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It's a textbook moment centuries in the making: more than 200 years after scientists started investigating how water molecules conduct electricity, a team has finally witnessed it happening first-hand.
It's no surprise that most naturally ocurring water conducts electricity incredibly well – that's a fact most of us have been taught since primary school. But despite how fundamental the process is, no one had been able to figure out how it actually happens on the atomic level.
"This fundamental process in chemistry and biology has eluded a firm explanation," said one of the team, Anne McCoy from the University of Washington. "And now we have the missing piece that gives us the bigger picture: how protons essentially 'move' through water."
The researchers, led by Yale University's Mark Johnson, were able to witness water molecules passing along protons – positively charged subatomic particles – using spectroscopy, a process that allows researchers to fire light at molecules and see what's happening inside.
Interestingly, although the water you see in the world around you is a great conductor of electricity, totally pure water, which is rarely found outside the lab, doesn't actually conduct electricity, because of its lack of free electrons.
But, in nature, pretty much all water has mixed with sediments and minerals, which ionises water molecules and allows them to conduct current.
Until now, all researchers really knew about that process was that H2O passes protons from molecule to molecule via their oxygen atom, sort of like a molecular relay race.
This process is called the Grotthuss mechanism, and was first described by chemist Theodor Grotthuss in 1806.
"The oxygen atoms don't need to move much at all," said Johnson. "It is kind of like Newton's cradle – the child's toy with a line of steel balls, each one suspended by a string. If you lift one ball so that it strikes the line, only the end ball moves away, leaving the others unperturbed."
You can see an illustration of the Grotthuss mechanism in the gif below:
But until recently, this gif was about as detailed as our understanding went. Although researchers had a pretty good idea of how this mechanism worked on the surface, the details of exactly how that happened have remained frustratingly murky.
So for the past 200 years, researchers have been looking for an experimental way to follow the structural changes in water molecules as they conduct electricity – something that's proved incredibly challenging.
In recent years, researchers have tried to do this by using infrared scanning to monitor the progress, but the results came out looking like a blurry photograph, with no discernible detail.
"In fact, it appeared that this blurring would be too severe to ever allow a compelling connection between colour and structure," explained Johnson.
To figure it out once and for all, Johnson and his team found a way to fast-freeze the chemical process, so that snapshot moments in the process can be isolated and frozen in time, allowing them to get a closer look.
They used five molecules of 'heavy water' – water made from the deuterium isotope of hydrogen – and then chilled the molecules to close to absolute zero (–273.15 degrees Celsius or –459.67 degrees Fahrenheit).
When they did this, it slowed everything down, and suddenly the images of the protons in motion became a whole lot clearer.
"In essence, we uncovered a kind of Rosetta Stone that reveals the structural information encoded in colour," said Johnson. "We were able to reveal a sequence of concerted deformations, like the frames of a movie."
The new understanding will provide crucial insight into the conductivity of water – a phenomenon that keeps us alive, and is crucial to many chemical reactions on Earth.
But it could also help explain other mysteries out there, such as the long-standing debate over whether the surface of water is more or less acidic than the rest of its volume. This new imaging technique could answer that question once and for all.
It might also shed some light on some of the other recently discovered strange behaviours of water, such as the presence of a mysterious second liquid phase, and its weird ability to freeze solid at boiling point when confined to carbon nanotubes.
The team now wants to perform the experiments again with more water molecules, as well as other small molecules, to see how conductivity changes.
It might seem pointless peering so deeply into processes we already knew existed, but this type of fundamental research is the key to understanding the world around us.
After all, it's only when we truly know how matter behaves on the smallest level that we'll have a chance of figuring out the rest of the Universe. And water, despite how ubiquitous it is, is one of the weirdest molecules out there. The more you know…
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/
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HILARIOUS video shows a man's shoe being stolen from his doorstep – by a brazen badger.
James Harris's security camera catches the badger exploring the doorstep before grabbing a shoe and swiftly making off with it.
James posted the CCTV footage to a community group page for his home village of Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, last Wednesday.
He captioned the footage: "Be careful about leaving shoes on your doorstep at the moment, there is a thief about. But now caught on CCTV."
The clip begins appearing to show the front of the property, with the badger already in clear view at the doorstep.
The animal sniffs about, going briefly behind a wall to the left, before approaching step and going out of view.
When the badger comes back into view its interest is piqued and he can be seen chewing on an object.
It then pulls back, the shoe coming into clear view, being clamped down in the badger's jaws.
With the badger still clinging onto the shoe, it briefly hesitates, going left, right, then straight ahead, disappearing out of shot with his new shoe.
Speaking today James said: "Basically the badger lives in our garden from what we can tell and visits every night usually for leftover food, but as you can see has now taken to helping himself to other things, my shoes included.
"Usually I don't pay much attention to him as we often see him on the CCTV cameras but on this occasion I happened to be watching the CCTV and couldn't believe what I saw happening live in front of me."
James posted the clip to a community page for Chalfont St Peter, in Buckinghamshire, where users generally found the clip amusing.
Tracey Rolfe wrote: "Probably fancied a bit of sole with its chips."
Suzanne Mason commented: "That's so cute."
Claudine Ansell said: "Hilarious. He must have liked the smell of your feet."
Jennie Holliss wrote: "Chalfont really is getting bad. Even the wildlife has started robbing us, what's going on."
Mark Engelbretson added: "Amazing."

