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I didn't become rich, but it opened my eyes: interview with professional gambler
Greg Elder is a kind of person you don't meet often. He dropped his "normal" job to become a professional gambler – a field where many people fail. And he succeeded! Greg wrote several books about his experience as a gambler. At the moment he is working on his new book that will be published soon.
David: When did you start your career as a professional gambler?
Greg: about three years ago I was coming off a job I hated and I decided to do something that would add some passion back into my life.
David: What was your last job?
Greg: I've had several of them: I was a teacher and basketball coach right out of college, but the job I hated was selling insurance.
David: Why did you go for gambling, why not for example stock trading, or some business?
Greg: I read a book called Million Dollar Video Poker by Bob Dancer that inspired me and I had always been an avid gambler so it just seemed to make sense. I knew it would be risky but at that point I didn't care as long as I was happy doing it.
David: And your family was ok with that?
Greg: No, most didn't know.
Greg: The only one whom I told about that was my wife and she was very skeptical. However, I was able to go on an early winning streak and this made her more supportive. She has been great through the entire time. I didn't tell my close friends and other family members what I had been doing until the book was coming out. They thought I was still selling insurance.
David: "early winning streak" – is it something typical? I had same experience as a stock trader, without any particular knowledge.
Greg: A famous gambler is notorious for saying "the best advice to becoming a pro gambler is to get lucky early on." There is some truth in it because most people don't have the bankroll to sustain a heavy losing streak early on in their career. Pro Gamblers don't usually want to rely on luck to win, but a little luck early on can go a long way.
David: back to your first steps: what did you do first? Did you read a lot of theory or started directly to gamble with the real money?
Greg: Started with sports gambling while I taught myself to count cards in blackjack. I had some previous advanced knowledge of sports gambling but wasn't at the pro level, so I did get lucky early with that. That gave me enough time to learn how to count. Once I learned how to count cards I only bet when I had the advantage.
David: It means that after sports gambling you went first to play blackjack?
Greg: Yes, while I was gambling on sports I learned to card count in blackjack and then went in that direction.
David: Did you play online or offline? Did you have to change your location?
Greg: Online for sports gambling but that's illegal in US, but everything else was land-based. Can't count cards online.
David: You live on the east coast – have you had to go to the Atlantic City? Where did you play?
Greg: Yes, that was the tough part that I knew would be a problem because all the best games are in Vegas. I started card counting in Atlantic City, but as I moved into video poker I was able to find an advantage play in Harrah's Cherokee in NC and another in Tunica MS.
David: So you didn't have to move to Vegas? What about AC?
Greg: Honestly that was my biggest hesitation about doing it. I knew I wasn't going to raise my 5 year old daughter in Vegas, I love Vegas but I don't want her dancing on any poles in clubs. I knew I would have to account for travel expense at first, and try to find advantage plays closer to home.
Greg: I did find that there are advantage plays in other areas. AC is hard but there are a few situations you can make money.
David: Did you work alone or in teams?
Greg: Everything was done alone intentionally. I wanted to experience the adventure from the ground up. I knew there would be mistakes but I didn't want any outside influences other than books and research materials.
David: Tell me more about advantage gambling opportunities you discovered.
Greg: With card counting with the rules the way they are set in AC you basically have to find a dealer that gives you deep deck penetration. Also, you have to have a pretty big bet spread to get an advantage.
Greg: In video poker there was a Deuces Wild machine called "Not so Ugly Ducks" that has a payback of 99.73% so I combined that with certain comps and promotions and was able to get about a 1% advantage. I only did it for about a year so all I needed were a few positive plays to take advantage of.
David: Did you have steady wins from those advantages?
Greg: Yes, but the video poker play was at $5 ($25) per hand which my bankroll of about $20,000 at the time was not sufficient enough for. You have to read the book to find out what happened after that!
David: I'll will, promise! What is it all about in professional gambling: math affinity, discipline, luck?
David: Or bankroll
Greg: It's very good you added bankroll. Luck has nothing to do with it. It's all based on mathematics. As long as you have the mathematical edge you will win in the long run. The two biggest things are to maintain the discipline to ONLY make positive expectation bets and have a sufficient bankroll to withstand losing streaks. Even though you have the advantage it is only 1-2% so there will be periods of time when you will go on long losing streaks so your bankroll must be able to withstand it.
David: discipline – I know about this problem, from trading times. I think it is where the most fail. How difficult was it to be disciplined gambler?
Greg: VERY and you will see in the book where at times I failed and it hurt me. The casino does everything it can to manipulate you to make decisions based on emotions rather than logical decisions. There are pro gamblers who can win on certain games but aren't disciplined enough to play those games only.
David: You have written several books about gambling. Can you describe briefly, what are they about?
Greg: Well, honestly I had only intended to put out my future book which is currently being published and is due out hopefully by Christmas called Gamblers Fight Back. This book tells the whole story and exposes the gambling industry and shows everything I learned along the way. However, it takes so long to get a book traditionally published I decided to put out some eBooks on some specialized areas like blackjack card counting, sports gambling, etc. until my future book was released. They started selling well so I put a few more out. Most aren't that long but are relatively cheap from .99 to $4.95. They can all be found on Amazon just type in Greg Elder.
David: Gamblers Fight Back – is it your story? Is there any happy end? Let's say so, where did your professional gambling careers bring you?
Greg: A Good question. Yes, I accomplished the goals that I set forth going in. I didn't become rich, but it opened my eyes to the fact that even though I'm 38 with a wife and a daughter I can still do whatever I enjoy. Gambling has opened worlds I have never even considered. I have never thought about writing a book or doing a blog or podcast, or even talking with you here today. For me it was gambling, but for others it may be gardening or golf whatever you are passionate about find a way to make it a part of your life. People need to step out of their comfort zone once in a while.
David: I read on your website, something like this: now you can say, that the step towards professional gambling, was mistake but it was a lot of fun. What you didn't write about – would you do the same again, if you knew how it ends??
Greg: The way I got into it was a mistake. I just decided one day to do it and sold a sports memorabilia collection I had to raise a bankroll. We were not in a good financial situation and I would not recommend starting like I did. However, I got lucky and what I thought could end up being a mistake turned out to be one of the best things I have ever done. It made me feel alive again. Like anything is possible.
David: Thanks a lot!
Here some books from Greg Elder:
6 Comments
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Really interesting interview I've often wondered if this was possible!
You have written good experience about this topic


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In Thursday's installment of Jame's Corden's uber-popular Carpool Karaoke, the Late Late Show host welcomes the one…the only…the legendary Barbra Streisand. In a preview of her mobile singing session, there's a switch. Instead of Corden in the driver's seat, it's Academy Award-winning actress-singer at the wheel.
In the 43-second preview of Thursday night's episode, Corden is stranded and then picked up by Streisand who claims she doesn't put the radio on to hear music. "Do you really have to hear music?" Babs asks Corden. It quickly cuts to the to the two singing the seminal show tune from Funny Girl, "Don't Rain On My Parade" — a role which Streisand won an Oscar for in 1969.
Her catalog of music is so expansive that this Carpool Karaoke session can last for days. Watch the video above.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
EVENT : Bicycle Urbanism by Design | Lecture by Copenhagenize Design Company CEO, Mikael Colville-Andersen
Our next event welcomes a global leading voice on bicycle planning in cities.
Our next event welcomes a global leading voice on bicycle planning in cities.
Lagos could return to the cycling oriented city it once was. A group of experts met-up in early 2016 to discuss why citizens currently don't cycle, what can be done to change this and to envision a future for Lagos' transport infrastructure.
South Africa is not a country of cars. In fact, the majority do not own cars. Brett Petzer makes the case for cycling, and why it should matter to the future planning of South African cities.
Bold Idea for the Cape Town Fan Walk: The presentation proposes a bold idea for temporary and permanent pedestrian and non-motorised vehicle routes celebrating cultural and sporting activities throughout Cape Town


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Hi, I'm Johanna, a hairdresser from Ylöjärvi.
When I was 6 years old I already knew I'd like to have a tattoo. Back then it would have been a weight scale that would hold a kitten in one cup and the Bible in another. Well, I still don't have that tattoo, but some others instead.
I took the first tattoo at the age of 15. It's tribal in my lower back. I tried to think carefully my first 4-5 tattoos before taking them so I wouldn't regret them when I'm old, as everyone told me.
Work by Tommi Pdc
I don't regret anything, there are many more tattoos that I haven't thought so much when I took them. If I like the picture, I tattoo it. And, as for the thing of how I look when I'm old and wrinkly, I wouldn't imagine myself tossing high fives to myself because I didn't take any tattoos. I prefer to live for this moment than for the old age. I think my tattoos will be the last sorrow on my head in the midst of all my osteoporosis, dementia and joint pain.
The tattoos that I most carefully considered are on my face, or the first of them, the rest came then by themselves. I promised to my mother that there would be no more tattoos on my face, but at least I have more space on rest of my body.
The pain is the only limit, because the older I get, the more it hurts. So maybe I should have started at the age of six, to get more of the pretty, inked skin!
Bless you!


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Longhorn Jewelry Exchange
Project Overview: Longhorn Jewelry Exchange wanted to move off of a previous provider's service and onto a web platform where they could make changes themselves and reduce their costs in the meantime. In Spring 2019, 704 designed a WordPress site for Longhorn which will allow them to easily manage their own website. SEO services were also provided for the client.
Technology: WordPress, MySQL, Bootstrap, JQuery


text: Lesley Pollock Lesley has been a solicitor in private practice since 1980, and working in Oxford since 2008. She is a director of Freeths LLP which is a national law firm. In her current role, she is head of charity property and head of residential property in the Oxford office, but also has over 30 years previous experience as a commercial property solicitor. She is a member of the Charity Law Association. Lesley has previously been a charity trustee for various charities, including a Housing Association, and has been a member of Aspire's board since 2010.


