reincarnations. During Skyward Sword, a being of evil cursed the original Link and Zelda. Stating all three of them would be reincarnated over and over again to fulfill the same destiny. See a world potentially get torn apart unless a hero is able to assemble the strength the slay said evil. Link and Zelda may not have any memories from past reincarnations, but they still proceed to battle evil no matter what happens. This then leads us to our current iterations.
In past Zelda games you start off in a small town. Hours before the catastrophic events of the main plot happen. In Breath of The Wild you spawn at the end of the catastrophe. Link wakes up to find himself within what appears to be a tomb. The walls are carved in a particular pattern, he is submerged within a glowing liquid, and a blinking light lures him. He is then contacted by a higher being who claims to be Princess Zelda. She claims Link got in a terrible accident and was taken to the Shrine of Resurrection to heal. He’s been sealed away for one hundred years, and she has managed to survive that time. He exits the Shrine and takes a device Zelda left behind for him. A Sheikah Slate, a tablet designed by the Sheikah to record and plot information. Link awakens to find himself in a vast world. Full of wildlife, but the ruins of what appears to be a once prosperous kingdom. He is greeted by an old man and is told they are stuck on an isolated piece of land known as the Great Plateau. Link then activates another terminal similar to one found in the Shrine of Resurrection, and all of a sudden towers and shrines throughout Hyrule begin to sprout from the ground. When Link does this, he sees a gastrous being emerge from the distant Hyrule Castle. Zelda claims this to be known as Calamity Ganon, the monster who brought destruction one hundred years ago. She has managed to seal herself and the monster for one hundred years, but she is slowly losing power and the monster could escape any minute. It’s Link’s job to save these monsters, and by helping the old man from earlier he is given a piece of equipment to float down from the Great Plateau. However, the Old Man reveals himself to be the spirit King Rhoam, the ruler of Hyrule and father of Princess Zelda. He claims he was slain during the emergence of Calamity Ganon and states what happened one hundred years ago.
The citizens of Hyrule were digging into the kingdom’s mountains and discovered relics and devices left from past generations. These relics were designed by the Sheikah, a tribe of warriors and protectors, and they were designed to not only provide convenience but protection. More of these relics were discovered and by analyzing this technology the Hylians were able to create devices and the materials they were made from. Such devices discovered were these machines capable of fighting, scouting, and traversing difficult terrain. They deemed these machines the Guardians and quickly the Hylians tamed them. There was also a scripture left behind. Stating the evil from before had accumulated into this corrupt mass, and a hero and princess related to the gods would chase it back. The Guardians would provide protection, and the heroes would prevail. Sadly, this is not what happens. Calamity Ganon emerges from the surface below and the Guardians are corrupted by its power. They are then ordered to eradicate any living being they come across and this is what led to the downfall of Hyrule. The destruction of a society.
King Rhoam orders Link to save his daughter from the clutches of Ganon, and he won’t be at peace unless he does so. He then gives him directions towards a village which may help him across his village. Kakariko Village, the home of the Sheikah Clan. They are able to identify the Sheikah Slate and technology which Link wields and tell him to head towards specific locations so that he may regain his memories and stand a chance against Calamity Ganon. Link discovers there are four Divine Beasts across the land. Giant Guardians were designed to protect certain regions and were once piloted by Champions who Link once worked with. The Champions were slain, and control of the Divine Beasts was lost. If Link could fix all four of the Divine Beasts, regain his memories, and obtain a weapon from the past then maybe he can save Princess Zelda. It’s up to him to strive and bring back the hope Hyrule once had.
Strange voices lead me forward. Keep guiding me.
Breath of The Wild strays away from the modern Zelda formula we knew since Ocarina of Time and goes for an open world approach. Rather than having a bunch of condensed areas connected to each other and loading screens being placed in between them, instead you have this big sprawling map. What I love about this game is that once you exit the Great Plateau, otherwise the two-hour starting area, you can go anywhere on the map. Some areas will kill you quickly as you need clothing, the gear, and stats to stand up against the foes of that area, but at least you are provided the choice on what challenges you want to tackle first. As I said, there are no loading screens separating each section of the map. You will never be stopped and have to wait for content within the map to load, and anytime you do have to wait is when you have to go to a dungeon separated from the open world. Okay, so there is still some waiting to be found within Breath of The Wild, but it's a step forward and this sprawling world showcased what the Nintendo Switch could handle back in 2017. Nintendo was willing to push next generation hardware.
A lot of open world games now suffer from a problem we call bloat. To match the size of the world and not make it feel devoid of interesting points you need to fill it with content. However, developers have struggled to either fill it with engaging content or fill it with enough so that all the markers and points of interest of the map don’t feel overwhelmed. This is what we call open world bloat. What could be nailed down to checking boxes off and doing busy work rather than appreciate the world the developers set up for the player. Breath of The Wild, while not having perfect content everywhere, does provide viable points of interest. Shrines, towers, townships, and sections where you have to go towards to progress the main story. What’s great is that unlike a majority of open world games out there you don’t always have to follow a dotted line or icon to locate these points of interest. The player is expected to find these points in the distance, mark it with a radar, and traverse there by themselves. A dotted line isn’t created, and they can decide how they navigate towards this point of interest. This helps the open world feel freer rather than restrictive as most open world titles have to hold the player by the hand just to take them to what they believe are the exciting bits. I covered this open world approach in my Elden Ring critique a few months back and I think that does a better explaining why this approach works.
Normally Link would walk or run towards his destination, but Breath of The Wild decides to add something more nuance to traversal. It gives the player the ability to cling onto any wall-like surface in the world and climb around it. Meaning they aren’t just limited to the ground, and this heightens the ability to get from Point A to Point B in any way you want. Why take a giant curve along a cliff when you can glide over the put and attempt to climb the cliff to the top. Notice how I wrote the word “attempt” down. The downside of trying to climb is that it uses stamina. The stamina slowly drains overtime and when it’s out Link will be forced to let go. Climbing isn’t the only action in Breath of The Wild which uses stamina. Running, swimming, charge attacks, and gliding using the Paraglider all use a bit of stamina and when you run out Link enters a tired state. He may walk slower, be more exposed to damage, and in the case of swimming he drowns and is respawned back on shore. The stamina meter is a limitation you must know how to work around, and Breath of The Wild would rather have the player take their time navigating the world rather than rush through it. Otherwise, they run into dangerous scenarios they have uneven chances of surviving. Whether this be combat, ambushes, and difficult terrain.
I should probably move onto combat now as it has received a drastic overhaul compared to previous entries, and we might as well dive into consumables as it ties into collecting the many treasures you find across your journey. Unlike previous Zelda games where you mainly used your sword and any equipment you find, instead you pick up a multitude of weapons. Each weapon is part of a different class, has different attack wind ups and windows, and stronger weapons are harder to come by while exploring the world. You have swords, great swords, spears, axes, boomerangs, sickles, shields to block attacks and parry at the right time, and bows to shoot arrows from afar. You carry a ton of weapons at once, but to balance out the wider arsenal there had to be another downside added. Every weapon, shield, and bow you use has a set durability number and the weapon will break once all durability has been used. This creates a problem of not being able to approach fights head on or only being able to fight for a limited amount of time, but it does create benefits previous entries have not seen. Rather than throw yourself into the fire every single fight you now have to consider the choices at hand. Do I have enough supplies to survive this fight, and do I want to waste this powerful weapon against a singular weak foe? You may even consider environmental factors. Advantage points or objects you can use against foes.
The choices you have are increased with the newly added Sheikah Slate. In previous games, each dungeon would give you a new item to solve puzzles with. Some items used stamina as they unleashed magical abilities, and others had unlimited uses as they were used to traverse the world. The Sheikah Slate is a step up from this as it goes against previous standards and offers tools which fit the open world formula. Magnesis to levitate and move metal objects, Stasis to freeze solid objects and hit them numerous times to charge up a launch, and Crynosis to create frozen pillars and water surfaces to climb onto. You even have bombs, which were staples before but are now an infinite use item with a charge rate rather than a finite item. There’s a round one to roll across the ground, and a square one to stay in place. You can even have two bombs out at a time which allows you to create two traps/explosions. What these Sheikah Slate tools do is give Link different options. Maybe you want to create a frozen pillar to block projectile attacks, climb onto cliffs quickly, or better yet traverse across a huge body of water. Magnesis can move heavy objects, but maybe you can drop metal crates on foes or knock them over. Using Stasis on a rock and charging up a launch can make it hit a foe, or destroy an object blocking your way. The bombs can be used as traps or trigger explosive canisters which enemies always seem to be around so that you won’t have to waste resources like Fire Arrows and can instead save them up.
Breath of The Wild is a more systemic game than previous Zelda entries and it shows how the world reacts. You can light grass ablaze and watch it spread rapidly. Then you can utilize the updraft created by the fire to soar upwards. You may use electricity to shock enemies standing in water, or better yet during a lightning storm through a metal weapon towards an enemy so it strikes them instead. Knock a weapon out of their hands, pick it up, and then use it for yourself. You can get really creative and that’s what I love about this game. Is it the first open world to have this much reactivity and systems? No, because titles like Horizon Zero Dawn and even Metal Gear Solid V were touching upon systemic gameplay. However, this was a huge change for the Zelda formula. Another huge change is how the player recovers health. In previous entries you cut grass and hearts are dropped which replenish your health. In Breath of The Wild you must consume food and meals to restore your health. Meals usually contain more benefits and nutrition than just snapping away at raw food in the wild. Sometimes you can contact potions and apply effects to meals if you know what certain ingredients do. Replenish your stamina while climbing by eating a skewer made with a Stamella Mushroom. Increase your strength by making a fruit salad with Mighty Bananas. Contact a fire resistance potion using Chu-Chu Jelly and a couple other ingredients. The meal system makes it so that you must rely on rations rather than conveniently get hearts, but another problem arises which we’ll address later.
One thing I finally want to address is how progression works in Breath of The Wild. In previous games you would have to collect Heart Containers to increase your maximum health. Usually they are dropped by bosses, but they were also obtained by exploring the world and doing side quests. This was fine. It encouraged going off the beaten path, but there was a certain amount of absurdity found within these side quests. What exactly are you supposed to do and what quests will give you the upgrades needed to grow stronger? Breath of The Wild fixes this by removing Heart Pieces all together and replacing them with Spirit Orbs. Obtained through Shrines which are the miniature dungeons scattered around the world. These orbs can be exchanged at statues resembling the Goddess Hylia and you need four of them to obtain a Heart Container. However, these orbs can also be exchanged for Stamina Containers which increase your maximum stamina. You gave me a reason to explore the world and do what would normally be optional content, as you need to grow stronger to face evenly against the final boss who is difficult if you decide to charge straight towards him. Besides that, there isn’t much else I can say about Breath of The Wild besides some more in-depth thoughts at the end of this review. Hopefully you can gain enough power, delve into Hyrule Castle, and save the sacred princess once more.
Life at the end of the slumber!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild five years later is still a tremendous game. Every idea it does right is nailed tremendously and for another open world title it stands out for how it differs from other genre contemporaries. It’s a masterpiece, but just because it’s a masterpiece doesn’t mean it’s a perfect video game. I was worried when it came time to write this review. On the one hand I get to do a deep dive into a game I once loved. Figure out what works, what doesn’t work, and point out criticisms reviewers failed to make at the time of release. On the other hand, I face the harassment of those who worship this title. A lot of people consider Breath of The Wild to be one of the greatest games of all time. In fact, some outlets consider it the best game ever made.
I’m kind of angered by this, because not only do I find the game flawed but calling it the best game ever made depends on who you are talking to. A person’s favorite game of all time will differ but saying if they don’t think it’s this and a terrible person says a lot. My two favorite games of all time are Bloodborne and Hollow Knight, but I’m not saying you too have to believe these two are the best games ever made. My cousin’s favorite game is Portal, but you don’t have to choose Portal because she said so. People have different opinions, but there’s not an ultimate answer. I also think it’s because Breath of The Wild was the first open world game to readjust the genre. Any open world that has come out ever since has been compared, but I think it was to a negative effect. Any open world that now comes out is considered flawed or not as good as the gold standard, which I really hate because sometimes the games you are choosing to compare are so drastically different that why would you compare them. Breath of The Wild is one of the best open world games to come out, but it’s not my favorite open world. To be honest I still love Outer Wilds, Elden Ring, Ghost of Tsushima, and Horizon Zero Dawn more and some of these didn’t contain the amount of freedom that Breath of The Wild had. I enjoyed these titles more and that’s what I want you readers to take away from this review. Different opinions from people.
Outside of that let’s start addressing the game itself. Starting with the problems and what I’ve noticed during my replay of the game. Weapon durability is a chore to deal with. I know they needed to justify the constant looting the player is doing, and how they can carry multiple weapons at once. However, I wish there was a way to tell how many times a player could use a weapon before it breaks. Better yet, allow the player to repair weapons that were broken and wanted to keep. Every major RPG I’ve played, from Dark Souls to Original Sin 2, has durability and when a weapon breaks usually its efficiency and damage number goes down. Why not do that, but when it comes to repairing the weapon let the player use resources they have acquired across their journey. That way you consider what to give away and put those gems you have been accumulating across the game to actual good use. I also think that while food is better than cutting grass to get hearts and let the player experiment with ingredients, it does have terrible balancing. There is no limit to how much food and supplies you can carry, so what you can end up with depending on how much you collect is a pocket of infinite healing sh*t. Master the flow of combat and pull out a sack of food to restore to maximum health if the meter is low. So, what’s the point of playing carefully in an apocalyptic world if you are practically unkillable?
Other complaints include side content outside of the main story and dungeons being pretty bad. Narrowing down to collecting items for an unimportant NPC and getting a reward that wasn’t even worth it. The DLC was really disappointing from what I remember. The first batch gave you a set of trials to max out the Master Sword which was fine, but it also gave you a hard mode which was not balanced out enough. It makes it so that powerful enemies replace their weaker counterparts and their health regenerates, which is pretty terrible because it means you’ll be avoiding combat more often than in your basic playthrough. The second batch of DLC was even more disappointing. Basically, they wanted to explore the background of the supporting cast which they did, but the content they provided wasn’t well thought out and didn’t add much to the game. The frame rate tends to drop if too much is happening on screen or if the player is moving too quickly through the world as it struggles to load content. This I can overlook as it rarely happens and it’s understandable for a launch title for the Nintendo Switch. Final complaint is that if you know exactly where you are going you can become overpowered easily, especially during the endgame. Removing all challenges the game has, but I do feel like this was the point. To start off powerless and weak during the beginning. To show you have stripped yourself of your powers and the world is broken beyond belief. To work yourself up towards power. To stand tall against all adversities and come out strong when you finally triumph. To see how much power you have accumulated by the end, and to show all your progress leading up to this climactic moment.
What are some positive points I have to make about Breath of The Wild? Well, I complemented already that the world is vast and i love how you explore any area of it once you exit the starting area. The lack of dotted lines and a liminal UI which allows the player to appreciate the world more. I like how dungeons no longer gave you equipment and centered around them, so you had to experiment with what was on hand rather than follow the previous rhythm of using the dungeon item against the dungeon boss. I really love the art style personally. It goes for a cell shaded look and at times Breath of The Wild feels like an anime. With all its vibrant colors, shading, and use of lighting. It’s still one of the best-looking games on the Nintendo Switch. The music while not being a favorite I personally love as well. It’s not energetic, but it’s peaceful and helps add to the sense of loneliness felt while exploring a desolate world.
One aspect I think still holds up really well is the story. It’s not a tremendous story and there are times it felt like the writers could have done more, but it is really well presented. I like the themes it circles around. Link has forgotten his past memories and over time he regains them. Slowly learning of the world he once knew. How it was brought to ruins and how all of his friends are now dead. The kingdom he grew up in is now in ruins and there will never be an attempt to resurrect a once prosperous society. People have forgotten what Hyrule was and the groups who still do remember Hyrule treat it as a tragedy for it was. Guardians and monsters roam the world, and your life can be taken within a second if not careful. All hope is lost, and you are just wondering how Link feels with all this. How does he remain vigilant in a cold, desolate, and depressing world? Well, he’s a mute emotionless protagonist like Joker, but it’s to save the princess. The princess whom we learn through our memories did her best to protect her kingdom. Ultimately failing not because she was weak, but because she was surrounded by friends. You being the greatest friend she ever had and remained with her till the end. Sacrificing her kingdom to protect you and those were at least able to escape. Sealing away the calamity and waiting for years until you recovered. Just so she can meet you again and go on wondrous. Link and Zelda. Two friends who want to discover, explore, and witness the beauty of nature. Even if there is nothing left to take care of them or provide for them, they would learn to survive together. There’s nothing much to take away, but it’s a tale that shows beauty even till the end. After all this time is Breath of The Wild still a great game? Yes! I still highly recommend it and any complaints I have don’t drag down what I enjoyed the most. It still has amazing exploration, world design, art design, story, and progression. There’s a ton of content and hours of play to be had. Another reminder of what Nintendo can achieve if they put their hearts into a project. In the end I give The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild a 9/10 for excellence at best. Seems really high for all the criticisms I made, but I still love this game and believe it’s one of the best. Truly, ever so truly.
This critique was written by the single man at Review on. Stay tuned for more content and feel free to check more reviews out over at my site!
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These things are great and necessary. However, have you ever thought about putting your diet in priority while you are travelling?
If you didn’t, you should start doing it now.
This is especially true for those who are doing the ketogenic diet. A low-carb, high-fat eating regimen characterizes the keto lifestyle. Sadly, this routine can easily be disrupted while you are on a travel.
Those tasty delicacies that you can encounter while you are on your vacation can tempt you to stop your ketosis temporarily.
However, this should not always be the case. You can still have your sumptuous and keto-friendly means even if you are breezing on some other parts of the world! Here’s how you can do it!
Have A Keto Meal Before You Leave
It is easy to miss your favorite keto delicacies once you get used to them. Once you are already away from your home, it is a sign that you will have to skip them for a few days or weeks.
It is recommended that before your journey starts, you need to replenish your body with all the low carb meals that you love to eat. After all, one should know that it is in your kitchen where you can eat these healthy food items easily and comfortably.
If you are leaving in the morning, you should have a sumptuous low-carb breakfast. Why not try some hard-boiled eggs or steamed bacon for a changed? A cup of Greek yoghurt that comes with ever delectable nuts and berries are very welcomed as well!
Remember this: if you can start right, you can end right!
Find a Good Hotel
Your travel doesn’t have to be spontaneous and sudden. All the things that will happen on your trip can be planned ahead of time. Therefore, it is entirely possible for you to prepare for your meals as well.
Before you can do this, you have to make sure that you will be staying in a functional hotel. What you need is not only a bed or bathroom. The hotel should come with a small kitchen, too, so that you can cook whenever it is necessary.
You can always shop the ingredients of your favorite keto meals. But the real challenge is where you are going to cook them. Having a hotel with a kitchen can solve this problem.
This time, you can already plan the food that you are going to buy and prepare throughout the trip. You can make use a calculator for keto macros to help you get the right amount of food that you are going to eat.
Pack Some Keto Snacks
If it is permissible, I do suggest that you pack some low-carb snacks for your travel. It is the safest and most practical way of ensuring that you are sustaining your body with the right nourishment.
There are a lot of advantages if you have already your own food before you head out. First, it saves you a lot of money. You will be able to prevent yourself from binge-buying anything that you see along the way.
Second, it ensures that what you are eating is indeed suited for your diet. It gives you the guarantee that even you are away from home, you are consuming the things that would preserve your ketosis.
Jerkies, bacon and cheese roll-ups and peeled eggs are among the options that you have for a keto snack. Furthermore, bringing them should never a problem especially if you have a special container for them.
Don’t forget water, too! At this point, you have to realize that water is the safest keto-friendly drink that there is during a trip.
Be Wise At Restaurants
Of course, there’s nothing wrong if you want to taste some new flavors while you are travelling. It is a part of the experience that a traveller should not miss at all.
The real trial here is when you have to deal with restaurants that don’t offer any obvious ketogenic options. You will really need to navigate your way so that you can have the right choices for your evening or morning dine.
Fortunately, the trick is quite simple here. As long as you are familiar with the foods and ingredients that are permitted in the ketogenic diet, you are really safe here. You don’t have to buy those that contain too many carbohydrates or protein.
Just pay attention to the menu. You will definitely find something delicious there that will never give you a guilty feeling. By that time, you will thoroughly enjoy your excursion.
Maintaining a healthy ketogenic diet is quite a challenging task. The process of achieving ketosis alone is already tricky, considering that it is not easy to shift from glucose to ketone. You should have already an idea on the dedication that it takes to stay track on this diet.
People who always travel are the most susceptible in veering away from a low-carb lifestyle. After all, they cannot easily anticipate what food is going to be served to them while they are away from home.
Fortunately, by following these tips that I have given, you can ensure that your journey will never compromise your current diet and lifestyle.
That’s it for now. For any questions and suggestions, feel free to drop them below.
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Nature-inspired wellness, but with a modern twist is Kerstin Florian’s approach to skin care, largely due to her upbringing in Sweden. As CEO and founder of Kerstin Florian International, she has built her product line and treatments based on a holistic approach to skin care.
Last October, Kerstin Florian International was awarded the ISPA Innovate Award for its Energy Balancing Ritual, a unique treatment that harnesses the mind-body connection. Skin Inc. caught up with Florian to discuss how skin health is tied to inner body health, and learn her perspective of the natural beauty movement.
Skin Inc. (SI): How did you get started with natural beauty?
Kerstin Florian (KF): Growing up in Sweden, all I used was natural things for my skin—berry extracts, birch oil, mineral waters. It came from a spa lifestyle, which was more about health and wellness than beauty or pampering. It revolved around the four cornerstones of wellness: proper nutrition, regular exercise, peace of mind and care of face and body. A lifestyle built on those cornerstones leads to inner health and, in turn, outer beauty.
SI: Who were some of your greatest mentors?
KF: As a young girl, I remember seeing the Elizabeth Arden beauty counter and the beauty advisors in their white coats. It inspired me right away—the way they looked and consulted customers. This woman had created a namesake brand found around the world, and I wanted that! Then, as an adult starting out in the industry, Aida Grey became a personal mentor and friend who gave me a big boost when she put me in charge of her salon. She was a true pioneer in natural skin care and is an inspirational example of one of the first female entrepreneurs in this business.
SI: How is skin health tied to inner body health?
KF: Skin is part of our body and our biggest organ, in fact. If our bodies are unhealthy or imbalanced, it shows in our skin, hair, nails and energy. You can’t have one without the other. Mental health and psychological well-being is the key. When the psyche focuses on good, it multiplies. Just a little bit of good becomes much more. And good health not only makes us look better, it lets us live better.
SI: What is one of your most memorable moments?
KF: It would be traveling to the arctic and living in a tent waiting to meet with a Sami elder to learn about their traditional healing treatments. They won’t talk to just anyone—I was lucky enough to be allowed. It allowed me to create one of the most memorable treatments of my career, the Sami Zen, based on these rich, ancient rituals. Sharing the incredible wellness traditions I have found around the world and contemporizing them for today’s spa clients is one of my greatest joys.
SI: What has been one of your biggest lessons so far?
KF: You don’t have to be a massive company to make a big impact on an industry or, more importantly, on the customer. I remember being placed into the Bonaventure Hotel salon to replace Lancôme early in our brand history. This was a massive brand with much recognition, but I knew my products and philosophy were amazing. Because of our customized, spa-based approach, which was quite revolutionary at the time, we outsold them from the start and created customers who use our regimen products to this day.
SI: What piece of advice would give to a new business owner?
KF: Follow your passion, and it won’t feel like work. It will be challenging, yes, but rewarding and uplifting. Hire good people, and empower them to do their jobs. Forge lasting business relationships and nurture them as both parties grow together. Remember why you got into business in the first place, and it will sustain you through highs and lows.
SI: If you could go back in time and tell yourself something, what would it be?
KF: I would tell myself to write, photograph and otherwise take note of all the incredible opportunities and experiences—even the challenging ones—that will happen during my life, especially witnessing the physical and mental transformation and impact that natural health can have on people, and keep them close in heart and mind as the journey continues to evolve.
SI: Where do you see the future of the natural beauty industry?
KF: Natural beauty is here to stay, but clean beauty is what I see as the future. Not everything that comes from nature is good for us. Clean sums it up even more. It is clean for our health, our skin and our planet.
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M249, by some known as “the misclick”, is one of the least liked guns in the entire CS:GO. Unfortunately, there are reasons for that. First of all, it’s quite inaccurate. The first couple shots’ accuracy is terrible, even when you’re stationary, and don’t even try the SMG’s gun’n’run as you won’t hit anyone. But hey, you get a huge magazine of 100 rounds! The long reload animation won’t be a problem either, because you will most likely be dead long before you have to reload.
In all seriousness though, this rather inaccurate LMG can be used for suppression of tight corridors and smoked pathways. The big magazine and decent damage surely support that. However, there’s one problem – M249 costs $5200. That’s a LOT!
Moreover, M249 is completely outclassed by the Negev, which at $1800 is the cheapest machine gun in the game that boasts higher damage than it’s overly expensive counterpart as well as shot accuracy after the first 15 bullets are shot.
