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ATLANTA—Most smokers who have tried electronic cigarettes have rejected them as less satisfying than regular cigarettes, reducing their potential to be a "disruptive technology" that could help a significant number of smokers to quit, according to a recent study by a team of researchers at the Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science (TCORS) at Georgia State University.
E-cigarettes, also referred to as Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems or ENDS, "need to improve as a satisfying alternative or the attractiveness and appeal of regular cigarette must be degraded to increase the potential of ENDS replacing regular cigarettes," according to lead author Dr. Terry F. Pechacek, professor of Health Management and Policy.
The findings are published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.
The researchers surveyed a nationally representative sample of 5,717 U.S. adults in 2014, asking questions about their awareness of e-cigarettes, use of such products and reasons for using traditional and novel tobacco products.
Among the 144 former cigarette smokers who had tried e-cigarettes, nearly 30 percent (or 43 people) continued to use them as a satisfying alternative to regular cigarettes.
But among the 585 smokers in the study, nearly 58 percent (or 337 people) reported they found e-cigarettes unsatisfying and stopped using them. Meanwhile, more than 40 percent of the group of smokers (or 248 people) continued to smoke cigarettes and use e-cigarettes, known as dual use. The primary motivations reported by dual users for using e-cigarettes was reducing harm to their health and trying to cut down or quit smoking.
Based upon the 2014 survey data, the authors estimated about 2.4 million U.S. adults were helped in quitting regular cigarettes by using e-cigarettes, with 1.4 million of these smokers quitting in the past year. However, they note that they could not determine the impact of e-cigarettes on the national rate of people quitting regular cigarettes because they could not assess how many of these former smokers would have successfully quit without using e-cigarettes nor how many dual users may have been delayed in quitting cigarettes.
"To encourage a potentially positive pattern of ENDS replacing cigarettes," the authors wrote, "it can be argued that efforts are needed by the public health community to reduce the appeal and attractiveness of the cigarette and other combusted tobacco products, namely, decreasing the product, promotion, placement and price advantage of these more lethal combusted tobacco products."
The other authors, all affiliated with TCORS, are Dr. Pratibha Nayak, Kyle R. Gregory, JD, Dr. Scott R. Weaver and Dr. Michael P. Eriksen, dean of the School of Public Health at Georgia State.
TCORS, established at Georgia State in 2013, takes a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding human and economic factors that contribute to tobacco use. The Center, housed within the School of Public Health, conducts research designed to inform the regulation of tobacco products to protect public health. Research reported in Nicotine & Tobacco Research was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Tobacco Products. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health or the Food and Drug Administration.
Georgia State Featured Faculty
Terry Pechacek
Professor of Health Management and Policy
School of Public Health
Pechacek has been involved in tobacco prevention and control research and public health activities since the 1970s. Before coming to Georgia State, he had served as Deputy Director for Research Translation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Office on Smoking and Health since 2012.


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License #104.017072 / 105.007355
Our BBB-accredited company has been serving the roofing needs of home and business owners in the Buffalo Grove, Illinois area since 1973. When it comes to roofing, we can add years to your home or building, with the great look you deserve at a price you will love.We offer both roofing repair services as well as roofing replacement. If you are experiencing a leaking roof, bulging shingles, or have a roof over 12 years old call us for a free estimate today!
Sunshine Siding & Window has the knowledge and experience that you can depend on. For more than 40 years, we've made a name for ourselves in the home improvement industry. Our installers are expertly-trained craftsmen in their area of expertise. We are licensed, insured, and bonded. Your project will be assigned an on-site crew leader. This crew leader will supervise the work, to make sure we meet your needs. So the work will be done correctly, safely, and with the utmost respect for your home and property.
Here are a few of the brands offered by Sunshine Siding & Window. We're licensed, bonded, insured, and have served the area for more than 40 years. Our BBB-accredited business can offer you a variety of roofing services including complete roof replacement, tear off, and repair, as well as other home improvement work.
We proudly install roofing materials from these incredible roofing supply companies: Owens Corning, Tamko Building Products, and Landmark Pro.
Want to learn more about our services? Then we want to hear from you. For a free estimate, or to learn more about our services, please call us now at 847-895-0078. You may also fill out the easy contact form on this page.
Frequently Asked Roofing Questions from Buffalo Grove Illinois Residents
Q: Is Sunshine Siding & Window Company a local company and how long has it been in business?
A: Yes, Sunshine Siding & Window Company has been locally owned and operated since 1973. While a physical address isn't necessarily an indication of reliability, it does suggest that the company is established and will be around should you have problems while the roof is under warranty. If you choose to deal with a company not local to the area, you may not be able to get the company back to fix any potential problems in the future. Sunshine Siding & Window Company offers a 10-year Workmanship Guarantee.
Q: Does Sunshine Siding & Window Company remove my old roof?
A: Yes, in most cases – however, after careful inspection, your roof may not require it. Some roofers will claim to save time and money by inspecting, with their eyes, the old roof, and then, if all looks well, shingling over it. However, unless the old shingles are pulled up you will never know if you have soft spots or rotten wood beneath the current shingles. If bad spots remain behind, you will have larger, costlier problems in the future.
Q: Will you provide a detailed written estimate or contract for my roofing project?
A: Yes. Settling into a contract without a detailed estimate can cause problems in the long run. So before signing a contract, Sunshine Siding & Window Company will provide a detailed estimate, which includes the cost of removing the old roof, adding the new roof, and anything that could possibly come up in the process (such as rotten plywood that needs to be replaced). The detailed contract will list the work to be completed, estimated time frame for completion, and the type and brand of materials being used.
Q: What is the warranty on my new roof?
A: The materials are usually covered under a manufacturer's warranty (a 25-year Manufacturer's Warranty is common). Sunshine Siding & Window Company provides a 10-year Workmanship Guarantee. You will want to make sure the contractor backs up his work too if there should be a problem – and get this writing.
At Sunshine we take pride in our workmanship. We offer you this guarantee as proof of our confidence in the quality of the professional installation provided by our skilled craftsmen.
Sunshine Siding & Window Co. guarantees that your installation has been completed in a workmanlike manner according to standard practices. All work has been completed as per the specifications and conditions outlined in our proposal.
Our workmanship is guaranteed for five years from the date of installation, and is transferable through the life of the guarantee.
This guarantee does not include damages beyond Sunshine's control such as windstorms, hail, ice, fire, lightning, or other "acts of God". Also, this guarantee does not cover any material defects. Materials are covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
This workmanship guarantee applies to workmanship only and is not valid unless payment has been made in full compliance with the terms outlined in our proposal. This guarantee must be signed by an authorized representative of Sunshine Siding & Window Co. in order to be valid.

subset: commoncrawl


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SSR Index of Current-Quarter Healthcare Demand Growth, Interim 1Q13 Estimate
We expect 3.6% (nominal) y/y growth in US health services demand during 1Q13, the product of 1.8% growth in unit demand, and 1.8% price growth; a very slight deceleration from the 3.7% actual growth rate in 4Q12. Unit demand growth remains very slow; the projected 1.8% rate is only marginally higher than the rate of health services unit demand growth (1.5 %) attributable to demographics (population growth and aging) alone, and well below our long-term expectation of 2.8%
Pricing also remains suppressed – 1Q13 will be the ninth straight quarter of price growth below 2%, more than twice as long as the last such period in 1997-1998
We estimate that flu effects drove a +/- 1% unit demand increase in 4Q12, and will raise health services unit demand by +/- 2% in 1Q13. Large apparent flu effects indicate that underlying 'non-flu' unit demand growth is well below the 1.5% demographic rate
We believe demand is weak primarily because of low unemployment, which translates into a smaller percentage of households having the benefit of the most generous source (employer-sponsored) of health coverage. Employment gains, expansion of Medicaid eligibility, and the initiation of state health insurance exchanges all are likely to expand the availability of health coverage in the relatively near-term
We recommend a pro-US / pro-cyclical tilt to healthcare portfolios; this translates into overweight positions for Hospitals, Non-Rx Consumables (especially more US-focused names such as CFN and OMI), and select Dental names (emphasize more US-focused names with product lines that include higher-mix items, such as XRAY and PDCO)
Independent of our quarterly growth rate model, we handicap the odds of a trend break, i.e. a significant acceleration or deceleration in demand. The trend-break model indicates a very low probability – 10% – of accelerating demand in 1Q13
For our full research notes, please visit our published research site.


