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For event info, visit opportunitiesopen.org
Tickets and sponsorships are available. To purchase: click here.
We are closely monitoring the pandemic of COVID-19 and continuously assessing the potential impact on Rotary operations, events, and members.
Currently, our weekly meetings have moved to a virtual format. Weeks that will have a virtual meeting will be listed under the Virtual Meetings section on the right-hand section of this page. Members and guests are welcome to join us in this new meeting format. For meeting log-in info, please reach out to Secretary, Lorie Grooms, listed in the Club Leaders section of the home page.
We look forward to seeing everyone in person soon. Stay well.
Dulles Foundation President, Jim Church, and Rotary Club of Dulles International Airport President, Val Walters, present ServiceSource with an annual donation after touring the Chantilly program.
Lisa Ward, Executive Director of Service Service said, "Thank you for your on-going support. This brings the club's lifetime giving to over $191,000."
We are proud to be supporters of ServiceSource. This year, it was an honor and surprise to be awarded their Community Partner of the Year!
Thank you to all club members who provide volunteer time, support, and leadership to our fundraisers, which allow us to enrich this wonderful organization within our community.
Are you interested in becoming a Rotary member? We welcome you to join us for breakfast on Friday morning. Check our Meeting & Speaker Topics or Calendar to ensure we are meeting this week. For membership questions, please send an email via the contact form on the Contact Us page or email a Club Leader listed on the left side of the webpage.
To learn more about our club, click here.


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IVF treatment is a common procedure in the Czech Republic. Prague is a favourite destination for IVF abroad as Czech IVF clinics are renowned worldwide for high success rates, top medical care and affordable prices.
IVF (in vitro fertilization) with your own eggs is suitable for women who cannot conceive naturally for at least 1 year and have tried less invasive kinds of infertility treatment, such as artificial insemination, unsuccessfully. IVF is often recommended to patients who suffer from issues with their fallopian tubes. IVF with ICSI or more advanced PICSI is used where a male partner has an issue with sperm quality. IVF may also be a solution in cases of unexplained or untreatable male infertility as it can be combined with donor sperm treatment.
IVF treatment with your own eggs is not a solution for women who do not produce their own eggs. Also, it may not be a solution for women who are in advanced reproductive age, or for those with unexplained infertility and couples who have had already several unsuccessful IVF treatments. For these patients, the solution is usually donor eggs or donor embryos.
Our head physicians and head embryologists in Prague have been performing IVF treatment with a patient's own eggs (oocytes) regularly since 2006. The unique PRAGA MEDICA IVF treatment abroad programs for international patients has been carried out in Prague since 2010. Hundreds of healthy children have been born all over the world to date.
We did 4 pregnancy tests this week and we are pregnant
Myself and my husband travelled from Ireland to Praga medica for IVF treatment. We had been trying for a baby for 4 years , I found out I needed egg donation and a friend of mine had twins from IVF through Praga. We contacted the clinic, Veronika was our treatment consultant, she got back to me immediately, went through everything, set up initial consultation, we travelled to Prague where a taxi met us at the airport took us to hotel and clinic, Veronika organized the hotel for us. Wheels were set in motion for us to have IVF treatment in February. We went to Prague for 10days, we booked an apartment, we were given a Chech phone and again Veronika organized lifts for us, making this stress free. Egg retrieval was done Friday of our first week and transfer the following Wednesday. The clinic looked after everything for us, they are so professional and so caring. They want to help you have a baby. We did 4 pregnancy tests this week and we are pregnant! The clinic give you the medication needed and go through everything with you. I would highly recommend the clinic it is so much cheaper for egg donation than in Ireland.Maria, IrelandMarch 2, 2018
Position: Treatment Abroad Senior Consultant
Languages: English, Russian and Czech
Role: Free consultations over the phone, customer service, patient coordination
Items not included in the price of IVF cycle:
|IVF Fertility Treatment Cycle Abroad
|€ 2390
ONE visit - complete IVF cycle in Prague.
Time requirements: arrival in Prague directly before menstruation, woman resides for approx. 20 days, residence of the partner may be minimized to 1-2 days.
The initial consultation with our IVF specialist where the medical history will be evaluated, treatment planned in detail and any possible questions answered, is arranged by SKYPE or phone.
TWO visits - IVF cycle with 6 days of stimulation at home
Time requirements: this alternative requires two visits in Prague, the first may be managed in a single day.
During the first visit the female patient will have a gynecological examination, ultrasound, STDs blood test + possibly AMH blood test.
Male patient will have STD blood test + possibly semen analysis or semen analysis with freezing, thus his residence at the clinic can be minimized to one visit.
Both partners will meet in person with the doctor, and during this time the medical history will be evaluated, treatment planned in detail and all questions will be answered.
Patients will leave the clinic with medication and will start with stimulating at home on day 2 of their menstrual cycle. The second visit is planned for day 7 or 8 of the cycle and patients reside 8 to 12 days.

subset: commoncrawl


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KPSC Junior Assistant Answer Key 2018: Official Answer Keys Of Junior Assistant, Senior Assistant, LDC (Lower Division Clerk ) & Other Posts Will be Available After Exam Date. Contenders Check Solution Answer Key Paper From Commission Web Site Which Will be Available Very Shortly. The Solved Question Papers Set A B C D Will Helpful For Every Candidates To Estimate Thier Secured Marks. We All Know Kerala Public Service Commission Completed the Junior Assistant, LDC, Senior Assistant, Assistant Grade 2, Cashier, Clerk Grade 1, Assistant Information Officer and Other Posts Written Exam in 9th June 2018 From 1.30b A.M to 3.15 P.M. All Above Posts Answer Keys 2018 Available In this Page Download and Rectify Your Marks.
KPSC Junior Assistant, LDC, Sr Assistant and Other Posts Exams Were Conducted in Objective Mode. Many No of Candidates Given the KPSC Exams in the Academic Year 2018. Selection of the Candidates Purely Based On the Aspirants Performance in Written Exam. So Applicants Download KPSC Answer Keys 2018 All Posts and Check Qualify Or Not.
In this Page We are Comes Up Post Wise KPSC Junior Assistant Answer Key 2018, KPSC LDC Answer Key, KPSC Sr Assistant Key and Other Posts Kerala PSC Answer Key Paper 2018. Aspirants Download Kerala PSC Junior Assistant Answer Sheet 2018 and Get Your Score Card.
CHECK Latest Govt Jobs Notifications 2018
Kerala PSC Answer Keys Junior Assistant Exam 2018 Download All Posts KPSC Key Papers PDF Sets A B C D
Kerala Public Service Commission KPSC Going to Announce the All Vacancies KPSC Keys 9th June 2018 Examination. Aspirants By through the Official Website You Can Get the PDF Files of KPSC Junior Assistant Answer Key 2018. Here in this Page We are Given Complete Information About KPSC Conducted Various Posts Written Exams Like Dates of Answer Key Releasing, Results Date, Selection List, Expected Cutoff Marks, Merit List, Solution Question Papers and Much More.
Download KPSC Junior Assistant Answer Key 2018
|Name of the Organization
|Kerala Public Service Commission KPSC
|Name of the Posts
|Junior Assistant, LDC, Senior Assistant, Assistant Grade 2, Cashier, Clerk Grade 1, Assistant Information Officer and Other Posts
|Total Posts
|Exam Dates
|9th June 2018
|Official Website
|Answer Key Not Released
|KPSC Answer Keys All Posts
Download Post-Wise KPSC Answer Key Papers 2018
|Download KPSC Junior Assistant Answer Key 2018
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|Clerk Grade 1 KPSC Key Paper
|Click Here


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(BLACKAMERICAWEB) Condoleezza Rice is no stranger to the whims of royalty. So when the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, decided the two should get together to play a song or two for charity, it was decreed.
The former U.S. secretary of state and Franklin took the stage Tuesday evening at Philadelphia's Mann Music Center in a rare duet for Rice, the classically trained pianist, and Franklin, the divalicious voice of a generation. Their aim was to raise money for urban children and awareness for music and the arts.
"It is a joint effort for the inner-city youth of Philadelphia and Detroit," Franklin told The Associated Press the night before their concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra.
"We decided to give it a try," Franklin said. "So here we are, in the city of Brotherly — and Sisterly — Love."
Their appearance in the three-hour concert before an estimated crowd of 8,000 overflowed with Franklin's catalog of hits and arias from the world of opera and classical music.
Rice, better known as a diplomat and national security adviser, played piano while Franklin sang her hit "I Say A Little Prayer" as well as "My Country 'Tis of Thee." Earlier in the program, Rice performed a selection from Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor with the orchestra, a piece she said she practiced furiously.
Franklin even tickled the ivories a few times Tuesday night, including for a song off her new album "A Woman Falling Out of Love," to be released later this year. She also sang a duet — "The Way We Were" — with surprise guest Ronald Isley.
Rice's given name is derived from the Italian opera stage instruction con dolcezza, meaning "with sweetness." Long a musician of note, she played from elementary school through college and beyond, in quartets and performing chamber music.
She has even played with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. But, she said this was "the first time I've played with an orchestra since I was 18."
When she learned that Rice played classical music, Franklin sent for one of her recordings "to hear what she sounded like."
Previously, she said, "All I had seen of Dr. Rice was in a political atmosphere. It just seemed foreign that she would be a classical pianist."
Franklin was surprised.
"She really does play," Franklin said. "She's formidable."
The two met at a White House function, Rice recalled. "We were just talking and chatting and she said 'You play, don't you?' And I said, 'Yes.' And she said we should do something together."
To read more go to: http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=articles/entertainment/blak_music_month/20580


