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Keeping you up to date at all times
Guests at the gas storage facility opening (left picture, from the left): Gerhard König, WINGAS; Johann Tempel, mayor of the community of Jemgum; Andreas Renner, managing director of astora; Bernhard Bramlage, district administrator of Leer; Oleg Aksyuti
Jemgum. After around five years of construction, astora GmbH & Co. KG today (12.09.2013) commissioned one of the highest-performance and largest cavern storage facilities in Germany in Jemgum, Lower Saxony at the official opening ceremony. Lower Saxony's state premiere Stephan Weil underlined the special significance of the storage project for energy policy in a welcome message: "Lower Saxony is Germany's number one energystate," Weil said, adding thatthe new storage facility in Jemgum represented another important milestone for the future. "The storage facility makes a key contribution to supply security, thus highlighting the central role Lower Saxony plays as a natural gas hub for northwest Europe. On the one hand, natural gas storage facilities help to balance out seasonal fluctuations in natural gas consumption. On the other, they can cushion the effects of fluctuations in power generation from the wind and the sun – hence, they are effectively the backbone of the energy transition," Weil said.
The storage facility will also be continuously expanded after commissioning. By 2018 the storage facility operator, astora, will create ten caverns in total in the salt dome in Jemgum. These will be able to take in up to a billion cubic meters of natural gas – enough capacity to supply more than half a million households with natural gas for a whole year.In contrast to aquifer reservoir storage facilities, the entire storage volume of cavern storage facilities can be injected or withdrawn in a comparatively short space of time because the natural gas does not have to make the long journey through rock first. Hence, up to a million cubic meters of natural gas can be withdrawn in an hour in Jemgum. This means the entire storage volume can be made available within about 1,000 hours. With aquifer reservoir storage facilities this usually takes twice as long. This feature makes the storage facility an attractive partner for renewables: if at any moment solar and wind energy cannot cover demand for electricity, natural gas from a cavern storage facility in combination with gas-fired power stations can balance out the load peaks in a very short time.Furthermore, the storage facility has excellent infrastructure links, to the transportation grids of GASCADE Gastransport GmbH and Dutch Gas Transport Services B.V. (GTS), and is thus ideally positioned to store natural gas from the Nord Stream Baltic Sea pipeline, for example. The owners of the storage facility are WINGAS GmbH, based in Kassel, and VNG Gasspeicher GmbH in Leipzig, which owns a sixth of the overall facility. astora GmbH & Co. KG, a subsidiary of WINGAS, is responsible for the construction and operation of the storage facility. Overall the companies are investing several hundred million euros in the construction of the facility.Technological benchmarksIn setting up the storage facility, artificial cavities, so-called "caverns", are created in a salt dome at a depth of 1,150 to 1,600 meters. Compressors then inject the gas into the caverns at high pressure. The storage facility in Jemgum provides a supply of natural gas that is both reliable and flexible. With the new natural gas storage facility, astora is also setting new technological benchmarks in several ways: one example is the technique of high-precision directional wells drilled in an S-shape. This way up to six cavern boreholes can be operated from one cluster site. This has the advantage that the surface area required above ground is kept to a minimum, and the natural surroundings and landscape are preserved. In addition, in Jemgum there is also a back compression plant for the gas, which means that the storage facility can be operated almost entirely without emissions.The close cooperation with EWE, which operates its own storage facility in the immediate vicinity, also made it possible to minimize the impacton nature and the landscape from the energy supply and the transportation of the brine. Hence, the saturated salt solution generated in Jemgum, also known as brine, is sent directly to the North Sea via a 40-km-long pipeline by using an existing section of the MIDAL pipeline.astoraManaging Director Andreas Renner thus sees the facility in Jemgum as a high-tech storage facility to accommodate demanding requirements and an important element for the company's future strategic position: "As an innovative cavern storage facility, Jemgum complements astora's existing aquifer reservoir storage facilities perfectly," Andreas Renner says. "With this portfolio we have an excellent basis for positioning ourselves successfully as one of the largest storage operators in Europe in future too." astora GmbH & Co. KG, based in Kassel,is one of Europe's leading storage facility operators. The company has at its disposal the largest natural gas storage facility in Western Europe, at Rehden in northern Germany, with a working gas volume of more than 4 billion cubic meters. In addition, the company holds capacities in the second-largest storage facility of central Europe at Haidach, Austria. The Jemgum natural gas storage facility on the border between Germany and the Netherlands launched in September 2013also helps ensure a secure supply of natural gas for Europe.More information at www.astora.de
Königstor 20 34117 Kassel Phone: +49 (0) 561 99858-0 E-mail: presse[at]wingas.de


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Linen Blazer Indigo
$ 699.00
$ 449.00
A refreshing update to the reliable navy blazer, this season's features délavé dyed linen yarns which gives the depth and a 'high-low' effect evident in the fabric's colour. Pair back with a simple white shirt and tailored pants or jeans.
- 100% Linen
- Italian fabric
- Fully lined
- Notch lapel
- 2 button closure
- Our Model is 188cm tall and wears a size M
- Wear It With
Shipping & Returns
Free Standard Delivery on all orders within Australia.
Estimated Delivery Times (business days): Melb metro: 2-3 days. Syd & Adel metro: 2-4 days. Bris & Hobart metro: 3-5 days. Perth metro: 5-7 days
$18 Express Delivery within Australia
Estimated Delivery Times: 1-2 business days to metro capital cities
For more delivery options and full terms & conditions click here
To purchase instore click here for store information.
Calibre takes pride in the quality of our products and we want you to be happy with your purchase. If something's not right, please let us know and we will assist you with a refund or exchange.
Have Questions?
Please call or email us on:
61 3 8689 0801

subset: commoncrawl


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Only 16% of employees across the entire rail industry are female. Caroline Arnold, Diversity Consultant at EW Group, discusses Southeastern's recent strategy on improving its inclusive recruitment strategy to redress the lack of gender diversity in its own organisation and ways organisations can attract more diverse candidates.
Caroline ArnoldDecember 12, 2018


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Contact Details
Office Address:
216 East Blanco, Suite 101
Boerne, TX 78006
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1888
Boerne, TX 78006-6888
Phone: (830) 248-1190
Fax: (830) 248-1191
Your inquiry will be answered within 24 hours, during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm CST).
We look forward to getting to know you.
Send Us a Message
To learn more about how we can help your company identify and achieve industrial complex property tax savings, call or email us. Remember, our fees are success-based and we're the only industrial property tax experts that provide a 100% performance guarantee.


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Growth-driven. Consumer-inspired. Art & Science.
Qool Media is twofold — Publisher & Agency.
First and foremost, we are a performance publisher with an industry leading expertise in user acquisition using the most powerful audience expansion tool in the industry.
We build unique properties and produce consumer-relevant content for distribution across a multitude of channels.
Because of our success in the publishing world, we have extended our services and expertise to drive value for our partners which include other large digital publishers and search engines.
As a System1 company, one of the largest purchasers of digital advertising in the world, we are redefining user acquisition through paid marketing and are able to attract new audiences at scale for our properties and our partners.
Our proprietary best-in-class buy/sell technology platform leverages our advanced data science capabilities and strategic partnerships.
Qool Media reaches millions of unique users through all channels across a wide array of demographics, geographies, and interests using our audience expansion platform. We do the heavy lifting, driving massive user growth and optimizing monetization strategies so brands and publishers can promote a diversity of content at scale (profitably).
+ Million
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Our Brands
Our brands include thriving online communities of all kinds, with each of our destination websites informing and entertaining visitors with rich and engaging content. From reviews and how-tos to quizzes and trivia.
The below sites are just some of our owned and operated properties.
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Growth-driven. Consumer-inspired. Human-centered.
Building an industry leading platform doesn't happen overnight. It takes enthusiasm for the ever-evolving digital space, collaboration amongst all types of team members from content writers to back end engineers, and a forward-thinking mindset to get ahead of the industry's next move. That's why we pride ourselves in a team of experts that shares these values.
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Explore more opportunities atView Opportunities


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Working With A Withered Hand
Contributed by Gregory Thomas on May 31, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: Your Hands Signifies A Great Deal of Importance, But What Do You Do When The Hand of Power is Withered.
Working With A Withered Hand
King James Version
9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
10And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
The Message
9-10 When Jesus left the field, he entered their meeting place. There was a man there with a crippled hand. They said to Jesus, "Is it legal to heal on the Sabbath?" They were baiting him.
The Object of the story was the fact that Jesus was healing on the Sabbath Day. The matter at hand is that it is most difficult to operate without the functuion of both hands, especially when you are born with such capabilities. Nevertheless, the fact that he had his feet got him to a place of worship to the one that was able to heal him of his withered Hand (Right Hand, Says Luke). The right hand signifying Power. Therefore, it would be fair to say that those who are whole&healthy have not the excuse not to excercise the purpose by which God has given them.
Jesus changes water into wine at a wedding, His first miracle. Then He heals Peter's mother-in-law. Jesus heals the lame, blind, crippled and those with leprosy. He forgives sins. He tells the waves to be still and they obey Him. Jesus proves with all the miracles that He is God.
Many of us are walking into our season of purpose crippled
we are working in our purpose with a withered hand
1) Ideas
2) Dreams
3) aspirations
many of our blessings are at our figertips but we don't have the ability to grab them.
We maynot not have the ability to get us where we are trying to go and we maynot have the capacity to get us where we are trying to go.
But We Do Have The:
2) Heart
3) intelligence
4) Skills
to get there but all we need is the touch of Jesus and believe what we hear.
I'm working with a withered hand right now but i'm going to get where I need to get.
God Says : We have been trying too long to reach forth with one hand.
Related Media
PowerPoint Template
PowerPoint Template
PowerPoint Template


text: The Crime Bible, introduced in the pages of the hit series 52, is a near mythical text passed on behind the scenes from master criminal to master criminal in the DC Universe. This trade paperback explores a subset of the Crime Bible known as the Five Lessons: the lesson of deceit, the lesson of lust, the lesson of greed, the lesson of murder, and the fifth part, entitled 'The Parable of the Faceless.' Only three copies of the Crime Bible exist, and two are in the possession of The Question, an anti hero with no face. Can she track down the final copy?


