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The American Health Care Act, the House bill intended to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), is frequently opposed on the grounds that it cuts taxes for the rich. This may seem like an odd criticism of a purported health-insurance reform, but we must understand that Obamacare can reasonably be viewed as a massive tax increase disguised as health-insurance reform. If that's the case, then those who favor Obamacare would naturally dislike the repeal of its tax increases.
One is reminded of Thomas Paine's insight in Rights of Man: "In reviewing the history of the English Government, its wars and its taxes, a bystander, not blinded by prejudice nor warped by interest, would declare that taxes were not raised to carry on wars, but that wars were raised to carry on taxes."
Likewise, perhaps taxes were not raised to carry on health-insurance reform, but rather health-insurance reform was raised to carry on taxes.
Conversely, Jesse Jackson, for example, writes that the purpose of the AHCA is "to give a massive tax break to the very wealthy," while famed investor Warren Buffett says "it is a huge tax cut for guys like me." Other examples could be cited.
While the taxes are described as targeting the wealthy exclusively, in fact they hit people President Obama had described as middle class. All this makes one wonder if opponents of the AHCA regard eliminating Obamacare taxes as the principal flaw. Imagine if the bill guaranteed lower health-insurance premiums, making it accessible to more people. Would the tax repeals still be objectionable? One suspects the answer is yes.
Most people probably realize that Obamacare included some new taxes and increases in existing taxes, but they most likely don't know how large a role higher taxes play in the program. That role shouldn't be surprising, however, considering the subsidies to insurance companies and individuals and the expansion of Medicare to include people whose earnings exceed the poverty level.
"Obamacare contains 20 new or higher taxes on American families and small businesses," writes John Kartch of Americans for Tax Reform. Kartch notes that Obamacare authorized "$500 billion-plus in tax hikes (over the next ten years)." ATR later estimated that the taxes would amount to over $1 trillion. Among the taxes:
- a 3.8 percent surtax on investment income (capital gains, dividends, etc.), which was intended to raise $123 billion;
- a Medicare payroll-tax increase on employees and employers of 1.45 percent on the first $200,000 of income and another 1.45 percent on income above that amount (2.9 percent, then 3.8 percent on the self-employed): $86 billion;
- an individual-mandate excise tax and employer-mandate tax: $65 billion;
- a tax on health insurers: $60.1 billion;
- an excise on comprehensive (so-called Cadillac) health-insurance plans: $32 billion;
- a tax increase on "black liquor" biofuel: $23.6 billion;
- a tax on drug companies: $22.2 billion;
- a tax on makers of medical devices: $20 billion;
- a tax hike on people with high medical bills (since the percent-of-income threshold for deducting medical expenses was raised): $15.2 billion;
- a new cap on tax-exempt flexible spending accounts: $13.2 billion;
- an excise on indoor tanning services: $2.7 billion;
- an exclusion of over-the-counter drugs from pre-tax health-related savings accounts: $5 billion; and
- a tax increase on early withdrawals from health savings accounts for non-medical purposes: $1.4 billion.
All told, the AHCA would eliminate 12 Obamacare taxes, ATR reports. The AHCA "repeals a series of about six or seven taxes that directly hit middle income people," ATR President Grover Norquist said in an interview with the Daily Caller News Foundation. "It moves us one trillion dollars closer to a pro-growth tax reform package." The Daily Caller also quotes an ATR statement saying, "As a presidential candidate in 2008, Barack Obama had promised repeatedly that he would not raise any tax on any American earning less than $250,000 per year. He broke the promise when he signed Obamacare."
But even the taxes on the rich take their toll on people who make far less money. Incomes rise with market-driven economic growth. Specifically, wages go up as workers become more productive, and that happens when capital is invested in new equipment that enables individuals to produce more per hour than they could with older equipment. Incomes also rise when the government abstains from impeding the start of new businesses. But taxes interfere with the market process by reducing the amount of money available for investment. So taxes on the rich, as well as those on the middle and working classes, suppress economic growth and hence the rise in incomes. It should also be more widely understood that taxing investment constitutes double taxation: first the income tax reduces the return on investment by leaving the taxpayer less money, then the resulting dividends, interest, and capital gains are taxed again.
We have to get over the belief that the government can tax us into prosperity.


text: Calling all 3.5s and 4.0s, step right up and don't be shy! Come out for some cardio fun while working on forehands, backhands, smashes and serves – you know, the essentials to help you build your arsenal as you take the next step in the world of competitive tennis. These 90-minute classes will help you on all your strokes and even arm you with some all-important strategic tips. Classes limited to the first 8 people who sign up. ($25 for members, $30 for guests.) NOTE: Instructor reserves the right to place you in a more appropriate class, if necessary.

subset: commoncrawl


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Apple iPod 20GB for Windows
Say hello to iPod for Windows Good news for the millions of Windows users who own PCs with built-in FireWire (also known as i.LINK and IEEE1394): In response to insistent demand from PC users, the world s best MP3 player now does Windows. iPod fully integrated with the award-winning PC media player MUSICMATCH Jukebox Plus. So every song you add or playlist you create will automatically transfer to your iPod. *20MB version holds approximately 4,000 songs


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This is a Barred Rock Rooster. The hens behind the rooster are Rhode Island and Barred Rock breeds. They are in the process of taking a dust bath. These are natural things for chickens to be doing and they are things that even so-called free range chickens cannot do. We pride ourselves on providing pasture raised chickens, completely free to do as nature intended.
White Plymouth Rock Hens enjoying a bale of hay in the chicken yard.
Americauna hens nice and cozy on the roost during their indoor stay during the -10 degree weather earlier this winter


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13-05-2015, 02:44
Is it possible to remove the blurry effect on the PS4 version of the game? If not why? It is sad to ruin such sharp and beutiful visuals with a blurry overcoat. The game looks outstanding when sitting still or screenshot but when your moving everything is a blurry mess. Thanks


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The World's first Smart First Aid Kit Includes:
- First Aid Fast Flip Book with scannable QR (Quick Response) Codes for fast video instructions.
- Emergency response quick fold out section.
- Individual compartments for specific emergencies.
- Unique emergency splint and sling system.
- Designed by Ambulance Paramedics.
- Smart Phone compatible – stream life saving video direct to your smart device.
- Up to date with replaceable information.
- Colour coded to App and Flip Book.
Easy Access Emergency Fold Out Compartment Instant access to text, graphics and video to help in an emergency with corresponding emergency first aid equipment POD's to use.
Our smart kit is easy to use, inexpensive and will guide you through any first aid situation.
- First Aid text, graphics, equipment and video instruction to manage over 19 first aid situations.
- Quick access emergency fold out section – This separate fold out section of the kit covers, severe bleeding, severe burns and resuscitation.
- Colour coded water resistant PODs with first aid equipment that matches our easy to use corresponding instructional flip chart.
- Individual First Aid equipment PODs stocked with what you need for specific first aid management. E.g. POD for Sprains and Strains has instant cold pack and bandages – colour matched flip chart has instructional text, graphic and QR video. You will always know what to do in an emergency.
- This fully stocked and TGA approved first aid kit has a POD for personal needs, e.g. your medication such as an asthma puffer.
- Water restraint quality soft carry case – easy to carry, store and clean.
- Multi purpose strap – our 50 mm wide carry strap easily converts to a broken arm sling and an emergency bleeding control tourniquet.
- Laminated splint with instructions and reverse side CPR rapid action plan.
- The only smartphone compatible kit on the market with backup App support.


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Recover Your Self…
Reclaim Your Power…
Welcome to Recovery by Rachel, a Spiritual Alternative that will take you and your recovery of Self beyond everything you have tried before!
Are you ready to overcome and truly recover from a trauma (childhood abuse, grief, career, job or relationship change, divorce, etc.) addiction or some sort of religious programing that is holding you back from truly feeling awakened and empowered?
At Recovery by Rachel, we will support you to recover your separated self and become the best version of your self, the best daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend, mentor, caregiver and human being that you can be. Our proven program will help you: (Rachel is no longer teaching this program as she is committed full time to Jesus Unplugged.)
Recover and love your SELF
Reconnect with your Inner Child
Discover your unique Greater Power
Maintain and protect your recovery
- Understand your Emotional, Energetic and Spiritual bodies and the 9th Chakra
Realize your Full Possibility
- Liberate the Divine Feminine within you
Inspired by my own personal healing journey from childhood abuse, a dysfunctional marriage that ended in divorce, single parenting two young daughters and an emotionally abusive relationship of 40 plus years, I rediscovered my SELF and a yearning inside me to support and serve those who were also suffering deeply. I opened Healing Tree Spiritual Wellness Center, the first spiritual wellness center in San Clemente, California in 2013. Since then I have been developing and teaching a new spiritual, energetic and emotional recovery alternative.
I believe that we all have a time in our life when we are recovering from some sort of addiction or loss: substances, gambling, shopping, job, career, relationship, etc. Just as I converted my spiritual, energetic and emotional pain into a fulfilling recovery journey, I'm here to help you in a loving, compassionate and safe way discover your true, and most often hidden nature, and reclaim the best parts of you that have been left behind or taken away.
This is a journey away from the mind and back into the heart, to the natural place we call home.
If this resonates for you, then I look forward to "seeing" you soon.
"Before meeting Rachel, I was full of anxiety and emotional pain, but the moment I was in her presence I knew I was home. The calming energies and the beauty of Rachel's warm spirit immediately relieved me of any anxiety. My experience through the guided meditation was unlike any other. Rachel sensed the energy of each individual in the group and compassionately offered guidance from the Divine within. Her unobtrusive approach is the most comforting quality. She meets you at your level and allows the Divine to work through her. I didn't want to leave the class, the enlightening atmosphere, or Rachel's healing presence. She truly has a gift. So grateful for the spiritual experience and support on my Recovery journey."


