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When I was in secondary school, I hated books. That was mostly because teachers told me what to read and I resisted (reading benefits were clearly unknown to me). However, when I started studying at university, a guest lecturer once said to me: … [Read more...] about 7 Benefits of Reading Books and How to Read More
No Sugar Challenge: How I Quit Sugar for 60 Days
How I managed to Cut Out Added Sugar and What Changed in my Life Sugar Consumption Over the past 50 years, sugar consumption has tripled worldwide. Especially in developed countries, where people often consume low-cost and highly processed … [Read more...] about No Sugar Challenge: How I Quit Sugar for 60 Days
Lifestyle Inflation: More Money, More Problems
What Is Lifestyle Inflation? Lifestyle inflation is when you increase your spending as your income goes up. In itself, lifestyle inflation is not a problem, but it becomes one when you increase your spending too fast relative to your income … [Read more...] about Lifestyle Inflation: More Money, More Problems
Living Without a Smartphone for Three Months
One day in March 2016 my smartphone just stopped working. I tried to reboot it but the screen never turned on again. It was a fairly new phone and I didn't want to buy a new one right away. I was still at university at that time, doing my Masters. To … [Read more...] about Living Without a Smartphone for Three Months


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Symantec Authentication and 3dcart Partner to Secure Websites for Holiday Shopping
E-Commerce Solution Provider Offers Its Customers More Ways to Boost Holiday Shopping Results with VeriSign SSL and the VeriSign Trust Seal
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. - Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) today announced that 3dcart, a leader in hosted e-commerce solutions and a VISA PCI Compliant provider, is providing its customers with more ways to build trust online by offering VeriSign® Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificates and the VeriSign® Trust Seal.
3dcart is offering the acclaimed VeriSign Trust Services as more than 10,000 of its online store customers enter the throes of the all-important holiday shopping season an intense two-month period that can generate up to 40 percent of a retailers annual sales.* Both the VeriSign Trust Seal and VeriSign SSL Certificates have been shown to help sites of all kinds establish the level of trust necessary to drive traffic to online stores, convert shoppers into buyers, and build loyal, lasting customer relationships.
In this economy, no retailer can afford to lose a sale to consumer concerns about their websites trustworthiness or their commitment to security, especially during the holiday shopping season, said Jimmy Rodriguez, chief technology officer at 3dcart. Thats why were making VeriSign SSL Certificates and the VeriSign Trust Seal directly available from 3dcart. These proven products leverage the most trusted brand on the Internet and come with unique enhanced services that help to immediately amplify trust among consumers. In short, they drive business.
As a VeriSign Platinum Partner, 3dcart is reinforcing its commitment to safe and secure online shopping by offering VeriSign SSL or Extended Validation SSL (EV SSL) Certificates with its complete out-of-the-box hosted commerce solution. 3dcart merchant customers can secure their online shopping carts with VeriSign SSL Certificates, which provide full business authentication and up to 256-bit encryption of online transactions and communications. For websites that dont require SSL encryption but still need to reassure visitors that they have reached a trustworthy site, 3dcart offers the VeriSign Trust Seal.
When 3dcart customers implement VeriSign SSL Certificates or the VeriSign Trust Seal, they communicate to visitors that their identity has been authenticated by Symantec and that the site has passed the daily scan for malware. These businesses also benefit from VeriSign Seal-in-Search, a service the company launched in early 2010. Through VeriSign Seal-in-Search, participating search engines, partners and security tools display the VeriSign Trust Seal next to a websites link within search results. VeriSign Seal-in-Search gives VeriSign customers an instant competitive advantage over sites whose search results lack a trust indicator.
We trust 3dcart with hosting our e-commerce presence, and consumers trust us because we protect our site with VeriSign SSL, said Greg Balestrieri, CEO at Candy.com. No other SSL provider comes close to VeriSigns global brand recognition. When consumers visit www.candy.com, they look to be reassured that their information will be in good hands. VeriSign SSL gives them that reassurance.
By replacing its incumbent certificate authority with VeriSign SSL Certificates and the VeriSign Trust Seal, 3dcart is offering proven trust-building solutions that meet a wide range of needs and budgets, said Armando Dacal, senior director of VeriSign and Small Business Partner Programs at Symantec. Together, VeriSign and 3dcart deliver a trusted, one-stop hosted commerce solution that helps online businesses transform browsers into buyers and first-time shoppers into repeat customers.
About 3dcart
3dcart (www.3dcart.com) is a complete e-commerce solution for new or existing websites. The companys services include the tools, advice, support, and technology to manage an entire online operation, so clients can focus on managing their orders. 3dcart is able to design and implement innovative Web solutions to meet a companys specific requirements. Whether clients are looking to update their existing Web store or develop a completely new design, 3dcart maintains a flexible approach to ensure they provide the right solution for the company. One monthly fee pays for the store setup, security, design, and maintenance.
About Symantec
Symantec is a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions to help consumers and organizations secure and manage their information-driven world. Our software and services protect against more risks at more points, more completely and efficiently, enabling confidence wherever information is used or stored. More information is available at www.symantec.com.
Note to Editors: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, please visit the Symantec News Room at http://www.symantec.com/news. All prices noted are in U.S. dollars and are valid only in the United States.
Symantec and the Symantec Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. VeriSign, VeriSign Trust and other related marks are the trademarks or registered trademarks of VeriSign, Inc. or its affiliates or subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries and licensed to Symantec Corporation. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
*National Retail Federation
This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.
News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Dentists
Challgren Dentistry was started by brothers Paul and Craig Challgren in Lafayette, IN in 1979. In 2009, Paul's son Erik joined his dental practice, and will continue the tradition of providing high quality dentistry for many years to come.
Our Philosophy
We enjoy treating patients of all ages and from all walks of life! Each patient is treated as a unique individual with distinct needs. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you personalized care and service to make your visits as comfortable and pleasant as possible.
High Standards
Our main focus is for our patients to have healthy teeth and gums. We continually integrate the latest dental technology and procedures to enhance patient care and the longevity of your dental work. Each member of our team contributes to the mission of providing you with the highest level of service.
Dr. Erik Challgren, DDS
Dr. Erik is a Lafayette native and graduate of Harrison High School. He received an undergraduate degree in Biology from Indiana University, and then decided to pursue his interest in dentistry by attending the Indiana University School of Dentistry, receiving a dental degree in 2009. He enjoys promoting preventative dentistry, and educating his patients about their dental health. Outside of the office, Dr. Erik enjoys fishing, golfing, and other outdoor activities along with spending time with his wife Shannon, and 3 children- Olivia, Marshall, and Garrett. Dr Erik is a member of the American Dental Association and Indiana Dental Association.
Dr. Paul Challgren, DDS
In June of 2019, Dr Paul retired after 40 years of practicing dentistry. He is excited about his new phase in life, but also saddened to leave the many people he called both patients and friends. He feels very blessed to have had so many faithful patients and families that chose him to be their dentist.
Dr. Craig Challgren, DDS
In November of 2017, Dr Craig retired after 38 years of practicing dentistry. He appreciates the friendships he was able to develop with many of his patients throughout the years. We wish him the best, he will be missed.
Carrie - Dental Hygienist
Carrie has been with our practice for more than 15 years. She is very knowledgeable in dental hygiene and proficient with cleanings, radiography, and the treatment of gum disease.
- Dental Hygienist
Stephanie received her dental hygiene training at Indiana University Dental School graduating in 1998.
- Dental Hygienist
Sheri received her dental hygiene training at the Indiana University Dental School graduating in 2016. Prior to studying dental hygiene, she was an expanded functions dental assistant for 10 years.
Receptionist and Assistant
Jenny - Receptionist
Jenny retired from Challgren Dentistry in July of 2021. We thank her for 34 years of dedication to our office. With her extra free time she plans to spend more time with her friends and her horse. She also plans to help her husband Dave with his business.
I recently moved to Lafayette and was referred here by a friend. I had a great first experience for a routine cleaning and will be coming back. Staff was friendly and I received quality care.
Breann S.


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Negative Words in Comparative Structures in French and Their Equivalents in Serbian
Keywords:contrastive analysis, comparative construction, correlative structure, French, Serbian
In French and Serbian comparative constructions of equality and inequality, negative words are distributed according to their forms, meanings and functions.
French negative words - ne most frequently complemented by a particle pas or some other negative word, a double particle ni…ni, as well as negative ne and a double particle ni…ni in Serbian appear in the main clause (but not in the dependent clause) of comparative constructions of equality and inequality.
In comparative constructions of inequality with a positive main clause, French expletive ne appears in the dependent clause with the verb, while its equivalent in Serbian nego or no occurs as a connector at the beginning of the dependent clause.
Negative words in the main clause of comparative constructions of equality make the French antecedents flexible: the reduced form si alternates with aussi, as well as reduced tant with autant, and Serbian ones stable: reduced tako (from isto tako) and reduced toliko (from isto toliko) are mandatory.
The autonomous word isto (easily detachable) serves to enhance the meaning of equality.
The French comparative constructions of inequality with a negative main clause may have a dependent clause without or with an expletive ne, while the equivalent Serbian constructions always have a dependent clause with nego or no containing an expletive ne.
There is a semantic and a functional equivalence between the French and Serbian constructions, with some syntactic differences due to the systems of two languages.
How to Cite
Copyright (c) 2017 Ljubica Vlahović, Snežana Gudurić
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors are confirming that they are the authors of the submitting article, which will be published (print and online) in journal Journal for Foreign Languages by Znanstvena založba Filozofske fakultete Univerze v Ljubljani (University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Arts, Aškerčeva 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia). Author's name will be evident in the article in journal. All decisions regarding layout and distribution of the work are in hands of the publisher.
- Authors guarantee that the work is their own original creation and does not infringe any statutory or common-law copyright or any proprietary right of any third party. In case of claims by third parties, authors commit their self to defend the interests of the publisher, and shall cover any potential costs.
- Authors retain copyright and grant the publisher right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.