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June 18, 2019. Well, this post is a long time in the making. In fact, I assumed this was a project I'd get taken care of in the dead of winter, since much of it would be done in the wood shop, and none of it required the truck to…12 Comments
Month: June 2019
June 12, 2019. (and really, the preceding two weeks) It's no secret that over the last few years, I've been through quite a few sets of wheels. I started with my stock 15" aluminum alloys, which "had to go" as part of the most expensive brake upgrade ever and resulted in…13 Comments
May 27, 2019. That sure didn't take long. It's been two years that we've been upping our adventure quotient, and the odometer is a stark reminder of what living in the northwest corner of the country can do. Still, it's a nice gig if you can get it! And while…2 Comments
May 26, 2019. Parked in the wrong spot to catch sunrise, I slept in until the oh-so-late hour of 6:15am. But then, as I looked out the tent door, I noticed the fog over the valley and couldn't help myself but to get up and take a closer look. And…1 Comment
An astute reader may recall that we'd headed east a few days before Memorial Day - not just to explore Hells Canyon, but to meet up with Mike @Digiratus, Monte @Blackdawg, and Devin @MissBlackdawg. At least, those were the folks we knew; we were also rendezvousing with @BabyTaco Gage and…1 Comment
May 24, 2019. We once again slept well - the rushing river providing a nice white noise through the dry night. In a canyon, I knew there was no rush to get up for the sunrise, and it was late (for us) before we even considered pulling ourselves out of…Leave a Comment
May 23, 2019. (still) Had we blinked as we passed through Imnaha, we might have missed it as we set out down Lower Imnaha Road. The first six miles of this road are paved, but we'd been warned by 100 Hikes / Travel Guide: Eastern Oregon that beyond that point we were…3 Comments
It was a chilly night at 5300', but our strategic position behind the ridge line meant that we were unaffected by the bulk of the wind - a knit cap enough to keep me cozy, and @mrs.turbodb wanting only for her earplugs in the morning when the birds started singing.…Leave a Comment
Summer in the Pacific Northwest is hard to beat. So, I wouldn't blame you for wondering why - with a week of sun and 75°F in store before Memorial Day - we were headed for the inclimate weather of the Oregon-Idaho border and Hells Canyon. So let's start there. In…Leave a Comment
With all the recent work on the 4Runner, I wasn't the only one who wanted to put it all to the test. Upon seeing the storage/sleeping platform, @mini.turbodb had declared, "We need to go camping right away!" I don't know if she's been well-trained or it was just a wrinkle…2 Comments
May 10, 2019. When I originally built my bed rack back in 2016, I was sure that the rack was going to be something that was only installed when we were out on an adventure. The rest of the time, I'd remove it using the pulley system in the garage so…4 Comments


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There are seven things that men want from their boss lady. 1. Men want to be desired. So let him know you are physically attractedContinue Reading
A sexual fantasy or an erotic fantasy is a thought process that kick-starts a person's sexuality and is a contributing factor to increasing desire andContinue Reading
What's Up With Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV), is the inability to attain and maintain and erection adequate for penetrative sex.Continue Reading


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What Is Porsche Wet Mode?
Rain and storms can present a tough challenge when driving. Winds blow you off course, puddles make you slide, and pelting rain makes it difficult to see enough to keep control. This is why the new Porsche 911 model, the 911 Carrera 4S, uses Porsche Wet Mode.
Detecting Slick Roads
What is Wet Mode? It's a system that provides incredible assistance to the driver. All that control that storm conditions take away, Wet Mode works to give back. The mode doesn't take anything away from the driver. It won't limit speed or the engine's power. Changing how the car acts would do more to interfere with your ability to drive it, so Porsche Wet Mode instead provides technological assistance to use the Porsche's full capabilities for control.
To start, Wet Mode on a Porsche 911 model detects wet roads and assesses the conditions. Acoustic sensors detect water that's sprayed up by the tires. This is an improvement on using windshield detectors alone. You can still have a wet road with a risk of aquaplaning even after it's stopped raining.
The acoustic sensors change the behavior of Porsche Stability Management and Porsche Traction Management. These systems will have different presets for different weather types. Their sensitivity is increased and they'll respond differently than they would in dry conditions. The goal is to maintain the stability and traction that you'd have in dryer conditions. This isn't full Wet Mode yet.
Details Deliver Tighter Control
You'll also see a warning pop up next to the tachometer. This allows you to turn on Wet Mode to its full extent. The choice is always yours. It adapts stability and traction management even further. You'll also be able to take advantage of Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus. The drive responsiveness will also adjust to increase stability.
Anything above 56 mph will also fully extend the variable rear spoiler and open the cooling air flaps. Acceleration will behave in a slightly flatter manner, allowing you even finer control. Even the eight-speed PDK transmission is mapped separately for Wet Mode. The 911 Carrera 4S all-wheel-drive model will shift more drive power to the front axle. All of this has one goal: increase stabilization and handling in bad weather.
To shift everything back, you simply turn Porsche Wet Mode off. This may be the most comprehensive approach to driving in wet conditions that will be available anywhere for quite some time.


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The 2020 Destination Downtown conference will be held in Starkville, Miss. on Sept. 9-11. The Main Street state coordinating programs from Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas are sponsoring the annual Destination Downtown conference, where over 200 Main Street directors, board members, architects, economic developers, planners, and public officials will meet to discuss the revitalization of the states' downtown areas. "We are ...Read More »
Tag Archives: Main Street Mississippi
Mississippi Main Street: More than just economic development
By NASH NUNNERY Finding a small town in Mississippi might be akin to bees discovering honey – it's not hard to do. Many of those communities have distinctive downtown thoroughfares, chock full of awe-inspiring historical architecture, eclectic businesses and hometown pride. Time seems to have forgotten others. And a select few are Mississippi Main Street Association-certified. For the uninitiated, MMSA is ...Read More »
Main Street Clinton a model for successful downtown economic programs
The new kid on the Main Street block has been getting with the program in a big way. Although only in existence six years, Main Street Clinton has won awards all five years it has been eligible. This year Clinton won top awards Main Street Merchant of the Year, an award that recognizes excellence in retail for a merchant who ...Read More »
Read July 2 issue of the MBJ
>> BED BUGS AND BEYOND State entomologist, hospitality industry at odds over bed bug infestation — By Ted Carter Also in this week's paper: >> MSC ADDRESSES "CON" LAW State court says original jurisdiction over "certificate of need" unconstitutional— by Clay Chandler >> MAIN STREET MISSISSIPPI— Old Pascagoula High lives on as senior housing— by Ted Carter >> MARTY WISEMAN Can ...Read More »
Main Street Mississippi begins campaign to fund 5-year effort
Main Street Mississippi last week launched a fundraising effort to support a five-year plan to enhance Main Street projects and programs around the state. Main Street is counting on businesses to step up as main contributors to the effort to raise $1.8 million over the next years. With that money, Main Street Mississippi plans to make allocations of $360,000 a ...Read More »
Festivals bringing fun and profit to Main Street
Ingenuity, mixed with careful planning and branding can generate big buzz … and lots of dollars, organizers say Nothing brings a town's cash registers alive like a festival celebrating some unique aspect or iconic element of the community. Slugburgers in Corinth, Loblollies in Laurel, the pottery of Peter Anderson in Gulfport and the whole lotta shakin' of Elvis in Tupelo are ...Read More »


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A plugin interface that accepts a plugin DLL that works in a similar fashion to the plugin interfaces of Ollydbg and IDA (interactive disassembler). Or maybe an embedded C-style script interpreter like CINT.
I can envision a couple plugins that would be immediately useful to me, which could be implemented on top of an API interface that works in a similar fashion to C stdio.h functions for getting and putting bytes into a file opened by HxD.
And maybe some string type functions to output to the white space on the right side of the ASCII representation which could be used as plugin output area. sprintf(), strlen(), strchr(), strstr(), etc
Code: Select all
// gets filename
int hxdgetcurrentfilename(hHxdFile, int buflen, void* pfilename);
// opens a file in HXD and returns a handle to that file
hHxdFile hxdopen(char *name, char *mode );
// closes file opened by HXD
int hxdclose(hHxdFile hFile);
// gets the current IO position
long hxdtell(hHxdFile hFile);
// changes IO pointer, origin being an enum SEEK_BEG, SEEK_CUR, SEEK_END
int hxdseek(hHxdFile , long offset, int origin);
// read into buffer, x count bytes, from hHxdFile
int hxdread(void *buffer, size_t count, hHxdFile hFile);
// write bytes at current pos
int hxdwrite(void *buffer, size_t count, hHxdFile);
// get byte at current pos
char hxdgetc(hHxdFile hFile);
// put byte at current pos
hxdputc(char X, hHxdFile hFile)
And some other obvious things like setting selections and highlighted areas inside of HxD.
Theoretical disassembler plugin DLL linked with DiStorm disassembler
or perhaps a PE-viewer plugin?