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Are you feeling down? Have you stumbled and fallen? Is your face eating the dust of the ground? Do the barriers seem insurmountable? Get up and go forward!
But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and after winning the crowds over, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, presuming him to be dead. But after the disciples had surrounded him, he got up and went back into the city. On the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
Acts 14:19-20 NET
In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas barely escaped. They fled the city to avoid stoning. Continue reading


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About me
¨°º¤ø*[NBM-MODELS FOTOGRAFIE]*ø¤º°¨
"Alternative and Gothic, Lingerie and Bikini, Topless-glamour-Naked, Other" And all Normal shoots.
"Region NL, Amsterdam - Lelystad, Rotterdam, Tilburg, Weert, Maastricht"
"Region BE, Hamont, Neerpelt, Lommel, Mechellen, Bruxelles, Blankebergen,"
"Region DL, Aachen, Duisburg, Koln, berlin, Frankfurt, rostock, "
As photographer I enjoy to work with new faces. It can be a professional modell or an actor/actrice as well as a neighborhood people, never been standing in front of a professional camera.
For self promotion, free projects and articles in photo magazines I always look for new and interesting modells who like to become photographed and to get some attractive pictures.
These photos can be used for castings or modell-books or private issues by the modell.
The shooting is free of charge, therefore you will sign a modell contract to allow me the publication of the token photos and the modell will get a selection of the best pictures.
Interested? Just send me a modell request with facts about you like size, weight, look etc. and your location.
By the way! Some photos showing you sent by e-mail will make my decision to cooperate with you much easier.
www.modelfotograaf.eu (Dit domein naam is te koop)
- Website
- www.beyk.nl
- www.facebook.com/NBM.MODELS.PHOTOGRAPHER?ref=tn...
- twitter.com/NBM_Models
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By Telephone
You can reach our radio production, video production and website media studio by telephone weekdays 8:30a - 5:30p mountain time by calling us at 1-970-223-3659
Skype Worldwide
Our international customers along with our domestic clients using Skype are encouraged to reach us via Skype online and your PC at user name: voicetoons
Online Form
After hours, and online, you can reach us 24/7 by filling out our secure online request form below. All information will remain confidential and will NEVER be resold. Click Here Now.
Meet Our Media Studio Director
I'd like to personally thank you for considering our media production studio based on Colorado. We will deliver top-notch radio, video and web media services after over 20-years in business. I can promise you one thing, you will soon have a creative partner, for the creation of cost-effective, high-quality radio, audio, video and multimedia content. - Anthony Reece
Anthony Reece Productions offers; custom radio commercials, podcast imaging packages, telephone greetings, website audio, website video, video editng, athlete scouting reels, business presentations, on-hold messaging, audio editing, facebook video, youtube video, dvd creation, online streaming media, podcasts, web radio shows and much more..


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Here is something I wrote in college – forty-some years ago – and recently translated. It was my contribution to "Watching a movie – and discussing what we 'got' from it" . The war between Israel and Arabia. (Of course, this paper – as many of my papers – was "un-gradable") … I never was a scholar.
I was selected to read it at "Peace Essays and Poetry, United Nations Peace Week," at the Ojai Art Center on September 17, 2016.
Why? 1969
One cries over ones – due to war – dead husband
One mourns ones children's frightened war eyes
Who cries for mankind?
Who cries for its cruel and evil ways – for its guilt
If one human shows evil towards one human
We hate the first and protect the second
We take a position- we make a judgment
Humans protect humans
Against humans
Protection of one self against oneself
You are talking about a fraction of the entirety
As was it the whole
As if it had independence, as if it had importance, as if it had value – alone.
You demand that we take sides
You are mistaken
There is more
I cry over Mankind
Over you and over me
We are so terribly divided
So unbearably lonesome
Because the whole constantly divides itself – in front of our very eyes.
Zitta – originally written in 1969


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Triumph TR6 with overdrive. This recently fully restored 1973 TR6 has come to us from Ontario, Canada The restoration has been done very professionally, with a keen eye for detail. The straight bodywork has good body panel fitting and excellent lacquer. The underbody is as good as new and naturally free from any rust. This Tr6 has been finished in her original colour scheme of 'Sapphire blue' with a 'Blue Shadow' interior trim. It has a black linen hood. Factory-fitted with an overdrive and additional chrome baggage rack and a great sounding double stainless steel exhaust system. A top quality TR6 with O/d and unique colour scheme! Gallery Aaldering is Europe's leading Classic Cars specialist since 1975! Always 300-350 Classic and Sportscars in stock, please visit www.gallery-aaldering.com for the current stock list (all offered cars are available in our showroom) and further information. We are located near the German border, 95 km from Düsseldorf and 90 km from Amsterdam. So easy traveling by plane, train, taxi and car. Transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged. No duties/import costs within Europe. We buy, sell and provide consignment sales (selling on behalf of the owner). We can arrange/provide registration/papers for our German (H-Kennzeichen, TÜV, Fahrzeugbrief, Wertgutachten usw.) and Benelux customers. Gallery Aaldering, Arnhemsestraat 47, 6971 AP Brummen, The Netherlands. Tel: 0031-575-564055. Quality, experience and transparency is what sets us apart. We look forward to welcoming you in our showroom
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Join me for a full day of glass fusing @The Maker's Guild, Portsmouth.
You will learn how to cut and assemble glass to create decorative items of your choice.
Examples of what you could make in a day include….
- a set of 4 coasters and a glass hanging
- a 20cm glass bowl and coaster
- a glass wave ornament
All materials are provided. £115 per person – up to 4 attendees. 10-4pm.
Available Wednesday to Fridays. Please contact me in advance to arrange dates.
I will provide refreshments and biscuits throughout the day. Please bring your own packed lunch or there is a cafe on site which has a great pizza oven.
Your items will be fired in the kiln and you can collect at The Maker's Guild approximately 2 weeks later.
Any questions do drop me a message, Elisa.
Follow me on Facebook here – Shake Your Glass
Adult Workshop Terms & Conditions
Booking & Payments Booking is essential Shake Your Glass workshops, you can book online through www.shakeyourglass.co.uk website, telephone on 07966774270 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Places on courses are not confirmed until full payment is received.
Cancellation by Shake Your Glass SYG reserves the right to cancel a workshop if minimum enrolments are not achieved or in the event of sickness even after payment has been received in full. If this happens Elisa will offer a transfer to another course of the same value or a full refund. All reasonable efforts will be made to contact those enrolled on the cancelled workshop by email or telephone.
Cancellations within 1 week of course start – Cancellations made within 1 week of the workshop start will not be eligible for a refund, although I may offer a transfer to another course if the place can be filled.
Cancellations more than 1 week before the course start – Cancellations giving more than 7 days notice will be subject to a £5 administration fee. This will be deducted from any refundable amounts.
Absence No full or part refunds will be made for absence, late arrival or early departure from any part of the workshop.
Course Transfers Should a learner request or accept a transfer to another course and then cancel no refund can be given.