In its current form, M249 is unusable and is surely in need of a patch or two. Valve, please fix! Now, what about skins?
The best M249 skins
Being an unpopular, and practically useless gun for higher skill-level games, it’s quite natural that M249 skins are few and very cheap. Nonetheless, if you want to finish your full loadout and need some fitting, nice M249 CS GO skins, there are some picks we would suggest.
M249 | Deep Relief
The newcomer added in the Broken Fang case, Deep Relief, is an interesting choice. The very 3D look evokes the likes of seafloor map feeling, with sand-colored top and deeper green hues for the depths. Although the visual effect is quite interesting, the chosen color palette might not be the best. The colors don’t really fit any of the usual loadout themes.
Pricewise, M249 | Deep Relief is very cheap, usually worth less than $0.50, but what else can we expect from a blue grade CS GO M249 skins newcomer?
M249 | Spectre
Now, this one is probably my personal favorite out of CSGO all M249 skins. The winter camo pattern works well with black and vivid yellow presenting a contemporary and slick design. With its low price of just a few cents, it can fill in the slot in all yellow as well as black’n’white loadouts. In fact, we have used it in our Hitman-inspired Silent Assassin Loadout. You can find M249 | Spectre in the Chroma 3 Case.
M249 | System Lock
Leaving the modernity of Spectre and going into the future, M249 | System Lock is a rather clean, futuristic gun ideal for both sci-fi and red loadouts. As with all other CS M249 skins the price rarely breaks through $0.50. On top of that, the wear and tear modeling is very nice. With price out of the equation, you can really focus on how dystopian your sci-fi futuristic loadout will be. M249 | System Lock can be dropped from the Chroma Case as the lowest tier skin.
M249 | Emerald Poison Dart
This Spectrum Case skins of a Restricted grade is inspired by a Poison Dart family of Amazonian frogs known for their brightly colored bodies and high toxicity. The skin is… well, weird. It uses two separate patterns mixing them on the gun map encompassing the entire weapon in either greyish-green base with black spots or black and yellow tiger stripe. Although very distinct, it’s hard to place it in a thematic loadout, maybe with the exception of Animal-themed loadouts. Even though it’s a Restricted skin, the price is still low, rarely exceeding $1.
M249 | Warbird
One of the best M249 skins CSGO has to offer, M249 | Warbird came as a part of the Shattered Web Case. Originally blue with yellow heat shielding, due to age, heavy use, and damage it’s all torn and washed out coated with heavy rust. It’s a skin that tells a story. This amazing addition to any post-apo-themed loadout, is very cheap oscillating between $0.20 and $0.30. I can’t wait for a similar-themed skin for M4!
Where can you get M249 skins?
If you want to get the M249 skins you can go about that in a few ways. Firstly, you can wait for a drop after the match. Most of the M249 skins are of a low grade so they are not that uncommon. For those blue and purple-grade M249 skins you would have to open some cases. If you were planning to open some cases anyway, this might be a good way to get M249 skins. After all, they are usually among the most common case contents and it shouldn’t be too hard to get them this way. However, considering the low value they have, if you just want to get particular M249 skins, it would be best to just buy it.
Buying and selling M249 skins
As mentioned, with the low price of practically all M249 skins, the best way to get specific skins is to just buy them. Having said that, there are different ways you can go about that.
The simplest way is to buy it on the Steam Community Market. There will be dozens of listings at any given time, so you shouldn’t have any problem with finding one that suits your taste. If you prefer third-party marketplaces, there are a few to choose from. We, naturally, suggest using Skinwallet Market. You’ll find good prices for M249 skins, as well as any other skins you may want to pick on the way.
When it comes to selling, similar to buying, you have the option to go for Steam Community Market and third-party marketplaces. Just please remember, all money made from selling M249 skins on Steam Community Market will have to remain there as Steam doesn’t offer payouts. You can use the funds to buy new skins or a game on the Steam store.
Meanwhile, selling your unwanted M249 skins on Skinwallet Market will let you pay out your funds to an e-wallet of your choice. Plus, it’s simple, efficient, and secure.
It’s completely normal for an almost useless gun to have cheap skins. After all, if you won’t see the gun at all, why bother buying skins for it. One use the M249 CSGO skins have though is to use them en masse for Trade Ups to get into a higher grade. Still, even though “the misclick” has cheap skins, there are better choices, especially in the long run. This leaves both M249 and M249 skins in a rather bad spot. Not good enough to be played, nor bad enough to be used as a trash filler.
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At S & K Solid Wood Doors our highly trained team have extensive experience in manufacturing the best Slide and Swing Dooraluminium door on the market. Each of our doors are made to measure to your exact requirements, no matter what kind of door you want we can create the perfect aluminium front door for you.
Aluminium: The popular choice for modern doors
Aluminium is one of the most durable and robust materials available making it ideal for front doors that see extensive use day in and day out. Therefore, homeowners will want a material that can retain its look and integrity with heavy use over an extended period of time, which is where aluminium really stands out from other materials.
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Carnival Queen by Thunderkick slot review – win 22,700x your stake
It seems the festival season is not yet over at Thunderkick with their new game – Carnival Queen. Clap your hands and move to the beat as you collect wins worth 22,700 times your bet.
Although we celebrated the New Year several weeks ago, the party is still on. Thunderkick gives you Carnival Queen, a 6 reel and 4096 ways-to-win online slot for just 0.10 to £100 per spin.
Time to join the carnival queen, put on your colourful clothes and splash yourselves with paint. Then hit the streets for the Mardi gras festival. Carnival is themed after this festival which also includes parades and parties.
Mardi Gras is French for ‘Fat Tuesday’. It is the last night of eating fatty and rich foods before the beginning of Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season.
Culturally, the festival is connected to ancient Roman carnivals of spring and fertility. Christian Mardi Gras commemorates the Three Wise Men (Magi) who visited baby Jesus after she was born.
There is a lot you can look forward to, in the Carnival Queen slot. From the exciting Avalanche feature, multiplier features, bonus games and free spins. Then there are the appealing 3D symbols and high-end graphics.
You can start playing Carnival Queen at these major UK online casinos and enjoy other casino player benefits.
What mask will you wear to this Mardi gras festival? Choose one here!
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Theme and Feel
Look forward to a bright screen, with festival lights and a clear night sky. If you have never been to a Mardi gras celebration, here is your chance.
The reels are purple, with faded-white engravings. They are beautifully set against a well-lit street, full of people. You will also see a jazz club and music club besides the reels.
Symbols include traditional cards A, K, Q, J, 10 and 9, which are the lowest-paying symbols.
There 4 carnival attendees are the premium symbols.
The man with a bright yellow mask is the highest paying. Land 6 to win 25x your bet.
The green guy offers 22x your bet for 6 on a payline.
The girl in a blue mask will give you 20x your bet.
The W is the wild symbol and will replace all other symbols to help form a winning combination. Land 6 wilds on a payline and get up to 20 times your stake.
Here is a brightly coloured slot to lift your spirits and give you something to smile about. Plus the cartoonish animations are brilliant.
Carnival Queen Special Features
Whenever you land a winning combination, the symbols in the reels are replaced by the new landing symbols. The symbols will continue to drop to give you more winning combinations. This will continue until there are no more wins.
For every successful avalanche, the multiplier will increase by 1. The multiplier will continue increasing with each winning outcome. The multipliers will also apply in the bonus game feature.
The Bonus Game Feature
Land 3 or more mask scatter symbols during the base game and win 12 Free Spins. Trigger the feature with extra spins for every scatter.
If you land 2 scatters, you get a total of –
2 x 4 = 8 free spins
If you land 6 scatters, you get a total of –
6 x 4 = 24 free spins
During the bonus game feature, 2 or more scatter symbols will earn you 3 or more free spins. Any additional scatters will give you 3 free spins each.
4 scatters will give you
4 x 3 = 12 Free Spins
The best part is there is no limit to the number of Free Spins you could win in the Bonus Game.
Remember that the Avalanche feature also applies to the bonus games. This means you can win consecutively, from each Free Spin.
The multiplier feature will also come in play here, giving you more wins.
If you reach a 10x multiplier, a losing spin will not cancel the multiplier.
When there are no more winning combinations, the Wild Symbol will remove all the other symbols (bar the scatter).
Carnival Queen is quite an interesting and exciting game. You will love the advanced graphics, festival soundtracks and crazy special features.
Carnival Queen is all about consecutive wins, wild multipliers, avalanche reel-fun and tons of Free Spins. Then there is the delicious 22,700x your win waiting for you.
The game has middle variance, meaning both high and low bankrollers can enjoy the game.
Spin the reels of Carnival Queen today and stand to win the £13, 784 Jumbo Win.
Kickstart your way to winning 22, 700 times your stake at these prime UK online casinos and have a fantastic time with the queen!
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Some startup companies search for and obtain a limited amount of funding to launch their startup businesses. Sometimes this capital comes from their assets or family and friends. However, there comes a time when these companies need to reach for a new type of investor to obtain the capital necessary to achieve their goals. The accredited investor is this type of investor. As an accredited investor, you can help companies like this succeed and reap the rewards of participating in some higher risk and more profitable investment opportunities. All you have to do is meet the accredited investor requirements.
Some of the reasons why it is worth meeting the requirements to become an accredited investor include:
Exemption from SEC Registration
Accredited investors are a sophisticated category of investors who have access to investments not available to regular investors. Due to the fact they have fulfilled the criteria for sophistication and wealth established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), accredited investors are authorized to invest in offerings such as small business private placements.
These accredited investors can also be entities, not just persons. For example, corporations and banks with more than $5 million USD in assets may be accredited investors.
Businesses that sell securities to accredited investors do not have to register those securities with the SEC per Regulation D, Rules 505 and 506.
Access to More Investment Opportunities
Another reason to meet the accredited investor requirements is the ability to access more significant investment opportunities. Accredited investors have access to options such as private placements, crowdfunding, and other alternative investments, that other investors do not.
Some examples of investment opportunities available to accredited investors include:
• Commercial real estate
• Real estate syndications
• Venture capital (angel investing)
• Real estate crowdfunding
• Hedge funds
Potential for Higher Returns
Investors who fulfill the accredited investor requirements have access to riskier investments that offer the possibility of higher returns. The higher risk involved also presents the possibility of greater loss if the investment fails.
Options for Diversification
Since accredited investors have access to a greater number of investments, they can also diversify their portfolios to a greater extent. For example, certain investments, such as real estate crowdfunding, added to other investments may reduce the overall risk of the investor’s investment portfolio.
As one can see, there are a number of advantages to meeting the requirements for becoming an accredited investor.
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Whether you are prepared or not, with this outbreak of Coronavirus, working from home has been thrust upon everyone and as a manager or a business owner, you will have to deal with this new work scenario and set up a remote workforce while the lockdown is in place.
The concept of work from home might be novel but it can add more stress than you already are facing with all the uncertainties due to this pandemic. This is why, your role becomes more important to maintain order and structure as people from your employees to clients will be looking at you for direction and guidance.
Here are some essential tips for managing remote workforce during the Coronavirus lockdown:
1. Keep Calm and Carry On
It is easy to get moody and feel discouraged with all that is going on around the world but you are the leader of a team of people. If they see you feeling low, they too will feel the same. While it is important to acknowledge the uncertain times due to coronavirus, it is essential you maintain your decorum and lead your remote workforce as you would during normal business hours. Accept the fact that your workforce will not be as responsive as they normally would. Be patient, respectful and try to avoid criticising them. Allow your workforce to settle in from their remote workplace. Remember, you are the leader so lead with example. Rest will all fall into place.
2. Do A Morning Video Meet Up
While you and your business deals with this current crisis, remember to set the agenda of your business with your team with a video conference. There are plenty of free channels and apps to use for this purpose. Conducting a morning video meeting will allow your remote workforce to interact, see and communicate with you and everyone in your team. It is a good team building exercise too. Your team members will know they are not alone in this situation.
3. Grab The Low Hanging Fruit
Try to approach your daily business in a new way. Your team is away due to the coronavirus lockdown, business flow is uncertain and not everything is going the right way. In such times, focus on achievable tasks. Targeting such low hanging fruits does three things to your team members: first, it puts them in a position where they know they can achieve some outcome. Secondly, it works as a positive direction, away from distressing thoughts. Lastly, it gives a sense of accomplishment.
4. Coffee Break
Often, working from home can be distracting with your team members carrying on their assigned tasks even after normal working hours. This can be due to several house work that may arise, especially for those with children and pets. It is therefore important to set aside some time for a group coffee break where you discuss non-work related issues. This can be sometime in the evening or first thing in morning. Approach this as you would in an office situation where team members take a short break or a water cooler talk.
5. Do A Daily Pep-Talk
These are uncertain times. Chances are there are many in your team who have never faced such a situation before or were too small to remember. As a manager or business owner, it is your role to step in and do a daily check up. This can be a simple hello to providing assurance to their fears. This is required during the initial stages of implementing remote work as most people are not keen for change.
These are some tips for managing remote workforce during a lockdown due to coronavirus. Your team members are the ones who are helping you keep your business afloat, so as a leader, it is imperative you can give them some of your time and calm their fears.
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By Libby Lyons
Growth in industries requiring skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics has seen much attention on the need to encourage more women to pursue education in STEM fields.
The government is making a substantial investment in programs designed to attract and retain women in STEM careers, including scholarships and an investment in a new National Career Education Strategy.
It is right that this is viewed as a national priority: we have a shortage of skilled STEM workers and the lack of women in STEM threatens our capacity for innovation, which is enhanced by different perspectives and access to the best talent.
But while we recognise the need to attract more women into skilled technical roles, we are not doing anything to encourage men into female-dominated industries and jobs. In fact, between 1995 and 2015, ABS statistics show we have actually seen a decline in the proportion of men in Australia's two female-dominated industries of health care and social assistance, and education and training.
The fact we are not even talking about the lack of men in predominantly female industries is confounding especially when we consider the long-term social and economic forecast for Australia.
Our ageing population is going to fuel demand for health workers and aged care workers. The number of Australia's aged over 75 is expected to increase by 4 million by 2060, and at that point, there will be one person aged 100 or more for every four babies. Roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is expected to create over 87,000 new jobs for disability support workers nationally by 2019. Are they all to be women?
It has been projected that in the medium to long term, Australia's demand for nurses will significantly exceed supply, with a projected shortfall of approximately 85,000 nurses by 2025, and 123,000 nurses by 2030.
Currently, only one in 10 nurses is male, and this trend looks to set to continue based on student enrolments. While there are numerous initiatives in place to address workforce shortages in the health sector, gender is rarely any part of the conversation.
It is possible that our failure to encourage men into female-dominated roles is a symptom of gender bias: we are happy to encourage women to "step up" into male-dominated roles, but we rarely encourage men to undertake the caring-based work that has traditionally been the domain of women.
Stereotypes would have us believe that men are unsuited to roles with a component of caring such as nursing or teaching; and they want better-paid jobs. It's fair to say that higher rates of pay in female-dominated industries might go some way to attracting more men (and women!) but we also need to reject notions that men are not "caring" as this could unintentionally steer capable men away from jobs they would do well in and just like the STEM-based industries, our health, social assistance and education sectors will also thrive with different perspectives and access to the best talent; in other words a diverse workforce.
And while it is true that male-dominated industries are more highly paid than female-dominated industries overall, there are many great career paths in female-dominated industries. We also know that when more men enter a female-dominated industry rates of pay increase.
The Workplace Gender Equality Agency has launched Women's work│men's work: great careers are for everyone, a series of educational resources profiling women and men working in non-traditional fields. We want to inspire the next generation of employees to take up careers they may not have considered, so that their choices are not constrained by gender stereotypes.
There is overwhelming research showing the benefits of improving gender diversity; it encourages new ways of thinking and problem solving and drives innovation, productivity and performance.
Creating high-performing industries with the necessary ingredients for innovation is in the interests of all Australians – regardless of gender.
Providing our children with the best opportunity for bright and fulfilling working lives must be our priority. For some girls and boys, that may well mean the satisfaction of designing a new transport system or a piece of software.
For other girls and boys it may be the thrill of teaching a child to read or the satisfaction of comforting and caring for an elderly Australian at the end of their life.
Gender stereotypes cut both ways. Let us continue our efforts to tackle entrenched workforce gender segregation for a brighter economic future, but it is imperative to bring boys into the discussion too.
Libby Lyons is director of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency
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Nevertheless, the biggest bird you’ve never seen is the closest cousin to the wee, flightless kiwi, according to new DNA evidence. Surprised? So was study co-author Alan Cooper.
“Geographically, it didn’t make any sense. Morphologically, it didn’t make sense. Ecologically, it didn’t make any sense,” Cooper told Ed Yong.
But data doesn’t lie. Cue the collective sigh of relief from New Zealanders, who for the past two decades have been under the false impression that their national bird was an immigrant from—heaven forbid—Australia.
But if the kiwi didn’t descend from Australia’s emus, how did they get to New Zealand? The kiwi and elephant bird are both part of a group of flightless birds called ratites, which are scattered around the world’s southern continents. (Also in the club: African ostriches and South American rheas.) Up until now, scientists assumed the ratites were already flightless by the time their ancient super-continent broke apart 130 million years ago, leaving them isolated on their respective landmasses.
But the close genetic link between the kiwi and Madagascar elephant bird suggests a different narrative. As researcher Kieren Mitchell explains,
"If the common ancestor of kiwi and elephant birds lived on Madagascar, then kiwis must have flown to New Zealand. If this ancestor lived on New Zealand, then elephant birds must have flown to Madagascar," Mitchell said. "Or perhaps the common ancestor of both elephant birds and kiwis flew to their final locations from somewhere else entirely."
But this seemingly solved mystery leaves more unanswered questions in its place. For instance, if the kiwi’s diminutive stature is closer to its original partridge-sized flighty ancestor, rather than the result of gradual shrinking, why does it lay such disproportionately large eggs?
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Before the early 1990s large restaurants in China were mostly state run, and chefs cooked in traditional ways without much room for creativity. Now private restaurants are flourishing, with individual purveyors of local cuisine competing with national and international chains. Cooking styles are changing, fueled by a younger generation more open to new and surprising tastes. And food safety scandals have led to growing interest in natural and organic food.
The world is noticing: In September Michelin stars were awarded for the first time to mainland Chinese restaurants. In all, 26 restaurants were honored, all of them in Shanghai, China’s financial center. Tony Lu is head chef at Fu, a family run group of four restaurants on a single Shanghai street, whose elegant vegetarian restaurant Fu He Hui is one of the Michelin star winners. Lu recently spoke with Smithsonian Journeys about China’s changing tastes and his own innovative approach to cooking.
How does Chinese society see the role of the chef?
Views have changed. When I started in 1993, you did it to make a living; it wasn’t a career you chose because of your ideals, you just didn’t have much choice. In our generation most chefs didn’t have any specialist training. You just started in the kitchen and worked your way up. I began after leaving high school, at 18, and eventually became head chef. Now there’s a lot more information, inspiring young people’s interest in the job.
But still, in China the investors and owner control a restaurant, not the chef. It’s a fundamental difference from famous chefs in the West. Here some chefs don’t want to be famous, and some restaurant owners don’t want them to be famous. So in China it’s relatively rare to find chefs with their own personality. It’s the same with our education system, which doesn’t want kids to have lots of odd ideas.
Fu made its name with high quality Shanghai food. Why did you choose vegetarian for the latest venture?
Traditional Shanghai food is actually not very healthy. It’s too sweet, it uses a lot of soy sauce, and then sugar to balance the saltiness. And Fu’s owner is a Buddhist. So some years ago he made a vow to start a vegetarian restaurant. And we also felt there was demand for it, because now we all have so much information: You can go online and see videos of slaughterhouses or factory farms. In the past people didn’t know where the meat in the supermarket came from. When we were young, we thought it just grew there! (Laughs.)
You’ve gone for a sophisticated, upscale approach at Fu He Hui. Why?
We wanted a place that felt calm. If you go into a lot of restaurants in China—wow! It’s so loud! So we wanted a restaurant on several floors, to break up the sound, with a calm environment and space, a unified concept. The design is quite Zen—the wood and fabrics we used—and very Chinese. If you walk into this place, it influences your mood. When guests come here they become a different kind of person.
How did the market react to a vegetarian restaurant offering only tasting menus ranging from around $60 to $120 a head?
Many people didn’t think it would work. When I told my friends my idea they all laughed at me. A lot of people think that if you pay 50 dollars for a steak it feels very normal; but if someone asks you to pay 50 dollars for a turnip dish, that’s really weird. But we think the key is not the value of the turnip, but how much added value you give to it, how you cook it. In fact, with vegetarian food you can taste even more clearly whether or not the chef has done a good job.
What’s special about your food?
In China’s [Buddhist] tradition, vegetarian food was always made to look like shrimp or meat. But this is really unnecessary: We feel that if your mouth is vegetarian, your heart should be too. And for many people now the point of not eating meat is to protect animals. So why would you make it seem like meat for them? So we decided that we would have no imitation meat.
Our food does combine different types of cuisine with Chinese: As a vegetarian restaurant, there are limits to our ingredients, so I think we shouldn’t limit our style of cooking. So we use French, Indian, and English methods—I had to learn some new things! We often experiment.
Is fusion becoming widely accepted in China today?
It is a trend now to combine styles. But many chefs avoid saying that’s what they’re doing; they think it sounds cheap and low level. Actually fusion food is much harder to make than simple food; you need to know the culture of many places, the spirit of the food. It’s just that some people don’t do it very well, so many people think it’s confusion, not fusion! (Laughs.) In fact, Shanghai was a melting pot in the ’30s, with its foreign concessions—the Russians, the French, the British, they all brought their own eating culture. And Shanghai could accept these ideas. So we’re good at adapting.
Do you still use many traditional Chinese cooking methods?
We have tasting menus, with a range of methods of cooking: steamed, stir-fried, deep-fried. But we mainly make light food. In China we traditionally make strong sauces and think we should add a lot of oil and flavorings, but I don’t agree with that. If you add too many flavors, it gets messy and changes the flavor of the vegetable.
Do you use many imported ingredients?
We try to use seasonal things, things we can buy locally. And we change the menus each season—not totally, but maybe about 40 percent of the dishes.
Does receiving a Michelin star make a big difference to you?
From a commercial point of view the restaurant is normally fully booked anyway, so we can’t fit any more guests in! I know some famous restaurants have two shifts, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and you have two hours and then you have to leave. But we won’t do this. We’re not going to rush our guests. It’s not meaningful, there’s no point. We wanted to make this an “experience restaurant”—you need to set aside three hours to come here, otherwise don’t come, I’d say! (Laughs.)
Will the Michelin awards bring more respect for chefs in China?
They may a bit. But Michelin is a prize for restaurants, not for chefs. It’s for the whole team of the restaurant: the service staff, the manager, the wine person, the people who wash the dishes. But the prize is still a good development. We don’t want there to be only one restaurant like us in the market; we aim to be a model. So I hope the prize will give investors confidence to back this kind of restaurant.
Recipe: Chanterelle Mushrooms
"I like this dish because it sums up Fu He Hui’s approach to cooking—simple, quite subtle, using Chinese techniques, with an emphasis on the original flavor of the ingredients,” says chef Tony Lu. Chanterelle mushrooms have great nutritional value, he says, containing vitamins, iron, calcium, and other minerals, “and are good for the lungs, the stomach, the liver, and the skin.” Lu cautions, however, that the mushrooms should not be eaten by pregnant women, and that diabetics and people with gout “should not eat large quantities of the dish.”
120 grams fresh chanterelle mushrooms
120 grams green asparagus
20 grams fresh corn kernels
100 grams high fiber flour
4 grams sea salt 8 grams white sugar
48 grams water 8 grams olive oil
20 grams vegetable stock *
Mix the flour, water, and 2 grams of sea salt into a dough, and roll it into long thin sticks. Steep in oil for 10 hours. Then fry the dough sticks in a pan of hot oil at 270° Fahrenheit. Remove them when they turn golden yellow and set aside.
Boil the asparagus on a low flame, add the sugar, then liquidize in a blender.
Pour 4 grams of olive oil into a wok, add the liquidized asparagus and the corn kernels, and stir fry. Then add the vegetable stock, and flavor with salt to taste.
Fry the chanterelle mushrooms in 4 grams olive oil on medium heat for half a minute, adding 2 grams of sea salt to flavor.
Spread the asparagus mixture on the plate, add the chanterelles, and garnish with the dough sticks.
*Vegetable stock ingredients: Dried mushrooms (shiitake mushrooms work well, but other kinds may be used), cabbage, and carrots.
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A Toyota Prius crashed agains parking meters, streetlights, trees, a fire hydrant and finally a building.
The Santa Monica Fire Dept says it rescued three victims from a car pinned against a brick wall at Pico and 12th Street. A Toyota Prius crashed agains parking meters, streetlights, trees, a fire hydrant and finally a building.
The accident occurred before dawn on Sunday morning, Feb. 9th. It was the latest in a recent string of serious car crashes in Santa Monica.
"The Santa Monica Police Department responded to the February 9th traffic collision in the area of 12th Street and Pico," writes Lt. Joseph Cortez, SMPD's new PIO, "and conducted an initial investigation into the cause of the collision. The officers on scene cited the driver for Misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence. He was not booked due to his medical treatment at the hospital. Our Traffic Unit is continuing to investigate the collision."