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Robinhood Review
- Customer Service
- Commission Fees
- Trading Platforms
- Research Tools
Robin Hood is famous for the rich and giving to those who are less fortunate. And, the Robinhood service tries to do the same. Ever since 2013, this company has been in the work of offering 0 dollar commission for stock trading for all residents of the United States. So, if you are a small-account trader, head right in and check them out, you might love it. They are also famous for a very simple trading app that you can use on your phone.
But, how can a free trading platform work? Well, for starters, they keep the experience simple for a reason. They only offer the bare bone necessities you want. And you can only trade via the mobile phone app. This is set up in that way simply to reduce the costs and keep the company working. However, how good can the service really be?
What can you trade?
To be clear, the application is not all-encompassing. The app launched in 2015 and you could only trade securities that are publicly listed via market orders. And, while they did expand upon the list since, it is still not that impressive. You can now place stop loss and limit orders. You can also enjoy the benefits of margin and after-hours trading. However, you cannot enjoy shorting or purchasing pink sheets. Futures, options, mutual funds, and forex are all unavailable.
Commissions and Fees
We have to admit, when we saw that the app was free and that they don't take a commission, we couldn't figure out how they stay afloat. And, they are true to their word. You can have $0 trades. And there is no minimum amount for a deposit either. However, they did start exploring ways to generate revenue. So, in 2016, they decided to launch Robinhood Gold, a way to get a premium "tier" among their clients. It comes with 2 important benefits. The first one is that you can trade after hours. And the second one is that you can trade with any funds you deposit immediately. However, even the Gold tier is not expensive. In fact, it is adjusted based on your account balance. It can go as low as 6 dollars per month.
Of course, this type of commission set up is not ideal for everyone. If you expect to place a large number of orders, of course, it seems like a good way to save money.
However, if you plan on placing large orders and you want the capability if investing in different instruments, it is less than ideal. Not to mention that there are other companies that offer services that overshadow the Robinhood Gold. And they charge even less. So, it is definitely less than perfect.
Robinhood Platforms and Tools
All that you have at your disposal is a part of the mobile app. Even placing the trade can only be done via the application. In order to keep up with their own pricing system, the company doesn't even allow you to manage your account through the website.
Mobile Application
If you go with this app, your mobile phone will be your best friend. Every single function they offer, you can only use the phone. So, you can transfer funds, pull up stock quotes, adjust your settings, follow watch lists, and, of course, place trades, through the app. And, of course, it is available for both Android and Apple phones.
And one thing that impresses us is how simple it is to use. In fact, it is great for basic stock traders. The focus was clearly put on simplicity. This has its upsides and its downsides. We love how easy it is to access your watch lists and check your charts etc. On the other hand, the lack of options is a concern.
Namely, the watch lists could include additional columns, charts should be modifiable beyond the default ranges, there is no option for technical analysis and lastly, you can't use it while holding your phone in a horizontal position.
Our Final Thoughts on Robinhood
While this platform does seem to have a lot of flaws, it is useful in its own ways. The mobile app has flawless functionality and it gives you all the basics you might require for trading. And, of course, the main highlight of this broker is the commission they take for trades. Or, should we say, the commission they do NOT take for trades. So, if you are a new investor who doesn't want to play with tens of thousands of dollars, and you just want to test your hand in the waters by investing several hundred dollars, this is the perfect place to start. Of course, you will soon notice that there is so much more than just placing trades to trading. And, with that in mind, you will probably want to graduate from this platform and onto a better one. In the end, it is all up to you, but, if you are just looking to try your hand in trading with no additional expenses, then this app might be just what you need.


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Excalibur Crossbows
Crossbowexpert.com is Excalibur Crossbows #1 Independent crossbow dealer in the United States. We have long been known as the trusted Excalibur Experts. New for 2020, Excalibur has introduced some revolutionary technology further improving its already rock-solid lineup.
A brand new limb set, the High-Output Express limbs feature newly designed armour tips for maximum performance.
The NEW Proshot ACP trigger breaks at a crisp 3 pounds, giving you rifle-like match-grade quality in a crossbow trigger.
Excalibur has also introduced their NEW Quick-Loc Technology, allowing you to disassemble and reassemble your crossbow in seconds. Oh, and with ZERO loss to accuracy.
Showing all 10 results
Excalibur Twinstrike Crossbow$1,999.99 – $2,449.99 Select options
Excalibur Assassin 420 TakeDown$1,899.99 – $2,199.99 Select options
Excalibur Assassin 400 Takedown$1,999.99 – $2,154.99 Select options
Excalibur Twinstrike Tac2 Crossbow$1,499.99 – $1,874.99 Select options
Excalibur Suppressor 400 Takedown$1,499.99 – $1,774.99 Select options
Excalibur Micro 380 Crossbow$999.99 – $1,474.99 Select options
Excalibur 340 TD Takedown Crossbow$899.99 – $1,254.99 Select options
Excalibur Mag 340 Crossbow$749.99 – $974.99 Select options
Excalibur Mag Air Crossbow$549.99 – $824.99 Select options
Excalibur Bulldog 400 Crossbow Package – Refurbished$599.99 Read more
Showing all 10 results


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Historically, street design guides have focused on vehicle throughput and optimization for automobiles, leading to street networks that were often uninviting and unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists. As a commitment to streets that accommodate everyone and reflect the character and needs of neighborhoods, the City of Pasadena worked with Nelson\Nygaard in collaboration with the Southern California Association of Governments to update its mobility element.
In March, the City Council unanimously adopted the Pasadena Street Design Guide.
"This holistic approach to street design," says Paul Moore,"takes into account the differing conditions and contexts of each street in Pasadena. Streets with different surrounding land uses, constraints, and significance for modes of transportation each require design considerations and treatments unique to those circumstances. The plans and aspirations of the community for the character of the street and adjacent land will also be factored in."
Read the report here (PDF).


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Has just ended the June session of the preparatory course for the MLT-1 qualification, "Machine Lubrication Technician" of 1st level, issued directly by the International Council For Machinery Lubrication (ICML) and internationally recognized. The training, structured in collaboration with Noria Corp, provides professional figures dedicated to maintenance with useful concepts to manage complex lubrication systems in the best possible way. Among the main issues addressed: the criteria for choosing a lubricant product, the correct storage of oil drums and targeted analytical checks can limit the incidence of a sudden failure. With great satisfaction we see that the attendance at our courses is always excellent and the candidates often very prepared. Moreover, between one lesson and another we always manage to find some moments for interesting technical-cultural exchanges and for a bit of joviality.
In order not to lose the opportunity to be part of our classes, visit the "Events" section of our website and for more information, contact us today!


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Andrew Young School Consulting
Project proposals are accepted year-round, with work completed during the Fall and Spring Semesters. Submit by August 15 for consulting during Fall Semester or by December 15 for consulting in the following Spring Semester.
Organizations consulting with AYSC GSU benefit from the expertise of Andrew Young School faculty and research associates who direct teams of students pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master in Public Policy (MPP), Master of Science in Criminal Justice, or a Master of Social Work (MSW). Students earn credit for the project as a "capstone" to their graduate degrees while integrating knowledge acquired in courses in public and nonprofit management, public budgeting and financial management, public economics, administrative law, policy analysis, criminal justice, and social work. Students work and study in fields of program evaluation, urban planning, economic development, social policy, public health, education policy, environmental policy, community partnerships, and global affairs.
Consulting teams consist of two-four graduate students who are typically in the last year of their MPA/MPP/MS/MSW degrees. Each team is directed by a faculty advisor or research professional in one of the college's research centers. Depending on the requirements of the project, teams work on- or off-site of the client organization for 10 weeks and follow a clearly defined scope of work. Deliverables vary by project but may include white papers, executive reports, strategic plans, survey instruments, evaluation plans, or other documents defined in the scope of work. All work is proprietary to the client.
Project work follows the fall and spring semester calendar. Project proposals may be submitted at any time, but they will only be reviewed in December and August. Projects that are not accepted in one semester may be evaluated for future semesters depending on the client's timeline for the work.
Faculty review the project and refine its scope with the client.
Clients pitch projects to teams to be ranked for project assignments.
Teams work with the client to access resources needed for the project.
Teams present and deliver work to the clients.
Clients commit to supporting a consulting team by identifying a project liaison who facilitates access to people, data, and other resources needed to complete the scope of work. Projects require:
- a clear definition of the problem or issue to be addressed;
- a scope that is achievable in 10 weeks, but not sooner;
- specified deliverables;
- a project fee of $1,000 paid in two installments at mid-term and upon completion of the project. Some projects may require higher fees if the scope of work requires more manpower or resources to complete in ten weeks.
Unsuitable projects are those that ask for interns, administrative support work, or involve agencies without the capacity to appropriately support the project team's efforts.
Past Clients
American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia
Atlanta Bicycle Coalition
Atlanta Legal Aid
Atlanta Public Schools
Atlanta Regional Commission
Central Atlanta Progress
Center for Civic Innovation
Center for the Visually Impaired
City of Atlanta, Office of City Planning
City of Atlanta, Office of Sustainability
City of Atlanta, Smart Cities Initiative
City of Decatur, Office of the City Manager
City of Forest Park
City of Peachtree Corners
Constitutional Officers' Association of Georgia, Inc.
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
Environmental Protection Agency
Food Security of America
Foodwell Alliance
Georgia Budget & Policy Institute
Georgia Forward
Georgia Municipal Association
Girls on the Run
Junior Achievement
Kindezi School
Latin American Association
Living Walls
Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
Office of the Fulton County District Attorney
Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
State of Georgia, Administrative Office of the Courts
UPS Foundation
Girl Talk
Great Promise Partnership
Next Steps
Proposals may be submitted online at any time. However, work is completed during the Fall and Spring Semesters of the Georgia State University academic year.
Submit your proposal by August 15 for work to be completed during the Fall Semester (September-December).
Submit your proposal by December 15 for work to be completed during the Spring Semester (February-May).
The proposal asks the following questions:
- BRIEFLY describe your organization, including its mission and target population.
- Please describe the field(s) of your proposed project (e.g., education, finance, management).
- Please describe the issue or problem the project will address (ONE paragraph max).
- Why is this issue important to your organization?
- Describe the purpose and scope of the project. What specific activities do you expect the project team to complete (e.g., fiscal analysis, program evaluation, survey development)?
- Describe the deliverables that you envision from the project.
- Please list specific skills or qualifications that will be helpful for the project team to have in order to complete the project (e.g., knowledge of statistics, GIS, specific policy issues, etc.)
- Please list the latest date when the project needs to be completed.
If you have questions about the suitability of a project, please contact:
Cynthia S. Searcy
Associate Dean for Academic Innovation & Strategy