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The Lord Jesus has returned. Do you want to learn more? Click the buttons below.
In today's society, it is hard for parents and children to communicate with each other, and this problem has been a focus of people's attention. After exchanging a few words with each other, they will be unable to say more, and even they will continue the stalemate to such an extent that they see each other as enemies. They are family, but why do they part in discord after speaking very few words? This problem confuses a lot of people. What on earth blocks the communication between parents and children? Wherein lies the problem?
Actually I had such a torment before. My daughter is 18 years old. In the past, we always couldn't have a good conversation with each other, and sometimes, after exchanging a few words, we would get angry with each other. Then, she would either keep silent and didn't breathe another word, or glare at me and then ignore me. I thought: Most students nowadays pay little attention to study. They play with their cell phones, or fall in love, or compare with others in dining and clothing. My daughter is at the age when she should learn knowledge and pursue progress. If I don't have more control over her, and then she slacks off in her studies and is led astray, what should I do? Therefore, I always thought of ways to control her. As long as I found a slight fault with her, I would keep nagging at her; when I knew she didn't make the grade in school, I always scolded her for I wanted her to study hard and enter into a good college in the future. Sometimes if she didn't listen to me, I would say to her with an ordering and lecturing tone, "I'm your mother. You must listen to me!" I thought: There is anything wrong in my so-doing and parents are all like that. Is everything I do not for her own good and her success in the future? However, as she got older, not only did she not listen to me, she also didn't take me seriously. When I spoke to her, she would snort or grunt, or speak no word, or else glare at me and then storm out.
Later, I thought that as my daughter was in the rebellious phase of her youth, I should show more understanding toward her as her mother. She was a young girl, after all, so I should have tolerance for her. However, after a while, I found that she would come straight to the house of our neighbors after school. She talked and laughed with the neighbors, getting along well with them, and moreover, they talked unceasingly. This really annoyed me. I thought: You can talk and laugh even with a neighbor, as if she is your mother. What has she done for you? I have put so much effort into raising you, but you don't listen to me and even treat me as an enemy. Alas! It is in vain that I have brought you up. When I kept thinking of this, my neighbor even purposely said to me, "You see, your daughter gets along very well with me. Might as well give your daughter to me." The more she said this, the angrier I got. How come my own daughter had a lot to say to others but she didn't listen to me—her mother—at all? It's as if she treats me as her enemy. It really hurt me and I was always distressed for this. Once, I went to attend the parent-teacher conference and asked other parents about this problem. Many of them were like me—they felt that it was so hard to communicate with children, as if they didn't share a common language, and that what they did and said, and also their viewpoints, were all different, just like there was a barrier between them. Maybe this was the "generation gap" that people often said.
How to resolve the generation gap between my daughter and me had been an anxiety to me. Until recently, I didn't find the answer in God's words, "When parents talk down to their child and say, 'I'm your father (or mother)! You must do as I say!' the child takes exception to this 'must'; it's definitely not an expression of normal humanity. … What causes what the unbelievers call the 'generation gap'? Isn't it that the older generation acts high and mighty, and the younger generation doesn't like them doing so, which produces the estrangement, and leads to the generation gap—isn't that how it comes about?" "Precisely because a parent always assumes their place as a parent and will not budge from it, keeping that status from which they will not come down, their child becomes at odds with them. A lot of things really result from the parent always assuming their place as such and taking themselves too seriously; they always see themselves as the parent, the elder: 'Regardless of when, you won't get escape from your mother's (or father's) control; you'll still have to listen to me. You are my child. The fact of this doesn't change, regardless of when.' This viewpoint makes them miserable and wretched, and makes the child miserable and exhausted. Isn't this the case?" ("What Should One Possess, at the Very Least, to Have Normal Humanity").
After reading God's words, I understood the reason why the generation gap emerged between parents and children. It is because we parents always stand in the position of parents to get on with our children, and think that we take great pains to bring them up, so they must be controlled by us and listen to us in all things. Once they are not obedient to us, we will lose our temper with them and never consider their feelings. Actually, children have their own thoughts when encountering something, but because we both have different thoughts regarding matters and we are not able to stand from the place of equality to communicate with our children and speak heart-to-heart with them, naturally a barrier appears between us. Thinking back to these years, wasn't it that I couldn't communicate well with my daughter because I assumed my place as a parent and couldn't come down from it? I always thought that I was her mother, so she must obey me. If she didn't, I would say to her with a tone of order and control her forcibly, which led her to feel constrained and feel antipathy against me, with the result that she would rather talk with others than communicate with me. Through God's words, I saw that what I did was not the expression of normal humanity, and that if I went on like this, the relationship between us would be more deadlocked. But how could I solve the conflicts between us? What should I do?
I continued to read God's words, "How is the truth to be practiced in this case? (Letting go of your pride.) What does one let go of? … Just be an ordinary person: Treat your children, treat those in your own family the same as you would an ordinary brother or sister. Although you have a responsibility, a fleshly relationship, nevertheless the position and perspective you should have is the same as with friends or ordinary brothers and sisters. That is, you can't control, you can't restrain your children, and always try to keep in command and have complete control over them. Let them make mistakes, let them say the wrong things, let them do childish and immature things, do stupid things. No matter what happens, sit down and calmly talk with them, communicate and seek. Don't you think this attitude is good? Isn't it right? So, what is being let go here? (Position and pride.) It is the letting go of the position and status of a parent, the airs of a parent, and all of the responsibility one thinks they should assume, everything that one thinks they should be doing as a parent; instead, it's enough that one does the best they can in terms of their responsibility as an ordinary brother or sister." "In short, the most proper relationship between children and parents is for them to understand each other, support each other, help each other, and make up for each other's shortcomings. If you can practice this and achieve this, the conflicts between you and your parents will surely be resolved, and there will be no longer any problems" ("What Should One Possess, at the Very Least, to Have Normal Humanity").
I found the secret of communicating with my daughter in God's words, that is, to lower myself, let go of my position of a mother, consider her feelings in what I do and say, ask for her advice with a consulting tone and let her choose freely. This is the only way to solve the conflicts between us.
In the following days, I consciously practiced according to God's words. When encountering something, I would put down my status as a mother to communicate with her. After her college entrance examination scores came, I hoped that she could apply to a good college in a big city and choose a major I liked. But when I thought of God's words and also the unhappiness and pain between us, which was caused by my standing above my daughter and restricting her before, I realized that I couldn't do that anymore and that I should practice based on God's words. Therefore, I put down my own preferences to discuss with my daughter and learned to respect her wish. When I lowered myself and would like to listen to her words, she told me all her thoughts about the test scores and the reason why she chose these universities. The more I listened to her, the more reasonable I felt her words were, and so I didn't force her to apply according to my will. Seeing my daughter could speak her mind to me, I thanked God out of my heart and felt the pleasure and satisfaction from practicing the truth.
After a while, because of practicing God's words, I get along better with my daughter. Sometimes she actively comes to me and has a heart-to-heart talk with me simply as friends, and I also can accept her words gradually instead of forcing her to obey me. Sometimes when she says or does something wrong, I will not stand in the place of parents to lecture her, and instead, I deal with these things and communicate with her in a calm mood, with the result that we become friends little by little. Sometimes she will come to sleep with me in my room and talk the heart with me. Not only are we a mother and a child, we also become intimate friends. This is the outcome of God's words in me.
It is only now that I understand thoroughly that it is not a difficult thing to communicate with children. As long as we can practice according to God's words, letting go of our status and pride and learning to get along with children on an equal footing, naturally we will live in harmony. This is the secret of communicating with children.
You may also like: I No Longer Put Too Much Pressure on Daughter
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Dropbox IPO: What does it mean to be a 'secret' IPO?
SAN FRANCISCO — The file-sharing company Dropbox has confidentially filed for an initial public offering, according to Bloomberg.
Dropbox is used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide to store and share files. It launched in 2008 and is privately valued at $10 billion, based on previous venture capital fundraising.
The goal is to list the company within the first half of 2018, with the listing to be led by Goldman Sachs Group and JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bloomberg reported.
Dropbox and JPMorgan declined to comment on the report. Goldman Sachs did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The San Francisco-based company is a closely-watched unicorn, as startups valued over $1 billion are termed, and rumors of its possible IPO have swirled for several years.
More:SEC to allow confidential IPO registration filings for all companies
More:Spotify reportedly set to go public, files for IPO with SEC
More:Dropbox mulls IPO that could open door for more tech debuts
Earlier this month the Swedish streaming music service Spotify also reported to be making a "confidential" or "secret" IPO.
This type of IPOs first became possible with the passage of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act in 2012. The law allowed private companies with revenue of less than $1 billion to confidentially file IPO registration statements.
That meant they could submit a draft version of their filings to the Securities and Exchange Commission and didn't have to release the formal version until 15 days before they went on their roadshows. That's when companies planning to go public travel the country making presentations to potential investors just before their shares begin to be traded.
In June, in hopes of spurring more IPOs, the Securities and Exchange Commission broadened the rules to allow all companies to confidentially submit their IPO registration documents.
Those filings include details about offered shares, future plans, competitors, risk factors and financial statements. Critics have said the law doesn't give investors time to properly assess a company's financial information before they must decide whether or not to buy.
SEC Chairman Jay Clayton said when the updated rules were released, he hoped it would encourage more companies to go public.
"By expanding a popular JOBS Act benefit to all companies, we hope that the next American success story will look to our public markets when they need access to affordable capital," Clayton said in a statement.