Cortez identified the driver as "Clinton Jeremiah Hewitt, 22 year old Male from Los Angeles." He was charged with driving under the influence or DUI.
The SMFD Press release reads as follows:
Santa Monica Fire Department responded to a traffic collision with a physical rescue. SMPD reported that a car driving east bound on Pico Blvd. at a high rate of speed crashed at 12th Street.
Santa Monica Firefighters found a single car up against a building with 3 victims trapped. The car had hit three parking meters, one city streetlight pole, 2 parkway trees, a fire hydrant and the building. Victims needed to be extricated from the car using the jaws of life and cutters.
Three paramedic engines and three ambulances transported everyone to the trauma center in Westwood. Water Department was requested to assist with the sheared hydrant and the Street Lighting Department was called to handle the streetlight and live electrical wires. --Captain Eric Himler, Santa Monica Fire Department
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Smyleee is a Dental Portal where you can find the perfect Dentist for you. The businesses which are listed on Smyleee are reviewed and rated by community of people telling each other what they think about different dentists/dental clinics. Would you like to help other users find the right dentist? To help people who are trying to make a decision about their next dental visit, please leave a review below. This is your chance to tell other people about your experience with the dentist, both good and bad, like how they treat you, if the facility is clean, and more. Write about your experience in the review form below.
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Enhancing Your Effectiveness
A new avenue of success is being pursued by many nonprofits in the arena of strategic alliances.
In this program, you'll explore the many different sides of the strategic alliances question. You'll learn the various dos and don’ts involved and examine the trends that are leading organizations in this direction.
Throughout this presentation, it will become more and more evident why strategic alliances are happening. Strategic alliances are happening because strategic alliances work!
This course will enable you:
- To understand the trends that are leading organizations to develop strategic alliances
- To explore the types of strategic alliances available to nonprofit organizations
- To learn principles critical to the development of successful alliances
- Video Presentation (approx. 90 minutes | view sample)
- Participant Guide (30-40 pages)
- Related Readings
The Participant Guide contains: course objectives, an outline of the course, learning activates related to the course, glossary of terms, supplemental materials, biographical information, contact information, featured organizations from the case studies, Q & A with faculty, bibliography, Organizational Assessment Tool, and Action Plan Template.
Course materials are designed with working professionals in mind. The entire course can be completed independently and at your own pace. All course materials are available online, and can be accessed for 1 full year from the date of purchase.
Certificate of Excellence
This course is 1 of 8 required to earn the Certificate of Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. The certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of all 8 courses, and is awarded by the Society for Nonprofits.
You must successfully complete all 8 courses in the Certificate Series and all related assignments in order to earn the Certificate of Excellence.
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Gambling is an activity where a person bets something of value with the conscious intention of gaining more than what they lose. People do it for a variety of reasons, from socialization to winning money. However, it is important to note that gambling can be addictive and has negative effects on the bettor’s health and finances. It is also important to note that there are many different ways to gamble, from online casinos to sports betting.
Aside from the positive psychological effects of gambling, it can also be beneficial to the economy. It is estimated that the world’s gambling industry is worth more than $10 trillion, with most of it being legal wagering on sporting events and other games of chance. This money is important for the economy as it provides jobs and taxes to the government. In addition, it can help reduce crime rates in some areas. It is also an effective way to relieve stress. In fact, there are many types of gambling available to people who are looking for a way to relax, including lotteries and state-licensed casinos.
Gambling has several benefits for people who do it responsibly. It is a great form of socialization, and it allows people to meet and interact with other people who share their interests. It is also a fun way to spend time with friends and family. Many people even organize trips to casinos that are a few hours away from home to enjoy gambling together.
Moreover, it helps the bettor feel happy and excited. The reason behind this is that the brain produces adrenaline and endorphins, which are chemicals that can make a person feel good. In addition, people also feel satisfied when they win bets. This is because it gives them a sense of accomplishment.
The other benefit of gambling is that it takes up a lot of societal idleness. It prevents people from engaging in criminal activities such as robbery, burglary and drug peddling. In addition, it can prevent people from committing suicide. For those who are unable to find work, gambling can be a source of income. In some countries, it is a major industry and contributes to the GDP of the country.
There are some downsides to gambling, such as the risk of losing money. It can affect one’s self-esteem, relationships, and health, as well as their work performance. It can also have a negative impact on society, as it can lead to financial and social problems.
If you’re a serious gambler, it’s important to see a therapist for your gambling addiction. This can be difficult, but it’s vital for your recovery. In addition to therapy, you may want to consider inpatient or residential treatment and rehabilitation programs. If you’re able to manage your problem, you can get back on track and avoid further damage. Also, don’t forget to seek help for any underlying mood disorders such as depression or anxiety, which can trigger or be made worse by compulsive gambling.
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The funeral expenses are raising high and draining you financially day by day. The involvement of the emotional side makes it more daunting and complex to cope with. And you are left to bear double the burden both emotionally and financially.
But there are options available for your loved one to have dignified low- cost funeral options and cremation is one of them. The cost of cremation in Brisbane ranges from $2495 to $5850. But, Stop here! Solace Family Funeral Just charge $1550 all-inclusive with Free transport any time of the day or night.
Other companies offer a low price but they add extra on for transport of the loved one. This makes them more expensive, especially at night or on weekends or public holidays. It is the same price all the time, making it easy and cheaper.
In this article, we will discuss how can you pay an honoured tribute to your loved ones bringing it within your budget.
Why Prefer Cremation Over the Burial?
Cremation in Brisbane is becoming the best alternative option and a substitute for traditional burial. It is common due to personal, cultural, and financial reasons. There are types of cremations offered by different funeral houses for your convenience, some of the common ones are listed here:
The most preferred and commonly practiced way to pay the last homage to your loved ones. It includes the funeral procession and a memorial before cremation. The body is embalmed and put in a casket before transferring to the crematorium.
Direct cremation entails cremating immediately after the death without holding a funeral or memorial precession. In this process, the funeral homes take care of all the responsibility and give you back the ashes in a cremation urn or in a simple container, choice is yours.
Further Reading: All You Need to Know About Direct Cremation
Cremation with Memorial Service
This option offers you a combination of both direct cremation and traditional funeral rites. To their loved ones an honoured farewell and to make their last moments memorable, families ask funeral houses to arrange some memorial service after cremation.
An option that is more sustainable ecologically, is commonly referred to as green cremation. It includes conserving energy and resources by employing a biodegradable casket or shroud for the cremation procedure.
To make a final decision it is recommended to talk to the best funeral director in your vicinity and go unstressful in all respects both emotionally and financially.
Related Resource: How Do Gold Coast Funeral Directors Assist You
How to Make the Cremation More Cost-Effective?
The cost of cremation depends on the type of service you are availing and if you ask for additional services the cost raises automatically. The cost of death certificates, cremation authorization, and transportation services are the fundamental costs. Besides this, if you want your funeral house to arrange flowers arrangement, catering, and limousine services it will affect the bill as well.
However, making it economical is easy:
You can skip embalming expenses as it is not necessary for cremation.
You can save money by purchasing an inexpensive casket, as the casket is also cremated with the body.
Remaining within the essential services only cut your cost down. Avoid flower arrangements, catering, and lush transportation.
Holding memorials also add cost to cremation. You can avoid it as well.
Although beautiful urns seem presentable to display the ashes of your loved ones. But inexpensive container costs you less.
Pre-plan and pre-pay can also save you money. As it locks the price at the time of payment and you can avoid future increased charges.
If you are a veteran you can have financial assistance from your institute. Then governmental assistance is also available to give cover to the needy.
Research also benefits you to get a comparative price that can meet your need.
How to Make a Cremation Reservation in Brisbane?
There is a doubt prevailing in Brisbane regarding the hidden funeral charges customers have to pay. As the funeral houses are not being upfront with families about charges. To control the damage, all you have to do is look for a reputable funeral director who will not only provide you with high-quality services but will also support you and your family during this trying time.
You need to follow some steps before scheduling the cremation:
Do your research, to get an idea of the cost and services from different funeral homes.
Contact them individually and make up your mind for a final selection.
Provide your information details, time, date and location and the requirements.
Choose cremation type
The most crucial step is to ensure the breakdown of the charges. Ask as many questions as required to make yourself clear before entering into a contract.
Solace Family Funerals offers an affordable solution for saying goodbye.
It contains all the components need to give your loved one a dignified send-off. Feel free to contact us to get a free quote and the best price funerals in Brisbane without any hidden charges.
Another distinguishing characteristic is that we provide cremation costs that cover everything that is advertised and applicable to the general public on weekends, holidays, and during the day and night. There are no fluctuating rates. We provide our commitments.
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As leaders gather in Egypt for the latest round of UN climate talks with the energy transition and economic development very much on the agenda, new research from BloombergNEF (BNEF) finds that renewable energy investment in Africa trails far behind the rest of the world.
Despite Africa’s outstanding natural resources, rapidly growing electricity demand and improving policy frameworks, only $2.6 billion of capital was deployed for new wind, solar, geothermal or other renewable power-generating projects in 2021, the lowest in 11 years. The continent accounted for just 0.6% of the $434 billion invested in renewables worldwide.
The poor results cannot be blamed on any lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. While renewables investment globally rose 9% from 2020 to 2021 to reach an all-time high, renewables investment in Africa slipped 35% year-on-year.
“The global transition from fossil fuels to clean energy has the potential to benefit economies and health across Africa,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and Founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies. “But as this new report details, clean energy investment in Africa is at an alarming low level. Changing that requires new levels of collaboration to identify viable clean energy projects and bring more private financing and public support to them – so we can turn Africa’s potential as a global clean energy leader into reality.”
Just 5 % power share of wind and solar – investments concentrated
– a public resource supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies that provides concrete, actionable policy ideas for achieving a decarbonized economy – the study found that clean energy investment in Africa is highly concentrated in a handful of markets. South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Kenya have accounted for nearly three-quarters of all renewable energy asset investment since 2010 with a total of $46 billion. All others have secured just $16 billion over that time.
Also interesting: PV plants and added value for Kalenjin Tribes in Kenya
Africa lags far behind the rest of the world in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 of having clean, affordable energy for all its citizens. Among all those lacking access to electricity globally, 77% or 564 million reside in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Bank. Renewable technologies are cost-competitive today in most parts of the world, but particularly in Africa due to the continent’s wealth of natural resources. These resources have the potential to be transformative in expanding power-generating capacity and access to electricity on the continent. Nevertheless, 75% of Africa’s power needs are met today by coal- and natural gas-fired generation. Wind and solar accounted for just 5% of generation in 2021.
Ambitious targets – but weak implementation
In addition, countries in the region have made noteworthy strides to improve their policy regimes with an eye toward attracting funding for clean energy projects. Among the 42 African nations BNEF surveyed for its study, 86% now have long-term clean power targets in force, up from 57% in 2019. Net metering policies, which allow owners of distributed solar systems to be compensated for excess generation they feed back into the grid, are in place in 29% of African nations.
However, countries have done far less to implement concrete programs to ensure that they meet their long-term clean energy targets. While half the nations that BNEF surveyed have policies in place to hold reverse auctions for clean power delivery contracts, far fewer have held tenders. Even fewer have successfully brought projects online under such auctions.
“The ingredients are there for Africa to be a major market for clean energy growth, including outstanding natural resources and massive demand,” said Luiza Demôro, head of energy transition research at BNEF. “But incomplete policy regimes and reluctant investors continue to keep investment levels below where they could and really should be.”
- BloombergNEF “Africa Clean Energy Investment Sees No Post-Pandemic Rebound”
- Did you miss that? Lay foundations for Africa’s clean energy future
Der Bericht wurde von der Redaktion “photovoltaik” (hcn) 2022 verfasst – der Artikel darf nicht ohne Genehmigung weiterverbreitet werden! | photovoltaik.eu 2022 | photovoltaik 08/2022 | Inhalt | Einzelheftbestellung
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Faisal Naseem is the Chief Executive Officer of Sooner and has been a distinguished member of the company’s Board of Directors since 2016. Prior to assuming his current role, he served as the Vice President of Finance and Process Improvement at Sooner from 2012 to 2016. Mr. Naseem brings a wealth of experience to his leadership position, having held various management roles at Oil States International (NYSE: OIS), culminating in his role as Chief Information Officer, where he spearheaded global technology initiatives.
With a solid foundation in mechanical engineering, Mr. Naseem commenced his career in the manufacturing industry, later transitioning to finance and technology management. His professional journey includes noteworthy tenures at Stewart & Stevenson and Deloitte, contributing significantly to his multifaceted skill set.
Educationally, Mr. Naseem holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA, underscoring his commitment to both technical and business acumen. He is an active member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, demonstrating his ongoing engagement with industry best practices. Mr. Naseem is a holder of several certifications in management, finance, and technology, including the prestigious Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
Beyond his contributions to Sooner, Mr. Naseem extends his expertise to the broader business community by serving on the Board of Chickasaw Distributors Inc. His dedication to excellence and his extensive background makes him a respected figure in the corporate landscape.
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So, we are 20% of the way through Where Art and Grief Meet and things seem to be moving along pretty well. I have been on it every day and despite being quite a task oriented, hyper focused person and wanting to devote every waking moment to it, I'm embracing the concept of balance in all things and so attend gratefully to the other things in my life.
I'm really enjoying spending time with my son who is not able to attend school at the moment so as often as he likes we watch tv or cook or just chat and hang. It's time I try to make as positive and fun as possible.
Listening for the second time to Andrew Solomons Far from the Tree* reminds me that children find their way in their own time, particularly when they are in a loving environment. And my boy , like a case study in the book, "is taking a long, slow time growing up. But life is quite long". So it's important not to worry about these things.
My boy has been my greatest motivation and most effective teacher. He also holds up the mirror so I can examine my attitudes and behaviour when challenges arise, continuing, I know, my evolution into a better more aware person (and parent). I am grateful and happy to be able to recognise this and am just so lucky to have him.
My pups, Pluto and BabyNyx get me out of the house for walks each day and keep me on my toes when we are at home. Their antics together are hilarious as they battle each other, every waking moment, for whatever the other has, including location, and they are also cracking hotrocks as this wintry beginning to spring continues to chill is to the bone..
Increased mobility problems due to osteoarthritis in my hips is real. I'm going for an MRI in a fortnight to check out how it has progressed. The prospect of an MRI used to fill me with terror as I am awfully claustrophobic however a little Valium will keep me calm and still in the chamber when I need to go, so bring it on, I say.
Talking of chills. I have some pretty nasty chilblains on my toes. I thought for a moment it may be melanoma such as the disfiguring discoloration and lumps, as well as its rapid progression and on Tuesday did quietly freak out for about three hours, but my GP assures me that despite being painful, it is nothing to worry about and I just need to wait for the weather to warm up and in the meantime keep my toes warm.
In the artmaking department I am participating in Esté MacLeod and Lori Siebert's September Coloricombo challenge. It is exceptional fun. We are given a female artist for a muse, a one "f" word prompt, and a limited pallet of three to five colors with which to make an artwork. There are 10 to be completed over the course of September.
I completed a fortnight of daily affirmations after an online course by Jessica Swift. She is an artist with an incredible story of rebirth and resilience, so apt for my project. I might reach out to talk to her for a podcast episode...
There's also putting together the dummy of my book about Pluto. That's coming along but needs time in front of the computer which is troublesome physically. It will get there! Eventually.
Six segments for the podcast are also published and there's three more conversations ready for postproduction. And quite a few more scheduled. I truly hope the podcast is useful and entertaining. It is most easily found on www.rss.com or @spotify. Otherwise go here for links.
I also have two new Patreon patrons. Thank you so much to Liz Gamberg and Emma Eagles. Your support, participation and show of confidence in the project, and me, is more appreciated than you know.
So that's what's been happening at Where Art and Grief Meet HQ. It never stops really. And what a blessing that is.
This post is dedicated to our cousin Victoria who we have loved and recently lost. F**k Cancer.
*Andrew Solomon's Far from the Tree is a most important work. I couldn't recommend it more highly than I do. It's long but doesn't feel that way. It is a gift to humanity. Truly.
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Celebrate Love 2024
Join The Movement
Craft Your Love Story: Curate a Custom Valentine's/Galentine's Gift Set with Soul and Story!
Travel and Social Impact Diaries: Coco Classic
Travel and Social Impact Diaries: Chris Murphy
Travel and Social Impact Diaries: Amy Staten
Birthday Celebrations Around the World
Lifestyle: Four Ingredient No-Churn Chocolate Ice Cream with Askanya Chocolate
Through The Looking Glass: Looks Good, Feels Good, But Is it Good?
Doing Better Than Good: Reconsidering Donations
Cultural, Political and Spiritual Significance of the Headwrap
Have You Met Yourself?
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An inaugural lecture on a collaborative project with the Royal Academy of Music on acoustics and hearing.
Professor Stephen Dance has spent the past 14 years collaborating with leading music organisations on acoustic solutions. Initially with the Royal Academy of Music when the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 were introduced. This was followed in 2009 by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Henry Wood Hall. More recently the Royal Opera House and St Paul’s Cathedral have been supportive. The research focused on providing education, raising awareness, and producing designs which would allow these extraordinarily talented and dedicated professionals to continue to performance to the very highest standards.
The lecture will combine architectural acoustics, audiology, product design, material science, education, noise control, and functional art. This was necessary as there is no golden bullet to solve the issue of, “music, is it noise?”
Go to http://www.ioa.org.uk for registration.
Location: Zoom, UK
Organisation Responsible: London South Bank University
Contact: Linda Canty, at [email protected]
© 2017-2024 International Commission for Acoustics
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FORT MYERS — United Way recently kicked off its annual campaign for Hendry and Glades counties. The campaign kickoff took place Nov. 16 at LaBelle Civic Center, with dozens of community members and organizations in attendance.
In Hendry and Glades counties, United Way has set a campaign goal of $364,200. With the help of early donors and Pacesetters, the organization has reached 27% of its goal with a total of $100,000 raised for the two counties thus far. Through the annual campaign, United Way ensures that 20 local agencies are able to continue over 40 programs and initiatives to focus on issues that improve lives and can further United Way’s mission of improving the quality of life for all people in our community.
Several donors contributed over $10,000, including VITAS Healthcare, a first-time donor to United Way, which contributed $20,000 in support of local United Way Partner Agencies. VITAS Healthcare is the largest single-source provider in the nation for end-of-life care. In 2022, the organization expanded to Lee, Glades and Hendry counties.
“VITAS is committed to providing resources through local organizations, such as United Way, that will improve the quality of life for all people,” said Bob Johnson, general manager of VITAS Healthcare in our area. “Additionally, VITAS cares deeply for programs with a focus on promoting academics and healthy communities in a rural and agricultural environment.”
The top five contributors to the annual campaign kickoff include:
• VITAS Healthcare: $20,000
• Suncoast Credit Union: $20,000
• Bob and Ellen Ferguson: $15,000
• Hendry School Board: $7,600
• Johnson and Prewitt Associates: $6,000
“We’re incredibly appreciative of our donors and their generous donations to this campaign,” said Bob Beville, campaign co-chair for United Way’s Hendry and Glades campaign. “With the help of our donors, volunteers and local community, we are able to further the mission of United Way.”
“Receiving generous donations is a great way to kickstart our campaign, and we’re thankful for the generosity shown by our donors, including our top five contributors,” added Dr. Barbara Mundy, campaign co-chair.
All funds raised through the United Way campaign will remain local to benefit the surrounding organizations and their needs.
About United Way
In addition to raising funds for human service organizations in our community, United Way promotes partnerships and collaborations among agencies, helping them to work together focusing on issues that continue to improve lives. United Way is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people in our community. United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades was established in 1957 and over $225 million has been raised and distributed since that time. For more information, please call 239-433-2000 or visit UnitedWayLee.org.
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Thanks to the internet, a lot of information is being spread about what causes cancer, ways to prevent it or how best to treat it, but it can be hard to tell fact from fiction. On Friday, August 28th, Southern Cancer Center’s Dr. Brian Heller spoke with WKRG New 5 in their monthly medical segment called “The Doctor Is In” to help clear up some common cancer myths and misconceptions.
Dr. Heller had a short tv segment during the noon broadcast, followed by a longer, more in-depth Q&A segment on WKRG’s Facebook Live. See both of his interviews here: www.wkrg.com/the-doctor-is-in/the-doctor-is-in-a-discussion-on-cancer-myths
Common cancer myths debunked:
1. You Can Catch Cancer From Someone Else.
Cancer isn’t a contagious disease. There is an extremely low chance of transplant-related cancer being spread from a tissue or organ transplant if you receive an organ from someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, but doctors avoid using organs or tissues from anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis. In some cases, you may catch a virus that can lead to cancer (e.g., some forms of human papillomavirus, or HPV) or encounter bacteria (e.g., Helicobacter pylori) that could lead to the disease.
2. Cutting Out Sugar Will Cure Cancer.
No. All cells consume sugar, not just cancer cells. There isn’t evidence that sugar consumption has any effect on cancer—whether good or bad. It is important, though, to keep in mind that a diet high in sugar may contribute to obesity, which can increase your risk of many types of cancer
3. Cancer Is Caused by Artificial Sweeteners.
No. Most artificial sweeteners have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Studies do not link artificial sweeteners to cancer.
4. Surgeries and Biopsies Spread Cancer.
If you’re worried about surgery spreading cancer throughout your body, then you can rest easy: the odds of cancer spreading through a surgical procedure are very low. Surgeons take preventative measures so cancer cells don’t spread during surgeries, like using fresh tools when performing procedures on different parts of the body.
5. Cancer Cures Are Being Withheld.
Not true. The FDA and your cancer care team are working for you and are specifically committed to your safety. Unfortunately, thorough safety testing means that new treatments can be slow to come to market. Remember, the FDA needs to ensure every treatment is safe as well as effective.
6. Superfoods Can Stop Cancer.
Acai? Blueberries? Green tea? There’s no doubt that you’ve heard of superfoods that have amazing benefits. But these foods don’t have superpowers, and there’s no scientific basis for calling them superfoods. But don’t write them off altogether–it’s always smart to think about your diet and eat more fruits and vegetables.
7. Cancer Is the End of the Road.
Since the 1990s, cancer deaths have dropped significantly in the United States. For some cancers like thyroid, breast, or prostate, the five-year survival rate is 90% or even higher. For all cancers combined, the current five-year survival rate is at approximately 67%. Survival rates depend on a number of things, like what treatments are available, how quickly cancer grows, if it has spread (and how far), and more.
8. Your Smartphone Causes Cancer.
Don’t get rid of your smartphone yet! Gene mutations cause cancer, and the energy emitted by cell phones isn’t known to damage genes.
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Botox® has many fans these days. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported over 6.5 million Botox® treatments performed in 2015 alone. While these statistics don’t break down the differences between male and female patients, I can attest to the increase in men getting Botox® from my own experience. In the spirit of giving popular trends nicknames, Brotox® is what we use to describe men who are fans of facial rejuvenation with minimally-invasive wrinkle-reducing Botox® treatment. In case you’re new to the Brotox world, I wanted to share some of the best features and why more men should jump on the benefits of Botox®.
In more recent trends, men aren’t just getting Botox® by themselves. Many come to get treatments with their partners (male and female), friends, and even coworkers. Lots of men receive Botox® as gifts and even more appreciate the results especially in those times when preparing for major life events – like getting married. Pre-wedding Botox® has become a popular treatment for two, because couples like to come in together to smooth out their facial appearance before the big day.
Botox® treatment isn’t as intimidating as some may think – it’s just a quick, short series of injections into the upper third area of the face you’re most concerned about and nearly painless. You’re in and out in as little as 20 minutes and best of all – you don’t have to miss work or have the rest of your day interrupted. Botox® is also a great combination treatment used to keep the face looking youthful after undergoing facial plastic surgery. Whether prepping for a special occasion or sticking to a regular routine, Botox® treatments are popular because they continue to work for lots of men and woman for up to four months (it’s also worth mentioning it’s FDA-approved for ages 18-65).
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many nonsurgical facial rejuvenation procedures men have come to know and appreciate. Muscle-relaxing Dysport® and Xeomin®, plus dermal fillers like Juvéderm® and Restylane® offer some excellent benefits of their own – so much so that they deserve their own time in the spotlight. Check back in the upcoming weeks as we explore these options in part two of our male rejuvenation series and if you’d like to learn more about Botox® treatments at Southern Plastic Surgery, or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, don’t hesitate to call us at 770-622-9100. Stay connected with me, Dr. David Whiteman, on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube for my latest plastic surgery tips and updates.
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Winter mART Application Form
SSFA is looking for YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS who would like to sell their crafts at Winter mART!
All applicants will be supplied with a table, tablecloth and two chairs. You are responsible for display and sales. Make sure you have change! We are asking you donate 20% of your sales back to SSFA to help support the arts at Southside Elementary.
Please print, fill out, and turn in the below application form to your teacher no later than
Friday November 11th.
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Brackenfell High: investigation finds 'no evidence' pupils were excluded from matric bash on basis of race
An investigation into a matric farewell event organised for Brackenfell High School pupils has concluded that it was a private function and did not exclude anyone on the basis of race.
Western Cape education MEC Debbie Schäfer said on Monday she had received a report from the provincial department and the facts “corroborate initial reports this was a private function”.
