text:
"a woman walks into a bar…" at Buzz Wine Beer Shop for a Beer Tasting
on 07/05/12 at 9:53 ama woman walks into a bar..., Beer, BoozeBlog
There's a cool wine/beer shop on the corner of 5th and Spring Street in downtown LA called Buzz Wine Beer Shop in what is called the Historic Core – which may come as a surprise to some persnickety Angelenos (Westsiders) that there a) is a downtown and b) that there's actually some history there. Be that as it may, Buzz hosted a first ever "Bay Area Brewery Fresh Beer Tasting" in Southern California. There were six beers from what the organizers said were "three of the best and the brightest young Bay Area Brewers… Kel Acala – owner/brewmaster at Dying Vines and Andrew Ritter – lead brewer at Linden Street will be on hand for a few hours to talk about their beers and answer questions".
Ok, so beer is my veeeery favorite beverage…more than wine, more than spirits, more than chocolate milk. Beer has a delicious, complex flavor profile that is eminently adaptable to any food, anytime, anywhere. It can be argued the same can be said for wine and spirits but, to me, a well-crafted beer soothes my spirit, quenches my thirst and satisfies my palate like no other. I'm a consummate beer lover and beer evangelist that sometimes makes wine lovers question my sanity, but so be it. Back attcha wine lovers!
My love of beer does not make me a beer geek. I'm not into the intricacies of brewing temperatures, fermentation variables or mash times and I don't home brew – yet – but I know what I like and know enough about beer to make me an educated consumer so I was very interested to try new beers that have not been distributed in Southern California til now.
Before I launch into my personal view of said Bay Area beers, first a word about craft beer. Particularly for those who are stuck on Bud or PBR – hey, I love a PBR when nothing but fizzy water will do…honestly – and for those who are uncertain as to what craft beer really is. What it's not is something snobby and inaccessible.
Remember your first starter wines? Cheap, sweet, probably sparking. You moved on to, maybe, Two Buck Chuck and then one day, you went to a wine tasting at your local wine shop, and lo and behold, your taste buds had an 'awakening' akin to when you found out there was more to sex than the missionary position. WOW. The possibilities! And so it is with craft beer. It's time to transition, to move on up to the next level. Or to try it for the first time.
And as with wine, just because you've moved up to drinking more sophisticated wines, doesn't mean that every wine you're going to taste is, oh so delicious, oh so amazing. You become discerning, both recognizing your own palate preferences as well as noting marketing hype. That last one, though, is a bitch to vet as advertisers pitch to our limbic brains. And, the sobriquet, 'craft beer', does not automatically make the beer in your hand a taste sensation, or even good. It simply designates that it was made by brewers in small, independent operations, not owned by the big boys like Miller-Coors or AnheuserBush-Inbev, and it does not guarantee awesomeness. The best thing about finding those craft beer gems is that you have to drink a lot of it…for research and comparison sake, of course. Eventually, after you've tried a prodigious variety of beer styles and beers from different breweries, you will become become a connoisseur, confident in your own palate. You will know what you like.
Here's a thing that really bugs me when people talk about beer. "Oh my god", they say, "I would love to drink more beer but it makes me bloated, it's so filling, I don't want to get fat." Well, yeees, if you go home and drink a 6 pack of crap. I'm bloating just thinking about it. Or, if you say you hate beer, and the only thing you ever tried was a Coors or Bud Light, I can't say I blame you. Craft beer, though, is just that…crafted. It's like a fine wine. You don't go home and guzzle an entire bottle at once. Ok, maybe you do but you shouldn't. Good beer and good wine are for savoring. A pint or a glass, or two, at a time.
Guess what else is fabulous about beer? Cost. You can buy a six pack of fantastic beer for under ten bucks. Yes you can. An okay bottle of wine usually starts around fifteen. A fabulous bottle of wine a lot more. So if your 401K has been depleted, your savings are scraping bottom, crying in your beer is way more cost effective that crying in your wine. Besides, you'd look rather silly. Beer is your friend.
But, I want to go back to the 'savoring' a pint part for a quick minute. A pint of craft beer is love in a glass. Lovingly made with quality ingredients by women and men who respect the process, the ingredients, the end product and even you, my friend, the consumer, who is ready to quaff this labor of love. The craft brewers really do care what ends up in that glass, so look at the beautiful color, sniff the delectable hops, sip and savor the waves of liquid gold washing over your tongue. Your palate is alive, awake, energized. So give craft beer a shot…it's that easy.
Alright, on to the beer tasting. My overview of the beers presented from the Bay Area were that they were a little thin, lacking in depth, more of a one-note. Now that might have been due more to style than substance as the beers were English style ales and lagers which can be lighter, less hoppy beers, lower in alcohol but that doesn't mean they have to be blah. I admit that I'm a big, West Coast (different from East Coast style) IPA fan and love hops, but I still want a balanced beer, not one that hits you over the head with hoppy bitterness (altho' there is a place for that too!). For me, lighter styles are best for breakfast. So, if these beers were the best and brightest from up north, I wouldn't put them in a beer decathlon with our beers from down here in SoCal. They would be brutally whupped and sent back home to study up.
For instance, Dying Vines' Hop Candi' is described as an IPA that "smells like Pliny the Elder and finishes clean with basically no bittering coming from the hops." The description was spot on. Smelled a bit like Pliney and NO hops. Whether they wanted a little stardust to rub off on Hop Candi being compared to Pliny the Elder, um, well, not so much. What was the point of taking all the bitterness out of the hops? I mean, bitter is part of the hops experience and it gives a well-balanced beer its character. I asked the very nice owner/brewmaster, Kel Acala, what his reason was for creating this beer. He said he comes from a Latin American culinary background and pairing beer with food was important to him. He wanted a balanced easy drinking beer that you would drink at the beginning of a meal and then drink more complex beers as the meal progressed. I can see that but, to me, 'debittering' hops is like rinsing an oyster before you serve it. All the salty sea deliciousness is down the drain.
And so it went. Whatever the outcome, though, whether one likes the beer or not, it's always enlightening to taste what's out there. After all, it's all about research. Herewith, the Line-Up from the tasting.
Tasting notes are by Buzz organizers:
Linden Street Brewery Oakland CA
"Buring Oak" Black Lager: "Burning Oak" is the chic local beer to have on tap in the Bay Area. Bone dry, very dark and entirely savory. Great pairing for salty cured meat and dry crumbly cheese.
Style: Black Lager/Steam Beer / 5.2% ABV / 19 IBUs – All Northern Brewer Hops
"Urban Peoples" Common Lager: This is the everyman's beer in the catalog. Think real, locally produced and owned, un-pasteurized Anchor Steam Beer. Pale, Hoppy and ultra-fresh/alive tasting
Style: Steam Beer/California Common / 5.5% ABV / 39 IBUs – All Northern Brewer Hops
Dying Vines Oakland CA
Hop Candi: This is a totally unique beer: An 8 IBU India Pale Ale! And while it needs to be tasted to be truly understood/appreciated, I'll say that it smells like Pliny the Elder and finishes clean with basically no bittering coming from the hops. It's an impressive tightrope act to pull off, and Kel has succeeded masterfully.
Style: Contemporary Session Beer / ABV: 4.5%
Ol' Brick Bitter: In my opinion this is the best beer being brewed in the Bay Area today. It is a drinkable essay on the toll that pasteurization and time take on Southern English imports like London Pride and Martson's Pedigree. Served at the proper temp, "Ol' Brick becomes incredibly nuanced. As it warms there is an alluring white peach aroma. On the palette it is the signature "jam on toast" flavor of classic English Ale. The finish is crystal clean with just a linger touch of grain and floral hops.
Style: British Style Best Bitter / ABV: 4.5%
Pacific Brewing Labs San Francisco CA
"Squid Ink" Black IPA: This is much more easy to knock back than most of the other CDA/Black IPA/EDA beers that people have been turning out lately. It has some subtle chocolate, and plenty of lemon-rind like hoppy bitterness. A really surprising, refreshing crowd-pleaser.
Style: Strong Dark Ale / 7.0% ABV / 54 IBUs
"Nautilus" Saison w/Hibiscus: This beer is bright pink. Think rose wine. It is brewed with orange peel, coriander and hibiscus flowers. Aroma is a combo or orange and floral potpourri. Finish is remarkably clean.
Style: Saison / 5.1% ABV / 18 IBUs
460 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013


text:
Project Experience
Consultant - Recommendation report of hydraulic upgrade for 79 ton gantry crane
Canal Sweeper - Cleans man made canals from unwanted debris
Off Shore Platform - Position Drill Head Mast
3 off shore rigs
Water truck - Variable spraying with remote control
Underground mobile LHD coal loader - operate vehicles steering, brakes and attachments
Concrete pump hopper - mechanical design to optimize flow of concrete into the pump
Pressure Vessels - hydro-pneumatic accumulators use in Australia
Authored an engineering report recommending a complete electro-hydraulic control upgrade for SEQ Water's largest reservoir dam in Queensland
Designed a closed circuit differential cylinder system that hydraulically automates a sweeping cycle motion of lift/lower drag net.
Designed 3 x 75 kW Power unit systems with proportional control , manifolds, cooling, 13", 11" 9" bore cylinders. Mechanical design for structural support frame for pinning and locking drill head into place.
Designed open loop 100 cc pump /145 cc motor circuit with electronic proportional control system and electrical cabinet
Designed 130 cc load sense pump circuit with proportional control valve assembly incorporated in to control manifold
Structural design of a complete concrete pumping hopper including cast iron swing tube assembly, compensating plates and safety gate system
Certify design of a range of accumulators from 4 ltr up to 50 ltr for use in Australia to Australian Standards AS1210