subset: commoncrawl


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The New Year calls for new tires, and here's good news! If you buy new Michelin tires, you can earn additional cash vouchers too.
Michelin is offering for a purchase of a pair of MICHELIN tires for passenger car or light truck (PCLT) of the same pattern and tire size (size 14-inch and above), entitles you to a Sodexo cash voucher worth PhP 500. The more MICHELIN tires you buy, the bigger the amount of cash vouchers you get.
The vouchers are valid anytime, with no expiry date. The promotion cannot be used in conjunction with other sales activities offered by the dealer.
The Michelin Free Gas Promo is covered by DTI FTEB SPD No. 0264, Series of 2015. For more details about the promo, customers may consult the promo posters, visit participating dealers in their area or log on to www.michelin.com.ph


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IQS Directory provides an extensive list of aerial lift manufacturers and suppliers in Alberta. Utilize our website to review and source aerial lift manufacturers with our easy-to-use features which allow you to locate aerial lift companies that will design, engineer, and manufacture aerial lifts for your exact specifications. Our request for quote forms make it easy to connect with leading aerial lift manufacturers. View company profiles, website links, locations, phone number, product videos, customer reviews, product specific news articles and other production information. We are a leading manufacturer directory who will connect you with the right manufacturers whether you are looking for lift tables, hydraulic lift systems, or rotary lifts.
No companies under the searched state. You can see below the companies serving under neighboring states if any.
Since 1978, Recycling Equipment has been the leading manufacturer in products such as conveyors, sorting systems, magnetic separation and so much more. In order to keep your products moving in the right direction, we offer only the best in hydraulic lifts and conveyor systems. We also do custom equipment and systems in order to meet your particular needs. Visit our website today! Aerial Lifts in Idaho.
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Backed by more than four decades of experience, Genie Industries is here for you. We build the most advanced hydraulic lifts for any and every job. Our new and used equipment includes aerial work platforms, material lifts, scissor lifts, light towers, articulating booms, telescopic booms and more. After the sale is completed, we offer comprehensive service and support to ensure your success. Aerial Lifts in Washington.
Our custom material-handling equipment serves many. Globe International specializes in manufacturing high capacity, oversized lifts; hydraulic lift tables; lifts with tilting or rotating platforms; upenders; downenders; stand-alone units; add-ons plus upgrades. If it's heavy, we'll help you lift it. Aerial Lifts in Washington.


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SIMZO is a professional manufacturer of infrared thermometer, digital thermometer, and nebuliser, etc. SIMZO Integrated solution development, product design, mass production with product
Beginning of activity of MEDMARINE Ltd July, 1999. The company was founded as the enterprise enabling the realization and maintenance of medical equipment. The staff of the enterprise has


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Each Sunday, we encourage you to come and be a part of First Church. Whether or not you have joined the church "officially," you are welcome here.
Membership is a step that many choose to make to enhance their faith life at First Church. For many, membership provides a designated place, a foundation, and a commitment. Membership also allows those who join to be voting members of our community. As such, your capacity to influence how the church will be in the world (outreach we will support, statements we will make, how we will spend our stewardship dollars, etc.) will be significant. Though your volunteer services will never be declined, another benefit of membership is that service as a Deacon or on our Church Council first require that one officially joins First Church.
If you would like to explore membership with the church, simply email Pastor Mark Montgomery, or contact the church office.


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Instagram has this common thread running called "Throwback Thursdays".
I occasionally do a look back with this alliteration-driven tag but don't usually bother posting here as I think of this website as a slower-paced environment with a blog-audience that has an attention span longer than that of a gnat. Less of a like-scroll-like-scroll-chuckle-like-scroll.
Anyways, I decided I would repost this one along with the wonderment "where did this end up?". It was auctioned off for charity by the charity itself so I don't have any record of what happened with it. Would be quite nice to know if it ended up framed on someone's wall.


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See Dr. Eva Nogales present her work on the "Structure and Dynamics of Macromolecular Complexes using Cryo-EM."
See Dr. Eva Nogales present her work on the "Structure and Dynamics of Macromolecular Complexes using Cryo-EM."
Learn the basics of Colorimetric LAMP, and how groups like NEB and the World Mosquito Program are using this isothermal amplification method in field tests and point-of-care diagnostics.
Learn the basics of how large DNA molecules are separated with Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE).
Optimize the results of your RNA cleanups with these quick and simple tips.
In this video, learn more about argonautes, including how these nucleic acid-guided endonucleases differ from Cas enzymes and potential applications. more
Cell-free protein expression enables the synthesis of a wide variety of proteins in just a few hours, and can be used in a variety of applications, including protein engineering, expression of toxic proteins and diagnostic assays. more
In this episode, learn about new and interesting techniques in science communication from our 2019 Passion in Science Winners. more
In this episode, we discuss the challenges associated with current methods available for methylome analysis, and introduce NEBNext Enzymatic Methyl-seq (EM-seq™) as an alternative to bisulfite sequencing that addresses these challenges. more
In this episode, experts share their insights on best practices for sustainable laboratories with scientistsmore
Did you know that NEB offers free reagents and support to teaching labs and educational courses in the US? In this episode, learn more about NEB's course support program, hear from various organizations who have taken advantage of this benefit, and learn how educators can participate. more
In this episode, we discuss the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts aimed at its protection. Also, learn about Ocean Genome Legacy Center (OGL) and their dedication to exploring and preserving biodiversity in the ocean. more
Several of the most important neglected tropical diseases in humans are the result of infection with filarial nematode parasites. In this episode of NEB TV, learn more about these diseases and their impact, and how understanding their biology can help identify methods to detect, control and treat these parasites in the field. more
Learn the basics of Colorimetric LAMP, and how groups like NEB and the World Mosquito Program are using this isothermal amplification method in field tests and point-of-care diagnostics. more
Go behind the scenes into NEB's technical support program. Hear from our scientists as they describe memorable tech support moments and interesting collaborations that have resulted from tech support calls. more
In this episode we are talking about the importance of RNA modifications. Hear about protocols for prokaryotic transcription start site (TSS) determination, as well as detection and quantitation of RNA modifications, and learn how the RNA Modification Database(http://mods.rna.albany.edu) can help your RNA research. more
In this episode of NEB TV, find tips for greening your lab, hear from the 2017 iGEM Goes Green team, and learn more about Labconscious, a site devoted to sustainability in the lab. more
Take a trip with us to the Harvard Museum of Natural History for a behind the scenes tour of Scott Chimileski and Roberto Kolter's photographic journey into the microbial world. more
NEB's Chief Scientific Officer, Sir Richard Roberts, describes the Enzymes for Innovation initiative, and the importance of new enzyme discovery and screening. more
Learn about glycobiology and its importance in clinical and diagnostic applications in this episode of NEB TV. Also, hear more about how NEB is setting the bar for product quality in this rapidly growing field. more
Learn the basics of qPCR, and hear more about our Luna products, including our novel method for data analysis. more
These days, restriction enzymes are being used in many more applications other than cloning. Learn more in this episode of NEB TV. more
Does creativity inspire you to be a better scientist? Learn more about the often unpredictable ways that art and science intersect in the latest episode of NEB TV. more
Interested in learning more about how NEB's enzymes are made? Learn more in this episode of NEB TV. more
DNA assembly is growing in popularity and used in a number of applications. Find out how NEB customers are using DNA assembly and our NEBuilder HiFi products in this episode of NEB TV. more
To save your cart and view previous orders, sign in to your NEB account. Adding products to your cart without being signed in will result in a loss of your cart when you do sign in or leave the site.