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Georgia Man Runs into Burning House to Save His Beer
on 28/10/13 at 1:22 pmBeer
What should one save from a burning house? A dog? Sure. Prized family heirloom? Probably not. A few cans of beer? Nope.
Slapping reason right in its face however, one Georgia broke all the rules of burning houses and went back into his home to retrieve a few beers. "I went back into the house like a dummy," Walter Serpit told ABC-13 in Columbus. "The door shut on me because of this back draft. It was about to kill me."
The fire began when Serpit was watching television with five other adults and two children. When the flames broke out, he grabbed his cane and fled with the rest of the occupants. But something compelled him to return to the inferno.


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Code: Select all
sudo port install libjpeg-turbo fluidsynth openal-soft libsndfile mpg123
Uncheck OPENAL_DY
Set JPEG_INCLUDE_DIR to /opt/local/include
Set JPEG_LIBRARY_RELEASE to /opt/local/lib/libturbojpeg.dylib
Set PKG_CONFIG_EXECUTABLE to /opt/local/bin/pkg-config
Set ZMUSI_INCLUDE_DIR to /opt/local/include/AL
Set ZMUSI_LIBRARIES to /opt/local/lib/libopenal.dylib
Press configure
Set OPENAL_INCLUDE_DIR to /opt/local/include/AL
Set OPENAL_LIBRARY to /opt/local/lib/libopenal.dylib
Also, I have the new mac mini with the M1 chip apple silicon. Fluidsynth works inside gzdoom, but not from the terminal
Code: Select all
~ % fluidsynth
FluidSynth runtime version 2.0.5
Copyright (C) 2000-2019 Peter Hanappe and others.
Distributed under the LGPL license.
SoundFont(R) is a registered trademark of E-mu Systems, Inc.
fluidsynth: error: Failed to get the default audio device
Failed to create the audio driver


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Oprah necklace
1 700 kr
This product is currently sold out.
Hand casted yin & yang pendant in recycled sterling silver.
I asked my friends whom I should name this after, I wanted a person that reflected balance. My bff Josefin said "Oprah of course" so here it is. A hand casted pendant that will remind of keeping balance in life. I sure needed it.
- Recycled sterling silver.
- Design and handcrafted in Stockholm.
- Comes with a 42 cm chain.
- Diameter 2 cm.


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The husband is bringing you Man Food Friday again. This guy really can't get enough buffalo food. These amazing monstrosities are jalapeno popper stuffed buffalo chicken burgers. Let me tell you, these things are like Miami according to Will Smith. They bring the heat, for real. Anyone else remember his song Miami?
Ok moving on.
These stuffed buffalo chicken burgers are amazing. They kind of remind me of Cheesecake Factory Buffalo Blasts. In burger form. Gooey, cheese, hot and spicy. Sometimes I think my husband is a genius. But don't tell him I said so, ok?
If you couldn't tell from the last time I posted, I really love buffalo chicken. Sure, wings have been a staple of mine since I was young, but now since you can have buffalo anything I am finding new ways to enjoy my favorite sauce. These stuffed buffalo burgers do the trick nicely, and may even convince me that stuffed buffalo chicken burgers are better than grilled buffalo wings (though my recipe is tough to beat considering our toddler likes them).
If you have been following my wife's posts, you know our daughter is made of Thai food. Very spicy, hot Thai food. The first time the kid tried a lemon, she made the sour face but then delightedly kept on eating. When we made the wings, she grabbed for them while my wife was taking the pictures for this site. She walked around gnawing on the wing until she has eaten through to the bone.
After months of telling her that spicy or hot food is too much for her, we have given up. After the wing snatching, we just give her what we are having, at least to try. If she won't eat it, more for us, and we give her another option.
These stuffed buffalo chicken burgers are pretty spicy. They take our Buffalo Chicken Burgers and stuff the melted jalapeno popper center from our Stuffed Jalapeno Popper Burgers into them. The result: a kicked up chicken burger smothered in spicy sauce stuffed with creamy melted cheese and flecks of fresh jalapenos.
So like any good parent, I let the Goose try a burger. They are hotter than the other recipes since they combine elements of each, but the kid did not flinch. She took a bite and wanted more. Then she ate her standard 5 bites so I'd say this recipe is toddler approved.*
*Not responsible if your toddler does not share the same affinity to hot and spicy food as ours does.Print
Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Burgers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
For Cheese Stuffing
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 4 minced or crushed garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup Franks hot sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
For the Burgers
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup Franks hot sauce
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves of garlic crushed or minced
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- salt and pepper to taste
For the filling:
- Mix all ingredients but the breadcrumbs and egg in a small bowl
- Whisk with a fork the egg in small dish
- Place breadcrumbs in a separate dish
- Form cream cheese mixture into roughly Tablespoon size balls
- Coat each ball in egg and dip in breadcrumbs until coated
- Repeat until used up
For the patties
- Preheat oven to 375
- Melt the butter for roughly 30 seconds in the microwave or stove top
- Throw all ingredients into a medium bowl
- Mix by hand or spoon until the ingredients are well combined
- Taking about a 1/4 of the mixture, start to form a patty with a small well in it
- Add the breaded cheese balls to the center of the patty
- Make sure to cover the entire ball with the chicken mixture
- Repeat to make 4 patties
- Heat skillet or griddle to medium high heat and spray or lubricate with oil
- Place each patty on the skillet and sear both sides for about 2-3 minutes a side
- Place seared patties into preheated oven and cook for 30 – 40 minutes (since this is raw chicken, it is best to use a meat thermometer in the core of the patty to ensure it was cooked through)
- Add a slice or two of cheese
- Serve with blue cheese, ranch, or any other condiment you would prefer.
- Serving Size: 6


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Stealth efforts to get Hull's new power on the books began last week, shortly after Tucson developer Don Diamond opened fire on the plan to protect endangered species and direct suburban growth. It has been in the works for more than two years.
The issue was raised on the Senate floor as an amendment of Sen. Herb Guenther, D-Tacna, to an innocuous state Land Department bill. It passed a voice vote, but never went to the full Senate for a formal tally after a furor ensued.
Naturally, Hull's office and other supporters vigorously deny that the development industry is behind this attack on the Pima County plan. "We've had not a single conversation with a developer on this issue," said Hull spokeswoman Francie Noyes.
"That's an effective tool people use down in Tucson," she said. "They use the word 'developer' and it's a hot button. We didn't talk to any developers or their lobbyists."
Noyes said Hull's office wrote the amendment that popped up suddenly as this session nears its thankful end. But she was unclear about the office's sudden interest in the issue.
"Well, a number of people raised the issue ... (Rep. Steve) Huffman (R-Tucson), and people in the halls who talked to Maria Baier (Hull's aid for natural resources)," she said.
Environmentalists are not buying Noyes' disclaimers. "I'm sure it's not just a coincidence this appeared right after Don Diamond started squawking about the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan," said Sierra Club lobbyist Sandy Bahr.
"The governor's office always has been close to the development industry," she said. "Steve Betts (a Phoenix real estate attorney) has written development-related bills for her office and he's a registered lobbyist for Del Webb, Diamond Ventures and SunCor."
Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry agrees developers are behind the effort. He was at the annual meeting recently of the Arizona Real Estate Research Council where Diamond issued a call to arms against the county conservation plan.
"He called our conservation plan 'a dipshit plan' and said it was out of control," Huckelberry said. "I said Don doesn't like anything he doesn't absolutely control, so our conservation plan must be out of control."
Even closer to the amendment's sudden emergence--few senators had seen it before it landed on their Senate-floor desks April 2--was a meeting of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, a group of wealthy Tucson businessmen that includes Diamond and fellow developer Stan Abrams.
Huckelberry said a speaker from Austin, Texas, appeared at the leadership council meeting and said that when Texas cities and counties tried to adopt interim conservation measures while habitat conservation plans were in the works, as Huckelberry proposes with the county plan, the Texas Legislature "kiboshed" the efforts.
"When somebody asked if there was a copy of that bill, Stan Abrams said he had one," according to Huckelberry. "It's remarkable how similar it is to Guenther's amendment."
Huffman, a real estate agent who said he talked with Baier about the issue but did not ask for any specific bill, said he was concerned because the county plan now excludes state school trust land.
"There are 850,000 acres of state school trust land in Pima County," Huffman said. "The state is the number one landholder in the county--it's not wise to exclude the state. That was clearly a political decision and not based on science or biology."
Huffman said Hull's office and state Land Department Commissioner Mike Anable have wanted to be involved in the planning effort but were excluded.
Noyes agreed. "Huckelberry has neglected to inform us of anything he's doing--that's our reason for this effort," she said. "We understand there's a great deal of state land involved (in the county plan)."
Huckelberry disputes Noyes and Huffman. "We went up to Phoenix several times and invited Anable and the governor's office to participate in the plan," he said. "Participation means to make an effort--to attend meetings, to do research, to keep abreast of the work."
The state officials did not appear, but Huckelberry's office sent Hull and Anable "a number of letters" about the course of the planning work, he said. "In return, we got dead silence." Huckelberry said he has copies of the letters.
The state school trust land, which is less in volume than Tohono O'odham Indian Nation land and federal land, was withdrawn from the plan only at the request of Anable in a January 2001 letter he sent to Huckelberry, the county administrator said.
"We asked him to continue livestock grazing leases on the state land and said if it wasn't in a conservation reserve, perhaps inside the Tucson city limits, it constitutes a development reserve and ought to be urbanized," Huckelberry said.
Bahr said Hull's administration consistently opposes conservation efforts on behalf of developers. "The governor said (endangered pygmy) owls ought to just stay down in Mexico," Bahr said. "These people aren't giving deep thought to conservation."
Guenther has shifted his tactics, abandoning his original amendment in favor of putting new language in House Bill 2524, which was to be heard and voted on in his Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee Thursday, April 12, just as this issue of the Weekly was hitting the streets.
There is little chance that committee will defeat it because its only pro-environment member is Sen. Elaine Richardson, D-Tucson, Bahr said.
"We'll get trounced in Guenther's committee," Huckelberry said. "The good news is the vote will be close on the Senate floor."
If the bill becomes law, he said, "this pro-development legislation will cause a great deal of consternation among a voting public that's changing. It's tired of traffic congestion, air pollution, the loss of scenic mountain vistas, and the blading of our Sonoran desert."