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Whether going for a soft natural beauty look, or an all out glamorous makeup look, foundation is always the first step to a stunning face. Applying foundation may seem like a simple "blend and go" task, however applying foundation perfectly is a tricky makeup skill to master. From peeling, to creases, there's many things that can go wrong when attempting to create your flawless canvas! Read on to find out how to avoid the most common foundation mistakes.
#1: Always Shake Well
It doesn't say to shake the bottle for nothing! By shaking your foundation first, you are loosening up any dry parts and ensuring no clumpy blobs will come out of the dispenser when you are ready to apply your foundation. So simply shake, dispense and apply.
#2: Don't Stop At The Jaw Line!
No one likes the foundation face mask look, yet many of us sport it without even knowing! Properly blending is the key to a natural look, and the only way to make sure you can blend away the right way, is to use the right tool, and apply foundation to the right spots. Stippling brushes a great to blend into the neck and up to the temples, and sponges are even better! Just simply blend the product outwards, on to your neck and even as far as your chest, until your skin looks all natural!
#3: Stop Using Your Fingers
Everyone wants the airbrushed finishing look, but not everyone achieves it. Its important to realize that the way you apply your foundation is just as important as the foundation itself! Be sure not to use your fingers, as they can retain bacteria and leave your face with acne and leave your foundation with streaks and uneven blending. The key to getting flawless skin with foundation is using the right brush or sponge for you.
These makeup mishaps are very common, but easy to fix, so these tricks and tips can help you create the perfect skin the next time you go to do your foundation!


text:
- Home
- Music & Bands
- Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
[[accordion title=Fun Facts About Michael Jackson]]
• Macaulay Culkin is the godfather of Michael Jackson's daughter and his older son.
• Over 1.2 million people joined a lottery to get the 17,500 tickets that were made available to the general public to attend his memorial service.
• Jackson invented the anti-gravity boots that allowed him to tilt so far forwards that he appeared to defy gravity while performing.
• Michael Jackson's death crashed the whole internet especially google, wiki, youtube, yahoo, msn, facebook and twitter on June 25, 2009. - needs more research


text:
HEALTH | February 06, 2012
By NICHOLAS BAKALAR
A massage after vigorous exercise unquestionably feels good, and it seems to reduce pain and help muscles recover. Many people — both athletes and health professionals – have long contended it eases inflammation, improves blood flow and reduces muscle tightness. But until now no one has understood why massage has this apparently beneficial effect. Now researchers have found what happens to muscles when a masseur goes to work on them more…


text:
Tech meets DIY/Punk
This morning, I spent 20 minutes hacking to gether a basic social media service for Of Many Trades. It's not much, but it's functional. It lives here: TradeSocial. There's a simple reason that I was able to get it done so quickly: I cheated.
See, most social media applications are designed to serve hundreds of thousands of users. At the moment, I'm worried about 15 - 20 (we may grow as high as a few hundred, one day. If you'd like an account for Of Many Trades, just let me know!) By recognizing that Scale is a Trap I was able to build something fully functional for a small number of users in a short amount of time. By working at the Human Scale, I was able to make Tech DIY again.
The service is super simple. It is missing some "key features" like filtering by user, and interacting with posts. Fortunately, all of those key features can be built using the same DIY/Punk ideology. I can whip together a few dozen lines of bash scripting, and suddenly we have notifications, or the ability to follow specific users (rather than the whole stream.)
At the moment, our community is small enough that we don't need these features. If the community decides they'd like them, then we'll add them.
That's the beauty of DIY Tech, it grows along with it's community.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider signing up for my newsletter. or following me on Mastodon.
Check out the other stuff I do: Retro Social (Mastodon Instance), Analog Revolution, Space Age Ideas, Of Many Trades. If you want to help me keep making stuff, check out the rewards available from my Patreon.
Share on: [Reddit] [FaceBook] [Google+] [Twitter]


text:
Animals are surely furry and cute. They make the ideal companions for days when you are lonely, or they become the best snuggling things when you are in the mood. But can they also rescue your lives? This might never have crossed your mind.
Here are 10 cases where domestic animals saved the lives of their masters. It is both wonderful and heart touching. Read on–
1. Dog saved his blind master from blood-sugar crash:
Roxanne the dog had been carefully trained to act as a guide for the blind. But no training whatsoever was given to her for sensing a medical crisis. Perhaps dogs have an innate ability to sense. Or else how would Roxanne sense that his master Joe Mauk, from Brookville, Pa is about to have a blood-sugar crash? "She wouldn't get in her harness and kept laying down and putting her head on her legs," Mauk told the Peoplepets.org. Mauk had been suffering from type I diabetes for years and had also lost his vision. That day when he was being kept from going outside, he collapsed on the road. He returned home somehow by mostly crawling. Roxanne was the one who dragged him back home by her leash and licked his hands madly on the way.
2. Cat saves a couple; woman was pregnant with twins:
When it comes to faithfulness, dogs are more talked about rather than cats. Then if the cat is a 13 year old Tabby – there is no question, because these cats are known to remain shy all their lives. But "Baby", the tabby cat, showed a rather drastic change in her personality when the lives of her masters was at stake.
Josh Orenburg and his wife Letitia Kovalevsky had newly assembled some cribs and baby gear which was kept in their house. So one evening in January, they fell asleep on their couch. Suddenly the cat began to jump on Orenburg and woke him up. Upon waking up he saw that a fire had started at the back of his bedroom.
"It's kind of embarrassing that I needed my cat to wake me up, but she was my fire detector" Orenburg told the Peoplepets.org. "She's usually not a very social cat, but she jumped on my lap and was jumping around." The fire destroyed almost all of their belongings and their house became uninhabitable, but everyone managed to survive.
3. 11 year old boy was saved by a dog from cougar attack:
A hungry cougar approached the boy on a dark evening. Fatefully, he had an 'Angel' by his side.
This incident took place in British Columbia, Canada. A little boy named Austin went to collect wood for the wood burning furnace at his home. Suddenly he noticed that his usually cheerful golden retriever was acting rather cautious. He had his guards up. Austin couldn't understand until moments later, when a cougar jumped on him from 10 feet away. Thankfully the big dog jumped on the cat and bore the brunt instead.
The 18 month old dog endured several injuries on his head and had to undergo surgeries. "I was just lucky my dog was there, because it happened so fast I wouldn't have known what hit me," said Austin.
4. Cat protects a couple from fatal gas leak:
Schnautzie was only a little kitten when her senses grew strong. One night on October 2, 2007, she climbed onto the chest of her owner Trudy Guy and began tapping her nose with her paw. Guy ignored her tapping for some time, but when Schnautzie kept on tapping, she woke up.
She noticed something weird about the way Schnautzie was sniffling the air. She woke up her husband Greg Guy and they both heard a hissing noise. A gas pipe which led inside their home in Montana had leaked, and it was filling their basement with fumes.
The Guys along with their loyal feline fled the house immediately. Later, the firefighters told the couple that had the furnace caught on fire, the entire house would have burst into flames.
This remarkable effort from Schnautzie, earned her the Purple Paw Award from the Great Falls Animal Foundation, Montana.
5. Elderly woman saved from drowning by a Chihuahua:
Chihuahuas are known for being tiny, cute and sometimes a tad bit yappy. But on October 2008, a Chihuahua named Chi Chi yapped so hysterically, that everyone's head turned.
He was taken to the beaches of the Outer Banks, North Carolina, by his owners Mary and Rick Lane. They all rested on their beach chairs – including Chi Chi, who was restrained by his leash. But suddenly the dog went berserk, "he leapt out of his beach chair, still attached, dragging the beach chair, and he started sending out an alarm," said Mary Lane. "He was making a sound we never heard before. Rick said, 'Hey, what's the matter with the dog?'" she reported.
But what the dog had seen could not be any more important – someone's life was at stake. "There was a storm surge, and there were two elderly ladies — one had fallen on her back headfirst into the surf," Mary said. "The other lady … was trying to hold her head up, and she was in danger of being washed out."
The women were later rescued by the guards. Thanks to Chi Chi!
6. Dog's warning helps paralyzed owner escape fire:
32 year-old Jack Vernon had been feeling groggy and was suffering from many days. He had just broken his right leg from an accident 10 years back and was now in a wheelchair.
One morning, on St. Patrick's Day, he took his prescribed medicines and drifted off to sleep. But Gracie Bean, his doggie, really wanted him not to sleep. She kept trying to draw his attention in every way possible. Vernon was under medications and really wanted to sleep. So he tried to knock her off. "I even swatted her a few times and told her to lie down and be good," he said to Peoplepets.org.
Finally when he woke up, he saw that his bed's headboard was on fire. The fire was slowly spreading too, and if he had not got off the bed in time, it would have engulfed his whole bed. He had to come down his stairs and get out of his home by his only wheelchair ramp. But the amazing thing is, the dog was there with him the entire time and acted fearlessly. It was as if the dog was not afraid of the fire, ""What was so crazy was my dog was not afraid of the fire. My dog walked right between me and the fire and stayed right there," said Vernon.
7. Dolphin rescued surfer from Shark attack:
Sometimes it is great to know that you have a little friend down there in the ocean too, who can help you from the dreaded shark attacks.
A giant white shark had nibbled surfer Todd Endris' right leg and taken off the skin of his back like a banana peel when a bottlenose dolphin came to his rescue. Soon after, the entire pack of the dolphins came from nowhere and started circling Endris, so that the shark could not get access to this man. Endris somehow managed to catch a wave and land back on the shore. He was soon taken off for medical attention.
This incident took place in August 2007 at the Marina State Park off Monterrey, Califf. The dolphins were playing and roaming the area in the morning when Endris surfed there with his friend. He feels blessed for their presence that day. "It is truly a miracle," he told.
8. Missing 3 year-old girl protected by her dog:
Arizona is notorious for its warm temperatures, but when the sun sets in February, its chill can make your spine shiver. In such a scenario, a little girl named Victoria got lost while playing in her yard. She kept walking and walking with her pet dog Blue, and lost her way home. The poor kid was only wearing something a little longer than a T – shirt. She was shivering. The dog kept her warm.
On the other side, her parents were becoming increasingly worried. They called the police who then began a search and rescue operation, which took the whole night. At last Blue was found by a chopper. Soon after, Victoria was discovered at around 9 o' clock the next morning. She had to be taken to the hospital for frostbite later.
9. Dog accompanied his master till death, and even after:
6 year-old golden retriever Lady wasn't able to save her 81 year-old master from nature's order, but she absolutely stayed beside him – even after he had died.
Parley Nichols, her owner, who lived in Hartville, Ohio, was always seen with the dog. It is said that he never left his home without her. But old Nichols had dementia and he would often wander off in his way and become missing. "Dad had been wandering around, and we kept looking for him for a solid week, sending out flyers, doing whatever we could," said Terry, one among the two sons of Nichols.
A neighbor of Terry's alerted him that a dog was trying to catch his attention and pointing towards a creek outside. So they investigated. "We found Lady and my dad, who was already dead," he said. "Lady was standing by his side protecting him. We are sure that she never left my dad for seven days, staying alive by drinking water from the creek."
"I don't know how dogs perceive things but she knew she had to stay with dad no matter what. And she did," Terry told Peoplepets.com.
10. Dog helps owner rescue an elderly man freezing out in snow:
It was a cold afternoon in Minnesota when Brett Grinde took his 15 year old German shepherd Effie for a walk. It was a routine walk on their known route, but suddenly Effie started acting strange.
Later Grinde described the incident to the Pine newspaper saying, "At the 'T' we always go left, she started pulling to the right. Effie has never, ever done that, and hasn't pulled in a long time."
Effie seemed so sure of herself that not only Grinde but the investigating Sheriff at Pine County too decided to let go of her leash and follow her. She darted towards the driveway 40 yards from there and found that a 94 year-old man had frozen to the ground. "He had serious exposure and blood underneath him," Grinde reported.
They all thought the old man had died, "I have seen plenty of deceased people and thought he was dead," said Grinde. But the man wasn't dead; he was in fact able to get emergency medical attention due to Effie's intervention. The man did die some days later, but Grinde took pride that Effie ended the man's misery in the winter.


