text:
Special Price $35.99 was $46.99
Special Price $32.99 was $45.99
Super Original Vape Deals
$42.85 $62.99
Discount: you save: $20.14 (32%)
Weight: 0.32kg
Sku: SMKST0642
The Smok Resa Stick Vape Kit is a pen style device with a 2000mAh in-built battery and comes with Smok's Resa Baby vape tank.
The Smok Resa has a cobra resin design on its body which gives a wild outlook and tactility to the device, the resin theme runs through the Resa Baby tank also. The Smok Resa has micro USB charging and an intelligent LED indicator for example it will flash 4 times on each puff or flash 15 times when the voltage is lower than 3.3V. It also has various safety protection systems including 8 second cut off, short circuit protection, low resistance protection and low voltage protection.
The Resa Baby vape tank has 7.5ml capacity, a cobra resin drip tip which brings increased airflow from the large adjustable air slots, there is also a top fill system for ease of use. The Resa Baby includes a new mesh style coil, this new SMOK vertical coil uses flat mesh wire for superior heating and optimal vapor production. The SMOK Resa kit also comes with a 0.25 ohm V8 Baby M2 coil, so you can swap resistances to suit your vaping preferences.
Smok Stick Resa Kit by Smok brand elevates the vape pen-style systems to a brand-new level. Enjoy this All-in-One Kit!
SMOK RESA Stick Kit with Resa Baby Tank Feature:
Resin dyed appearance
7ml Large Juice Capacity
Multiple colors including black, red, pink, rainbow, green, purple, white, blue
SMOK RESA Stick Kit with Resa Baby Tank Specifications:
Resa Stick
Size: 83x25x27mm
Battery Capacity: 2000mAh
Standby Current: <200uA
Voltage Range: 3.4V-4.2V
Resa Baby Tank
Capacity: 7.5ml
Size: 56mm (H) * 28mm (D)
Material: Resin & Stainless Steel
Thread: 510
SMOK RESA Stick Kit Package Includes:
1 x Resa Stick
1 x Resa Baby Tank
1 x V8 Baby-Mesh Coil 0.15Ω(Pre-installed)
1 x V8 Baby-M2 0.25Ω Dual Coils
1 x USB Cable
1 x User Manual
Spare Parts
After-Sale Service:
If this product is broken within 1 month after you receive it, we guarantee that we will help to repair it. We will not take the responsibility if any damage is caused by false use or man-made sabotage. Read the User Manual carefully before you start to use it.


text:
EB: Mad Max: Fury Road sped into theaters last week and collectively blew the minds of everyone that went to see it. It truly is an amazing action movie that is both full of insane stunts and explosions, as well as strong female characters, which many probably didn't expect to see in a Mad Max movie. After watching it twice during its opening weekend (yes it's worth it, read my review), as well as revising the three original movies in digital HD, I now feel the need to rank the four films from the worst to the best, not that a Mad Max film can be garbage, but a few are definitely heads and tails above the others.
Fury Road number 1...REALLY
Seriously it's getting ridiculous now, the film is good but good god it's become so over hyped and overrated.
Now people are saying it's better then the first two....no
Least they actually felt like Mad Max films which focused on Max. They were gritty, didn't rely on CGI constantly, had violent moments and showed you how much of a bad ass Max was. My opinion.
The Road Warrior
Mad Max
Fury Road
Beyond Thunderdome
Fury Road might be a lot less of a Mad Max film, but it is a better film then any of the previous Mad Maxes just in sheer entertainment value, I think.
Fury Road
Road Warrior
Beyond Thunderdome
Mad Max
Just my opinion. Doesnt hurt anyone.
There may be some CGI in Fury Road, but I never felt like Miller used it as a crutch. Most of the action scenes are all practical effects.
i just saw fury road and i liked it more than the old ones maybe i am biased and im not a big fan of the 80's mad max but fury road was more entertaining. road warrior is second and the original mad max is third.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
You will hear…
…the following bands on the first Littlest Sounds Comp March/2011 (just click on the link underneath the music player to start your immediate download):
1. Golden Age – Beat Radio
2. Afraid of the Dark – Big White Clouds
3. Space Feeling – The Bird Day
4. Ivory Buttons – Commerce
5. Giant Hands – Dog & Panther
6. Lynette, I Love You – Drew Danburry
7. Don't be Downhearted – Elonzo
8. Too Much to Say – Germany Germany
9. Colours – Grouplove
10. One in a Million Does – Hancock Basement
11. Laughing – Hooded Fang
12. The Opposite of Hallelujah – Jens Lekman
13. The Recovery – Kissing Party
14. metaPhysical – Long Walks On The Beach
15. Flowers In Your Hair – The Lumineers
16. Hollowed Out – Micol Cazzell
17. It's Too Early/ If it's Gone… it's Gone – Netherfriends
18. Little Talks – Of Monsters and Men
19. Pack Your Bags – Pandit
20. Reverend Samuel Harper – The Restoration
21. Today We're Believers – Royal Canoe
22. Lahaha – Shugo Tokumaru
23. Say You're Still Lonely – Slow Runner
24. Abandoned Town – The Smooth Maria
25. Sink/Let it Sway – Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
26. Julius – Starf***er
27. Chandeliers – Summer Fiction
28. Down in the Ghost House – Uno Møller
29. Lonely Internet – US English
30. The First – Valley Maker
31. Cover Your Tracks – Young Galaxy
Comments3 Responses to "You will hear…"
Now i have a new source for obscure bands to name-drop when i'm trying to one-up my friends. Thanks Littlest Sounds!
Ryan, thanks for calling out all of us on our number one reason for listening to obscure indie bands. I thought there was an unspoken agreement among listeners of indie music that we not speak of the elephant in the room…that is, our need for people to think we're cool because we can name bands they've never heard of.
What a great list of bands and people! I love so many of these musical groups so much!


text:
Simple 11 Car Starter Wiring Diagram Photos
Related photos in this diagram:
Other recommended diagram ideas:
Remote, Starter Wiring Diagram Lovely Simple Diagram Bulldog Bulldog Security Wiring Diagrams Wiring - Car starter wiring diagram nine, wiring diagram ford solenoid vehicle starter free down load eight, automobile starter circuit diagram wiring terrific running faraway start diagrams 7, starter generator wiring diagram membership car best stylish of 6, far off car starter wiring diagram viper geared up famous person start for five, 2013 04 22 194423 1999 pontiac sunfire starter wiring 002 vehicle diagram four, wiring diagram car 3 normal beginning machine internal starter audio, simple vehicle wiring diagrams far off starter diagram the readingrat net inside car automobile 2, 3 usual vehicle starting machine diagram tx at some point of wiring of starter for far off diagrams 1, vehicle starter wiring diagram 0, gallery.
Fender tele wiring diagram, cadillac fuel pump wiring diagram, toyota faraway start wiring diagram , mini flip sign wiring diagram, cellphone handset wiring diagram, wiring diagram of sun panel machine, 2007 gmc sierra wiring diagram, 2006 stay away from charger wiring diagram, residential electric wiring diagram, two manner mild transfer wiring diagram.
Related put up lovable kenworth w900 wiring diagram picturesunique denso alternator wiring diagram graphicsbeautiful gasoline pump relay wiring diagram imageslovely mercury outboard wiring diagram schematic picturesawesome motorbike wiring diagram picturesbeautiful four cord thermostat wiring diagram imagesinspirational 30 amp plug wiring diagram picsinspirational heat pump wiring diagram schematic picturesbeautiful 1994 chevy 1500 wiring diagram picsinspirational walkin freezer wiring diagram images.
Boat raise transfer wiring diagram simple wiring diagram car carry quality wiring diagram for car starter legitimate become add at december 7, 2017 at 4:14 am by means of jostklemm, and this boat carry switch wiring diagram simple wiring diagram automobile elevate first-rate wiring diagram for vehicle starter legitimate wallpaper has viewed by means of customers. In case you wanna have it as yours, please click on complete length and you may go to web page download in full size, so you simply pick the size above the wallpaper which you want in "download", click on it and download the boat raise transfer wiring diagram simple wiring diagram automobile raise fine wiring diagram for car starter legitimate wallpaper.
Article index : a b c d e f g h i j okay l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z - 0 1 2 three 4 five 6 7 eight 9 gallery index : a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z - zero 1 2 3 four five 6 7 8 nine.


text:
This multi-disciplinary approach helps us provide the most comprehensive care possible. The hallmark of our cancer program is the weekly cancer conference which includes physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and additional staff, who review and discuss patients' medical conditions then coordinate the best treatment options.
In addition to the expertise of a diagnostic radiologist, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, pathologist and surgeons, the conference also includes ancillary staff who can provide rehabilitation resources such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, pain management, nutrition, prosthetics, support groups and hospice care for patients and families.


text:
April 10-12 | 2019
Visitors to Calcalist's Mind the Tech 2019 convention are invited to tour our NYC Cyberwarfare Arena: an advanced cyber-training range in the heart of Manhattan where security professionals and corporate executives train against live cyberattacks led by former intelligence agency white-hat hackers.
The tour is 30 minutes and includes a live cyberattack demo using CYBERGYM's proprietary technologies and training tools.
Space is limited, secure your reservation now.
CYBERGYM TO SPONSOR IDC's HACKATHON
CYBERGYM is proud to sponsor HackIDC 2019, the largest student-run hackathon in Israel where over 350 students will try to design and build the future in only 36 hours.
On October 25th IEC Chairman, Major General (Ret.) Yiftah Ron-Tal, hosted a special business breakfast at CYBERGYM's NYC Arena for industry leaders and executives from the energy, utilities, insurance, government and financial industries. Guests toured the Cyberwarfare Arena with CYBERGYM's CEO Ofir Hason, and heard from advisory board member Frank Cilluffo and IEC security experts about the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by IEC and the energy & utilities sector across the globe.
As part of the discussion, human-element vulnerabilities and the challenge of effectively bringing together people, technologies, and procedures were emphasized as one of CYBERGYM's specialties that has and will continue to serve clients like IEC. Former Homeland Security Advisor Frank Cilluffo remarked on CYBERGYM's unique intelligence background and its effect on the CYBERGYM approach, highlighting battle-hardened experience as the best way of ensuring preparedness for mitigating attacks on organizations in all sectors.