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Stocks fell once again in trading following weak earnings news and political concerns.
Many market analysts were calling for the end of the Trump trade as investors digest new trade and immigration policies from the White House.
Additionally, many major companies reported weaker than expected earnings and guidance, adding to the dour mood on Wall Street.
The Dow Jones Industrial average and S&P 500 ended the day in the red, while the Nasdaq barely cracked into positive territory.
We've got all the major headlines, but first, the scoreboard:
- Dow: 19,863.51, -107.62 (-0.54%)
- Nasdaq: 5,614.79, +1.07 (+0.02%)
- UST 10-year bond yield: 2.451% (-3.2 bps)
- Trump's top trade adviser went after Germany for its currency policies. Peter Navarro said that Germany was using the "grossly undervalued" euro an an advantage over the rest of the EU and the US. German Chancellor Angela Merkel responded that Germany has no influence on the European Central Bank, and thus the strength of the euro.
- The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Markets Committee kicked off its two-day monetary policy meeting. The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates on hold when it announces its decision on Wednesday. Check out the preview from Business Insider's Pedro da Costa.
- Aetna's CEO said the insurer may dump all of its Affordable Care Act plans. After reporting slightly better-than-expected earnings, Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini told analysts that the company will likely not remain in the ACA's, better known as Obamacare, exchanges in 2018. The company lost $450 million on its ACA business in 2016.
- Under Armour whiffed on earnings and the stock crashed. The sports apparel company missed on both earnings per share and revenue for the fourth quarter and slashed their 2017 profit outlook. Shares of the company fell by just over 25%.
- Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee delayed a vote on Trump's Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Health and Human Services Tom Price nominations. The move prevented the two cabinet picks from moving on from committee and to a general Senate vote. Democrats said they wanted more information on business dealings of the nominees.
- Apple is set to report earnings after the bell. Analysts expected earnings per share of $3.22 and revenue of $77.4 billion for the quarter.
UPS fails to deliver on earnings
Warren Buffett has been loading up on stocks since the election
A whole lot of people are shorting Tesla
Trumpenomics according to Peter Navarro according to Business Insider's Linette Lopez
NOW WATCH: Here's how to use one of the many apps to buy and trade bitcoin
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About Glamour Glow
The Glamour Glow filter quickly adds soft, glamour style effects to your images in Photoshop. There are several different blending styles it can add. Additionally, it can add color effects, do black and white conversions, vintage color conversions, and can even be used to soften the appearance of skin.
In addition to all of the adjustments, Glamour Glow has built user defined presets and a built in matrix batch processor. The matrix batch processor can apply an unlimited number of effects to an unlimited number of images with just a few clicks!
Features Overview
Glamour Glow Effects Examples


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The Journal on Effectivity and Accountability in Training and Science (ERIES Journal) is an international, open-access, double-blind-peer-reviewed and fully refereed scientific journal. The journal concentrates both on the types, contents and contexts of bodily schooling, sport and well being education found in faculties, schools and other websites of formal education, in addition to the pedagogies of play, calisthenics, gymnastics, sport and leisure present in familial contexts, sports activities golf equipment, the leisure trade, non-public health and health studios, dance faculties and rehabilitation centres.
Serendip's Togo Connection – Susan White, Affiliate Professor and Chair of the Chemistry Department at Bryn Mawr College, worked with the Peace Corps within the West African nation of Togo from 1978 to 1981, teaching physical sciences in public high faculties.
The journal occasionally publishes survey articles along with original papers, and occasionally publishes special issues or symposia. Its fundamental mission is to advance the sector of science and arithmetic schooling at large, and to advance science and mathematics schooling in Israel.
The 1870 Elementary Training Act was the effective start of state-financed schooling in England and Wales. The Secretary of State initially merely took the place of the Minister for Science as chair of the various Privy Council committees for civil science. It emphasizes social science approaches, particularly these of economics, political science, and psychology, but it surely additionally publishes the work of historians, philosophers, and others who are keen on authorized idea. It's adopted by the Industrial Revolution (XVIII century) and the golden age of British education in the course of the Victorian era (XIX century).


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Mark Albright, the president of the Washington DC South Mission, shares this story in a letter from his father, Vern Albright.
Dear Mark (President Albright),
I would like to share the conversion story of a friend of mine named Glenn Davis from McLean, Virginia. I first met Glenn in Las Vegas some 42 years ago. He came to my office and asked me to help him with a problem. One day Glenn said to me, "Vern, you have something I don't have and I want to know what it is!" I quickly replied to him, "Oh, It's the Blue Book," and I handed him a copy of the Book of Mormon. He assured me that he would read it soon. He started reading the book and shortly thereafter returned home to the east coast. I don't think I have ever used that missionary approach before or since, but it just came into my mind at the time.
The next time I spoke to Glenn he said he had finished reading the Book of Mormon and that he knew it was true. He explained that just two days after he had returned home, two missionaries knocked on his door. He told them he had already read their book and that he believed it was true and had been waiting for them to visit him. He was baptized soon after that. It is a tender mercy that the missionaries would find him so quickly without any referral from me.
Glenn had a short beard at that time and I took him to my teenage Sunday school class and introduced him as a Jewish Rabbi. He vigorously questioned the class on their lack of knowledge of the scriptures in the Book of Mormon and chided them that he knew more about the Book of Mormon than they did. He finally broke down and told them he was a convert to the church. The class was delighted to hear that.
The next time I saw Glenn was in Florida 20 years ago. He told me that at least 21 people had joined the church because of his conversion. When I saw him again in McLean during 2010, I asked him how many people had now joined the church as a result of his conversion and he said he had no idea because his son and five grandsons had served on missions and had baptized many people. After dinner at his home Glenn told me that he and his wife Carolyn had now served two full-time missions, and he has served in a bishopric and as an Executive Secretary for four bishops, two Stake Presidents and two Mission Presidents, where he is now serving! He and his wife have also worked in the temple for ten yrs and have had sister missionaries live in their home for several years.
I'd like to read you a few lines from a letter I just received from Glenn:
"Carolyn and I recently discussed what our lives would be like if we were not members of the church. We determined our whole life had been influenced by the church and directed by the 'Spirit'. .. My first real experience with feeling the Spirit was when I was prompted to ask you 'What do you have that I don't?' When you gave me that 'Blue Book' I thought how can a book be what makes a person so different? I know the answer now. We try to live our lives each day as the Spirit would have us live. We continue to read the Book of Mormon and try to live by its precepts."
Dad (Vern Albright)
Editors Note: Vern Albright is currently serving as the Patriarch in the Las Vegas Nevada Stake. He previously presided over the Florida Tampa Mission of the Church. Glenn Davis was recently called as the Executive Secretary in the Washington DC South Mission.


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Rumeli Hisari is a castle built by Sultan Mehmet II in preparation for his final and successful siege of Constantinople in 1532. It was famously built in just four months. And then when Constantinople was defeated quickly, was never needed militarily again. It is some miles up the Bosphorus, and I visited it after some walking through town and a bus ride. It is right next to the modern Bosphorus Bridge. The lack of railings means that some parts are not for the faint-hearted.
The view from the Bosphorus Cruise.
A nice residential neighborhood next to the castle.
Back to Instanbul trip index


