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Many publications have shown that PPCPs are present at parts-per-trillion (PPT) levels in rivers and streams. Methods therefore need to be able to detect compounds at these trace levels. In addition to the low level detection of PCPPs, a major analytical challenge for analysis lies in the wide chemical diversity of compound classes and structures. Furthermore, the complexity of the water samples requiring analysis can be very diverse. This application note demonstrates the extraction, separation, and detection of 78 PPCPs including acidic, basic, and neutral compounds in well and surface water samples. Using the ACQUITY UPLC H-Class System with the small, benchtop Xevo TQD, it was possible to analyze all compounds in a single injection.
In recent years, there has been increasing concern about the presence of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs)1 in water bodies throughout the world. The effect of these emerging contaminants on human health and their potential impact on the environment is not yet fully understood. As concern continues to grow, many government agencies around the world are funding studies to assess if PPCPs can cause harmful ecological effects.
Many publications have shown that PPCPs are present at parts-per-trillion (PPT) levels in rivers and streams.2-7 Methods therefore need to be able to detect compounds at these trace levels. In addition to the low level detection of PCPPs, a major analytical challenge for analysis lies in the wide chemical diversity of compound classes and structures, examples of which are shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the complexity of the water samples requiring analysis can be very diverse. This application note demonstrates the extraction, separation, and detection of 78 PPCPs including acidic, basic, and neutral compounds in well and surface water samples.
Two different water sample types were collected for analysis and stored at 4 °C prior to analysis. In addition, a reagent grade water sample with low levels of the PPCPs of interest was purchased for comparative analyses and to serve as a blank. Reagent grade water: LC-MS grade water (Fisher Chemical, Optima brand) Well-water sample: Sample collected from a local, private well-water source. Surface water sample: Sample collected from a local water reservoir.
The extraction process was performed using a tandem cartridge configuration with a Waters 6-cc Oasis MAX (p/n 186000369) and a 6-cc Oasis MCX (p/n 186000256) SPE Cartridge. This configuration allows for a three-tiered extraction mechanism that uses reversed-phase, anion exchange, and cation exchange. The extraction protocol was designed to ensure retention of acidic, basic, and neutral PPCPs. The Oasis MCX Cartridge was connected below the Oasis MAX Cartridge, and both were conditioned by passing through 5 mL of methanol followed by 5 mL of water. The water samples (1 L) were loaded at 10 mL/min onto the dual stack by vacuum using a bottle-to-SPE adapter. Once the loading step was completed, the cartridge stack was disassembled and each cartridge followed specific wash and elution steps, as shown schematically in Figure 2. The Oasis MAX Cartridge was washed with 5 mL of 5% ammonium hydroxide in water. The elution was performed in two steps:first with 5 mL of methanol (neutral PPCPs), and second with 5 mL of methanol containing 5% formic acid (acidic PPCPs). Both elution fractions were collected in a 20-mL glass tube. The Oasis MCX Cartridge was washed with 5% formic acid and eluted with 5 mL methanol containing 5% ammonium hydroxide (basic PPCPs). The MCX and MAX elution fractions were pooled and evaporated to dryness at 60 °C under a gentle stream of nitrogen. The dried eluate was reconstituted with 900 μL (2 x 450 μL) 10 mM ammonium formate. The internal standard mix (100 μL) was then added to give a final concentration of 1.0 ppb. Matrix-matched calibration standards were prepared with the same protocol with the exception of the final eluate, which was reconstituted in 800 μL (2 x 400 μL) 10 mM ammonium formate, and 100 μL of the internal standard mix was added. The final 100 μL was utilized to post spike 100 μL of the PPCP mix at various concentrations in 10 mM ammonium formate. The standards for the majority of compounds were spiked at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 5.0 ppb (0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5, and 5.0 ppb final concentration). This range equates to 0.1 to 5.0 ppt in the original sample. 13 compounds demonstrated higher limits of detection and were therefore analyzed from 1.0 to 50.0 ppb (equivalent to 1.0 to 50.0 ppt in the water samples). These compounds were cefalexin, cinoxacin, codeine, corticosterone, dicloxacillin, erythromycin, gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, tolfenamic acid, triamcinolone, and warfarin. The internal standard mix consisted of three isotopically labeled standards:
Cimetidine-d3-N-methyl-d3, Chlorpheniramine-d6-maleate-N,N dimethyl-d6, and Gemfibrozil-d6-2,2 dimethyl-d6 (purchased from C/D/N Isotopes Inc.).
Two MRM transitions (quantification and confirmation) for the PPCPs were selected and optimized (Table 1). These results were added to the Quanpedia Database for future use in our own and other laboratories. For this application, finding the optimum chromatographic conditions for the multi-residue analysis posed a difficult challenge due to the chemical diversity of PPCPs. The best chromatographic separation was achieved with an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 2.1 x 100 mm analytical column (1.8 μm). The mobile phase that showed the best chromatography for the majority of compounds consisted of methanol/water with 10 mM ammonium formate (pH 3.2). Optima LC/MS grade methanol and water were purchased from Fisher Scientific.
Despite the chemical diversity of the compounds analyzed, excellent chromatographic profiles were obtained for all 82 compounds. Example chromatograms for the different classes of compounds are shown in Figure 3. Of the 82 PPCPs included in this work, 78 were found to be effectively extracted using the dual-cartridge SPE methodology. Five compounds (digoxigenin, fleroxacin, erythromycin, 6a-methylprednisolone, and tolbutamide) gave poor recoveries in the well water and surface water samples using this extraction protocol, although they were acceptable for the reagent water sample. Those compounds were therefore excluded from the quantitative analysis.
To ensure that the method did not result in carryover or false detections of PPCPs, blank reagent water samples were tested to find a clean water source that could be used as a blank sample and in order to create calibration standards. After screening several sources, Optima LC/MS grade water (Fisher Scientific) gave the best results. A blank sample of this reagent water was enriched using the SPE protocol. This extracted sample was analyzed and compared to post-spike samples of the same extract. From this work an estimation of the background level of the PPCPs in the reagent water could be made to determine whether it was sufficiently devoid of the target PPCPs. The results demonstrated that only four PPCPs were detected above the 100 ppq level in the reagent water sample (Table 2). Those compounds were enrofloxacin, fleroxacin, rifaximin, and diltiazem. These compounds were deemed to be present at levels between 100 ppq and 1 ppt in the reagent water. None of the compounds were found to have a response in the reagent water above 1 ppt. 46 compounds were detected below the lowest calibration point and 28 PPCPs were not detected at all in the reagent water blank.
Figure 4 shows the MRM chromatograms (quantification transition) of four selected PPCPs that were not detected at all in the reagent water standard. The blank extracted reagent water and spiked extracted reagent water are shown together to demonstrate the response that would equate to 0.1 ppt (100 ppq) in the non-extracted sample.
In order to assess the quantitative capabilities of the method, three selected deuterated compounds were used as internal standards. Along with the reagent water, a well water sample, and surface water sample were used to demonstrate the method performance in different water matrices. From the 78 PPCPs applicable to this extraction protocol, excellent quantification results were obtained for 58 of the compounds with this initial work employing three of the selected deuterated compounds as internal standards. Further work with additional internal standards is required for the remaining compounds. Recoveries of those 58 compounds at the 1-ppt spike level are shown in Figure 5. For the PPCPs with appropriate internal standards, the R2 value ranged from 0.991 to 0.997 (linear fit, 1/x weighting). The internal standard used and linear regression R2 value for each of the compound are described in Table 3.
To assess the matrix effects in the three water samples, the response of a standard in non-extracted reagent water was compared
to the post-spike extracted samples of the reagent water, the well water sample, and the surface water sample at the 1 ppt level,
which are shown in Figure 6. The majority of PPCPs in the reagent water showed a matrix effect of <20%. This clearly indicates the cleanliness of this water sample. For the well and surface water samples, more than half of the PPCPs showed matrix effects of >20%. The surface water samples showed significantly higher complexity, with approximately one-third of the compounds showing a >50% matrix effect, shown in the orange pie sections of Figure 6. Since the extraction protocol was optimized for maximum trapping efficiency of a wide range of compound types, both extraction cartridges were subjected only to a mild wash protocol to ensure no compound breakthrough before final elution. With this mild wash, it is expected that complex water samples will still potentially show matrix effects compared to a clean sample, such as the reagent water. In order to contend with the high complexities, additional wash steps within the SPE protocol could be employed. Further investigation into the most appropriate internal standards could also help to account for heavy matrix loads. Other work, 2 has showed similar effects for two distinct surface water samples.
The extraction method was used to evaluate the current PPCP level in the well and surface water samples. In well water, two PPCPs tested positive above the 100 ppq level: sulfamethoxazole at 0.97 ppt and atenolol at 0.32 ppt, and 14 PPCPs were detected below this level. For the surface water sample, 17 PPCPs were detected below 100 ppq. An example of a detected compound in each of the samples is shown in Figure 7. To demonstrate a blank sample, the equivalent compound trace for the other sample is also shown with the baseline magnified to show the noise level.
720004813, July 2017