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Moga (Punjab): As India is celebrating the entry of the national Women Cricket team into the ICC Women's World Cup final, courtesy Harmanpreet Kaur's brilliant knock 171 not out off 115 balls, the cricketer's mother has urged the nation to empower their daughters.
Expressing happiness over her daughter's achievement, Kaur's mother said the entire family used to enjoy her game and would just stick to the television set to watch her game.
"I just want to say other women that the way my daughter has made us proud, they should also give their daughter a chance to live their dream and shouldn't kill them in the womb," Kaur's mother told ANI.
She gave the credit of Kaur's achievement to her father, saying that he supported her the most and was the one to take her to grounds for practice when she was a kid.
Meanwhile, Kaur's father wished the Indian team luck to bring the World Cup trophy home and to make the nation proud.
"I just wish the Indian women team all the luck. I hope Harmanpreet keeps playing the way she has been and bring the World Cup to India and make the nation proud," he said.
A magnificent unbeaten century from star batswoman Harmanpreet Kaur yesterday helped India beat Australia by 36 runs in the semi-final of the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup at the county ground.
Chasing a daunting total of 282 in a match that was reduced to 42 overs because of rain, the defending champions were bowled out for 245 in the 40th over.
Winning the toss and electing to bat in derby, which was virtually India's home ground, Harmanpreet played gem of an innings, scoring 171* to propel India to 281.
She smashed the Australian bowlers to all parts of the ground and was absolutely brutal with her power hitting. Her 115-ball knock was studded with 20 fours and seven sixes and was rightly adjudged the player of the match award.
Now, India will face host England in what could be expected as a cracker of a final on Sunday at the iconic Lord's.


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'Alternative facts' are now threatening our roast potatoes. Enough! | Dean Burnett | Science | The Guardian
Dean Burnett: Like warnings about roast potatoes, a lot of things are attributed to science. This is often unfair, and potentially damaging.
Source: 'Alternative facts' are now threatening our roast potatoes. Enough! | Dean Burnett | Science | The Guardian
Types of Multiple Sclerosis: Differences in Symptoms and Outlook
How do the symptoms differ with different types of multiple sclerosis? Learn about how MS is diagnosed and how treatments differ between these types.
Source: Types of Multiple Sclerosis: Differences in Symptoms and Outlook
The Science of Everyday Life, Series 15, The Infinite Monkey Cage – BBC Radio 4
Robin Ince and Brian Cox look at the laws of nature that govern your everyday life.
Source: The Science of Everyday Life, Series 15, The Infinite Monkey Cage – BBC Radio 4
A Mentalist and a Paranormal Investigator in Vienna – CSI
A Mentalist and a Paranormal Investigator in Vienna
Source: A Mentalist and a Paranormal Investigator in Vienna – CSI
A Mentalist and a Paranormal Investigator in Vienna
Via Special Articles – Committee for Skeptical Inquiry: http://ift.tt/2i0Lb20
This October, I told a thousand Viennese intellectuals about the time I was haunted.
I was speaking at TEDxVienna, an event affiliated with the TED talks. TEDxVienna, of all the TEDx events, seems especially well-attended and respected, with about 1,200 people a year, and this year the conference focused on the theme, Out There, with speakers expounding on concepts with mind-bending implications, from the gene-defying CRISPR technology, to a new way to honor the dead.
I was honored to be asked to speak about fringe science and the paranormal, with a special focus on my podcast, Oh No Ross and Carrie!, which I host with the inimitable knowledge-sponge, Ross Blocher. In Oh No, Ross and Carrie, Ross and I undergo fringe science treatments, examine paranormal claims and (most germane to my talk), join fringe groups undercover. And by undercover, I mean we tell them our real names and basically dare them to Google us. Surprisingly, very few groups do, and we are often embedded for months before anyone realizes that we are a couple of die-hard rationalists with a popular podcast.
I have often spoken about my adventures embedded in Mormonism, Raëlianism, 9/11 Trutherism, The Ordo Templi Orientis, Tony Alamo Christian Ministries, and even Scientology. But this time, I was there to make an argument. The TED format is specific, and winkingly bossy: tell the audience to do something. The organizers don't want the audience to leave simply saying, "that was interesting," but feeling inspired to actually behave and think in new ways. I'm up to just about any challenge (ask my boyfriend about the time he dared me to call a local pie shop and list all thirty of their pies), so I had come prepared. My call was to think of Truth in a new way, and to not be afraid to ask people for evidence.
In the talk, I speak about my own experience coming to understand truth in a new way. It starts when I was about 25, and had recently moved to Los Angeles, where I lived in a small guest house behind a larger property. Through a series of events, including auditory hallucinations and a strange foreboding pressure on my chest, I came to believe the guest house was haunted. But as you'll learn if you watch the talk, the explanation turned to be a much more worldly, and perhaps frightening, one. Yet I only discovered this alternate (and correct) explanation for my "haunting" because someone dared to challenge me.
From this premise, I explored how important it is to challenge other people's beliefs. The "skeptic" who told me that my haunting was probably carbon monoxide poisoning may have saved my life. I go on to discuss the difference between metaphorical truths we hold dear and meaningful, and outer, objective truth.
Everything changed, though, when I got to another story. It's about a man who approached the Independent Investigations Group (IIG) in Los Angeles. The group investigates claims of the paranormal under controlled, scientific conditions, and offers a $100,000 reward to anyone who can prove that they have such a talent. (I got this wrong in the talk; I thought their reward was still $50,000, but it has been upgraded.) My co-host, Ross, is in the IIG, and the work they do is admirable. Even when I worked at the James Randi Educational Foundation, considered the gold standard of paranormal testing, I envied the IIG's resourcefulness and dedication. This particular time, the IIG tested a man who believed he could hear voices in his head, and that these voices represented the actual thoughts of other people nearby. The IIG tested the claim (with conditions he had agreed to), and he failed.
As I told this story, I got a great shock.
"He believed he could hear voices in his head," I said, and the audience burst into a roar of laughter. Perplexed, I coughed, "That wasn't a laugh line!" and smiled. They laughed, uncomfortably.
As the anecdote went on, the laughter continued, even as I told about how the man almost certainly had a mental illness and needed psychiatric testing. I couldn't believe my European attendees could be so mean-spirited, but trudged on. The talk finished with a flourish, and a huge round of applause.
As I left the stage, I received a text message from my boyfriend: "You know they were laughing because of the mentalist, right?"
Of course, the mentalist! Earlier in the day, mentalist Harry Lucas had given a delicious presentation of his powers, guessing people's most innermost and obscure thoughts. Harry had not just guessed things like, "You are a Gemini," which he wrote off as "a one out of twelve chance," to an astonished crowd, but seemingly impossible-to-guess things like, "you are wondering when your garden will be the most beautiful. Well, it will be most beautiful in ten years," which sent the recipient of the reading thunking to his seat with shock.
The mentalist. The camera operator had found him in the audience, as I told my story about the "man who heard voices in his head," and cleverly landed on him, beaming out his rosy cheeks as he laughed and laughed at the inside joke everyone was in on but me. To be fair, there were monitors on stage for me, but I was looking out at the audience and didn't notice.
Soon, person after person ran into the green room to say, "It was fantastic! And you know about the mentalist, right?" What had been a tense moment became a jolly one. I had been the butt of the joke, not the clairaudient man, and that was fine with me.
That night, I contacted Harry Lucas and asked him if he would like to hang out and discuss magic, paranormal claims, and skeptical activism. After all, the day before the big event, we had bonded over our mutual respect for James Randi, noted activist and magician. Harry not only took me up on my invitation, but gave me a day-long tour of Vienna, ushering me back to my hotel only when the sun went down.
Harry is A Big Deal ® in Vienna, and he should be. He is an impressive mentalist with a unique stage presence. Rather than being domineering and stern on stage, he is affable and sweet, the kind of person you'd like to hug (and I did!). Yet he still says that people are scared of him. No one offers him phone numbers after his act, he says. Mentalism, I guess, isn't as sexy as some might think. Harry's act is mostly seen in Europe so far, but he hopes to come to the United States in the future, so we can watch his star rise.
When I returned to the United States, I emailed Harry and asked him a few more questions about how our talks dovetailed, which he was happy to answer. In typical mystery-man fashion, he is brief and to-the-point.
Carrie: In case anyone isn't clear, can you define what a mentalist is and how it is different from a medium, psychic, or the more general term "magician"?
Harry: A medium or psychic usually claims to have supernatural abilities, whereas a magician in the modern day sense is seen as a performer who entertains people. The term "mentalist" is quite young and is only about 150 years old. I like to use it because people like labels, and thanks to the TV series it became a common expression. I don't have any supernatural powers. I'm very interested in people and like to connect with my audience and entertain them in an—what I hope to be—interesting way.
Carrie: I got to watch your magnificent performance live at TEDxVienna. What a show! One of the things that struck me is how you have such a warm, friendly personality, almost at odds with the typical stage mentalist (in a good way!). Was that a conscious decision? Did you ever try to play the harsher, more "mysterious" stage magician? Or have you always just stuck with your own, natural personality?
Harry: Thank you very much. It's interesting that you mention that, because when I started many years ago I thought that in order to be taken seriously you have to act seriously. Playing that Svengali=like character isn't me and it took so much energy that I soon stopped trying to be someone I'm not. I like to have fun and found that people appreciate that.
Carrie: When we met up for lunch a couple of days later, I said, "Hey, great hot readings!" And you said, "maybe." I know a magician never reveals his tricks, but can you at least give us a hint about what kind of techniques, generally, are involved? Aaaaaaany hints?
Harry: I use a lot of techniques from different areas. Magic, hypnosis, psychology, games, entertainment, and various others that I won't talk about. Some of them are hundreds of years old.
Carrie: I tried to look up some of the people you called on in the audience, to see if they had posted about going to TEDx in advance. I could only find one: Wolfgang, the gardener. And even him, I still don't know exactly how you got the very precise reading you did. When we're watching you on stage giving that fifteen-minute reading, how much work are we really looking at? Hours? Days?
Harry: Honestly, years. It literally took me eight years being able to present what you saw me do at TEDxVienna. There are many different ideas coming together. I love that it is complex and has so many layers. It is interactive, so anything can happen, as you saw during the performance. It is one of the highlights of my full evening theater show and I'm very proud of it.
Carrie: When we met backstage, we bonded over a mutual respect for magician and activist James Randi. Has Randi's reputation spread to Europe? Or are you just that good at knowing your magicians?
Harry: James Randi's name has spread over Europe, of course. I saw Randi in 1995 live in Salzburg, and only recently, at the end of November 2016, he visited Vienna to accept the Heinz Oberhummer award for outstanding scientific communication. He gave a performance as well.
Carrie: Do you ever worry that someone in the audience won't know that "mentalists" are magicians? Do you fear that someone will think you are really claiming to have a psychic ability? Has anyone ever accused you of hiding real psychic abilities?
Harry: I consider my audience to be intelligent enough to know that I'm not here to convince anyone of anything, I'm not promoting a religion or a belief system. I'm not a guru. I am here to entertain people in an, hopefully, interesting and personal way.
Carrie: What did you think of the camera operator's clever pan to you when I was telling my anecdote about the man who heard voices in his head?
Harry: I thought it was brilliant and I absolutely loved it. It was such a great call back for the live theatre audience. They loved it too. At the same time I felt so sorry for you because you were irritated why they were laughing. You didn't see what was going on on the big screen behind you, did you?
Carrie: What do you think people can take from watching our two talks together: mine on looking at paranormal claims with a skeptical eye; and yours demonstrating the same abilities that psychics and mediums often use (but they claim are paranormal)?
Harry: I think it's a very clever idea by TEDxVienna to have both of us at the same event. I love that your talk is coming from a scientific point of view, actually trying to get behind things that seem to be inexplicable and me as a performer.
Carrie: It seems like magic (and especially mentalism) is dominated by men. Is that mistaken on my part? Are there any female mentalists I should be paying attention to?
Harry: I don't know if there are many women mentalists around performing as such, but I guess you would find woman working as tarot readers, palm readers, or astrologers.
Carrie: Where can people in the United States find your stuff? And will you be touring here at any point?
Harry: The easiest way to find me is to visit my website www.harrylucas.com. No plans to tour the United States at the moment, but if anyone is interested, I'll be very happy to perform there too.
Carrie: Are there any other paranormal/spiritual tricks that you've seen someone claim are paranormal and thought, "Hey! I can do that!"?
Harry: Yes, lots of them.
You can see more from Harry at www.harrylucas.com, and all of TEDxVienna's 2016 "Out There" talks at their YouTube channel.