The sequence of events leading to the private function unfolded after the school sent a letter to parents saying the official matric farewell was cancelled. A parent decided to organise a function for her daughter and friends at a wine farm with tickets costing R500.
“The invitation was widely circulated via WhatsApp groups. The parent asked class representatives to circulate it to their class WhatsApp groups, and the principal has confirmed with that they did so," said Schäfer.
"The invitation was also posted on the organiser’s Facebook page, so was open to people outside Brackenfell High as well. As a result, there were 42 pupils from Brackenfell High and 30 from surrounding schools who attended.”
Allegations were also made that the head girl did not attend “because no pupils of colour were attending”.
According to the report, the head girl and head boy were invited, "but did not attend as they had other plans on that day and were organising their own farewell functions".
"Four teachers were invited in their personal capacities as they had close personal links to the organising parent. The school was aware the event was happening, but the school and the organisers regarded it as a private event."
Schäfer said: “The evidence is thus that invitations were circulated to all matric classes. There is no evidence people were excluded based on their race. There are also no grounds to take action against teachers who attended the private event.”
However, she said the incident had highlighted other incidents of racial tensions which the school acknowledged. The school had and will take steps to address this, including:
- the formation of a diversity committee after allegations of racist behaviour by some individuals, which will be fast-tracked after being interrupted due to Covid-19;
- the school governing body will consider whether a policy needs to be adopted to address issues brought to the fore by the uproar around the matric event;
- creating structures to allow more feedback from parents; and
- planning activities to improve pupil leadership and relations between pupils of different backgrounds.
“In addition to this, the district will also arrange diversity workshops facilitated by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation for all the staff at the school,” said Schäfer.
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Spectrum Generations’ Lincoln County Regional Center, in partnership with Inn Along the Way, is hosting its 9th Annual Aging in the Right Place Forum on September 15, 2022, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the Inn Along the Way (741 Main Street) in Damariscotta. The title for this forum is Revisioning: Pause and Reflect. With all we have faced over the last two years, it is time to move to our “new normal” without forgetting the past. This year is all about reflecting on the good that has happened because of the pandemic. Instead of having speakers this year, we are focusing on getting information to our communities to help them live successfully in their chosen community.
The Inn Along the Way, is an organization that is focused on making it possible for elders to age in place, allowing them to stay in their local community. The Inn, when completed, will have cottages for short-term stays for caregivers who need to renew their energy, as well as cottages for people seeking a peaceful place to live and enjoy the end of their life.
If you are interested in being an event sponsor, click here to view the sponsorship options. If you have any questions, please call Tracy Lloyd at 620-1185 or reach her by email at [email protected].
If you are unable to participate as a sponsor we encourage you to attend the forum for an engaging and informative day.
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Casting Instructions for 'Truth'
- A white candle
- White flower petals
- One picture of the person
- One spell box
Cast the circle. After casting the circle light the candle and lay the picture down in front of it. Put the petals in the spell box and then say:
"Silence now thy lying tongue,
Only truth and honesty come
From thy lips and from thy tongue
Till the next full moon doth come"
As you say this burn the picture in the candle flame. Once it is turned to ash, take the spell box with the white petals and put the ashes in the box. Keep it till the next moon then throw its contents to the winds.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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The National Gallery's sixteenth-century Greek doesn't need dressing up in Britart clothes.
When I saw the UK National Gallery’s exhibition of El Greco, some of the paintings were surrounded by a scrum of visitors, three rows thick. People were lingering, too, rather than just taking a glance and hurrying on.
The National Gallery has tried to sell El Greco as a proto-modern painter, thanks to his garish use of colour and strange distortion of figures. ‘Be inspired. (Cezanne, Jackson Pollock and Picasso were)’, read the adverts plastered on billboards across London. At the exhibition’s launch, curator Xavier Bray said: ‘We’ll be pitching for a Tate Modern audience – if you liked the Chapman brothers you’ll like El Greco, trust us.’ (1)
Whatever it is that is fascinating the crowds, it’s certainly not El Greco’s similarity to the Chapman brothers. In fact, the gallery’s promotion of El Greco as modern is somewhat disingenuous, given that in the catalogue the head curator David Davies states his intention ‘to examine El Greco’s oeuvre in its historical context – religious, philosophical, political and social’ (2). As the substance of the exhibition illustrates, the work of this sixteenth-century Greek bears the indelible imprints of his times. El Greco may use some similar techniques to twentieth-century art, but these are used for entirely different reasons, and to different effect.
El Greco (the Greek), whose real name was Domenikos Theotokopoulos, was born on the island of Crete in 1541. Here he trained as an icon painter in the orthodox Greek tradition, painting saints and religious scenes in gold. Rather than aiming to represent reality or portray beauty, the function of these paintings was to stimulate spiritual reflection.
As a young man El Greco moved to Venice, where he struggled to assimilate the realism of the late Renaissance, with its very different use of form, perspective and light. The National Gallery exhibition shows his early fumbling, on one occasion painting Christ with disjointed and unbalanced legs. Although El Greco is often fêted as a lone genius, he was a keen disciple of fellow artists such as Michelangelo and Tintoretto, and his paintings are peppered with references to their work.
It was in El Greco’s final home, the Spanish city of Toledo, that he painted many of the works that are so popular today. The city was in the zealous grip of the Counter-Reformation, as the Spanish authorities sought to reaffirm Catholicism in the face of challenges from Islam and Protestantism. El Greco, with his strong religious faith, and Byzantine and Renaissance training, began to convey spirituality in a new and powerful way.
While icon paintings hinted at the religious spirit, El Greco used the techniques he had mastered in Italy in order to show it. His figures seem to flicker upwards like flames, their bodies elongated and weightless. Shadows and perspective are almost done away with – light seems to emanate from the people themselves, who are often surrounded only by darkness. His painting, ‘The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception’, shows the ascendance from the earthly to the spiritual, with flowers and landscape at the base, and entwined figures moving towards the heavenly sphere (3). This embodies the Counter-Reformation’s call to spurn material concerns for union with Christ – and El Greco’s paintings were used as altarpieces in Toledo’s churches.
El Greco’s paintings may look somewhat similar to modern works. But the modern distortion of form is a very different matter, which is tied up with the secular individualism of twentieth-century capitalist society. For some modern painters, it was about capturing an instant of subjective experience; for others, it expressed the fragmentation of the individual worldview, into random and dissociated elements. A painter such as Cézanne, meanwhile, sought to portray the underlying structure of reality, removed of the distortions of imagination and interpretation. Picasso borrowed from El Greco’s paintings – just as he did from African masks – but he transformed these motifs into something else.
He might not be ‘modern’, but El Greco’s work reaches out across the centuries. In ‘The Adoration of the Shepherds’, the group’s expressions are difficult to forget: theirs isn’t a posed, reflective adoration, but the messy business of losing themselves to bigger forces (4). This was passion painted for Counter-Reformation Toledo, but – because it is painted so wonderfully, or perhaps simply because it is human – we can understand.
The National Gallery shouldn’t be afraid of selling El Greco for what he is, rather than trying to dress him up in Britart clothes. Today you often find this disparity between museums’ promotion on the outside and the artefacts on the inside. There is a kind of duplicity here: an idea that people have to be tempted in by the promise that it’s just like the Chapman brothers, and then – once they’ve paid their tenner and can’t escape – you can tell them otherwise. (Given that one Chapman brothers’ Turner Prize offering was a model of two plastic-looking dummies engaged in fellatio, visitors might be perplexed by the connection.)
Museums tend to worry about subjects being too difficult or foreign for visitors to understand, and try to make them seem ‘relevant’. The success of exhibitions such as last year’s Aztecs at the Royal Academy (5), which had people queuing around the block, shows that they are just as easily drawn to subjects that are distant and mysterious. And this sixteenth-century Greek certainly doesn’t need to prove his relevance to fill the galleries.
El Greco is showing at the National Gallery until 23 May.
spiked-issue: Museums and galleries
(1) 400 years on, is El Greco still too modern for UK?, 5 November 2003
(2) El Greco, National Gallery Company, November 2003
(3) See The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception
(4) See The Adoration of the Shepherds
(5) Aztecs, by Josie Appleton
To enquire about republishing spiked’s content, a right to reply or to request a correction, please contact the managing editor, Viv Regan.
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Spond helps teams do more with less by saving coaches and team administrators an average of 2.5 hours per week. This frees up volunteers to focus on coaching, playing, or supporting activities.
Spond is helping organizations manage financial struggles due to disrupted revenue streams by adding simple and interactive digital fundraising tools in key markets. These tools help clubs to raise funds and make up the shortfall.
Spond simplifies payments by offering in-app payment processing, eliminating the need for multiple payment channels. Spond is continuously improving payment options, helping users achieve financial stability in the post-Covid era.
Spond helps communities achieve sustainability in sports through its digital tools for admin, payments, and fundraising. With over 2 million monthly active users, Spond is committed to bettering physical and mental health in sports through its app and club
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Abdelrahman NassarNew Cairo Squash
An energetic squash player with 15 years of experience, fueled with enthusiasm and hard-work, committed to my sport and ready to do whatever it takes. Ranked amongst top 3 players in Egypt and world’s 210. I Train 6 days a week and I’m always ready to take the extra mile. I also enjoy traveling the world playing tournaments and attending sport events.
Alcance / Enlaces
Datos principales para patrocinadores
Hundreds of audience per event and thousands of viewers in squahTV
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Location: Home Working (Occasional Travel will be required)
Salary: Circa £21,500 per annum (£17,200 per annum pro rata)
England Athletics is a membership organisation with c1,770 member clubs/bodies and c166,000 registered athletes, which exists to provide services and support to its members and to promote and deliver athletics and running activities across all ages, event disciplines, ability levels and aspirations; and to give support to the wider sport where there are more than 6m who run each month in England, 3,500 licensed road races and 206,991 active RunTogether participants operating in more than 3,287 groups.
We want to inspire more athletes and runners of all abilities and backgrounds to fulfil their potential and to have a lifelong love of the sport. It is our vision for athletics to become an inclusive sport where everyone belongs and can flourish. We want every participant involved in our sport, whether they are an athlete, runner, coach, official, leader, volunteer, facility operator, parent, or guardian to see and experience first-hand the guiding principles that continue to drive our work – including putting the athlete and runner first, encouraging high standards and ethical success across all aspects of our work, enhancing experiences, and working together in partnership not in isolation.
A vacancy has arisen at England Athletics for a Part-time Club Support Administrator, for a fixed term of 18 months, to support the Club Support Team with key administration tasks to ensure Club Support services, programmes and projects across England is delivered to the highest possible standards and volunteers receive a high level of service.
The role will focus on supporting Club Support Managers with the delivery of club supports services, programmes and projects including the Regional Awards, Club Improvement Fund and Club Leadership Programme, plus co-ordinating and supporting ad hoc webinar delivery as well as club support communications.
The postholder will administer all aspects of the Regional Awards, Club Improvement and Club Leadership Programme, ensuring that digital content is up to date on the club support pages of the EA website and Club Hub by supporting content reviews and compiling quarterly analytics reports. This role will support with compiling club support communications including ecomms content and the Facebook group.
The individual should have excellent administrative and customer service skills, proficient in Microsoft Office. As well as having a flexible approach to work and the ability to use their initiative.
For Further information and to apply for this exciting post, please visit our website: https://www.englandathletics.org/about-us/careers/
Closing date for applications: 12th April 2024
To apply for this job please visit careers.englandathletics.org.
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FromSoftware's games, such as the Dark Souls trilogy, Bloodborne, and the recently released Elden Ring, are some of the best gaming experiences of my life despite my reluctance towards anything that is even mildly challenging. It baffles me how these games that are touted as the most brutal and tough video games appeal to a wide audience when they technically should not.
Video games are meant to escape reality, to do and create things that are just not possible in the real world. Most of us who play video games do so to get that brief reprieve from all the stress and routineness of our daily lives.
If video games are a way to relieve oneself from stress, then why would someone play Dark Souls or Bloodborne, games that are regarded as one of if not the most challenging games on the planet?
While most games make the player feel powerful against the enemies, Souls games do the opposite, making the player feel puny even against the fodder enemies, let alone the mighty bosses. Maybe that’s the draw for these kinds of games. Perhaps the targeted audience is hardcore players who are skilled in the art of playing video games and are not easily intimidated by the difficulty of any game.
Let me assure you that’s not the case at all. Over the last two years, I have become a massive fan and admirer of these games, especially Bloodborne, given it was my first exposure to FromSoftware's games and souls-likes in general. Bloodborne had a massive impact on me and my perception of video games.
I'm not someone who you’d call a skilled player. Quite the contrary, I’m someone who rarely goes for difficulty in games. The only game in my memory that I played to complete at the hardest difficulty was Dishonored 2 in 2018. I chose to stealth and save-scum my way through the levels without killing any NPC, avoiding combat altogether.
In the same year, I played God of War (the new one for the PlayStation 4), which I started at the second hardest difficulty but was knocked down to the easiest within the first 20 minutes or so. In short, Bloodborne should not appeal to a player like me, but it’s my favorite video game of this generation. Let me explain how.
Note: This article contains mild spoilers (early sections and a few late-game bosses) for Bloodborne.
First attempt at understanding Bloodborne's world
I started playing Bloodborne in 2020, just after I had finished The Last of Us Part II. You might have guessed it already. I played it to its entirety in the easiest difficulty. I had little knowledge going into Bloodborne of how any of its systems work, how to navigate through the blood-soaked streets and alleys, and what my objectives were.
After creating my character, which took me nearly an hour to ultimately end up knowing that I’ll rarely get a chance to see the intricate details of my character, I made it out of the first room only to be mauled to death by a werewolf-looking beast.
This sent me to the hub world, where I got to choose my weapons and then teleport back to the same place where the werewolf beast was but this time, with the help of my chosen weapons, I was able to kill the beast. This was the first hint the game subtly bestows on the player that though the world they’re about to explore is harsh. It’ll always provide the players with the tools to overcome the challenge.
I didn't get that meaning out of the encounter immediately after exploring and dying about a dozen times at the hands of literally everything. From essential humans to rats, beast people, werewolves (of course), to giants, to men in wheelchairs with a gattling gun attached to them. I had enough.
I was lost as I was mainly accustomed to games telling me where to progress via an objective marker, obvious visual hints, or a mini-map. But Bloodborne didn’t have any of those. Its levels were tightly packed with seemingly endless ways to progress, which confused me. Also, the constant fear of getting killed by an enemy ambush that might be hidden around the next corner didn’t help much.
I must’ve played around two hours or so of Bloodborne before putting it down. I didn’t touch it for quite some time, maybe about a month. I was trying to get the platinum trophy in God of War back then, and it was a grind to get the trophies for all those collectibles in the game, especially the Ravens. So I kept busy with that.
Returning to Yharnam with a vengeance
The next time I came to Bloodborne, I was prepared to take it on, partly because I had nothing else to play apart from Bloodborne and a few older games. I picked up where I had last left off. This time I spent a few hours getting to know the level and how it connects without getting intimidated by getting ganked up on by enemies.
I mean, what's the worst that could happen? Me losing some blood echoes. That’s it. It's not like I could use them, as it requires the players to either defeat or come across any of the two bosses in the first area to be granted the right to level up.
Most casual players like myself, who have heard about the difficulty of Souls games, are readily intimidated by the sheer thought of playing a Souls game. That should not be the case, yes, the enemies and the environment, in general, are challenging, but all it demands is attention and perseverance.
With just a little attention, the maze-like tunnels and pathways that confused me to no end became fairly easy to navigate. I opened up a few shortcuts that expertly connect the opening parts of the level with later parts.
Also, repeated encounters with the same enemies that more or less had the same scripted positioning upon every death helped me devise strategies to lure them one by one rather than facing the mobs head-on, making it way more manageable.
Encountering the first boss
I made my way to the game's first boss, the Cleric Beast, which as a side note, had a brilliant OST. That’s another key point why I love Bloodborne. The music in the game. The OST is superb, whether ambient music or the boss soundtrack.
Coming back to the Cleric Beast. To my absolute surprise, it took me just a couple of retries to defeat the boss, maybe because I used a few molotovs (out of fear and frustration, not strategy) that I found while exploring. Unbeknownst to me, my chosen weapon, the saw cleaver, deals extra damage to beast-type enemies.
Molotovs saw cleaver or just sheer luck, whatever be the reason. I couldn’t believe myself to have defeated a Bloodborne boss. The adrenaline rush that I had coursing through me was insurmountable.
It was probably the best experience I’ve had playing a video game. With pumped-up confidence, I readily marched to the next boss, Father Gascoyne, the main boss of the first area, Cleric Beast, being entirely optional.
Father Gascoigne, the boss that almost made me quit Bloodborne for good
I entered the arena, and with a cool intro cutscene, the fight started, and I immediately got killed without even being able to land a single blow at the boss.
This did take a toll on my newfound confidence in the game, but I did not give up. Having killed a boss, I was able to level up.
I put some time into killing enemies and collecting Blood Echoes (the experience points and currency of the game). I leveled up, upgraded my weapon, and returned to Father Gascoigne. Funnily enough, I was still getting killed. I couldn’t even bring his health down to half.
After repeatedly dying 10 or 11 times in a row, it struck me that, along with the saw cleaver. I also picked up a blunderbuss, a big gun that, unlike traditional shooters, doesn’t kill an enemy but is used to parry their attacks.
I’ve seen Gascoigne, a hunter like my character, use his gun in conjunction with his giant axe. It’s pretty effective against me. It sure must be equally effective against him.
I again stepped through the boss’s fog door with this newfound idea and courage. I fired my gun at Father Gascoigne, but that did not even tickle his health. I was scared, thinking maybe I’ll never get past Gascoigne and never will be able to finish Bloodborne.
I was down to four silver bullets out of the 20 that I had on me. When I fired my second-last bullet, something happened. I managed to time it right (by accident, mind you) and parried Gascoigne's attack.
He was staggered, and I got a chance to deal with a visceral attack that damaged his health. I was also quick enough to land a couple of swings, which got him to his second phase. The second phase was more of a Cleric Beast fight, but he was way faster and more aggressive.
Took me a few more tries, but I was able to beat Gascoigne and proceed to the area, the Cathedral Ward. One thing that the opening area of the game taught me is that enemies and also bosses will vary both in their visual design and attack patterns.
I could not get comfortable using just one strategy for every enemy in Bloodborne. This idea of actual progression and growth for both my in-game avatar and myself as a player was something I have never felt while playing a video game.
An action role-playing game like no other
Don’t get me wrong, other video games can invoke a similar feeling of progression. But more often than not, games tend to invoke this feeling of playing numbers games.
Most modern role-playing games are heavily based around the leveling system that artificially makes the player feel powerful by increasing damage output or defensive stats via leveling up.
Yes, Bloodborne, as you level up and strengthen your weapons by upgrading and blood gems. The difference is that Bloodborne and other Souls games heavily rely on the player’s dedication to take time and study the enemies, bosses, and environment.
Bloodborne does require skills to dodge, parry and attack effectively, but the game doesn’t need one to be highly skilled at playing video games to play it. All that is needed is the player’s willingness and attentiveness to learn to be skillful in the game.
I learned it the hard way, having almost quit Bloodborne and dismissing it as a game not meant for me, to get so engrossed in it that it became my favorite game of this generation.
Another recent game that I played that reminded me of the same notions is Doom Eternal. It, too, is a highly skill-focused arena shooter with a deficient skill required to enter. The game gradually teaches its ways to the player, given the players themselves are patient enough to learn it.
Addicted to hunting beasts on the streets of Yharnam
Bloodborne kept me returning to it routinely every day for two and a half months. I also got the Old Hunters downloadable content for Bloodborne after I had finished the base game twice. That alone kept me playing it for another month.
One thing to note here is that, even though Bloodborne allows for multiplayer engagement via PvP and Co-op, I played the whole game offline, i.e., solo, for my first playthrough.
Upon completing the game for the first time, I did try some PvP, but given the game's age, most players that engage in the PvP of Bloodborne are primarily veterans of the game and are much better than me at the game. However, I did find some fun getting summoned to help random players defeat certain bosses.
After around five months of playing Bloodborne religiously, starting from getting super intimidated by the difficulty and almost quitting the game to having sunk in well beyond 500 hours and getting the platinum trophy.
End-game challenges that kept me invested in Bloodborne months after completing the game
Usually, action RPGs tend to lose out on player interest by the end-game, but Bloodborne's different. After you’re done with everything the base game offers, there are also a series of randomly generated dungeons accessible from the hunter’s dream hub world.
These dungeons are mostly randomly generated but usually have the same objective, i.e., to enter the dungeon and fight some enemies guarding a switch that opens a door somewhere in the dungeon, which leads to the dungeon’s boss.
I’ll admit most bosses are either a repeat of some of the base game bosses or are standard enemies with a boss health bar. However, some bosses are exclusive to the dungeons, like the Watchdog of the Old Lords, the Pthumerian Descendant, and Bloodletting Beast, to name a few.
The dungeons do get repetitive and sometimes a slog to get through, but they are a worthwhile endgame challenge that also lets you visit some old bosses from the base game.
The Old Hunters expansion
I also mentioned getting the Old Hunters DLC. Let me tell you about that. After finishing the game for the first time, I immediately went for the new game plus, which for the uninitiated, is a way to play the entire game again from the start while keeping your character progression and items from the last playthrough.
You can keep all your gear, weapons, weapon upgrades, and levels gained, only losing quest-related items. The new game plus cycle also increases enemy aggression and defense, i.e., health by a small margin upon every successive new game plus cycle up to new game+6.
However, in my personal experience of having played the first new game plus cycle, it didn’t feel any different from the base new game. The Old Hunters DLC proved me wrong when I thought the game might’ve lost its challenge factor.
Accessing DLC locations in FromSoftware's games has always been cryptic and intriguing. Bloodborne is no different and has an exciting and spectacular way of transporting players to the DLC. Here’s how to access Hunter's Nightmare, aka the Old Hunters expansion:
- Upon downloading the DLC, you get the eye of a blood-drunk hunter in the hunter’s dream.
- You must’ve progressed enough in the game to reach the Cathedral Ward, i.e., cleared the starting area and killed Father Gascoigne.
- You must’ve defeated Vicar Amelia, one of the first bosses accessible from Cathedral Ward.
- After defeating Vicar Amelia, return to the Cathedral Ward hub and proceed towards the door on the left.
- If you have more than 40 insights (which is a form of the in-game counter of the player’s experience with the otherworldly creatures of Bloodborne and has massive lore implications), you’ll see a Cthulhu-looking beast (called Amygdala) clinging to the ring side of the area. Get up to the creature, and it’ll grab and kill you, transporting you to Hunter’s Nightmare.
You can still be transported to the DLC hub if you don't have that insight. All you need to do is stand at the extreme right of the area exiting the door (the same area where the Amygdala is), and though you’re unable to see the creature. You’ll get grabbed by it and transported to Hunter’s Nightmare.
Though it’s not recommended to go there if you’re unable to see the Amygdala, it signifies that you are not progressed enough in the game to be able to see these Lovecraftian beings. I had to be appropriately leveled and geared up to take on the DLC, which you’ll need to be. The DLC is the hardest challenge you’ll face in the world of Bloodborne, with early areas easily surpassing the final stretch of the base game.
There are five bosses in the Old Hunters DLC, four if you discount the Living Failures boss fight. These four bosses include Ludwig the Accursed, Lady Maria, Orphan of Kos, and Laurence the first Vicar.
These bosses are no joke. They are equal parts a showcase of the game's amazing art style and a quality challenge for the players. These bosses are the epitome of the challenge that Bloodborne has to offer to its players.
My journey through Hunter’s Nightmare was quite painful, having failed countless encounters with the last two bosses, Orphan of Kos and Laurence, but I persevered and eventually managed to defeat them.
Bloodborne truly redefined gaming for me
My journey with Bloodborne was very enlightening. It was something that I never knew I needed to experience. But now that I've experienced it, I can’t return to my old self. That of running away from complex or challenging encounters in video games or even my personal life.
Bloodborne taught me that you don’t need industry-defining visual fidelity or blockbuster cinematic cutscenes to make a great video game. A good game at heart should be just that, a good game, with gameplay that encourages player agency and rewards them meaningfully upon getting past the game’s challenges.
It is a game that has stood the test of time and aged well. It’s a relic of the old times when games used to be good, and I came to it late, but better late than never.
Difficulty in video games is subjective
I must also admit that playing games on easier difficulties should not come with a tag of shame. I still play some games on easy (mostly linear story-driven adventure games ala Uncharted), of which I’m more interested in the story, and the gameplay boils down to just shooting a bunch of people to get to the next cutscene.
We all have our level of skill and patience, and if someone wants to play their game without having to worry about the difficulty, all the power to them.
Thinking about how far I’ve come since playing Bloodborne is staggering.
From being someone who never even considered playing Souls games due to their notorious difficulty curve to having finished Bloodborne, all the Dark Souls games, Sekiro, and the newest FromSoftware offering, Elden Ring, their games hold an extraordinary place in my life.
As cliche as it may sound, FromSoftware's games teach a valuable lesson of being okay to fail as long as you learn from your mistakes. I don’t think any other media can teach this notion of failure and perseverance better than these games.