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VoIP as anyone who would search about it on the internet would know it by its full name Voice over Internet Protocol. The use of VoIP is made to share voice communication in the form of packet networks that would come to use for carrying data. It may not be make any sense to the layman but those of us who know how the telecommunication industry functions would have already understood what I mean by telling the people at large about VoIP in India.
Google Talk and Skype are two big players based on the VoIP technology that have changed the face of Internet Telephony. Ideas for establishing integrated networks where packet networks would both carry voice and data simultaneously are nothing new but the recent expansion that took place in VoIP coupled with higher bandwidth available in the network. Increase in the usage of this service is due to "network effect" and as new users enter the network it also drives the growth in new subscriptions. A model like this can also drive down costs for the businesses and the benefit of low cost trickles down to consumers.
It needs no over emphasizing to tell anyone how telecommunication has fared in India as a whole. Being leaders in the industry, reforms and new technology adoptions must take place continuously so as to make the industry competitive and in the benefit of consumers in the long run. However as ours is democracy that needs a crisis situation every time to start adopting fresh approach, this time also the case is no different. When Internet Telephony has gained ground in many other countries why has it not been adopted in India till now.
Broadband users in India have already started to benefit from it but it is still not a substantially used service. These users make unlimited calls nationally whereas are asked to pay fraction of a cost to make international calls. People who have used Over-The-Top (OTT) services from service providers like Vonage or Skype in US have also pointed out at a reduction in their monthly bills by over 50%. The trend of using VoIP as Closed Group Service by companies in India have also picked up leaving only the regular consumer to which its services haven't reached yet. The reason behind this is according to many is the lack of policy support for VoIP.
Rules and regulations governing VoIP has been lacking and far confusing till now. In the past since 1999, government has sometimes adopted a stricter outlook whereas in other instances it has remained supportive of the service. However government has never allowed the service to be availed unconditionally and thus it remains under availed. Chances have emerged once again now where the service may pick up once more if the potential in recent evolution of the service is tapped.
Policy if framed suitably for the service can further strengthen its growth. Even interconnection of internet through public mobile service providers was also restricted till 2006. As a result PC-to-PC VoIP calls, reception of VoIP calls on landline or mobile phones from abroad was prohibited. Even lobbying from National Long Distance (NLD) operators in India have also got NLD VoIP calls restricted. These restrictions were however scrapped for the Unified Access Service providers (UAS) which didn't serve much as the UAS providers kept thinking that these VoIP offerings may undermine their already well paying voice services. Lobbying of mobile and NLD service providers is so strong that even after TRAI recommending for scrapping of the restrictions in 2008, it is still in place preventing Internet Service Providers (ISP) to offer their VoIP services.
TRAI has released its list of recommendations for grant of Unified License on 12th April, 2012 and is waiting for the Telecom Ministry and Commission's nod. Where one of the recommendations states that license holder must be allowed to offer unrestricted internet telephony and VoIP service. The fees for converting the ISP license to Unified license is astronomically high though from 30 lakh to 15 crore for an all-India license but its sure to bring a change in the VoIP game for sure.
Soon internet service providers with spectrum for providing broadband services will migrate to unified license. It's not far away in time when disagreements on interconnection and termination charges between mobile operators and ISPs providing unrestricted internet telephony will start appearing on the Indian scene also.
Source: Economic Times
Photo: FCC

subset: commoncrawl


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How to Paint Olive Leaves
With Janelle:
It is very important to learn how to hold and load the brush in the paint and use varying pressures to create this effect.
- ROLL the brush in the paint.
- Varying the pressure from heavy to light, DRAG the brush out from the stem with a slight wave to make the leaves bend.
- To make the olives, load the brush with black paint and dip the tip of the brush into a light purple to give it dimension.
Use two strokes to make the olive like parenthesis (). Notice when Janelle loads the paint, the brush is at an angle, but when painting she holds it upright. Good luck!


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Take the plunge at the 99th annual Polar Bear Swim
"The Polar Bear Swim is a free community event and a great way to dive into the New Year. This event is both exhilarating and entertaining," said Park Board Chair Stuart Mackinnon.
There's nothing like kicking off the New Year with a plunge into the icy waters of English Bay.
The 99th annual Polar Bear Swim takes place January 1 at 2:30pm in English Bay. Dress up as your favorite super-hero, compete in the Peter Pantages Memorial 100-yard race or just come out to watch the spectacle!
Last year, about 4,000 people swam (1,761 registered) in the 6 degree ocean waters. To ensure everyone stays safe, 15 Park Board lifeguards will be front and centre in rowboats, on paddleboards and watching the crowd from elevated chairs.
Free community event
"The Polar Bear Swim is a free community event and a great way to dive into the New Year. From simply braving the cold water with friends and family to the outrageous costumes that people wear, this event is both exhilarating and entertaining. Many people come to the swim every year and never actually take the plunge. They just want to soak up the amazing atmosphere," said Park Board Chair Stuart Mackinnon.
The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club is one of the largest and oldest in the world. In 1920, Peter Pantages and nine other brave swimmers started their New Year in style by plunging into the chilly waters of English Bay. Since then the Polar Bear swim has grown into a much loved highlight of the holiday season.
Lisa Pantages to do 57th Polar Bear Swim
Peter's granddaughter, Lisa Pantages, will be doing her 57th Polar Bear Swim this January 1st along with three generations of her family.
"I think the swim is the best way to get a fresh start to the year. The feeling of camaraderie and community amongst the swimmers is unmatched in any other event in Vancouver," she said.
Those brave enough, are encouraged to register so the Park Board can measure the event's popularity and enter participants into a prize draw. Swimmers can also pledge to attend and invite their friends via Facebook . Share photos from the swim on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #VanPolarBearSwim and two people will have a chance to win a prize packages including a one–month Flexipass to Park Board facilities including fitness centres and pools.
Polar Bear Swim tips
- If you have a heart problem – be a spectator
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
- Leave your dog at home
- Do not drink – alcohol does not warm you up, it accelerates hypothermia
- Do not stay in the water longer than 15 minutes. Body heat is lost 25 times faster in water than in air
- Do not remove your clothing until swim time. The swim will be started by a flag and siren
- If you compete in the 100-yard race, meet in the front line on the north side (Stanley Park side) of the enclosure
- If you're one of the first three swimmers to touch the marker buoy by the lifeguard boat, give your name to the lifeguard
- After you swim, pick up your commemorative button at the large polar bear or registration table.
Don't forget to register if you plan to plunge and bring along a cash or food donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Donations will be collected onsite.


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Michael A. Berger
Michael A. Berger
Michael A. Berger is an associate in the Firm's Employment and Labor practice group. He concentrates his practice on counseling and defending employers on various employment and labor law issues, including wage and hour, discrimination and retaliation.
Mr. Berger is admitted in New York, New Jersey and the U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of New York.
Immediately prior to joining our Firm, Mr. Berger was an associate at a Long Island-based labor law firm. Prior to that, he was an associate at a New York City firm.
Mr. Berger served as a legal fellow to the Hon. Sandra L. Sgroi, Appellate Division, Second Department; a volunteer at Nassau/Suffolk Law Services: Volunteer Lawyers Project; a legal intern at the Law Reform Advocacy Clinic at his law school and at the New York State Office of the Attorney General; and as a law clerk to the Hon. Joseph A. Zayas, Supreme Court of the State of New York, Criminal Term.
Mr. Berger earned his J.D. from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, where he was a Book Review Editor for the Journal of International Business and Law. In 2013, he published a Note and Book Review. Mr. Berger received his B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh, College of Arts & Sciences.
- Maurice A. Deane School of Law, Hofstra University, J.D., 2013
- University of Pittsburgh, College of Arts & Sciences, B.A., 2010
- New York State Bar
- New Jersey State Bar
- United States District Courts for the Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of New York
- Theodore Roosevelt American Inn of Court
- Nassau County Bar Association


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Serving on a non-profit organization's Board of Directors can be a meaningful way to give back to the community. By sharing your expertise, contributions, and connections, you can further a non-profit's mission while also providing opportunities to stretch your skillset and network authentically. Join this roundtable discussion to learn about board responsibilities, governance, and fundraising as well as how to successfully find a seat and serve on a non-profit board of directors.
Speaker: Gail Hunter, vice president, Public Affairs, Community Relations and Event Management, The Golden State Warriors


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A beer-and-spirits sampling station was added for the first time last year to Stratford's signature spring home show.
Home show on the horizon
A beer-and-spirits sampling station was added for the first time last year to Stratford's signature spring home show.
It was well received so will be returning when the Stratford Home and Leisure Show does Friday.
"This year, we're back at it again," said Gary Lingard, one of the many volunteers behind the event.
Another pilot project from 2018 that will be brought back this weekend is a supervised bouncy castle.
"It's an opportunity for kids to wear off some energy and some parents to stand around and chat for a few minutes," said Charlene Gordon, co-chairperson of the three-day event at the Rotary Complex.
There were 123 vendors on board as of Thursday afternoon. Some of the products that will be showcased include windows, furniture, bathroom renovations, siding, decks, kitchen cupboards, hot tubs, and landscaping. Event organizers are hosting an appreciation dinner for the vendors Saturday night.
"The fact they go the extra mile to do very nice displays enhances the show and helps it be successful for all of us," Gordon said.
"It's a lot of long hours," said Lingard, adding they have volunteers to relieve one-person vendors throughout the weekend. "We're here to help."
The show, which is nearing four decades, continues to be a partnership between the Stratford and Area Builders' Association and the Rotary Club of Stratford.
"It is a wonderful collaboration," said Gordon, the Rotary Club's secretary. "We each have particular strengths within our organization and when we put it together it produces a great event."
Admission is $6. Some of the money raised will support local projects spearheaded by both organizations, ranging from affordable housing and educational programs to the new hospice and skate park.
A Sunday snowstorm kept attendance to around 3,000 last year, but organizers are expecting around 4,000 this weekend.
Each ticket comes with a ballot for the grand prize, a custom wood shed created by St. Michael Catholic secondary school tech students.
"It looks great," Gordon said.
The custom-built, eight-foot-by-eight-foot pine shed has a two-foot porch, plexiglass windows, a steel roof, and door. It's drywalled inside and has electrical wiring for interior and exterior lights.
"It's basically a usable shed, a she shed, a shed, a pool house – whatever the person that wins it decides it to be," said Steve Manzo, the school's construction teacher.
Manzo oversaw three Grade 11 classes – nearly 50 students in total – who worked on it for the last few months.
"Steve and his kids have done a remarkable job," said department head Mark Flanagan. "The kids have spent many hours, a lot of learning."
The winning ballot will be drawn prior to Sunday's 4 p.m. closing time.
What: Stratford Home and Leisure Show
When: 3-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Stratford Rotary Complex
Cost: $6 at the door or at stratfordhomeleisureshow.com