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How To Choose Well Full Size Mattress Set
Full Size Mattress Set – This fact is not less when choosing a mattress, either for you or your family. On the internet we not only want you to choose a mattress, we are also interested in improving your quality of life. We believe that with these simple tips, we can help you to have a qualitative change in that third of life that depends on a good sleep. The first thing you should know is that the same mattress does not fit the world, that's why there are so many models. The important thing is that the mattress suits you, not the mattress.
The key to a good full size mattress set is that it should fit your body, always maintaining the natural balance of the curvature of your back. Do not force or bend it. It should be firm enough to hold it in the correct position, and soft enough to conform to it. The important thing about the mattress in terms of your weight is the firmness and support it should have. An optimum mattress should be firm in some areas and softer in others; you should give in the areas of less weight and be firmer in the heavier areas of the body, such as the pelvis and shoulders. The ideal full size mattress set for you should be at least 10 centimeters more than your height.


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We are pleased to repeat this European tour based at the excellent Maritim Hotel in Konigswinter, a tour well received back in 2018. From our chosen base we explore the Rhine Valley and surrounding area, our itinerary features the cathedral city of Cologne, the Castle of Drachenburg, a river cruise along the Rhine and the Dutch town of Breda on our return. A nice and leisurely European break.
CURRENCY - Currency required for this tour will be the Euro.
PASSPORT REQUIRED - We require full christian names, date of birth & passport country of issue. Please have these details ready when booking.
TRAVEL INSURANCE - Required.
The 4 star Maritim Hotel, Konigswinter is set amid rolling green hills alongside the Rhine river. There is a restaurant with terrace, bar, indoor pool, sauna and fitness room. All bedrooms are en suite with TV, telephone, mini-bar, hairdryer, safe and Wi-Fi. There is a lift.
Late morning transfer to Hull for the overnight crossing to Rotterdam (Meals not included).
We disembark and travel via Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the region's cultural hub. A landmark of High Gothic architecture set amid reconstructed old town, the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral is also known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views. We continue to Konigswinter and the Maritim Hotel for 3 nights half board accommodation. A welcome drink on arrival and set 3 course evening meal.
Today we enjoy a journey on the Drachenfelsbahn, a cog railway that takes you on a scenic journey to the summit of the Drachenfels mountain at an altitude of 289m. At the summit, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Rhine Valley. On your descent, we disembark at the Scholss Drachenburg and include entry to this 19th century castle known as the Dragon Castle.
Today we enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Rhine River from Konigswinter to Linz am Rhein, enjoy this interesting cruise along one of the most famous European Rivers. We disembark and enjoy some free time in Linz am Rhein, with its colourful half-timbered houses. Later in the afternoon we re-join our ferry for the return trip to Konigswinter.
We depart after breakfast and travel north to the delightful Dutch town of Breda. Later in the day we continue to Rotterdam to join our overnight crossing to Hull (Meals not included).
Hull to local area arriving home mid-day.
2 nights aboard P&O Ferries in 2 berth inside cabins (meals not included), 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast, Services of experienced tour driver, Luxury coach travel with onboard toilet & facilities.
EXCURSIONS - Rail journey, boat trip, entry to 'Drachenburg' Castle.
DEPOSIT: £80.00 per person
Single supplement: £125.00, Outside cabin single occupancy: £45.00 return, Outside cabin supplement: £30.00 per person return, Lower berth supplement: £25.00 per person return, Return dinner & breakfast package on P&O Ferries: £65.00 per person in the Kitchen Restaurant.


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SOUL Ink: Andrew Stinger
September 28, 2016
ay Area instructor ANDREW STINGER takes us through some of his favorite tattoos and what those particular markings mean to him...
First tattoo you ever got?
My first tattoo is a bumble bee on my left shoulder blade.
What made you get it?
I got my first tattoo when I was 20 years old and in college. My last name is "Stinger," so I thought it'd be cool and went to get it with some friends. My parents almost disowned me on the spot when they saw it.
Did you always want tattoos?
Sure did.
I was pretty "square" in high school. I did so many extra-curricular activities that they had to trim down my list to fit it in the yearbook my senior year. I wasn't the most gifted athlete, but I ran all three seasons (Massachusetts offered cross-country, indoor track and outdoor track) and carried a heavy load of AP classes while working as a waiter. I worked hard to make my parents proud and fit the "rule follower" mold pretty well... until I got in my car by myself, cranked up the radio and busted out to whatever punk rock, emo or grunge I could find. (Okay, and sometimes to *NSYNC or country music.)
So did music influence your decision to get a tattoo?
My brother did a great job exposing me to the grunge and punk rock of the early '90s (Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Green Day, etc.) and I think the aesthetic always stuck with me. Somewhere inside, underneath all these collared shirts and "yes ma'am"s was a little rocker trying to break out!
And here you are, rocking the podium! So tell us about your most meaningful tattoo.
On my bicep, I have a sailing ship with the words, "Disturb Us Lord" underneath it. The tattoo is a nod to the Prayer of Sir Francis Drake. The poem/prayer continues:
Disturb Us Lord, when
We are too well pleased with ourselves
When our dreams have come true
Because we dreamed too little
When we arrive safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore . . .
The words help me push forward with my chin up. If things are good, I'm reminded that sometimes I have to step a little further in courage to find things that may be even better. And if things aren't going so wonderfully, I'm reminded that the tides and winds and seas change, and that I can learn something on the "rocky seas."
That's beautiful. Do you have a favorite tattoo?
I have two tattoos that I got on separate occasions with my dear friend, Colleen. Colleen is simply one of those people who always shows up at the right time (with a hug, a michelada and/or tickets to go see our favorite high school emo band on tour).
We each have a riff on the traditional sailor's swallow, which acknowledges a great journey traveled. Colleen has known me through so many seasons of life (she even came down to NYC from Boston to take one of my community rides during SoulCycle instructor training!), and I've known her through at least three hair colors, so it's nice to remember the journeys taken in life with a great friend.
Several years later, we also got matching compass tattoos. In the moment, we picked the design because we really liked the concept art my artist in California had drafted. Afterwards, we had a moment where one of us (I forget whom) looked at the other and said, "Hey... I guess if you ever feel lost in life, you get to know that I've got your compass and will help you find your way."
Tell us about your most whimsical tattoo.
Frog and Mouse homies!
I spent almost 10 years working in tech in various sales and consulting roles. One night, while out to dinner in Tokyo, colleagues from Singapore and Australia were asking about my tattoos (which they'd noticed when I rolled up my sleeves). After relating a few stories, one teammate proclaimed, "Sh** Stinger! You're really deep, man!"
A few weeks later, I found myself drawn to the whimsical drawing of a frog and mouse walking side by side that Skylar at Polished Tattooing in San Jose had posted to his Instagram. I knew in a heartbeat I loved the design, and that it needed to come with me as a reminder not to take myself too seriously!
Skylar found the image in a photo book of British Sailors' tattoos from the 1890s. So as far as I know, there's no hidden meaning in the image. We've decided the frog and mouse are walking home after a long night working at the pub they own together (mouse is the jovial line cook in the back; frog is the grumpy bartender).
How many do you have now?
I think 16?
Are you planning on getting more?
I always say, "Okay... I'm good now." The longest that's lasted is eight months, so...
We look forward to your additions, then! So how do your tattoos describe you and your personal story?
I've always known these things I'm putting on my body are permanent, and I've been good with that. I like making a commitment and sticking to it, so the general concept of a tattoo speaks to that inclination.
Most of my tattoos have been done by the same artist, whose neoclassical aesthetic reminds me of the opportunity to refresh old things or change old perspectives. Several designs are rooted in faith-based concepts. While I probably won't be winning any awards given out by a church, I think it's important to have a foundation of belief and to be open to sharing it (perhaps literally wearing it on your sleeve?) and having conversations about it as your beliefs evolve and deepen.
Also, I don't know what it says about me, but all of my tattoos are on the left side of my body. There's probably some subconscious "good side/bad side" or "rage/love" dichotomy at work there.
Do you have any advice for anyone considering a tattoo, first time or otherwise?
1) Be sure to get what you really want, and
2) Don't go thinking you're a unicorn because you have a tattoo.
Regarding number two: Estimates range from 20-40 percent of adults having tattoos now. So, get a tattoo because it means something to you, you really dig the artwork and you're ready to commit to it for your whole life. DON'T get a tattoo to shock people, piss off your parents or impress your boyfriend/girlfriend/fiance/spouse/barista.
As for number one: Print a picture (or the words) you want tattooed on you and tape it somewhere you'll see it regularly for a month or more, like your bedroom mirror. If you're not sick of seeing it after 30+ days, you might be okay getting it permanently imprinted on your body.
Also, don't expect to just walk into a tattoo parlor and get to work right away. Some designs may be too intricate for the size you want; some artists may want to offer an alternative interpretation of your design. You may have to make a deposit and come back later to actually get the work done. Throughout this process, don't be afraid to share your opinion and DON'T RUSH THROUGH IT.
Anything else to add?
Yes: Tattoos hurt. But just like a solid SoulCycle class, why let temporary pain or challenge get in the way of something that'll make you feel good for years to come?
Catch classes with ANDREW at SoulCycle SOMA and Palo Alto! Questions or comments? Email firstname.lastname@example.com! Want to ride? Grab a series HERE and book a bike!
Photography by Andrew Stinger


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By Josh Axelrod
If you've noticed, this site recaps pretty much every major live-action superhero show: "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.l.D," "Arrow," and "The Flash." Conspicuously absent from that list is "Gotham," FOX's attempt to create a show in the Batman universe with Jim Gordon as its main character.
As of this week, FOX has aired four episodes of "Gotham." Usually, four episodes into a new show, you can get a sense if it's worth sticking with or not. Said show should have either found its footing by now or at least established an identity and confidence. There are exceptions to this rule: Two of the shows listed above ("S.H.I.E.L.D" and "Arrow") took much longer to become consistently entertaining, but the increase in quality was worth the speed bumps along the way.
This is why I'm still not ready to render a verdict on "Gotham" yet. The show is bursting with potential, but there are certain elements right now that just aren't working. "Gotham" doesn't need as drastic an overhaul as something like "The Mindy Project" had to go through in order to become one of TV's funniest comedies. But something just hasn't clicked yet, and it really needs to reach that point ASAP in order to keep me watching.
Through four episodes, the show has adopted a strategy of throwing every Batman character it can think of at us to see what sticks. So far we've met some major Batman players, including Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie), young Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz), Alfred Pennyworth (Sean Pertwee), The Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor), The Riddler (Cory Michael Smith), Catwoman (Camren Bicondova) and more. We've even gotten allusions to the likes of Poison Ivy and The Joker.
And a lot of the characters I just mentioned are only in the background so far. There's Jim's partner, crooked cop Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue); his strangely moody wife Barbara (Erin Richards); minor crime boss Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith); major crime bosses Carmine Falcone (John Doman) and Sal Maroni (David Zayas); Gotham's Mayor Aubrey James (Richard Kind); AND I COULD GO ON BUT I WON'T.
There are so many characters on this show it's hard to remember who we're supposed to care about sometimes. This gets even harder when you realize that Gotham's Police Department is hilariously corrupt. Seriously, these "officers of the law" pick and choose what cases they think are worth looking into and are basically wrapped around the crime lords' fingers. You wonder why any citizen of Gotham would ever trust a cop when they're just as likely to screw them over as a petty thug.
The show is set up as a crime-of-the-week show with a bigger conspiracy going on involving the crime families, Arkham Asylum and the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne. So far, our villains have been nothing more than low-level criminals or assassins. Though there was one dude who killed people by tying them to balloons and letting them float to their deaths. That was entertainingly brutal.
The performances are okay. Jim Gordon is by far the most boring character on the show, though that's not Ben McKenzie's fault. He just happens to be the most straight-laced person in a city full of crazy people. But he doesn't have Agent Coulson's sense of humor, Barry Allen's whimsical streak or Oliver Queen's general badassery. He's just bland.
The standouts so far have been Taylor's take on The Penguin and Logue's Harvey Bullock. Oswald Cobblepot is a sniveling rat who also happens to be a homicidal maniac and a master of manipulation. His body count is the highest on the show so far, and some of his kills have been brutal by network TV standards. Taylor plays him so that you can tell underneath his demure exterior lies a power-hungry psychopath.
Bullock appears to be the only "good" character on this show who really understands how to play the game. He's as crooked as they come, but he is usually trying to do the right thing. Bullock has also saved Gordon's life on multiple occasions, which has to count for something. You can tell behind Logue's eyes that Harvey wants to be a good cop, but he also has no problem getting dirty for the greater good.
So to recap: We have a freshman case-of-the-week crime show with a bland hero, way too many characters and a comically corrupt police force that is playing with a lot of good ideas and two genuinely fascinating performances by Taylor and Logue. And the show hasn't even introduced its take on Harvey Dent and Victor Zsasz yet. Oy vey.
I really want to like this show, but I'm not ready to go all in on it yet. I'll check back in four more episodes and let you know if it's worth a look or not. For now, if you're looking to check "Gotham" out, just know that it's a frustrating show with the potential for greatness. It just needs to figure out what it wants to be.


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Beaches remain closed in Indian River County and will remain closed through the weekend.
Business owners along the beach in Vero Beach say conditions have improved.
For the first time in nearly two weeks, Lee Olsen at Waldo's Restaurant can open his dining outside.
"Been a long 12 days," said Olsen.
Some good news finally.
"Timing couldn't be more perfect because we have a huge community event here this weekend," said Olsen.
Beaches will remain closed because of more fish cleanup and lingering respiratory issues.
Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch hope an incoming cool front will help.
"Hopefully we'll see those winds change direction come out of the south and the west," said Malcolm McFarland at FAU Harbor Branch. "Big question is how long is it going to stick around? How long before those colder temperatures and wind patterns manage to clear it out?"
Hope it seems, is all anyone can do.


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We are pleased to announce that Stour Valley Vineyard Church will be hosting a 6 week mid week course entitled 'Discovering Father's Love'.
The course will be run by John and Maureen Hammond at Assington Hall. They invite you to "come and explore with us Jesus' invitation to come to the Father. It is a means of manifesting truth concerning our identity as sons and daughters of God. It will commend itself to the conscience of those taking part concerning the revelation of God the Father."
If you are interested in joining the course pick up a course leaflet at our Sunday morning service and return the booking form (details for returning your form will be found on the leaflet). Please note HOME groups will be joining together for these six weeks.
The course will run every Tuesday evening from 11 March through to 15 April 2014 at Assington Hall, Assington, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 5LQ (see directions below). There will be tea and coffee served from 7pm, the course will start at 7:30pm. There is plenty of parking at the front of Assington Hall.
All enquires please contact: firstname.lastname@example.com or call: 01787 377 670


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Annuities are often associated with retirement investing and other long-term financial investment products. However, annuities are actually considered to be a type of insurance product. They certainly do serve as a component of an investment strategy and can help individual investors plan for retirement by providing guaranteed income for a set period of time. The amount of income and the length of payments is dependent on a number of factors.
Types of Annuities
Since an annuity is designed to offer payments to the investor at a later date, there are different products that facilitate long term planning in different ways. With a fixed annuity, the investor purchases a guaranteed payout. This can be a lump-sum payout for a later disbursement, or a payment stream that begins and ends on a specific date. The term of these payments can be set to end on a specific date, or to last for the life of the recipient.
Variable annuities, on the other hand, are at the mercy of their underlying investments. With these products, the annuity cost is invested, and the payout amount is linked to the return on those investments. If these investments see large returns, the annuity will pay more. Conversely, if these investments suffer losses, the annuity will as well. Depending on the current market climate and the intent for the annuity disbursement, a variable annuity could be an advantage or a detriment.
Annuities and Tax Liability
Depending on the type of retirement investment, a tax benefit is often gained by the investor. Some retirement accounts use tax-deferred earnings, meaning that the cost of these products is paid with pre-tax dollars. With others, the products are purchased after taxes, but the gains on the investments are then shielded from tax liability. With annuities, pre-tax dollars are used to fund the purchase. However, when the insurance company initiates disbursement, that income is subject to tax.
Most of the tax sheltered retirement investment options have yearly limits associated with them. This is due to their use to defer or deflect taxation. Annuities carry a strong advantage in that there is no yearly limit. This means that the investor can gain the benefit of a large amount of pre-tax income working as an investment. When combined with a variable annuity, this represents a great strategy to take advantage of a high performing market.
Fees and Commissions
Annuities often carry high commissions with them. In some cases up to 10% of the annuity can be paid in fees to the insurance company. Furthermore, the fees on a variable annuity can often rise to 1.25% or more. When the market is performing poorly, this can be a significant drain on a person's investments. Also, there are surrender charges for people who require the disbursement of their annuity before their intended date. These fees can begin anywhere from 7-20%, and typically decrease by 1% every year thereafter.


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Condoleezza Rice praises Ernst's foreign policy vision
Despite her Beltway reputation, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has "surprisingly partisan" political tendencies. As longtime readers may recall, Rice has a reputation for relative high-mindedness, especially when compared to some of her former Bush/Cheney colleagues, but she's a more aggressive Republican than is generally appreciated.
Today, for example, Rice threw her support to one of the nation's most right-wing U.S. Senate candidates: Iowa state Sen. Joni Ernst.
"Joni Ernst has dedicated her life to the service of others, bravely leading troops in Iraq and safely bringing them home to Iowa. Now Iowans have an opportunity to make her the first female combat veteran to ever serve in the U.S. Senate," Rice said in a statement released by Ernst's campaign."We need more leaders, like Joni, who understand America's role abroad and the threats posed against us," she added.
That's certainly a nice sentiment, but the notion that Joni Ernst has an admirable understanding of America's role abroad is tough to take seriously.
It's Ernst, after all, who recently argued that Saddam Hussein really did have weapons of mass destruction – reality be damned – based on secret evidence that Ernst has "reason to believe," but can't explain.
I can see why such nonsense might endear the far-right candidate to a veteran of the Bush/Cheney team, but it doesn't exactly reflect someone with sound judgment on international affairs.
For that matter, Ernst also argued in a recent debate that "there's no sense" in having members of Congress meet their obligations under the Constitution when it comes to authorizing the use of military force abroad.
And, then, of course, there are Ernst fears about the Agenda 21 conspiracy.
Remember this one?
The latest primary comments that could haunt her Senate bid are on the topic of Agenda 21, a community planning provision in a decades-old United Nations treaty that's become an object of fear and conspiracy theories on the right, and especially in the commentaries and writing of Glenn Beck.Yahoo News has obtained video showing Ernst at a January GOP forum in Montgomery County, Iowa, warning that Agenda 21 could force Iowa farmers off their land, dictate what cities Iowans must live in, and control how Iowa citizens travel from place to place.
As we talked about when Yahoo News first published this, in response to a question about Agenda 21, Ernst responded as if she'd given the fringe topic quite a bit of thought.
"The United Nations has imposed this upon us, and as a U.S. senator, I would say, 'No more. No more Agenda 21,'" Ernst said earlier this year. "Community planning – to the effect that it is implementing eminent domain and taking away property rights away from individuals – I don't agree with that…. We don't want to see a further push with Agenda 21, where the Agenda 21 and the government telling us that these are the urban centers that you will live in; these are the ways that you will travel to other urban centers. Agenda 21 encompasses so many different aspects of our lives that it's taking away our individual liberties, our freedoms as United States citizens."
A couple of months prior, but still during her U.S. Senate candidacy, Ernst argued that Agenda 21 could lead to "moving people off of their agricultural land and consolidating them into city centers, and then telling them that you don't have property rights anymore."
By most fair measures, these are the words of a crackpot on America's political fringe. And yet, Ernst is not only positioned to win a U.S. Senate seat next week, she has former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice praising her understanding of America's role abroad.


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What is Psychology-Based Web Design?
The difference between a good web design and a great one that really performs well is psychology; it applies to the work that web design services do just as much as it applies to marketing services.
To compete in today's vast digital world, web designers have to understand the psychology of the users they are designing for in order to build an appropriate website.
A Brief Definition of Psychology-Based Web Design
Psychology-based web design is approached from the angle of using human psychology to influence the actions of website users.
It is a technique that incorporates elements such as site layout, colors, typefaces, and site functionality, each chosen for the psychological effect it can have on users.
It is also an important technique used by web designers to establish user trust, make users feel important, and generate specific feelings that encourage users to do certain things on a website.
In addition, psychology-based design seeks end results by first understanding how users want and expect to use a website, then uses those habits and expectations to achieve certain website goals.
Why Use Psychology-Based Web Design?
Psychology-based design is a method commonly used by web design services for business websites because it generates conversions.
Starting with making the right first impression and progressing all the way to the point of conversion, this technique considers human emotion, familiarity, and user expectations every step of the way.
By building trust from the beginning, applying elements where and how users expect to use them, and then rewarding users throughout their journey to convert, web designers can tap into different psychologies that most people respond to.
From the desire for a bargain to the need to be recognized personally, most users can be manipulated to react in ways that the website wants them to.
Overall, design approached from a psychological angle results in a more user-friendly website that has a high conversion rate.
How Is Psychology-Based Web Design Implemented?
The foundation of psychology-based web design lies in understanding the user, what they want to do on a website, and how they expect to be able to do it.
As such, this approach will differ depending on the type of website and its purpose.
Beginning by making sure the user has a clear understanding of a website's purpose and how to navigate it, designers can then implement other psychological elements to keep users moving along the path to conversion.
Some of those elements include influencing emotions or highlighting with color, guiding users through a site with the skillful use of whitespace, and creating suitable content that is placed in the areas where users expect to find it.
Psychology Builds Successful Websites
Although many of these elements like intuitive navigation and appropriate content may seem obvious, it's how they are used by designers and the consideration of a user's thought process that makes it work.
Psychology-based web design reduces user frustration and increases site performance by thinking like the user and generating positive emotions and thoughts needed to convert them!


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Rotoscoping the Future: Renaissance
2005, 105 mins., France, French with English subtitles
Director: Chirstian Volckman
Screenplay: Alexandre de la Patelliere, Mathieu Delaporte, Jean-Bernard Pouy, and Patrick Raynal
A film that channels Metropolis, Blade Runner, and the Japanese anime Ghost in the Shell (the first in Working Stiffs, the third in Cinema of Globalization) is remarkably daring and to do the whole shebang in rotoscoping (animators tracing over live action footage) is especially nervy. A little rotoscoping goes a long way, however, but that may likely to be (my) generational attitude.
Once I let myself go and accepted the chiaroscuro black and white world of the future—Paris in 2054, supposedly—this re-fashioning of the Blade Runner plot through a French sensibility offers a convincing noir megalopolis of dreadful night. Most of the action seems like a comic book, oops, graphic novel, that you don't have to turn the pages to read.
The plot involves the usual number of double crosses and mystifying alliances characteristic of high French policiers, but without the charm. Think of the classic Diva (1981) without the classical music or the Viet-French lassy dressed up like a popsicle (in the wonderful description by film critic Pauline Kael). The bad guys run a corporation, Avalon, that has acquired not only the femme fatale Ilona (played by Isabelle Van Waes, voiced by Virginia Mery) but also the solution to a premature aging disease. Cool cop Karas (played by Robert Dauney, voiced by Patrick Floersheim) has to find her and expose this corporate power: along the way he has various adventures with characters who—alas for me—look remarkably alike in rotoscopic fashions.
This futuristic film noir plays out in a megalopolis that is both Paris and not-Paris: we see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Sacre Coeur, but they are all kind of connected by high tech walkways and elevated structures of all kinds. It has a beautiful if indistinct charm. By now when a shadowy corporation runs giant digital billboard ads like " We're On Your Side, For Life," any self-respecting film fan reaches for his metro map that says (in French, of course), This Way Out.
Further Reading:
Nesselson, Lisa. "Renaissance." Variety, 28 March 2006. Celebrates this "chiaroscuro curio's level of graphic invention" with a "pleasingly mournful approach": "Fans of live action melded with a graphic-novel sensibility" should make this "tiny niche of filmmaking history" a must-see.
Holden, Stephen. "Even in a Place Like Paris, It's Not Good to Live Forever." New York Times, 22 Sept. 2006. A mixed review: "T he style makes a convoluted story of corporate greed, high-tech espionage and science run amok even more difficult to follow. This is a plot that goes on as many tangents and wild goose chases as The Big Sleep."


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Rolling Stones gathering moss
By Mike Murphy
I'm not really a big fan of classic rock. Sure, old Beach Boys stuff is occasionally fun to hear except where once I would get what I thought was a sexy tan soaking up the sun's rays, nowadays I just end up with my arms resembling elongated dried-up prunes. As far as surfing goes, I'm quite certain I could find something to injure just by running with a surfboard in an attempt to reach the water.
I mean, I already feel old enough without hearing Jimmy Soul's recording of "If You Wanna Be Happy," which dredges up the memory that my eighth grade graduation class chose it as its class song — in 1963. You may recall that Jimmy sang "If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life, never make a pretty woman your wife" — a theory I proved to be absolutely wrong.
I'm weak in math, so calculating exactly how many years ago that was requires such a complex process that I would just give up, and besides, by now I've already forgotten what I was considering doing because, you see, forgetfulness is one of the things that can happen when you reach a certain age — at least to normal mortal souls such as myself.
But not to guys like the Rolling Stones' front man Mick Jagger. Beyond all reason, despite smoking, drinking and just plain hell-raising for a great deal of his life, Jagger is still going strong at 71. I bet he never even forgets a single lyric. You won't see Mick Jagger strutting around on the stage shouting, "How we doing tonight, Seattle?" when he's actually in Chicago. No, but that's something I could definitely do — not the strutting part, I would hurt something, but the city screw up is what I mean.
Then there's guitarist Keith Richards, also 71, but in his case we're talking dog years. Have you seen him lately? The man has lived so hard he looks like he just got off work at the London Museum — as a mummy exhibit. Why, Keith Richards has ingested more illegal drugs than a laboratory mouse.
And booze? At concert after-parties they just tap one of Richards' veins and serve grain alcohol to the guests. You may recall that Richards is the Rolling Stone who fell out of a coconut tree a few years back while visiting Fiji, landing on his head and fracturing his skull. He immediately staggered up from the ground, raised his empty drinking glass, and slurred, "I'll take another one of those, and make it a double this time."
Two years ago The Rolling Stones celebrated 50 years together as a rock band by going on tour. This past week they started another tour, during which they'll play 15 concerts. So these guys in their 70s are on the road rocking and rolling on something called the Zip Code Tour while I'm rocking in my chair trying to remember my zip code. Just doesn't seem quite fair.
However, I'm willing to bet that their last few tours, including this latest one, are a bit different than tours during the band's heyday. For one thing, the audience has aged a bit. Instead of rushing the stage, today's white-haired fans jockey for position with their walkers. Females no longer shower the stage with bras and panties, but it's possible Mick could get smacked in the face by a pair of Depends. Although the days of the band members maintaining an entourage of teenage groupies are long gone, 73-year-old drummer Charlie Watts does keep a personal nurse handy to check his blood pressure between songs.
The band's requests for perks while on tour have changed over the years also. Whereas they once demanded a supply of pot and alcohol before shows, now their dressing rooms are well stocked with Ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol and kegs of Geritol.
As they continue to age, the Stones may want to reconsider some of their hit songs' titles: "Time Is on My Side" (Uh-uh, don't think so); "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" (How about can't get no good night's sleep?); "It's All Over Now" (OK, this is getting too depressing).
Mick Jagger summed up the band's evolution nicely by pointing out that back in the 1960s the Stones were the bad boys of rock, and parents would not allow their teens to attend the concerts. Now those teens are all grown up and are dragging their children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren to the shows.
Despite finding classic rock depressing at times, I have to admit that after hearing about The Rolling Stones launching another concert tour this summer, I felt a sudden surge of energy while attempting to finish mowing the lawn and boldly whispered to myself, "I can do this. And I will — right after my nap."
Mike Murphy of Pocatello retired after a 35-year teaching and coaching career. He has a master's degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is an Associated Press award-winning columnist.


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It's good to be rich.
Some people are born into rich families, pampered and sheltered their entire lives, but some people are born into middle-class families while others are born into poor families.
Being born into wealthy families is an advantage to many as it has helped open doors for them throughout their careers or we can simply say; is a bit easier on their rise to fame as they all come from wealthy families.
Meet The Rich Kids Of Kenyan Instagram: Salma Mbuvi (PHOTOS)
In Kenya, there are quite a number of celebrities both male and female whose parents were or are celebrities, and such opportunity has given many a higher chance of becoming rich.
Despite the fact that some of our celebrities have struggled to get where they are, there are some who were born with a silver spoon in their mouth.
Check photos
1. Salma Mbuvi
2. Julie Gichuru
3. Yvonne Maingey
4. Anerlisa Muigai
5. Sarah Hassan


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Chapter 1. Integrated Marketing
Chapter 2. KPIs
Chapter 3. Analytics
Chapter 4. Google Analytics
Chapter 5. SEO
Chapter 6. PPC
Andreas Ramos develops Web marketing strategies for global clients. He was the co-founder of a Silicon Valley search engine marketing agency and is an advisor to a number of Silicon Valley startups. Andreas is a frequent speaker at search marketing conferences. Stephanie Cota runs The CCG Group, Inc., which provides corporate training, onsite expert evaluations, and multichannel marketing and sales solutions. She is a member of the Web Analytics Association and served on their Educational Certification Committee in partnership with the University of British Columbia.


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Reference : 6356 - 1 (black)
Trousers belt connecting snap loops and 5 pockets (4 outside and 1 inside). Back pocket for Furygan D3O protectors. Reflective insert in the back.
The TX Vince Vented is a technical jacket designed for summer. The mix of two main supple materials set a high standard of comfort, while the Motion Lab expertise on the inner liner allows the TX Vince to be CE approved. And that's not even mentioning the cool style!


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2-storey Penthouse in The Hudson
510 - 770 Fisgard St
- Photos
- Google Map
Magnificent modern 2 bed/2 bath + den penthouse in the historic Hudson building located in Victoria's vibrant Old Town district. Executive two-level loft style suite has easy access to a massive 1,350 sq. ft private terrace with built in BBQ. The main level features an open kitchen/ living area with 21' ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. Chef's kitchen with a gas cooktop, built-in coffee maker, wine fridge, and top of the line Miele appliances. A flexible space (den/bedroom/dining option) and full bathroom complete this level. The 2nd level offers views over downtown Victoria, Vic West and the Sooke Hills from the two bedrooms and also a luxurious bathroom with generous bathtub, shower, double sinks and heated floors. The Hudson has energy efficient geothermal heating, a guest suite, and on the main level you will find the Victoria Public Market. Ideally located right in the heart of downtown Victoria. email@example.com for more information.
Listed with:
Sylvia Therrien - Newport Realty Ltd.


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Industry Description
The medical device industry (SIC 3840, NAICS 339112) consists of companies engaged in manufacturing medical and surgical instruments used to diagnose and treat healthcare patients. The United States is both the leading producer and consumer of medical devices. The industry experienced annual double digit growth from 2007 to 2012[1]; however, it experienced negative annual growth of 0.8 percent from 2012 to 2017.[2] In the coming years, the industry is expected to grow at a pace in line with rising per capita income.
Medical device manufacturers compete by developing superior products and technology; thus, research and development (R&D) is critical. New product innovation plays the most prominent role in sustaining growth for medical device manufacturers. Larger companies experience economies of scale in research and development, which is one of several factors that have led to increasing consolidation in recent years. The top 10 medical device companies worldwide by sales follows:[3]
- Johnson & Johnson
- Medtronic Inc.
- GE Healthcare
- Siemens Healthcare
- Philips Healthcare
- Cardinal Health
- Danaher Corp.
- Becton Dickinson
- Baxter International
- Stryker Corp.
The industry continues to be heavily regulated. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for oversight of the medical device industry. In response, the industry devotes considerable resources to product approval processes, clinical trials, plant audits and inspections. Additionally, there are thousands of medical device recalls every year; recalls on devices occur throughout its' life cycle, ranging from less than 1 year to over 15 years on market.[4] Recalls and lawsuits can have a significant impact on the value of medical device companies.
Industry Trends
Trends in the medical device industry have continued to change over the past several years, especially in response to shifting demographics (aging population, and increased incidence of modern diseases) and technology. Some of the most significant trends include the following:
- Older populations use a disproportionate share of medical services. As the U.S. population ages, the incidence of health issues increase and drive up the demand for medical devices. The ongoing increase in the older demographic will help maintain growth in the industry. The global population is also aging, with the United Nations estimating that people age 60 and up will make up more than 15 percent of the world's population by 2025.[5]
- Industry revenues will maintain steady but slow growth. Slow growth, decreasing profit margins and market competition for innovation will likely continue to drive the pace of merger and acquisition (M&A) activities. The United States will continue to be the largest market despite a thin growth forecast.
- To help offset the cost of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, the federal government instituted an excise tax on medical devices as of the beginning of 2013. The tax required medical device companies to pay 2.3 percent of total revenues whether or not they generate a profit. The tax was suspended in December 2015. Many industry opponents to the device tax claim that the tax has cost many U.S. jobs. Supporting that claim is a survey commissioned by the Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA), released in July 2016. The survey results include an increase in hiring since the tax was suspended in December. The survey found that 69 percent of respondents are likely to hire more U.S. based employees, and 77 percent are likely to invest additional resources in research and development (R&D) given the two-year device tax suspension. A permanent repeal of the tax may result in more gains for the U.S. medical device.
Key Performance Metrics
The following are performance metrics that are typically used by medical device manufacturers to benchmark their performance against others in the industry. These performance metrics are common to a broad range of industries:
- Operating margin
- Costs of goods sold as percentage of sales
- Days of inventory on hand
- Inventory turnover
Industry Organizations and Publications
Some organizations that publish helpful information about the medical device industry include:
- Medical Device Manufacturers Association: www.medicaldevices.org, a national trade association of entrepreneurial medical technology companies
- Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed): www.advamed.org, a trade association of medical technology companies representing 80% of the medical technology firms in the United States
- Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry: www.mddionline.org, a magazine relating to medical device and in vitro diagnostic equipment manufacturers
Summary of Valuation Approaches
There are four different types of valuation methods that can be used to value medical device companies, as follows:
- Asset-based valuation: This method calculates a business's equity value as the fair market value of a company's assets less the fair market value of its liabilities. This approach is also sometimes referred to as a "cost-based approach"; that is, the business's value is equal to the cost of acquiring its physical assets. This approach is seldom used for a medical device company because its value is more closely related to its earnings and cash flow.
- Income approach to value (capitalization of earnings): This method is most applicable to companies that face predictable and constant growth in earnings and have a long history of operations. The business value under this method is equal to the cash flow projection for one year divided by a capitalization rate (i.e. the appropriate discount rate less the predicted growth rate).
- Income approach to value (discounted cash flow): The value of equity utilizing this method is equal to the present value of free cash flows available to equity holders over the life of the business. This method works well for both established companies with low growth rates as well as new companies with higher rates of growth, but requires predicting changes in future cash flows.
- Market approach to value: This method utilizes market indications of value based on metrics from guideline publicly traded device manufacturers and privately held businesses. The financial metrics of public companies or those of private transactions can be used to create valuation multiples that are then used to calculate business value.
Benchmark Statistics
The following benchmarking data is based on the financial performance of various medical device manufacturers.[6] Before using this data for specific valuation purposes it should be evaluated for appropriateness.
|Gross Profit %
|Operating profit %
|Inventory Turnover (Median)
|Current ratio (Median)
Availability of Publicly Traded Comparable Companies
Many of the top medical device manufacturers are publicly traded, and are often divisions or subsidiaries of large corporations with diverse holdings. The availability of financial data for publicly traded medical device manufacturers makes it possible to compare a subject company to industry benchmarks and apply industry multiples. However, when valuing a medical device business, it is important to use benchmarks and multiples based on companies that are similar to the subject company and be aware that multiples of certain publicly traded corporations as a whole may not necessarily reflect those of their medical device divisions.
The top five publicly traded companies with significant medical device operations, ranked by market capitalization as of Feb 16, 2017, are:[7]
- Johnson & Johnson ($321.34 billion)
- General Electric Co. ($269.46 billion)
- Medtronic ($ 107.06 billion)
- Siemens AG ($103.40 billion)
- Abbott Laboratories ($76.07 billion)
The price to earnings ratios of these companies range from 17.2 to 29.1.[8] As a whole, publicly traded companies in the medical appliances and equipment industry have a price to earnings ratio of 30.5.[9]
Availability of Private Purchase Transactions
In addition to public companies, data regarding private transactions can also provide a useful benchmark when valuing a medical device company. Fulcrum reviewed information regarding private company purchases of medical device industry. The size and scope of companies that have been bought and sold varies greatly, both in terms of their sales and the purchase price paid for the companies. From 2012 to 2016, transactions show the following ranges: [10]
- Market value of invested capital (MVIC) to Net Sales ranged from 0.45 to 524.41, with a median of 2.66.
- MVIC to earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (EBITDA) ranged from 4.64 to 75.53, with a median of 9.02.
The ranges of market multiples are too variant to be useful without further analysis. Multiples should be adjusted by deal size as well as other key profit drivers. As with selecting publicly traded comparable companies, care should be given to select private transactions that share similarities with the subject company. The financial metrics of a potential guideline transaction should be compared with those of the subject. Specific factors that are unique to each business must be considered.
Fulcrum Inquiry performs business appraisals for medical device manufacturers and other businesses.
[1] IBISWorld, Growth in Technology and Healthcare Paving the Way for New IPOs.
[2] IBIS Industry Market Research Report
[3] Medical Product Outsourcing Magazine, Top 30 Global Medical Device Companies
[4] S. Food & Drug Administration, Medical Device Recall Report
[5] MDDI Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry News Products and Suppliers, The U.S. Medical Device Industry in 2012: Challenges at Home and Abroad
[6] Risk Management Association (RMA), Annual Statement Studies
[7] Google Finance, Yahoo Finance
[8] Bloomberg Business
[9] CSI Market
[10] Pratt's Stats


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This 3 inch capacity ring metal approximate 4" (4 inch) spine has a Specially Designed Inside cover pocket to hold additional important papers, 2 Business Cards and a CD. Included inside the Minute Book Binder is the Metal Embossing Seal with the Entities Name, Year, and State of the Entity, the Embosser Pouch, 20 Custom Certificates with the Name of the Entity, State of Formation and other Pertinent Information.
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LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky cheerleaders wrapped up their trip to the Winter Olympics by representing the United States in the Wonju International Cheerleading Open on Monday in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
The UK/USA team was one of eight countries that performed at the event, along with Canada, Norway, Russia, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and host Korea. The Wonju Open was an exhibition that showcased the sport of cheerleading. The UK cheerleaders performed a routine similar to the one they used in January while winning their 23rd national championship at the Universal Cheerleading Association.
The Wonju Open was the conclusion of an incredible 12-day journey for the UK cheerleaders, which began on their arrival with a performance at a United States military base in Seoul. From there, the squad of 16 Wildcats continued to Pyeongchang for the Olympic festivities. The team showed its remarkable combination of agility, athleticism, strength and precision teamwork on numerous occasions during the Olympics.
"We were honored to be here and represent the United States," Coach Jomo Thompson said. "Performing at the Olympic venues was fantastic. We performed at many of the Olympic sites throughout the city, including the Medal Plaza, the speed skating venue and the closing ceremonies. They were long days and nights but it was an incredibly rewarding experience."
The cheerleaders return to Lexington on Wednesday and resume their normal lives of schoolwork and cheering — just in time to encourage the Wildcat basketball teams as they head into tournament action in March.


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This unique 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1644+/-square foot home is on 20.558+/-Acres. NO COVENANTS!!! Great commercial opportunities. Awesome views of the Madison Range!!! Home offers a living room, dining area, kitchen, laundry room on the main level. Upper level has a master bedroom with large view window/large closet, second bedroom and one full bath. Also there is a 480 square foot single garage with plenty of room for storage. Good pasture areas that are fenced and cross fenced. Great location. Close to town.
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Listing Agent: Bill Mercer
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Being a world leader in energy technologies and environmental systems, MHPS is one of the very few companies worldwide who develops its own technology in the full Air Quality Control Systems (AQCS) arena.
Our power plants and industrial boilers provide superior plant performance while our AQCS technologies – particularly NOx reduction systems (SCR) and Flue Gas Desulfurization Systems (FGD) – purify the flue gases. Our technology and know-how lends new-found quality and security to vital industries, making thermal plants compatible with latest environmental requirements.
A profound knowledge and experience in the field of desulfurization processes and design is required to successfully execute an optimization and upgrade of existing FGD units, especially inside the EU to meet the new BREF (Best Available Techniques Reference) requirements including mercury reduction.


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The Recruiting Trends briefs and report are provided courtesy of the MSU Career Services Network and the Collegiate Employment Research Institute. (Copyright 2017 by Michigan State University, all rights reserved.)
The 47th annual Recruiting Trends reports are based on a survey convenience sample of employers currently seeking college talent through their interactions with college and university career services offices. Nearly 200 career service centers from around the country invited their employers to participate in this study. Employers provide information useful for understanding recruiting trends and practices. We also include information from 3,370 respondents recruiting talent for full-time positions, internships, and co-ops.
Recruiting Trends 2017-18: Executive Summary PDF (updated Feb 28, 2018)
Recruiting Trends Brief 1: Hiring Outlook for the Class of 2017-18 PDF (updated Oct. 17, 2017)
Recruiting Trends Brief 2: Hiring Outlook by Industry Sector and Geographic Region PDF (updated Oct. 17, 2017)
Recruiting Trends Brief 3: Starting Salaries PDF (updated Oct. 17, 2017)
Recruiting Trends Brief 4: Hiring by Academic Degree PDF (updated Oct. 18, 2017)
Recruiting Trends Brief 5: Internships & Co-ops PDF (updated Oct 19, 2017)
Recruiting Trends Brief 6: Scorecard on College Recruiting PDF (updated Feb 28, 2018)
Recruiting Trends 2017-18 is made possible by the efforts of many dedicated and generous colleagues, friends of the institute, and corporate sponsors. We thank all the colleges and universities who encouraged local, regional, and national organizations to participate in our survey for their confidence in our contribution to research on college recruiting.
Recruiting Trends 2017-18 is published by Career Services and the Collegiate Employment Research Institute and copyrighted, (c) 2017, by Michigan State University. All rights reserved. This electronic version is for individual use only. No part of this electronic report may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from the Institute. Users are not permitted to mount this file on any network servers nor distribute to other individuals via e-mail. Material from this report can be used in the classroom and newsletters with proper citation of Michigan State University and the Collegiate Employment Research Institute.
The research at CERI depends on revenues from our reports and research briefs. If you have found Recruiting Trends or any of our other reports helpful and wish to sustain our research efforts, please consider a small donation to CERI (cost of Recruiting Trends is $50). You can send your check or funds to Carol Stier, MSU Student Services Building room 113, 556 East Circle Drive, East Lansing MI 48824. Make checks payable to Michigan State University.


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Introduction: FollowSun
This FollowSun project is based on a solar panel placed in a support with a stepper motor driving a wheel controled by a PIC microchip in order to turn the solar panel to where the sun shines the most every half an hour. This will exploit the solar panel resources for supplying at every moment of the day the most current and voltage.
Step 1: Create a Support for the Solar Panel
Step 2: Make a Power Interface
For this interface we used:
1 LF347 Operational Amplifier
4 TIP41 NPN transistor
4 10k Ohms Resistor
4 2.2k Ohms Resistor
This interface will avoid loading effects oin the PIC
Step 3: Select the Motor
We selected a bipolar stepper motor of 6 wires at 12 volts in order to move the support of the panel.
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MAKE ENERGY: A US-Mexico Innovation Challenge
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Will you be adding some info on the mechanism that moves the solar panel? This looks interesting!
Yes, we were selecting among several motors but finally we chose a 6 wired stepper motor.


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VLP Symposium
September 26-27
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Thursday, September 26, 2019
1:00 pm – 2:50 pm
Claims: Preservation and Presentation
3:10 pm – 5:00 pm
Getting Paid: Liens, Bonds, and Insurance Issues
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Dinner Hosted by VLP: Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
Friday, September 27, 2019
7:15 am – 8:00 am
Continental Breakfast Hosted by VLP
8:00 am – 9:50 am
DRB Strategy: Preparing Persuasive Position Papers and Presentations
10:10 am – 12:00 pm
Design-Build Risks: Lessons Learned from the Trenches
Amanda Jo Amadon
Ankura ConsultingView Bio
Amanda Jo is managing director of Ankura Consulting. For more than 20 years, she has provided professional consulting services to owners, contractors, subcontractors, sureties, and their counsel related to the planning, scheduling, and monitoring of construction projects. In addition to providing litigation support, Amanda advises clients on managing risk and making informed decisions during the planning and execution of their project.
Brad Copenhaver
VLPView Bio
Brad is a VLP shareholder based in Tallahassee and practicing throughout the southeast. Brad's focus is representing contractors on transportation and other heavy civil projects. He has extensive experience in design-build procurement methods and works with contractors pre-bid in preparing and negotiating joint venture, subcontract, and design agreements.
Christian Cutillo
VLPView Bio
Christian L. Cutillo is a VLP shareholder based in Tallahassee. Christian's practice is largely comprised of representing prime contractors on public works projects throughout Florida. In addition, Christian specializes in contract drafting and negotiation for traditional, design-build, and P-3 contracts.
Michael Friedman
VLPView Bio
Michael is a VLP shareholder based in the Ft. Lauderdale office. Michael primarily litigates complex construction claims, and he represents sureties, owners, developers, contractors, construction managers, design professionals and subcontractors in all phases of the construction process. He has extensive experience in both vertical and horizontal projects throughout South Florida.
Jim Guyer, P.E.View Bio
James T. Guyer, P.E., LL.M. is a Civil Engineer with a Masters of Law. Jim is an active member of the Dispute Resolution Board and has been a busy mediator and construction arbitrator for more than 20 years. He has extensive experience in project management to include construction and engineering and claims consultation.
Joe Lawrence
VLPView Bio
Joseph W. Lawrence, II is a founding VLP shareholder in the Ft. Lauderdale office. Joe is a seasoned trial lawyer who has tried scores of construction cases to verdict/judgment. Joe's practice covers all aspects of construction law, including construction contract and document preparation.
Dr. Ed Minchin, P.E.
ProfessorView Bio
Dr. Minchin is a professor in the M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Construction Management at the University of Florida. In a 34-year career, Dr. Minchin has worked as part of eight major areas of the construction process. He has been a laborer and estimator for heavy construction contractors, as well as a designer, inspector, construction owner, researcher, consultant, and adjudicator. As a researcher and consultant, Dr. Minchin's efforts focus on three academic areas: alternative methods for construction project delivery and administration, construction supply chain integrity and security, and construction contract claims avoidance and dispute resolution.
Nicole Moss
VLPView Bio
Nicole Moss is a VLP associate in the firm's Ft. Lauderdale office. She has quickly become a "go-to" lawyer within VLP and a client favorite. Nicole's practice primarily focuses on resolving contractual disputes in both private and public works.
Roger Peters, Esq.View Bio
Roger Peters spent most of his career as an officer and General Counsel to the Dick Corporation (now dck worldwide), one of the largest privately held construction companies in the U.S. With more than 40 years of resolving disputes throughout the U.S., the Caribbean, and the Pacific Rim, Roger now dedicates his practice to serving full time as a mediator, arbitrator, and dispute board member for construction and construction defect disputes.
Mike Piscitelli
VLPView Bio
Mike Piscitelli is a founding VLP shareholder in the firm's Ft. Lauderdale office. For the past 30-plus years, Mike has concentrated his practice on construction, surety, and technology representation. He has extensive first chair jury trial experience, primarily in construction-related disputes, in both state and federal courts. Mike has participated in hundreds of mediations and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings, as well as administrative hearings, and has been recognized by Super Lawyers and Chambers USA in the field of construction litigation.
Rob Vezina
VLPView Bio
Rob manages VLP from Tallahassee where he is a founding shareholder. Rob's practice focuses on public and private construction disputes in both state and federal courts as well as many of the largest and highest profile public procurements in Florida. Rob is recognized in Construction by Florida Trend Legal Elite, Best Lawyers in America (U.S. News), Florida Super Lawyers, Chambers USA, and others.
Hyatt Regency Orlando
9801 International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32819
(800) 498-8464
Special Event Rate of $149 per night, plus taxes and resort fee
Book a room online or by phone by referring to VLP Symposium, Group Code: G-SVLP


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Good Morning Beautified Lady
This morning, we are declaring extraordinary results in everything we do. There's no room for mediocrity.
Today I decree in the name of Jesus that, I am not ordinary, my results are not ordinary. I am God's chosen, a royal priest, a holy nation, God's very own possession. Therefore, others see the goodness of God in every area of my life. I am called by God out of every darkness into God's wonderful light. By God's divine power, I have everything I need for life and godliness. I am a reflection of God's marvelous glory and excellence here on earth.
I decree that the Lord shall be merciful to me and my household. The Lord blesses us in all ramifications. The Lord smiles on us with favor and unfailing love.The Lord blows my enemy away like smoke and melts them like wax in a fire. The Lord sends abundance of rain over the work of my hands. The Lord raises me from every poor dust and lifts me from the ash heap. This season, the Lord shall make me sit with nobles. I enjoy strategic alliance with those that matter to my destiny and in my generation. I shall inherit a seat of honor.I shall not know shame, scorn or disgrace.
My life is an example to many, therefore I speak always with grace, my speech is seasoned with salt and I know what to say at the right time. My life shall proclaim the power of God to my generation. The Lord restores me with greater honour and comfort. The mountains shall yield prosperity for me and the hills shall yield fruitfulness to me.I speak over my life that my fruits flourish like the trees of Lebanon and I do not only survive, I thrive like grass in a field.The Lord leads me to my glorious destiny therefore, my health will not fail, my spirit will not grow weak because God remains the strength of my heart.I believe, I say Amen and it is settled.
Have a victorious day!


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Jussie Smollett could sue the city of Chicago
Jussie Smollett is considering suing the city of Chicago.
The Empire star had been accused of having orchestrated a racist and homophobic attack on himself back in January, and although he had the case against him dropped in March, local officials sued him for around $500,000 in April to cover various costs, including to compensate for the overtime pay for police who investigated his case.
And according to documents obtained by TMZ, Jussie is now considering filing a suit in response "for their conduct underlying the arrest and their conduct thereafter."
The 37-year-old actor was initially indicted on 16 felony counts of lying to police over the alleged attack but the charges were later dismissed.
However, a special prosecutor is now looking into the dismissal and could reinstate the charges, much to the fury of Jussie's lawyers.
Tina Glandian and Mark J. Geragos recently said in court: "This case has been a travesty of justice and an unprecedented deprivation of Mr. Smollett's constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence and right to a fair trial. Not only have the media and the public failed to critically look at the evidence (and lack thereof) against Mr. Smollett, but now, the court has accepted false media reports to presume Mr. Smollett guilty of charges which he pled not guilty to and which were dismissed against him.
"If the court's conclusions were to be accepted, the City of Chicago has committed an egregious violation of Mr. Smollett's civil rights by depriving him of his liberty and property without due process of law in violation of the Fourth Amendment and the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution."


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Classical Normal Linear Regression Model (CNLRM)
Basics Econometrics: Problem Of Estimation
In this article, we will discuss the details of the Classical Normal Linear Regression Model (CNLRM). The method of ordinary least squares is attributed to Carl Friedrich Gauss, a German mathematician. Under certain Assumption, this method of estimation has some very attractive statistical properties that made it one of most powerful and popular method of regression analysis.
The two variable Population Regression Function:
However, the Population functions can't be obtained directly, hence we estimated them from the help of sample regression functions:
Where 𝑌 ̂𝑖 is the estimated (conditional mean) value of 𝑌𝑖
Estimation Of Coefficients Using OLS Estimation
The OLS Estimated of 𝛽1 and 𝛽2 can be obtained as follows:
On differentiating partially with respect to 𝛽1 and 𝛽2 we obtained the following results:
Thus we get the estimated of the population regression function as:
The Classical Linear Regression Model
The Assumption Underlying The Method Of Least Square.
The objective of estimating 𝛽1 and 𝛽2 only, the method of OLS discussed is suffice, but if the objective is to draw the inference about the true value of population variables 𝛽1and 𝛽2 then we have to look upon the fictional form of 𝑌𝑖′𝑠 or the functional form of 𝑋𝑖′𝑠 and 𝑢𝑖′𝑠. This is because the value of population regression function i.e., 𝑌 𝑖 = 𝛽1 + 𝛽2𝑋𝑖 + 𝑢𝑖 depends on Xi and error terms.
Therefore, unless we are specified about how 𝑋𝑖 and 𝑢𝑖 are created or generated, there is no way we can make any statistical inference about 𝑌𝑖 and also, as we shall see, about 𝛽1and 𝛽2. Thus, we need some assumptions made about the 𝑋𝑖 variables and error terms are extremely critical to valid interpretation of the regression estimates.
The Gaussian, standard, or classical linear regression model (CLRM), which is the cornerstone of almost every economic theory, makes the following 7 assumptions:
Assumption1: The regression model is linear in terms of parameters.
Assumption2: The values of 𝑋𝑖′𝑠 are fixed or 𝑋 values are independent of the error term.
Assumption3: the mean of error terms is zero.
Assumption4: the variance of error terms is constant; this assumption is also known as Homoscedasticity.
Assumption5: the is no autocorrelation between the error terms (or disturbances)
Assumption6: the number of observations is greater than the number of parameters to be estimated. Assumption7: The 𝑋 values in the given sample must not be the same. i.e., the variance of 𝑋𝑖′𝑠 is positive.
NOTE: Gauss-Markov Theorem:
Given the assumption of the Classical linear regression model, the least-square estimators, in the class of unbiased linear estimators, have minimum variance, that is, they are BLUE
The Classical Normal Linear Regression Model (CNLRM):
Using the method of OLS we are able to estimate the population parameters 𝛽1 and 𝛽2, under the assumptions of the classical linear regression model, as 𝛽 ̂1 and𝛽 ̂2.But, since these estimators differ from sample to sample. therefore, these estimators as random variables.
Hence, we called the estimators as random variable thus we have to find the probability distribution of these estimators.
The Probability Distribution Of Disturbances (𝒖𝒊′𝒔)
But since 𝑋𝑖′𝑠 are assumed fixed, or nonstochastic, because ours is conditional regression analysis, conditional on the fixed values of 𝑋𝑖.
also 𝑌 𝑖 = 𝛽1 + 𝛽2𝑋𝑖 + 𝑢𝑖
Hence the 𝛽 ̂2 can be rewritten
the 𝑘𝑖, the beta and 𝑘𝑖 are fixed hence the estimate 𝛽 ̂2 is ultimately a linear function of the random variable.
Therefore, the probability distribution of estimators depends on the assumption of error terms. Since we need the probability distribution of estimated to draw the inference about population parameters, we have to draw the assumption about the distribution of error term.
Since the OLS does not make any assumption about the probabilistic nature of 𝑢𝑖, it is of little help for the purpose of drawing of drawing inference about population regression function from the sample regression function, the Gauss-Markov Theorem notwithstanding.
This void can be filled if we are willing to assume that the 𝑢𝑖′𝑠 follow some probability distribution. For reasons to be explained shortly, in the regression context it is usually assumed that the 𝑢𝑖′𝑠 follow a normal distribution.
Thus, adding the normality assumption of the classical linear regression model (CLRM) discussed earlier, we obtained what is known as the classical normal linear regression model (CNLRM).