Bloodborne, among all the other games I’ve ever played, will always have a special place in my heart for being the game that genuinely defined video games for me. I’ll forever be thankful to FromSoftware developers for creating a masterpiece called Bloodborne.
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If you want to analisi grammaticale gratis earn an impressive first impression in an audience, hiring essay writers is a fantastic idea. However, choosing the right one will depend on a range of variables. Here are some things that you should keep in mind in regards to finding the best authors.
The target audience: The very first thing you want to think about is who your audience is. By way of instance, if you are a school student writing a school essay, it is probably that you are writing yourself. Your target market is yourself, and so you would pick the writing style that suits you best. Thus, it’s necessary that you understand what type of individual or audience you need to compose for.
The Curriculum Vitae: ” This component of the job description is normally filled out by hunters. These records list a list of achievements and abilities of the author. The primary objective of the document is to highlight the writer’s abilities and techniques. It is almost always a fantastic idea to have a CV or Curriculum Vitae ready because it could function as the resume.
Writing expertise: several businesses hire freelance writers to complete projects for them. The more experience the writer has, the greater. This gives you the chance to check on previous functions they have completed.
Previous Projects: A writer who has previous projects will get a better sense for the sort of work that they do. The main reason is they have worked on a wide variety rechtschreibprüfung duden online of jobs. A fantastic writer is aware of what is required from them and what they can do to get the work finished.
Expertise and editing abilities: To be successful in this subject, a writer must have expertise and techniques in editing endeavors. A lot of people nowadays choose to utilize a writer to write their documents because of their editing abilities. Moreover, these people today know how to finish the work quickly so that deadlines are met.
Tools Online: A great deal of authors now use online tools to get their work completed. Some instances include Microsoft Word, Keynote, and Wordpad. Furthermore, when a writer wants help with a project, they can use the online support services provided by software businesses.
In conclusion, picking the best writer is essential for any job which requires writing and submission, whether it is an interview procedure or a college or college job. By considering these factors, a person could find a great game and get the work done right.
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25 MG Hydrochloride Tablets I.P is widely used to treat mental and mood problems. It is a type of anti-depressant medicine. It is used to improve mood and feelings of well-being. The medicine works by relieving anxiety and tension. 25 MG A Tablets I.P helps you sleep better and increase your energy level. Owing to its effective composition and top-notch quality, it is widely demanded in the marketplace.
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All women are welcome to join us on Tuesday, May 13 at 6:30pm for the Annual Women of St. Mary’s Annual Meeting and Potluck Supper. The hostesses will be Pat Warner, Gail Jessup, Phyllis Campbell and Judith Haycock. A presentation will be made on the Altar Guild and the Altar Guild garden. More information to follow. Sign up list is on the bulletin board.
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Spend your stag weekend in Bristol climbing and abseiling the spectacular limestone crags of the Mendip Hills. It's not every day you get to make a 200ft descent with spectacular views or conquer a bastion of centuries-old rock. Prepare for a king size adrenaline rush in the great outdoors!
Never tried anything like this before? There's no better time than on a stag weekend and no better place than Bristol. Introductory sessions are aimed at beginners and the instructors always use a second rope so you'll always have backup.
Each instructor will take a maximum of eight people climbing and abseiling so you'll get a totally focused, personal experience. Your instructor will pitch the level of your lessons at the average ability of the group, so everyone gets to feel like Bear Grylls. Learn to enjoy the countryside around Bristol in the most manly man's way possible. Grr.
Be warned: both sports are massively addictive! Leap outside your comfort zone and be totally overcome by exhilaration, confidence and an amazing sense of achievement and satisfaction. Emerge feeling like a bona fide Iron Man.
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Unfortunately this activity is no longer available, please see all our activities available in Budapest.
Possibly the highest-adrenaline stag party activity ever, this Budapest special sees you hurtling down a purpose built track at a billion miles per hour, in the civilian take on the tin-can pocket rocket the bobsleigh teams use in the Winter Olympics! The track's designed to give you a thrill-filled experience in summer and winter, so even if there's not a flake of snow in sight you'll still be flying down the hill like a madman.
You get 10 hair-raising runs per member of the stag party, plus a hot snack (a burger or a hotdog) and the obligatory round of beers. The bobsleigh centre is just an hour's drive north of Budapest, making it the perfect Saturday afternoon excursion. Get the boys out and doing something they'd never get the chance to try at home, reset the beer counter and come back in the evening ready to get on it bigtime.
Are you man enough to tackle Budapest's fastest stag weekend activity? Leave the pub behind for the afternoon and show you've got what it takes to be crowned craziest stag party of them all. We'll see you at the bottom of the run. On your marks, get set - sled!
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Tach Harness & Factory Grommet (Dash Harness Junction to Ignition Coil)
Reproduction Tach Harness to Ignition Coil Harness used on 1970 GS & GSX – Factory Grommet also included!
This wire runs from the inside of the firewall (Factory Junction in Dash Harness) to the Ignition Coil. The Black end plugs into the remainder of the wiring in your Factory Dash Harness. (Typically used on 1970 GS/GSX)
Source – Lectric Limited
Please Note: This is only 1/2 of the Tach Harness used by Buick. The other half is factory wired into your 1970 GS/GSX Dash Harness.
IF you are installing this into a Skylark or a 1970 – 72 GS/GSX and don’t want to bother with the Factory Tach Harness please consider our other Tach Harness.
The Photo below shows the factory Tach Grommet location. (Red Circle)
This Factory Hole is “Kitty Corner” of the Fuse Block hole and typically only found on actual GS Cars.
The Assembly Manual lists this hole as being 1.250″ in diameter.
The Following Photos show the Factory Hood Tach & In Dash Tach Harness typically found in the 1970 GS & GSX Models that is built into the Dash Harness. If you have a Skylark or a 1971/72 GS/GSX you will NOT have this wiring and may want to purchase our other Tach Harness when adding an “In Dash Tach”.
Note: We use & sell Lectric Limited Products because they’re Made in the USA using Factory GM Blue Prints!
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Did you know…
How is the stairlift fitted?
The stairlift track is fitted to the steps not the wall.
Can others use the stairs?
You can still use the stair when a stairlift is fitted as the seat folds up giving plenty of space to use the stairs.
How do i get off the stairlift?
You align the stairlift at the top by swiveling the seat so you can exit safely.
Do they look ok?
Many owners are concerned about the ascetics of the stairlift, but modern lifts are compact, the seat can be folded up. You call also have the seat resting upstairs and call down when needed.
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A German glamour model who toned her skin to become a ‘black woman’ is coming to Kenya.
Martina Big, 28, said to be the woman with the biggest boobs in Europe, told the This Morning host that she was coming to Kenya to 'learn' to be black.
“I can feel in myself that I am changing to a black woman. Now I am a black woman I have to learn…
“I am going to Africa, to different countries… Kenya will be my first step to meet the people in person and learn more about the histories,” revealed Martina.
Martina, a former air hostess a size 6, was born white before she underwent multiple implants and injections to achieve her desired ‘Barbie’ look.
She is reported to have spent over Sh7 million to ‘transition’ and now identifies herself as a black woman.
Apart from receiving melanin injections to 'transition into a black woman' she had gotten a 32S implants to acquire her massive boobs.
Her newfound look as a ‘black woman’ received a lot of attention and backlash from some rights groups who found it offensive.
She however stated that she was doing it for herself and was not offending anyone.
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Compiling a top 10 list of tax tips is a difficult task. What may be crucially important for some taxpayers will be completely irrelevant for others. The items I have focused on in this list do not necessarily represent the biggest overall tax savings, but rather some of the more common examples of filing errors and/or missed tax planning opportunities that I have seen in my accounting practice.
10. Make yourself aware of changes in tax rules that may relate to your situation
I have seen many taxpayers prepare their returns year after year, without looking into any changes that may affect them. Examples from recent years include the addition of the Children’s Arts Tax Credit, the elimination of the $10,000 ceiling on claiming medical expenses for other dependants, and the introduction of the family caregiver tax credit. New for 2013 is the increase in the annual TFSA contribution limit from $5,000 to $5,500, the elimination of deductions for safety deposit boxes and an additional credit of 25% for first time charitable donation claims. If any of these sound like they might apply to you, make sure you find out the details!
9. Change in marital status
There are many tax based credits and benefits that are dependent on the combined income of you and your spouse. These include the HST credit, the Trillium Benefit and the Child Tax Benefit. Although Revenue Canada is probably not the first thing on your mind if you are getting married, separated or divorced, it is nonetheless important that you advise them as soon as possible. Depending on your situation, you may be either missing out on some well needed funds, or setting yourself up for a nasty surprise when they request that you repay benefits received.
8. Term life insurance
In most circumstances, premiums paid for term life insurance are not tax deductible. The one notable exception is if you are taking out a business loan, and the financial institution you are dealing with stipulates that life insurance is required as a condition for receiving the proceeds. I have seen several cases where taxpayers have told me that they needed to provide evidence of adequate life insurance to receive a loan, however no mention of this ended up in the loan document. If you are in this situation, make sure that the insurance requirement is a written condition of the loan. Banks will generally offer you “loan insurance” when you take out any sort of loan. Unless you are otherwise uninsurable, in most cases it will be advisable to decline this insurance, since the premiums are usually much more expensive than what you would pay by seeking out your own independent insurance agent.
7. Consider incorporating your business
If you are currently earning self-employment income from an unincorporated business, you should consider whether incorporation may be beneficial for you. There is a much wider range of opportunities for tax planning with income earned through a corporation than there is for self-employment income, and while there are additional costs involved in operating an incorporated business, these are often more than offset by the potential tax savings.
6. Pay yourself a salary – even if your corporation is not yet profitable
For those of you who are already incorporated, one of the most common mistakes I see in start-ups is owners that do not pay themselves a salary, especially when they do not have any significant other source of income. Smaller salaries can be paid attracting little to no tax, and the additional losses created in the business can be used to offset taxes payable in the future when the business becomes profitable. If the business cannot afford the cash-flow to pay the salary, then salaries payable can be simply added to shareholder loans, which can be paid out tax free in the future. The regular government payroll reporting must be done however.
5. Medical Expenses for other dependants
While most taxpayers are aware that they can consolidate the medical expenses for their spouses and minor children on one tax return in order to maximize the benefits, many are less clear on the rules surrounding medical expenses for other dependents (such as an elderly parent). You can claim medical expenses for qualified other dependants as long as two criteria are met – they must be financially dependent on you, and you must actually pay for the expense. Many taxpayers who are supporting elderly parents make the mistake of simply providing them with additional funds and then having the expenses paid out of the parent’s account. In order for the expense to qualify however, it must be paid directly by the taxpayer. Since expenses such as fees paid to a nursing home can qualify for this credit, there are quite often significant tax dollars at stake here.
4. Timing of expenses
The timing of when you incur expenses can have a significant impact on your taxes payable. For example, if you operate an unincorporated business and were planning on a large stationary order in January (because that’s when you needed it), consider making that purchase in December instead. Another area where timing can have an impact is on medical expenses. Since medical expense claims for tax are reduced by the lesser of 3% of your net income and $2,100 , it makes sense to consolidate your expenses into one year where possible. Although the timing of many medical expense claims is not discretionary, some can be. For example, if you just had a root canal done, maybe it’s time you looked at getting that new pair of glasses!
3. RRSP vs. TFSA
If you ask the typical Canadian taxpayer what they are doing to save on taxes, probably the most common answer will be contribution to an RRSP (and to a somewhat lesser extent, a TFSA). It is important however to analyze how to best maximize savings using these vehicles. One common pitfall I have seen is where RRSP contributions are being made in years when tax rates are very low or even when no income tax is payable at all. As Canadians, we have become so used to RRSP’s being our primary retirement strategy, that any contribution is seen a good thing to help us in our retirement years. In most cases when I have talked to taxpayers that have made contributions resulting in little or no tax deduction, they were already aware that this would be the case but they still wanted to make that contribution towards their retirement. What most of them failed to consider is that by putting these funds into an RRSP, they will become 100% taxable when they are taken out even though little or no tax deduction was received. In this type of scenario, they would be far better off contributing to a TFSA which has no tax deduction, but also does not attract any tax when funds are withdrawn.
2. Disability tax credit
The disability tax credit is definitely one of the larger “missed” tax credits that I commonly see. Sometimes this is because the taxpayer (or their caregiver) is unaware of the criteria. Other times, it is because individuals don’t want to be labelled as disabled, even when it brings a large tax break. I have had several cases in my practice where significant tax refunds have been received by making retroactive claims for this credit. Common areas missed for claims are for cases of dementia, or the inability to walk unassisted. In cases where the taxpayer is unable to use the credit, it is transferrable to a spouse or other supporting person, so it is indeed a valuable credit. If you think that you or someone you care for may be eligible for this credit, you should definitely look further into the criteria for eligibility.
1. Pension income splitting
While I have not seen many cases of missed pension income splitting, it still rates the number one spot due to the potential for large tax savings foregone. For many retired taxpayers, this has been by far the most generous change in our tax laws of the past decade. In extreme cases where one spouse has retired with investment savings and a good pension, and the other spouse stayed at home throughout their married life, I have seen annual tax savings from this measure exceed $10,000. Multiply that by the number of retirement years, and it can end up being a very significant tax savings indeed!
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Making smart asset choices from imperfect asset data
April 29, 2022
April 29, 2022
How using machine learning to fill in data gaps allows for more efficient operations and better stakeholder trust
Since the early 2000s, we have seen exponential growth in the demand for and consumption of data. That data comes from social media, smart apps, and artificial intelligence. It also includes new innovations that combine data inputs such as Flood Alerts, Constraints Checkers, and Route Selector. Data plays a critical role in Asset Management from helping determine asset criticality, to making key investment decisions regarding repair, replace, or refurbish—especially for asset intensive industries such as utilities, civils, and transport.
The importance of data-driven decisions is ever increasing as large organizations are turning more to digital solutions to keep pace with the demands of making well-informed investments.
The consequences of making the wrong investment decision can take years to rectify, impact operational performance—especially in regulated markets such as water—and have significant financial repercussions. Therefore, the management of data quantity and quality is becoming even more important for asset managers. Often organizations fail to recognize that the base asset data is an asset itself. Unfortunately, that means maintaining the accuracy and completeness of the base dataset is often an afterthought and overlooked. And it shouldn’t be.
The wide scale adoption of digital tools to inform long-term planning and various investment scenarios has highlighted the need to improve both asset data capture and data maintenance. This is particularly true for the UK Water sector where the regulator Ofwat is recommending long-term investment scenarios with adaptive pathways as part of their latest consultation. This firmly puts the emphasis on improving data and data insights to ensure better investment decisions are made in the future.
The cost to improve the quality of base data and to minimize data gaps can be incredibly expensive. Driving robust data capture can take several years to develop—if not decades for some industries.
Therein lies a key question. Can we make good decisions based on noisy data or incomplete datasets? This is not a trivial ask and a struggle for many utility companies across the UK.
To overcome the challenge of making smart, sustainable investment decisions in the long term with less-than-ideal data is difficult, however, it’s not impossible. There are various techniques to reduce data gaps and assumptions made. A value for money alternatively to collecting new data is to use various infilling techniques, this can be rules based, max/min values, or expected values. The key advantage of this technique is that it uses the existing data to extrapolate missing data, therefore not requiring further new information. Studies have shown that datasets that have been infilled up to 40%, still drives similar conclusions and results as if the complete dataset was used in the analysis.
This is very powerful. Being able to demonstrate that despite missing data, one can still make highly effective decisions—even with almost half of the base data missing—is an asset-management and a monetary-management game changer.
The wide scale adoption of digital tools to inform long-term planning and various investment scenarios has highlighted the need to improve both asset data capture and data maintenance.
I must admit, there is a stigma associated with infilling techniques, which has negative connotations regarding the accuracy of the resultant analysis. Some argue infilled data points are not genuine data points and it is only a best guess, bringing into question the uncertainty of the results. There is no denying that this is factually true, and without a massive financial investment there is no way to get around this statement.
Our teams have found that you can “tag” infilled data points and perform uncertainty and sensitivity analyses to get an appreciation of the ambiguity ranges when using infilled data vs incomplete data. When applied appropriately, statical infilling can greatly bolster confidence in investment decisions.
There are infilling techniques that are fundamentally not suited for certain datasets, so careful consideration is needed. An experienced data analyst will know what types of analysis best fits the type of available information.
With increased interest in the ability to deploy data to deliver better investment insights, I present two examples below that show the effectiveness of data-driven asset management. Both examples showcase how data and data insights played a critical role.
More often than not, large asset intensive organizations have too much asset data. It can be overwhelming. In fact, studies show companies are collecting data for the sake of collecting data. Essentially building what is sometimes referred to as “Data Graveyards.” Collecting new information is not always the most cost beneficial strategy; rather, analyzing existing data to drive useful insights is more productive.
To get started on this journey, I recommended organizations start with reviewing existing data and its quality. Try to use infilling techniques to derive outputs instead of continuously collecting new data to acquire the perfect datasets. Effective decision making can be achieved with partial datasets—although it requires a lot of patience and critical thinking. This will lead to more solid investment decisions and improved stakeholder confidence—a win-win.
Our team offers a number of industry-leading data analytic tools in growing demand in our current costs-conscious environment. Find out more about Stantec’s Digital services.
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Many people drink alcohol to relax and reduce anxiety. However, over time, alcohol can actually worsen anxiety symptoms. Understanding the complex relationship between alcohol and anxiety is important for managing both conditions.
How Alcohol Initially Reduces Anxiety
Alcohol is classified as a depressant drug. It slows down activity in the central nervous system, leading to feelings of relaxation and lowered inhibition. For many, having a couple of drinks provides temporary relief from anxious thoughts and worries. The initial effects come on fast as alcohol is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream.
This rapid change in mood provided by alcohol makes it an attractive option for those struggling with anxious feelings or social anxiety. A couple of drinks can make it easier to approach strangers or speak up in groups. Some also use alcohol to cope with anxiety related to stressful events or trauma.
While alcohol may genuinely reduce anxiety at first, this effect fades as more alcohol is consumed. Higher blood alcohol levels actually increase anxiety instead of reducing it.
The Rebound Effect: How Alcohol Increases Anxiety
With regular drinking over weeks and months, the brain attempts to compensate for the depressant effects of alcohol. Brain receptors become less responsive to alcohol and more excitable when sober. This leads to a rebound effect, where anxiety levels spike when alcohol leaves the system.
Hangovers are a prime example of alcohol-related rebound anxiety. As blood alcohol levels drop, the excitability of brain receptors can cause anxiety, jumpiness, insomnia and even panic attacks. Hangovers serve as a mini-withdrawal as the brain struggles to adapt to the sudden lack of alcohol.
For those already prone to anxiety, hangovers can be especially severe. Anxiety may be worse than ever during the days following heavy drinking episodes. Over time, the rebound effect tends to worsen, extending the duration and severity of alcohol-related anxiety.
Other Ways Alcohol Exacerbates Anxiety
Beyond withdrawal-related anxiety, drinking alcohol can contribute to anxiety in other ways:
- Poor sleep quality – Alcohol disrupts sleep cycles, depriving the brain of restorative deep sleep. Lack of sleep is linked to increased anxiety and irritability.
- Dehydration and nutrition deficit – Heavy drinking leads to dehydration and reduced intake of healthy foods, negatively impacting mood stability.
- Worsened depression – Alcohol is itself a depressant and can worsen depressive symptoms when used long-term. Anxiety and depression often occur together.
- Regret over actions while drunk – Loss of inhibition while drinking can lead to embarassing situations or behavior that increases anxiety when sober.
- Alcohol tolerance – More drinking is required to get the desired effects as tolerance increases. This makes quitting or cutting back more difficult.
The temptation to continue drinking to immediately reduce anxiety can lead to a vicious cycle. Anxiety sufferers may end up drinking larger amounts, more frequently in attempt to find relief. This only ends up making the anxiety worse.
Getting Help for Alcohol Addiction
For those with severe alcoholism or dependence, rebound anxiety and other symptoms can be so severe that medical help is necessary for safe detox. Supervised detox helps manage withdrawal symptoms including anxiety while safely weaning off alcohol dependence.
Counseling and support groups provide tools for coping with anxiety without relying on alcohol. Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective for breaking the cycle of using alcohol to cope with anxiety. Prescription anti-anxiety medications can also help take the edge off while working towards sobriety.
In summary, alcohol may temporarily reduce anxiety but ends up exacerbating anxiety overall. A comprehensive approach can help break the alcohol-anxiety cycle.
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Relationship and Culture
Relationship and culture can be described as topic that covers how relationships, whether platonic or charming, can be impacted by different ethnic contexts. Regardless of whom we are and where consultant we come in, we all incorporate some form of way of life that is passed on from our ancestors and forefathers. Culture is a collective manners, philosophy and attitudes of a group that becomes social constructions and norms of habit.
Take pleasure in is a universal feeling that transcends across civilizations and traditions. Nevertheless , some nationalities may place more importance on selected aspects of absolutely adore than others. For example , some civilizations like Bekwai, ghana are more very careful when it comes to friendships and steering clear of conflicts with individuals coming from different categories. While others like the Swahili customs along the shoreline of Kenya and Tanzania value closeness in their interactions.
When ever considering building human relationships with people which have different backgrounds, most of us make mistakes. Whether it’s something that offends their lifestyle, http://www.mayra.ro/azi-in-istorie/charming-honeymoons-in-latin-america-2 or they say or perhaps do something racially insensitive, you have to speak up and let your spouse know how the actions or words allow you to truly feel. You can then discuss what happened to see if there is any way you can take care of the issue continuing to move forward.
With regards to interracial online dating, it’s important to understand that there are a lot of various ways that we can build a adoring and healthy and balanced romantic relationship with somebody from one other racial or perhaps ethnic history. It was not that long ago given it was against the law to date somebody from another type of racial or ethnic backdrop, but now that laws are definitely relaxed and many people are open-minded, interracial dating is growing rapidly becoming increasingly common.
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One of the interesting points brought out in the most recent flat rolled steel survey is distributors inventories are rising. According to the results from last week’s survey steel inventories rose to their highest levels since January 2013 and now stand at 2.35 months.
MSCI data is due out later this week and SMU is forecasting that our Apparent Deficit of -58,000 tons will move into excess when the new data is released. Our forecast is for flat rolled inventories to move into an Apparent Excess of +150,000 tons (December MSCI) and +241,000 tons by the end of January before dropping back at the end of February. The link we have provided at the beginning of this paragraph takes you back to our original article and forecast. We will revise our forecast once the new MSCI data is revealed.
John PackardRead more from John Packard
Latest in Service Centers
Steel Warehouse rebrands cold mill division as ‘Specialty Strip’
Steel Warehouse Co. has announced the rebranding of its Cold Mill division as “Specialty Strip,” a boutique cold mill.
Reliance completes acquisition of American Alloy
Reliance Inc. said it has completed its buy of Houston-based American Alloy Steel, effective as of April 1.
Reliance buys MidWest Materials
Reliance Inc. has acquired flat-rolled steel service center MidWest Materials of Perry, Ohio.
Worthington pauses M&A to focus on electrical steel expansions
Worthington Steel is taking a pause on M&A activity as it focuses on progressing its electrical steel expansions in Mexico and Canada.
Varsteel acquires Canadian service center Pacific Steel
Varsteel, a Canadian steel and pipe service center, has announced the acquisition of Pacific Steel in Laval, Quebec.
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The spreads between the various steel price indexes watched on a weekly basis by Steel Market Update have been shrinking. With the exception of plate (which had price increase announcements during the week) and SMU cold rolled, all of the other flat rolled steel price indices either moved sideways or moved lower this past week.
Our average on hot rolled dropped by $2 per ton to $677 per ton. The spread from low to high is now $12.50 per ton with CRU being at the low end and Platts at the upper end of the range.
Cold rolled average actually increased as Steel Market Update moved our CR index to $795 per ton (up $10 per ton). The spread between the low set by SteelBenchmarker (who did not produce new numbers this week) and the high by Platts is now $13 per ton. Taking SteelBenchmarker out of the equation the spread is only $10 per ton.
Galvanized average dropped to $851 per ton for .060” G90. We will make our adjustment for the changing extras by early next week as we believe most of the laggards will announce their extras this week for October production.
Galvalume was unchanged and plate price average moved up to $851 per ton (+$12 per ton).
FOB Points for each index:
SMU: Domestic Mill, East of the Rockies.
CRU: Midwest Mill, East of the Rockies.
SteelBenchmarker: Domestic Mill, East of the Mississippi.
Platts: Northern Indiana Domestic Mill.
John PackardRead more from John Packard
Latest in Steel Products Prices North America
Nucor posts $830/ton spot HR price for week of April 8
Nucor said its spot hot-rolled (HR) coil price this week will be $830 per short ton (st).
US HR prices rebound, no longer near parity with imports
US hot-rolled coil and offshore hot band moved further away from parity this week as stateside prices have begun to move higher in response to mill increases.
Galvanized buyers report solid demand, balanced inventories
Galvanized buyers reported solid demand and balanced inventories this week and were anticipating the sheet price increase announced by Cleveland-Cliffs on Wednesday.
HRC vs. CRC price spread jumps in second week of new year
The spread between cold-rolled coil (CRC) and hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices jumped during the week of Jan. 8 as cold rolled tags continued to rise while hot rolled tags held steady.