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Year-round Programs
Founded in 2013 in beautiful Downeast Maine, the Acadia Trad School evolved out of a growing traditional music and dance culture that has taken root in New England. Focusing mainly on music and dance with origins in the Celtic traditions (Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Acadian, Quebeçois, Old-Time, etc.), we have promoted both historical and modern adaptations that respectfully expand on the voices of the past.
Over the years, the Acadia Trad School has offered a variety of concerts, sessions, workshops, school programs and dances across Downeast Maine throughout the year. While the organization will be closing down in the late summer of 2020, we still have lots going on. Please check out the links below and support traditional music in Maine and across the globe!
Engaging audiences with the diversity and talent of today's traditional music and dance performers is a vital component of the Acadia Trad School mission. With a variety of genres and instrumentation held year-round in venues across Down East Maine and beyond, our concerts showcase both established world-class talent and advanced students that are well on their way to a traditional music or dance career. When scheduled, concerts are visibly posted throughout this site, as well as announced on Facebook and Twitter.
Sessions are one of the best ways to build community and share in the joy of traditional music. Sessions are offered year-round at a variety of levels, and are organized by members of our local community. Here are a few regular sessions we know about — if you would like to add one, please email us!
Irish Sessions @ Paddy Murphy's
26 Main Street, Bangor, ME
These sessions, held weekly on Tuesday from 6-9PM, are great for players at intermediate or advanced levels, but beginning students are encouraged to listen and participate as appropriate. There is no fee to participate. If you plan to bring audience members with you, plan to make a reservation in advance as the restaurant fills up quickly. https://paddymurphysbangor.com
Southwest Harbor Sessions @ Harbor House
12 Village Green Way, Southwest Harbor, ME
Traditional music session every Wednesday night, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, at the Silent City Coffee House in Southwest Harbor. Someone teaches a new tune during the first half hour. During the rest of the evening, the group plays traditional music from Ireland, Scotland, Cape Breton, French Canada, Appalachia, and other cultures. We play this music with acoustic instruments such as fiddle, accordion, pipes, penny whistle, flute, harmonica, guitar, mandolin, harp, banjo, bodran, Jew's harp, and others. Sharing tunes, and learning them by ear is strongly encouraged. Anyone who wants to play, learn, or listen to this music is welcome. For more information, please contact Ray Lambert at 207-244-8090 or at [email protected].
Workshops are typically short (a few hours), self-contained units and are offered in a wide variety of topics. They are usually in conjunction with a concert. With a low cost to attend, workshops are a great way to refine your skills, learn a new instrument or technique, or expand your musical horizons.
Most traditional music stems from the dance, and there are so many genres of dance within traditional culture! Dances are fun community events that offer opportunities for participants at all levels. Dances are typically taught at the beginning of each set by a professional caller, so beginners are very welcome. You do not need to bring a partner. Dances are also a great way for instrumentalists to learn or practice tunes, and to learn how music supports the dancers. Community dances will be held during the Acadia Trad Festival and monthly dances are held year-round by other community groups.
School Programs
Traditional music and culture is passed down from one generation to another, usually through personal teaching and learning by ear. The Acadia Trad School is passionate about engaging young students, and has partnered with elementary and middle schools to offer exposure to these genres as part of their music programs. If you are a parent, student or teacher who would like to see a traditional music or dance program offered in your local school, please contact us.


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Take-out Tuesday, Winter Roasted Grape Salad
Salads are the perfect way to eat lighter after the holidays, but sometimes they just aren't appealing when the weather is cold and dreary. I saw a roasted grape salad over at Nibbles by Nic and decided to give it a try
I love to add fruit to salads, see All Seasons Salad here, and warm grapes mixed with crispy lettuce, tasty cheese, and nuts, sounded like a perfect dinner to me
Roast the grapes just like you would any vegetables, on a foil lined baking sheet, drizzled with oil and seasoned with salt and pepper
Roast for about 15 minutes at 400 and that's it!
Toss them with some crispy romaine, a diced flavorful cheese, and some toasted nuts
I used Asiago cheese and pine nuts
Dress with your favorite vinaigrette, such as this Maple and Mustard Salad Dressing here, and season again to taste
Warm sweet grapes, crispy lettuce, crunchy nuts and tangy cheese
Be sure to use seedless grapes 🙂
Winter Roasted Grape Salad
2 dozen red, seedless grapes, washed
1-2 heads romaine lettuce, or mixed lettuces, torn into bite size pieces
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
2 oz Asiago cheese, diced
olive oil
salt and pepper
vinaigrette to taste
Put grapes on a foil lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and roast at 400 for 12-15 minutes. Toss grapes with romaine, cheese and pine nuts. Drizzle with dressing to taste and toss again. Serve immediately.
Simple, fresh, healthy~ enjoy!
for another printable version of Winter Roasted Grape Salad click here
I will be sharing with the fabulous parties and blogs on my sidebar and:
Comments10 Responses to "Take-out Tuesday, Winter Roasted Grape Salad"
Jenna, this will be a perfect lunch salad for our girls get together! Always looking for something new and refreshing. A nice open face sandwich will be perfect! Enjoy your ay!😊🌴
Yum roasted grapes Is there anything you can't roast xoxo
Roasted grapes sound really different:@)
I love all the ingredients in this awesome salad. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
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- Hand-held electric tools
- Stationary tools
- Metalworking
- Cleaning technique
- Stone and tile cutting machine
- Compressors and accessories
- Welders
- Power generators
- Lifting equipment
- Battery chargers and
- Lawn care
- Garden tools
- Pumps
- Toys
- Air conditioning equipment
Leaves vacuum cleaners
The GE-EL 3000 E electric blower vac is a high-quality, extremely powerful and reliable tool for hobby gardeners who have the highest requirements when cleaning their grounds and gardens. Voluminous soft material such as foliage and grass is reduced to around 1/12th of its original size by this blower vac with its robust and highly durable impeller and shredder made of aluminium. With the easy-to-reach selector switch you can choose between blowing and vacuuming without having to make any conversions. Thanks to the electronic speed control, the suction and blowing power can be precisely dosed according to requirements. The GE-EL 3000 E comes with an On/Off switch. A large, two-piece suction tube reliably picks up even large objects such as fruit or pine cones. For safe maintenance there is a safety switch which interrupts the power supply when the cleaning flap is opened. Two height-adjustable guide rollers ensure comfortable and back-friendly operation on paths, lawns and smooth surfaces. An adjustable additional handle enables ergonomic handling. A window in the debris bag lets you see at a glance how full the bag is. With the adjustable carrying strap this electric blower vac can be comfortably carried over difficult terrain.


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A Conversation with George Pelecanos: Part II
Part II of the conversation with George Pelecanos celebrating the publication of THE CUT, which the Chicago Sun Times recommends, "Soak it up." The Washington Post praises Pelecanos's ability to "maintain a remarkably high level of intelligence and style" and the Los Angeles Times appreciates that "Pelecanos has made Washington his literary stomping grounds, and he gets granular in THE CUT…as clear as if he'd drawn you a map." If you missed Part I, start reading here.
WALLACE STROBY: I think, for a certain generation of writers, a lot of our work has been influenced by films we saw during our formative years in the 1970s. What are your five favorite crime films of the '70s, and why?
GEORGE PELECANOS: THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971). Not just a film wrapped around a car chase, but an evocative time capsule of '70s New York, and an unflinching look at an obsessive cop. Like the up-on-coke sequence of GOODFELLAS, Friedkin's kinetic style puts us directly into the fevered mind of Popeye Doyle. And there's that chase.
THE GETAWAY (1972). Peckinpah directs the Walter Hill adaptation of Jim Thompson's novel with signature style. Steve McQueen is believable as a tough guy who just got out of prison and wants his due. With a flawless supporting cast and a bang-up climax involving shotguns, an old hotel, gunmen arriving in a big convertible, and Al Lettieri, the screen's greatest vulgarian. I know all about Thompson's ending versus Peckinpah's, but no one should bitch about the film's last scene; it's damn near perfect.
ROLLING THUNDER (1977). Vietnam vet William Devane returns home to a world he no longer understands and gets his hand shoved down a garbage disposal by home invaders. Devane sharpens the hook on the end of his arm, cuts down a shotgun, and goes to work. John Flynn, directing from a Paul Schrader script, crafts a slow-building actioner and elicits ace performances from all concerned, most notably blaxploitation veteran Linda Haynes, Luke Askew as Automatic Slim, and Tommy Lee Jones as Devane's damaged, loyal war buddy. Watch Devane and Jones blow the shit out of their enemies in a whorehouse at the film's climax. "I'll just get my gear."
CHARLEY VARRICK (1973). Don Siegel's thief-unwittingly-steals-from-the-mob movie is first-rate entertainment featuring the director's crackerjack stock troupe of character actors. Walter Matthau plays the title role with understated cool, and Joe Don Baker is memorable as a killer named Molly. I proudly own a T-shirt that reads, "The Last of the Independents." It's written on Charley's flight suit, which figures prominently in the film's last shot.
DIRTY HARRY (1971). Siegel again, directing Eastwood. Yeah, it was popular, but there was a reason it hit a public nerve. A studio film with this kind of lead character was truly anarchic and would never be greenlit today. Pauline Kael trashed it, which made me want to see it twice. She hated STRAW DOGS, too.
WS: Five favorite Westerns? Any era.
RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY (1962) I know, you said 5.
WS: These days, what do you listen to while writing, and has that changed over the years? Any favorites that really get the cylinders firing when you're working?
GP: Depends on the book. With THE CUT I was listening to a lot of reggae and dub, and rock with guitars and smarts: The Hold Steady, Drive-By Truckers, Slobberbone, The Silver Jews. It's what I imagined Spero Lucas would be into. It was no chore because I like that stuff, too. [Editor's note: check out Pelecanos's "Tour Music" on George-Pelecanos.com and Spotify]
WS: When it comes to writing, what's the worst advice someone ever gave you? What's the best?
GP: Generally the bad advice I've gotten had to with wanting it to happen right away. I was told I had to move to New York if I wanted to make it as a novelist, and I was told that I had to move to L.A. if I wanted to write movies and television. Well, I stayed in my city and I've done fine. In fact, some of the TV work I've done was different and quality because we stayed away from all the noise, and shot under the radar. I still live a couple of miles from the neighborhood I grew up in. I quietly write my books here, and my hometown is my inspiration.
The best advice came from my agent. He told me to put my head down and get behind my desk, and not worry about anything outside of doing the work. That to focus on big advances, or to go for big advances before I could earn them out, would be the death of my career, as it has been for many who have been over-published. I make a comfortable living now, and I'm still here. And my agent is still my agent.
Pelecanos was also a staff writer and producer on all five seasons of the acclaimed HBO series THE WIRE, a writer/producer on HBO's miniseries THE PACIFIC, and is now a staff writer/producer on the network's New Orleans-based series TREME, helmed by WIRE co-creator David Simon. A father of three, Pelecanos continues to work with troubled youths at juvenile correction facilities in the D.C. area.
Wallace Stroby is a New Jersey writer whose latest novel is COLD SHOT TO THE HEART. His fifth novel, KINGS OF MIDNIGHT, will be published by St. Martin's Press in April 2012.