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Picking good quality headphones within a budget is a difficult task. Thankfully, the Superlux HD 681 EVO Pro Monitor Headphones is one pair we can buy that sounds good without breaking the bank.
Design and Build
The HD 681 EVO is huge. But it's not huge for the sake of being huge. The large cans allow our ears to be fully enclosed to help eliminate ambient sound. The semi-open design is also clearly seen from the sides. Some chroming on the headphones make it a bit flashier than it already is.
We've got some brail nibs to help us tell which one is left and which one is right without having to look for the L and R marks. The headband itself is made from two separate bent tubes. It is not very clear what the material is but it is durable. I flexed the headband outward to an unreasonable width with confidence and it didn't break nor did it feel like it was going to.
A leatherette headband is present that adjusts to fit a head size by pushing it down on the head while wearing the HD 681 EVO. The HD 681 EVO feels snug and balanced when worn which helps make it feel lighter than expected on the head despite the size and heft of the headphones. Leatherette or synthetic leather is also used on the ear pads. As the headphones cover the ears well, the leatherette ear pads made it a much warmer experience than I'd like.
The cans have an all plastic body and Superlux combines matte and glossy surfaces in the design. The glossy parts do attract scratches quite easily while the matte surfaces feel like it will get dirty over time. The headphones feel durable even though it is made of plastic and it does feel like it can withstand the daily wear and tear that one might encounter working as a professional sound tech.
Another nice touch from Superlux is making the audio cable detachable so that we can pick the cable length that we want or need to use. The box contains 2 gold tipped 3.5mm audio cables; one is 1 meter long and the other is 3 meters long. And if these cables fray over time, we can easily replace is with other 3.5mm cables. The package also includes a gold plated all metal 6.35mm plug adapter that will allow us to hook these cans up to sound boards or amps without any fuss.
We also get a pouch for the headphones, but the pouch feels too small for the HD 681 EVO. I literally had to cram it into the pouch. Also note that the pouch is made from nylon and easily left scratches on the HD 681 EVO's glossy bits. These babies come in two colors, black and white. The all black looks better for me as it helps make it look smaller. Moving on to the sound quality.
Sound quality
Initially, I thought for a pro monitor headphones, these are actually bad. Turns out it just needs a few hours of burn in to reveal its true colors. I was actually surprised to hear how well these things performed. The HD 681 EVO delivered a very nice balance of bass, midrange, and treble. The trebles are crisp but aren't painfully sharp to the ear. The midrange was very balanced. The bass was present but did not overwhelm the other ranges. This might be important to professionals who need to hear things as they should be because the nice balance allows for some pretty accurate sound reproduction if you ask me. For folks who just love music, it all adds up to a great listening experience.
Noise cancelation isn't really a feature of these cans, so I really did not expect anything in that department. The only way to cancel out ambient noise would be to overwhelm it by cranking up the volume. If you're a pro and need to listen to something while recording audio, be wary of some leaking when you crank up the volume at high levels.
- HD681 EVO: Dynamic, semi-open
- Drive unit: Ø50 mm, neodymium iron
- Sensitivity: 98 dB SPL (1mW) at 1KHz
- Frequency response: 10 – 30,000 Hz
- Maximum input power: 300 mW
- Nominal impedance: 32 Ω @ 1KHz
- Ear: Artificial Leather
- Ear Pressure: HD681 EVO: about 3.5 Newtons
- Cable: Detachable 1 m and 3 m straight, unilateral outlet; 3.5 Li
- Access headphone connector body
- Connector: 3.5mm stereo gold-plated connectors
We did not have another pro monitor headphone on hand so we're comparing this to a Sony MDR XB400. These are different headphone classes so this section might be helpful for folks that are contemplating on buying monitor headphones or extra bass headphones.
Bass reproduction is thumpier with the MDR XB400 but it doesn't mean that the HD 681 EVO is lacking in this department. What I noticed is that the HD 681 EVO allows the trebles to be heard more vs the MDR XB400.
The HD 681 EVO is also built tougher than the Sony MDR XB400. Honestly, I could not flex the headbands of the MDR XB400 as much as I did with the HD 681 EVO because it felt like it was going to snap. The plastics on the MDR XB400 also felt thinner VS the plastics used on the HD 681 EVO.
The MDR XB400 feels colder to the ear while wearing it overtime, unlike the much warmer HD 681 EVO. Moreover, noise reduction is better on the MDR XB400. A closed earpiece design and a softer ear pad contribute to the MDR XB400's advantage in this area.
Overall, for more bass the MDR XB400 wins while for toughness and accuracy of sound representation the Superlux HD 681 EVO wins"¦and the Superlux HD 681 EVO is cheaper too.
After listening to my favorite tracks with the Superlux HD 681 EVO, I really couldn't believe how nice of a sound it can reproduce. It's not just nice, it's also quite accurate. Now, we'd expect a hefty price for a premium-sounding headphone, but that is absolutely not the case here. For PHP1,990 the HD 681 EVO is quite a bargain for a professional monitor headphone and it comes with a 1 year replacement warranty!
If you're hunting for a great pair of headphones without breaking the bank and do not mind the size, check out the Superlux HD 681 EVO. The Superlux HD 681 EVO professional monitor headphone is worth it. Audition one out in Egghead at Robinson's Galleria.


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With excellent memories of a very positive day of testing at the newly asphalted Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the Monster Yamaha Tech3 pair heads to Montmeló for this weekends' Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya highly motivated.
Following a difficult round in Mugello where Johann Zarco took home as many points as possible, the fast Frenchman is eager to return to his accustomed top positions, while Hafizh Syahrin is on the mission to defend his rookie top spot, after he reclaimed it during the Italian Grand Prix. The challenge is set to commence with the first Free Practice session on Friday at 9.55 local time.
Johann Zarco
Championship: 5th - Points: 64
"The Catalunya circuit is a great track and I'm happy to come back there. We had the test with the team and it was going pretty well. I hope to find this good feeling straight again and be strong all the weekend to fight for the podium or even the victory, if the dream would come true. After two difficult races, especially in Mugello, where I was struggling, I would truly enjoy to be back in a great place with the top guys."
Hafizh Syahrin
Championship: 16th - Points: 17
"I'm looking forward to the Catalan GP, which is like my second home race, because I'm based in Spain for quite a long time already. The track is my favorite, too. We've already done the test here and after this and the race in Mugello, I have a really good feeling with the bike and understand the setup. I can't wait for this round! I want to do a decent race again and fight for the top rookie spot. Physically I'm quite strong now, so I'm well prepared to arrive in Montmeló."
Hervé PONCHARAL
Team Manager
"I believe everybody at Monster Yamaha Tech3 is eager to arrive in Montmeló to start the first practice of the Catalan Grand Prix. Mugello has been a tough weekend, although we knew before, that it's going to be difficult, unfortunately we were not surprised and like it was the case last year, the track was tough for Johann and the M1. The good thing is, that we've been testing in Montmeló straight after Le Mans and this test has been really positive. Both, Johann and Hafizh got good feedback and not only for one fast lap, but also regarding their race pace. Right now, Johann is inside a very tight group of the provisional ranking, which means he misses only eight points to P2. Cleary, we are in a very important moment of the championship, we need to score in every race. We saw how tough the DNF in France was and the struggling in Italy has been, so we need to keep our heads down and hope to be back in the front group in Barcelona, which is the main target. Hafizh has another fight to master, battling against his fellow rookies for the top spot. Overall, we are just eager to come back to the level we had before arriving in Mugello. Barcelona is a place we all like a lot, which is good for the MotoGP circus and last year we had some strong results there. Obviously, we hope to repeat this great performance, especially as now this will be the first race in 2018 where we are 100 percent sure of our 2019 line-up, so it's one worry less in my head and certainly also one less for Hafizh. I believe, when you saw his performance in Mugello, it's very easy to see that he deserves this contract and factory support from next year."