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Kosova Pavilion at 14′ Venice Biennale
After a very characteristic exhibit on the 13' Architecture Biennale in Venice, Kosova's Pavilion was entitled as one of the most photographed pavilion among the national pavilions. Now returning for the second time to the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale, local architect Gezim Pacarizi has been chosen to curate this year's Pavilion.
Pacarizi responds to Rem Koolhas theme with the project "Visibility (Imposed Modernism)", unveiling a circular tower built by traditional chairs, reflecting on the cultural qualities and socio-economic challenges of our country, specifically the old city of Prizren.
The full brief and more information by the author, after the break…
Kosovo can be a case study of erasure of the rich regional urban culture in the name of Modernity. In the beginning of the XX century, self-regulated democratic urban order has been replaces with government urban control, foreign to local customs and culture, producing 100 years of disorder.
Our exhibition is about the process of making visible what we have lost and what we are left with during this painful period. Under programs unknown to the indigenous people, the socialist government has destroyed neighborhoods to make way for new buildings, enlarges street and straightened the rivers. Organic cities, close to nature, built on a human scale and with natural materials, were transformed.
That's why Kosovo has never absorbed modernity. Modernity has been a synonym of destruction and foreign aesthetics. Exhibition plays with the idea of visibility and erasure. First part will be a circular tower build by 720 "shkembi" traditional chairs. "Shkembi: in Albanian is a very old word meaning chair and rock at the same time. The traditional chair itself is the oldest part of furniture which have passed centuries almost unchanged until the present day. This tower, made of anonymous old chairs, will be a bridge between the present and the past.
Second part of the exhibition will be "postcard wall" 720 images printed in postcard size will show Kosovo and particularly Prizren, the most typical Kosovo city in two states, before modernity and after, showing slow but absolute erasure of regional identity.
"Visibility" aims to recognize the values hidden by the successive layers of changes.
Postcards will be in apparent disorder and constantly changing since the visitors can take them away. Each new layer of cards will reveal new images, old and new, presenting confusion and mixture of the Kosovo cities today. The old parts of the cities are disappearing every day and this exhibition is a cry to help preserve what is left.


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This week Farm Fresh Supermarkets weekly ad circulars, store flyer and specials. Save with the Farm Fresh store ad featuring the best savings & promotions on fresh produce, meats, fish & seafood, dairy products and more.
Farm Fresh stores activate their latest weekly ad every Wednesday.
Farm Fresh Food was founded in 1957 as a neighborhood grocery store providing world class customer service. The retailer currently operates 44 stores in Hampton Roads, Franklin and Richmond, Virginia, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina, providing competitively-priced products, one-stop shopping services, and a large selection of quality national and regional brands.


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Moldovan diaspora to promote country tourism business
Our citizens will promote Moldovan tourism abroad and attract investments in the field.
A memorandum to this effect was signed by the Diaspora Relations Office, the USAID-funded Competitiveness Project and the Swedish Embassy.
The parties hope to attract more tourists to Moldova. The document stipulates that addition to the current projects, more projects will be initiated. One of them is project Be our guest.
The signatories are not only committed to support entrepreneurs but also to provide grants to those who intend to return to the country and start their own business in the field of tourism and winemaking.
According to the Moldovan Tourism Agency, around 3.5 million foreign tourists arrive annually in the country, and over 100,000 of them are accommodated in hotels and pensions.