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Plumbers Wellington
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|Business name:
|Southern Plumbing & Gasfitting Ltd
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|Southern was established 30+ years ago and is owner operated. We cover Wellington City and up to Pukerua Bay and Upper Hutt
|Services offered:
|We have Wellington Plumbers, Wellington Gasfitters, Wellington Drainlayers and Wellington Roofing staff on-hand 24/7/365 days a year
|Areas serviced:
|Wellington City, Pukerua Bay, Porirua, Tawa, Johnsonville, Karori, Island Bay, Miramar, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Newlands, Brooklyn, Mt Victoria, Ngaio
|Available 24/7/365 days. We offer an after hours call-out service for emergencies. We offer our "Your Job On Time Or It Is Free" with confidence.
Southern Plumbing & Gasfitting can offer you a great service anywhere in the Wellington Region as far north as Pukerua Bay and Upper Hutt.We have trades people for Wellington Plumbing, Wellington Gasfitting, Wellington Drainlayers, Wellington Roofing and Wellington Drain Un-Blocks. If you are unsure of the service you require then contact us through our website www.southernplumbing.co.nz or free phone us on 0800-484353. We will ensure you have a good outcome to your "job query". Member of Master Plumbers Association.
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Luxury Chilean Fjords Cruise - Valparaiso to Ushuaia - 15 - $7,582
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- Visit the Petrohué waterfalls and Lago Llanquihue, Chile's second-largest lake
- See UNESCO World Heritage churches in Chiloe.
- Look for Andean Condors and free-roaming guanacos
- Explore the Torres del Paine National Park –a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
- Cruise by Zodiac to the Pio XI, Marinelli and Garibaldi Glaciers
Start from Valparaiso and end at Ushuaia
Landmarks visited on Luxury Chilean Fjords Cruise - Valparaiso to Ushuaia
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Valparaiso, Chile
Embark the Silver Explorer and depart on your exciting Silversea Expedition. Once you have settled in and before Silver Explorer leaves Valparaiso, you will attend a mandatory safety drill. During a special sail away party take in the sights of "The Pearl of the Pacific" -as the city is known in Chile's literature and music. Valparaiso's historic hillside settlements (including the still used funiculars) have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and this evening you can enjoy the delights of a specially prepared menu in The Restaurant.
Day 2: At Sea, cruising the Humboldt Current
Take the first morning to unwind after your travels to join Silver Explorer in Valparaiso. Our experts will present talks in The Theatre to give you an introduction to Chile and the region's wildlife and nature. Today our lecturers will introduce you to the natural and historical highlights of Valdivia and Chile's Lake District. Due to the presence of the very nutrient-rich Humboldt Current, the waters along the Chilean coast are rich in fish life. Today our chefs might introduce you to the world of "ceviche" in its many forms.
Day 3: Niebla, Chile
During the early morning Silver Explorer will anchor in the Corral Bay halfway between Corral and Niebla. Niebla is a small village on the banks of the Rio Valdivia where Chile's Corral Bay meets the Pacific Ocean. Today Niebla is a beach resort, but in 1671 it was a defensive fortress built by Spanish conquerors to prevent attacks from pirates and corsairs.
This morning you can either drive to the charming river port city of Valdivia, where we will find an interesting blend of influences from the native Mapuche, Spanish settlers, and German immigrants, or take a catamaran on the river. In both cases you will have time to see the town of Valdivia. The first German colonists arrived here in 1849 and worked hard to develop Valdivia into one of southern Chile's most productive areas and their influence can be felt in every corner of this city. The town was affected by the 1960 earthquake -the worst ever recorded- but rebuilt with a strong German imprint. On our way to Valdivia we can see tracts of land that are still under water as a result of the quake. We will visit the river market and have a look at downtown Valdivia with its mix of old and modern buildings. You will have to choose whether you would like to visit the Fort at Niebla or enjoy fresh fish and crabs in Valdivia.
In the afternoon Silver Explorer will head south, giving our lecturers time to expand on the natural history of Chile's Lake Region.
Day 4: Puerto Montt, ChilePuerto Montt is the starting point for our excursions to the Lake District and specifically Lago Llanquihue. We will drive along the southern shore of Chile's second-largest lake and head for the Petrohue waterfalls. These falls 'connect' Lago Esmeralda with Lago Llanquihue and we will walk over to the viewing platforms of Chile's best-known falls. Here we will have an opportunity to see some of the local plants and endemic trees. Later you will have the choice to either visit a typical Chilean farm to learn about the traditions of southern Chile's food, music, tools and the national sport of rodeo -which is quite different from the North American version- or to have lunch at a local restaurant and to explore the town of Puerto Varas.
If you choose the Fundo Olguita, you will have lunch including empanadas, a tasty barbeque and traditional German desserts -this area was first colonised by Germans in the mid-19th century. You will also have the chance to learn the Chilean national dance, the Cueca.
If you choose Puerto Varas, you will have time to explore the "City of Roses" -as Puerto Varas is known- and to browse the small handicraft village and see some of the wooden buildings for which the town was declared a "Heritage Zone".
After these excursions take your time to join the bar team for a Pisco Sour evening. Learn more about this iconic drink and why this is both Peru's and Chile's national drink.
Day 5: Castro, Chile
Chiloe Island is home to an amazing collection of 150 Jesuit-built wooden churches, houses raised up on poles out of the water, and more than 400 native plant varieties.
From Castro, we head north to the picturesque village of Dalcahue and a brief ferry ride to the island of Quinchao, passing through Curaco de Velez. This tiny village of approximately 500 inhabitants had its best times around 1850. Today, beautiful houses remain as a testament to those earlier days. Black-necked Swans can sometimes be seen near here. We then head for Achao, which was founded by the Jesuits in 1743. Achao is a lively town with boats arriving every day from all the surrounding islands.
We will visit the Jesuit's Achao Church, the oldest wooden structure in Chiloe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in 1730, it contains beautiful baroque imagery. Afterwards, we cross Achao's main square to enjoy a snack and typical local music before returning to Dalcahue. Here we will visit the well-preserved Dalcahue Church with its galvanised iron roof. The details and precision of the imagery carved by Jesuits from locally grown Patagonian cypress, larch and luma trees are amazing. It was declared a World Heritage site in 2000.
Alternatively, visit three of the 16 UNESCO World Heritage Site churches on the island of Chiloe in Vilupulli, Chonchi and Castro. Apart from the churches, the Museum of Traditions will be visited in Chonchi. This small museum houses artefacts and photos relating to Chiloe and Chonchi and recreates the feeling of Chonchi in the early 20th century. The excursion ends with a visit to Castro's handicraft market.
In the afternoon Silver Explorer will sail along the eastern shore of Chiloe towards the Guaitecas Archipelago. Spend time on deck looking for Chilean dolphins and Peale's dolphins -the Guaitecas are considered a hot spot for them.
Day 6: At Sea
Today Silver Explorer will venture again into the Pacific and will round the Taitao and Tres Montes Peninsulas before entering the Golfo de Penas -where the sea tends to be rough, but the area is known for its whales and dolphins sightings.
Watch for cetaceans or relax in one of the lounges with that book you've been meaning to read and meet up with new friends for cocktails. In the evening, Silver Explorer will enter the Messier Channel and will from then on continue Chile's Inside Passage -and calm waters.
Day 7: Cruise English Narrows and Pio XI Glacier, Chile
Very early this morning -actually before sunrise- we head towards the English Narrows. Our Captain and the local Chilean Pilots expertly manoeuvre Silver Explorer through the slalom course of islands and channel markers. At the narrowest part it has a width of 80 metres, permitting the passage of only one vessel at a time.
Once we have passed the English Narrows you will have time for a leisurely breakfast and to attend lectures about the Fjords' natural history or perhaps a seminar. The whole region of the fjords is so inhospitable that only one single settlement exists south of the English Narrows -Puerto Eden. Birders will want to see what species want to live in this area. The further south we head the better the chance to see Andean Condors majestically soaring above the hills and mountains.
In the afternoon we will visit the Pio XI Glacier. This tidewater glacier sprawled out in front of us is 4.5 km wide and a remarkable shade of brilliant blue. An outlet glacier of the South Patagonian Ice Field, the Pio XI had once extended out into the fjords whose waters we ply today. Conditions permitting, we will board our Zodiacs and dodge brash ice and bergy bits as we approach the glacier at a safe distance. Alert for signs of calving, we may see chunks of ice falling from the glacier front.
Day 8: Cruise White Narrows and Puerto Natales, Chile
Today Silver Explorer will reach the White Narrows and another spectacular facet of the vast expenses of the Chilean Fjords. On approach through Chile's largest national park, Bernardo O'Higgins, the famous White Narrows become evident as mountains loom in on both sides of the fjord with hardy native plants clinging to barren rock. With only approximately 80 meters (260 feet) of clearance from either side of the passage, the sharp turns of the ship, skillfully executed between rocky outcrops, are fascinating to watch from the outer decks. On the transit through the breathtaking White Narrows, it is also possible to see seals and dolphins plying the waters alongside the ship.
Silver Explorer will be in front of Puerto Natales at about dinner time.
Day 9: Puerto Natales, Chile
From Puerto Natales we will head out to Torres del Paine National Park by bus. This is considered by many to be the most spectacular worldwide reserve at the end of the world. Covering an area of 242,000 hectares, the park is a fertile combination of lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, glaciers, hills and spectacular peaks and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. On the way to Laguna Sarmiento, the entrance to the park, we will stop for photos of the free roaming guanacos, Andean Condors and other wildlife. There will be opportunities to see the Salto Grande waterfall, the famous Torres del Paine peaks (weather permitting) and Nordenskjold Lake. Lunch will be had at the Serrano River area. Within the park there will be three different options of walks and hikes -depending on your fitness or willingness to exercise.
Day 10: Puerto Natales, White Narrows and Montanas Fjord, Chile
Leaving Puerto Natales in the morning, Silver Explorer will once again have to pass White Narrows. This will give us another chance to spot wildlife and marvel at the amount of work and time that went into charting these waters. In the afternoon, Silver Explorer will enter the narrow Canal de las Montanas and will sail parallel to the Cordillera de Sarmiento. Several cascades and seven glaciers come down the steep sides of the mountains and -conditions permitting- we might do a Zodiac cruise or even land for a short hike.
Day 11: Cruise the Chilean Fjords
Our course will take us through the vast expense of the Chilean Fjords. We will sail through Chile's largest national park, Bernardo O'Higgins, before we head for another famous narrow channel, the western portion of the Strait of Magellan. Mountains loom on both sides of the ship and Silver Explorer will sail through the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, an area humpback whales are known to frequent.
Day 12: Alberto de Agostini National Park and Ainsworth Bay, Chile
Today Silver Explorer will navigate past Dawson Island -quite infamous in Chile's modern-day history as a penal settlement for political prisoners- into Almirantazgo Sound, to arrive at Ainsworth Bay. The bay is within Alberto De Agostini National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Depending on conditions, we intend to offer a Zodiac cruise to see the Marinelli Glacier descending from Darwin Mountain Range.
This area will give a good appreciation of how the land returns to life after glacial retreat. We also intend to take a walk in the stunning sub-polar Magellanic forest teeming with evergreens and deciduous trees. The bay promises a good chance of sighting Southern elephant seals, while nearby Tucker Island is known to have Magellanic Penguins.
Day 13: Punta Arenas, Chile
From the capital of the region we will drive to an estancia that was founded by French-Irish immigrants in the early 20th century. Through presentations of sheep herding, sheep shearing and a special demonstration of rodeo techniques (Chilean-style -very much unlike North American rodeos) you will get a glimpse of what life on a Patagonian estancia is. A Pisco Sour, an empanada and a typical Patagonian BBQ lunch will emphasise and highlight this country life. On the drive to and from the estancia, many photo opportunities will be had to see guanacos, Andean Condors and other wildlife.
Day 14: Cruise Garibaldi Fjord and Glacier, Chile
Silver Explorer will again sail out into the Pacific Ocean to reach the Beagle Channel, heading for Garibaldi Fjord. This beautiful corner of the Chilean fjords still lies within the Alberto de Agostini National Park, Chile's third largest national park. This park - with its 14.600 km2 - includes all Chilean islands south of the Magellan Strait, including a portion of Tierra del Fuego.
The Garibaldi is an impressive glacier on the south face of the Cordillera Darwin. During a Zodiac cruise we will see the different shades of blue of the ice -and calving events can make for a very impressive sight. Dozens of waterfalls dot the cliffs and in some cases the wind gusts can be so strong that the water gets blown upwards! In terms of wildlife we can expect the majestic Andean Condor, a South American sea lion colony, skuas, kingfishers, Flightless Steamer Ducks, Crested Ducks, Kelp Geese, Ashy-headed Geese, caracaras, vultures, and nesting Imperial Shags among others.
Day 15: Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast disembark Silver Explorer.
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
This trip can run as a group trip, with prices starting from $7,582 per person for a complete group. If you are looking to join a group or you are a solo traveller we will help to form likeminded groups of travellers. Please let us know your travel plans.
The trip can also run on a private basis to fit around your plans. Departures may be tailored and can be set up on a date of your choice. Please note that there is a higher price for smaller groups. Please enquire for further details.
- Personalised service - the best crew-to-guest ratio in expedition cruising
- Butler service in every suite and stateroom - all guests are pampered equally
- Open-seating dining options - dine when and with whomever you please
- Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship - select wines, premium spirits, specialty coffees and soft drinks, plus your own tailored mini-bar
- In-suite dining and room service – available 24 hours aboard Silver Explorer, and from 06:00 to 23:00 aboard Silver Galapagos and Silver Discoverer
- Enrichment lectures by a highly qualified Expeditions Team
- Guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shoreside activities led by the Expeditions Team
- Gratuities always included in your fare
- Flights
- Travel Insurance