Cliffs increases sheet prices again, seeks $1,150/ton HRC
Cleveland-Cliffs is now targeting base prices of $1,150 per ton for hot-rolled coil (HRC), according to a press release on Wednesday morning, Jan. 3.
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Apparent steel supply for the month of April totaled 9,132,068 net tons, according to the latest data released from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the American Iron and Steel Institute. Apparent steel supply is calculated by adding domestic steel shipments and finished U.S. steel imports, then subtracting total U.S. steel exports.
While down over March, we want to remind our readers that the April apparent steel supply figure is still high in comparison to the last year or so. Last month, we saw the highest apparent steel supply level seen since July 2015. You can view our full apparent steel supply history on the Steel Market Update website in the Import/Export Data section.
April apparent steel supply represents a 497,151 ton or 5.8 percent increase compared to the same month one year ago. The majority of this change came from an increase in finished imports, increasing 511,446 tons or 24.9 percent. Domestic shipments were relatively flat, up 48,750 tons or 0.7 percent. Total exports lessened the overall rise in apparent steel supply as they rose 63,046 or 7.9 percent.
The net trade balance between U.S. steel imports and exports was a surplus of +2,493,401 tons imported in April, up from +2,470,376 tons last month and up from 1,689,044 tons one year ago. This is the highest net trade balance seen since July 2016 when it was 2,527,953 tons. Foreign steel imports accounted for 28.1 percent of apparent steel supply in April, up 4.3 percent over the same month one year ago.
When compared to last month, when apparent steel supply was 9,300,718 tons and at a 1.5 year high, April supply decreased by 168,649 tons or 1.8 percent. This was primarily due to a decrease in domestic imports, which fell 264,354 tons or 3.4 percent. Finished imports were nearly flat month over month, up 4,680 tons or 0.2 percent. Total exports in declined 91,024 tons or 9.6 percent over March, which slightly negated the overall decrease in apparent steel supply.
The table below shows year-to-date totals for each statistic over the last five years. Note that these averages are calculated through the first four months of each year for an equal comparison. As was the case last month, the 2017 data points are higher than the 2016 figures, but are mixed compared to 2013-2015 data for all items listed.
To see an interactive graphic of our Apparent Steel Supply history, visit the Apparent Steel Supply page in the Analysis section of the SMU website. If you need any assistance logging in or navigating the website, contact us at [email protected] or 800-432-3475.
Brett LintonRead more from Brett Linton
Latest in Steel Products Prices North America
Nucor posts $830/ton spot HR price for week of April 8
Nucor said its spot hot-rolled (HR) coil price this week will be $830 per short ton (st).
US HR prices rebound, no longer near parity with imports
US hot-rolled coil and offshore hot band moved further away from parity this week as stateside prices have begun to move higher in response to mill increases.
Galvanized buyers report solid demand, balanced inventories
Galvanized buyers reported solid demand and balanced inventories this week and were anticipating the sheet price increase announced by Cleveland-Cliffs on Wednesday.
HRC vs. CRC price spread jumps in second week of new year
The spread between cold-rolled coil (CRC) and hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices jumped during the week of Jan. 8 as cold rolled tags continued to rise while hot rolled tags held steady.
Cliffs increases sheet prices again, seeks $1,150/ton HRC
Cleveland-Cliffs is now targeting base prices of $1,150 per ton for hot-rolled coil (HRC), according to a press release on Wednesday morning, Jan. 3.
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A rail line servicing Canada’s Algoma steel mill is in financial jeopardy over track maintenance costs. The Huron Central Railway, which connects Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, needs $46 million to cover infrastructure repairs over the next five years.
This is the second time in the last decade that Huron Central has appealed to Ottawa for funding to keep the line operational. In order to secure funding from the government, the rail line requires a commitment from a provincial partner to match the dollars.
Huron Central is owned by Canada Pacific Rail, which contracts with Genesee & Wyoming Canada to feed regional freight to CP’s main line at Sudbury.
Huron Central is hoping to gain the support of Queen’s Park as a partner. If the request is rebuffed, parent company G&W says it will make a decision by early 2018 on whether it will terminate service.
Huron Central services three major industrial shippers including Algoma located in Sault Ste. Marie. The mill is serviced by the Canadian Pacific Railway via Huron Central Railway, which is vital to Algoma for moving its products to market.
Algoma spokesperson Brenda Stenta said that if a shutdown occurs, the company will use “alternative means to get our product to market, reliably and on-time.”
Canadian Pacific Rail, which owns G&W, remains a “valued supplier to Algoma,” said Stenta, “and we remain optimistic they will achieve a resolution that ensures their continued service to Algoma and other regional customers.”
Sandy WilliamsRead more from Sandy Williams
Latest in Steel Mills
SMU survey: Sheet lead times contract, plate pushes out
The market appears to be taking a pause after the heavy buying that occurred in March.
USW claims Nippon prioritizing Japanese ops in US tin mill trade case
The United Steelworkers (USW) union is calling out Nippon Steel for already prioritizing its Japanese operations at the expense of American workers despite forging ahead with its proposed plan to purchase U.S. Steel.
Biden reiterates position on USS sale
President Biden said on Wednesday he would stand by his commitment to US workers regarding the proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel.
Evraz reports no impact on production from fire at Pueblo mill
Evraz North America said there was no impact on production from a fire that broke out at its Pueblo., Colo., steel mill on Friday.
AISI: Raw steel production reaches top mark YTD
Domestic raw steel production moved higher last week after rebounding from a seven-week low just two weeks ago, reaching its highest total year-to-date, according to the latest release from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)
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ArcelorMittal reported its best third-quarter shipment performance since 2008. Shipments of 21.7 million tons were 1.0 percent higher than second-quarter due to a 1.2 percent increase in Brazil shipments, a 4.3 percent increase in NAFTA shipments, and a 3.2 percent increase from the ACIS segment. Shipments from the three segments offset a decline of 3.3 percent in Europe. Iron ore shipments were up 8.1 percent year-over-year to 15 million tons.
Sales for the quarter were $17.6 billion as compared to $17.2 billion for Q2 and $14.5 billion for Q3 2016. Net income was slightly lower at $1.2 billion in the third quarter compared to $1.3 billion in the second quarter, and higher than $700 million posted in Q3 2016.
“Favorable market conditions have supported another solid quarterly performance with EBITDA for the first nine months considerably improved year-on-year,” commented ArcelorMittal Chairman and CEO Lakshmi N. Mittal. “Operating conditions continue to improve, with key indicators including the ArcelorMittal weighted PMI implying a positive outlook for 2018. While pleased with the progress that we are making, we operate in a competitive global environment, which is characterized by overcapacity and high levels of imports.”
ArcelorMittal expects 2017 global apparent steel consumption to grow by approximately 2.5 percent to 3.0 percent. By region, apparent steel consumption in the U.S. (excluding pipe and tube) is expected to grow 2.0 percent to 3.0 percent, reflecting higher machinery and construction demand offset by lower automotive production.
ArcelorMittal’s NAFTA segment increased crude steel production by 2.5 percent to 5.9 million tons in the third quarter. Sales totaled $4.6 billion, relatively unchanged from the second quarter due to higher steel shipment volumes offset by lower average selling prices.
Shipments increased 4.3 percent to 5.7 million tons Average steel selling price was $741 per ton compared to $750 per ton in Q2 and $715 per ton in Q3 2016.
Installation of the new caster at the No .3 steel shop at Indiana Harbor is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter. Restoration of the 80-inch hot strip mill and upgrades for finishing and logistics will be completed sometime in 2018.
Two new walking beam reheat furnaces will be installed at Burns Harbor. The project will improve hot rolling quality and productivity and help ArcelorMittal sustain market position while reducing energy consumption. The project is scheduled for completion in 2021.
The company is undertaking a $1 billion, three-year investment program at its Mexican operations that will realize ArcelorMittal Mexico’s production capacity of 5.3 million metric tons and increase the higher-value-added products mix. The main investment will be the construction of a new hot strip mill. Construction will take approximately three years and, upon completion, will enable ArcelorMittal Mexico to produce 2.5 million tons of flat rolled steel, 1.8 million tons of long steel, and the remaining tonnage in semi-finished slabs. Coils from the new hot strip mill will be supplied to domestic, non-auto and general industry customers.
During the earnings call presentation, Daniel Fairclough, Investor Relations, and Genuino Christino, Head of Finance, answered questions from analysts.
The performance at Calvert was very, very strong in the third quarter, said Fairclough, with two months of record production and capacity utilization rates at the hot strip mill consistently at the high 90 percent level.
On pricing, Fairclough noted there was a rise in global spread, but not in the U.S. markets. Part of that was due to weaker scrap where buyers wait to see where pricing will settle before placing orders. “It’s interesting to see that today U.S. pricing does look out of line with those global trends that we’ve observed over the past couple of months,” he said.
Commenting on the Mexican project, Fairclough said it is “a great opportunity for us to go downstream into value-added products, capitalize on the strength of our primary business and our low-cost production in Mexico, and take advantage of what is a high-growth market heavily dependent on imports for value-added steel.” ArcelorMittal Mexico will benefit from the investment being in the new special economic zone at Lazaro and the incentive of a 100 percent rebate on taxes for the first 10 years and then a 50 percent rebate for the following five years.
“In terms of Mexico, I think the economy is doing well,” added Christino. “We have seen the pricing consumption also growing. And we should also remember that in Q2 we have some maintenance in some of our facilities in Mexico, so as a result we see some higher shipments also this quarter.” Loans from the domestic markets as well as international markets are opening up some opportunities for the company to export volumes out of Mexico, he added.
Sandy WilliamsRead more from Sandy Williams
Latest in Steel Mills
SMU survey: Sheet lead times contract, plate pushes out
The market appears to be taking a pause after the heavy buying that occurred in March.
USW claims Nippon prioritizing Japanese ops in US tin mill trade case
The United Steelworkers (USW) union is calling out Nippon Steel for already prioritizing its Japanese operations at the expense of American workers despite forging ahead with its proposed plan to purchase U.S. Steel.
Biden reiterates position on USS sale
President Biden said on Wednesday he would stand by his commitment to US workers regarding the proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel.
Evraz reports no impact on production from fire at Pueblo mill
Evraz North America said there was no impact on production from a fire that broke out at its Pueblo., Colo., steel mill on Friday.
AISI: Raw steel production reaches top mark YTD
Domestic raw steel production moved higher last week after rebounding from a seven-week low just two weeks ago, reaching its highest total year-to-date, according to the latest release from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)
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What’s up with plate? I’ve been asked again and again how plate has managed to maintain such a high premium over sheet this year.
Here are a few arguments that have been made to me over the past week in support of high plate prices. And below that are a few charts I still find hard to square with those reasons.
First, in no particular order, are some of the cases advanced for the highest plate prices we’ve ever recorded:
• Plate, while it trends with sheet, does so on a significant lag
• Plate, because of duties rolled out in 2017 against product from 12 nations (combined with 232 tariffs), is more protected than sheet
• Plate mills are more consolidated than sheet mills
• An unplanned outage that was not broadly publicized might have limited supply
• Plate will benefit more from infrastructure spending, especially when it comes to offshore wind farms
• Increased demand from the military, notably for submarine upgrades
I can think of counterpoints to each: Consolidation didn’t help sheet when the market tanked in Q4’21/Q1’22. Infrastructure spending is more of a 2023-24 story, and plate lead times are barely into 2H’22. Military spending – in an era of composite drones – is not a big driver of steel demand.
But let’s set aside the point-counterpoint stuff for now and just consider prices and lead times. In the chart below, plate prices are the orange line, HRC prices are the red line, and HRC lead times are the gray bars. (You can replicate the chart below using our interactive pricing tool.):
Plate prices were at around $1,800 per ton ($90 per cwt) at the beginning of the year. And they’ve been bouncing around $1,900 per ton since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. That’s remarkably stable compared to the intense volatility seen in sheet prices over the same period.
But here is one thing both products have in common: Prices remain extraordinarily high. But lead times have contracted back to “normal” levels – or what would have been considered normal pre-pandemic.
Plate lead times are five to six weeks, in line with historic norms. And yet plate prices are roughly twice their pre-pandemic high of around $1,000 per ton, which was set back in 2018 following the implementation of Section 232 tariffs and quotas.
You can see that prior highwater mark in the chart below, which takes a broader view of the relationship between plate prices, sheet prices, and lead times:
In other words, we’re back to where we were in January and February of this year, asking ourselves whether the plate price dam will break or whether this time is different – and, if it is, why? Do you have any theories? Let us know!
Side note: I know some of you get irritated when plate prices go up or down $10-20 per ton from one week to the next. My advice: Recall the context. Up or down $20 per ton matters when plate prices are around $700 per ton, a “normal” price in the past. When you’re talking about a $1,900 base, that’s just noise – a matter of pennies.
By Michael Cowden, [email protected]
Michael CowdenRead more from Michael Cowden
Latest in Steel Products Prices North America
Nucor posts $830/ton spot HR price for week of April 8
Nucor said its spot hot-rolled (HR) coil price this week will be $830 per short ton (st).
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Mobile translation platform to automatically translate Tweets for global audience
San Francisco, CA and Beijing, China (June 2, 2016) – Stepes (pronounced /’steps/), the world’s first mobile platform for human translation, has launched its continuous Twitter translation service powered by human translators. With Stepes’ Twitter API, businesses can obtain live quality human translations of Tweets automatically and around the clock.
Stepes Twitter translation provides an end-to-end solution for translating social media in real time. The new Twitter API allows Stepes users to link up their Twitter accounts and automatically have their Tweets translated live by human translators and reposted on their official accounts. Users can specify which accounts they want to be translated and set daily limits on spending. Each user will receive a regular report on their social media translation for tracking purposes.
“Having a global social media presence is incredibly valuable, but not enough businesses are translating their social media,” said Carl Yao, Stepes’ founder. “Stepes’ Twitter API gives individuals and businesses an affordable, scalable way to globalize their social media.”
Stepes’ Twitter API can handle thousands of translation requests a minute, a breakthrough enabled by Stepes’ global network of translators, who can translate directly from their mobile phones. Stepes’ intuitive and free mobile translation app allows in-country translators and bilingual subject matter experts to translate languages wherever and whenever, creating income and efficiency for users of the app. Its new Twitter API will support Stepes’ on-demand, continuous translation model, providing around-the-clock translation support for user-generated content and social media.
“Previous translation models and technologies can’t handle the volume and speed of translation requests from social media,” said Yao. “Stepes’ mobile technology now bridges the language gap for social media.”
Stepes is now looking to expand its social media API beyond Twitter to platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WeChat.
To learn more about Stepes Twitter translation service, please visit https://www.stepes.com/twitter-translation/. Sign up to begin translating your Tweets at: https://login.stepes.com/twitter-sign-up.
Stepes (pronounced /’steps/) is the world’s first chat-based mobile translation platform powered by human translators from around the world. Stepes disrupts the traditional translation model by allowing quality human translations to be turned around in minutes rather than days. It does so with proprietary mobile technology that allows the entire translation process to happen within the Stepes’ mobile ecosystem. By seamlessly connecting businesses with the larger pool of translators and bilingual subject matter experts through this ecosystem, Stepes break down language barriers between businesses and their customers and among nations and people.
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Dental clinics take critical steps to maintain safe and healthy practices as they work hard every day to deliver quality preventative care and treatment to their patients.
It can take a great deal of effort for dental teams to manage multiple regulated waste streams while staying up-to-date with regulatory requirements. The following best practices aim to help dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental office staff promote safety for their patients and their entire team.
Put Safety First
Patient and workplace safety is essential to quality oral health care. Dentists and their staff must be vigilant when following waste removal strategies to avoid exchanging cold and flu viruses, bacteria, environmental toxins, or bloodborne pathogens.
- Proper disposal of dental sharps. Dental practices should have policies and procedures in place to address sharps safety, including precautions for using sharps, such as dental needles, during clean up and disposal. Safe handling procedures, along with specially designed waste receptacles, can limit needlestick injuries that may expose dental healthcare personnel to bloodborne pathogens. Sharps containers should be puncture-resistant, leak-proof, designed to prevent overfilling, and located where sharps are generated.
- Proper disposal of non-anatomical waste. Dental staff should also ensure correct disposal of other biomedical waste, such as gauzes or procedural drapes saturated with blood. Colour-coded or labelled non-anatomical waste bags should be used to dispose of these potentially infectious materials properly.
- Proper disposal of hazardous wastes. Some chemicals used in dental practices may be regulated as hazardous waste. Common items in dental practices that may be hazardous waste include certain pharmaceuticals, fixer, developer, disinfectants, batteries, fluorescent lamps, and amalgam. It is also important to point out that none of these chemical wastes can be disposed in the yellow bag or sharps containers as biomedical waste, even if determined to be non-hazardous. Stericycle can connect you with a vendor to assist with the management of these waste streams.
Environment Canada also has regulations applicable to dental facilities that place or remove dental amalgam and that discharge wastewater to municipal sewer systems. Ontario Regulation 196/03, legislated under the Dentistry Act, requires every dental practice in Ontario in which dental amalgam is placed, repaired, or removed to install and maintain a dental amalgam separator that meets or exceeds the ISO “Dental Equipment – Amalgam Separators” standard.
Actively Participate in Compliance Training
A lack of compliance with safety regulations and the recommendations above may compromise a patient’s or a team member's well-being. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a nationwide system that gives employers and workers information about hazardous products used in the workplace. WHMIS training helps ensure workers understand the information on labels and safety data sheets and can apply this knowledge on the job. WHMIS is required by law for everyone working in dental practices.
Fortunately, there are online training modules, such as those offered by Stericycle, which enable organizations to meet Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Training. These easy-to-use tools are available 24/7/365, so staff can complete them at their convenience. The modules also document that training has been completed for situations where the practice must document that training has occurred.
Solutions for a Safe, Compliant Workplace
In addition to online compliance training, Stericycle offers medical waste disposal and management solutions to help dental practices ensure a safe, compliant workplace, including:
- Safe Needle Disposal: Whether disposable or reusable, Stericycle containers are designed with safety in mind to help compliantly dispose of sharps and reduce needlestick injuries.
- Sharps Disposal Container and Service Options: Reusable, mail back, and disposable sharps containers, as well as full service and self-service options for sharps container exchange are available.
- Biomedical Waste Disposal: Compliant collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of medical waste.
- Pharmaceutical Waste Solutions: Safe and compliant disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste, including narcotics/controlled substances, precursor containing pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medications, cosmetics and other consumer products.
Learn more about how Stericycle can help your dental office put safety and compliance first.
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What is the Parent Forum?
The Parent Forum is a partnership between parents and the school. It is a valuable way to share ideas, views, concerns and make suggestions for improvement. The aims of the Parent Forum will be to:
- work together to improve the education provided for our children
- share information, knowledge and skills
- meet in a mutually supportive environment
- further improve communications between parents/carers and staff/governors
The parent forum does not have any statutory responsibilities, duties or powers in the school.
Who can be part of the parent forum?
Any parent/carer of children currently at St. James’ is welcome to join any parent forum meeting. The forum will be chaired by Dr Guscott, Deputy Headteacher. At times other members of the school community will also attend the meetings depending on the agenda items and what the school feels they would like to share with the parents, such as new initiatives.
Why should I be part of the parent forum?
It gives you, the parent, an opportunity to get together on a regular basis with other parents to have your say on what the school is doing well, and suggest ideas of how things could be improved.
How often will the Parent Forum meet?
We usually meet on a Monday once every term for about an hour. Meeting dates for 2023/24:
16th October 2023 6 – 7 pm
4th March 2024 6 – 7 pm
10th June 2024 6 – 7 pm
What will be discussed at the meetings?
Anything related to improving the school and further developing the partnership between the school and parents. The meetings will be informal and are on opportunity for an open discussion.
It is not the forum to discuss concerns or complaints involving individual children, families or members of staff.
How can I raise an issue?
Come to the meeting and bring it up during the open discussion. If you are unable to attend, please email the School Office at [email protected] so that any issues or concerns can be discussed at the meeting.
Parent Forum 2021-22 and 2022-23 – some key actions
|How to further improve communication between school and home
|Weekly letter sent by Mr Pontifex
Half termly update on the curriculum sent by Dr Guscott
Revamped, clearer school website
More clarity on communicating timing of events, school fixtures, trips
|Cost of uniform
|All suppliers advertised on school website
Number of branded items reduced to a minimum
Improved advertising of second hand uniform
|Further improving the rewards system
|Consultation with the School Council
Introduction of new value passes
Introduction of new system of reward experiences by Mr Maidment
|Further improving the lunchtime experience of St. James’ pupils
|School Council consultation about school food
Better vegetarian/healthy options
New rota system to vary times in for year groups at lunch
Pre-ordering system for pupils
Continuing to monitor and ensure school toilet provision
|Better Careers information for all pupils
|Improved schemes of work for all year groups
Careers Convention for Years 10 and 11
Apprenticeship information for students
Wide variety of careers experienced for all pupils
Appointment of Miss Ashworth, careers adviser
|Improving provision for pupil mental health and wellbeing
|Appointment of new pastoral manager and safeguarding/mental health leads
Participation in the BeeWell initiative
Mental Health Awareness Week
Introduction of termly subject and wellbeing target checks
|Parents’ Evenings on School Cloud
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Former St. Louis Jr. Blues forward Nick Saracino has committed to play next year for the Providence College Friars in Hockey East. Saracino currently skates for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League. He currently leads the team in RoughRiders with 10 points in 8 games and is a +14.
Head Coach J.P. Beilsten said, "Nick has amazing skill and we couldn't be happier for him. He has worked hard, battled through injuries last year, and now has become a leader on a team that has a rich tradition with tremendous success moving players on to the collegiate level. He deserves this opportunity."
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Website - www.tbsbibles.org
The principal purpose of this society is to promote the Glory of God and the salvation of men, by circulating, both at home and abroad, in dependence on the Divine blessing, the Holy Scriptures, which are given by inspiration of God, and are able to make men wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus. This emphasis is clearly shown in our aims below.
- To publish and distribute
the Holy Scriptures throughout the world in many languages.
- To promote Bible
translations which are accurate and trustworthy, conforming to the Hebrew
Masoretic Text of the Old Testament, and the Greek Textus Receptus of the
New Testament, upon which texts the English Authorised Version is based.
- To be instrumental in
bringing light and life, through the Gospel of Christ, to those who are
lost in sin and in the darkness of false religion and unbelief.
- To uphold the doctrines of
reformed Christianity, bearing witness to the equal and eternal deity of
God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, One God in three
- To uphold the Bible as the
inspired, inerrant Word of God.
- For the Glory of God and the
Increase of His Kingdom through the circulation of Protestant or
uncorrupted versions of the Word of God
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Brupaks Pride of Yorkshire Ales
Brupaks fine Yorkshire ales are more than just beer kits. They are concentrated brewers' worts. Using only the finest quality 2-row malting barley and the choicest English hops, the grist is 'mashed' with water at 65°c for about one hour to convert the starches into sugar. The resultant liquid (wort) is strained off into a boiling vessel where hops are added for bitterness. After boiling, extra hops are added for flavour and aroma, the excess liquid is evaporated under vacuum, at low temperatures, and canned. All that is necessary is to dilute the concentrated wort back to its original density and ferment! Extra hops are included to restore aroma lost during production.
Of Special note is the Special Lager, that comes with a genuine branded lager yeast.
Some of the Pride of yorkshire range
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SINGAPORE - Almost all students who finished secondary school last year completed at least two Values in Action (VIA) projects that impacted their school or community, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said on Tuesday (Sept 18).
In 2012, it was announced that the Community Involvement Programme (CIP) would gradually be replaced with the VIA programme, where the focus shifted from community service to developing desired values in students.
Under VIA, students learn about community issues and the needs of others, and come up with proposals on how they can contribute to improvements in school, at home or in the community. It is compulsory for students in primary and secondary schools, junior colleges and centralised institutes.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Social and Family Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said VIA has "a more long-lasting and deeper impact" than the CIP.
He was speaking to the media at Chongzheng Primary School, after a group of students from its Innovation Club gave him a presentation on some of their VIA projects.
Dr Faishal said: "VIA allows the students to think, conceptualise and make sure there are experiential components. At the same time, there is a long-term and sustained component.
"It's not only about doing projects. The notion of innovation is also prevalent - the students are encouraged to think beyond the norm; they have to think of ways to creatively approach the issues at hand."
One of the campaigns launched by the students, called Grampathy (a combination of gratitude and empathy), involved the publishing of a children's storybook last year and a comic book this year.
The storybook, called Shoe Koala And His Shoes, revolves around a koala who makes shoes for his animal friends, and realises that different animals have different needs.
It aims to teach young children the importance of seeing things from others' perspectives, and of showing gratitude and empathy to people around them.
About 1,000 copies of the 20-page book were printed.
The students gave 500 copies free to PCF Sparkletots pre-schools, and are selling the rest for $5 each to cover their costs.
The comic book, Shoe Koala, is an extension of the first book.
Team leader Syabil Oh, who is in Primary 6, said his peers are looking to take the project further and explore the idea of a third book, even after they leave the school.
He said: "We want to reach more people, and spread the message more."