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I'm just a guy who decided to write a novel one day.
J. Brooks Dann is a strategic adviser to companies and has been a contributor to several national publications on innovation and technology. He is a graduate of Harvard College and the Harvard Business School. Currently, he lives in many places, but mostly in Northern California.
ANECDOTAL is his first novel.
Playing soccer, reading, hanging out in cafes, competing feverishly in various and sundry games and spending time with my great group of friends


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Posted 10 years ago
(1220 items)
This box was decorated by my great grandfather. I never met him( I am old - but not that old :). It was probably done in the late 1800's. From what I know, he was a decorator and painter and made a living decorating the houses of the well-to-do. I used to have some oil paintings and some furniture he decorated, but sadly they were lost. The initials K.S. stand for Karl Suess. How would one classify this? Is it folk art??
Thanks for looking :)


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And, the Clarence River entrance at Yamba, where I also had my best surf of the trip. The Caravan Park is on the river, and when I arrived in the late afternoon I was pleased to see how easy the bar entrance looked. Hmmm, different story in the morning with a savage tide running out and 4-5' waves breaking all over the place. Lesson learned....keep an eye on the tide! Made for a great little surf though, at Yamba's town beach...
Back home again, and a trip down the Bay on Endurance to overnight in Queenscliff, with my sailing mate Peter Wilson. Some beaut 22 knot gusts on the way down, and our first "unsupervised" cruise out through Port Phillip's notorious Rip. No worries....we had planned carefully with the tide and had gone out at Slack Water.
It was a slow old trip home though with barely a breath of wind, and dead glassy water as we passed by Portarlington on the way back in.
Next job for the week was to attack some varnishing. Which sounds easy enough, but involves a lot of sanding first, then six coats of varnish, each of which takes 24 hours to dry. So, it's a major commitment but I quite enjoy it anyway.


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It's international quiz time on the Marketplace Morning Report. Stephan Richter, editor-in-chief of the online international affairs magazine, The Globalist, brings us the question below.
Which of the following major world economies have the highest proportion of exports as a share of GDP?
a. United States
b. China
c. Germany
d. South Korea
Click on the audio player above to hear the answer and learn more about exports around the world.


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Recently, Congo Retreat & Tyre was tasked with supplying tyres for heavy-duty vehicles involved in the construction of one of the largest and important copper mine sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For the articulated dump trucks, Magna Tyres Group (Magna Tyres) was called upon to supply their 29.5R25 Magna M-Terrain tyres for a test period.
According to Magna Tyres, the 29.5R25 Magna M-Terrain tyres have delivered on the promise of outclassing any other tyre. The positive feedback from the client regarding the performance of their equipment is encouraging. The feels confident that the rest of the trucks will be fitted out with more Magna Tyres tyres in the very near future.
The E4 profile on the tyre is very suitable for the conditions in which they are used. The rough terrain has proven to be no challenge for the 29.5R25 Magna M-Terrain tyres. The client is reportedly impressed with the toughness and the efficiency of the tyres. Not only will they have tyres that are more durable, they are also looking at a reduction in costs per hour to operate the trucks.
Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/13062018/magna-tyres-selected-to-supply-tyres-for-test-period-in-drc-copper-mine/


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Kaskade signs to major label Warner Bros. Records
Notoriously known for his own outspoken Tumblr verses about speaking out against major labels and even coining the inspirational line, "free the music and your cash will follow," Kaskade has turned the tables and signed a two album deal with Warner Brothers Records. Ryan Raddon explained to Billboard that the decision was made to simply grow his audience: "I don't need the factory behind me. I just need help getting my music heard."
Perhaps in an effort to more effectively skirt his way around his previous problems while facing SoundCloud's aggressive new initiative to cleanse the platform of "copyright infringement" tracks, Kaskade continues to explain that "the primary reason the deal happened [is to] get new music out there." Though no news of an album release date have been announced yet, it seems as though the Grammy nominee is sitting on unheard music that will be arriving sometime throughout the year.
Without avoiding the obvious fact that Kaskade has always been a strong advocate for independent labels and artists – especially after only recently launching his new Arkade Label – he illuminated more details on his new decision:
"Although I'm a producer, I'm an artist first. I think a lot of majors look at electronic musicians as producers first – they say like, 'Hey cool, we've got all these topline writers and this act we're trying to break so can we get a room together and you can do this to it? And you can do that to it?' It seems formulaic. It was important to me that my voice not be lost, and that anyone I was going to do business with understood that I enjoy songwriting, I singing, writing and producing. I don't need the factory behind me, I just need someone to help me get my music heard by as many ears as possible. When I met Cameron Strang and shared my vision with him, I felt like, okay, this guy gets it. It's not like he's some dance music aficionado, but he understood how to build an artist and that was what was important to me. He's not trying to put me in a box or make me his pet producer. It felt like the right place to go."
With a new major label partnership in his corner, it seems Kaskade's near future may have some exciting new possibilities. Neither confirming nor denying potential new (i.e., unexpected) collaborations, Raddon is not against the idea of allowing his new label to help encourage a radio single – a feat that the veteran producer has surprisingly yet to achieve. "I think when you sit down to make a record, there are always a few special moments that could be further explored and taken to radio. While it's never been my focus or goal, I think they're worth exploring."
In the end, Kaskade hopes long time fans will understand that his choice to go major label won't be the catalyst for any paramount change in his style and aesthetic. "That's been so much of the formula for breaking dance music so far. Pair a producer with a hot-at-the-moment artist who has stuff on the radio and wait for the explosion. But that was never at the top of the list of things to do for me. And Warner is cool with that. They're like, 'You do you and we'll get the music out there as far as possible.'"
He describes his upcoming music as "matured," as is his audience; ready to go deeper and explore a new facet of electronic music. "So much of dance music up until now has been that and it's a shame. There's so much more out there. The good news is I think people are finally ready to hear it. They've scratched beneath the surface of what this electronic music thing is and they're ready for what's next. I'm going to give it to them."
Via: Billboard
Kaskade launches new label Arkade
'Free the music and cash will follow,' Kaskade speaks out against major labels
Kaskade confirms development of new platform and hints at new album
Categories: News


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Almost Home is holding it's 1st Gala! Cocktail reception, full open bar, Chinese auction, dinner, dessert & entertainment! $75 pp all money raised goes to help the abandoned animals Almost Home rescues and our Community Outreach program "Training Wheels". we are a 501C3 rescue.
Almost Home Animal Rescue's 1st Annual Gala "A Night to Make a Difference"
Thursday, November 6, 2014Fundraisers
2000 Raynors Way
Smithtown, New York 11787


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Online registration ends Friday, May 30th! If you register by the 30th, we'll have your badge ready to pick up and go - that's the fastest and easiest way to get started at the conference.
You can always register on site in Warsaw but please be aware that it costs more and takes a lot more time than just registering online today.
Register Online Today!
Check out our newsletter archives here!


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As a follow up to my article on Salt Lake City rent I found this and wanted to link to it.
The groundbreaking for a seven-story, 125-unit residential community that will be known as Providence Place Apartments at 309 E. 100 S. was held Jan. 18..
According to Wasatch Advantage Group's Sheppard, "One-hundred percent of the units at Providence Place Apartments will be for families earning 60 percent or less of the area median income. I believe this project will play a key role in helping the ongoing renaissance of downtown Salt Lake City."
"Goldman Sachs is delighted to partner with Wasatch on this catalytic project," said Alicia Glen, managing director and head of the Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs. "Located in downtown Salt Lake City, the project will help preserve an economically integrated community by providing critical workforce housing to families that would otherwise be priced out of this neighborhood" according to https://www.utahbusiness.com/issues/articles/10582/2011/01/groundbreaking_held_for_downtown_salt_lake_city_housing_complex.
How about you? Any luck finding Salt Lake City rentals? Comment below.
Make Apartment Complexes Fight Over You!
To find your Preferred Apartment, please refer to https://www.marketapts.com/apartments
Or, click here: https://www.aptssaltlakecity.com/discover-salt-lake-city-apartments
[Image credit: jurvetson]


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- Understand how food and fiber products are produced.
- Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
- Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
Today is also HD's 2nd birthday! Since he shares his birthday this year with National Ag Day, below are some of my favorite agriculture pictures of him over the past two years.
If you have any questions about agriculture in general or about a specific topic, please don't hesitate to contact me by leaving a comment below! I love to hear back from my readers! Also, you can find a lot of helpful information at the CommonGround website!
Happy birthday little man and happy National Ag Day everyone!!!


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Art Leaders Gallery, voted "Michigan's Best Fine Art Gallery" is located in the heart of West Bloomfield. This full service fine art gallery is the destination for all your art and custom picture framing needs. Our extensive inventory of art includes styles ranging from contemporary to traditional. The gallery represents international, national and emerging new talent as well as local Michigan artists. Our enticing 10,000 square foot show room is filled with original oil paintings, limited editions, sculptures, hand-blown glass, unique home accessories and gift items. Known and respected, Art Leaders is one of the leading residential and corporate art dealers in Michigan. Art Leaders Gallery services interior designers, architects, and individual clients with personalized in-home or office consultations. With over 25 years experience in our field, we are the #1 source for all your artwork needs. We've developed lasting relationships with our clientele, artists and business associates. We travel worldwide to provide a collection that embodies the most exceptional artists. Our Detroit-based fine art gallery features such prominent artists as Anna Razumovskaya, Loet Vanderveen's Animal Sculpture, Thomas Arvid Wine Art, Henry Asencio, Gabe Leonard, Houston Llew Spiritiles, Borowski Glass and Alexander Volkov. Our gallery is honored to be the exclusive art dealer of The Art of Dr. Seuss, which includes Ted Geisel's collection of Unorthodox Taxidermy, Secret Art and Illustrations. One of our most popular offerings for office or home decor is Ancizar Marin's Colorful Climbers. From custom framing and art appraisals to venue rental and personalized art curation, Art Leaders Gallery is dedicated to providing the best service and experience for our clients.
Showing all 20 results
Wild Flowers II – 49 x 39 Framed$4,500.00 Add to cart
Silver Flowers II – 50 x 26 Framed$4,500.00 Add to cart
White Flowers – 79 x 37 Framed$9,750.00 Add to cart
White Floral Bouquet II – 35 x 45 Framed$4,500.00 Add to cart
Dancing Irises – 18 x 33 Framed$1,950.00 Add to cart
Botanical Bliss V – 36 x 48$6,500.00 Add to cart
Botanical Bliss III – 36 X 48$6,500.00 Add to cart
Thinking of You – 24 x 36$3,500.00 Add to cart
White Flowers IV – 24 x 36$3,500.00 Add to cart
Just Because – 24 x 48$4,500.00 Add to cart
White Floral Bouquet IV – 24 x 48$4,500.00 Add to cart
White Floral Bouquet III – 24 x 48$4,500.00 Add to cart
Botanical Bliss – 48 x 36$6,500.00 Add to cart
Botanical Bliss IV – 60 x 36$7,995.00 Add to cart
Living Life I – 12 x 36$1,500.00 Add to cart
Living Life II – 12 x 36$1,500.00 Add to cart
Living Life III – 12 x 36$1,500.00 Add to cart
Festive Roses II – 24 x 36 – SOLDRead more
Celebration II – 30 x 40 – SOLDRead more
Rose Bouquet – 34 x 46 Framed – SOLDRead more