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Future Analytics Consulting Ltd commissioned by the SCSI to carry out research for the Residential Property Review and Outlook 2018
National property prices are set to rise by an average of 8% this year, according to the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland.
Over 400 estate agents and Chartered Surveyors took part in the Residential Property Review and Outlook 2018 survey in late November/early December. Future Analytics Consulting Ltd was commissioned by the SCSI to carry out the research.
The report revealed that 92% of surveyors said that the price expectations of sellers had increased during 2017, up from 86% the previous year and that despite the introduction of rental caps in Dublin and Cork, residential rents will also rise on average by 8% nationally.
John O'Sullivan from the SCSI's Residential Agency Group said that until the supply situation was addressed, competition among buyers, a rising population and continuing economic growth would ensure price increases continued.
"Surveyors around the country are hugely concerned at the low level of affordable housing which is being constructed for middle income earners. Many believe that this is because it is simply not economically viable to build affordable new homes in urban areas, where demand is highest," Mr O'Sullivan said.
On the rental market, chartered surveyors believe there will be a significant lack of rental properties of all sizes in 2018, with 81% of surveyors experiencing an increase in rental demand by tenants in the last 12 months.
Average Percentage Change in Rental Prices 2018
Expectation for Average Percentage Change in Rental Prices in 2018 – Nationally
The majority of surveyors believe the rental market is in crisis and that the rental cap has forced a considerable number of landlords to exit the market.
Commenting on the report, Mr John O'Sullivan said, "When the rent cap was introduced, we warned that it would have a negative impact on the supply of rental properties and that has come to pass. We estimate that for every three landlords who are selling their buy to let property in Dublin, only one new landlord is entering the market. Two thirds of private landlords own just one property and increasingly they seem to be of the view that it's simply more hassle than its worth. Whether it's due to the rent cap, complex regulations, a punitive tax regime, or a combination of all three, they are voting with their feet."
Future Analytics Consulting Ltd is a leading town planning, socio-economic research and data analytics consultancy, specialising in delivering evidence-based solutions across multiple sectors. To find out how we can help you and your business, please contact us on 01-6394836 or at email@example.com
FAC is a leading Chartered Town Planning, Development and Socio-economic Analytics Consultancy based in Dublin with an extensive project portfolio throughout Ireland. FAC has extensive experience in town and village renewal, town and village health checks, and settlement profiling.


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What do you want in your next vehicle?
Welcome to Wilder Honda in Port Angeles, WA! Our family-owned Honda dealership has been a proud part of this beautiful community since 1977. Here you will find an extensive selection of new, used and certified pre-owned Honda vehicles, an on-site service department, in-house financing and friendly staff members who are here to make your visit easy and stress-free.
Every new Honda purchased from Wilder Honda comes with a complimentary membership to our exclusive Wilder Advantage Program, which includes 24-hour roadside assistance. Whether you're shopping for a new Honda or need to get your SUV in for service, you can count on us to help. Stop by and see our award-winning team today! We proudly serve drivers from across the area, including Forks, Sequim, Port Townsend and parts of Alaska and Canada. No matter where you're shopping from, our team can help you with the export/import details so your buying experience is as easy as possible.


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Snow hits Danbury area, expected to continue
and Richard Weizel
DANBURY -- The surprise snow that fell Thursday across Connecticut and much of the East Coast could be a harbinger of things to come this winter, according to a meteorologist with AccuWeather.com.
"It's certainly unusual to have snow this early, especially compared to recent years," said AccuWeather meteorologist Brian Edwards.
In downtown Danbury, snow began to fall at 11:35 a.m. Thursday, according to Gary Lessor, assistant director at the Western Connecticut State University Weather Center.
Lessor said a band of moisture coming into the region brought cold air down to the surface, causing the snow to fall.
Late Thursday, Edwards said the forecast is for up to 3-6 inches of snow in Litchfield County, and other northern parts of the state. He said while there were reports of snow much of the day Thursday in New Haven, Oxford and Hartford, there was little, if any accumulation. Residents of Sherman and Newtown reported small amounts of accumulation.
"With temperatures in the mid 30s, it's hard to tell (how much snow actually fell), but a coating to a very slushy inch of accumulation," said Alan Reppert, a meteorologist from AccuWeather.com.
By 4:05 p.m. the temperature in Danbury had fallen to 31.5 degrees, according to Lessor, whose office is on WestConn's midtown campus.
State police reported three minor fender benders between 5:30 and 8 p.m. on Interstate 84 between Danbury and Southbury.
"The pavement's wet and travel is very heavy," police said.
Between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. the light snow turned to rain.
Occasional rain is expected Friday, with a high of 44, according to Reppert.
"(Friday) night we could see some more spotty snow showers, with temperatures dipping to 34 degrees," he said.
That trend will continue Saturday, with more rain during the day and a high of 48 degrees, Reppert said, and a low Saturday night of 39 degrees.


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Product information
Meet the innovative wired headphone from Aftershokz that allows you to enjoy your music and still remain completely aware of the sights and sounds around you. This headphone is a running essential for anyone who enjoys the motivation that can come from listening to your favourite tunes. With bone conduction technology, it delivers music through your cheekbones, keeping your ears open to hear ambient sounds. Their OpenFit design ensures maximum situational awareness, as well as providing a secure and comfortable fit. With the Sportz Titanium headphone sound quality is not compromised either. Aftershokz have incorporated their Premium Pitch technology for the perfect audio experience. Stay aware and stay safe this summer whilst you pound the pavements.
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- Bone conduction technology delivers music through your cheekbones, keeping your ears completely open to hear ambient sounds
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Unwanted items should be in new condition, with the original packaging, labelling and with a Runners Need receipt. A refund request will usually be actioned within 7 working days from receipt. Please note, for unwanted items, you are responsible for paying all return postage charges.


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Renowned investor and one of the richest persons on planet Warren Buffett continues his bearish point of view toward bitcoin and other cryptos.
In an interview on CNBC, Buffett was asked about JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon's retreating take on bitcoin, after the latter expressed his regret about calling bitcoin 'fraud' a year ago.
Questioned if he too would reconsider his current comments on bitcoin – Buffett called bitcoin an "air bubble" following Dimon's remarks a year ago – Buffet stated:
"As far as digital forms of money, for the most part, I can almost say with assurance that they will come to a bad ending."
While predicting the downfall of digital currencies, Buffett went on to assert he'd bet on "each one of the cryptocurrencies" falling over the next five years."
Furthermore, Buffett stated he wouldn't take a negative position by exchanging bitcoin future contracts, expressing there's "no reason" to do as such. "Why on earth should I take a long or short position of something I don't know anything about?" He jested, confessing to knowing almost nothing about cryptographic forms of money.
"I have 11 schools this coming Friday [and] the inquiries will be on bitcoin, and I won't know the appropriate answers," Buffett included, preparing everyone else for more soundbites on digital forms of money this week.
Buffett's interpretation of digital currencies, particularly bitcoin, is like another long-term bitcoin bear in JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon. In September 2017, Dimon notoriously said bitcoin was a "cheat". "It's worse than tulip bulbs," Dimon proceeded in the same breath, adding "somebody will get killed." The Wall Street investor additionally undermined to fire workers involved in crypto money trading, calling them "inept" if they were to do so.
Dimon keeps on being a non-believer, he revealed in comments this week, but went on to state about that 'fraud' proclamation: "I regret making them."
News credit: ccn.com
Image: Google


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Let's talk! HP&HBP
(Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince)
I'm centering my whole week on this movie.
The previews look sooo good.
Finally, I'm in the theater and
the lights are dimming.
I am yet to read the book, so this is my
first Half-Blood Prince
What can I say,
I love the element of surprise!
The Breakdown
Usually, the HP movies are centered around a plot
and then some mysterious subplot develops. Well, this felt like
one giant subplot. I wish there were more "OMG Harry, what is going
on with this book, lets investigate" of a plot.
Or something!
It was more like a
Half-Blood Vanishing Cabinet
than the Half-Blood Prince.
1. Where is that Harry Potter
angst that was growing
in the last few movies?
2. What happened to the
Cornelius Fudge?
3. What resulted from the
Death Eater attack
in the Muggle world?
4. Harry Potter looked like he
was more into the waitress
than Ginny, srsly?? NO!
5. If I saw Draco Malfoy go
into that room with the Vanishing Cabinet
one more time I think I'd question my sanity. LOL
6. "Half-Blood Prince" was dropped
after five minutes and then brought up
at the end for a sec. what?
7. And finally, where the heck is
He Who Must Not Be Named?
(Is he in that book??)
1. I loved Ron & Hermione!
(LOL @ this pic)
2. There were some VERY funny parts (Ice cream scene)
3. Scaryyy- The girl who was cursed outside in the snow. That was scary!
4. My peanut butter M&M's were delicious.
5. I just love Harry Potter.
So woo!
I'm gonna read the book bc from what I hear, it is awesome.
And I bet it will answer all my questions.
What did you think of the movie?