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Mimi's Award-Winning Kids Menu Makes it One of 10 Best Family Restaurants for Kids, Says Parents Magazine; Menu Features Turkey Dinner, Named One of 20 Best Kids Menu Dishes
It's a FREE treat on Halloween weekend for kids at Mimi's, the popular neighborhood cafe offering French-inspired American comfort food, where its younger guests will receive complimentary ice cream with the purchase of a Kid's Meal beginning Friday, October 28 through Monday, October 31. Mimi's Kids Menu has been recognized as one of The 10 Best Family Restaurants by Parents Magazine based on what they are feeding the kids. Parents Magazine says, "This chain's got just the thing to settle down hungry, antsy kids — a free appetizer plate filled with Cheerios, oranges, and crackers. Kids' menu options include a turkey dinner, soup and salad, and spaghetti; all come with a choice of sides such as fresh veggies, fruit, mashed potatoes, and applesauce."
In addition, the cafe's Turkey Dinner was named one of 20 Best Kids Menu Dishes by Parents.com. This award winning menu item is another great reason to bring in the kids to Mimi's Cafe to celebrate Halloween.
In addition to the highly-celebrated Turkey Dinner, Mimi's Kids Menu (for kids 12 and younger) features the following:
BREAKFAST (Available during breakfast hours only, all served with choice of Fresh-cut Fruit, Sliced Apples or Applesauce and beverage)
- Chocolate Chip Puppy Dog Griddlecakes
- Puppy Dog Griddlecakes
- Scrambled Eggs & Bacon
LUNCH & DINNER (Served after 11 am, all with choice of Fresh-cut Fruit, Sliced Apples, Applesauce, Broccoli, Mashed Potatoes or French Fries and beverage)
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Crepes: Made with Peanut Butter and Strawberry-Rhubarb jelly.
- Ham & Cheddar Crepes
- Tillamook Macaroni & Cheese
- Noodles with Marinara, Alfredo or Butter & Parmesan
- Mini Corn Dogs
- Chicken Fingers
- Soup & Salad
- Grilled Cheese
- Grilled Chicken & Vegetables
Mimi's beverages, which always include FREE refills, includes Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Cranberry Juice, Lemonade, Whole Milk, 2% Milk and Chocolate Milk. Sides include Mixed Fruit, Sliced Apples, Applesauce, Broccoli, Mashed Potatoes and French Fries.
Mimi's Kids dessert is a scoop of ice cream, normally priced at $.99, is served at no charge on the aforementioned dates.
Founded in 1978 by Arthur Simms, who was stationed in France during World War II, Mimi's Cafe is a neighborhood cafe offering French Inspired American comfort food. In February 2013 Mimi's Cafe was purchased by Le Duff America, Inc., the North American subsidiary of Groupe Le Duff, a global bakery and restaurant company headquartered in Rennes, France. Since then, the team has launched new dishes reflecting the culinary traditions of fresh ingredients, bistro classics, and American comfort food. There are 97 Mimi's Cafe locations throughout 18 states in the U.S.


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Speaking of: "Get rid of the incRef/decRef API of class File. Instead, add a clone() method which generates a new (independant) File object for the same file (only would work for files in read mode, obviously)." - Wouldn't it be nicer to make the copy constructor and the operator = of Common::File public and making them doing a clone of the file? Since it wouldn't be possible to implement a Common::File clone() like method until those are protected. If the copy constructor and operator = would be doing the same like clone there would be no need for clone again, but if those don't do the same like clone it would be unsafe for code like: "void foo(Common::File bar);" -- LordHoto 4:47, 26 July 2006 (UTC)
- Just thought about an Common::File* as return value, but I don't like it to have to clean up with delete after a Common::File::clone call, I would prefer a custom copy constructor and operator = -- LordHoto 20:54, 27 August 2006 (UTC)
Engine TODO Pages
I was looking at one of the individual engine todo pages and I thought of something. Why not make their respective todo pages subpages of the engine page? (And, yes, I would do the moving) -Clone2727 21:38, 18 December 2006 (UTC)