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July has felt like molasses.
Sluggish. Distracted. Trying to focus on work. Having lotsa teensy details to attend to with our move.
A brief rundown:
- We bought a house.
- We move in 16 days.
- We are 90% packed.
- Except the yarn room, which isn't packed at all.
- We're hiring movers. Thank Gawd.
- Our house is echoing. It's so empty. Hello? Hello. Hello. Hellooooo…. loooo
- We got rid of a ton of stuff. I'm keeping my crocheted poof:
- We're part giddy. Part stressy. Mostly giddy now. Yes, mostly.
- We're pooped. All of July has felt so…slow. Like I'm walking through molasses each day. Could this have anything to do with the fact that I've had virtually no caffeine? I randomly quit drinking coffee. No reason. I had my first Starbucks in 3 weeks and it was heaven. Heaven is real. I feel my vibrance seeping back into my veins.
- Now we wait.
- And wait.
- And wait.
- Finding it hard to concentrate on work since… we are moving. Impending move. Move move move!
- My current workspace is… here, in our sunroom, with most of the furniture gone.
- We did find time to have dinner with our new neighbors so I actually managed to get dressed one day. I was quite impressed with myself.
THANK YOU for all your moving tips. Whoa. So helpful. We have resorted a little bit to our previous move technique which involves selling everything for dirt cheap or giving it all to Goodwill and rejoicing in the feeling of freedom and emptiness once again. 🙂
As for shop updates, we'll have a new kit for you soon! It has something to do with this:
Stay tuned. You won't want to miss it.
On the reading front I'm currently engrossed in 2 books which I recommend:
How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships – by Leil Lowndes
– if you're socially awkward like me and feel like small talk is of the devil, read this lil' sucker. You can thank me later.
Carry On, Warrior: The Power of Embracing Your Messy, Beautiful Life – by Glennon Doyle Melton – she is so open. So honest. So hilarious. I fell in love with her writing on page one. If you've ever felt like you're the only one with problems, don't. You're not. We've all got our junk and Glennon shares her heart and life so freely that it's just flat out refreshing. And did I mention hilarious?
On the Knitting and Crocheting Front…
I made a hat. Crocheted. I will share the pattern, but it'll be a few weeks or more down the road.
I started another hat and it did NOT turn out as expected so got frogged. It's good for a laugh, though. What was I thinking?
Here's a sneak peek at another cowl pattern I'll be popping up in the coming weeks:
So keep a watch out for all the goodies. Knitting patterns coming soon too, of course. And as usual, I'm listing new shades or restocking old favorites virtually every day.
I do have some NEW yarn bases being spun in the mill right now. Holy mother of all that's righteous. They are amazing. Hints: A sport weight merino tencel that is plump and shimmering and beautiful for everything from baby blankets to sweaters to shawls.
Also… brace yourself.
A fingering weight version of our wildly popular pearlescent single ply superwash merino wool/silk worsted weight yarn. Hooooooo my gawd. You hafta see this stuff to believe it. I've received the first samples, made some changes to how thick I want it and the second round of samples will be arriving any day now. Once finalized, they will be spun and sent to us within 6-8 weeks and then another week or two after that, you'll start to see them on the site.
And I'll be designing lotsa patterns for both new yarns.
I'm also debating on carrying this new cotton/wool/alpaca blend yarn. Each fiber would take the dye differently, resulting in super cool effects! We'll see.
As for new yarns right now, we finally, finally have back in stock our beloved shimmering cashmere. It's a 50/50 blend of mulberry silk and yes, real cashmere. Delicious. Creamy. Fluffy. Glowing and glimmering. Sensational drape so ideal for shawls and scarves. Fingering weight. I'm currently letting it tell me what it wants to be designed into. I really have a wild love affair going on with shawls and cowls right now. So I have a sneaking suspicion it might be one of those. We shall see. *Insert sinister laugh.. Muahahahahahahaaaaa.
Okay, I've blabbered enough.
Holler at me in the comments below with ANY and ALL patterns you want me to design. I will say I generally (not always) like to stick with items that:
1. Most knitters or crocheters can do. So beginner to advanced beginner level.
2. The design is such that it doesn't matter if you run out of yarn. These are my favorite. Nothing worse than working for months on a project, having 2 rows to go and… you run out of yarn. And since most of our yarn colors are limited edition or semi-limited edition, well… need I say more?
3. Women's accessories. Sometimes men's. I currently don't have children to try cute kid's patterns on. But if that changes, I'll let ya know.
4. Simple 2 or 4 or 6 row repeats. Or something. You can create absolutely stunning projects that are super easy to create. Love themmmm.
Watch my next design NOT fit into any of those rules just to be obstinate. Ha ha ha. Such is life.
So let me know!! I always value input. So long as it's helpful/constructive/kind.
HEY! Have a great day. I said so.
Bye now.


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eighteen years since his tragic and untimely passing, the heroic figure of brazilian formula 1 champion ayrton senna continues to inspire hearts and minds. through homages in popular culture – in music (delorean, norberto lobo) and as the subject of a 2011 documentary film, senna – his story, far beyond the realm of competitive auto racing, has captured imaginations among artists and fans alike.
back in october, decca records digitally released the soundtrack to the doc, with tracks from nação zumbi, os mutantes, and original compositions by antontio pinto. but one cut from the score sadly missing from the tracklist was a recreative remix of otto's "bob" by brazillian producer edu k (edward dornelles), something fittingly beautiful for senna's exalted life and legacy.
first seeing the film last fall, we were completely spellbound. watching it again tonight, we were inspired to share something of it with you. let's feel together.
Feel free to visit our soundcloud channel to see what we like else or follow us on Facebook.


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Possessing Nothing - Chapter 45
A big city like Behengeru had a huge wall with a knight force with the lord and other soldiers. The people who lived outside the city had their reason why. They might have committed a serious crime, or they might just not have money to live there.
Sungmin had no idea why the people living here was here. There was no reason to know either though. Like Lude said, mercenaries were driven by money. He had a job and he was going to do the job.
"But it's weird."
Lude muttered. He wrinkled his forehead.
"This forest. It seems wide, but it's too small for a ogre to live here.."
Sungmin agreed to that. Sungmin didn't have any experience of fighting with an ogre, but he had the basic information about them.
Ogres were strong monsters. They were on top of the food chain in almost every forest they went to.
But why were they in this forest? It was big, but not that big.
"Ogres are omnivores."
Lude walked.
"They eat everything. They eat things that don't live. They don't' judge. But they still have a preference. Humans are omnivorous, but they like meat. Ogres like meat as well."
Lude muttered and stopped walking. He looked at the fallen tree. It wasn't because of an axe.
"Ogres are big. They're about 3 meters tall, and there are some that are even bigger. They eat a lot … but there doesn't seem to anything that would satisfy the ogre's taste here."
Lude muttered with a strange expression. Ogres liked meat. They eat humans or orcs. Even regular monsters. Ogres are such monsters that eat their own kind. Monsters were like that.
"The request came in yesterday?"
"Yes. And the ogre was spotted two days ago."
Lude muttered.
"It's strange. There isn't anything in this forest like a monster village. There's no goblins clans, you know? Ogres are… smart. They're violent, but they don't attack humans usually. Of course if they see a human, they won't just let him go. Just ogres don't attack first. They don't' attack a village first."
Lude was explaining his information to Sungmin. Lude viewed Sungmin to be a complete rookie at this. It wasn't completely wrong. Sungin didn't have much information about the higher ranked monsters. So, he listened carefully to Lude's words.
"Do you know why? If they attack a village, that's a huge problem. If they do, ogres know that a proper hunter would come and kill them. Even if this is a village outside Behengeru, it's still people living inside the territory of the lord. The knights come and kill at the ogres. Monsters don't want to die like us."
"But we aren't knights."
"Yes. We're mercenaries. Money. But the result is the same. We came to get the ogre. Even if they didn't attack first.
"'Strange.' I don't understand what's strange."
"It's weird. There aren't anything that would meet the taste of an ogre. There are animals… but it's not a good place for an ogre to live for a long period of time. Ogre needs to live in a bigger place than this. There needs to be more food than this.
"Orcs and goblins?"
"Yes. Monsters can eat other monsters and no one would care."
"Maybe the ogre is here for a short amount of time?"
"That's stranger."
Lude wrinkled his face again.
"There aren't any close forests that are bigger than this. I thought maybe it was an old ogre that lost the fight for territory… but that's weird too. You know? A ogre that lost the territory fight almost gave up on life. They attack villages and anything to eat. But the monster didn't attack the village either."
"Is there a reason?"
"I don't know. Honestly, there's no reason why we should care. It's a strange reason why this ogre came out of here, but we should think of not why the ogre is here, but how to kill it."
Sungmin nodded. He was already preparing his spear. It was the first time he was fighting with an ogre. It was a lie if he said he wasn't nervous.
He wasn't fear. It was more nervousness. It was the first practice after reaching the limit. The monsters that he killed on the way here was nothing compared to this.
'3 years.'
There were many signs of Ogres. Big footsteps, broken trees. While he was walking, Sungmin felt a bit of disharmony.
"It's weird."
Sungmin muttered. Lude nodded his head.
"Its is."
"This monster, does he poop?"
"He does. If he eats something."
Lude wrinkled.
"Ogres are top of the class predators. They're strong. They don't try to hide that they are here. But… there's no poop anywhere."
There was no evidence of food as well. He found something else.
It was a dead deer. It was more accurately said to be a dismantled piece of meat. A meat that was dismantled by the strength of an ogre, They both looked at the corpse.
"He didn't eat it."
There wasn't evidence of eating. No bite marks. Just… dismantled.
There were many more bodies. Many animals killed.
"It's weird."
Lude muttered. He had experience of ogre conquests, but there wasn't any ogre as strange as this one."
"Is it even an ogre?"
That muttered.
Sungmin felt it in his skin. A feeling of something. Instead of his sense… Sungmin felt it in his skin. It was sign of warning in his gut.
Sungmin immediately pulled out his spear. Lude didn't feel that. But he also immediately moved back and pulled out his sword.
There was a voice that was coming from behind him. It was a sound. A strong… footstep
Creak! Kung! A tree was breaking. Where was something like that hiding.? Lude and Sungmin looked with horror at the ogre.
No, was that even an ogre?
"...what is that…?"
Lude muttered. It… looked off. It was an ogre by its size and looks.
But it was different. The lips were sewed together. It wasn't just that. There were some evidence of other changed. Lude swallowed softly.
It was different as well. The right hand and left hand was different. The right was the hand of an ogre, but the left hand had narrow fingers with long nails. Sungmin looked at the string that was stuck in his left wrist. The muscles. The color of the skin. And the eyes. Both eyes were different color.
Sungmin muttered. Lude shivered at that. Chimera. It was a monster that was a mixture of two monsters. Not natural.
It was the result of a magic experiment.
"Let's run."
Lude said. Chimera with a base of an ogre. He had never heard of something like that. If that was an ogre chimera, there was a small chance of winning. Even if Lude was a S rank, he didn't have confidence that he could win against that.
Magic was inside a chimar. The point of the experience was to find the perfect species. There was a limit that a species could have. Therefore, the chimera experience started. To mix species together to create the best species that could even exist.
Therefore, all chimeras had other surgeries in them. It was only a ogre as a base. Its strength was different depending on what kind of surgeries it had. This monster… was something that wasn't for S ranks.
Ogre screamed loudly. The scream turned into an echo. Now he knew why the ogre didn't eat. It wasn't that he didn't. It was that he couldn't. The ogre probably ripped apart the monsters because of the anger that he couldn't eat.
Hunger made ogres mad. ogres started to run. They had to run. Like Lude said, Sungmin started to take a step back. But the ogre was faster.
Sungmin's eyes looked at the movement of the ogre. It swung around its fist, heading towards his body. If he was hit with that, his body would be shattered and his chest would break.
He would die.
The training of the mountain passed his head. The walking everyday came into his mind. It may have been his unconscious. 'Have to.' he thought, and he moved.
This wasn't the Mountain of Mush anymore.
His body wasn't heavy.
Shadowless- first step.
Sungmin's body disappeared. Behind him. Lude's eyes widened.
Sungmin was heading towards the ogre.