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Placenta Encapsulation
Consuming the placenta, called placentophagia, is a tradition that is becoming more popular in the US. Used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years, the placenta is thought to have benefits such as increased milk production, hormone balance to help with postpartum mood disorders, increasing iron stores and increasing energy, and helping the postpartum body recover much faster. Some women will eat the placenta raw, either cut up in small pieces or blended in a smoothie. Some will cook it and eat it as a meal. Many use the traditional Chinese method of steaming it, dehydrating it, and grinding it to a powder to place into capsules and taken as a supplement. This is the method that At First Sight Doula services uses for our clients.
Placental Traditions
Placenta traditions are quite varied and yet quite similar across the globe. Many cultures have a similar reverence for the placenta as a giver of life and a keeper of health while some believe that the placenta can bring bad luck or prevent fertility if not treated/handled/buried properly. Whether "superstitions" about bad luck, spiritual beliefs about a "placenta twin" being a keeper or angel for the baby, or health beliefs regarding the nutrition of placenta consumption, one thing is certain; most cultures would be aghast at simply disposing of the placenta like common trash. More than just another organ, or a piece of medical waste, the placenta is completely unique to each child and each pregnancy. Mammalian life could not exist without the placenta and it has a perfect design and function. Part baby, part mother, the placenta is literally what bonds the two together and for many cultures, it is what spiritually bonds them as well.
Benefits of Placentophagia
Iron deficiency and related Fatigue
- >50% of women of reproductive age are affected by Iron deficiency. (2)
- There are some studies that suggest iron deficiency anemia is a contributing factor in postpartum fatigue. (1)
- Postpartum fatigue can also be a contributing factor in postpartum mood disorders. (1)
- Iron supplementation may decrease fatigue (1)
- Placenta contains 24% of daily values for Iron. (4)
- "iron treatment resulted in a 25% improvement (P < 0.05) in previously iron-deficient mothers' depression and stress scales" (2)
Postpartum Mood Disorders and Hormone Imbalances
Approximately 15% of women experience significant depression following childbirth. The percentages are even higher for women who are also dealing with poverty, and can be twice as high for teen parents. Ten percent of women experience depression in pregnancy. In fact, perinatal depression is the most common complication of childbirth (3)
- During pregnancy levels of hormones such as estrogens and progesterone rise steadily, in large part because of placental productions. After the placenta is removed at delivery, these hormone levels plunge to pre-pregnancy levels within 5 days. (6)
- It is theorized that this steep drop in hormones may contribute to postpartum depression. Some studies report estrogen supplementation significantly reduced postpartum depressive symptoms. (6)
- While studies show hormone levels in heat-dried placentas to be low in comparison to the physiologic levels in humans, placenta still has many nutritional benefits including the low levels of hormones present. (6)
While anecdotal, many women report feeling much more hormonally balanced after taking placenta supplements. Among these are women who did not take placenta supplementation after previous deliveries and noticed a significant difference in their postpartum emotional well-being.
There are studies that suggest that placenta consumption encourages milk production in up to 86% of women who consumed their placenta. (7) Anecdotally, countless reports by women claim placentophagia increases their milk supply. While these are not scientifically backed, many women trust the testimonies of real women they know and talk to.
Is baby getting enough milk? What to look for in the first six weeks:
- Weight Gain: A 5-7% weight loss in the first 3-4 days after birth is normal. Baby should regain birth weight by 2 weeks. Once your mature milk comes in, average weight gain is 6oz/week. If baby is losing weight, please call your pediatrician and contact a lactation professional such as an IBCLC, CLC or La Leche League leader.
- Wet Diapers: 5-6+ sopping wet diapers per day (after the 1st week). Expect 1 wet diaper on day one of life, increasing steadily each day until reaching 5-6 wet diapers per day by the end of the first week. Urine should be pale and mild smelling.
- Dirty Diapers: 3-4+ poopy diapers per day (after day 4). Stools start as dark meconium, morphing t
o green then brownish orange, then yellow by day 5. They should be the size of a quarter or larger. Normal breastfed baby poop is yellow, loose, even watery and may be seedy/curdy in appearance.
Even though taking your placenta pills should support a healthy milk supply, do not wait to get help from a qualified lactation consultant if you have breastfeeding concerns including milk supply, proper latch, etc. At First Sight Doula Services also offers lactation support through our CLC Devon Mullins. You should feel free contact us with any questions or if you prefer a referral to an IBCLC we are happy to provide that information.
What you get when you hire At First Sight Doula Services for your Placenta Encapsulation needs
At First Sight ONLY encapsulates in our clients homes as a way to offer our clients as much postpartum support as possible. Our clients are able to see the whole process from start to finish including our stringent sanitation procedures so you can be assured that you will receive a product that was carefully prepared with care and respect. We are able to answer any questions you may have about the process and you can be sure that it is your placenta that we are processing because it has never left your possession!
You will receive a transport kit in order to bring your placenta home from your birthing location along with instructions on how to store it until your specialist arrives to process it.
Umbilical Cord Keepsake
Your baby's umbilical cord will be dried into a heart or another shape as a keepsake. Some mothers choose to include them in baby books, keepsake boxes or bury them ceremonially. What you choose to do with it is your choice. In certain cultures, it is tradition to bury the cord as a sign to keep the child grounded throughout their life and ensure they always return home. This keepsake is included for every placenta client as a part of the package.
Other Placenta Services
Placenta Tincture
If you chose to utilize this service for an additional cost, you will find the 2oz bottle in your bag. Common dosage of 7-10 drops of tincture can be put in a glass of water or other beverage for the mother to drink during times of transition after her placenta pills are gone. Some women have reported using this placenta tincture for postpartum mood improvement and PMS and some save it for menopausal symptoms as it keeps almost indefinitely.
Placenta Salve
Placenta salves are another way to add the healing benefits of your placenta to your health regimen. Using the same herbs that are used in our belly binding belly paste and the ground and powdered placenta, we create a salve that can be used with belly binding, for skin irritation, scrapes, and perineal or cesarean scarring once healed.
Schedule Services


text: Welcome to Your Daily Nerd Thing where every weekday we bring you a different nerdy thing we found on the internet. We are still checking out things from Blizzcon this week. Today we will talk about cybernetic gnomes in World of Warcraft. Okay they are actually being called Mechagnomes or Junker Gnomes but they are gnomes who have technologically augmented their bodies. Everyone is speculating that they might be yet another allied race and I think that is a pretty safe bet. They will be part of the new Mechagon zone and dungeon.


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reply to post by deadlysyn
There are actually neighborhoods that are near airports, that used to have a lot of garage doors start opening when planes would fly overhead, from stories that I have been told by a former coworker. I wouldn't chalk it up to any kind of conspiracy in this particular case, most likely just interference.


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Many companies have day-long retreats or seminars they encourage their employees to attend. Unfortunately, it is common that employees will skip out on the events due to various reasons. However, with a chartered bus from Caldwell Transportation, you can eliminate the stress of parking from your employees and encourage more people to attend.
A chartered bus provides many corporate benefits to you and your employees including:
A chartered bus is a great opportunity to encourage participation from your employees. Show them you care about their needs and they will reciprocate. Contact us today to schedule your corporate travel.


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Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ … ."
Have you ever received a gift and found out later it wasn't for you? I have.
I saw the FedEx truck turn into our lane soon after coming home for lunch. "Who ordered something this time?" I wondered.
It isn't strange for delivery trucks to show up unexpectedly to our door. I don't always know when you kids have ordered a schoolbook or other item from an online store, and regularly I find a package lying on the porch. This time, to my surprise, the delivery man handed me a long rectangular package and, with a pleasant smile, announced that someone had sent flowers.
My heart leapt and swelled as I realized that Dad, my wonderful husband, must have ordered me a bouquet. I read my name, "Sandra," prominently displayed on the accompanying card. Imagine my disappointment, though, when I read our neighbor's (who is also named Sandra) last name. I sheepishly revealed the error to the FedEx driver, who I believe felt even worse than I did. He reclaimed the box and apologized profusely before turning his white van around and heading back down the lane in a cloud of dust.
God has a whole storehouse of spiritual blessings that He freely gives. He presents anyone and everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior with these gifts. Some may be tempted to think that God's greatest blessings are only available for vocational ministers, full-time missionaries, or some other super-spiritual type of saint. "Those blessings are not for me. They are for my neighbor who has more rights to them than I do," a misinformed believer may suggest. But this could not be farther from the truth.
All believers in Christ have full access to every spiritual gift that God has to offer. We can reach out and claim them.
So what are some of the spiritual blessings available to all believers?
1. We are children of God with all the rights and privileges of children.
2. Our Father planned for our salvation before the creation of the world.
3. He makes us holy and blameless in His sight.
4. He forgives all our sins and grants us freedom from guilt through Christ's blood.
5. He has given us the Word of Truth to explain the great mystery of His will.
6. He has given us the eternal inheritance of heaven forever.
7. He has marked us as His with the seal of the Holy Spirit.
These and many other blessings are ours to enjoy forever because we belong to our Father in Heaven, the great Giver of gifts. There may come a day when the FedEx truck will mistakenly deliver a package to your home. It happened to me! But you never need to fear that God's gifts are meant for someone else. God planned every spiritual blessing in Christ with you in mind, dear child of God. So open the package and enjoy. These gifts and many more are all for you! — Love, Mama
Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her letters to her children with our readers. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com.


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Sports fans around the world have been leaving their hockey sticks — and other athletic implements such as baseball bats, lacrosse sticks and even canoe paddles — outside their doors to honour the Humboldt Broncos in the wake of last Friday's tragic bus crash.
Appropriately, the World's Largest Hockey Stick has joined the tribute.
The Stick was adorned on Thursday with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team's logo. Community members were also planning to gather at the Stick on Thursday at 8 p.m. to light it up with their own flashlights and spotlights.
The lobby of the Island Savings Centre will be decorated with green and gold flowers, and staff at the building are encouraged to wear sports jerseys as part of a cross-country tribute.
A vigil is also scheduled to take place on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Shawnigan Hills lacrosse box.


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Behavioural Determination of Visual Function in the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Leisa M. schmidAB, Katrina L. Schmid and Brian Brown
School of Optometry, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia.
A To whom correspondence and reprint requests should be sent.
B Present address: Vision, Touch and Hearing Research Centre, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
A behavioural estimate of the koala's dependence on vision was made using fabric hoods to degrade the vision of ten male koalas. Koalas were placed on the ground in a square enclosure, with a centrally placed 'tree'. With unobstructed vision, the koalas quickly travelled across the ground to the tree and climbed it. However, with severely reduced vision, the koalas would not search for or climb the tree. When their vision was obscured, the koalas tended to raise their forelegs when walking, taking high, reaching steps. The koala appears to require a certain minimum level of vision before climbing trees. Ocular chlamydial infection, which can cause a significant visual loss, may result in similar changes in behaviour and thus contribute to mortality.