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Hello www-svg, it is nice to see, that the formula for the y dimension is added for the feGaussianBlur. Nice as well to get now the input image for standard deviation zero. Minor cosmetic questions/suggestions: a) Why is H(x) styled in black, I(y) in red? b) Why is the approximation formula only for s available? (should be sufficient to write, that the approximation applies for the t correspondingly) c) Maybe worth to mention, that for something like stdDeviation="1 0" or stdDeviation="0 1" with '1' representing something different from 0, the mathematically expected result is not the input image. It is only a blur in one direction. However, because the definition does not explictly mention this case, implementations will hopefully do it as mathematically expected. OlafReceived on Tuesday, 29 June 2010 14:08:50 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Friday, 17 January 2020 22:54:27 UTC


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There are way too many stores claiming to have Pantogar Hair Capsules. But in reality, you are either stuck with a bad product or a very late or lost delivery.
This why our best-reviewed choice of places is Amazon. You may wonder that ordering from their official website should help too. But the answer to that lies in the customer reviews who have ordered. And are still waiting on their product to be delivered.
But, there is the reliability of Amazon, it makes sure your Pantogar Hair Capsules arrives in good quality and on time. That is also why Pantogar has their Amazon Webstore, delivering everywhere in the world.
Direct website ordering or even foggy online stores promising you to sell you Pantogar Hair Capsules, means, you will be paying an overhead shipping fee which is overcharged.
Pantogar Amazon Web Store has multiple payment options and all geographically specific, making this product available at a pocket pinch anywhere in the world.
So, our best and expert recommended way of ordering would be Pantogar's Amazon Webstore. Giving you an upper hand at ordering the quality product and offers and discounts at Amazon, you can now order your Pantogar Hair Capsules from anywhere in the globe. Just follow country wise Amazon website to buy Pantogar.
Where to buy Pantogar in the UK
The best and safest option for you in the UK is Amazon.
Even if it is available in selective stores offline there, chances are your local store may not have it. So, order directly from Amazon listings here to avoid late delivery, damaged products, and high shipping fees.
Buy 2 month supply from amazon and get 20% OFF
Where to buy Pantogar in Germany
Pantogar is a German product, making it easily available in all drug stores in Germany.
But, if you need convenience on a platter, just order your Pantogar Hair Capsules from amazon.de and get it delivered at your doorstep.
Where to buy Pantogar in USA
Chances are you will have to scout around to find Pantogar in your local Drug store. So, do the smart thing which is also a time saver.
Order from Amazon.com
If you are from Malaysia, Canada, Australia, or Ireland then, we will recommend check your near by local pharmacy.
If you are from Malaysia, Canada, Australia, or Ireland then, we will recommend checking your nearby local pharmacy.
Else Amazon is an evergreen option for the people from these countries as well.


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With the new MA5.0Q power amplifier, Martin Audio reached for a new standard in efficiency with low power consumption and substantial cost savings on electricity. Described as a "more watts, less weight" approach, the 4-channel MA5.0Q packs up to 5000W neatly into 1RU weighing just over 16lbs. The company promises to deliver exceptional sound quality with "minimal carbon footprint" due to its Class D output stage design. The amplifier features a switch mode power supply, 4Ω optimization, AC protection, a clip limiter (prevents clipped waveforms from reaching loudspeakers), short circuit protection, thermal protection, and is temperature controlled. Martin Audio positions the MA5.0Q amplifier as a flexible, cost-effective solution for small to medium sound systems in challenging environments.
Shipping: mid-November


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by Jasmine YapBasically a small garden will not require the same large equipment that would be of use in an extensive one. A ride-on mower is unnecessary if you only have a small strip of lawn. Another point to consider is who does most of the gardening? Some tools are too heavy for use by women.
Gardening is fun and rewarding and may be considered a hobby, talent or both and sometimes it's just luck. Gardening is not as easy as it looks and involves dedication, time and consistency and many trials and errors.
Look for models that have blades that can be sharpened or replaced, models with tension control and with sizes that best fit your hands.
A trowel is a shovel-like piece of equipment which is used to dig up dirt and set small plants. There are many styles to choose from and type of handle on your trowel will determine how well it works. Easy grip, non-slide and non-slip grips are the best form of handle to choose.
A shovel has a scoop blade and is best used to move around dirt and garden soil. A spade has a flat blade great for cutting edges, digging and dividing plants. The edge of a spade should be kept sharpened for clean and efficient cutting will cause the least amount of damage to plants.
A pitchfork is a gardening tool which has 2-6 prongs and a long handle. The sizes of pitchforks vary, depending on what they are being used for. The space between each prong varies as well.
A pruning saw is used for pruning trees and larger shrubs, while secateurs are for plants like roses. Pruning saws have a narrow curved blade that fits between stems or branches and easily and cuts them as you pull the saw backwards.
A gardening spade has a long, thick handle and a heavy flat blade. This tool is used to dig up and move pieces of dirt from one place to another. It can also be used to pack down dirt once the flower has been planted.
Forks are used for turning and aerating compost and breaking up lumps of soil. The cheaper ones are often not strong enough for heavy soil, so go for sturdiness instead of price
Pruning shears are tools which have a long handles and blades. This type of gardening equipment is used to allow gardeners to precisely prune rose bushes and other plants and unruly vines, etc. It can also be used to cut the grass at the edges of walkways and garden beds, in those hard to reach places. It is also used to trim the edges and remove dead leaves or wood on flowers
A chipping hoe is a handy tool for getting rid of small weeds. The Dutch or push-hoe is slightly more user-friendly as the action required to use it does not jar the neck and shoulder quite so much.
A wheelbarrow is one of the larger pieces of garden equipment. It is a cart with a handle and at least one wheel which is designed for easy transportation of materials from one place to another. Purchasing a wheelbarrow will save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you are off to the compost heap, and will make for a pleasant gardening experience.
These are the basic gardening tools and helping you to your gardening success.
GardeningTipsAndKnowHow.com provide free tips and know how about gardening, bonsai, landscape, garden theme and so forth Gardening Tips And Know How
Article Source: Article Showroom


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Plan to elect electric board causes power surge
His latest defense comes in response to legislation sponsored by state Rep. Matt Patrick of Falmouth. Among the bills Patrick filed is a change of local representation in the Cape Light Compact from appointed to elected members. Patrick believes that the appointment process limits how aggressive the compact membership is on conservation and issues such as "green energy." He said that in his study of municipal utility boards, which is the closest parallel to the Compact he's found, those that are elected are more aggressive on those matters.
One of the issues that he sees the Compact as avoiding is the wind farm proposed for Nantucket Sound. Much as the Town of Yarmouth has made an agreement to lease its road layout or the cable that would connect the farm to the power grid in the event the project is approved, Patrick believes that the Compact should have an agreement to be the first at the table to negotiate for any of the power the 130-turbine wind farm would generate.
Patrick said that any discussion he's had with Compact officials on that point has not generated any interest. He said that the Compact is abrogating its responsibility as an aggregator, choosing not to make those arrangement for what he sees as political reasons.
"It's the radioactive element," Patrick said of the wind farm issue.
Patrick played an integral role in drafting the Compact's language and sees the move to elected representatives as a logical progression, not an attempt to harm the agency.
"I would never do anything to harm the Compact," he said.
Bernardo takes an opposing view and points to Patrick's singular approach in filing the four-line bill. Patrick did not approach the Compact, its membership or his colleagues in the Cape legislative delegation in advance, he said. Bernardo contrasts that approach with what the county has been doing in its charter review process, which is to bring the issues to the individual towns, seek their input and put any changes to the test of public scrutiny.
It was at the town council meeting two weeks ago where Bernrardo, seeking advice and recommendations from the council on the charter process, asked the council to consider opposing the legislation.
"If you like what you're getting with the Compact and you like the ability to have direct input into the Compact and the service, I hope you will continue supporting the Compact and not have a subjective interpretation of what it should be," Bernardo told the council.
Patrick knows the power of the wind farm as a political issue. It was the singular issue that caused him a year and a half of court battles over what would turn out to be a victory in his 2002 re-election campaign. In the two Barnstable precincts he represents, made up of the south-facing villages of Osterville and Cotuit, Patrick got walloped out of proportion with any other precinct in the Third Barnstable Representative District. In 2004, Patrick was handily defeated in both precincts, but not close to the earlier margin. Bernardo sees a change to elected representation as eviscerating the inter-municipal concept on which the Compact was based. He also wonders aloud whether such a change would violate the inter-municipal contracts among the 21-town membership of the Compact.