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Thinking out loud; discussing and debating the current issues and challenges affecting the Torah and yeshiva communities such as population growth, dangers of technology, parnassah, shidduchim, financial support of Torah and Chesed institutions, news of the yeshiva world and reviewing frum blogs,Torah media outlets.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
כד עיל שבתא Composed by Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz in Memory of his shver Rav Yisrael Belsky ZTL
" When Shabbos arrives" Mishpacha magazine:
In the last few weeks, I have been repeatedly asked by our many Mosdos, publications, news media and the like, to expound upon the life of my dear shver, Harav Hagaon Rav Chaim Yisroel Belsky ztz'l. In addition to the tens of thousands of people who felt drawn to attend his levayah, the many articles, speeches and hespedim were a beautiful and befitting kavod acharon for him; and I can't thank each and every one of them- all of you- enough for the kind words, support and chizuk you gave our family.
Anything I can possibly express would fall into the category of "Kol hamosif gore'ia - One who adds, actually subtracts". To know him was to see him in action. Those who fully understood him were few. I give shevach v'hodaah to the Ribbono Shel Olam for the opportunity to have personally witnessed over the past 22 years his ahavas Torah and his unfailing love for every Yid. Although he was very close with Rav Moshe Feinstein, his rebbi muvhak was Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky - known as the consummate ish emes. My shver learned from him and practiced this middah all of his life.
A whole week, my shver looked forward to Shabbos. He was uniquely able to appreciate the mystique of the secret present Hashem gave us, from His Divine treasury. His face would glow as he ushered in Shabbos, a glow reflective of his neshamah yeseirah. He felt himself not only a keeper of the Shabbos but also its protector. It was important for him to stand up for and defend Shabbos. When it came to its halachos and their particulars, he was very machmir; my dear shver was the guardian of Shabbos.
Several years ago, a new eiruv was erected in a certain area and there were differing halachic opinions as to its validity. I called my shver to ask him if it was permissible for me to use it over Shabbos.
My shver, who had taken the various shittos of the poskim into account and believed the eiruv to be invalid, characteristically did not criticize the opposing opinion. Rather, he simply asked, "Shlomo Yehuda, the Eibishter gives us one time a year to plead with him and do teshuva by blowing the shofar. We only have one opportunity to perform this most important and dear mitzvah. However, should the first day of Rosh Hashanah fall out on Shabbos, Chazal made a gezeirah not to blow shofar. Why? Because Chazal were concerned with the mere possibility that someone might carry the shofar to shul, and as every child in kindergarten knows, it's forbidden to carry on Shabbos".
My shver concluded, "Now, if Chazal forfeited the glorious Mitzvah of shofar because of the mere possibility of someone carrying on Shabbos, why would you want to take a chance on an eiruv that some poskim disallow?"
My shver was niftar just a few weeks after he was diagnosed with a serious illness. When he received the diagnosis, I immediately flew to New York to be with him. Knowing that my shver appreciated niggun, I came bearing a song about Shabbos that I'd had the siyyata d'Shmaya to compose on the plane ride in.
The words are from the paragraph of "Raza D'shabbos - the secret of Shabbos," in the piyut K'gavna, taken from the Zohar. Those of us who daven nusach Sefard recite it each week after Kabbalas Shabbos. Whether or not it's our minhag to say it, the compelling picture it paints is relevant. In the middle of this mystical tefilla, are the following words:
"Kad ayeil Shabbesa [When Shabbos arrives], ihi isyachadas v'isparshas misitra achara [she separates and distinguishes herself from the other (evil) side]…l'gabei Malka Kaddisha [in the presence of the Holy King, Hashem]. V'chol shultanei rugzin [and all evil decrees] u'marei d'dina [and prosecuting forces] kulhu arkin v'isabru minah [are completely removed by her], v'leis shultana ila'ah achara b'chulhu almin, bar minah [and it becomes clear that there is no other power in all the world besides Hashem].
How many of us truly realize the power and potency of Shabbos?
As some of you may know, my shver was niftar exactly four years to the day from when he was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest, on the 19th of Shvat. The Eibeshter gave him a gift of four more years, 208 more Shabbosim. The word raza, secret, is also gematria of 208! I truly believe that "raza d'Shabbos", the secret reason that he was gifted an extra 208 Shabbosim, was because of the unwavering respect he always had for Shabbos.
Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz
2 comments:
Shevet Mussar, Chapter 9, Paragraph 20:ReplyDelete
"The wealthy should abandon their immoral luxuries and sinful vacations, and instead use the money to help poor Jews, and through this they should merit longer life, and that their sins be transformed into merits, in a way that does not require toil or labor…"
Shevet Mussar was written by Rabbi Eliyahu ben Avraham Shlomoh HaKohen Itamari of Izmir (Turkey) born 1650 CE, died 1729 CE. Shevet Mussar was endorsed by several Rabbis, first in year 1722 of the Common Era, so it was probably written near that year. He was a student of Rabbi Binyamin Melamed, one of the leading Rabbis of Izmir and author of the Sefer Knesset HaGadol. He cared for orphans and raised funds for them.
"According to the original law of Mohammed, there are no innocent civilians.
Radical Islamists consider all people — in or out of military uniform — who do not believe in the original Islam of Mohammed, to be the enemy, until they convert or are subjected to Islamic law."
SOURCE: They Must Be Stopped: Why We Must Defeat Radical Islam and How We Can Do It (Introduction Chapter, page 3) by Brigitte Gabriel, year 2008, year 2010, St. Martin's Press, 288 pages, ISBN 0312571283, ISBN 9780312571283.
MICROBIOGRAPHY: Brigitte Gabriel, the author of They Must Be Stopped, is a Christian Arab, born in Lebanon. Arabic is her native language.
Please help Shurat HaDin SUE the terrorists in court:
Shurat HaDin's victory for Israel on FaceBook:
Thank you!
PS: Please check out these pro-Israel web sites:
www.camera.org * www.HonestReporting.com * www.memri.org * www.ActForAmerica.org * www.aish.com
New True Kiddush HaShem Story:ReplyDelete