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Having ready access to a wealth of information about disease tracks and population health is changing the way HCPs do business today. With concrete data points to guide them, providers are able to apply key analytics as part of a comprehensive approach to improving patient outcomes and increasing efficiency.
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With the help of a quality database, you can track important layers of metrics that will offer a snapshot of HCPs habits and behaviors.
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Here are three areas of insights to consider:
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When you track the right data points, you'll gain real insight into your target audience and their likes, dislikes, and prescribing habits. This information will enable you to create highly personalized email campaigns.
Remember that while you may think you know what your physicians want and need, the truth is in the data. That's why working from a reliable database takes the guesswork out of the equation. It enables you to track your outcomes so you can ensure you are developing healthy and lasting relationships with your most promising prescribers.


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Thursday, July 31, 2008
Rise in the Darkness
Good music, good for your soul. I'm enjoying some great passages of Scripture, old hymns, and original songs set to a mix of meditative and stirring acoustics. My favorite so far is the great job he does with "Not What My Hands Have Done". We met the artist when he passed through ABQ a couple of summers ago and it looks like he's coming back to NM pretty soon.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
A good tool for family worship
I've been impressed with this book as we've used it during family worship. It's an easy way to explain the answers to the Westminster Shorter Catechism and to read through the supporting Scriptures, too.
By the way, the author lives in this area (Mesa, Arizona) and, if she's able to come, would make a great speaker for a woman's retreat.
Monday, July 28, 2008
"Hey Mom! Bud-bud has strong toes. When I ran over them with the scooter he didn't cry."
Also, today I'm kicking off another series titled "Mess of the Day" and there are two for the day both involving Bud-bud. The first was discovered when Kristin found Zeke perched on the dining room table happily shredding paper napkins. The second occured when Zeke cluster-bombed the kitchen floor by emptying the whole containter of Beta fish food that he lifted unknowningly from the girls' room.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
American Generalship: Character is everything
I read this as part of Air War College, one of the Air Force's military education programs. It's an easy read, although lengthy, because the author had such personal access to some of the greatest American generals: George Marshall, Dwight Eisenhower, George Patton, and down to the '90s with Colin Powell and Schwarzkopf. In fact, in over 35 years he has interviewed more than a thousand officers of flag rank, over 100 of those being 4-star generals.
This book is about effective leadership and leader development, but the reason I'm blogging about it here, is because it has value for more than just military leadership. I want my children, and especially my sons, to have rock-solid character, but that can be difficult to define. That's where I found this description of Gen Marshall helpful and can use it as a prayer for my children as they mature:
"his unshakable integrity; his consistent courtesy and gentlemanliness of conduct; his ironclad sense of duty; his imperturbability--the imperturbability of a good conscience--in the face of harassment, pressures, and criticisms; his deliberateness and conscientiousness of decision; his serene readiness--once a decision has been made--to abide by its consequences, whatever they might be; his lack of petty vanity or ambition; his indifference to the whims and moods of public opinion, particularly as manifested in the mass media; and his impeccable fairness and avoidance of favoritism in the treatment of subordinates."
This is certainly an illustration of good character and I pray that my household will be known for it.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
What is a Healthy Church Member?
Many, and perhaps even the majority of Christians, have a fear of commitment to the church. Two reasons in particular concern me the most. First, some of the most popular churches I know do not practice membership and second, a large number of Christians have an unhealthy desire for independence or autonomy in their personal life. In both cases, many Christians do not practice biblical membership simply because they've never been taught how to or seen it lived out firsthand.
This short book (120 small pages) helps Christians understand what church membership is supposed to be and how God has designed it to help both the local church and you grow in maturity to Christ.
Here are the ten points Anyabwile focuses on:
A healthy church member is an expositional listener
A healthy church member is a biblical theologian
A healthy church member is gospel Saturated
A healthy church member is genuinely converted
A healthy church member is a biblical evangelist
A healthy church member is a committed member
A healthy church member seeks discipline
A healthy church member is a growing disciple
A healthy church member is a humble follower
A healthy church member is a prayer warrior
Each of these ten points receives a chapter-length treatment that concludes with good questions for reflection and application.
I wish I had read a book like this years ago; it may have prevented some painful mistakes I made in being part of a local church.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Staycation Day 5
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Staycation Day 4
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Staycation Day 3
As Isaiah tells the story he was on his way to the bathroom in the middle of the night but collapsed en route (a distance of 3 feet from his room) from "tiredness" and made the hallway carpet his bed for the remainder of the night. To me this is a sign that we're having a good vacation; if the 6 year old is worn out, things are going well.
Today took us to the Tram with grandma, a 4,000 feet climb up a suspended cable in 15 minutes.
The crest is a refreshing getaway from the city with its cooler, wet climate and lush forest greens.
IT'Z was the second stop of the day. For those lucky enough not to know what IT'Z is, it's a mega-sized Chuck-E-Cheese. It's easy to know what it sounds like inside an IT'Z; simply turn on every TV, stereo, and alarm clock in your home to different stations, crank them up full blast, and let them go while you try to communicate with others scattered throughout the house. Throw in an assortment of strobe lights and a couple thousand flashing lights to complete the effect.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Staycation Day 2
They could have spent the whole morning building a better ball drop.
He built it.
We skate on the edge (of the wall). This is how we roll, er, skate.
Staycation Day 1
We're on our version of a vacation, one where we stay put in Albuquerque and see the local sights. Dubbed "Staycation", it saves on gas and lodging, and still provides a good time with the comforts of home. For day 1 we went to the city Aquarium and Botanic Gardens. The children never tire of the Alice and Wonderland effect of the magic garden with its larger-than-life vegetables, caves, and maze.
In other news, the older children were able to save up $200 between the three of them and thus fulfill a deal we made with them to purchase a Wii. Surprisingly, Grace has found her athletic niche and so far is undefeatable at any Wii sport. The most humbling defeat for me was boxing; my Mii character was decked four times in three rounds by her little girl Mii before finally being KO'ed. Kristin had a good laugh at my desperate lunging punches and Grace's rabbit-like speed punching.
Friday, July 18, 2008
The opposite of a guardian angel
With Shadow around, you have to stay alert. Glory (our dog) wasn't checking six and got jumped. The same thing happens to us way too often when we enter a room or just turn a corner.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Children unplugged
Just behind our house is the Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF); the place where families stay when their household goods (including collections of videos and video games) have been packed up and are in transit to or from Albuquerque. Summer is the moving season, and the TLF stays busy.
On these summer evenings the kids and I enjoy hopping the back fence and playing in the neighborhood games. Last night it was twilight baseball, the evening before it was dodgeball.
One of the parents who recently sold their house and is staying in the TLF for 3 weeks said, "I've never seen so many children! This is like another world from our neighborhood on Tramway; we never saw any children besides our own!"
After talking for a while he asked me some questions about adoption, which as usual, allowed me an opportunity to talk about Jesus and the family of God.
Community comes alive when children are unplugged.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Humility: True Greatness
Confessing my sins is no indication that I'm sufficiently convinced of their danger in my life. Rather, the fact that I haven't done something as simple as read a book about my most common sins is an indication that I'm not taking my walk with God seriously. So with this book I am beginning to fight back against a sin that has schooled me for years.
I enjoy the ministry of C.J. Mahaney, who is the author of this book and a conference speaker at great events like Together for the Gospel, Ligonier's National Conference, etc. Humility is short and easy to read. But it still packs a punch if pride is a sin in your life.
Tabletalk magazine gave it a glowing review; their only complaint was they wish it was longer.
Here are the points that I don't want to forget in my battle with pride:
- Pride has one end: self-glorification; it desires to rob God of his due and in fact contends for supremacy with him. The proud person seeks to glorify himself and not God.
- Pride is ranked by many as the most difficult sin to root out
- True greatness as biblically defined is not self-glorification but serving others for the glory of God
As with all of C.J. Mahaney's efforts, Humility is focused on the Cross for putting the sin of pride to death and he makes sure to include many practical applications (ex: a list of daily suggestions to fight pride, how to have humility in parenting, in trials, in sports, etc).
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Crisis Pregnancy Chronicles
This week a teenage couple came in for an ultrasound and counseling, along with the girl's mother. When the young man found out his girlfriend was pregnant, he declared that he would not look or speak to her until she had an abortion. The mother was indecisive about what to do and put the decision squarely on her daughter's shoulders.
There's more to the story than I can share here but the couple stayed a lot longer than scheduled and it appears some progress was made. Kristin was able to pray with the young lady.
Meanwhile, the leading abortion-advocacy organization, NARAL, has apparently stepped up their efforts to shut-down CPCs, or at least dissuade as many pregnant women as possible from going there. This recent report describes CPCs as deceptive and misleading. NARAL continues to lobby Congress for legislation to severely limit the work of CPCs. The CPCs and those that volunteer there are worthy of your prayers.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
An Ordinary Pastor
The prolific biblical scholar and ubiquitous speaker, Don Carson, tells the story of his father, Tom Carson, through a collection of his father's private journal entries. Here we see the life of an "ordinary pastor"--one who does not rise above the local level, preach to thousands, or write books to millions.
This short and easy book convinces the reader that the work of an ordinary pastor, if he is faithful to his call, is not short and easy. Tom's love for the flock meant that he patiently endured hardship and poured himself out--well after "retirement age"--in life-long service to his Savior's bride. This is just what an ordinary pastor does.
Tom Carson was more aware of his faults than his strengths and he struggled with seasons of depression when he doubted his abilities and service. But he was a man who remained faithful and who served the Lord with all his heart.
I enjoyed reading this book from first to last. There is much we can learn from a faithful, but ordinary, pastor.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Loving adopted children
All Christians doubt, at times, whether it's possible that the Father really loves us as much as he loves his only begotten Son, Jesus. Could he love his adopted children as much as he does his only begotten Son?
My experience as a father of adopted and biological children is that there is no difference in the love I have for them. Whether through adoption or birth, they are all part of my family, and being in the family is what counts.
If you are in the family of God, you are loved as much as Jesus himself is loved by the Father. Believe it! Rejoice in it!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Googling got me
You'll see page after page of great photos of beaming parents and orphans finding homes. We love gotcha day stories! Here's a few great pictures.