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On the way to Strike Bowling they passed Albert Street where some council workers were taking down a "Peace, Love & Joy" sign.
'Jesus Christ,' Mavis said, 'why don't they just keep it up?'
'Because it was a Christmas thing. And Christmas is over. 2012 is dead. Besides, Campbell Newman would never foot the bill.'
They walked a bit further and passed Off Ya Tree.
'My sister works at Off Ya Tree,' Mavis said, 'and you know what someone said to her the other day?'
'Someone came in asking for the crosses with the little person wrapped around the cross. My sister said, 'Umm, do you mean Jesus?' and the girl said, 'I guess.'
At Strike Bowling they changed into bowling shoes and went to lane 2.
'Did you know I've never been bowling,' Charlie said. 'I always wanted to but Claudia has a phobia of teenagers so we never went.'
Mavis put her fingers into a green ball and held it with one hand. It was a little heavy but not too heavy. She stared at herself in the reflection of the hand dryer and thought she looked powerful. She imagined herself always having bowling balls for hands and wondered if she would always feel powerful.
'That explains why Claudia never wanted to go to Southbank,' Mavis said. 'Do you think you want kids someday?'
'I don't know, maybe. Do you?'
'Who knows.'
Mavis bowled first. She walked up to the lane and sent her green bowl towards the pins with lots of speed. Charlie watched as she dropped to one knee and raised her hands. He liked how she was trying to steer the ball away from the left-side gutter and back towards the pins. The ball hit two pins.
'Two,' Mavis said.
Charlie thought about it. He wanted to say something witty. 'One,' he said. 'It's better than one.'
Mavis thought of Azealia Banks' song, '212' and then began singing, 'I was in the 212/On the uptown A, nigga you know what's up or don't you.'
Charlie wasn't sure whether he liked rap music but he liked the way Mavis had started to dance even though he felt conflicted about her using the n-word.
'Do you think she's totally freaking out right now?' Mavis said.
'Oh, maybe.'
Charlie got up and found a red ball. He put his fingers inside the ball and walked towards the lane. He thought, 'Two in the pink, one in the stink,' and then went a colour that was similar to the ball because he'd never thought that before and was afraid he had said those words out loud. He looked back at Mavis and she was giving him the thumbs up. He tried to copy Mavis and send the ball very quickly down the lane. The ball flew in the air and landed halfway down the lane with a big thud. Fuck, he thought. He looked around with an embarrassed expression but no-one had noticed. There were a couple of tweens in lane 3 and all of them were staring at iPads. At the bar two people were huddled around a power point and then a Coca-Cola sign lit up. When he looked back at Mavis she was doubled over laughing. Charlie walked back towards Mavis and let out a small laugh himself.
'Holy shit,' Mavis said. 'You got a strike.'
Charlie turned around and saw he had knocked all the pins down. He felt something like a tsunami inside him, and he imagined himself surfing the tsunami inside him, riding around his stomach, up through his ribcage, and he did a backflip off his heart and landed all the way up on his tongue.
'That's the first time I've seen you smile,' Mavis said.
Charlie could not help but keep smiling. He liked how it felt. He liked smiling and he felt something inside him that he hadn't for a long time: giddiness. Then his phone vibrated. It was Claudia. Claudia said, 'Where are you. Come here now. Maybe do your hair.' Charlie returned the phone to his pocket. All the feelings he had just felt⎯acceptance, achievement, a general wonder for life⎯had all but evaporated and he felt like a baby turtle, a baby turtle that had been placed in a Sydney gutter after a torrential downpour, the current too strong to escape as cars and pedestrians zoomed by him holding Hungry Jacks.
The lanes suddenly lit up in a way that reminded Mavis of not seeing a white rabbit and then of seeing a white rabbit in the headlights of a snow plough. Apart from the bowling lanes, all the lights dimmed and it was just Mavis and Charlie sitting next to one another staring at the bowling balls that were now lit up in radioactive greens, purples and reds. They sat there very still and did not move. Mavis wanted to say, 'Kiss me you damn fool. Kiss me quick,' but she did not say this. Instead, she moved to face Charlie and she put her hand on his hand.
'What does that feel like?' she said.
He paused. 'Warm,' he said, and, 'good.' He thought this must have been what teenage dating was like. He pictured himself in the movies maybe watching something with Vin Diesel and wanting to put his arm around his date and then in an action sequence putting his arm around his date. It occurred to him that he was having, maybe, the first intimate moment of his life.
Mavis could feel Charlie's pulse beating through his wrist very quickly. She thought about what would happen if she kissed Charlie. She imagined it, both of them, in that dark bowling alley and thought about bears hibernating together for the winter, the warmth of it, how nice it would be to be warm with someone.
Then the lights came on and someone with the name-tag 'Manager' was telling them to leave.
'Electrical failure,' he said. 'None of the pins will work.'
They walked back out onto Queen Street leaving, Charlie observed, the tweens who hadn't noticed the lights were on and were still staring at their iPads.
Without saying anything, they began returning towards "Strange Circumstances". Their hands brushed a few times and Charlie felt his blood morph into something like lactic acid, and he wanted to shake free of it, to become strong, someone else, someone like Tarzan or Rambo, who would not wear a shirt because he would be tan and muscular, who would confidently hotwire a car and say, 'Mavis, I'll take you anywhere you want. Let's do the damn thing,' and she'd say, 'I dunno, let's go to Mt Cootha, I just really love mountains,' and they would drive up Mt Cootha at a very illegal speed around midnight and the moon would become brighter because he would have thought intensely about the moon becoming brighter and his friend who was Russian but who worked at the newly opened French restaurant would have come out and said, 'The restaurant closed three hour ago but, for you, I lie to boss and sleep in cupboard for two hour waiting arrival. For you, is no problem,' and they would have eaten degustation in a comfortable silence while sometimes looking at one another, giggling and brushing the hair out of each other's faces.
Mavis stared at Charlie out of the corner of her eyes while they waited for the traffic light to let them walk across the road. Charlie stared straight ahead even though he could feel Mavis looking at him. They walked across the road and back into "Strange Expectations" and when Claudia saw them she said, 'Thanks Mavis, he's always running around, never listening.' Charlie lowered his head and followed Claudia towards her parents. Claudia's dad told Charlie to keep his back straight for the wedding ceremony because he didn't want to have to explain to his grandkids why their father had the posture of a question mark. Charlie said, 'Okay,' in an absent sort of way. Mavis tried to catch Charlie's eye for the rest of the night but Charlie ignored her, scared of what would happen if he met her gaze.
One month later Charlie and Claudia married. He stood as straight as he could when the priest asked if he accepted Claudia in sickness and in health and in all the other things that he wasn't listening to and he felt himself begin to sweat when Claudia stared at him in an intense way, coaching him on how to say, 'I do,' and after the honeymoon he returned to his job in IT and had two kids and the skirting boards were never dirty and he died of no real problems at age 73.


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This elegant pendant is set with a genuine oval cut blue sapphire weighing 0.5 carats. The sapphire is accented by total carats of stunning white diamonds set in a halo style. This birthstone would make a great gift for September birthdays!
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I have a new term for the weather we've been experiencing the last several days: chicken weather. It has been fantastic weather to be a chicken – a few gigantic, air-snapping, earth-shaking storms have blown through, leaving in their wake new green grasses poking through the brown, cool temperatures, and breezy blue skies that make me think of fall.
It's good human weather, too. I feel a certain weight lifted off my shoulders – today, at least, I don't have to worry about our sick chickens also being incredibly heat stressed. I don't need to make them ice water baths all day or set up the fans or try to get them to eat frozen blueberries. Today, they can peck happily about the backyard, and I can take it a little easier than I have since the beginning of July.
Today also marks me and Chris' two-year anniversary of our first date. What was our first date, you ask? Lying in a portable hammock on the edge of a farmer's field in Martinsville, IN, watching the Perseid meteor showers and drinking wine. Pretty epic, right? Two years later, we have a house, two cats, five chickens, and so SO many plans. Life – it is good!
In honor of keeping things simple and low stress, let's go on a pictorial tour of what chicken weather means at the Space-Farm, shall we?
The chickens were VERY helpful in messing up my beautifully flattened, perfect foundation for the new permanent coop location. We refuse to move that dang coop ever again! They were in such heaven I probably couldn't have stopped them even if I had had the heart to do so.
And now on to a few of the happy chickens:


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Now, for the most part we all understand the dangers of germs on our hands and throughout our homes (although there are benefits as well - but that's a different subject) and we all understand the importance of and how to keep our homes and bodies as germ free as possible. Unfortunately, we ted to forget about the importance keeping our home and bodies just as free of spiritual germs.
First it's important to understand what "spiritual germs" are... Of course there are no actual, germs made of spirit, nothing you can slide under a microscope and nothing you can simply wash off your hands before you eat. But, there is just as much danger in forgetting to clean away spiritual germs as there is to the physical ones.
So what are "Spiritual Germs"? Well, just like physical ones are tiny "pieces" of bacterial or illness that can affect your physical health, spiritual ones are tiny "pieces" of negative energy that can affect your spiritual - and even mental and physical - health. These pieces of energy can be left over from our day to day lives, magickal workings and even the energies of fae or other "beings" who may encroach upon our personal space.
Just like it's important to clean your home and self from physical germs, it's highly important to clean your home and self from spiritual germs as well. But ti's also important to maintain that cleanliness to the best of your ability as well. To be honest, it's no harder to be spiritually germ free than it is to be physically germ free. Because spiritual germs can come from numerous places it's important to remember that maintenance cleaning can not be skipped.
Negative thoughts & emotions created by you, your family and even non-family visitors, can leave behind germs in your home that can affect you long term. Unfortunately, if they aren't cleaned out, they will compile over time and begin to affect your emotions and even your mental state - which in turn affects your spiritual state. So, the first step to being germ free is to do your best to limit negativity in your home. Work on how you think, and learn to speak in a positive manor, even when you don't feel like your in a positive place. I know that isn't always the easiest of steps, positive thinking tends to be something that people today overlook. From the time we are small we are taught to think negatively - "No, you can't have that." or "I don't want that." - when in reality we should be making a point to think positively. - "You can have this one instead." or "This option is best." It's a simple change in wording, but it's a HUGE change in attitude and energy output. Remember, negative thoughts create negative energy and negative energy attracts negative energy. So just by thinking in negative terms, you're not only creating negative energy that will affect you now, you're attracting negative energy that will affect you in the future.
Beyond changing how you think and speak, it's important to remember to focus on the positive aspect of life as a whole. When your bills come in, it's easy to think "UGH, More Bills!" but without those bills, you wouldn't have heat or running water! So rather than focusing on how the money has to go out, why not make a point to focus on the positive aspects of your life that those bills allow you to have - I don't know about you, but a hot shower is heaven to me!
Second, it's important to go beyond attempting to prevent germs from accumulating and start clearing them out. We all think of cleaning our homes as an important part of our physical health, but we tend to forget about cleaning them on a spiritual level. Most people rely on White Sage for spiritual cleaning, and although there are other options, sage is by far my favorite option as well.
Two main options exist, and I feel they work best when used together:
- Burning Sage throughout your space is the "deep cleaning" method. Native Americans tend to use burning white sage in a large shell fanned with a large eagle feather as a way to include all the elements in to the process. You simply want to ensure that the smoke from smoldering sage reaches all parts of your home - this takes some time, but it's worth it - make sure to include corners and doorways!
- Powdered Sage or Sage Essential Oils can be added to blessed water and then sprayed throughout your home as needed. It can also be added to the laundry when it's time to wash your ritual clothing (or any clothing) to remove any remaining energy.
In addition to keeping up with cleansing your home, you really need to remember to keep up with yourself as well. There are quite a few methods for this, I'm only going to cover them briefly here, but you can obviously do some quick research and find the ones that work for you...
- Cleansing Meditation is just what it sounds like. It's a deep meditation where you focus on cleaning your energy. Chakra Cleansing Meditations are done by focusing on each chakra individually and visualizing it glowing bright while pushing all negative energy out and absorbing positivity.
- Self Smudging is done much in the same way as smudging your home is, you simply do it to yourself.
- Cleansing Baths are a very relaxing way to clear both your physical and spiritual germs. There are many ways to do cleansing baths, many use these before ritual or spell work as a way to cleanse away any energy which could affect their workings poorly. Again, there are lots of ways to go about doing these - herbal satchels, essential oils, candles, incense and/or bath salts/bombs can all be beneficial for this purpose.
For most of us, cleaning away physical germs is simply a part of life... And we need to remember how important spiritual cleaning is as well... Germs are germs, and they need to be treated as such, regardless of their makeup!