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I can't believe how quickly the summer flew by and disappeared. This morning, I stepped outside and nearly froze to death! Literally overnight, the weather has changed. Whereas yesterday, the morning was sticky and humid, today the air is crisp and cold.
For Jewish people around the world, the New Year began yesterday. It seems pretty apropos, as schools swing back into action and the temperature drops. For my family, it has been two days of celebrations and eating! On Wednesday night, as the sun set, we gathered together with the hubby's family to eat apples and challah with honey (to signify a sweet year ahead) followed by a delicious meal. Yesterday, we went to temple to hear the story of Isaac and the blowing of the shofar (a ram's horn) which is supposed to be a wake up call to prepare everyone for the upcoming "Days of Awe" when we repent for our sins.
When we got back home, we invited friends over for Tashlich on our lake. This is a ceremony where you cast away your sins in order to start the new year with a clean slate. We all wrote down our sins from the past year, walked down to the lake and threw them in the water. My friend's son asked me why we throw the paper in the lake. My response was: we write down our sins and throw them in the lake. The water then breaks down the paper and it eventually disappears, just as our sins are erased. The fact that the fish in our lake came up and tried to eat the pieces of paper was pretty hilarious, but helped break down our sins much faster! There's something to be said about writing things down and throwing them away. It is symbolic, but actually forces you to sit and think about your actions and try to start anew and work on not repeating those mistakes as often in the new year. I think this is a great exercise for anyone to try – if you don't have a body of water close to you, try burning the paper. It works in a similar way psychologically.
Last night, we drove out to Long Island to celebrate the holiday (and my cousin's birthday – HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEB!!!!!!!) with my family. It's always so wonderful to get together with family, especially on happy occasions and when the food is DELICIOUS! This year was made even more special since my parents are here from Israel and we ring in the new year together. It's not often that we all get together…
This morning, I ran through the chilly grass to check on our vegetable garden. My father single-handedly built an incredible raised vegetable garden for us. On Saturday, we planted our fall crops.We transplanted herbs (oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, parsley, chives and mint) but sowed seeds for onion, green onion, lettuce, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, peas and dill. It has been exciting to watch them grow each day.
Day 1
Day 3
Day 5 (Today)
So, I would like to extend my best wishes (whether you are Jewish or not) for a happy and healthy new year. May it be as fruitful as the sprouts in this garden.
Shana Tova.


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CreComm students Rally for Red
Red River College Creative Communications students are aiming for 75 blood donors today as they host the second annual Rally For Red Radiothon in support of Canadian Blood Services.
Red River College Creative Communications students are aiming for 75 blood donors today as they host the second annual Rally For Red Radiothon in support of Canadian Blood Services.
Learn about writing, photography, videography and more at free sessions hosted by journalists from local media.
FortWhyte Alive was abuzz last week when a pine marten was spotted leaping through the tree tops, evading an alarmed mob of birds. It was the first sighting of a marten in the park's 40-year history.
People with disabilities experience daunting challenges when it comes to finding employment. This week, a local employment expo took aim at bridging this gap.
Not only do the Friends of the Winnipeg Public Library strive to make our libraries the best they can be, they can also enhance your personal library through their used book sales.
Twice a month, approximately 300 pre-ordered boxes are distributed from about 20 easily-accessible community depots across Winnipeg.
Many people lack experience to get a job, but can't get experience without one. A new program aims to fix this while helping non-profits attract young talent.
Foreign students at Red River College have to face many challenges living in Canada. Fortunately, they don't have to do it alone thanks to a cultural and language mentor program offered by the College.
Cats are a social media phenomenon. And with their pillow-like bodies and pudgy faces, fat cats are among the most popular. But having an overweight pet is no laughing matter.
A trio of dedicated, hardworking volunteers from Winnipeg donates their time, expertise and equipment to those in need of dental work in the African village of Kitwe, Zambia.


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Pôle SCS is happy to announce the success of the Startup3 project funded under the ICT programme of Horizon 2020 which will start as of January 2020.
The project will support EU deep-tech startups in take up, cross-border and cross-sectoral collaboration with large corporates, market penetration and access to funding.
The project is coordinated by Pôle SCS in partnership with 6 other European partners including clusters, technology transfer organisations and startup studios.
This project fits 100% with Pôle SCS strategy to help SMEs from its ecosystem grow and internationalize, although all startups from Europe will be eligible to benefit from the project support.
It also strengthens the position and European dimension of the Digital Innovation Hub Move2Digital, coordinated by Pôle SCS, which brings together players in the digitalization of SMEs in the Region SUD.