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Clear aligners offer numerous benefits compared to orthodontic treatment with braces. They're not necessarily "better," because both have their uses, but clear braces in St. Paul, MN are definitely more convenient.
At Brimhall Dentistry, we offer SureSmile, a clear aligner treatment system that is similar to Invisalign. If you're an adult or older teen, you'll appreciate the convenience of straightening your teeth with clear aligners, because they're designed specifically with your lifestyle in mind.
Smooth, Plastic Clear Braces Offer Greater Comfort
The most significant advantage of choosing SureSmile orthodontics in 55116 is that you don't have to wear brackets and wires on your teeth. The clear aligners are made of smooth plastic that is comfortable to wear.
But there are several other benefits to clear aligner treatment that make them such a popular choice for people who want a straighter smile.
Your Orthodontic Treatment Is Your Secret
Adults who want a straighter smile don't want everyone to know they're having treatment, and with SureSmile clear aligners, they don't have to. The aligners are crystal-clear and nearly invisible when worn, so most people won't notice them.
You'll Be Able to Enjoy the Foods You Love
Bracket and wire braces require a lot of upkeep and require you to eliminate certain foods from your diet. SureSmile orthodontics in 55116 are removable, so there are no restrictions on the foods you can eat. Just be sure to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in your mouth.
Brushing and Flossing Are Easy
It can be a challenge to get your teeth as clean as they need to be with brackets and wires on your teeth. Since you can remove your clear aligners, brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly is easy.
Get More Information about Orthodontics in 55116
Dr. Nick Schulte has helped many of his patients enjoy a straighter smile without the inconvenience of traditional orthodontics. If you would like to learn more about how SureSmile clear aligners can help you, please contact our St. Paul, MN dental office to schedule an appointment.


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The six artists for the Fourth Plinth commission in Trafalgar Square were Allora & Calzadilla; Elmgreen & Dragset; Katharina Fritsch; Brian Griffiths; Hew Locke; and Mariele Neudecker.
The winning artworks by Elmgreen & Dragset and Katharine Fritsch will be installed on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square for 2012 and 2013.
Based in London and Berlin, Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset have worked together as an artist duo since the mid-1990s. Powerless Structures, Fig 101 is a bronze sculpture of a boy on a rocking horse. In this portrayal, a child has been elevated to the status of a historical hero, though there is not yet a history to commemorate – only a future to hope for. The work proposes a paraphrase of a traditional war monument beyond a dualistic worldview predicated on either victory or defeat. Instead of acknowledging the heroism of the powerful, Powerless Structures, Fig. 101 celebrates the heroism of growing up. It is a visual statement celebrating expectation and change rather than glorifying the past. The artists consider that the sculpture is not about victory or defeat. "It's about play, being part of a game. It's maybe not about winning or losing. It's easy for us to stand up here today and say it's not all about winning, but… We wanted to put something among all the admirals and generals in Trafalgar Square that would perhaps be mocking, perhaps change people's perspectives." Elmgreen & Dragset, however, are known for their slyly ironic stance and the sculpture can also represent a symbol of resistance to modern Olympic ideals. The rocking horse is a metaphor representing impotence and immobility. It is moving on the same spot, taking part in a race never to be won. It suggests the pointless and futility of the quest for medals. The child represents both the poignancy of impossible hope and the innocence of participation. The gold is the symbol of Olympic victory.
Katharine Fritsch was born in 1956 in Essen, Germany, and lives and works in Dusseldorf. She describes Hahn / Cock, a larger than life cockerel in ultramarine blue as a "wake up call". It communicates on different levels. Firstly, with the formal aspect of its placement: the grey architecture and environment of Trafalgar Square is given an unexpectedly strong and colourful focus; the unusual size and colour of the animal making the whole situation slightly surreal. The cockerel is also a symbol for regeneration, awakening and strength. The work also refers, in an ironic way, to male-defined British society and thoughts about biological determinism. The French symbol of Le coq is also a counterpoint to Lord Nelson.
Hew Locke was born Edinburgh in 1959 but lived in Guyana from 1966 to 1980. He studied BA Fine Art at Falmouth and MA Sculpture at the Royal College of Art and lives and works in London. Sikandar replicates the statue of Field Marshal, Sir George White (1835 – 1912) in Portland Place, transforming it into a fetish object, embellished with horse-brasses, charms, medals, sabres, ex-votos, jewels, Bactrian treasure and Hellenistic masks. Sikandar, translates as Alexander in Urdu; Khandahar being one of the cities Alexander the Great named after himself. Alexander's military empire was short-lived, but his Hellenic cultural influence lasted centuries. The work intended to bring a social and historic focus to the Square, contributing to its role as a place of dissent and celebration. The proposal is not an anti-military critique. It is an investigation into the idea of the Hero and the problematic and changing nature of heroism.
Mariele Neudecker was born in 1965 in Düsseldorf, Germany, and lives and works in Bristol. It's Never Too Late And You Can't Go Back is elevated above the Plinth and represents a fictional mountainscape. It is 'specific in its dramatically modelled detail' and if viewed from above reveals the flipped and reversed shape of Britain. From below, the map is the right way around and more familiar. The juxtaposition of different views shifts the observer's perception of the mountain from majestic and generic landscape to territorial space. Historically mountains represent monumentality, conquest, glory, ownership. In turn, the sentiments frequently attached to landscapes have often served as reminders of our more fragile, human, moral and mortal positions in the grandest considerations of the sublime.
Brian Griffiths studied at Goldsmiths College in the late 90s. Battenburg. The Battenberg cake was invented on the advent of the marriage of Queen Victoria's granddaughter – Princess Victoria of Hesse – to Prince Louis of Battenberg in 1884. The Battenburg name was changed to Mountbatten before 1914. As such, the pink and yellow confectionary is a commemoration of the Victorian era and a wry monument to monumentality. The cake is fashioned from traditionally made household bricks, Increased to gigantic proportion, and placed on a plinth alongside other Victorian statues in Trafalgar Square. The sugary and rather vulgar cake shows a symbol of supermarket consumerism as a work of public art and the decline of Imperial values and royal subjects as a subject of sculpture.
Jennifer Allora, born in 1974 Philadelphia, USA and Guillermo Calzadilla born in 1971 in Havana, Cuba, live and work in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Untitled (ATM/Organ) consisted of the installation of an automated teller machine (ATM) in the Fourth Plinth, connected to a functioning pipe organ to produce sound by driving pressurised air through pipes selected via the ATM machine keyboard. Each time customers pressed the ATM keyboard to access bank accounts worldwide to make cash withdrawals, credit card cash advances, account balance inquiries and so on, it would have triggered the pipe organ to produce a range of notes and chords at varying degrees of loudness to reverberate throughout Trafalgar Square.
The decision was made by the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group.


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Jon Gosselin, Celeb Reporter Find True and Everlasting Love
A reporter for Star Magazine is maybe dating fertile divorced daddy reality star and man-about-town Jon Gosselin! This reporter is named "Kate," just like his ex-wife. We cannot think of a more appropriate couple.
Page Six says that Star reporter Kate Major is Gosselin's "latest fling," which apparently means she was seen eating dinner with him, and then a bunch of her fake friends talked a lot of shit to P6.
"She's a crackerjack reporter, very talented, very good-looking," said one of her bosses. "Sure, she uses her charms to get stories. Don't we all?" Major has previously been able to get close to people like Britney Spears' ex J.R. Rotem and Lindsay Lohan.
This could mean anything. Most likely possibilities:
1. She is flirting with him to get stories.
2. She is sleeping with him to get stories.
3. She went out to dinner with him, which means nothing.
4. She has fallen hard for Jon Gosselin's charms and he is using her to manipulate the celebrity-industrial complex to his own advantage.
5. Kate Major totally had a foursome with Jon Gosselin, J.R. Rotem, and Lindsay Lohan.
The one sure thing is that Kate Major's "friend" who told P6 she just got out of rehab is a "jerk." If this relationship were real, it would mean that Jon Gosselin is cheating on that girl he got with after leaving his ex-wife and Kate Major is cheating on journalism, so it would be perfect. Kudos to Star, for ruthlessness in love and gossip.
[P6. Pic: INF]


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Both Google and Apple announced at their developer conferences that their new graphical software will perform as well as console graphics and perhaps stay level with PC graphics, a big statement from the two mobile OS developers.
The GPUs on mobiles currently cannot match console level graphics, but Google and Apple believe the next batch of GPUs on their devices will be able to surpass console graphics, capable of running the Unreal Engine 4.
It is still questionable if mobile really has the raw power in smaller silicon to work as well as console graphics cards, but due to Nvidia's advances in the marketplace, their new Tegra K1 might be capable of really high graphical performance.
At Google I/O and Apple's WWDC conference, the Unreal Engine 4 was shown off running some very intensive graphical show, where shadow, smoke, depth, water and reflection all show what mobile GPUs are capable of achieving.
We still cannot see true resemblance of actual growth in the graphical horsepower on mobile until we see a graphical intensive game. These demos shown off at conference mean nothing until users can test out the detail themselves and match it with consoles.
Do we think Bioshock Infinite, for instance, can be played on a mobile? No, at least, not to its full potential like on console. We expect the fidelity will be dropped and frame rate will suffer, unless there is major advances on the Tegra K1 processor.
Indie games with low fidelity and simple level design might be easy to port to mobile, even games like Minecraft have received ports, even if these lower the power of the game. It still shows game developers are not certain on the power of mobile graphics, enough to port their full title.
Obviously things like touchscreen has to be taken into account on mobile, alongside the new screen form factor. This makes developers edgy around the new system, especially since full release $60 titles will not do well on mobile.