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"We haven't made up our mind about any given system.... This isn't about us; this isn't about our parties. This is about Canadians - their electoral system. ...We don't do hiring for the PCO."Luc Theriault, Bloc, is concerned Monsef's dept has a budget of $10.7M to conduct parallel research to the committee which only has $300K. Monsef explained Board of Internal Economy sets budget and the dept money is to reach out to people not traditionally engaged with the process.
Did he just also make a case for holding a referendum? I think he did. That shifts the committee dynamics a bit.
Elizabeth May : Liberal Speech from the Throne promised "In order to make sure every vote counts, 2015 will be the last election held under FPtP. I intend to hold you to that promise." She notes the first parliamentary committee to study PR to replace FPtP was in 1921, and another in 1937. Plus "1970 was the first time ever the identity of the candidate became subservient to the name of their party with the party named next to candidate on the ballot."
May says media focus is more on attacking the process to get rid of FPtP than on why we need to get rid of it. Yup, she's got that right, as was borne out by media questions to Monsef after she left committee. Referendum, referendum, referendum.
May asks if majority Liberal government is willing to choose a voting system that goes against their own self-interest.
"Will you give us your word that you will fight for whatever this committee recommends?"
Monsef does not answer yes, says she looks forward to their report. Huh.
May reads 2 questions from twitter, one about the skewed "truth in advertizing"surrounding this debate. Monsef says debate must be non-partisan and she is counting on the good work of "our free and independent press" to present the issues fairly. Huh.
Monsef walked out of the committee 15 minutes later to a scrum of seven questions from "our free and independent press". Five were about holding a referendum and whether or not time was running out to have one.
3rd ERRE Meeting


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Scalp Rinse
Scalp Rinse
Removes oils and sloughing skins cell at the follicle level.
Does not contain alcohol.
Neutralizes the pH of the skin.
Temporarily removes the acid mantle of the skin that contains bacteria and fungi. This reduces the possibility of bacteria and fungi being introduced into the body, which results in redness and swelling.
Antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial.
Antioxidants help fight the damaging free radicals, increasing heal time and protecting against possible sun damage post-procedure.
DermaGear™'s antioxidant components have an Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) score of (N).
Pre-measured 1:1 mixing ratio:
Units come pre-measured, ready to use in any squeeze bottle or DermaGear Procedure Towel.
- Before Procedure: Scalp Rinse may be mixed with equal parts distilled water if preferred. Apply to the scalp to clean and prep the skin. ** DermaGear™ recommends using DermaGear™ Procedure Towles to clean the head followed by DermaGear™ Procedure Gel to seal and maintain a sterile field during the procedure.
- Post-procedure: Apply to the scalp to clean residual pigment and reduce swelling and redness. For best results, wet a towel with DermaGear™ Scalp Rinse and let sit on the scalp for 1-2 minutes. ** DermaGear™ recommends using DermaGear™ Procedure Towels.
No Animal Testing
Glass Packaging UV Protected
Estimated 15 (SMP) procedures per unit
DermaGear Scalp Rinse vs Green Soap
Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Antibacterial Components
ORAC Report


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Bringing together the collective wisdom of a past generation of craftsmen, Traditional Toolmaking provides an in-depth record of the skills and techniques that made the mass production revolution of the 20th century possible. When first published in 1915, this book was an answer to a vast array of toolroom problems and explained many essential toolmaking operations. It includes timeless practices as well as some personally tailored methods by master toolmakers, including how to:
With detailed descriptions of every procedure, essential mathematical rules and calculations for use in the workshop, and a number of illustrative figures, this book stands as an invaluable reference for those with an interest in practicing hands-on toolmaking processes.
Author: Franklin D. Jones
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.86
Item Number: 8287


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In the United States, the Labor Day holiday signals the start of one of the most enjoyable times of year. Fall is when the temperature cools, the leaves turn to beautiful rich colours and a series of holidays and celebrations begin. For many, it's harvest time and the influx of farm produce gives rise to feasts and the return of favourite seasonal dishes. It can be a fascinating and entertaining time of year to visit North America, and one which offers up plenty of opportunity to get involved in local customs and festivities. So, if you can handle the long haul flight there, then you're in for a treat! And, if you've chosen your airport of preference on where you'd like to go, have a look the places around the airport (like cafes, hotels, bust stations) for the perfect planning of your trip.
Seasonal Fare
A secret indulgence of mine when in America is the much-lauded pumpkin spiced latte. Although I'm still not quite sure which ingredients are involved in making 'pumpkin spice', I know that this is the flavour of fall to me. Warm, earthy and just a little bit spicy it's the perfect hot drink to sip on a blustery afternoon's walk through the crunchy autumn leaves. The US is famous for its fall-specific dishes, many of which are tied into celebrations like Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Whereas others are just because they taste good! An American classic to try whilst travelling the US is pie. Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple pie, cherry pie… The list goes on but whichever filling you're partial to, you're guaranteed to find a delicious and satisfying slice along the way.
The Great Pumpkin
Native to North America is the infamous orange pumpkin. These gourds are often used as seasonal decoration in homes, shops and workplaces during the fall season, and a visit to the pumpkin patch is considered a great day out. Many patches have farmshops and fun activities to try during your visit as well as picking out the perfect pumpkin to take home to carve or eat. You can enjoy a hayride, sample some pumpkin-based recipes or find your way through a maze of maize! There is also often a spooky element to many pumpkin patches in anticipation of the upcoming Halloween holiday, with haunted houses becoming a staple attraction in the month of October.
Fall in America just wouldn't be the same without football. The American football season kicks off as the leaves start to change colour, and even the most reluctant sports fan will feel excitement start to build. Nothing can beat a fresh fall day stood in the stands, wrapped up warm with a mug of coffee in hand and cheering on your favourite team. Or just any team really! The experience can be enjoyed whether you're already a big fan or not as the atmosphere inside the stadium is guaranteed to be electric. After baseball – the Nation's Favourite Pastime – football is maybe the biggest sport in America, with 30% of the population declaring it their favourite.
'Tis the Season
With the darker nights, cooler days and gradual creep towards winter comes the build-up to Halloween. The holiday is celebrated enthusiastically all over America and it's the traditions developed in the US that define Halloween today. If you're lucky enough to be in the country on October 31st, then I would recommend finding a Halloween costume party to attend and really putting some effort into your outfit. Contrary to the English culture of dressing up as something scary, costumes in the US can range from celebrities, to fictional characters, to abstract concepts. It's a fun opportunity to let your hair down and get involved, whilst partaking in what is by now a great American ritual.
Although fall may not immediately lend itself to the idea of travel, if you are eager to explore North America then this could be the best time of year to do so. Many areas still get plenty of sunshine along with the dip in temperature, and very little can beat the crisp, cool air of a sunny Autumn's day in New York state.