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iPhone 5C Cases Go On Sale Early
Just a few hours ahead of the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C launch event, we're seeing at least one accessory maker put iPhone 5C cases up for sale early, offering a wide range of cases for a device that still isn't official yet.
In Cupertino today, Apple is expected to not only announce a new flagship iPhone in the iPhone 5S, but also a cheaper plastic iPhone called the iPhone 5C that should come with some specifications that will unify Apple's iPhone lineup. Specifically, it's said to have a 4-inch Retina Display with 16:9 aspect ratio and a Lightning port, things that the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 don't have.
The device is expected to land in the United States and as we reported exclusively yesterday, it's expected to be released in the U.S. on September 20th alongside the iPhone 5S. However, while the device and its release date remain unconfirmed by Apple itself, it hasn't stopped one case maker from putting iPhone 5C cases on sale early.
Read: Apple Store Is Down, New iPhones Incoming.
Luvvitt, an accessory manufacturer, has put several iPhone 5C cases on sale ahead of the iPhone 5C launch set to take place in just a few short hours. It's not clear if these are cases based on official information or if they are based on guesswork by Luvvitt. Case makers often uses leaked specifications to make cases ahead of schedule so it's possible that these cases, which are being sold for quite a bit of money, are off base.
The company shows off what looks like a blue iPhone 5C render in at least one of the cases so it's clear that this is the iPhone 5C that it is referring to, not the iPhone 5S.
We suggest holding off on buying anything until after makes the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C official, something that should happen in the short term. Both devices are expected to be released on September 20th, just a few short days after the announcement, and it's at that point that some cases should be safe to purchase.
Apple's iPhone 5C is expected to be a device that comes with a plastic colored back, a 4-inch Retina Display, 8MP camera, and iOS 7. It has been rumored to be coming to replace the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 with rumors suggesting that Apple will keep the iPhone 5 around at $99.99 on-contract. If true, the iPhone 5C could potentially be offered for free, on-contract.
Rumors suggest that it will come in around $500 unsubsidized.
1 Comment
According to other posts the company has tested the cases with real products. I emailed them they said they guarantee the fit. I ordered mine.
Leave a Reply
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• #1
We're going to Poland.
- Main site: https://www.transcontinental.cc/
- Dotwatching Trackleaders: https://trackleaders.com/transconrace18f.php (Chrome extension to add Streetview)
- Dotwatching Free Route: https://www.frrt.org/tcrno6/map
- Twitter Popular: https://twitter.com/hashtag/TCRNo6
- Twitter Recent: https://twitter.com/hashtag/tcrno6?f=tweets&vertical=default&src=hash
- Riders List: https://twitter.com/hugovk/lists/tcrno6/members
- Instagram Popular: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/tcrno6/
Forumengers riding:
- @skinny - #1 - https://trackleaders.com/transconrace18i.php?name=James_Hayden
- @gregory - #62 - https://trackleaders.com/transconrace18i.php?name=Greg_Hilson
- @MisterTomTom - #90 - https://trackleaders.com/transconrace18i.php?name=Tom_Hudders and also via https://livetrack.garmin.com/session/57424eb9-9860-4067-be25-5f9c4d190a3b/token/81F4A1DDE1CEB2E42BB8792B3751E6D
- @hippy - #142 - https://trackleaders.com/transconrace18i.php?name=Stuart_Birnie
- @DiscoPotato - #147 - https://trackleaders.com/transconrace18i.php?name=Douglas_Thomson
- @7ven - #177 - https://trackleaders.com/transconrace18i.php?name=Peter_Hobbs
- @PBoynton - #208 - https://trackleaders.com/transconrace18i.php?name=Peter_Boynton
- @rj - #253b - https://trackleaders.com/transconrace18i.php?name=Jonathan_Rankin
Of interest:
- Roger Seaton (riding a Brompton) - #34 - https://trackleaders.com/transconrace18i.php?name=Roger_Seaton
- Main site: https://www.transcontinental.cc/
• #2
Entry opens at 8 pm this evening, for those interested.
• #3
and is open for two weeks I think. It's not FIBD so don't panic.
• #4
• #5
• #6
Excellent. Subbed.
Good luck ls n gs
• #7
• #8
there's a small part of me that wishes I was riding this year....
but mostly i'm happy to not be riding. Maybe in a few years time.
Looks an amazing route as ever. Wonder if anyone will try for CP3 first.
• #9
First In Best Dressed.
• #10
@frank9755 - can you remove the RWGPS embedded link, it kills all known browsers, especially on mobile.
• #11
None of my browsers have issues.
• #12
It does. Souplesse would be New Oxford Street but can't have it all.
• #13
Had a little mess around with the potential routes and there could be some serious variation this year.
- Is it still no particular order for checkpoints?
- Is the Ancona - Split ferry still allowed?
1) Start: 1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4 : 3,500km with 33,000 metres of climbing
2) Start: 3 -> 1 ->2 -> 4 : 3,368km with 31,209 metres of climbing
3) Start: 1 -> 3 -> 2 -Ancona-Split ferry -> 4: 3985km with with 34,811 metres of climbing
4) Start: 1 -> 3 -> 2 -> 4: 3411km with 33,538 metres of climbing
I've only used Google walking map to do this, so it'll be definitely an underestimation. Using Frank's route as a better estimation of the 'conventional' route then you should add ~15% onto my distances and around 50% to the climbing.
- Is it still no particular order for checkpoints?
• #14
3 Attachments
• #15
And maybe even Geraardsbergen - 3 - 2 -1 slither down into the Po valley and down the Adriatic to 4.
• #16
Fire Ignited by Belly Dancing
• #17
You entering? Guess peeps will have to check the rules about CP routing carefully this year :)
• #18
I think those distances and elevations are well off from real.
Anyway, I think rules will change, meaning CPs need be done in chrono order. Seems a bit like gaming the race, to do them in different order to try get an advantage.
Plus with having to hit them before they close, you'd need to be doing 600 km for 3 days to meet CP1 if you went to cp2 first.
• #19
I wish, unfortunately I'm looking forward to an austere summer this year...
@skinny yeah absolutely, plus they're walking distances so it'll be down shitty paths but it still could be useful as an approximate comparison between the different routes.
I quickly had a look at the FB page so you've got to hit every checkpoint whilst it's officially open to be in the GC. However, have people in the past missed a checkpoint deadline but then made latter ones in time been put into the GC? I guess it's a different circumstance if they were doing the checkpoints as intended.
I do see your point about gaming the race, but part of the Transcontinental's appeal is that it's interesting to see the large variation in route choice and brings in the more tactical elements rather than just cycling really fast all day and night. For the spectators, it was pretty interesting when in '15 people headed for the ferry and in '16 when Hippy and Frank ditched the conventional route through the Alps and went from CP2 to 3 via the Po Valley.
It also means that it becomes more competitive as given more route choice there's a higher chance there's flatter course better suited to a 'TT-specialist' whilst the skinny guys can enjoy the scenery in the mountains :)
From the organizers perspective though, having people do the checkpoints in any order would be really tough on them in terms of driving. Also, it would be difficult to keep an eye on everyone if some people are heading across Germany whilst everyone else is heading South East to the CP1.
• #20
I agree with you about enjoying the route variations. However, in my opinion, playing with checkpoint order detracts from the race. It adds in another element, in an attempt to pick the best route. I'd like to see everyone semi-constrained in route choice, having to use the checkpoints in chrono order. It'll keep the racers on the same page, though still allowing some tactics. Rather than full out game play. Plus as you say. it's a mess for the organisers with people all over the place.
That said, with the distances that would need to be covered to meet checkpoint closing times, only the fastest would be able to consider it.
And I didn't like the ferry option in TCR3. No foul for people who did, but for me, it's a bit detracting. Let's see it raced out honestly, without gaming.
• #21
Yeah, I figure they'll just have a "CPs must be done in order" type rule to clarify and make everyone's lives easier.
• #22
Interesting analysis, Joe.
Doing them in a different order occurred to me.
My first thought was that they must have done it intentionally to have several different routes through the controls all of similar length. So I looked up the control opening and closing times, and that makes most of the variations more challenging. Also long ferries won't be allowed (only river crossing ferries).
I reckon if you can still make it work with closing times, it would be ok to change the order though. Sure, in audax, you can't do that, but Mike wasn't from an audax background. I think his Valleycats were like that, and in 2015 didn't some people do controls in a different order?
It adds another dimension to the route planning, which favours those who are strong in that aspect (aka hill avoiders).
• #23
I've taken it out, fine with my phone but now Joe's ones show them so not needed any more.
• #24
playing with checkpoint order detracts from the race. It adds in another element, in an attempt to pick the best route. I'd like to see everyone semi-constrained in route choice, having to use the checkpoints in chrono order.
Speaking as an armchair endurance racer, I do agree with this.
There is enough leeway in how you route from one CP to another, to make it interesting.
Allowing CP to be hit in any order makes a nonsense of the race.
• #25
Right, have entered! Wish me luck!


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"If you want a Primitive Bow of a lifetime, this Primitive model is for you!"
Putting the Primitive back in Primitive Archery with this new model. We've for years focused on building fancier custom bows and slowly got away from the roots of primitive archery, but that is a fact no more. The new Primitive model is the quintessential of primitive archery. It is to specifically appeal to hunters and archers that want an extremely reliable hunting bow built from a stave of Osage Orange, but also want it as basically "primitive" as possible. If you are looking for a fancy, sweet drawing & shooting custom bow with reflexed tips and a leather grip with a shelf, I recommend the Osage Hunter Model. These Primitive bows are not a custom made-to-order bow. I build each one to be the best it can be and whatever weight it perfectly tillers to, that is the weight it will be. These will be sold on a first come first serve basis but as time goes by I plan to build a nice little inventory of this model so you can always click on my Bows in Stock page to see what is currently available. (This page is found under "Bows" in the menu, or on the side bar at the right of the screen, or the bottom of the screen. If you look, you can find that list pretty fast!)
More about this model: These are made from a single stave of seasoned Osage. They have no arrowshelf and can often be shot right or left handed, but they are specifically built in mind for right handed shooters (feel free to ask if you are left handed to make sure the one you are looking at is left hand compatible.) The limbs are straight and offer no recurved or reflexed tips. They often have a few harmless pin knots and some natural wiggle as with any wood bow. This IS the BOW to have if you want a real primitive bow. They are 100% made for hunting big game. Best part is, it is adorned with my new Bison horn Arrowhead inlay makers mark which means it is part of my Lifetime series collection and has a 2 year warranty against breakage and a lifetime warranty on repairs.
You can expect prices to be set around $499.
sample pictures below


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After selection of your ZIP code, we designate the relevant staff to attend to you at once.
Height-adjustable seat post: X-Fusion HILO STRATE 31.6 mm
iglidur® J plain bearing
Fork suspension: RST (1-1/8 to 1-1/2) 160 mm
iglidur® J plain bearing
Shock absorber: X-Fusion O2 PRO RLX 215 mm
iglidur® J3 plain bearing
MTB 20" carbon frame with 27.5 tyres
iglidur® J plain bearings
Derailleur: X. 0 (FD-X0-HDM-A1) 2-speed
iglidur® G bearings
Derailleur: X. 0 (RD-X0-T21-A1) 10-gear
iglidur® G bearings
Pedals: Spank Spike
iglidur® J bearings
In terms of weight, the igus® bike stands out on its own! 25 iglidur® bearings in the front suspension, saddle attachment, shock absorbers, pedals, derailleurs and carbon frameensure that the weight is reduced and the service life increased. This is due to the tribologically optimised materials, which are characterised by their very low coefficients of frictions and high wear resistance. Dirt and dust? Moisture? No problem for iglidur® bearings! The absence of lubrication and the high resistance to corrosion enable use even under the very hardest ambient conditions.
Monday to Friday from 7 am - 8 pm.Saturdays from 8 am- 12 pm.


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Watch This Video To See What It's Takes To Make High End Cosplay Come To Life
You can try to explain cosplay until you're blue in the face, but some people don't get it. They don't understand why someone would purchase or commission ridiculously expensive costumes and that others spend hours or months fashioning every piece of their costumes to match a video game or movie. If you know any of those confused folks, this is the series to show them.
Project Cosplay follows cosplayer Crystal Graziano as she creates a Venus costume from Metal Gear Solid 2 and pursues her ultimate goal of a career in costume design. In this episode, she shows her handiwork to famous Hollywood costume and makeup artist Steve Wang so she can receive feedback on her design and construction. You'll get an idea of the insane amount of detail that can go into creating a costume – be it for a contest, for photos, or just for personal satisfaction.
Watch the videos after the break.
Previous videos:
(via Kotaku)


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Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the third of three Science Objects in the Flow of Matter and Energy in Ecosystems SciPack. It explores how energy flows through an ecosystem in one direction, from photosynthetic organisms to herbivores to omnivores and carnivores and decomposers. As the energy flows, less and less energy isavailable to support life.
Plants capture the sun's energy and use it to synthesize complex, energy-rich molecules (chiefly sugars) from molecules of carbon dioxide and water. Because plants and other photosynthetic organisms use energy from the sun and inorganic molecules from the environment to produce organic molecules needed for life, they are called producers. The organisms that consume the producers (called consumers) derive energy and materials from breaking down the producers' molecules, use them to synthesize their own structures and then may be consumed by other organisms. Decomposers (organisms that break down dead producers and consumers and organic waste) obtain the energy they need to live from chemical bonds of the dead and waste-matter. The energy is transferred both to the decomposer (for growth and development) and to the ecosystem (as heat energy). Food webs and energy pyramids are models or representations that can be used to track the flow of energy in the ecosystem. Food webs detail the flow of energy through the populations in the ecosystems whereas the pyramid model quantifies the flow of energy through various levels in an ecosystem. Unlike matter, as energy flows through an ecosystem in one direction, from photosynthetic organisms to herbivores to omnivores and carnivores and decomposers, less and less energy becomes available to support life. This loss of useable energy occurs because each energy transfer results in the dissipation of some energy into the environment as heat. Continual input of energy from sunlight is necessary to keep ecosystems organized and functioning.
Learning Outcomes:
Explain how a food web describes the flow of energy within an ecosystem
Explain the role that the amount of sunlight available to an ecosystem plays on defining the size and types of populations within an ecosystem
Use the characteristics of energy transfer (from one population to another) to explain the structure of an energy pyramid for organisms living in a community
Explain why, if energy is conserved in the interaction of consumers and producers, there is less energy at the consumer level compared to the producer level in an energy pyramid Explain why a vegetarian diet for humans requires less energy to produce the food needed than a diet that includes meat and fish does
Compare the flow of matter with the flow of energy among organisms and between organisms and their environment in an ecosystem
This scipack is very helpful and through because it goes in depth and breaks down each topic. Each topic is broken up into four parts. I love that the pages are read to us and at a good pace. The quizzes in between the readings helps to make sure that we understood the topic. This scipack covers every topic needed in order to understand energy in the ecosystems.
Blake Alexander (Miami, FL)
I liked how this lesson focuses on the flow of energy through an ecosystem in one direction, from photosynthetic organisms to herbivores to omnivores and carnivores and decomposers. This allows for really good discussions about why a vegetarian diet for humans requires less energy to produce the food needed than a diet that includes meat and fish does.
Kim Rivera (Midlothian, TX)
I really enjoy Science Objects. In 1-3 hours, the Flow of Matter and Energy in Ecosystems: Nothing Matters Without Energy Science Object will help me re-learn, refresh, or learn for the first time some critical science concepts I will have to know to obtain my Science Educator credentials. I appreciate that I can complete them at my own pace, and that, if used as park of a SciPack, I have access to a content expert to go to for help. The NSTA Learning Center Science Objects are very beneficial!
Naomi Beverly (Marietta, GA)
As a newcomer when teaching Ecosystems, I found this resource to be excellent. It does a good job describing the flow of energy and the flow of matter between organisms and their environments in an ecosystem. I am definitely planning to share aspects of this resource (especially the graphics/diagrams/interactives) with my scholars as we explore ecosystems.
Lorrie Armfield (Laurel, MD)
Having concentrated in physical science, improving my knowledge of life sciences is a major professional development goal. I found this a very informative well designed introduction. The videos are especially well done. I plan to use some of this in my "chemistry for life sciences" class.
Pamela A
$5.95 - Nonmembers


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Latest News
ON A blustery day in Mount Gambier, two women chased $50 notes caught in the wind at the corner of Alexander Street and Penola Road.
Elizabeth Wright and Jennifer Ferguson were laughing in disbelief as they continued to find cash on the footpath and swept into bushes in what was a surreal windfall.
"Instead of raining men, it was raining notes," Ms


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Following the extraordinary NFU Council meeting on 1st July, the organisation made a commitment that all members would be able to have a say on the impact of Brexit and the development of a domestic farming policy in a future outside the EU.
This August and September the NFU will lead the biggest consultation about the industry's future in its 108-year history and we urge you to take part.
Meetings scheduled in the North West are as follows.
Tuesday 23 August
Samlesbury Hotel, Preston New Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 0UL
7.30pm start in the Canberra Suite (President Meurig Raymond will be in attendance)
Wednesday 24 August
Café Ambio, J36 Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands, Kendal, LA7 7FP
11am start until approximately 1pm (President Meurig Raymond will be in attendance)
Wednesday 24 August
Stoneybeck Inn, Bowscar, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8RP
7.30pm start in the Ullswater Suite (President Meurig Raymond will be in attendance)
Wednesday 7 September
Waterstone Suite, Macdonald Portal Premier Golf & Country Club, Forest Road, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0JA
7.30pm start (Deputy President Minette Batters will be in attendance)
There are two alternative methods for you to submit your views.
Firstly, between 22nd August and 14th September, members can also access the consultation paper and submit their response via the member's area of NFU Online. Please note that to use this facility you will need your regular log in details. Should you not remember them they can be obtained by contacting NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.
Secondly, members can also be sent a copy of the consultation and response paper by post. Should you wish to receive your copy this way then, again, please contact NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458 and return before 14th September.
NFU President Meurig Raymond said: "Currently there are lots of uncertainties for farming – trade agreements, labour, financial support, legislation are all up in the air. But, the NFU is committed to providing this industry with leadership and to use its significant influence, with the backing of its membership, to ensure a profitable, productive and sustainable future for farming. I look forward to receiving your views."
- In order to help the NFU North West team plan for numbers at the above events, please could you let us know if you wish to attend an event by calling Diane Swift on 01695 554900 or email ZGlhbmUuc3dpZnRAbmZ1Lm9yZy51aw==


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It began three nights ago. Since then, I have felt the shivery feeling of someone watching me, day and night.
That first night, I was standing in the bathroom getting ready for bed. There came a loud thunk like a body dropping in the attic. That was the beginning of three days of being frightened of the dark, which I never was before.
The episodes occurred at night. The second night, I was awakened by lights flashing in the living room. I leapt from bed, ran into the room bordering my bedroom and skidded to a halt. The hair at my nape prickled. The lights in the entertainment unit were blinking on and off. I knew there was a short in the system that required a new power box. I fumbled behind the unit, unplugged the wrong box (the modem for my Uverse services) and finally found the right one. I turned to go back to bed.
The tall metal sculpture, each branch like a tall flower, started ringing as the pieces quivered. Another eerie shiver crawled over me. My cat Spencer could possibly have skidded on the wooden floor and crashed into the sculpture but he sat several feet away, staring at the vibrating limbs. The thing shook until I placed my hand on it to quiet the awful noise. Totally creeped out, I returned to bed but slept fitfully, waking early with the unwanted feeling of being watched.
Last night after I came home from having Buffalo wings with friends at a bar, I was reluctant to come in the house. I only moved into this house on September 9th, living here for a little over a month. When I first moved in, I didn't feel this way. I loved my new house. During washing my face and brushing my teeth, I kept glancing over my shoulder to see if anyone was behind me. No one, of course. Or at least no one in human form.
Exhausted from several sleepless nights, I fell into a deep sleep immediately. Later in the night, I heard strains of music in the living room when there should have been only silence. Frightened now, I stayed in bed, calling my cat when he began to meow like a soft cry.
Today, I drove about 50 miles roundtrip to Whole Foods to buy a white sage smudge stick. Being part Cherokee, my first thought was white sage. I saged the entire house, chanting, Leave, you are not welcome here. I was going to say that I don't feel shivery or watched, but as I typed it, the feeling came back. We'll see what tonight brings. Peace I hope.


text: Labor ex machina 17 Jan 2017 After finishing the linework on the comic, I saw the clip for "Another brick in the wall" by Pink Floyd, and noticed there's a scene in there pretty similar to today's second panel. Well shit, I thought, there goes any hope of originality. Then again, that also decreases the chances of that panel being "too much". If you are doing your utmost to find the punch line in this comic, it's at the end of the hall of panel 3 and "punch line" is to be taken literally. Share Notes from readers Sarah • 19/01/2017 09:11:51 Fantastisch! Name* E-mail (required but private)* Website Comment* leave a note


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The month of march is American National Nutrition Month, not only does one need nutrition for your body, but you also need it for your brain as well.
Your brain carries all of the fuel needed to get your body to work so it only makes sense that you feed it the necessary nutrients in order for one to grow and develop.
Eating well is good for your mental as well as your physical health. The brain requires nutrients just like your heart, lungs or muscles do. Sometimes we wonder which foods are the specific ones to truly make a difference in the motor of our body. Take your notebooks out and have this list handy next to your fridge!
- Opt for wholegrains
- The brain can't work without energy. In order for one to concentrate, one must have a steady supply of energy in the form of glucose in our blood to the brain.
- Opt for 'BROWN' CEREALS, WHEATBRAN, GRANARY BREAD and BROWN PASTA
2. Consume oily fish
- The most effective omega-3 fats occur naturally in oily fish as EPA and DHA. The following are also good for healthy brain function, the heart, joints and general well-being.
- Opt for LINSEED (FLAXSEED) OIL, SOYA BEAN OIL, PUMPKIN SEEDS, WALNUT OIL AND SOYA BEANS.
3. Blueberry binge
- Tufts University concluded that in the United States, the consumption of blueberries may be effective in improving or delaying short term memory loss.
4. Tomatoes on the menu
- Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, help protect free radical damage to cells which occur in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's.
5. Vitamins galore
- B- Vitamins: known to reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood.
- Look for B6, B12 and folic acid: less brain shrinkage compared to subset given placebo treatment.
6. Blackcurrant boost
- Vitamin C: increase mental agility
7. Pumpkin Seeds
- Daily amount of zinc: vital for enhancing memory & thinking skills
8. Broccoli:
- Vitamin K: enhances cognitive function and improves brainpower.
9. Sage:
- Improves memory loss
10. Nuts for nuts
- Vitamin E source
- Opt for LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES, ASPARAGUS, OLIVES, SEEDS, EGGS, BROWN RICE AND WHOLE GRAINS.


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Keto Insta Cleanse – Experience Healthy Way to Lose Weight
Overview of Keto Insta Cleanse!
There are a large number of people across the globe that is suffering from obesity and increasing body weight. This is not a single problem indeed as it brings in lots of other health complications along with it. So, to address the issue of obesity amongst the population Keto Insta Cleanse has been designed. This is the all-natural ketogenic based weight loss formula designed to stimulate the ketosis process for faster weight burning. It burns off the excessive carbohydrate stored in body overtime and supports you to experience faster weight loss. The formula also prevents further accumulation of carbohydrate from your regular diet.
Keto Insta Cleanse also focuses on stimulating the metabolism of your body which helps in triggering the thermal genesis process. This is the process which helps in generating heat inside body to burn off the fat cells stored overtime. This way you experience faster weight loss results. The formula also suppresses the appetite levels and unwanted hunger pangs which helps you further to lose healthy and faster weight. Moreover, Keto Insta Cleanse also detoxify the body and flushes out the excessive toxin build-up in body. This way you feel lighter and your system would be enhanced naturally for better performance.
How Does Keto Insta Cleanse Works to Promote Weight Loss?
Keto Insta Cleanse is the ketogenic based weight loss formula which helps in burning off the fat cells faster by triggering the ketosis process. This is the process which helps in burning off the carbohydrate stored in body and prevents further absorption of carbohydrate from your regular diet. This way it helps you to lose healthy and faster weight. The formula also works to stimulate the metabolism of your body which helps in triggering thermal genesis process. This generates heat to burn off the stored fat cells faster.
Keto Insta Cleanse also works to suppress the appetite level of your body by releasing serotonin hormone. This makes you feel fuller for longer hours and prevents you from overeating. It also detoxifies your body and flushes out the chemicals and toxins from the system and improvises digestive system.
The Key Substances Included in Keto Insta Cleanse
- BHB Ketone – This is the naturally occurring ketone that works to increase the ketosis process of your body. This helps in burning off the carbohydrate stored in body and prevents further accumulation of carbohydrate from your diet.
- Garcinia Cambogia – This is the fruit extract which is rich in HCA and this compound helps in burning off fat cells by increasing metabolism. It also suppresses the appetite level of your body and prevents overeating which helps you in losing healthy weight faster.
- Green Tea Extract – This is the ingredient that is rich in antioxidant and it works to detoxify the body and strengthen the immunity. This provides positive impacts on your health and improvises the digestive system by detoxifying the system.
- Helps in burning fat cells faster
- Boosts ketosis process
- Stimulates metabolism for faster weight loss
- Suppresses the appetite levels
- Detoxifies the body and improvises digestive system
- Not suitable for people that are under medications
- Pregnant women and minors are restricted from using it
- Overdosing can be harmful
Daily Dosing of Keto Insta Cleanse
Refer the label of the formula to learn about the daily dosing of it and ensure to consume it accordingly for 90 days to achieve satisfactory results.
- "I was suffering from obesity and consult doctor who suggested me to use Keto Insta Cleanse. I started using it and found the results quite satisfying."
- "Keto Insta Cleanse helped me in reducing my body weight and get slimmer."
Where to Order Keto Insta Cleanse?
You can place order for monthly supply of Keto Insta Cleanse online by visiting the official website of the formula.


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I know I said that I was going to start writing more frequently here and then promptly ignored the site for months, but it's not the sporting offseason for basically everything I write about over at Burgeoning Wolverine Star. This, however, is just a quick update and a plug for my most recent review on PopMatters: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters.
Money quote:
Despite all of these complaints, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters is still an incredible game. It's only when you compare it to its ancestors that the game's new features and general lack of progress feel stilted and disappointing. For diehard Tiger Woods fans and golfers, the addition of Augusta National is likely worth it, but for the casual player, there's very little benefit to this year's issue of the most consistent gaming franchise in recent memory.
There's one thing I failed to mention in this review. The game is always trying to make you purchase the DLC courses. During your career, you frequently try to enter tournaments that you aren't allowed to play in because you don't have the course. If you want to play in that tournament, you have to buy the DLC. I've played in three PGA tour events and had to skip two others because I didn't have the course. This is a real pain in the ass.
But it's still a Tiger Woods game, which means it's better than just about 70% of games on the market.


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2 eggs
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
200gr sour cream
3/4 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
5-6 fresh strawberries in small pieces
Preheat the oven to 180C.
In a large bowl, mix the eggs, oil, vanilla and sugar.
Fold in the sour cream.
Add the rest of the ingredients, except the strawberries, and mix well.
Grease a cake pan and spoon half of the batter, arrange the strawberries and cover them with the rest of the batter.
Bake for 45 minutes.
My friend Ellen from Norway made the cake!


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Chapel Hill, N.C. - The Tennessee State University Tigers held their own in the first half, trailing by 13, but No. 1 North Carolina came out firing in the second half and picked up a 102-69 win over the Tigers at the Dean E. Smith Center on Tuesday evening.
The Tigers (2-3) shot 39 percent (28-of-71), but the top-ranked Tar Heels (4-0) made 62 percent (41-of-66) of their shots to win the second round of the Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational.
Four Tigers reached double figures including forward Kellen Thornton with a season and team high 15 points.
Kenny Moore added 14 points and two rebounds. Four of Moore's five made field goals were from 3-point range, just one make shy of his career-high.
Reigning Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Week Robert Covington posted 11 points, three assists two rebounds and a steal.
Guard Patrick Miller was 4-of-8 from the field with 10 points, four assists and three rebounds.
In the first five minutes of action, the Tigers connected on three 3-pointers and led by four. Covington had two of TSU's first three treys.
UNC then exploded adding 12 points inside the paint to take a 19-13 lead with 14:55 left in the half.
The Tar Heels connected on 11 of their first 16 attempts for 69 percent to open to a 28-17 advantage. Thornton knocked down four of five opportunities to manage eight points in the span of five minutes.
Thornton drained a triple and added a layup inside to cut TSU's deficit to eight with 7:31 remaining.
TSU's 42 points was the most against a North Carolina opponent so far this season in the first half.
UNC took a 55-42 lead into the locker room with the Tigers shooting 45 percent (17-of-38). The Tar Heels shot lights out, making 23-of-36 shots from the field for 64 percent.
In the second half, the Tigers started off cold making just one field goal in their first attempts. Carolina continued their hot shooting, going on a 14-to-3 run extending the lead to 75-52 with 11:56 left.
TSU added 13 more points down the stretch before reaching 69, a season-best performance against a Division I opponent. The Tigers were out-rebounded 43-to-29 as UNC dished out 32 assists. The Tigers recorded a season-best 19 assists with a season-low 12 turnovers.
Redshirt freshman M.J. Rhett was surprised in the locker room before the game by his mother, who flew in from Iraq earlier today. E-5 Sargent Stefanie Rhett serves in the Army National Guard and is currently deployed. She was given a standing ovation by the North Carolina fans at halftime when the video from ESPN was played on the video board.
TSU continues the Las Vegas Invitational on Friday with Mississippi Valley State at the Orleans Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. (CT).


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Rupert Sanders Breaks Silence On Affair With Kristen Stewart
It's been almost five years since director Rupert Sanders issued a publicly apology to his wife and children after he was caught cheating with his "Snow White and the Huntsman" star Kristen Stewart. "I love them with all my heart," he said (via a publicist). "I am praying that we can get through this together."
The 46-year-old director was spotted kissing Kristen in July 2012, when he was still married to former wife Liberty Ross and while she was dating Robert Pattinson.
Ross responded by tweeting a simple, "Wow." She also posted a photo of Snow White on her Instagram account accompanied by the caption, "Not so pretty or so pure after all."
Ross subsequently filed for divorce from Sanders in January 2013.
Together they have two children, daughter Skyla and son Tennyson.
Stewart also apologized to Pattinson, whom she'd been dating for three years. "I'm deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I've caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected. This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob," the actress said. "I love him. I love him. I'm so sorry."
Sanders who is directing 'Ghost in the Shell', while promoting the movie told U.K.'s 'Metro,' "You never know what's coming in life. Around every corner there's something unexpected, and that's life. You just have to brush yourself off and continue moving forward the best you can. Everyone makes mistakes. I am bound to make more mistakes, and I wouldn't expect my life to be exciting if I didn't," he said. "If you took people off the table for a momentary lapse," he said, "there would be no one making art."
-Devashree Goenka


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The true nature of a Trump presidency will be revealed soon
Donald Trump has succeeded with a bag of tricks and a dash of luck. The world awaits his move to the centreeditorials Updated: May 07, 2016 15:34 IST
The Grand Old Party of American politics is set to choose its most eccentric and, potentially, most dangerous candidate for the world's most powerful elected office. With John Kasich and Ted Cruz dropping out of the race, Donald Trump has a clear path to the Republican Party nomination in July.
Trump is an oddity; he has never held elected office or been associated with Republican politics in the past. He is also peculiar because he is not really rightwing. He is a genuine populist, merging leftwing economic policies with nativist positions on immigration and minorities. Trump has defied conventional politics by not creating a grassroots structure, spending little on advertising and disdaining endorsements by local party officials.
Read | How Trump broke the rules of politics: A story of insults, consistency
Trump's selling point has been exactly that: He is not part of the system that governs the US. It is now evident that a significant portion of young, working class white Americans are unhappy with the polity that governs them. At the heart of this has been the stagnant incomes experienced by US workers for 40 years. Merged with the financial crises, a sense of a weakening US and, arguably, a sense of marginalisation in a society they once dominated, working class whites have sought candidates well beyond the pale. Trump has served this purpose. But his echo on the left is Bernie Sanders, a socialist politician who only joined the Democratic Party a few years ago. Sanders is unlikely to win his party candidacy, but he is giving the establishment candidate, Hillary Clinton, a run for her money. Sanders also has a predominantly white base but his followers are better educated and more youthful than Trump's.
Read | US polls: As Donald trumps all, matchmakers hunt for running mate
Trump used a variety of showman tricks — mixed with a dash of luck — to win his nomination. But he is staggeringly unpopular outside the Republican Party. Even within the party, Trump elicits strong negative ratings. He will now have to transition towards the political centre to win the independent voter, the non-partisan block that makes up 40% of the electorate. That shift will unfold over the next several months. It will, hopefully, reveal the true nature of a Trump presidency — or show that he has even greater acting skills than people realise.


text: Welcome to Sports Tours. Come and celebrate 26 years of providing successful hockey tours (incorporated in 1989). We are a sports travel company whose philosophy is based on a commitment to provide the very best Hockey holidays both at home and overseas. We are enthusiastic professionals who have a genuine concern to exceed your expectations. We have very high standards; all our holidays are bonded & licensed through ABTA, CAA & ABTOT; match & tournament arrangements are made through Licensed Match Agents, thereby setting the standards your club members will expect. As a group leader, it is your responsibility to choose a company who will provide you with the very highest standard of service and who will deliver the best possible tour. At Sports Tours, we provide the very best hockey tours available. Going on a hockey tour with Sports Tours will be an unforgettable, exciting and unique experience that your team will remember for the rest of their lives! Telephone: 01708 344001 - Email: email@example.com