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This year's Expose Yourself exhibition will feature more than just erotic visual art, according to co-organizer Caitlin Bryant.
Along with artist and fellow organizer Laura Balducci, Bryant is preparing for an erotically themed art festival in Powell River that will include performances, workshops, music and more.
The festival lineup begins on Thursday, March 16, with an LGBTQ town hall from 7-9 pm featuring gerontologist and researcher Robert Beringer, who will explore issues facing LGBTQ people in rural areas.
Bryant said the town hall was a natural fit with the festival, as it ties into themes of inclusivity and community.
"We're all about freedom of self-expression and building brave, resilient communities," said Bryant. "We typically do that through the arts, but we'll take any chance we have to support our community and to celebrate diversity and shared experiences."
The exhibition begins on Friday, March 17, with a variety of artists and performers from Powell River and beyond.
"We're going for a coffeehouse feel," said Bryant. "It will include music by resident DJs, finger foods, interactive installations and a fashion show."
Events take place at Elements Movement yoga studio at 5813 Ash Avenue (the former Bank of Montreal building). Spoken word performances, including erotic poetry, are also part of the lineup, said Bryant.
"We've also welcomed a few artists from out of province and country," she added.
Out-of-town artists include Lynn Strendin (North Battleford, Saskatchewan), Sigalit Aharoni (Israel) and a contingent of artists from Cortes Island working in a variety of media, said Bryant.
The exhibition will feature a number of do-it-yourself tables, where guests can participate in crafts and activities. Festival participant Alfred Bolster will be staffing a table where guests can decorate erotic chocolates.
"I felt that an area of the erotic show, and issues in general, are not to be so serious," said Bolster. "Sex and sexuality can also be enjoyable and fun. I thought by having [do-it-yourself crafts] we could have some fun and laughter."
Bryant said she is looking forward to a theatre workshop with Kat Single-Dain, artistic director at Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society, happening at Cranberry Community Hall as part of the art festival. Single-Dain will be participating in various performances throughout the exhibition as well.
Gabriola Island-based artist Elizabeth Shefrin, who is coming to Powell River with her partner and folk singer Bob Bossin, will also be featured. Shefrin will read from her new book Embroidered Cancer Comic, which focuses on the couple's relationship, difficult diagnosis and treatment.
"The original illustrations in the comic are all hand embroidered," said Shefrin.
The couple has toured with the book on Gabriola and in Victoria, Vancouver, Nanaimo, Calgary, Toronto and Scotland, said Shefrin. They have taken the book to libraries, book stores, churches, cancer groups and book festivals, she added.
Some of the original illustrations will be on display at Expose Yourself, as well as Shefrin's illustrated children's books and some of her other work.
"On the Friday night of Expose Yourself we will be presenting a short musical puppet show, the live version of the comic," said Shefrin. "Bob will sing a couple of songs as well."
On Sunday, the exhibition will be open to the public free of charge from 12-4 pm, as artists and organizers begin a soft takedown of the art and installations, with a drop-in drawing group taking place from 1-3 pm.
For more information and schedules, go to eyexhibition.com.