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Thanks to the innovative Flatbed cavity design, gives you a cooking area that is 31% bigger than a conventional turntable model. This allows you to use bigger plates or cook more dishes which saves both time and money.
• Frameless design
• Integrated door opening button
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• Inverter technology
• Touch control operation
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Discover the joy of fresh and healthy cooking with Panasonic Microwave Inverter Technology. Thanks to its precise power control, dishes are evenly cooked and are ready in no time.
We LOVE food, and you're here so we guess that you do, too! We aim to provide you with a variety of delicious options to cater to what you're in the mood for!
Our recipes are tailored to provide the best results when using Panasonic kitchen appliances, but they can be adapted to utilise whatever is in your kitchen.
Enjoy browsing, cooking and, most importantly, eating!Visit the Panasonic Kitchen Instagram >
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"It's quick and quiet, with no cold spots, and it is particularly good at defrosting and steaming veg."
The Independent, '11 Best Microwaves', July 2018
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Revelations Video
You can book us for just videography
or video+photo together
or just photography
Hey There!
We're Lindsay & Scott
We are a husband and wife duo specializing in handcrafted films and photographs that capture your true personality and story without all the posing and pretending
Word on the street...
They were both so accommodating. This will be a decision that you won't regret. You won't have a thing to worry about because they have everything covered.
Are you getting married?
Are you a business owner?
Congratulations! It's obvious that we love filming and photographing love stories, but our number one goal is to serve you well and make sure that you are enjoying your adventure together and growing strong as a couple. If you value your marriage more than your wedding and love the moments more than the plans then you've come to the right place!
Unlike most production companies, we are known for our candid and natural approach to everything we do. With over 15 years of experience creating promotional content for small businesses, non-profits and corporate organizations we know how to draw out the personality and character of your organization so that you can stand out from the competition- and even get the job done without a script.


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Surprise! It's not slumming in the Fockers franchise. Iconic entertainer Barbra Streisand says that, besides the lack of attention given her 1972 box office flop Up The Sandbox, she regrets turning down roles that garnered Oscar attention for her pals Jane Fonda and Liza Minnelli.
The star, who won an Academy Award as best actress for her film debut in Funny Girl, answers fan questions submitted by the New York Times in advance of receiving the Film Society of Lincoln Center's Chaplin Award for lifetime achievement today. Besides lots of chatter about Yentl and confirmation that she still intends to star in Gypsy, Streisand says she wishes she'd have starred in Cabaret, Klute, and Julia saying she was offered the films before they had directors attached.
"If I had known that the directors were going to be Bob Fosse, Alan J. Pakula and Fred Zinnemann, I would have said yes immediately," Streisand offers, before magnanimously adding, "But I'm glad my girlfriends Liza Minnelli and Jane Fonda delivered such strong performances."
The legendary singer-actress, so often portrayed by the media as taking herself and her career much too seriously, reveals that she was flattered, not insulted, that her name inspired the silly Duck Sauce dance hit in 2010.
Streisand, who was scheduled to present GLAAD's Advocate for Change award to her buddy Bill Clinton Saturday but was a last minute-no show, demonstrates she still has a fondness for politicos. Asked for half a dozen notables she'd break bread with at a fantasy dinner party, she names two former presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, plus famed physicist Albert Einstein, as well as artists Edward Hopper and Gustav Klimt. To keep dinner conversation from being too stuffy, Streisand would also offer a nosh to Fanny Brice, the funny lady she portrayed in the musical that launched her to superstardom.


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"I want to learn more but I just don't have time to study!"
How many times have you caught yourself saying or thinking that? It's an easy rut to fall into – we've all got jobs, families, and lives, and it's easy to let ourselves fall into the habit of not making time for our spirituality. However, if you think about some of the ways we waste the twenty-four hours a day we DO have, it's not so hard to re-prioritize. If you feel like you don't have the time you need to work on your spirituality as much as you'd like to, then take a long and hard look at how you are spending your days. Are there ways you can save time, that you can then dedicate to your spiritual journey?
Esoteric is defined as something that is understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest. Esotericism is considered to be an occult-like movement because they most often practice secretly. There is also secret knowledge that is only known to the people in the group. The word "esotericism" refers to the inner, hidden side of humanity's spiritual and cultural life.
Traditional knowledge and the olde ways of the ancients gathered from history is what we teach here at the Institute.
The Institute/Temple of The Phoenix teaches Esoteric~Historical Native American~Paganism~and the Craft.
You may also be interested in our degree program associated with our classes. 15 weeks each of 4 cycles. [Earth, Aire, Water, Fire]. You receive a certification for each of the cycles with a final certification for all [Spirit]. Issued in Ceremony. You must be a member to enter into the degree program. This includes your choice of 8 workshops, [you pick]. Here at the Temple, we teach eclectic, which is a little bit of everything. How can you know what your path is unless you "taste" a little of everything? We maintain a negative free environment! Let us design a degree for you!
Online classes have begun! Register below. In-person classes have begun. Check out the Calendar of Events
CL003 So you wanna learn?
CL001 Earth's Creed, Rede', Your Legal Rights?
CL002 Law of Accountability.
CL004 History of, Esoteric~Historically, Paganism.
CL006 Stonehenge, Atlantis and other "magickal" places.
CL007 Traditions: Garderian, Alexandrian.
CL008 Traditions: Mithra.
CL009 Traditions: Zoroastrianism
CL027 Tradition: Norse, Viking, Teutonic.
CL010 Traditions: Druids: An intro to the historical world of ancient druids.
CL030 Traditions: Celtics.
CL000 Magickal Creatures n' Gods n' Goddess's
CL037 Traditions: Deborean. [Celtic/Native American]
CL011 Traditions: Isaac Bonewitz
CL012 Traditions: Voodoo, Hoodoo, Houdon, Yoruba, African. An intro to the fascinating world of African Religion.
CL013 Traditions: Santeria, (movie, Skeleton Key)
CL000 Magickal Creatures n' Gods n' Goddess's
CL014 Traditions: The Gypsy Craft, Romani.
CL038 Tradition: British Traditional.
CL015 Traditions: Golden Dawn, Aleister Crowley, Crazy or genius?.
CL017 Traditions: King Arthur, Avalon, Mist of Avalon.
CL000 Magickal Creatures n' Gods n' Goddess's
CL018 Traditions: Dianic.
CL019 Traditions: Buddhism, Judaism.
CL000 Traditions: Zen
CL020 Traditions: Qaballah, Tree of Life, Intro,
CL021 Traditions: Egypt, Ancient, Culture.
CL022 Traditions: Stregheria, The Italian Craft.
CL000 Magickal Creatures n' Gods n' Goddess's
CL000a Witch class: Symbols, Talismans, and Omens.
CL000b Witch class: Symbols, Talismans, and Omens.
CL0023 Traditions: Seax Witch.
CL0024 Traditions: Faerie, Faeri[elves, pixies, sprites]
CL025a Traditions: Greece, Greek, Pagan vs. Christianity, 2 weeks
CL025b Traditions: Greece, Greek, Pagan vs. Christianity, 2 weeks
CL026 Roman/Aztec/Egyptian/Mayan Calendar.
CL000 Magickal Creatures n' Gods n' Goddess's
CL028 Humanism.
CL029 Heathenism.
CL032 Reincarnation, Karma How full is your Karma Bag?
CL033 Magick: Energy Tools, Faith, What makes Magick work? Why doesn't it work sometimes?
CL036 Moon Lore~ Esbats, Come explore moon ritual and the energy the moon controls.
CL047 Obtaining Dharma.
February 2, Imbolc
March 20~23, Ostara
May 1, Beltane, Mayday
June 20~23, Summer Solstice, Midsummer's Eve, Litha, Longest Day
August 1, Lughnassad
September 20~23, Mabon
October 31, Samhain, All Hallows Eve, Day of the Dead
December 21~23, Yule, Winters Eve, Longest Night