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"The National Trial Lawyers is a professional organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from across the country who exemplify superior qualifications as civil plaintiff or criminal defense trial lawyers. This national organization provides networking opportunities, advocacy training, and the highest quality educational programs for trial lawyers.
Each of our distinguished Top 100 members possesses the knowledge, skill, experience and success held by only the best … [Read More]


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Mayor de Blasio today marks his 100th day in office by doing what he likes to do most — talk about himself.
The 100-day landmark has been used since FDR took office in 1933 and aggressively used his first 14 weeks to tackle a dispirited nation mired in the Depression.
Certainly the mayor can say he's governed pretty much as he promised during last year's campaign: heavy on the ideology and short on the day-to-day management that is the essence of running any big city. Fact is, in contrast with FDR, the biggest "crisis" of Bill de Blasio's first 100 days has been the city's snow removal.
On Wednesday, the day before his 100 Days speech, de Blasio spoke to the folks at the National Action Network. There he hailed Al Sharpton as a "blessing" and invoked loaded civil-rights language to accuse the NYPD under Mike Bloomberg and Ray Kelly of having given the city "separate and unequal" policing during their tenure.
Clearly, Mayor de Blasio is taking a leaf from Barack Obama's political playbook. When all else fails, make a speech. That may have made sense back in 2008, when Obama was wowing huge crowds in Berlin and exciting young Americans with his talk of hope and change.
It makes much less sense today, when President Obama's signature achievement — ObamaCare — is more unpopular than ever and his foreign policy is in flames from Damascus to Kiev.
The point is, the whole 100 days thing is not about Bill de Blasio's record as mayor of New York. It's about how he really sees himself: as National Spokesman for Progressivism. And somehow we doubt this is going to help get the snow cleared.


text: The era of dam building is over. In the past 30 years, 1275 dams have been torn down, according to the nonprofit American Rivers. The United States has been experiencing an ecological revival, illustrated in Washington by the hugely successful dam removal on the Elwha River. Yet flooding, exacerbated by climate change-fueled storms, aggressive logging in the headwaters of the …Read More »


text: Make your next business trip a breeze at the Comfort Inn & Suites® hotel in Artesia, New Mexico, where amenities and a prime location will make your visit enjoyable. We are within one mile of the Artesia Law Enforcement Training Academy and in close proximity to several other large corporations. Located off Highway 285 between Roswell and Carlsbad, we are near a number of local attractions, including: •Artesia Historical Museum •Heritage Plaza •Brantley Lake State Park •Carlsbad Caverns National Park Your business needs are easily handled at the Comfort Inn & Suites, where our guests have access to printing and faxing services at our on-site business center. Reward yourself after a productive day by relaxing in our indoor heated pool and hot tub or get a workout in at the fitness center. Additional amenities at this non-smoking hotel include: •Free wireless high-speed Internet access •Guest laundry services Your Morning Breakfast is full of hot and delicious options, making breakfast at the Comfort Inn & Suites the perfect way to start your day. Enjoy our free hot breakfast featuring eggs, meat, yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal and more, including your choice of hot waffle flavors! All spacious guest rooms include a 40-inch flat-screen television with a DIRECTV DRE system with DVR, coffee maker, desk, microwave, refrigerator, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. Book your stay at the Comfort Inn & Suites to ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch.


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But anyway - I put the kids to bed, kicked the husband out and brought out my secret stash of Easter eggs to watch the wedding in all its spectacle. I have to admit, I loved almost every moment... The trees lining the isle in that church. The ecstatic crowd. The beautiful music. And THAT dress.
No pressure on Kate. I mean, everybody stresses somewhat about what to wear to their wedding. Can you imagine facing that dilema knowing that every camera in the Western world will be pointed at you, scrutinising every detail to muse over for decades to come?
But I think most of us will agree the girl got it right... What an exquisite, regal, modern-meets-traditional gown it was. Let's face it, Kate is a stunning girl who may well have looked glam in a hessian sack. She was always going to wow the crowd, and wow she did. I loved the lace and that simple veil (layered over a deliciously un-simple tiara by Cartier!) and the detailing on the back of the dress leading to that beautiful train... the only thing I will say that disturbed me just the tiniest bit (and quite possibly I am the only person amongst 2 billion who feels this way) was the way the dress formed over her bust; at first I thought she was a bit 'nipply' at the front until I realised it was the way the dress was made. I don't love that cut, and if it were me (I wish!) I would have gone a bit more flat-across-the-front. That's just me. What did you think?
But THAT dress made me think about my OWN dress. And how it made me feel wearing it. And how I feel about it now...
I got married almost seven years ago, back when wedding dresses were all tight-across-the-bodice strapless numbers... when I picked up my first bridal magazine, I knew I was in trouble. I am not overly 'traditional,' and whilst I thought those gowns were lovely, they didn't have me melting in my heels. My shoulders are not my favourite asset, I couldn't see myself doing strapless. Flick flick flick flick, these samey samey gowns weren't doing it for me. And I began to get worried.
I drove past the bridal stores, but their window displays didn't lure me in.
And then. I was flicking through yet another bridal magazine when an image caught my eye. In it, was a girl wearing quite possibly the most stunning dress I had ever seen. It was so totally unlike every other dress in that magazine and in that moment I was in. Love.
I rang the number listed in the advertisement. The lady I spoke to explained that they were a Perth-based bridal couture boutique. Great. Only a 12 hour round-plane-trip to buy my dress, then?! But luckily, they had plans to open up in Paddington, Sydney. I left my details.
A month later, I was on my bicycle halfway to Melbourne, dressed in top to toe lycra a million miles away from couture when the phone rang. The boutique was opening in Paddington, and would I like to make the very first appointment?
You betcha.
This was about eight years ago, but I clearly remember that first time I ambled down that narrow sidestreet in Paddington clutching the address in a bit of scrunched up paper. The unassuming terrace door yawned open and I stepped inside heaven.
The label? Pallas.
Inside the terrace was a couple of racks with quite literally the most beautiful dresses I have ever laid eyes on. To this day. I whipped my clothes off and slithered into the first one. Half an hour later, I found the one. And in November of 2004, I walked down the isle in my Pallas Lolita gown floating on a cloud.
When I bought my dress, no one had ever heard of Pallas. And no one had ever seen the shimmery, luminescent crushed silk fabrics and cuts that adorned their dresses .Years on, they have established themselves are one of the leading couture designers in Sydney and tons of celebrities have sashayed down the isle in their gowns. Which kinda rocks my world as I sit here typing in my jammies, knowing that on that one occasion I absolutely got it right, and that all these years later I still love that dress and would pick it again tomorrow with no hesitation.
It was risque. It was risKY. It was the type of dress your grandmother would cluck disapprovingly at. And it was ME.
Here's a few happy snappys of THAT dress. My dress.
How do you feel about YOUR dress all these years on? Shall we toast the royal nuptials with a dress-off? Why not post and share YOUR wedding dress pics, then linkup below -- I'd LOVE to see your wedding frocks! x


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Find The New 2019 Avalon At Hampton Toyota
With 300 horse power, and a sleek look, the 2019 Toyota Avalon offers you a family car that is filled with luxury for an affordable price.
The 2019 Toyota Avalon can be found at Hampton Toyota on Johnston Street.
The Avalon gets twenty-two miles to the gallon in the city, and the car will get thirty-two miles to the gallon when you take it out for a trip on the road.
Below you can click on the video to find out more about the car.


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The Healer.
The Refueler.
The Mother of All Benefits: The Mother Earth Bowl
Drop by The Bodhi and jump into one of our signature bowls, The Mother Earth.
The Mother Earth is a bowl that boasts a variety of flavors- ranging from earthy to fresh- to fulfill the diversity of your palate, and your body's needs! Every ingredient in this bowl showcases an extensive number of health benefits that support the health & function of your body!
1 bowl. So much BodhiFuel Power.
(Open 9a-8p)
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In Malaysia eyewear is always had an important importance because of the high rate of vision impaired conditions in this country. Malaysia has very high blindness and vision impairment rates which are similar to other developed countries in the South East Asia area. This means that there is a big demand for these items in this country which has led to an increase in supply of these eyeglasses and reading lenses. The increase in demand has also led to the high price of these eyeglasses.
Prescription glasses in Malaysia are sold in almost every mall, shopping centre and outlet around the country and especially in Penang and Singapore. Although it is not compulsory for a Malaysian to have a prescription glasses or contact lenses, most of the people prefers to have these things. They are preferred by people who want to enhance their vision and who lead a very active life. A few leading eyewear brands in Malaysia like Cauce Vision, Winfix, Levolor, Phoenix, Oakley, Acuvue, RayBan and Prada are quite popular among the general population.
There are three major players in this field of eyewear industry, i.e. Cauce Vision, Winfix and Prada. All these three brands have established a major market share in Malaysia. The major players in this field to compete in several industries including eyeglass production, sunglasses manufacturing, contact lenses and in many other aspects. This is the reason why eyewear manufacturers from Malaysia have introduced many innovations into the eyewear industry to meet the demands of the customers from different parts of the world.
Malaysia, being a tropical country, has a large population which includes people with different lifestyles and needs. As such, eyewear manufacturing companies from Malaysia always focus on developing products that can be used by people with different spectacles, as this helps them meet the requirements of their regular users. For example, eyewear manufacturers in Malaysia like Acuvue, Winfix, Cauce Vision and Prada have launched products that can be used by individuals who do not need to wear spectacles on a daily basis. These products include frequent replacement lenses, progressive lenses and bifocal contact lenses.
One of the most popular products introduced by these brands is the progressive lens. This type of lens is specially designed for individuals who frequently need progressive or bifocal contact lenses to help them see well. The progressive lens is made from a high-index polycarbonate lens which gives the same distortion free appearance like that of regular spectacles. In addition, this lens is made in such a way that it reduces the emission of ultraviolet rays. This enables individuals with vision problems to use contact lenses without any optical flaws.
Another important product from Malaysia is the Acuvue sunglasses. This brand is famous all over the world because of its crystal clear lenses which enable people to get rid of eye strain and also to see things clearly. Acuvue ensures that there is maximum comfort and maximum functionality from their contact lenses. They also ensure that their lenses are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) throughout the year.
There are many optical goods stores in Malaysia that sell prescription glasses and other spectacles. Some of them also sell contact lenses which are not approved by the FDA. If you want to purchase prescription glasses or spectacles in Malaysia, it is advisable to check out the accredited and reliable online optical stores that offer great discounts and great deals.
An eyewear store in Malaysia named "Chua Kaca-Kapa" (which means "black eye" in Chinese) sells a variety of sunglasses and spectacles in different styles and designs. Some of the popular brands are named after famous Malaysian celebrities such as Ong Teng, Perfume Bops, Sixt, Jamie-boy and Chinedu. All the products sold by this store are imported from China, Hong Kong and other Asian countries. Some of the sunglasses and spectacles by this store are priced reasonably and customers can buy them at affordable prices.