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The Blog of Keith H. Mcilwain.Disciple of Jesus / Husband of Robyn / Father of 4 /United Methodist Pastor / Beatles fan / Steelers fan
Nice pix, Keith!
That was a fun post, Keith!
Nice Pics Keith, its nice to see everyone healthy and smiling.
Is it true! A Prettybird Sighting!
Post a Comment


text: Jul152019Uncategorized 16th July is all set for a Partial Lunar Eclipse of a Full Moon in Capricorn. The sky-illuminating Full Moon this time will be partially shadowed by Earth. This Eclipse will bring with it new information and insights for you. As with all Eclipses, this one too has strong energy and will be bringing light to us. Shadows will be exposed and the focus will be on releasing things you have been trying to hide. Not just release and closure, this July Lunar Eclipse is also set to guide you. The boundaries of the body, mind, and soul will be tested. Stretching the body relieves us of tension and the energy and blood flow get better. Similarly, this Eclipse will stretch us to get rid of past tensions. True alignment of your soul, mind, and body is the goal of this Eclipse. You can feel like being pulled in opposing directions. You may be forced to choose a path or feel indecisive about your actions. But the Eclipse will not only stretch you into these situations but also help you go across them. The Full Moon will be guiding but you need to be patient. While the Universe charts the best path for your soul, remember to be open and keep stretching. Big things are coming up. So you need to declutter. Let go of unnecessary things to make space for the clarity to make judgments. These judgments will decide your future. Eclipses give us the energy to finally push out the things that are already moving out. This July Lunar Eclipse will give you the much-needed energy to get rid of crumbling situations. You have to stay open and alert to realize where the Eclipse might be taking you for that release and closure. The Solar Eclipse of January 2019 is connected to this Eclipse. So think about the lessons you have worked on these past few months. Things are not over yet and there is still some more learning left. Don't try to force the growth on yourself, give it time. This Capricorn Eclipse will remind you of your true strengths. The animal of the Capricorn is the mountain goat. This small animal is resilient and is capable of climbing any mountain it may choose. The correct motivation is all this nimble goat requires to reach the heights. Self-confidence is key. So this July Lunar Eclipse ask yourself what truly motivates you. Discover your motivation to climb even higher mountains. The need for the correct motivation is all the more this Eclipse season. Eclipses can make us feel stagnant and stuck to situations. When you question your thoughts and actions, you will be stretching your mind to think a bit different than the rest. Self-inquiry will help you to be more open to newer possibilities and decide which things are not any longer beneficial to you. As you question your own actions, tension will rise. It can get overwhelming and you might start feeling anxious. You need to understand that it is all a part of the bigger process. You need to trust yourself and have confidence. Repeat whatever motivating mantra you find useful and it will provide you the help you need this July Lunar Eclipse. Status and power struggles are in the cards this Eclipse time. The struggle can be on the public level or just your personal life. You might be questioning your priorities and whom you trust with the power over you. As the Universe aligns for the Eclipse, you might feel like you are preparing to meet your enemy army. But surprisingly, all these seemingly opposing energies are only here to bring transformations, growth, and healing to you. After the opposing energies of the Lunar Eclipse have stretched you, body and soul, you will feel those knots and tensions disappearing. Energy will flow through you like a breeze, and activate your soul. With all this stretching that is required during this intense period, you need to be gentle with yourself. You must remember to breathe through the difficulties. This July Lunar Eclipse in Full Moon Capricorn is extremely potent and full of transformative powers. You have to stay strong and face difficulties, only to emerge victoriously. Conscious Reminder www.consciousreminder.com Category: UncategorizedBy Zoe CassellJuly 15, 2019Leave a commentShare this postShare with FacebookShare with TwitterShare with Google+Share with PinterestShare with WhatsAppShare with LinkedIn Author: Zoe Cassell Post navigationPreviousPrevious post:Happy Sunday, July 14, 2019 Moon enters Capricorn ♑NextNext post:Happy Monday July 15, 2019 LUNAR ECLIPSE EVE, make intentions, prayers, light candles and ritual work is POWERFUL tonight.Related PostsPlanet News Website UpdateJuly 21, 2020This Weekend, The Moon and 5 Planets Will Be Visible On The Night Sky Without A TelescopeJuly 18, 202020:20:20 New Moon #2 in Cancer! [July 20]July 16, 2020Intuitive Astrology: Leo Season 2020July 16, 2020Mars/Chiron and Pluto/Sun: Miracles and MagnificenceJuly 14, 2020Mercury Retrograde Ends Plus Get Your 2020 Retrograde Check In ListJuly 12, 2020


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melissaAnne COLORS & Debi Lilly Designs for Safeway
If you've followed my melissaAnne COLORS brand over the years you know that I have always had plans and dreams of putting my abstract images on home products. Well, this Summer it officially happened! I am excited to team with my talented design friend Debi Lilly of Debi Lilly Designs for Safeway for one of her Summer 2016 candles.
Before I show you the candle, let's go WAY back to 2012 and my first visit to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. I still remember how in awe I was when I drove through the Valley and saw row after row of tulips. And, how when I walked into one of the showcase tulip farms I was overjoyed by the color and opportunities for photography. Here is the Impressionist style photo of the tulip fields that is now "going places" with Debi Lilly Designs for Safeway.
For the design of the candle, the image was rotated and cropped and the beautiful pastel pink (one half of the Pantone color of the year of course) of the tulip petals and the splash of green (a row of tulips that had been cut back when the petals began to fall off) were highlighted.
Add design aesthetics that Debi is so good at and a little production magic and the result…
Perfectly paired in my home with the other half of the Pantone color of the year, blue, and another of Debi Lilly Designs for Safeway candles.
A colorful and fun ceramic candle that also smells delightful! Candles are available in the Debi Lilly Designs for Safeway section at select Safeway & Albertsons Supermarkets near you. Go get yours today!
Bring it Home
Purchase the Original PrintBuy Now


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IT still works like the old programs in terms of menu changes. The "magic healing brush" does an amazing job of deleting objects. In this case a big old sign in the middle of the picture.
The image was shot several years ago with an Olympic point and squirt 2.5mp camera...can you imagine that being state of the art? Ever? Anyway it was just random shooting in the early morning hours and I liked the composition just not the sign warning to stay alert due to a nearby prison.
I dug this out and took it upon myself to use the magic healing to remove a sign and then ortonized the whole image. Thank goodness I didn't have to learn new tools and what there was was so intuitive it really was nice.
Enjoy "Jalama Beach Dunes".


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Local horror film A Tale Of Two Sisters has become the biggest Korean opener in history, recording 774,500 viewers ($4m) from 158 prints over the weekend.
The three-day take for distributor Big Blue Film narrowly tops a record for local pictures set earlier this year by comedy My Tutor Friend, which went on to gross in excess of $25m.
Despite the sensational opening, however, it failed to match the unprecedented 1.21m viewers recorded on May 24-25 by The Matrix Reloaded, which opened on a record 320 prints nationwide.
Directed by Kim Jee-woon, whose previous feature The Foul King ranked fourth in box-office takings for 2000, A Tale Of Two Sisters reworks a traditional Korean folk tale into a story about two girls who, recovering from an unnamed illness, move in with their obsessive and unbalanced stepmother.
The film's striking imagery and an effective marketing campaign are being credited with the success of the movie, which features a complex, difficult narrative that many believed would limit its popular appeal.
At last month's Cannes Film Market, sales company Cineclick Asia raised $1m in pre-sales on the basis of a 26 minute promo screening, an unusually high amount for an uncompleted Korean film.
Deals were reportedly struck for Japan (Comstock), Italy (Medusa), and Scandinavia (Future Film), in addition to earlier agreements for France (Wild Side Films) and Hong Kong (Golden Scene). Cineclick has also reportedly entered negotiations with US studios for the sale of remake rights.
A Tale Of Two Sisters is the first in a record six local horror titles lined up for the summer months, which in Korea is traditionally a strong season for the genre.