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Every two years the IJF editors select the "best" paper to have been published in the IJF within the previous two-year period. The Best Paper Award consists of US$1000 and an engraved plaque. In recent years, up to three additional papers have received Outstanding Paper Awards.".
Guide for Authors
Author instructions
- Download Guide for Authors in PDF
- View Guide for Authors online
Track Your Paper
Check submitted paper
- Check the status of your submitted manuscript in the submission system
Track accepted paper
Once production of your article has started, you can track the status of your article via Track Your Accepted Article.
Journal Metrics
2019: 6.1
CiteScore measures the average citations received per peer-reviewed document published in this title. CiteScore values are based on citation counts in a range of four years (e.g. 2016-2019) to peer-reviewed documents (articles, reviews, conference papers, data papers and book chapters) published in the same four calendar years, divided by the number of these documents in these same four years (e.g. 2016 – 19).
Impact Factor:
Impact Factor:
2019: 2.825
The Impact Factor measures the average number of citations received in a particular year by papers published in the journal during the two preceding years.
Journal Citation Reports (Clarivate Analytics, 2020)
5-Year Impact Factor:
Five-Year Impact Factor:
2019: 3.964
To calculate the five year Impact Factor, citations are counted in 2019 to the previous five years and divided by the source items published in the previous five years.
Journal Citation Reports (Clarivate Analytics, 2020)
Source Normalized Impact per Paper (SNIP):
Source Normalized Impact per Paper (SNIP):
2019: 2.772
SNIP measures contextual citation impact by weighting citations based on the total number of citations in a subject field.
SCImago Journal Rank (SJR):
SCImago Journal Rank (SJR):
2019: 1.753
SJR is a prestige metric based on the idea that not all citations are the same. SJR uses a similar algorithm as the Google page rank; it provides a quantitative and a qualitative measure of the journal's impact.
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Stephen Fries: Recipe for Ferraro's Market's Crab Sauce
Chef Giuseppe's crab sauce a favorite at Ferraro's
If you are looking for an incredible selection of quality meat and store-made Italian specialties, and at prices you won't believe, Ferraro's Market is the place.
Once you pay a visit (664 Grand Ave., New Haven, ferraromarket.com, 203-776-3462), you will be back. People from all over the state frequent the family-operated market to stock up on cuts of meat not available at their local supermarkets. Come at the end of the day, especially late Saturday afternoon, and you can pick up some great deals. I enjoy watching people swarm the butcher counter as he loudly announces his specials...he might even let you create your own.
Food trucks are popular today, and Ferraro's twist on it is "The Meat King" truck (parked at 809 North Colony Road in Wallingford, themeatking.com, 203-907-0019). The truck stocks many of Ferraro's popular meat items; you can special order too.
My favorites: the braciola, chicken salad, fresh pasta and the crab sauce, the dish Chef Giuseppe Fappiano prepared for me. I was impressed with the variety of food prepared in his tiny kitchen. He is no stranger to Italian cooking, having been one of the owners of the beloved Delmonaco's.
This Easter, shop Ferraro's for quality meat and seafood too, or better yet, let them cater your feast.
More Information
• Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Cooking Class: Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Chef's Emporium, 449 Boston Post Road, Orange, 203-799-2665, chefsemporiumct.com, $50. Hands-on cooking class will include beer pub cheese and crackers, Guinness-braised Irish stew, Irish soda bread, colcannon (creamy cabbage and potatoes) and Irish cream cheesecake. All class participants receive a 10 percent discount on in-store purchases the day of the class. Visit bit.ly/1pHw7FX.
• Consiglio's cooking demonstration and dinner: March 25, 6:30 p.m., 165 Wooster St., New Haven, 203-865-4489, consiglios.com, $65. Preparation of a four-course meal is demonstrated, step by step, and then served. Learn how to make homemade manicotti, chopped antipasto salad, filet of sole and shrimp Provencal, zeppoles with chocolate dipping sauce.
• Fourth annual Chocolate and Chilean Wine Tasting: April 2, 7 p.m., The Wine Press, 118 Quinnipiac Ave., North Haven, 203-777-9463, thewinepressct.com, $30, buy tickets at http://bit.ly/1M39VA4. Taste a selection of Chilean and South African wines, all made in house, as well as other offerings from around the world. Enjoy a chocoholic's dream, learn about wine and explore options to make your own.
3-4 pounds cleaned blue crabs
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 whole garlic cloves
3 35-ounce cans Italian peeled tomatoes (ground in a food mill or blender)
1 28-ounce can extra heavy tomato puree (6-ounce can of tomato paste may be substituted)
½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 16-ounce can crab meat (optional)
In a large covered stock pot, over low-medium heat, saute the defrosted crabs in the olive oil, onion and garlic for about 10 minutes.
Stir in peeled tomatoes, puree and parsley. Cook uncovered on medium heat for about an hour or until sauce reaches desired consistency and texture, stirring occasionally.
For a more full-bodied, hearty sauce, drain the canned crab and add to the sauce. Serve over your favorite pasta. Makes 6-8 servings.
Desperately seeking
Mary Ann D. McAdam of Branford wrote, "Enjoy your column on Wednesdays and hope you still seek recipes of old. Many years ago there was a restaurant 'Restland Farms' in Northford owned by the Knox family. All the food was delicious, but outstanding was the coconut cream pie made by Mrs Knox. I've tried to replicate it many times but without success. Possibly there is a reader out there or a family member that has her recipe. Here's hoping!"
If you can help Mary Ann with her recipe request from Restland Farms, please contact me, so it can be enjoyed by all. If you have another delectable recipe for coconut cream pie, please send it to me.
Send us your requests
Which restaurant recipes or other recipes would you like to have? Which food products are you having difficulty finding? Do you have cooking questions? Send them to me.
Contact Stephen Fries, professor and coordinator of the Hospitality Management Programs at Gateway Community College, at email@example.com or Dept. FC, Gateway Community College, 20 Church St., New Haven 06510. Include your full name, address and phone number. Due to volume, I might not be able to publish every request. For more, go to stephenfries.com.


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Jenna Elfman and Edward Norton were in an on-screen matchup.
Jenna Elfman and Edward Norton were in Keeping the Faith(2000) together.
Jenna Elfman is a 49 year old American Actress. Born Jennifer Mary Butala on 30th September, 1971 in Los Angeles, California, USA, she is famous for Dharma and Greg. Her zodiac sign is Libra.
Edward Norton is a 51 year old American Actor. Born Edward Harrison Norton on 18th August, 1969 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, he is famous for Aaron Stampler In Primal Fear (1996), Derek Vinyard In American History X (1998), The Narrator In Fight Club (1999). in a career that spans 1996–present. His zodiac sign is Leo.
Help us build our profile of Edward Norton and Jenna Elfman!
to add information, pictures and relationships, join in discussions and get credit for your contributions.
Help keep Edward Norton and Jenna Elfman profile up to date.