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Walking down a certain city block in Turin, Italy, you won't see any trees lining the sidewalk. Instead, they're suspended in the air: A new five-story apartment building called 25 Verde is covered with 150 trees, each surrounded by custom-shaped terraces. It's the apartment building version of a treehouse.
"If the trees are integrated in the building, they are closer to the people who live there, and so there is more integration between man and nature," says architect Luciano Pia. The trees help filter pollution from traffic on busy nearby streets, absorbing around 200,000 liters of CO2 emissions every hour in one of Europe's most polluted cities. As the seasons change, the leaves help shade the apartments or bring in warmth, creating a microclimate for the building.
While tree-covered buildings keep showing up in architectural renderings (you could argue that "put a tree on it" is the new "put a bird on it"), the new building in Turin might be proof of how an urban treehouse can actually work.
Unlike many conceptual designs, this isn't a skyscraper, and that means the trees have a better chance at survival. "In tall buildings, the outdoor climate is considerably different from that on the lower floors to the ground level," says Pia. "At the top there is always wind. I don't think planting trees on skyscrapers is a way to go."
In Pia's design, each of the trees has room to grow. "You have to plant them in pots sufficiently large to ensure the nutrition and root growth," he says. The building also surrounds a courtyard with another 50 trees, and has a green roof. Basically, when residents look outside, they'll see a mini-forest instead of concrete.
"The building has been conceived as a living forest," Pia says.


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Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — More than 400 inmates are walking out the doors of prisons across Oklahoma as part of what state officials say is the largest single-day mass commutation in U.S. history.
Monday's release of inmates, all with convictions for low-level drug and property crimes, resulted from a bill signed by new Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt. The bill retroactively applied misdemeanor sentences for simple drug possession and low-level property crimes that state voters approved in 2016.
Stitt has made reducing Oklahoma's highest-in-the-nation incarceration rate one of his top priorities and has appointed reform-minded members to the state's Pardon and Parole Board.
The board last week considered 814 cases and recommended 527 inmates for commutation. However, 65 are being held on detainers, leaving about 462 inmates to be released on Monday.
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Letter from HF President: Getting The Job Done
Dear Familia,
I'm sure you've already seen Lin-Manuel Miranda's latest Prizeo fundraiser, #Ham4All, in support of immigrant rights organizations across the nation. It's all over social media – and Prizeo has just launched the fundraiser in Spanish. But what is this effort really about?
We're proud to announce that we've partnered with Lin-Manuel and his father Luis Miranda (HF's Founding President) to create and launch the Immigrants: We Get the Job Done Coalition. Formed earlier this year, the coalition consists of 12 multi-ethnic, multi-racial immigrant rights organizations working on the ground across the United States. With the Federation acting as the fiscal conduit and lead organizer, we're raising awareness of this essential work, as well as raising vital funds to support a collective, national push to protect and uplift immigrant communities nationwide.
And YOU can have an immediate impact on this vital work by going to prizeo.com/Hamilton and donating to support these amazing organizations. By giving as little as $10 you'll have the opportunity to enter to win 2 tickets to the LA premiere of Hamilton and the star-studded after-party--with airfare and hotel included! If you donate more, you'll be entered more times to win and get cool Hamilton swag like t-shirts, a signed Hamilton Mixtape LP, etc.
We all know that our nation was founded by immigrants, and that we are a strong nation because of the optimism, dreams and drive of immigrants who put their faith in America. Yet we are constantly subjected to a false narrative that leads some to believe otherwise. The Hispanic Federation has always been about building inclusive coalitions that speak truth to power, and we're proud to be part of this new effort to bring community leaders and organizations together in defense of our shared values and the people who truly make our nation exceptional -- and who need us to stand up for them now more than ever.
And we need your help! Please give and share this campaign widely with your friends, colleagues and family. You can also learn more about our efforts and donate directly to the work of our coalition by visiting http://hispanicfederation.org/getthejobdone/ And stay tuned for the latest campaign updates.
Thank you as always for your support and solidarity.


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The State Of Social Media Marketing In 2013
Here goes the most recent update on the state of social media marketing, for the second quarter of 2013.
A nicely aligned overview of interesting facts and research results on how people and marketers use various social media platforms today.
Wishpond released this infographic, combing data from , Nielsen, Hubspot, Socialbakers, Compete and other resources, summed the 17 most important social media facts. When I looked at the steatements, these caught my attention:
2. 15% of total U.S. mobile internet time is spent on social networking sites. I think this percentage will go higher in the next months, not only because this is the year of mobile, but also due to higher mobile internet penetration and availability of smart phones.
6. & 8. Facebook – Marketers may state that Facebook is important for them, on the other hand Facebook does not make it easy for marketers to reach their target audience without sponsoring posts or paying for getting new Facebook fans. I'm curious where this will go…
13. & 15. Twitter – Spreading news and gaining new website visitors in 140 characters is addictive and can also be rewarding. It's also great webcare platform, but many brands still don't understand it.
When you use Twitter to answer questions/help customer or prospects, it is expected to send a reply as soon as possible. There are plenty of social media tools for this, take your pick and either do it properly or not at all. It's simple.
Have a look at the infographic for all the facts and share your thoughts and opinion in a comment, thanks!
The State Of Social Media Marketing In Q2 2013
What About You?
Which important fact or resource are you missing? What's your point of view on the state of social media marketing and your predictions for the upcoming months?
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China Adhesive 2019: WACKER Presents Dispersible Polymer Powder for EPI Wood Glue and Highly Hydrophobic Pyrogenic Silica
Shanghai, Sep 18, 2019
At this year's China Adhesive show, WACKER will present two new products for the adhesives industry. One of them is NEXIVA® PA 210 dispersible polymer powder for the formulation of emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI) wood glue in powder form. Compared to conventional water-based dispersions, wood glues based on WACKER's polymer binder are much easier to store and transport in Northern China's winter. Such products are also simpler to use. Manufacturers only have to add water to the powder before applying the glue. Formulations containing NEXIVA® PA 210 also show enhanced adhesion properties. Another highlight is HDK® H21, a highly hydrophobic pyrogenic silica which can be readily and efficiently incorporated into polar adhesive compounds. The rheological activity of HDK® H21 is extraordinarily high in epoxy, vinyl ester and polyurethane based adhesives, allowing customers to produce non-sag formulations for use in structural bonds for a number of industries. Other WACKER product highlights include high-performance GENIOSIL® hybrid polymers for construction and industrial applications. CHINAADHESIVE 2019 takes place in Shanghai from September 18 to 20.
EPI wood glues are mainly used for producing window frames, furniture parts, finger joints load-bearing constructions. An important wood origin and wood processing area in China is the northeast, a region which is exposed to low temperatures in winter. As the dispersion in EPI wood glues is easily demulsified in cold weather, manufacturers have to undertake costly insulation and packaging measures when transporting and storing dispersions.
WACKER looked into this problem and came up with a solution NEXIVA® PA 210. The powder consists of vinyl acetate and ethylene copolymer (VAE). When formulating the final glue product, wood glue compounders only need to mix NEXIVA® PA 210 with water and filler powder. The same applies to users if they want to mix the glue formulation with water, filler powder and curing agent directly on site.
With NEXIVA® PA 210, transportation and storage issues of EPI wood glues in China's northerly regions are resolved. Formulations based on the new product do not require special insulation which makes packaging and packaging disposal significantly less costly. Compared to conventional water-based binders, NEXIVA® PA 210 also provides better adhesion. D4 tests (EN-204) show that formulations based on NEXIVA® PA 210 have a shear strength of over 5Mpa, about 40% more than commodity dispersion grades can offer.
HDK® H21: Additive for High-Strength Industrial Adhesives
Another product highlight at the show is WACKER's new HDK® H21, a hyperpure pyrogenic silica which has a large specific particle surface area. Although it is highly hydrophobic and non-polar, it can be readily incorporated into polar liquids compared to other hydrophobic products. Its rheological activity is extraordinarily high in epoxy, vinyl ester and polyurethane based adhesives. This makes it suitable for manufacturing high-performance adhesives efficiently and in less time.
As a consequence of its large specific surface area and its hydrophobicity, HDK® H21 gives pronounced shear-thinning properties to polar liquids. A suitable amount of pyrogenic silica will make the compound viscous when at rest and prevent sagging. When shear forces are applied, however, the viscosity drops. As a result, a polar industrial adhesive containing the new additive can be readily pumped and precisely applied. When modified with the appropriate concentration of HDK® H21, adhesive compounds will not run until fully cured – not even when applied in very thick layers and when the bonding surface is sloping or curved.
In this way, HDK® H21 creates the conditions for efficient adhesive application and a reproducible, flawless bond. The product also enhances the shelf life of reactive adhesive components. It prevents fillers from settling and, due to its hydrophobic character, barely interacts with the adhesive matrix. Moreover, as a white powder, HDK® H21 will not influence the colour of the formulation and can be used in transparent system.
HDK® H21 is perfect for use as a rheological additive in high-strength industrial adhesives, such as those in automotive industry bonding applications, in chemical dowels for the construction industry, and in bonds between the half shells of wind turbine rotor blades.
GENIOSIL® Hybrid Polymers
At CHINAADHESIVE 2019, WACKER will also showcase GENIOSIL® hybrid polymers for construction and industrial applications.
WACKER's award-winning technology includes a selection of silane-terminated polyethers that, via a unique synthesis, exhibit a number of unparalleled properties. GENIOSIL® STP-E polymers render adhesive and sealant systems which feature excellent mechanical properties and which allow an easy, efficient and tin-free production process at customer end. Adhesives based on GENIOSIL® STP-E cure rapidly with a tacky-free surface. Used to formulate adhesives and sealants with different modulus, strength and resilience, GENIOSIL® STP-E can be used for a wide range of products in home interior decorations.
Product lines GENIOSIL® XB and XT include hybrids that are modified via different silane end groups. As a result of this modification, the properties of these hybrids enable applications that were not feasible for silane cross-linked polymers in the past. Featuring low viscosity and high shear strength, tear resistant GENIOSIL® XT is suitable for applications that repeatedly undergo high dynamic forces, such as rail transportation. GENIOSIL® XB is ideal for extra strong bonding between dissimilar materials, for example for structural bonding in the construction sector. The product is also suitable for nail-free glues and tile grouts.
Visit WACKER at China Adhesive 2019, Booth 4A102.
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Serology tests commonly used in clinical microbiology and public health laboratories. Cartoon diagrams of complex serology tests included.
Archives for August 2013
How serology works
Antibiotic Armageddon
A fresh looking at the battle with antibiotic resistance, with a call to arms.
Ring cycle expounded
The challenge of the newest human malaria parasite. Recognition of ring forms and other stages will help differentiate from other Plasmodia.
The Cyclospora in your lunch box
The recent outbreak of cyclospora infection in the USA provides insight into how to respond quickly to a complex, multi-state public health challenge.
What is botulism?
Notes on botulism for those concerned by recent alert status of infant milk formula from New Zealand: the how, why, where and what of botulism.