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Signs & Plaques
M22912 - Carved Cedar Wood Ranch Sign with Carved Mountain Lion (Cougar)
This interesting Cedar wood residence address sign for the "Tiechaland Ranch" features a Mountain Lion (Cougar) carved from HDU as an applique in 3-D bas-relief, and the text and border engraved into the Cedar. The Cedar background is smooth. The Mountain Lion is painted with an artist brush and airbrush, and the Cedar is left natural (no stain). The entire sign is clear-coated twice for additional protection against UV, rain and snow. The sign can be mounted on a wall or gate, on a post or between two posts, or hung from a wood or iron hanger from eye-hooks on the top of the sign.
In this Gallery 21 you can view over 500 custom carved 2.5-D, 3-D, sandblasted and engraved cabin and cottage signs made of wood & High-Density-Urethane (HDU). To visit Gallery 21, please click on Gallery 21- Lake and Mountain Homes & Businesses. These signs are suitable for lake and mountain homes, cabins, cottages, & businesses, with artwork that includes wild animals, birds, fish, trees, skiers, hunters, fishermen, mountains, and lake scenes.
We make custom carved wood and High-Density-Urethane ( HDU) residence, vacation home, and business signs or plaques of any design in any size from 12 inches to 14 feet. We can customize these signs with any shape, border, font style, or color scheme with carved (engraved) or raised text and artwork of your choice. These can be placed on an entrance gate, a monument base, between iron or wood posts, on a outside or inside wall, or on an outside door. They can also be hung from a wrought iron scroll bracket or wood beam which may be supported by steel or wood posts.
For more information on prices, design options, and delivery schedules, please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com or call us at 951-698-8484, and our helpful and knowledgeable Customer Service Representatives will respond promptly.
Please click on one of the numbered light gray boxes on the lower left margin of this page to see a few more of our 45 Photo Galleries, which have a total of over 8000 photos. Other related Galleries include Gallery 23, 16, 18, 19 and 20. For farm and ranch signs, many of which also have artwork of wild animals and mountain & forest scenes, click on Gallery 23 - Ranch & Farm Signs. You can click on Home to see our home page. Please click on one of the numbered light gray boxes on the lower left margin of this page to see other Photo Galleries, or use the navigation dark gray tabs at the top, or the gray boxes on the upper left margin to see other information such as prices, order forms, testimonials, etc.
You can return to the Gallery 21 (cabin & cottage signs) page by clicking on "Return to List" below right.


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Contact Us
Please feel free to stop by the department between the hours of 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. for more information or to set up an advising appointment.
Additionally, you can contact Dr. Alexandria Oakes, Department Head.
Department of Physics & Astronomy
240 Strong Hall
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Phone: 734.487.4144
Fax: 734.487.0989


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Students use social platforms to promote passions
Sydney Wolfe, News Editor
April 25, 2019
Passions are the inspirations that drive the future of success. They push individuals to reach higher and dive deeper. Social media is becoming a creative outlet for students connect to other creators, promote themselves, and pursue the passions that influence their careers. As society revert...
Documentaries warning society of evil
Isabel Behrendt, Staff Reporter
March 7, 2019
Theodore Robert Bundy: the name behind the man that bewildered everyone nearly fifty years ago and stirs controversy when mentioned today. More commonly known as Ted Bundy, the infamous psychopath who confessed to murdering thirty women, reclaimed the spotlight after Netflix released a series centering aro...
Social media hashtag #MeToo brings sexual assault awareness
Mia Irvin, Editor in Chief
November 29, 2017
If you were to pull up Google and type in just the number sign, the hashtag #MeToo is the first result that will pop up. Out of all the hashtags in the world, one that intros the stories of sexual assault is the most predictable search option. Everyday, the movement's social media presence grows. More and...
Unsigned: Beautiful luxury of Twitter ranting does not need to be utilized
Mia Irvin, Opinions Editor
March 28, 2017
In March of 2006, four Silicon Valley software developers launched their newest invention: a social media platform that would allow users to post their ideas in 140 characters or less. Eleven years later, 319 million people actively scroll through their Twitter timeline, consuming content and posting...
Turning social media's consciousness to confidence
Sydney Wolfe, Staff Reporter
November 22, 2016
It is no doubt that social media is shaping the world; however, is it for the best? Many people grow up in a generation where phones are in every back pocket. Study, by the University of Salford in the UK, has proven that a person's confidence can diminish due to the unrealistic images social...
Editorial: Scars left by social media post can last a lifetime
February 3, 2016
Every day we hear adults or our parents and authorities dole out constant warnings about what we post on social media. For most of us, those warnings go in one ear and out the other, thinking we have total control over who sees what we post. Unfortunately, it is not until an irreversible mistake is made...
Goals, Expectations, Reality
Kendall MacGregor, Staff Reporter
February 2, 2016
"Goals, goals, goals," if I hear mention of this word one more time I might slam my head through a wall. The expectations of high school relationships have skyrocketed through the roof into a land of fantasy. Many teenagers now expect the world and more from their significant others. Social ...
PHS has community of students who care
Sarah Chapple, News Editor
September 25, 2014
Kids involved in various time commitments on campus would be hard pressed to tell you they don't care about school spirit. Spending more than the average eight hours on campus due to sports, music, classes such as Student Government (StuGo) or other clubs is something familiar to many students, however...
A-Rod, MLB send mixed messages about PEDs
Mike McGilton, Staff Writer
February 11, 2014
The use of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) have been around in sports for generations. The most recent account is with professional baseball player Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez was found guilty in 2009 of steroid use by a drug test that took place in 2003 and later admitted to using them. Many years p...
Social media: the all seeing eye
Rachel Lattin, A & E Editor
April 22, 2013
Social media has become an epidemic in today's society, evolving from MySpace to Facebook and now Twitter. With the growing availability of sites such as these, there come dangers and long-term consequences that are not obvious on the surface. Exposure to social media begins at a very young age, creating safe...


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Guide on Weightloss Vertical: Secrets of High CTRPost by RichAds Team
To increase the CTR of push notifications for weightloss, use titles and descriptions that sell.
The RichPush Guide will teach you how to create attractive titles for your target audience and select visuals for your creatives.
The Secret of Titles for Weightloss
According to statistics, push notifications that guarantee results get more clicks.
Recommendation: specify in the title or in the description how long it will take for the results to be noticeable. This approach increases the interest and confidence in the push notification and, as a result, the CTR goes up.
Title Formulas
Let's consider the options for selling headlines on the example of the 7-Slim weightloss offer.
Please note: the length of the title in the push notifications is 30 characters, and in the descriptions — it's 45 characters.
Titles that include a timeline
[Solution] [time]
7-Slim: lose 7 kg per week
Weight disappears with innovative solutions.
[Problem] [time]?
To lose weight in a week?
It's possible with 7-Slim. The solution stimulates…
[Time] [event]
Lose 7 kg without diets in a week
The irisin hormone will improves your metabolism and…
Titles that mention the benefits
[Verb] [product] [benefit]
Lose 7 kg without a diet
The new solution improves the metabolism and…
How [benefit] [product]
How to lose weight with the 7-Slim system?
7-Slim increases the level of irisin in your blood, which
[Verb] effortlessly[product]
Lose weight effortlessly with 7-Slim
The body produces a hormone that…
[Benefit] [time]
Lose weight before summer in 7 days
With 7-Slim the extra kilograms will not return
How [verb] [benefit]?
How to lose weight without any sports?
7-Slim turns fat into energy thanks to …
Titles with"speed"
Do you want [benefit] fast?
Do you want to lose 7 kg fast?
Try a new solution for effective…
[Product]: fast
7-Slim ensures fast weight loss
The extra weight disappears in a week, thanks to the new…
Important announcement for [people]
Important announcement for women!
A new way to lose weight without dieting
Creatives for Slimmers
It seems that creatives for arbitrage are always "classic." For slimmers, these are the standard before / after photos:
But few people know that creatives in the form of statistics get a lot of clicks:
For titles-slogans, such as "Forget about calories!" you can use photos of fruits and vegetables. The theme of measuring weight, size and calories is relevant.
In the title or in the description, ask if women are ready for a summer photo shoot in a swimming suit. The majority will give a negative answer and, therefore, will be interested in the offer. In this case, you can get truly creative:
Offers "without diets and workouts" always attract attention because of the ease of achieving results. It is rather easy to choose a visual for such a creative. "Classic" photos for the vertical with photos of slim girls and women who are tired of working out may be used:
Depending on the title of the push notification, you can come up with unusual ideas for the creatives. The question "Does the extra weight bother you?" in the title can be accompanied by a visual that is unusual for a slimmer:
You can use a standard one too:
We recommend staying away from shocking content. Use interesting and unusual visuals for push notifications and combine them with effective titles.
Increase conversions with RichPush push traffic.


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Glassdoor.com has released their annual list of the 50 Best Jobs in the United States, and this year, they ranked Occupational Therapist as the #4 Best Job in the U.S! The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences published a great article outlining why the occupational therapy field is booming.
I think when you are in a profession that works with individuals in their most vulnerable or challenging times (such as a child with a disability who participates in art class for the first time, or a teenager with depression who joins a cooking group, or the older adult trying to stay in his or her own home), and you succeed in helping them, you appreciate life and the small things you can do each day. This leads to job satisfaction. There is also a high demand for OT, especially with an aging baby boomer population wanting to stay active and stay in their homes, and with the increasing numbers of children needing services.
What makes the occupational therapy field so exciting right now?
The advancement in technology that helps people access environments and participate in society is one of the factors that make the field so exciting right now. For example, we recently had the inventors of the Luke Arm come to class. The Luke Arm device will change the world for so many people. We also invited another speaker to talk about using a 3-D printer to create a device that allows a child to write and play. It is just an exciting time to be an occupational therapist. These groundbreaking advances allow OTs to use their creative problem-solving skills with clients to make their lives better.
Click here to read the full MCPHS article.
PPR has tons of Occupational Therapist positions nationwide. If you are interested in a career as a school-based occupational therapist, please visit ppredu.com.


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Bladder dysfunction associated with Parkinson's
Bladder problems are not inevitable with Parkinson's but are common, and become more prevalent as the disease advances.
Neurological changes in the area of the brain that controls micturition seem to be the main problem causing an overactive bladder. This is often seen in the later stages but can also occur early in the disease. Bladder symptoms in Parkinson's are known as 'non-motor symptoms' or NMS and cause a lot of distress to the person.
Possible types of bladder dysfunction association with Parkinson's
- Underactive bladder and UTIs - The loss of dopamine and the resulting interruption of signals from the brain, can mean the messages telling the bladder to retain or expel urine are disrupted, this can cause retention of urine and an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Functional incontinence - Reduced mobility and bradykinesia can make it hard to get to the toilet on time. The symptom of 'freezing' can result in functional incontinence
- Nocturia or nocturnal enuresis - Common in Parkinson's and can lead to sleep disruption
- Constipation - A common problem with Parkinson's and bowel distention may obstruct the bladder and result in overflow dribbling incontinence
Clinical practice note. It is also important to remember that if a person with Parkinson's does have a bladder problem it could be related to factors unrelated to their condition.
© Association for Continence Advice. CC BY-NC 4.0


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The Friends of Hotspur Primary School organise events and fundraising opportunities throughout the year. Revenue raised through these activities enables the school to plan a range enriching experiences for its pupils.
Play Structure
We are excited to reveal that this year we will be working alongside the School Council & Image Playgrounds to develop a new large piece of play equipment for the school field. Though we have some funds available for the project already, there is still a considerable amount of fundraising to do this year. We aim to raise an additional £5000 pounds by the end of March 2020.
Our first special piece of fundraising has now started. All children from Year 1 - Year 6 will be bringing home a change collection jar. Over the coming weeks we ask that you collect any loose change in them and once full bring them back into school. The collection will continue until the end of term (20th December) and there will be a prize for the class that collects the most money. A separate change collection for Reception and Nursery will happen after Christmas. Thank you in advance for your support.
Eco credentials
When choosing a new piece of playground equipment we were keen to find a company that would fit in well with our Eco-School Green Flag status. Image playgrounds have designed a scatter log climbing frame for us that uses reclaimed timber for the structure and recycled metal and plastic for fittings and ropes. The safety surface will be made from recycled car tyres, which in the future can be taken up and recycled again.
We are using recyclable plastic jars for the change collection. These were acquired as seconds and may ordinarily have been thrown away by the manufacturer. We are hoping that we will be able to reuse them for many years to come, so please take care of them!
You can check on our fundraising progress using the totaliser above. As we raise money a child will move across the rope traverse above, indicating the current total.