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How to Steal a Tesla and What You Should Do to Protect Yourself
With this one trick anyone can steal a Tesla. One way to protect yourself is with a VPN service. Go to https://NordVPN.com/teslanomics to get 75% off a 3 year plan and use code TESLANOMICS for an extra month for free!
Subscribe here – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbEbf0-PoSuHD0TgMbxomDg?sub_confirmation=1
Checkout Pat's channel here https://www.youtube.com/user/SmartPassiveIncome
// Credits
Tesla being stolen – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odG2GX4_cUQ
Hacking contest – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO2ObIbGghw
Chromium update – https://electrek.co/2019/03/22/tesla-internet-browser-google-chromium-elon-musk/
% of people reusing passwords – https://d25d2506sfb94s.cloudfront.net/cumulus_uploads/document/81iu1qrr2x/Passwords%20results,%20Sept.%202017%20%E2%80%93%20Oct.%202018.pdf
Num of data breaches – https://breachlevelindex.com/request-report
Have I Been Pwnd – https://haveibeenpwned.com/
Interested in a Data Career? Check out my free course https://ftdacademy.com
Ready to go Solar? Calculate your cost here – https://www.energysage.com/solar/calculator/?rc=p-teslanomics
// Want more Tesla videos? Check out my friend's channels here:
Like Tesla https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLdTYHvdML-EXsPeiiYJLqA
Now You Know https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMFmrcGuFNu_59L0pHcR0OA
Hyperchange TV https://www.youtube.com/hyperchangetv
Sean Mitchell https://www.youtube.com/user/seanmmitchell
Teslanomics https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbEbf0-PoSuHD0TgMbxomDg
// Things I Use for my Tesla
Tezlab (track efficiency and trips) – https://teslanomics.co/tezlab
WashMist (waterless washing) – teslanomics.co/washmist
// Music by Epidemic Sound
// Disclaimer
This video and channel are not affiliated with Tesla nor did they endorse this specific production.
I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services linked above. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you the data and analytics behind the world.
// Tesla Security (tesla.com)
Tesla values the work done by security researchers in improving the security of our products and service offerings. We are committed to working with this community to verify, reproduce, and respond to legitimate reported vulnerabilities. We encourage the community to participate in our responsible reporting process. To register as a pre-approved, good-faith security researcher and register a vehicle as a research-registered vehicle, please submit requests to [email protected]
For vehicle or energy product
While we use Bugcrowd as a platform for rewarding all issues, please report vehicle and product related issues directly to [email protected], using our PGP key to encrypt reports containing sensitive information.
Third-party bugs
If issues reported to our bug bounty program affect a third-party library, external project, or another vendor, Tesla reserves the right to forward details of the issue to that party without further discussion with the researcher. We will do our best to coordinate and communicate with researchers through this process.
Responsible Disclosure Guidelines
We will investigate legitimate reports and make every effort to quickly correct any vulnerability. To encourage responsible reporting, we will not take legal action against you nor ask law enforcement to investigate you provided you comply with the following Responsible Disclosure Guidelines:
Provide details of the vulnerability, including information needed to reproduce and validate the vulnerability and a Proof of Concept (POC). Any vulnerability that implicates functionality not resident on a research-registered vehicle must be reported within 168 hours and zero minutes (7 days) of identifying the vulnerability.
Make a good faith effort to avoid privacy violations, destruction of data, and interruption or degradation of our services.
Do not modify or access data that does not belong to you.
Give Tesla a reasonable time to correct the issue before making any information public.
Alter only vehicles that you own or have permission to access.
Do not compromise the safety of the vehicle or expose others to an unsafe condition.
Security research is limited to the security mechanisms of the Infotainment binaries, Gateway binaries, Tesla-developed ECU's, and energy products.
Tesla appreciates and wants to recognize the contributions of security researchers. If you are the first researcher to report a confirmed vulnerability, we will list your name in our Hall of Fame (unless you would prefer to remain anonymous). You may also be considered for an award if you are the first researcher to report one of the top 3 confirmed vulnerabilities in a calendar quarter. You must comply with our Responsible Disclosure Guidelines (above)


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Thrush, also known as candidiasis or moniliasis, is a fungal infection in the mouth that's characterized by the rapid reproduction of yeast. While it's far more prevalent in babies, adults and the elderly may also develop this condition.
Oral thrush may begin as nothing more than a few white sores on the tongue and cheek, but it can quickly spread throughout the mouth if not properly treated.
In severe cases, the white bumps associated with this condition can make it difficult for individuals to chew, swallow, or brush their teeth. Any pressure placed against these bumps may create signals of pain. When a person stops brushing his or her teeth due to the presence of painful thrush bumps, the condition may become progressively worse.
What Causes Oral Thrush?
Thrush is caused by the reproduction of the fungi candida. This fungus is commonly found in the mouth, digestive system, and the skin, even in people who do not show symptoms. When elements promote rapid reproduction of candida, such as a weakened immune system or the use of certain prescription drugs, symptoms may manifest.
Risk factors known to play a role in the formation of thrush include the following:
- Age – Babies and the elderly have a higher risk of developing thrush. The small amount of the candida fungus that normally lives in the mouth is kept in check by the immune system. However, oral thrush may occur in babies because their immune systems have not yet matured or, in the case of the elderly, because their immune system is weakened with age. With the immune system not working at optimal capacity, individuals in both stages of life are less able to resist infection.
- Diabetes – Diabetes, especially when it is poorly controlled, reduces the body's resistance to infection, making individuals prone to thrush. Dentists may recommend medicated mouth rinses or more frequent dental checkups.
- Antibiotics – While antibiotics are great for killing germs in the mouth, they don't kill candida. In fact, they sometimes also destroy the bacteria that helps prevent the fungus from growing out of control.
- Poor denture care – If dentures are not fitting properly, kept clean, or removed at night, then this contributes to denture stomatitis. This causes the soft tissue and gums to become irritated which is ideal for the growth of the candida fungus.
- Dry mouth – Inadequate saliva production creates an environment in the mouth that kills certain bacterias but allows bad bacteria like candida to thrive. Dry mouth can occur for many reason, such as mouth breathing, medications, and smoking.
- Immune deficiencies – The immunosuppression that results from chronic illness dramatically changes the balance of protective mechanisms in the body that fight the infection from spreading.
- Topical or systemic corticosteroids – Cortisone medications used to treat allergies, asthmas, arthritis, and other skin problems can increase a person's risk of developing oral thrush. This can be avoided by using a spacer or rinsing the mouth after use of an inhaler.
- Malnutrition – Whether it is the result of poor diet or a condition that affects the absorption of nutrients, malnutrition can weaken the immune system and cause infection.
Oral Thrush in Children
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 5-7% of all babies younger than one month of age will develop thrush.
Symptoms of a baby with oral thrush include cracked skin at the corners of the mouth as well as white patches on the tongue, lips, or inside the mouth that look a little like cottage cheese that can't be wiped away.
Additionally, you may notice that a baby with oral thrush might not feed well or are uncomfortable when suckingdue the soreness in their mouth. However, in many cases, the many children do not display signs of discomfort or pain.
When infected, both the baby and the nursing mother must be treated to prevent the passing of the infection from one to the other. A dentist or healthcare provider can prescribe an antifungal oral medication, while an antifungal cream might be necessary for treatment of an infected breast.
Oral Thrush Treatment
There are many treatment options available for children and adults suffering from thrush. Treatments vary depending on the patient and his or her condition but may include the use of an antifungal mouthrinse, syrup, lozenges, or pills. Some people have reported success treating mild cases of thrush by consuming yogurt, as the natural probiotics fight the infection.
Oral Thrush Prevention
Good oral hygiene plays an important role in the prevention of thrush. This includes brushing teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and complementing these efforts with an ADA-approved mouth rinse. By maintaining good oral hygiene, both children and adults can discourage the thrush fungi from reproducing.
Having the teeth cleaned and inspected by a professional Little Rock dentist is another important step in the prevention of thrush. In a typical cleaning, the dentist will scrape off hard, stubborn plaque—plaque that may promote the formation of thrush.
Contact Us For Questions!
If you have any questions about your oral health or if you would like to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Little Rock, contact us today!


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1-time purchase to be included with your meal-kit for a sustainable kitchen starter set from Madison's own Green Life Trading Co.
This offer is currently only available to our Meal-Kit subscribers.
Curated by Green Life Trading Co., the Sustainable Home Subscription includes a monthly featured item. Each item comes with product label information with notes on the monthly theme of sustainability.
Delivery Schedule: Second Monday of every month. Cut-off for sign-ups, aligns with weekly meal-kit (Monday at midnight the first week of each month).