text:
Rory McIlroy was unusually blunt when explaining why he won't be travelling to Rio this summer, but it doesn't surprise me one bit that the world's top four male golfers – Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and McIlroy – have withdrawn from the Olympics. In 2009 and then again in 2013, having bent over backwards to impress and convince the IOC, us squash players were snubbed for the Games. In some respects I didn't blame the committee for going with the big timers, but the odds were always going to be against the golfers turning up.
For McIlroy to say so flippantly that he "didn't get into golf to try to grow the game" shows that some sports, and the personalities who front them, exist in completely different stratospheres to the rest of us. The Olympics barely registers as an exhibition tournament for the top golfers, but we would give our other arms to be in Rio, something we have repeatedly uttered to anyone who listens.
It was difficult to listen to McIlroy speak so apathetically, certainly for Laura Massaro, England's World Series champion, who expressed disdain at McIlroy's "unacceptable" comments. Perhaps he wasfour only being honest and maybe it's what the IOC need to hear. They should be held accountable for prioritising a second-rate golf contest over the many willing, enthusiastic athletes from a range of sports around the world.
We could have predicted in 2013 that the top golfers wouldn't show their faces at Games scheduled just after the Open and the PGA Championship, and in the build-up the Ryder Cup. The golf authorities must have been dreading the day one of their players came out with it. And yes, for the record, I'm unconvinced that it has anything to do with Zika.
Every professional squash player was behind our bid, which cost us thousands upon thousands of pounds – money we didn't have. We assembled a slick bid, produced fancy promo videos and practically took bloody courses in public speaking! And we did all this between training sessions, making a living and seeing our families.
Every photo opportunity we could take, we took. We (the players, not just our administrators) sent posters and cards to every IOC delegate we could contact, saying we would be totally committed to competing. We kept hearing that having the world's best players support the bid was imperative, so we all made our desire to compete very clearer. I heard so many players saying that "the Olympics would be our pinnacle" so many times in interviews that it became funny. When you stop to think about it, it's not very kind to the venues that host superb events that support our sport year after year and decade upon decade, but we really meant it.
Nicol David has won eight world championship titles and she wanted to be at the Olympics so badly she began conducting her own campaigns. She worked tirelessly to promote the cause, even taking to the streets of Kuala Lumpur to lead the other players in flash mobs.
Ramy Ashour, one of the game's greats, was the leader on the men's side – our McIlroy if you like. These are world champions, great sporting personalities, but of course they don't have the profile of McIlroy and Speith. They found themselves aimlessly darting about on a merry-go-round of promotional activities like they were blindfolded. No information, support or communication was forthcoming from any official source, so people in the sport continued to plead as hard as possible to the suits in Switzerland. It's poor form to be asking great athletes such as David and Ashour to do this and, from what McIlroy has said, I'm guessing he was involved in no such endeavours.
Like other deserving sports who lost out, we accepted the decision and moved on. Now it has backfired on the IOC and the decision-makers will have to wipe the egg clean off their faces. Did they really believe a superpower sport such as golf, with all its entrenched events with decades of history and money-making power, would embrace this new event and treat it like the biggest in the world? It just wasn't going to happen.
The IOC will have to come to terms with its mistake. They have realised that money, wealth and fame are not the only things that make the world go round. They've never been happy with squash and now we aren't happy with them; they won't be happy with golf and golf certainly won't be happy with McIlroy. But for now, in the lead up to Rio they can heed McIlroy's own advice, ignore the golf and watch "the stuff that matters". Ouch.


text:
Moist sandy, acid soil along the margins of and in openings in sandy forests, either oaks or jack pine or both.
This seems typically to form a showy, bushy dome-like plant; each branch terminated by a many-flowered inflorescence. The leaves are broad, the size of those in Hypericum prolificum, however, the inflorescences are strictly terminal and the styles are 5, as in H. kalmianum. Hypericum kalmianum, however, is a calciphile, typically occurring on the great lakes shores or close by in interdunal wetlands; less commonly inland in similar settings.
The Michigan distribution of this recently described shrubby species is certainly incomplete. When gathering herbarium specimens, shrubs should be examined for the largest inflorescences and widest leaves (checking vegetative shoots) for collections; small material of this species would be very difficult to distinguish from H. kalmianum.
See Wilhelm & Rericha (2016) for more information.


text: A building block really has what it takes – it allows tricky and surprising layering variations and develops spatial thinking. This is how new and various objects in different color patterns are created over and over again. In combination with our classic building materials, the Cornerstones reveal their true greatness. With their aid, the most diverse marble runs arise. 18 pieces in wooden frame, 15 x 15 x 5 cm, Beech wood, non-toxic water based color stain


text:
Death Sentences
Death Sentences, originally published in 1984 as Genshi-gari (Hunting the magic poems), is the first translation of Kawamata Chiaki's novel into English, and it's about time—meaning not just that it's been too long of a wait, but that the story itself concerns time, space, and transcending those barriers through "magic poems."
The plot jumps from the 1940s to the 1980s and beyond, as characters who come into contact with three poems by a mysterious young man named Who May become catatonic and die. The "media virus" element might seem familiar to Americans who've seen the film The Ring, or its Japanese predecessor Ring; but where these movies offer straight-up horror, Death Sentences might be considered the intellectual's version, featuring the twentieth-century surrealism movement of André Breton, Marcel Duchamp, and others as a convincing backdrop. Breton once described surrealism as "psychic automatism in its pure state," which is as good a description as any for what happens to people as they read Who May's poems.
The word dobaded, coined by Kawamata, infiltrates the thoughts of characters until they fall into a kind of trance state, transporting their consciousness elsewhere. Death Sentences won the Japanese Science Fiction Grand Prize in the year of its release, and it proves to be well deserved. Kawamata Chiaki, known in Japan for his writings in both science fiction and manga, has stretched the science fiction genre.
There's a lot going on in Death Sentences. The literary settings in Paris and Japan help to raise provocative questions about the nature, purpose, and usefulness of literature. Readers who are literally transported while their bodies decay could be seen as an endorsement of the power of words, or a stern warning against it.
Kawamata's writing style is unique, as he chooses to end most paragraphs after one sentence:
"And then she started walking again.
Sakamoto tailed her.
Since people had not yet begun to leave work, the streets weren't so jammed.
Most of the passersby were students and housewives."
The resulting staccato at first seems like the product of a problematic translation but soon creates a steady, propulsive rhythm. American writing, science fiction or otherwise, often reserves such one-sentence paragraphs for dramatic, turning point-type revelations, but as the excellent afterward by translator Thomas Lamarre explains, Kawamata showed flashes of the technique in earlier novels and uses it throughout Death Sentences. The author is displaying his own "magical" influence, with the effect of keeping an American reader in a constant state of tension, on the edge of his seat the entire time.
Death Sentences is a noteworthy amalgam of hard-boiled science fiction and experimental literature, which makes it essential reading for followers of both. Here's hoping there are more translations of Kawamata's work to come.
Reviewed by
Peter Dabbene
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.