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This is another interesting topic to read about since it is a pertinent question that is specific to the trans community and I believe it is worthwhile going through the topic due to the fact that trans men and women are entitled to having a satisfying sexual life as do other straight people are in the community. There are still so many questions left unanswered regarding the trans women and men.
What sex feels like with a trans woman, the first thing that needs to be buttressed is; are they post-op or pre-op transgender individuals. What does that mean? Did they cut their respective sex organs off or not? Sex might be a very different thing when there is a penis involved where the vagina is supposed to be located. Those who are in a sexual relationship with trans women, and who are okay with their penises are probably having anal sex and this is something that can be explained to those who have done it and understand what it feels like.
We cannot overrule the fact that having sex with an incision made vagina is not the same as having sex with a straight woman vagina. There are reports that say that it's okay, that it is the same and that it feels natural, although, the challenges faced by the trans men and women is that they are still considered by the majority of the community as abnormal and this sense can have a negative psychological effect on the trans men and women sexual life.
The transgender vagina has to be stretched out after a few days, for the rest of the trans woman's life and they have to keep a "plug" of sorts so that the vagina hole doesn't close up. The body still functions as a man's body and it is programmed to close up that hole because to the body, that is a wound. No hormone therapy can help out with this.
The nerve endings where the head of the penis was being used up and placed in the new vagina so that there is stimulation and arousal once the penis enters. Some are reporting that they can't feel a thing, then, there are those who are saying that they can orgasm. As you can see, there are no clear-cut answers to this question. Sex with a trans woman can perhaps reach a climax if human sentiments can be rubbed off. It is very important to note at this point that transgender people are still emerging and most of all these operations carried out are still at the experimental phase. Hopefully, in years to come, transgender men and women will evolve to perfection but as things hold up today, sex with trans women and men is still at the evolving stage presently.
Can the trans woman get an orgasm and can she enjoy sex post op? The answer is, yes!!!


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Vina Rossi
Vina Rossi has been awarded "gold" medal status at Vin Istra for their premium Malvazija Templar and a "silver" medal for their fresh Malvazija Istarska.
The Rossi family produces wine from their own grapes, grown on over 12ha of independently planted and carefully maintained high-quality vineyards. Vineyards are nestled on nine different locations around Bajkini village in the North-West of Istria.
The Mission.
The Rossi family wines are representative of the modern approach to infused traditional wine making. Their special relationship with indigenous Istrian vine varieties makes their wines particularly interesting and their mission of local, traditional wines being enjoyed locally and internationally a reality.
Balanced Soil Variety
As a rule, dry years regularly produce better yield from the white and gray soils, whilst the rainy years favour red soil. This is a balancing factor that preserves the overall harvest quality.
Malvazija Price
- € 12.50 Bottle
Malvazija Istarska (Malvasia Istriana)
VARIETAL – 100% Malvasia Istriana
VINIFICATION – 12 maceration on 18°C. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
TASTING NOTES – crystal clear wine of greenish-yellow, with a scent reminiscing of acacia flower, apple, plum, and apricot. Rounded and harmonic taste.
FOOD PAIRING – perfect with seafood, poultry, and light cheese dishes, especially with grilled dondole clams sprinkled with olive oil.
Cabernet Sauvignon Premium
VARIETAL – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
VINIFICATION – 35 days maceration on 20°C. 1-2 years oak barrel fermentation.
TASTING NOTES – Deep dark-ruby colour with a strong, elegant and rounded taste. The aroma evokes dry figs and ripe cherry, with a hint of black pepper and dark chocolate.
FOOD PAIRING – red meat dishes, venison, mature full-fat cheeses and chocolate cakes.
Cab.Sauvignon Prem. Price
- POA Bottle
Chardonnay Price
- € 12.50 Bottle
VARIETAL – 100% Chardonnay un-oaked
VINIFICATION – 12-24 hours maceration 20°C. 6 months fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
TASTING NOTES – A beautiful, crystal clear and partially dense straw-yellow wine. Intense, profound scent with flowery and fruit aromas.
FOOD PAIRING – chicken, hard cheeses and appetizers based on seafood.
Teran Premium
VARIETAL – 100% Terrano
VINIFICATION – 40 days maceration on 20°C. 1-2 years oak barrel fermentation.
TASTING NOTES – Ruby red wine, its bouquet reflects a scent of violets, fruity note of blueberries and raspberries, and an elegant tone of chocolate immersed sour cherry.
FOOD PAIRING – wild game dishes and various mature cheeses.
Teran Premium Price
- €17 Bottle


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RpcEndpointRef — Reference to RPC Endpoint
RpcEndpointRef is a reference to a RpcEndpoint in a RpcEnv.
RpcEndpointRef is a serializable entity and so you can send it over a network or save it for later use (it can however be deserialized using the owning
RpcEnv only).
A RpcEndpointRef has an address (a Spark URL), and a name.
You can send asynchronous one-way messages to the corresponding RpcEndpoint using send method.
You can send a semi-synchronous message, i.e. "subscribe" to be notified when a response arrives, using
ask method. You can also block the current calling thread for a response using
askWithRetry method.
3) - the number of times to retry connection attempts.
3s) - the number of milliseconds to wait on each retry.
It also uses lookup timeouts.