Dr Faishal said: "It is important to continue to create this environment for them. VIA ensures that we are able to provide a more holistic educational journey for the children that is fun.
"When they are able to relate (to a cause) and do something they find interesting, the whole experience becomes a very worthwhile journey for them."
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But if we only pay attention to Ukraine’s literature of conflict and disregard its other attributes, we do it a disservice. Due to its location at the meeting point of the East and West, one of its most distinctive characteristics is that it is a melting pot of cultures, especially in western towns like Lviv and Odessa. Before he was assassinated in 1940 as part of Stalin’s terror campaign, Jewish writer Isaac Babel (born 1894) built his name as one of the major names in 20th-Century literature with a relatively modest output. Although he also wrote about battle in his Red Cavalry sequence, Babel claimed that “no iron can pierce the heart with the force of a [full stop/period] put in just the right place.” However, it is his Odessa stories that most vividly capture the essence of Ukraine’s melting-pot culture.
Odessa is depicted in Babel’s tales with humor and compassion. It is, he wrote in 1916, the “most charming of cities in the Russian Empire… where the living is light and easy.” Its diversity is shown in “steamers from Newcastle, Cardiff, Marseille and Port Said; there are Negroes, Englishmen, Frenchmen and Americans.” But on the other side of society, the “powdered wives” of the city’s “plump and ridiculous bourgeoisie… succumb to the passionate caresses of temperamental students of medicine and law.” Overall, Babel adds playfully, “the reader will say, ‘It sounds like Odessa is a city like any other, and you, sir, are simply biased in the extreme.'”
In fact, this cynicism and self-mockery fit right in with what the novelist Józef Wittlin, who was born in the Ukraine, described in 1946 as the “abhorrence of solemnity” and “dislike of all manner of pomp” in his beloved city of Lviv. Like Babel, he adored his city’s diverse, colourful population: “an extraordinary mixture of nobility and roguery, wisdom and imbecility, poetry and vulgarity.” The Czech-French novelist Milan Kundera identified this as a quality more widely in central Europe: its people, he said, “represent the wrong side of history. They are its victims and outsiders. It is this disabused view of history that is the source of their culture, of their wisdom, of the ‘nonserious spirit’ that mocks grandeur and glory.”
Does this “nonserious spirit” apply to Ukraine too? “I think so,” says Dralyuk. “It’s a country with an innate sense of humility, a great sense of humour, and a very healthy self-regard. The valorising of the marginal, the wily, the trickster figure, the person who makes it by hook or by crook” – the sort we see in Babel’s stories – “is ingrained in the culture. And what makes Ukrainian literature special is that it treats those figures with a great deal of nuance. I think it’s part and parcel of the Ukrainian mentality – there’s a wryness to the Ukrainian frame of mind.”
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Air Force identifies seventh airman recovered following Osprey crash in Japan
Stars and Stripes December 12, 2023
TOKYO — The Air Force has identified the seventh CV-22B Osprey crew member recovered after the tiltrotor crashed off southwestern Japan with eight aboard.
The body of Maj. Jeff Hoernemann, 32, of Andover, Minn., was discovered over the weekend by divers from the Navy and the Air Force’s 320th Special Tactics Squadron, according to an Air Force Special Command news release.
The service announced the discovery Sunday but did not publicly disclose that it was Hoernemann’s body until Monday, after his family was notified.
Hoernemann was a CV-22 instructor pilot and chief of weapons tactics assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo.
One of the Osprey’s eight crew members — Maj. Eric Spendlove, 36, of St. George, Utah — remains missing nearly two weeks after the Osprey went down off the coast of Yakushima Island during a training mission.
U.S. and Japanese divers are continuing their search, according to the news release.
“The main priority is returning our Airmen home and taking care of their family members,” the command wrote. “Support to, and the privacy of, the families and loved ones impacted by this incident remains AFSOC’s top priority.”
The body of Staff Sgt. Jake Galliher, 24, of Pittsfield, Mass., was found the day of the crash. Five more were discovered Dec. 4 along with the Osprey’s fuselage. The remains and wreckage were found about 100 feet below the surface.
Two were identified Dec. 5 as Maj. Luke Unrath, 34, of Riverside, Calif. and Tech Sgt. Zachary Lavoy, 33, of Oviedo, Fla.
Three more were identified Dec. 6 as Capt. Terrell Brayman, 32, of Pittsford, N.Y.; Staff Sgt. Jake Turnage, 25 of Kennesaw, Ga.; and Senior Airman Brian Johnson, 32, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
A preliminary investigation indicated that an equipment failure, rather than human error, was likely the crash’s cause, Air Force Special Operations Command said Dec. 6.
Since then, the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps have grounded their Osprey tiltrotor aircraft until the investigation determines the cause of the crash and recommendations are made to return the aircraft to service.
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Kanto players shine in exhibition victory
Stars and Stripes March 23, 2010
KAWASAKI, Japan — Some 33 Kanto Plain high school athletes put aside their spring sports and interschool rivalries Sunday to play against Japanese counterparts in an exhibition game dubbed the Camellia Bowl by its Japanese organizers.
Zama American’s Michael Spencer ran 11 times for 175 yards and three touchdowns and the American defense forced five turnovers while the offense rang up 559 yards as Team USA routed Team Kanagawa 61-0.
The spirit of cooperation, getting Kanto football rivals working together as well as they did, pleased their American coaches.
"It’s really neat to work with a group of players and coaches like this," said Spencer’s coach, Steven Merrell. "It’s been a great experience."
Before a crowd of more than 1,000 at old Kawasaki Stadium, including U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos and former Japanese prime minister Taro Aso, Japanese and American players battled during the game and enjoyed some goodwill moments afterward.
"It’s cool," Zama quarterback Mike Jorgenson said. "We know what each other is capable of, we’re putting all the players in the best possible positions. It’s fun."
Players from Zama, Yokota, Nile C. Kinnick and American School In Japan, amid the spring baseball, track and soccer seasons, found time to practice seven times on four Saturdays in the run-up to Sunday’s game.
Team USA was sponsored by the Yokota Striders running club, with no school district involvement; everything from the uniforms to transportation was paid for by the Striders, team organizers said.
Before Sunday, Team Kanagawa usually played a group of American players from 10 states, which last year was invited to billet, train and even dine at Yokota Air Base.
That Team USA trip didn’t come off this year, prompting East Japan American Football Association officials to approach Yokota coach Tim Pujol about putting a Kanto team together, Pujol said.
Converting from baseball to football in very short order wasn’t much of an issue, said Spencer, who earned game MVP honors.
"It should be natural for us," Spencer said. "We love the sport."
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'Climb the airplane,' pilot told before California crash
Associated Press October 13, 2021
SANTEE, Calif. — Before a twin-engine plane nose-dived into a San Diego suburb, an increasingly concerned air traffic controller told the pilot more than a half-dozen times that he needed to gain altitude, a recording that will be among the evidence examined by federal investigators who arrived Tuesday at the crash scene.
The Cessna 340 smashed into a UPS van, killing the driver, and then hit two houses just after noon Monday in Santee, a suburb of 50,000 people east of San Diego. The pilot, Dr. Sugata Das, died and an elderly couple suffered burns when their home went up in flames. No one was inside at the second residence when the crash occurred.
Al Diehl, a former National Transportation Safety Board investigator, said the recording between air traffic control and Das indicates he was trying to deal with a major distraction or significant emergency on his own, breaking a basic rule that aviators should always tell controllers everything.
"The first thing you do when you're in trouble is call, climb and confess — and he did not do any of the three," Diehl said. "These are very basic rules that flight instructors tell their students."
Diehl, who helped design a Cessna cockpit, said the twin-engine aircraft has a complex system that could lead to deadly mistakes.
Clouds and windy weather may have complicated Das' ability to handle the aircraft, Diehl said. Investigators also will look at whether there could have been a medical emergency, something an autopsy should help reveal.
Robert Katz, a certified flight instructor, said he believed Das "was totally disoriented." Katz said the clouds were low enough that the pilot had to use an instrument landing system while approaching.
"In my opinion, he is clearly disoriented at that point," Katz told CBS8 in San Diego. "He does not know which way is up."
An investigator from the NTSB arrived at the crash scene Tuesday morning and will review radar data, weather information, air traffic control communication, airplane maintenance records and the pilot's medical records, agency spokeswoman Jennifer Gabris said.
Das worked at Yuma Regional Medical Center in Arizona and was flying from there to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego, where he lived. Shortly before the crash, when the plane was about a half-mile from the runway, an air traffic controller alerted Das that the aircraft was too low.
On a recording made by LiveATC, a website that monitors and posts flight communications, the air controller repeatedly warns Das that he needs to climb in altitude. He also cautioned that a C-130, a large military transport plane, was overhead and could cause turbulence.
Das responded he was aware.
The controller later is heard saying, "It looks like you're drifting right of course, are you correcting?"
"Correcting," Das responds.
Das asks if he has been cleared for the runway. The controller says "I need you to fly," warning him that he is coming in too low.
Das tells him he is climbing. The controller urges him to climb again, and Das says he is ascending.
"Ok. It looks like you're descending sir. I need to make sure you are climbing, not descending," the controller says.
Then the controller speaks with more urgency.
"Low altitude alert, climb immediately, climb the airplane," he says. "Climb the airplane please."
The controller repeatedly urged the plane to climb to 5,000 feet, and when it remained at 1,500 feet, the controller warned: "You appear to be descending again, sir."
There is no response.
Diehl noted the plane at the last minute made a sweeping turn to the right as if trying to switch back to another airport that was closer because something was wrong. Das didn't mention that to air traffic control.
KGTV-TV posted video that the station said it received from a viewer showing the plane arcing in the sky and plunging into the neighborhood. People a block away from the scene said their homes shook from the thunderous crash.
Das had been on staff at Yuma Regional Medical Center since 2005, Dr. Bharat Magu, the hospital's chief medical officer, said in a statement. Magu called the father of two young sons an outstanding cardiologist and dedicated family man.
"Our community has lost an exceptional physician, colleague and friend, a man who dedicated his life and career to caring for patients," Magu said.
Das was a licensed pilot and owned the plane he was flying. He lived in San Diego and commuted to Yuma, according to a website for the Power of Love Foundation, a non-profit he directed that helps women and children overseas who are infected or affected by AIDS and HIV.
UPS held a moment of silence Tuesday for van driver Steve Krueger.
"Those who knew Steve said he took pride in his work, and his positive attitude and joyful laugh made the hardest days a little lighter," the company said in a statement. "Steve was held in high regard and will be greatly missed."
Krueger was on his regular route when he was killed. He planned to retire on Oct. 22, his brother, Jeffrey Krueger, told KCBS-TV.
Krueger loved his job so much that he even sent his brother photos taken of himself wearing his brown uniform and giving a UPS package to the costumed mammoth mascot at a ski resort, his brother said.
He was held in affection by his customers.
"During Christmas, they would just bombard him with stuff," his brother said.
"He would talk about his customers all the time," and one couple had a dog that would sit in the window waiting for Krueger to come by, his brother said.
Das was born to a Bengali family as the eldest of four siblings and grew up in Pune on the western coast of India, where he earned a medical degree from the University of Pune and worked as a cardiologist before moving to the United States, according to a biography on the website of the Power of Love Foundation, a non-profit involved with helping people with AIDS and HIV where he served as director.
He did additional training in Michigan and moved to Yuma in 2004, where he established a cardiovascular practice.
"In 2010, a fortuitous incident sparked an interest in general aviation" and Das owned two planes, the foundation website said.
Associated Press writers Elliot Spagat in San Diego and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
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Take Control Of Your Dating Life
Learn to meet, date and sleep with hot and interesting girls
Fill the form and I'll send you a video with all the details about daygame coaching
Plus I'll send you a few interviews with guys at different ages from different parts of the world who I have coached. So you can hear what were their experiences & results, how did they do months and years after coaching, etc.
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Designer & Manufacturer of TekWay High-Performance ADA Systems
We at StrongGo Industries would like to take the time to thank our loyal long-standing clients including Architectural and Designer firms, Project Engineering companies as well contractors who buy our products for both public and private projects. We are committed to the quality of our products and grateful for their resounding acceptance throughout the design world and the construction industry.
TekWay ADA Domes were brought to the market on an initial request from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) which had been searching for an ADA Dome paver designed to resist the harsh climate conditions within their state. In 2003, the objective for a period of durability and lasting functionality of ADA Domes had been set for a minimum of ten years.
The need for detectable warning systems to warn visually impaired pedestrians of hazards on a path of travel has been recognized since 1991 when the ADA enacted the requirements for truncated domes. In 2001, the Department of Justice established the requirements for detectable warning surfaces for curb ramps, hazardous vehicular ways, and mass transit platforms within the public “right-of-way.” The implementation and reliable functioning of ADA Domes at legally defined locations are considered a civil right.
Since its market introduction in 2004, TekWay’s commitment has been to deliver quality customer service by manufacturing products that function as designed. These detectable warning products are known to be a reliable device of orientation for those with low vision and a proven solution for the owners.
Dedicated to Our Clients & Our Products
We are a company devoted to the ongoing research, development, and manufacturing of products that have been formulated to possess outstanding physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. StrongGo incorporates its advanced nanotechnology into every high-quality product manufactured. Most certainly, these high-quality standards extend into every custom line of work to create fully customer-satisfying solutions for applications in construction, mining, and other industries.
StrongGo® Industries is the owner, designer, developer, and dedicated manufacturer of TekWay® High-Performance ADA Domes/Detectable Warning systems. All materials used for the manufacturing of our nano-engineered and fiber-reinforced concrete composite ADA dome systems are of 100% USA origin, and every delivered TekWay dome tile is made exclusively in the USA.
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This course discusses high-energy astrophysics. High-energy processes are ubiquitous in the Universe. X-rays are emitted or absorbed by a broad range of sources ranging from the solar system, stars, the interstellar medium, compact black hole environments and active galactic nuclei to clusters of galaxies and the diffuse gas of the cosmic web.
Two main topics form the core of this course:
- The production mechanisms of thermal X-ray emission in a broad range of environments, ranging from collision-dominated plasmas to photo-ionized gas.
- Accretion processes onto compact black holes: accretion disks around supermassive black holes and the X-ray radiation in that environment.
During the course, several real-life practical examples from the most recent and ongoing work in this field will be presented. Lectures and an obligatory computer class form the core of the course. The lecture notes contain exercises that can be made at home to test the understanding of the course material. There is no homework for the computer class.
After completion of this course, you will be able to summarize various aspects of high-energy sources in the Universe.
This means that after this course you will be able to:
Classify and characterize X-ray spectra of a broad range of cosmic X-ray sources according to the dominant physical processes
Make exercises on the physical processes that contribute to X-ray emission
Quantitatively describe the structure and spectra of accretion disks in their basic form
Analyze and summarize scientific papers on X-ray emission and accretion processes
Analyze and interpret complex X-ray spectra through the experience gained from the computer course
You will find the timetables for all courses and degree programmes of Leiden University in the tool MyTimetable (login). Any teaching activities that you have sucessfully registered for in MyStudyMap will automatically be displayed in MyTimeTable. Any timetables that you add manually, will be saved and automatically displayed the next time you sign in.
MyTimetable allows you to integrate your timetable with your calendar apps such as Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar and other calendar apps on your smartphone. Any timetable changes will be automatically synced with your calendar. If you wish, you can also receive an email notification of the change. You can turn notifications on in ‘Settings’ (after login).
For more information, watch the video or go the the 'help-page' in MyTimetable. Please note: Joint Degree students Leiden/Delft have to merge their two different timetables into one. This video explains how to do this.
Mode of instruction
Exercise class (obligatory computer class)
Written exam (70% of final grade), see the Astronomy master examination schedules
Report on final computer class exercise (30% of final grade)
Finishing the computer class and delivering the report is obligatory to take the written exam. For a retake exam, the results of the computer class will remain valid. No retake of the computer exercise is possible.
Lecture notes and all other course material will appear online at the homepage of the lecturer.
From the academic year 2022-2023 on every student has to register for courses with the new enrollment tool MyStudyMap. There are two registration periods per year: registration for the fall semester opens in July and registration for the spring semester opens in December. Please see this page for more information.
Please note that it is compulsory to both preregister and confirm your participation for every exam and retake. Not being registered for a course means that you are not allowed to participate in the final exam of the course. Confirming your exam participation is possible until ten days before the exam.
Extensive FAQ's on MyStudymap can be found here.
In this course, you will be trained to:
Master a new field (high-energy astrophysics)
Plan to make exercises in due time to keep-up with the course
Analyze real data and the practical nuisances that come with real-life data
Write a report on the analysis of a real-life observation
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Off White Printed Maxi & Hand Embroidered Belt - Ready To Ship
Label Anushree: Off white printed teird maxi dress with a vibrant hand embroidered belt.
*This piece includes 3 - 4 inches of additional margin in the bodice/blouse to allow alterations up to 1.5 - 2 dress sizes.
Delays may occur due to COVID. If item is not under 'Ready To Ship' section, it is considered a custom order whether you select default sizing or custom sizing. It will be made to order.
Custom orders will ship in ~6-15 business weeks from when the order is processed.
Only items under the 'Ready To Ship' section will deliver within approximately 2- 7 business days, which means the item is in-stock and ready to ship.
To request this style sooner, email us at [email protected] & fill out the ‘special instructions’ section during check out with desired delivery date and we will review & approve request.
You can select a combination of default size numbers based on our measurement chart here: https://www.studioeast6.com/pages/sizing-chart
Provide us with your measurements by selecting 'Custom' size option for each component.
Please note that if an item displays as 'Sold Out, it is not. Please see steps below to prevent this from occurring.
*To prevent default size number options from displaying as 'Sold Out', please select a combination of number sizes that are close in range of one another, for each component. There are size restrictions in place in order to safeguard customers from ordering incorrect size combinations. You will not be able to select a combination of default size number options and 'Custom' size options together.
*To prevent 'Custom' size option from displaying as 'Sold Out', you will need to select the ‘Custom’ size option for ALL size components. If you do not, then the item will display as 'Sold Out'. *You will not be able to select a combination of default size number options and 'Custom' size options together.
If the item still shows as 'Sold Out' and/or you are having any trouble checking out, please kindly email us [email protected] so we can better assist you.
If you want to provide us with custom measurements, please select the ‘Custom’ size option for each size component option. When you checkout, there will be a link where you can input out your custom measurements.
For bust sizes 38 and over, additional charges may be applicable due to additional embroidery, labor, and/or fabric costs that the designer may enforce. You will be notified of the final cost via email based upon sizes selected/ measurements provided. If you do not want to proceed with the additional costs after being notified, you will have the option to cancel your order.
Alternatively, please feel free to send us an email at [email protected] , before placing your order, to inquire about any potential additional charges.
Customization with color, additional embroidery, and/or a neckline, sleeve, & blouse styles of your choosing could be possible. Please specify any modifications you desire under the “special instructions” section during checkout. Additional charges may apply.
Note: Actual color of style may vary slightly from the photographs due to lighting of photo(s), custom dye, laptop/computer settings, etc.
Custom orders/Non-Ready To Ship items will ship in ~6-15 business weeks from when the order is processed. Delays may occur due to COVID. If item is not under 'Ready To Ship' section, it is considered a custom order whether you select default sizing or custom sizing. It will be made-to-order & is non-refundable.
If you need an order by a certain date, please let us know. We will always do what we can to help you out. Custom orders cannot be canceled after being placed. If you have serious issue, please email us at [email protected]
* Free shipping within the continental US (not Hawaii or Alaska) on all orders over
* Flat $12 shipping for all orders under $100.
* International shipping fees do apply and dependent on location/country.
* Only In-stock/Ready-to-Ship orders will ship within 1-5 business days from when the order is processed. These are the only items applicable for return. Since we have a physical studio location, our in-stock/Ready-to-Ship orders can only be cancelled up to 2 hours upon order. If not, order will be queued for shipping thereafter. If item is not under 'Ready-To-Ship' section, it is considered a custom order whether you select default sizing or custom sizing. It will be made to order & is non-refundable.
*Ownership of packages turned over to any reputable shipping courier (such as UPS, FedEx, or USPS) transfers to the buyer. We are not responsible for lost, held, or damaged packages. We are not responsible for mis-delivery errors via carrier, or incorrect shipping info.
* SE6 also aims to reduce our carbon footprint. We ship out all our orders in the same fashion in which our partnered designers ship to us and would ship direct to consumer/client. We will include any garment bags, duster bags, and packaging the designer uses to normally ship. Our packaging may not look the prettiest, b/c we purposefully reuse all packaging material, as best as possible - from all shipping boxes to plastic sleeves, as long as the garment is secure in delivery. We make it a direct point to reduce waste by not filling our orders with any other extra packaging material, other than what is needed to deliver orders safely & properly.
Duties & Import Fees Information
In addition to the advertised price of merchandise, some orders may be subject to applicable import duties and customs, out of our control. Duty and taxes are excluded and may be applicable.
For example, per industry standard, Anita Dongre and Seema Gujral are designers in which import duties and customs are to be paid by customer. We will issue you a customs invoice once order has been shipped from India. Your order will not be delivered until customs has been paid.
Few of our curated designers may ship orders on a DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid). You will be charged duties and taxes by the shipping provider when they deliver your order. Payment of these is necessary to release your order from customs. We encourage you to contact your local border agency who may be able to provide you a quote, as import costs vary depending on your order and location.
We really want you to be happy with your purchase. We are extremely passionate about our customers and ensuring that they are happy. However, we also want to secure ourselves against people who buy our product, wear them once, and then return it.
LIST OF RETURNABLE ITEMS
1. Only our Ready-to-Ship items (excluding items listed in List of Final Sale/Non-Refundable Items) are applicable for a return & refund. Tags must be on. If tags have been removed, item automatically will be categorized as non-refundable. Items must be unworn and undamaged. If item is not under 'Ready To Ship' section, it is considered a custom order whether you select default sizing or custom sizing. It will be made to order & is non-refundable.
LIST OF FINAL SALE / NON-RETURNABLE ITEMS
1. Any item that is not in our Ready-to-Ship section. These items are considered custom orders and non-refundable
2. International orders (NOT IN THE USA)
3. Items purchased with Gift Cards or Store Credit
4. Products listed or noted as Final Sale or Sample Sale
5. Non-clothing items or Accessories (this includes all jewelry, shoes, handbags, purses, belts, headpieces, arm cuffs, or any item that is non-clothing related)
6. Worn Product/ Damaged Product
7. Consignment Stock
Ready-To-Ship Items Full Refund Policy
We accept returns only for items under our Ready-To-Ship category. Items must be returned within 7 days upon date of delivery or in-studio purchase for a full refund.
This is 7 days door-to-door refund policy upon delivery/in-studio purchase. For example, if your order was delivered or purchased in-studio on 1/1/2020, then the last date where a return for a full refund will be accepted is by 1/8/20. Refunds are not accepted after 7 days.
Tags must be on. If tags have been removed, item automatically will be categorized as non-refundable. Items must be unworn and undamaged. If item appears to be worn, then order is non-refundable.
We will ship garment back to recipient if item does not qualify for a refund based upon our policy stated above.
If an item is not under 'Ready-To-Ship' section, it is considered a custom order whether you select default sizing or custom sizing. It will be made to order & is non-refundable.
Return Shipping -It is the customer's responsibility for the return shipping to address listed below:
1142 W. Madison St. #407
Chicago, IL 60607
* When returning garments, please ensure each garment itself is secure in any type plastic covering to protect from any damage. If the garment is not package correctly and incurs damages in transit, the item will be non-refundable.
* Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you are returning an item over $100, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We are not responsible for any lost or damaged packages.
Ready-To-Ship Items Store Credit Policy
Returns for our Ready-To-Ship items received from 8 - 10 days upon date of delivery or studio purchase will be issued store credit. Tags must be on. Items must be unworn and undamaged. For example, if your order was delivered or purchased in-studio on 1/1/2020, then the window for when store credit would be issued is 1/9/20 -1/11/20. When purchasing items with store credit, items will be non-refundable.
*Product will not be accepted after 10 days upon delivery date. If you return items past this date, we will send your order back to you.
Non Ready-To-Ship / Custom Order Return Policy - Non-Refundable
* All non-ready-to-ship /custom orders are final sale. If item is not under 'Ready To Ship' category, it is considered a custom order whether you select default sizing or custom sizing. It will be made to order & is non-refundable.
* Please note that custom sizes will be checked against measurements taken or provided by customer before shipping or delivery. We do hold all final measurement check images up to 14 days after shipping or pick-up, feel free to ask.
* Since we do not charge additional fees for most custom size orders, any additional alterations are to be taken care of per customer. Alterations can be due to numerous factors: such as weight fluctuations, accuracy of measurements (if provided by customer), dress style, etc. Bust and waist sizing fluctuate frequently and commonly. Therefore, each piece is built with additional margin to let out, if needed per customer.
* Additionally, there may be slight color variations due what is photographed and actual pieces due to lighting of photo(s), orders being is custom dyed, laptop/computer settings, etc.
* If there is production defect or serious issue with an order, please email [email protected] within 36 hours of delivery with comprehensive details along with images of the product to be considered for review. Please note we are not able to assist after 36 hours.
What is your International return policy?
All international orders are non-refundable at this time.