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- Ian Lobas
Designing a Life That Aligns with YOUR Values—with Tim Alison - EP 77
Society has a very narrow definition of success. The expectation is that you go to college, get a corporate job, and make a lot of money. And if you stray from that path and stretch the boundaries of what people can imagine, the naysayers will get nasty. So, how do develop the courage to disregard the naysayers and design a life that aligns with YOUR values?
Tim Alison is the founder and CEO at Screw the Naysayer Productions. In 1988, Tim walked away from a six-figure corporate job in Toronto and moved to a tiny fishing village in rural Nova Scotia. There, he started an educational software company that generated upwards of $10M in revenue. With 30-plus years of experience as an entrepreneur and small business coach, now Tim is turning his attention to writing and podcasting. His show, Screw the Naysayers, offers practical advice on overcoming adversity and shattering limiting self-beliefs.
Today, Tim joins Emerald to offer insight around society's faulty definition of success and his calling to help young people find the courage to live the life they want. He shares his definition of entrepreneurship as a creative process, explaining how he came to initiate the Screw the Naysayers movement. Tim also discusses how coaching helped him develop a keen self-awareness and how the unconditional support of one person can drown out a thousand naysayers. Listen in to understand how Tim holds himself accountable to achieve his vision and learn how he celebrates success with time outdoors!
What You Will Learn
Why Tim walked away from a six-figure corporate job
How to create a life and business aligned with your values
Tim's insight around society's faulty definition of success
Tim's calling to help young people live the life they want
How Tim defines entrepreneurship as a creation process
The impetus for Tim's book/podcast, Screw the Naysayers
How coaching helped Tim develop self-awareness
How the support of one person can drown out naysayers
How Tim holds himself accountable to achieve his vision
Tim's approach to celebrating success with time outdoors
Connect with Tim Alison
Screw the Naysayers: They Suck Anyways by Tim Alison
Emerald on Screw the Naysayers EP057
Connect with Emerald GreenForest
Email firstname.lastname@example.com
This episode is sponsored by the Creative Age Consulting Group. Men - Is it time NOW for you to make your mark? Visit timetomakeyourmark.com to apply for an invitation-only consultation.
#TimAlison #ScrewtheNaysayers #businesscoaching #values #success #nature


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1. You don't have to create duplicate threads.Anyone here applying for the FEB 18' AMDO Board??
1. Tried to delete one because I realized I posted in the wrong forum that I wanted to.1. You don't have to create duplicate threads.
2. Based off the fact no one else has created a thread... no.
Yes I will be. Currently finishing up Interviews. I have a one this week and 2 The first week of Dec.
@JORGE The deadline is 19 January. The board is scheduled to convene on 21 February. Good luck!Applying for the 5th time. I believe the dead line is Jan 15.
No, this will be my first application. By the way, it turns out I work with some of the guys who just left NFDS. If you send me a DM I can tell you who - we've been talking a bunch.


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You guys were so helpful when it came to my confusion when it came to killing characters. I loved the insight you gave me, and I meant to get back to my story right away, but then I got injured and I haven't felt well to sit at my computer lately.
Well, this morning I woke up inspired and full of new ideas for my story and I've gone and done it: I've killed off my character, and boy, am I happier for doing so! (I did cry, but well, it was bound to happen.)
My story finally has a purpose, it has the meat that it was missing before! It needs a few more re-writes and scenes fleshed out, but it feels more complete than it ever did before.
Never thought I would say that I was happy about killing off a character, but I am! Poor thing! But she served her purpose, and now she is a hero and the story has a lot more sacrifice and heart because of it.
I've got to finally get around for the day, and get some other stuff done, but I'm proud that I got some good two hours of story writing in today!
Hope you guys are also having a productive Saturday!
Happy Writing!


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Now this is shocking: A survey of more than 2,000 couples seen at U.S. fertility clinics showed that three-fourths of the men had not undergone a fertility workup, even though male infertility contributes to half of all infertility cases. In the subgroup of 1,537 couples without a workup of the male partner, 17% had a history of assisted reproduction procedures, including intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Lifestyle factors play a major role in male infertility, and addressing those factors could restore a man's fertility, allowing many couples to avoid costly procedures that might be doomed to failure from the beginning, andrology specialists said at the American Urological Association meeting. Use of testosterone supplements and topical finasteride (Propecia) are among major contributors to the problem.
"Many infertile couples in North America are being treated with IUI or IVF prior to a male factor infertility investigation," said Keith Jarvi, MD, of the University of Toronto. "Testosterone is being used very widely … but the downside of testosterone is that it can make almost all men infertile. Among couples coming to U.S. fertility clinics, 5% of the men were on testosterone. They knew they were infertile but the men were still on testosterone. That tells me there is a lot of misinformation out there."
The survey provided some insights to the question. The data showed a 4.9% prevalence of testosterone use among men seen at the U.S. centers but only 0.8% of those in Toronto. The 4.9% represented an average; testosterone use ranged as high as 10% at some clinics. Similarly, 4.2% of the U.S. men reported using Propecia, which is associated with reduced sperm count, compared with 0.1% of the men from Toronto.
The survey identified other potential lifestyle contributors to male infertility:
Smoking: 470 of 4,335
Marijuana use: 411
Alcohol consumption: 280
Cocaine use: 85
Additionally, 387 men had undergone vasectomy.
While I cannot believe that three-fourths of men did not get a basic evaluation, the useful information here are the lifestyle issues which are much more common in men whose wives are trying to conceive than I would have ever imagined.


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Make yourself a pretty, layered, mosaic vase! Here's the how- to:
1 Gather your supplies together: an old glass vase, magazines + clippings, scissors, glue, clear gel medium/(optional) paint glaze that would match the overall colour you are going for + a paintbrush. Also, lay down some craft paper to protect the surface you'll be working on.
2 I chose to create a pink tone vase, so I began snipping out any pages that had pink-related colours: fuscia, powder pink, even some coral etc. Cut the pieces out irregularly to enhance the mosaic look. Most of the pieces I cut are in triangular or diamond-like shapes. TIP: be sure to cut out many, many pieces so you don't run out during the gluing process!
3 With a paintbrush, you can start by applying some glaze to the vase to adhere the paper pieces. Or, you can apply everything with glue. I tried a little of both ways, but found that working the glue with my finger was the most efficient – it's quick, easy + fun to spread around like that! Ensure that each piece overlaps another + that gaps are minimal. This step does take some time, but it definitely puts you in the zone. It almost has a meditative quality.
4 Once the entire vase is completely covered + dry, apply your glaze everywhere. The glaze is optional, but I wanted to add an element to unify all the pieces. I used a transparent metallic glaze which gives a beautiful, subtle pink sheen in the light. Alternatively, you can coat it with a clear gel medium, to protect the paper and keep it from fraying. Gel mediums come various finishes including matte, semi and high gloss, so choose one that best fits your project.
Once your mosaic vase is complete, have fun playing around with it + styling it up!


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How to Embrace Finance Digital Transformation
Thanks to digital technology, we can now collaborate more easily, streamline our working practices and get fast and accurate data about all areas of business. As many accountancy firms are realising, finance digital transformation is vital in order to stay ahead of the competition, grow the practice and become more efficient.
What is digital transformation?
Digital transformation describes the transition from paper-based processes to a fully digital way of working, which can encompass a variety of changes in the workplace. Finance digital transformation may include the following:
- Automation of functions and processes
- Remote working, using cloud technology
- A paperless office, with all invoices and other paperwork handled electronically.
Although the process of adapting to a digital workplace can be time-consuming, businesses stand to benefit from a vastly more efficient infrastructure, trackable audit trails and detailed data insights.
Technology changing the role of an accountant
Before tcomputerised accounting systems, the role of an accountant was largely task-oriented, with the routine jobs of balancing the books, record-keeping and reporting taking up most of their day. But with digital technology taking much of the burden, today's accountants and CFOs are increasingly acting in a more advisory capacity, offering their expertise to help businesses develop strategies for future success. It's an exciting time for accountancy, with the potential for professionals to have much more creative and strategic input.
How to digitally transform your finance function
Finance digital transformation is inevitable if accountancy firms are to stay competitive. Implementing the changes needed can be disruptive, but by getting the whole team on board, it can be a positive opportunity for growth.
- Evaluate any inefficiencies in your organisation, and identify opportunities for improvement
- Get feedback and insights from the team, to inform the digital transformation process
- Choose a scalable software solution that will adapt to your changing needs as the business grows.
Our webinar, Digital Transformation: Implementing a new finance system offers useful insights into the process. We also have a Digital Transformation whitepaper on the same topic you might like to download.
Benefits of digital transformation with AccountsIQ technology
AccountsIQ cloud accounting technology offers the opportunity to grow your accountancy firm and attract larger clients due to the finance digital transformation that equips your firms with a new set of capabilities and improvements to existing working practices:
- Automation
- Real-time insights
- Bespoke reporting
- Superb consolidation capability
As well as saving company resources and streamlining your processes, one significant benefit is the ability to compete on a higher level, equipped with the technology you need to satisfy more clients – so you can plan for the future with confidence.
Case study: French Duncan
Scottish accounting firm French Duncan realised that they needed to move to a more complex cloud-based solution in order to meet the needs of their larger clients. The sophisticated consolidation capabilities and multi-currency accounting functionality offered by AccountsIQ was best placed to do the job, and thanks to the automated invoice processing enabled by AccountsIQ, they have saved almost 500 data entry hours every month, equivalent to two full-time jobs.
Want to know how AccountsIQ could be instrumental in your firm's finance digital transformation? Read more about AccountsIQ cloud accounting software for accountants
Alternatively, get in touch to book a demo.
You might also be interested in
Award-winning cloud accounting software for mid-size businesses.