text:
A new analysis is calling into question the rationale for many of the angioplasty procedures taking place today in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). In a meta-analysis of more than 5000 patients, Angioplasty was no better than medical therapy in patients with documented ischemia.
Its routine in cardiology practice to advise angioplasty or revascularization if stress test is positive. Patients with ischemia have a worse prognosis than patients who don't. Thus cardiology practice is focused on finding and treating ischemia. However, the analysis of this study suggests that this approach may not be the right one.
Brown and colleagues reviewed the literature for clinical trials of angioplasty and medical therapy for stable CAD conducted over the past 40 years, ultimately including five trials of 5286 patients. These were a small German trial published in 2004, plus MASS II , COURAGE , BARI 2D , and FAME 2 . In all, 4064 patients had myocardial ischemia documented by exercise, nuclear or echo stress imaging, or FFR.
Over a median follow-up of five years, mortality, nonfatal MI, unplanned revascularization, and angina were no different between patients treated medically vs those treated with Angioplasty.
The analysis suggests that it may be worthwhile to continue medical therapy in patients with minimal symptoms and not subject them to unnecessary intervention.
via PCI No Benefit Over Medical Therapy in Ischemic Stable CAD.


text: On behalf of Hilbert College President Dr. Cynthia Zane, the Hilbert community extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Dr. Aaron Podolefsky and everyone at Buffalo State College. Dr. Podolefsky was an exceptional and vital partner in the Western New York Consortium of Higher Education and he will be greatly missed. Please keep Aaron and his family in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.


text:
I am what you would call a casual gamer. I never play console games (although I am looking to change that with Watch Dogs). I do however play on PC and I love WoW and Wildstar! So from time to time, as I build my gaming ability, I will be posting some of the games I am looking forward to. =)
Release Date: 5/27/14
I gotta say I am kinda looking forward to this. All the tech sabotage, the awesome looking game play, the fact that it is set in Chicago (my home town), and just the general awesomeness that is the Watch Dogs hype. I was mildly interested in this game a year ago, as time has gone by, I am now crazy interested!
Check out the amazing website and get hooked into the Watch Dogs phenomenon!
Release Date: 6/3/14
I cannot put into words how excited I am for this game to come out! I have gotten the chance to play beta and although I get bored easily, this game kept me interested from the time I started until now. Wildstar has a lot going for it. Interesting lore, fun characters (yes I am an Aurin, feel free to judge), and HOUSING! It is the coolest thing ever! I will post pics of my character from Beta and my house below!


text: NB: This is commercial advertisingAgricultural investments on a hot run in Brazil with large scale acreage acquisitions giving high capital and operating returns El Tejar, an Argentinean based farming company with over 2.75 million acres under cultivation, increased its plantings to more than one million acres this season in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The company, in its quest for agricultural investment expansion in South America, increased its presence in Brazil from a meager 22,000 acres in 2005/2006 to the current one million, according to the company's CEO. The company's CEO announced this at a gathering of mutual and pension fund managers, and other New York investors at the Ag Investing conference. The company had amassed capital for its investment in large farmlands with an infusion of additional capital from London and New York. Its main shareholder, Altima Partners has invested $830 million in Agricultural projects such as El Tejar's and a separate British farm company that specializes in plot leasing for small scale land owners in Poland and other Eastern European countries. In their bid for expansion and increased plantation scale investments in farming, other competitors are carrying out similar investments with Agribusiness with another agricultural players, Bunge, announcing this week that it's currently weighing investor interest in an investment fund of about $100 million for buying land in Brazil. Agribusiness Bunge already has a sugarcane farm in the country that is expected to begin operations in June. However, the top leader, Brookfield, part of an asset management firm estimated with over $100 billion of assets under management, runs over 370,000 acres of Brazilian Agricultural land and is one of the biggest sugarcane suppliers to Brazil's ethanol industry. Further competition will come from another company, BrasilAgro that claims to have acquired 435,000 acres of farmland in additional investment and close to 125,000 already in production. Brazilian farm companies are in a race of investments with every major company making new acquisitions and major capital investments. In just one public stock offering, more than $500 million was raised for Brazilian farm acquisitions. The drive behind this mega investments in the Brazilian Agricultural industry is the knowledge that food demand world wide will double by 2050 with about 125 to 200 million new acreage acquisitions needed for cultivation to satisfy this demand, analysts said. The need for new investments is thus urgent to fuel the world and feed it in the next few decades. A steady capital appreciation and economies of scale has made Brazil an alluring destination for agricultural investment. Brazilian cropland in most leading edge states went up at 11% to 20% yearly since 2001 when tabulated in Brazilian Reals, not counting operating returns at around 4 to 6% per annum.


text:
Learn More About Renewal by Andersen of Long Island Replacement Window & Patio Door Safety Features
In this final installment of our 12-week series on Renewal by Andersen of Long Island replacement window and patio door elements we discuss something on every homeowner's mind – the safety and security of your family. We've covered style differences, accessories and easy-care features that make life more comfortable and enjoyable for homeowners who choose to upgrade with modern, energy-efficient replacement windows and patio doors. Now let's talk about safety and security.
The Role Replacement Windows & Patio Doors Play in Enhancing Your Security & Safety
Protecting your family is important to you, and your windows' and doors' stability and strength are the first defense against people who want to gain access to your home without your permission. Renewal by Andersen custom-crafted replacement windows come with many built-in security features you may not know about, and there are optional upgrades for those who have special circumstances or who want to improve their existing security systems.
Here are a few ways that installing thoughtfully designed replacement windows & patio doors enhance the security and safety in your home.
Long Island Patio Door Features
Precision-built replacement patio doors offer superior protection against leaks and drafts while increasing the safety and security of your Long Island home. Each style has its own built-in advantages.
- Hinged patio doors secure your entry points and improve energy-efficiency with a 5-point locking system that creates a tight seal against the elements and would-be intruders.
- Sliding patio doors feature a unique locking system that literally pulls the door panel into the jamb for a superior fit, resulting in an enhanced weathertight seal and heightened security. Optional auxiliary foot locks boost security when the door is locked and allow you to leave the door partially opened for ventilation.
- Optional exterior keyed locks on both hinged and gliding patio doors provide secure but easy access from outside.
Boosting Security & Safety with Long Island Replacement Windows
Consider the following ways that Renewal by Andersen replacement windows enhance your safety and security.
- Adding child guards to any window will prevent the window from opening more than four inches. This not only keeps uninvited guests out, it keeps young children from falling through an open window.
- Double-hung windows have a movable upper sash. This means you can drop the upper sash for air circulation without worrying your toddler will crawl through the opening.
- Choosing stronger glass protects your assets and your family members. Heat-tempered glass, which is up to four times stronger than standard window glass, resists impact from flying debris and is harder to break for unauthorized entry.
- Another safety feature many homeowners appreciate is a recessed lock, which is nearly impossible to pry open from the outside of your home.
- Selecting one of the beautiful patterned glass options that obscure an intruder's view increases privacy in bathrooms and changing areas without blocking all natural light.
These are only a few of the many benefits that Renewal by Andersen of Long Island replacement windows and patio doors offer homeowners concerned about safety and security in their homes. If you have a specific concern, talk to one of our replacement window specialist about solutions.
Learn More about Energy-Efficient Replacement Windows & Patio Doors to Enhance Safety & Security in Long Island Homes
Next week, the Renewal by Andersen of Long Island blog will feature a summary with links to help you find more information about each component and accessory we highlighted in our series. We hope you'll find these resources beneficial. If you're ready to upgrade now, or need additional information immediately, simply fill in the short form on this page or call 1-877-313-9052 to speak to a courteous, knowledgeable Renewal by Andersen representative.
Download our Free Guide to Long Island Replacement Windows
Learn Everything You Need to Know BEFORE Buying Replacement Windows
- The Difference Between Replacement and New Construction Windows!
- The Different Kinds of Frame Materials and What That Means to Your Windows' Performance and Longevity!
- How the Right Glass Can Save You Money on Your Heating & Cooling Bills!
- The Critical Role Proper Installation Plays in the Performance, Durability and Warranty of Your New Replacement Windows!
- What Features and Options are Important to You and What Role They Play in Your Ultimate Satisfaction Today, and for as Long As You Live in Your Home!