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PHOTOS BY SINUHE XAVIER Photos by Sinuhe XavierSurfers: @camillewerner, @twinfinwizard, @rexandthecity_ Camper vans provided by Texino Los Angeles, CA.
PHOTOS BY SINUHE XAVIER Photos by Sinuhe XavierSurfers: @camillewerner, @twinfinwizard, @rexandthecity_ Camper vans provided by Texino Los Angeles, CA.
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There was me. I was supposedly born healthy at roughly 7 pounds and X number of ounces, but as I turned 1-years-old, then 2-years-old and eventually 3-years-old, it became abundantly clear that something was not right. I could barely walk and could only half-crawl at around 3-years-old. I was a skinny, sickly, and pale child with dried lips and hair that had a mind of its own. My mother managed to tame my frizzy curls with a shrill Chinese-spoken curse at the brush that ripped through my hair and that made tears roll down my cheeks. I was weak, fragile, and it appeared as though I would break at any given moment. I was barely eating and when I did eat, I kept losing weight. Eventually, the paleness in my face turned a tinted and tinged yellow color.
That is when we won the lottery with finding out what was wrong. The lottery-winning story goes like this: I had a fever of 106 degrees and was rushed the emergency room. The golden coins fell in a heap and the Hallelujah chorus went on with the diagnosis: Chronic Kidney Failure. Alas, I was the lottery winner. Oh, lucky me. Upon the diagnosis of chronic kidney failure, I am not exactly sure if my kidneys had failed. All I knew is that my health problems had begun and this lottery-winning announcement led into a series of unfortunate events.
My memories of the time after my diagnosis and its effects are fragmented and like jagged jigsaw puzzle pieces that cannot fit together to form any picture at all. I have depended on my father's stories about my childhood spent in a hospital. It is frightening not knowing what happened or at least how my shut-down memory concerning my childhood would have perceived everything. It is scary that my dreams and blurred and dizzying memories fuse together so I do not know what is real and what is unreal. My father told me he had many memories of me in the hospital and that most of them were unhappy, miserable, and fair to say a living nightmare. He couldn't understand what he did wrong in his life that his little girl was sick like this, and he could not make it better if he had all the band-aids and alcohol swabs in the world. He told me how my Mother's voice became so piercing like a siren full of panic that she would spit out Mandarin phrases combined with broken English words when I had tears streaming down my face from the pain and confusion of what was going on. Then, there was sister who turned sullen and was left home alone and wondering when one of our parents would find time to give her some attention and love while she struggled through her latest homework assignment and adjustments to school.
My father told me the facts: We all have two kidneys, which are about the size of a fist, located in the back area. The primary function of kidneys is in removing wastes through urination. When the kidneys fail, an artificial kidney machine known as dialysis comes into the picture. There are two types of dialysis—hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. According to my father, I was put on put on peritoneal dialysis almost immediately and the hunt for an organ donor began. Mind you, this was the 1980's when living donation was known, but considered a rarity and on the brink of taboo. I tell the truth that all I knew about peritoneal dialysis is that it was now my failed kidneys job to remove my wastes, but I did not know how it went about doing that. Through research and my father's tales, I had a surgical procedure to insert a small tube known as a catheter. Cleaning solution came into the picture of cleansing or removing the wastes that my failed kidneys could no longer perform. I always have the image of me as a washing machine with detergent poured into me. As I underwent dialysis treatments, the hunt for a suitable and beyond 100% organ donor was in full throttle. Months went by with the waiting, the wondering, and the ripple effects on my weak body and even weaker and unstable family. My Father said that he was tested to see if one of his kidneys was a suitable match. He was just about ready to hop on the operating table to donate one of his kidneys for me when the doctors said that it was beyond 100% of a suitable match. So, the hunt continued.
My father told me the bittersweet stories. The bitter was how he used to argue so intensely with the doctors and nurses hurting me by holding me down and poking me with needles in hopes of finding one more vein. There was the sweet and adventurous story of the dreams my father had to return me back among my stuffed animals, Barbie dolls, warm bed with the Little Mermaid bedsheets, family, and just home and not at the hospital, which had turned into my haunted and endless house. My father has insisted repeatedly when I probe him with more questions and curiosity that no matter the pain I endured with a twist of my face, tears streaming down my cheeks, or the occasional scream that would erupt from my mouth, I was a good and very happy child. Perhaps every parent has to say this, because to admit any faults in their child is to admit faults in the parents. Nonetheless, my father is adamant about this. He has described me as a "trooper" or "survivor" who had and still has the spunk and the social skills of a butterfly flitting from one nurse and person to another and grinning from one doctor to another with my once sickly and pale face and dark hair.
My father told me that his favorite memory of me is when I would shuffle out to the nurses' station because I was tired and restless from lying in the stiff hospital bed and started chatting with the nurses. I was tiny and frail and the nurses hovered over me like a doll, but I had the energy, spirit, and passion of a larger than life person. I remember singing "Jingle Bells" in the stark hospital hallways when it would be a warm day outside with the sun streaming through the dusty windows. I talked, grinned, and had a cheerful and determined disposition that only became stronger with each moment of pain that I had no control over. My father always ended this story with a faraway look in his eyes and a serene and wistful smile. When he broke away from the memory and trance, he would look at me and repeat:
Age 6: This was me after my 1st kidney transplant. From physical appearance alone, you can see how the transplant changed me from the time I made my first "wish" to this photo here