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Nature has many ways of showing us peace and serenity. From something small and innocent, to the most vast and greatest scenery. Some of these moments are obvious while some are more personal. Show us a moment where you've experienced nature's peace and serenity.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in both the expert-judged and crowd vote category will all win Walkstools of their choice!
Walkstool is a Swedish invention, made in its own factory in Sweden. It is the only three-legged stool in the world with telescopic legs, patented with trade mark protection.
It's light, compact, strong and with high-quality, telescopic legs it offers two sitting positions; with and without folding out the lower legs.
Here are the prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place photographers in both the expert-judged and crowd vote category:
First place: 3 Walkstools of your own choice
Second place: 2 Walkstools of your own choice
Third place: 1 Walkstool of your own choice
Walkstool would also like to offer 1 accessory Walkstool Steady to each winner, on condition that send in photo of themselves using their Walkstool!
Every photo submitted will be available for the crowd to rate once the submissions period has ended. You can see all the images uploaded to a contest, but will need to rate them to see how they're ranked once the rating period begins.
Some contests on Photocrowd also have a judge. After the submission period closes the judge chooses their favourite images and writes some image reviews. The crowd and judge results will be announced on the same day.
For a more detailed explanation of how rating works, see our FAQs


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The content of these pages is developed and maintained by, and is the sole responsibility of, the individual senator's office and may not reflect the views of the Nebraska Legislature. Questions and comments about the content should be directed to the senator's office at email@example.com
This column covers legislative days 13 through 17.
Thank you to all the many constituents who've reached out to me with comments about bills, concerns in the district, and words of support. It took some adjustment, but at this point in the session, I'm close to confident that I could find my way around the Capitol without a map and I'm 100% confident I know which elevator gives me the easiest route to my office. I appreciate those who've visited so far. Everyone in District 16 should feel welcome to contact me or visit my office in the Capitol.
As of February 1st, eight bills that could affect property tax rates in some way have been heard in the Revenue Committee. As the intent and potential impact of these bills are discussed in the committee hearings, conversations between senators have started to take shape too. It's possible a package of bills may be needed to fully bring about the level of relief needed by Nebraskans. Each of the eight bills heard in committee so far addresses the problem of high property taxes in a different way. It's my hope the members of the Revenue Committee will send us many options for discussion and debate on the floor by all senators.
Over the next few weeks, I'll use this column to write about some of the more high profile property tax bills. This will be beneficial to you in the district, but will also help me work through some of the details in each bill. As I write about them, I will not be endorsing any of the bills but will be considering how to discuss them if they came up on the floor for debate.
My bill, LB321 introduced on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, was heard in committee this week. The bill would allow for more efficient use of department resources when inspecting weights and measuring devices across the state. I was excited to present my first bill in committee and I'm working with the other members to bring the bill to the floor.
In the Business and Labor Committee, we heard testimony on five bills; and the Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on three bills; the Agriculture Committee heard testimony on two bills. One of the more surprising hearings was that of LB 243 introduced by Senator Gragert to create a healthy soils task force. In addition to receiving comments from constituents on this bill, the hearing was filled with many experienced farmers, ranchers, and researchers on both sides of the issue. I was impressed by the number of people who showed up and the knowledge they had about Nebraska's soil. It really showcased what makes Nebraska so unique and the fact that generations of farming can be just as educational as any college degree.
You're welcome to contact our office at (402)-471-2728 to speak with my Administrative Assistant, Ellie Stangl; or my Legislative Aide, Jacob Campbell. You can also email me at email@example.com. To follow along with the session please visit nebraskalegislature.gov or you may watch the live stream when available at netnebraska.org


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StorageMart - Collingwood
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Collingwood, Ontario, South Georgian Bay L9Y4J1


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On June 25, 2015, the Supreme Court again upheld the ACA against a challenge, this time to federal subsidies. Was this a good or bad decision? What grade should we give the court, and for that matter congress as well?
Because the court held that the congressional intent was to provide insurance for more people, the decision was good. It preserves affordable insurance for financially challenged individuals, and many of my patients have insurance today but were uninsured before the ACA. Fewer people are uninsured now, thanks to the ACA. Who could possibly be against getting more patients health insurance, someway, somehow?
However, the costs of this insurance to those without subsidies have escalated, sometimes un-affordably and sometimes resulting in job loss rather than job creation. But it now remains for congress and states to continue to develop improved methods paying for health care, including less expensive health care delivery systems and more optimal utilization of resources so that premiums can be reduced. Such value-based programs are being developed by organized medicine (Choosing Wisely) and by the administration as well (Accountable Care Organization expansion, and the Oncology Care Model of Medicare).
Had the court decided to strictly interpret the language of the act and prohibited subsidies for those individuals on the federal exchange, many patients nationally would no longer have been able to afford insurance, and their care would have been threatened or interrupted. Many of my cancer patients would have had to discontinue life saving therapy. If this had happened to any of your relatives or friends, you would have been outraged.
So it is report card time, and here are my grades.
For the Supreme Court:
Access to health care: A, since one third of previously uninsured Americans are now insured according to the president and the Department of Health and Human Services, and will continue to be so.
Sustainability of health care: B, since the insurance market is stable, but costs are continuing to rise and for many people their premiums are too expensive and their higher deductibles reduce their desire to get treatments.
Sustainability of laws: D, since the Supreme Court has now taken the view that they can correctly interpret the intent of any law and change the language written by Congress, thus leading to a lack of confidence that any law will continue to work like Congress said it would.
Overall: the Supremes get a B
What about Congress:
The grade for drafting clear legislation: D, since there was ambiguity between intent and language.
Grade for health care reform: C, since access is better but costs are higher than anticipated, and implementation has been inefficient and across the states inconsistent
Grade for finishing health care reform: Incomplete, since programs to increase outcomes and reduce costs (a net increase in Value) are just now being more widely implemented.
Overall Congress earns a C- and a note from the "professors" (the public) to work harder and do better. I know they can.
Health care reform is not yet finished, and it will not be in our lifetimes. In my estimation, every health care system throughout the world has problems. Today, we are living in America where the reforms in health care delivery and scientific advances continue to give more of us confidence in long lives and happiness with control and prevention of illness. For tips on how to navigate the reforms in health care, see my book Surviving American Medicine. And be sure to discuss the impact of theses reforms on your own doctor's practice at your next visit.


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Oh my gosh girls, am suffering big time.
I had my 2nd cycle of caelyx about 2weeks ago and all was fine. The day before Christmas Eve I had a sore throat. Now when I eat it feels like a bad swelling on the right side of my throat but more unsettling is the sensation of heartburn/indigestion which I have never suffered with in my life. I have been sick a few times as I bring up wind which is painful. I had my latest ct scan done on Xmas eve and seeing my oncologist on 9th Jan.
Has anyone else suffered similar symptoms on caelyx or any other drug.
Love to all, maggie


text: This paper deal an AC Transmission system power flow controlled by injecting a compensating voltage in series with the line and injecting reactive power in shunt with the bus. Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC) is considered as a series compensator and Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) is considered as a shunt compensator, while Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) is considered as a series-shunt compensator. This paper covers, in depth, the simulation and modeling methods required for study of the steady-state operation of electrical power systems with these flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) controllers. MATLAB® codes are used for the implementation of the three devices in the Newton-Raphson algorithm. Power flow control ranges are evaluated for IRAQI (400kV) National Super Grid System (INSGS). Results are studies and reported are presented to compare the effectiveness of the STATCOM, SSSC and UPFC.


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Solo singers who focus on opera and symphonic repertory have few opportunities to perform chamber music, the superb mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke wrote in her introduction to the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center's concert at Alice Tully Hall on Friday evening.
"The experience may be as close to being an instrumentalist as we can get," she said. Meanwhile, as the pianist Wu Han, the co-artistic director of the society, noted in a contribution to the program notes, pianists and other musicians spend considerable time trying to make their instruments "sing."
Ms. Cooke's performances in this program of love songs inspired by poetry were the highlight of the evening. For Brahms's "Zwei Gesänge" for alto, viola and piano, she was joined by the pianist Gilbert Kalish and the violist Paul Neubauer.
Brahms used the German Christmas carol "Josef lieber, Josef mein" as a viola obbligato in his setting of "Geistliches Wiegenlied" for alto and piano. Ms. Cooke's distinctive smoky timbre blended beautifully with the mellow tones of the viola; her phrasing and control were notable in this song and in "Gestillte Sehnsucht," its companion piece. She also wielded her expressive voice to fine effect in the alto solo in Schumann's "Spanische Liebeslieder" for four voices and piano, four hands.
The rich-voiced baritone Kelly Markgraf, ably accompanied by Ms. Wu, offered a characterful rendition of the "Liederbuch des Hafis," by Viktor Ullmann, a composer of Jewish descent who was imprisoned at Theresienstadt and killed at Auschwitz. Ullmann set this cycle to texts by Hans Bethge, the German poet who published paraphrases of writers, including the 14th-century Persian poet Hafiz.
Mr. Markgraf offered vocally and physically compelling interpretations of the four songs, including the sardonic "Vorausbestimmung" ("Predetermination") and "Betrunen" ("Drunk").
The concert opened with a solid performance by the tenor John Bellemer and Ms. Wu of three songs by Schubert, including the turbulent "Auf der Bruck" ("On the Bruck"). Mr. Bellemer sang with greater confidence and commitment in his solo in the Schumann cycle.
Michelle Areyzaga demonstrated an appealing, expressive soprano in Berg's "Seven Early Songs," although the performance lacked an ideal intensity, partly because of Mr. Kalish's tentative playing of the accompaniment.
The six musicians joined forces for the concluding work, Brahms's "Liebeslieder Waltzer" for four voices and piano, four hands, with Ms. Cooke again the luminous standout in her solo.