text:
Alias: Adam Triplett, Martian Artist
Tattooing since: 2019
Tattoo powers: botanical, skulls, esoterica
Origins are steeped in rumor and obscurity. His first known appearance was recorded deep in the hills of Appalachia. As recently as the latter part of the 20th century there have been accounts of Dr. Strange Fellow residing in the Pacific Northwest. It has been told that in recent years he has perfected experiments in cloning himself. Successfully doing so three times confined to a laboratory nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. This information is still being verified. Allegedly he be found practicing the ancient art of tattooing, a uniquely human endeavor, in an inter-dimensional craft disguising it's self as a mild-mannered tattoo studio in SE Portland Oregon. To be marked by him is said to be an otherworldly experience.
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
This year's EULAR Annual European Conference of PARE will be held in Brussels, Belgium from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th February 2018, and is hosted by ReumaNet. The 2018 theme, 'Don't Delay, Connect Today!' builds on the theme of 2017 conference in Portugal, with the aim of working together towards prevention, early diagnosis and access to care of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).
This will be my fourth EULAR Annual European Conference of PARE that I have attended – and I have to say that it is one of the conferences that I look forward to the most. I love that the conference is led for and by patients and patient representatives, but it is done in a way that stimulates discussion, enables collaboration, and empowers everyone who attends to return to their respective countries to implement change for the better. While those of us in the know are familiar with the structures and acronyms, others aren't – so here is a little background to EULAR, what PARE stands for, and a bit more about the conference – and how you can join in this year, even if you're not attending in person!
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is an international organisation which represents people with arthritis/rheumatism, healthcare professionals and scientific societies of rheumatology across Europe, and beyond. The aims of EULAR are to reduce the burden of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) on individuals and society, and to improve the treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of RMDs.
EULAR fosters excellence in education and research in the field of rheumatology. It promotes the translation of research advances into daily care and fights for the recognition of the needs of people with RMDs by European governing bodies.
The EULAR Structure
EULAR is a truly pan-European organisation fostering a multitude of activities in areas of research, patient care, and education. To manage and promote its goals effectively, EULAR has a structure of committees and managerial bodies to help oversee and deliver work on a national and international level.
The General Assembly is the highest authority of EULAR. It is composed of both member organisations and corporate members' delegates and the members of the Executive Committee. The General Assembly meets once a year on the occasion of the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology.
The Executive Committee is the managing body of EULAR and deals with scientific, educational, administrative, financial and organisational matters. Members, elected by the delegates at the EULAR General Assembly, serve for two to four years and meet three times a year.
The Scientific Programme Committee is responsible for the scientific and educational content of the annual congress and the organisation of all related sessions. This also includes PARE (People with Arthritis/Rheumatism in Europe) and healthcare professional sessions, prepared by dedicated working groups in the PARE and Healthcare Professional Standing Committees.
The EULAR Standing Committees are set up to manage and perform the various activities of EULAR on behalf of the Executive Committee. Currently, eight standing committees are in place, covering the major areas of activity of EULAR. These include:
- Standing Committee for Clinical Affairs;
- Standing Committee on Education and Training;
- Standing Committee on Epidemiology and Health Services Research;
- Standing Committee of Health Professionals in Rheumatology;
- Standing Committee on Investigative Rheumatology;
- Standing Committee on Musculoskeletal Imaging;
- Standing Committee on Paediatric Rheumatology;
- Standing Committee of People with Arthritis/Rheumatism in Europe (PARE).
The EULAR Secretariat, located in Kilchberg, Switzerland, fulfils many functions: in addition to serving EULAR's member organisations and its Executive Committee, the Secretariat's main functions are to run the growing education programme and activities that EULAR delivers each year.
The Standing Committee of PARE
The EULAR Standing Committee of People with Arthritis/Rheumatism in Europe (PARE) unites representatives of RMD patient and carer groups around Europe to work together towards improving the quality of life for the 120 million people in Europe living with these conditions. The national organisations of people with RMDs across Europe work together via the EULAR Standing Committee of PARE, whose vision is for people with RMDs in Europe to be empowered to lead full and independent lives.
The primary aims of PARE are to:
- Develop strong networks of effective, user-led organisations of people with RMDs;
- Ensure the voice of people with RMDs is heard and has influence among decision makers within Europe;
- Create powerful alliances that will make a difference to the lives of people with RMDs.
To achieve these aims, the committee organises a range of high quality activities and programmes – one of which is the annual European conference of PARE. The Standing Committee of PARE is currently chaired by Nele Caeyers, who is supported by the PARE Board, which includes individuals elected from EULAR national member organisations, from organisations that have a co-opted individual in the Standing Committee of PARE, and ex-officio members (Chair, Vice President of EULAR, Vice President-elect/Past Vice President, and Chair-elect/Past Chair).
The current members of the PARE Board include:
- Nele Caeyers, Chair of the Standing Committee of PARE, Belgium
- Dieter Wiek, Past-chair of the Standing Committee of PARE and Vice President of EULAR representing PARE, Germany
- Marios Kouloumas, Past Vice President of EULAR representing PARE, Cyprus
- Petra Balazova, Chair of Young PARE, Slovakia
- Boryana Boteva, Bulgaria
- Elsa Mateus, Portugal
- Kristijonas Mazuras, Lithuania
- Polina Pchelnikova, Russia
Under the umbrella of the Standing Committee of PARE is Young PARE, a working group of eight young people with RMDs aged 18 to 35 (including me), whose aim is to improve the quality of life for young people with RMDs across Europe by raising the profile of these conditions, and by cultivating an active network of individuals who work in European countries on behalf of young people with RMDs.
The EULAR Annual European Conference of PARE
The EULAR Annual European Conference of PARE (often abbreviated as the PARE Conference) is a EULAR-only network event and takes place once a year in or near a European city location. Each year, the conference is dedicated to a different topic, with keynote speakers, debates and workshops spanning the three days. What is so incredibly special about the PARE Conference is that it is led and delivered by patients and patient representatives, with meaningful collaboration with healthcare professionals and researchers in the design, preparation, delivery and evaluation of every aspect of the programme. Through a mixture of participatory workshops, plenary sessions and networking opportunities, delegates at this conference are able to learn so much more than conventional conferences, and this is reflected each year through the demonstration of high quality national activities which have taken place for people with RMDs. As well as being by far one of the best organised conferences that I have ever attended, it is also the friendliest conference too! What I find incredibly moving, year on year, is the extremely close relationship that delegates make – it's where colleagues become friends, with shared visions, and a commitment to making the world a better place. What an honour it is to be able to attend, and to share these few days with amazing, talented and inspirational individuals.
As part of this year's conference, Young PARE have, for the first time, integrated their youth meeting into the overall PARE Conference, with a youth-led event taking place on Thursday 15 February 2018, immediately before the conference. Young PARE are also hosting three workshops across the conference, which focus on supporting young people with RMDs in school, and on delivering campaigns which promote early diagnosis for young people with RMDs.
So without further ado, here's a teaser about what is planned over the next few days from Dieter and Nele!
Join in – wherever you are!
Since 2014, the PARE conference has been live-streamed in places, and 2018 is no exception! Check out the streaming schedule here and be sure to watch the live stream below:
We will also be using social media throughout the conference! Please follow EULAR, EULAR Young PARE, World Arthritis Day and EMEUNET on Twitter using the hashtag #pare2018. As always, you can follow updates from me on Twitter too at @SimonRStones.


text:
Harry Styles keeps on saying that One Direction hasn't really thought far enough ahead to the band's impending break to really know what they'll be doing in the future, we keep getting clues about the boys' future career moves. Liam Payne has already reinvented himself as a songwriter and DJ Big Payno, Louis Tomlinson is setting his sights on creating a girl group, and Harry just got a big endorsement to go for an Oscar. But he won't be the only one — Niall Horan just got a major push to pursue acting dreams, too.
Daniel Craig, who's been the titular bad-ass super-spy in the James Bond films, has been making the rounds for his latest endeavor, Spectre — but what everyone keeps talking about is whether this is Daniel's last turn as the secret agent. So when Capital F.M. posed a very interesting casting choice to the actor, he was all for it.
"Absolutely fabulous," he said when asked if Niall would make a good Bond — the Irish boy-bander edition. That might have been a succinct answer, but let's face it: when you're James Bond, you don't need to be a man of many words.
Niall, grab that tux. It's time you suited up.
Related: I Was the Only Girl in One Direction's New Music Video and This Is What It Was Like
Check this out:


text:
Siiri Enoranta is a young writer living in Tampere. She's very concerned by the environment and passionate about sustainable changes. She's a writer of fantasy books and received numerous prestigious awards, such as the Finlandia Junior prize last year. I invite you to discover her universe here.
Why do you write fictions that are focused on sustainability, or where sustainability plays an important role? What's the deep motivation?
I never start writing a new novel with the intention of introducing certain themes or predefined symbolism, but rather follow my characters in the journey they take me on. I often don't understand the message of my manuscript before I've worked with it for years on end - that's how absorbed by the story I am. Nevertheless, certain themes appearing in my books again and again are not accidents either. I write about what I love and what I feel passionate about, but also about what scares and annoys me. And currently, our society is broken. We keep on consuming like we can continue this selfish party endlessly, but we can't. We need to control the climate change today. This being at the back of my head, I can't help but write about it even if I don't plan on it. Fantasy literature is a wonderful tool in commenting the society and building more functional systems. If we cannot imagine a better world, we definitely cannot create it.
Do you believe art is still needed when the humans, animals, vegetal, social, environmental emergencies are so high? What's the role of art for you.
I think in difficult times art is more important than ever. It is extremely important that people don't lose hope and let pessimism paralyse them. I feel like the environmental crisis has two sides: all the concrete problems and people's feelings about them. Art can help people handle their fear, denial and depression and give energy to lead a more sustainable life. For me, creating and consuming art is essential because it's lovely and exciting but also because it's therapeutic.
How do you deal with climate change stress?
I donate to charity, live a relatively eco-friendly life and write books that may help someone somewhere, all this to make me feel like I'm doing something, like I'm a part of the solution rather than the problem. Of course I battle with my Western guilt, but I consciously focus on the positive, look for good news to read and remind myself about things to be grateful for. I spend time in the nature, have honest conversations with my friends, pet dogs and dance.
Can you name 1-2 books and movies that are bringing you a sense of hope?
Any book where people can change things for the better by joining forces and being true to themselves and to each other - I prefer escapism and reading about different problems than the ones I'm facing in my real life. So for example His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, or The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Reading and watching documentaries about new scientific discoveries helps too!
Siiri is coming soon to give a talk at Tampere University, stay tuned!
Siiri's website. Picture credit: Ville Koivisto


text:
At Tri-State Veterinary Clinic, we provide a wide range of services for you and your horse. From reproduction to injury and sickness, and of course preventative medicine, we can offer your the best equine services available.
For care and treatments you are unable to do at home.
Farm Call Visits
We offer most procedures at your barn.
Flexible scheduling whenever possible.
Haul in Facility
Bring your horse to our hospital for medical or surgical treatment.
- We have stocks to make it safer for dental and repro work
- Lameness work ups – Concrete aisle for jogging on the straight-away. Indoor and outdoor riding arenas to evaluate lameness under saddle.
- Treat medical colic cases or other sick horses – IV Fluids
- Reproductive Services
- Tri-State has recently installed video surveillance of our large foaling stall with remote access. This allows the doctor to access the video from anywhere and check the mare, or any hospitalized animal in that stall.
- We have a large foaling stall & will foal out your mare
- We will board your mare under lights to induce estrus. Then monitor ovulation and have semen shipped to us for insemination. We offer counter to counter air pickup service.
- Uterine Biopsy cultures
- For haul in, we do not charge an office call fee.
- We also offer long term and short term horse boarding: 60 X 120 indoor riding arena, outdoor riding arena, wash rack, 10 X 12 box stalls. Turn-out paddocks - vinyl and electric fencing.
Surgical Facility
We have a modest surgical suite and utilize gas anesthesia for many procedures including the following:
- Complicated lacerations (especially eyelids)
- Hernias
- Crypotorchid Castrations
- Laryngeal Prosthesis
- Septic joint
- Transphyseal Bridging
- Uncomplicated Fractures
We utilize a 10 meter scope for Gastroscopy and a 3 meter scope for upper airway and uterine endoscopy.
We have a linear scanner for Reproductive Work and a Sector Scanner for tendons and other misc. scans.
Digital Radiography
- Portable radiography allows us to x-ray at farm or in hospital.
- Digital technology allows us to view images immediately with better quality films and fewer exposures.
- We can email scans immediately for specialist consultation.
- We can burn a CD of your images
- Power Floats and Performance Floats for better quality.
- Safe sedation
- Full mouth speculum
- Dental X-rays
Preventative Medicine
- Annual Health and Oral Exams
- Vaccinations
- Nutrition and parasite control consultations


text:
Liberty X's Jessica Taylor Splits With Actor Boyfriend
The Mirror reports that Liberty X star Jessica Taylor and actor Stuart Manning have ended their two-year relationship, which Manning insisted to pals was "completely amicable." Others claim the pair are "gutted" over the split. "It's a real shock to everyone as they were so well-suited and really genuine together," a source revealed. "But in the end their work schedules just made things untenable as they were hardly seeing each other and when they did they were exhausted."
Boyfriend Causes Liberty X's Kelli To Get Snippy
July 24, 2004 – Liberty X babe Kelli Young's was acting quite jealous around on-off boyfriend Fran Cosgrave at his London bar Trap the other night when a brunette approached. "She was about the 20th girl to go up to him and there was a bit of harmless flirting going on," a spy revealed. "All of a sudden, Kelli lost her temper. She shouted at Fran, 'Why are you talking to so many other girls? I swear if one more girl comes over I'm going to lose it.' It's understandable that she wanted to spend time with her boyfriend but being at Trap is work for Fran – his job involves meeting and greeting people."


text:
This is a re-posting on the subject of solvents gleaned from 40+ years of printing experience, and is designed to be more searchable than a comment in the middle of a discussion.
Do not be fooled by the 'odorless' solvents on the market, they still emit fumes that are dangerous to breathe. California Wash is mostly Naptha (which you can buy at the hardware store for a third of the price) with several cancerous chemicals added to slow evaporation. With a child involved I would make sure to clean and air forms out of the house, and keep used rags outside as well. Do not put rags into an airtight container, it is very dangerous and could cause spontaneous combustion.
(1) Kerosene is the best general solvent, it is slow to evaporate and will clean most grease and oil that might be on your press. It is used in commercial garages for their parts washers. It is used for jet fuel, but actually burns rather slowly.
(2) Mineral Spirits evaporate a bit faster, and the low-odor aspect is a selling point – just remember you are still inhaling fumes, even if you can't smell them. It is good for removing adhesive residue, and I have even used it at times to help remove labels from packages and book jackets.
(3) Naptha is the basic ingredient in almost all type and roller washes including the much touted California Wash, and is sold as Coleman stove fuel. Why anyone would pay $30-$40 for California Wash when Naptha at the hardware sore is so much cheaper I'll never understand. Naptha is substantially more flammable and evaporates very quickly. It is good for removing ink and if used excessively will also remove paint, so care is needed while using it.
(4) Lacquer Thinner is a much stronger solvent, fast evaporating, highly flammable, and will remove dried ink, oil, grease paint and will activate some kinds of plastic. I use Lacquer Thinner to remove the paint from the fronts of typecases before repainting. I have successfully cleaned very dirty type with it, but I use it very, very sparingly, and never in a close environment. It will take the finish completely off of wood type, and will re-activate the glue used to hold zinc and magnesium plates on their bases.
(5) Denatured Alcohol also evaporates quickly and is very flammable, but for some reason it is the best cleaner I have found for old, dirty printer's furniture. I also will use it to clean a form or tympan in the middle of a run, because it evaporates so quickly and leaves very little solvent on the cleaned surface.
(6) Acetone is probably the nastiest of all of the solvents readily available at you local hardware store. I have used it at times to dissolve dried ink in half-tone plates. That is the only use in a printshop I can think of, and I haven't had the need for any for thirty years. If you touch it with your finger you can taste it in your mouth. It will melt most plastics and I can see no reason to keep any in a working shop.
Caution: Any solvent will build-up fumes in a closed environment, and can cause flash fires. Solvents should always be used safely, sparingly and in a well ventilated environment, and capped securely when not in use. Appropriate safety cans should always be used, and larger amounts should be kept in fire-rated safety cabinets. The only solvent I buy by the gallon is Kerosene, the others that I use regularly are stored in the 32 ounce can that come from the local hardware store, and for regular shop use are stored in brass safety cans, because brass will not create a spark.
Take the time to read the MSDS safety sheets for any solvent you are using or thinking about using. You will be surprised at the actual ingredients (many items sold as 'Green' are anything but, and many citrus-based cleaners might smell nice, but can do as much or more damage to the environment than oil-based solvents), and hopefully will realize that the additives used to "enhance" the basic solvents listed above add to cost and make them more dangerous to handle. Do not mix solvents together, I repeat, Do not mix solvents, it is very dangerous.
Also, there is no place in the printshop for Gasoline unless you have a press that is powered by an internal combustion engine, in which case you had better have a really good exhaust system. In the early days before electricity made it to the most rural environs, shop machinery was run off of one large engine through a belt-and-pulley arrangement. If the exhaust system leaked or was obstructed for any reason it could kill the occupants by carbon monoxide poisoning.
This is wonderful information, I saw the post, and I wished there was a way to link directly to your comment filled with very valuable info, but now you've done it better. Thank you!
Thanks you for the detailed information it will be very useful.
I like your article Paul, but personally, I'm not convinced that acetone is any better or worse than some of the other solvents we use. If anyone is interested, here is a link to a public health statement for acetone which I found on a US Government website:
For me, the whole question of what solvents to use is a tough one to answer. After being in printing for a long time I know what works, but can I really say that my choice of solvents is the best compromise between what works well and what has the least health hazards? No, I can't say that.
What I do, for myself, is listen to experienced people like you, and read what I think is credible information on the web, and draw on my own experience which goes back to 1959 when I first ran a press in high school, and read ingredients labels, and then make the best decision I can.
I also think it is important to minimize my exposure by protecting my skin from direct contact, using as small an amount of solvent as possible, using the solvent for as short a time as possible, and using it in a well ventilated area so that the fumes are carried away as quickly as possible. (I admit I should do better in these areas, though).
I am right handed and the skin on my right hand is permanently slightly more shriveled and old looking than the skin on my left hand. This is because I didn't take all the precautions I should have during my working life.
My reference to Acetone was a practical one. The other solvents mentioned will do most all the solvent-based jobs around a shop (and remember the recommendations were aimed at the smaller shop that is represented by the bulk of the conversations on this site). Sure, there are other solvents with practical industrial applications, but I do not know of a real reason to keep Acetone, or MEK in a small shop. Of course, if you had fingernail polish to remove, that's another story. And after spending a few minutes reading about acetone exposure and it's extreme volatility, my thoughts on the subject are not persuaded to change.
I definitely agree with you about not using MEK. And, you have a point about acetone too. I can see where it would not be the easiest solvent to use, especially for someone not familiar with it.
Interesting diagram you just posted.
This is terrific information, Paul. Thanks for posting. One question: Does anyone wear a mask while using solvents? Are there masks that filter out solvent fumes? I want to live long enough to print lots of stuff, so I cut my risks wherever I can. :-)
I've never used a mask, although at times I'm sure I should have. Here's a link that gives a pretty good description of particle and vapor masks:
Does anyone use mineral oil (i.e. baby oil or similar)?
I have a very (very!) small operation in my nearly windowless basement, so I really can't have much in the way of fumes at all. I've been using mineral oil since I first learned block printing in college. It seems to me to work fairly well at cleaning up most of the ink, and then I get rid of the last residue with just a little mineral spirits right before I leave the room.
Paul…. your article is indeed well recieved. Thank you for it.
I'd like to point out one thing, though: The kerosene sold as fuel in many parts of the country may contain various additives that may not be too good for you or your rollers. Plus it does tend to leave a residue which can cause later inking problems. I'd recommend that mineral spirits be elevated to the number one spot, and kerosene dropped to number two.
Hello All
sure its all not good for you
but what should be emphasized
is good ventilation
after late 60's
every offset job shop i worked in
press room had a dedicated ventilation system
if you are really worried about solvent fumes
put in a good exhaust / ventilation system
suck the bad air out
yours truly
@wcp This list is more in the order of refining, although I do find Kerosene to be rather all purpose for me. I will generally wash-up my press with Kerosene, but if I have to do a quick turn-around I will do a final wash with Naptha. Washing rubber rollers with Naptha will dry them out and seriously reduce the life of the roller. Same with type, except for a quick wash-up during a run when I prefer something that evaporates quickly, Naptha if I have a few minutes, Denatured Alchohol if I'm in a hurry. I've never found Kerosene (which is also known a Paraffin Oil) to really leave a residue, not after it has completely evaporated, but it takes several hours to completely evaporate. Apparently there are two weights of Kerosene, one which is sold for lamps and portable heaters, which is a lighter refinement, and a heavier Kerosene which is used for heating oil.
I tend to use Mineral Spirits more sparingly because I find it to be little more effective than Kerosene, but more of an irritant to my eyes and skin. I understand that long exposure can cause nerve problems, so I prefer to limit such.
The reason I use Kerosene is because of its low volatility. Years ago, when I was at Hatch Show Print, the local Fire Marshal had me pour a small amount of each solvent into the lids of several ink cans (this demonstration was done outside, of course). He then had me toss a lit match into each solvent. The match in Kerosene did not ignite the whole solvent, it just continued to burn with a slightly brighter flame until the fuel provided by the match was exhausted at which point the flame went out. The other solvents burned in a flash, most of them igniting before the match came into contact with the solvent. The increasing toxicity of each solvent on my list should also be taken into account. I encourage all printers to read the available online information about every solvent they use. My list is meant for practical application in a small commercial or home shop, although when I worked in larger commercial settings the applications were not very different.
Thanks for all this wonderful information! My studio/shop was moved to the basement of our new home when we moved back to Canada. I wan planning on getting an art studio air cleaning system for this space. Last Fall I was coming down our back laneway and saw a Bionaire air cleaner sitting out back of our neighbor's home. It was with a pile of stuff that had not sold at their garage sale, with FREE sign on it. I brought it home, found it had new filters inside. There is a function for adding aromas to the cleaning action that does not work, but the air cleaning function works GREAT. I have it mounted in my press area now and use it every time I print or have to clean anything. Since I have this air cleaner, I feel much safer working in an enclosed space in the winter months. This is an older model, but the replacement filters are readily available at Canadian Tire.