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Eclipson Model Y is a radio control airplane specifically designed to be printed. Thanks to his high wing configuration the airplane is very stable. His elliptical wing reduces wing tip vortex, therefore reduces induce drag and increases flying time. It has been designed with flaperons, the same aerodynamic surface is used as flaps and ailerons. We provide two different main landing gears solutions, one 3D printed and other mixed with steel rods and sponge wheels, the first is cheaper and the second stronger, use the one that you prefer. Nose landing gear is steerable and with suspension totally 3D printed, you will only need a rubber band, also free FPV kit for this plane is available.
-STL files
-G-codes for PLA and LW-PLA
For free:
-Steerable nose gear
-Nose suspension
-Easy to build


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Businesses risk missing out on the next pool of talent if they continue to use old school technology, says Mary Ann de Lares Norris is VP EMEA of Oblong Industries
Just when you thought you had a handle on Millennials, along comes Generation Z, the first truly digital native generation, to start shaking up the workplace afresh. Gen Zers, born between the mid 1990s and up to early 2000s, are the fresh, junior candidates knocking on the doors of the global workforce. It's vital for businesses to consider how to address Gen Zers and the tools required to enable this new generation to thrive. Certainly, the key to harnessing the potential of Gen Z, who have never experienced a time without internet, is technology.
"A study by Goldman Sachs found almost half of Gen Zers are connected online for more than ten hours a day"
Gen Zers are tech fluent, they are used to consuming and sharing information instantly and enjoying social interaction at their fingertips; a study by Goldman Sachs found that almost half of Gen Zers are connected online for more than ten hours a day. Understandably, they expect immediate gratification to satisfy their requirements and to lead them onto the next thing.
To succeed with Gen Z, businesses need to offer the very best technology that fits with their preferred ways of working. As a generation raised in a time of smart phones and connectivity, organisations that offer more in the workplace than can be found on your average smart phone will have greatest appeal. Immersive environments, pixel-rich workspaces, and AI utilities will satisfy the urge for collaborative work styles and easy access to essential data. Gen Zers want to showcase, and be merited for, their individual talents. This new generation aims high; they want to be winners and progress quickly. So, how can workplace technology simultaneously satisfy a need for independence and inclusivity?
A workforce that doesn't stand still is, of course, great news in terms of driving economic growth and productivity, and businesses need to embrace technology that supports this momentum. AV professionals are pivotal to the implementation of pixel-rich workplace and the communications tools that facilitate informed and faster decision – making. As an industry we must ensure that AV/IT systems not only enable this accelerated approach to working, but are sufficiently future-proofed so that as technology develops and ways of working continue to evolve, the AV and IT systems are not restricting this development but are instead enhancing it.
"The traditional meeting room with one large screen to see a presentation is clearly outdated"
Gen Zers need frequent, even daily, mentoring to keep them motivated and to satisfy their need for continuous progression. Therefore, businesses must make connectivity is a top priority. As flexible working becomes more commonplace and employees are ever more distributed, communication streams must be seamless from both inside and outside the office. Instant connectivity means the workforce is breaking through the confines of traditional office environments, using technology that allows them to connect to systems, colleagues, mentors, and information from anywhere in the workplace or anywhere in the world.
So how does workplace technology need to change to engage Generation Z?
Firstly the traditional meeting, consisting of all attendees gathering in one room with one large screen to see a presentation (and then respond later with deliverables) is clearly outdated. Gen Zers operate within their own devices, bringing laptops, tablets and smartphones to meetings and to reference work in real time; with the right technology they can share instantly and simultaneously the content locked in those mobile devices across multiple wall surfaces for everyone to see.
Video-teleconferencing and document sharing technologies are already offering room-to-room and peer-to-peer connections between locations but the most sophisticated and productive solutions provide participants with simultaneous access and control to a united workspace, regardless of their location – thereby creating a much more inclusive workspace for sharing independent ideas. Secondly, enterprises need workplace collaboration systems that are device agnostic, enabling streams from a wide range of connected devices regardless of operating system, location, or type.
Whiteboard, internet, laptops, databank – all of these need to come together side by side to remove barriers to productivity and engagement. For meetings to really engage Gen Z, workplace infrastructure must empower participants to share their work and ideas instantly to accelerate decision-making by bringing all factors into a common view.
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Never miss a thing, by signing up to receive your complimentary copy of AV Technology Europe magazine (print or digital edition) and our weekly newsletters.
You can also follow us on Twitter @AVTechnologyEurope or contact our editor Michael Garwood directly via email: [email protected]


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Father Ted (1996)
Directed by Declan Lowney
Genres - Comedy | Sub-Genres - Sitcom [TV] | Run Time - 30 min. | Countries - United Kingdom |
Share on
Synopsis by Tim DiGravina
Ted (Dermot Morgan) leads Dougal (Ardal O'Hanlon) and a small army of other priests out of the massive lingerie section of a department store. This isn't your mother's lingerie section, though. It's "Ireland's biggest lingerie section." For his ingenuity and leadership, he's to be awarded a Golden Cleric award, since he's seemingly saved the church from a sure-scandal. Ted dreams of bigger and better things and glorious new achievements, but there's a mysterious new priest in town, and nobody quite knows why he's there or who he is. This Father Todd Unctious fellow has plans of his own, and Ted might be a pawn in his scheme. Is he even a priest at all? And for what reason might he want to steal the Golden Cleric award out from under Ted?


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Read a sample of Sanctioned
The Underpants Tree
King of the Undies World
Un-Tall Tales
Rate that book!
Weedy words of praise from a publisher in London
"… it's really witty and very strong … I would compare the writing to Robert Rankin, or a really satirically biting Tom Sharpe, and will say again that I'm really impressed by it"
Review copies of Weed and Un-Tall TalesFor review copies of the novel Weed or the collection of short fiction Un-Tall Tales, send me a message through the contact page.
[Recent graphic]
This entry was posted in art and tagged claustrophobia, graphic. Bookmark the permalink.


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3 Dividend Stocks on Our Radar
The following video is part of our nationally syndicated Motley Fool Money radio show, with host Chris Hill talking with Ron Gross, James Early. and Joe Magyer. In this segment the guys share several stocks on their radar, including dividend-paying stocks from beverage giants Diageo and Coca-Cola, as well as gaming company Activision Blizzard.
For investors seeking dividend-paying stocks trading at bargain prices, check out The Motley Fool's free report "2 Dirt Cheap Stocks with HUGE Dividends." You can be among the first to get analysis of a market leader in payment systems and a high-yielding energy company by accessing this just-released report. Simply click here -- it's free.
At the time thisarticle was published Chris Hillowns shares of Coca-Cola. The Motley Fool owns shares of Ampco-Pittsburgh, Activision Blizzard, and Coca-Cola and has written calls on Activision Blizzard.Motley Fool newsletter serviceshave recommended buying shares of Coca-Cola, Flowers Foods, Ampco-Pittsburgh, Diageo, and Activision Blizzard and creating a synthetic long position in Activision Blizzard. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days.
Copyright © 1995 - 2012 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.


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New Balance 710 Heritage Trail Shoe
Planning on spending part of this summer off the beaten path? Protect your feet and ankles with the New Balance 710 Heritage Trail Shoe ($90). Sporting a retro look that makes them equally well suited to more urban pursuits, the 710 also features a rugged outsole for maximum traction, a d-ring lacing system, a nearly indestructible nubuck/mesh upper, and a striped sock-friendly mid-cut build. For added credibility, pair with well-worn cargo shorts and a plaid shirt (rolled up sleeves optional).


text: IXP has the experience and knowledge to support you through the full lifecycle of your public safety software from definition and implementation to eventual replacement. We match your requirements for feature set, scalability and performance to the available products on the market, and ensure that you get the most robust product possible within your budget constraints. Our technology services address all of your Software and Applications needs by providing:


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First Time User? Enroll now.
COVID-19: Vaccine information, visitor restrictions, testing, treatment, and additional resources
Home > About Us > News & Media > March > UNC REX Healthcare Earns Blue Distinction® Center+ Designation for Quality and Cost-Efficiency for All Eligible Service Lines
Published on March 07, 2016
RALEIGH, NC – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) designated UNC REX Healthcare (UNC REX) a Blue Distinction® Center+ in bariatric surgery, cardiac care, knee & hip replacement, spine surgery, and maternal health. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated health care facilities shown to deliver improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community.
Research shows that facilities designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients compared with their peers. On average, facilities designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ are 20 percent more cost-efficient in an episode of care compared to non-Blue Distinction Center+ designated health care facilities.
"At UNC REX, we're proud to have earned this distinction," said UNC REX President Steve Burriss. "We are committed to providing a safe, effective and cost-efficient experience to every patient who walks through our doors. This designation demonstrates our dedication to excellence, and our outstanding co-workers and physicians."
Quality is key. Only those facilities that first meet nationally established quality measures were considered for designation as a Blue Distinction Center+. UNC REX Healthcare is proud to be recognized by BCBSNC for meeting the rigorous selection criteria for each of its specialties set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
"We're doing the homework for our customers by putting a spotlight on hospitals and facilities that offer high quality services at a fair price." said Dr. Brian Caveney, chief medical officer of BCBSNC. "With health care costs continuing to rise, patients want to know how much value they are getting for their health care dollar. Identifying which providers meet or exceed industry standards is an important part of that equation."
Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality providers for their specialty care needs in the areas of bariatric surgery, cardiac care, complex and rare cancers, knee and hip replacements, maternity care, spine surgery and transplants, while encouraging health care professionals to improve the care they deliver.
For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated facilities, please visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.
About UNC REX Healthcare UNC REX Healthcare, a member of UNC Health Care, is a private, not-for-profit health care system with more than 5,700 co-workers. UNC REX has 660 beds (433 general acute beds and 227 skilled nursing) and treats nearly 34,000 inpatients each year. UNC REX offers dedicated centers for cancer, surgery, heart and vascular, post-acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing care, wellness and women's care plus dedicated services for bariatric, heartburn, pain management, sleep disorders, diabetes education, wound and emergency care. UNC REX's medical staff includes more than 1,100 physicians and 1,700 nurses. UNC REX provides various health care services throughout Wake County with facilities in Apex, Cary, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Wakefield and downtown Raleigh. UNC REX was the first hospital in the Triangle to receive Magnet Recognition, placing UNC REX nurses among the top 6 percent in the nation. UNC REX was named one of the top 100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare magazine, highlighted as one of the Top 50 Hospitals in the U.S. by Becker's Hospital Review, and included by the Leapfrog Group as the only urban hospital in North Carolina on its 2015 Top Hospitals list. Visit rexhealth.com for more information.
About BCBSNC:Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina improves the health and well-being of our customers and communities by providing innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.91 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. Since 1933, we have worked to make North Carolina a better place to live through our support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. We have been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute every year since 2012. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for nearly 105 million members – one in three Americans. For more information on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and its member companies, please visit bcbs.com. We encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out The BCBS Blog, for up-to-date information about BCBSA.
About Blue Distinction Centers Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for facilities located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers' need for affordable health care. Each facility's cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Facilities in CA, ID, NY, PA and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans' areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider's in-network status or your own policy's coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.
Media ContactFor media inquiries and to arrange interviews, please contact:
Alan Wolf, UNC REX Healthcare919-784-4467
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text: Nineteen-year-old American gymnast Simone Biles is a woman to watch during this summer's Olympics in Rio. Considered the world's best on the balance beam, floor exercise, and vault, the three time World Champion is favored to win gold. In this short video from The New Yorker, we get to see what makes her so exceptional. Prepare to be WOWED!


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If you're reading this article, you're probably curious about the ins and outs of the app development process and your role in it as a Product Owner. If we just hit the spot, keep on reading to learn:
- What the product development process looks like
- What's the role of the Product Owner in the process
- What is Scrum and how it helps you
- The role of each team member
- What are the goals of your team
- Is the app development process completely transparent or are there some unanswered questions.
These are questions you should ask just to make sure you know what is going on in the project.
We will first focus on how the development process looks like from a manager's point of view. First of all, application development is complex and the whole process requires experience. There are several methods and frameworks which you can use in your own process, such as Waterfall, Agile, Critical Path Method, Rapid Applications Development.
Let's focus mainly on Scrum because of its popularity- software development teams use it most often.
What is Scrum and why is it awesome?
Scrum is a framework that helps teams work together. It encourages the entire team to learn through experiences, self-organize while solving a problem, and reflect on their wins and losses to further improve.
Thanks to Scrum, we can:
- Measure costs more accurately. We can be transparent and inform the client about the latest updates, the progress and time spent on development
- Deliver a working product increment every 1-2 weeks
- Have a flexible approach towards our client's requirements and adjustments
- Collect feedback from stakeholders and users more often
All in all, thanks to Scrum we can build a working product a lot faster.
Team roles and the role of the Product Owner
A typical development team that works in Scrum consists of the Product Owner, a team of Developers and a Scrum master. The team knows how to carry out the project and can do their work independently by being self-organized and cross-functional.
- The Product Owner handles the WHAT
- The Development Team handles the HOW
- The Scrum Master handles the PROCESS
This is the typical division of responsibilities in the team. The most important thing for the entire team is the 'WHAT'. Once that's known, the Scrum Master can start the process.
On the team, there are developers who write the code, designers who create the mockups or prototypes (if you need a design), and testers who filter out any bugs during the process:
What should your client know about the process?
As a Product Owner make sure that your client is aware that:
- The team can grow.
- The team works on one project only.
- Follow the rules, such as the one that you shouldn't pay for onboarding a new dev.
- There's a Scrum Master on the team who keeps an eye on the progress and motivates the team
- There's a Project Manager on the team who manages the relationship between the team and your, the PO.
How is the work organized?
Let's talk about Scrum Sprint & Events.
A Sprint is a period of time from 1-4 weeks in which a potentially usable Product Increment is created. In other words, it's a particular period of time in which a product has to be delivered for review.
Every sprint begins immediately after the previous sprint ends. The Scrum Events are:
- Sprint Planning Meeting (WHAT-Meeting, HOW-Meeting)
- Daily Scrum Meeting
- Sprint Review Meeting
- Sprint Retrospective Meeting
What is Sprint Planning?
Sprint Planning it the planning, organization and decisions that determine what is going to take place during the new sprint. During this process, the team decides which tasks to do and makes sure that each member of the Sprint Team is ok with their role. The Product Owner should take part in the Sprint Planning.
What is Daily Scrum?
Short 10-15 minute daily meeting at which the Sprint Team discusses the ongoing progress of the project, talking about their current tasks and what they plan on doing next. The Product Owner doesn't need to be at these meetings.
What is Sprint Refinement?
Also called Product Backlog Refinement is the process of continuously updating the backlog in an organized way. The process runs simultaneously with the whole sprint. It's usually a good idea to hold this meeting halfway through the Sprint. In some organizations, various teams discuss everything about the backlog to keep everyone on the same page.
What is the Sprint Review?
A 1-hour meeting at the end of the sprint to review all tasks. Before the Sprint Review, it's good to ask your team for an app demo to give you an idea of the final product. Plus, a detailed review of all tasks in the sprint, including hours spent and the difficulties that the team had. The Product Owner's presence isn't obligatory.
What is Sprint Retrospective?
A short meeting held after the Sprint Review during which the PO and the Team discuss ways to improve the current product by improving internal processes, such as communication with the PO. The goal of the Sprint Retro is:
- To discuss how the work went during the sprint.
- To find ways to improve the work in the next sprint.
- o ask if anything can or needs to be changed.
Estimation of next functionalities
The next functionalities are discussed during Sprint Refinement meetings by means of story points. Story points are a unit of measure for expressing an estimate of the overall effort that will be required to fully implement a product backlog item or any other piece of work. The goal is to find out how many story points there will be and how many tasks can fit into the next sprint.
How often the app needs to undergo tests?
A new app is always tested after it's ready and the least is once every sprint.
How long does the team wait for your feedback?
The best time for feedback is the review meetings. That's when you and your team can discuss everything.
How to make sure that the app development process is fully transparent?
Here are some good practices you and your team can adopt to increase transparency:
- A kickoff meeting is the first meeting with the project team and the client of the project. The meeting also provides the opportunity to discuss the role of team members.
- As the Product Owner, you should be precise about the tools the team will use in the project. This helps to improve the efficiency of the process.
- Jira Dashboard to help you organize the project.
- A sprint Review Email is to stay up to date with the progress made along with future plans.
- Tempo Timesheet: This is a Jira tracking tool. It helps you keep track of what the team works on.
- Forecast & Change Management to avoid future issues. Here you can talk about things like the budget.
- Dropbox /Google to keep and access all files in one place.
Wrap Up
This article should give you an idea of how the app development process works and how Scrum can be useful to you as the Product Owner. Not every software house applies all of these practices. However, the development process usually determines how successful your app will be. If you follow the processes and principles in this article, you can be sure that both you and your client will be happy with the final product.