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Men's Weight Loss, 7-days, Lunch & Dinner
Regular price
NUmeals' Weight Loss Meal Plan is designed to help you lose those unwanted kilos. Save yourself hours a week with the dreaded meal prep, shopping and cooking done for you.
Personalise your meal plan to suit your lifestyle. Whether you want 5 or 7 days worth of food is completely your choice. Don't forget to download our weight loss weekly meal plan after you check out.
Meal Plan Includes:
3x Light: Lean and Cream
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3x Light: Green Spiced Chicken
3x Light: Golden Thai Barramundi
2x Light: Golden Steak Mash


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We have a Winner – Issue 16
Issue 16 Winner Announcement.
The lucky winner from our competition which was featured in Issue 16 of Tech Issue was Adrian Lee.
Adrian correctly answered our 'Quiz Question' What does CAD stand for?
The correct answer was B. Computer Aided Design.
Well done to Adrian who won a collection of items including a Nomad 7 solar panel charger, Petzl head lamp and a set of Sea to Summit collapsible dinnerware.
Please don't forget to enter this month's competition; details can be found on our website.
This month we are offering one lucky winner the chance to win a Toshiba 500GB Portable Hard Drive and a Mini Digital Video Recorder.
All you need to do is answer the question on the next page and enter via email, online or Facebook.


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Avengers: Infinity War brings lot of emotions to fans. Unexpected, spectacular, and fascinated with special effects are all what Khen Phim can talk about Avengers: Infinity War. One more thing that Khen Phim wants to reveal is what you see in Infinity War trailer is not the whole truth.
After more than one time standing behind all the major events of the past 10 years in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The one that all must be fear and fans long to see finally come to earth by himself and massacre the universe. That is Thanos. Infinity War is a story about the journey searching 6 Infinity Stones that will fulfill Thanos's ambition: "To wipe out half of the universe". Despite the breakup, once again the Avengers' superheroes will have to join forces against the danger of the universe.
This review will not spoil the movie content so it is safe for you to continue reading. Infinity War is a great combination of 18 movies in the past 10 years of MCU. All the features and advantages of MCU are fully utilized in this movie. You will not only be put into a new battle but also have chance to meet again all the characters and remind of the time that we used to live with this brand. A huge number of characters will appear on the screen. But don't worry as the movie will not be diluted or blurred by such a number of characters. Any character appears on the screen will be a good impression.
Focused character is still Tony Stark (aka. Iron Man). Tony is the soul of MCU and he is also the miserable, most pressured and obsessed one. Every step with Tony is responsibility and sin weighing upon his shoulder. No one can understand and no one thinks what he thinks. He is always the one to support team till the last moment and numbers of rumors that he will fall down under Thanos. Is it true? Khen Phim will leave this surprise for those who can't wait to see the movie.
Another character that Khen Phim wants to mention is Doctor Strange. Magic and spell that he uses in this time reaches to a new level comparing to that in his own movie. It is sure that you would be feasted your eyes on spectacular spell castings. Interaction among characters in the movie is though a bit fast but interesting and natural. Collaboration scene between Tony Stark and Doctor Strange creates amusing moments for fans. Two characters have same features. They are egotistic, thinking for self and having big ego. But somehow they learn to accept each other and find a way to fight on the same side for universe protection.
Our Hulk has little time on screen except for the solo fight with Thanos at the beginning. He and Thor are 2 characters that make audience laugh a lot. However, the fun maker of the movie must be the Guardians of the Galaxy. With foolish, eccentric and crack brained characteristics, this higgledy-piggledy group will bring lot of laugh to audience.
The return of Captain in cool appearance with sharp beard will satisfy every fan. This time he is wearing new black suite and looks badass. Now Captain is trying to escape from the Government. And this is Nomad in comic, after disappearing, Steve Rogers is no longer Captain America and Nomad is his new alias.
Thanos in the movie has complexed characteristics than in the comic. He seems to have clemency and compassion somewhat. His idea is not simply to conquer the universe or having same motif in the love between him and Mistress Death. Thanos in MCU has complicated characteristics and a potential story that movie makers can develop.
Some will fall down and someone will stay back to enjoy the misery. Anyone can be killed by tyrant Thanos' hand. Your emotions and feelings for characters in the movie will be granted in woeful and majestic moments. The last fight might not satisfy all but it will bring you lot of unforgettable feelings. The movie lasts for 2 hours and a half and has lot of plots, characters but your eyes cannot leave the screen because it is so amazing and entertaining.
All figures and special effects are carefully invested and it looks awesome in every aspect. The look of character is so cool with outstanding outfit. But Thanos is filmed by CGI techs then in some scenes he will be looked faked and firm but those only minor scenes. In term of 3D effect, not so many 3D scenes but any scene applied with these special effects looks so real, especially cosmos scenes. With most anticipated movie then Khen Phim suggests you play hard and choose the highest resolution version to fully experience the movie. It might be IMAX, 4DX or Atmos.
The suggestion is you should go with your buddies or choose show time with lot of marvel fans to enjoy the "fan effect". Every time when a character appears or an amazing scene appears there will be huge applauses and screams. When being part of the applause and scream of audience you will feel like it's a whole real Marvel family. One small thing to share with you that today Khen Phim joined the movie with full seats even A row are full.
The movie has one after credit and if you are a real fan of MCU then you might want to stay till the last moment to see that bonus. Inspite of a short credit, Marvel show its clever and precise way to create a hint for their next movie.


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Cost Vs. Value: Experts Say Curb Appeal at Las Vegas Luxury Homes Trumps Projects for 2013
Las Vegas – Want to know how much a home's value will increase for specific remodeling projects on Luxury Homes of Las Vegas? The Cost vs. Value 2013 report, released by Remodeling magazine in cooperation with Realtor Magazine, shows a nationwide average cost for the job, resale value, and the percentage recouped. The report is based on a survey that culled the opinions of 3,900 brokers, appraisers and agents. If a home needs a new roof, the homeowner can see how much he might earn back (62.9 percent). Or, a homeowner can choose the most cost effective improvements rather than basing remodeling projects on what feels right.
Get 'Em At the First Glance
The report includes data for midrange and upscale improvements, and the top ranked projects focus on the home's exterior―it's the first thing the buyer sees and it leaves a lasting impression. Siding, windows, doors, roofing, and decks dominate the top ten lists. Windows make an appearance twice, giving you two choices, wood or vinyl, as do decks, wood or composite, on the midrange list. Siding appears twice in the upscale list: fiber cement is number one at 79.3 percent, and foam-backed vinyl is third at 71.8 percent.
The Best Values?
For the least expensive cost-efficient remodeling project, replace an entry door with a steel door (number one on the midrange list) and the cost recouped is 85.6 percent. This is based on a job cost of $1,137 and a resale value of $974. For upscale projects, second on the list is a garage door replacement, which goes 75.2 percent of the way toward cost recovery. New materials and styles make this project an ideal way to distinguish your home from its competition. A homeowner skilled enough to provide some or all of the labor could realize an even higher cost recovery.
The Way to a Buyer's Heart
Kitchen remodels remain popular, but are typically expensive. However, a minor kitchen remodel takes the number four spot for midrange projects. With an estimated $18,527 spent and $13,977 in resale value, the homeowner recoups 75.4 percent.
The really good news for homeowners and the remodeling industry in this report? Percentages went up across the board for costs recouped compared to last year's report. View the entire report via the Remodeling magazine website, where regional data is also available.
Speak to one of Luxury Homes of Las Vegas Specialists today – call 702-588-6868.
- Anthem Country Club Las Vegas
- The Ridges
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- Red Rock Country Club
- Southern Highlands
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- Seven Hills
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