text:
This weekend there are some really interesting things, as usual, going on in Des Moines. The National Balloon Classic will begin in Indianola today and run through Aug. 2. I saw some balloons lazily floating above Des Moines, one morning this week on my way to work and got excited for the festival.
At $3 per person or $10 per carload, this is a fun and decently cheap event. It's so much fun to watch the balloons take off and glide through the air. You can also take balloon rides, listen to live music and grab some grub from outdoor vendors. Last year, if I remember correctly, they also had kiddy games and rides for families. If you're interested in photography, shooting photos of these balloons is a blast because they're so colorful. At night they glow. Check it out!
Also, on Saturday, motorheads can get their engines revved out at the state fairgrounds for a Mecum Auto Auction. The auction starts at 11 a.m. but you can start previewing cars at 9 a.m. My husband loves seeing collector cars so I've watched Mecum auctions on TV and am excited to have one in town. If I had the money, I'd buy this one and this one.
Photo from https://www.nationalballoonclassic.com


text:
Everyone enjoys wearing unique handcrafted jewelry, but not many men and women are aware that the dimensions and style of handmade jewelry you pick can really work towards improving your overall look.
People that are tall and wish to divert attention from the height need to select handcrafted pendants or choker necklaces. If you want to enhance your appearance and look of your outfits, then you can purchase the best handcrafted jewelry items via https://atelierallday.com/.
Like clothes, the distinctive handmade designed jewelry items can work towards changing the viewer's perception of your own look. If you're extremely simple and want to give the impression that you're fashionable and stylish then you should definitely choose handcrafted ornaments.
Unique handcrafted bracelets which are V-shaped or Y-shaped can help you to look taller and smart. Choose pendants that are long but don't pass your own shoulders. The inappropriate lengths and shapes can make you appear skinnier and ruin your look.
A handcrafted choker is ideal for strapless dresses. For example, if you are wearing a solid-colored shirt or dress that has a round neckline, wear a medium-length necklace that hangs in a V-shape. The V-shape jewelry help to grab the attention of people on your off-shoulder dresses.


text:
A Department of Homeland Security Emeritus Center of Excellence led by the University of Maryland
The Global Terrorism Database (GTD) at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) is looking for graduate students and exceptional undergraduate students with an interest in the study of terrorism.
Click on the link below for more information about the GTD and internship openings for the summer, as well as the fall semester. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume and unofficial transcripts to firstname.lastname@example.com.
More information is available here: <a data-cke-saved-href="/start/education/research_support/internships/#gtd" href="/start/education/research_support/internships/#gtd" "="">GTD Summer and Fall Internships.
Erin CoplandActing Communications Manager
Contact us Online
Find an Expert


text:
Ting, Samuel Chao Chung
Ting, Samuel Chao Chung, 1936–, American physicist, b. Ann Arbor, Mich., Ph.D. Univ. of Michigan 1962. Ting was a professor at Columbia from 1965 to 1969, when he joined the faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also does research at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Ting and Burton Richter were jointly awarded the 1976 Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery in 1974 of a new kind of heavy elementary particle, which Ting called the J particle (now known as the J/psi meson). Working independently, Ting at Brookhaven and Burton at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (now SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory), the two used different methods to make the finding at virtually the same time. The discovery led to the detection of many new subatomic particles. More recently, Ting proposed (1995) and has led the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer project, which developed a particle physics detector (AMS-02) that was added to the International Space Station in 2011. It searches for dark matter and antimatter and measures cosmic rays.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2022, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Physics: Biographies


text:
Ezell Ford: LAPD releases names of 2 officers involved in shooting of unarmed black man
Los Angeles Police Department officials Thursday released the names of two officers involved in the fatal shooting of Ezell Ford, a mentally ill African American man who allegedly tried to grab one of the officer's guns after they approached him in his South Los Angeles neighborhood Aug. 11.
The LAPD named Officers Sharlton Wampler and Antonio Villegas, both Newton Division gang enforcement officers with at least seven years on the force, according to LAPD Commander Andrew Smith.
The killing of Ford, 25, has been controversial. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck was confronted by angry residents at a recent meeting at South L.A.'s Paradise Baptist Church. Ford's mother has said the shooting was unjustified, and hundreds of people attended a recent protest outside police headquarters. Some people have compared the incident to the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.
Civil rights activists criticized the department's decision to withhold the names of the officers for two weeks. In a statement, the department said it was guarding against retaliation.
"In this particular case, it was necessary to investigate evidence brought to the Department's attention regarding potential threats to the safety of the officers and ensure that measures were taken to mitigate those threats."
The statement did not elaborate on the threats.
"I am glad to see LAPD release these names and give the community some of the answers they are seeking, as we all look to heal from this incident," said City Councilman Curren Price, who represents the area where the shooting took place. "I will continue to do everything I can to hold the Police Department accountable."
One question in the case remains - why officers approached Ford in the first place. A written statement from the LAPD after the shooting said officers were conducting an "investigative stop."
The LAPD has placed a "security hold" on Ford's autopsy, saying they wanted to avoid tainting witness testimony.
In a 2011 civil lawsuit that was later dismissed, Wampler and another officer were accused of punching, kicking and pepper spraying members of the Hernandez family at their South Los Angeles home. According to the lawsuit, the officers walked onto the front lawn and starting harassing family members around 9pm on August 30, 2009. The incident escalated when Daniel Hernandez "lost his grip" on a water hose and "accidentally sprayed a small amount of water on the foot of one of the officers," according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit says either Wampler or Officer Alfred Garcia - it does not say who - pepper sprayed Hernandez in the face and dragged him to a children's pool that was set up in the front yard.
"Defendants began forcing Hernandez's head and face into the pool which made breathing impossible for him," the lawsuit said. When Hernandez's parents came outside to intervene, the officers threatened them with arrest.
In a court document filed by the Los Angeles City Attorney, Wampler denied the accusations.
"The force used against Plaintiffs, if any, was caused and necessitated by the actions of Plaintiffs, and was reasonable and necessary for self defense…and necessary for the defense of others."
The case was dismissed in 2012. Attempts to reach the parties involved were unsuccessful.
Wampler and Villegas remain on paid administrative leave.
This story has been updated.