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Types of Single Ply Flat Roofs and Their Costs
Not all flat roofs are created equal.
Flat roofs are among the most affordable roofs over time and they can be installed on commercial buildings and residential properties alike. But there isn't just one single type of flat roof, and choosing the right type is vital to getting a roof that fits well and does the job.
But which type of single-ply flat roof is right for you home, and how much is it going to cost to have it installed?
Types of Single-Ply Flat Roof Materials
There are 4 main types of single-ply flat roofing. They are:
- Modified Bitumen
- EPDM/Rubber
Why Use Single-Ply Roofing?
Durable. Single-ply roofing can handle all different kinds of weather and storms without fail. The sheets are usually completely impermeable to water, and if installed properly, sealed against leaks at seams and joints. They are also much less likely to crack or warp in extreme heat or cold, unlike traditional roofing materials. All in all, flat roof coatings are resistant to the elements which make flat roofs among the longest lasting roofs you can have .
Chemical Resistant. This makes single-ply roofing an excellent choice for places with exposure to acid rain.
Very reflective. Sunlight and UV rays bounce right off instead of being absorbed, keeping the building much cooler and avoiding damage from UV rays over the long-term.
Easy and quick to install. Single-ply roofing is generally installed using one of several methods, some of which use heat do adhere it to the roof, and some which do not. Ballasted (weighing the roofing down) and adhered (using heavy-duty, industrial-grade adhesive on the back of the roofing ply) are the most common these days, and the easiest. Heat methods often involve the use of blowtorches and can be a bit more complicated and time-consuming.
Average Cost of a Flat Roof in Arizona
Costs of Flat Roofs
Modified Bitumen Single-ply Flat Roof
Average Cost of A Modified Bitumen Roof
Materials: $1.20 — $2.50 per square foot
Installation: $5.00 — $7.00 per square foot
Modified Bitumen is considered a specialty type of flat roofing. It is manufactured from asphalt and contains rubber modifiers, and this combination of elements means it's a pretty environmentally-friendly choice. While it doesn't hold up very well to foot traffic, it is easy to repair.
Modified Bitumen is installed in 4 different ways – both hot and cold. The first way is held on by hot tar, the second being applied with a solvent- based adhesive that doesn't need any kind of heat, and the third – and most common – is rolling it onto the roof and heating it with a torch to help it stick firmly the surface below.
The newest bitumen roofing can also be installed without heat – instead using a sticky adhesive backside that is exposed by peeling back the outer layer.
Modified bitumen roofing is uncommon on homes but can be found on many commercial buildings and businesses. You can tell if your home has a modified bitumen roof by looking for seams in the roofing very three feet, or for the granulated look that the top layer has, similar to asphalt but smoother and often with a coating to repel water.
EPDM (Rubber) Single-Ply Flat Roof
Average Cost of a EPDM Roof
Materials: $1.40 per square foot
Installation: $5.00 — $7.00 per square foot
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) is the most commonly installed single-ply flat roof material – for both commercial and residential application – due to its ease of installation, light weight, and affordability. It's also entirely UV resistant, so it will last virtually forever – even here in the Phoenix area. You easily get at least 20-30 years out of properly-installed and maintained EDPM rubber roofs, and some will last even longer.
Quality work and diligence is imperative for installing rubber roofs, as the seams can be tricky and tough to get right. A glue-based solvent is used to hold the seams together, and eliminating all air pockets in the seals can be difficult, leading to leaks and other problems. As a result, they often require some ongoing maintenance. Thankfully, they are still quite easy and inexpensive to repair.
Rubber roofs are quick and easy to recognize, based on the two basic ways they are installed: ballasted and adhered.
Adhered rubber roofs are the easier type of rubber roof to spot. They're usually black are stretched tautly a fiberboard or insulation board to create a tight, sealed surface.
Ballasted rubber roofs, on the other hand, are weight down with the use of a ballast (often large stones) that sits on top of the roofing. These stones are usually not held on with tar and can be easily moved around when you need to access or repair the rubber roofing.
Because it's dark in color – and heat does not reflect — don't expect save on your energy bills using an EDPM rubber roof. Rubber surfaces will be hotter than any other single-ply roof.
PVC Single-ply Flat Roof
Average Cost of a PVC Roof
Materials: $1.90 per square foot
Installation: $6.00 — $8.00 per square foot
When it comes to durability, PVC is at the top of the pack. This very common household plastic is used as roofing to stand up to heat, cold, wind and rain. It's usually applied in a single layer in white or grey. Seams with PVC are non-existent as they are hot-welded when installed, making PVC practically leak-proof (TPO also shares this same characteristic).
PVC is installed in sheets that are attached either by being adhered, mechanically attached or ballasted. It's a great choice for commercial buildings and homes throughout Arizona, as it reflects a lot of heat and can keep the roof and the home so much cooler. And because it's so durable, you can expect manufacture warranties to extend upwards of 25 years – some even come with lifetime warranties. Like other single-ply roofing materials, it's great for waterproofing and isn't degraded by sunlight.
How do you know if you have a PVC roof? Easy; is it a single white or grey color? Is it stretched tightly over the roof? Then it's likely PVC. If not, it's…..
TPO Single-Ply Flat Roof
Average Cost of a TPO Roof
Materials: $1.90 per square foot
Installation: $6.00 — $8.00 per square foot
TPO is a plastic, like PVC, and looks a lot like it; white or grey and stretched in tight sheets over the surface of the roof. comprised of polypropylene and ethylene propylene polymers It's known for its strength and can be three times stronger than EPDM roofs. In some cases, TPO sheets also include polyester for even more added durability.
This durability has been the driving factor behind its continued increase in popularly as the roofing material of choice for commercial buildings. TPO roofs are also an ideal choice for roofs here in Arizona because they do such a good job at reflecting heat. And like most other single-ply roofing materials, TPO is extremely resistant to UV rays, and will not degrade from the constant sun exposure we get here in the Southwest.
Are There Any Downsides to Single-Ply Roofing?
As with all roofing types, these materials do have some shortcomings. The plies are sometimes rather thin, and they can be easily punctured by sharp, flying objects. And because the roof is flat, they can sometimes retain a lot of water that puddles up and has nowhere to drain; proper drainage along seams is crucial to a good, durable roof.
Also read : Wall Deck Installation


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Serving Loveland, CO and surrounding areas. Wedding Photography
Mary is a dream to work with, honestly! Communication was a breeze and her photo shoot spot was stunning. She worked so well with my daughter, keeping her entertained and laughing all while capturing gorgeous, natural photos. Mary is a truly talented photographer!
Jennifer Miller
It's not always easy capturing a two year old, but Mary did! She was calm, kind, and patient and all the pics came out wonderfully! She is also very fast at getting the images over to you to view, which I really appreciate. She also chooses gorgeous locations to shoot at. Highly recommend!
The absolute best experience photographer I've ever met!!! Super friendly, organized, helpful, not to mention her beautiful pictures she captures! She felt like family at our wedding. Thank you again Mary


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About Us
Proud to be a locally owned and operated family business, Greatwest Maintenance has been servicing Manitoba and surrounding areas since 1993.
Ed Turko, owner and operator, has been in the industry for 35 years and his son Jeff Turko for 15 years. Starting with a single employee, Greatwest has grown into a company with a dedicated staff complete with a fleet of factory trained mobile field technicians, service manager, parts manager, sales manager, sales staff and office staff.
Greatwest Maintenance always strives to meet and exceed customer expectations. Going above and beyond is what has always separated Greatwest from our competition.


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A provision in the farm bill (H.R.2642) passed by the House on Wednesday authorized the U.S. Forest Service to "establish a large airtanker and aerial asset lease program", allowing the agency to "enter into a multiyear lease contract for up to five aircraft that meet the criteria described in the Forest Service document entitled `Large Airtanker Modernization Strategy' and dated February 10, 2012, for large airtankers". That 2012 strategy stated that the next generation of large airtankers would have a 3,000 to 5,000 gallon capacity and would be turbine powered. These are the specifications of the seven next-gen air tankers that received contracts in 2013. The USFS has been contracting for large air tankers for decades. So, we were confused about the purpose of this language in the farm bill, placed there by two Senators from Colorado, Michael Bennet and Mark Udall. It seemingly allows for what the USFS does routinely, but does not appropriate any additional funds.
We checked with the U.S. Forest Service to try to understand if there was an intended difference between the routine contracting for air tankers that has been going on for decades and this new "leasing" language. We received the following, uh, explanation from their Washington, DC office:
The language in the Farm Bill clarifies our existing authority to lease up to five airtankers annually. Depending on our budget resources, this authority may be useful. At present, the Forest Service is relying on next generation airtanker contracts and the seven C-130 planes transferred in the Defense Appropriations Bill to modernize the fleet as we retire the legacy airtankers in the coming years.
That certainly clears that up.
We reached out to the offices of Senators Bennet and Udall, and received the following from James D. Owens, Press Secretary for Senator Udall:
The United States Forest Service is allowed to acquire large air tankers in two ways: (1) as surplus from other federal agencies or (2) contracting. The provision that Senator Udall successfully included in the Farm Bill gives the Forest Service a third, more flexible option to acquire air tankers, i.e. leasing.
"Leasing" might involve renting the air tankers without pilots, and possibly without a maintenance agreement. We have a hard time understanding why the USFS would want to become involved in that type of situation. They are going to have a hard enough time arranging for the operation and maintenance of the 15 Sherpas and 7 C-130Hs recently acquired from the military and the Coast Guard — aircraft which they will own.
The bill is now in the Senate. The White House says President Barack Obama will sign it if it reaches his desk.
Typos, let us know HERE. And, please keep in mind our commenting ground rules before you post a comment.


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Hi sian.
Wishing your mum good luck with the scan results. Thinking about you both. My daughter has been such a good support for me. I wouldn't have coped without her last year especially last year when I was really Ill. I'm sure you must be a great support to your mum too.
hi sianie
im so sorry about your mum. Its very hard for our loved ones to know what to say or do. I know that I was a serious mess when I found out I had cancer. My husband had to take all the crying and worry. I now have counselling which lightens the burden on him. I go to my counsellor and just let it all out. Also, has your mum thought of taking anti-depressants? i know a lot of people who dont want to take them but they can really help. also, sleeping tablets. I know it sound like a lot but if you sleep and have a level head it helps.
I go to the marsden. I live in essex and travel into london. it is a bit of a trek but worth it i think. My local hospital is just really bad and i couldnt stand it anymore so i transferred I also go privately which helps. My children both know. My son (16) knows more than my daughter but he realises this is serious stuff she doesnt really and shes a very optimistic 11 year old. She actually came with me to the marsden yesterday and sat all day . Nothing fazes her. im 46 so its tough. I just try to think that there is worse stuff going out there to much younger people than me. I would love to see my chikdren grow up. Thats what i hanging onto!
well thats enough ranting from me!
if you want to PM me i dont mind.
hugs jo xxx
Hi Jo,
I haven't had taxol but did have taxotere last year which didn't help much. Have since had vinorelbine which worked well on my liver. Taxol could work really well for you but don't despair if it doesn't as there are plenty of treatments out there.
Wishing you well.


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NORFOLK, VA (WTKR) - A Virginia doctor is on trial accused of performing hysterectomies on dozens of women who did not need them.
On Wednesday, the jury was seated in the federal case against Dr. Javaid Perwaiz. He is facing 62 charges of healthcare fraud, making false statements and aggravated identity theft.
In opening statements, U.S. attorneys laid out their case. Prosecutors said Perwaiz performed unnecessary surgeries on women, falsified sterilization consent forms and induced early labor over a nine-year-period.
Prosecutors say at least three dozen women were coerced into getting irreversible invasive surgeries like hysterectomies, or being induced early so Perwaiz could bill insurance companies in a scheme to get more cash payouts.
Perwaiz denies the allegations. His trial is expected to last five weeks
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