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LONDON (AP) — The British economy shrank 2% in the first quarter of the year from the previous three-month period, the biggest quarterly decline since the global financial crisis of 2008 even though it included just one week of the coronavirus lockdown, official figures showed Wednesday.
The Office of National Statistics found that the slump was getting deeper as the quarter came to an end, with output down by 5.8% in March alone, the month when curbs on everyday life started being put in place by the British government. Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the U.K. into full lockdown on March 23, days after closing pubs and restaurants and schools.
The March figure illustrates the scale of the coronavirus slump to come, with the Bank of England, for example, warning of the biggest annual slump since 1706.
"With the arrival of the pandemic, nearly every aspect of the economy was hit in March, dragging growth to a record monthly fall," said statistician Jonathan Athow.
During March, the only sectors that did grow reflected the needs of a country dealing with a pandemic – IT support, soaps and cleaning products, and the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
The quarterly decline is the biggest recorded since the fourth quarter of 2008. Since 1955, when equivalent records began, there have only been four quarters worse.
Like others, the British economy is set for a recession of unprecedented proportions, with many economists predicting that the second quarter could see economic output shrink by a quarter, or even more.
Last week, the Bank of England warned that the British economy could fall by around 30% in the first half of the year, before a strong recovery in the second half of the year, leaving it 14% smaller by the end of 2020. Still, even with that predicted second-half recovery, the annual fall would be the biggest in over 300 years.
Much of the British economy has been mothballed over the past couple of months, with many sectors unlikely to open again for months.
In addition to the 2 million estimated to be unemployed, around 7.5 million people have become economically inactive since the lockdown via the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which sees the government pay up to 80% of the salaries of workers retained, up to 2,500 pounds ($3,075) a month. On Tuesday, the Treasury chief extended the scheme for a further four months until October though suggested that firms will have to start paying a share.
Some of the lockdown measures are being relaxed in England on Wednesday, with those workers who are unable to work from home, such as those in construction and manufacturing, encouraged to return to work. And a number of recreational sports, such as golf and tennis clubs, can reopen. In all cases, social distancing rules have to be observed.


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Starting & ending your swimming season with properly balanced water is extremely important to the health of your swimming pool.
Aqua-Matic provides FREE computerized water analysis.
Why wait – bring a water sample in to our store today!
Why Is Proper Water Chemistry So Important?
What happens during Seasonal Check-ups?
How do I know if my swimming pool is leaking?
Why Is Proper Water Chemistry So Important?
Pool water chemistry is the most vital yet misunderstood component to overall pool care. Proper water chemistry protects not only swimmers but also the swimming pool itself. Heaters, filters, vinyl liners, and even plaster can all suffer severe damage from improperly balanced pool water. Four key components of swimming pool water chemistry are….
Total Hardness refers to the amount of calcium and magnesium in your water. Depending on your pool surface, hardness should measure 200 – 400 ppm. When total hardness is too high, scale forms causing the water to appear cloudy. When total hardness is too low, the water will corrode metal fixtures (including copper heater components), reducing heater effectiveness by as much as 75%.
Chlorine is a disinfectant designed to sanitize and oxidize contaminants in your pool water. To be optimally effective, chlorine must be continually active so that it can react instantaneously with bacteria, algae and other organic matter as they are introduced into the water. The level of active chlorine is called "free chlorine" and should measure 1.0 – 3.0 ppm.
Total Alkalinity measures the amount of alkaline substances in the pool water. When total alkalinity is too low, the water will corrode metal fixtures. Low alkalinity can also cause staining and weaken vinyl liners causing wrinkles.
PH refers to the intensity of acid or alkaline materials in your pool water. pH is measured on a pH scale from 1 (extremely acidic, like lemon juice) to 14 (extremely alkaline). A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral, but ideal pool water pH should measure 7.4 – 7.6. pH higher than 7.8 can cause skin irritation and red eyes. High pH will also reduce the effectiveness of chlorine and cause the water to appear cloudy. Low pH, or pH less than 7.2, causes eye and skin irritation and corrodes metal fixtures, especially copper heater components.
What happens during Seasonal Check-ups?
There are many items worth checking throughout the season, especially upon spring start-up, to help ensure you to have a fun & trouble-free swimming season.
Inspect all o-rings, making sure they are not split or cracked and that they are properly lubricated. Products like magic lube can give the proper lubrication to o-rings to help maintain longer life.
Pump Baskets…
Check your pump basket for cracks and splits. A cracked pump basket can allow debris to clog your pump impeller. This can cause loss of flow that can lead to poor filtration and other water clarity problems.
Skimmer Baskets…
Another area you will want to check is your skimmer baskets. Check for cracks and splits. These can cause unwanted debris to get into your underground plumbing and possibly causing a clog. Also, check the skimmer housing for cracks. Most small cracks can be repaired before they crack completely through. Keeping on top of these inspections can eliminate costly repairs down the road.
D.E. Filters…
For D.E. filter owners it is a good practice for you to clean the filter elements or fingers thoroughly in the beginning of your pool season. Opening the filter and removing the entire grid assembly and hosing off all the D.E. from the grids is a good idea. During regular backwashing it is very difficult to remove 100% of the D.E. inside your filter. The D.E. that is left behind to accumulate over time can cause the filter elements to bridge together, causing high filter pressure and poor filtration.
Ladders and Diving Boards…
It is VERY important to inspect your ladders, handrails, and diving boards for cracks, rusty bolts and hardware. If you have a diving board with cracks, replace it immediately. Also, check your ladder and handrail bolts. It is important that they are tight. Do not allow the ladders or handrails to become loose. When the bolts are not tightened properly it can be dangerous, and cause injuries.
Equipment Area…
You should check your filtration equipment area for leaves, high grass and overgrown shrubbery. While it may look nice to have a heavily landscaped equipment area, often it can cause problems. If equipment is covered with various types of debris it can cause pumps to over heat, wear out or even burn up.
Heater owners should occasionally inspect the heater area for leaves, high grass and overgrown shrubbery. These conditions can restrict air circulation, which can cause heaters to over heat and shut down. It is also helpful to inspect inside your heater compartment. Rodents and insects are drawn to heaters for shelter, especially during the winter months. These pesky critters can do a lot of damage to heaters.
Check to make sure all wire connections and conduit is intact. If it is split or cracked… electrical tape is not the proper repair… have it replaced. Unsafe electrical conditions can cause serious injuries.
How do I know if my swimming pool is leaking?
An un-repaired hole the size of a pencil tip can result in hundreds of gallons of water lost per day. A leak in your pool will increase chemical demands, and may lead to more serious structural and mechanical problems. Fortunately, effective leak location and repair solutions are available.
Water Loss
By far the most common indication of a leak is that the water level is dropping faster than what is normally attributable to evaporation or splash-out. Often leaks are big enough that excess water loss is obvious. If you wake-up to find that your pool has dropped several inches overnight you know you've got a problem. The bigger challenges are the smaller, yet just as serious, leaks that may develop slowly. In these cases it is important to determine what is "normal water loss" and thus avoid wasting time looking for and worrying about a leak that really isn't there. A simple way to account for evaporation and confirm a leak is to do a Bucket Test.
Air in the pump or air bubbles blowing back into the pool
A pool leak in the suction side plumbing (from skimmers and main drains) may pull air into the plumbing lines that will show up in the pump or be blown back into the pool through the returns. Air leaks such as this can be just as damaging to your pool even though you may never notice symptoms of water loss. Evidence of air in the system can also be caused by a blockage or obstruction in the suction lines. Either situation will require professional attention to avoid causing mechanical damage to your pool equipment.
Finding and fixing your leak
Once you know you have a pool leak it's time for action. The longer a leaking pipe, liner or pool shell is left un-repaired the more costly the eventual fix will be. You have options, some pool leaks can be easy to find and fix yourself. In most cases however a qualified and experienced pool professional using sophisticated electronic equipment will be able to provide more efficient and effective pool leak and repair.


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INDUSTRY in the United States is getting some compliments.
For about a decade, critics have berated American companies for poor quality, obsession with quarterly profits, and the loss of a technological edge to Japanese companies.
But, according to two new studies, US companies have snapped back.
* The US has ``significantly strengthened its competitive position in critical technologies during the past five years,'' says the Council on Competitiveness in Washington, a nonprofit organization of chief executives from business, higher education, and organized labor.
* The US has replaced Japan as the world's most competitive economy for the first time since 1985, maintains the International Institute for Management and Development in Lausanne, Switzerland, and the World Economic Forum in Geneva. The 1994 World Competitiveness Report ranks 41 countries on the basis of responses from 16,500 business leaders around the world. The report concludes that the US economic recovery, entrepreneurship, and nearly a decade of corporate restructuring have helped raise the US to its top ranking.
In a report released today dealing with some 94 ``critical technologies,'' the Council on Competitiveness found improvement ``especially noticeable'' in commercialization and production systems.
``The private sector has aggressively embraced manufacturing and quality as keys to technological leadership,'' the report adds. ``As a result, America's ranking has been upgraded in such areas as total quality management, design for manufacturing, and the integration of research, design, and manufacturing.''
The US has also made progress in electronic components, such as actuators, laser devices, multichip packaging systems, and printed circuit-board technology, the report continues. Electronic displays are the only area where the US is ``still losing badly and has made no real progress in the past few years.''
In biotechnology, environmental technology, and information technology, the US has maintained its leadership, the report says. It is still competitive in design and engineering tools. The solid foundation in information technology is helping the US take the lead in the creation of a pace-setting information infrastructure.
However, both reports include some cautions. The Swiss report warns that poor secondary-school education and work attitudes, as well as a low savings rate, could cause longer-term decline if uncorrected.
The Washington report notes that many countries are building competency in critical technologies where the US has traditionally been a world leader.