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I had my very first Parent/Teacher Conference on Friday where I had to sit in the parent chair. (Let me preface this with I thought I knew what to expect) Colby is in Kindergarten this year and has 2 years of Preschool under his belt. His preschool teacher always gave us raving reviews... so, today, kinda knocked me off my pedestal as a mom (who is a teacher).
Colby's teacher told us that Colby will need to receive additional tutoring as he is not showing recognition of all of his letters. My heart immediately sank. I felt as if I not only failed as a parent, but as a teacher. My job is to daily educate other peoples' children and yet my own has fallen short.
We, of course, agreed to the tutoring~ we do want what's best for our child, even if it is a HUGE blow to one's ego. As we were leaving, Robbie, my ex, said, "It's okay. I had to be tutored when I was in school." I turned and looked at him and said,"Yeah? Well, both of your parents weren't teachers!"
This follows Colby's trip to the dentist, a few weeks back, with the result of nine cavities.
Yeah...I guess I won't be nominated for Parent-of-the-Year anytime soon.
Spring Break 2022
6 months ago


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Monday, April 27, 2015
|Pete Shubert
|Town, State:
|Trenton, Maine
|Dirk has been my pro shop guy for almost 30 years. An absolutely great coach and person! He takes the time to know your game and his ball and layout recommendations are spot-on matches to your game and objectives.
Since we moved to Maine a couple of years ago, one of my first stops whenever I come to CT is Competitive Edge.
Recently I had the opportunity to speak at length with Chuck Gardner, the PBA Pro Tour Rep for Brunswick Bowling. Chuck says that he \"loves\" Dirk and that he has the \"utmost respect\" for Dirk\'s abilities as a coach and skills as a pro shop operator.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
|Tony Colon
|Town, State:
|East Hartford
|Took a coaching lesson from Dirk for the very first time. although he has given me good pointers in the past. It was a great experience. A true professional, Dirk was patient and very thorough with me. Showed me exactly what I need to work on and I\'m already seeing positive results in practice.
Thank You CEB and Dirk Ridley!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
|Gregory Long
|Town, State:
|Plainville, CT
|I went down to see if my ball should be replaced due to newer technology. After watching me throw a few balls, and getting a few helpful pointers, he told me to stick with the ball. I was expecting to go in an buy a new ball, but I'm glad he didn't take advantage of it. Instead he checked the ball for excessive oils and replaced the worn fingertip grips for a reasonable price. Overall a great experience and I'll definitely go back if I'm ever in need of anything in the future. I would recommend you check his Pro Shop out.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
|Steve Landry
|Town, State:
|Oakville, CT
|New to competitive edge and the great atmosphere that dirk and staff create very knowledgeable and helpful. Hope to continue this forward into the future.. Thanks!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
|Doug Lewanda
|Town, State:
|Farmington, CT
|Dirk has been drilling my equipment for over 15 years, including fixing pitches, spans, and pin locations done by others. Don't waste your time elsewhere - go to Dirk. Now in Plainville (yippee!)
Monday, August 27, 2012
|Al Kasper
|Town, State:
|East Longmeadow, MA
|You guys are awesome. The latest ball drilled last year now has my all time high series 834 and two more 300 games. Can't wait to get down there for this seasons ball.
Monday, February 27, 2012
|Brandon Marcotte
|Town, State:
|Lewiston, ME
|Been getting my equipment drilled by Dirk for many years now and have driven down to CT to get stuff done alot in the years and I wouldn't let anyone else touch my equipment. Love the custom thumb slugs.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
|Yve S.
|Town, State:
|Montreal, Quebec, Canada
|Great info and great deals, love my new shoes.
Even if it's a 330miles trip I'll be back...
Thursday, January 12, 2012
|Joe Brooks
|Town, State:
|Beverly Hills, FL
|Best ball drilling that I ever had.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
|Christopher Marchand
|Town, State:
|New London, CT
|We are lucky to have such an excellent asset in your services and contributions to all of us bowlers. Thanks.....
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
|Sharon Pavan
|Town, State:
|Hopewell Junction, NY
|You're worth the trip from anywhere - just ask me or my husband! His average has gone up to well over 200 since he met you. Can't wait to see the new shop in Plainville. We'll be stopping by soon for some new equipment!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
|Tony Colon
|Town, State:
|East Hartford, CT
It was very good to see you this past weekend. I will be back soon for another shot at your tournament! As always, I thank you for your advice. It always gives IMMEDIATE results. You're the BEST buddy!
Monday, July 18, 2011
|Edward Fabish
|Town, State:
|West Haven, CT
|planning getting out to see you soon
Saturday, July 2, 2011
|Town, State:
|East Hartford, CT
|Thanks for drilling Colin's ball and giving him tips. Both kids can't wait for the fall junior league to begin!
Monday, June 27, 2011
|Chris Burke
|Town, State:
|New Haven, CT
You're the greatest. Perfect fit & layout on my Nano. 2 300's with it so far, including 1 in NEBA. Also averaging 240+ with it in summer league so far. Ball does more than what i expected, just like the Virtual Gravity you drilled for me. Keep on being the greatest. See ya soon.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
|Vittie Peterson
|Town, State:
|East Hartford, CT
|thanks again for all your help .Hope to see you in Sept. for storm day.
Monday, May 23, 2011
|Marion G. Myhre
|Town, State:
|Watertown, Massachusetts
|Hi there Dirk!
I wanted to thank you for drilling my last two bowling balls. They have worked out pretty well and I look forward to the next time I can stop down. I hope to take some time for a few games besides. Thanks for all you do for all of us!
-Marion Myhre
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
|george quaggin
|Town, State:
|Kensington, Ct.
Thanks for the lesson last Saturday, I'll keep you posted how I do in my practice league at Silver Lanes.
George Quagginsaa3s
Sunday, May 1, 2011
|Rich Petit
|Town, State:
|Waterbury, CT
Had a great time last night! Lots of good luck!


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How is value measured and created in your company? How do people around you define value? For your customers, value could mean that your company provides honest service on time at prices that are perceived as fair.
For your employees, value could mean feeling that they work for a company that treats them well and that they are rewarded in some way for their hard work.
For your vendors, value could mean that your company maintains a professional image that benefits their brand's identity, and that they receive payments on time.
All of these things directly affect the value that you, the owner, and your equity investors receive from your company. But what does value mean to you?
Maybe it means you have some freedoms that you didn't have when you worked for someone else. Maybe you feel a strong sense of accomplishment running your own business. However, if your company is not achieving financial value, the other forms of value that you perceive will be short-lived. Your company must achieve financial value.
Valuable GoalsFinancial value can be achieved when you actively pursue the following goals:
In the end, your business is a financial asset that can either be sold or purchased by you, the owner. Every day that the company is not sold by you, it is purchased by you. Think about that for a moment. Every day that you go to work, you make a conscious decision of whether to buy into your company or to sell it.
If your accountant suggests tax strategies to reduce your company's tax liability, which in effect reduce your company's profits, you should discuss your long-term plans. Some tax strategies will not affect the sales value of your business; others might.
Tax planning should also be a part of your long-term strategic planning. Potential profits that end up being reduced if you take a larger salary/bonus should not affect your company's sale value.
Financial value is the creation of wealth. The creation of wealth makes it possible to achieve consistent customer, employee, and supplier value; this increases wealth even further. There should be no bad conscience on the part of the owner for achieving financial success. If the company does not consistently provide financial value, everyone loses.
Wrapping It UpThe topics that have been discussed over this eight-part series are those I believe would have helped me avoid several mistakes throughout the course of my experience in the HVAC business.
I read a book about the development of Home Depot that describes the difficult time the founders had trying to finance the startup company. Everyone they approached felt that an adequate ROI was not possible based on such a large asset (inventory) base. Sales numbers required to earn an adequate ROI at the prices Home Depot stores anticipated selling them for had not yet been achieved.
Business instincts eventually won out over business as usual. Huge financial value has been created for many people since the company's early beginnings. Financial strategies were still used, but in an "outside-of-the-box" way that had not been thought fiscally responsible before.
However helpful and informative you may have found these articles, remember they are only tools to assist you in decision-making. They should not take the place of your business instincts, but should support them.
Roberts is the owner of Roberts Commercial Lending Co. LLC. He can be reached at 586-716-8329 or email@example.com.
Publication date: 04/26/2004