text:
tour from NYC to Boston, Destinations & Activities in Boston
- By kevin
- On May 28, 2018
- North America
- Travel Tips
Boston's nearly four centuries of history are showcased by the city's must-see sights. Start your tour on the Freedom Trail, which will lead you to landmarks like the Paul Revere House and Boston Common. You can get the useful information in the paper about the destinations & activities in Boston, Or find the right tour from NYC to Boston on the Globerouter.com website to visit the city easily.
Best Destinations & Activities in Boston:
Fenway Park
Fans of America's favorite pastime won't want to miss a game at Fenway Park. Home to the Boston Red Sox, this stadium has been the site of home runs, stolen bases and grounders since 1912. Regardless of whether you're a diehard Red Sox fan who believes in the legendary 1919 "Curse of the Bambino" or not, you should try to catch a game and admire the ballpark's original architecture. Must-see features of the park include Pesky's Pole – the right field foul pole named after former Red Sox player Johnny Pesky – and the 37-foot-tall "Green Monster" wall in left field.
Many Bostonians are avid Red Sox fans (which is why it's considered one of the Best Cities for Baseball Fans to Visit), so if you plan on making your pilgrimage during baseball season (April to early October) and want to come for a game, book your tickets at least a few weeks in advance. You can also take a one-hour guided tour of the facility, which recent visitors said was informative and interesting, even if you're not a Red Sox or baseball fan. Most tour tickets can be reserved in advance online, although on game days, you'll need to purchase tickets at the ballpark for tours offered three hours before a baseball game.
Fenway Park sits next to the Boston University campus and Kenmore Square in Boston's Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood. The easiest way to get to the ballpark is to take the "T" to Kenmore or Fenway. If you decide to drive, you can pay to park in one of several garages located within a few blocks. Restaurants, bars and a Red Sox gift shop are situated just outside the ballpark on Yawkey Way and Lansdowne Street, while restrooms and concession stands are available in Fenway Park. Ballpark tours are offered on the hour every day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the summer and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter. On game days, final tours start three hours before game time. Tour tickets cost $20 for adults and $14 for children 12 and younger. If you have a Go Boston Card, Fenway Park tours are covered by your pass. Red Sox game ticket prices will vary depending on the opponent and the seat selected.
Boston Common
The grounds of Boston Common started as a cow pasture in the mid-1600s. After a few years, overgrazing became a problem and the area was transformed into a British camp. After the Revolutionary War, the park became a popular locale for public speeches and rallies. Now, the Common is best known because of its status as the oldest public park in the country. You'll also find a variety of activities and events, including theater and musical performances, hosted here throughout the year. If you plan to traverse the Freedom Trail, you'll start the walk here at Boston Common.
Though some visitors said you won't find much to do in this park, Boston Common is great for picnics or a leisurely stroll. Recent travelers also noted that this site is a wonderful spot to take young children. In addition to ample running room on the park's green space, kids can play at the Tadpole Playground or Frog Pond. Frog Pond offers a spray pool during the warmer months and an ice skating rink in the winter.
Boston Common sits alongside the Boston Public Garden near the center of the city. The easiest way to get to the site is by the "T" – the Boylston Street and Park Street stations are located at the southern and eastern edges of the park – or by walking from downtown. You can also park for a fee in the underground parking garage or on the surrounding streets. The area is free to visit, but additional charges apply for food purchased at Frog Pond Café, rides on the carousel and ice skating on Frog Pond. Public restrooms are available, and in the summer, free yoga classes are offered by Frog Pond. The Common is open 24 hours a day, however, most park facilities are only open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.


text: I replaced twice the glass frame for Lumia 535. First one didn't react to my touch after replacement. I discover later there are different models of glass frame for Lumia 535. The first seller just said it was for Lumia 535. But when I checked orginal glass frame, there was reference number:CT2S1973FPC-A1-E which wasn't corresponding to my first purchase (CT2C1607FPC-A1-E). Someone said there is another reference number for Lumia 535, so total would be three kinds. Make sure you buy the replacement piece not by the telephone model, but also exact reference number. The reference number is visible in the back connection between the glass frame and the panel connector. Good luck for everyone.


text:
Delivery charges may apply
Delivery by Jul 17, 2020
Milk is not something that people always love- especially not a favorite of kids. Not just kids, it is common that milk is also disliked by many adults. To make milk more tasty and also derive the most out of it, the Horlicks Classic Malt nutritional supplement can be consumed by any age group. While this family product is meant especially for children because children are often fussy eaters, it can also be consumed by elders. The product fills in the nutritional gaps in the diets and ensures taller, stronger and sharper kids.
The health drink is a clinically approved formula which can be consumed once or twice a day at any point of the day with 1-2 teaspoons per serving. The 23 vital nutrients in this product ensures to fill in the nutritional gaps and provides nourishment to your entire family. Since these are made of natural ingredients, the product is easily digestible. The best part of the product is that it is scientifically proven to enhance the power of milk.
This is a powder form and a refill packaging in a purely vegetarian formula. This health drink is designed and recommended by nutritional and health experts at the Horlicks Nutrition Academy. Manufactured with loads of vital nutrients to increase 5 signs of growth, this Horlicks Classic Malt Refill pack comes in a pack of 750 grams.
It breaks down carbohydrates and proteins in a way that provide us internally strong and well-nourished healthy bones, brain development, healthy muscles and normal functioning of the immune system so that our body is well prepared for like challenges. Horlicks is a 150 year old megabrand from the popular house of GlaxoSmithKline and is available as an Over-The-Counter product. Horlicks is an extremely trusted brand across the country and comes in various flavours like plain Badam, Elaichi, Kesar Badam, Chocolate, Regular Malt etc.
Error & Success message
Error & Success message


text:
penny arcade game fuel, arcade games for sale in chicago, burgertime video arcade game, ghostbusters classic arcade game, torpedo arcade game.
www ultimate arcade games com, 1.4d arcade game spy, tyler texas arcade game, free arcade games 247, cabin in tenn with arcade games.
sweet arcade games, list of top arcade games, world war 1 pc arcade games, ben 10 arcade games, arcade nut games.
ghostbusters classic arcade game, free mrs pacman arcade game, play 90s arcade games, arcade game wrestling women, wwf wrestlemania the arcade game cheats snes.
full version arcade games download, online arcade games for girls, free arcade games without downloading, kung fu arcade game download, www.play free arcade games on line., top mame arcade games.
pinball machines and arcade games, blackjack free arcade games collection, star wars arcade game play online, real arcade game com 20, education arcade's game revolution.
download or buy old arcade games, arcade 3d realistic shooting games, mario flash arcade games, best arcade games for achievements, need for speed underground arcade game.
game zone arcade washignton, midway mini arcade game, princess arcade games, bible arcade games, froggy arcade game.
- Marvel arcade games
- psp arcade games free download
cheats for arcade computer games
reflexive arcade games v1 1
video games arcades in miami
old video arcade games
play arcade games without password
donkey kong arcade game download
daily arcade games
v3 arcade game packs
arcade in spiderman 2 game
ghostbusters classic arcade game
evolution arcade game
ben 10 arcade games
- real arcade game com 20
- best arcade flight game
- arcade games center
- free online arcade games for children
- gods arcade game dos download
- best arcade stick for fighting games
- ultimate arcade 2 game packs
- bear fishing arcade game
- arcade games to rent
- online nes arcade and flash games


text:
Servicing the greater Grand Rapids area
Family Owned and Operated
For a wide range of appliance repairs, there is no brand more trusted than Kevin's Appliance Service. We are known for our prompt reliable service through out the Grand Rapids Area.
Service areas:
We service the Grand Rapids area.
Call Us:
Call us for affordable pricing. Discount is offered for senior citizens and active military personnel.
Email Us:
Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
We accept:


text:
The other day I went to the local drug store to buy hair dye to
cover those pesky grey hairs change it up a bit. While I was looking for the best deal I noticed a product I had never seen before, Splat Color Gel. This product claims to have extreme hold, have great color, and washes out with shampoo. I got very excited since my kids love to color their hair different colors but I prefer it to be temporary since they are a bit young still. I had to find a color that would appeal to both the boys and the girls and would look good with each skin tone (yes, I think of stuff like that). I opted for Cold as Ice (blue).
The gel really does have extreme hold. My kids' hair is a bit fine and tends to lose the style if the gel isn't like glue. This wasn't as sticky as hair glue, but held just as well. I liked that. Two of my kids have brown hair and 2 are blonds (the baby did not get hair gel) and I have black hair. The product does state darker hair may need several applications to achieve the desired color. They aren't kidding. I will post pictures below so you can see.
C-Dog's hair turned out the best. He has short, blonde hair so we gave him a spiky mohawk. It held all day and it wasn't too stiff. The color looked great. Elf's turned out pretty good but I had to apply the color gel 4X to get the color right; she has brown hair. I only colored 2 sections, one on each side of her head, and twisted them into a ponytail. Her hair never stays in a pony tail. I am always fixing it. I didn't have to fix it even once! I really liked that!
Bug's didn't turn out great. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't impressive either. He wanted streaks. I think it was user error though as I had no clue what I was doing and he was the first to get the color gel in his hair. I think I will have to try it on him again.
Princess is still little so I only did one section and twisted it into a hair barrette. She favors a side part so it looked cute and was thrilled I let her be like her older siblings.
I didn't take a picture of mine, but I will tell you I was not impressed with how it looked in black hair. You need too much too get the color to be noticeable. I was disappointed, but I think I will try again with a different color.
I was a bit messy applying the color gel. It washed off foreheads easily. It also washed off my hands easily. The wash cloth I used to wipe foreheads did not stain and it is a cream color! Yay! I am all about products that don't stain. Now, if you use this product and it stains, don't blame me. I am merely sharing my experience. The color gel also washed out of the sink with just water.
We all slept with the gel in our hair. It didn't get on our pillows! Yay! The next morning we all washed our hair. I had no problem getting it out of my hair or Princess' hair. The older 3 washed their own hair and had no issues getting it out also. We looked all clean and spiffy for church.
Overall I am going to say I really like this product. As a gel it holds great but doesn't have the very hard feeling hair glue has. As a color it is decent. It looks best in lighter hair, but it does work on dark hair. I would not recommend this for daily use. If you want color every day I would try a more permanent product. It didn't stain for me and washed out easily. I think I will give this product a B.
C-Dog's mohawk
One of Elf's twists
The opposite side of Elf's "do"
**The opinions of this reviews are 100% mine. I was not compensated in anyway. I bough the product on impulse and had never heard of it before hand. The above link is an affiliate link. The compensation is small, but I am being completely honest and thought you should know 🙂


text:
Hire Basket Empty
White RM Postbox
Cast-iron - very heavy!
£32.50 (ex VAT)*
£39.00 (inc VAT)*
Quantity Available: 2
Add To Basket
Set-up Dimensions
Depth: 25cm
Width: 33cm
Height: 60cm
Width: 33cm
Height: 60cm
*Up to 4 days hire
*UK wide delivery available. Minimum hire charges apply
A classic design but white for your wedding.
This stunning cast iron post box in white is the perfect place for your guests to leave cards for you. You can even add your own personal note on the postbox – usually the names of the bride and groom and date of the wedding, but it can be anything you like! The post box is easy to move around, so you could have it at your ceremony and take it on to your reception too.
As well as this white postbox, we have a range of colours to suit your theme - from the traditional red to baby blue, pale yellow, purle and willow green. Looking for something a bit different? We also have a beautiful Victorian postbox.
The post box is 25cm x 33cm x 60cm. The space for your personal note is 20.5cm x 11cm.