Refund Processing Times
Once your return is received, inspected, and approved for a return, your refund will be processed within 48 hours. The credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or the original method of payment, which may take up to 48 hours.
Late or missing refund:
If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again. Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted. Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted.
If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please email us at [email protected]
Please note: We tend to keep an extra 3 - 4 inches of margin within each piece
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SubscriberCRM's Groups module enables contacts to be put into subsets reflecting their interests and involvement. Putting people into groups facilitates easy communication with all or selected members of that group.
If required the members of the group can have an office such as Chair and the dates of their office.
The Groups Module can be used to store such things as branches, committees, special interest groups and more.
SubscriberCRM In Brief
- Record committee members with their office type and term of office
- Easily mail or email a group of contacts
- Use it to create many sorts of groups including branches, regions, special interest and committees
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Welcome to Suburban Glass and Screen! (513)561-2000
We are a third generation family owned and operated business providing all types of glass repair and installation services. Our main services include shower enclosure design and installation, insulated (double pane) glass repair in windows, custom mirrors of all shapes and sizes, and all types of screen repair. We also fabricate glass tops for furniture and stock many types of decorative glass for use in cabinet doors or any other application that requires that special touch.
Please browse our services and project galleries and discover the many ways we can help you with your glass and screen needs.
Do You Have Foggy Windows?
You don't need new windows!! You just need new glass! Our fast and affordable service will leave your glass looking like new for a fraction of the cost of new windows. If there is a "foggy" appearance to your glass or you notice moisture between the panes that you cannot clean, we can help! Call us today to find out just how easy it is. (513) 561-2000. Or go to the "contact us" page and we will answer your request promtly. Learn more...
And don't forget about those screens!
Nothing puts the finishing touches on a bathroom like an elegant, custom made shower enclosure. Let us put our 40+ years of design and installation experience to work for you! From sliding tub enclosures to the finest frameless European designs, we are eager to help you with your project. Call us at (513) 561-2000 for a fast, accurate quote! Learn more...
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Beech Street man dies Friday from gunshot wound
Published 9:47 pm Friday, April 7, 2023
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A Suffolk man died Friday night from gunshot wounds at his residence in the 300 block of Beech Street.
Suffolk 911 Center received a call in reference to the shooting at 7:23 p.m. Friday, April 7.
When officers arrived, an adult male was located suffering from a gunshot wound, according to a news release. The victim, David Joshua Gomes, 27, of Suffolk, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
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There is no suspect information at this time. The investigation remains ongoing. Police said there is no further information available for release.
If anyone has information regarding this incident, contact Suffolk Police or Suffolk Crime Line. To submit online, go to www.p3tips.com, visit the Suffolk Police Department website (www.suffolkva.us/spd) and look for the Suffolk Crime Line link, or go to the Suffolk Police Department Facebook page at www.facebook.com/suffolkpolicedepartment. Resident can also call 888-LOCK-U-UP, 1-888-562-5887, Option 5. Once a person submits a tip, they will be given a TIP ID and password. With this information, they can login at p3tips.com and submit follow-up information, engage in two-way dialogue, be informed of the outcome of the tip, and access any pertinent reward information.
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Thanks to the advancement of lens technology, glasses lenses are no longer a single, one size fits all solution. There are a variety of different lens types that can be used in glasses, giving patients greater flexibility and control over their vision than ever before.
Also known as monovision lenses, these lenses are designed to correct the wearer’s vision at just one distance, and have a single prescription covering the entire surface of the lens. They are most often recommended for people who are either nearsighted (myopia) or farsighted (hyperopia) and who need glasses for a specific activity, such as driving or reading.
Progressive lenses are multifocal lenses that can correct a patient’s vision at different working distances, ranging from far distance to reading distance. However, rather than designating different areas on the lenses for different distances with visible lines separating them, progressive lenses have a gradual change so that the wearer can smoothly transition from one lens power to another.
As you may have guessed from the name, bifocal and trifocal lenses have either two or three lens powers depending on which type you choose. Bifocal lenses support distance vision in the top half of the lens, and near vision in the lower half. Trifocal lenses support distance vision in the top third of the lens, intermediate vision in the middle segment and near vision in the bottom third. Whichever variety you choose, you will see visible lines separating each segment.
Bifocal and trifocal lenses are recommended for patients who are near or farsighted, and those who develop presbyopia, which is the natural hardening of the eye lens, that occurs as we get older. Presbyopia makes it harder for the lens of the eye to adapt to focus at different distances.
Multifocal lenses are the alternative name given to bifocal, trifocal and progressive lenses.
Computer lenses are prescription lenses that are specifically designed to be worn when doing computer work. This is because they place the optimum lens power for viewing your computer screen exactly where you need it – which is closer than intermediate vision, but further away than reading material is usually held. Wearing computer lenses can significantly reduce the negative effects caused by the high visual demands of computer work, including blurred vision, redness, dry eyes, double vision and dizziness.
Also known as photochromic lenses, transition lenses are a special type of lens that darken when in the sunlight and lighten when in softer light or the dark. This versatility gives the wearer the convenience of being able to move between different environments without needing to change their glasses. This makes them extremely cost effective and prevent the wearer from needing to take multiple pairs of glasses out with them. Transition lenses also filter out many of the harmful UV rays that are emitted from the sun, helping to keep eyes healthy too. They are ideal for people who spend a lot of time going between inside and outside, or who work outside in varying weather conditions.
Blue light lenses are specially crafted lenses that contain filters that block out much of the artificial blue light that is produced by digital devices like computers, smartphones and tablets. Natural blue light is actually good for balancing our sleep-wake cycle, boosting our mood and enhancing our cognitive abilities so that we can function better day to day. However, too much blue light, especially from artificial sources, can have the opposite effect. Many people who fail to use blue light lenses can go on to develop digital eye strain, which produces symptoms like eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches and more. Blue light lenses are recommended for anyone who spends a lot of time working on a digital device.
Polarized lenses are used to reduce eyestrain and improve the quality of vision in patients on especially sunny days, making them ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. They can do this because they have a special filter that blocks some of the light from passing through the lens. Vertical light is allowed to pass through, while horizontal light, such as that which bounces off of water and can be blinding, is blocked. Polarized lenses are most often used in sunglasses since they are worn outdoors, and the wearer also needs to protect their eyes from UV damage.
Still have questions about which lens is right for you? Contact us to schedule an eye exam or an appointment to evaluate your individual needs.
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Totally cool! This pairs of plugs can be reversed. The two flare ends are different colors, one rose gold the other black. Pick the color you want to feature that day and insert it in that direction. To put them on just unscrew it, and they’re ready to go in your ear. The exterior is mostly black. They are made entirely from plated 316L surgical steel and sold as a pair in size 5/8″.
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Available in the most common sizes and thicknesses-in small or bulk quantities, Problem Solvers headset spacers help riders get their stack height just right. - Made from Aluminum, anodized or polished finish, without logos - 1-1/8" Diameter - S.H.I.S. Stem Clamp Diameter: 28.6mm
The Problem Solvers BB30/Press-Fit 30 Adapter Kit consists of DuPont Delrin (a tough, light type of plastic) pieces that allow you to use your external bottom bracket-style crankarms (24mm spindles, such as a Shimano Hollowtech II crank) with newer BB30 and Press-Fit 30 bottom brackets. Please contact us if you have any questions about compatibility.
$18.00 - $20.00
The Problem Solvers Backstop bolts onto the frame to provide two stops for your cable housing. It's made of light, durable CNC-machined aluminum with a stainless-steel bolt, and the stops are slotted for easy cable installation/removal.
The Problem Solvers Brake Boss Plugs are perfect for when you've removed your cantilever or linear-pull brakes in order to run disc brakes or a fixie setup. These plugs thread into the empty frame bosses and lend a clean look, while also protecting the threads inside the frame from corrosion.
The Problem Solvers Brake Mounting Nut is for front caliper brakes that take recessed fixing nuts. This chrome-plated steel Allen nut comes in 2 long lengths so that it will grip enough threads to tightly fasten the brake on even the thickest of fork crowns.
The Problem Solvers Braze-On Front Derailleur Adapter simply clamps onto your frame's seat tube and provides a secure place to bolt on your braze-on front derailleur (sold separately). This fine adapter is made of light, durable aluminum and includes a stainless-steel bolt.
The Problem Solvers Compression Plug for 1 1/8-inch Forks is for threadless aluminum and carbon forks. It fits tightly inside the fork and provides easy headset adjustment and a nice, clean look.
The Problem Solvers Cross Clamp mounts to the seat tube on your frame so that you can make your top-routed shift cables work with a bottom-pull front road derailleurs. This is a common setup on cyclocross bicycles. Choose the diameter that matches your frame.
The Problem Solvers GXP Spindle Adapter Kit lets you adapt a GXP crankset to a BB30 or Press-Fit 30 bottom bracket. It's used with the Problem Solvers BB30/Press-Fit 30 Adapter Kit, which is sold separately.
$10.00 - $13.00
The Problem Solvers Handlebar Clamp Shim allows you to fit almost any handlebars in almost any stem. It's machined of light and durable aluminum and grooved on the inside to hold tightly.
$25.00 - $45.00
The Problem Solvers Head Tube Reducers resize your head tube to accommodate different size forks. These fine aluminum reducers are designed for traditional, external-cup headsets. Please contact us for any questions about compatibility with your bicycle.
MisMatch adaptors allow users to mount Shimano & SRAM brakes and shifters on one clamp. Available in multiple configurations. -Annodized Black -Attaches SRAM shifters to Shimano I-Spec II brake lever clamps MisMatch 1.2 adaptor fits Shimano brakes: BL-M9020, BL-M9000, BL-M8000, BL-M7000
Problem Solvers' MisMatch Adapters allow you to combine your Shimano and SRAM shifters and brakes onto a single clamp for a more ergonomic, less-cluttered handlebar. These CNC-machined aluminum adapters work with Shimano I-Spec and SRAM MatchMaker components to fasten your preferred combination on to a single, existing bar clamp.
Notched binder bolts for frames with integrated seat collars. Details: CroMoly steel bolts Three lengths available: 16, 19 and 21mm 8mm diameter
$7.00 - $12.00
The Problem Solvers Seatpost Shim is what you need when your seatpost is a little too small-diameter to fit tightly into your frame. It's made of light, durable aluminum and has a lip on the top so it won't slide down inside the frame during installation.
$10.00 - $12.00
Switching frames doesn’t mean you have to switch posts! Use your old posts without worry with Problem Solver's wide variety of seatpost shims. -100mm long -3mm lip -Alloy Problem Solvers Seatpost Shims are not intended for use with carbon seatposts
The Problem Solvers Sheldon Fender Nuts are an awesome way to avoid the brake-centering problems caused by mounting fenders directly to your brakes. They're named after the inventor and bike guru, Sheldon Brown. These special Sheldon nuts take the place of your existing brake nuts. They have threaded extensions for standard 6mm bolts (sold separately) providing a secure mounting place for your fenders that won't mess with your brake adjustment. They make it easier/faster to install and remove fenders, too, so they're great for commuting bicycles.
The Problem Solvers Travel Agent amplifies your braking power so that you can mix road, mountain and cyclocross brakes and brake levers. Instead of buying new levers or brakes, just install a Travel Agent and you're good to go. This trick gizmo is made of quality 6061 aluminum and is available with and without a built-in adjustment barrel. It works with cantilever brakes, road dropped handlebars, and Shimano STI and Campagnolo Ergopower levers.
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24/7 Water Extraction & Drying
Water is the single most long-term destructive substance in the indoor environment. Excess moisture or flooding can cause structures and personal property to rapidly deteriorate. The problem becomes more serious when the water is unsanitary or clean-up services are delayed. The harmful effects of water are sharply reduced by prompt and effective intervention, especially within the first 24-48 hours. Even though the deterioration may look severe, cleanup and restoration can produce amazing results. From furniture to family heirlooms, office computers to production machinery, Sunset QCS has successfully restored structures and property for more than 13 years.
If water extraction & drying is not performed immediately after incident it an cause major business interruption, financial burdens and potential health risks.
We make sure your property is repaired quickly and professionally. To learn how we can help prevent water damage from becoming a nightmare for your home or business, read more about our Dehumidification & Drying recovery services.
We provide professional water extraction, drying and repair services in Los Angeles and Riverside County cities. Please contact us 310-908-7020 if you have questions about our window cleaning services, or request a quote for pricing information.
WATER EXTRACTION AVAILABLE IN LOS ANGLES COUNTY AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Hawthorne, Gardena, Inglewood, Westchester, Torrance, Lomita, Rolling Hills, Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Playa Del Rey, Marina Del Rey, Venice, Culver City, West Los Angeles, Norco, Corona, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Menifee, Temecula, Riverside, Chino, Anaheim, Orange, Santa Ana, Irvine
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A second opinion differs from a referral because the referral is suggested and coordinated by the first-opinion vet, whereas the second opinion is requested and coordinated by the owner.
Sometimes it is good to get a second opinion, regardless of whether one feels a diagnosis has been made correctly or not. A disease may have been correctly diagnosed, but a certain drug to treat that disease might be available at one clinic and not at another.
If you wish to bring your pet to Sunset Vet for a second opinion, be sure to bring with you the full medical history from your original vet, including the results of any diagnostic tests performed (blood test results etc).Get in touch for an appointment
Is your pet pregnant? We'll check...
A comprehensive in-house lab...
Stray cat in your garden? Give them a hand...
Rabies is still a serious issue in Bali - we're not there yet
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The concept of online dating is the one that appeals to women of all ages exactly who seek to particular date a wider variety of men. Online dating sites have grown in popularity while people have become more open about their personal lives and this has helped to make a better software industry for internet dating and relationships.
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Relax is a unique blend that contains herbs that soothe and relax. Its interesting taste that combines chamomile and linden helps us regain a calm balance of body and mind when faced with challenge and stress. Rose petals and raspberry leaves give excellent softness to this mild tea. The essence of this tea is "peace and tranquility".
Net: 30.6 g Number of filter bags: 17 pcs (1.8 g)
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GM to build electric motors at St. Catharines plant
ST. CATHARINES, Ont. — General Motors says it plans to build motors for electric vehicles at its St. Catharines, Ont. propulsion plant, the latest commitment by an automaker transitioning towards an electric future.
The company says the move, subject to support agreements with the federal and provincial governments, is expected to support around 500 jobs at the facility.
The St. Catharines plant currently has a little over 1,100 employees producing V-6 and V-8 engines as well as transmissions.
GM says the new Ultium electric drive units will replace some internal combustion engine production after retooling, while it still expects to continue to produce V-8 engines alongside the new motors at the plant for some time.
Unifor president Lana Payne says in a statement that the historic investment means autoworkers will continue to be the region’s economic backbone for generations to come.
GM says the St. Catharines electric motors will go into its BrightDrop electric delivery vans, which it produces in part at its Ingersoll, Ont. plant, as well as its electric pickup trucks, producing enough at the plant for 400,000 vehicles a year.
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Clinicians Love SurgiTel
Sajeel Khan, MD
Early during my neurosurgery residency, I was using a competitor’s loupes and realized early on that I was developing neck fatigue and pain, especially during long cases. That’s when Gregg, my SurgiTel rep, introduced me to the ergonomic benefits of SurgiTel loupes. I ordered a pair of loupes from SurgiTel, and I am happy to report that over the past three years or so, I have not had any complaints of neck pain or fatigue. In fact, I recommended these loupes to my colleagues, and they converted to SurgiTel as well due to SurgiTel’s ergonomic benefits, superior illumination and magnification, and aesthetically pleasing designs.
I am planning to order another set of loupes from SurgiTel as well. Over the course of three years, I have experienced great after-sales service and support from Gregg and SurgiTel. Gregg has been great in reaching out in a timely manner and providing great and satisfactory after-sales service.
Due to their superior ergonomic designs, I have no hesitation in recommending Gregg and SurgiTel for your surgical magnification needs.
– Sajeel Khan, MD
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The Dangers of Uncontested Elections
It’s election time again for your member organization. Only one name appears on the ballot next to each open position and they’re the same names that have appeared for many years. Sound familiar?
There are many downsides to uncontested elections, but the consequences can reach far beyond just reinforcing the status quo.
Members don’t become voters
When your organization’s members see the same name up for the same position year after year with no competition, they’re much less likely to vote. After all, why take the time to cast a ballot if the outcome is going to be the same regardless of their participation?
When members don’t have a slate of candidates (or at least two people) from which to choose, they’re less likely to feel your organization adequately represents their needs. Not only will they be less inclined to vote, they may decrease their involvement with an organization that seems perpetually stuck in the same gear and unlikely (or unwilling) to innovate.
Sure your current board or elected officials might agree to stay on for many years, but is that really what your organization wants and needs? New candidates can bring with them fresh ideas and energy. Healthy, strategic board turnover should be encouraged.
The democratic process is designed to empower your members and a constant slate of uncontested elections circumvents that process. Voters may become less engaged due to lack of choice. Or their unwillingness to vote may also be a message that they’re fed up with the sole candidate on offer.
Holding uncontested elections year after year isn’t a good trend for member organizations or the members you’re relying on to cast their ballots.
A great way to buck this trend is to move toward a process that simplifies nominations for your members and organization. Our new Candidate Nomination software brings the process to the web, which increases the speed and efficiency of your nominations while reducing staff time and postage costs.
Since joining SBS in 2011, Tony has led company communications, branding, and product launches, maintaining SBS as the go-to for governance solutions. He regularly hosts educational webinars and speaks at national trade association events across the United States. Tony’s expertise has earned him media recognition, with features in outlets like Rural Electric Magazine, The Association Adviser podcast, Associations Now, and NBC’s King 5 Mornings in Seattle.
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In Evicted, Princeton sociologist and MacArthur “Genius” Matthew Desmond follows eight families in Milwaukee as they each struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Hailed as “wrenching and revelatory” (The Nation), “vivid and unsettling” (New York Review of Books), Evicted transforms our understanding of poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving one of twenty-first-century America’s most devastating problems. Its unforgettable scenes of hope and loss remind us of the centrality of home, without which nothing else is possible.
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY President Barack Obama • The New York Times Book Review • The Boston Globe • The Washington Post • NPR • Entertainment Weekly • The New Yorker • Bloomberg • Esquire • BuzzFeed • Fortune • San Francisco Chronicle • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel • St. Louis Post-Dispatch • Politico • The Week • Chicago Public Library • BookPage • Kirkus Reviews • Library Journal • Publishers Weekly • Booklist • Shelf Awareness
WINNER OF: The National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction • The PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction • The Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction • The Hillman Prize for Book Journalism • The PEN/New England Award • The Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize
FINALIST FOR THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE AND THE KIRKUS PRIZE
“Evicted stands among the very best of the social justice books.”—Ann Patchett, author of Bel Canto and Commonwealth
“Gripping and moving—tragic, too.”—Jesmyn Ward, author of Salvage the Bones
“Evicted is that rare work that has something genuinely new to say about poverty.”—San Francisco Chronicle
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Terms of Service of Swicherie Sdn Bhd (961297W) trading as Swich Cafe.
An order will only be processed and confirmed when payment in full is received by us. We are very sorry if this causes any inconvenience, but we have had many situations where customers failed to pick-up or accept delivery of their orders. Cakes are made to order, and it is not possible to sell the cakes at the last minute. We realize there may be emergencies, and we will be happy to work with you for an alternative solution if we are able to re-sell the cake we will be happy to provide an in-store online credit for the price we received from the subsequent sale of the cake you ordered. We are a very small company with limited resources, and we hope our customers will understand that although we will try our best to reduce loss or wastage, we do have our limitations as a small enterprise. Please note that if you do send us any sample pictures, or if we provide sample pictures, we will use only as a general guide or as inspiration to produce a cake, we cannot warrant in any way that we will be able to do in the same style or reproduce a similar cake. Each cake is made and frosted by hand and no two cakes are alike.
All goods sold are not returnable or refundable. Cakes are made to order and as such we cannot accept any cancellation after it has been confirmed. Please check your order carefully before proceeding to checkout and payment. Any changes to the order will incur an administrative charge of RM8 each time. The cakes are hand made and frosted by hand and as such no two are alike. We cannot guarantee that it will look exactly like the pictures shown here but we will endeavor to reproduce something similar, as it depends on the fruits, ingredients and garnishes we have at hand for your order. Please do note that for fruit garnishes and other decorations, we have to make a trip to the supermarkets or shops to purchase them and we will incur traveling expenses and cost of the items as we do not stock them. As such you cannot cancel and change your order for these items once your order has been confirmed. However, if these items are unavailable at the markets you will be informed via email, WhatsApp or SMS and we will endeavour to purchase a similar replacement and if that is not possible we will provide refund for the price of the items you have ordered. The Cake order may not be cancelled in such situation.
For orders with delivery services please note that we cannot be responsible for the condition of the cakes during transportation and after the cake has been delivered to the custody of the transporter. We use third party transporter services including Lalamove, GoGet, Grab and other service providers. However, the delivery fee will be calculated based on rates provided by Lalamove. Please do note that Lalamove rates have been revised to exclude toll charges and the driver may request reimbursement of such charges from you upon delivery. That is because the delivery fee quoted on our store does not include such toll or any delay charges due to delay in collecting the item from the driver. We pack the cake carefully in the cake box and the cakes are in perfectly good condition at the time we hand over to the transporter. Although we will exercise care in reminding the transporter to be careful in handling and transporting the cake, these are independent agents and contractors and we cannot be responsible for their acts or omissions. If the customer is not certain of the transporter services, we encourage the customer to pick up the cakes themselves at the pre-specified outlets for collection when making the cake order. When using a transporter, the customer agrees to take the risk of the condition of the cake during transportation and delivery to the customer.
Transporter will not be able to park their car/transportation and will not be able to wait above 5 minutes for customer. Please ensure that the address for delivery that you provide is correct and accurate and that someone is available to receive the cake when the transporter delivers the cake. The transporter will endeavour to deliver the cake within the scheduled 3 hour window. If you are not available to receive the cake, the transporter will not be able to perform another trip for delivery and will bring the cake back to our nearest outlet. In such event, you may collect the cake from that outlet where the cake has been sent. A handling fee of RM20 will be charged and you may pay the handling fee when you pick the cake up from our outlet. This fee is payment to the transporter for the additional trip to our outlet. We will not be able to cancel the order or provide a refund if the cake cannot be delivered to you for whatever reason whatsoever due to the transporter and your failure to meet.
We sincerely hope you will enjoy our Cakes and products, but in the event you are dissatisfied with your Cake, we will provide an in-store credit up to the amount of the price paid for the Cake to be used in your next order. However, this warranty does not cover the natural flavours of ingredients and taste of the fruits used. We are not responsible to the natural flavours of fruits and natural ingredients used in the cakes, just as the fruit sellers cannot be responsible to the natural taste and flavours of the fruits they sell. No credit or refund can be provided for delivery services and for fruits, garnishes and decorations purchased for your order. The total loss and damage resulting from or arising out of our products and services is limited to the price of the Cake paid. We will not be responsible for any indirect or consequential loss and damage and they are hereby excluded. By placing your order on our website or at our stores or any channels via social media, telephone calls, Whatsapp and other messaging services and platforms, you agree to accept the terms and conditions of service and our policies stated in this website.
We are a small business endeavouring to provide the best cakes and products we can to delight our customers. We sincerely hope you will love our cakes and products as much as we love doing it for you.
If however we fall short in any way, please send us a message at [email protected] or through the Contact page with details of your order and your feedback and we will try to respond as soon as we can. We are a very small team, and all communications are mostly managed by one person, so please do bear with us.
Thank you for giving us the honour and opportunity of serving you. We hope to see you again! We sincerely hope you will be delighted with our Cakes!
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The SEQ Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) qualification is a practical qualification which develops the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be a Swimming Assistant (Teaching).
The course is delivered through a mixture of classroom activities and practical poolside learning. You will participate in at least two 30-minute swimming lessons to gain hands on practical experience.
You will learn about:
- The legal aspects of assisting in swimming lessons
- The responsibilities of a Swimming Assistant
- The swimming pathway, fundamental movement, core aquatic skills and component parts of strokes
- Scientific principles of swimming
- What makes up a lesson plan, equipment and communications skills
- How to identify anxiety and use of motivational techniques
- The type of assistance you can provide
Download the full SEQ Level 1 Swimming Assistant specification.
This course develops your knowledge, skills and abilities as a swimming teacher. It builds on the SEQ Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) qualification and gives you the skills to independently plan and deliver swimming lessons.
- How to Enrol:
- For more information please contact Sally Baldwin at surviveandsave-training.org
- Learners must be 16 years of age or older on the first day of the course
- 02084 293905
St Helens School Sports Centre
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At the beginning of the year, South West London Pathology (SWLP) was delighted to award a major clinical blood sciences (CBS) contract for all SWLP sites to global leader in clinical diagnostics Beckman Coulter.
At the end of 2023, South West London Pathology (SWLP) awarded a managed service contract for histopathology to Leica Biosystems.
Find out more about SWLP’s fantastic Deputy Head of IT Faizur Rehman and what a standard day looks like for him…
At the end of last year, testing for Beta-D-Glucan (BDG) was brought in-house. The median turnaround time using the new in-house assay is around two days, which facilitates a greater impact on antifungal stewardship when the result is negative.
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