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Latest Global Wellness Economy Monitor Trumpets The Growth Of The Worldwide Wellness Industryby Anne Dimon /
New research continues to support the growth of wellness tourism, and underscores the need for travel brands and agents to take note.
The Global Wellness Institute's (GWI) recently released 2016 Global Wellness Economy Monitor confirms that the worldwide wellness industry grew an impressive 10.6%, to $3.72 trillion, from 2013-2015, making it, according to GWI, "one of the world's fastest-growing, most resilient markets."
While Europe is identified as the geographic region with the largest number of wellness trips, North America leads in wellness tourism expenditures. GWI called this continent the "wellness travel powerhouse," ranking first among nations for revenues generated in four of the five markets researched: Wellness Tourism, The Spa Industry, Workplace Wellness and Wellness Real Estate. (In the fifth market researched—Thermal/Mineral Springs—North America ranks 18th globally.)
The second-largest global market in terms of wellness tourism spending was Germany, followed by France, China, Japan, Austria and Canada.
The report points out that the bulk of consumers fuelling the industry are domestic tourists, driven by short-haul and weekend trips, but notes that "international wellness tourism has been growing at a much faster rate than domestic wellness tourism."
GWI Chairman and CEO Susie Ellis forecasts five wellness trends that will "sharpen" in North America in the coming years:
1. A surge in mental wellness programs at hotels, wellness resorts, spas, fitness studios, workplaces and schools.
One example for agents looking to find a wellness retreat for mentally-stressed clients: this writer met up with Ziva Meditation at the recent New York Time Travel Show and learned that the New York City–based company, launched in 2016, offers quality retreats that focus on meditation for relaxation and mental wellness.
2. Wellness beyond the "wellthy."
"We'll see a wave of wellness products/services at lower price-points," says Ellis, including the launch of mid-priced wellness-focused hotels (such as EVEN) and more budget spa brands, such as the newly-launched The Now in Los Angeles.
3. The sound of silence.
Silence is golden this year, and new "silent spas," "wellness monasteries" in sacred spaces and hotels/resorts with designated quiet room and entire floors are sprouting. Le Monastère des Augustine, a hotel and wellness-retreat in Quebec City, for example, offers a daily Silent Breakfast, while the Art of Living Retreat Center in North Carolina can customize multi-day silent retreats for groups.
4. Wellness IS home and wellness AT home.
According to the report, trend-watchers forecast a growing interest among consumers in turning their homes into "wellness sanctuaries." Wellness makeovers include such upgrades as circadian lighting, and Ellis says, a new "wellness architecture" will rise to tackle things like indoor air pollution. More Americans will look for homes certified around dozens of "healthy-for-humans" features.
5. U.S. wellness markets will grow in years ahead.
With U.S. healthcare costs forecast to rise an average of 5.8% every year through 2025, more Americans will turn to alternative, preventative health approaches.
For the travel industry, the take-away here is that when it comes to healthcare, more pro-active consumers will certainly look to add wellness components to their travel, as well as plan wellness retreats specifically aimed at discovering and trying out new alternative and preventative approaches. And conversely, as they add wellness features to their homes, they will seek them out when they travel as well.
Anne Dimon is Travel Market Report's wellness travel columnist and the founder/editor of www.traveltowellness.com. Follow her on Twitter at @AnneDimon.


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Great news for Samsung users that have been using their Note 7 with extreme caution the last few weeks, replacements will be in stores Wednesday, September 21st! The recall transitioned from voluntary to mandatory as the US government's Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a deathknell due to the lithium-ion battery overheating. According to the CPSC, Samsung received 92 reports of batteries overheating, 26 reports of burns, and 55 reports of property damage including fires in cars and garages. The CPSC recommends powering down the device immediately and seeking a replacement or refund from your wireless carrier, retail store, or Samsung directly. You can get the exact same Note 7 with a new, non-exploding battery, starting Wednesday, September 21st.
The Note 7 was widely successful before the recall, selling a million devices. However, the recall itself is estimated to cost Samsung $1 Billion. Ouch.
If you would like to learn more about the information presented in this blog post please visit: www.techradar.com


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I told you guys last week that I'm going to start blogging about more than just food, so here goes. I'm calling this the #GSD (get shit done) series since I plan on sharing all the tips, tricks and info that's helping me (or not) be more productive in my life.
Instead of setting New Year's resolutions I decided to focus on "getting right" over the next three months. I wanted to address my mental health, namely my insanely high stress level, by re-establishing healthy habits. I figure that by focusing on simple changes for a set period of time, I can block out the noise that often makes these efforts fail.
I am not: trying to lose weight, save money, go on a diet, work out harder or being less social. (Though if some of these things happen, yay!)
I am: choosing activities (or lack of activities) based on the reality of my mental and emotional needs, not my desires or even guilt.
This means making a lot of small tweaks to my life and plenty of big shifts in how I think – and it all started with SLEEP! True story: after my break up last September I started sleeping like shit. I'd expected this, since, having been through a few break ups in my time, not being able to sleep was a fairly normal reaction to emotional lows for me. What I didn't expect was that a couple weeks of bad sleep would snowball into three months of exhaustion, going through a lot of concealer and managing poor sleep with over-the-counter sleep aids (such as Tylenol's Simply Sleep). Being the rational person I am, I eventually realized this was not normal, nor was it okay. I could get one or two nights of sleep sans aids per week, but only out of sheer exhaustion.
Looking back on those months, I am now firmly of the Arianna Huffington school of thought that sleep is truly the foundation to achieving everything else in life. The reason being that if my mind and body have not recharged, I'm less able to deal with day-to-day stress, make sound decisions, wrangle my emotions, not cry during every Kleenex or Hallmark ad, etc. There's even mounting evidence that sufficient sleep helps you lose weight, improves your memory, boosts creativity and lowers stress. Basically a good night of sleep makes me feel like I can conquer the world.
How Much Sleep Do You Need?
Generally speaking, most adults need somewhere between 7-9 hours of sleep. But everyone is different, especially depending on your age. Now, if you're 23 and reading this thinking, "I can sleep four hours a night and totally get shit done!" I challenge you to a) really think about what kind of shit you're getting done on that kind of sleep and b) remember that your sleep needs are going to change the older you get. And by older I mean 25, 27, or 30 – not 55.
I played around a bit to find my "magic number" and ultimately it's 8 hours. When left to my own devices on a weekend without an alarm set, my body regularly shoots for 8 hours. When I get to bed late and end up hitting snooze, I always end up feeling better at 8 hours. It might take a week or two, but you can figure out your number by keeping track of how many hours you've slept vs how you felt when you woke up and how you felt during the day.
Who Knew Getting To Bed Would Be So Hard
I love sleeping. To be honest, on my list of favorite things, it trumps coffee AND bourbon. That's saying a lot. But once I decided that my sleep schedule was going to be on a strict 10pm – 6am time frame I found that getting my ass into bed, let alone ready for sleep, was much harder than I thought it would be.
I have a friend who is always starting too many projects in the evening, thus pushing back her bedtime further and further. We joke about it regularly, but I ended up having to assign a 9pm hard stop to starting any activity that didn't get me one step closer to bed time.
Which lead to establishing a pre-bed time routine. Listen, none of this info is revolutionary, but shit is for real! After 9pm I'm mindful of lowering the volume on the TV, dimming the lights, being in my pajamas, brushing my teeth, washing my face, turning down my bed (so the sheets are nice and cool! mmmmm!) all as a lead up to finally getting in bed by 9:50 or 10. If I notice my mind is busy, even after all that, I hit the sack early with a book and read for a half hour to help bring me down a notch.
Morning Person Convert
It took less than a month – I'd say two weeks – for my new sleep routine to kick in. When my alarm goes off at 6am not only do I feel legitimately great, there's also a good chance that I've started waking up a bit before the alarm has even gone off. As an insurance policy against my own laziness, I have my iPhone alarm set for 6, 6:15 and 6:30. Something about knowing the most sleep I'm gonna get on a snooze is 15 minutes makes getting back into bed very unappealing. Also, knowing that should I decide to keep sleeping, I'm going to have to get up three more times totally sucks.
My phone/alarm is positioned clear across my studio apartment, forcing me to actually remove myself from the cozy cocoon that is my bed.
Bonus Points
I have a pretty kick ass bed, not gonna lie. I invested in a good mattress, a feather bed and sheets that make me giddy like a school girl when I crawl into bed. Sleep is about an aesthetic too, folks! A comfy bed and linens are not luxury items when you spend 50+ hours a week in your bed! Imagine wearing underwear two sizes too small all day, every day. Yeah. No. You want your underwear to fit and feel good…just like you want your bed to fit you and feel good too!
There's nothing worse than waking up to cantankerous honking so I have Madeleine Peyroux's Dance Me To The End Of Love as my 6am alarm. Every alarm after that? Cantankerous honking. There are no rewards for sleeping in. Whatever song plays for my wake up call, it's a nice way to set the tone for the day. Sometimes I need Madeleine, sometimes I need Beyonce.
Here's another truth bomb: doing this whole sleep thing totally sucks sometimes. There are evenings that are so fun, I don't want to leave early just so I can go to bed. There are nights I know I need to do something or get something done, but it won't be done by that 9pm cut off. But the proof is more than there – I feel so much better when I sleep enough. I also don't want to sound sanctimonious or lame when I tell friends, "Nah, I gotta head home so I can sleep. It's, like, a thing I'm working on." This is why I have that three month deal with myself. If after 3 months I'm like, "Ehhhh, whatever." Then fine, but at least I gave it enough time to see and feel the results of changing my routine.
It's not like one night of not enough sleep is going to kill anyone, it's the accumulation of many nights and a back-slide into bad habits that'll get ya. So, are you sleeping enough? Do you make sleep a real priority or is it just this thing you do? Can you tell a difference in your day when you don't get enough sleep?
Photo: me! Alejandra Owens