text:
Sustainable biofuel is biofuel produced in a sustainable manner. Biofuels are liquid fuels produced from renewable raw materials , unlike fossil fuels that are a finite, non-renewable raw material.
Biodiesel replaces fossil fuels in the transport sector – either as pure biofuels or as so-called "low-blend". Today, for example, many European countries are mixed with 5% biodiesel, (2 to 7% by volume, depending on the season, the laws of different EU countries, etc. In France, 20% and 30% of RME / FAME involvement, often called " biodiesel. ") and for petrol there are different mixtures with mainly ethanol. Usually 5% ethanol is mixed. In, among other things, France is also testing 10% ethanol in gasoline. . Many states in the US have used the E10 for many years and in Brazil all petrol contains at least 22% ethanol. In addition, there is a growing proportion of biogas in the Swedish market .
Conventional biofuels
The largest volumes of biofuels are produced today from foods (sugar) and fodder crops . These are called conventional biofuels (formerly called these 1st generation) and are available in different forms:
Biodiesel is made from oil from, for example, animal fat , rapeseed , soya or palm oil . Examples are: Fatty Acid Methyl Ester ( FAME ) methyl esters. Most commonly in Europe is Raps-Methyl Ester ( RME ).
Ethanol is produced by fermentation of crops with a high content of sugar or starch , such as sugar cane , sugar beet , corn , wheat and grain .
Biogas is produced by digestion of sludge from wastewater treatment plants , waste from the food industry, sorted household waste or landfill gas.
Advanced biofuels
Advanced biofuels require more advanced industrial technology, and are to a greater extent from waste or more difficult-to-use raw materials, for example. wood. Expectations are made to use raw materials that are available in large volumes and have few other uses, such as. the cellulosic stalk of sugar cane, corn stews and pellets, forest waste like branches and peaks, but also straw and energy forest. The hope is that it will be possible to produce larger volumes of biofuels per hectare of land and year. More land can be used for the cultivation of energy crops / raw materials, if more crops and biorage products can be used. Ground that is too skinny and moist for eg cultivation of cereals can be used for cultivation of sell, know and arrow. Or of different kinds of grass. Then it is necessary to have practical processes for converting these energy supplies into liquid fuels. There are also hopes that less energy and work will be used for the energy crops as well as in the production of biofuels from the energy crop in the future.
The most common technologies are:
gasification to synthesis gas . From synthesis gas, methane, methanol, ethanol, DME, or paraffin oils (BTL) can be synthesized by chemical processes using catalysts and chemical reactors.
hydrogenation of biofuels. It also gives rise to paraffin oils. These paraffin oils are also called HVO – Hydrogenated vegetable oils. BTL and HVO are almost chemically identical to each other, and they are defined in more detail in eg. EU Standard: CEN TS 15940.
degradation of cellulose to sugar which is then fermented to ethanol
A particular type consists of algae, hoping to grow them in, for example, sewage and then extracting oil or, in some cases, butanol or fermentation / rubbing / gassing them
Other interesting technologies are:
Bacterial conversion of sugar and sugar to fat and to protein. The fat can be extracted from the bacteria and processed to e.g. FAME or to HVO.
Direct depletion of forest waste or degradation of lignin with hydrogen and catalysts to gasoline components. Immediate digestion of easily degradable cellulose from, for example, agricultural waste, other plants and algae for hydrolysis, fermentation with microorganisms and finally chemical processes to fatty alcohols and their chemical derivatives. They can be used as incorporation components in diesel oils.
Sustainability standards
In 2008, the Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels released its proposed standards for sustainable biofuels. This includes 12 principles:
"Biofuel production shall follow international treaties and national laws regarding such things as air quality, water resources, agricultural practices, labor conditions, and more.
Biofuels projects shall be designed and operated in participatory processes that involve all relevant stakeholders in planning and monitoring.
Biofuels shall significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions as compared to fossil fuels. The principle seeks to establish a standard methodology for comparing greenhouse gases (GHG) benefits.
Biofuel production shall not violate human rights or labor rights, and shall ensure decent work and the well-being of workers.
Biofuel production shall contribute to the social and economic development of local, rural and indigenous peoples and communities.
Biofuel production shall not impair food security.
Biofuel production shall avoid negative impacts on biodiversity, ecosystems and areas of high conservation value.
Biofuel production shall promote practices that improve soil health and minimize degradation.
Surface and groundwater use will be optimized and contamination or depletion of water resources minimized.
Air pollution shall be minimized along the supply chain.
Biofuels shall be produced in the most cost-effective way, with a commitment to improve production efficiency and social and environmental performance in all stages of the biofuel value chain.
Biofuel production shall not violate land rights".
Several countries and regions have introduced policies or adopted standards to promote sustainable biofuels production and use, most prominently the European Union and the United States. The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive, which requires 10 percent of transportation energy from renewable energy by 2020, is the most comprehensive mandatory sustainability standard in place as of 2010.
The EU Renewable Energy Directive requires that the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of biofuels consumed be at least 50 percent less than the equivalent emissions from gasoline or diesel by 2017 (and 35 percent less starting in 2011). Also, the feedstocks for biofuels "should not be harvested from lands with high biodiversity value, from carbon-rich or forested land, or from wetlands".
As with the EU, the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) both require specific levels of lifecycle greenhouse gas reductions compared to equivalent fossil fuel consumption. The RFS requires that at least half of the biofuels production mandated by 2022 should reduce lifecycle emissions by 50 percent. The LCFS is a performance standard that calls for a minimum of 10 percent emissions reduction per unit of transport energy by 2020. Both the U.S. and California standards currently address only greenhouse gas emissions, but California plans to "expand its policy to address other sustainability issues associated with liquid biofuels in the future".
In 2009, Brazil also adopted new sustainability policies for sugarcane ethanol, including "zoning regulation of sugarcane expansion and social protocols".
Why it is needed?
Biofuels, in the form of liquid fuels derived from plant materials, are entering the market, driven by factors such as oil price spikes and the need for increased energy security. However, many of these first-generation biofuels that are currently being supplied have been criticised for their adverse impacts on the natural environment, food security, and land use.
The challenge is to support second, third and fourth-generation biofuel development. Second-generation biofuels include new cellulosic technologies, with responsible policies and economic instruments to help ensure that biofuel commercialization is sustainable. Responsible commercialization of biofuels represents an opportunity to enhance sustainable economic prospects in Africa, Latin America and Asia.
Biofuels have a limited ability to replace fossil fuels and should not be regarded as a 'silver bullet' to deal with transport emissions. However, they offer the prospect of increased market competition and oil price moderation. A healthy supply of alternative energy sources will help to combat gasoline price spikes and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, especially in the transport sector. Using transportation fuels more efficiently is also an integral part of a sustainable transport strategy.
Biofuel options
Biofuel development and use is a complex issue because there are many biofuel options which are available. Biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are currently produced from the products of conventional food crops such as the starch, sugar and oil feedstocks from crops that include wheat, maize, sugar cane, palm oil and oilseed rape. Some researchers fear that a major switch to biofuels from such crops would create a direct competition with their use for food and animal feed, and claim that in some parts of the world the economic consequences are already visible, other researchers look at the land available and the enormous areas of idle and abandoned land and claim that there is room for a large proportion of biofuel also from conventional crops.
Second generation biofuels are now being produced from a much broader range of feedstocks including the cellulose in dedicated energy crops (perennial grasses such as switchgrass and Miscanthus giganteus), forestry materials, the co-products from food production, and domestic vegetable waste. Advances in the conversion processes will improve the sustainability of biofuels, through better efficiencies and reduced environmental impact of producing biofuels, from both existing food crops and from cellulosic sources.
In 2007, Ronald Oxburgh suggested in The Courier-Mail that production of biofuels could be either responsible or irresponsible and had several trade-offs: "Produced responsibly they are a sustainable energy source that need not divert any land from growing food nor damage the environment; they can also help solve the problems of the waste generated by Western society; and they can create jobs for the poor where previously were none. Produced irresponsibly, they at best offer no climate benefit and, at worst, have detrimental social and environmental consequences. In other words, biofuels are pretty much like any other product. In 2008 the Nobel prize-winning chemist Paul J. Crutzen published findings that the release of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in the production of biofuels means that they contribute more to global warming than the fossil fuels they replace.
According to the Rocky Mountain Institute, sound biofuel production practices would not hamper food and fibre production, nor cause water or environmental problems, and would enhance soil fertility. The selection of land on which to grow the feedstocks is a critical component of the ability of biofuels to deliver sustainable solutions. A key consideration is the minimisation of biofuel competition for prime cropland.
Biofuels are different from fossil fuels in regard to carbon emissions being short term, but are similar to fossil fuels in that biofuels contribute to air pollution. Raw biofuels burned to generate steam for heat and power, produces airborne carbon particulates, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides. The WHO estimates 3.7 million premature deaths worldwide in 2012 due to air pollution.
Environmental Impact of Biofuels
The purpose of the use of biofuels is to generate less carbon dioxide emissions from traffic, thereby lessening the climate. The idea behind the use is that the plants used for the production of biofuels have absorbed as much carbon dioxide as they grew up, which are then released when the vehicle is used.
Emissions from biofuels vary depending on how the raw material was produced, where it was produced and how it was converted to biofuels. The production and transportation of the propellant also generate some emissions: soil preparation, sowing, spraying, harvesting, use of fossil-fueled machinery, transport. When you add all these emissions, you get what is called the Well-to-Wheel value, which is to be compared with the equivalent value for gasoline and diesel. The most comprehensive compilation of WTW values for different production methods has been carried out by the EU Research Center JRC together with the automotive and fuel industry. JRC's WTW analyzer . American maize ethanol has often been criticized for giving really bad WTW values, but recent studies show that it reduces greenhouse gas emissionswith about 35% compared to oil or fossil diesel. Well-to-wheels energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of ethanol from corn, sugarcane and cellulosic biomass for US use . As a comparison, Agroetanol in Norrköping estimates that their ethanol reduces emissions by 95% Plant is being built to utilize and clean carbon dioxide . All biofuels used in Sweden reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% Sustainable biofuels and liquid biofuels in 2011 [ dead link ]
There have been concerns that the use of biofuels would lead to loss of biodiversity or the cultivation of wetlands or other columnar so that the greenhouse gas reduction becomes very small, or even. negative. Especially palm oil has been criticized for this. Therefore, the EU has decided on stringent sustainability criteria for all biofuels sustainability criteria for biofuels . Something similar does not exist for fossil fuels.
There are also concerns that production of biofuels would compete with food production and lead to higher food prices. The question is complex and multifarious and closely intertwined with agricultural development. However, the actual trend shows that the investment on biofuels, on the contrary, has led to more food in the world market than before. The ethanol investment has meant a big boost for Brazil's agriculture, and Brazil today exports twice as much food as they did before the ethanol initiative began, while the hunger and poverty in Brazil have halved and the harvest of the Amazon decreased by two thirds Axess No. 8 November 2011
Food prices are also only 30% of what they were in the turn of the century and higher food prices are a prerequisite for the betterment of the majority of poor in the world living on agriculture. Lower food prices would lead to an increase in the number of poor. The statistics also show that there is a large abundance of unused arable land. In the EU-23 there are at least 11.2 million ha to enter Eurostat Åker in production or withdrawal . A review of the issue is available in Environmental Vehicles in Stockholm Questions and Answers about ethanol
Plants used as sustainable biofuel
Sugarcane in Brazil
Brazil's production of ethanol fuel from sugarcane dates back to the 1970s, as a governmental response to the 1973 oil crisis. Brazil is considered the biofuel industry leader and the world's first sustainable biofuels economy.Inslee, Jay; Bracken Hendricks (2007). ". Homegrown Energy". In 2010 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated Brazilian sugarcane ethanol as an advanced biofuel due to EPA's estimated 61% reduction of total life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, including direct indirect land use change emissions. Brazil sugarcane ethanol fuel program success and sustainability is based on the most efficient agricultural technology for sugarcane cultivation in the world, uses modern equipment and cheap sugar cane as feedstock, the residual cane-waste (bagasse) is used to process heat and power, which results in a very competitive price and also in a high energy balance (output energy/input energy), which varies from 8.3 for average conditions to 10.2 for best practice production.
A report commissioned by the United Nations, based on a detailed review of published research up to mid-2009 as well as the input of independent experts world-wide, found that ethanol from sugar cane as produced in Brazil "in some circumstances does better than just "zero emission". If grown and processed correctly, it has negative emission, pulling CO2 out of the atmosphere, rather than adding it. In contrast, the report found that U.S. use of maize for biofuel is less efficient, as sugarcane can lead to emissions reductions of between 70% and well over 100% when substituted for gasoline. Several other studies have shown that sugarcane-based ethanol reduces greenhouse gases by 86 to 90% if there is no significant land use change.
Regarding the negative impacts of the potential direct and indirect effect of land use changes on carbon emissions, the study commissioned by the Dutch government concluded that "it is very difficult to determine the indirect effects of further land use for sugar cane production (i.e. sugar cane replacing another crop like soy or citrus crops, which in turn causes additional soy plantations replacing pastures, which in turn may cause deforestation), and also not logical to attribute all these soil carbon losses to sugar cane". The Brazilian agency Embrapa estimates that there is enough agricultural land available to increase at least 30 times the existing sugarcane plantation without endangering sensible ecosystems or taking land destined for food crops. Most future growth is expected to take place on abandoned pasture lands, as it has been the historical trend in São Paulo state. Also, productivity is expected to improve even further based on current biotechnology research, genetic improvement, and better agronomic practices, thus contributing to reduce land demand for future sugarcane cultures.
Regarding the food vs fuel issue, a World Bank research report published on July 2008 found that "Brazil's sugar-based ethanol did not push food prices appreciably higher". This research paper also concluded that Brazil's sugar cane–based ethanol has not raised sugar prices significantly. An economic assessment report also published in July 2008 by the OECD agrees with the World Bank report regarding the negative effects of subsidies and trade restrictions, but found that the impact of biofuels on food prices are much smaller. A study by the Brazilian research unit of the Fundação Getúlio Vargas regarding the effects of biofuels on grain prices concluded that the major driver behind the 2007-2008 rise in food prices was speculative activity on futures markets under conditions of increased demand in a market with low grain stocks. The study also concluded that there is no correlation between Brazilian sugarcane cultivated area and average grain prices, as on the contrary, the spread of sugarcane was accompanied by rapid growth of grain crops in the country.
India and Africa
Crops like Jatropha, used for biodiesel, can thrive on marginal agricultural land where many trees and crops won't grow, or would produce only slow growth yields. Jatropha cultivation provides benefits for local communities:
Cultivation and fruit picking by hand is labour-intensive and needs around one person per hectare. In parts of rural India and Africa this provides much-needed jobs – about 200,000 people worldwide now find employment through jatropha. Moreover, villagers often find that they can grow other crops in the shade of the trees. Their communities will avoid importing expensive diesel and there will be some for export too.
Cambodia has no proven fossil fuel reserves, and is almost completely dependent on imported diesel fuel for electricity production. Consequently, Cambodians face an insecure supply and pay some of the highest energy prices in the world. The impacts of this are widespread and may hinder economic development.
Biofuels may provide a substitute for diesel fuel that can be manufactured locally for a lower price, independent of the international oil price. The local production and use of biofuel also offers other benefits such as improved energy security, rural development opportunities and environmental benefits. The Jatropha curcas species appears to be a particularly suitable source of biofuel as it already grows commonly in Cambodia. Local sustainable production of biofuel in Cambodia, based on the Jatropha or other sources, offers good potential benefits for the investors, the economy, rural communities and the environment.
Jatropha is native to Mexico and Central America and was likely transported to India and Africa in the 1500s by Portuguese sailors convinced it had medicinal uses. In 2008, recognizing the need to diversify its sources of energy and reduce emissions, Mexico passed a law to push developing biofuels that don't threaten food security and the agriculture ministry has since identified some 2.6 million hectares (6.4 million acres) of land with a high potential to produce jatropha. The Yucatán Peninsula, for instance, in addition to being a corn producing region, also contains abandoned sisal plantations, where the growing of Jatropha for biodiesel production would not displace food.
On April 1, 2011 Interjet completed the first Mexican aviation biofuels test flight on an Airbus A320. The fuel was a 70:30 traditional jet fuel biojet blend produced from Jatropha oil provided by three Mexican producers, Global Energías Renovables (a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S.-based Global Clean Energy Holdings, Bencafser S.A. and Energy JH S.A. Honeywell's UOP processed the oil into Bio-SPK (Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene) . Global Energías Renovables operates the largest Jatropha farm in the Americas.
On August 1, 2011 Aeromexico, Boeing, and the Mexican Government participated in the first biojet powered transcontinental flight in aviation history. The flight from Mexico City to Madrid used a blend of 70 percent traditional fuel and 30 percent biofuel (aviation biofuel). The biojet was produced entirely from Jatropha oil.
Pongamia Pinnata in Australia and India
Pongamia pinnata is a legume native to Australia, India, Florida (USA) and most tropical regions, and is now being invested in as an alternative to Jatropha for areas such as Northern Australia, where Jatropha is classed as a noxious weed. Commonly known as simply 'Pongamia', this tree is currently being commercialised in Australia by Pacific Renewable Energy, for use as a Diesel replacement for running in modified Diesel engines or for conversion to Biodiesel using 1st or 2nd Generation Biodiesel techniques, for running in unmodified Diesel engines.
Sweet sorghum in India
Sweet sorghum overcomes many of the shortcomings of other biofuel crops. With sweet sorghum, only the stalks are used for biofuel production, while the grain is saved for food or livestock feed. It is not in high demand in the global food market, and thus has little impact on food prices and food security. Sweet sorghum is grown on already-farmed drylands that are low in carbon storage capacity, so concerns about the clearing of rainforest do not apply. Sweet sorghum is easier and cheaper to grow than other biofuel crops in India and does not require irrigation, an important consideration in dry areas. Some of the Indian sweet sorghum varieties are now grown in Uganda for ethanol production.
A study by researchers at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) found that growing sweet sorghum instead of grain sorghum could increase farmers incomes by US$40 per hectare per crop because it can provide food, feed and fuel. With grain sorghum currently grown on over 11 million hectares (ha) in Asia and on 23.4 million ha in Africa, a switch to sweet sorghum could have a considerable economic impact.
International collaboration on sustainable biofuels
Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials
Public attitudes and the actions of key stakeholders can play a crucial role in realising the potential of sustainable biofuels. Informed discussion and dialogue, based both on scientific research and an understanding of public and stakeholder views, is important.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels is an international initiative which brings together farmers, companies, governments, non-governmental organizations, and scientists who are interested in the sustainability of biofuels production and distribution. During 2008, the Roundtable used meetings, teleconferences, and online discussions to develop a series of principles and criteria for sustainable biofuels production.
In April 2011, the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels launched a set of comprehensive sustainability criteria – the "RSB Certification System." Biofuels producers that meet to these criteria are able to show buyers and regulators that their product has been obtained without harming the environment or violating human rights.
Sustainable Biofuels Consensus
The Sustainable Biofuels Consensus is an international initiative which calls upon governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders to take decisive action to ensure the sustainable trade, production, and use of biofuels. In this way biofuels may play a key role in energy sector transformation, climate stabilization, and resulting worldwide revitalisation of rural areas.
The Sustainable Biofuels Consensus envisions a "landscape that provides food, fodder, fiber, and energy, which offers opportunities for rural development; that diversifies energy supply, restores ecosystems, protects biodiversity, and sequesters carbon".
Better Sugarcane Initiative / Bonsucro
In 2008, a multi-stakeholder process was initiated by the World Wildlife Fund and the International Finance Corporation, the private development arm of the World Bank, bringing together industry, supply chain intermediaries, end-users, farmers and civil society organisations to develop standards for certifying the derivative products of sugar cane, one of which is ethanol fuel.
The Bonsucro standard is based around a definition of sustainability which is founded on five principles:
Obey the law
Respect human rights and labour standards
Manage input, production and processing efficiencies to enhance sustainability
Actively manage biodiversity and ecosystem services
Continuously improve key areas of the business
Biofuel producers that wish to sell products marked with the Bonsucro standard must both ensure that they product to the Production Standard, and that their downstream buyers meet the Chain of Custody Standard. In addition, if they wish to sell to the European market and count against the EU Renewable Energy Directive, then they must adhere to the Bonsucro EU standard, which includes specific greenhouse gas calculations following European Commission calculation guidelines.
Oil price moderation
Biofuels offer the prospect of real market competition and oil price moderation. According to the Wall Street Journal, crude oil would be trading 15 per cent higher and gasoline would be as much as 25 per cent more expensive, if it were not for biofuels. A healthy supply of alternative energy sources will help to combat gasoline price spikes.
Sustainable transport
Biofuels have a limited ability to replace fossil fuels and should not be regarded as a 'silver bullet' to deal with transport emissions. Biofuels on their own cannot deliver a sustainable transport system and so must be developed as part of an integrated approach, which promotes other renewable energy options and energy efficiency, as well as reducing the overall energy demand and need for transport. Consideration needs to be given to the development of hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, public transport, and better town and rural planning.
In December 2008 an Air New Zealand jet completed the world's first commercial aviation test flight partially using jatropha-based fuel. More than a dozen performance tests were undertaken in the two-hour test flight which departed from Auckland International Airport. A biofuel blend of 50:50 jatropha and Jet A1 fuel was used to power one of the Boeing 747-400's Rolls-Royce RB211 engines. Air New Zealand set several criteria for its jatropha, requiring that "the land it came from was neither forest nor virgin grassland in the previous 20 years, that the soil and climate it came from is not suitable for the majority of food crops and that the farms are rain fed and not mechanically irrigated". The company has also set general sustainability criteria, saying that such biofuels must not compete with food resources, that they must be as good as traditional jet fuels, and that they should be cost competitive.
In January 2009, Continental Airlines used a sustainable biofuel to power a commercial aircraft for the first time in North America. This demonstration flight marks the first sustainable biofuel demonstration flight by a commercial carrier using a twin-engined aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, powered by CFM International CFM56-7B engines. The biofuel blend included components derived from algae and jatropha plants. The algae oil was provided by Sapphire Energy, and the jatropha oil by Terasol Energy.
In March 2011, Yale University research showed significant potential for sustainable aviation fuel based on jatropha-curcas. According to the research, if cultivated properly, "jatropha can deliver many benefits in Latin America and greenhouse gas reductions of up to 60 percent when compared to petroleum-based jet fuel". Actual farming conditions in Latin America were assessed using sustainability criteria developed by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels. Unlike previous research, which used theoretical inputs, the Yale team conducted many interviews with jatropha farmers and used "field measurements to develop the first comprehensive sustainability analysis of actual projects".
As of June 2011, revised international aviation fuel standards officially allow commercial airlines to blend conventional jet fuel with up to 50 percent biofuels. The renewable fuels "can be blended with conventional commercial and military jet fuel through requirements in the newly issued edition of ASTM D7566, Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons".
In December 2011, the FAA awarded $7.7 million to eight companies to advance the development of commercial aviation biofuels, with a special focus on alcohol to jet fuel. The FAA is assisting in the development of a sustainable fuel (from alcohols, sugars, biomass, and organic matter such as pyrolysis oils) that can be "dropped in" to aircraft without changing current practices and infrastructure. The research will test how the new fuels affect engine durability and quality control standards.
GreenSky London, a biofuels plant under construction in 2014, aimed to take in some 500,000 tonnes of municipal rubbish and change the organic component into 60,000 tonnes of jet fuel, and 40 megawatts of power. By the end of 2015, it was hoped all British Airways flights from London City Airport will be fuelled by waste and rubbish discarded by London residents, leading to carbon savings equivalent to taking 150,000 cars off the road. Unfortunately, the £340m scheme was mothballed in January 2016 following low crude oil prices, jittery investors and a lack of support from the UK government.
Source from Wikipedia


text:
"Use your power to change climate change": the SHAAMS project launches video competition on solar energy under Earth Hour world campaign
On Saturday 28th of March 2015 at 8.30 pm local time, millions of people all around the world will turn off the lights for one hour, to celebrate their commitment to the planet as part of Earth Hour, a global environmental event run annually by the WWF.
The SHAAMS project will join Earth Hour 2015 with partners and schools in Spain, Italy, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan organizing workshops and activities related to solar energy and sustainable behaviors.
In addition, the SHAAMS project has launched a regional video mobile/smartphone competition under the title "Use Your Power". The competition is dedicated to young students aged 12-16 who are invited to produce short films which depict the advantages of solar energy and its uses in everyday life. There will be two awards: a national award - for the best video selected in each country participating in the initiative - and a Mediterranean award, for the best video selected from all the national winner videos. The rules and criteria of the competition are available on the SHAAMS website.
For more information, please contact:
Berta Pérez
Head of the European Projects Office
Barcelona Chamber of Commerce
+34 934 169 342
SHAAMS in brief
The SHAAMS project aims to facilitate the take up of solar technologies by raising public awareness on energy efficiency through the transferability and implementation of good practices in legal, regulatory, economic, organizational issues and new financing mechanisms.
Earth Hour 2015 video


text:
The highlight of our season is approaching in leaps & bounds. Fortunately the new Imp only needed slight attention after it's debut. We aim to do a few setup changes, but nothing major. The one major issue we had to correct was that Doc never got the full power punch – upon investigation we found that the throttle stopper beneath the pedal was too tall, so no matter how much we tweaked the cable and linkage, we never got more than about 75% full throttle. Will be interesting to see how much that changes things. Additionally, Doc has plans on swapping the ratios to better suit the larger wheels.
Instead of picking lint off his jacket, he then went about building cargo-holds on our truck to better secure all the rattly tools we bring to races.
Our blue racer – the Bevan tribute car, has been more or less ready. I finally found some time and motivation (fuelled by the good run at Våler) to get the last small things sorted. This involved fitting a new battery + custom frame plus tidying up some plumbing and wiring. I cranked the engine for the first time in nearly 8 months, and got instant oil pressure. The HT cable went back on, some coolant went in, a couple of loud-pedal pumps to prime the Webers, and it roared to life. I didn't even have to charge the battery which I bought at Race Retro…
I was also rather pleased to find that the clutch was still there! It needs a touch of adjustment to start grabbing a bit sooner.
In the end I even had time to fit the new class-sponsor decals and do some dust-wiping.
Doc will continue running the Avon ACB10s, I'll stick to the Yokohamas for the time being, and until I feel comfortable with the car. I might get a chance to do a back-to-back test during Friday practice. We'll also need to get the brake balance sorted, and drop some weight in the cars. A few Kgs are good and safe ones: we plan to fit a 2nd door bar to the cage, as well as bars going across beneath the dash and also as low as possible on the main hoop. Another option is to fit on-board fire extinguishers.
So it's all looking good for racing at Karlskoga in a couple of weeks! I've got the itch now….


text:
Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd (USS) confirms that it has sold its limited partnership interests in 13 private equity funds with assets and unfunded commitments of approximately £640 million ($940 million) to Ardian.
The transactions, which closed on 31 December 2015, were executed by USS Investment Management Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of USS and its principal investment manager and advisor.
The sale of these interests to Ardian through the secondary market, furthers USS's strategy of optimising its portfolio of fund interests as it increases its direct investing activity. USS will continue actively committing to a concentrated group of GPs with whom it will work in partnership, including co-investments and direct investments. The fact that USS has sold an interest in a fund will not preclude it from allocating to the manager of that fund in future. USS received support from Evercore in executing this sale.
Geoffrey Geiger, Head of Private Equity, USS Investment Management Ltd said:
"The sale of these interests on the secondary market is an effective means of adapting our portfolio to reflect our shift towards greater direct investment. Within our private markets team direct investment experience extends across multiple asset classes, sectors and geographies. At the same time we recognise the value of investing in funds managed by GPs who share USS's values and we will continue our active allocation strategy."
Olivier Decanniere, Head of Ardian UK and Member of the Executive Committee, said:
"This is a significant acquisition highlighting our unique ability to complete large and complex transactions which offer secondary liquidity to large institutions. USS was looking to adapt its private equity portfolio and our scale and knowledge of the assets meant we were perfectly placed to support its strategy. USS is a well-established and experienced UK pension fund, and we're delighted to have worked with it on this deal."
Press releases


text:
In-Ear Portable Hearing Aid
Do you or anyone you know suffer from hearing loss? Accepting the fact that your hearing isn't as good as it used to be is never easy, not for you nor the people around you. Once you've faced up to your new reality though and start to look around for hearing aids, it becomes even more overwhelming. Why?
For starters, there's a gazillion of hearing aids out there, and they all cost a lot of money - it's daylight robbery!
Now, we believe that good hearing doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. This is why we are offering this pair at a discounted amazing price of $39.99, 33% less than an already significantly affordable price of $59.99. We want to give you back the ability to hear your loved ones voices without breaking the bank!
Why spend hundreds of dollars when you can get one delivered to your door for less than $50? We urge you to try it out and see if it improves your standard of living or give it to a loved one as a thoughtful gift!
- Made of premium quality plastic material that is both durable and comfortable to wear
- Good sound quality and reduced noise
- Earplugs are available in 4 different sizes designed to fit both ears
- Cutting-edge mini micro processor technology with anti-drop and anti-shock qualities
- Extremely portable and easy to carry
- Discreet and lightweight
- Comes with a storage case and a user manual
- Perfect for watching a movie, attending a class, shopping, or just talking to your friends and family on a day to day basis
- Easy to operate, ideal for those with mildly impaired hearing ability
No one likes to keep repeating themselves over and over again! Click the "Add to Cart" button above and improve your hearing ability!
Unhappy With Your Product? We'll make it right!
If for any reason you have changed your mind about your purchase, or the item you received is damaged, or otherwise not as described on our website, we offer a full refund (excluding shipping costs) for up to 30 days from the original purchase date.
* Please allow 7-15 working days for international deliveries.
** Please note that if you order multiple items from our store, you will receive each item in a separate package and at different delivery times.


text:
Brandon "The Truth" Vera, 40, recently visited the Smokey Mountain area of Tondo, Manila, the largest slum area in the capital of the Philippines, with his fellow ONE Championship athletes Angela "Unstoppable" Lee, 21, and Eduard "Landslide" Folayang, 33. The three MMA fighters have been selected as ambassadors of an international advocacy organization called Global Citizen.
ONE Championship has partnered with Global Citizen with a common goal to end extreme poverty by 2030. As part of the partnership, the organizations teamed up with a local non-government organization in the Philippines called Young Focus to conduct an outreach activity in Tondo with Vera, Lee and Folayang.
"Hanging out with the children was an awesome privilege," Vera said. "It made me appreciate everything a lot more and has motivated me to give back even more when I can. If I am able to help these kids, it means the world to me."
"I have been fortunate enough to be raised in an environment where I never had to face what these kids have to deal with on a daily basis," the reigning ONE Heavyweight World Champion added. "If only to inspire them to work hard and study hard so they can chase their dreams, then I'm all for it."
For Vera, hope is important because "even just a little bit of it goes a long way." He was grateful to ONE Championship and Global Citizen for allowing him, Lee and Folayang to have the opportunity to inspire the underprivileged ones like the children they visited in Tondo.
ONE Championship and Global Citizen will collaborate across 24 live events of the former, which are scheduled in 2018, and various outreach activations throughout Asia. Fans will have the opportunity to take action and engage with specific policy areas including education, food security, hunger and nutrition, global health and gender equality and empowerment.
The partnership will harness the power of ONE Championship's platform to engage millions of martial arts fans around the world to support initiatives and find solutions to the issues associated with extreme poverty. Have a glimpse of Vera, Lee and Folayang's recent visit in Tondo here:
To learn more about the ONE Championship and Global Citizen partnership, visit www.globalcitizen.org/one. For more information on Young Focus, please visit www.youngfocus.org.
Categories: MMA, martial arts, SPORTS


text:
Free Shipping On Orders Over $49 See details here
This 1 light Picture Light from the E. F. Chapman Frame Makers collection by Visual Comfort will enhance your home with a perfect mix of form and function. The features include a Hand-Rubbed Antique Brass finish applied by experts.
Bulb Specifications:
Additional Details:
Customize your set


text:
Free Curbside Delivery
San Pietro Fountain
ne of our most popular water features, the San Pietro Fountain is made out of cast stone and is two tiers of beautiful flowing water. Water bubbles out of the centered smooth finial and overflows the top bowl. Water then dances it way over the sides of the top bowl and falls into the larger. Standing at 63 inches tall, the San Pietro Fountainis the perfect choice when looking for a tiered fountain for a focal point in any outdoor area.
|842 lbs
|43 × 43 × 63 in
There are no reviews yet.


text:
Bible Verses on God's Will
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Psalms 32:8-9
Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. Psalms 37:5 (NASB)
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Psalms 73:24
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21
This is what the LORD says–your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." Isaiah 48:17
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-14
Going a little farther, [Jesus] fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39
"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." John 4:34
If any man's will is to do [God's] will, he shall know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. John 7:17 (RSV)
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. Romans 8:26-27
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
For this is the will of God, your sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NASB)
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13
Quotes on God's Will (Most Compiled By Dan Augsberger)
"Divine Guidance," Ellen White, Ministry of Healing
Many who profess to be Christ's followers have an anxious, troubled heart, because they are afraid to trust themselves with God. They do not make a complete surrender to Him; for they shrink from the consequences that such a surrender may involve. Unless they do make this surrender, they cannot find peace… Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. 'No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.' Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service of God supreme, will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet" pp 480, 481.
Too many, in planning for a brilliant future, make an utter failure. Let God plan for you. As a little child, trust to the guidance of Him who will "keep the feet of His saints." God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as coworkers with Him" p 479.
"Doing God's Will," Andrew Murray, Like Christ
The man who lives only for God's will may depend upon it that God takes Him for his reckoning. This surrender will lead us deeper into the consciousness of our utter impotence, but also deeper into the fellowship and the likeness of the beloved Son, and make us partakers of all the blessedness and love that the Son has prepared for us. There is nothing that will bring us closer to God in union with Christ than loving and keeping and doing the will of God.
"School of Obedience," Andrew Murray, The School of Obedience
There is a general will of God for all His children, which we can, in some measure, learn out of the Bible. But there is a special individual application of these commands—God's will concerning each of us personally, which only the Holy Spirit can teach. And He will not teach it, except to those who have taken the vow of obedience…. This is the reason why there are so many unanswered prayers for God to make known His will. Jesus said, 'If any man wills to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it be of God.' If a man's will is really set on doing God's will, that is, if his heart is given up to do it, and he as a consequence does it as far as he knows it, he shall know what God has further to teach him."
"How to Ascertain the Will of God," George Muller
I seek at the beginning to get my heart in such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine tenths of the trouble with people generally is just here. Nine tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.
Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If so, I make myself liable to great delusions.I seek the will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the Word of God. The Spirit and Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the Holy Spirit guides us at all, He will do it according to the Scriptures and never contrary to them.
Next, I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God's will in connection with His Word and Spirit.I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me aright.
This calmness of mind, this having no will of my own in the matter, this only wishing to please my Heavenly Father in it, this only seeking His and not my honor in it, this state of heart, I say is the fullest assurance to me that my heart is not under a fleshly excitement, and that, if helped thus to go on, I shall know the will of God to the full." Roger Steer, The Spiritual Secrets of George Muller (OMF Books: Robesonia, PA, 1987), pp 40, 41 (www.omf.org). Also, Delighted in God.
"The Secret of Guidance," F B Meyer, Secret of Guidance
Many children of God are so deeply exercised on the matter of guidance that it my be helpful to give a few suggestions as to knowing the way in which our Father would have us walk, and the work He would have us do. The importance of the subject cannot be exaggerated; so much of our power and peace consists in knowing where God would have us be, and in being just there.
The manna only falls where the cloudy pillar broods. If we are precisely where our heavenly Father would have us be, we can be perfectly sure He will provide food and raiment, and everything beside.How much of our Christian work has been abortive because we have persisted in initiating it for ourselves, instead of ascertaining what God was doing and where He required of our presence? We dream bright dreams of success. We try to command it. We call to our aid all kinds of expedients, questionable or otherwise. At last we turn back, disheartened and ashamed, like children who are torn and scratched by the brambles, and soiled by the quagmire. None of this had come about if only we had been, from the first, under God's unerring guidance. He might test us, but He could not allow us to mistake.
There are certain practical directions which we must attend in order that we may be led into the mind of the Lord.
I. Our Motives Must be Pure.
When thine eye is single, thy whole body is full of light" (Luke 11:34). So long as there is some thought of personal advantage, some idea of acquiring praise and commendation of men, some aim at self-aggrandizement, it will be simply impossible to find out God's purpose concerning us.
II. Our Will Must be Surrendered.My judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me" (John 5:30). This was the secret which Jesus not only practiced, but taught. In one form or another, He was constantly insisting on a surrendered will, as the key to perfect knowledge. "If any man will do His will, he shall know."
III. We Must Seek Information for our Mind.It is of the greatest importance that we should feed our minds with facts, with reliable information, with the results of human experience, and (above all) with the teachings of the Word of God. Notice how full the Bible is of biography and history, so that there is hardly a single crisis in our lives that may not be matched from those wondrous pages. There is no book like the Bible for casting a light on the dark landings of human life.
IV. We Must be Much in Prayer for Guidance.The Psalms are full of earnest pleadings for clear direction: "Show me Thy way, Oh Lord, lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies." It is the law of our Father's house that His children shall ask for what they want. "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not."
V. We Must Wait for the Gradual Unfolding of God's Plan in Providence.God's impressions within and His word without are always corroborated by His Providence around, and we should quietly wait until these three focus into one point.
Sometimes it looks as if we are bound to act. Everyone says we must do something; and, indeed, things seem to have reached so desperate a pitch that we must. Behind are the Egyptians; right and left are inaccessible precipices; before is the sea. It is not easy at such times to stand still and see the salvation of God; but we must.Sometimes men sigh for an angel to come to point them their way; that simply indicates that as yet the time has not come for them to move. If you do not know what you ought to do, stand still until you do. And when the time comes for action, circumstances, like glowworms, will sparkle along your path; and you will become so sure that you are right, when God's three witnesses concur, that you could not be more sure though an angel beckoned you.
We often make a great mistake, thinking that God is not guiding us at all, because we cannot see far in front. But this is not His method. He only undertakes that the steps of a good man should be ordered by the Lord. Not next year, but tomorrow. Not the next mile, but the next yard. Not the whole pattern, but the next stitch in the canvas. If you expect more than this you will be disappointed." Adapted from F B Meyer's Secret of Guidance (Fleming H Revell, 1896), pp 5-18.
"Determining God's Will," Hannah Whitall Smith, The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life
There is a way out of all these difficulties to the fully surrendered soul. I would repeat fully surrendered, because, if there is any reserve of will upon any point, it becomes almost impossible to find out the mind of God in reference to that point; and therefore the first thing is to be sure that you really do purpose to obey the Lord in every respect.
Settle this point then, first of all, and let no suggestion of doubt turn you from a steadfast faith in regard to it, that Divine guidance has been promised, and that, if you seek it, you are sure to receive it.There are four ways in which He reveals His will to us,–through the Scriptures, through providential circumstances, through the convictions of our own higher judgment, and through the inward impressions of the Holy Spirit on our minds. Where these four harmonize, it is safe to say that God speaks. For I lay it down as a foundation principle, which no one can gainsay, that of course the "voice" of His will shall always be in harmony with itself, no matter in how many different ways He may speak. The voices may be many, the message can be but one.
The Scriptures come first. If you are in doubt upon any subject, you must, first of all, consult the Bible about it, and see whether there is any law there to direct you. Until you have found and obeyed God's will as it is there revealed, you must not ask nor expect a separate, direct, personal revelation.
If, however, upon searching the bible you do not find any principles that will settle your especial point of difficulty, you must then seek guidance in the other ways mentioned; and God will surely voice Himself to you, either by a conviction of your judgment, or by providential circumstances, or by a clear inward impression. In all true guidance these four voices will, as I said, necessarily harmonize, for God cannot say in one voice that which He contradicts in another.
The third test to which our impressions must be brought is that of providential circumstances. If a "leading" is of God, the way will always open for it. It is never a sign of a Divine leading when the Christian insists on opening his own way, and riding roughshod over all opposing things.
The fourth point I would make is this, that just as our impressions must be tested, as I have shown, by the other three voices, so these other voices must be tested by our inward impressions; and if we feel a "stop" in our minds about anything, we must wait until that is removed before acting.
It sometimes happens, however, that in spite of all our efforts to discover the truth, the divine sense of "oughtness" does not seem to come, and our doubts and perplexities continue unenlightened. Our friends differ from us, and would, we know, oppose our course. In such a case there is nothing to do but to wait until the light comes. But we must wait in faith and in an attitude of entire surrender, saying a continual "yes" to the will of our Lord, let it be what it may. If the suggestion is from Him, it will continue and strengthen; if it is not from Him, it will disappear, and we shall almost forget we ever had it. If it continues, if every time we are brought into communion with the Lord it seems to return, if it troubles us in our moments of prayers and disturbs all our peace, and if finally it conforms to the test of the divine harmony of which I have spoken, we may then feel sure it is from God, and we must yield to it, or suffer an unspeakable loss." Adapted from Hannah Whitall Smith's Christian's Secret of a Happy Life, (Fleming H. Revell: Old Tappan, NJ), pp 66-73.
"Don't plan without God," Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest
God seems to have a delightful way of upsetting the plans we have made, when we have not taken Him into account. We get ourselves into circumstances that were not chosen by God, and suddenly we realize that we have been making our plans without Him— that we have not even considered Him to be a vital, living factor in the planning of our lives. And yet the only thing that will keep us from even the possibility of worrying is to bring God in as the greatest factor in all of our planning.
See also Is that Really You, God? (Loren Cunningham).


text:
Fallout 4 Review.
May 25, 2017
Although Fallout 4 is old by reviewer standards, it still deserves another look due to the final DLC being released back in August of 2016. Fallout 4 is a Role Playing Game (RPG). That means that your character starts out weak and, through gaining experience by killing and practicing, becomes stronger as the game goes on.
Weapons have randomized stats and locations so you are always on the hunt for ammunition and better weapons that suit your play style.Weapons range from a collectors edition baseball bat, to a high powered sniper rifle with a 8x scope. Armour and Power Armour are also scattered around the world for you to find. This game is not a mindless killing game, the story is that america and china joined into a nuclear war, destroying the earth and most of its inhabitants. You and your family are rushed to a nuclear vault conveniently right up the hill from your home. You are then tricked into going into a machine and frozen for 210 years. From then on you discover some terrible deeds that took place and embark on a adventure to save your son.
The game world is huge and full of intractable NPC's (Non Player Characters) That you can get side quests for and earn gear from.


text:
Also known as "Now You can Own 7% of Organimi"
Ever wanted to own equity in a fast growing technology company? But never had the connections, money or knew how to start?
We have some great news! We are opening up our equity pool to our customers. As our company, we focus on our customers. Your feedback, support and commitment has been invaluable. So as a thank you and to extend our support we are offering you a chance to own a chunk of the company for your self!
With the new Version 4 we rolled out some paid plans. The first 1000 customers to subscribe to our Pro Plan ($699/Year) would own a 7% of equity in the company. 7% is the same percentage that Y Combinator, an incubator in Silicon Valley, takes in the companies it work with. Usually though in exchange for the 7%, Y Combinator and its investors usually have to put in at least a couple of hundred thousand in exchange for the 7%. You don't.
It's likely that the 7% won't be worth much, but its also likely that Organimi is worth alot more then its currently valued at today and the 7% is worth a alot more. We're excited to take this journey and we'd love to have you with us.
Because we're cool like that.
Note: A more detailed most to come soon. We currently have 300 customers since the paid plans release on 5th June 2015.
Signup for an Organimi account here.


text: Hi Everyone! Our CEO is speaking at industry week today at the confetti institute today talking about Legendary Games, the games industry and Year 0: Tactics. As well as this, he's also giving students the opportunity to play test some of the latest features of Year 0: Tactics and hear their feedback, which is always lovely! If you're a student at Confetti make sure you head down to Ewans talk. Hes talking all day so you can't miss him! Thanks everyone!


text:
Join the navy ceramic and parchment of this chic ceramic table lamp with a transitional buffet for an unforgettably delightful display.
Additional Info:
By Jonathan Adler for Robert Abbey, this eye-catching transitional brass table lamp has a regal air wrapped in a nouveau-nautical segmented steel design. The updated traditional base places small, tapered cylinders of bold navy blue lacquer finish ceramic between the in-curved metal portions. Outfitted with a single light behind a tapered, contemporary navy parchment shade with a double-stripe detail and a matte gold lining. A great choice as stylish buffet lighting, proudly made in the U.S.A.


text:
The Unification Epicenter of True Lightworkers
52 members22 Comments 2 Likes
20 members15 Comments 1 Like
9 members0 Comments 1 Like
37 members51 Comments 1 Like
23 members23 Comments 3 Likes
Hi Debby lol Good to See You In Still with bad surgeon and amnitia and spelling
I hope you're having a great day! Normally I send friend requests, but for some reason on this site my Add as Friend link is not working. On my page there are blog posts that explain how to evolve consciousness and achieve new psychic states - such as overcoming all emotional pain forever - a psychic state called Immunity.
Thank you, Deborah! )
© 2020 Created by Besimi. Powered by


text:
BALTIMORE (AP) — A former postal service employee has pleaded guilty to stealing cash and gift cards from the mail.
Dorothy Jean Gibson, 56, of Windsor Mill entered the plea in U.S. Court in Baltimore on Friday. She faces a maximum of five years in prison at sentencing Jan. 11.
According to a plea agreement, Gibson was a mail processing clerk at the Linthicum incoming mail facility. After receiving complaints from customers about gift cards not being delivered, postal inspectors videotaped Gibson at her machine.
Prosecutors say Gibson was seen opening greeting cards, stealing gift cards and putting the mail in her purse.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


text:
New member
- Sep 7, 2018
- 3
- Points
- 0
Hello. I am the Rainbow.cash project administrator. I opened the topic not to advertise the project, but to protect the project and its investors from scammers.
For example, at the moment monitoring trusthyips.com assigned our project the status PROBLEMS. I would like to inform you that with this monitoring we did not conclude an agreement on advertising, he arbitrarily placed our site and demanded payment for it.But we carefully choose advertising for our project, and demanded to remove our site from the resource and refused to pay for this resource.
Neither the resource manager nor any of his referrals invested in our project, and there is not a single case that our investors do not receive their accruals. The statement about the problems of our project is a lie for the purpose of blackmail.


text:
Android Wear as Google's very own wearable platform. It is here to say but it will need to evolve into a better system with a new name. One redditor (H3x0n) noticed over the weekend a new Android Wear logo on his smartwatch. He saw this new logo while setting up his watch. We're not sure if this will happen anytime soon but a new logo may indicate something bigger. The image shows a logo using Google's colors with only the 'Wear OS' as an indication.
Check out the logo below:
A new Android Wear can be released but for now, we don't have many details. We know there's Android Wear 2.9 bringing unread notification dots on watch faces. Before that, Android Wear 2.8 delivered a new layout and darker background. The Android Wear OS also received Oreo features and enhancements.
Last year, Android Wear 2.0 included chat app support. We find it interesting though those Android Wear products are no longer available in Google Store. If you may remember, a bug rendered the Google Assistant practically useless but okay now.
The Android Wear 2.0 lag issue was finally fixed by Google a few months ago. It is ready for more smartwatch models. These updates and make life easier for your smartwatch.
VIA: Reddit


text:
Daredevil to mark 80th birthday on zip wire
PUBLISHED: 18:00 15 April 2018
A Clevedon woman will celebrate her 80th birthday by tackling Europe's longest and fastest zip wire.
Margaret Flux will take on the challenge at Velocity Zip World in Wales tomorrow (Thursday) in support of her sister-in-law who suffers from Parkinson's disease, a condition which causes muscle rigidity, tremors and affects speech.
Alongside her 55-year-old daughter Kate, Margaret is hoping to raise more than £1,000 for leading charity Parkinson's UK.
The zip wire, at Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda, will see the brave pair soar 500ft through the Welsh mountains at speeds which can often reach more than 100mph.
Margaret said: "My sister-in-law was diagnosed with Parkinson's about 15 years ago.
"Since her diagnosis her Parkinson's has got progressively worse and she is now living in a care home.
"Life is so dreadfully unfair, so I have decided to take on the zip line and do my bit to help.
"By fundraising for Parkinson's UK I will be helping to make a difference to the lives of people with Parkinson's, as well as funding research to help find a cure.
"I hope celebrating my 80th birthday with this challenge will prove an older lady like me is not over the hill and still has plenty left to give to life."
Margaret is also a dedicated member of Southern Clevedon WI and the group has thrown its support behind her campaign.
A spokesman said: "Margaret wanted to do something different instead of the usual party and presents, and at the end of the day to raise money for her favourite charity, Parkinson's UK.
"She is determined to prove to all and sundry that at this age a vintage elderly WI lady is definitely not over the hill."
Money raised will go towards Parkinson's UK's work to improve care, treatments and quality of life for people with the condition, which affects around 145,000 people in the UK – around one adult in every 350.
The charity was founded in 1969 in London as the Parkinson's Disease Society and has since gone on to help thousands of people with Parkinson's.
To donate to Margaret and Kate's online fundraising campaign, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/phil-kate-rowlands
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the North Somerset Times. Click the link in the orange box below for details.


text:
The University of Southern California's Chief of Cardiology and Executive Director of USC's Center for Body Computing, Dr. Leslie Saxon authored a study published in the medical journal, Circulation. The study followed more than 100,000 patients across the US. who have implanted cardiac devices -- cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) devices. The study examined survival rates among those patients with wireless-enabled devices and those with no wireless-enabled tracking.
The study concluded that those patients whose ICD included wireless-enabled tracking faced half (50 percent) the mortality rate than those who only received follow-up care at device clinics. MobiHealthNews had a chance to interview Dr. Saxon about the study results.
MobiHealthNews: With efficacy studies today it seems like the press pans the entire connected health industry when there's a failure and celebrates the entire industry when a study proves to be a success. How would you contextualize the results of this study? Who do these results effect?
Saxon: This study's results effect hundreds of thousands of people today. The type of implantable device we looked at is going into upwards of 15,000 to 20,000 patients a month. These are patients that have incurred very high costs within the medical care system. That's because they have a very expensive piece of hardware inside them -- either a defibrillator or re-synchronization device -- because means they have heart failure. Heart failure is the number one diagnosis for patients admitted and discharged from hospitals today. It is extremely expensive to treat this type of advanced heart failure because the re-hospitalization rate is upwards of 40 percent.
In this study we followed these patients who have $20,000 to $30,000 devices implanted in them. We looked at survival rates of these 100,000 patients and the survivals are really good, which is gratifying because there is a lot of upfront costs to putting one of these devices in somebody. A lot of naysayers have said they don't want to use US healthcare dollars on these high tech devices in sick patients. Guess what? Over time it turns out to be very cost effective. It's a good bet. That is important for patients with heart failure, because the incidence is rising. This is the first study to show this is a worthwhile and durable therapy from an economic standpoint. We are in the process of doing some economic modeling on it, but it looks very good.
The second thing and the most profound is that for those patients who were followed remotely and actually engaged in a system that they would go and answer questions every week about their disease severity symptoms. For those patients that were transmitting their symptom data weekly and blood pressure data and everything stored in their implanted device had half the mortality of the patients who didn't do that. If you treat patients like this in a partnership model versus a traditional paternalistic "I'll tell you what to do, I'm a doctor" model, then you will get a continuous flow of information about patient symptoms that you can act on. So, if something changes on Sunday you are going to be able to see it and react to it quicker. I think that partnership and that continuous ability to react to change is what makes the remote monitoring work.
That is really profound, because right now half of the doctors putting in these devices are not offering the networked follow-up to their patients, which blows my mind, personally.
Did the connected device help patients self-manage?
Well, during the study we noticed the connected patients were suddenly looking and noticing things. They say: "If I take my drug at this time and drink enough water and see this improvement, maybe I can eat Chinese food on Sunday." They are able to give themselves rewards based on what they see, which is important. It is very hard to take six drugs and live your life like you are on a restricted diet constantly, which is how it feels for a lot people. Their ability to see what makes them feel better makes our work as doctors more efficient too.
Right, I was just going to ask. How much work is it for the provider to manage all the data coming in from these connected devices?
We can review this data very quickly -- in one or two minutes, really -- because the way it is presented is very efficient. It is exception based. The data only shows where there are changes or if there is an alert or alarm. Our advance nurse practitioners can spend just a half hour or so a day and review more than 400 or 500 patients. We find that we often never see these patients. We only bring up the ones that need our attention. Then we can bring those patients in or call them up. This allows us to keep more patients out of the clinic and keep the focus on those patients that need to be there. We have even intervened earlier to where we think we decreased hospital admissions.
What was really impressive about this study were the numbers of patients involved: More than 100,000. These are real patients not in clinical studies being treated across the US and we know how they are doing. That's particularly interesting data for everyone -- at least for this particular vendor's hardware.
What's next? What does this new data bring about?
We have to continue to grow out this field. We have to figure out important ways to enhance this system. I would like the patients to see the data that they are transmitting to the physician. They are currently blind to a lot of it. I would like patients to learn their own data. We should create interesting software applications to motivate and reward patients to further connect them to doctors. We can do this through a mobile device since a lot of this data is now liberated to a mobile device. These communicators are currently landline, but I think they should be cellular-based. Maybe the patients don't have a landline. They should be able to transmit the data from wherever they are. There are some privacy issues related to that but nothing that can't be overcome.
We always hear about the potential of telehealth for wellness or fitness, but I think the chronic condition side is just huge.
I think the potential is talked about all the time, you mentioned privacy, but what else is holding it back?
Making sure that the data going to a smartphone from a device -- well the FDA has something to say about that. The companies that own and collect and store this data are held to a very high standard for security and privacy. The FDA and FCC have to understand with telecom companies what the new standard is going to be for this type of medical data coming out of medical devices implanted in patients. It certainly needs to have a higher level of security than hockey scores, right?
Is the hold up with the FDA/FCC or are we waiting on these technologies?
No, I think the data has just got to emerge and when the first companies are ready they need to test it at the FDA. You need to get a dialogue going on between the FDA, telecoms and these device makers to determine these standards. This is starting to happen now and we are trying to help enable that at the Center for Body Computing.