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No controversy as Ebenezer MIddle students view Obama speech
Ebenezer Middle eighth-graders say speech helped build confidence in their future
EBENEZER - Twenty-five sets of eyes turned to the projector screen in the front of Teshewanda Shuman's Ebenezer Middle School classroom at noon Tuesday.
Her eighth-graders watched intently as President Barack Obama addressed them from Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va., about the importance of education, setting goals and responsibility.
"I think it was very encouraging, very motivating," Shuman said. "He used personal experiences to draw the students in. It showed them the president was not always the president - that he's experienced his own trials and tribulations."
Anthony Cutter, a student in Shuman's class, said the speech helped him see where the president came from.
"It builds my confidence," the eighth-grader said. "It made me confident that I can do anything."
Amid swirling allegations Obama would preach his politics to the nations youth, some schools throughout the country chose not to show the speech.
"It's sad that a lot of kids weren't able to see it," Shuman said. "I think people wanted to make it a political or racial thing."
On Monday, The White House released the president's speech in advance, hoping to dampen those allegations.
Obama stuck to the pre-released speech, avoiding any political overtones.
Any evidence of controversy was unapparent at Ebenezer on Tuesday.
Shuman asked her class early in the day whether they were familiar with any of the controversy. Only two of her students, she said, had heard anything about it.
The school's principal, Ramona Lovett, said her office was not flooded with calls from angry parents, nor were students being taken from their classrooms.
"There was no major controversy," she said.
Instead, Lovett said teachers at Ebenezer incorporated Obama's address into the day's curriculum.
Shuman took the opportunity to continue teaching her students about setting goals.
Students were instructed to write down three long-term and three short-term goals.
Obama's message of working hard in school appeared to have impacted the class - many of the students listed "stay in school" and "go to college" as long-term goals.
Other aspects of the speech influenced other students.
"I liked how he said that if you make mistakes it can benefit you," Shuman's student Sabrina Downing said.
No matter what the students took away from the presidents's address, ultimately, Obama said, the country's future depends on them.
Lovett said she could not agree with the president more.
"What's true for the country is true for Effingham County," she said. "(The students are) our future. They're going to be our future leaders. (Obama's speech) is the kind of encouragement that they need to succeed."


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Bar patron: [walks in, looks around] "OH, okay! You sell LEATHER. This is a LEATHER shop."
I… thought that was self-explanatory. On account of, y'know, all the leather.
If I had it to do again, I would grab a jockstrap and a bottle of lube and yell, "WRONG. We're a POLYESTER AND SILICONE SHOP." But I can't decide if I want there to be a next time or not.


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In the Old Testament, the sacrifice was an animal. Whenever an animal was slain, everybody laid hands on the animal, and that way the sins were passed to the animal, and then the animal was slain. It was very clear to everybody in the Old Testament time that the animal was being slain in their place as the atonement, as the way of paying the price necessary for 'at-one-ment.'
The poor Old Testament people wondered, 'Why in the world is this ram, is this dead lamb, is this dead bullock, how in the world is this being our sacrifice? How is this being our substitute?' Of course the New Testament answer is it was just a picture of the real substitute, who is Jesus Christ. Jesus was the sacrifice. This is very basic. You will not understand the love of God unless you see that what he did was to be a substitutionary sacrifice.
There are many, many churches that hate the idea of a God who needs payment. They hate the idea of Jesus Christ having to come and take the wrath of God, to be an atoning sacrifice. My friends, suppose you deny the idea that you're so wicked that Jesus Christ had to come and pay the atoning sacrifice to reconcile us. If you deny that, you have evacuated the cross of all of its eternal and endless profundities. You have made it something senseless…
Unless you believe you are lost unless Jesus died for you, unless you believe you're a sinner, unless you believe you would be lost except Jesus died for you, the cross makes no sense. You have evacuated it of all meaning and you cannot understand the love. The love of Jesus Christ dying for us is the thing that's supposed to move us to walk in love. What else would move you to walk in love? It was a sacrifice.
– Tim Keller
Words found in Tim Keller's 1991 Sermon, "The Sweetness of the Cross"


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Adam Oates is a living example of why you shouldn't give up on your dreams.
There was a time when no NHL team wanted him. By the time his playing career was done, only five NHLers had ever registered more assists than him.
Of course, Oates isn't done with the NHL. On the same day that he was told that he would be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Washington Capitals selected him as their head coach.
So on this night, Oates took the time to thank his former coaches: Mike Renzetti, Ken Gibb, Mike Addesa, and Paul Vincent.
"I want to know that I haven't forgotten that you helped me," Oates said, courtesy of the NHL.com.
Oates also thanked Brett Hull, who he spent three amazing seasons with as a member of the St. Louis Blues. With Oates, Hull managed to record back-to-back-to-back 70-plus goal seasons and Oates recorded 248 assists over that span.
"You put me on the map," Oates said of Hull. "I can't believe it was only three years because it felt like forever."
Hull also praised Oates, saying "he's one of the greatest players to play the game."


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Separate accidents on Oahu left three people dead yesterday.
In Kaneohe last night, two people died after what appears to have been a single-vehicle crash on Kamehameha Highway at Johnson Road.
Police closed the road in both directions in the area of Coral Kingdom while they investigated the 7:45 p.m. crash.
An Emergency Medical Services representative said the deceased are a man and woman, both of whom appear to be in their early 20s.
No other details were available.
Earlier yesterday, a 26-year-old woman died yesterday after her motorcycle collided head-on with a Jeep on Kaukonahua Road, police said.
The driver of the Jeep, a 36-year-old woman, and her passenger, a toddler in a car seat, were taken to the Queen's Medical Center in good condition.
According to police, the motorcyclist was headed north on Kaukonahua near the infamous S-turn when she crossed the center line and crashed into the Jeep.
She was taken in critical condition to Wahiawa General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The accident occurred just before 2 p.m.
Police closed Kaukonahua for about three hours while they conducted an investigation.
Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash. Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be involved, police said.
The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet, police said.
These were the 21st, 22nd and 23rd traffic fatalities on Oahu this year, compared with 18 at the same time last year.