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Evening Seminar Invitation
Evening Seminar Invitation
You are invited to join us for an informative free session at our evening seminar.
The Changing Face of Workplace Relations
'Where are we heading in the next 12 months?'
Date: Thursday October 16 2014
Time: 5.30pm
Location: The College of Law, 2-12 Chandos Street, St Leonards, 2065
Workplace relations is changing and you need to know how these changes will affect you and your employees.
Our free evening seminar is the perfect opportunity for you to learn what the changes will be and our expert
and up-to-date advice will prepare you to face the challenges ahead.
Topics covered will include:
• Parental leave
• Bullying
• Changes to the Fair Work Act
• Changes to the Fair Work Commission
• Enterprise Agreements
• Unions
• Penalty Rates
• Individual Flexibility Agreements
Your presenters, Helen Carter and Lucienne Gleeson bring years of workplace relations knowledge and
experience to this one-off session. The information covered at this seminar is highly valuable and is normally
only accessible to paying clients.
Come and meet other like-minded business professionals.
Drinks and canapes will be served.
Evening Seminar Invitation
DATE: Thursday 16 October 2014
TIME: 5.30pm
WHERE: The College of Law, 2-12 Chandos Street, St Leonards 2065
Be quick to book your seat, please RSVP by 10 October to Shelly Muncaster on 8436 2000
Located next to St Leonards Railway Station on the North Shore Line. Parking is available at
the Forum and off-street.


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Movie Review: Netflix's 'How It Ends' is a long road trip with not much to see
Director: David M. Rosenthal
Writers: Brooks McLaren
Stars: Theo James, Kat Graham, Nancy Sorel
Synopsis: When a mysterious disaster turns the country into a war zone, a young lawyer heads west with his future father-in-law to find his pregnant fiancée.
Early on Netflix surprised me with a number of their releases that actually ended up being fairly good films, enough so that I had that pleasant feeling of satisfaction after each viewing. ARQ and I Don't Feel At Home In This World Anymore are two I can name off the top and I could pull out a list of their amazing original series and comedy specials that have kept me occupied on those lazy Sundays. Netflix had my attention and time and time again I found myself researching their upcoming releases and willing to give them a fair watch even when early reviews were shaky. However, more recently that feeling of satisfaction has been lost and I have witnessed a decline in the entertainment value of their original films and releases. I am not sure what the cause is but there has been some definite oversight in their quality assurance department, which brings me to How It Ends.
It begins so much like any other world ending apocalyptic film that you can check off the boxes of what to expect. Power outages, bizarre weather, cellular failure, traffic jams and human chaos. The audience witnesses the beginning of the end through budding attorney Will Younger played by Theo James who actually does a decent job of emoting through a film with not much dialogue. After learning that his girlfriend Samantha (Kat Graham) is pregnant with their baby boy Will sees her off to a flight for Seattle and then attempts but fails to ask her father, Tom Sutherland, for her hand in marriage. Tom, played by Forest Whitaker, is a hard-nosed vet who, for reasons unknown to us, clearly hasn't taken a liking to Will. Whitaker never fails to bring a strong performance and this is no different. I could not stand Tom which is more a compliment on Whitaker's acting prowess than the writing. The next morning Will and Samantha are on a video call when the mysterious event takes place and after getting some strange interference and troubling sounds Samantha's line goes dead with her last foreboding words being, "Will, something's wrong." This shoots our heroes, Tom and Will, off on a long cross-country journey to find Samantha, this excursion being the real meat of the film.
The essential problem with How It Ends is that it starts with a common scenario that we have seen in several films of this genre, surrounds it in mystery but falls flat by leaving its characters with nothing really to do and in this regard it offers nothing fresh or new to say. Will and Tom spend an incredibly large portion of the film driving to Seattle to find Samantha while having random encounters with law enforcement, criminals and other survivors. But there is nothing significant about any of these interactions. With the exception of a young auto mechanic named Ricki (Grace Dove) none of the people they encounter have any depth or purpose. Each experience feels just as insignificant as the previous and none offer to the audience any glimpse into the mystery surrounding this world altering event. In the first act of the film with each encounter you perk up and ready yourself for a brief glimpse into the films direction but unfortunately none is given. 30 minutes in I found myself doing a time check and was disappointed to see how far along I was with nothing really to show for it. Even the relationship between Tom and Will, which in the beginning of the story seemed to have some complexity, is never really expanded on. This could have been a vital part of the story and would have given the audience something to latch on to but instead their relationship is never really explored which leaves the characters themselves feeling like empty vessels going through the motions.
Lastly the final act, plainly speaking, is frustrating and leaves the audience hanging to dry. The last half hour takes a slight curve in a direction that wasn't expected and almost feels as if was written by a different author. It doesn't flow with the rest of the films tone and much like everything else in the story it never really evolves past what we see on the surface. If anything it generates more questions and provides no answers, all as the film is preparing to close.
Overall there aren't many positive things to say about this new Netflix release. The actors handle their roles well and effectively deliver their lines. The cinematography can be stylish at times and the film uses an interesting color palette to give a gritty and desolate tone. And now and then you get some beautiful shots of landscapes as the camera pans over rolling hills, tranquil open fields and shoreline vistas but this can only keep your attention so long. Outside of these distractions the film drags and takes you along for a ride that becomes predictable and uninteresting very quickly and eventually settles on an ending that feels less like a conclusion and more like a shrug of "We're out of ideas so lets just roll credits." As much as I enjoy post apocalyptic films and was looking forward to this viewing How It Ends is not a film I can recommend. If you have some free time and you find yourself scrolling around Netflix I would keep my distance, maybe re-watch Stranger Things instead.
Overall Grade: D


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Great flat and cleared property ready to build on. This is parcel A the property will be divide . The property is cut out of a larger parcel .This Land property located within the subdivision in CRESTVIEW, FL 32536 is priced at $2/sq. ft. and has been on the market for 402 days. 0000 Highway 85 is 304049 square feet of living space and has 0 bedrooms and 0 baths and was built in . The average list price of properties in is $436,830.
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All listings are provided courtesy of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, Copyright2020, All rights reserved.
Listing information last updated on July 5th, 2020 at 2:30pm CDT.


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(Image from Mitsubishi)
MAE Professor and SMERC Director Rajit Gadh was quoted in the Fast Company article "This SUV powers your house – and your house powers this SUV".
From the article:
Mitsubishi isn't the first company to propose this idea. As The Verge points out, Elon Musk has flirted with the concept of using Tesla vehicles to power homes in the past. And well before that, the UCLA Smart Grid Research Center proved that energy from inside EVs could be made available to buildings in a matter of seconds.
When I talked to Rajit Gadh, UCLA professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, about his research in this field back in 2016, he explained to me that, "Now the problem is to scale that from here [at UCLA] to a consumer product, which requires modification of consumer behavior. That takes time." In 2019, we will have that consumer product. A single system, from a single company, will be able to share power from the sun to the home to the car back to the home.


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We've got you covered. Literally! Keep toasty warm no matter when and where bub needs a feed with this simple and classically designed light weight knit Breastfeeding Jumper made from the softest 100% Organic Cotton. Featuring super easy nursing access - simply lift up and pull down fabric. Perfect for new mums (and new bubs) who are still getting the hang of it!
Danish brand MILKER crafts beautiful, stylish and ultra comfortable breastfeeding wear which is also highly functional and kind to the environment. This example, in timeless black and cream stripes, is the ultimate in investment dressing. Made from a super fine knit, this nursing jumper has a slim fit, with the right amount of stretch and firmness, designed to flatter your post baby body. The high round neck is flattering and a discreet empire line feeding system means there are no tricky mechanisms involved and it doesn't shout 'nursing top'. You can, and probably will, continue to wear it long after your baby has been weaned.
Design features:
- Warm, but lightweight, soft and breathable!
- Classic black and cream stripes. So versatile - wear with your favourite torn jeans or skinny leather pants, for when you are feeling a bit rock'n'roll.
- Long sleeves for warmth.
- Slim fitting with a high round classic crew style neckline.
- Empire line feeding access - layered fabric at the bust for easy breastfeeding.
- Premium fabric and manufacturing means that you can wash and wear this again and again and it will keep its shape and colour.
- Can be worn over other nursing tops or on it's own.
It's all in the Details!
- 100% Organic cotton super fine knit.
- Delicate wash cycle at 40 degrees.
- Model in the picture is 178 cm tall and is wearing a size XS
- For more details on sizing, check the Sizing Guide.
Who's going to LOVE this?
- Nursing mum's who love classic pieces - maybe for back to work?
- Mum's needing to nurse on the run - this breastfeeding jumper is particularly suitable for cool outdoor locations e.g. Watching their other children playing outdoors but would really like to stay warm!
- Women who are breastfeeding and need a warm winter top that has quick, discreet easy access.
Eco Credentials.
- 100% certified organic cotton.
- Danish brand MILKER creates beautiful and practical clothes for pregnant and breastfeeding women. They are known for their high attention to detail and quality. Clothing features organic cotton and bamboo fabrics crafted in well-established factories in Portugal, India and China. MILKER ensures sustainable manufacturing practices, through continual focus on quality control.


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"Passing thoughts can become toxic beliefs. Beliefs become dogma. And sometimes, especially for those carrying around the addict identity, dogmas become death sentences." Unconsciousness and Toxic Beliefs When we start to experience true awareness, it becomes clear that this is our natural state. We also begin to notice how radically off-track unconsciousness has driven our emotional, […]View
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Falling Awake: Dismantling Toxic Beliefs Through Awareness
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If you are a Type 3 on the Enneagram or 'The Achiever', the "I'm not good enough" story may resonate particularly strongly with you. Threes are always taking on new challenges and projects, and may find it hard to just sit and be. The drive for accomplishment is ever-present. Oftentimes threes equate value with success. […]View