text:
Serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Plumbing
Having been in business since 2015, you know you have the best plumber in Philadelphia, PA. Call S&R Plumbing for a free estimate.
Philadelphia Commercial Plumbing
Are you searching for a commercial plumbing contractor in Philadelphia? Call (610) 806-5047 to speak with the experts and receive a fast free quote.
Philadelphia Emergency Plumbing Service
S&R Plumbing has the expertise in any emergency plumbing service you may need. Call S&R Plumbing for the finest plumbers in Philadelphia, PA.
Philadelphia Drain Cleaning
For drain cleaning in Philadelphia, PA, S&R Plumbing is the one to call. Call (610) 806-5047.
Philadelphia Water Damage Restoration
When your property's been damaged by water, call S&R Plumbing of Philadelphia, PA for emergency clean up and restoration services.
Philadelphia Piping
S&R Plumbing has been fixing piping systems since 2015. S&R Plumbing of Philadelphia, PA is the name you can trust.
Philadelphia RePiping
The pro plumbers at S&R Plumbing specialize in re-piping homes and businesses in Philadelphia. Whether a small section, or your whole house, S&R Plumbing can replace your pipes and work within your budget.
Philadelphia Frozen Pipes
If you have frozen pipes in Philadelphia, call the plumbing experts at S&R Plumbing for immediate assistance. Crews are standing by at (610) 806-5047 to repair your frozen pipes!
Philadelphia Burst Pipe
Have you had a pipe burst in Philadelphia? Call S&R Plumbing, the plumbing experts to repair your pipes at (610) 806-5047 right away!
Philadelphia Toilet Repair
Need your toilet repaired or installed? S&R Plumbing has the most highly qualified plumbers in Philadelphia, PA. Call S&R Plumbing today.
Philadelphia Faucet Repair
Whether you need your faucet repaired in a commercial or residential property, S&R Plumbing of Philadelphia, PA is the plumber to call.
Philadelphia Sink Plumbing
At S&R Plumbing, our team offers the highest quality, most efficient services in repairing, replacing, or installing sinks. S&R Plumbing of Philadelphia, PA is the name you can trust.
Philadelphia Clogged Drain
Are you looking for a plumber in Philadelphia to clean your clogged drain? Call (610) 806-5047 for a free quote by a trusted plumbing professional from S&R Plumbing.
Philadelphia Bathtub Plumbing
Having trouble with your bathtub plumbing? You'll be assured to have your problem fixed with S&R Plumbing of Philadelphia, PA.
Philadelphia Shower Plumbing
S&R Plumbing of Philadelphia, PA is the name you can trust. Call S&R Plumbing for your free estimate on shower services today.
Philadelphia Dishwasher Plumbing
When it comes to dishwasher installation or dishwasher repair, you need a plumber you can count on. With S&R Plumbing of Philadelphia, PA, you are guaranteed superb services. Call (610) 806-5047 now.
Philadelphia Washing Machine
At S&R Plumbing, we've been working on washing machines since 2015. To have your job done efficiently, call S&R Plumbing of Philadelphia, PA today.
Philadelphia Water Heater
A water heater problem is one you don't want to put off. This is why S&R Plumbing of Philadelphia, PA provides you 24/7 service. So call now.
Philadelphia Furnace Plumbing
To ensure your furnace's plumbing system is in order, have the plumbers of S&R Plumbing service it. Call (610) 806-5047 anytime for furnace repair, installation, or servicing.
Philadelphia Boiler Installation
For more a more efficient heating system in Philadelphia, consider calling S&R Plumbing to install a high efficiency boiler system for your Philadelphia, Pennsylvania home. Free quotes: (610) 806-5047.
Philadelphia Boiler Repair
For a reliable, knowledgeable team of plumbers, call S&R Plumbing of Philadelphia, PA to have your boiler installed or repaired.
Philadelphia Sump Pump
Having been in business since 2015, S&R Plumbing knows everything there is to know about sump pump repair and installation. For professional plumbers in Philadelphia, PA, call S&R Plumbing today.


text: RD is in Amsterdam, minutes from the Red Light District and, ahem, 'Coffee Shops'. So what does he do? If you guessed sat in his hotel room and had an HOUR LONG conversation about the worst potato chips known to man with Blade Braxton, step up and claim your Crappy Prize!


text:
Daily Telegraph: Sex-Selection Abortions May Be Widespread in the U.K.
March 14, 2012
In late February, several important articles were published in the Daily Telegraph (London) exposing the strong possibility that sex-selection abortions are widespread in Britain. The articles grew out of an investigative reporting series the paper conducted. Go here for some video of a provider ignoring the law this would be illegal in the U.K. Here for commentary by Allison Pearson (In the Third World, Unwanted Baby Girls Disappear. Its Called Gendercide. And Its Happening in this Country, Too). And, in another article a former medical director of the countrys largest abortion opined that it is well known that sex-selection abortions are fairly widespread.


text:
Two Muslim women were attacked by female suspects on Tuesday, with one of them getting stabbed six times in the altercation.
Paris police have arrested two female suspects in connection with the crime, stating that words such as "Dirty Arabs" and "Go home to your country" were used by the attackers during the confrontation.
One of the Muslim women was stabbed six times and ended up with a punctured lung in the hospital. The other had to undergo surgery on her arm because of the attack, according to foreign media reports. The altercation took place after a fight broke out on dogs between the two groups of females. One of the Muslim victims told police that the attackers pulled out a knife and slashed her skull after she was told to put her dog on a leash.
Kenza, 49 and Amel, a few years younger than her, spoke to Liberation paper, adding that they became frightened when "two dogs came towards us" in a small, dark park at Eiffel Tower.
"The children got scared. My cousin, who was veiled, asked the two women if it was possible to keep their dogs with them because the children were afraid," she narrated.
Kenza said that after refusing to do so, one of the women took out a knife and slashed her on the skull, back and dealt a blow to her arm as well. "They then attacked my cousin," she said.
One of the two local shop owners there intervened, holding one of the attackers down before police intervened to take both of them into custody.
Eyewitnesses said they heard the attackers hurling insults such as "Dirty Arabs" and "Go home to your own country" at the frightened victims.
The incident follows the beheading of a 47-year-old teacher last week in the country by a man after disrespectful images of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were shown to a secondary school class.
French Muslims have expressed fears of rising Islamophobia in the country in recent weeks as the government clamped down on mosques and Muslim organisations.—AFP


text:
We want you to sew. Really, we want to make it so easy for you to sew something that we've even put together project kits that you can make with us or take home! What else? We want to make it so easy for you to do things like learn Japanese sashiko embroidery that we've created toolboxes with everything you need to get the crafty job done!
Project Kits
Our kits feature projects that range from kid-friendly, blunt-needle toys to beginner and intermediate accessories, home decor items, and simple garments. We currently have almost 20 different DIY "Sew-It" kits to choose from, from beginner to intermediate level.
We've created a family of terrific toolboxes chock full of all the things you'll need to carry out different kinds of projects, including:
- Basic Travel Sewing Kit
- Sewing Machine Maintenance Toolbox
- Sashiko Embroidery Toolbox
- Shibori Dyeing Toolbox
Stay tuned for new toolboxes for Modern Quilters, Garment Sewists, Kids Who Sew, and more!


text:
Choice Privileges has launched promotion for Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards member stays between June 15 – August 15, 2016.
Member can earn double Rapid Rewards points (600 base + 600 bonus) for their stays worldwide.
You can access Choice's page for airline partners here.
READ MORE: Choice Privileges Bonus Points And Miles Promotions
Note that Choice Nordic properties in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden do not participate to this offer.
Not bad offer for those that have maxed the summer promotion and collect Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points.
Here are the terms and conditions:
Available to members of the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® program. Earn 1,200 points with arrival between June 15, 2016 through August 15, 2016 when paying an eligible rate, as defined at ChoiceHotels.com at any participating Choice Hotels franchised property in the U.S., Canada, Europe (excluding Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden), Middle East, Mexico, Central America, Australasia (including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji) or the Caribbean. Valid Rapid Rewards number must be provided at booking or upon check-in for the stay to be eligible. Allow up to 8 weeks for points to post to your account. Standard amount of Rapid Rewards points is 600 per stay; a stay is defined as any number of consecutive nights at one hotel, regardless of check-ins or check-outs. Any amount earned over 600 is considered bonus; bonus points do not count towards A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass. For program details and eligible rates, visit ChoiceHotels.com. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply.